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DON SCICCHITANO
BUTLER TWP., PA - Shortly before 6:30 A.M. on May 13th, District 4 and surrounding districts were dispatched for a reported working fire in the area of 30 High Road, Butler Township. While units were starting to respond a second-alarm was immediately called due to a smoke column being visible from local fire stations in town and as far away as just outside Mount Carmel. - See full story on page 9
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CHANTEL LANGAN
Two-Alarm House Fire in Conoy Township CONOY TWP., PA - On Wednesday, April 21st at approximately 10:11 A.M., Lancaster County Wide Communications dispatched units to the 1300 block of Keener Road in Conoy Township for a reported dwelling fire. Deputy 71 arrived on scene with heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor on the 'Bravo' side. A short time later it was upgraded to a second-alarm. Apparatus from 15 departments in three counties responded. Units were on scene for approximately three hours.
Two Bros. Auto Transport 18
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No. 6 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.
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MICHELLE
Service Station Fire with Multiple Explosions in Great Bend GREAT BEND, PA - On May 12th at 9:23 A.M., Five Mile Point Firefighters were requested to assist Great Bend Fire Dept. at a building fire at Marv's Garage on Route 11. Tower 59, Engine 59-1 and Tanker 59 responded. Tower 59 went to the scene to assist with fire suppression while Tanker 59 was one of multiple tankers hauling water to the scene to support suppression efforts. Engine 59-1 was tasked with setting up a tanker fill site just north of the state line. FMP was just one of multiple Broome County agencies to assist. Crews cleared from the scene at 12:26 P.M.
Mountainside Fire Chief Anthony Pecorelli, who is also a member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service (Division A), recently had a tattoo done. It is the image of the chief's SCBA mask bearing a reflection image of his sons, Jake and Nicco, approaching a forest fire.
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2021
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June, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Brush 50 of the Struasstown Fire Company is a 1991 Military 5-ton with a Skid Unit by Wild Bear Fire.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Brush 31-61 of the Western Salisbury Fire Company is a 2016 Ford F-350 with a 250-GPM pump and 225-gallon tank.
KEN SNYDER
Attack 26 of the Berrysburg and Community Fire Co. is a 2015 4WD Ford 550/Swab brush truck with a booster tank of 300-gallons.
FRANK ROBINSON
Rescue Fire Company of Susquehanna Twp. operates a Ford F 350 as Squad 37.
CALEE PHELPS
Three-Alarm Blaze Destroys Restaurant in Coudersport COUDERSPORT BORO, PA It is with great sadness that we lost a local restaurant, an owner lost her business and workers lost their jobs on the evening of April 2nd UMP TO FILE# as the result of a fire J051821107 at Kaytee's Family Restaurant & Marketplace at 251 Route 6 W in Coudersport Boro. The fire had a deep-seated head start when firefighters arrived. Crews worked feverishly to save the business as well as other nearby businesses. Initial dispatch reported a commercial structure fire with several calls reporting fire through the roof. Chief 48 Phelps, AC 48-10 Dunn, and AC 48-20 Dunn II immediately responded. Chief 48 Phelps (Command) could see the flames from his residence and immediately struck a second-alarm assignment, summonsing Station 3 - Star Hose Co. Port Allegany, 46 - Roulette Chemical Engine #1 ,44 - Austin, 10- Galeton, and 39 Shiglehouse. All first and second-alarm crews continued aggressive interior attacks from sides 'A' and 'C' along with coordinated master streams to quell the flames. Additional RIT companies were requested to fill in after utilizing the RIT's on scene. After approximately 35 minutes, command (C48) requested a third-alarm to continue fire suppression and containment, along with additional RIT to move up and cover for advancing teams and crews. The fire was brought under control several hours later with extensive overhaul and clean up to follow. Departments involved on scene were as follows, while additional departments were activated
CALEE PHELPS
to cover these stations/districts that I am unaware of: Station 2 Smethport, 3 Port Allegiant, 4 Eldred boro, 39 Shiglehouse, 44 Austin, 10 Galeton, 47 Ulysses, 46 Roulette, 20 Harrison Twp., 5 Westfield, 14 Emporium, 15 Bradford Twp., CVAA and Town of Allegany in all 13 with 175 FF's. (18 Engines, 5 Rescues, 3 Aerial devices, 3 Squads, 4 Ambulances, 2 Tankers 2 Patrols). Austin Galeton and Roulette laid secondary supply lines to the Allegany River, three in total all in excess of 1600'. Also assisted at the scene by UGI, WEST PENN POWER, Boro Water Authority, Boro PD and State Police - CDSPT and the state police fire marshal unit, and dispatchers at the Tioga and Mckean Co. 911 Centers. At this time the restaurant is considered a total loss. There was
also heavy damage to the Produce and Feed Store areas, with an undetermined cost or cause at this time. The fire is being investigated jointly by officers of the fire department and the PA State Police Fire Marshal Unit, and is believed to be accidental from an ash/smoking container. I would like to thank each and every department and their personnel for working hard to bring the fire under control without any injuries. Route 6 was shut down during the whole time of this incident. One individual, whose residence was attached to the fire building, was displaced and is being assisted at this time. Several animals were also taken and relocated to new homes. - BRYAN PHELPS
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2021
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Ohio: Donald Beauchene, 54 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Death Date: November 17, 2020 Fire Department: Warren City Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Donald Beauchene contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Tennessee: Ronald Steven Perry, 57 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 15, 2020 Death Date: December 17, 2020 Fire Department: East Sullivan County Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Ronald Steven Perry responded to a mutual aid call of a building fire on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He and two other firefighters subsequently contracted COVID-19. Firefighter Perry passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus. Pennsylvania: Mark “Dewey” E. Kulp, 52 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: December 8, 2020 Death Date: January 5, 2021 Fire Department: Reading Department of Fire and Rescue Services Initial Summary: Firefighter/EMT Mark “Dewey” E. Kulp transported at least two patients to hospitals, who had tested positive for COVID-19. He also evaluated a patient on-scene that possibly had the virus. He subsequently contracted the disease and passed away on January 5, 2021. Florida: Lloyd Losinger, 60 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 4, 2020 Death Date: January 6, 2021 Fire Department: Ocean City-Wright Fire Control District Initial Summary: Captain Lloyd Losinger, while performing fire inspections, contracted COVID-19. He passed away from the virus on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Texas: Danny Watkins, 67 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 14, 2020 Death Date: January 12, 2021 Fire Department: San Benito Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Danny Watkins contracted COVID-19 while on-duty. He passed away from the virus on Tuesday, January 12, 2021. Tennessee: Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer, 65 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 11, 2020 Death Date: January 13, 2021 Fire Department: Rocky Top Fire Department Initial Summary: Chief Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer, while on-duty, responded to a medical call on December 11, 2020 with another firefighter. It was determined later that the patient had COVID-19. He and the firefighter both contracted the virus. Chief Ronald “Ronnie” Gene Spitzer passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from the disease. California: William Christopher Mertz, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 27, 2020 Death Date: January 20, 2021 Fire Department: Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Captain William Christopher Mertz, while on-duty at the fire department, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from the virus. Texas: Erik Segura, 45 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 23, 2020 Death Date: January 26, 2021 Fire Department: Laredo Fire Department Initial Summary: Captain Erik Segura was part of the COVID-19 response team for the Laredo Fire Department. He contracted the virus while responding to an EMS call from a patient with a known case of the disease. He passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANK ROBINSON
Prescott Community Fire Company still runs this 1977 International/New Lexington 250/4000 Tanker. JC KRIESHER
Smoke is seen rising from the front of a home situated in the middle of a row on A Street in Girardville. Engine 45-10 was first on scene and made a quick hit on the fire.
Quick Knock Down at Girardville Row Home Fire DALE FEEHRER
The William Cameron Engine Co. of Lewisburg, PA still operates this 1991 Mack MR/4-Guys (350/3000) as Tanker 2.
DALE FEEHRER
The Reliance Hose Co. #1 of Middleburg still operates this 1984 Pierce Dash (1250/750) as Engine 52.
FRANK ROBINSON
Refton Fire Company still operates a 1973 International/Young 4x4 750/500.
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA - Around 7:30 A.M. on Thursday, April 29th, Fire District 45 (Girardville) was sent to 235 A Street in their borough for a reported house fire. Lieutenant 45-2 arrived on-scene within seconds of the dispatch and UMP TO FILE # confirmed a working J********* fire with heavy fire in the middle of a row. The LT. requested an engine and truck from Ashland to be added. Chief 45 then arrived, assumed command and requested the second-alarm be filled out. The second-alarm included District 38 (Ashland), 48 (Humane & West End), 64 (Columbia & Rescue H&L), 4 (Englewood), 36 (William Penn) and Mount Carmel Truck 2. Engine 45-10 took the address and hooked a hydrant at A and 3rd Streets. Engine 45-11 was sent to the rear, followed by Engine 38-11. Engine 4-19 was sent to 3rd Street with Truck 64-25. Truck 3825 set up to the rear of the tiller and both sticks went to the roof. Mahanoy City and William Penn units staged behind the trucks. Truck 2 came in off 2nd Street and flew their ladder to the 'D' exposure. Two lines were stretched off 45-10 through the front door where crews encountered fire toward the back of the home. Multiple lines were stretched to the 'C' side off Engine 4-19 and 45-11 for crews operating in the backyard. The building was laddered and firefighters ascended to the roof to open multiple vent holes while interior crews worked their way to the upper floors to check for exten-
JC KRIESHER
A firefighter masks up on the front porch as smoke emanates from the front door.
sion. Once the roof was opened conditions improved and the bulk of the fire was knocked down and walls were opened. The fire was under control around 8:15 A.M. Rehab was set up for firefighters by the Washington Community Ambulance of Ashland. A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to aid with the investigation for the cause of the
fire. PPL Electric was on scene disconnecting power from the affected properties. The American Red Cross was also dispatched to assist at least three displaced occupants. Second-alarm crews began to release from the scene around 9:00 A.M. Girardville crews remained through the morning. - JC KRIESHER
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2021
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FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Middletown VFD member Gene Tripp recently turned the big 80, and thanks to his son Daryl (also with MVFD) and friends were able to make this memorable. Gene has served with the MVFD for 61 years as a firefighter, diver, safety, and water rescue instructor; he also served with the Harrisburg River Rescue as a diver as well. A few weeks before his 80th birthday, Gene was hospitalized with a few medical issues and the outcome was not looking well. Miraculously, Gene pulled
through and was released. Upon hearing the news, his son Daryl organized for a parade to pass by his father's home and for friends and family to visit. Multiple departments around the area, including Middletown, Lower Swatara, Maytown, and Harrisburg River Rescue responded to the request. After the parade, friends and family visited with Gene and shared in his celebration. Gene was presented with a plaque for his 61 years of service by the MVFD.
Arrival conditions as units begin to stretch lines.
DON SCICCHITANO
Flames Level House in Butler Township DALE FEEHRER
Middletown VFD member Gene Tripp recently turned 80-years-old. A parade and plaque were given to celebrate the event.
ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JC KRIESHER
Father and son duo Tom Ward III and Tom Ward Jr. take a break after roof operations at a fire in Frackville. Both are members of the Citizens Fire Company #2 of Mahanoy City.
BUTLER TWP., PA - Shortly before 6:30 A.M. on May 13th, District 4 and surrounding districts were dispatched for a reported working fire in the area of 30 High Road, Butler JUMP TO FILE# Township. While 051321108 units were starting to respond a second-alarm was immediately called due to a smoke column being visible from local fire stations in town and as far away as just outside Mount Carmel. Lavelle Captain Jeremy Smallwood stated that as first-in units arrived they had to cut open the chain lock on the gate to get access down the dirt and gravel road to the residence. When they made it down the long driveway they found heavy fire showing, especially in the 'Charlie'/'Delta' side of the house. Shortly after units began arriving on scene a third-alarm was struck to bring additional manpower and tankers so a water source could be established. Within 30 minutes the bulk of the fire that remained was knocked down and firefighters began to extinguish what remained of hotspots in what was left of the building. As of now no cause has been determined, but a State Police Fire Marshal was called to the scene. DON SCICCHITANO
- DON FILIPPO SCICCHITANO
Clover Hose FF Trevor Shuder helps move an attack line into place.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
When in doubt, keep it simple and put it in a taco! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
DALE FEEHRER
The Middletown VFD operates this 2019 Ford F-550/Reading as Squad 88; also pictured is Boat 88, a 2003 War Eagle, 20' triple wide boat which was just refurbished to better meet the department's needs. The boat received a new seating and operator lay out, lighting upgrades, and was painted red with a white stripe to match the fleet.
One of the most popular foods both in the firehouse and my own house is tacos. I mean, if you get a day of the week named after you, you know you’ve made it big. Taco Tuesdays are featured on Fork and Hose Co. almost every week. And rightfully so! They are easily cus-
tomizable depending on what’s in the fridge, what is on sale or just what you feel like eating. A taco can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. But the reason I love them so much is because a simple taco is almost always better than one with too many ingredients. Keeping it to a few ingredients will let each flavor shine through. Usually I like to stick to a protein, such as chicken, shrimp, pork or steak. Then maybe 2-3 toppings and that’s it; anymore than that and you will have a mess on your hands, literally. Another reason I love tacos, is that they can be
a relatively quick dish to make. And in this case, shrimp cooks up faster than any other proteins, so the food hits the table in no time. You could also braise tougher cuts like pork shoulder or beef chuck ahead of time if need be. But with these shrimp tacos we keep it simple with the classic taco ingredients of lime, garlic and cilantro. And no taco would be complete without hot sauce! So the next time you are not sure what to make and have to feed the crew quickly, think of these tasty shrimp tacos. You won’t be disappointed!
CILANTRO LIME SHRIMP TACOS Yields 8 Tacos Ingredients: FRANK ROBINSON
Lower Providence Fire Department operates a 2018 Sutphen Heavy Rescue.
1 lb. Shrimp, peeled/deveined/tails removed 1 Lime, zest and juice Handful of fresh cilantro, picked and chopped 1 Garlic clove, chopped Salt, to taste EVOO 8 Corn Tortillas Garnish: Chopped Cilantro, lime wedges and hot sauce Procedure:
KEN SNYDER
Truck 7 of the Mt. Union Fire Department is a 2010 Spartan Gladiator MFD/Rosenbauer 1500/500/100'.
-In a bowl, combine the shrimp, lime zest and juice, drizzle of EVOO, pinch of salt, chopped garlic and cilantro. Marinate for 15 minutes. -While shrimp marinates, toast tortillas over open flame or in a dry pan until brown in spots. Remove and cover with a paper towel. -In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of EVOO followed by the shrimp. Cook until starting to turn pink, flip and cook until fully pink. -Remove and assemble tacos with garnishes.
ALAN HOFFMAN
Engine 68-14 of the Goodwill Fire Company of Pottsville is a 2012 KME Panther with a 2000-GPM pump and 750-gallon tank.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
June, 2021
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Shop online at www.MidAtlanticRescue.com
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June, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
TThe Mechanicsburg FD just recently celebrated their first full year as a consolidated department. In January of 2020, both of Mechanicsburg's fire companies (Washington 28 & Citizens 27) became 29. Both of these companies have a long, storied past of providing protection to the citizens. The Citizens was organized in 1903 and dedicated its new firehouse in 1905, while the Washington "Washies" was organized in 1857 and moved into their firehouse in 1860. Both of these firehouses are still in active use with the department, though plans of moving into one central fire station are not far off. The Borough was named "Mechanicsburg" when it became a settlement for mechanics who built and/or repaired Conestoga wagons during the early 19th century. The 2.5-square-miles of Mechanicsburg sits about 10
minutes west of Harrisburg in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania with a population between nine to ten thousand people. On a side note, Bret Michaels, Rikki Rockett, and Bobby Dall from the group Poison all lived here. The MFD is comprised of 54 active members that respond to an average of 375 calls per year. As mentioned above, the department continues to operate two stations just a few blocks apart. The "Washington" station operates with one engine and an aerial, while the "Citizens" station holds a reserve engine, squad (rescue-engine), and rescue. A special thanks to Chief Hench and the members of the Mechanicsburg FD for their assistance.
DALE FEEHRER
Citizens Station, built in 1905.
DALE FEEHRER
Truck 29, a 2012 Ferrara-85'.
DALE FEEHRER
Washington Station, built in 1860. DALE FEEHRER
DALE FEEHRER
Rescue 29, a 2008 Pierce Quantum (1500/750/Amkus).
Engine 1-29, a 2016 Pierce Enforcer (1500/500/30f).
DALE FEEHRER
DALE FEEHRER
Engine 2-29, a 1995 Spartan/Darley (1500/500).
Squad 29, a 2003 KME (1500/750).
DALE FEEHRER
The apparatus bay of the Washington station.
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June, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
TERRY RITZ
JC KRIESHER
Multiple businesses in the front and back of this building in Pottsville were damaged by fire.
Pottsville Businesses, Apartment Damaged in Morning Fire SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, PA – At 6:28 A.M. on Wednesday, April 14th, a business building fire was dispatched to 444 North Claude A Lord Boulevard in Pottsville. The first-alarm included the City Fire Department and Minersville FireRescue (Engine & Tower), Saint Clair Tower, Orwigsburg Rescue and RIT from Schuylkill Haven and Tamaqua. Initial units arrived to find a multi-occupancy building situated along Route 61 with multiple businesses on the first floor 'A' side, businesses and an apartment on the second floor 'C' side and smoke pushing from all corners of the building.
JUMP TO FILE #041821106
Engine 68-13 took the address, followed by Ladder 68-21 while Engine 68-18 and Ladder 68-25 took the 'C' side. A water supply was established by Engine 68-11 who dumped their bed laying LDH from Nichols Street. The line was picked up by Engine 52-12 at the hydrant. Towers from Saint Clair, Minersville and Schuylkill Haven took the 'A', 'B' and 'D' corners, respectively. Firefighters worked feverishly in an attempt to locate the fire, but had a hard time accessing the fire that was running in void spaces between the floors.
Multiple lines were stretched through both sides of the buildings as crews found hidden pockets of fire. As the fire was knocked down, firefighters placed fans in many windows and doors. Additional help from Girardville, Llewellyn, Saint Clair and Mahanoy City was called to the scene as the fire proved to be stubborn in the void spaces. The incident was placed under control around 8:30 A.M. The water supply was shut down around 10:00 A.M., and Route 61 was re-opened. Pottsville Fire Crews remained on the scene until 4:30 P.M. - JC KRIESHER
MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
ALAN HOFFMAN
Shown here is a delivery photograph of the 1951 Maxim 750-GPM pumper that the Red Hill Fire Company once had in service. This truck was in service for 42 years and is now privately owned.
Tractor-Trailer and Fire Truck Collide in Berks County Maidencreek Twp., PA - On Wednesday, April 27th at 12:40 P.M., Union Fire Co. (Walnuttown, PA) was dispatched to a minor structure fire at Lehigh Cement Co. in Evansville on Evansville Rd. in rural Berks County near Reading. The tanker fire truck was traveling west on Pleasant Hill Rd. towards Rt. 222 when it was struck in the intersection of Rt. 222 and Pleasant Hill Rd. by a northbound tractor-trailer, causing the fire truck to roll over on its roof. The driver of the fire truck sustained minor injuries and was transported to Penn Sate St. Joseph Hospital to be evaluated. There were no other injuries. The fire truck was heavily damaged from the impact. An investigation was ongoing to find the cause of the accident. The fire at the Lehigh Cement Co. was minor in nature.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Bob Long
June, 2021
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PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month’ feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
PROVIDED BY ANGELO GIOIA
This patch belongs to the Buena Vista Vol. Fire Company, located in Elizabeth Township, PA.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Vehicle News
DALE FEEHRER
FRANK ROBINSON
DALE FEEHRER
The Lionville Fire Co. has placed this 2020 Pierce Arrow Northampton Fire Department now runs a 2021 Pierce The West Bradford Fire Company has placed this 2021 XT Tower (2000/300/100') into service as Tower 47. Arrow XT 2000/300/100' Ascendant. International/4-Guys (1000/3500) tanker into service as Tanker 39.
DALE FEEHRER
DALE FEEHRER
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Durlach & Mt. Airy Fire Co. #1 has recently taken de- The Linglestown Fire Co.#1 has taken delivery of their livery of their 2020 Ford F-550/Vengeant squad. This 2021 Kenworth T-400 series/Swab cascade unit. Air 35 piece will be designated as Squad 14-1. features a fully enclosed fill area as well as (6)-6,000 psi cascade cylinders.
The Oklahoma Fire Company in Sandy Twp. (Clearfield County), recently placed into service a 2017 Spartan ER as Engine 37. It came from the Cleveland Hill FC in Cheektowaga, NY and has a 1500-GPM pump and carries 750-gallons of water.
THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
TERRY RITZ
One-Car Accident with Minor Injuries in Upper Hanover Twp.
FRANK ROBINSON
Tamaqua American Hose #1 still utilizes this beautiful station in downtown Tamaqua.
Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Friday, May 7th at 12:40 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a one-car accident with rollover on Kutztown Rd. near Bethesda Church Rd. in Upper Hanover Twp. Three people that were in the car got out by themselves. They received minor injuries and were treated by EMS at the scene. There were no other vehicles involved. An investigation is ongoing to find out the cause. Assisting the fire company were Fire Police from Hereford Twp. Fire Co. and East Greenville Fire Co. Upper Perk EMS and PA State Police were also on the scene.
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Engines & Other Apparatus of the Milwaukee Fire Department ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
Engines and Other Apparatus of the Milwaukee Fire Department An Illustrated History By Wayne Mutza Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA, 01749 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $49.95 This book is soft cover, with 310 pages within 11 chapters. The author is a retired member of the Milwaukee Fire Department. I actually met him in 1977 when he gave a talk at fire headquarters to a group of fire buffs who were attending their convention in the city. He reminded me of myself that is a young firefighter devoted to the job! This book was compiled by a full page of acknowledgements of equally dedicated people who contributed to not only a full range of Milwaukee apparatus, but a history of it. If there is anything missing in this book it is because it simply was not available when the publication was put together! Of the 11 chapters, the first dealt of course with apparatus manually pulled by the brute strength of individuals. The second chapter, “Horsepower”, addresses just that. The utilization of horses to pull apparatus
was partly due to the dwindling ranks of manpower to respond. On page 21, however is a second sized, self propelled engine being driven down a street with heavy smoke coming from its stack. For a number of reasons it did not last more than about two years and I invite you to read why. They are interesting! This chapter covers water towers and fireboats but before it ends on page 48, on page 47 there is a photo of a sleigh which apparently were abundant in the fire department and were utilized when steam fire engines could not get through. The hose they carried were connected directly to hydrants. Before this chapter is finished I should mention the Buestrin escape ladder, which was 95-feet in length. It was designed by the man of that name and there is an impressive photo of it in the chapter. According to what is written, it was never utilized to its full potential. However in chapter 3 is a story of its own about “Maggie”, a rearmounted wooden aerial built by the German company, Magirus. When the chief at the time learned about it he travelled to the town that owned one (Gary Indiana) and ended up ordering one. In 1977 when I first went to Milwaukee I was at the private museum of Keith Franz, an active Milwaukee buff, and he had the aerial in storage minus the truck. There is insufficient room to write about the value of this book to apparatus buffs and historians to name a few. I can only say it is packed with black and white photos of all kinds of apparatus, including those that were operated by specialized departments, and also the last chapter which has MFD apparatus which ended up after being retired. In short, to anyone interested in apparatus, this is one for your library!
DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RAINMAN14
Members from Twin Valley FD, Birdsboro-Union FD and Friendship FC of Geigertown recently practiced digging a fire line at a joint training exercise where crews went over brush fire equipment, brush firefighting and ATV operations.
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How Valuable Do You Think YOU Are? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh
So why are you downhearted? Do you not feel valued? Do you feel worthless? Do you feel that you are not making the grade? Are you going through stuff that may have you depressed? I just want to take a minute and tell you how much you mean and are worth.
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Mr. Rogers stated that we are so much more than what we do. You may be a child to your parents, a parent to your children, a spouse, member of your house of worship, a talented artist or what have you. YOU WERE CREATED BY GOD, IN HIS IMAGE and HE LOVES YOU. You are not what other people may say or think. But only God knows your potential and why He put you here. Do not pay attention to all those people on social media. Do not measure your life according to their posts. They are only putting up what they want others to think is normal for them but it may be the best day that they had in years or it may all be staged with fake smiles. Live your life. You have a life that nobody else can live. It is ____________(fill in your name) life and nobody can ever be ____________(fill in your name) but ____________(fill in your name) Do not pay attention to whoever is putting you down. Many times they are just on a power trip and know that they can push your buttons. Did you ever think that they are the way they are because someone is doing the same to them? Insecure people may become bullies, no matter their education, or position in life. I feel sorry for them. We need to lift each other up and not put each other down. Hebrews 10:25 states that we should encourage one another. Who is encouraging you? Who are you encouraging? Many times people put us down because they do not want to see us succeed or they may say they do not want to see us fall. It is through our failures that we learn. There has been plenty times that Thomas Edison failed, when he was working on the light bulb. His comment was basically that he found so many ways that will not create light. Did you know that it took 40 attempts to created WD40, the lubricant. Can you imagine if they got it right on a different try? We might be using WD-37 or on the first try, WD-1. It's ok to fail, that just becomes a learning moment. We were all created with unique fingerprints, so why do we try being like someone else. We always measure ourselves short when we try to measure up to someone else, trying to be like them. But did you ever think that others may be trying to measure up to be like you? Years ago I had someone, who did not know me, tell me that I was not credible. The person had no clue what I do or what my potential was. I say to myself that I am doing well because I know that
God has a different plan for me. God has a special mission for each one of us. You cannot fill my mission and I cannot fill your mission. You can have that moment to. I have worked with people who have be addicted to drugs and been brought back from the dead a bunch of times but their story is not complete yet. Just look at the people that Christ hung out with and the people that He used for His purposes. Moses, did not hang out with Christ, had problems speaking and had low confidence, because he wanted to get out of it. Look at Him using tax collectors and talking to societies outcasts. BUT He loved them all. It may not be the number of times that you fall down. It is the number of times that you get up. You have a mission. Never count yourself out. Rest, regroup and try again. Remember that whatever you are going through, God is always with you. He sees what is happening and walks alongside you. God created you special and unique for a unique purpose and He loves you. Associate with those who lift you up and not tear you down. One thing that we teach people is that the people that you associate with is so important. We have those with addictions, get a new phone number and become very picky about the phone numbers that go into it. You get the new phone number because you do not want the wrong influencers calling and possibly harassing you. Years ago a wise friend told me that you are the books that you read and the people that you associate with, so be very selective. If you are having a challenge, do not give up. Ask for help, from those who know how to get you unstuck. Proverbs talks a lot about seeking counsel. Make sure that you seek counsel from wise people and not knuckleheads. You do not want advice from the three stooges. Speak to the experts in the field. People who actually have credentials from doing what you are having challenges with. If you need a heart operation, do not ask your electrician for his medical advice. You may be of a different religion than I am but you were made unique and for a specific reason, that may never be revealed to you. YOU are loved by the ONE who created you! Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOSEPH LENNON
Lake Harmony Fire Company now operates a 1999 Ford F250 Special Service truck, formerly operated by the LaMott Fire Company of Cheltenham Township, PA. The truck was acquired in 2020 and is being used to tow a boat and UTV, as well as transport additional personnel and equipment.
DALE FEEHRER
The Exeter Twp. FD operates this 1998 Seagrave Rescue Pumper (1750/500/Amkus) as Rescue 25. This piece was formally Engine 32 of the Progress Fire Company in Harrisburg, PA.
DALE FEEHRER
The William Cameron Engine Co. of Lewisburg, PA has acquired this 1997 Simon Duplex/Quality 100' TDA to serve as Truck 2-2. This piece formally served as Hagerstown, MD Truck 4, and more recently served as York Twp., PA Truck 19-2.
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YBEMS Kicks Off EMS Week with 25th Anniversary Celebration CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA - Yellow Breeches EMS in Cumberland County started EMS JUMP TO FILE #051821103
Week off with a celebration honoring its dedicated staff and volunteers along with celebrating its 25 years of service to Mt. Holly Springs Boro, Dickinson Township, South Middleton Township, and Monroe Township. Chief Doug Shields thanked everyone for all their dedication and support for this past year, saying “2020 was a very challenging and difficult time for everyone, but I’m very proud of our staff and volunteers and as a result we have come out even stronger as a company and are dedicated company for our communities that we serve.” Members and staff were honored on Sunday, May 16th with a picnic for the staff, volunteers and family, along with everyone being honored with a certificate and years of service pin. Five members were also honored for being an active part of the company for the past 25 years. In 2020, Yellow Breeches
JOANNA NATALE-ALLEMAN
Members and staff of YBEMS celebrated 25 years of service to the community.
marked its 25th year of service to the community and it is a great honor to have five of our members who are all still active with the company running calls and assisting behind the scenes for the department. In addition to these honors, EMT Courtney Cavanaugh was honored as EMT of the
Year for her unselfish contributions to the department and for also helping to ensure that the Quality Assurance program runs smoothly for the company. The Non-EMS personnel of the year honors went to Brigitte Mountz. President Doug Shields also pre-
sented the business appreciation award to Mt. Holly Springs Boro, Dickinson Township, South Middleton Township, and Monroe Township for their continued support of the company. Chief Shields also announced that the department was issued a
proclamation/citation from the Cumberland County Commissioners honoring the departments 25 years of service, along with a proclamation/citation for the PA Senate on behalf of Senator Mike Regan. - CURTIS ALLEMAN
BACKSTOP
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IIHS: Rear Automated Emergency Braking Is Standout Safety Feature • Based on insurance claims for some vehicles, IIHS said rear AEB can reduce damage liability claims by 28 percent, while a backup camera or those beeping sensors reduce that by just 5 percent.
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June, 2021
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YOUR PARTNER IN THE FIRE AND RESCUE VEHICLE BUSINESS SINCE 1966.
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