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MARCH, 2019
THIRD-ALARM BUILDING FIRE IN LOWER PROVIDENCE
RAINMAN14
Lower Providence, PA - On January 26th at around 8:45 A.M., crews from Lower Providence FD Station 53 and Jefferson Fire Co. Quint 46 were dispatched to a reported building fire at Salter's Ski Shop, located at 3130 Ridge Pike. - See full story on page 4
eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes SEE PAGE 18 FOR DETAILS.
Celebrating 25 Years of Service to Local Emergency Service Communities
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
ADVERTISER INDEX
A guide to finding great companies
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Armor Tuff Flooring California Casualty
Campbell Supply Co. Command Fire App.
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Pittsburgh Fire Expo Spring Melt
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PROVIDED TERRY RITZ
Dwelling Fire in Upper Hanover Twp.
Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Sunday, February 17th at 3:00 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co., along with several other fire companies from the area, were called to a dwelling fire on Wasser Road. When Deputy Chief Mike Wetzel arrived he had smoke showing from the kitchen area. He called Chief Jason Wilson who then called Montgomery County Radio to upgrade the call. With the additional manpower and equipment, the fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. Various handlines were utilized to bring it under control. Several windows in the rear of the dwelling were knocked out to help ventilate the condition. The cause of the fire and the damage is pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no injuries. The occupants of the dwelling were outside when firemen arrived. Assisting East Greenville were Pennsburg, Hereford, Milford, Trumbauersville and Lower Milford fire companies. Hereford, East Greenville and Pennsburg fire police, along with Upper Perk and Harleysville EMS, and PA State Police Fire Marshal also responded.
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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 23 No. 3 - 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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Acela Truck Company & Fire Line Equipment Announce Strategic Partnership Belgrade, MT and New Holland, PA - Acela Truck Company and Fire Line Equipment recently announced a strategic partnership to distribute Acela Monterra extreme-duty, high water/flood recue trucks. The two companies are partnering to offer capable high water flood rescue trucks and wildland fire trucks, expanding Acela Truck Company’s growing distribution footprint and Fire Line Equipment’s growing product offerings. “Fire Line Equipment is excited to add the Acela Monterra line of high-water flood rescue trucks to our product offerings”, says Ron Fink, Fire Line Equipment Partner. “With flooding events becoming almost commonplace, Fire Line Equipment has recognized an increasing demand for more purpose-built flood rescue trucks. After an exhaustive search, we found the Acela Monterra to be the best solution in the market today. Our customers demand modern, comfortable, safe and purpose-built solutions. Most are tired of repurposing and maintaining old and unreliable surplus military trucks. The Acela Monterra, with
JUMP TO FILE #021519105 its 46-inch tires, all-wheel-drive, 50-inch water fording capability and central tire inflation system has proven to be the perfect solution for flood rescue response and can easily serve double-duty as a wildland/brush truck outside of flood/hurricane season.” “We’re thrilled to have Fire Line Equipment representing our high-mobility Monterra flood rescue trucks and truck chassis lines into the firefighting market,” says David Ronsen, president of Acela Truck Company. “Fire Line Equipment understands the needs of their customers and has a reputation as one of the highest quality fire truck dealers in the U.S. By working together, an increasing number of fire departments will be able to significantly increase their response capabilities with our high-mobility trucks.” For more information, visit www.acelatruck.com and www.firelineequipment.com. - FIRE LINE EQUIPMENT, LLC
JIM ALERCIA
Two Bodies Found at House Fire in Palmer Twp.
Palmer Twp., PA - On January 4th, Palmer Township Fire Department (Northampton County), worked a residential house fire where two victims were located in the garage of the home. The incident is being investigated by Palmer Township Police and Fire as a suspicious fire and death investigation.
PROVIDED
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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Mayday Called at Third-Alarm Building Fire in Lower Providence Lower Providence, PA - On January 26th at around 8:45 A.M., crews from Lower Providence FD Station 53 and Jefferson Fire Co. Quint 46 were dispatched to a reported building fire at Salter's Ski Shop, located at 3130 Ridge Pike. Chief 53 went en route and was advised of multiple calls reporting heavy smoke from the building along with police on scene reporting a heavy smoke condition. Chief 53 requested the working fire assignment as police reported a working fire on side 'C'. Firefighters from Station 53 spotted the heavy smoke showing, as the station is on the same block as the Ski Shop. The working fire assignment added Collegeville Engine 34, Norriton Squad 61, Norristown Ladder 27 and Skippack Squad 86 as the FAST team. As arriving crews investigated, they found a basement fire on the 'C' side of the building. Crews from 53 and 46 went to work immediately, forcing entry and charging a line. Crews completed a 360 and reported heavy smoke from the roof and first floor. Squad 53 was given orders to set up a second supply line to the scene. Ridge Pike was closed as Chief 53 took command and operations were switched to Event 4. Crews advanced a hose line into the building, but quickly had to back out due to the heavy smoke. Firefighters went in for a second time attempting to locate the fire. The second-alarm was struck with all incoming apparatus told to stage at Station 53. Worcester Engine 83 was already en route as a cover company redirected to the secondalarm. As conditions quickly deteriorated, the decision was made to pull everyone out of the structure. It was quickly discovered after crews backed out that one firefighter was unaccounted for. At 9:07 A.M., a Mayday was called out and all Mayday operations started on Event 4 while other operations were switched to Event 5. A firefighter that went in on the hose line had gotten disorientated and separated from his crew. Firefighters on the outside started banging on the walls so that the lost firefighter could orientate himself. Trappe Engine 77, Rescue 34, Black Rock Tower 99 and Tower 61 along with additional EMS units were added on the Mayday assignment. Stumbling over clothing racks and other obstructions, the lost fireman was found when a firefighter went back into the building only about 10-feet and made some noise. The firefighter made it out of the building uninjured. Tower 99 was given incoming orders to set up their aerial for defensive operations on the 'Bravo' side. Crews found high heat in the exposure building and went in with a charged line. As the 40 minute mark was hit, Tower 47 was directed to set up on the 'Alpha' side of the structure. The decision was made to back all firefighters out of the exposure building and off of the roof of the main fire building and exposure. A
JUMP TO FILE #022119101 collapse zone was established as apparatus were repositioned. An additional ALS truck was requested on top of the four already on scene. As flames started to show from the building, crews went to work protecting the exposure buildings. As the incident reached one hour in, command requested Field Comm 1 to the scene along with Canteen units to feed approximately 100 to 150 personnel. Special Service 313 was requested to be used as a warming unit due to the cold weather. The operation went completely defensive as apparatus were being repositioned and tower ladders were being placed around the building. A couple minutes later, the thirdalarm was transmitted and staging was set in front of Station 53. Multiple trucks were already en route as cover companies and those companies became the third-alarm. As figuring out a water supply for all the tower ladders became more difficult, water supply operations were switched to Event 5. By the one hour and 20 minute mark, command reported that there was fire throughout the two-story, 40-ft. by 150-ft. building. Fire Police from multiple companies were dispatched to assist with traffic control. As cover companies were being dispatched to surrounding stations, the Western LDH task force was requested to assist with water supply. Due to the amount of units on the scene and and those sent to cover from the western part of the county, the Eastern Large Diameter Hose Strike Team was dispatched instead. Deputy 27 was designated as the water supply officer and an engine was requested to lay in from Elizabeth Drive, over three quarters of a mile from the scene, up E. Mt. Kirk Ave. The nearly 5,000-foot lay was completed by multiple engines to the rear of Station 53 and across the street into Engine 53. As the LDH was still being deployed, the roof of the building started to cave in on the 'Bravo' side. Just after 11:40 P.M., Tanker Task Forces from Bucks and Chester Counties were dispatched, bringing tankers as far as Lionville and Upper Makefield Township in to assist with water supply as pressure from the hydrants began to drop. An additional four tankers from Montgomery County were dispatched as well as two from Berks County. At noon, the decision was made to shut down all master streams and reassess the scene. Two fill sites were established, one at the Collegeville shopping center and one at a church in Skippack Township. For more than four hours, tankers travelled the 6-mile round trip dumping water at the scene and filling up in Collegeville or Skippack. Tankers dropped six porta-tanks at the scene to allow five tankers to constantly dump water. All tanker operations were switched to Event 8.
As the fire grew again, master streams were slowly placed back into service. A fuel truck was requested to the scene to fill apparatus. Just before 2:00 P.M., companies started breaking down the LDH line. At approximately 2:30 P.M., the fire was placed under control. Heavy equipment was brought in to tear down parts of the building so firefighters could hit hot spots. By 5:00 P.M., all tankers cleared the scene. Additional stations were dispatched to relieve companies that were on scene for hours. The final crews left the scene before midnight. The Lower Providence Township Fire Marshal and Police Department are investigating the cause. -LUCAS RICHARDSON
RAINMAN14
Fire above the entrance in which crews made initial access into the building.
Fire blows out of the 'Alpha' side of the building as crews reposition.
Lower Providence Quint 53 and King of Prussia Tower 47 flowing water into the building.
RAINMAN14
RAINMAN14
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Mississippi: Dustin Grubbs, 34 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 3, 2018 Death Date: November 3, 2018 Fire Department: Magee Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: While driving his personal vehicle to the fire station to respond to a structure fire, Firefighter Dustin Grubbs was involved in a motor vehicle accident. During the accident, the vehicle left the road during a turn, hit a light pole and flipped over. Grubbs passed away on scene from the injuries sustained. South Carolina: Dennis Straight, 59 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: November 7, 2018 Death Date: November 7, 2018 Fire Department: Charlotte Road-Van Wyck Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Chief Dennis Straight was directing traffic at an accident scene on the onramp to Highway 5 from the northbound lane of Highway 521 when he was struck by a vehicle. Life-saving efforts were administered on scene and Straight was then transported to Springs Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Michigan: Michael Lubig, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 8, 2018 Death Date: November 12, 2018 Fire Department: Detroit Fire Department Initial Summary: During his 24-hour shift on Nov. 8, 2018, Firefighter Michael Lubig led a crew as acting Sergeant for Squad 4 during which he responded to three fires and one medical incident. Toward the end of his shift, Lubig suffered a medical emergency and was transported to Henry Ford Hospital. On Nov. 12, 2018, Lubig passed away from the injuries sustained. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
Ohio: Daniel J. Lucius, 33 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 15, 2018 Death Date: November 15, 2018 Fire Department: Carroll Township Fire and EMS Initial Summary: While responding to an emergency medical call, Firefighter Daniel Lucius was involved in an accident when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a pond. Emergency responders quickly responded to the accident scene and were able to pull Lucius from the submerged vehicle. Lucius was transported to Magruder Hospital in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he was pronounced deceased from the injuries sustained. New Jersey: Michael Galay, 71 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 21, 2018 Death Date: November 22, 2018 Fire Department: Green Knoll Fire Rescue Initial Summary: On 11/21/18, Firefighter Michael Galay responded to smoke and a fire alarm activation at an office building. He returned from the incident and proceeded to assist several firefighters at Station 1 with the arrival of a new engine company. Galay then went home, where, on the morning of 11/22/18 at approximately 0645hrs, his wife attempted to wake him and found him unresponsive. CPR was administered and Galay was transported to the hospital where he died a short time later. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.
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March, 2019
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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT
Pennsylvania
KIMTEK Marks 35 Years of Innovation
JASON BATZ
Fatal Accident on Lancaster Ave. in Reading
Reading, PA - Early on the morning of Monday, February 4th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received a phone call reporting a bad car accident in front of 436 Lancaster Avenue. As dispatchers began processing the information, additional calls began to come in providing similar details. Engine 5 arrived moments later with a heavily damaged sedan and debris all over the roadway. Firefighters checked the driver, who was found deceased. Crews secured the area and awaited the arrival of representatives from the Berks County Coroner's Office. Once the initial investigation was completed, the occupant was extricated using hydraulic rescue equipment. Units cleared the scene two hours later.
APPARATUS IN ACTION
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Makers of FIRELITE and MEDLITE transport skid units celebrate 35-year heritage in design, manufacture, and sales of public safety equipment worldwide January 10, 2019--Orleans, VT KIMTEK Corp, makers of MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® Transport skid units for off-road rescue and wildland firefighting, have announced plans to celebrate the company's 35th anniversary with a number of events planned throughout 2019. KIMTEK Transport skid units fit easily into most utility vehicles and pick-up trucks, enabling first responders to travel over rough terrain and through tight clearances with essential fire and/or medical rescue equipment and attendants. Markets have responded enthusiastically, resulting in record demand for KIMTEK products around the globe. Reaching this corporate milestone represents a personal achievement for KIMTEK president and founder Kimball Johnson, a multiple patentholder and retired fire chief who understands firsthand the challenges of meeting off-road rescue needs while under strict budget constraints typical for municipal and government agency emergency departments.
"After spending decades talking with first responders about the chal-
lenges of meeting off-road rescue and firefighting demands, I appreciate the particular needs of these agencies and departments," he said. "They need resources that are reliable, versatile, and affordable. It's why I started KIMTEK Research then, and it's why our team keeps researching, adapting, and providing medical and fire rescue solutions that exactly meet first responders' needs now," he said. Mr. Johnson and several KIMTEK employees are themselves experienced first responders, having routinely performed off-road rescues and wildfire suppression as part of their duties with fire departments and ambulance squads. This field experience makes it inherently easier for KIMTEK to develop off-road solutions that are designed, built, and priced right. About KIMTEK Corporation KIMTEK was founded in 1984 by Kimball Johnson, holder of several U.S. patents and a former EMT and fire chief, as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences. Headquartered in northern Vermont, KIMTEK's
Transport skid units are now in service in all 50 United States, all of Canada, all branches of the military, the National Park Service, numerous NASCAR tracks, sporting complexes, schools, universities, industrial and commercial facilities throughout the country, and other vital applications worldwide. KIMTEK's Transport units are designed to work interchangeably with existing and new equipment, optimizing municipal budget dollars and enabling easy, affordable upgrades. Since the company's inception, KIMTEK's mission has been to offer affordable, practical solutions for the agencies they serve, resulting in highly popular emergency response products that emphasize modularity and flexibility and which offer the best in-class warranty coverages. More information about KIMTEK research and products is available at the company website: www.kimtekresearch.com and www.brushtruckskids.com, or by calling 888-546-8358.
KIMTEK®, MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® are registered trademarks of KIMTEK Corporation.
Allentown E-13 in service at a 4-alarm warehouse fire on October 7th.
KEN SNYDER
Engine 75-1, a 2005 Seagrave (2000/500/20AFFF) of the FD of Mt. Joy, was first arriving at a recent kitchen fire in Mt. Joy Boro. DALE FEEHRER
KIMTEK
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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MEET OUR CORRESPONDENTS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Meet Our Correspondents” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Pittsburgh Hi-Rise Fire Claims One Life
DENNIS WETHERHOLD JR.
Geoffrey Wetherhold (right) stands with Allentown Paramedic Supervisor and fellow photographer Phil Banks at a recent fire in the city. Geoffrey has had a camera in hand since he was 3-years-old and was first published at the age of 5 in 1st Responder Newspaper. Now 12-years-old, Geoffrey is making more and more calls with his dad.
Pittsburgh, PA - At 2:05 A.M. on February 6th, City of Pittsburgh fire units were dispatched to the 2100 block of East Carson Street in the city’s South Side section for a fire alarm at the Carson Towers. As units were being dispatched, multiple calls began coming in for a reported fire inside the building. A full structure assignment was added to the alarm. Crews arrived to find a working fire in a basement apartment. As crews made entry and began to attack the fire, command requested a hi-rise assignment to be added which automatically moves the incident up to a three-alarm fire.
JUMP TO FILE #020619109 Crews were able to contain the fire to the one apartment, but had found smoke throughout the structure. Crews went floor to floor checking on residents, some of which had to be evacuated while some had to shelter in place until crews could ventilate the smoke. Unfortunately, a 65-year-old woman was found deceased in the apartment where the fire started. Fire Chief Darryl Jones stated that the building had a partial sprinkler system in the common areas, but
not in individual apartments. “If this apartment was sprinklered, I doubt very seriously this would have been a fatality,” Jones said. Chief Jones has continued to lobby the city for sprinklers to be mandatory in all hi-rise apartments ever since a deadly fire in May of 2017 where a woman was killed in a seven-alarm fire downtown. There is no word on what may have caused the fire, which is now under investigation. All residents were able to return to their apartments. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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
Rollover Involving Log Truck in East Lampeter Twp. East Lampeter Twp., PA - East Lampeter Township firefighters responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a rolled over tractor-trailer that was carrying logs on the eastbound ramp to Greenfield Road on January 11th. Lafayette, Witmer and Bird n Hand Fire Companies responded. There were no reported injuries.
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Upper Leacock Fire Company still operates this 1991 Pierce Dash as Air 61 in Lancaster County.
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HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
DENNY CLOPPER
Firefighters arrive at the Wild Rose Horse & Cattle Company to find heavy fire conditions.
Barn Burns to the Ground at Wild Rose Horse & Cattle Company "My name is Jorge Diaz with the Boston Fire Department. I am on Engine 28. My thin red line tattoo displays a half soldier/half firefighter, representing my service to the military and my current service to the City of Boston as a firefighter."
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
Fannett Twp., PA - On the night of February 14th, personnel from the Fannett-Metal Township Fire & Ambulance Company were alerted, along with several surrounding departments, for a barn fire in Fannett Township. Franklin County 911 received multiple calls reporting a cattle barn on fire at 20749 Goshorn Road. Departments due on Box 1201 were dispatched on the assignment at 11:53 P.M. Fannett-Metal’s Assistant Chief Matthew Chilcote marked up directly after dispatch, reporting fire showing from several miles away. Fannett-Metal’s Chief Donald Peterson Jr. was the first to arrive at the Wild Rose Horse & Cattle Company to find heavy fire conditions. Chief Peterson confirmed with Franklin County 911 dispatch that they had a working fire and established command. Firefighters deployed multiple attack lines to battle the intense flames and keep them contained to the involved barn. Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours battling the blaze. Due to the rural water supply, command called for additional
JUMP TO FILE #022019101 tankers to respond to establish a good water supply for their attack operations, which included multiple attack lines and ladder pipe operations. Firefighters' aggressive attack efforts were able to keep the blaze from spreading to any of the nearby structures on the property. Firefighters took over two hours to bring the blaze under control. Command was able to release all tankers and discontinue water supply operations by 4:00 A.M. Friday morning. The fast-moving blaze completely destroyed the barn, but thanks to the efforts of the fire crews on the call, there was minimal damage reported to the rest of the complex. The point of origin and cause of the blaze is not currently known and remains under investigation. No livestock was lost as a result of the blaze, but several dogs did perish in the fire. Emergency crews were committed on the scene for over four hours. EMS crews conducted rehab opera-
tions for the health and safety of all crews working the incident, during which no injuries were reported. Emergency crews from six different Pennsylvania Counties responded to the incident in Fannett Township. Fannett-Metal Fire & Ambulance Co.12 responded with assistance from Metal Twp. Fire & Ambulance Co.21, Franklin Fire Co. Station 4, West End Fire & Rescue Co.15, Pleasant Hall V.F.C. Co.11, Franklin Air 10; Juniata County’s East Waterford FD Co.7, Friendship Fire Co.1, Lack-Tuscarora EMS Co.22; Cumberland County’s Newburg-Hopewell V.F.C. Co.51, Shippensburg EMS Co.73; Huntingdon County’s Shade Gap Area Fire Co.14, Orbisonia-Rockhill V.F.C. Co.9; Perry County’s Blain Fire Co.1 and Fulton County’s Hustontown Fire Co.57. Transfer crews also responded from St. Thomas Fire Co.18 and Juniata County’s Beale Twp. V.F.C. Co.5 to cover the area while crews were committed on the incident. - WILLIAM KING
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March, 2019
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Port Carbon Rowhome Fire Goes to 3+ Alarms
Vehicle News
DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY
To protect emergency scenes, the Linglestown Fire Co. of Dauphin County has placed into service this 2017 Chevrolet/Reading as Traffic 35.
DALE FEEHRER
Fairfield Community Fire & EMS has placed this 2018 Pierce Enforcer-PUC (1500/1000) into service as Rescue-Engine 2.
RAINMAN14
Twin Valley FD Station 69 recently took delivery of this 2018 Pierce Arrow XT Heavy Duty Rescue, designated as Rescue 69.
KEN SNYDER
North Bangor has placed into service this 2018 Pierce PUC 1500/750/25 as Engine 3911.
Schuylkill County, PA - At 9:31 P.M. on February 3rd, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched a first-alarm assignment to 22 Pike Street in Port Carbon for a reported house fire with pos- JUMP TO FILE# sible entrapment. 020419100 Fire Districts 59 (Port Carbon), 57 (Palo Alto), 68 Stations 20, 30 & 60 (Pottsville– Phoenix, Humane and Yorkville), and 62 (Saint Clair–Alert) were dispatched. Marshal 59 was immediately on the air reporting smoke showing, followed by Chief 59 who called on scene with a working fire. The chief immediately struck a second-alarm, which brought Pottsville Engine 68-11, Ladder 68-25, Saint Clair Engine 62-12 and Schuylkill Haven Squad 6369 (Liberty) to the scene. Chief 59 reported that all occupants were out of the building. Firefighters found fire showing from the first-floor of a middle of the row three-story residence on the 'A' side. Engine 59-11 was directed to take the address and “gun it” with the deck gun. Chief 57 went to the rear and found the house heavily consumed in fire and spreading to the attached exposures. Engine 68-12 was directed to the back with Chief 57 and Ladder 68-21. LDH was handjacked from 59-11 to a nearby hydrant as the deck gun began to hit the fire. Crews began to stretch multiple lines from both the 'A' and 'C' sides into the structure. Firefighters made little progress on the fire, as it would quickly flare back up after being knocked down. Engine 57-12 positioned behind 59-11 while Tower 62-21 snuck by them and set up for operation in front of the building. Ladder 68-25 came in from the east side and set up to the 'D' exposure. Engine 68-11 secured a hydrant, laid into the rear and supplied Engine 68-12. Chief 57 reported that conditions were not improving in the rear either. A third-alarm was struck, bringing Pottsville Engine 68-14, New Philadelphia Engine 54-11, Cumbola Engine 2-16 and Schuylkill Haven Tower 63-25 to the scene. Engines 54-11 and 6814 were directed to tag a hydrant at 5th and Market Streets and lay around 2,500-feet of LDH into the scene. Rapid Intervention Teams were brought in from Schuylkill Haven and Englewood. Engines from Minersville were also special called into the scene. Firefighters continued to try an interior firefight, but conditions continued to worsen and all crews were pulled out of the building. Deck guns were opened up and multiple hand lines were put in place from the street as well as the master stream from Tower 62-21.
Firefighters climb down Pottsville Ladder 68-25 after all crews were evacuated from the interior and roof of three rowhomes that were consumed by fire on Pike St. in Port Carbon on 2/3/19.
JC KRIESHER
After consuming the main fire building and the two connected exposures, the fire stopped as it ran into a brick building on the west exposure and a single-story residence on the east side. After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews began to re-enter the buildings. Firefighters entered the exposures and worked on extinguishing the fire as a crew worked on the roof of the 'B' exposure and hit hot spots. With the cold temperatures, a rehab unit from Ryan Township EMS was brought into the scene
and set up a portable building with heat. The American Red Cross was also on the scene. The fire was knocked down around 11:00 P.M., and crews remained on scene until 4:00 A.M. Multiple EMS units from Schuylkill EMS responded and multiple people were evaluated. Some were taken to the hospital, including a firefighter with what were believed to be minor injuries. A State Police Fire Marshal was called in to investigate. - JC KRIESHER
Smoke billows from 22 Pike St. and the adjoining exposures as a 3-alarm fire rips through the properties. JC KRIESHER
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
170
Elysburg Takes in Working Fire
Shamokin Twp., PA - Elysburg Squad 175 was alerted firstdue on January 24th to a working structure fire as they were returning from an MVA. The squad arrived and assumed first arriving duties. Crews stretched a line and were met with heavy fire in three rooms, and extinguished the same. Simultaneously, others from the crew worked to ladder the building and create a rural water supply. Units on the first-alarm included Stations 170 (Elysburg), 6-3 (Stonington), and 290 (Ralpho Township). Chief 6-3-1 had the command.
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.
FRANK ROBINSON
This patch belongs to the Lampeter Fire Company, located in Lancaster County, PA.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wilkins Township Station 304 Fire Chief, Mary Beth Bowler, takes command at a recent fire in her fire district.
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
One Firefighter Transported & Two Dogs Die in Wilkins Twp. House Fire Wilkins Twp., PA – At 12:39 A.M. on January 7th, fire crews were dispatched to a reported house fire in the area of Ridgecrest Drive in Wilkins Township. Arriving crews found a working fire in the rear of a home and received a report JUMP TO FILE# from neighbors that 010819104 someone may still be inside. One crew made entry into the home to do a primary search while one crew pulled a line to the rear to begin an attack. Search crews were unable to locate anyone, and it was later learned that the man who lived in the home was in the hospital. The fire in the rear was knocked down, but fire began showing from the front window. Crews began an interior attack and a second-alarm was requested. The fire was placed under control at 1:49 A.M. Two dogs were discovered deceased once crews began overhaul. A fire marshal was injured and transported to a local hospital for an undisclosed injury. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was investigating. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
A Healthy Alternative
HEALTHY HERO SNACK PACK
FIRST RESPONDERS going nuts over KARIBA FARMS new variety snackpack
Trying to contain 2,000-gallons of spilled motor oil.
SUMMERHILL FIRE DEPT.
Overturned Oil Delivery Truck Closes Route 219 in Cambria County Summerhill, PA - Cambria County 911 dispatched Summerhill Borough and South Fork Fire Departments for an overturned truck in the northbound lane of Route 219 in Croyle Township, at the Cambria Township line, on January 7th. Units arrived on scene to find an oil delivery truck carrying motor oil overturned on its side. The tank had split open and was spilling motor oil over both northbound lanes and down an embank-
JUMP TO FILE #021319111 ment into a small stream. As the two departments started efforts to contain the spill, the Cambria County SHARP Hazmat Team was requested to respond to assist. The team is made up of Cambria County Emergency Management personnel and Hazmat Technician level members from various fire departments through-
out the county. They brought extra absorbents and personnel who started work on building underflow dams in the stream. Approximately 2,000-gallons of new motor oil was released. PennDOT brought two truck loads of sand in to assist with cleaning up the product. Both northbound lanes were closed for several hours during the incident. - LARRY PENATZER
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Kariba Farms, one of the preeminent specialty food companies in the country, is launching a new Healthy Heroes Snack Pack monthly subscription for police, fire, rescue and EMS departments to help their members make healthy choices when they are reaching for a snack at the station.
Each month’s Healthy Heroes Snack Pack will arrive at your department with a generous supply of almonds, cashews, pistachios and other nuts to compliment a variety of healthy, seasonal dried fruit snacks. Additionally, Kariba Farms will carefully select special treats each month such as chocolate covered almonds, corn crisps, dried
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT SUBSCRIPTION PLANS
Kariba Farms will send a Healthy Heroes Snack Pack to fit the size of your department so there is enough to keep your members healthy and happy for the whole month before the next month’s shipment arrives. All subscription prices include free shipping.
vegetables, etc. to include. A report by the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who ate nuts every day lived longer, healthier lives than people who didn’t eat nuts. Additionally, eating nuts lowers LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol), raises HDL (‘good’ cholesterol) and also lowers blood pressure and blood pressure responses to stress.
Kariba Farms has been a leader in the dried fruits, nuts and specialty food industry for over 25 years. They scour the world to source the highest quality natural and organic products to bring their customers snacks that are Star-K Kosher certified as well as non-GMO, all natural, organic, wheat and gluten free. Small Department/Squad Under 10 Members $65 per month Medium Department/Squad Up to 25 Members $125 per month Larger Department/Squad Up to 50 Members $225 per month
Kick up your department’s game in the kitchen! MEMBERS RECEIVE EVEN MORE BENEFITS NUTCRUSTERSTM
Turn your common dish into a gourmet meal in minutes with our delicious blend of nuts, gourmet spices and Japanese style breadcrumbs. We offer flavors and recipes for: Seafood Meat (wings, pork, poultry) Tofu Vegetables
Every flavor is all natural with no preservatives and is made with Flax* for heart-healthy ALA Omega 3's. * If you are allergic to flax, please let us know when you place your order and we will make a special batch for you without flax.
JC KRIESHER
Beaver Meadows Vol. Fire Company Engine 21-11 operates as the first-due engine for a fire in Banks Township. Engine 21-11 is a 2003 KME Pumper that formerly served as Hazle Township Engine 102.
One of the benefits of your department joining the Healthy Heroes Snack Pack is that members of your department will receive special coupon codes that will allow them to shop on the Kariba Farms website with savings not available to the general public. That way they can extend the healthy snacking to their family and friends. When you call to order your
HEALTHY HEROES SNACK PACK
ask for more information
973-233-7142
Contact Kariba Farms today to get your department started on the road to healthy snacking! www.KaribaFarms.com | info@KaribaFarms.com A Healthy Alternative
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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MEMORIAL BOARD
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Crews were forced to battle from the exterior due to conditions.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Peebles Chief Rescues Woman from McCandless House Fire In January, the staff of Palmer Municipal Fire Department announced the passing of Firefighter and Life Member, Thomas “Pappy” Condosta. Beginning his service in January of 1970, Pappy served the PMFD proudly for 49 years, answering each call up to the week before he passed, where he would have the paperwork completed by the time the crews returned to the station. The current staff and life members, along with the residents of Palmer Township, thank you for your years of dedicated service Pap. JIM ALERCIA
Town of McCandless, PA - At 3:28 P.M. on January 27th, fire units were dispatched to the 9500 block of Park Edge Drive in the Town of McCandless for a possible residential structure fire. Allegheny County 911 reported receiving a call from a female screaming that there was a fire in her home right before hanging up. Dispatch was unable to reach the caller on call back. Peebles Station 188 Chief quickly arrived on scene and reported a working fire with heavy fire showing from the 'Alpha' side of a one-story ranch style home. He then notified 911 that the gates to the driveway were locked; 911 then notified Chief 188 that the caller had called back stating that she was trapped in a bathroom. Chief 188 was able to get
JUMP TO FILE #012919100 around the gate and grab the woman, who was then transported to West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh for evaluation. Fire units began to arrive and breached the gate. Truck 188 attempted to get up to the home but was unable to do so due to icy conditions on the driveway. Crews had to then hike up the steep driveway to access the home. A water supply was hampered due to almost no pressure in the hydrant, so fire crews used tank water to begin attacking the fire while a second water supply was established. Chief 188 requested a second-alarm due to the multiple issues encountered on arrival and the
frigid temperatures. Once a water supply was established, crews made entry where they encountered hoarding conditions and several dogs in the home. It’s believed a total of eight dogs were able to be successfully rescued from the home before crews were forced to evacuate. Crews then battled from the exterior for several hours before the fire was finally brought under control. One firefighter was evaluated for an unknown injury. A total of nine other dogs were unaccounted for, as there was believed to have been 17 dogs total inside the home. The home was a total loss and the cause of the fire is under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
170 PERSONNEL
Van Versus Plow Truck in Shamokin Twp.
Elysburg, PA - At 6:45 P.M. on January 29th, Elysburg Squad 175 was alerted to an MVA with entrapment at SR 61 and Tulip Road. Chief 170 arrived shortly after and advised the squad of a two-vehicle accident involving a passenger van and plow truck, with the driver of the van entrapped. The squad arrived a short time later and crews split up to provide patient care, vehicle stabilization, extrication and hazard control. In less than 15 minutes from dispatch, crews removed the driver’s door and 'B' post, and removed the victim. The area received approximately three-inches of snow earlier that day. Stations 6-3 (Stonington) and 290 (Ralpho Township) assisted the squad.
Two of the dogs rescued being cared for by McCandless Police Officers.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes
For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work. With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way. The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers. “The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper. “The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-
“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”
- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND
gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.” Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-
ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space. Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the
down payment dollars needed at closing. The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington. To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements. “We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.” For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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Union Historical Fire Society Annual Allentown Spring Melt Marketplace to be Held April 13 & 14, 2019 Allentown, PA - Get ready for the annual “Spring Melt” Fire Antique Memorabilia and Marketplace, and the 31st Annual Firematic Antique Auction. The auction will be held on Saturday, April 13th with the marketplace to follow on Sunday, April 14th at the Agri-Plex at Allentown Fairgrounds. Auctioneer Donn Zalewski has lined up another exceptional auction this year. You can view many of the items included this year on the auction website by visiting www.donnandassociates.com. Preview begins at 7 a.m. on April 13th with the auction starting promptly at 9 a.m. You can contact Donn directly by phone: 216-780-4821 or email: donnDRZ22@aol.com with any questions or to inquire about adding items to the auction. On Sunday, April 14th at 9 a.m., the doors open to the largest fire antique and memorabilia marketplace in the United States. Attendees come from all over the country, Canada, the U.K and France, as well as from Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. Anything fire department related can be found gathered in one place
JUMP TO FILE #022219103 at this show. There is something for everyone. Admission is a contribution to the Union Historical Fire Society of $5.00 to the Auction and $10.00 to the Marketplace. Children under 12 admitted free. Refreshments are available all weekend and parking is free. Because this is an indoor show, the weather is never a problem. Vendors are always welcome. Keep in mind the show is limited to fire related items ONLY. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit our website at www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com or contact Tom & Cheryl D’Arcangelo at 631348-3787 or email darcantq@aol.com with your questions. The UHFS assures you there will be a great selection of vendors and merchandise this year. Mark your calendar and we hope to see you in April. - CHERYL DARCANGELO
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.
Smoke escapes from the front of the department store.
JC KRIESHER
Hazleton’s Boscov Department Store Damaged by Fire Luzerne County, PA – Around 4:20 A.M. on Thursday, January 31st, Hazle Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to the Boscov’s Department Store in the Laurel Mall for a commercial fire alarm. Crews were advised of a sprinkler activation. 141 Engine 3 arrived on scene and found smoke showing from one of the main entrances. The engine requested the box to be upgraded to a commercial fire. 141 Tower 7 arrived on scene and positioned in front of the engine. Crews stretched a leader line through the front door after taking out the glass. Smoke was filling the entire second-floor of the department store at this time.
JUMP TO FILE #013119104 Hazleton City 139 Rescue 3 arrived and was directed to pump a plug in the parking lot. Valley Regional Rescue arrived and was directed to send their personnel to the front door. Crews located the seat of the fire in a storage room, which was being controlled by the sprinkler system, and had the leader line charged. Interior crews reported the fire knocked down within minutes. McAdoo Quint 49-22 and Freeland Ladder 136 were sent to the other two entrances and directed to
set up PPV fans in the doorways to push smoke out of the building. Firefighters used nearby benches and shopping carts to keep the entry doors open. The fire was placed under control around 5:30 A.M., and a State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene. Second-alarm companies began to pick up and go available around 6:00 A.M. while the Hazle units began to breakdown. Firefighters had to battle this blaze while also battling extremely cold temperatures that hovered around -10 degrees throughout the incident. - JC KRIESHER
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
DALE FEEHRER
The Port Trevorton Fire Co. is now running this 1996 Seagrave rescue/engine as Squad 60. This piece previously served the Fairfield Fire Co., located in Adams County, PA.
KEN SNYDER
This 1949 Ward LaFrance 750/250 was once used by Newport Twp. and is now privately owned.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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PAGE 22
March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Homestead Family Displaced After Candle Sparks Blaze Homestead, PA - Just after 3:00 A.M. on January 30th, firefighters were alerted to the 1900 block of McClure Street in Homestead Borough for a reported house fire. Police arrived onscene and reported smoke showing from the structure. JUMP TO FILE# H o m e s t e a d ' s 013119100 Deputy Chief was the first officer to arrive and reported a working kitchen fire. As crews arrived, they found fire showing from two windows on the 'Charlie' side, 1st division. Due to subzero windchills, a second-alarm was quickly requested for manpower. Crews were able to quickly knock the fire down and remained on-scene for about two hours performing overhaul. Two adults and two children were home at the time, but managed to make it out safely. The fire was determined to have started from a lit candle in the kitchen. No one was injured and the American Red Cross is assisting the family. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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Westfall Fire Department Achieves 50% State Certification Pike County, PA - It’s small, rural, and comprised of hardworking family men and women who, like thousands of American emergency responder volunteers, somehow find those extra minutes, hours and JUMP TO FILE# days needed to save 011119101 lives and property in their community, as well as complete intense training required to respond. Westfall Township Volunteer Fire Department’s close-knit group of firefighter and EMS volunteers have gone above and beyond to also complete a long-time effort in top training certification. The department has been named in 50% recognition level in Pennsylvania’s Participating Department Recognition Program, the only de-
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partment in Pike County at this advanced level. The statewide program recognizes departments in categories of 10, 50, 75 and 100% certification of members. This means that 50% of its active membership has completed the intense training regimen for individual certifications leading to their department’s overall percentage of participation certification. WFD is the first Pike County fire department to be added to the state’s certification statistic in nearly 16 years. The department’s 50% participation makes it one of only two from Pike County, joining Dingman Twp. Vol. Fire Department’s 10% participation, on Pennsylvania’s list of 269 organizations total from 67 counties in the state overall. A ceremony was held at Westfall’s Route 6 and 209/Mountain Avenue firehouse on Saturday, January 5th, to recap the process followed for certification and to celebrate this achievement and the fulfillment of a very busy response year in 2018. Formed in 1952, WFD purchased its first truck in 1954 and has approximately 75 members. Comprised of multiple generations of local families, its volunteer firefighters and EMS responders answered 1,747 fire and EMS calls in 2018. These calls came from not only Pike County, PA but across county and state lines in other parts of Pennsylvania and into bordering New York and New Jersey communities. These numbers do not include additional training and fundraising time given throughout the year, along with statewide certification efforts. Past chiefs of the department, elected officials, county emergency supervisors, members, families, friends and neighbors joined Chief Fred Jacobs in praising the dedication of each volunteer. “As chief of the department, this makes me extremely proud to be part of such a dedicated group of men and women. Receiving this recognition from the state sets our members to some of the highest standards of training that Pennsylvania has to offer, which are far from easy to achieve,” Jacobs said. Many present for the celebration were also instrumental in bringing a Lords Valley, PA stateof-the-art Pike County Training Center to completion in 2012, which is where many of the certification requirements were completed. In addition, individuals devoted overnight stays in other regions for other components. Rob Llewellyn, a past chief of WFD, spoke of the ‘earth-shattering, sometimes stressful number of calls’ volunteers in the room and others responded to regularly over years as they worked toward simultaneously completing professional certifications. He urged others in the community to get involved in the department and in helping through emergency responder serv-
SHARON E. SIEGEL
Ten of the 18 overall Firefighter 1 or Firefighter 2 Westfall FD certified members were on hand January 5th for a ceremony held to honor WFD’s recognition at the 50% level of active membership certification. (L to R): Capt. Fred Jacobs, Mike Fischetta, Capt. John Codichini, Matthew Kidd, Kaylee Small, Lt. Hayden Thompson, Issac decker, Rich Thomas, 2nd Assist. Chief Bernie Swartwood, and President Bill Koferl.
ices. “Personal benefits to membership include the satisfaction of attaining that level of certification and helping in so many ways. Certification benefits to the department include grants and funding that are available at this level of audit. Benefits to the community are better ISO ratings that lower insurance costs and provide services at higher skill levels as the town grows,” Lllewellyn said. “This is a long time coming, and I couldn’t be prouder.” Pike County Office of Emergency Management Director Tim Knapp, along with Commissioner
Matt Osterberg and Westfall Supervisor Vice Chairman Jerry Dotey, praised the dedication of each of the participating volunteers. “This is the most professional operation I’ve even seen,” Doty told those gathered to celebrate WFD’s difficult achievement. “Thank you for giving so much time and effort to this department and our community.” The following are certified and/or officers in Westfall Fire Department, 2019: Firefighter 1: John Codichini, Issac Decker, Matt Kidd, Melissa Mead, Dan Sain and Kaylee Small. Firefighter 2: Jeff Baird, Mike
Fischetta, Sean Heater, Kyle Innella, Fred Jacobs, Bill Koferl, John Llewellyn, Bernie Swartwood, Rich Thomas, Hayden Thompson, Andrew Van Ecklenberg and Erik Wells. Officers for 2019 are Chief Fred Jacobs, 1st Assistant Chief Mike Pflanz, 2nd Assistant Chief Bernie Swartwood, Captain John Codichini, Lieutenant Hayden Thompson, President William Koferl, Vice President Patrick Cordova, Secretary Cathy Southard, Treasurer Chelsea Adams, and Financial Secretary Sarah Pflanz.
- SHARON SIEGEL
SHARON E. SIEGEL
Daughter/mother team Sarah Aschoff and Rachel Rosker Aschoff represent one of the multi-generational families to actively serve in various compacities with Westfall FD over the years, including as firefighters and EMS responders.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
RAINMAN14
Engine 1 was first-due and stretched a line for fire on the first-floor.
One Person Rescued from Mt. Penn House Fire Mt. Penn, PA - Just before 11:00 P.M. on January 7th, crews from Mt. Penn, Lower Alsace, Exeter, City of Reading, Birdsboro and Oley were dispatched to 2709 Perkiomen Avenue in Mt. Penn Borough for a structure fire. Within one minute, before any additional was given, Lieutenant 1 arrived to find heavy smoke showing and went with a working fire. Berks then advised Lieutenant 1 that there was possible entrapment. Lieutenant 1-1 reported a two-anda-half story duplex with heavy fire on the first-floor. Lieutenant 1-1 took command as crews stretched a line. Seconds later, Lieutenant 1 confirmed entrapment on the second-floor. Mt. Penn Engine 1 left room for Exeter Tower 25 to set up in front of the building. Lower Alsace EMS requested a second medic to the scene for a male with burns to the hands. Chief 1 arrived and took command while crews got water on the fire and were searching the secondfloor. Captain 1 reported that they found the victim on the secondfloor towards the front of the house, and that they were coming out the front window. Lower Alsace EMS Medic 555-3 requested a third truck
JUMP TO FILE #011219109 to respond after crews found the victim. As crews from multiple companies worked together to remove the victim from the second-floor front bedroom of the house using a ground ladder, EMS requested a fourth medic truck due to the condition of the unconscious victim. As the victim was removed and handed into the care of EMS, crews knocked down hot spots on the first-floor and started checking for extension. Approximately 30 minutes after the initial dispatch, command placed the fire under control with overhaul. Birdsboro-Union FD Engine 7 cleared the scene and covered the area as crews worked the fire. FM 23 and a Pennsylvania state police fire marshal stated that the cause of the fire was likely due to an electrical issue. The victim that was rescued was recovering after inhaling smoke, along with the male that received burns and some smoke inhalation.
PROVIDED BY PETER CHEYNEY
Upper Makefield Vol. Fire Company Elects New Officers
Washington Crossing, PA - At its annual meeting of the general membership, the Upper Makefield Vol. Fire Company elected their line officers for 2019. Elected at the meeting were (from right to left): Chief Tim Brewer, Deputy Chief Randy Berger, Battalion Chief Chip Coff, Battalion Chief Dave Wise, Captain Justin Brewer, Lieutenant Tyler Hub, Lieutenant Justin Kloc, and Safety Officer Kevin Campbell. Founded in 1967, the Upper Makefield Fire Company is celebrating 52 years of service to the township and neighboring communities with professional grade fire, marine and auto rescue, fire prevention and emergency services.
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
- LUCAS RICHARDSON
BARRY FISHER
The Hershey Fire Department formerly operated this 1980 Henderickson/Pierce 85' Snorkel as Snorkel 48. The apparatus was sold to Lykens Fire Department in the early 90's.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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March, 2019
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
The Middletown Volunteer Fire Department is located at 10 Adelia Street in Middletown, Pennsylvania.
Middletown Volunteer Fire Department.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Truck 88 is a 2009 Seagrave Marauder II, 95’ Aerialscope. Features include 178’ of ground ladders and single stang gun in the bucket.
TIMOTHY COOVER
TIMOTHY COOVER
Engine 88 is a 2001 KME Renegade Pumper. Features include a 2000-GPM pump, 500-gallons of water and 20-gallons of Class A foam.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Rescue 88 is a 2006 KME Renegade Rescue/Pumper. Features include a 2000-GPM pump, 500-gallons of water, 20-gallons of Class B foam, 2 Amkus electric dual simo pumps, a portable gas powered Amkus dual simo pump, 2 Spreaders, 1 O-cutter, 1 Panel cutter, 1 16’’ ram, and 1 20’’ ram.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Squad 88.
TIMOTHY COOVER
Boat 88 is a 2003 War Eagle custom made rescue boat with 140-hp Yamaha jet motor. (They also have an inflatable boat.)
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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DRILLS/TRAINING March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Soup’s on! added to hot oil, which results in more flavor and depth than if you had just sprinkled some into chicken broth. You will get so much more from your dried spices by following this technique, no matter what dish it is you're making. The same can be said for aromatics like onion and garlic. Just think about that warm smell we all love when garlic hits a hot pan of olive oil. These flavors and aromas end up in our soup, stews, sauces, etc. And when we let the vegetables start to brown and caramelize, we bring out a sweetness from natural sugars the canned stuff could only wish they had. When we cook, we need to learn to push the limits sometimes. Don’t be afraid of color when we're sautéing our vegetables. I'm not saying burn your food till it’s
FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
Growing up, I craved nothing more than a hot bowl of soup to warm me up. Sure, some may have come out of a red and white can, but that didn’t matter to me as a kid. Now that I'm older, I truly appreciate a well made soup using quality ingredients and technique. All too often I see recipes which result in everything being put in together at the same time. The problem with this is that it doesn’t allow the building of layers of flavor. Dry spices “bloom” when
black. I'm referring to that goldenbrown color we love to see. This is flavor resulting from a process called the Maillard Reaction, which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars. It’s good for your food, trust me. This recipe is also open to interpretation. Adding a smoked ham hock would be nothing short of outstanding. Or maybe turn it into a 3 Bean by adding canned Canellini and Kidney beans. Sure, you could follow the recipe on the back of the lentil bag, but what’s the fun in that? Use your imagination and instinct! Taste, season and taste again. Treating soup with as much respect as we do other dishes will ultimately result in a better final product, happy crew and a full belly!
LENTIL SOUP Serves 6 JASON BATZ
On the evening of February 4th, members of Cumru Fire participated in a drill to simulate the difficult removal of a downed firefighter. The drill was also designed to work with Scott and Drager SCBA, as the department will be purchasing breathing apparatus in the future. Pictured is Deputy Chief Brad Silcox working through a collapsed ceiling scenario. The prop was quickly put together with OSB, scrap 2x4's, wire, and a pickup truck net.
Ingredients:
1/2 Yellow Onion, diced 3 Medium Carrots, peeled and diced 1 Celery Rib, diced 1 Garlic Clove, diced 1 Tbs. Ground Coriander 1 Tbs. Ground Cumin 1 Tbs. Paprika 2 Sprigs of Fresh Thyme, leaves picked 1 Bay Leaf 3 Cups of Dried Lentils 14.5 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes 6 Cups of Chicken or Vegetable Broth Salt and Pepper, to taste Extra Virgin Olive Oil Procedure:
TERRY RITZ
Rental Truck Versus Railroad Bridge in Upper Hanover Twp.
Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Sunday, January 27th at 2:05 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to an incident involving a rental truck and a railroad bridge on Shuler Rd., in the township. Upon arrival, they had a rental truck that received some damage after it hit the railroad bridge. Apparently, it was the driver's error, as he did not see the caution signs. He sustained minor face and head injuries. Assisting the fire company were Fire Police from East Greenville and Hereford. Upper Perk EMS and PA State Police were also on scene.
-In a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat, add enough oil to just cover the bottom of the pan and add onion. When onions start to turn translucent, add the carrots and celery. When vegetables start to turn a light brown, add the garlic, thyme and spices. Season with a pinch of salt and add the lentils, stirring for about a minute. Add the tomatoes, broth,
bay leaf and bring to a boil.
-Once it comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer for about 35-45 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Using a stick blender or conventional blender (careful doing this with hot liquid), blend about a quarter of the soup and return to the pot. Stir, taste for seasoning, and serve.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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COMMAND VEHICLES If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FRANKLIN FIRE CO. STATION 4
Blaze Destroys Peters Twp. Garage This Ford serves as an incident support vehicle for the Lehigh County EMA.
Manheim Township Fire Rescue operates this Ford F250 as a Deputy Chief's vehicle.
KEN SNYDER
FRANK ROBINSON
Peters Twp., PA - On the afternoon of February 11th, Franklin County 911 received calls reporting a possible barn fire in the 11600 block of Lincoln Way West in Peters Township. Mercersburg’s MMP&W Vol. Fire Company was dispatched along with several other departments due on Box 9-06 at 12:30 P.M. Franklin County 911 dispatchers advised responding units that they had reports of a fully involved garage with two vehicles inside the building and potential exposure issues. St. Thomas Engine 18-2 was the first on scene to confirm a fully involved garage. Firefighters from St. Thomas began their fire attack as explosions could be heard coming from oxygen bottles that were inside one of the cars that was burning inside the structure. Mercersburg’s Chief Dale Carbaugh arrived on Rescue Engine 9 shortly after Engine 18-2 and established command. Firefighters deployed multiple attack lines as Chief Carbaugh assessed the scene to come up with a plan of attack. Crews attempted an aggressive interior attack but had to withdraw and switch to a defensive attack due to the integrity of the structure quickly deteriorating from the heavy fire load. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly one hour before bringing it under control. Firefighters' diligent efforts kept the fire contained to the garage only, saving the nearby farmhouse and barn that
JUMP TO FILE #022019100 was filled with hay and animals. Once the fire was under control, command was able to begin releasing some of the units around 1:33 P.M. Command was then transferred over to Mercersburg’s Deputy Chief Jeff Main to oversee overhaul operations. Firefighters remained on the scene for an additional hour dowsing hot spots to ensure that the fire was out. The cause of the blaze is not currently known, and no injuries were reported. All units were able to clear the scene shortly after 2:30 P.M. that afternoon. Mercersburg’s MMP&W Vol. Fire Company responded on the call with assistance from St. Thomas Fire Co.18, Franklin Fire Co. Station 4, Chambersburg Fire Co.1, Marion Fire Co.8, Metal Twp. Fire & Ambulance Co.21, Greencastle Rescue Hose Co.3, Fannett-Metal Fire & Ambulance Co.12, Fulton County crews from McConnellsburg V.F.C. Co.56 and Hustontown V.F.C. Co.57. Additional assistance was received in the way of transfers from New Franklin Fire Co.17, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Huntingdon County’s Shade Gap Area Fire Co.14, Cumberland County’s Cumberland Valley Fire Co.53 and Vigilant Hose Co.52, who covered the area while crews were committed on the scene.
www.1strespondernews.com
-WILLIAM KING
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
City of Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones briefs local media after a fatal fire on 2/6/19.
JC KRIESHER
Nanticoke Fire Chief Kevin Hazleton takes up from an RIT response at a two-alarm house fire.
Port Carbon Fire Marshal Scott Krater on the scene of a multi-alarm fire in the borough.
JC KRIESHER
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Etna Station 149 Chief Greg Porter confers with Peebles Firefighter Wadas at the scene of a structure fire in McCandless.
JC KRIESHER
Hazle Township Firefighter Leon Motel comes out of Boscov's Department store during a two-alarm fire.
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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A Word On Integrity Chaplain’s Corner
Pastor Fernando Villicana
After having served many years in the Fire Service, I can think back at some of the most outstanding peers and supervisors I have worked with. Some I admired for their reputation on the job (their job skills), others for their ability to lead well, and some for the way they treated the people they worked with. But I would have to say that one of (if not the) most important attribute is integrity. What comes to mind when you hear the word integrity? Having integrity and speaking with integrity is a huge plus to all who seek a quality relationship with another person or group of people. For the past 30 years they’ve done an annual “Most Admired Men” list in America. While presidents and politicians and stars and athletes have come and gone, one man has been on that list every year for the last 30 years – either number one, number two or number three. His name…Billy Graham. Why is Billy Graham’s name on the list of the most admired men in America for over 30 years? Because there are very few people in America who live with rock-solid integrity. What is integrity? Integrity is composed of three different activities – telling the truth, keeping your word, and practicing what you say you believe. The Bible has a lot to say
about these three qualities. Proverbs 17:7 (GN) “Respected people do not tell lies.” True leadership is built on one thing - trust. It’s difficult to follow somebody you don’t trust. And all trust is built on truth. So, if you don’t tell the truth nobody trusts you, and if nobody trusts you, nobody’s going to want to follow you (home, marriage, work, church… ). Why is it that when we look around in our society many of our leaders are held in low esteem? Because they don’t tell the truth, because they don’t keep their word, because they don’t practice what they say they believe. In other words, they lack integrity. Proverbs 25:14 (GN) “People who promise things that they never give are like clouds in a wind with no rain.” If you want to be a person of lasting legacy, you’ve got to keep your word (even little things). Studies have shown that the number one cause of resentment in children is parents who don’t keep their promises. Is it easy to live with integrity? No. That’s why you need God’s help. You need to make as your prayer this next verse. Psalm 101:2 (LB) “I will try to walk a blameless path but how I need Your help especially in my own home where I long to act as I should.” A good definition of success (relationally speaking) is having those who know me best, respect me most. To me that’s success. It’s easy to impress people from a distance. But real integrity is when those who know you best respect you the most.
BUDDY SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our Buddy Shot feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Turtle Creek rookie Firefighter Chelsea Cook and Timothy Marbella at the scene of Chelsea's first-ever fire in Pitcairn on January 6th. Congrats Chelsea!
Crews battled fire in 3 homes in McKees Rocks on 2/20/19.
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
McKees Rocks House Fire Quickly Goes to Four Alarms McKees Rocks, PA – At 7:24 P.M. on February 20th, fire units were dispatched to the 200 block of Munson Avenue in McKees Rocks for a reported house fire. The caller stated that a utility room was on fire and that they could see flames. McKees Rocks' Fire Chief, who lives a few doors down from the home, arrived on-scene and found heavy fire blowing out of the rear of the home and already impeding an exposure home. A second-alarm was immediately re-
JUMP TO FILE #022119102 quested. Fire units quickly arrived and began to go to work, both from the front and rear of the home. A second home quickly began to catch fire and a third-alarm was requested. Due to the closeness of the homes and how fast the fire was spreading, a fourth-alarm was requested with an additional engine about 15 minutes into the incident.
Firefighters continued to battle the flames for about two hours before the fire was finally placed under control. A firefighter sustained an injury to their ankle at one point during the incident. All three homes were occupied at the time of the fire, displacing a total of 10 people but not injuring any. The American Red Cross is assisting those displaced by the fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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.
DALE FEEHRER
The New Kingstown Fire Company operates this 2016 Pierce Enforcer (1500/650/4 Tool Amkus Ultimate System) as Squad 33.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Two-Alarm Blaze Destroys Apartment Building in Chambersburg
NIKKI LUTZ
Vehicle Burns at Bank Drive-Thru in Shillington Borough
Shillington Borough, PA - An unusual bank transaction occurred at the M&T Bank in Shillington Borough when an SUV caught fire at the drive-thru window on January 16th. Dispatchers at Berks County Department of Emergency Services received phone calls around 3:30 P.M. and began sending companies to 1 West Lancaster Avenue. With the fire underneath the roof structure, the assignment was upgraded to a structural response. Engine 42-1 arrived and placed a hose line into operation. The fire was knocked down quickly without any extension into the bank. No injuries were reported.
FDNY Rescue 3, 1991 VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
FDNY Rescue 3, 1991 By Alan Simmons Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.95 (DVD) This DVD is 60 minutes in length and is about the weekend of July 4th, 1991. It’s original release was in 1991, but it was revised in 2010. It centers around Rescue 3 when it was stationed in upper Manhattan with Engine 93 and Tower Ladder 45. At the time, they were assigned a 1988 Mack MR/Saulsbury rescue truck. The video is action packed in many ways, featuring fires in more than one borough. Rescue 3
covers all of The Bronx and some of Manhattan. It is now quartered back in The Bronx. The footage explains the number of fires they responded to this particular week, all of which are all-hands to multiple-alarms. The viewer will not only travel to the assignments, but they will see some firehouse routines. They will travel to West New York, NJ for a general alarm which involved two large buildings of ordinary construction. The fire went through the roof of both buildings and was fought by several fire departments. This was before the consolidation of Union City, Weehawken, Guttenburg, West New York and North Bergen into the North Hudson Regional Fire Rescue Department. You will also see a Jersey City truck company and their rescue unit at the scene, as well as an aerial from Cliffside Park operating. This town is in Bergen County, just north of Hudson County. Back to New York City and running rampant to fires during this week will give you your money’s worth and help you to appreciate the workload of the New York City firefighters.
Chambersburg, PA - On the afternoon of January 30th, Chambersburg Fire Department was alerted with several surrounding departments for an apartment building fire at 911 Byers Avenue in the Boro of Chambersburg on Box 1- JUMP TO FILE# 02. Franklin County 020219102 911 took the call just after 1:30 P.M. after a smoke detector alerted one of the residents and they discovered the fire. Chambersburg Chief Dustin Ulrich marked up directly after dispatch and was advised that they had reports of a possibility of entrapment since all occupants were not accounted for at the time of dispatch. Chambersburg Engine 1-4 was the first to arrive, reporting fire showing from side 'Charlie' of the structure. Chief Ulrich arrived and reported a three-story garden style apartment building. Engine 1-4 dropped a supply line and set up for fire attack as Chief Ulrich conducted a complete 360 of the building to assess the situation. Ulrich reported heavy fire conditions on all three divisions and immediately requested the second-alarm assignment. Firefighters made entry to attempt an offensive attack and search for victims, but were met with deteriorating conditions. Firefighters were only inside for a few minutes before Command made the decision to have the Evac Tone sounded, pulling all personnel from the structure. The structural integrity was weakened, forcing firefighters to switch to a defensive attack. Firefighters were able to knock down a bulk of the flames within 20 minutes of their arrival on the scene. Firefighters continued to work to control the blaze as minimal interior crews made entry to search the building for victims, which came up negative. It was later confirmed that all occupants were able to safely evacuate the structure. Crews battled the blaze for over one hour before command reported the fire under control around 2:43 P.M. Firefighters remained committed conducting extensive overhaul operations to ensure that the fire was completely out before clearing the scene. All emergency crews were clear of the scene around 5:15 P.M. that evening. The afternoon blaze displaced 13 occupants from six apartments. The American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region was called in to assist the families affected. The cause of the blaze and the point of origin is not currently known, but the rapid spread of the fire was contributed from the high winds that fueled the flames.
BRIAN DENHAM
Chief Dustin Ulrich of Chambersburg FD requested a secondalarm as crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions at 911 Byers Ave. on 1/30/19.
The building at 911 Byers Avenue was deemed a total loss and a second building at 810 Long Lane sustained minimal damage from the radiant heat of the blaze. A preliminary estimate of the damages was around $500,000. No injuries were reported from the incident. Chambersburg FD Co.1 responded on the call, receiving assistance on the scene from Franklin Fire Station 4, New Franklin Fire Co.17, Letterkenny Army Depot FD Co.13, Fayetteville Fire & EMS Co.7, West End Fire Co.15, St. Thomas Fire Co.18, Marion Fire & EMS Co.8, Geisinger Holy Spirit EMS Co.100, Franklin County EMA Rehab Trailer, Cumberland County crews
from Vigilant Hose Co.52, Cumberland Valley Co.53, and Shippensburg EMS Co.73. Additional crews from Pleasant Hall VFC Co.11, M.M.P.W. Fire Co.9, Waynesboro Fire Co.2, South Mountain VFD Co.16, Cumberland County’s Newburg-Hopewell VFC Co.51, Adams County’s Buchanan Valley Fire Co.27, Washington County’s Longmeadow Vol. Fire Co.27, and Huntingdon County’s Mill Creek Borough Vol. Fire Co.20 also responded and assisted on transfers to cover calls in the area while crews were committed on the scene. - WILLIAM KING
BRIAN DENHAM
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
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March, 2019
GEOFFREY WETHERHOLD
Allentown firefighters arrived to find a well-off garage fire at 739 Tilghman St. on 1/2/19.
Allentown Firefighters Battle WellInvolved Garage Fire
JC KRIESHER
Two Alarms Struck at Banks Twp. Basement Fire Carbon County, PA - At 6:17 P.M. on January 15th, Schuylkill County 911 sent out a first-alarm assignment for Banks Twp., Carbon County to 1479 Berwick Street for a house fire. The first-alarm included Fire Districts 49 (McAdoo), 9 (Sheppton-Oneida), and 25 (Hometown). Beaver Meadows Engine 21-11 was also due out of Carbon. Carbon County also sent out requests for a tankers out of Hazle Township Weatherly. Upon responding, Chief 49 was advised of a propane tank on fire in the basement. Chief 49-08 arrived on scene and confirmed a working basement fire. The Chief radioed that the resident smelled propane in the basement, then heard an explosion and smoke began to fill the residence. With the report, Chief 49 requested a second-alarm to the scene, bringing engines in from Sheppton-Oneida, Hometown, Weatherly and Hazle Township, as well as ladders from Hazle Township, West Hazleton and Freeland. Tankers from Ryan Township and Harwood were due, as was Mahanoy City RIT. Beaver Meadows Engine 21-11 arrived on scene and took the 'A'
JUMP TO FILE #011519103 side, followed by Quint 49-22. Two lines were stretched to the front door while 49-11 was directed to lay in from a hydrant. Firefighters advanced a line into the basement and were able to make a quick knockdown on the fire. Additional crews were sent to the upper floors to check for extension and ventilate the structure as the exterior of the building was laddered. Crews were also sent into the neighboring exposure to check for any extension. The fire was placed under control after crews were on scene for 20 minutes and the remainder of the second-alarm was returned to service. Mutual aid units were released as first-due firefighters set up positive pressure ventilation to clear smoke out of the home. No injuries were reported on scene, however firefighters were seen rendering care to a pet. A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene. - JC KRIESHER
Allentown, PA - On January 2nd, firefighters from the City of Allentown were wrapping up from a house fire in the 100 block of North Poplar Street when the 9-11 center advised of a reported structure fire. Engines 14, 13 and 11 were dispatched initially to the reported structure fire at 739 Tilghman Street. The Battalion Chief reported that Engines 6 and 10, as well as Truck 2 would be available for the second assignment. The modified box for the assignment included Battalion 43, Engines 6, 10 and 14, Truck 2 and Engine 11 as the RIT Company. Responding units were
JUMP TO FILE #011519113 advised that police were reporting fire showing. Engine 6 arrived and the crew went to work stretching an attack line. Battalion Chief Phil Atiyeh arrived on scene, took command and reported a two-story garage well off. Engine 10 was ordered to assist the driver of Engine 6 with hand jacking a supply line to a nearby hydrant while crews went to work. The Truck 2 crew arrived on scene and assisted with deploying
a second attack line. Engine 14 was ordered to come in from a nearby alley and assist with fire suppression and gaining access through the garage door. Crews made a quick hit and were able to have the fire knocked down within 15 minutes. They remained on scene for a few hours mopping up and assisting the fire marshal. The apartment house on the property is still marked unfit for habitation following a Spring 2018 fire that gutted the thirdfloor. - DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR.
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.
Sunbury Steam Engine Co.1 runs this 1986 Ford/Allegheny 500/300 Mini Pumper as E-522.
FRANK ROBINSON
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
Fast-Moving Fire Guts Bodega on 9th Street in Reading Reading, PA - On Monday, January 7th, dispatchers at the Berks County Department of Emergency Services 911 center began taking calls from several people reporting smoke pouring from a bodega at 9th and Elms Streets. With companies responding on Box JUMP TO FILE# 0102, Chief Mogel 010719123 (Car 2) arrived with smoke showing from a three-story EOR bodega. A large volume of smoke hung in the area, hampering vision while crews stretched hose lines into place. A line was charged and advanced into the store, knocking down fire overhead. Ladder crews set up for aerial operations and made a search of the second and third floors. A second line was stretched into the second floor of the building in case of fire extension. The bulk of the fire was knocked down at 11:01 A.M., and all searches were clear. Crews overhauled the affected areas of the store while the fire marshal's office began their investigation. No injuries were reported. - JASON BATZ
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.
The East Petersburg Fire Co. recently placed two new units into service, including a 2018 Ford F350 Super Duty Extended Cab with 9-ft. enclosed Knapheide body, and a 2018 Ford F350 Super Duty Crew Cab with 9-ft. Knapheide body.
East Petersburg Fire Traffic 23
East Petersburg Fire Squad 23-1
MADELYN ROHRER
MADELYN ROHRER
RICHARD BILLINGS
JASON BATZ
PAgE 37
March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
YOU WON’T RUN OUT OF THINGS TO DO AT .... FIRE EXPO 2010
LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S 47 TH ANNUAL
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Pittsburgh Crews Find One Person Trapped on Arrival, Make Quick Grab City of Pittsburgh, PA - At 10:56 A.M. on January 12th, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to Fire Zone 3-6 for a reported porch on fire located along the 3900 block of Liberty Avenue in the city’s Lawrenceville section. First arriving units found a working fire with heavy smoke showing from the rear of the structure. A second-alarm was quickly struck at 11:03 A.M. after the commanding officer received a report of somebody being trapped on the third-floor. Crews in the rear of the structure found heavy fire and heard someone yelling for help. The victim tried to escape on their own but retreated back into the home due to the intensity of the flames.
JUMP TO FILE #011319104 Crews in the rear were able to knock the fire down enough in order to make entry and rescue the victim, who was then met by EMS on-scene and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Fire suppression was hampered due to the multiple renovations made to the structure. The fire was finally placed under control at 11:42 A.M. One firefighter sustained a minor ankle injury and was treated after the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Crews bring a victim down the steps after knocking down the bulk of the fire.
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March, 2019
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
JC KRIESHER
The fire originated in the kitchen on the 'B/C' corner and quickly spread.
Shenandoah Strikes SecondAlarm; Fire Ruled Accidental Schuylkill County, PA – At 6:39 P.M. on Tuesday, January 8th, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched a first-alarm assignment to 238 South Jardin Street in Shenandoah for a house fire. Fire District 64 (Shenandoah) and 48 Station 5 (Mahanoy City– West End) were due JUMP TO FILE # on the alarm. 011319109 First responding crews were advised of a possible kitchen fire. EMS from Shenandoah ALS arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the first-floor and then located heavy fire to the rear. EMS reported that the fire was growing and county dispatch recommended a second-alarm, which was confirmed by Chief 64. The second-alarm included units from Englewood, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Ringtown, Shenandoah Heights and William Penn. A Rapid Intervention Team from Pottsville was requested, as the 48-50 crew would be repurposed into fire attack. Squrt 64-20 arrived to find fire showing from the 'B' side and posi-
tioned on Poplar Street, securing their own water supply. 64-10 staged on West Street, allowing 6412 to lay a supply line down from Cherry Street. Tanker 64-30 laid LDH down Jardin Street and continued into the 300 block which allowed Tiller 64-25 to take the address and 64-11 to pull in behind the Squrt. Multiple lines were stretched through the 'A', 'B' and 'C' sides of the structure and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down. Second-alarm crews began to arrive and were sent to the second and third floors to check for extension. Firefighters ascended to the roof via the 'A' and 'B' sides and performed vertical ventilation. The fire was placed under control after roughly 30-45 minutes with overhaul continuing until around 9:00 P.M. According to Assistant Chief Rick Examitas, three people were displaced by the fire and were being assisted by the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, due to a cooking incident. - JC KRIESHER
MARION V.F.C.
Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a house on Kauffman Road West on 2/2/19.
Franklin County Crews Respond to Working Fire in Antrim Twp. Antrim Twp., PA - On the afternoon of February 2nd, firefighters from Greencastle’s Rescue Hose Company were alerted with several surrounding departments due on Box 3-08 for a reported house fire in Antrim Township. Franklin County had reports of a house on fire on Kauffman Road West, off of Molly Pitcher Highway. Marion Fire Company’s Duty 8 and Assistant Chief 8, Bryan Shatzer, arrived on the scene at 799 Kauffman Road West shortly after dispatch to find fire showing from side 'Alpha' of the residence. Chief Shatzer reported a two-story wood-frame construction with heavy fire conditions on the firstfloor extending into the secondfloor, and confirmed that all occupants were out of the structure. Marion Engine Tanker 8 arrived and set up for fire attack as 1st Lieutenant 3, Dave Hann from Greencastle’s Rescue Hose Company, arrived and established command and appointed Chief Shatzer
JUMP TO FILE #020419132 as the Fire Attack Supervisor. Firefighters quickly deployed several attack lines to conduct an offensive attack on the blaze. Crews battled the blaze for nearly 25 minutes before gaining control and knocking down a bulk of it on the first-floor. Firefighters remained on the scene for over two more hours conducting extensive overhaul operations due to the heavy damage from the fast-moving blaze. All units were able to clear the scene around 3:00 P.M. that afternoon. The blaze caused heavy damage to the home. The exact cause and point of origin of the blaze is not currently known. All occupants that were home at the time were able to safely evacuate the structure prior to fire departments' arrival. Several of the occupants on the scene were checked out for possible injuries, but no transports were made by EMS, and no other
injuries were reported. Greencastle’s Rescue Hose Co.3 responded to the scene along with Marion Fire & EMS Co.8, New Franklin Fire Co.17, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Chambersburg FD Co.1, Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Franklin Fire Station 4, M.M.P.W. Fire Co.9, Fayetteville Fire Co.7, Washington County’s Maugansville Goodwill Fire Co.13 and Emergency Support Services Air Unit 25. Additional assistance was received from St. Thomas Fire Co.18, South Mountain VFD Co.16, West End Fire & Rescue Co.15, Fannett-Metal Fire & Ambulance Co.12, Cumberland County crews from NewburgHopewell VFC Co.51, Vigilant Hose Co.52, and Washington County’s Engine 4 from Hagerstown’s Western Enterprise who responded to assist with station transfers to cover the area while crews remained committed on the scene. - WILLIAM KING
Join the Heroes Team! JC KRIESHER
Firefighters climb onto Squrt 64-20 to head to the roof for vertical ventilation.
Becoming part of the Heroes team KDV LWV EHQH¿WV &RQWDFW XV WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW EHFRPLQJ D +HURHV &HUWL¿HG DJHQW info@HeroesRealty.com
HeroesMortgageProgram.com
877-541-HERO
1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
March, 2019
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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA
RAINMAN14
The vehicle went airborne before striking the side of the tattoo parlor.
Crash Causes Major Structural Damage to Amity Twp. Business Amity Twp., PA - At 12:12 P.M. on January 31st, Monarch Fire Co. Station 6 and Amity Fire Co. Station 49, along with Penn State Life Lion EMS from Exeter, were dispatched to Benjamin Franklin Highway and Limekiln Road for a motor vehicle accident reported with entrapment. Southern Berks EMS Medic 682-2 ended up being closer to the call so went responding and cancelled Life Lion. Medic 682-2 was given the additional of one vehicle that struck a pole and then the side of a building, with multiple reports of confirmed entrapment. Rescue 49 went responding with reports of possible fire. The call was upgraded to an MVA with entrapment and fire. As Rescue Engine 6 went en route, Berks assigned Fire Ops 1 as the operation channel for responding units. Shortly afterwards the assignment was upgraded to a structure fire, adding Mt. Penn Fire Co. for Ladder 1 and RIT, along with Exeter Township FD for Tower 25. Birdsboro-Union FD Engine 7 also made a response to the scene. Rescue Engine 6 arrived first, confirming a vehicle into the structure and their crew went to work on extricating the unconscious driver of the vehicle. The driver was found to be confined due to the angle of the vehicle. Within two minutes of arriving the patient was extricated from the car. As EMS took over patient care, crews from 6 and 49 started
JUMP TO FILE #013119117 investigating the report of possible fire and Met-Ed was requested due to a sheared utility pole. After investigating, crews confirmed there was no fire and the incident was scaled down to Stations 6, 49 and 7. Rescue Engine 6 advised Berks that there was heavy structural damage to the building. Collapse 95 from Boyertown Fire & Rescue was dispatched to assist with securing the building. Crews from Boyertown Fire & Rescue arrived around 1:07 P.M. and firefighters went to work on formulating a plan to make the building secure. Engine 7 cleared the scene at around 1:30 P.M. to respond to a fire alarm in their local area. Struts were used from Collapse 95 to keep the building secured. All fire crews cleared the scene at 3:55 P.M. The vehicle, which was heading eastbound on Route 422, struck a utility pole, traveled about 100-yards through a field and then crossed Limekiln Road before striking the building. The driver was transported to Reading Hospital by EMS. No one inside the building was hurt. Crews from Berks Fire Water were also called to the scene. Amity Township Police are investigating the exact cause of the accident. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
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Man Charged with Arson After House Burns in Pitcairn Pitcairn, PA – At 4:29 A.M. on January 6th, crews were dispatched to the 400 block of Wall Avenue in Pitcairn for a reported fire in the rear of a home. Pitcairn's Fire Chief arrived and reported a working fire on the back porch of a two-and-a-half story wood-frame home and requested the first-due engine to pull a line and attack the fire. An attack was made, but the fire had already entered the home
JUMP TO FILE #010819103 and was beginning to show from the roof. Crews then made entry and began opening up walls while a crew from Monroeville went to the roof. A second-alarm was requested as crews continued to chase fire inside the walls. The fire was placed under control at 5:58 A.M., but crews re-
mained on-scene for overhaul. One firefighter was treated on-scene for smoke inhalation. Later in the day, Pitcairn Police, with the help of security cameras and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office, arrested a 23-year-old man who admitted to lighting a towel on fire and placing it at the back door. One person was displaced due to the fire. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
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Smoke and flames exit the buildings as the ladder pipe works from the 'B/C' corner.
JC KRIESHER
Second-Alarm into West Hazleton Luzerne County, PA – At 8:26 P.M. on Saturday, January 12th, Luzerne County 911 sent 183 Fire (West Hazleton) with 577 EMS (Sugarloaf) and Medic 26 to 101 East Green Street in West Hazleton for a reported building on fire. Shortly after dispatch, communications sent out alert tones advising of multiple calls reporting a working fire. 183 Safety arrived on scene and confirmed fire showing from the second-floor of a two-and-a-half story duplex. 183 Engine 1 went responding and was advised to secure a water supply in front of the building and stretch a blitz fire. The engine arrived on scene to report fire “blowing” out of the second-floor windows. 183 Truck was sent to the 4th Street side of the structure. The 183 Deputy Chief arrived on scene and requested a secondalarm to the scene. At that time, the chief was advised that there were now reports of people trapped in the residence. The second-alarm brought in an engine from Hazle Township, an engine and ladder from Hazleton City, an engine from Sugarloaf, Valley Regional for a rescue, Freeland for a ladder, McAdoo for an engine and a Rapid Interven-
JUMP TO FILE #011319110 tion Team from Mahanoy City. Hazleton Rescue 3 was directed to hit a hydrant at Fourth and Broad Streets and supply the scene. Hazle Township Engine 3 secured a hydrant on Fourth Street and laid in behind 183 ladder. Multiple lines were stretched off 183 Engine 1 and 141 Engine 3 through the 'A' and 'C' sides of the structure. Visible fire was seen venting out of windows on the 'B' side and crews began to knock down the fire from the exterior. Additional crews were stretching lines to the 'D' side and working the interior as Engine 1 opened up their deck gun into the structure. The engine was advised to shut off the deck gun as interior and exterior crews were both being pelted with the water. Interior firefighters continued their attempt to make a push on the fire, but it had spread throughout the building and all crews were ordered to evacuate around 30 minutes into the incident. Freeland firefighters were sent into the 'D' exposure to check for extension and ended up stretching
two lines into the neighboring home. Once everyone was accounted for, the ladder pipe off 183 Truck was put into service. Freeland backed their ladder down Green Street to the 'A/D' corner and put their pipe in service. Multiple hand lines were opened up from the street onto the building as well. The bulk of the fire was knocked down around 10:00 P.M. At that point, most of the roof of the building had collapsed into the attic. Crews remained on scene well into the evening mopping up the blaze that destroyed the original duplex. West Hazleton firefighters were called back to the scene around 4:40 A.M. after reports were received of fire in the roof. Crews found active fire when they arrived. It is believe that the entrapment reports turned out to be false, however there is no official word at this point. Some reports also indicated that a firefighter was transported to a hospital for minor injuries.
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WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
JC KRIESHER
Saint Clair Fire Chief Frank Uhrin operates Tower 62-21 at a threealarm fire in Port Carbon.
- JC KRIESHER
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GEOFFREY WETHERHOLD
Allentown FF Dennis Walton changes out the air cylinder of FF Chad Ege during a working garage fire at 739 Tilghman Street on 1/2/19.
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RAINMAN14
More than 25 vehicles, including dump trucks and tractor-trailers, were involved in the Route 222 pile-up.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Up on Route 222 in Berks County During Snow Squall Berks County, PA - At approximately 1:20 P.M. on January 30th, while a snow squall was hitting Berks County, fire crews from Wyomissing, Township of Spring, and three medics from Western Berks EMS were dispatched to Route 222 southbound in the area of the Route 422 business exit, for an MVA with injuries. It was reported that anywhere from 20 to 40 vehicles were involved. Wyomissing Police quickly arrived and reported multiple people entrapped. As Chief 85 (Spring) went en route he requested the next two rescues to the scene, bringing in Shillington Rescue Engine 36 and West Reading Rescue 64. Preparing for a major incident, all fire operations switched to Fire Ops 1 and all EMS operations were Switched Fire Ops 2. In anticipation of a prolonged incident, Chief 650 from Western Berks EMS requested additional ALS and BLS, as well as Lebanon County units to relocate to the area. Chief 85 also added Western Berks FD Engine 18-2. Engine 79 arrived first and started investigating. Captain 79 took command, reported multiple people entrapped and requested Rescue 64 and Rescue 85 to come southbound on Route 222. A rescue from Lancaster County was requested to come up the northbound lanes, bringing in Denver Rescue 13. Chief 650 arrived and took EMS command on Fire Ops 2. Crews started triage on patients. Southbound Route 222 was completely shut down and all traffic was diverted into West Lawn. Chief 650 requested a Level 2 Mass Casualty and requested 10 to 15 more MICUs. Just after 1:40 P.M., the Level 2 MCI was dispatched, bringing multiple medics from Berks and Lancaster to treat 11 to 17 patients. Around 1:50 P.M., Chief 85
JUMP TO FILE #013019115 reported that they had two patients entrapped in two separate vehicles. Both patients were extricated and transferred over to EMS. Once rescue operations were completed, firefighters switched to controlling fluids and assisting EMS. A spill trailer was requested to help with controlling diesel leaks from vehicles. Mt. Penn's Spill 1 was dispatched to assist. Chief 650 was advised that there was a total of 17 medics on scene and four BLS en route. After multiple people started to refuse EMS, Chief 650 reported that seven ALS trucks could cancel. Command reported that a total of four trucks were involved in the crash, including two that were empty, one mail truck and one truck carrying salt. Two tractortrailers were also involved in the accident. By 2:10 P.M., all patients were transported with the exception of a few walking wounded with minor injuries and 15 people who refused EMS. Two BARTA buses were sent to the scene to shelter and possibly transport non-injured patients. Multiple people who were uninjured were transported to Spring Township's fire station by medic trucks from the scene and the BARTA buses were canceled. Reading Hospital took in a total of nine patients. A total of 27 vehicles were involved in the pileup. PennDOT said they would handle the cleanup of the roadway, including the diesel, and Spill 1 went available. All fire units were placed available just before 2:45 P.M. from the scene. The highway was re-opened around 4:15 P.M. - LUCAS RICHARDSON
FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY
Fully Involved Home in Port Vue Port Vue, PA – At 9:49 P.M. on January 16th, firefighters were dispatched to a reported fully involved house fire with possible entrapment located along the 800 block of Weldon Street in Port Vue Borough. Arriving units found a two-anda-half story wood-frame home fully involved. Command was established and due to the reported entrapment, requested the first-due engine to come straight in and begin an aggressive search of the home. A second-alarm was also requested. A fire hydrant near the home
JUMP TO FILE #011719102 was not working, so crews had to find a different hydrant to establish a water supply. While crews were searching the home, other crews began to attack the fire. All searches came up negative. Firefighters had a hard time inside the home due to hoarding conditions. The reported trapped individual was eventually found to be unharmed and not inside the home.
Crews continued to battle the flames until the fire was finally brought under control at 11:19 P.M. Crews then stayed on-scene for several more hours performing overhaul. Two adults were displaced and the American Red Cross was called in to assist them. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office. No one was injured. - ERIC RASMUSSEN
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JOSHUA KNOLL/2 GUYS FIRE PHOTOS
Units from the South Lebanon Twp. Fire Department were alerted to a reported chimney fire in the 400 block of South 5th Ave. on February 3rd. Wagon 48 pulled up just past the house and got ready to go offensive if needed. Like clock work, the department checked the house and cleared the scene in under 25 minutes.
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