Fire News Pennsylvania, Jan./Feb. 2023

Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News

Story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Abandoned House Collapses in Wilkinsburg

City of Pittsburgh fire crews were dispatched to the Borough of Wilkinsburg for a reported house fire.

See story on page 8

Halifax Attic Fire

Halifax Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies from Fisherville and Millersburg, responded to Market Street and Front Street in Halifax Borough.

See story on page 9

Kitchen Fire Spreads in City of Butler

Butler County 911 Center received a call for a kitchen fire in the 500 block of 3rd Street in the City of Butler.

See story on page 12

2 Alarm House Fire in Watts Township

Crews responded to Amity Road in Watts Township for a reported house fire.

See story on page 14

3 Extracted at MVA

The Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist New Hanover Fire Company with a vehicle rescue.

See story on page 18

AService for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers

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Obituaries

Allison’s Hook &Ladder No.2 President Barry J. Buskey

Fire Chief William Maciorowski

Penn Hills’Nicholas A. Theofilis

See stories on pages 25 and 26

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713.

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready for2023?

The year 2022 brought reality to many firefighters with the Line of Duty Deaths of many of our colleagues. Cancer took many of our heroes from their families and co-workers in 2022. To all responders, there are measures that we can take to keep ourselves and our families safe from cancer. You have heard me talk about the things we can do to protect ourselves from this insidious disease. In 2023, please take the advice from the people who are working hard to convince all responders that wearing clean protective gear and SCBAis a good start to keeping yourself safe. The IAFF states that firefighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. At the 2022 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, almost 75 percent of the names added to the wall (348 out of 469) were members who had died from occupational cancer. Visit IAFF.org to learn about cancer among firefighters. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month. Take some time in 2023 to learn what you can do to be “safer” from this disease. Thank you to the IAFF for making firefighters aware of cancer and what you can do to stay safe and lessen your chances of getting cancer.

For over 30 years, I was an Industrial Arts/Technology teacher. I taught middle school

kids to use tools and machinery which, today, is considered dangerous. Sadly, many of the projects we did are no longer performed in schools. Industry and the fire service is now feeling the effects of not training kids to safely use machinery. The fire service is also noticing that many probationary firefighters are uncomfortable with using cutting tools. Thank you to our chiefs, officers and training committees for teaching our members how to use machinery and tools safely.

I also would like to thank our chiefs, company officers and senior members for setting up an intense program that teaches all members, new and old, to work safely as they battle the flames that greet them at a working fire. It is evident that all departments are doing a great job teaching our firefighters to operate safely. Many of my neighboring departments battled fatal fires in 2022. It was a tough year for many of you. Thank you to the chiefs that set up counseling sessions with the firefighters who experienced death on the fire ground. Thank you to the responders that took the opportunity to be part of these classes. Your professionalism came through by your presence at these sessions.

In 2023, give thought to what you can do to be a better firefighter. Your community needs

you, 24/7! Stay active, train and share your knowledge and experiences with your new members.

As a firefighter dealing with cancer, I appreciated the comradeship that I received in 2022. I am hoping that in 2023 I will be able to get back to what I love to do; that is to assist in training firefighters. In the meantime, have a safe and wonderful News Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Stay strong in 2023! - Dennis

Workshop Fire in Derry Twp. Cover Story

Derry Township firefighters were dispatched to Back Maitland Road on November22, 2022. First arriving crews found a large

workshop on fire with multiple exposures including vehicles and forest land.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

Wiconisco House Fire

On October24, 2022, at 0450, crews battled a fire in Wiconisco in a structure on the 300 block of CenterStreet. Chief 23-1 arrived to visible fire showing from the B side of a 21/2 story single-family home. With multiple companies arriving, crews went to work knocking down a majority of the active fire. However, smoke continued to drift from the home and interiorwas still reporting high temps. The interiorcrew requested the roof to be vented. Shortly afterflames erupted from the vent hole as well as out the B-side attic vent. Crews responded from Wiconisco, Elizabethville, Gratz, Pi llow, Lykens, Duncannon, Williamstown, Muir, Sheridan, North End Pine Grove, Pine Grove Hose Hook and Ladder, Millersburg, Linglestown, TowerCity as well as Life Team EMS and Williamstown EMS.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Abandoned House Collapses in Wilkinsburg

Just after2100 on October29, 2022, City of Pittsburgh fire crews were dispatched to the Borough of Wilkinsburg fora reported house fire located nearthe intersection of Swissvale and South Avenues. Crews arrived and found heavy fire coming from an abandoned home with an exposure problem on the delta side. Crews set up a defensive attack on the home while othercrews worked on the exposure. About 15 minutes into the fire, the home collapsed; no one was injured. The fire was placed undercontrol in just under an hour.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Montgomery Twp. House Fire

On October22, 2022, around 2000, a fire broke out at a residential home on Guinness Lane in Montgomery Township. Fire spread from the garage up to a bedroom and into the attic. Aquick response from Montgomery Township Fire Department and mutual aid saved the dwelling from further damage. Crews battled the fire through the interiorand exterior attack and proceeded with ventilation once the fire was undercontrol. Mutual aid companies included Wissahickon 7, Horsham 15, Centre Square 33, Fort Washington 88, Chalfont 34, Hartsville 93, Warrington 29, and Hilltown Twp 60.

- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

Suspicious Fire Displaces 11 in Jeanette

Just before 1400 on October30, 2022, City of Jeannette firefighters were dispatched to a porch on fire along Lavelle Street. Afirefighterresponding to the porch fire reported a large working fire in three homes located along the 300 block of Division Street. Crews, who had the porch fire knocked down, responded to the second fire about a block away. Crews went to work in all three homes as mutual aid companies were requested to the scene. Crews had to evacuate two of the structures at one point due to unsafe conditions. Firefighters worked foroverthree hours before the fire was plac ed under control. Seven adults and fourchildren were displaced due to the fire but all managed to safely escape. The fire was investigated by the State Police Fire Marshal and is considered suspicious.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Makefield Lakes Truck Fire

Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company (YMFC) and Morrisville Fire Company were recently dispatched to the Makefi eld Lakes Development fora trash truck fire. YMFC Chief Chamberlain arrived on location and found a trash truck cab well involved extending into the rearcompartment. An engine arrived and firefighters quickly stretched a hoseline. Rescue 80, Engine 98, and Utility 80 arrived and assisted with extinguishment. YMFC Fire Police assisted with traffic control operations throughout the incident. The YMFC Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating the fire. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

Halifax Attic Fire

On December5, 2022, the Halifax Fire Department, along with mutual aid companies from Fisherville and Millersburg, responded to Market Street and Front Street in Halifax Borough. As crews were responding, Director1 asked county forthe first alarm and to notify Norfolk Southern to shut down train traffic due to the proximity of the incident to the tracks. Chief 29 arrived to smoke coming from all eaves. Engine 29 was advised to tag the hydrant at 2nd and Market and lay into the scene, and the first truck in to setup on the Delta side of structure. Crew from Engine 29 with Chief 3 made entry into the bravo side stretching a line to the second floorwhere they encountered fire. Truck 20 arrived and setup on the D side as crews were making forward progression up the attic stairwell to the main fire load in the attic of the two-story duplex. Fire began to exit from the roof peaks on the Aand C sides of the home. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 10 minutes. Truck 20 worked to vent the roof on the Delta side as Perry Truck 2 arrived and went to work on the Aside. Crews worked to snuff out remaining stubborn pockets of fire located in a void spacing between two layers of metal roof.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Allentown CarFire

Members of the Allentown Fire Department responded to the salvage yard on Lehigh Street fora carfire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

North Whitehall House Fire

Firefighters from numerous departments battled a dwelling fire on Route 309 in North Whitehall Township on November12, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Kitchen Fire Spreads in City of Butler

On December20, 2022, around 1545, the ButlerCounty 911 Centerreceived a call for a kitchen fire in the 500 block of 3rd Street in the City of Butler. Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 3 (ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs FD), Station 99 (ButlerAmbulance) and City of ButlerPolice were dispatched. ButlerBureau of Fire arrived and requested a second alarm bringing in all off-duty Bureau of Fire personnel. Members made an offensive push on the fire which started in the kitchen on the first floorand progressed to the floors above. Command 1 requested all members to exit the structure due to rapid fire spread. Masterstreams darkened down the fire and members went back in to extinguish the remaining fire. One resident suffered minor burns to the foot.

Vacant Steelton Fire Attributed to Squatters

On November25, 2022, a vacant Steelton building was damaged shortly before 0730. Firefighters responded to South Front Street fora structure fire in a vacant three story building. Chief 50 (Vance) arrived to fire showing. Engine 91-2 stretched lines to the balcony area of the second floor. Interiorcrews reported no floors on the first floor. The building was said to be occupied by squatters. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Greenhouse Fire on Meng Road Quick Stop at York County House Fire

On October25, 2022, at approximately 1937, York Area United Fire and Rescue (YAUFR) was alerted forthe residential structure in Manchester Township, York County. The normal first-alarm assignment was supplemented by additional mutual aid as they were responding from an earlierbuilding fire assignment. First arriving units reported heavy fire in the AD cornerof the first division and requested a working fire assignment. Fire was called undercontrol at 2101. Assisting at the

At approximately 1300 on November23, 2022, LowerFrederick Fire, along with multiple othercompanies, were dispatched fora building fire at a greenhouse on Meng Road. Callers reported heavy black smoke coming from the back of the greenhouse. Crews laid hoses forthe watersupply all the way down the hill to Route 29 as there were no hydrants nearthe fire. At around the 30-minute mark, command asked foradditional manpower. Crews and apparatus were able to keep the fire from spreading throughout the greenhouse and to adjoining buildings. Crews responding were LowerFrederick 52, Perkiomen 66, Trappe 77, Skippack 86, UpperSalford 78, Royersford 98, Limerick 51, and Pennsburg 65. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

scene were units from York City, ManchesterBorough, West York and Strinestown.

- Submitted by York Area UFR

Busy Sunday forLimerick

Firefighters from Limerick Fire Department had a very busy Sunday afternoon on November20, 2022. The department was dispatched to seven separate calls within a couple hours. Several were simultaneous. Squad 51, Engine 51, Field 51-1, Field 51-2, 51 Fire Police, Command 51, and Chief 51 all responded. Due to high winds in the area, there were several trees down on wires that then sparked brush fires. Crews also responded to several odors of gas and powerissues that were reported. Most of the calls were on the north side of the township including Highland Road, North Limerick Road, and NeifferRoad. - Submitted by the Limerick FD

2 Alarm House Fire in Watts Township

On November22, 2022, crews were called to Amity Road in Watts Township fora reported house fire. Chief 9, responding to the station, advised county of seeing a column of smoke and requested the box to be upgraded to the second alarm. On arrival they found a 2-1/2 story single-family home with fire from the wall alongside the chimney on the B side. Smoke began pushing from the second floorand attic windows. Aline was placed into service to division 2. Truck 2 was assigned to open up the roof and assist the interiorcrew. Additional crews began to arrive and sent manpowerforward. Company 29 assisted with fill site operations. Crews were able to halt and extinguish the fire before spreading and causing additional damage. Pennsylvania State Police were requested to the scene as a resident refused to exit the structure.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Gas Explosion Levels Susquehanna Township Home

On December13, 2022, at 0906, Box 32-2 sent Company 32 and Engine 301 to Crest Road in Susquehanna Township fora gas leak. Reports indicated an excavatorstruck a gas line, with gas flowing into the residence, and they were in the process of evacuating. Engine 32 advised they had an odorof gas in the air. Command 32 requested Rescue 37 and Engine 91 to the scene as companies began evacuating the block. Twenty-five minutes from dispatch, command 32 radioed that there was a massive explosion with one house com-

pletely involved in fire, and possibly fire in the exposure, and requested the second alarm. Engines 33, 37, Tower1, Truck 34, Rescues 40, 59, 91, 91-5, and Squad 20 (RIT) made up the extra alarm. Acontractorworking at the home struck the gas line setting off the powerexplosion that rocked the neighborhood blowing out the windows of several homes, just moments afterfirefighters and the residents evacuated. Two people suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

MCI Declared at Pittsburgh 5-Alarm

Just after2230 on December11, 2022, City of Pittsburgh fire crews were dispatched to the Roosevelt Apartments located along Penn Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh. The call was then upgraded to a commercial structure fire afterreports of a fire in the building. Arriving crews found fire coming from the twelfth floorof the building and the call was upgraded to a fourth alarm high-rise plan. Crews discovered the elevators were not functioning so crews had to climb the steps to gain access to the fire. Afifth alarm was requested as crews continued to climb the steps and also assist residents with evacuating the building. Once crews arrived at the apartment on the twelfth floor, the fire was quickly knocked down. One resident was found in cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at the scene. Asecond resident was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Aparamedic and firefighterwere also transported to local hospitals with smoke inhalation. Due to the amount of residents, a mass casualty incident was declared bringing in additional EMS agencies from throughout Allegheny County. The fire was placed undercontrol in just undertwo hours but crews remained on-scene throughout the night. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

Basement Fire on 1st Street

Firefighters from Slatington, Walnutport, Friedens and Greenawalds, along with Northern Valley and Lehighton Ambulance, responded to a dwelling fire on 1st Street in the borough on October27, 2022. Crews arrived to find a basement fire that had gotten into the walls. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Occupant Treated forSmoke Inhalation

On December15, 2022, at 2350, dispatched Company 32, Engines 33, 37and 40, and Rescues 35 and 37 to Grandview Drive fora building fire. Engine 32-1 advised of a second-floorbathroom on fire with two patients. Police indicated a working fire and all occupants evacuated. Truck 34 was added to the box due to Truck 32 being short staffed. Crews arrived to fire showing from a two-story, single-family dwelling with no exposure issues. An attack line was stretched from Engine 32-1 that was able to darken down the bulk of the fire. The fire extended into the loft and companies had to open up the roof to ventilate and access hot spots. Asecond line was stretched and operated to assist with interiorcrews. One occupant suffered from smoke inhalation.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Burning Sump Pump

At 1649 on November4, 2022, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora building fire on Pruss Hill Road. Tower51, Engine 51, Squad 51 and Fire Police 51 responded. Mutual aid came from New Hanover, Sanatoga and Pottstown. Crews arrived, investigated, and found a burnt sump pump in the basement. No injuries were reported.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Halifax Inn Fire Stopped

On October16, 2022, crews were dispatched to a reported fire at the Halifax Inn on North RiverRoad. The box was upgraded to a working fire when it was found of smoke from the structure and a confirmed small fire found in a bathroom ceiling. Crews arrived and quickly stretched a line and went to work opening up the ceiling and then putting wateron the fire. As additional crews arrived, assignments were given to check for extension in otherrooms and send manpowerforward.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Medevac for Struck Pedestrian

Reliance Hose Fire Company 21 was called out fora pedestrian struck in the area of Koppys on the Square in Elizabethville on November8, 2022. Upon the arrival of fire and EMS and the evaluation of the victim, EMS requested a medevac. Firefighters cleared the scene and responded to the UpperDauphin High School to establish an LZ. Engine and Rescue 21 as well as Life Team Medic 6-6 along with PSPawaited Life Lions arrival.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Limerick Cleans Fuel Spill

On November24, 2022, at 0918, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a fuel spill at the Wawa on South Township Line Road. Upon arrival, the crews from Squad 51 and Rescue 51 cleaned up the fuel using absorbent. Traffic 51 assisted with directing traffic around the scene.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Tractor-Trailer Flip

Harrisburg crews were called to the US Route 11/15 south to the 22/322 east ramp fora tractor-trailerMVA. Rescue and Traffic 2 found the tractortrailerhad flipped onto its side just priorto entering 22/322 East. Crews assisted with checking forhazards and fluids. Traffic 2 remained on scene as RiverDriverService Centerarrived to begin the task of up-righting and removing the rig and trailer. Newport EMS, PSPand PennDot also assisted.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

3 Extracted at MVA

On November17, 2022, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched at 1106 to assist New HanoverFire Company with a vehicle rescue. Deputy 51 and Rescue 51 responded. Deputy 51 arrived on location, assumed command, and advised there were three subjects to be extricated. Rescue 51 performed stabilization and extrication on the passengerside. All occupants of the vehicles were extracted and treated by EMS units. - Submitted by the Limerick FD

Royersford Puts a Smart Spin on Recruitment

Royersford Fire Company created a three-day “Firefighter for a Day” program. Ten people (including myself) from around the area signed up and participated. Day one, September 22, 2022, consisted of an introduction, getting sized for gear, a short classroom presentation about the deptartment and basic fire knowledge, learning how to unload and operate hoses, and putting on SCBA.

Day 2, September 29, involved gearing up and visiting the grounds of the Royersford EMS station to crawl around in full gear in the neighborhood playground. Next, participants crawled through a makeshift shed smokehouse for search and rescue. After returning to the station, crews and participants pulled hoses, used a hydrant, and dragged the hose through the station before going outside and “attacking.”

On day 3, October 1, the final day of the program, everyone geared up and rode the apparatus to the Skippack Fire Company burn building. There, crews went through a series of evolutions from search and rescue in fake smoke to upgrading with live fire, search and rescue, hose operations, and sitting in front of the fire to see what the heat feels like.

Everyone had a great time stepping into the boots of firefighters and learned a lot along the way. Two participants put in applicatio ns to volunteer at RFD right after the program. As a participant (who is not yet a firefighter), I enjoyed the experience to be in gear and train in real-life scenarios. RFD did a fantastic job with the program, and I believe it is a great way for community members to experience what firefighte rs do and perhaps, even volunteer. - Fire News photos by P.W. & J. Jelski

CHANGE OFCOMMAND ATNFFF

After hearing the recent retirement announcement of Chief Ron Siarnicki as executive director of the National Fallen Firefigh ters Foundation (NFFF), one fire chief said, “Chief Ron Siarnicki has demonstrated the highest degree of dedication and professionalism and leaves a phenomenal legacy with the work he and his team ha ve done for the NFFF.” Many individuals who consider Chief Siarnicki to be the strongest advocate for firefighter safety and health expressed similar sentiments.

As announced in November, Chief Siarnicki will serve as executive director until a new executive director is appointed in early 2023, following a national search conducted by the NFFF Board of Directors. He will remain a full-time employee of the NFFF until December 2023 and then serve as a consultant to the new executive director as needed.

Chief Siarnicki was hired as the NFFF executive director in July 2001 after retiring as chief of the Prince George’s County Fire Department (MD). Throughout the past 21 years, Chief Siarnicki has dedicated himself to honoring American firefighters who have fallen in the line of duty, supporting their families, and working to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury.

The criteria for inclusion at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial have expanded during Chief Siarnicki’s tenure as executive director. However, one thing has remained constant. Chief Siarnicki personally reviews the details of every firefighter’s death before confirmation of inclusion. This equates to more than 2,600 firefighter fatality reports Chief

Siarnicki has reviewed since July 2001. While others in the fire service also review firefighter fatalities, Chief Siarnicki is in t he unique position of also getting to know those firefighters posthumously through conversations with their family members. Shortly after becoming executive director, Chief Siarnicki discussed with other fire service leaders the importance of addressing firefighter safety proactively rather than reactively. This forethought led to the expansion of the NFFF’s mission in 2004 to include working to reduce preventable firefighter fatalities and injuries. It also was the catalyst for the historic 2004 Firefighter Life Safety Summit, commonly called the “Tampa Summit.” This summit resulted in two of Chief Siarnicki’s many lasting legacies: the Everyone Goes Home Program and the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives.

Chief Siarnicki has witnessed firsthand the impact of line-of-duty deaths on family members, firefighters, and entire communities. His actions over the past two decades demonstrate his commitment to the families of fallen firefighters — and to preventing the addition of more names to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Find out more about Chief Siarnicki by watching his videos on NFFF’s Legacies in Leadership profiles, including how he became NFFF’s executive director two months before September 11 here: www.legaciesinleadership.com/author/rsiarnicki.

Become an Exhibitor today and join the world’s leading manufacturers and representatives of Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Rescue, and Public Safety Equipment at the 2023 FIRE EXPO on May 19 and 20, 2023, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA!

Benefits of participating in FIRE EXPO include visibility of yo ur products and services by thousands of fire and EMS professionals, face-to-face networking with attendees who are qualified to purchase, cost-effective platform to meet customers and prospects across two days, opportunities to see what other manufacturers and suppliers are doing in the industry, and more.

We are excited to offer new special features to include trainings, live demos, chances to win giveaways in each exhibit hall, and speakers! Our goal is for exhibitors and guests to have an amazing experience and that includes having the opportunity to see a variety of products, services and apparatus in all areas of the show.

Visit www.lcfa.com/fire-expo for more information, to register, and to view the 2023 layout. For questions and more information, please reach out to expo@lcfa.com or 717-581-5469 ext. 222 or choose option 3.

We hope to see you at the 2023 FIRE EXPO!

FIRE EXPO is sponsored by the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. All proceeds from the exhibition are used to support Lancaster County firefighters and emergency services personnel with education, training, and related programs and services.

Gettysburg National Battlefield

Fire Expo at CenterSquare FC in Blue Bell

On October7, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s allvolunteercrew took Tanker66 down Skippack Pike to Blue Bell fora Fire Expo hosted by Centre Square Fire Company. It was great to see so many families out and involved as we kicked off Fire Prevention Month. We had a great time showing off Tanker 66 and seeing all of the otherapparatus and activities. Thanks for the invite and fora great event. - Fire News photos

- Fire News photos by Shane Shifflett

by Ted Hodgins

Fire Prevention Week, Next Generation Visit

Next Generation made a scheduled stop at Perkiomen Township Fire Company on October7, 2022, fora fire prevention overview during Fire Prevention Month. The group enjoyed the presentation and had some great questions. Even the adults learned a few things. Aftera tourof the apparatus, they had lunch at the pavilion next door.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Fire Prevention Expo at King of Prussia

On October12, 2022, Perkiomen Township’s Tanker66 travelled to King of Prussia to Swedesburg VolunteerFire Company’s Fire Prevention Expo. There were some great demonstrations and fire safety information, including a visit from the PennStarhelicopter. Thanks forthe invite and a great event.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Gratz 1st Annual Holiday Parade

Up Close &Personal

1st annual Holiday Parade in Gratz was held on November26, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

FirefighterBoyle from the Veterans Affairs ButlerFire Department preparing to fight a two-alarm residential fire in the City of Butleron December20, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Allison Hook & LadderInstallation

Pennsylvania Fire CommissionerChas McGarvey served as Installing Officerat the December2022 meeting of the Allison Hook and Ladder Company 2. Cosgrove Jones was elected President. Mike Kraska was elected Captain. Otherofficers pictured (left to right) are John Peskie Trustee; T.J. Wolcott, Secretary; Brad Myers, 2nd Vice President; Presid ent Jones; Steve Austin 1st Vice President; Captain Kraska; TylerLloyd, Fi rst Lieutenant; and Jason Lloyd, Firemen’s Relief Delegate. (Not pictured is Don Moorhead, 2nd Lieutenant.) President Jones intends to maintain the course set by the late Barry Buskey who oversaw the return of the Allison to active status in the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. Captain Kraska indicated he will seek to recruit firefighters forthe company and will expand training opportunities formembers. CommissionerMcGarvey stressed the importance of firefighterhealth and safety forall of the firefighters in the Commonwealth in wake of the tragic events of the week in Pennsylvania.

New Hanover Santa Run

New HanoverFire Company did theirSanta Run around New Hanover Township recently. Santa and his helpers did a fantastic job spreading holiday cheer(and candy canes) throughout the township.

- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

LowerMacungie Township Fire Department Open House

Annual Holiday Express

UpperDauphin human services held its annual holiday express forless fortunate parade and toy donation delivery.

-Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

The LowerMacungie Township Fire Department open house was held October8, 2022. - Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

- Fire News photo by Steve Austin

Obituaries

Fire Chief William (Bill) Maciorowski

Fire Chief William ‘Bill’Maciorowski, 55, of Avoca, passed away unexpectedly on October 27, 2022, at the Westpfalz Hospital, Kaiserslautern, Germany, where he was stationed as Fire Chief of the Rhineland Pfatz Fire Department. He was born and raised in Avoca on April 21, 1967 and was the son of John Maciorowski and the late Frances (Nolan) Maciorowski, who died January 1st, 2007.

Bill was a graduate of Pittston Area High School class of 1985. He grew up as a proud volunteer firefighter with the Avoca Hose Company 1 (Station 112). Chief Maciorowski started his professional career in 1997 as an Air Force Firefighter serving in Vogelweh, Germany and Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. He later served as Deputy Fire Chief for Fort Lee Fire and Emergency Services of Fort Lee, Virginia. Once he completed his service to his country, he worked for Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Schriever AFB Colorado Springs, 102nd Fighter Wing Fire and Emergency Services, Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, and found a home with the Department of Army in 2007 as an Assistant

Fire Chief at Fort Drum, NY.

Chief Maciorowski took on more responsibility as the Deputy Fire Chief at Fort Lee, VA and was promoted to lead the Fort Leavenworth Fire Department as the Fire Chief in 2013. Chief Maciorowski always wanted to finish his career where he started. In April of 2021, he was selected to lead one of the Army’s largest and most diverse fire departments in Germany. Chief Maciorowski had many accomplishments throughout his career and his mentorship inside and outside of the government will be everlasting.

In addition to his father, Chief Maciorowski is survived by his brother John, Jr., of Duluth, MN and his sister Christine and her husband Edward Zarnowski, of Canton, PA. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews; Kaitlyn, Cailley, and Riley Zarnowski, his aunt Catherine Gatto and her husband Nick of Duryea, his aunt Mary Stupak of Connecticut, and many cousins.

- Submitted by John Cudo, Northeastern Pennsylvania Volunteer Firemen’s Federation Publicity Committee Chairman

Penn Hills’Nicholas A. Theofilis

Penn

EMTs, paramedics, firefighters and police from around the region

to say their goodbyes at a

service held at St. Susanna

Church. he was then escorted to his final resting spot in a Penn Hills cemetery.

Nick was well loved in both the emergency services community an d

Nick

Hills Paramedic and Firefighter Nicholas A. Theofilis was laid to rest on December 3, 2022, after he was killed in a motor vehicle accident involving the Penn Hills ambulance he was driving on November 27, 2022. He was 23.

gathered

funeral

Catholic

the community. Nick started his EMS career at White Oak EMS. On ce he become a Paramedic, he fulfilled his dream of serving his community with Penn Hills EMS. Nick was also a member of the Rosedale Fire Department in Penn Hills.

is survived by his parents, Peter and Lori Theofilis, brother Max Theofilis, paternal grandmother, Angela ‘Yia Yia’Theofilis and maternal grandmother Delores Patrizi, numerous aunts, uncles, a nd cousins.

- Fire News photos by Fire Due Photography

Obituaries

President Barry J. Buskey Allison Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2 Passes Away

By Dave Houseal-HFD and Allison Historian

It is with deep regret and sorrow that the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire and the Allison Hook and Ladder Company announces the death of a real legend. Retired Driver/Operator/Firefighter Barry J. Buskey. Barry passed in his sleep, October 22, 2022

Born to a Harrisburg firefighting family, his father, the late Joseph F. Buskey was appointed on Dec 1, 1942. Barry’s fire department roots go back to the glory days of the early 1900s through 1930s with many family members active with the old Susquehanna Engine 9 on South Cameron Street. Grandparents Emmanuel Bowman and Fred Longfelt, who lived in the old 1st Ward below Sycamore Street and for decades drove the big white horses and then the motorized steamer and hose wagon.

Barry joined the Allison Hook & Ladder No.12 on South 14th Street. Following a stint of active duty in the U.S. Army, “B.J.” hired out to the city working for the Electrical Bureau as an electrician. Following successfully passing the Civil Service exam he and the late Donny Conway were hired by Fire Chief Robert Houseal, Sr. on September 10, 1966. He was given Badge No. 4.

My grandfather was an avid truckman and always assigned his new hires to his three ladder companies. BJ and Conway were both sent up to the Reily firehouse (today’s fire museum) as riders on Ladder 3. Barry enjoyed his time on B shift at the Reily but as fire activity increased dramatically, he transferred to Squad 1 in November 1968 when several openings occurred. Ayear later, he was re-assigned by Fire Chief Elmer Shover to Allison working on Ladder 2.

This was at a time in Harrisburg’s history when our “War Years” were now full of run and fire activity. With vastly

improved fireground tactics evolving, Assistant Chief Charles ‘Chet’ Henry was pacing the whole department through an extensive training program. Chief Henry quickly saw in Barry and John Brindle, Sr., leadership capabilities and a strong desire to learn as well as assist in training, and both firemen became deeply involved as fire instructors in and outside the Bureau of Fire.

In 1971, Harrisburg purchased Tower 1, the first of many Mack Aerialscopes. Like a sponge he quickly learned everything he could on the operation and maintenance of these tremendously rugged aerial trucks. Following Tower 1’s arrival, BJ was assigned as principal training instructor on the new Tower 1.

Following Chet’s retirement in 1976, Barry opted for a change and bid over to C Platoon, driving Engine 14 from his favorite firehouse; the Allison. Two years later following the tragic death of tillerman Bill Corish, Barry bid down to the Hope No. 2 in the tiller seat behind Driver George Davis on the 1967 American LaFrance 100’ aerial truck staying on C Platoon.

In this period of his career, Barry’s dynamic personality and strong leadership ability surfaced to the forefront of the Bureau of Fire when he was elected as President of IAFF Local 428 at the end of 1978. Leading his negotiating team, through an Act 111 arbitration hearing, Local 428 was awarded a reduction in working hours from 48 to 42 hours per week and added a fourth platoon (D) to handle those reduced hours on a new schedule.

During Barry’s tumultuous four years as President, the city was extremely close to filing for bankruptcy when a young Stephen R. Reed took office of Mayor for his first term. Led by Barry’s strong leadership, the Bureau of Fire membership worked hard during 1982 canvasing every neighborhood in the city gathering well over 50,000 signatures on petitions against any layoffs of firefighters. On the evening of December 9, Barry led hundreds of off-duty firefighters supported by local volunteer firemen, family and friends, marching from the Paxton fire-

house to City Hall where they presented their case to city council. Due to his tenacity, no member of the Fire Bureau ever got a ‘layoff notification.’

During BJ’s tenure as President, he worked at Engine 8, Engine 11 and Ladder 1. With the closure of the Paxton in January 1983, Barry bid driving Tower 1 again on the C Platoon now out of Station 2.

For the next two years Barry’s leadership, persuasive ability and persistence working with the Reed administration resulted in re-opening the downtown Paxton firehouse on February 24, 1986.

Following his four-year tenure as Local 428’s President, Barry was elected to the Presidency of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association (PPFFA), representing nearly all of the career IAFF locals, throughout the Commonwealth. Spending more time now on Harrisburg’s Capitol Hill than in the firehouse, BJ was very instrumental as a lobbyist working with legislatures of both parties crafting important legislation such as sorely needed pay increases to older firemen and widows on meagre pensions to cancer presumption.

When the Paxton reopened in 1986, Barry bid the driving job on a newly arrived 1985 Sutphen 95foot aerial tower on the C Platoon. He wheeled the big tower-ladder until he retired from the Fire Bureau on December 17, 2000.

While PPFFAPresident, Barry made his only attempt at a higher union office in 1996 but was narrowly defeated in a run for the IAFF 4th District Vice Presidency. Following his retirement from the HFD in 2000, he remained as PPFFA’s President until his retirement from his position in 2004,

following an unprecedented 20 years wielding the gavel.

Barry however, would always remain deeply involved in some capacity with the fire service. Being one of the last remaining living members of the old and proud Allison Hook & Ladder No. 2, he along with Jason Lloyd and others quietly worked to re-invigorate the company and continued to tap the Allison gavel as the company’s President, rebuilding the company into what it is today as the most active and prominent of the last three remaining Harrisburg volunteer companies.

On a personal note, I met Barry in the early 1970s. When Progress’brand new Mack Aerialscope arrived in late 1974, Barry was our instructor. He quickly became one of my true mentors. The following year I was appointed to the Fire Bureau and worked with BJ on the C Platoon. His mentorship continued in other ways, not just in the firehouse but also as a wonderfully respectful human being. In 1989, I won the election to be President of Local 428, and with little experience in labor affairs, BJ quickly took me under his wing and continued his mentoring.

During the past months, with his health declining, it would only be a matter of time until the final phone call or email arrived. Now with great sadness, a heavy heart and yes, more than a few tears, I note the passing of the last great mentor of my life’s many lessons.

My sincere and deepest condolences to Roberta, Mike and the Buskey family.

Rest in peace, Big Brother. We’ll see you again someday.

- Submitted by Steve Austin

NewtoTHEM

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.