Fire news pa 2014

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Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 2014

A fast moving fire that extended into the common attic area in Juniata Terrace Borough on March 27, 2014. Please turn to page 38 for the full story.

-Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

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Fire News Welcomes All to Harrisburg North Hall, Booths 704-705 -Fourth Annual Pennsylvania Edition-

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Fire News 2014, Page 3

In this issue...

Structure Compromised in Susquehanna Blaze Susquehanna fire companies arrived on location to a fully involved two-story house fire.

See story page 7

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713

Coulda’ Been Worse in Avis Boro Firefighters from eight companies in Clinton and Lycoming Counties fought the stubborn blaze for over an hour.

See story page 8

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

Burnham 2-Alarm Firefighters responded to a second alarm house fire on 3rd Avenue in Burnham on January 9, 2014.

See story page 15

Big Blaze in Butler Numerous stations were recently dispatched to a house fire on 2nd Street in the City of Butler.

See story page 17

Snow Collapses Roof at WGAL TV Station A collapsed roof forced evacuation of the building and temporarily knocking the local news channel off the air on.

See story page 32

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Fire House Birthday Party at LTFD South Station Each year, the American Heart Association Heart Ball campaign auctions a “Birthday at the Firehouse.”

See story page 36

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Year in Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 33-34 Family Corner

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Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . .pages 40 & 41 Industry News

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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 LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

This issue of Fire News Is Dedicated to Following Pennsylvania Firefighters who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in 2013 or 2014 Claudia J. Sokol • Diligence Fire Co. No.1 Michael R. Goodwin, Sr. • Philadelphia FD Rodney P. Miller • Loganville Fire Co. Bruce L. Sensenig Quentin • Volunteer Fire Co. Blaine W. Wildnauer, Jr. • Fox Township Volunteer FD Russ “Rooster” D. Gow, III • Factoryville FD “Lance” E. Wentzel • Youngwood Volunteer FD

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

CFSI:

Making a Difference Once again, the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminar was a well-attended event and showed the strength and commitment of the fire service in making sure our leaders in government support us. Thanks to Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, Congress has been made aware of the concerns and the current needs of the fire service.

From April 30-May 1, 2014, our leaders in Washington, D.C. stood before 2000 dinner guests and witnessed first-hand the dedication and commitment that you have in supporting our friends in government who support the fire service. Despite pressing issues like the war in Afghanistan and health care legislation, our friends in Washington let us know that the firerescue and emergency services is a concern that is not forgotten.

Quoting Bill Webb, “The reason the fire service has received over $5 billion in direct federal support since 2000 is because the organizations have remained united in their support of the program and the overall needs of the fire service.” As Winston Churchill once said, “There is only one thing worse than fighting with your allies and that’s fighting without them.”

Thank you to the members of the fire service who have undertaken the mission to work with the CFSI and to understand how the political process works, so we can continue to work together to make sure that our government does not forget about us. Thank you Bill Webb and his board and staff, and to the members of the fire service who have given up their time to be the watchdogs for you, the first responder.

On a bitter note; all of us were saddened when Ex-Chief Robert “Bobby” Knight from Long Island, suddenly passed away while attending this year’s conference. An Ex-Chief and Charter Member of the Sayville Fire Department, Bobby Knight was “CFSI.” He lived to make sure all responders throughout the country were well represented in Washington, D.C. I feel blessed that I knew Bobby. I will miss his smiling face, his jovial greetings and most of all his dedication to the fire service. He truly was an inspiration to those that knew him as a firefighter and as a liaison to our friends in government. I know that at next year’s CFSI dinner, Bobby will be looking down at everyone from the floor above and guiding everyone to make the right decisions for the fire-rescue and emergency services. Rest in peace Chief! …Dennis

ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFICE OF PA FIRE COMMISSIONER HONORED AT CFSI DINNER The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) honored the Office of the State Fire Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a unique partnership between the Oklahoma Council on Firefighter Training and INTEGRIS Heart Hospital as the co-recipients of the 2014 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.

The awards were presented at the 26th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on May 1, 2014 in Washington, DC. Named after retired Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, a strong advocate for our nation’s fire and emergency service personnel during his 36-year career in Congress, the award recognizes organizations for their outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters of the award program.

Under the leadership of Edward A. Mann, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner developed and implemented the first LODD training course in Pennsylvania. The “Courage to be Safe” program is now a mandatory training requirement for every fire service member in the Commonwealth. Recognizing the value of the training program to firefighter health and safety, the Fire Commissioner’s office has been making grants available to departments that have completed the program.

In addition, Commissioner Mann has been a vocal advocate for firefighter health and safety both in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, delivering the “Everyone Goes Home” message in his presentations.

CFSI President Bill Jenaway and NFFF Chairman Dennis Compton issued a joint statement recognizing the three organizations for their work. “We applaud these organizations for their achievements in addressing firefighter health and safety. For Commissioner Mann and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, this award recognizes a long-term commitment and dedication to the health and safety of the Pennsylvania fire service.”

- Fire News photo by Claudia Garner

THANK YOU! 80,000 for the likes!

(Let’s make it 100,000!)

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Car Fire in Philadelphia

Van Goes in East Pennsboro

In early May 2014, Philadelphia firefighters from Engine 22 and Ladder 31 were called to the scene of a vehicle fire, on Woodhaven Road near Knights. Police were not on scene so blocking and safety was handled by civilians until the ladder and police showed up.

No injuries were reported but the vehicle was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

On March 3, 2014, Box 21-02 toned out for a reported van fire on Erford Road in the Overlook Apartment complex in East Pennsboro Township. While units were en route, the box was upgraded to a van on fire five feet from an apartment building.

Engine 2-21 (Creekside) arrived to smoke showing and laid a supply line to side C where a commercial van was fully involved and threatening a minivan. Two lines were pulled to knock down the bulk of the fire. There was no extension to the building.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News 2014, Page 7

Structure Compromised in Susquehanna Blaze

On April 13, 2014, Susquehanna fire companies were dispatched to inside crews were evacuated due to a compromised structure. The the 3500 block of Elmerton Avenue for a house fire. Crews arrived fire was knocked down in 15 minutes with extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb on location to a fully involved two-story house. Firefighters stretched lines for interior operations and, after a brief attack,

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Coulda’ Been Worse in Avis Boro

Recently, thick black smoke billowed over the Borough of Avis and stubborn blaze for over an hour. The flames were kept from spreadflames were shooting through the roof as firefighters arrived on the ing to two gasoline tanks and some acetylene tanks.

- Fire News photos by Paul Garrett scene of a fire on West Central Avenue in the borough. Firefighters from eight companies in Clinton and Lycoming Counties fought the

Fire Guts Bath Home

On March 3, 2014, firefighters responded to a fire which caused severe damage to a Bath residence.

- Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner

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Fire News 2014, Page 9

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Jersey Shore House Goes

Tough Bethlehem Blaze Beaten

On March 3, 2014, firefighters responded to a porch fire on Locust Street in Jersey Shore and were met with flames engulfing the front of the home. Firefighters from as far away as Dunnstown and Waterville helped the first responders from Jersey Shore's two fire companies control the fire. Other companies on scene included Antes Fort, Nippenose Valley, and Woodward Twp Volunteer fire companies. The firefighters battled the blaze for about an hour and at one point were withdrawn due to a possible collapse.

- Fire News photo by Paul Garrett

On February 9, 2014, Bethlehem fire crews received multiple alarms for a fire at a two-story taxpayer on East Broadway. The fire raged out of control for several hours, spreading to two exposure buildings before being brought under control.

- Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner

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Stubborn Blaze in Swatara Twp.

On March 17, 2014, Box 49-2 sent Swatara Township fire companies to Paxton Street at Monroe Mufflers for a structure fire. First arriving units were met with heavy smoke showing from a one-story auto repair facility with an exposure problem on the D side.

Command 49 requested a second alarm to the scene. Engine 49 (Swatara Township) laid a line to the rear of the structure where lines were stretched for an interior attack. Trucks 32 (Progress) and 50 (Steelton) took a position on side A along with Engine 6

(Harrisburg City) where lines were established for an exterior operation. After a brief interior attack, conditions deteriorated and crews switched to defensive operations. Handlines, blitzfires and master streams poured water on the blaze for over an hour to fully extinguish it. Haz Mat officials also responded to the scene for concerns of water runoff into the Paxton Creek. The fire destroyed the building of origin but did not extend into the exposure.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Susquehanna House Fire

Busy 10 Days in Swatara

On April 14, 2014, Box 37-3 toned out Susquehanna fire companies for a reported structure fire in the 4400 block of Fargreen Road in Company 37’s first-due area. Engine 37 arrived to heavy smoke showing from a one-story, occupied dwelling and laid a line to side B of the structure. Command 37 requested the balance of the first alarm assignment. Reports of entrapment proved to be negative after a quick primary search. Three handlines were used to knock down the bulk of the fire that burned through a portion of the roof.

No injuries were reported in the blaze that heavily damaged the structure and took 35 minutes to bring under control.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On March 23, 2014, Box 49-2 toned out Swatara Township firefighters to Paxton Street at the Scottsdale Plaza for a reported working structure fire. Command 49 had an electrical fire to the rear of a one-story strip mall that was partially under renovation.

A full first-alarm assignment was requested to the scene. Due to the electrical nature of the fire companies stretched lines and set up aerial operations but had to wait for PP&L to shut down service before companies moved in with a handline on the roof to knock down the fire. Members opened to check for extension before placing the fire under control in about 45 minutes. This was the fifth working structure fire in 10 days that involved companies from the Swatara Township area.

- Fire News photo Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News 2014, Page 13

Barn Fire in Waterville

Fire Doused at Autohaus

Watson Township resident, Paul Stitzer, is no stranger, to responding to fire calls. However on a recent Saturday afternoon the Fire Police Captain with the Waterville Volunteer Fire Company had to make the 911 call himself when the tractor he was working on in his barn accidentally caught fire. Independent Hose Company Fire Chief Robert Cowfer, was one of the first firefighters on the scene.

Tankers from Independent Hose, and Citizens Hose from Jersey Shore along with Antes Fort, Avis, Woodward, Nippenose Valley and Waterville volunteer fire companies, were called to shuttle water to the scene due to its remote location. It took firefighters approximately 40 minutes to contain the stubborn blaze, mostly because of wood stored in the top section of the barn.

- Fire News photo by Paul Garrett

Firefighters were dispatched to a Manheim Township business after fire was spotted in a dumpster. Units were sent to the Autohaus car dealership on Manheim Pike on February 25, 2014.

The fire was contained to a large construction dumpster underneath an exterior awning. The fire did not extend into the structure, but firefighters checked the room area above the dumpster for any signs of fire extension.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

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Six Displaced in Highspire Fire

Two Perish in Lower Allen Twp. Fire

On March 13, 2014, Box 55-1 sent fire companies to the 600 block of Second Street in Highspire for a fully involved structure fire.

Chief 55-1 reported a column of smoke from two blocks out.

Engine 55 arrived at a one-story, single family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the rear. A full first-alarm assignment was requested. Companies went in service with an aggressive attack on the fire using multiple handlines. Additional crews assisted with roof ventilation and checked for extension. The bulk of the fire was extinguished in about 20 minutes with extensive mop up operations. Six occupants were displaced and the home was a total loss.

Units on scene: Engines 41 (Bressler), 55, 55-1 (Highspire), 59-1 (Lower Swatara), Truck 50 (Steelton), 456 (Chambers Hill), Rescue 40 (Paxtang), 88 (Middletown), Air 41 (Bressler).

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On March 3, 2014, Box 12-03 sent West Shore area fire companies to 18th Street and Carlisle Road in Lower Allen Township for a house fire. First arriving units encountered a working fire in a twostory, single family dwelling. Companies made an aggressive attack on the fire but the first floor collapsed into the basement making entry difficult. Heavy fire consumed the basement and was extending throughout the structure. Command 12 requested a second alarm bringing in mutual aid from York and Dauphin Counties to the scene. Several handlines, blitzfires and a master stream from Harrisburg Tower 3 attacked the fire for almost an hour before bringing the flames under control. Two occupants were located in the rubble after excavation equipment was brought in to assist firefighters with search and rescue efforts.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Firefighters responded to a second alarm house fire on 3rd Avenue in Burnham on January 9, 2014.

Chief Matt Harpster was the Incident Commander.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

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3-Alarmer in Carlisle Boro

On January 30, 2014, units were dispatched to W. North Street in Carlisle Borough for a house fire. Engine 1-41 (Union-Carlisle) arrived to heavy fire showing from the first floor of an unoccupied, semi-attached dwelling. As companies were gearing up for an interior attack, Command requested the second-alarm assignment.

Multiple attack lines were stretched into the fire building and exposures. The fire extended to the second floor and attic area of the fire building and the attic of the exposure before the flames were extinguished. The fire went to three alarms and was battled by many central Cumberland County fire companies.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News 2014, Page 17

Big Blaze in Butler

Recently, City of Butler Station 1, City of Butler Chief 1, Veterans Affairs Fire Department Station 38, Butler Ambulance Service Station 99, and Butler City Police were dispatched to 2nd Street in the City of Butler for a reported house fire. Butler Ambulance 99-2 was on location within a minute, followed by City of Butler Engine 1 and Engine 1-2. Chief 1 (Bann) arrived and took command, requesting a second alarm which brought in all off-duty city shifts.

Veterans Affairs Engine 38 arrived on location and was put to work

assisting city firefighters. City of Butler Truck 1 raised its ladder to the roof. Heavy smoke conditions were evident on the 3rd division of the structure with moderate fire conditions visible on the Charlie side of the structure. Chief 1 evacuated all members and put the ladder pipe in operations on the 3rd division. Fire was darkened down and members went back inside to continue attack. Mercer Road Station 6 and South Butler Station 7 were covering.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

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Plant Explosion Gas Explosion at in Steelton Standard Steel

On February 2, 2014, Box 501 dispatched units from Steelton, Bressler, Harrisburg and Paxtang to assist Station 73 (ArcelorMittal) with an explosion and fire at the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Steelton. Engine 73 arrived on location to a two-story brick and cinderblock building with heavy fire and smoke showing. Additional companies from Swatara Township and Middletown were requested to the scene. Several master streams were deployed to knock down the bulk of the fire. No injuries were reported in the explosion and subsequent fire which is believed to have been caused by a natural gas leak.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire companies responded to an explosion from a gas leak in a locker room at the Standard Steel Plant Burnham in Mifflin County on March 12, 2014. Major structure damage occurred. One burn patient was flown to Lehigh Valley Burn Center.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

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Fire News 2014, Page 19

DĂŠjĂ Vu in Harrisburg

On March 23, 2014, Box 1-4 was dispatched for a reported abandoned house fire on Hummel Street in the Allison Hill district.

Captain 2 (Miller) requested the balance of the first-alarm assignment bringing Wagon 3, Tower 2, York Co. Rescue 69 and Air 13 to the scene. Squad 8 arrived and reported smoke showing from a row of 2-1/2 story wood framed dwellings. Heavy fire was issuing from the rear and extending to the exposures on both sides. Command requested an additional truck, quickly followed with the full second alarm. Several handlines were stretched into the dilapidated build-

ings where the bulk of the fire on the first floor was knocked down in about 10 minutes. A partial collapse in the rear accompanied with fire travelling through the void spaces into the exposures and the roof hampered firefighting efforts. The fire displaced one occupant and severely damaged at least three row homes. This fire occurred in the same group of row homes where a January 7, 2014, firstalarm blaze displaced an occupant who was using a stove to keep warm.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fatality in Butler Fire

On March 8, 2014, City of Butler Station 1, City of Butler Chief 1, Veterans Affairs Fire Dept Station 38, Butler Ambulance Service Station 99 and City of Butler Police t were dispatched for a residential structure fire with a person possibly trapped. Firefighters arrived within minutes and requested a second alarm, which brought in all off-duty City of Butler firefighters. Firefighters attempted an aggressive interior attack and search but were pulled from the structure and went into a defensive mode. After 30 minutes firefighters were able to enter and found a 22-year-old victim in a bedroom on the 2nd division of the structure.

Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and Butler County Coroner were called to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

FireNews.com

Clutter Kills Father, Son in Philadelphia Fire

A father and son, described by authorities as hoarders, were killed during a fast moving fire on Salina Place in Philadelphia. The blaze was extinguished quickly, but the fire was fed by an excessive amount of clutter. Firefighters spent hours at the scene doing overhaul and tossing junk from the window.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Fire News 2014, Page 21

Fire Destroys Home on Easter Sunday

Blue Rock Fire Rescue, Lancaster Township, Mountville, Columbia and Rohrerstown firefighters fought an Easter Sunday fire on April 20, 2014. Crews arrived to find the side and roof of the home fully engulfed in flames. The $300,000 fire that destroyed one home and damaged two others in Manor Township, started in mulch outside the row of townhouses. The fire originated on Ramsgate Lane, outside an end unit in the Charleston Townhouses development off

Manor Boulevard. Lancaster Township Truck 66 initially hit the flames with a master stream before an interior attack was mounted.

Within minutes firefighters were ordered to evacuate the home when the roof began to collapse. Crews knocked down the remainder of the fire from the exterior. The fire caused extensive damage to one unit and substantial damage to the second floor of an adjacent home.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

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MVA in Upper Saucon An Upper Saucon surgical team was called to scene of a tractor trailer MVA on February 14, 2014.

- Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner

4-Car MVA in Millersville Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to Millersville Pike and Green Hills Lane for an accident with possible entrapment on March 25, 2014. Lancaster County Wide Communications received multiple calls of a car on top of another car with someone trapped inside one. Manheim Township And Millersville Boro police arrived and found all occupants had exited the vehicles. One person sustained a head injury. The accident was determined to be in Millersville Boro and the incident was turned over to Millersville Boro Police and Blue Rock Fire Rescue.

A total of four vehicles were involved in the accident.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Working Together in Bristol In mid-April 2014, firefighters from Bristol Township responded to a DUI crash after the driver failed to negotiate a curve in the road and flipped, pinning himself against a utility pole on State Road, in the vicinity of Route 413. He was pinned for over 20 minutes before crews from Croydon, Newportville, Bristol Boro and Edgley were able to cut him out with a dash displacement and roof removal.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Nothing Happy About This Valentine’s Day With over 100 vehicles involved in several different accidents on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on Valentine's Day 2014, Bensalem Fire Companies and EMS were busy dealing with the carnage. No one was killed but motorists were stuck for several hours. Fire crews took the apparatus and drove up and down the lanes that were open, handing out snacks and water to stranded motorists. The Turnpike was closed for several hours as the wreckage was cleared.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Fire News 2014, Page 25

Several Injured Fatal Accident in in Harrisburg Pine Creek Twp. MVA

On April 20, 2014, Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Tower 1 and Captain 4 (Wise) to the intersection of S. 13th and Paxton Streets in Harrisburg for an accident with injuries. EMS on location reported heavy entrapment with at least one Class 1 patient. With the updated information, Captain 4 added Engine 6 and Wagon 4 to the box. Companies arrived to a two-vehicle accident in the eastbound lanes of Paxton Street involving a passenger car and SUV with multiple patients. Crews worked for about 15 minutes to complete the extrication.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

EMTs performed CPR on the victim of a single-vehicle accident on Route 220 south in Pine Creek Township on February 1, 2014.

Unfortunately, their attempts failed to revive the victim. Rescue personnel responded to the accident and found a black Ford Explorer pickup in a ditch with the sole occupant lying on the ground alongside the truck. Jersey Shore EMS, Avis Volunteer Fire Company, along with Independent Hose and Citizens Hose responded.

- Fire News photo by Paul Garrett

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Car Crashes But What About Through the Football Cemetery Fence Game?

LTFD responded to an accident at Charles Road and High Street for a vehicle that was reported to have hit a fence on April 12, 2014.

Arriving firefighters found a vehicle had penetrated the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery fence, injuring a passenger in the car.

The vehicle crashed through a section of metal fence surrounding the cemetery and came to rest approximately 100 feet in, atop a grave marker. The driver was not injured but a female passenger was transported to the hospital with neck and back pain which appeared to be non-life threatening.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

While waiting to watch the football game on January 19, 2014, Donald Bradley and Robert Lewis had an unexpected visitor. They settled into chairs in the living room of their Lancaster Township home as the game began, but just minutes after kickoff, the two were jarred from their seats when a vehicle came crashing into the front of the house through the very wall they were sitting against. Miraculously, neither man was hurt.

Lancaster Township Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Usdin said the driver was eastbound on Bean Hill Road when her car traveled onto the lawn, then struck the home on Second Lock Road.

“These guys ... they were really, really lucky,” Usdin said. “When you see where they were and where the car came in — it’s amazing they’re standing here.”

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

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Four-Car Crash on Millersville Pike

A four-vehicle accident injured multiple passengers on Millersville Pike at Pilgrim Drive in Lancaster Township. The April 23, 2014, accident occurred when a gray Honda Civic rear-ended a passenger van on Millersville Pike. Firefighters provided spill control for fluids leaking from the Honda.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Fire News 2014, Page 27

MVA in Bensalem

Recently, the winter cold did not stop volunteers from Bensalem from tending to a crash victim on Woodhaven Road. One vehicle lost control, causing another to hit it. Firefighters provided initial patient support until EMS could arrive.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 28, Fire News 2014

CVVFA

FireNews.com

By Claudia Garner

An Invitation from President Jim Watson Join us at the 113th Annual Convention of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association in the Greater Chambersburg, PA, July 30 to August 1, 2014.

Our family friendly organization is on the cutting edge of fire service leadership.

The CVVFA operates ResponderSafety.com the world’s most comprehensive web portal on roadway incident scene safety training and information. What’s best is that it is free. Our ResponderSafety Learning Network has nearly 11,000 students taking free training modules on line.

Our Firefighter Reputation Management program works hard to protect the good name of the fire service from that small minority of bad actors whose action erodes the high moral ground beneath our feet.

Most importantly we know how to have a good time whether it is at our social events or just meeting new fire service friends from around the country. We’ll cap the weekend off with a parade and festivities on Saturday August 1.

Come join us and learn about our organization. I’m looking forward to meeting you in Chambersburg.

Full information may be found at www. CVVFA.org.

CVVFA

FireNews.com

Fire News 2014, Page 29

By Claudia Garner

NFFF Hosts Tampa2 Summit

Members of CVVFA were among the over 300 delegates from across the country who took part in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Tampa2 Everyone Goes Home Firefighter Life Safety Summit, held in Tampa, Florida, on the 10th anniversary of the first summit where the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives were born.

FireRescue magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Tim Sendelbach, opened day one with a passion to motivate, get everyone engaged in the mission, and open the minds of all. He explained the obvious — the fire service needs change, and we are all responsible to make a difference.

He went on to point out that the discussion starts at the kitchen table, and can generate great ideas. He challenged leadership to change the discussion and help to facilitate progressive and productive conversations to help make a “ripple effect of change.”

Day two was opened with Firefighter/Engineer Dr. David Griffith who shared chain of events that took the lives of nine of the Charleston Fire Department’s bravest through his own person on-scene experience at the Super Sofa Store fire. Griffith shared these painful memories through audio, video and photos that brought all to the scene on that day. The viewpoint of a fireman watching fellow brothers being laid to rest is something that no fireman should have to endure and this is

our motive to change. It is the responsibility of every firefighter, from recruit to chief, to “accept the challenge to change” and be Dr David Griffith sharing the front page of a sad reality. part of the solution.

After being invigorated by each mornings’ keynote speakers with a hard sense of reality, attendees were divided into 10 working groups where they reviewed the 16 FLSIs for their accuracy, effectiveness, and then focused one of 10 ‘hot topics’ in the fire service today. At the end of day two, each group reported out on their topic of focus with a problem statement, potential solutions, and who could lead/assist in the solutions. So many great ideas were presented and shared with NFFF who will begin working on a collaborative report to start reshaping the future.

In the meantime, there are numerous free resources available at www.firehero.org and www.lifesafetyinitiatives.com.

CVVFA Attends CFSI Dinner in Washington DC

CVVFA Reputation Management Team members Candice McDonald and Claudia Garner assisting at the 26th Annual CFSI National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

CVVFA members Jim Watson and Greg Yost share the Responder Safety program.

Page 30, Fire News 2014

TRAINING

FireNews.com

Sharing Knowledge in Philadelphia

Fire Captain Gerald Baldino shows off equipment used by the Philadelphia Fire Department to train the Police SWAT team. The training was done over the winter at the Philadelphia Police Academy. Also pictured is a hostage rescue training exercise.

- Fire News photos by Alex Lloyd Gross

Hoseline Training at LCFA Fire School

Lancaster Township Fire Department held their Monday night training at Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Fire School in West Lampeter on April 14, 2014. Firefighters learned the proper method to pull an attack line from the engine and advance it into the burn building.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

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TRAINING

Fire News 2014, Page 31

Lancaster Township Holds SCBA Exercise

Lancaster Township Fire Department held a SCBA training exercise on March 1, 2014. Firefighters donned their SCBA and were sent through an obstacle course to deplete their air supply. The course began with firefighters stretching a hose line, crawling under a low passage obstacle and finally making their way to the engine bay. As their air cylinder emptied, they were taught to use a R.I.T. rescue cylinder with fellow firefighters. The firefighters were also taught the proper way to maintain their face piece and SCBA. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

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Snow Collapses Roof at WGAL TV Station

Heavy snow and ice collapsed part of the roof at the WGAL Channel 8 studios on Columbia Avenue in Lancaster, forcing evacuation of the building and temporarily knocking the local news channel off the air on February 14, 2014. After Lancaster Township Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin arrived on the scene, he requested the Rescue Task Force Rapid Assessment Team be dispatched to assist. The Assessment Team set up transits to watch marks on the building to watch for additional movements and assisted with other tasks.

The entire Rescue Task Force deployment was requested to stand by as a RIT Team while the structural engineers inspected the building from the interior and over head in Lancaster Township Truck 66 bucket.

With no ability to air their 6 p.m. news, the news team, Kim Lemon, Janelle Stelson, Ron Martin, and meteorologist Joe Calhoun, all bundled

up in overcoats, and did a live broadcast for their Website in front of the building.

According to Steve Roy, assistant chief of Lancaster Township Fire Company, a build-up of melted snow and ice on the roof of the 57-yearold building caused a prestressed concrete support beam to break, damaging the ceiling on the second floor.

Roy said pumps were lowered to the roof from Truck 66, and pumped water off the roof to lighten the load. The water was the result of snow on the roof, melting and being unable to drain off.

- Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

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Fire News 2014, Page 33

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Looking Back to 2013 Fernlee Lane Derry Twp., Mifflin County - November 2013

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Fire News 2014, Page 35

Air on Demand in Philadelphia

Man Drowns in Bristol

While working a chemical fire on Norcom Road, the Philadelphia Fire Department dispatched Air Unit 1 to fill air bottles. The special truck was in service for over an hour. The fire was confined to a mixing room inside a building. It was declared under control in about 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

In April 2014, a man in a small boat fell overboard after attempting to jump waves. Fire crews from Bristol sought help from surrounding areas such as Burlington County (NJ) and Philadelphia.

The New Jersey State Police used boats and helicopters to search for the man, whose body was later recovered.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 36, Fire News 2014

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Heart Association Auctions Fire House Birthday Party

Each year, the American Heart Association Heart Ball campaign auctions a “Birthday at the Firehouse.” LTFD donates their facility to hold the birthday party for the auction winner’s child. This year, Kym Calabretta won the auction for her son, Dane's sixth birthday at the LTFD south station on March 15, 2014. After a short fire prevention presentation by Chief Ron Comfort, Jr., and firefighter

Jen Miler, the children and parents were treated to a fire truck ride on Engine 66-2 while the remaining children operated a hoseline.

Last year, the Heart Ball campaign raised nearly $250,000 for research and programs in their community.

- Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

Attention Pennsylvania Photographers & Public Information Officers Submit your photos and stories for the 2015 Pennsylvania Edition of Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973

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Fire News 2014, Page 37

Taiwanese Student a Volunteer in Pennsylvania Firefighter Hsien Yu-Chu (Alex Chu) volunteered as a firefighter in three different counties while in the United States studying at Penn State University. Chu, as his friends call him, is currently under a one-year contract to teach English in the city of Tainan in Taiwan. Alex is also involved with teaching some of the firefighting skills he learned in the US, while serving as a volunteer with Middletown and United Hook and Ladder departments in New Oxford, Adams County. Alex tried unsuccessfully to gain employment as a career firefighter while still in the states.

- Fire News photo by Steve Roth

Page 38, Fire News 2014

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Cover Story

7-Alarmer in Juniata Terrace

Units arrived to find a fast moving fire that extended into the com- Scott Beers was the incident commander.

- Fire News photos by Pat Shoop mon attic area in Juniata Terrace Borough on March 27, 2014. The fire went to seven alarms-plus special calls from six counties. Chief

FireNews.com

Fire News 2014, Page 39

Family Corner

All in the Family (Left to right): Rosemary Dawley (FF Fairfax VA and United Hook and Ladder ); Richard Dawley (Lt. Fairfax VA); Sean Dawley (FF United Hook and Ladder); Richard Dawley, Jr. (FF Fairfax VA and United Hook and Ladder).

- Fire News photo by Steve Roth

Father and Son Chiefs Penn Township Fire Department, York County Station 49, father and son, Chief 49 and Deputy Chief 49-1.

That’s Jan Cromer (sitting) and Jason Cromer.

- Fire News photo

by Steve Roth

I Got This Dad!!

Lancaster Township Lieutenant Justin Brian and daughter Ava work a handline at a fire prevention event on March 15, 2014.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Page 40, Fire News 2014

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal

Lancaster Township Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin at a fatal house fire in Lancaster City that killed seven people.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Willow Street Lieutenant Mike Stoltzfus at a fatal house fire in Lancaster City that killed seven people.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lampeter firefighter Shawn Alexander during a car fire on Long Lane in Willow Street.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Chief Matt Harpster was the Incident Commander to a secondalarm house fire on 3rd Avenue in Burnham on January 9, 2014.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

A Palmer Township firefighter working a house fire on Leeman Street in the township.

- Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner

Hanover Fire Department and Penn Township Fire Department career staff (A-Shift) of York County stations 46 and 49.

- Fire News photo by Steve Roth

FireNews.com

Fire News 2014, Page 41

Up Close & Personal

Fire Police Captains Don Bliestein and Alex Gross take a break after a community event in Bristol Township.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Lehigh firefighters working a fire at the Jiffy Lube on Lehigh Street in Salisbury.

- Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner

Bendersville Fire Department Company 7 members with the air bags used in extrications.

- Fire News photo by Steve Roth

Members of the Lancaster Township Fire Department at a recent SCBA training exercise.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Firefighters responding to a porch fire on Locust Street in Jersey Shore.

- Fire News photo by Paul Garrett

Penn Township Fire Department career staff (C-shift).

- Fire News photo by Steve Roth

Page 42, Fire News 2014

FireNews.com

FF1 OPENS NEW CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS NEW BUILDING OFFERS DOUBLE-PLUS SPACE FF1 Professional Safety Services has been on the search for a new and permanent location for their Corporate Headquarters and it has finally been found! The new official Headquarters for FFI will be 34 Wilson Drive in Sparta, New Jersey. This will be an easy transition for the staff and customers as the new building is about 1,000 feet away from the current office. Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2014) was the “Go Live” date for the new facility which will especially cater to the Service and Apparatus Division of FF1.

“The company is expanding every year,” said Jonathon Van Norman, Owner and President at FF1 Professional Safety Services.

“We have literally outgrown every office we have been in. It was time to find a big place with the option of expansion and this new building has me very excited!”

The old facility had only 4500 square feet of space and the new Headquarters will allow us to house over a dozen administrative staff members with 10,000 square feet. The most appealing part of the new facility is the warehouse space.

“We could barely fit a van, let alone a fire truck” said Jason Van Norman, Vice President and General Manager at FF1. “Now we can bring in a truck, turn it around and still fit in a second piece of apparatus and not impede the service team.”

One of the biggest changes with the new Headquarters will be not having a walk-in showroom. “We love that first responders can walk into our stores, grab what they need and be on their way,” said Bryan

Crawford, Retail and Marketing Director. “The new building is incredible, and we are absolutely looking for ways to re-open the showroom in the near future.”

For now, customers that are used to walking into the Sparta showroom can head just 15 minutes south to the Roxbury showroom. Customers needing service on parts and products will be able to drive to the rear of the new HQ and speak directly with our Service Team on site.

About FF1 Founded in 2005, FF1 Professional Safety Services is a premier provider for Fire, EMS and Police supplies across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The company offers a wide range of products and services including MSA, Fire-Dex, Ferrara Fire Apparatus, Mustang Survival, Zodiac Milpro, 5.11 Tactical, All American Hose, and MUCH MORE! FF1 also offers a fully staffed Service Division certified to handle gas meter calibrations, flow testing, small engine repairs, hydrostatic testing and the list goes on! We also have a Training Division filled with dozens of experienced firefighters and certified instructors. Founded by an experienced firefighter and chief, we serve the First Responder community with unprecedented levels of experience and efficiency. At FF1 Professional Safety Services you’ll also discover knowledgeable service from a sales team of former firefighters, police and EMS professionals. We have stood in your boots, we know what you need.

For more information: Inside Sales, 973940-3061; Sales@FF1.com; www.FF1.com.