Fire News Pennsylvania edition, May 2019

PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 9, NO. 2

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 MAY 2019

Story on page 43.

-Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

Fire News Welcomes Everyone to the PA Fire Expo Visit us at Booth 704 North Hall -Pennsylvania Edition-

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

St. Patrick’s Day 2-Alarmer On March 17, 2019, a call came in for a reported structure fire in Upper Mahanoy Township.

See story on page 6

No Joke on April Fool’s Day Numerous stations responded to a two-alarm multiple-structure fire.

See story on page 12

Where There’s Smoke...

Crews responded to the 300 block of College Hill Road in East Pennsboro for a call that came in as smoke from a roof.

See story on page 16

Quick Knockdown in Highspire Box 55-1 in Highspire sent multiple companies to Penn Street.

See story on page 20

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Snowy Day MVAs on Rte. 28 Aspinwall responded to two separate vehicle crashes on different sections of Route 28.

See story on page 22

Obituary

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 1 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Etna’s Harry H. Litvaney

See story on page 48

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 36 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 40 & 42 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 49 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 49 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 50

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, NY 11713.

Help Wanted PT/FT Advertising Sales Rep • Great Commission • Flexible Hours/Days

For more info contact: Tim Edwards tim@firenews.com

Page 4, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are We In Changing Times?

The volunteer fire service dates back to January 27, 1678, when the first fire engine company went into service. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia. As cities grew, so did the need for a fire service that could respond quickly and was available 24 hours a day.

When I moved to Long Island, I lived in an area that was just starting to develop.

People from NYC were moving to the suburbs for a quieter and affordable lifestyle. In my case, it wasn’t long before I received a visit from some of my neighbors who were members of my local fire department. They asked me to give thought to joining the fire department. Proudly, I joined my local department and trained diligently so I could hold my own at calls. As the years flew by and my community grew, I soon noticed that the number of volunteers were declining.

How do you maintain a strong recruitment program? In my early years there was a waiting list to join the fire department. Today, times are different and the problems of maintaining a well-staffed and active volunteer

fire service require monitoring by the commissioners and chiefs who run their department with limited budgets.

The number of volunteers in New York have dropped from 120,000 in the late 1990s to 80,000 by 2010. Thanks to the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), a creative recruitment initiative has addressed the problem of recruitment.

FASNY’s RecruitNY program has added upward of 20,000 members to local fire departments. The number of volunteer firefighters has risen to 100,000 as of 2018.

Let’s face facts. When you or anyone in your community has a need for your fire department’s services, you expect to hear sirens responding to help you within minutes after you make the call for help. My department formed a paid EMS section many years ago. When you call 911, a paramedic and two EMTs are heading to the call. We still have a very active group of unpaid professionals who respond to pick up the calls that often follow the first call. Yes, volunteer fire departments are receiving multiple calls throughout the day and the number is signif-

icantly higher than when we first joined our departments.

Changing times call for new ideas that encourage people to seriously think of becoming active volunteers. When someone volunteers they must realize that they are expected to do the job when duty calls. If your department is having difficulty maintaining an active group of volunteer responders, then it is time for discussions to solve the problems that are preventing your trucks from rolling to calls. I urge all departments to discuss ways to recruit and retain new members.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

FF, Civ. Hurt, Pets Perish in New Kensington Blaze On April 4, 2019, all five stations from New Kensington, and Lower Burrell, Arnold 95-1 and Eureka were called to a residential structure fire in New Kensington. An off-duty fireman saw the fire, and entered the house to rescue occupants. Crews arrived and began an aggressive attack, but the structure was a total loss. One firefighter and one occupant sustained injuries, and pets perished in the fire.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Ammo Cooking Off Prevents Interior Attack Fire was reported coming from a house by people walking on the Panhandle Trail on a March workday. Ammunition in the house kept firefighters from an interior attack.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

St. Patrick’s Day 2-Alarmer On March 17, 2019, a call came in for a reported structure fire in Upper Mahanoy Township. County advised of reports of smoke coming from the second floor of a two-story, single-family dwelling along Schwaben Creek Road. The box was quickly upgraded to a second alarm adding additional units. Herndon Tanker 63 was followed by Mahantongo Engine 10-10. Moments later, Klingerstown, Gratz, Pillow, Hickory Corners, East Cameron as well as EMS out of Pitman and Hegins arrived. Rescue 27 Gratz established a fill sight in the village of Greenbriar. Two porta-ponds were set up on scene for the tankers. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire from the A and B sides of the home’s second floor with flames lapping from attic windows. Crews made an aggressive attack halting further progression.

The home suffered severe damage.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

FireNews.com

Coal Twp. 3-Alarmer Draws a Crowd

On April 4, 2019, firefighters responded to West Water Street in Coal Township. Firefighters from 10 volunteer fire companies responded to the three-alarm fire, which displaced three people.

- Fire News photo by Harry Deitz

Fire News, May 2019, Page 7

Total Loss in Butler County

On April 3, 2019, just after 1700, Butler County 911 received calls for a garage fire on Cornetti Road in Clearfield Township in Butler County. The first alarm dispatched Station 10 Herman, Station 9 East Butler and Station 26 Chicora. The first officer reported a commercial structure involved, and a second alarm was requested for tankers. Tankers from Lick Hill Station 8, Saxonburg Station 15, Buffalo Township Station 27 and Worthington Station 250 from Armstrong County were activated. A water supply was established and the fire was darkened down. Units remained on scene for a few hours for overhaul. No injuries were reported, but the building was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Page 8, Fire News, May 2019

Chambersburg Fire

FireNews.com

Bureau of Chambersburg Fire operating on a brush fire next to Knouse Foods. Crews made a quick knockdown as the fire ran the nearby railroad tracks.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Uptown Harrisburg 2-Alarmer At 0110, on February 17, 2019, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Squad 8, Wagon 3, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to Radnor Street, in the city’s Uptown neighborhood, for a structure fire. Wagon 3 and Truck 2 arrived and requested the first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Rescue 69, and Air 13 to the scene. Chief 7 assumed command and advised of two three-story duplexes, with fire on both second floors. Two lines were stretched and Chief 7 requested an additional truck, bringing Truck 32 to the scene.

Chief 7 requested a second alarm at 0125 for county mutual aid. Engines 37 and 30, Truck 50 and 34 and Rescue 91 made up the second alarm assignment. Step gun operations were deployed on side A as heavy fire consumed the upper floors and the unattached B side exposure.

An explosion in the basement sent members scrambling and Chief 7 requested the building be evacuated and issued a Mayday for a missing member. Rescue 69, acting as the RIT, quickly located the firefighter in the rear. Numerous lines were stretched and operated. After companies went back offensive, interior crews reported holes in the hallway on the second floor. The fire left several occupants homeless and occurred just a half-block from a 2017 multiple-alarm fire that claimed the lives of two young girls.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 10, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

N. Whitehall Township Barn Fire Firefighters from North Whitehall Township were dispatched for a barn fire on Clearview Road.

Responding officers reported a header from several miles out. A second alarm was struck bringing in additional companies. As crews arrived they found a fully involved barn. Crews went to work with large water streams from Engine 1211 and Truck 1631. The fire was knocked down within a few minutes of arrival but crews remained on the scene for hours mopping up.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold

3 Displaced by Middletown Fire On February 25, 2019, Box 88-3 toned out at 2317 hours for a house fire on State Street in the Borough of Middletown. The initial box sent Company 88 (Middletown), Engines 59 (Lower Swatara), 71 (HIA), and 74-1 (Elizabethtown).

Chief Fink advised of multiple calls being received for a first alarm assignment.

Engines 54 (Londonderry), 55 (Highspire), Truck 50 (Steelton), and Air 91-2 (Bressler) were added to the box. Chief Fink arrived to a well involved 2-1/2 story, wood frame, single-family dwelling. Engine 88 laid into sides A/D. Two lines were stretched and advanced into the first floor which was heavily involved. The fire rapidly spread to the second floor, and with the interior stair being burned away, companies were forced to evacuate. Engine 88’s deck gun and handlines darkened down the fire so companies could resume interior operations. All access to the second floor came via outside ground ladders. Three adults were displaced in the fire, which heavily damaged the dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Pets Perish, Home Destroyed in Bucks Co. Six cats and a rabbit perished in a house fire in Croydon, Bucks County, in the beginning of April. Firefighters arrived to fire on the second floor, and within minutes, the house was well involved.

One firefighter was taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. The house, located on the 400 block of Cedar Avenue was destroyed. Red Cross Officials have stepped up to help the family. A faulty extension cord in being blamed for the fire.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 11

Duquesne 2-Alarmer Spreads

On April 7, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to South 7th Avenue in the City of Duquesne for a house fire. The caller reported smoke coming from the back door of a vacant home, but arriving police reported a fully involved house. At the same time, Duquesne’s chief reported a large header from the station and, on arrival, requested a second alarm due to heavy fire conditions and exposure issues. The first hydrant ended up not working so the next engine found a secondary hydrant as crews began to attack the fire.

About 30 minutes after dispatch, heavy smoke began to push from an exposure home. Crews made entry and found heavy fire conditions in the attic area.

Crews worked feverishly to contain the fire until the fire was brought under control several hours later.

No one was injured but one person who lived in the exposure home was left homeless. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 12, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

No Joke on April Fool’s Day Stations 121 (Cheswick), 160 (Frazer), 102 (Aspinwall), 112 (Pioneer Hose), 134 (East Deer), 167 (Citizens Hose), 168 (Hilltop Hose), 175 (Rural Ridge), 216 (Oakmont), 233 (Unity), 273 (Springdale), 281 (Eureka), 315 (Allegheny Valley), 348 (CurtissWright Fire Brigade), and 56 (New Kensington) responded to a two-alarm multiple-structure fire. A wall of flame could be seen for miles as a house, a large garage-type storage unit, large shed, and small storage shed were on fire. Propane tanks were heard exploding within one of the structures. Due to a quick response, the house sustained only minor damage, while all other structures were a complete loss.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Dousing a Commercial Fire with Truck 42 Station 4 - The Franklins flowing from the tip of Truck 42 during a commercial building fire.

-Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Apartment 2-Alarmer in Harrison Twp. Just after 0745 on April 22, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to the Sheldon Park Apartments located on Park Avenue in Harrison Township for an apartment fire. Police confirmed a working fire with heavy fire showing from the middle apartment.

Fire crews arrived and began a defensive attack and a second alarm was requested. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews worked for about an hour before the fire was placed under control. A total of three out of four apartments were destroyed. Several people were home at the time but all were able to escape with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 13

Camp Hill Garage Fire

8 Displaced by Carlisle Blaze

On March 28, 2019, Box 14-02 sent Engine Companies 14 (Camp Hill), 13 (West Shore), 10 (New Cumberland), Trucks 14 (Camp Hill), 12 (Lower Allen), Rescues 14 (Camp Hill), 20 (Northeast), and Squad 13 (West Shore) to the 200 blk of North 25th Street in Camp Hill for a garage fire. Chief 14 arrived to fire in a 1-1/2 story, detached garage. Two lines were stretched, knocking down the bulk of fire in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported but the garage and contents were destroyed.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On March 14, 2019, units arrived at the 100 block of South Pitt Street in Carlisle for a structure fire. They found a two-story row home with heavy fire on the back side of the building. A second alarm was requested. The quick response by all departments resulted in keeping the fire from spreading to the adjoining homes on both exposures. The Red Cross assisted the eight people displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart

Page 14, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

FFs Stop WindPushed Fire from Spreading On March 13, 2019, crews were called out for a reported structure fire in the village of Fountain in Hegins Township. County was advised of a structure being fully involved with a secondary structure also involved.

The heavy winds helped fuel the fire, which was consuming two small barn-style structures. It was then noticed that embers from the buildings began a small fire on a nearby home’s wooden deck, and an additional structure. Crews quickly doused the spot fires, then noticed another home across the street had a small fire starting in the attic window area.

Crews rapidly doused the small fire. The two structures were lost, however quick actions of firefighters were able to save the additional homes.

Multiple mutual aid companies assisted. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Quick Work in Penn Hills On a rainy February 17, 2019, crews responded to a structure fire in Penn Hills. Firefighters brought the fire under control in just under 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Collapse at Monroe Co. House Fire Firefighters from Monroe County were dispatched to Maple Terrace Drive for a house fire.

Crews arrived to a heavy fire condition. During the fire, a collapse of an attached garage occurred. Crews were on scene for several hours.

Tankers from Carbon and Northampton Counties also assisted.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

McKeesport Residential Fire

Where There’s Smoke ‌

On March 24, 2019, just after 2100, firefighters were dispatched to the 1100 block of Washington Street in the City of McKeesport for a residential structure fire. Arriving units found smoke showing from the roof of the home and a second alarm was requested.

Crews went to work opening up walls and the roof to get to the fire.

The fire was brought under control in just about an hour, but crews stayed on-scene performing overhaul.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

On March 29, 2019, crews responded to the 300 block of College Hill Road in East Pennsboro for a call that came in as smoke from a roof. On arrival, the call was upgraded to a working fire.

- Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 17

North Braddock 2-Alarmer

House Goes in Hulmeville

On April 25, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to the 1400 block of Grandview Avenue in the Borough of North Braddock for a house fire. Fire crews arrived to heavy smoke coming from the home. An interior attack was quickly established as crews found heavy fire in the basement, running the walls. A second alarm was requested as interior crews continued to fight the fire before bringing it under control. No one was home at the time; however, one cat did perish.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Firefighters from Bristol, Middletown and Bensalem responded to Main Street in Hulmeville Borough for a report of a house on fire.

A full box assignment was dispatched and two engines and two ladders went into service. The house was declared uninhabitable.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 18, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Robinson 2-Alarm House Fire A fire was reported in Robinson in the rear of a home, extending into the structure. The fire went to a second alarm before firefighters could bring it under control.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Bad Night, Bad Place for a Fire At 0400 on April 23, 2019, crews from several companies responded to a fully involved farmhouse fire in Parks Township. With no nearby water source, high winds, and frigid temperatures, firefighters were forced to utilize a defensive attack against this blaze, which took the life of two pets.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

East, West?

It’s Still a Fire Firefighters from the City of Bethlehem were dispatched to a fire on West Union Boulevard.

While companies were responding, the address was updated to be East Union Boulevard. As crews began to work they found fire on multiple floors. A second alarm was ordered for additional manpower. The fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Quick Knockdown in Highspire March 28, 2019, Box 55-1 in Highspire toned out at 2048 hours sending Company 55 (Highspire), Engines 59 (Lower Swatara), 71 (HIA), Trucks 88 (Middletown), 91 (Swatara), Rescues 40 (Paxtang), 59 (Lower Swatara), and Air 30 (Penbrook) to Penn Street for a house fire. Chief 55-2 arrived to fire in a 2-1/2 story, occupied, single-family frame. Engine 55 secured a hydrant while Truck 91 set up on side A. Two lines were stretched to fire on the secondfloor rear, which extended into the attic and roof area. A third line was stretched and operated for overhaul. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes with extensive overhaul required.

Two occupants were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Cigarette Causes Apartment Fire in Lancaster Twp. Lancaster Township firefighters responded to an apartment building fire on Wyncroft Lane in the Kensington Club Apartments on April 3, 2019. A discarded cigarette from a second-floor balcony ignited the wood siding of the building.

The residents were evacuated while the firefighters checked for fire extension with thermal imaging cameras and inspection holes on the second-floor balcony wall and the balcony flooring from the firstfloor balcony ceiling. No injuries were reported. Station 90 and 55 assisted Lancaster Township crews.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Snowy Day MVAs on Rte. 28 On March 3, 2019, the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department responded to two separate vehicle crashes on different sections of Route 28, as bands of snow came through the area. The victims we’re evaluated by EMS and the incidents were investigated by the Delaware State Police.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Aspinwall VFD

Shippensburg Rollover

West End Fire Rescue Squad 15 and Shippensburg EMS operated on a vehicle rollover on I-81 in the southbound lanes.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

How’d That All Work Out for Ya? On February 20, 2019, multiple New Kensington units were called to a single-vehicle rollover MVA with multiple entrapment and injuries. The car was involved in a police chase, and the driver lost control, went over an embankment, sideswiped a utility pole, went through a fence, and rolled over several times.

Both patients were extricated and transported to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

FireNews.com

1 Killed, 1 Injured in Dirtbike-SUV Crash

One male was dead and his friend critically injured after a dirt bike crashed into an SUV in Bensalem on March 20, 2019. The crash happened at the intersection of Virginia and Tyler Avenues.

Medics and firefighters from Bensalem descended on the scene but the passenger on the bike, was killed in the crash. His mother was facing serious charges for incidents relating to the crash. The driver was expected to survive. Police may be looking at additional charges from this matter. The off-road bike was not street legal and neither driver or rider were wearing helmets.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Fire News, May 2019, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Mt. Lebanon 2-Car MVA The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched for a two-vehicle crash with entrapment. Mt. Lebanon Fire, along with Police and MRTSA, removed the occupants and transported them to local hospitals.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Car into Restaurant Fire police rang in 2019 by providing traffic control at an accident in East Hempfield Township that occurred shortly before midnight on December 31, 2018. A car sheered a utility pole and crashed into the Villa Nova West Restaurant on Columbia Avenue. One person was extricated from the vehicle by crews from Rohrerstown, Blue Rock, Hempfield and West Hempfield. The driver was transported to Lancaster General Hospital with injuries that were non-life-threatening. No injuries were reported inside the restaurant.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

North Versailles 3-Car On March 6, 2019, firefighters were dispatched for an MVA with injuries at the intersection of Greensburg Pike and Central Avenue in North Versailles. Police arrived to find a three-vehicle accident with entrapment. West Wilmerding Engine 211 arrived and was able to quickly extricate the trapped person. Several other people were injured and all were transported to local hospitals in unknown conditions.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 28, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 29

2-Car Rollover in Plum On February 25, 2019, Logan’s Ferry Heights Station 235 and Lower Burrell 54 responded to a two-vehicle rollover MVA on Route 909 in Plum.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Pedestrian Hit in Philadelphia Firefighters and medics from Engine 62 and Medic 6 in Philadelphia arrived on the 1900 block of Grant Avenue for a man who was hit by a car. The man was expected to survive. The driver of the car said that the male walked in front of her car and received a glancing blow.

-Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 30, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Car Fire at Yardley MVA Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were recently dispatched to a vehicle which crashed into a utility pole and erupted in flames on South Main Street in Yardley Borough.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

1 Injured in Bristol Twp. MVA One person sustained injuries after a two-car MVA at Route 413 and Veterans Highway in Bristol Township in March. Companies were originally called for a rescue but were recalled when the driver of the vehicle that flipped over was able to be removed from the crash.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Plum Borough Rollover Logan’s Ferry Heights 235 and Lower Burrell 54 responded to a late-night single-vehicle-rollover MVA on Route 909 in Plum Borough.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 31

Page 32, Fire News, May 2019

Long Carry After MVA in Shaler Twp.

On April 24, 2019, fire and EMS crews were dispatched to a reported car over a hillside located along the 600 block of Stoneridge Drive in Shaler Township. Crews arrived to find a car had been attempting to park in a garage when it traveled backward over a hillside and landed up against a tree approximately 200 feet down from the driveway into Fall Run Park. Due to the terrain, additional rescue units were requested. Crews entered the park to extricate a 78-year-old woman who sustained minor injuries. Crews were able to package her in a Stokes basket and carried her over a quarter-mile to awaiting EMS units. The woman was then transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

FireNews.com

Medevac for Fall

Arnold 1 and 2 set up an LZ for a Stat MedEvac helicopter to transport a patient that fell from a 30-foot roof, sustaining multiple injuries.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 33

Lancaster Township 2-Car MVA

Lancaster Township firefighters responded to a two-car MVA rollover on March 31, 2019 in which a small SUV hit a full-size SUV. The larger SUV left the roadway and flipped multiple times coming to a stop on its wheels in the yard of a Millersville Road home. Two

occupants of the large SUV sustained minor injuries. Fire police closed Millersville Road at Wabank Road in Lancaster Township and Bean Road in Pequea Township until the vehicles were removed.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Page 34, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Upper Allen Township Non-Call

Apparatus from several departments, including Navy Fire, was dispatched to Louise Drive for a smoke-in-the-building call. Upon

investigation nothing was found and the box was placed in service.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Landscaper Assists at Cat Rescue Gabe Clark, from BeaverJack Landscape, assisted New Kensington 4 on rescuing a cat from atop of a 70-foot-high tree. The cat was returned to the homeowners unharmed.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

HazMat Ops Training On April 5, 2019, Lancaster Township firefighters and three mutual aid guests completed their annual HazMat Ops refresher training. The instruction was provided by Walt Bair from Bucks County Community College Public Safety Training. The morning was classroom instruction followed by a practical exercise of firefighter decon evolutions for the 35 participants.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Page 36, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal

Crews from Monroeville 4 after an apartment fire.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

City of Pittsburgh crews battle a February 28, 2019, blaze on Baxter Street in Pittsburgh’s Homewood section.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Wilmerding Chief Tom Hartzell and Monroeville Lieutenant Gregory A. Lauffer.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Captain Larry Zamora of Penn Hills 7.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

Emmaus Fire Department Company 7 and 1 Duty Crew.

- Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

A firefighter rescuing one of five cats from an East Pennsboro Township duplex fire on March 24, 2019.

- Fire News photo

by Jason Coleman-Cobb

A firefighter from Butler County at a firefighter survival training course held on March 20, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Operating command, West Wilmerding (North Versailles 211) Chief Bud Pusey.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 37

Pennsylvania Firefighters in Action

e Explosion, fire injures on person in Harrisburg.

- Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart

Arnold 95-1 and 2 were called to a home on 4th Avenue in Arnold for a dryer fire.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

lphia fire.

One injured at Philade ex Lloyd Gross - Fire News photo by Al

Page 38, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Pennsylvania Firefighters in Action

e. a two-alarm dwelling fir Whitehall responded to nnis Wetherhold - Fire News photo by De

Easter Sunday fire in No rth Versailles.

- Fire News photo by Fi rst Due Photography

Gas explosions displace four in Harrisburg.

- Fire News photo Jason Coleman-Cobb

was dispatched on Blue Rock Fire Rescue in hicle fire on Comet Drive March 12, 2019, for a ve Millersville Borough. eg Leaman - Fire News photo by Gr

aze.

Two die in Lancaster bl eg Leaman - Fire News photo by Gr

Water problems hampe r firefighting in Lower Paxton Twp. - Fire News photo by Ja son Coleman-Cobb

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 39

Pennsylvania Firefighters in Action

East Pennsboro blaze on March 22, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

An oven fire quickly tu rned residence in Gilpin Town into a kitchen fire at a ship on April 14, 2019.

- Fire News photo by St eve Matto

1, 2019.

Penn Hills fire on March in ed ag m da its un e ag Stor rst Due Photography - Fire News photo by Fi

Carlisle 2-Alarmer on March 14, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Ja son Coleman-Cobb

Page 40, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Training

Advanced Vehicle Rescue Seminar

Members from Stations 140 (Kiski Township), 170 (North Apollo), 20 (Apollo), 102 (Washington Township), 51 (Vandergrift), 67 (Bell Township), and 101 (Markle) attended a three-day advanced vehicle rescue training exercise. Crews practiced cutting, stabilizing,

and extrication, and also tool handling, and how to work with hazardous spills at an accident scene.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Lancaster Trains

Hazardous Materials Training

Twenty Lancaster Township firefighters participated in bi-weekly Monday night training covering basic vehicle stabilization instructed by Lieutenant Mike Adams and Firefighter Chris Mosso.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Members of the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department, Foxwall EMS and Aspinwall’s Emergency Management participated in a tabletop exercise that focused on hazardous materials incidents involving evacuations, mutual aid responses, other resources and an MCI plan implementation from EMS. Representatives from Aspinwall’s Borough Council, the Allegheny County EMA, the local American Red Cross and CERT were also on hand to work the exercise.

- Fire News photo submitted by Aspinwall VFD

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 41

Page 42, Fire News, May 2019

Training

FireNews.com

Butler Co. Attends FlashOver Training Members from Butler County Station 26-Chicora, Station 29-Bruin and Station 9-East Butler traveled to the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy on April 19, 2019, to take part in a Flash-Over simulation. Crews learned proper door control as well as reading smoke inside a structure. This was a good learning experience for all.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

FF Survival Training in Chicora Firefighter’s from Chicora Station 26, Bruin Station 29 and East Butler Station 9 in Butler County took part in a firefighter survival training March 20, 2019, at an acquired structure that the Chicora Fire Company obtained for training.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Controlled Burn Union Deposit Fire Company 47 along with Hummelstown and Hershey conducted a controlled burn of an acquired structure.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Yardley-Makefield Hosts Driving Course The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently hosted a VFIS Emergency Vehicle Operators Course classroom/driving practical. Pictured is Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Ladder 80 driving through the serpentine cone section of the EVOC road course.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 43

Cover Story

Kerosene Heater Starts House Fire

On March 4, 2019, Decatur Engine 5-1 and surrounding stations encountered a well involved house fire, which was started by a kerosene heater. Chief Wolfgang had command and requested a second alarm, bringing stations from Mifflin and Snyder Counties

to the scene. Crews worked for over three hours to contain the blaze. One burn patient was transported.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

Page 44, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Supporting the Never Forget Act The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in United States Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick’s and Pennsylvania State Representative Frank Farry’s press conference calling on Congress to approve the Never Forget Act, which would fully fund and permanently re-authorize the 911 Victims Compensation Fund. The press conference took place at the Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s Official 911 Memorial in Lower Makefield Township.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

Remembering Margerum’s LODD The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently hosted a Memorial Service for the Line of Duty Death of past-Chief Nelson ‘Snooky’ Margerum’s anniversary. Always Remembered, Never Forgotten!

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

YardleyMakefield Installation The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently hosted its 2019 Annual Fire Company Installation Banquet and awarded Captain John Marrazzo with Fireman of the Year 2018.

(Left to right): Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Assistant Chief Ryan Matheson, Deputy Chief Tim Chamberlain, Chief Glenn Chamberlain, Captain John Marrazzo, PA State Representative Perry Warren, and PA State Senator Steve Santarsiero.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 45

Interested in Emergency Vehicle Lighting?

Changes are being proposed to the NFPA 1901 and NFPA 1906 requirements for emergency lighting. Many have expressed concern that when blocking-the-right-of-way (parked), especially at night, emergency lights have become too bright, distracting, and blinding to passing motorists, and to emergency personnel working in the area.

We are looking for people to participate in an evaluation study to provide input to the development of these changes. Participants will look at numerous lighting displays of various intensities, flash patterns, and flash characteristics; and evaluate them by filling out a few questions about each. Where: Northwest parking lot (off Wildwood Park Drive), Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 North Cameron Street in Harrisburg.

Saving Our Own: The Time is NOW The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute and the law firm of Williams, Willig and Davidson have developed a program on preventing firefighter cancers and ensuring your rights are protected under Pennsylvania’s firefighter cancer presumption law.

This free program is available to all fire organizations in Pennsylvania. The program is approximately 90 minutes long, covering important steps that you can take to reduce the cancer risk and how to have your best chance of having your worker’s compensation claim approved.

Now is the time to schedule 2019 dates for the program.

We are now faced with one of the most important cultural changes in the history of the firefighting profession.

To request delivery of Saving Our Own contact Don Konkle at 717-236-5995 or dhkonkle@gmail.com.

Page 46, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

Team Fame at JEMS Games On February 21, 2019, Fame EMS-Lewistown entered a team to compete in the JEMS Games held at National Harbor, Maryland. The team, consisting of Captain Jeremy Sorg, Paramedic Justin Martin and Paramedic Nick Zimmerman, competed against teams from all over the world. After an intense group of situations Team Fame came in at fourth place.

- Fire News photo by Pat Shoop

An 8th Anniversary Worth Celebrating

Eight years ago to the day (April 20), Lower Burrell resident Fred Lukac was mowing his lawn when he suffered a heart attack.

Arnold Fire Chief Chris O’Leath, and New Kensington Bureau of Fire Paramedics Richard E Heidelmeier and Randi Shank were quickly on scene. As first responders tried to save him, Mr. Lukac suffered three more heart attacks and a stroke. Working diligently, emergency personnel revived him every time while transporting

him to the hospital. Mr. Lukac was then LifeFlighted to a hospital in Pittsburgh as crews worked to keep him alive. Today marks the eighth anniversary of this great save, and almost to the hour, 1600.

PNC Park honored Mr. Lukac, his family, and the first responders who refused to let him go. God bless the Lukac family, all of the first responders involved, as well as the LifeFlight team.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Flammable Gas Class Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in a flammable gas review class/practical at the Lower Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Croydon.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 47

Page 48, Fire News, May 2019

Obituary

FireNews.com

Etna’s Harry H. Litvaney

The Etna Volunteer Fire Company Station 149 in Allegheny County lost a friend, mentor and life-long member on April 7, 2019, when Harry H. Litvaney passed away at the age of 88. Harry served the community for over 65 years, acting as Emergency Management Coordinator and was the former Fire Chief of Etna Volunteer Fire Department 1 until the 1980 merger of both Etna Departments, of which he was a key part in accomplishing.

Harry was still an active member of the department up until his death. He will always be remembered for sitting in front of the fire station, pipe in hand, waving to everyone passing by. He will truly be missed by the community, his friends, family and fellow firefighters.

A firefighter memorial service was conducted on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, with many firefighters from around the community in attendance. Harry was laid to rest on April 11, 2019, escorted by the members of the Etna Volunteer Fire Company.

- Fire News photos by First Due Photography

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2019, Page 49

Page 50, Fire News, May 2019

FireNews.com

DANA SHAFFER JOINS SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT AS THE BRANDS’ NEW NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER Dana Shaffer joins Super Vac and Command Light as the brands’ new Northeast Sales Manager. He brings more than 17 years of experience in the fire equipment industry, representing brands like MSA, Lion Fire Gear, Res-Q-Jack and Hurst Jaws of Life as part of Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. Shaffer now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment, as well as Command Light’s array of scene lighting products. The Super Vacuum Manufacturing brands on-boarded Shaffer earlier in the year. With the arrival of his demo truck this April, Shaffer has hit the ground running.

Shaffer also brings 20 years of fire service in the Bloomsburg, Pa., area, where he currently resides. Shaffer is experience in auto extrication, engine operations, ladder response and heavy rescue, as well as specialize rescues, like RIT team, hazard material and low- and medium-angle rope operations. During his time volunteering with the Epsy Fire Department, he held various positions and currently is the Rescue Chief. Shaffer has a background in heavy equipment operation and repair.

“Not only does Dana bring a wealth of knowledge to our team, but he’s well respected among industry peers and brings an enthusiasm that truly is contagious,” says Roger Weinmeister, President of Super Vac and Command Light.

Shaffer says it’s an exciting time to join these two brands. “With Super Vac’s new DeWalt- and Milwaukee-battery powered fans, the demo requests are rolling in, and I love demos. I really enjoy rolling up my sleeves to work and train with customers. And then there’s Command Light’s tower giveaway, which kicked off at FDIC. The

giveaway encourages departments to see our products in action for a chance to win a Shadow Series tower. There’s nothing like a live demo that lets you compare truck-mounted lights to a Command Light tower.

In the end, I love working with new departments and companies every day, and just these two initiatives alone have me busy doing just that.”

Shaffer can be reached via email at danas@supervac.com or danas@commandlight.com, or via cell phone at 970-420-1964. To meet Super Vac and Command Lights full sales team, visit supervac.com/sales-support or commandlight.com/sales-support. For more information on Super Vac’s new battery fan, visit supervac.com/battery-powered-ppv, and for details on the light tower giveaway, check out commandlight.com/light-tower-giveaway.

About Super Vac – Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, as well as smoke ejectors. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities, including the patented Smoke BlockAid for smoke mitigation.

About Command Light – Command Light, of Fort Collins, CO, specializes in scene lighting for the emergency industry and features the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products.

Firehouse Kitchen With Host Ray Cooney

Guest For Lunch

Ok, Firehouse Kitchen fans, you are not going to believe this. I had the great Gerard Kane, from Ladder 143, on yet again! This was Firefighter Kane's fifth time on Firehouse Kitchen. Since his first appearance, he has joined the show as one of the executive producers. There was one major difference about this appearance — it was live!

We are still working out the quirks, but be sure to tune in Tuesday mornings at 0930 on Facebook.

Gerard, with his recognizable deep voice and dry-wit, is always a pleasure to have on. I call him the ultimate story teller. His story telling became evident, yet again, as we were preparing his dish — Honey Mustard Chicken.

The story begins at Ladder 143 on a beautiful

spring/summer day. They were preparing one of their favorite meals, the “Job Sandwich.”

Firefighter Ray Moran, of Ladder 143, came up with this delicious concoction of chicken, eggplant, peppers, mozzarella, etc. (see recipe below). It got its name because every time they would eat this sandwich, they would get a job.

For all you non-firefighters, a job is what we call a fire. As soon as everyone got their sandwich, an alarm came out. It wasn’t a job, it was just a food-on-the-stove call. As Ladder 143 returned from responding to this fire, Firefighter Moran noticed a special guest at the table. The back door was left open and a squirrel decided to come in to see what all the fuss was about the job sandwich. Ray was furious. He yelled, some words I can’t write at the squirrel, chased it around the kitchen and out the back door. The firefighters laughed and Ray sat down at the table and picked up the half, squirrel-eaten sandwich and took a big bite. Gerard said, “Ray, what are you doing? Squirrels carry diseases!” and Ray’s reply was, “You want to get a job tonight, doncha’? Then you gotta’ eat a job sandwich!” That night, they got that job!

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com.

To appear on Firehouse Kitchen, e-mail me at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.

Honey Mustard Chicken Chicken thighs Equal parts honey and Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons brown mustard Fresh rosemary Salt, pepper, paprika A cup white wine Mix all together. Submerge chicken.

Place on baking sheet - bake at 350 for one hour. Present over rice or risotto.

Job Sandwich Fried chicken cutlet Fried eggplant Fresh mozzarella Roasted peppers Balsamic vinegar and olive oil Serve on a Kaiser roll.