PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 9, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2020
Story on page 17. -Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Historic Pocono Hotel Destroyed 4 FFs Injured See Story on Page 8.
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Lancaster Apartment House Destroyed The Lancaster Twp. Fire Department was dispatched to Wyncroft Lane in Lancaster Township. See story on page 6
Busy November in East Pennsboro Twp. East Pennsboro and surrounding companies battled a multi-alarm house fire in the West Fairview section. See story on page 10
Lehigh County House Fire On November 7, 2019, firefighters battled a house fire in Salisbury Township. See story on page 13
3 County Response for Freeport House Fire Crews from three counties responded to a late-night structure fire in Freeport. See story on page 16
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 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Extrication in Bucks County Firefighters were dispatched for a vehicle rescue on the off ramp of I-295 for a single-vehicle rollover with entrapment. See story on page 23
Lancaster Township FD 2019 Service Awards The Lancaster Township Fire Department held its annual appreciation banquet on December 7, 2019. See story on page 27
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 29 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30
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: 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.
Page 4, Fire News, January 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
2020: What is Your Vision? When I hear someone say 2020, I think of my eyesight. Seriously, from an early age it was drilled into me that 2020 was a good thing and my eyes were perfect! Let’s check our vision and look into the year 2020. I give thought to what I would like to personally change to make 2020 a landmark year. Yes, all of us have the power to change to be the best that we can possibly be, especially as first responders. According to the US Fire Administration, fires are down by 6.2 percent. Unfortunately, deaths from the fires are up 9.6 percent since 2008. What can you do to make a difference in 2020? Through your continued dedication to your community, help your fire department increase community awareness about preventing home fires. Work with the news media to get fire prevention messages into news stories. I will ask again, does your department have a trained public information officer? Your department should have a positive working relationship with your local newspapers and community boards. Learn about the latest research on fire detection, suppression and notification systems and get this information to your community through your fire prevention program. Hopefully your
program is an on-going program rather than just a one-day event. As we begin a new year, I am saddened that we have lost several firefighters in the line of duty. Firefighter LODDs have steadily decreased since 2015. However, one emergency responder death is too many when it comes to a member of our emergency responder family. In 2018, we lost 44 volunteer firefighters, 33 career firefighters and five wildland firefighters. To date, 54 firefighters have been lost in the line of duty in 2019. What can we do to continue the downward trend in firefighter fatalities? First you must look at how responders are dying and ask yourself where can you make a difference to lessen the chances of emergency responder deaths. The leading cause of fatalities of firefighters is heart attack (44 percent), followed by trauma (27 percent), motor vehicle collisions (20-25 percent) asphyxia and burns (20 percent). Reading these statistics, I realize many of us can lessen our chances of a fatality by realizing we may not be doing all we can to protect ourselves from danger. Fire departments offer physical training to their members. Are you taking
advantage of this? Do you exercise on a regular basis? Does your exercise program include a good cardio workout? How about your diet? Are you overweight? Let’s face it, wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) is taxing on the body. Responding to calls is taking lives. Hey, slow down! And finally, everyone must wear their gear at all calls! If we save the life of one responder by changing our thought process, we have made a difference. In 2020, look to see your job more clearly, so that you can continue the trend of lowering firefighter fatalities. Happy New Year to all! Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, January 2020
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Lancaster Apartment House Destroyed
Early on December 6, 2019 the Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to Wyncroft Lane in Lancaster Township. Chief Ron Comfort, Jr., was the first to arrive and advised of smoke issuing from the third-floor roofline. Engine 66-1 arrived and stretched a line to the interior, as Truck 66 assisted with evacuations, threw ground ladders and deployed their bucket for master stream ops. Command requested a second alarm at 0118. The quantity and color of the smoke changed dramatically and the building was evacuated as fire was showing on the top two floors, three sides of the building, as well as through the roof. Engine 64-2
and Manheim Rescue Truck 204 were directed to search the exposure building. Additional companies arrived and were directed to establish water supply and tower ladder operations. Ladder companies from Willow Street, Rohrerstown and Lafayette responded. The roof of the fire building partially collapsed within the first 30 minutes of the fire attack. Additional pieces of the building’s false facade exterior also failed and collapsed. Foam was applied to finally extinguish the stubborn fire, which was declared under control six hours after initial dispatch. All 12 units in the original fire building were a total loss. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Collapse, 3 Buildings Go in Harrisburg
On November 16, 2019, Harrisburg City D Platoon were sent to Briggs Street for a structure fire. Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) made up the initial assignment. Chief 7 arrived to a 2-1/2 story, wood frame, row-of-five with fire on the first floor middle-of-the-row. Companies stretched a line to the front door and were getting reports of entrapment. Chief 7 requested the second alarm and advised he has fire in at least three houses. Wagon 3 stretched a line to the rear as heavy fire was consuming the
rear of three dwellings. Chief 1 advised of a porch collapse and a power line down. At 2230 hours all members were removed from the building. One firefighter fell from the first-floor porch and was transported by EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. Companies resumed interior attack and started to make progress. The fire was placed under control in about two hours. Five dwellings were involved. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Jillian Stewart
Page 8, Fire News, January 2020
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Route 522 Car Fire On November 11, 2019, the crew of from Rescue 15 made a hit on a car fire on the US 522 bypass in Granville Township. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
New Kensington Lower Burrell Handle Chimney Fire Crews from New Kensington and Lower Burrell responded to a chimney fire call on December 1, 2019. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Historic Pocono Hotel Destroyed, 4 FFs Injured
On November 1, 2019, in Pocono Township, an historic resort hotel — Pocono Manor Resort — was destroyed by a fire that took seven counties to fight and bring under control some 20 hours later. The entire 240-room hotel was destroyed. Four firefighters were injured but all guest were evacuated safely. Strong winds helped fuel the fire once it broke through the roof and firefighters brought in three excavators to help open the building up to get at the flames. - Fire News photos by Rick Kulmann and Rich Rolen
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 9
Bath Residential Blaze Recently, the Bath Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a house fire on East Northampton Street with flames showing and people jumping out the second-floor windows. The first arriving fire officer reported heavy fire conditions and added multiple mutual aid companies. The fire was placed under control in about 90 minutes. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen
Penn Hills Porch Fire On December 11, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to Ross Road in Penn Hills for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a single-story home with the front porch fully involved and extending into the home. Crews made entry and went to the roof to ventilate. Command pull all firefighters from the home until conditions improved. Crews fought for over an hour before finally being able to re-enter the home to extinguish the fire. Preliminary investigation reports deemed the fire accidental. One firefighter fell through the front porch early in the incident but did not sustain any injuries. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Page 10, Fire News, January 2020
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Vacant Structures Go in Pittsburgh Just before 2230 on December 27, 2019, City of Pittsburgh fire crews were dispatched to the 7000 block of Madiera Street for a house fire. Crews arrived to find an abandoned house fully involved and set up defensive operations. A water main break on the street created a sink hole and crews had to stop operations to reposition apparatus to avoid the growing sink hole. Once the apparatus were repositioned, defensive operations resumed. A second alarm was requested for manpower. Two other fires occurred in the same area, also in abandoned structures. No one was injured in any of the fires and all the fires were under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Busy November in East Pennsboro Twp. For the second time in nine days, East Pennsboro and surrounding companies battled a multi-alarm house fire in the West Fairview section of the township. At 1640 on November 21, 2019, Box 5-03 sent Squad 20; Engine Companies 19, 17, 13 and 20; Trucks 17 and 30; and Rescue 20 to Third Street for a house fire. Headquarters was receiving numerous calls reporting flames through the roof, and unknown status of the occupants. Engine 20 arrived to heavy smoke showing from the second floor on a side A. Chief 5 requested the second alarm, bringing Squad 2-30, Engine 6, Engine 37-1, Truck 2, Rescue 14, Tankers 20 and 17, Rescue 69 (RIT), and Air 13 to the scene. As companies were stretching, reports of entrapment were received. Two lines were stretched by the initial companies, one into the fire building, and the other into the exposure. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes and additional lines were stretched to assist with hot spots and extension. Companies were advised to exercise caution on the second floor of the exposure as there was a hole in the floor. A firefighter was injured and transported with non-lifethreatening injuries, and 12 occupants were displaced. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Butler City Attic Fire On December 12, 2019, Butler County 911 received a call for a house fire on South Street in the City of Butler. Station 1 (Butler City), Station 3 (Butler Township Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service) and Butler City Police were dispatched. City police advised of fire in the attic of the structure with everyone out. City fire units arrived to smoke coming from the attic. Water supply was established with a hydrant in front of the structure. South Street Command called for a second alarm which brought in all off-duty city shifts along with Station 11 (Penn Township). Crews made a good stop on the fire and contained it to the attic area. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 11
Hampden Township Garage Fire On December 12, 2019, Box 30-03 sent Engine Companies 30, 12, 22 and 37; Trucks 30 and 14; Rescue 30, and Squad 33 (RIT) to Carlisle Pike for a building fire. Lieutenant 2-14 reported smoke showing from a garage. There was also a report of one person still inside who was later confirmed as safe. Squad 13 arrived and Duty Chief 30 assumed command encountering heavy smoke and fire to the rear of a concrete block garage. Two lines were stretched and Command 30 requested a second alarm bringing. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in 20 minutes and placed under control at 2002. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Enders House Fire On November 22, 2019, firefighters responded for a call of a structure fire in Enders. Chief 29-1 W. Pottiger advised he could see a column of smoke. Very shortly after, Captain 216 Shutt requested a first alarm be struck. Lieutenant 216 Lenker arrived to heavy fire on the A/B corner. Rescue 21, Company 29 and Fisherville also responded. Crews went to work stretching four lines with the first two going to sides A and D as crews nursed the engines from tankers. Engine 26 was diverted to establish a fill site. Crews were met with windy conditions blowing and banking the smoke down towards the ground. Crews took to the roof to ventilate the structure as others made an interior attack and worked to knock hot spots on the B side of the structure. Chief 29-3 Herrold and Firefighter Gros went the roof and worked to open up around a vent pipe in the roof. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 13
Lehigh Co. House Fire On November 7, 2019, firefighters battled a house fire in Salisbury Township in Lehigh County. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen
Lewistown Handles Tank Rupture Truck Fire On December 31, 2019, Lewistown Engine 13 made a hit on a tractor trailer fire at Red’s Diner. A large fuel fire hampered firefighter when the tanks ruptured. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Page 14, Fire News, January 2020
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12 Displaced in East Pennsboro Twp. On November 12, 2019, crews responded to Clay Street in West Fairview for a house fire. Command 5 called a second alarm for two houses involved and fire through the roof. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in a little over an hour. The fire heavily damaged three dwellings and displaced eight adults and four children. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Casey Saussaman
Fatality, Rescues at Newportville Blaze Recently, firefighters responded to The Road House fire in Newportville. Companies went in service with all hands and made rescues. One man who was trapped inside his room died. The road house was a fixture in Bristol Township with a bar downstairs and rooms on the upper floors. Multiple companies from Bristol, Bensalem Penndel and Levittown responded, as did fire police from Bristol and Bensalem. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Kitchen Fire in New Cumberland Firefighters responded to a call of heat and heavy smoke in a home in New Cumberland on November 21, 2019. Fire had apparently consumed all the oxygen in the house and the fire put itself out. Crews hit all charred areas first, and pulled ceiling and walls to check for extension. It was assumed that the fire was probably burning most of the day and could have provided a different scenario had the homeowner returned earlier. - Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart
Swatara Township Kitchen Fire Box 45-1 toned out at 2116 hours for a reported structure fire on Lincoln Avenue in Swatara Township on November 16, 2019. Company 91 and Engines 40 and 30 made up the initial assignment. Chief 91-1 (Steele) arrived to a two-story, middle-of-the-row townhome. Upon investigating, Chief 91-1 found heavy smoke on the first floor. Truck 33, Rescues 69 and 88, and Air 91-2 made up the extra companies. Interior crews reported a kitchen fire for which one line was stretched, quickly knocking down the fire with no extension. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 15
Structure Fire in Plum Borough Crews from Plum, Penn Hills, Sardis, Oakmont, and Monroeville responded to tan early morning residential structure fire in Plum Borough. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
South Hanover Township Apartment Fire On November 9, 2019, Box 47-6 sent Company 47, Engine 91-5, Rescue 46, and Tanker 59 to Overview Drive for an attic fire. Duty Chief 47 arrived to smoke from the roof of a two-story, multi-family apartment building. Engine 91-5 stretched and supplied by Tanker 47 for initial fire attack operations. Two lines were stretched and operated to knock down a fire in the attic. All the occupants were confirmed out of the structure. The fire was knocked down in 10 minutes and companies performed extensive overhaul checking the walls for extension. Command special-called Engine 46, Rescue 48, and Tankers 39 and 54 for additional resources. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Northumberland County House Fire Stopped On December 2, 2019, Northumberland County firefighters were called out at 0300 for a structure fire on Raupstal Road. Chief 63 arrived on to heavy smoke showing from the basement area of a single-story ranch. Engine 64 and 63 arrived and notified all occupants were out. Chief 63-2 Shadle and Chief 62 Gilligan stretched a handline from Engine 64 to the basement access door where they found fire and heavy smoke. Chief 632 began the attack and, within a few moments, progression was made inside to a bedroom in the A/D corner of the basement where the bulk of the fire was located. Crews from Herndon, Hickory Corners, Pillow, Gratz, Klingerstown, Berrysburg and Millersburg assisted on scene as well as EMS from Medic 6, 2 PSP Troopers and a fire marshal. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 16, Fire News, January 2020
Reliance, Others Handle Shed Fire On November 23, 2019, for the third day in a row, area crews responded for a structure fire. Company 21 Reliance Hose was advised of sheds on fire to the rear of a barn just east of Elizabethville. Company 21, along with Berrysburg 26 and Millersburg 20 were due on the box, however Truck 20 was placed in service and an additional tanker - Fisherville Fire 216 - was added. Crews were able to hold the event to sheds involved with no extension. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
6 Displaced by Gas-Fed Fire in East Deer Twp. On December 27, 2019, a pickup truck lost a wheel, crashing into two other vehicles and then striking a gas meter. A fire quickly erupted from the broken gas meter, engulfing a home located along the 400 block of Freeport Road in East Deer Township. Fire crews were dispatched and arrived to find the home fully engulfed with two exposure homes quickly becoming involved. Crews from both Allegheny and Westmoreland County were dispatched. Crews set up defensive operations until the gas line was secured. One home was completely destroyed and two others sustained heavy damage. No one was injured in the accident and a family of six were able to safely escape their home with no injuries. The American Red Cross assisted the displaced family. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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3 County Response for Freeport House Fire
Crews from three counties responded to a late-night structure fire in Freeport. There were no injuries, but the house sustained substantial damage. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Lower Paxton Blaze A late-night Thanksgiving 2019 fire damaged a single-family home leaving several occupants displaced. At 2256, Box 35-7 sent Company 35; Engines 34, 33 and 37; Truck 34; Rescue 36-1; and Tanker 37 to East Bayberry Drive for a bedroom fire. Linglestown Chief 35 advised of multiple calls indicating a second-floor bedroom fire. Chief 35 requested Engine 32. Responding companies were advised that all occupants were out. Chief 35 arrived to heavy fire from the secondfloor rear of a 4,000-square-foot home. Three lines were stretched from Engine 37, quickly knocking down a fire involving one room on the second floor. Companies had some extension to the roof area. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Oakmont Garage Fire
Long Stretch for Bensalem and Bristol Crews Firefighters from Bensalem and Bristol converged on a multi- unit apartment complex on Bensalem Boulevard in late November. High winds hindered firefighting efforts, and four units were left uninhabitable and damage was done to others, as well. Water was at a premium as crews had to stretch a five-inch hose from about a quartermile away. - Fire News photo by Alex Loyd Gross
A quick knockdown by Oakmont crews prevented this Plum Borough garage fire from spreading into the entire house. Crews from Plum, Penn Hills, and New Kensington assisted on the call. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 17
Cover Story
Kitchen Fire Takes House in Allegheny Twp.
A kitchen fire escalated quickly in Allegheny Township recently. The residence’s only occupant awoke to the smell of smoke and found a fire in the kitchen. He tried to extinguish the flames but the fire had already started to spread. Crews arrived to a fully involved
structure fire with no nearby hydrants. Tankers shuttled in water but not before the house was totally consumed by the fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Page 18, Fire News, January 2020
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Up Close & Personal
City of Butler Captain 1-3 working in the attic of the structure on South Street in Butler City. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Fire fighters at a gas-fed fire in East Deer Township on On December 27, 2019. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Firefighters from Bensalem and Bristol converged on a multi- unit apartment complex on Bensalem Boulevard in late November. - Fire News photo by Alex Loyd Gross
Crews from three counties responded to a late-night structure fire call in Freeport. There were no injuries, but the house sustained substantial damage. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
A firefighter at a Thanksgiving Day bedroom fire on East Bayberry Drive. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Firefighters at a Plum Borough garage fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 19
1 Injured in New Kensington MVA
Station 56 Rescue units responded to a two-vehicle MVA with entrapment and injuries on Tarentum Bridge Road in New
Kensington. One patient was extricated and transported to a medical facility. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Bensalem MVA
Bensalem Engine 65 and Medics 185 and 186 removed injured people from an MVA on Street Road in Bensalem. Police said that one
driver turned in front of another causing the crash. At least two people sustained injuries. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Page 20, Fire News, January 2020
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3 Transported in Lancaster Twp. Single Car Crash The morning commute was interrupted by a single-car crash on Schoolhouse Road at Manor House Lane in Lancaster Township on November 22, 2019. Lancaster Township Fire crews encountered a sedan which veered off the roadway and struck a utility pole dead center of the engine compartment. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and waited until a Pennsylvania Power and Light responded. The driver and two juvenile passengers in the back seat were transported to the hospital by a Lancaster EMS ambulance. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
4 Hurt in 3-Car MVA-DUI Newportville, William Penn and Levittown 2 fire companies, along with Penndel-Middletown and Bucks County Ambulance, responded to a serious three-vehicle MVA caused by a drunk driver. At least four people were hurt, when a woman who police said was intoxicated, slammed into the rear of several vehicles. The crash happened early on Halloween morning on New Falls Road at Bristol Oxford Valley Road. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Fisherville 1-Car MVA into Home On November 27, 2019, Fisherville Fire Company 216 along with Reliance Hose 21 and Halifax Fire responded to an MVA with reported entrapment/ confinement. Crews arrived to find a single SUV had left the roadway and traveled several hundred feet through a field, struck a small berm at the edge of the field, overturned and struck a home. Crews assisted with extrication, stabilization and inspection of the home while EMS assisted with patient care. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 21
Entrapment at 2-Vehicle MVA
Crews from Sardis, Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell, and Washington Township responded to a late night two-vehicle MVA with entrap-
ment and injuries involving a tractor trailer. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Page 22, Fire News, January 2020
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Car-Train MVA Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were dispatched by Bucks County Fire Radio to assist the police with lighting at the railroad crossing at Township Line Road and Big Oak Road for an automobile versus a SEPTA commuter train. Utility 80 was released by the police and the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Police remained on location and assisted police with traffic control operations. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Hegin’s Valley, Sacramento Work LZ On November 26, 2019, Hegin’s Valley Fire Rescues 13-50 and Sacramento Fire were called to establish a landing zone for a pedestrian accident in which two students crossing the roadway to the nearby junior-senior high school were struck by a car. Rescue 13-50, Chief 13 and Chief 14 all arrived at a nearby grass field to establish the landing zone. Geisinger Life Flight 5 and LVHN Medevac 7 responded. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Rush Hour Rollover Markle, Allegheny Township and West Leechburg responded to a two-vehicle rollover MVA during November 8, 2019, rush hour. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Medevac for MC MVA St. Thomas EMS and Air Methods Aviation responded to medevac the driver of a motorcycle involved in an MVA. He was transferred to Chambersburg Hospital. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 23
Extrication in Bucks County
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, Newtown Emergency Services Department, and Newtown Fire Association were recently dispatched by Bucks County Fire Radio Room for a vehicle rescue on the off ramp of Interstate 295 eastbound for a single-vehicle rollover with entrapment. Firefighters arrived and stabilized the sedan, which came to rest on its driver’s side in a wooded section of the off ramp down an embankment. Firefighters gained entry to the driver through the rear window. The driver was removed from the vehicle and turned over to medics and was packaged for transport to a local hospital. The Lower Makefield Township Police Department also responded. - Fire News photos by Jeff Goldberg and Alex Lloyd Gross
1 Injured in Border MVA Crews from Bristol and Middletown Townships responded to an MVA on New Falls Road on the border between the two townships. The accident happened after a heating contractor van crossed into the path of a car in which a man was seriously hurt. Crews from Newportville, William Penn and Levittown 2 went in service to cut the roof and doors from the vehicle to remove the driver. Fire Police were called to close the road. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Page 24, Fire News, January 2020
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Training
Vehicle Fire Training at Kiski 140 On November 10, 2019, Stations 140 (Kiski Township), 170 (North Apollo), 102 (Washington Township), 51 (Vandergrift), 49 (Oklahoma), 160 (Manor Township), 80 (Ford Cliff), 70 (Freeport), 167 (Citizens Hose), 50 (Elderton), 67 (Bell Township), 310 (Kittanning Township), 290 (Young Township), and 330 (Tunnelton-Conemaugh Township) participated in vehicle fire training at Kiski Township Station 140. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Chimney Fire Training in Lancaster Township Chimney fire training was the topic of training held on November 11, 2019, for Lancaster Township firefighters. Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin, Lieutenant Chad Slover and Firefighter Chris Mosso provided the instruction. Firefighters reviewed the tools used to fight a residential chimney fire as well as proper ladder placement, roof safety and protective equipment. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
New Kensington at Burn Training New Kensington stations took part in a burn training day at the Indiana Fire Academy. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Petrolia Holds Live Burn Training The Petrolia Fire Department hosted a live burn at a home that was scheduled for demolition. Several departments participated in training on firefighting operations, procedures, and techniques before the structure was burned to the ground. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 25
Washington & Bell Twps. Safety Day
Washington Township 102 and Bell Township 67 participated in their annual Safety Day at Kiski Elementary School. Students got to see first-hand the tools that the local fire, police, and EMS services
use, as well as their vehicles. Students were also taught what do in case of a house fire, and got to ask questions about emergency situations. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Page 26, Fire News, January 2020
Aspinwall Breakfast with Santa
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Santa Visits Chicora
The Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Dept. (Allegheny County Station 102), held their annual Breakfast with Santa on December 8, 2019. State Represent-ative Sara Innamorato from the 21st District attended. Each child received a gift bag with interactive fire safety coloring books, crayons and pencils, with various fire safety messages. - Fire News photo by Andy Marsh
On December 15, 2019 Chicora Independent Hose Company of Butler County had a visit from the big man himself. Santa came to visit all the good little boys and girls and was escorted into town on Rescue 26. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Newportville Santa Run
Tarentum Holiday Parade
Members of the Newportville Fire Company and their families get ready to do a Santa run before the holidays. The evcent transpired over two different nights. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Local trucks were decked out for the season in Tarentum’s annual Holiday Parade in November. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Shop with the Heroes in Harrison Twp.
On December 8, 2019, Harvest Baptist Church, along with Stations 169 (Harrison Hills), 168 (Hilltop Hose), 167 (Citizens Hose), 102 (Washington Twp.), 69 (Lower Burrell), 27 (Buffalo Twp.), Harrison Township Police, New Kensington Police, Lower Burrell Police, Penn Hills Police, the US Army, and the US Coast Guard, participated in their second annual Shop with the Heroes event at the Harrison Township Walmart. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 27
Lancaster Township FD Presents 2019 Service Awards
The Lancaster Township Fire Department held its annual appreciation banquet on December 7, 2019, at the Conestoga Country Club in Manor Township. Lancaster Township Fire Department appreciates the work all of the members have put forth this year. Their dedication has ensured the LTFD remains one of the strongest all-volunteer organizations in Lancaster County. Chief Ron Comfort, Jr., Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin and Assistant Chief Steve Roy presented the service awards to the firefighters. Fire Police Captain Ron Comfort, Sr., presented the fire police awards Firefighter of the Year was presented to Firefighter Melvin Reyes, who assists with the training committee and training for new members. Rookie Firefighter of the Year was presented to Katie Remely to recognize her high level of participation and enthusiasm. Remely recently completed Firefighter 1 certification. Fire Officer of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Chad Slover. This award is chosen by the membership to recognize service by a line officer. Slover ensures the Lancaster Township North station runs smoothly and efficiently. The President’s Award was presented to Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin. He assisted the president on many executive board projects this year including the purchase of a Seagrave Aerial Scope from Bucks County. The Firefighter Jeff Jones Volunteerism Award is given to the member who best represents the department and shows true volunteer spirit. Firefighter Jeff Jones died in the line of duty June 13, 1981, during a confined space rescue. This award was presented to Lieutenant Jennifer Miller who heads fire prevention and child car seat public education. The Lieutenant Keith Rankin Training Award is given to the person who has dedicated themselves to the department in all aspects of training.
Rankin died in the line of duty September 25, 2011, during a live burn drill at Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Pequea Lane Fire School. This award was presented to Devin Shenk for his outstanding enthusiasm for training throughout the year. Shenk recently achieved Firefighter 1 certification. The Jeffrey L. Wolfersberger Memorial Award was presented to Assistant Firefighter Mike Kiner. This award is given to a member who quietly goes about fire department business without complaining and never requires recognition. These were the traits of Lancaster Township firefighter Jeffrey L. Wolfersberger who passed away July 11, 2001. The Thomas H. Schaller Award for Excellence was created in 2015 to recognize Schaller’s 55 years of service. The fourth recipient of the award, Schaller being the first, was presented to Walt Legenstein. A dedicated citizen performing community service assisting the fire department with future planning and needs. The Thomas H. Schaller Award for Excellence is the highest award given by the Lancaster Township Fire Department and is bestowed upon an individual who has excelled in serving their community or organization which surpasses ordinary standards. The individual has displayed integrity, reliability, commitment, leadership and the highest work ethic.. This year’s award went to (WHO???) Fire Police Officer of the Year Award was presented to Fire Police Officer Jason Beiler for his dedication and high level of participation. Fire Police Line Officer of the Year Award was presented to Sergeant John Jones for assisting the fire police captain with public events and coordinating fire police activities. Following the awards ceremony, music was supplied by D.J. Chuck Colson. - Fire News photos by Lieutenant Greg Leaman
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Wedding Bells in South Buffalo Township South Buffalo Township Station 220 Assistant Chief Matthew McCrea and his firefighter wife, Kristen, tied the knot in firefighter fashion in Butler County. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Recruitment & Retention: A Guide to Getting & Keeping Your Greatest Assets The class was held on December 14, 2019, at Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center in Manheim. The program was presented by Bucks County Public Safety Training Center and taught by Martin Joyce, Deputy Chief of Trevose Fire Company of Bensalem Township. The eight-hour class was designed for both administrative and line officers as well as those responsible to bring new members into the fire department. This class provided techniques for successful recruitment and retention programs that have shown a proven track record. Some of the topics covered were how to attract new members, incentives to keep new members, why members leave, removing road blocks and member recognition. Pennsylvania had 300,000 volunteer firefighters in the state in the 1970s, a number that’s fallen to about 38,000 currently. The number of volunteers continues to fall amid funding needs and training challenges. More than 90 percent of the state’s nearly 2,500 fire companies are volunteer organizations. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Santa Visits Lancaster Township, PA Santa visited Lancaster Township residents beginning December 1, 2019, continuing until Christmas. Each evening, Lancaster Township Engine 66-3 along with Santa and his elves visited children in a different area of the township. Santa’s elves are Shannon Jones and Katie Remely. Driving 66-3 sleigh is Lieutenant Chad Slover. Santa was portrayed by Firefighter Mike Kiner. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, January 2020, Page 29
Several Houses Re-Opened in Philadelphia
Philadelphia firefighters proudly re-opened several engine companies in November, 10 years after they were closed by Mayor Michael Nutter. Engine 14 is backed into their house at Foulkrod and Darrah Streets during the ceremony. Commissioner Adam Thiel put on a ceremonial coupling during those festivities. - Fire News photos by Alex Lloyd Gross
Oakmont at Touch-a-Truck
Station 216 in Oakmont proudly displayed their fleet at an annual Touch-a-Truck event in the scenic city. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Obituary
Terry Farrell Fund’s Timothy Farrell
It is with sadness that Fire News announces the passing of Timothy Michael Farrell, who was born on September 17, 1957. Tim helped found the Terry Fund to memorialize his brother Terry, who was killed on September 11, 2001. Through the dedicated efforts of Tim and the Terry Fund, the organization has expanded across the country, with 17 chapters from New York to California, including Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nevada. The fund
oversees several charitable efforts, including blood drives, scholarships and the transfer of surplus equipment from fire departments to other agencies in need. Tim Farrell, who operated R.P. McMurphy’s Public House in Wantagh for nearly 40 years, died on December 14, 2019, at Good Shepherd Hospice of esophageal cancer. He was 62. -Fire News photo by Harry Loud
GOGLAS ELECTED AS FDSOA EASTERN DIRECTOR Judge Phil Goglas, ex-Captain of the Central Islip Fire Department was elected as the new Eastern Director of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA). Goglas will be sworn in at the annual general meeting held in conjunction with the 2020 Health and Safety Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Goglas, a member of FDSOA since 2010, started his firefighting career as a volunteer in 1979 with the Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Company of Suffolk County, New York. He is a former New York City Transit Police Officer. He received his bachelor’s from St. John’s University and his Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. Among Goglas’ goals as director are to increase membership in the Eastern Region; have greater involvement bringing relevant speakers and information to FDSOA members and the Health and Safety Conference; and decreasing
injuries and fatalities to all members of the fire service. Both the FDSOA Health and Safety Conference and the Annual Fire Apparatus Safety and Maintenance Conference will be held at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., January 13-16, 2020. - Fire News photo courtesy of Phil Goglas