On December 19, 2024, Bradford City firefighters responded to a reported house fire on School Street.
See story on page 5
School Burns in Springfield Twp.
Springfield Township companies were dispatched for a fire at the Saint Francis School on Saxer Avenue.
See story on page 8
3 Alarm Fire in Yeadon, Delaware County
On December 9, 2024, numerous companies were dispatched to the 700 block of West Cobbs Creek Parkway.
See story on page 11
Philadelphia 4-Alarmer
The Philadelphia Fire Communications Center sent crews to Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue for a building fire.
See story on page 14
Justin C’s Birthday
Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers brought some gifts to Justin C. to help celebrate his first birthday at home in several years.
See story on page 25
Obituary
Pittsburgh LODD
Battalion Chief John Walsh
See story on page 26
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Garage Fire in Seven Fields Bor.
On November8, 2024, around 0630, ButlerCounty 911 received multiple calls foran attached garage fire on Graywyck Drive in Seven Fields Borough in ButlerCounty. Butler County 911 Sent Station 42 (Adams Area Fire District) The 90 group (Cranberry Twp., Harmony Area Fire District, Callery and Evans City) along with Allegheny County Station 185 (Marshall Twp.), Station 228 (Wexford), Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire), Station 51 (Cranberry Township Ambulance) and Northern Regional Police. Assistant 42-2 arrived to a working fire that had extended into the residence; all residents were out of the structure. Engine 42 was first arriving. Engine 19 arrived and laid in from a hydrant to supply the scene. Tower21 arrived on location and placed theirmasterstream in service. Ladder22 arrived and placed theirmasterstream in service. the fire was knocked down with both of the masterstreams. Crews rescued two cats that were found in the basement. Crews remained on scene forabout three hours. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was investigating with Northern Regional Police. The American Red Cross was called to assist the family.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Report of Fire in Downtown Harrisburg … Not
On November13, 2024, at 1640, Box 1-1 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 7 to the Alva Hotel on South 4th Street in the downtown district fora structure fire. Chief 3 (Sattizhan) arrived almost immediately and reported nothing showing from the three-story, mixed-use building. Reports were of smoke in the restaurant on the first floor. Adry line was stretched and companies investigated light smoke but afteralmost two hours could not locate any sign of fire and placed the box in service.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Bradford City Fire Snuffed
At 1823 on December19, 2024, Bradford City firefighters responded to a reported house fire on School Street. County dispatch advised that City of Bradford Police confirmed the working fire and with that information a second alarm was requested. Captain 1-20 arrived to smoke showing on the Alpha side and heavy fire on the Charlie side. Two men off the tower made an aggressive interiorattack while the Tower1 drivermade a quick exteriorhit on the Charlie side, quickly bringing the fire under control. Squad 1 conducted primary and secondary searches and then transitioned to overhaul. Assisting were units from Bradford Township, City of Bradford Police and DPW; was placed on standby at theirstation. Two off-duty city firefighters handled an ambulance call during the fire, a possible cardiac arrest in Keating Township. All units returned to quarters at 2019. Chief 1 (Butler) had command.
- Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish
Fatality at Norwich Twp. Blaze
On November9, 2024, the Norwich Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire with entrapment at 0626. First arriving units confirmed the entrapment and requested mutual aid. Smethport, Port Allegany, Hamlin Township and Emporium responded. Firefighters removed one elderly victim from the house trailerwho was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighters were on the scene foroverfive hours. Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit, McKean County Detective and McKean County Coronerassisted. The cause of the fire was ruled accidental.
- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
Hampden Township Mobile Home Fire
Fire
On November10, 2024 - Hampden Township Box 30-06 dispatched Engine Companies 30, 31 and 29 to Salem Church Road fora mobile home fire. Duty Chief 30 en route advised that police had a smoke column in the area and the box was upgraded. SilverSpring Engine 31 laid in from a hydrant on Salem Church Road to side Awhere two lines were stretched and operated. All occupants were confirmed out of the home. Command 30 advised all crews that the fire would be fought defensively due to the amount of fire and structural integrity. An exposure suffered minorheat and fire damage.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Sends 1 FFto the Hospital in Lewistown
Around 1900 on December1, 2024, firefighters from Lewistown Fire Department (City Hook and Ladder) and Heritage Fire Company were dispatched to PannebakerAvenue in Lewistown Boro forsmoke in a residence. Upon arrival, Lewistown Boro District Chief Patrick Shoop, Jr., reported a mobile home with heavy smoke showing and exposure problems to an adjacent house. District Chief Shoop requested a working fire assignment bringing in additional mutual aid. Upon firefighters making access into the residence they initially encountered heavy fire which was quickly knocked down. The fire was brought undercontrol within 15 minutes. Crews remained until around 2030. The homeownerand herdaughterdiscovered the fire and called 911. They were displaced and the Red Cross was called in to assist. One firefighterwas transported to the GeisingerLewistown Hospital during the fire with a minorinjury. The State Police Fire Marshalls office at the Lewistown Barracks were contacted to handle the investigation. Assisting City and Heritage at the scene were Chief Logan Fire Company, Yeagertown Fire Company, Junction Fire Company, West Granville Fire Company, Fame EMS and local fire police. - Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgarnder
Vandergrift Attic Fire
On October16, 2024, departments were alerted to a possible house fire on Lowell Street in Vandergrift. Police reported heavy smoke showing. First arriving crews from Vandergrift and neighboring Hyde Park found heavy fire in the attic of a two-story residence. Crews immediately began an interiorattack, but were hindered by obstructions to get to the attic. Once access to the attic was established, crews attacked the fire from inside, as well as an exteriorattack from the backyard. The roof was vented as crews searched forextensions. The fire was brought undercontrol in under40 minutes. The fire, smoke, and watercaused extensive damage to the home.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Ravine Street
Fire
Recently, multiple units from Munhall and Whitakerin West Mifflin were dispatched to Ravine Street fora fire.
- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta
School Burns in Springfield Twp.
Springfield Township companies were dispatched fora fire at the Saint Francis School on SaxerAvenue. Engine 44 made the threeblock response and reported a school with heavy fire on the second floor. Command quickly requested a second alarm. Crews initially made an interiorattack as a janitorwas reported missing. With fire
through the roof and collapses the evac orderwas given. The second floorburned as multiple elevated masterstreams and handlines worked the exterior. Multiple units overthe second alarm were called forwatersupply, elevated masterstream and emberpatrol.
- Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
Row House Fire in Lewistown
On October7, 2024, just before 1100 as units were clearing a previous call, the report went out fora working fire in a row on Valley Street. First arriving units found heavy fire coming from a structure. Overthe next fourhours the four-alarm fire was brought under control. Several firefighters were injured with two being transported forminorburn injuries. The fire is believed to have been electrical in nature.
- Fire News photos by Pat Shoop
Broadhead Road Haze Condition
In July 2024 the Northampton County Communications Center sent units to Brodhead Road in Bethlehem Township fora reported structure fire. The callerstated that there was a haze in Bike USAand a smell of electrical burning. Engine 1412 arrived and found nothing showing. Tower1521 set up at the AB cornerand Tower1421 set up on the AD corner. Crews investigated and found the source of the haze. Crews remained on scene forabout 45 minutes. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Schwenksville Field Fire
2-Alarm Barn Fire
On November19, 2024, at 0442, companies 54, 88 and 59 were dispatched to a barn fire which was upgraded to a second alarm. - Fire News photo by Easton Watkins
Logging Equipment Brush Fire
District 10 and Company 65 responded fora reported logging equipment and brush fire on Line Mountain in UpperMahanoy Township on November4, 2024. As crews began to travel up the mountain, UTV10 suffered a mechanical failure. Crews loaded up with bladderpacks, rakes and blowers and began the trek up. Crews arrived to find a piece of logging equipment had struck a rock and created sparks that ignited the extremely dry foliage in a small area. The operators were able to utilize fire extinguishers to snuff out the fire. District 13 utilized 13-15 to reach a secondary spot and wet down the area. Companies 27 and 64 were also dispatched to the scene along with EMS from Area Services and DCNR. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
At 1326 on October22, 2024, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to Forest Lane at the Spring Mountain Summit Condominiums in Schwenksville fora report of an outside fire. Perkiomen responded as mutual aid to assist LowerFrederick Fire Company. There was a small exteriorfire found behind a dumpster. The fire was quickly extinguished with fire extinguishers and the Engine 66 boosterline. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
3-Alarm Fire in Yeadon, Delaware County
On December9, 2024, numerous companies from Delaware County were dispatched not long aftermidnight to the 700 block of West Cobbs Creek Parkway in Yeadon. Heavy smoke conditions were found on arrival, as well as fire in an adjoining home. One firefighterwas injured and taken to CrozerChesterMedical Centerwith minorinjuries.
- Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos
Limerick Assists at LowerPottsgrove PowerOutage
Combine Fire Extinguished by Klingerstown with Gratz Assist
Call came in on October26, 2024, fora reported agricultural vehicle fire along Vista Road in UpperMahantongo Township. AKlingerstown lieutenant arrived to a working combine fire in a corn field. The farmerhad been cutting corn when a sudden loss in poweroccurred and fire was observed. He quickly used a fire extinguisherand had the fire darkened down fora short time before the flames again grew. Soon after, an additional farmerutilizing a tractorand disk created a line around the combine to halt furtherfire growth. Attack 65 arrived and placed a handline in service and extinguished the fire. Gratz Fire also responded to assist. A huge shout out to the quick actions of the farmers creating a fire line helping to limit the event. The fire is believed to have started in the engine compartment directly behind the cab.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
At 1612 on December9, 2024, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist LowerPottsgrove with a report of a porch fire with wires down in the area of Pruss Hill Road and SchafferRoad. Initially, the structure was unfounded in the intersection, but after searching the area, crews found the correct area at the SchafferRoad intersection in New Hanover. Engine 51 and Battalion 51 responded, along with units from Sanatoga, Ringing Hill and New Hanover. Apowerissue occurred throughout multiple homes in the area. MET-ED was advised of the issue. Limerick crews were made available within the hour.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Fatal Fire in Harrisburg
On September12, 2024, at 0335, crews responded fora structure fire from a single caller reporting a house on fire and police on scene reporting a working fire. Captain 2 arrived to smoke showing and heavy fire from the third floorof a three-story, middle-of-the-row dwelling. As companies were stretching lines, Captain 2 informed all companies that the fire building was marked as condemned and were also advised of an elderly occupant trapped inside. Second and third alarms were called at 0342 as fire started running the row. Hoarding conditions were reported in the fire building and crews had difficulty making access to the third floor. Crews breached the walls from the exposure buildings and worked from the roof to extinguish the fire. Crews also reported the interiorof the fire building was unstable due to a collapsed roof. Companies used several handlines and the bulk of the visible fire was knocked down with extensive overhaul and mop up required, during which, Captain 2 reported one fatality discovered inside the fire building. The fire damaged three homes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
CarFire Threatens House
At 0852 on November5, 2024, the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully involved pickup truck parked in a driveway underthe electrical service to a residence. Asmall wildfire had also developed. Firefighters deployed one attack line to extinguish the fire. Squads 15-1 and 15-2, and Engine 15-1 responded. Firefighters were on the scene for90 minutes. Assisting at the scene were Bradford Township Police, a Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and Penelec.
- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
Woods and Field Fire in Mont Clare
At 1520 on November12, 2024, UpperProvidence Department of Fire and Emergency Services along with Black Rock VolunteerFire Company apparatus and personnel were fora report of smoke in the area. Upon arrival in the 200-block of Lovers Lane, however, the incident was upgraded to a woods and field fire. UpperProvidence Township (UPT) firefighters along with over21 area fire companies and EMS operated at this four-acre fire foroversix hours using over65,000 gallons of water. Thanks to all the multiple fire companies, EMS providers, township and state resources that responded to assist.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Philadelphia 4-Alarmer
The Philadelphia Fire Communications Centerstruck Box 3595 sending crews to Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue fora reported building fire. Engine 71 arrived to a four-story apartment building with moderate smoke showing. Battalion 12 arrived and called an all-hands. Engine 71 found fire in the ceiling of a fouth floorapartment that was rapidly extending. Asecond alarm was struck as Rescue 1 made a trench cut in between the main fire building, and the next attached apartment building. They also made numerous trench cuts furtherdown the building in an attempt to stop the fire from reaching the otherend. The trenches failed and the fire spread throughout the entire length of the cockloft. Companies brought in supply lines from blocks away and truck companies set up masterstream operations. Athird alarm was struck as the fire burned in the cockloft, and began dropping down to the fourth floorand spreading. The fire continued to burn out of control forhours and a fourth alarm was struck. The fire was marked undercontrol at 0009 hours, but crews remained on scene well into the morning hours.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Long Fight in Smethport Fire
Bedroom
On October25, 2024, the Smethport VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a reported outside fire at the C. L. McKeirnan Bus Garage on East Valley Road at 0220. Deputy Chief Tom Fields was first to arrive and observed five bays of the bus garage fully involved and requested a second alarm. Mutual aid came from Port Allegany, Roulette, Coudersport, Hilltop, Norwich Township, Eldred Township, Hamlin Township and the City of Bradford Fire Department. Firefighters used multiple handlines and aerial masterstreams to extinguish the fire. Aportion of the garage was destroyed along with one school bus, one mini school bus, a tilt bed wreckerand anotherwreckerthat was parked outside. Waterwas supplied to the fire scene by one, five-inch hydrant supply line and a tankershuttle. Firefighters were on the scene foroverseven hours. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit and insurance investigators were investigating the origin and cause of the fire.
- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
Fire in South Harrisburg
On September18, 2024, Box 1-5 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to 1303 S. Cameron Street, in the city’s south end, foran electrical fire. Responding companies were advised of a callerwho had heard popping sounds in the bedroom and, upon opening the door, encountered smoke and flames. Squad 8 arrived to smoke in the street and secured a hydrant. Lieutenant 8 advised members reported fire in a second-floorback bedroom. Chief Bastinelli reported a three-story, row of about seven, with fire in the middle. The fire was contained to a bedroom with no extension.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Second Fire in Colonial Park Quickly Knocked
On October25, 2024, in LowerPaxton Township, while units were wrapping up from a house fire on Edsel Street, mutual aid companies were dispatched about two miles away to Trent Road fora report of a deck on fire. Swatara Township Rescue 91 arrived to smoke showing from the rearof a two-story apartment building. One line was placed in service forfire on the rearbalcony, which was quickly knocked down.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Unionville Hits Structure Fire in CenterTwp.
Firefighters from the Unionville Fire Department responded for a one-alarm commercial structure fire in CenterTownship. ButlerCounty on December3, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Train Derailment on Bridge
On July 5, 2024, the Northampton County Communications Centersent Station 10 to the area of Riverside Drive in the City of Bethlehem fora reported train derailment. Crews arrived to find that five rail cars derailed as they were crossing the bridge overthe riverinto Bethlehem. Crews remained on scene forabout two hours to ensure that there were no hazards and the scene was then transferred overto Norfolk Southern. Cleanup efforts lasted into the next morning.
-
LZ Established on Ridge Road
Klingerstown Fire and Mahantongo Fire were dispatched to the 1200 block of Ridge Road in UpperMahantongo Township to establish an LZ forincoming Life Flight 5 on November9, 2024. Amedic from Life Team EMS arrived on scene and a few moments laterLife Flight 5 arrived. The patient was carried to the helicopterand safely departed the area.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Limerick MVA into Pole
Limerick Handles MVA
November9, 2024, at 1558, firefighters were dispatched to an MVAat the South Township Line Road intersection and the 422 westbound on-ramp. Deputy 51, Rescue 51, Squad 51 and Fire Police responded, as did EMS and Limerick Police. Crews checked on patients, directed traffic, secured the vehicles, and cleared debris from the road. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
At 2253, on the night of Thanksgiving 2024, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a single-vehicle MVAon Ridge Pike across from AlderferGlass. The initial report stated that a vehicle crossed Ridge Pike and struck a pole. Rescue 51, Squad 51, Assistant 51, Fire Police 51, Limerick Police, and Friendship Ambulance 325 responded. Crews assisted with securing the vehicle, patient care, debris clean up, and directing traffic. Afterthe tow truck removed the vehicle, PECO addressed the severely split pole. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
ParagliderCrash on Mountain in Hegins Twp.
On October29, 2024, crews were called fora paraglideraccident in Hegins Township. Crews responded to Deep Creek Road in the area of the gas line and began the journey up the side of the Hegins Mountain. It was then informed the downed paraglider’s GPS was pinging in the area of the Hegins and Eldred townships line on top of the mountain. Crews relocated to Route 125 on the mountain to the west of the incident and accessed a forestry road via UTVs, which led them right to the individual. Units staged in a nearby stone parking lot on the west side of 125 and awaited the extrication of the pilot. Once safely at the staging area the individual was transferred into the care of EMS. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
All in the Family
Progress Fire Company Chief Michael Lawrence and his son, probationary FirefighterBrody Lawrence, take a moment afterworking a recent dwelling fire in LowerPaxton Township. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Training in Action: ADay in the Life with Squad 45 Training
On November 17, 2024, starting bright and early at 0545, Squad 45 with a crew of six traveled to the Chester County Public Safety facilities for an exceptional training opportunity as part of their “Day in the Life” program. This incredible event, hosted by Chester County Fire Academy and Delaware County Station 46 Rocky Run, brought together a wide range of scenarios designed to enhance fire/rescue skills.
Throughout the day, Squad 45 staged alongside units from Rocky Run, Yeadon, Lower Chichester and Middletown.
Together, we responded to: Aconstruction container fire; Anon-com-
mercial middle-of-the-row building fire; Acommercial building fire (assigned as RIT, including an RITactivation); and an elevator rescue scenario. In just seven hours, these firefighters and first responders tackled multiple real-world challenges that pushed our crews to collaborate, problem-solve, and refine our skills under pressure. We’re deeply grateful to Chester County Fire Academy and Delco Station 46 Rocky Run for organizing such a valuable experience. Training like this ensures that firefighters are always ready to respond, protect, and serve our community.
- Submitted by Wayne B. Masters, Fire Chief
Training at Whitehall Facility
On August 20, 2024, firefighters from UpperMacungie Township conducted a training burn at the Whitehall Township Fire Training Facility. Members trained on first-due house fire scenarios, first- and second-due engine responsibilities, as well as first-due truck responsibilities.
- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Training
Unionville Hosts MajorDrill
On the evening of November26, 2024, the Unionville Fire Company hosted a large-scale drill with mass casualty and fire at the Clearview Mall in CenterTownship, ButlerCounty. Fire units simulated that the mall was on fire with people trapped. Firefighters simulated fire attack along with search and rescue as well as firefighters trapped from a collapse. Victims were staged throughout the mall. The following departments participated in the drill. Station 14 (Unionville), Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire), Station 3
CFSI Symposium and Dinner
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
(ButlerTwp. Fire District), Station 11 (Penn Twp.), Station 13 (Prospect), Station 25 (West Sunbury), Station 26 (Chicora), Station 31 (Marion Twp.), Station 33 (Slippery Rock), Station 35 (Oneida Valley) and Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Dept.) Ems Services Station 99 (ButlerAmbulance), Station 52 (Slippery Rock Ambulance), Medic 956 (AHN Medic Truck), Life Flight 4. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Newest Board Member
John Butler has been appointed to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as their newest board Member.
John Butler is the Fire Chief for Fairfax County Government, Virginia. He is a paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore, a master’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University and certificates from Harvard University, the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer Program (EFO), and the Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI). Chief Butler served as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) President in 2023-2024, holds the Chief Fire Officer, Chief EMS Officer, Chief Training Officer, and Fire Marshal designations from the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC). He is chairman of the NFA Board of Visitors; and is a board member of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Butler is a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of active and reserve United States Marine Corps service, including two combat tours.
Limerick Trains at Skippack
ForMonday Night Training on November18, 2024, Limerick crews headed to the Skippack Training Facility to practice primary search, VEIS (vent, enter, isolate, search), and suppression tactics. Crews were split up into groups before proceeding through the evolutions. In the primary search training in the back of the building, firefighters practiced searching a room and utilizing a watercan for initial suppression. On the main level forsuppression operations, crews practiced different methods of advancing hoselines into a
building and extinguishing techniques. Finally, the firefighters practiced entering a room through a second-floorwindow using a ground ladderforthe VEIS scenario. Firefighters from the same group utilized Ladder51 and positioned it next to the window for quick victim rescue operations and then proceeded to climb the ladder. Crews had a great night of training. Thank you to Skippack Fire Company forallowing us to utilize theirfacility again now that the repairs are complete. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
The Sun Engine
By Jamie Smith Quinn-Executive Director
The FASNYMuseum of Firefighting is extremely fortunate to have the 1855 Sun (or Big Sun) Engine in the Museum’s collection. In my opinion, John Rodgers’engines, especially “the Sun,” seem to have an overall sense of grace about them, in comparison to other engines of the same era. The “grace” I am describing does not necessarily refer to the particular decorations on the engines, but more of an overall aesthetic. I think most people would agree that this is an unusual but wonderful attribute, especially when you consider these engines were essentially built to function as utilitarian objects.
The celebrated builder of these engines, John Rodgers, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1785, and immigrated to the United States in 1810. He began a machinist business in Baltimore in 1815. From the advertisements found in newspapers of the day, it seems that Rodgers dabbled in building many types of machinery, including, but not limited to, cotton and wool cards, gas meters, and of course, fire apparatus. The business name evolved into John Rodgers and Sons and after the death of one of his sons, to John Rodgers and Son. This moniker continued to be used even after John Rodger’s death in 1861. His obituary noted that his firm held a “very high reputation not only in this country, but also in South America, where several engines of their make are now in use.” In reviewing newspaper articles from the time period in which John Rodgers produced apparatus, there does seems to be a great deal of satisfaction with the apparatus he manufactured, both in the machines’ capabilities and appearance.
The Sun engine is truly an amazing apparatus to behold. Elaborate woodcarvings, artwork and stain glass lamps make her not only an elegant piece of apparatus, but a unique statement piece. The sheer size and
stature of the apparatus is also awe-inspiring. The Sun Engine was once adorned with oil paintings of Washington crossing the Delaware, Pocahontas saving the life of Captain John Smith, John Rodgers and Grace Reynolds. Rodgers, of course, was the builder, and Mrs. Reynolds was responsible for much of the fundraising that allowed the Sun Company to purchase the engine. The paintings of Washington and Pocahontas survive to this day. However, the paintings of Rodgers and Mrs. Reynolds were replaced, presumably when the New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association took possession of the apparatus, after they purchased the engine from the Sun Fire Company of Alexandria, Virginia. Museum records indicate the new paintings are of a Roman-style soldier and the allegorical figure the Genius of Freedom. However, upon closer examination, it appears that the Genius of Freedom is actually the goddess Athena. This would make sense, since Athena was, among many other things, portrayed as the companion of heroes and was the patron goddess of heroic endeavor.
The “Roman-style soldier” appears to be an allegorical image of “Liberty.” This image is directly tied to both patriotism and Freemasonry. Freemasonry was very common in the fire service during this time. Regardless of the interpretation of the artwork, when you consider all of the attributes of this engine, and the scarcity of John Rodgers engines in existence today, you begin to realize what a treasure this engine truly is. This apparatus also has one other distinction: in 1925, she was the first piece of apparatus officially added to the records or accessioned into the collection of the FASNYMuseum of Firefighting. To learn more about the FASNYMuseum of Firefighting and the amazing collection it stewards, visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com.
Justin C’s Birthday
On November18, 2024, before weekly training, Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers brought some gifts to Justin C. to help celebrate his eighth birthday. Justin had to celebrate his last two birthdays at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia due to a rare condition. Justin lives in the township with his family, including dad Anthony who is a volunteerfirefighterwith neighboring Collegeville Fire Company. Perkiomen volunteers provided Justin with some gifts, a fire company T-shirt, hat, patch, stickers plus toys, candy and balloons. Justin was able to check out Engine 66, Pipeline 66 and Tanker66. We are glad that his family has Justin home forhis birthday and the holidays! Happy Birthday Justin!
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
DoorTagging Flood Information
On November20, 2024, members of the UpperProvidence Township Emergency Management Team spent time in Mont Clare, Port Providence, Yerkes and the Rebersections of the township handing out flood preparedness info to residents. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Bridge Re-Naming
forNavy Vet
State SenatorFrank Farry spoke at the dedication of a bridge in LowerSouthampton Township. LowerSouthampton Fire Company was called to help out and used theirapparatus to hoist an American flag. The bridge was dedicated to US Navy Ensign Sarah Mitchell, who was killed in a training accident. The bridge connects LowerSouthampton with Middletown Twps. along route 213. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
