Fire News Pennsylvania edition, November 2019

PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 9, NO. 5

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 NOVEMBER 2019

Story on page 25.

- Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart

Happy Thanksgiving from the Staff at Fire News

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

McKeesport Vacancy Goes On November 3, 2019, McKeesport firefighters were dispatched for a dwelling fire.

See story on page 6

Barn Fire in Donegal Twp. On October 24, 2019, Butler County 911 received a call for a barn fire in Donegal Township in Butler County.

See story on page 8

10 Homes Go in Allentown Blaze Firefighters from the Allentown were dispatched for a reported house fire with a partial collapse.

See story on page 12

DWI at Bensalem Crash Bensalem firefighters removed an injured drunk driver from a wooded area after a wreck.

See story on page 15

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

Obituary Highland Park’s Kenneth Earnest See story on page 20

Broomall Dedicates New Station The Broomall Fire Department dedicated their new $7 million station with a gala open house.

See story on page 21

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

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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.

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Page 4, Fire News, November 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Reflections It is November 14, 2019, as I write my December editorial. My head is spinning as I recollect the good and bad points of recent months. As I sit back and reflect, I leave 2019 with mixed emotions. As Fire News moves into its 47th year of publication, we continue to grow, playing an integral part of the entire fire service. I give thanks to the departments that have reached out to Fire News with positive news about their department. Let’s face it, if you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will … but do something wrong and see how quickly you make the news! As individuals, hopefully you have grown as a responder in your department and are prouder than ever to serve.

You, the responder, continue to do a job that at times appears thankless and has become more difficult than in the past. You train to be the best that you can be at your profession.

Whether you are a paid responder or a volunteer, training has increased to a point that it reiterates the saying, “Being a first responder is not a job, but a lifestyle.” As the year comes to an end, I thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.

As we enter the holiday season, I ask you to

give thought and remember the families of the fallen, especially to Lieutenant Jason Menard, who was killed while saving fellow firefighters who were trapped in a recent blaze in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sadly, but proudly, Fire News honored as many responders as we could. Whether or not it was an LODD or a death from natural causes, we made the effort to honor as many members as possible in our paper. We were proud to honor those individuals who gave their life to the fire-rescue and emergency services.

To date, there have been 51 firefighter fatalities in the United States. If your department had the misfortune of losing a member, please reach out to the families during the holidays to let them know you are there for them.

For you, quitting is not an option. Make the people who we have lost this year proud of you.

Train like you mean it, respond to calls with the passion that you may be saving a family member and remember the lessons learned from the heroes of the past.

Wearing a uniform shows you are a member of an organization. When you wear your uniform, wear it with meaning. The next time you

put on your uniform, wear it with dignity and ask yourself if you are really doing all you can do to deserve the title of being a first responder.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.

On behalf of Fire News, I thank you for what you do. Reflect on 2019 and ask yourself how you can do more in 2020.

Happy holidays!

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, November 2019

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McKeesport Vacancy Goes

At 0207 on November 3, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to the 900 block of Park Street in the City of McKeesport for a dwelling fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from a vacant home. A second alarm was requested, and crews began setting up defensive operations. The fire was finally placed under control in just over an hour. No one was injured and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by First Due Photography

Upper Nazareth 2-Alarm Firefighters from numerous departments battled a house fire on Rising Sun Court in Upper Nazareth on September 10, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Fatality at Harrisburg Multi-Use Blaze On September 5, 2019, at 2332, Box 1-4 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Chief Bastinelli to Swatara Street at Queenies CafĂŠ for a building fire with with multiple calls being received reporting a female trapped. Chief 7 requested the first alarm en route, bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69 and Air 13 to the scene. Squad 8 arrived to smoke in the street and laid a line from 14th and Swatara Streets. Chief 7 reported a two-story, wood frame, mixed occupancy with heavy fire from sides C and D and at least two rooms going. Three lines were stretched and operated knocking down the fire on the second floor in about 15 minutes.

Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down a female occupant was found deceased on the fire floor.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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East Hempfield Township Apartment Building Blaze

Rohrerstown Fire Company was dispatched at 2233 on November 1, 2019, to Marietta Avenue in East Hempfield Township for an apartment fire. Crews arrived to smoke issuing from side B of the two-story apartment building.

Firefighters encountered heavy smoke inside with almost zero visibility, making it difficult to locate the source of the fire. All occupants safely exited. The blaze was declared under control at 2321 and the American Red Cross assisted an adult, two children and a dog in relocating.

Mutual aid came from Mountville, Manheim Township, East Petersburg, Hempfield, West Hempfield, Blue Rock Fire Rescue, Lancaster Township, Willow Street and Columbia.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Page 8, Fire News, November 2019

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Barn Fire in Donegal Twp.

On October 24, 2019, Butler County 911 received a call for a barn fire on Landgraf Road in Donegal Township in Butler County. Station 26 (Chicora), Station 8 (Lick Hill), Station 9 (East Butler), Station 35 (Oneida Valley) and Station 56 (Karns City Regional EMS) were dispatched as part of the first alarm. Units arrived to find a working barn fire with all the animals out of the barn. Crews worked to put out fire in the round bales of hay.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Homes Destroyed in Early Morning Allentown Fire In the early morning hours of October 20, 2019, Allentown firefighters responded to a blaze that destroyed a row of homes.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

Braddock Borough Fire On October 28, 2019, firefighters were dispatched to June Way in Braddock Borough for a house fire. Shortly after dispatch, EMS reported there was smoke seen in the area from their base. The Rivers Edge assistant chief arrived and reported smoke showing and assumed command. Crews arrived and made an aggressive interior attack. The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down and fire placed under control. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was investigating.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

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Lower Makefield Open House

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company firefighters demonstrated a car fire extinguishment for several hundred members of the community during their 2019 Fire Prevention Open House which they host-

ed on October 11, 2019, at the Woodside Fire Station 80 in Lower Makefield Township.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

Page 10, Fire News, November 2019

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Upper Macungie Nursing Home Blaze

On September 22, 2019, firefighters responded to the Heather Glen Nursing Home for a multi-alarm blaze with rescues in Upper Macungie Township.

- Fire News photos by Rich Rolen

2 Homes Damaged in 2-Alarmer On September 24, 2019, firefighters from numerous departments battled a two-alarm fire that damaged two homes on South 4th Street. The fire was reported around 2300.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Page 12, Fire News, November 2019

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10 Homes Go in Allentown Blaze

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department were dispatched around 0300 to a reported house fire with a partial collapse. Battalion Chief Phil Atyieh confirmed the report. Due to the width of the street, no apparatus could be placed directly on it. Engine 9 placed five lines in service. A second alarm was struck within moments of the chief’s arrival. A third alarm was struck once it was determined the fire was running the roof and eventually burning the rest of the row of homes. Ten homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Quick Stop in Harrisburg On October 16, 2019, at 1956, Box 1-4 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2 and Chief (7) Bastinelli to Derry Street for reports of a house fire. Multiple calls were being received for fire on the second or top floor. Chief Bastinelli arrived to a three-story ordinary with heavy fire from the second floor and requested the first alarm. Wagon 3, Rescue 69, Air 13 and Chief Enterline made up the extra companies. Chief 7 reported all occupants out of the boarding house, and that the fire involved the top floor. Two lines were stretched and operated and both truck companies opened up the roof. The fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and contained to the second floor and loft area.

The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes and units remained on the scene for overhaul and investigation.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Family Displaced in Butler County Fire On November 2, 2019, Butler County 911 received a call for a residential structure fire on Chicora Road in Summit Township of Butler County. Station 8 (Lick Hill), Station 9 (East Butler), Station 10 (Herman), Station 1 (City of Butler), Station 26 (Chicora) for traffic control and air cascade and Station 44 (East Butler Ambulance) were dispatched. EMS reported an active fire at a house located down a driveway behind the location given.

Engine 9 laid a supply line from the road and crews stretched two 1-3/4 inch lines. Fire was found in the basement and first floor.

Crews working in the basement were pulled due to a first-floor collapse. Units worked for an extended time due to multiple hidden pockets of fire. No injuries were reported and the American Red Cross was assisting the displaced family.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

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Lehigh County 2-Alarmer

Firefighters from numerous Lehigh County fire companies battled a two-alarm house fire at South 2nd Street on September 5, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Hmmm, This Looks Familiar

On October 9, 2019, crews from New Cumberland, Fairview Township, Lower Allen, Camp Hill, West Shore and the DLA were dispatched to the scene of a house fire which had occurred the prior evening. Crews found smoke coming from the attic insulation. The issue was quickly resolved and crews were cleared within the hour.

- Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart

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Fatality at SUV Motorcycle MVA

On September 22, 2019, the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company responded to a fatal MVA involving a motorcycle at the intersection of South Delaware and Letchworth Avenues. First arriving crews quickly extricated the passenger of an SUV. - Fire News photos by Jeffery Goldberg

Philadelphia MVA

Philadelphia fire crews worked to establish patient care and handle hazards at a two-vehicle MVA on Castor Avenue at Loney Street.

The crash happened when one vehicle ran a red light. Two medic

units were called, along with Engine 18 and Snorkle 28. The injuries were serious but not life threatening.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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DWI at Bensalem Crash

Bensalem firefighters removed an injured drunk driver from a mowing down a fence. The driver then plowed into multiple trees. wooded area after a wreck. The driver of a pickup exited a parking - Fire News photo by Alex Llyod Gross lot and slammed into two vehicles, before driving off 100 feet and

Page 16, Fire News, November 2019

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Lancaster Township MVA

Lancaster Township Fire Department volunteers were dispatched at 0103 on September 1, 2019, for an MVA with reported entrapment. Manheim Township Police were able to pry a door open of a vehicle that crashed into a large tree on Abbeyville Road. The car narrowly missed a front end collision with another parked along the curb. The car crashed through a small white picket fence and smashed into a large tree. EMS transported an occupant to Lancaster General Hospital.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

On October 26, 2019, the Lafayette Volunteer Fire Company along with Lancaster EMS units were dispatched to an MVA on Lincoln Highway in East Lampeter. Units arrived to find an accident involving two vehicles with negative entrapment. The crew of Rescue Engine 631 secured both involved vehicles, checked for fluids in the roadway and handled traffic control. Occupants of both vehicles were treated for minor injuries.

- Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez

East Lampeter MVA

Croydon Car Into Store Croydon firefighters responded to a car into a small store on Bristol Pike. The driver of the car went through the store. He was the only injury. The store had to be closed due to the accident. Police were unsure if the crash was caused by a medical episode or driver negligence.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Rush Hour MVA

Firefighters responded to an afternoon two-car MVA which tied up traffic at Route 13 and Spring Garden Streets. One driver was

Fire News, November 2019, Page 17

injured. The wreck tied up traffic for hours during the evening rush.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 18, Fire News, November 2019

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Up Close & Personal Fire News photographer Ken Badger(right) at the York County 1st Responder Appreciation Day in Hellam Township.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Sharpe Firefighters at an October 28, 2019, house fire in Braddock Borough.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

(Right): Little Logan poses with his aunt, Captain Bethany Thren of Hamburg’s Union Fire Company, after her recent fire prevention class. (Far right): Deputy Chief Jarrod Emes poses with Logan after driving him to his Kinderclass Fire Prevention in Ladder 61 - Fire News photos by Jarrod Emes

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York County Annual Fall Festival

Woodside Sta. 80 Open House

Firefighters, EMS, and police from Wrightsville and Hallam Boroughs supported the annual Fall Festival in York County on October 19, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

On October 11, 2019, firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company conducted a live vehicle fire demonstration for the community at the Woodside Fire House (Station 80), during their open house.

- Fire News photo by Jeffery Goldberg

Page 20, Fire News, November 2019

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Obituaries

Highland Park’s Kenneth Earnest

Kenneth Earnest, a 50-year member of the Highland Park Hose Company passed away suddenly on October 5, 2019 at the age of 69.

Ken was a father figure and mentor to many in the emergency

services over the years. Ken held the position of Chief, Assistant Chief and, for the past 30 years, Treasurer. Ken will be missed. We will never forget him.

- Fire News photos by Pat Shoop

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Broomall Dedicates New Station

The Broomall Fire Department in Delaware County dedicated their new $7 million station on November 2, 2019, with a gala open house.

- Fire News photos by Robert Mellon

Page 22, Fire News, November 2019

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First Responder Memorial

Firefighters, EMS, Fire Police, and family members from throughout Bucks County gathered at the Bucks County Administration Building courtyard for the 2019 Bucks County Fallen Firefighters, EMS, and Fire Police Memorial Ceremony on September 29, 2019, in Doylestown Borough.

- Fire News photos by Jeff Goldberg

Millersville Community-University Parade

The Millersville Community-University Parade was held October 26, 2019. This year’s parade theme was “A Halloween Monster Mash.” The parade runs for approximately three hours and attracts over 20,000 spectators and parade participants along its two-mile route. The parade featured fire apparatus from Blue Rock Fire Rescue, Willow Street, Lancaster Twonship, Manheim, Columbia and Conestoga. The parade was started in 1997 by a group of volunteers dedicated to improving relationships between the Borough

of Millersville, Millersville University, Manor Township and the surrounding communities. Since then, the Millersville CommunityUniversity Parade has quickly evolved into one of Lancaster County’s largest and most dynamic parades. Parade entries range from Philadelphia Mummers in full-plume to handmade floats by area children’s groups.

- Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

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Annual Fire Prevention and Open House

The Annual Fire Prevention Open House, was held at the Brandywine Station, Lower Macungie Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

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Aspinwall’s Fall in the Wall

Several members of the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department participated in Fall in the Wall.

This is an annual community event in which the Aspinwall members distribute fire safety information and provide the guests with explanations on the equipment they carry and with which they respond.

- Submitted by Aspinwall Emergency Management

Holiday Train Garden

Hagerstown Covers Waynesboro

The Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum presents the 2nd annual Holiday Train Garden. The display will run from Black Friday, November 29, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020. The museum is located at 134 East Hanover St., Hanover, PA. - Fire News photo provided

The City of Hagerstown Fire Department Truck 1 covered Waynesboro while they operated on a working fire assignment.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Philadelphia Police, Firefighter Fundraiser Members of the Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments kicked off ticket sales for the Thrill Show. This show, which is held every year, benefits the families of police and firefighters with the money going to education of family members of firefighters and police who were killed in the line of duty.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 24, Fire News, November 2019

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Training

VRT Training at LCPSTC Lancaster Township Fire Department held VRT training October 28, 2019, at Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center in Manheim.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Aspinwall, Cherry City Train Together On October 29, 2019, firefighters from the Aspinwall and Cherry City Fire Departments trained together. The departments worked on engine and truck company work and also victim and downed firefighter situations. The training was held at the Shaker Township Fire Training Center.

- Fire News photo by Aspinwall Emergency Management

Engine Company Operations Training at LCFA Fire School Lancaster Township Fire Department held their bi-weekly training at Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Class A burn facility in West Lampeter Township.

Training covered pulling cross-lay hose, hose line advancement and hose rolling.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

New Dumpster Fire Prop at LCPSTC Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center in Manheim continues to improve their facility to meet the ever-changing environment of the emergency services. The addition of a dumpster fire training prop allows the fire and emergency services train on this type of event in a controlled setting where safety is paramount.

Pictured is East Petersburg Fire Company station 23 training with the LCPSTC new propane fueled dumpster fire prop.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

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Cover Story

Lewisberry Total Loss

On October 21, 2019, at approximately 0200, Lewisberry crews from Fairview Township 68, DLA 69, Newberrytown 31, New Cumberland 10, Harrisburg Squad 8 and West Shore 13 were dispatched to a structure fire with flames visible through the roof. Nobody was home at the time of the fire.

Fire spread quickly and the home was a total loss.

- Fire News photos by Jillian Stewart

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GENNARO ANNOUNCES NEW FIREJEWELRY.COM WEBSITE The NEW FireJewelry.com website by Gennaro Jewelers has arrived with a great deal of “buzz” in the firefighting /EMS community! Celebrating their 95th year in business, Gennaro Jewelers has created an exciting new website featuring the very best in fireman rings, pendants, Maltese crosses, St. Florian medals, Chief’s rings, Captain’s rings and so much more!

America’s largest first responder manufacturer, FireJewelry.com sells direct to the firefighting community. Featuring Sterling Silver charms (that fit ladies Pandora bracelets) to unique designs in lady firefighter rings … each ring is carefully handmade in the United States by old-world expert craftsmen.

Gennaro Jewelers unique rings have been created by an award-winning jewelry designer and created to feature your proud membership in an elite group …firefighting!

Firejewelry.com welcomes custom watches and ring designs. Designers are on the premises to create special awards and anniversary gifts. Visit the NEW website: Firejewelry.com or email questions or ideas to Gary@GennaroJewelers.com