Fire news pennsylvania 3 16

VOLUME 6, NO.1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 MARCH 2016

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 3

In this issue...

Total Loss in Lancaster County Lancaster County Communications dispatched companies to Lancaster Avenue in Strasburg Borough for a dwelling fire.

See story page 6

Decatur Township 2-Alarmer February 15, 2016, units responded to a two-alarm house fire on US 522 N.

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

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Dauphin County House Fire Engine and Truck 32 arrived to a two-story, single-family residence with heavy fire showing.

See story page 12

Fire Rips Thru Manor Township Home Fire struck a Bender Mill Road home in Manor Township early on January 9, 2016, leaving six people homeless.

See story page 15

Fatal Accident Closes Millersville Road New Danville, Conestoga, W. Willow and Willow St. Fire Cos. were dispatched to an MVA with entrapment.

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Tom Schaller Presented 55-Year Service Award Tom Schaller, past-Chief, current Treasurer and Township Supervisor started his firefighting career in 1960 as a member of Bausman Fire Co.

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

A Good Time to Refamiliarize At the start of this year’s winter, we were lucky with the weather. Then at the blink of an eye, things change and we were hit with a blizzard that was almost a record breaker. Hopefully you were prepared to deal with frosted windows, slippery roads and the need to be cautious while responding to calls. For the new members, remember that frostbite is a serious issue, especially after the fire is knocked down and you are soaking wet. Most EMTs are aware that the cold can complicate patient care at an accident scene. Stop and give thought to working in the cold.

I would like to take a moment to thank our readers who have reached out to Fire News through Facebook. In case you have not done so, visit Fire News and FDNY Fire News on Facebook and like the page. Become one of the millions, yes millions of people who have liked a post, offered comment and shared posts. I recently came across a post on Facebook that actually made me stop and rethink about my commitment to the fire service. The post was a photograph of FDNY Rescue 2’s firehouse door. On the photo the following was superimposed: Check the rig. Check the tools. Mentor the probie.

Learn from the senior man. Leave the department better than you found it. Wow! Those few sentences are so true and should make you stop and think.

As a senior member of my department, I find myself coming to the firehouse for coffee and while the coffee is brewing, I frequently review the pump panel of my truck. It has been awhile since I pumped a ripping fire. I want to make sure that I am not embarrassed when I am the guy responsible to get water to the nozzle crew in a speedy fashion. Recently, when I entered the firehouse for morning coffee, all of the doors on my station’s fire police truck were open. I stopped and paused and noticed one of my breakfast partners going through the truck making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. Did he have to do this? No, he most certainly did not, since the truck had been inspected a few days ago. I asked him what was up.

He said, “Nothing, I just wanted to check a few things that were used the other night.”

I have always learned from the best. The people who care are the people who reach out above and beyond what they are expected to do. Are you in this group?

To all members — not just probationary members — remember that being part of the fire-rescue and emergency services is a privilege and a lifestyle. Winter is a great time to go down to the firehouse to study your rig, refamiliarize yourself with the equipment placement on the truck and, while you are at it, ask yourself, “Are you leaving a positive mark on the department?”

Stay warm and be safe!

Dennis

Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner’s Report

By Tim Solobay By now, the e-mail making you aware that grant agreements for this year’s $30 million Fire Department and Ambulance Grant Program are ready, the instructions how to download your agreement paperwork has been sent out, as has the schedule of when to get things in. Knowing a lot of you, they have already been completed and returned.

This year was a near record number of applications so if it looks like your figure went down a little from last year, that is why.

I know I have brought this up before, but repetition on this topic never gets old. This year the reauthorization legislation is due up

by June 30 to continue the grant program. We have been meeting with the legislative committee working on the language and making some updates and enhancements to the bill, hoping to make the process easier and smoother. We are also trying to see if additional money can be added to the program and maybe even some additional entities made eligible to apply, as well as other ideas from suggestions all of you have given us. If there are more, please get them to me so they too can be considered.

The groundhog said that spring is around the corner so let’s hope that’s true. The big winter storm Jonas (when did they start naming winter storms?) is now history, but as I look out the window at the office the piles of snow say he hasn’t completely been forgotten or that he hasn’t completely disappeared. Hope that’s all for this year, but it’s still a little early to say, regardless of what the famous rodent from Punxy has predicted!

We had the opportunity again this month to travel around the Commonwealth meeting with fire department groups doing outreach, updates, expressing hopeful plans from the Office and the Academy to help you all do what you do protecting your communities, and also trying to find the ways to make the challenges that you deal with better for you. As I say when I meet with the groups, the names and faces my change but the issues and commitment remain pretty consistent.

We continue to push and plug for departments to work towards either switching to Emergency

Reporting for your incidents or stay with Firehouse. Please reach out to Kraig Herman (krherman@pa.gov; 717-651-2209) in my office to make us aware of your intentions so we can know where the reports will be coming from.It is a mandatory requirement to send your incident reports to us and is a vital role that chief officers or department record keepers of incidents must do.

Your department’s future grant eligibility will depend on reporting. Presently about 50 percent of the fire departments are signed up for Emergency Reporting but we don’t know the number who are staying with Firehouse Reporting or who may be using someone else. So please, please, please reach out to Kraig and get us your information.

Different Legislative pieces continue to be introduced and attempt to become law. In future issues we will either get an updated list to you or work with Chief Konkle from PFESI to get that in a special article with legislative bill numbers and where they are in the process. On the Fire Commissioner’s website there is always good information pertaining to OSFC and Fire Academy business. I suggest you go to it on a regular basis to keep well informed. Our Facebook page has the comings and goings of our activity as well as good information to pass along, as well.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me with anything you may have or ideas you would like us to consider and work on. I can be reached at tsolobay@pa.gov or 717-651-2201 (office), 717-3170976 (work cell, which also receives texts), and/or 724-2634917 (personal cell and also receives texts). Stay Safe, be careful out there and remember “Everyone Goes Home.”

Page 6, Fire News, March 2016

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Total Loss in Lancaster Co.

Recently, Lancaster County Communications dispatched companies to Lancaster Avenue in Strasburg Borough for a dwelling fire. Chief 5 requested a working fire dispatch due to heavy smoke showing while en route. The fire involved the first floor of an unoccupied, two-story, wood frame dwelling with extension to a pile of firewood on the porch. Strasburg Truck 5 arrived and laid a supply line to the front of the building. A handline was stretched from Truck 5 to the front door and crews were able to get a good knockdown on the bulk of interior fire. Special calls for extra engines were requested as heavy fire consumed the woodpiles and extensive overhaul was needed to open up the walls and void spaces. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. The home was a total loss and two dogs perished in the blaze.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Philadelphia 6-Alarm

On February 13, 2016, a building fire was reported on the 4600 block of Griscom Street in an auto body shop in the Frankford section of the city. Crews arrived to fire conditions and heavy smoke throughout the structure. Firefighters were evacuated from the building as fire conditions worsened and a second alarm was struck.

Crews set up for defensive operations and surrounded the building

as it became heavily involved. The fire was brought under control five hours later and spread to six other businesses. The blaze reached six alarms bringing in 150 firefighters. One firefighter was treated and transported from the scene. Crews were faced with high winds and freezing temperatures.

- Fire News photos by Ted Aurig

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, March 2016

9 Displaced in Gettysburg Fire

The Gettysburg Fire Department responded to a call for a working structure fire in the 100 block of Buford Avenue on January 16, 2016. The building housed retail businesses on the ground floor and apartments on the second. The fire began in one apartment and was contained there, with some damage to the second apartment, businesses below and to an adjacent property. Six adults and three children were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross. Units responding from Gettysburg included Engines 1-1 and 1-2, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Duty Officer 1, Traffic 1, and Service 1. Mutual aid came from Arendtville, Barlow, Biglerville, Cashtown, Fairfield, Franklin, Hanpton, Irishtown, Littlestown, and United; also on scene were Adams Regional EMS and Adams Emergency Management. More than 70 volunteers on 24 pieces of apparatus responded.

- Fire News photos by 911 Photography

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 9

8 Displaced in Butler Blaze

On New Year’s morning the City Of Butler Fire Department Station 1 was dispatched, along with Veterans Affairs Fire Department Station 38, Butler Township Fire District Ladder 3, Butler Ambulance Service Station 99 and City of Butler Police, to Walker Avenue for a residential fire. Upon arrival of the city units, fire was showing on the second floor that had been converted into two apartments. All residents were evacuated upon firefighters’ arrival. Fire

crews went to work deploying two 1-3/4 inch attack lines to the second floor and fire was found on the third floor attic. Engine 38 arrived and assisted city crews. Ladder 3 arrived and deployed ground ladders. Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately two hours. Eight people were displaced and were assisted by the American Red Cross.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Page 10, Fire News, March 2016

Decatur Twp. 2-Alarmer

On February 16, 2016, firefighters under the command of Chief 5 Mark Wolfgang, responded to a twoalarm house fire on US Highway 522 North in Decatur Township.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 11

Lewistown Borough House Fire

On February 12, 2016, Lewistown and surrounding mutual aid sta- to a second alarm due to the remote location and distance from tions arrived at a chimney fire on Ards Ridge Road. This fire went hydrants.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Page 12, Fire News, March 2016

Dauphin Co. House Fire

Just before midnight on January 5, 2016, Box 32-4 sent Company 32 (Progress), Engines 30 (Penbrook), 31 (Edgemont), 33 (Colonial Park), Truck 34 (Paxtonia), and Rescue 37 (Rescue-Susquehanna Twp.) to the first block of N. 36th Street for a house fire. Engine and Truck 32 encountered a two-story, single-family residence with heavy fire showing and all occupants out. A first-alarm assignment was requested two minutes after arrival. Engine 40 (Paxtang), Truck 35 (Linglestown), Rescue 44 (Lawnton), and Air 30 (Penbrook) made up the additional companies. An interior attack using two handlines knocked down the bulk of the fire in about 10 minutes. Extensive overhaul and opening up was required to chase fire running the void spaces.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 13

A transformer fire caused a small amount of property damage on smoke coming from an awning. The chief said a transformer locatDecember 31, 2015, above a vacant store at the Rockvale Outlets in ed inside a wall, which had been used to power a sign above the East Lampeter Township. Firefighters from three departments store, caused the fire.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman were called to the former Van Heusen store after a passerby noticed

Page 14, Fire News, March 2016

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 15

Fire struck a Bender Mill Road home in Manor Township early on January 9, 2016, leaving six people homeless. Firefighters arrived to heavy flames coming from the lower level of the split-level home. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes, but not before it swept through much of the home. The early morning fire appeared to have started in the living room on the lower level. The residents, two adults and four children (and their pets), were assisted by the American Red Cross.

- Fire News photos by Lt. Greg Leaman

Page 16, Fire News, March 2016

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Need a New Door in Lancaster

Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment building fire at Kensington Club Apartments on Misty Drive on an extremely cold February 11, 2016. Firefighters arrived and extinguished a small fire that was burning under the threshold of the doorway between the door frame and wall. Firefighter accessed the fire from the basement below the floor where the fire was burn-

ing. The fire was quickly placed under control, according to Fire Chief Ron Comfort, Jr. The fire is under investigation by State Police Fire Marshall Harper. Assisting were Willow Street, Blue Rock and New Danville. A Lancaster Emergency Medical Service Ambulance (LEMSA) ambulance was on stand by.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

Harrisburg Car Fire

Mobile Home Totaled

On December 6, 2015, Harrisburg firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the area of 18th and Berryhill Streets.

Updated info reported smoke in the area with no exact address.

Squad 8 investigated and found a working vehicle fire next to a building. A handline was stretched, quickly knocking down the fire. The box was held to Squad 8 and Tower 1.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On February 7, 2016, Company 23 (Upper Allen) and surrounding companies dispatched to a mobile home fire on Rolo Court. Duty Chief 23 arrived on location with heavy fire showing. All occupants were able to escape prior to arrival of the fire department. Several lines were stretched knocking down the fire in about 10 minutes.

The mobile home was a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 17

Harrisburg SUV Fire

On January 3, 2016, Company 456 (Chambers Hill), Rescue 49 of the Lane Bryant store in the High Point Commons Shopping (Swatara Township), and Engine 44 sent to High Point Boulevard Center. Two lines were stretched to knock down the stubborn fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb for a vehicle fire. Rescue 49 arrived to a working SUV fire in front

Page 18, Fire News, March 2016

Blue Rock Fire Rescue was dispatched on a clear three-degree morning of February 14, 2016, to Penn Manor High School in Millersville for a reported building fire at the school complex on Cottage Avenue. Blue Rock Fire Rescue Chief 905, Keith Eshleman, reported a boiler malfunction was releasing a plume of heavy black smoke. Firefighters shut down the malfunctioning boiler and hand-

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ed the scene over to school officials. Penn Manor Superintendent Mike Leichliter said one of the two auxiliary oil burners at the high school malfunctioned; no smoke entered the school. Assisting were units from Lancaster Township, Willow Street and Rohrerstown.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 19

Fatal Accident Closes Millersville Rd.

New Danville, Conestoga, West Willow and Willow Street Fire Companies were dispatched to an MVA with entrapment to Route 741 and Bean Road on January 16, 2016 in Pequea Township. Two vehicles were involved with one person trapped. The driver of an eastbound sedan on Route 741 was pronounced dead at the scene by Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni. Firefighters extricated the driver of a westbound SUV that was on its side after the collision.

Police are lauding the actions of a Cumberland County truck driver,

James Cooper, of Enola, who arrived at the scene shortly after it happened. Cooper, who works for Advantage Tank Lines, grabbed a fire extinguisher from his tractor-trailer and headed toward the vehicles.

Although gasoline and other fluids were leaking, Cooper was able to put out a fire that had started in the overturned vehicle where an occupant was trapped. “This action likely saved the life of the driver,� police said.

The road was closed for five hours.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

Page 20, Fire News, March 2016

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MVA in Lancaster Township

Two people went to the hospital after a collision at Schoolhouse Road and Millersville Pike on December 19, 2015, in Lancaster Township. The two were able to get out of their car with the help of medics. The driver of a sedan attempted to cross two turning lanes of Schoolhouse Road into the lot of New Life Christian Fellowship Church on Millersville Pike. The car was hit by another traveling in the right turn lane to Millersville Pike. The driver of the second car was not injured. Fire police closed Schoolhouse Road at Millersville Pike and Atkins Avenue for 30 minutes until the cars were towed.

Firefighters provided spill control of leaking fluids.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

Driver Runs After MVA On February 15, 2016, Lancaster Township fire units were dispatched to Gentlemens Way after a passerby came upon a overturned vehicle down an embankment in the 1800 block of Wabank Road. Manheim Township Police, who patrol Lancaster Township, had reported there were no occupants inside the vehicle upon their arrival. The driver of a the sedan apparently lost control as it was traveling south on Wabank Road. The vehicle crossed the road, collided with a snow-covered curb and flipped onto its roof before sliding down an embankment and becoming buried in snow in the backyard of a home in the 100 block of Gentlemens Way. Weaver’s Garage of Lititz, removed the vehicle. The driver fled the scene.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

Car Flips on S. West End Avenue On December 18, 2016, Lancaster Township Fire Department responded to an MVA with occupants trapped in an overturned vehicle on S. West End Avenue between Fifth and Sixth Streets in Lancaster Twp. Multiple 911 callers were reporting an overturned car with a child trapped. Assistant Chief Mike Pickard arrived on the scene and reported the occupants had self-extricated; four people were in the care of LEMSA Ambulance personnel. A fifth person, a Good Samaritan on the scene at the time of the accident, sustained cuts on his arms when he removed a child from the overturned vehicle; he refused medical treatment. The car struck a parked Jeep and overturned.

Mannheim Township Police investigated the accident.

- Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 21

Granville Twp. Rollover

On February 5, 2016, units from Granville Township (Mifflin Industrial Park Road. One person was injured.

County) and Fame EMS responded to a rollover accident on - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Page 22, Fire News, March 2016

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Looking Back to 2015

Paxtang Borough Fire,

Garage Fire in Dormont, October 2015

November 2015

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager ed Fire, August 2015

- Fire News

Cobb photo by Jason Coleman-

King of Prussia Gas-Fuel

Butler County Trainin

g, September 2015

ren Carpenter

- Fire News photo by Lau

Fire Department Extrication Training, October 2015 - Fire News photo by Ken

Scott Township Fire, Au

gust 2015

Lager

larm, Myerstown Borough 2-A November 2015

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

- Fire News photo by Ken

East Hanover 2- Alarm, November 2015 - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Lager

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 23

Lancaster Township Presents 2015 Service Awards

Tom Schaller

Ron Comfort, Sr.

Rod Warner, Jr.

John Jones

Jason Snyder

Greg Leaman

Gene Gallagher

Ed Slaymaker

The Lancaster Township Fire Department held its annual appreciation banquet on December 5, 2015, at the Conestoga Country Club in Manor Township.

The annual banquet is held to recognize members who displayed outstanding service throughout the year. A buffet-style dinner was provided for all members, followed by the awards ceremony. Each year after the awards presentation, Lieutenant Greg Leaman presents a slide show from the past years incidents and events.

Past Chief, Treasurer and Township Supervisor, Tom Schaller, was presented an award for his 55 years of service (see page 24).

Fire Chief Ron Comfort, Jr.; Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin; Assistant Chief Steve Roy; and Assistant Chief Brett Fassnacht 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 Jason Snyder for his outstanding service and dedication to the fire department.

Rookie Firefighter of the Year was presented to Eugene Gallagher to recognize his high level of participation and interest in becoming a senior Lancaster Township firefighter.

The Fire Officer of the Year award was presented to Administrative Lieutenant Greg Leaman. This award is chosen by the membership to recognize service by a line officer. This past year Leaman was instrumental in transitioning data to a new incident reporting system sponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, implementing the new reporting system and training personnel in its use. Leaman also publishes a monthly newsletter for members, maintains the department website and Twitter account; just a few of his administrative duties.

The Fire Chief’s award was presented to Fire Police Captain Ron Comfort, Sr. This award is presented to a member who assists the chief throughout the year. Comfort Sr. is the father of Fire Chief Ron Comfort, Jr. Chief Comfort, who works with his father at C&W Imports, stated he relies heavily on his father throughout the year when he leaves the shop to attend emergencies.

The President’s Award was presented to Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin to recognize his work for managing the purchase and delivery of a new 2015 Pierce Arrow fire engine which arrived in March 2015.

The Firefighter Jeff Jones’ Volunteerism award is given to the member who best represents the Lancaster Township Fire Department

and shows true “Volunteer Spirit,” an all-around dedicated volunteer, upstanding community member and someone who always comes through for the fire department. Firefighter Jeff Jones died in the line of duty on June 13, 1981 during a confined space rescue on Hamilton Road in Lancaster Township. This award was presented to Captain Justin Brian for his work implementing the county radio system and also serves as a PA state game warden.

The Lieutenant Keith Rankin Training Award is given to the person who has dedicated themselves to the Lancaster Township Fire 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 Firefighter Chris Mosso and Firefighter Kenton Miller.

The Jeffrey L. Wolfersberger Memorial Award was presented to Assistant Chief Steve Roy for his work keeping the department computers up to date and implementing/updating Iron Compass mapping and pre-plan software. 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.

Life Membership was granted to Assistant Chief Mike Pickard, Assistant Engineer Shawn Roop, Firefighter Irene Fitzkee, Firefighter Dave Stoeckl and Secretary Dale Kline, The Fire Police of the Year award was presented to fire police Sergeant John Jones.

The Fire Police Line Officer of the Year award was presented to Lieutenant Rod Warner, Jr., and Lieutenant Ed Slaymaker for their assisting the fire police captain with events and more after the loss of Lieutenant Dick Ruhl.

Top Responder awards were presented to Engineer Shawn Roop, Lieutenant James Logan, Assistant Fire Chief Brett Fassnacht, Fire Chief Ron Comfort Jr., Lieutenant Tom Royer, Fire Police Officer John Jones, Fire Police Officer Mark Clare and Fire Police Lieutenant Ed Slaymaker.

Following the awards ceremony, music was supplied by DJ Chuck Colson.

- Fire News photos by Lt. Greg Leaman

Page 24, Fire News, March 2016

Tom Schaller Presented 55-Year Service Award

Tom Schaller, past-Chief, current Treasurer and Township Supervisor was presented an award for his 55 years of service. He started his firefighting career in 1960 as a member of Bausman Fire Company and was promoted to Assistant Chief. He was elected Fire Chief in 1984. Bausman and Wheatland Fire Companies merged in 1991 to form the current Lancaster Township Fire Department.

Schaller was appointed Deputy Chief of the new department. He served as Deputy Chief under Fire Chief Glenn Usdin until he was appointed Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator in 1999 and served until 2012. Schaller retired at the end of 2015 after serving 24 years as treasurer of Lancaster Township Fire Department.

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Schaller accepted his award flanked by his wife Dorothy and 11 family members.

A new award was created this year to recognize Schaller’s 55 years of service.

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 must have displayed integrity, reliability, commitment, leadership, and the highest work ethic.

- Fire News photos by Lt. Greg Leaman

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 25

Big Mac-Chili Fest It is Sunday, February 7, 2016. Why is the date so important? It was Super Bowl Sunday 2016 and I am spending my day in Weston Connecticut. Why, you might ask? Well it was the Big Mac-Chili Fest!

A few months ago, I received an e-mail from a promoter who is a fan of my show. His name was Jim Keenan. Jim is the creator of Chowder-fest, which is a big event in Connecticut as well as the MacChili Fest. He thought it would be a great idea to have the Mac-Chili Fest before the Super Bowl. He said, “Come on! What would be better than chili and macaroni and cheese before the big game?” How can one argue with that? One of the main reasons he contacted me was due to a rivalry between the Weston Fire Department and Westport Fire Department, a feud based on who had the better chili. Who better to judge this contest than Firefighter Ray! I know we do a lot of chili on Firehouse Kitchen, but … this is the fire department and we love our chili!

When I arrived at the event, it was controlled chaos. Sacred Heart University was there with their band and more volunteers to help than you could imagine! One could immediately tell that this was a huge event. The lines for the chili were long, but totally worth it. I have never seen so many different macaroni and cheese dishes and specialty chili in my life. All the chili was made by different restaurants in the area as well as several local fire departments. One was better than the next.

Now for my decision. I thought both departments’ chili was delicious, but I had to go with the Weston Fire Department chili.

Firefighter Frank Caolo was the chef who created it. Not only did it win over Westport, in my opinion, but it came in second overall in the event. If you’re not doing anything on Super Bow Sunday 2017, I highly recommend attending the Mac-Chili Fest.

One last thing. Firehouse Kitchen will be returning TV55 WLNY New York on Saturday mornings at 1130 starting April 2, 2016. Be sure to watch the new season!

To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com or contact us on Facebook.

Big Mac-Chili Fest...

Weston Volunteer Fire Department “SmokeEaters Chili” For two Engines and two Ladder Trucks of Firefighters Ingredients: 12 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon dried oregano 1-tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground white pepper 2 teaspoon brown sugar 1 ½ teaspoon fresh cilantro 1 ½ teaspoon fresh thyme 1 cup Guinness Stout beer 2 quarts chicken stock 8 long green chilies new Mexican roasted and chopped

2-15 ounces cans fire roasted diced tomatoes 2-15 ounces cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh celery 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 2 lbs. Vermont (New England) smoked bacon (save the bacon fat) 4 Lbs. center cut pork chops or pork butt - cut into 3/8-inch cubes 5 Lbs. beef sirloin tips or

Directions: Start cooking the bacon; when done save the bacon fat for use later and chop the bacon into small pieces.

Place chicken stock into large pot and start getting it to a low boil. While waiting for the chicken stock, mix all dry spices together then add the cup of Guinness beer and stir making sure there are no lumps. Now, add the spice and beer mixture into the chicken stock.

Roast the green chilies over a flame or in frying pan with two spoons of saved bacon fat. Now finely chop and add chilies to the stock, chop celery, and garlic and add them to the stock.

Open the cans of fire roasted tomatoes add them to the stock, Start to brown the pork … using bacon fat.

Add pork in stock …and let it work for 20 to 30 minutes.

Try Tips, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 4 medium onions cut into 3/8 inch pieces 2 green peppers cut into 3/8 inch pieces 1 red peppers, cut into 3/8 inch pieces 1 yellow peppers, cut into 3/8 inch pieces Serve with: 1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese 3 limes sliced

As pork is in the stock start browning the steak in the bacon fat.

Once browned place steak into stock and low boil for one hour.

Now start chopping the onions and bell peppers, cook for additional three- to four hours until all the pork and meat breaks down. (Stay on top of it with the stirring as it could stick to bottom of the pot.)

Almost there…

Take it off the heat and sit at room temperature for 45 minutes to an hour…for the best refrigerate for a day or two to get the best and optimum flavor. Reheat for about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve: Place Cheese and limes on the side and firefighters can add as they choose.

For a Sandwich version use…Potato rolls or Baguettes.

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Page 26, Fire News, March 2016

Cover Story

2 Injured in Castle Shannon 3-Alarmer

On December 22, 2015, a three-alarm fire broke out late at night on Middleboro Road, which sent two adults to the hospital with minor burns.

Two children were able to escape unharmed.

- Fire News photos by Ken Lager

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Fire News, March 2016, Page 27

Up Close & Personal

Chief 5 Mark Wolfgang in command of a February 15, 2016, two-alarm house fire in Decatur Township.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Junior Firefighter Bowmaster of the Biglerville Fire Company’s Company 6 in Adams County.

- Fire News photo by 911 Photography

An RIT team from Alpha Fire Department, Company 20 of Littlestown (Adams County) at a working fire on January 16, 2016 in Gettysburg.

- Fire News photo by 911 Photography

Firefighter Brandon Hiller discusses strategy with Chief Hurshel Shank on the scene.

- Fire News photo by 911 Photography

Lancaster Twp. Fire Chief Ron Comfort, Jr., at a fire at the Kensington Club Apartments on February 11, 2016 - Fire News photo by Lt. Greg Leaman

Members of the City of Butler Fire Department Station 1 on New Year’s morning at a Walker Avenue residential fire.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

On September 27, 2015, crews from Mt. Lebanon, Castle Shannon and Dormont participated in mutual aid training at Butler County Community College.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager