On December 26, 2024, a major fire occurred at Franks Automotive, located on Route 522 north in Decatur Township. See story on page 4
Medevac at Hubley Twp. Fire
Crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Drive in Hubley Township for a reported house fire on January 9, 2025.
See story on page 6
1 Injured in Dolington Road House Fire
Yardley-Makefield Fire Co., Newtown Fire Rescue and Upper Makefield Fire Co., were dispatched to the Farmview development.
See story on page 8
McVeytown Man Escapes
Injury in Trailer Fire
AMcVeytown man is lucky to have escaped uninjured after his house trailer became engulfed in flames recently in Oliver Township.
See story on page 14
7 Die in Jet Crash in Philadelphia
Amedical Lear Jet, on its way to Tijuana, Mexico, crashed on Cottman Avenue in front of the Roosevelt Mall.
See story on page 16
Obituary
Reliance’s
Chad Kitchen
See story on page 24
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page 23 Training
pages 20-22
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DecaturTownship Auto Shop Fire DecaturTownship Auto Shop Fire
In the early morning hours of December26, 2024, a majorfire occurred at Franks Automotive, located on Route 522 north in DecaturTownship. First arriving units found a large building well off with multiple exposures of buildings and vehicles. Stations from
Mifflin, Snyder, Juniata and Centre counties responded to the scene orcovered area stations. Chief Wolfgang had the command. - Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop
2 Displaced by Mobile Home Blaze
Around 1000, January 19, 2025, firefighters from Chief Logan Fire Company were sent to the 1400 block of Glenwood Avenue in Derry Township forreports of a house fire with reports of occupants unaccounted for. Upon arrival, firefighters found a fully engulfed house traileron Glenwood Avenue. Firefighters battled significant weather-related problems during this fire including a frozen fire hydrant and a snow storm. According to Chief Eric Moist, firefighters were
able to bring the blaze undercontrol around 1030, but the house was a total loss. The two occupants of the home were uninjured, and were being assisted by the Red Cross. One of the occupants was at home at the time of the fire and was assisted to a neighbor’s home uninjured. Assistance came from Yeagertown Decatur, City Hook and Ladder, Junction, West Granville, Fame EMS and local fire police.
- Fire News photos by Samuel Baumgardner
Medevac at Hubley Twp. Fire
Crews were dispatched to the 500 block of Pine Drive in Hubley Township fora reported house fire on January 9, 2025. County advised Chief 14 of receiving calls about a mobile home on fire possibly having propane tanks within the structure, as well as a possible burn victim. Chief 14 arrived to find a mobile home with heavy fire showing on the Aand D sides with extension to brush in the rear. Engine 14-10 put 200 feet of three-inch line into service on the delta side, along with three 1-3/4-inch lines a short time after. It was found that one individual had sustained burns. EMS evaluated the patient and determined the need forairmedical transport. Command/Chief 14 advised MuirEngine 22-11 to establish an LZ forLife Flight 1. Within minutes, Life Flight 1 touched down. The patient was loaded onto the helicopter, and Life Flight transported the victim to the designated facility. Despite crews making fast work it was confirmed that pets perished in the blaze. Units from Sacramento, Hegins, Gratz, Klingerstown, North End, Lykens, Joliett and Wiconisco operated on scene.
4 Dogs Perish in Everson Fire
On Christmas Eve 2024, around 1530, Fayette County 911 received calls reporting a house on fire in the 100 block of Maple Street in the Borough of Everson. Crews arrived to find a twostory residential structure with smoke showing. Crews made an interiorattack and found fire throughout the balloon frame structure. Crews worked to contain the fire and extensive overhaul was done. One firefightersuffered a shoulderinjury. The occupants of the residence lost fourdogs in the fire, which was being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
FFs Battle Harrisburg Garage Fire FFs Battle Harrisburg Garage Fire
On December26, 2024 at 0452, Dauphin County received a call from a sanitation workerreporting a fire in the area of Penn and Schuylkill streets, followed by rapid calls reporting multiple garages on fire. Box 1-3 toned sending Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower1, and Battalion Chief Bradford. Truck 2 arrived to a well
involved, four-bay garage with no exposure issues. Chief Bradford special called Wagon 4 formanpowerand two lines were stretched from Wagon 3. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in less than 10 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Modifications Make Lansdowne Fire Fight Problematic
Shortly before 0100, crews from Lansdowne, UpperDarby, Clifton Heights, Darby and Llanerch arrived to find a working fire in the living room and, eventually, fire on three floors of a Wayne Avenue,
Lansdowne home. Due to modifications within the house, this fire proved challenging. Crews remained on scene forabout three hours. - Fire News photos by Sherry Tappan/Tappan Fire Photos
1 Injured in Dolington Road House Fire
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company personnel, along with Newtown Fire Rescue and UpperMakefield Fire Company, were dispatched to the Farmview development off Dolington Road fora possible house fire. While en route, Bucks County Radio informed the chief that multiple calls were coming in forthe incident and that Northampton Rescue 3 and Langhorne Engine 22 were being added. Special Service 55 from Newtown arrived and confirmed a working fire and went into rescue mode, being told one occupant went back inside the home. Rescue 45 arrived minutes later, secured
a watersupply and started extinguishment. The crew from SS-55 located the occupant and removed the person from the home and medics transported the person to the hospital. Shout out to all the mutual aid companies that assisted today along with Lower Makefield PD, YMFC Fire Police, Yardley Makefield and Penndel Middletown EMS and FM 225. The incident is still underinvestigation by the LowerMakefield Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Fire News photos by Jeff Goldberg
Abandoned House Fire During Snowstorm
As a snowstorm began to impact the area on January 19, 2025, crews were dispatched to the 300 block of Arch Street fora reported house fire. Soon after, they were advised of a 2-1/2-story duplex that was to be abandoned, well involved with heavy fire showing. Crews went to work stretching multiple lines including the threeinch with the step gun. Command ordered exterioroperations. Truck 22 setup and operated on the Aside of the structure as Ladder58-25 arrived and set up on the B side. As crews worked to
battle flames the snow began to fall heavier. Within a short time a majority of the big fire had been extinguished, however, several hotspots remained. Crews from Wiconisco, Lykens, Gratz, Elizabethville, Muir, Sheridan, North End and Tremont assisted on scene along with EMS. Great job by all crews battling this blaze while enduring the weatherconditions.
- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Explosions at Aldan House Fire
At 0830 on January 29, 2025, crews from Collingdale, Clifton Heights, UpperDarby, Sharon Hill, and Darby arrived to a West Wayne Avenue address in Aldan, to find heavy fire on the Charlie side. The initial call reported explosions from the house. However, there were no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan/Tappan Fire Photos
Limerick Assists
Pottstown
On December18, 2024, at 1058, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist Pottstown with a building fire at Dana Corporation on CenterAvenue. Tower51 and Engine 51 responded. Limerick crews assisted with overhaul operations and worked inside the building.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
BetterSafe Than Sorry
Keating Township, McKean County, PA
On January 26, 2025, at 2223, the Rew and Smethport volunteerfire departments were dispatched to a reported garage and house fire in the 1200 block of Bordell Road. First arriving firefighters found the attached garage fully involved with the fire already spreading to the house. Asecond alarm was requested with Otto Township, Bradford Township, Derrick City, Lewis Run, Hilltop and Port Allegany responding. Due to the remote location, five tankers were used to shuttle waterto the scene. Multiple 1-3/4 inch lines were used by firefighters. Operations were furthercomplicated by cold temperatures, snow and poorroad conditions. The last units left the scene at 0754 the following morning. There were no injuries.
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
At 1310 on January 25, 2025, Perkiomen Township’s Tanker66 and an all-volunteercrew were dispatched to a report of a woods and field fire in the unit block of Delphi Road in LowerFrederick Township. Ahomeownerwas doing a controlled burn and was worried that it was getting out of control. Crews with LowerFrederick Fire Company and UpperSalford VolunteerFire Company addressed the initial fire when the crews noticed a nearby tree on fire, so attention was then turned towards that. Perkiomen’s Tanker66 crew responded as mutual aid to support LowerFrederick Fire. Crews were in service forabout 80 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
House Fire in Halifax
On the morning of January 13, 2025, at 0743, Dauphin County 911 dispatched the box fora reported house fire in the 200 block of Armstrong Street in Halifax Borough. County advised the occupants to be evacuated, and a heating unit believed to be on fire within the attic. Soon after, the event was upgraded to a working fire with DEMA1 having smoke visible from the roof line of a 2-1/2-story single-family home. Units from Halifax, Millersburg and Fisherville arrived on scene. Aftercrews entered the structure and made theirway to the attic, fire began to show from the roof and D side of the structure. As crews worked to find the seat of the fire, remaining first-alarm units began arriving. Crews were able to extinguish all active fire aftera short period of time and began overhaul. Despite quick response, the home suffered moderate fire damage to the attic, roof and D-side wall.
Juniata Terrace
Row House 5-Alarmer
Amassive five-alarm fire on January 26, 2025, in Juniata, drew a response from stations from at least five counties. First arriving Truck 15 (Junction) found heavy fire in the rearof two houses. Chief Beers had the command. This fire occurred in the 300 block of Terrace Boulevard at around 0630. Several firefighters were treated at the scene forminorinjuries. Afterfive hours 11 rowhomes were affected. Amajorfire occurred in these same homes in March 2014. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
7 Displaced by Harrisburg Duplex Fire
On December20, 2024, at 1358, Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 8 to North HerrStreet fora bedroom fire. An additional call updated the address. Truck 2 arrived to smoke showing from a three-story occupied duplex, with a working fire in a third-floorbedroom. Chief 8 requested EMS fora patient experiencing a medical event. Atwo-inch line was stretched from Wagon 4 forinitial fire attack as heavy fire issued from the rearand side B. Asecond line was stretched forback up. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in less than 10 minutes with the fire being brought undercontrol at 1411. Seven people were left homeless.
McVeytown Man Escapes Injury in TrailerFire
AMcVeytown man is lucky to have escaped his home uninjured afterhis house trailerbecame engulfed in flames recently in OliverTownship. The McVeytown Fire Company was alerted to a fire on West Furnace Road. McVeytown Captain Caleb Alexanderwas the first firefighterto arrive and reported the home to be well engulfed on two sides. Alexandersaid the homeowner was outside on his arrival and was assisted to an ambulance by members of McVeytown EMS. Unconventional construction within the home and the continuing winterweatherconditions played majorfactors in the suppression of this stubborn fire. Alexanderreported one firefighterwas treated and released at the scene afterthe floorbelow him collapsed. The home was reported to be a total loss and the cause of the fire to be underinvestigation by the State Police and Lewistown Fire Marshall’s Office. Assisting at the scene were Yeagertown, Chief Logan, Junction, Granville, West Granville, Newton Wayne, Mount Union, Fame EMS, PSPFire Marshalls Office and local fire police. - Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
7 Die in Jet Crash in Philadelphia
Amedical LearJet, on its way to Tijuana, Mexico, crashed on Cottman Avenue in front of the Roosevelt Mall at 1807 on January 31, 2025. The crash incinerated multiple vehicles on Cottman Avenue and one person in a carwas killed; all six people on the jet died. The initial assignment was three alarms with multiple special calls. Over20 people sustained injuries from cuts and bruises to critical life-threatening injuries. Several houses were also on fire afterbeing hit by flying debris. At least three were left uninhabitable. The Red Cross and Salvation Army were on scene helping displaced residents.
- Fire News photos by Alex Lloyd Gross
Afterassisting on a tractor-trailercrash on Fountain Mountain Road, District 13 Hegins Valley Fire Rescue were dispatched for anotherMVA, this time on the 200 block of East Main Street in Hegins Township. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle had left the roadway struck a tree and rolled overcoming to rest by a nearby home. Following the arrival of EMS and evaluation of the patient, airmedical was requested. Sacramento Fire Company District 14 established the LZ at the Tri Valley High School. Soon after, EMS transported the patient to the LZ where, within a few moments, Life Flight 5 arrived. District 13 remained on the crash scene until a tow arrived. Also assisting districts 13 and 14 were Hegins Area Ambulance, Tremont Ambulance, Pennsylvania State Police and fire police.
- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Medevac After Tractor-Trailer MVA
TractorTrailerCrashes off I-81 Bridge
On January 17, 2025, crews were dispatched to a reported MVAon Fountain Mountain Road in Frailey Township. County initially advised it to be at the 110 mm on Interstate 81, but additional information was that a tractor-trailerhad gone off a bridge and down an embankment. Crews arrived to find a single tractor-trailerhad travelled off the interstate and struck a guardrail/edge of the bridge. In the process rolling overand coming to rest below on Fountain Mountain Road upside down. The drivermiraculously self-extricated from the wreckage. Crews then conducted fluid and debris clean up as one fuel tank had been ripped from the tractorand was laying in the middle of the roadway along with a section of guardrail. Early on, a closure of the slow lane was conducted but afterdebris were removed from the roadway, normal flow resumed. Crews from Donaldson Fire Company, Hegins Valley Fire Rescue and North End Fire Company assisted on scene as well as Pennsylvania State Police and Penndot.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Limerick MVA
At 1323 on December16, 2024, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a single-vehicle MVAon Limerick Center Road. Reports stated a carran into a tree before overturning. Rescue 51, Fire Police 51, Deputy 51, Limerick Police, and Freedom Valley EMS responded. Field 51-2 also responded to assist with removing the tree from the road. Fire police shut Limerick CenterRoad between Ferndale and Airport roads. Crews arrived, cleared debris from the road, spread drying agent, and cut and removed the tree.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Busy, Busy Day forLimerick
On December22, 2024 at 2245, Limerick Fire Department responded to a two-vehicle MVAat the intersection of Rupert Road and Evergreen Road. Rescue 51, Squad 51, Assistant 51, Fire Police, Limerick Police, and EMS units from Freedom Valley and Goodwill responded. Crews cleared debris from the roadway and secured the vehicles before the tow trucks arrived to remove the cars from the scene. This was Limerick’s seventh call of the day. The othercalls the company responded to throughout the day included two carbon monoxide alarms, a gas odor, a building fire assist in UpperProvidence, and two fire alarms.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Ice Rescue Training on Schuylkill River
Crews from UpperProvidence Township’s Dept of Fire and Emergency Services, Phoenixville Fire Department, Friendship Fire Company Diving-Rescue Unit, Trappe Fire Company, Limerick Fire Department, Skippack Fire Company, and Royersford Friendship Ambulance took advantage of the cold
weatherin January 25, 2025, to conduct a training session in ice rescue nearLock 70 on the Schuylkill River. While very cold forfirst responders, it is important to remain prepared forany type of an emergency. - Fire News photos by Dori Ann Miles
Training
Ladders, Search and Forcible Entry
and Forcible Entry
Training
Training Ladders, Search
On November25, 2024, Perkiomen Township volunteers held hands-on training at Skippack Fire Company’s Training Facility including evolutions on forcible entry, searches and laddertraining. Thanks Dylan, Chase, Dan and the training committee fora great
hands-on exercise. Thanks also to Skippack Fire forthe use of their facility and theirEast Coast Rescue Solutions prop. It’s extremely helpful to train in realistic environments to simulate real emergencies. - Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins
Training Comes in Handy
On January 13, 2025, Limerick crews had theirCPR/First Aid refresherand re-certification. During training, the department received a call foran MVAat the KuglerRoad/Ridge Pike intersection. Rescue 51, Squad 51, Assistant 51, and Fire Police responded. Crews cleared debris and directed traffic before being made available. All returned to the station to finish training.
- Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
Red Cross, Upper Providence OEM ShelterOps Training
The UpperProvidence Township Emergency Management Team and members of American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania held a joint training in December2024, at the UpperProvidence Township Community Centerfocusing on warming centerand shelteroperations during emergencies and disasters. If you are interested in helping the community, considerbecoming a Red Cross Volunteerat www.RedCross.org.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Up Close & Personal
Limerick structure fire on December13, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Regina
Keating Township garage and house fire on January 26, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Jay K.
FFs at a Harrisburg row home fire on December14, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Firefighters Dave Moore, Sr., and Dave Moore, Jr., working at a Christmas Eve 2024 house fire in Fayette County.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Firefighters John and Mike Chain from the Scottdale Fire Company working at a Christmas Eve 2024 house fire in Fayette County.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Jelski
Bradish
Reliance’s Chad Kitchen
Reliance Hose Company 1 paid respects and tribute to former Assistant Chief Chad Kitchen who tragically passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 51 years old. Chad had been an integral part of the Reliance Hose Company since 1992. He served in the capacities of Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chief.
Reliance Hose Company apparatus supported in conducting a final call, last ride and procession from the funeral home. During the procession, Liberty Hose Company 2 (Lykens) and Millersburg Fire assisted in establishing an arch with the American flag hung overhead.
- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
NewtoTHEM
2 Alarm Garage Fire in Bradford
On January 8, 2025, the Corydon Township and Bradford Township volunteerfire departments were dispatched to a reported garage fire in the 3000 block of West Washington Street. Corydon responded with Engine 191 and Tanker193; Bradford responded with Squads 15-1 and 15-2. First arriving firefighters found a threestall garage heavily involved and requested a second alarm. On the second alarm, Lewis Run responded with Tanker6; Derrick City
responded with Squad 11 and Rescue 11; and Limestone, NY responded with Tanker5. Multiple handlines were used to extinguish the fire. Squad 11 was assigned to watersupply to draft out of a porta tank which was being supplied by three tankers. Firefighters were on scene fornearly seven hours in 10-degree weather. There were no injuries.
- Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish
Lifesaving Awards at BoS Meeting
Nine first responders were recognized with Lifesaving Awards at the Tuesday, January 22, 2025 Board of Supervisors’meeting.
On August 30, 2024 at 2257, Upper Providence Fire and Police Departments along with Friendship Ambulance were dispatched to a residence on Eagle Road for a male reported to be in cardiac arrest. The caller was on the phone with Montgomery County Department of Public Safety 911-telecommunicator Mystique Robinson who was providing instructions to the caller on CPR.
UPTPolice Department Corporal Swartz and Officer Baker arrived on location and continued CPR. The crew from Squad 68, Captain Colelli, Firefighters/EMTs Ruger, Maguire and Mullaly along with Friendship Ambulance Paramedic Mensack and AEMTBoylan arrived on location shortly after.
All the first responders continued providing lifesaving care, carrying the patient to the ambulance, and transporting him to the hospital.
As a result of the skills, knowledge, and teamwork from everyone involved, the patient successfully recovered from this normally fatal event and attended the meeting.
Lifesaving Awards were presented to the following by UPTDFES
Chief Mike Risell:UPTPolice Chief Mark Freeman, Deputy Fire Chief Tom Dimmerling, Friendship Ambulance Chief George Gilliano and Montgomery County Public Safety Director Brian McKown: 911 Telecommunicator Mystique Robinson; Corporal Mike Swartz; Officer Octavius Baker; Captain Ryan Colelli; Firefighter/EMTJosh Ruger; Firefighter/EMTMike Maguire; Firefighter/EMTBlaze Mullaly; Paramedic JPMensack; and AEMTJoseph Boylan.
Congratulations to all, thanks for your efforts in this incident and thanks for all that you do every day!
- Fire News photos by Dan Schaefer
Perkiomen Township’s January Meeting Awards
At the January 13, 2025, meeting of Perkiomen Townships, Captain Larry Keown announced that he will be moving out of the area. Larry has been a valuable and valued volunteer with the Perkiomen Township Fire Company since 2014. Fire Chief John Moran, Jr., recognized Larry’s 10-year commitment and service to the residents of Perkiomen Township and presented Larry with his Captain’s shield. Thanks Larry for your time and commitment.
Perkiomen Township volunteer Summer Uchin was recognized with the 2024 President’s Award. Summer is an administrative officer (Financial Secretary), chairs the Sunshine Committee, oversees all new membership applications and leads event planning for many of our fun activities. The award was presented by President Brad Bonner. Thanks
Summer for your continued service to our members, Perkiomen and beyond! Congratulations!
Volunteer firefighters Kian O’Sullivan and Mike Germana were recognized with the 2024 Fire Chief’s Award. The award was presented by Fire Chief John Moran, Jr. Thanks Kian and Mike for your continued service to Perkiomen Townahip and beyond! Congratulations!
Perkiomen Township volunteer firefighter and newly-appointed Lieutenant, Dylan Moran, was recognized with the 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award. The award was presented by Fire Chief (and dad) John Moran, Jr., and Perkiomen Twp’s 2024 Operational Officers. Thanks Dylan for your continued service to Perkiomen!
- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins
Our last order of business for 2024 was to recognize Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association (CLAFAA) Membership Secretary David Evans, the recipient of our 2024 Spirit of CLAFAAAward. Award Committee Co-Chair Keith Knight presented the award during the December CLAFAAMembership meeting held at our Repaupo Fire Museum.
The award is presented in recognition of consistent activity supporting and furthering the objectives of the Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association to preserve fire and emergency services history. In addition to his work as CLAFAA's Membership Secretary, Dave is also a member of our CLAFAAMembership Committee and orients new members to our
organization. Dave also regularly attends Saturday morning work sessions and contributes his time and talents to help restore vintage equipment and develop displays at Repaupo. Still further, Dave attends and supports many of our CLAFAAevents including our Annual Spring BBQ and Muster at our Repaupo Fire Museum and our Annual Cooper River Fire Apparatus Muster in Pennsauken.
Congratulations, Dave, upon your receipt of this well-earned recognition and thank you for everything you do for the CLAFAAand the preservation of fire and emergency services history. If you're interested in more information, check out the CLAFAAFacebook page.
- Submitted by Chris Denton
Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association Donation from BJs
On December18, 2024, UpperProvidence Township’s Squad 68 (APlatoon) along with members of the UpperProvidence Township’s Police Department accepted two carts full of groceries and supplies from friends at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Oaks! Thanks forthis donation and thanks for thinking of first responders.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
FAMAand FEMSAAre Deeply Saddened to Report the Passing of William (Bill) Foster
Bill Foster (previously of Spartan Emergency Response) passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 83, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Known and loved by many, Bill was considered a mainstay in the fire industry. His passion for firetrucks and commitment to training firefighters and mechanics remains evident today.
In roughly 1976, Bill and three others started Spartan Motors in Charlotte, MI. For more than 30 years, Bill worked to build Spartan to the successful business it is today. Bill served as VPand on the Board of Directors.
After 27 years, Bill retired from active service on the Delta Township Fire Department holding many ranks including Assistant Chief. Bill was also dedicated to his family. He and his wife of 57 years, Joan, had two sons, James and Philip. Over the years, Bill and Joan’s family has grown to include seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church Restoration Fund. 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
SuperVac Founder Erv WeinmeisterPasses
Super Vacuum Manufacturing Founder Erv Weinmeister passed away in the early morning hours on December 27, 2024, at UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.
Erv Weinmeister was an inventor and wellloved entrepreneur, who devoted 24 years as a firefighter and seven decades to fire equipment manufacturing. Many in the industry called him “a visionary who pushed the fire industry forward.”
Weinmeister dedicated 24 years to the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Chief od the Loveland VFC during the Big Thompson Flood of 1976, leading the recovery effort. In 1971, the company built its firstever fire truck. Today, Super Vac’s fire truck division is now known as SVI Trucks.
In the end, Weinmeister never stopped working. He drove to work, walked the floors, put in his office time, then made the lunch hour bell before leaving for the day to start it all over again - up until the very end. “That’s what he instilled in all of us,” his family said. “To work hard for something good. That’s the legacy Erv left us.” The Weinmeister family asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc.org/donate at rmhc.org/donate.
