Serving PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME 13, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973 MAY/JUNE 2022
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Page 2, Fire News, May/June 2022
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 3
In this issue... 1800s Era Building Burns Firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at the Valley Hotel in Jefferson Hills. See story on page 6
Penn Township 2-Alarmer Firefighters responded for a second alarm structure fire on Petersburg Lane in Penn Township. See story on page 10
Fatal Fire In Lewiston Just before midnight on April 18, 2022, Box Alarm 14-10 came in with a report of people trapped. See story on page 13
Lafayette Township 2-Alarmer Lewis Run volunteers were dispatched on a first-alarm assignment for a residential structure fire. See story on page 17
Suspected Arson in York City Fire York City Fire and Rescue were alerted to North Pershing Avenue for a structure fire. See story on page 33
Obituaries State Trooper Martin Mack Arnold’s Keith Dziobak Trappe’s Branden Sisca Newportville’s Herb Schoell, Sr. See story on pages 41 & 42
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 21 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 28 & 31 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 40
A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, TED HODGINS, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, STEPHEN LENZ, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ 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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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
How Are Your New Recruits Doing? In New York, the Fireman’s Association of New York has been encouraging fire departments throughout the state to hold a RecruitNY weekend. I am always amazed at the number of people who stop by the firehouse for this event and had no idea that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 70 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. This number used to be higher. I joined the volunteer fire service almost 30 years ago. As a kid who grew up in New York City, my wife had no idea that the fire service in our community was 100 percent volunteer. When I decided to join my department — with my wife's blessing of course — we soon realized that being a volunteer firefighter involved a lot more that riding on a truck and fighting an occasional fire. Almost 30 years have passed, and I still find my love for my department is still going strong. Unfortunately, my health has gotten in the way of being first due. I am still active in other ways and try my best to support the members who have followed in my footsteps. Before you take on new members, it is imperative that the Chief of Department sits down with the perspective new member to explain what their obligation to the community entails. I know most
departments do this. Unfortunately, the new member doesn’t always realize that he or she may not have the time to volunteer. I joined at a time when my two children were active with school and community sports. I worked 50 miles away from my home. There were many nights that I arrived back home and found myself attending training classes at either my department or at the county fire academy. After I finished the basics, I realized that training never stopped. To maintain active status like most volunteer firefighters, you must participate and maintain your training, drills and response percentages throughout the year. This is where new recruits, no matter what their age, become a problem. I know I am speaking to the choir. If you are reading this, you are aware of the responsibilities of being a first responder. The problem I see is that when we take on new members they really do not understand how much time they need to fulfill their obligation to the fire service. In my early years I always had to work a second job to pay the bills. Volunteering in the fire service is that second job that pays no bills. If you take on this second occupation, you must be passionate about your decision to protect the com-
munity! As a recruiter for the fire service, what do you do to make the person fully understand what their obligation is to your department and to the community that you serve, before they sign on the dotted line? If you find that your new recruits are not living up to your expectations, do not let poor service go by without addressing it immediately. Recruiting volunteers takes time. Maintaining active, well-trained volunteers can be difficult. Volunteer recruitment is hard work! Volunteer retention is even harder work. Motivating and maintaining new recruits is the job of every member in your department. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, May/June 2022
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1800s Era Building Burns
On February 27, 2022, just before 2100, firefighters were dispatched to a building fire at the Valley Hotel located along New England Road in Jefferson Hills, Allegheny County. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the second floor. An offensive attack was established but crews were pulled from the building less than 15 minutes later. Due to hydrant issues in the area, drafting operations were set up along the Monongahela River. Crews battled heavy fire conditions for over two hours before the fire was finally placed under control just before 2330. Crews
remained on-scene throughout the night and returned to the scene several times the next day to extinguish hot spots. The Valley Hotel contained a bar and restaurant on the first floor and apartments on the second floor. The bar and restaurant just finished up renovations after being vacant since 2019 with an opening set for March. The building has been around for over 150 years, being built in the 1800s. One woman occupied an apartment and managed to escape safely. There is no word on what may have started the fire. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography and Ken Lager
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New Kensington Duplex Fire On March 6, 2022, the City of New Kensington Bureau of Fire was dispatched to the 500 block of 4th Avenue in the City of New Kensington for a house fire. Units arrived to fire in a two-story duplex and confirmed an entrapment in one of the houses. Fire crews located the trapped occupant and removed the person from the structure. Fire crews had extension from the building of origin to an additional structure on the Bravo side. This fire entered the roof area and fire crews were removed from all buildings due to a collapse. Crews went into a defensive operation. After the fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the structures to work on extensive overhaul. The New Kensington Police and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit were investigating. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Fatality at House Fire in Middle Paxton Twp. A Middle Paxton Township resident died in a fast moving, early morning fire, that destroyed a home and sent one firefighter to the hospital with burns. At 0225 on January 10, 2022, Box 38-2 toned sending units to Sprucewood Avenue for a structure fire. Chief 38-1 requested the box be upgraded to a first alarm. Due to the heavy fire conditions, a power line down, and a propane tank burning, crews led off with a 2-1/2 inch line. Members from Truck 32 and Company 38 performed a quick search but conditions forced them to retreat. All operations from that point were defensive with handlines. The bulk of the visible fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes with extensive overhaul, including being called out for a rekindle at daybreak. The house was destroyed and one occupant was found deceased. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Cover Story
Tower City 2-Alarmer
Tower City Chief 66 responded from his house to the station and, upon seeing a smoke column, immediately upgraded the box to second alarm. Engine 66-10 and Engine 22-12 were first on scene and laid approximately 600 feet of five-inch from a hydrant to the Delta side exposure and began deploying a line for exterior attack and exposure protection. Engine 66-10 hit a hydrant and laid into the scene. Chief 66 set up the engine and began pump operations deploying the deck gun master stream onto the A side of the fire building, knocking down the heavy fire load that was blowing out of the second floor. Engine 22-11 arrived and sent manpower to the scene for an initial interior attack on the main fire building with a crew made from 66 and 22-11. Lykens Truck 22 arrived but was unable to get into position to fly their aerial so additional ground ladders were thrown on the Alpha and Bravo sides. Truck 58-25 set up to begin aerial master stream for attack and also exposure con-
trol. As crews continued to make a push, fire consumed the roof and flames roared out. As fire spread to the Delta exposure, crews quickly made their way to the attic and extinguished it with minimal fire damage, however the building suffered heavy water damage. Schuylkill station 13 Hegins/Valley transferred to Station 66 and stood by. Multiple firefighters from other stations contributed to attack and overhaul efforts. Elizabethville Station 21 and Yorkville Station 60 provided RIT coverage. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
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HARRISBURG FIRE EXPO E 171 - 174 E 203 - 208
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Penn Township 2-Alarmer
On February 24, 2022, firefighters responded for a second alarm structure fire on Petersburg Lane in Penn Township. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko and Jason Coleman-Cobb
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1 Fatal in New Kensington 3-Alarmer
On March 6, 2022, several departments responded to a three-alarm fatal fire on 4th Avenue in New Kensington. The wind-driven flames spread to a neighboring building. A 49-year old woman died in the fire. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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Fatal Fire in Lewistown
Just before midnight on April 18, 2022, Box Alarm 14-10 came in with a report of people trapped. First arriving units encountered heavy fire conditions on all floors with extension into two neighboring houses. This call resulted in four alarms with units responding from five counties. After several hours the incident was placed under control. Unfortunately, the next morning, a female’s body was located in the collapsed building. - Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop
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House Explodes Occupants Survive
On April 22, 2022, firefighters were dispatched to the 5000 block of Hialeah Drive in Plum Borough for a reported of a house explosion. Crews found what was left of the home fully involved with a large debris field in the road. Crews quickly set up master streams to protect two exposure homes then began knocking the bulk of the fire down. The occupants were all found and accounted for, two adults and three children were inside the home at the time of the explosion. One of the children was flown by medical helicopter as a precaution due to burns. The rest of the family members were transported by ambulance to local hospitals for burns and lacerations. The cause of the explosion was being investigated by multiple agencies. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Wind Driven Fire Extends
On April 10, 2022, Marple Township firefighters responded to Warren Boulevard for a fire in an occupied dwelling. The winddriven fire extended to a vehicle and an exposure house received heat damage. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
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2 Homes Destroyed, 3 More Damaged
Vacant Home 2-Alarmer
A fast-moving blaze destroyed two homes and damaged three others on First Street, in Shamokin, on Good Friday morning. The second serious fire in three months in the Northumberland County city. - Fire News photo by Harry Deitz
Crews from Williamsport Bureau of Fire battled a two-alarm fire in a vacant home on Green Street in the city. The second alarm brought Ladder 20 from Montoursville and Squad 14 from Old Lycoming Township to the scene. - Photo courtesy of Old Lycoming Twp VFC; submitted by Joseph P Hopple, NRP
Londonderry Township Building Fire
On March 8, 2022, Londonderry Township units responded to East Harrisburg Pike for a structure fire. Chief 54-3 advised the back of the building on fire with multiple calls being received. Engine 54 arrived to heavy smoke showing from a metal commercial building aerial operations. Several handlines, a portable monitor, and aerial streams attacked the fire before declaring it under control. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Junk Yard Fire
Junction Truck 15 worked a junkyard fire on April 27, 2022. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Page 16, Fire News, May/June 2022
Lehigh Commercial Blaze
At around 1615 on January 29, 2022, the Northampton Communications sent Stations 47, 44, 45, 42 and 49 (EMS), Lehigh to Maple Drive in Lehigh Township for a structure fire. Fire Commissioner 4750 struck a second alarm at this time, bringing in Engines 4813, Tankers 4831 and 4832, Cascade 1442, Lehigh County Engines 1211 and 3912, Squad 241, and Carbon County Engine 712. Truck 4221 set up on the D side of the building. Crews knocked down the bulk of the fire within 90 minutes. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Baldwin Fire Displaces 3
A home on Horning Road in Baldwin went up in flames and three people were displaced in the March 26, 2022 blaze. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Baltimore House Restaurant Fire Stopped On a January 9, 2022, a call came in for a structure fire at the Baltimore House, a restaurant in Pleasant Hills. EMS on scene reported fire at the rear of the building. The call was upgraded to a second alarm and the fire was mostly contained to the exterior with some extension into the interior. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Allentown House Fire Firefighters from the City of Allentown were dispatched to South Leh Street for a house fire. Companies responding were advised that EMS in the area was reporting smoke showing. Engine 10 went to work on fire suppression while Truck 1 went to the roof. The fire was located in a secondfloor bedroom. Crews were able to make a quick knock on the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Lafayette Township 2-Alarmer Lafayette Township, Bradford Township and Lewis Run volunteers were dispatched on a firstalarm assignment for a residential structure fire at 1352 on February 26, 2022. First-arriving units immediately requested a second alarm bringing additional firefighters and equipment from Corydon Township, Hilltop, Smethport, Mt. Jewett and Hamlin Township. Firefighters used three 1-3/4 inch attack lines to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Jay Bradish
7 Displaced at West Donegal House Fire On January 12, 2022, Lancaster County Communications began receiving multiple calls reporting a dwelling fire in the 1100 block of Turnpike Road in West Donegal Township. All occupants were reported out of the dwelling. Command 74 requested two additional tankers to the scene. Three lines were in operation and companies were back down to the first floor while the master stream from Truck 74 darkened the heavy fire conditions on the second floor. Shortly after, there was a partial collapse of the second floor. Two adults and five children were left homeless. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Palmer Twp. 3-Alarmer At around 1700 on January 31, 2021, the Northampton County Communications Center sent Station 27 and Suburban EMS to Charlotte Avenue in Palmer Township for reported smoke coming from a building under construction. Fire Commissioner 2750 arrived to a three-story apartment building under construction with heavy smoke showing. Interior crews encountered heavy fire in the floors and the walls of the second and third floor. As the fire began working its way to the D side of the building a third alarm was struck bringing in Engines 2811 and 5413 (RIT), and Truck 5021. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within an hour. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Snowy Firefight
Units from Jersey Shore, Lycoming and Clinton Counties battled a working house fire during a recent snow storm. - Fire News photo by Joseph Hopple
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Orwin 2-Alarmer
On April 28, 2022, a mid-afternoon call came in for a reported house fire on Deitrich Avenue in Orwin Porter Township in a 2-1/2 story single-family dwelling with heavy fire from division 2 on both the B and D sides of the home as well as through the roof. Crews went to work stretching handlines to the B side where the heaviest fire seemed to envelop the whole side of the structure. After a few
short moments a bulk of the exterior fire had been knocked down with crews then turning their attention to the fire load within. Crews were able to make entry into the home and within minutes all heavy fire had been extinguished. Three cats were saved. Units from both Schuylkill and Dauphin Counties assisted on the blaze - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Sawmill Fire in Brown Township Brown Township units were alerted for a saw mill fire recently. Chief 6-2 arrived to find an active fire in the dust collection system. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Whitehall Twp. 2-Alarmer
Not a Good Time to Lose Plows
At around 2200 on April 13, 2022, the Lehigh County Communications Center sent Station 38, Engines 3711 and 3912, Trucks 3631 and 231, and Station 62 (Cetronia EMS) to South 3rd Street in Whitehall Township for a dwelling fire. Multiple callers were reporting fire showing from the front of the house and people trapped on the secondfloor roof in the rear. Chief 3503 saw fire showing from three blocks out and struck the second alarm, bringing in Stations 11 (RIT), 2, Northampton County Rescue 1541 (RIT), and Cascade 3292. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and crews remained on scene for about an hour-and-a-half checking for extension and hitting hotspots. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
On February 6, 2022, around 0615, City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located at the city’s public works garage. Crews quickly arrived to find the garage heavily involved and requested a second alarm. Crews worked in singledigit temperatures to stop the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings before the fire was brought under control at 0812. The garage housed several of the city’s snow plows and maintenance vehicles. No one was inside the garage when the fire broke out and no one was injured. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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FF Injured at Tarentum 2-Alarmer
Just before noon on February 21, 2022, fire crews were dispatched to the 200 block of West 11th Avenue in Tarentum Borough for a residential structure fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from a duplex-style home and a second alarm was quickly requested. Firefighters finally had to evacuate the building due to possible collapse and the rear of the home collapsed about 40 minutes into the incident. As defensive operations continued, a firefighter on an aerial device became pinned between two rungs while the aerial was
being extended. Crews immediately came to the firefighter’s aid and began a lengthy extrication process in which the firefighter’s boots were cut off so his feet could be freed. Extrication took about an hour and the firefighter was then transported to a local trauma center where he was later released with a broken foot. He is expected to fully recover. Both the fire and the accident are currently under investigation. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
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Bridgeville Banquet
Members of the Bridgeville Fire Department at their banquet on February 20, 2022. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Up Close & Personal
A firefighter with the Lower Burrell Fire Department talking with an officer from the Upper Burrell Fire Department during a fatal two-alarm fire in the City of New Kensington on March 6, 2022. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Firefighter Zach Leitzel stands ready in the RIT Group. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
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Causes an Accident, Leaves the Scene
In February 2022, a driver who suddenly stopped, caused a chain reaction, three-car MVA on Roosevelt Boulevard near Levick Street. Philadelphia medic units, along with Engine 52 responded. The driver who suddenly stopped, left the scene. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Dauphin-Middle Paxton Handles LZ
On April 27, 2022, Dauphin-Middle Paxton Fire Company 38 was dispatched to establish an LZ for air medical as a result of a vehicle crash in a separate area. Engine 38 responded with Chief 38 on board to a designated LZ location at a baseball field. EMS from Halifax Ambulance arrived along with Life Lion 1. Once the flight crew prepped the patient, the crew from Company 38 assisted with loading. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
MC vs. Car MVA in Bensalem
In March 2022, crews responded to a motorcycle versus vehicle MVA on State Road in Bensalem. Police said that a car turned in front of the motorcycle, causing the cyclist to be thrown. Township engines along with Station 37 responded. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Trappe Rd. MVA
At 1349 on April 3, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to a single-vehicle MVA near the intersection of Trappe Road and Schoolhouse Road in the township. PA State Police, Skippack EMS and PECO also responded. Volunteers were in service for about 45 minutes. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Harrisburg MVA and Extrication
At 1034 on January 3, 2022, Box 1-2 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1 and Chief 6 (Bradford) to the 1500 block of Market Street for an accident with entrapment. Chief 6 advised by the County of a blue sedan overturned and unknown how many were entrapped. Companies arrived to find one occupant, conscious and alert, with a confirmed pin. Crews worked for a little over 10 minutes to extricate the patient and hand the person over to Life Team EMS. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Marion ATV MVA
Franklin County, Marion Fire operating at a recent ATV accident. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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Icy Trail Rescue On March 5, 2022, multiple fire companies in Lawrence County were sent to McConnell Mills State Park for a search detail of hikers that were on a trail and unable to make it back to their vehicle due to the trail becoming a solid sheet of ice. Teams from Lawrence County located the hikers but requested assistance from Team 300 out of Butler County for manpower and ice cleats to assist the hikers back off the trail and to their vehicles. Crews located the hikers and escorted them off the trail. No injuries were reported and all parties returned to their vehicles. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Fire Damages Two Dwellings in Harrisburg On February 5, 2022, for the second time in less than a week, a fire broke out in a midtown Harrisburg row home. Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower 1 and Battalion Chief 6 (Lloyd) to Grand Street for a structure fire. Multiple calls were being received reporting that two houses were possibly on fire. Wagon 3 arrived to heavy smoke issuing from a row of 2-1/2 story, occupied, wood frame dwellings. Captain 1 requested the first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Truck 32, Rescue 69, Air 13 and Chief 1 (Enterline) to the scene. Two lines were stretched from Wagon 3 to fire on the top floor and attic area. A second line was taken into second structure where fire was located in the attic area as well. Aggressive opening up of the roof and ceilings allowed companies to access the fire and make a good stop preventing further extension. The fire was placed under control in about 30 minutes and displaced several occupants. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Looking Back Bensalem 1997 Bensalem area firefighters were called to a townhouse development off Hulmeville Road in November 1997, for a two-story townhouse fire which spread to exposures. Multiple units were rendered uninhabitable. Companies from Bristol, Penndel, Hulmeville Borough and Lower Southampton responded, with the fire reaching two alarms. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Bensalem 1997 On a cold night in November 1997, firefighters from Bensalem and Philadelphia were on the scene of a single-vehicle roll-over MVA on Interstate 95 at Woodhaven Road. One person sustained minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Car into Building City of McKeesport Truck 190, a 2017 Spartan Gladiator 4 Guys, Engine 190-2, 2009 Seagrave Maurader II, and Deputy 190, 2014 Chevy Silverado, on the scene of a vehicle into a building on February 13, 2022. - Fire News photo by Nicholas Kurta
Allentown MVA Emergency service personnel from the City of Allentown were dispatched to 15th and Pennsylvania Streets for an MVA. Crews found a two-vehicle crash with no entrapment. A request was made for multiple EMS units due to the number of injured. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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MVA on Gravel Pike At 2026 on April 8, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Tanker 66, Engine 66, Field 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to a twovehicle MVA near the intersection of Maple Avenue and Gravel Pike (PA Route 29). - Fire News photo by Dan Melville
LZ for Dirt Bike Patient On March 5, 2022, Station 14-Unionville was dispatched to set up an LZ at their station for Stat Medevac 8. Superior EMS had a male patient who was involved in a dirt bike accident at a local track. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
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Tri Valley School Holds First Ever Mock DUI Event
On April 22, 2022, prior to prom night Tri Valley School were finally able to put on its first ever mock DUI crash event for students. Some students participated in playing roles as patients and fatalities. Fire crews from Hegins Valley Fire Rescue’s Rescue 13-50 and Sacramento Community Fire Company’s Engine 14-10 and 14-41 split into two different teams to tackle both vehicles involved and
eventually worked together on numerous tasks. Additionally, Mahantongo Fire Company Attack 10-40 assisted with landing zone operations. Geisinger Life Flight, Schuylkill County Corner, Hegins Area Ambulance, Hegins Police Dept and Pennsylvania State Police also assisted in the event. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Philly Storage Facility Fire
Chester 2-Alarm
Firefighters from Philadelphia put all hands in service to battle a storage facility fire on the 5400 block of Eadom Street in April 2022. Engines 14 and 52 arrived to heavy fire on the top floor, which was used as an office. L&I, the Health Department and the electric company were special called to assist. The fire spread to the storage area and damaged some units. Companies held this to one alarm. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Truck Well Off
Yeagertown Engine 3 responded for a truck fire on April 28, 2022. Firefighters stretched one line on the well involved pickup. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Firefighters responded on April 25, 2022, for a second alarm on West 8th Street in the City of Chester. One firefighter was injured during the job. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
Swatara Township Hotel Fire Displaces 29 For the second time in less than a week, on April 15, 2022, a significant fire broke out in Swatara Township, which displaced 29 residents. Crews responded to Eisenhower Boulevard at the Rodeway Inn for a structure fire. Chief 91-2 arrived to a fullyinvolved single-story, L-shaped, hotel with possible entrapment. Companies were able to get a good knock on the fire in about 25 minutes. About 75 firefighters battled the blaze that displaced 29 of the hotel’s occupants, some of whom were treated for smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Acquired House Drill On April 5, 2022, crews from Old Lycoming Township, Williamsport Bureau of Fire and Montoursville Fire Department drilled in an acquired house under demolition. - Photo courtesy of Old Lycoming Twp VFC; Submitted by Joseph P Hopple, NRP
If There’s Water Around Anything Can Happen Crews from Williamsport Bureau of Fire and Old Lycoming Township Fire Company drilled on water rescue at the YMCA pool. The drill included emergency procedures if a firefighter falls into water in gear. - Fire News photo by Joseph Hopple
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 31
CTVFC 24-Hour Training Blitz
On April 9, 2022, at 0700, the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company (CTVFC) held its second 24-hour Training Blitz at the Park Station and Public Safety Training Facility. Thirty-four firefighters participated in the event along with 10 instructional staff, including five chief-level officers, two PA State Certified Fire Instructors and four support personnel. Crews faced 30 training scenarios with 12 live fire scenarios (building, vehicle and dumpster
fires). Crews responded to other calls from medical lift assists, vehicle accidents with entrapment, rope rescue, and impalements, as well. Crews also enjoyed a well-deserved steak dinner in the evening on Saturday. With the addition of the training, CTVFC remained in service and ran a three emergency calls throughout the training. The training concluded around 1000 on Sunday. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
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Laflin Fire & Rescue Donates Equipment
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund This equipment is available to donated to you should you need. would like the thank the Laflin Fire and Rescue VFC (Station 152) Contact Richmiller@terryfund.org located in Luzerne County for their generosity with the donation of an (Pictured: equipment, Rich Miller (PA TFFF), Jody Reinard AMKUS Hydraulic Rescue Tool along with porta-power unit, electrical (Chief Laflin) ) reel and several hand tools. Items like these and much other equipment - Fire News photos by Rich Miller are much needed for fire departments and companies not only across the state of PA but across the US.
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 33
Suspected Arson in York City Fire On January 23, 2022, at 1018, York City Fire and Rescue Engines 991, 99-5 and 99-9, Truck 99-1, and Chief 99-1 were alerted to North Pershing Avenue for a structure fire. Engine 99-9 arrived to a threestory duplex, with heavy fire showing from the first and second floors. The structure was marked with an “X” indicating it was not safe to enter and crews went defensive. A second alarm was struck at 1028, bringing Truck 1-1, Engines 502 and Truck 502 to the scene. Crews made an interior attack in an adjacent occupied structure in an attempt to prevent extension. Several handlines and the master stream from Truck 99-1 were used to knock down the bulk of the fire. A collapse zone was set up on side D and a partial collapse of the second floor occurred. Red Cross assisted several occupants with displacement. One person is being sought as a suspect in setting the fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Barry Twp. Garage and Contents Destroyed On March 14, 2022, just after 2230, crews were dispatched for a garage fire in Barry Township on Hill Road. As Chief 13 was informed of multiple calls regarding an approximately 5000square-foot garage on fire with multiple vehicles and tractor trailers inside. Crews arrived to explosions from within the fully involved structure. Crews observed that the fire was beginning to reach the exposures and protecting them from further damage became the priority. As additional crews arrived command requested additional fill sites to be established as they encountered a water shortage. Unfortunately, the garage and all contents were a loss, but crews were able to protect the exposures. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 34, Fire News, May/June 2022
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Slatedale’s Deuce, Mission BBQ’s 5 Ton Members of the Slatedale Fire Department along with personnel from Mission BBQ posed with the Slatedale Deuce and Mission BBQ 5 Ton. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
New Apparatus for Enola FC Enola Fire Company welcomes their new KME 102-foot Mid-Mount platform, for Enola Fire Company No. 3 in East Pennsboro Township. Key feature include Hale DSD 1500-GPM Single-Stage Pump; 300 Gallon UPF Water Tank; Dual six-inch Inlets with Hale MIV; Two 200foot 1-3/4 inch Lowered Single Stack Crosslays; Whelen Emergency Lighting Package; Two Hannay 240v Electric Cord reels; SmartPower PTO/HYD 6kw Generator; Cummins X15 600-HP Engine; Allison 4000 EVS Transmission; Custom Ladder Storage Module; AXIS Smart Truck Vehicle Monitoring System. (Left to right): Lieutenant Greg Bartolo, Lieutenant Chad Johnson and Fire Chief Kenny Moore. - Submitted by Greg Bartolo; Lt., Enola FC3
Page 36, Fire News, May/June 2022
Update: Steve Matto
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Steven Matto (From The Scene Photography), is a husband and father of four children, including a three-year old daughter, and is the sole income of his family. In December 2021, he was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Oakland, where his left foot was amputated. An infection ate away at the bones in his foot, and he also had a severe blood infection. The infection worked its way into the bones in the calf and, five surgeries later, he had to have his leg amputated above the knee. After seven weeks in the hospital, he is finally home, but his financial compensation benefits won’t be enough, the medical bills have piled up, and he will need to purchase a prosthetic limb and also will require home care and physical therapy. It will be months until he has enough mobility to return to work, do routine daily functions, or play with his daughter. If you know Steven, he would help anybody with anything. He has dedicated his time to his family, his job, photography and dozens of fire departments. He has made over a thousand fire calls, training sessions, live burns, parades, holiday functions, fundraisers, photo sessions, and anything else imaginable to assist the local area departments, covering from Pittsburgh to Greensburg to Kittanning, over the last seven years. It is truly a passion that he absolutely loves. This is going to be a long and hard uphill battle to get back to any kind of normal life, but doctors feel confident that he has the motivation, strength, and drive to regain having a fully functional life. Any donations should be sent to: Arnold Volunteer Engine Company 2, c/o Steven Matto, 1100 Drey Street, Arnold, PA 15068.
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 37
Perkiomen Township Fire Company 1st Annual 5k
On April 9, 2022, the Perkiomen Township Fire Company held its race fundraiser. We have him as the First Place First Responder. first annual 5K Fundraiser. About 50 runners participated and we His bib number 14430 was his PA State Police badge number. Sisca had the opportunity to recognize Trappe Fire Chief Branden Sisca died in the line of duty on March 21, 2022. - Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins (see page 42). Branden was the first person to sign up for the 5K
Page 38, Fire News, May/June 2022
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You Have the Power to Mitigate Struck-By-Vehicle Hazards at Wildland Fire Responses New Responder Safety Learning Network Online Training Module is Free to All Responders
Struck and killed while extinguishing a grass fire next to the highway. Hit and killed by a wildland fire apparatus while fleeing an advancing flame front on foot. Fallen from the exterior of a fire apparatus and run over. Backed over and killed by a brush truck. Run over while sleeping at a wildland fire encampment. These are just a few of the many real incidents where a vehicle has hit and killed or injured firefighters operating at a wildland fire. Responder safety, traffic control, and vehicle movement discipline are critical components of wildland fire response. Yet they often do not get the attention they deserve during planning, training and response. As buildings and infrastructure encroach further on undeveloped land and wildland fires involve more and more organizations across wider expanses of land and into the wildland-urban interface, the hazards of exposure to moving civilian and emergency vehicles is likely to worsen. We can meet this challenge head-on and do more to mitigate the struck-by-vehicle hazard at wildland fires. ResponderSafety.com has released a new Responder Safety Learning Network module, “Wildland Fires and Traffic Management,” spotlighting the struck-by-vehicle hazard at wildland fire responses and offers guidance in how to mitigate this hazard in many contexts. The module examines contributing factors in previous struck-by-vehicle fatalities at wildland fires as described by the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program and relates them to a set of recommended practices to address these contributing factors and mitigate struck-by hazards. NIOSH FFFIPP common contributing factors to firefighter struck-by-vehicle LODDs at wildland fires include: • Lack of adequate traffic control
• Responders standing in or traversing active roadways • Decreased visibility due to smoke • Dark or poorly lit conditions • Failure to follow safe backing procedures • Lack of high visibility apparel Recommended practices to reduce the risk of being struck by a vehicle at wildland fire response presented in the module include details on planning response, outfitting vehicles with emergency lighting and high visibility markings, wearing high visibility apparel, deploying advance warning and traffic control, addressing smoke conditions, exercising vehicle movement discipline, following proper backing procedures, boarding and exiting vehicles safely, and complying with national standards for wildland firefighting. The module outlines specific wildland fire responder safety responsibilities for each role at the scene, from command to the line firefighter. This module will change the way you look at a wildland fire scene when you are operating near vehicles offroad, on-road, and road-adjacent. The module will show you how to protect yourself and your crew from being struck. It’s important information that may not have been part of your initial firefighting training. The module was developed with experts in responder safety, traffic incident management, and wildland firefighting. All ResponderSafety.com training and resources are free. You can recognize the hazards of moving vehicles and mitigate them. The “Wildland Fires and Traffic Management” module will help you learn how. Wildland fire season is here. Prepare yourself, your crew, and your department. - Submitted by Jason Jammer
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 39
“In Our Boots” Public Service Announcements Show The Emergency Responder Safety Institute’s (ERSI) new series of public service announcements, “In Our Boots,” challenges the public to stand in the boots of emergency responders exposed to high-speed traffic every day as they save lives on the roadway. As traffic whizzes by inches away, an emergency responder describes what it was like to be struck by that traffic. The first two PSAs feature Firefighter Mike Cox and Assistant Fire Chief Steve Senn, who were both struck in a 1998 Pennsylvania Turnpike Incident when they were with the Lionville Fire Company. Revisiting this traumatic experience in their lives opens a window for drivers to understand how one moment of carelessness, inattention, or poor decision-making changes the lives of emergency responders forever. “When you’re safe, dry, and comfortable inside your car driving by an emergency scene on the roadway, you can’t understand what it’s like for the responders who are in the weather cutting people out of cars, performing CPR, extinguishing vehicle fires, directing traffic, and assisting with disabled vehicles while traffic is screaming by right next to them,” said Steve Austin, project manager for ResponderSafety.com. “These PSAs show you what that’s like for emergency responders and how a response went terribly wrong for Mike Cox, Steve Senn, and many others who were hit by vehicles while they were working a crash or other roadway incident.” Each In Our Boots PSA highlights specific safe driving messages and links them to the possible consequences of not giving emergency responders room to work on the roadway. Freely share In Our Boots PSAs with the public in your community. The ERSI thanks the responders who participated in recording these PSAs for sharing their difficult stories in the hope that drivers will listen and act to safeguard responder’s lives. See all the In Our Boots PSAs at www.respondersafety .com/public-education/in-our-boots-psas/. - Submitted by Jason Jammer
Page 40, Fire News, May/June 2022
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SUTPHEN CORPORATION DISPLAYS NEW TRACTOR DRAWN AERIAL AT FDIC
Sutphen Corporation, the largest familyowned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, officially unveiled its new tractor drawn aerial at FDIC. The Sutphen SLTDA 105, on display in Sutphen Booth 3324 at FDIC International, adds to Sutphen’s dynamic product lineup and is the company’s first TDA since the 1990s. “Every build is important to us,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen Vice-President, Julie Sutphen Phelps. “But the focus and dedication put into a new product is an unmatched process. This truck has been under a microscope since the idea first formulated.” The truck, destined for DeKalb County Fire and Rescue in DeKalb County, Georgia, is available for all FDIC attendees to see within Sutphen Booth #3324 in the Indiana Convention Center. “This is an opportunity for customers both new and old to see our dedication to the fire service and the innovative spirit that runs deeps in our family,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen president, Drew Sutphen. “This truck is the talk of the show,
and we hope that everyone gets the opportunity to visit our booth, see the TDA and learn about the Sutphen family.” The truck was built in close partnership with DeKalb County Fire and Rescue, a Sutphen customer since the 1980s. “Seeing DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s new Sutphen TDA on the FDIC show floor is a culmination of hard work and dedication from both Sutphen and DeKalb County Fire Rescue. The opportunity to showcase our new apparatus to fire departments from across the world is an honor and brings this entire project full circle,” said DeKalb County Fire Rescue Captain Bryan Dobson. “From hypothetical concept to the reality of a Sutphen TDA serving the citizens of DeKalb County, I cannot understate what a privilege it has been to work so closely with both Sutphen and our dealer, Williams Fire Apparatus.” Customers are encouraged to visit www.Sutphen.com or contact their local Sutphen dealer for more information. View Sutphen SLTDA 105 Video Here: h t t p s : / / w w w. d r o p b o x . c o m / s / fmjkfrh5be5ytnu/Sutphen%20SLTDA%201
05.mp4?dl=0* Customers can find their Sutphen dealer by following the link here: https://www.sutphen.com/locations/ Sutphen Corporation is an Ohio-based, privately held, family-owned business that has manufactured the highest-quality, heavyduty, custom-built emergency response vehicles since 1890. The company’s headquarters are located in Dublin, Ohio, a northwest suburb of Columbus.
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 41
Obituary
Funeral Detail for State Trooper
On March 31, 2022, Lower Makefield Township Police and the Yardley-Makefield Fire participated in a funeral detail for a State Trooper Martin Mack from Bucks County who was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver on Interstate 95 in Philadelphia on March 21 along with Trooper Branden Sisca (see page 42). (Left): Bristol Borough fire companies make an arch over Radcliffe Street in Bristol Borough. - Fire News photos by Dawn Altstatt and Jeffrey Goldberg
Page 42, Fire News, May/June 2022
Obituaries
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Arnold’s Keith Dziobak
On March 23, 2022, Arnold Engine Company 2 Chief Keith Dziobak unexpectedly passed away. He was 57. Chief Dziobak was a life member and served for 39 years. He was one of only 12 chiefs in the history of Arnold 2 and held the position for over 12 years in two separate tenures. Additionally, he had previously served in every line office position, held numerous certifications, and amassed countless hours of training. He was a mentor to many and a
leader of us all. We extend our deepest condolences to Amy, his wife of 20 years, his children, Tara, Chris, and Kathrine, and his grandchildren, Colton, and Noah. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made in his name to the Arnold Fire Company 2. Godspeed Chief. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
LODD: Trappe’s Branden Sisca Branden T. Sisca, a PA State Trooper and Trappe Fire Chief, was killed in the line of duty on March 21, 2022 by a drunk driver on I-95 along with Trooper Martin Mack (see page 41). He was 29-years old. Branden was a natural born leader and confidently took on any challenge to help others. In his free time, Branden enjoyed watching the Flyers, organizing and making home improvements, running, working out, and vacationing in Ocean City. His favorite place was undoubtedly the fire house. Branden’s heart of gold and how he made everyone laugh with his one-liner dad jokes and pranks will live on forever. Born June 23, 1992, in Norristown, he is the son of
Craig and Marcy (nee Long) Sisca, the beloved husband, soul mate and best friend of Brittany (nee Long) Sisca, and also expectant father of their daughter arriving early July. In addition to his wife and his parents, Branden is survived by his paternal grandparents; Girard and Wila Sisca, father-in-law Brian Long (Lori), mother-in-law Lori Reinschmidt, and his beloved dogs: Penny, Levi, Brodi and Riley. He is also survived by multiple immediate and extended family members, friends and colleagues. In lieu of flowers, donations in Branden’s name can be made to the Montgomery County Hero Fund at https://montgomerycountyherofund.org/donate. - Submitted by Ted Hodgins
Newportville’s Herb Schoell, Sr. Bristol Township and the surrounding communities lost a giant in the fire service. Herb Schoell, Sr., was a past Chief and President of Newportville Fire Company, and has been a part of Newportville for over 50 years. He died on April 4, 2022. He was 83. Herb, along with others, was instrumental in bringing the first county fire school to the area. He has held every rank and position within the company except for treasurer. Herbie was all about training and educa-
tion, encouraging his members to get as much training as they could. Herbie worked with elected officials to get funding for the emergency services in the township. Herbie died in April of 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Newportville Fire Company, 2425 New Falls Road, Newportville Pa 19056 or The Burn Foundation, 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby PA 19082. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
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Fire News, May/June 2022, Page 43
New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.
2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.
2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.
BEFORE BEFORE
BEFORE
AFTER AFTER
We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
Sold by Command Apparatus
“It’s New to THEM”
AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus
To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com
