Serving PENNSYLVANIA
VOLUME 10, NO. 4
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
Story on page 8. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Thanks to All Our First Responders for Their Hard Work During the Covid Pandemic See page 4.
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 3
In this issue... Harrisburg Fire Displaces 6 A two-alarm fire in a three-story wood frame duplex extends. See story on page 10
Braddock 3-Alarm Church Fire Firefighters arrive to smoke showing from all four sides of a large, vacant church. See story on page 16
3 Vehicle MVA in East Lancaster Twp. A car that fled the scene causes two cars and a van to pile up on each other. See story on page 24
2 Star-Ducks Rescued from Storm Drain Two ducklings are rescued in front of a Starbucks at the Stone Mill Plaza. See story on page 26
A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Indiana Twp. House Fire Firefighters arrive to a fully-involved house fire extending to an exposure home. See story on page 32
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Page 4, Fire News, September/October 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Give a Thought to 2020 Fire Prevention It is that time of the year, when fire departments reach out to their community and schools to educate everyone about Fire Prevention. Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observation of Fire Prevention week. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. According to the NFPA, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land. For 2020, the NFPA has chosen, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” as the campaign for 2020. According to the NFPA, cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. As first responders, it is our job to educate our community about fire safety. The question is, how are you going to do this keeping the rules and practices for Covid-19 safety? I recently asked my Chief of Department what our plans were for dealing with our Fire
Prevention Program during Covid? Together, we discussed numerous ideas and ways to initiate a modified Fire Safety Program. I will share my thoughts with you. For 35 years, I was an industrial arts/technology teacher in Nassau County, Long Island. Every year, one of the Nassau County Fire Marshals came to our school to speak with the students. The program was simple. He held an interactive discussion with the students at each grade level. Using an overhead projector, he challenged the students with tough, provoking question on what to do if a fire broke out in their home. To this day, I remember the incredible conversations the students had with Fire Marshal Andy Steinmuller. What Andy didn’t realize was that the teachers walked away learning that fire prevention is something of which even adults must be aware. So, how are we going to handle Fire Prevention Awareness in 2020? I came up with an idea that might be an answer to the problem. Here is my plan for 2020; to avoid large crowds coming to the firehouse for our fire safety program, my department is planning on using the props that we use during our community program to create a video that reinforces the theme of Fire Safety in the Kitchen. Once the video is
made, we will notify our community and local schools to visit our website, where there will be a link to the video that can be shared with the students and community. I feel confident that next year, our community will be back to visiting the firehouse to learn about fire prevention. In the meantime, visit www.nfpa.org/PublicEducation /Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-PreventionWeek/About, to learn more about the NFPA’s program ideas. - Dennis
Thanks to All Our First Responders By Gary P. Joyce According to The US Fire Administration, there are 1,115,000 firefighters in the US — 370,000 career and 745,000 volunteers. In 2011 the National EMS Assessment reported a total of 826,000 licensed and credentialed — paid and volunteer — EMS practitioners in the US. The National Law Enforcement National Memorial Fund estimates there are over 800,000 police in the US, and the estimate of nurses in the US — of all levels of training — is 2.86 million. The commonality? All of these men and women fall under the heading of first responders. But the title “first responder” has taken on a more ominous meaning now than ever before because of the ongoing Covid pandemic. It is far too early in the progression of this pandemic to know how many of your brethren have contracted the disease while in the course of doing their jobs, nor to understand the mortality rate among your professions. But we know the virus is there, and we know the ramifications grow with each call answered, each day that passes and each patient treated.
We here at Fire News want you to know that we laud you for your devotion to duty under what can only be considered even more extreme circumstances than you normally face. And all of you go about this in a very matter of fact way. “It’s my job,” seems to sum up most of your attitudes, and while it is a simplistic answer to a serious question it seems to reflect how all first responders go about their jobs — quietly, efficiently, with little acknowledgement aside from a job well done. We thank you for your continued dedication, and we at Fire News wish you all the best in health as you continue along this thin line of providing for the public while maintaining your own safety. Martin Luther King, Jr. was once quoted as saying “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” You, the first responders, epitomize the answer to Dr. King’s question. You give your all for others and we wish to express our heartfelt thanks to you for your service and all you do.
Page 6, Fire News, September/October 2020
Lower Swatara Twp. Blaze
At 0551 hours on April 20, 2020, Box 59-6 toned for a house fire in the area of Nissley Drive and Fulling Mill Road. Company 59, Engine 55, Truck 88, and Rescue 91 made up the initial assignment. Captain 59 was advised by county that police were reporting a fully involved house. Captain 59 requested the first alarm assignment at 0553, bringing Engines 91-3 and 91, Truck 50, Squad 8, and Air 91-
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2. Engine 50 stretched a line to side A/B. The Stang from Engine 59 went into operation to knock down the bulk of the fire. The fire building was a vacant, single-story, large dwelling with fire throughout. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Granville Township Porch Fire The crew from Engine 11 (United) responded to an early morning porch fire on July 12, 2020. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Garage Goes in Upper Macungie Twp. Firefighters from Trexlertown, Upper Macungie and Fogelsville were dispatched for a structure fire on Swallow Tail Lane on July 2, 2020. Chief 8 was advised by the Leigh County 911 Center that a caller reported there was a large fire, possibly a garage. Chief 8 requested RIT and a cascade be dispatched along with the first alarm companies. Upper Macungie Township Police advised of a working fire. Assistant 25 arrived, assumed command and reported a fully involved two-car unattached garage. Assistant 25 requested an additional tanker from Station 1. Unfortunately, most of the building was destroyed by the time firefighters arrived. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Page 8, Fire News, September/October 2020
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Cover Story
New Kensington House Fire
On September 5, 2020, at 0336, Stations 56 1 and 5 (New Kensington), 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), and 69 (Lower Burrell) respond-
ed to a residential structure fire on Constitution Boulevard in New Kensington. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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New Kensington Structure Fire At 1623 on August 6, 2020, Stations 56 1 and 5 (New Kensington), 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), and 69 (Lower Burrell) responded to Valley Street in New Kensington for a structure fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Harrisburg Fire Extends, Displaces 6 On April 20, 2020, at 1900, Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) to Briggs Street in the city’s Hill District for a fire in a reportedly abandoned house. Chief 5 requested the first alarm en route as a column of smoke was visible. Wagon 3, Rescue 69, Air 13, and Chief 1 (Enterline) made up the working fire companies. Chief 5 arrived to a threestory, wood frame duplex, with the first and second floors well involved, extending to the exposure. Companies had a bad hydrant hampering water supply early on, but the issue was quickly resolved. Once the bulk of the fire was darkened down companies began to initiate an interior attack on three structures on Briggs Street. A second alarm was struck bringing county units Engines 30 and 37-1, Trucks 32 and 50, and Rescue 91 to the scene. Numerous lines were stretched into all of the affected dwellings where companies worked to open up and knock down all visible fire. Extensive overhaul was required as fire travelled through void spots in the balloon frame construction. The bulk of the fire was knocked in 20 minutes and brought under control around 1947. The Red Cross responded for one adult and five children who were displaced. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Arnold House Fire Stations 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), 56 1 and 5 (New Kensington), 69 (Lower Burrell), 78 (Sardis), 167 (Citizens Hose), 282 (Summit Hose) responded to a house fire on 5th Avenue in Arnold on May 19, 2020. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 11
Lower Burrell Structure Fire
On May 21, 2020, Stations 69 and 54 (Lower Burrell), 56 1 and 5 (New Kensington), 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), 101 (Markle), 99 (Allegheny Township), 102 (Washington Township), 115 (Upper Burrell), 280 (Highland Hose), 281 (Eureka), 20 (Apollo), 150 (Leechburg), 112 (Pioneer), 234 (Renton), 610 (Murrysville Medic One) responded to the Cedar Crest Apartments on Puckety Drive/Cedar Crest Drive in Lower Burrell for a commercial structure fire. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Page 12, Fire News, September/October 2020
3 FFs Hurt at Ambridge 5-Alarmer Just before 0500 on July 18, 2020, firefighters were alerted to a commercial structure fire at Sukup Steel, located in the 300 block of 14th Street in the City of Ambridge in Beaver County. The Ambridge fire station, located across the street, arrived quickly to a large commercial structure with heavy fire throughout. Additional fire units were requested due to the large volume of fire and low water pressure in the area. The fire eventually went to five alarms, bringing in 24 fire companies from Beaver and Allegheny counties. Most companies called were requested for tankers, and a large tanker shuttle operation was established. The fire was finally brought under control just after 1100, but crews remained on scene for hours to extinguish hot spots. Ten people were working when the fire broke out but all managed to escape. Two firefighters received minor injuries and one firefighter was transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation. The fire was under investigation. The building was considered a total loss. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Penn Hills Apartment Fire
Just after 0130 on July 2, 2020, firefighters were dispatched to Penn Pleasant Drive in Penn Hills for a structure fire. Crews arrived to fire on the bottom level of a multi-unit apartment complex. Crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire. Crews remained on scene to ventilate the building and the fire was placed under control in about 40 minutes. Residents managed to escape without injuries and were being assisted by the American Red Cross. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Fireworks Spark Dumpster Fire in Lancaster Twp.
Lancaster Township volunteers responded to Jennings Drive, in the Lancaster Arms Apartments for a trash fire at 1242 on May 31, 2020. Spent fireworks ignited the combustible products in a dumpster. Firefighters quickly extinguished the burning contents. Damage was contained to the dumpster. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Duquesne House Fire On August 16, 2020, just before 2200, crews were dispatched to the area of Camp Avenue and South 1st Street in the City of Duquesne for a house fire. Crews arrived quickly and found a working fire in a home. The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down as crews worked on overhaul for just under an hour before the fire was brought under control. No one was injured. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Bellevue Apartment Fire Totals Structure
Colonial Park Handles I-83 MVA, Fire
On July 8, 2020, Colonial Park Company 33 dispatched to I-83 northbound to the Union Deposit exit for a report of a vehicle accident. Rescue 33 arrived to a car fire at the top of the Union Deposit Road exit ramp. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
On July 24, 2020, at 0821, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Grant Avenue in Bellevue, for a house fire. Minutes later, a Bellevue chief arrived and reported heavy fire showing from the first floor of the home and immediately requested a second alarm. Within minutes, fire began to run throughout the home, which was divided into apartments. Due to the high heat and humidity, the fire quickly grew to five alarms as crews battled for several hours before the fire was finally brought under control. The home, which housed five apartments was deemed a total loss. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Fire Due Photography
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3-Alarms for a Pole Down on House Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department battled a threealarm fire in the 900 Block of Washington Street on July 30, 2020. The fire was a result of a PPL power pole that came down on one the houses. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Multi-Alarm in Hamburg Firefighters from two counties battled a multiple-alarm fire at a mixed occupancy in Hamburg on August 26, 2020. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Lehigh County House Fire
Firefighters from numerous Lehigh County fire departments battled a dwelling fire on Azalea Road in Lower Macungie Township recently. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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House Fire in Catasauqua Firefighters from numerous Lehigh and Northampton county fire departments responded to a two-alarm dwelling fire on 4th Street in Catasauqua recently. Crews arrived to find flames showing from the second story of a large dwelling under renovations. Crews made an aggressive hit on the fire but remained on the scene for several hours chasing fire in the walls and ceiling areas. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Mayday at Springdale Commercial Fire On July 24, 2020, Stations 273 (Springdale), 160 (Frazer), 134 (East Deer), 95-2 (Arnold), 175 (Rural Ridge) and 150 (Fawn) responded to the Cheswick Power Plant on Porter Street in Springdale for a structure fire. RIT went into action when a Mayday was transmitted, and rescued the firefighter. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Allegheny Township Fire Around noon on September 13, 2020, Stations 99 (Allegheny Township), 101 (Markle), 53 (Hyde Park), 70 (Freeport) and 952 (Arnold) responded to Lucesco Road in Allegheny Township for a fire in a vacant and gutted residential structure. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Braddock 3-Alarm Church Fire Around 1930 on August 22, 2020, fire crews were dispatched to the area of Library Street and Braddock Avenue in Braddock for a building fire. Assistant 113 arrived and reported smoke showing from all four sides of a large, vacant church and immediately requested a second alarm. Crews were able to gain entry and found a working fire near the roof of the building. A third alarm was requested as crews worked to knock down the fire. Crews worked for over two hours before the fire was placed under control. No one was injured during the fire. It was reported that the building was struck by lightning, but the official cause was under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Busy Morning in Harrisburg On August 19, 2020, While Harrisburg's Squad 8 and Tower 1 were wrapping up a rubbish fire, County Fire Dispatch radioed a fire through the roof at Evergreen and Derry Streets. Tower 1 advised that they and the Squad would respond. Wagon 4, Truck 2 and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) were added to the assignment. Heavy fire was showing from a large, three-story, vacant, multi-family, dwelling that also involved the rear of a 2-1/2 story, row dwelling on Derry Street, which was separated from the fire building by only a few feet. Companies were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to the row of dwellings. The second floor of this exposure collapsed about 30 minutes into the incident. While companies were mopping up, another fire was reported about two blocks away on Evergreen Street. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Southwest Greensburg 2-Alarmer On the early evening of July 6, 2020, fire crews were dispatched to the 400 Block of Chestnut Street in Southwest Greensburg for a house fire. Crews arrived in under two minutes and went to work. Crews had a hard time getting to the fire as it was traveling in voids throughout the home. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. A second alarm, along with an additional truck and two engines, were requested for manpower due to the high ambient temperatures. No one was injured. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 19
Department Profile Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department It is possible that we will never really know just when the first fire company was organized in New Town (the first name given the site of present-day Greensburg). We can be certain that there was at least a bucket brigade before city water was brought to town in 1890. There are numerous newspaper accounts that prove there was a fire company operating in the borough before the purchase of the “Pat Lyon” and “Goodwill” hand pumpers from the City of Pittsburgh in mid 1800. Both hand pumpers were fully restored and are on display in the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department(GVFD) museum. The museum was started in Greensburg Station No. 4 in 1969 by dedicated members of the department wishing to keep alive the history and maintaining artifacts and antique fire equipment. On the evening of January 12, 1891, a group of about 20 men met in the Borough Building on North Main Street and formed a preliminary organization, which developed into what is now the GVFD.
Bethlehem 2-Alarm Garage Fire
Firefighters from the City of Bethlehem were dispatched for a dwelling fire in the 400 Block of 4th Avenue on July 6, 2020. Units responding had a visible header and requested a second alarm. Crews arrived on scene to find 4th Avenue barely visible due to the smoke conditions. A scan of the block found it to be a garage fire to the rear of a 5th Avenue address. Crews went in service with two handlines and made a quick hit on the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Today’s GVFD is a 100-percent volunteer organization that is comprised of six individual companies protecting the 15,000 citizens and 4.2-square miles of the City of Greensburg. Currently, it has a roster of over 300 members (160 being considered active) that responded to over 2,100 alarms in the 2019 calendar year. The current apparatus fleet of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department consists of: five engines, a 100-foot tiller ladder truck, three rescue trucks, an air truck, one foam truck, a salvage truck, a special operations vehicle, six utility vehicles, and multiple boats. The department gained notoriety from former long-time Chief J. Edward ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson. During Hutch’s 63 years of service, he developed many new programs and initiatives for the department: High Ex Foam Truck, the Bloodhound Team, the Scuba Dive Team, Rope and Confined Space Rescue Teams, and the first Hurst hydraulic vehicle rescue tools. Today the GVFD is lead by Chief Thomas M. Bell. Chief Bell took over the Department in 2016. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Page 22, Fire News, September/October 2020
Allegheny Twp. MVA
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Head-on MVA on William Flynn Hwy.
Stations 99 (Allegheny Township), 101 (Markle), 69 (Lower Burrell) Garver’s Ferry Road, Allegheny Township responded for an MVA into a parked car on May 14, 2020. A gas meter was sheared as the car also went through trees, a porch and over an embankment. Some injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Car MVA with Rollover, Entrapment
Just before 2030 on August 15, 2020, rescue crews were dispatched to the 1000 block of William Flynn Highway for a reported MVA with injuries. Arriving units found a two-vehicle head-on with one person heavily entrapped. An additional rescue company was immediately dispatched to assist with extrication. Crews began extrication, which lasted about 30 minutes, before the person was freed from the wreckage and transferred to EMS. Several people were transported to local trauma units. Their conditions were unknown. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Pickup MVA, Fire in Lancaster Twp. On August 11, 2020, Rescue 15 (Junction) and Medic 12 (Fame EMS) handled a two-vehicle MVA with rollover and entrapment. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Not What’s Meant by Home Delivery
On the afternoon of July 5, 2020, Stations 56-2 and 4 (New Kensington) responded to Ross Avenue in New Kensington for an MVA with a delivery vehicle into a house. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Lancaster Township Volunteers responded to an MVA involving fire at Engleside, (at South Prince Street and Hershey Avenue and New Danville Pike in Lancaster Township) on June 20, 2020, at 1557. A pick-up truck hit the median and flames were coming from the engine compartment of the pickup. The owner safely exited the vehicle. Lancaster City Police in the area reported heavy smoke and a fire on arrival. Firefighters quickly extinguished the engine compartment fire. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Lower Burrell Car into Building At 1630, on August 18, 2020, Station 69 (Lower Burrell) responded to an MVA on Leechburg Road in Lower Burrell. Crews arrived to find a vehicle into a structure. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
3-Vehicle MVA in East Lancaster Twp. An unusual three-car accident occurred in East Lancaster Township at 1413 on June 4, 2020, on East King Street between Willis Lane and Parkside Avenue. A fast-moving car traveling in the right lane cutoff several other drivers traveling in the left lane, which caused the three vehicles to crash. The vehicle that caused the accident drove off. An SUV jammed on their brakes causing a van to crash into the rear of it. A smaller car collided with the rear of a van, resulting in the van landing on top of the hood of the car. Wayne’s Towing strategically removed the van which was perched on top of the hood of the car. No injuries were reported after the chain reaction accident. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Arnold Rollover MVA On August 05, 2020, Stations 95 1 and 2 (Arnold) responded for a roll-over MVA with reported injuries at 3rd Avenue and 18th Street in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 25
Single-Vehicle MVA in New Kensington Stations 56 1 and 2 (New Kensington) responded to a rollover MVA on Catalpa Street in New Kensington on July 11, 2020. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Deer vs. Car with Entrapment At 1615, on July 16, 2020, Stations 115 (Upper Burrell), 54 (Lower Burrell) and 102 (Washington Township) responded to an MVA in which a car hit a deer on Route 780 in Upper Burrell. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Page 26, Fire News, September/October 2020
Star-Ducks Rescued in Lancaster Township
Two ducklings were trapped in a storm drain in front of the Starbucks Coffee Company at Stone Mill Plaza on June 3, 2020. Lancaster Township Road Crew arrived before the fire department and began to remove the storm drain grate. Firefighter Devin Ashba was a good fit to ascend to the bottom of the drain and rescue the ducklings, which were transported to Maple Grove Park
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and reunited with their mother. Ducklings annually become trapped in this same drain. The ducklings are named Star-Ducks due to the proximity to the coffee house. The Starbucks manager supplied drinks to the responding crew. Thank you Starbucks for your generous donation. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Physical Rescue in New Kensington
On August 29, 2020, Stations 56-1 (New Kensington), and 95-1 (Arnold) responded for a rescue on Fernledge Drive in New Kensington, where a man fell off a 60-foot cliff while working in his
garden. The man survived the nearly-vertical fall. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 27
River Rescue in Plum
On July 11, 2020, Stations 235 (Logan’s Ferry Heights), 111 (Blawnox), 56-2 (New Kensington) and 54 (Lower Burrell) responded to Barking Road in Plum for a report of a kayak overturned. The
paddler was located and rescued and refused EMS treatment. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Page 28, Fire News, September/October 2020
Weekly Maintenance at Lancaster Township FD
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Lancaster Township Fire Department firefighters perform equip- Rescue System on June 1, 2020, to verify the tools were in working ment maintenance and SCBA maintenance on bi-weekly Monday order. Pictured are Firefighters Mark Clare, Devin Shenk and nights. Firefighters performed functionality tests on their Amkus Melvin Reyes. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Philadelphia Trains on Hi-Angle Rescue On a hot July 5, 2020, the Philadelphia Fire Department trained on high-angle rescue at their training facility in the “Great Northeast.� - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Master Stream Training The crew of the City of Philadelphia Fire Department Squirt 8 trained on master stream evolutions on July 15, 2020. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
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Training at the LCPSTC
Lancaster Township firefighters practiced extinguishing car fires, dumpster fires and propane tank fires on June 22, 2020. The Lancaster County Fire Safety Training Center (LCPSTC) in Manheim sports numerous gas-fired training simulators providing training in a safe and controlled environment. Additional props at
the training center include a burn/tactical building, a gas tree, confined space simulator, drafting pond, drill tower, driving pad, flammable liquid pit, forcible entry trailer, large and small roof props for cutting vent holes, smoke building, trench rescue simulator and vehicle rescue pad. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Page 30, Fire News, September/October 2020
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Level Green Vehicle Fire/BVR Training
On the evening of August 18, 2020, Stations 9 (Level Green), 7 (Paintertown), 536 PA-130 and Trafford (Level Green Station) participated in vehicle fire and BVR training. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Training at LCFA Fire School for Lancaster Twp. Firefighters
Lancaster Township firefighters practiced run-in scenarios on the evening of June 8, 2020, at Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Class A burn facility in West Lampeter Township. Firefighters were able to practice three evolutions in the course of the evening. The run-in started at dispatch, arrival, securing a water supply from a hydrant, laying in with LDH, supplying their ladder tower and
stretching handlines. Firefighters were tasked with stretching a handline, finding the fire and rescuing victims. The truck crew practiced starting the saws and cutting vent holes as well as throwing ladders. Crews used the burn building's roof simulator to practice cutting vent holes and the basement fire simulator. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 31
Multiple Structures Fire in Arnold
At approximately 2026 on July 27, 2020, Stations 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), 56 1 and 5 (New Kensington), 69 (Lower Burrell), 167 (Citizens Hose) and 78 (Sardis) responded to 4th Avenue in Arnold for multiple structures on fire. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Page 32, Fire News, September/October 2020
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Todd Allen Leaves Citizens Hose
Citizens Hose Station 167 says goodbye to long-time Firefighter/Officer Todd Allen who is moving out of state. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Indiana Twp. House Fire
Just before 2130 on August 15, 2020, a police officer found a house on fire on the 200 block of Little Deer Creek Road in Indiana Township. Fire crews were dispatched and found a fully involved home with extension into an exposure home. Crews quickly knocked down the fire in the exposure while a defensive attack was set up on the original fire home. Crews had a tough time due to downed power lines but were finally able to bring the fire under
control in about an hour. At one point a Mayday was called for a firefighter who had collapsed in the yard. The firefighter was transferred to EMS for treatment. The firefighter was treated on-scene and did not require transport. Both homes were occupied and all occupants were accounted for. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 33
Memorial Park Recognizes Lancaster Co. Emergency Service LODDs
In 2004, the Lancaster County Emergency Services Training Center Foundation created a Memorial Park in the grass area in front of the main entrance to the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center that recognizes all Lancaster County Emergency Service LODDs. The center core of the memorial park are three life-size statues of a Firefighter, a Police Officer, and Emergency Medical Service person standing in front of the American flag. Four marble stones display the more than 53 Lancaster County Emergency Service Personnel that have already been identified as LODDs and provides room for future names. A fifth marble stone has
an appropriate message inscribed on it. A landscaped walkway completes the Memorial Park. The walkway is paved with bricks of various sizes allowing interested individuals or organizations to purchase these bricks to memorialize or offer words of support to County Emergency Services and at the same time financially supporting the Memorial Park. Line of duty deaths include 34 firefighters, 14 law enforcement officers and five Emergency Medical Paramedics and EMTs since 1870. While we are all busy, we cannot be too busy to forget our fallen brothers. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Page 34, Fire News, September/October 2020
Birthday Driveby
On May 15, 2020, Stations 131 (Saltsburg), 330 (Tunnelton/ Conemaugh), 290 (Coal Run-McIntyre), 67 (Bell Township), 59 (Slickville), 310 (West Lebanon/Iselin), 315 Saltsburg held an 18th
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birthday parade for Garrett, a special needs child who loves fire trucks ‌ and the stations in his area really delivered! - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Obituaries
Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 35
LODD: Northwest’s Doug Zima
Northwest EMS Paramedic Doug Zima, a 26-year EMS veteran, died in the line of duty on May 30, 2020, while participating in operations on an EMS call in Londonderry Township in Dauphin County. Paramedic Zima and his partner were providing care to a trauma patient when Zima suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedic Zima was assigned to Medic 86-1. Zima’s partner immediately began resuscitation efforts until an ALS crew from Life Lion EMS arrived to take over care. Paramedic Zima was transported to Hershey Medical Center but did not survive. Zima served as a paramedic in Lancaster County for 26 years, work-
ing with Northwest EMS for a majority of that time. Paramedic Zima taught for 16 years at Lancaster Catholic High School and continued to teach adult education as an EMT, CPR, and Medical Instructor until his passing. Paramedic Zima was just the fifth EMS LODD in Lancaster County. He is survived by his wife Tina and their daughter Allison. A funeral service and procession with full emergency services honors was held on June 6, 2020. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Page 36, Fire News, September/October 2020
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VCI FORMS VEHICLE CONVERSION BUSINESS VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists is proud to announce the formation of the Vehicle Conversion Division to our business to help better serve our existing and new customers. We will be taking our 40-plus years of experience in the ambulance business and applying it to this new division. The new division will focus on chief’s vehicles, quick response vehicles, ESU trucks, incident command, paramedic units, SAR, quick attack and brush trucks, minipumpers, prisoner transport, K-9 units, and fleet vehicles with the ability to provide a one-stop resource for our customers from the chassis, to upfit, to paint, to graphics. Overseeing this new division will be Milt Grimes who has been promoted to Market Manager - Conversions and Stock Remounts. He will be overseeing the sales and production efforts of the conversion division as well as our established Stock Remount program. Milt brings over 15 years of experience in emergency vehicle sales and production to this new position including the last 10 at VCI Emergency Vehicles. So, if you’re in the market for a new command vehicle, give us a call at 1-800394-2162 and ask for Milt. Pictured: President of VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists - Robert Bohny Market Manager - Conversions & Stock Remounts - Milton Grimes
KOCHEK AND AWG TEAM UP TO DELIVER OUTSTANDING VALVE QUALITY Kochek Company, LLC, has announced its new alliance with AWG Fittings, GmbH. The two companies have partnered to provide Kochek loose equipment dealers with the superior performance and reliability for which AWG valves are known throughout the industry. As Kochek’s primary supplier of several sizes of gate, ball, intake, hydrassist, manifold, Siamese, and pressure relief valves, AWG plays an important role in Kochek’s efforts to ensure the continued satisfaction of its dealers and customers. With every order, Kochek custom fits each valve to exacting specifications.
Kochek President and CEO, George J. Wessner, said of the relationship with AWG, “We’re thrilled to work with AWG to make
this quality possible for our customers. They rely on their Kochek equipment when it matters most, and our valve performance is
something they can always count on in the field.” Headquartered in Putnam, Connecticut, Kochek Company is a leading producer of water movement products for fire, water works, and irrigation markets throughout North America and abroad. In order to achieve its mission to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, Kochek follows the guiding principles of lean manufacturing. More information about Kochek and the company’s entire product line may be found at www.kochek.com. AWG Fittings is a unit of IDEX Corporation.
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 37
Obituaries Allegheny County’s Robert A. Full
Chief Robert A. Full passed away suddenly on Friday, July 17, 2020. He was 65-years old. Chief Full led a dedicated lifelong career on the local, city, county and state levels. Chief Full began his career as a Junior Firefighter with the Forest Hills Volunteer Fire Department, where he was a life member. He then joined the City of Pittsburgh Emergency Medical Services where he was instrumental in its development, working his way up to Assistant Chief of Rescue. Chief Full served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of HazMat Technicians from 1997-1999 and was also the Director of its Western Region. In the late 90s, Chief Full joined Allegheny County and eventually became its first Chief of Emergency Services where he oversaw the Allegheny County Fire Marshall’s Office, Allegheny County 911 Center and Allegheny County Emergency Management Office. In 2011, Chief Full became the Assistant Director of
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, a position in which he served until 2018. He then took a position at Specialized Professional Services, working as the Director of Safety and Special Projects, a position he held from 2015 until his recent retirement in June of 2020. Chief Full was instrumental in the development of the current Allegheny County 911 Center, The City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Emergency Medical Services Rescue Division and the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue Strike Team 1. Chief Full is survived by his wife of 34 years, Geraldine, his children, Courtney Spicuzza and Robert ‘Rob’ Full and three grandchildren, Ricky, Vincent and Livia Spicuzza. Chief Full’s funeral procession and final call were held on July 23, 2020. He will be greatly missed by many throughout the region and state. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
Page 38, Fire News, September/October 2020
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Hot Day, Hot Fire On July 23, 2020, the Lewistown Fire Department was alerted for a building fire with smoke reported coming from the roof. First arriving units found fire between the roof and second floor. Command requested the second alarm due to conditions and temperatures in the 90s. Fame EMS provided rehab for multiple firefighters going down due to the heat. An aggressive attack contained the blaze and saved the building. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Harrisburg Balcony Fire with Extension On July 29, 2020, at 1450, Harrisburg Box 1-4 toned for a balcony fire at 14th and Swatara Street in the city’s Allison Hill neighborhood. Wagon 3, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Chief Wise (4) were in the initial response. Squad 8 and Wagon 4 were operating at a brush fire and requested county to put a county engine on the box; Engine 37-1 responded. Chief 4 requested a first alarm while en route. Rescue 69, Air 13, Chiefs 1 (Enterline), 2 (Souder), 3 (Sattizahn) made up the first alarm. Squad 8 and Wagon 4 also took in the box after clearing the brush fire. Chief 3 reported the second-floor balcony going and involving two houses with live wires arcing. Two lines were stretched into the fire building and one into the exposure. Wagon 3 stretched to the front and Squad 8 laid a line to the rear. Companies also had an additional line stretched to knock down some exterior fire. Chief 4 requested the second alarm for manpower as temperatures were around 95 degrees and extensive overhaul was required. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, September/October 2020, Page 39
It’sNewtoTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus
2010 FERRARA MVP RESCUE PUMPER Command Fire Apparatus delivered this 2010 Ferrara MVP rescue pumper to the Shanksville Fire Company in Western PA. Shanksville protects the site of the third plane crash on 9/11/2001 and was looking for a multi-purpose engine to operate as both a pumper and a heavy rescue truck.
2002 FERRARA 1750/50 CUSTOM PUMPER Command Fire delivered this fully equipped 2002 Ferrara 1750/750 custom pumper to the Franklin Township Fire Department in central Ohio. The unit previously served the Bristol Consolidated Fire Department in Bucks County PA. Sold by Command Apparatus
Sold by Command Apparatus
2001 PIERCE QUANTUM PUMPER The Hauto Fire Company in Northeastern PA purchased this 2001 Pierce Quantum 2000 GPM pumper with a 1000 gallon tank and an around the pump foam system from Command Fire Apparatus to replace an aging vehicle.
Sold by Command Apparatus
We are looking forward to our new monthly feature
“It’s New to THEM”
2006 KME 1500/100 PUMPER The South Cass Fire Company in Schuylkill County PA recently placed in service this 2006 KME 1500/1000 pumper that was reconditioned and delivered by Command Fire Apparatus. The unit previously served the McAdoo Fire Company in PA. Sold by Command Apparatus
To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly
631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com