House Fire
Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire in the 200 block of Marguerite Avenue in Wilmerding Borough.
See story on page 5
Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported appliance fire in a residence on Summer Street.
See story on page 6
Crews were called to Weaver Road in Mifflin Township for a commercial structure fire.
See story on page 9
Crewa responded for a house on fire on North 2nd Street, sending Company 50, Engines 91-2, 73, Wagon 4, Tower 1, and Rescue 40.
See story on page 14
Chestnuthill Twp.
Rollover MVA
Emergency crews responded to a vehicle accident with entrapment on PA Route 115 in Chestnuthill Township.
See story on page 21
Bradford Twp.’s
Jeffrey Shade
Allentown’s
Chris Kiskeravage
See story on page 25
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The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has announced a change in venue forthe 2023 National 9/11 Memorial StairClimb for Fallen Firefighters. This annual event benefits the FDNY Counseling Service Unit and NFFF programs for families of fallen firefighters. The 2023 National Stair Climb will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open Championships. More info at www.nationalstairclimb.org.
Post-9/11 combat veterans who served between 2001 and 2013 have until September30, 2023, to enroll in Department of Veterans Affairs health care. The date will conclude a one-year “special enrollment period” provided by the PACTAct. This provision of the PACTAct took effect in 2022. It gave
the potential to receive compensation to millions of veterans or their survivors who were exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals while in uniform, going back to the 1960s.
The VAenrollment period for post-9/11 combat vets is meant to get those veterans deemed to have been exposed to toxins based on their deployments onto the VA’s rolls and into care in which the providers are cognizant of toxic exposures, said Cory Titus, an Army infantry veteran and director with the Military Officers Association of America who led the association's PACTAct advocacy.
The bill automatically assumes troops who served in certain locations were exposed. Once enrolled, veterans’individual circumstances will dictate how much care they'll actually be eligible to receive.
ACampus Fire Forum will be held in Grapevine, TX, from November6 to 9, 2023 The forum will cover Lithium-Ion batteries, MicroMobility devices, Safety issues on campus (from codes to management issues), Active shooters, Blocked/Locked exits, Crowd Management, Drones and Rockets, Students with Disabilities, the fire aspects of special
events on campus and more. For more info: https://www.myccfs.org/forum.
The University of Maryland Autonomous Micro Air Vehicle (AMAV) student team competed in the First Responder UAS Challenges hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Annual Design-Build-Vertical Flight Competition hosted by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). Their AMAV’s Gambit was a low-cost, easyto-fly drone specifically tailored to operate indoors, while providing full light, low light, and thermal imaging. The drone design, fabrication, assembly, and testing were performed by University of Maryland students. The students won over $150,000 in the national competition.
Thermal, HD, and night-vision cameras were mounted on a remote-controlled gimbal with a 180° range of motion, which enabled the drone to precisely maneuver in constrained environments and positively identify objects of interest in any lighting condition. Theirdrone was based on the DJI Matrice 300 drone, a popularchoice forfirst responders. For more go to https://www.nist.gov/ctl/pscr/amav-umd.
Around 2120 on August 19, 2023, firefighters were dispatched to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Marguerite Avenue in Wilmerding Borough. Shortly after dispatch, several responding personnel reported a working fire that could be seen in the distance. Crews arrived quickly and found heavy fire showing from the Delta side and heavy smoke throughout a duplex-style home. Crews entered and began working on gaining control of the fire and a second alarm was requested. Crews were pulled from the structure due to deteriorating conditions but were able to re-enterthe building forabout an hour. Crews were again pulled from the building when a collapse occurred in the rearof the structure. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews were allowed to re-enterthe building and worked forseveral hours to fully extinguish the blaze. No injuries were reported and the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Firefighters from two states and numerous counties battled a strip mall fire on Route 611 in Pocono Township on June 26, 2023. At the height of the fire numerous water tenders responded, some being called from as faraway as New Jersey. Crews would battle the flames forhours before gaining control of the fire.
Around 1015 on August 12, 2023, a house exploded in Plum Boro, completely destroying the house, causing the two neighboring houses to almost immediately become fully involved, and severely damaging overa dozen otherhomes. The blast took the lives of six people. Overa dozen companies and more than 100 firefighters
Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported appliance fire in a residence on SummerStreet on June 19, 2023, at 2230. As Lieutenant Cathy Mealy was responding, she could see the headerin the sky. Additional reports from Bradford City Police indicated a working fire spreading to a second residence. Asecond alarm was requested bringing off-duty city firefighters and Bradford Township to the scene forRIT. As Bradford Township was responding, the call was upgraded to watersupply forTower1. Bradford
were on scene forhours battling the intense fires, searching through debris, and assisting injured residents. The cause of the explosion is still underinvestigation and has not yet been determined.
- Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Township firefighters were put to work battling the fire with city crews and Derrick City responded to the scene forthe RITassignment and airsupply. Firefighters used numerous 1-3/4 inch and two-inch attack lines along with a masterstream from Tower1 to extinguish the fire. Residents from both homes safely evacuated themselves. Firefighters were on the scene forfive hours.
- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish
In late June, FirstNet hosted a response operations demo in New Jersey which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the FirstNet experience and how the FirstNet Response Operations Group and AT&T Network Disaster Recovery teams mobilize to support public safe ty. Members of the Fire, EMS and Police community were able to see some of the FirstNet dedicated deployable assets used to support disas-
ters. Local and national experts from FirstNet, the FirstNet A uthority and AT&Twere on hand to explain these resources, demo the products, discuss the public-private partnership between the FirstNet Aut hority and AT&Tand answer questions.
- Fire News photos by Tim Edwards
On May 22, 2023, as Truck 2 was backing into quarters on North 6th Street returning from a fire in the Hill District, Captain Morelli radioed County Fire requesting a box fora working fire on Muench Street. At 2213, a full first alarm consisting of Squad 8, Wagons 3 and 4, Tower 1, Trucks 2 and 32, Rescue 69, Air13, and Battalion Chief Lloyd were dispatched to the scene. Wagon 3 and Truck 2 arrived and quickly went to work as they were faced with heavy fire from the rearof an occupied, three-story dwelling. One injured occupant self-extricated as companies were preparing to go to work and members were getting reports of entrapment on the second floor. Truck 2 members were able to safely rescue an occupant from the second floorunder heavy fire conditions. Several lines were stretched from Wagon 3 and companies were able to darken down the fire in less than 15 minutes. Companies performed extensive overhaul before the fire was placed under control in about an hour.
At 1349 on July 8, 2023, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist UpperPottsgrove (Station 79) with a building fire. This was the department’s third working fire dispatch in as many days. Special Service 51 and Command 51 responded. They assisted with additional manpowerforscene support. All trucks were back in the station within two hours.
- Submitted by Limerick FD
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Gratz firefighters responded fora commercial structure fire recently. Crews were advised of a barn/warehouse on fire. The barn, which was said to be close to 100 years old, was well off and endangering exposure structures in what would be eerily reminiscent of the Great Gratz Fire of 1924. As crews stretched multiple lines, additional crews began arriving, laying in from nearby hydrants. As crews battled the flames wind was pushing the smoke and flames towards South Street alley where a garage experienced some melted siding. Units came from Berrysburg, Wiconisco, Lykens, Elizabethville, Pillow, Klingerstown, Sacramento and Millersburg.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Crews were called to WeaverRoad in Mifflin Township fora commercial structure fire. Berrysburg and Community Fire Company Engine 26 arrived at S & LSpindles to heavy fire and thick black smoke coming from the commercial building on June 27, 2023. Engine 26 laid in, and began stretching handlines. About this time, mutual aid companies began to arrive and theircrews were then sent forward to assist. Crews worked to knock down the intense flames as well as to protect an exposure building filled with lumberwhich was beginning to ignite. Command upgraded the box to a second alarm and then eventually a third. During the fire attack IBC totes filled with waste oil began to ignite, became compromised and failed. The oil within the totes then flowed and swept in a wave-like motion the distance of the D side of the fire building. Shortly afterthe oil ignited and a wall of fire
appeared. Atankertask force shuttled waterto porta ponds established along WeaverRoad that was supplied to units closerto the structure. Numerous units from Dauphin, Schuylkill, Lower Northumberland and Perry counties operated on scene forseveral hours, as well as Dauphin County HazMat and an environmental clean up crew. The business has its own in-house fire brigade, but the fire had spread so rapidly it grew beyond theircontrol. It was reported several crews had theirgeardamaged by the oil. Also a shout out to PeiferTowing and Recovery forassisting by pulling LowerMahanoy Engine 62 out. Rehab 24 assisted on scene as well as otherindividuals who provided drinks, snacks and sandwiches.
Fire crews from the Han-Le-Co and Catasauqua fire departments responded to the Lehigh Valley Post Office building on Postal Road in HanoverTownship fora reported building fire. Callers reported a box on fire in the building. Crews arrived and found a white powdersubstance coming from the box and requested the Lehigh County Special Operations Team. HazMat team members made entry and determined the powderto be non-hazardous and the scene was cleared.
Firefighters from the Walnutport Fire Department were dispatched to a carfire in the area of the Taco Bell at South Best Avenue and Main Street. Priorto arrival, passing motorists grabbed fire extinguishers and made a hit on the fire in a stake body truck. Crews arrived on scene and wet down the smoldering areas inside the passengercompartment.
At 1959 on August 13, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Tanker 66, Engine 66, Air66 and an all-volunteer crew were dispatched to the 4000block of Mill Road in Skippack Township fora report of a garage fire with two vehicles involved. Volunteers responded as mutual aid to support Skippack Fire Company.
On July 10, 2023, at 0057, Harrisburg crews responded to the Broad Street Market on North Third Street fora structure fire. Squad 8 reported fire through the roof. Chief 5 requested the second alarm as he had the 6th Street side of the building pretty well involved. Firefighters stopped the fire from spreading west, as the eastern portion of the building was already lost. Deck guns, ladderpipes, masterstreams and ground lines were in play. Firefighters poured wateron the bric k building, as the roof collapsed, foralmost 50 minutes before the bulk of the fire was knocked down. The Broad Street Market, an iconic structure in the Harrisburg community, was built in 1863 and is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers market in the country.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
The Limerick Fire Department was dispatched at 2157 on July 19, 2023, foran unknown type fire on Meng Road. Reports stated there were very high flames seen in a backyard. Field 51-2, Squad 51, and Captain 51-2 responded. Crews arrived and found an open burn in a backyard and quickly deployed lines to put out the fire. All were made available about 45 minutes later.
- Submitted by Limerick FD
On August 7, 2023, as a strong thunderstorm was moving across York County, units from the Mt. Wolf area were dispatched to Burberry Lane fora residential structure fire. Firefighters arrived on s cene to a two-story, single-family dwelling with smoke showing. The fire originated in the basement and spread via the walls. Afirefighterissued a Mayday afterbeing trapped in the area of the first floorand basement. Search and rescue crews were deployed and the memberwas able to quickly self-extricate.
On July 24, 2023, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a working house fire on Hillside Avenue. First arriving Captain Mike Scri vo ordered a second alarm foradditional manpowerto the scene as the house was located up a steep street and another250 feet up a hillside from the street. Engine 1 was the only apparatus able to reach the scene as Tower1 was staged well away from the scene due to the roads. Firefighters used two, 300-foot 1-3/4 inch attack lines to exti nguish the fire. Firefighters were on the scene for2-1/2 hours. Derrick City and Bradford Township were on standby. Bradford City fire investigators and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals determined that the fire was incendiary as the house was vacant and there were no utilities to the house. The fire remains underinvestigation.
- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
At around 1245 on June 16, 2023, the Northampton County Communications Center sent Stations 45, 46, 42 and 47, Truck 4321, and Station 49 (EMS) to Harrison Court foran apartment building fire. The callerreported fire through the roof of multiple units. With that, a second alarm was struck. Units arrived to find an apartment building with fire on the second floorand throughout the cockloft. The fire spread rapidly and crews were pulled out, and a third alarm was struck. Watersupply issues hindered initial operations, but crews had the fire knocked down by 1430 and remained on scene fora few more hours hitting hotspots. Multiple cats were rescued during the course of the blaze. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Just after1900 on August 14, 2023, fire crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Grant Avenue in Millvale Borough fora working structure fire. Millvale’s chief was on-scene in seconds and confirmed a working fire on a porch of a multi-family building, quickly extending into the upperfloors. Crews arrived and made an aggressive attack on the fire, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 20 minutes but crews stayed on-scene forabout two hours foroverhaul. No injuries were reported and the fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
At 0951, on June 3, 2023, Box 37-5 toned Company 37, Engines 32, 33, 34 and 35, and Trucks 32 and 35 to Oakwood Lane in the Townhomes at Paxton Creek development fora building fire. Lieutenant 34 arrived to a two-story, middle-of-the-row townhome with fire in the rearand smoke showing from the front. Aback line was stretched to the second floorand crews opened up the roof area. The fire injured two occupants.
On the evening of August 2, 2023, fire crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Vista Street in Etna Borough fora reported kitchen fire. Crews arrived and quickly knocked down the fire in the kitchen but the fire had run the walls and fire began showing through a second-floorwindow. Crews then worked forabout an hourbefore the fire was placed undercontrol. One cat was rescued and turned overto the homeowner. Several firefighters were treated on-scene forminorinjuries.
Firefighters from Slatington, Emerald and Walnutport were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire on Willow Avenue in Slatington on June 2, 2023. The callerreported black smoke from a chimney. Crews arrived to nothing showing. Upon investigation it was determined to be a furnace malfunction.
Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on WalkerAvenue at 0252, on June 24, 2023. Captain J.D. Tehle requested a second alarm as the fire was already extending to the rearof a house on an adjoining street. This brought off-duty city firefighters and the Bradford Township VFD to the scene and Derrick City on standby. The fires were quickly extinguished by firefighters, but they were on scene for90 minutes. Bradford City fire investigators along with Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal determined that the fire was incendiary. Th e investigation is ongoing. - Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
At 1935 on August 22, 2023, Box 501 toned fora house on fire at North 2nd Street, sending Company 50, Engines 91-2, 73, Wagon 4, Tower1, and Rescue 40. Upon arrival, Engine 50 had heavy fire at the rearof a three-story, wood frame duplex. Chief Vance requested the second alarm as fire extended to an unattached exposure. With the condition of the roof and walls deteriorating, all companies were evacuated from the duplex. Masterstreams and aerial streams poured waterto darken down the bulk of fire.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
On June 6, 2023, at 0256, Cumberland County Box 10-01 sent Engine Companies 10, 13, 68, 12 and 14; Trucks 10, 69 and 2; Squad 13; Rescue 68; RIT40; and Air13 to Reno Avenue fora house fire. Due to calls and police reports from the scene the first alarm was included in the initial dispatch. Engine 68-1 arrived to a fully involved home with residents evacuating. First arriving crews had heavy fire to the rearof a row of the three-story dwelling with fire extending throughout the first floorof one home. Command 10 requested a second alarm, bringing Engine Companies 30, 24, 37 and 17 to the scene. Several lines were stretched and operated to knock down the bulk of the fire in about 15 minutes with extensive overhaul required. Firefighters from three counties responded to the fire that left seven occupants homeless.
At 1658, on June 18, 2023, County Fire toned forBox 456-3 on Chatham Drive in the Chambers Hill section of the township, for a working house fire. Multiple calls were received and a visibl e smoke column from a distance prompted a first alarm to be transmitted. Companies arrived to a two-story, split level with fire involving an unattached garage and extending to the house in the rear. Lines were placed in service darkening down the garag e fire and hitting minorextension into the attic of the dwelling.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Just after1600 on May 29, 2023, the Northampton County Communications Centersent the City of Easton Fire and EMS to Ferry Street fora reported house fire. Numerous calls were reporting the back of the house was heavily involved and spreading rapidly to otherhouses. Easton Engine 2018 arrived to heavy fire involving multiple houses in the rear. Multiple alarms were quickly struck bringing in departments from Northampton, Lehigh and Bucks counties, as well as apparatus from Warren County (NJ). The fire grew to overfive alarms. Eight aerial devices, multiple masterstreams, and many handlines were put into operation. Crews remained on scene well into the night hitting hot spots. The fire eventually destroyed or damaged a total of 15 homes.
- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Afew minutes aftermidnight, aftera relatively quiet Fourth of July with units from around the county answering a few dumpsterfires, Box 45-7 toned sending firefighters from Company 91 and Rescue 33 to LancasterStreet in the Lawnton section fora rubbish fire. Engine 91 were en route with three and informed of a single callerreporting trash on fire nearthe residence. Chief 91 advised by County Fire of a second call stating a working garage fire and the box was upgraded. Engines 30 and 50, Truck 32, Rescues 59, and 69, and Squad 8 made up the assignment. Engine 91 arrived to a two-story dwelling with fire showing from side A. Chief 91-1 requested the first alarm bringing Tower1 and Air91-2 to the scene. Aline was stretched from Engine 91 making a good knock on the visible fire. Hoarding conditions made interioroverhaul difficult with companies reporting no extension to a second-floorapartment. One firefightersuffered a non-life-threatening injury.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
At around 0830 on May 18, 2023, the Lehigh County Communications Centersent Station 24, Engines 611 and 2911, Truck 2931, Station 11 (RIT), and Station 67 (EMS) to CenterStreet fora house fire. The callerreported heavy smoke and fire from the second floor, with possible children trapped. With that, a second alarm was quickly struck. Slatington Police removed one adult before fire units arrived. Engine 611 arrived on scene first and their crew stretched two 1-3/4 inch attack lines and went to work. Truck 1631 arrived and set up down the street. An additional two engines were requested formanpower, bringing in Engines 2311 and 1012. The fire was marked undercontrol around 0915, and crews remained on scene until 1030 hitting hot spots. At around 1130 crews were called back fora rekindle and that fire went to three alarms plus special calls. Crews then remained on scene until around 1600.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
The tone broke the silence across city fire stations at 2138 on July 7, 2023, dispatching Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief Zavfrel on Box 1-2 to 17th and Regina Streets fora structure fire. Wagon 4 arrived to smoke from the second-floorwindows with fire out the rear. Chief Zavfrel assumed incident com mand reporting a threestory, middle-of-the-row, with heavy fire on the second floorand requested the first alarm. Aline was stretched from Wagon 4 into the fire building and Wagon 3 stretched a line into the exposure. Lieutenant 8 advised the first-floorstairs were compromised and companies couldn’t fully make the second floor. Chief Zavfrel ordered companies out of the building and let the masterstream from Tower1 knock down the visible fire. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 12 minutes with extensive overhaul required that was made difficult by the collapse of the second floor. Companies worked forovertwo hours and the fire was placed undercontrol at 2213.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Firefighters from Schuylkill, Carbon and Luzerne counties battled a multiple alarm fire on South Chestnut Street in the Tresckow section of Banks Township on July 18, 2023.
North Catasauqua Firefighter Zachary Scheirerrescues a cat at a third-alarm apartment building fire in Allen Township on June 16, 2023.
The Philadelphia Fire Department Ladder20 drives overthe new patch of I-95. The road was fixed in record time, aftera truck flipped overand caught fire. The fire caused the highway to collapse. Ladder20 was one of the first companies to arrive. They are pictured with all five of the Philadelphia sports teams mascots riding on the bed. About 100 people showed up and cheered them on.
On July 16, 2023, at 0208, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported single-vehicle MVAwith entrapment and multiple victims at 0208. An MCI was requested by Captain Mike Scrivo as only one ambulance and three firefighters were available due to anothercall. Crews used the hydraulic tools to extricate the backseat passenger. Three ambulances, responded to the scene. An LZ was established fortwo StatMedEvac helicopters. Two people were medevac’d and one was transported by ground.
- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
At 0959 on August 12, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Tanker66, Engine 66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to a report of an MVAwith injuries at the intersection of Kagey Road and Trappe Road in the township. Volunteers were in service for about 30 minutes. PAState Police, Freedom Valley Medical Rescue and Perkiomen Twp. Fire-Police also responded to assist.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Crews from Philadelphia Engine Company 36 responded to Frankford and Sheffield Streets fora twocarMVAwith entrapment. There was a discrepancy on which driverwent through a red light, with both saying the othervehicle went against the light. The engine crew worked with Ladder20 to free the patients, both of whom were transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
At 1533 on June 25, 2023, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to secure a vehicle on its side afteran accident on NeifferRoad. Rescue 51, Assistant Chief 51 and Fire Police responded. Crews arrived, secured the battery on the pickup truck and directed traffic.
- Submitted by Limerick FD
Fire crews from Bensalem responded to Richlieu Road in July 2023, foran elderly female that was struck by a vehicle. Engine Company 222 stood by, afterfirst assisting with patient care. The person sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
On July 9, 2023, at 1819, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched foran MVAwith injuries on Ridge Pike and Moscariello Lane. Rescue 51, Squad 51 and Fire Police responded. Crews arrived and began clearing debris and securing vehicle batterie s. Fire Police temporarily shut down eastbound Ridge Pike between North Limerick Road and Sunset Road.
- Submitted by Limerick FD
Emergency crews responded to this vehicle accident with entrapm ent on PA Route 115 in Chestnuthill Township. Apickup truck left the roadway rolled and landed on top of a van. Crews worked from a flatbed tow truck to perform the extrication. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
The 47th Annual Pennsylvania Pump Primers Antique Fire Apparatus Musteron July 8, 2023, was held at Riverfront Park in Harrisburg. The event featured approximately 100 pieces of antique fire apparatus, many privately owned, which were on static display and also drafting and pumping from the Susquehanna River. In addition to the display and pumping, there was a flea market along with fire related contests and games.
- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Paul Shea
is about people who head into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.
Glenn Usdin is a professional photographer and a firefighter for over 40 years who has been photographing fires and firefighters in NYC since the mid 1970s.
Dan Potter is a retired FDNYfirefighter with the ability to tell the stories that bring the reader right into the firehouse or on the fireground. Together, Usdin and Potter conceived, photographed and told the stories that captures a wide range of firefighters in They Saved New York.
In the late 1960s, through the 1980s, the New York Fire Department experienced a historic rapid amount of fire duty. The firefighters who worked those years saw more actual fires in a week than most firefighters across the country saw in a year. Usdin felt strongly that these firefighter’s legacies needed to be preserved and hon-
ored in a unique way. That was the inspiration for the project that became They Saved New York
Dan Potter spent hundreds of hours interviewing featured firefighters and then crafted their stories for the book with his deft writing style. Usdin captured evocative portraits of each of them, as well as hundreds of action photos he shot at fire scenes over 40 plus years. The result is a large format photo documentary that honors the profession as well as the featured individuals.
Aportion of the proceeds from this book will support four foundations that serve the needs of retired and current firefighters.
You may find out more about those foundations and the book here: www.TheySaved NY.com.
Fire Rescue Systems, a software company for the fire service, has a brand-new look to go along with their new modules; all to better serve fire departments like yours. The company was started in 1983 in Long Island, New York, and has helped hundreds of departments better manage their fire and rescue operations. Instead of paying high fees for an all-in-one software program, Fire Rescue Systems offers various modules which you can bundle together. This allows you to pay for what you need, without the fluff, and makes it the perfection solution for fire departments of all sizes.
Some of the modules include Dispatch, Bulletin Board, NFIRS, Inventory, MDT,
Roster and Attendance, Department Voting and a Mobile Responder Phone App. They also offer finger readers that integrate with other modules. All of the modules help you save time and increase efficiency. The company offers 24/7 tech support for all customers.
Fire Rescue Systems’brand-new look also includes an updated, easier-to-navigate website so you can quickly browse their available modules and get the information you need to decide. For more information and to see their new website, go to firerescuesystems.com or call 800-651-3059.
Limerick Fire Department assisted Waltz’s Golf Farm with parking as well as fire suppression at theirannual 4th of July fireworks. Crews were also manning the grill providing hotdogs and hamburgers. Thanks to all the outside departments that assisted: Trappe, Royersford, Perkiomen, and Sanatoga fire companies. Also, thank you to the fire police who helped direct traffic and to Collegeville, New Hanover, Sanatoga, LowerFrederick, Ringing Hill, Trappe, UpperPottsgrove and Liberty fire companies.
- Submitted by Limerick FD
On July 18, 0223, Bob Michetti was sworn in at the Limerick Township Building as the Limerick Fire Department’s newest Fire Police member. Congratulations, Bob!
- Submitted by Limerick FD
Station 95-2 in Arnold held this year’s Western PAFiremens Association Convention, and they kicked it off with a “battle of the barrel” on August 5, 2023. Dunbar were the winners, with Vandergrift taking second place.
On June 20, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Tanker66 and an all-volunteercrew participated in the Limerick Fire Department’s 9th Annual Youth FirefighterCamp. It was great to see so many kids so enthusiastic about learning, listening and asking questions about firefighting and the various apparatus. There wwere lots of safe hands-on experiences that had everyone engaged. There was even simulated flood waters fora waterrescue demonstration. Thanks to Limerick Fire Department forthis great event and forthe invite. We had a great time showing Tanker66. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
On August 3, 2023, the New Kensington Bureau of Fire participated in the ‘National Night Out’event, which gave the public an opportunity to see first-hand, several emergency vehicles, and interact with local first responders. Firefighters, EMS, police, including K9 and SWATunits, were available to talk to local residents about equipment, gear, and safety practices and procedures.
On July 22, 2023, during our annual carnival fundraiser, Stations 22 and 23 of Kendall Park (NJ), through former Kendall Park Chief and current Dublin memberRobert Cioffi, covered, ran ourbeer garden and learned how PA firemen raise funds to serve the public. Huge thanks to KPChief Chris Perez forthe loan of Engine 221 and its very professional crew.
- Submitted by Ken Meyers, Deputy Chief, Dublin Vol. FC, Sta.23
On August 4, 2023, Lieutenant Jeffrey Shade of the Bradford Township Police Department, Bradford, PA, died in the Line of Duty.
On August 11, 2023, McKean County Fire Departments (PA) and New York State Police Departments and local and state officials bid farewell to Lt. Shade with full honors. Members of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department, along with officers from various police departments, served as the Honor Guard during visitation and funeral services.
City of Bradford Tower 1 suspended the American flag over Campus Drive that the procession went under en route to the cemetery. All five apparatus of the Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department were in the procession.
Coudersport and Kane fire departments provided standby service so that all members of the Bradford Township Fire Department could participate in the service.
The Pennsylvania State Police Ceremonial Unit provided cemetery services which included the flag folding, gun salute, taps and a State Police helicopter fly over. The Allegany County, PA, Police Department provided the riderless police horse.
The Greater Buffalo (NY), Firefighters Pipes and Drums Unit provided a bagpipe player and drummer during services held at Bradford Area High School and at the cemetery.
Lieutenant Shade was a 32-year veteran of the police department.
- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish
On July 12, 2023, members of the Allentown Fire Department, and firefighters from surrounding companies, paid their final respects to retired Allentown Fire Department Assistant Chief Chris Kiskeravage, who passed away on June 9, 2023, after a two-year battle with cancer.
His funeral Mass was held at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown. Kiskeravage lived a life of service dedicated to the community.
He began his career as a volunteer with the Shenandoah Ambulance Corp in his teen years. Throughout his firefighting career, Kiskeravage was a member of the IAFF for Easton Fire Department, an Assistant Chief for the Allentown Fire Department, a member of the Lehigh County Special Operations team, PAUSAR Company 3, a beloved instructor at Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and Bucks County
Community College; He assisted in the development of the Allentown Fire Department Technical Rescue team, and was South Whitehall Township’s first full-time Fire Commissioner. He passionately taught and trained firefighters around the world (traveling to Korea, Japan, Romania, and Italy, as well as within the US) teaching EMT, fire suppression, HazMat, and more. He donated his body to help find ways to make firefighting a safer job.
As a leader, teacher, mentor, husband, father, and grandfather, he was loved by many. Kiskeravage’s legacy will continue through his family and all whom he taught.
- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
