Lower Swatara Township Box 59-7 dispatched Company 59, Engines 55, 40 and 91-5, and Trucks 46 and 91 to Goldcrest Place for a garage fire.
See story on page 4
Insufficient Water Pressure Requires Tankers
The Lehigh County Communications Center sent Station 27 to Route 309 in Upper Saucon Township for a reported outside fire.
See story on page 8
Milroy
Mobile Home Fire
Firefighters from Milroy Fire and EMS were dispatched to Broad Street in Armagh Township for a report of a mobile home fire.
See story on page 10
2-Alarm Commercial Fire in Upper Mahantongo
On July 13, 2024, a call came in for a building fire in the Carriage House Bar and Grill in Upper Mahantongo Township.
See story on page 12
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On July 26, 2024, Ron Oettel was elected President of the Museum Board.
See story on page 22
Obituaries
Carbon’s Doug McCormick
Perkiomen’s Mary Lou Lasky
Upper Gwynedd’s Jeff Tomczak Blawnox-Glenover’s Georgia McBriar Buffalo’s Corey Comperatore
See story on pages 24-27
page 17
page 19
page 24
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Apartment Building
Destroyed in Philadelphia
In July 2024 Philadelphia firefighters battle a four-alarm fire on the 7400 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. An apartment building was destroyed . - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Corydon Twp.
Truck Fire
Quick Work in Lititz
On the morning of July 25, 2024, Lititz Fire Company responded to the unit block of West Orange Street in Lititz Borough fora reported dwelling fire. Engine 25-1 arrived quickly and put two handlines in service fora coordinated interior and exteriorattack, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. Additional arriving crews assisted with overhaul and put out hot spots.
- Fire News photos by Zack Spadaccia / Lititz FC
LowerSwatara
Detached
Garage Fire
LowerSwatara Township Box 59-7 dispatched Company 59, Engines 55, 40 and 91-5, and Trucks 46 and 91 to Goldcrest Place fora garage fire on July 5, 2024, at 1604. Engine 59-3 advised of a working fire. Lieutenant 91 reported a smoke column a mile out and suggested a first alarm that brought Rescue 91, Squad 8 (RIT) and Air30 to the scene, Engine 59 arrived to fire showing from a detached garage at the rearof a single-family dwelling that was approximately 50-percent involved. Three lines were operated from the exterior, knocking down the fire in about 20 minutes. A foam line was also placed in service forfuel that was burning in the garage. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Corydon Township and Bradford Township volunteerfire departments were dispatched at 2318 on July 30, 2024, to a reported vehicle fire with exposures in the 3000 block of West Washington Street in Corydon Township. Corydon Engine 191 arrived and reported the vehicle was fully involved. Bradford Township Engine 155 responded forwatersupply. Corydon Township Assistant Fire Chief Josh Cobb is shown using a 1-3/4 inch attack line to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were on scene forone hourand ten minutes. - Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
1 Fatal, 22 Displaced in LancasterBlaze
Adisabled man was killed on August 11, 2024, aftera deadly fire swept through an apartment complex in LancasterCounty. The man, who lived alone was killed afterbecoming trapped. Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched at 1639 to a fire in an apartment building on Wyncroft Lane and the Kensington Club Apartments off Wabank Road. Arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire issuing from apartment eight, where the disabled man lived. The blaze eventually escalated to two-alarms, and two additional laddertrucks were requested. The bulk of the
flames were knocked down just after1700, but continued to smolderforanotherhour. Firefighters returned twice overnight to extinguish hotspots. Assistance came from Manheim Township, East Petersburg, Lititz, Willow Street, Lafayette, LancasterTownship, Rohrerstown, Mount Joy, and LancasterCity. Manheim Township, Bird In Hand, Conestoga, New Danville, West Willow, Witmer, Hempfield, West Hempfield, Blue Rock, LancasterCARTand others. Twenty-two people were displaced. - Submitted by Captain Greg Leaman
North Whitehall Township Fire
On July 12, 2024, firefighters from North Whitehall Township were dispatched to Kernsville Road at the formerDr. Diesel fora reported building fire. Crews arrived to find a small debris pile on fire. Crews placed two lines in service and made a quick knockdown of the fire. Ongoing demolition work at the former commercial building is suspected to have been the cause.
- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Structure Fire in Allegheny Township
On July 8, 2024, multiple departments responded to a structure fire in Allegheny Township. Crews achieved a fast knockdown on the fire, and provided ventilation and overhaul.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Insufficient WaterPressure Requires Tankers
At around 2245 on June 1, 2024, the Lehigh County Communications Centersent Station 27 to Route 309 in UpperSaucon Township fora reported outside fire. Police arrived on East Valley Road and reported that it was a large pole building fully involved. Chief 27 upgraded the assignment to a structure fire and requested a second alarm, which brought Engines 20 and 13, Tankers 20 and 13, Station 63 (EMS), as well as units from Northampton and Bucks counties. Quint 27 laid up the long driveway and then went to work attacking the fire from the Aand B sides to try and prevent extension. Engine 20 stopped at the hydrant to boost the pressure in the line going up the driveway. Northampton County Truck 1621 and Engine 1611 made theirway up the driveway. Truck 1621 set up forladderpipe operations as did Quint 27. The pressure in the hydrant did not sustain firefighting efforts and tankers from all overwere called in. The fire burned foroveran hourbefore being brought undercontrol and crews remained on scene well into the early morning hours hitting hot spots.
- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Stopping it Before it Starts
On July 7, 2024, at 1901, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a grass fire nearthe basketball court. Field 51-1, Field 51-2, Tanker51, and Assistant 51 responded. Crews found a large area of dry grass on fire with the fire quickly spreading. Crews immediately used hoses to douse the fire before Field 51-1 drove around the area, soaking the ground to avoid a possible rekindling. All were made available about 30 minutes later. - Photo courtesy of Limerick FD
Firefighters Battle Structure Fire on Michael Street
Box 54-7 located on Michael Street fora mobile home structure fire.
- Fire News photo by Easton Watkins
Child Playing with Lighter Sparks Harrisburg 6 Alarmer
July 9, 2024 in Harrisburg at 0459, Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 6 (Bradford) to North 18th Street fora structure fire. Responding companies were advised of callers reporting a house fire with everyone out. Tower1 arrived to fire on the second floor. Chief 6 reported a three-story, duplex with heavy fire from the second floor, and requested a first alarm, bringing Wagon 3, Truck 32, Rescue 69, Air13, and Chief 4 (Wise) to the scene. One line was stretched from Wagon 4 making a quick knock on the bulk of the fire located in a front room on the second floor. Asecond line was stretched forsome exteriorextension to the third floor. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0532 and displaced two adults and seven children who were assisted by the Red Cross. The fire was attributed to a seven-yearold playing with a lighter. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Working House Fire in Dalmatia
Crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 200 block of RiverRoad in LowerMahanoy Township on June 20, 2024. As crews were responding, Chief 64-1 of Hickory Corners and Community Fire advised of a column of smoke being visible. As crews arrived, a 2-1/2 story brick home was found with fire from all sides on Division 2 and Division 1 on the A/D corner. Crews tried to access the second floorbut found the stairs were compromised. Command then advised crews to access a rearporch roof via ground ladders. Millersburg 20 was advised to setup on the Aside and fly the bucket to Division 2. Crews were able to bring the fire undercontrol and conducted overhaul operations. The scene was turned overto the fire marshal. Crews from Hickory Corners and Community Fire, Herndon Fire, Pillow Fire, Lower Mahanoy Fire, Berrysburg and Community Fire, Gratz Fire and Millersburg Fire also responded. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Milroy Mobile Home Fire
Around 0200 on August 14, 2024, firefighters from Milroy Fire and EMS were dispatched to Broad Street in Armagh Township fora report of a mobile home fire. Upon arrival of Milroy Fire Chief Jeremy Kibe, he confirmed a mobile home fire with heavy fire showing. Firefighters remained on scene well into the morning. Assisting at the scene were Reedsville, Yeagertown, Burnham, Chief Logan Fire and City Hook and Ladder.
- Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner
Working Fire in Harrisburg
On July 1, 2024, at 0758, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) to Mulberry Street fora fire alarm. Squad 8 arrived to smoke showing from a three-story, mixedoccupancy building. As lines were being stretched and crews making entry, occupants of the building were evacuating. Chief 5 requested the first alarm bringing Truck 32, Rescue 69, Air13, and Chiefs 1, 2, 3 and 4 to the scene. Two lines were operated, knocking down a fire on the first floorrear. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0827.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
2-Alarm Commercial Fire in UpperMahantongo
On July 13, 2024, at 2229, a call came in fora building fire in the Carriage House Barand Grill in the 1100 block of Ridge Road in UpperMahantongo Township. Employees and patrons were inside when smoke began to fill the air. Chief 10 requested a tankertask force be started, as fire company members ensured all occupants were out. Chief 65 arrived to heavy fire from Division 2 on the C side of the structure and also two propane tanks on the B/C corner and requested a second alarm;units from 10, 65, 14 and 13 responded. Sacramento Engine 14-10 was advised to pick up fill site operations at Big B Manufacturing. District 10 crews made theirway up a set of stairs to the second floor, having knocked down a significant amount of fire. However, fire then began to push through the roof peak and smoke began to darken and pourout B side windows as well as the Aside roof edge. Crews established two porta ponds on the B side. As crews battled the flames a large portion of the roof collapsed into the second floor. Shamokin Ladder32, as well as
Hanover
Township
Liberty Hose 2 and Lykens Truck 22, were advised to set up to assist with aerial operations. Ladder32 setup on the Aside of the building while Truck 22 backed in on the B side. Command began releasing units around 0130, with some units remaining on scene into the early morning. Despite a rapid response by numerous crews the building suffered significant fire damage
second floor.
Caron Fire in
Driveway
At 1519 on June 19, 2024, Limerick was dispatched fora vehicle fire in a driveway on Aronimink Drive. Ladder51, Engine 51, Squad 51, Deputy 51, and Fire Police responded. Crews from Ladder51 worked to extinguish the fire while Engine 51 and Squad 51 crews checked the garage forany extensions. Alight smoke condition was found in the attic but no damage to the garage or residence occurred. Once the fire was extinguished, the department cleared the scene.
Restaurant Fire
Firefighters from Northampton and Lehigh counties battled a commercial structure fire at Nonna Sulina’s Sicilian Kitchen and Grill in HanoverTownship on July 21, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Allen Township Barn Fire
Firefighters from Northampton and Lehigh counties battled a fully involved barn fire on the Willowbrook Farms Property just aftermidnight, recently.
- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
- Photo courtesy of Limerick FD
to the
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
District 10
Handles LZ Duties
The Mahantongo Fire Company was dispatched to establish an LZ forincoming airmedical that was requested by EMS on June 24, 2024. District 10 advised county they were responding and establishing the LZ at the Pitman ballfield. EMS from Tremont Area Ambulance and Hegins Area Ambulance arrived and awaited Life Flight 1. Soon afterLife Flight 1, the flight crew readied the patient fortransport.
-
EF-1 Tornado Causes Damage in Harrisburg
Shortly after0430 on August 9, 2024, as heavy rain and storms associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby, were moving across the area, Harrisburg and suburban companies began answering numerous weatherrelated calls. During this time, a tornado spawned and swept a 3-1/2 mile path from nearthe Harrisburg City line with Swatara Township, north through eastern Harrisburg, Penbrook, and ending in Susquehanna Township. Companies stayed busy running calls ranging from trees and wires down, structural collapses, gas leaks and minorfires. Harrisburg crews went block-by-block clearing properties. The EF-1 tornado, confirmed by the National WeatherService, had peak winds of 105 mph, was 300 yards wide, and lasted forapproximately seven minutes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
2 Vehicle RolloverMVA in New Kensington
Station 56 in New Kensington responded to a two-vehicle rolloveraccident on Stevenson Boulevard in New Kensington on July 19, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Perkiomen Township MVA
Storm Damage in Philadelphia
Philadelphia firefighters from Engine 46 responded to Linden Avenue. Where trees and wires had come down aftera recent storm passed through. Two houses sustained serious damage from fallen trees. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
HomeownerInjured in Saltillo Boro MVA
At 1911 on June 21, 2024, Perkiomen Township’s Tanker66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to a report of a vehicle fire after a two-vehicle crash nearthe intersection of Gravel Pike (Route 29) and Ott Road. State Police, Plymouth Community Ambulance Association Medic 308, Freedom Valley Medical Rescue 376 and Norm’s Save Station also responded. Perkiomen’s volunteers were in service forabout an hour.
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
- Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner
Around 2200 on August 2, 2024, Huntingdon County 911 dispatched Three Springs Fire Company to the area of Oak Street and Main Street foran MVAinto a house. Chief ChristopherGrace arrived to a pickup into the front of a structure. Firefighters found the homeownerin the living room had been struck while on his couch. AirMedical was requested and medevac’d the patient to a local trauma center. The driverof the vehicle fled the scene priorto fire department arrival. Assisting at the scene were Trough Creek Valley Fire, Huntingdon Regional Fire and Rescue, Three Springs EMS, and TLC Advanced Life Support.
4 Injured in Dublin Township Head-on MVA
Around 1500 on August 3, 2024, Huntingdon County 911 dispatched Shade Gap Fire Company to the 25,000 block of Croghan Pike foran MVA. Upon arrival, Chief Rick McMullen found a pickup truck towing a trailerand an SUVhead on with all occupants self-extricated. EMTs on scene reported fourpatients one class 1, two class 2s, and one class 3. AirMedical availability was requested but denied due to weatherconditions. Crews moved the patients by ground to Holy Spirit Hospital. Assisting at the scene were Orbisonia Rockhill EMS, Metal Township EMS, Fannett Metal EMS, Mount Union EMS, and Huntingdon EMS. - Fire News photo by Sam Baumgardner
Swatara Township Rolloverand Entrapment
Busy Evening forLimerick
On July 6, 2024, at 0923, Swatara Township Company 91, Engine 50, and Squad 8 were sent on Box 49-1 to the area of Chambers Hill Road foran MVAwith entrapment. Reports indicated a vehicle overturned, flipped several times, with telephone pole and wires down. Crews arrived to a single-vehicle accident and confirmed the reports. The vehicle was stabilized and the occupant of the vehicle extricated in about 10 minutes and transported by EMS. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
The Limerick Fire Department responded to nine storm-related calls aftertwo storms came through Limerick Township. Starting at 1959 on July 16, 2024, crews were dispatched to back-to-back calls involving clearing road obstructions from fallen trees and wires, a tree fire, and electrical fires.
Engine 51, Squad 51, Field 51-2, Rescue 51, Chief 51, Battalion 51, and Fire Police responded. Fire Police and firefighters shut down roads temporarily due to electrical damages. The last call forthe evening occurred around 2150. - Photo courtesy of Limerick FD
Training
Peters Twp. & North Strabane
Firefighters from Peters Township and North Strabane in Washington County participated in the Engine and Truck Live Fire Scenarios hosted by the ButlerCounty Fire Chiefs Association.
Monday Night Training for Limerick
Limerick Fire crews headed to Phaeton Way to practice hose techniques, pump operations and tower waterflow on July 15, 2024. Curious neighborhood kids got to look at the fire trucks and got fire helmets! Crews went to Rita’s forsome post-training cold treats because it was a hot (and wet) evening. Royersford Fire Department joined a few minutes laterto get water, ice and a picture taken.
-
Forcible Entry Practice
FirefighterKeegan Boyd from the Berkeley Hills Fire Company in Allegheny County accessing the forcible entry prop at the Engine and Truck Live Fire Scenarios hosted by the ButlerCounty Fire Chiefs Association.
- Fire
Photo courtesy of Limerick FD
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
News photo by Artie Osniak
CanAm Games
Firefighters from multiple fire departments participated in a hockey tournament that was part of the CanAm Games hosted in ButlerCounty the week of July 15 to 20, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
NeverForgetting 9/11
Gettysburg Fire Department hosted a Bike Week recently with various events scheduled forthe thousands of participants from the United States and Canada. A numberof attendees were members of various Red Knights chapters who visited the National Fire Academy campus to pay theirrespects to theirfallen brothers and sisters at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and the 9-11 To Lift a Nation memorial honoring ourcommitment to neverforget.
- Photo courtesy of National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
UpperProvidence TWPAcademy Day 5 and Graduation
August 16, 2024, was Day 5 and the final day of the UpperProvidence Township inaugural Emergency Services Academy with 20 cadets learning about firefighting, police work and EMS. On Day 5, the students played dodgeball versus the staff, watched how the police, fire and EMS teams work togetherin a vehicle crash simulation, had a visit from the JeffStat medical helicopter, had lunch with families and first responders plus graduation and retiring the colors. This was a great day and a great week. Congratulations to all the graduates!
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Montgomery Co. Fire Academy Graduation
Congratulations to six Perkiomen Township volunteerfirefighters who graduated from the Montgomery County Fire Academy on July 23, 2024. Kevin Curry, Patrick McCafferty, Micah Moono, Colin Motsavage, Michael Germana and Kian O’Sullivan have all completed the Pennsylvania Entry Level FirefighterTraining Program and are now interiorqualified members. Kevin Curry and Kian O’Sullivan were recognized with the Academic Achievement Award fortheir respective classes. Great work and neverstop training!
- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
Station 95 Celebrates 100 Years
Arnold Fire Station 95 celebrated their100th yearof service at theirannual banquet, and honored five members who reached 50 years of service. The members honored were William Weber, James Duncan, Donald Ferrante, Joseph Puet and John Tort. State Representative Jill Cooperwas in attendance and presented members with theirawards.
- Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Montgomery Academy Graduates 43 New FFs
The Montgomery County Fire Academy graduated two classes on July 23, 2024. Thirty new firefighters graduated from MCFA Class 2402 and 13 new firefighters graduated from the Pennsylvania Entry Level FirefighterTraining Program. The graduates go on as firefighters to protect theircommunities in many volunteerand combination fire companies in Montgomery, Berks, Chester, and Delaware counties. Congratulations to Kevin Curry and Kian O’Sullivan from Perkiomen Fire Co. on receiving the Academic Achievement award in theirclasses!
- Submitted by Regina Jelski
New President Elected at the Museum
On July 26, 2024, at the annual Board meeting of the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, Ron Oettel was elected President of the Museum Board. Ron is a nearly lifelong resident of Lititz, PA, having graduated from Warwick High School. He continued his education as an honors graduate of Millersville University, with a degree in accounting and marketing, and a minor in economics.
Ron spent numerous years in the world of public accounting. He was a sales and marketing manager in the manufacturing industry, and then became a regional director and partner with Provident Insurance. Provident is a specialty insurer of emergency services organizations. Ron left Provident to start his own business, specializing in providing unique insurance solutions and guidance for emergency service groups, ranging from fire departments, EMS organizations, police departments, as well as other related groups and associations. In addition to his work in the insurance industry servicing first responders, Ron is also pursuing another passion project: building an ambulance transport business.
Ron’s fire service involvement includes activities at the local, state and national levels. Ron stepped into the arena of community service in 1980, when he joined the Lititz Fire Company. Since that time, he has served the fire company in many roles and capacities including Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, President, Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and most notably, as Chief for 25 years.
Ron served four different terms as President of the Lancaster County
Fire Chiefs’Association, served on the board as chair of the Lancaster County Public Safety Center. He also served on the Lancaster CountyWide Communications Committee for the development of a P25 public safety radio system, and was a member of the State Senate SR 60 Commission that was charged with developing ideas and solutions to sustain a strong volunteer fire and EMS delivery system in PA. He has been deeply involved with the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the International Fire Chiefs’ Association, serving as VCOS board member from 2018 to 2021. In addition to his service to his community as a firefighter, Ron served as the mayor of Lititz Borough from 2010 through 2014. Ron is a member of many local, state and national emergency services organizations including the International Fire Chiefs Association, the Volunteer and Combination Officers section of the IAFC, the Safety, Health and Survival Section of the IAFC, The National Volunteer Fire Council, Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association and other fire and emergency related organizations. Ron currently resides in Lititz with, Jody, his wife of 34 years, and their two Dalmatians, Henry and Baxter. Ron enjoys their family camp in Tioga County, riding ATVs, travel, being outdoors, building and remodeling tasks and tackling just about any chore that involves using tools.
To learn more about the museum, visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com.
Keffers Mountain MVA
At 2301 on June 26, 2024, Station 4 was toned out foran MVAwith unknown injuries in the area of 2nd Street in PorterTownship. County advised of a couple of vehicles in the area of the waterfall on Keffers Mountain. At 2306 Chief 22-4 advised of personnel on scene requesting that rescue be added to the box foran entrapment. Crews were advised of having two cars with two individuals trapped, one of whom was heavily entrapped and going in and out of consciousness. Crews deployed struts, cribbing and tools as incoming units assisted; fire police shut off traffic at both the top and bottom of the mountain. As others began to work on extricating both drivers from their vehicles. Crews successfully extricated driver2 by removing the front and reardriver’s side dooralong with the b post. Once out, the patient was placed into the care of EMS as crews continued working on extricating driver1. Crews removed the passenger’s side front doorand then flapped the roof and eventually extricated driver1 and was placed into care of EMS. Despite the heavy rain falling and lightning flashing across the sky all of the crews operated in sync and effectively. Joliett, Muirand Hegins Valley fire companies operated on scene along with several EMS units.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
OSHAUPDATE
As you are aware the Association, under the leadership of 2nd Vice President David Dennison has been following the progress of OSHA’s proposed amendment of the Fire Brigade Standard, which would create a new Emergency Response Standard (29 CFR Part 1910 [Docket No. OSAH-2007-0073] RIN 1218-AC91 Emergency Response Standard]. Mr. Dennison has led a committee on which other association officers, directors and staff have participated wish has requested that OSHA reconsider the proposed rule. The committee and other fire service groups have been successful in obtaining two extensions of the comment period. This has resulted in may comments being submitted to OSHAwhich you can read on its webpage.
Most recently, OSHAhas published a notice of a public hearing in the Federal Register [2024-16126.pdf (govinfo.gov)]. It has noted that: “OSHAis scheduling an informal public hearing on its proposed rule ‘Emergency Response Standard.” The public hearing will begin November 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
It notes further:
“Informal public hearing: The hearing will be held virtually and will begin on November 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. ET. If necessary, the hearing will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. ET, On subsequent weekdays.”
Preliminary information on how to participate in the public hearing is also provided on the site:
“Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA). ANOITAmust be submitted electronically at https://www.osha.gov/emergency-response/rulemaking. Follow the instructions online for making electronic submissions. Those who file a NOITAmust also submit electronic copies of all documents that they intend to use or reference during their testimony. Information about how and when to submit these materials will be provided at the time of registration.”
We will continue to keep our membership informed on this important matter.
Carbon’s Doug McCormick
Funeral procession for former fire Chief and Firefighter Doug ‘Chumdog’McCormick was held after he passed away on July 30, 2024. He was 59.
Doug began his firefighting career at the age of 14 with the Midway
St. Clair fire department where he served for 20 years. After, Doug has spent the last 22 years at Westmoreland County Station 23, Carbon Volunteer Fire Department.
- Fire News
photos by Steve Matto
Perkiomen’s Mary Lou Lasky
On July 22, 2024, Perkiomen Township volunteers attended the viewing of Mary Lou Laskey at the Good Shepherd Mausoleum at Limerick Garden of Memories. She passed on July 13. She was 86.
Mary Lou (Van Horn) was a Life Member and past President of the Perkiomen Township Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. She was a longtime and cherished member of the company.
Mary Lou was born on December 17, 1937, in Norristown, PA, to the late William T. Van Horn and the late Mary A. (Steele) McGrath. She graduated from St. Patrick Parochial School, Norristown, and attended Ursinus College.
Before retiring, Mary Lou was a financial controller for Sigel Insurance Group in Schwenksville, PA. She also was the bookkeeper for her family business Mari-Al Auto Body of Graterford, PA.
Mary Lou is survived by her children, Scott, husband of Patricia Laskey, Schwenksville, PA, LuAnne, wife of Richard Grala, Collegeville, PA, and Joyce, wife of the late Walter Lucko, Jr., Harleysville, PA; Lorrie, wife of Martin Moran, Strausstown, PA; her brother, Michael, husband of Linda McGrath, State College, PA; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Allen Cuthbertson, husband of Debra Ann Cuthbertson, Royersford, PA, her infant daughter, Patricia Louise Cuthbertson, and her grandson, Ryan Downey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Perkiomen Twp. Fire Co., 485 Gravel Pike, Graterford, PA19426.
- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins
Obituary
LODD Upper Gwynedd’s
Jeff Tomczak
Family, friends, firefighters and Air Force personnel, as well as many other attendees, came to pay their final respects to Chief Jeff Tomczak as he was laid to rest on August 3, 2024. Chief Tomczak passed away in the line of duty on July 26, 2024, after a 15-month battle with cancer. He was 44 -years old.
Chief Tomczak joined the Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department in 1996 as a Junior Firefighter and moved up the ranks during his 28 years there, serving as a Deputy Chief and Fire Chief. He held positions in many other organizations throughout his career including: the Volunteer Medical Service Corp (VMSC); Montgomery Township Department of Fire Services; Jefferson Fire Company; Montgomery County Department of Public Safety; and Allentown Fire Department. He was also a full-time firefighter with the Department of Defense, serving in the Department of the Navy Fire and Emergency Services, and was also a member of the United States Air Force. In Upper
NFPA’S R. DAVID PAULISON NAMED NEWBOARD CHAIRPERSON
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) completed the election of its Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting on June 17, 2024, which included the naming of a new chair, the election of two new members, and the reelection of a third member of the board.
R. David Paulison has been elected by the NFPABoard of Directors as the new chairperson. Paulison, who has been serving on the NFPABoard since 2015 and was the First Vice Chair, brings extensive experience in emergency management and fire safety to his new role.
USFA50TH ANNIVERSARY
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) kicked-off its 50th anniversary celebration with a staff gathering at the National Fire Academy on July 11, 2024. During the campus event the 50th anniversary cake was cut by U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori MooreMerrell and Branch Chief Smiley White. Chief White is the longest serving USFAemployee and is still an active member of the Guardian Hose Company in Thurmont, Maryland, and an instructor with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Training Institute (MFRI). Additional anniversary events will occur throughout the year.
Tomczak served in the Fire Marshal’s Office as a Chief Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Deputy Fire Marshal.
The visitation and funeral Mass occurred at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lansdale on August 2 and 3. Following the funeral Mass, the long procession of mourners, firetrucks, and police vehicles made their way to the Green Lawn Cemetery in Upper Gwynedd Twp. There, Chief Tomczak was laid to rest to the ceremonies of a bagpipe entrance into the cemetery, a gun salute, the folding of the American Flag, the striking of the bell, the playing of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes, and the End of Watch call over the radio.
Donations in memory of Jeff may be made to the following organizations: Montgomery County Hero Fund, PO Box 231, Eagleville, PA 19408 or Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department, PO Box 340, West Point, PA19486. - Submitted by Regina Jelski
CFSI SYMPOSIUM AND DINNER
The 35th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner is expected to draw over 1,500 fire and emergency services leaders from across the country. Participants will attend seminars, conduct meetings with their members of Congress and network with their colleagues.
The Symposium and Dinner will be held on February 12 and 13, 2025 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC.
At the conclusion of the two-day event, you will join together in the Washington Hilton ballroom to hear national political leaders paying tribute to the dedication and commitment of our nation's firefighters and emergency services personnel.
Individual tickets are $475 and include a seat at the dinner as well as access to all seminars. If you order before 12/1/24, the Early Bird Sale ticket price is $425. If purchasing 10 or more tickets, please see the table level options on our website. Order tickets at https://cfsi .org/annual-symposium-and-dinner/tickets/.
The Congressional Fire Services is accepting applications for its 2025 national fire service leadership awards. The four awards, which will be presented at the 2025 National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on February 13, 2025, recognize individuals and organizations for leadership in fire and life safety. CFSI will cover the travel costs for the recipients to attend the dinner program. Please contact us at update@cfsi.org if you have any questions.National Fire and Emergency Services Awards Applications OPEN; Apply NOW. Award Applications Are Due by October30, 2024.
Gwynedd,
Buffalo’s Corey Comperatore
American hero Corey Comperatore, ex-fire Chief at Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, was killed at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, PA, on July 13, 2024. He was struck by a bullet during the assasination attempt of the formerPresident, while shielding his family from the shooter. Corey was 50 years old, was Chief foroverthree years, and was a 20-plus year memberof the Buffalo Township VFC.
Fire
BlawnoxGlenover’s Georgia McBriar
George McBriar served as a remarkable leader and Chief of the Blawnox-Glenover Volunteer Fire Company for 32 years, starting in 1988. He volunteered as a first responder and as a volunteer Firefighter for more than 40 years.
George joined the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Department in 1975 and went on to become a life member there as well. In 2010, George was also an instrumental founding member of the Allegheny County Swiftwater/Flood Response Team. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
