Fire News Pennsylvania Edition

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W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 2012

Units reported that they could see a column of smoke while they were en route to a reported barn fire. Upon arrival, crews had their work cut out for them.

Please turn to page 6 for the full story.

-Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Page 2, Fire News 2012

Fire News 2012, Page 3

In this issue...

Blaze Brought Under Control in Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Fire Department battled a three alarm fire in an apartment complex.

See story page 8

Garage Fire Gone Wild in Paxtonia The Paxtonia Fire Department aggressively attacked a two-story house fire.

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

See story page 14

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor

LODD, Lt. Keith Rankin

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales

Lancaster Township mourns the loss of Keith Rankin who passed away during a training exercise.

See story page 23

Hazmat Handled in North Hempfield Firefighters underwent decontamination after battling a structure fire.

See story page 24

Looking Back to 2011 A two page photo-pictorial covering various incidents from last year.

Pages 32, 33

Pittsburgh Holds ‘Ultimate Training’

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: SUZANNE DELUCA, GREG JONES, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS JASON COLEMAN-COBB CHRIS HALDEMAN GREG LEAMAN WESTERN PA FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2012, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 280 Fax number: (631) 776-1854 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: tim@firenews.com

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Firefighters received training in Advanced Engine and Truck Company Operations.

See story page 34

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 18 Industry News

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Motley Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 38

Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News 2012

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait* There are two days of recognition that take place in the springtime. I will get to those days after I ask you a few questions. What motivated you to become a first responder? I recently looked around the morning coffee table at my firehouse and realized that everyone sitting there had very similar stories as to why they joined the fire-rescue and emergency services. Recently, I had the privilege of listening to a chief from the FDNY tell an audience that he knew he always wanted to be a firefighter. His story was similar to mine and the stories of so many others. What makes us have the passion to walk into burning buildings, care for an injured or sick person or simply want to spread the word to the youth of America about fire safety? Whatever your reason is to serve, your dedication and commitment to the community does not go unnoticed by the people who are near and dear to you.

When you leave your home to respond to a call or leave for your shift at the firehouse, do

you think about the people that you are leaving? Have you left your children's school concert or game because a call came in that you discreetly listened to on your pager and just could not bear to miss? Let's face it, all of you have done this for at least one call. Many of the firefighters who responded on 9/11 did so because of their commitment to the brotherhood that is so strong in the fire service.

Frank, Barbara, Fin, Brendan, Joe, Joey, John, Ed, Edy, Bill, Charlie, Danielle, Tiffany and Tom are just names. But they are the names of people who leave their families to help others. I am sure the names are similar to those in your department. All of you respond because being a first responder is in your blood. How it got there, I have no idea.

But I do know one thing: all of you respond with the support of your families.

You respond and leave your wife, husband, children and parents at home and probably rarely think of them until you return from the call. Remember those two days of recognition

I spoke about earlier? Mother's Day has passed and Father's Day is around the corner.

On these two days, we recognize the people who are dear to us and support us. We say thank you to the people who have been in our shadows secretly rooting us on.

Promise me that after you read this article, you will go home and hug your family members and say thank you for the support they give you when you respond to calls, train, drill or simply go to the firehouse for coffee and wait for the next call. Without the support of your loved ones, it would be difficult to fulfill the desire that flows through your veins.

Happy Mother's and Father's Day to the people we sometimes take for granted when we serve. ...Dennis * On His Blindness,

by John Milton (1608-1674)

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Fire News 2012, Page 5

Middle Paxton Blaze Cleared

by Dawn

Recently, units were dispatched to the 1100 block of Stoney Creek Road in Company 38's (Dauphin-Middle Paxton) area for a reported structure fire. Captain 38 went en route and upon receiving info that multiple calls were being received requested the first alarm.

Captain 38 arrived to a working fire in an occupied, single family dwelling with exposure issues. Engine 38 laid a line and proceeded down the lane. Engine 37 (Rescue) set up a dump tank at the

entrance to the lane to supply Engine 38. Conflicting reports of the homeowner's status were resolved and he had safely escaped. Two lines were stretched to attack the flames from the exterior due to the amount of fire. The fire was extinguished as dawn broke and companies remained on the scene for an extended period performing overhaul.

-Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 6, Fire News 2012

Box 39-01 toned out around noontime for a reported barn fire at a Bow Creek Road address in the Grantville section of the township.

Numerous calls and reports were received of a smoke column from officers en route. Engine 39 (Grantville) arrived and positioned down the lane to side A where a two-story, 30 x 60 foot barn was fully involved. Engine 36-1 (West Hanover) positioned itself on side B and was fed a line from Engine 39. Deck gun and heavy water lines were placed in service but due to a lack of area hydrants water

supply hampered firefighting efforts. Command 39 requested additional tanker resources to the scene. Two porta tanks were set up at Bow Creek Road and the entrance to the lane, and Engines 35 and 47 provided water from two fill sites. One fill site at the Penn National Casino taxed the water system creating low pressure at the gaming facility. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours before bringing the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 8, Fire News 2012

Pittsburgh Firefighters Bring Fire Under Control

The Pittsburgh Fire Department battled a three alarm fire that occurred in an apartment building in the East Liberty section of the City of Pittsburgh.

-Fire News photos by Western PA Fire Photography

Fire News 2012, Page 9

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Page 10, Fire News 2012

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On January 12, 2012, around 1345, Box 1-41-01 sent Carlisle area companies to a York Road address (WIOO Radio) in South Middleton Township for a basement fire. Engine 2-41 (UnionCarlisle) arrived to a working fire in an unoccupied, 2.5-story, wood frame dwelling that housed a radio station. Several lines were stretched on a working basement fire with extension to the upper floors via the walls. An aggressive knockdown of the fire, proper ventilation and opening up the walls made for quick work on the fire. Units remained on the scene for about one-and-a-half hours. Companies from Mt. Holly Springs, Monroe Township and North Middleton assisted Carlisle units at the scene.

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire News 2012, Page 11

Restaurant Burns in Progress

At 2225 on March 4, 2012, companies were dispatched to Union Deposit Road at the Outback Steakhouse in Company 32's (Progress) area for a ceiling fire. Engine 32-1 went on location with smoke showing from an occupied, one story, restaurant with all occupants evacuated. Lines were stretched and members opened up the exterior wall to expose the fire which was quickly knocked down. Truck companies accessed the roof to check for vertical

extension. All extension proved to be negative and the fire was placed under control in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported. Units on location were: Engines 30 (Penbrook), 31 (Edgemont), 32, 32-1 (Progress), 33 (Colonial Park), Truck 32 (Progress), 34 (Paxtonia), and Rescue 44 (Lawnton).

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 12, Fire News 2012

Repeat Performance in Swatara

On February 18, 2012, around 0345 hours Box 59-3 sent companies to an Oberlin Road address in Lower Swatara Township for a structure fire. Incoming companies were familiar with this location as they battled a first alarm fire there on February 16, 2012. Engine 59 (Lower Swatara) arrived to a working fire in a 1.5-story dwelling going throughout. No hydrants in the area created water supply (Middletown) master stream knocked down the bulk of the fire issues and four additional tankers were requested above the first which destroyed the dwelling.

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb alarm. Exterior operations using handlines and Truck 88's

Fire News 2012, Page 13

Training Never Stops in Lancaster

The Lancaster Township Fire Department held a training session at vapor propane fired prop. The car contains four burners in the the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center on Monday engine, passenger compartments, trunk and surface below the fuel April 9, 2012. Firefighters were trained to fight car fires using the tank area.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman Vehicle Fire Simulator. The Vehicle Fire simulator is a permanent

Page 14, Fire News 2012

Flames Knocked Down in Paxtonia

On February 13, 2012, around 1800, Box 34-1 was toned out for a house fire at a Fairview Drive address in the Paxtonia section of the township. Units en route were notified of a vehicle on fire inside a garage. Engine 34 (Paxtonia) laid in from Fairview and Thomas arriving on location with heavy fire showing from a two-story, sin-

gle family, occupied dwelling. An aggressive attack quickly knocked down the fire which extended to the second floor and roof area. A foam line was used to extinguish the fuel-fed flames from the vehicle. The Red Cross was requested for five occupants who were displaced.

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire News 2012, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News 2012

Full Extrication Needed in Lancaster Township

A Lancaster man was in critical condition after his car crashed into a pole along Columbia Avenue. The driver's leg and hip were broken in the accident. Apparently, the car was driving west on Columbia Avenue when it drifted into the opposite lane of traffic.

The car then went off the opposite side of the road and hit a pole in the 1000 block of Columbia Avenue.

Lancaster Township firefighters worked for about 30 minutes to get the driver out of his car. They had to remove the roof and passen-

ger-side door and then lift the dashboard out of the car. A rescue truck from Blue Rock Fire and Rescue also helped, using a winch to pull the car away from the pole.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

Fire News 2012, Page 17

Rollover Handled in South Whitehall Twp.

Allentown Three Alarmer

Emergency crews were dispatched to Tilghman Street in the area of the K-Mart for a reported accident with people trapped on April 12, 2012. When crews arrived they determined that a passenger vehicle traveling west on Tilghman Street crossed over the lanes of traffic, struck a guardrail, went airborne and ended up on its roof on the turnpike exit ramp from the northbound travel lanes. Fire crews from Cetronia and Greenawalds responded along with Cetronia ambulance. -Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department responded to N. 4th Street around 2245 on Sunday April 8, 2012, for a reported apartment fire. Crews arrived on scene and found heavy fire showing from the third floor of the building. The fire grew to three alarms. No injuries were reported and an investigation was underway by the fire marshal's office.

-Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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Page 18, Fire News 2012

SPECIALFeatures This month FireNews looks at...

NEW PRODUCTS & SERVICES

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he Jumbo Lok is the big brother of the Handleok. It incorporates 3 pivot positions which allow the locking strap to be set for a grip range from 3/8” to 3 ¼”. The Jumbo Lok is tested to 9G with a 20lb. load to meet NFPA 1901 certification. It is great for mounting nozzles, hydraulic rams, heavy duty jacks, sawzalls, etc. For more information please visit our website www.pactoolmounts.com.

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aterways is your full service fire hose and ladder testing company. Testing with Waterways removes the hassle and inherent risk of testing it yourself. Testing is done to NFPA guidelines. The unique pump system can test all hose hoses of all diameters at the same time. Hose is removed from fire apparatus, banded, stenciled and inventoried, tested and repacked parade style or to your own unique style. Ground ladders are removed and returned to apparatus after heat sensors are checked and replaced if needed. All parts of the ladder are inspected for any defects. Using Waterways for all or your testing will free up your personal for more training and inspections. For more information contact waterways Waterways of Southwest PA 412-841-2501 dbongiorni@waterwayinc.com Waterway Twin Tier 570-934-2296 jconboy@waterwayinc.com Eastern Regional Waterway 732-505-4541 jokinsky@waterwayinc.com

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n an emergency situation there is no time for gas powered equipment that is difficult or impossible to start due to the use of gasoline treated with ethanol.

The lives of you, your crew and the people who called for your help may depend on your gasoline powered small engines to start and function perfectly. With increasing frequency, ethanol in today’s street gasoline fouls carburetors and degrades fuel systems in portable gas-powered tools, making them difficult, if not impossible, to start. As a solvent, ethanol frees up the gunk in fuel tanks and engines that can clog carburetors and fuel lines. When gas powered rescue equipment is stored for lengthy periods of time, the ethanol absorbs moisture and separates from the gasoline yielding insufficient lubrication for the engine, while also degrading rubber fuel lines and plastic components in the fuel system.

SEF94 is ethanol-free and specifically formulated by the experts at VP Racing Fuels with the highest quality components for top performance, long life and durability of your portable gas-powered equipment. Chain Saws, Vent/Cut-Off Saws, Portable Pumps, Generators and Hydraulic Pumps will all benefit from SEF94 Fuel. For more information please call us at 800-313-1846 or visit our web site at: www.contfire.com.

rotect your emergency equipment and others from harm with Syntex Crosslay Covers!

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ith the touch of a button, TFT’s Foam Eductor Series can flush all residual foam concentrate ensuring successful injection during the next foam operation. Offering injection ratios of ¼% up to 6% and flow choices from 60 gpm up to 350 gpm, these eductors are the ideal choice for all Class A, AFFF, or Alcohol Resistant foam concentrates.To learn more about how you can dramatically improve and simplify your foam operations, contact your local TFT dealer today.Visit www.tft.com or call 800 348 2686.

he RollNRack Hose Management System allows for Draining, Rolling, and Loading of all your hose easily. Drain and roll a 100’ length of LDH in under 30 seconds. Over 3,000’ of hose drained and rolled on one charge! Load hose with just two firefighters. The Power Roller even fits in a rig compartment.

Coupling jaws swap out easily. The Efficiency Package includes a separate RollNRack unit for simultaneous hose loading, an extra coupling jaw set and an extra battery pack. See the new FASTBACK manual hose roller for 1.5”/1.75” hose. One year warranty and MADE IN THE USA. For more information contact us at 262-3632030. www.rollnrack.com. Email: info@rollnrack.com.

ackexe® SMASH Glass Management system provides a remedy to handling both tempered and laminated glass on rescue scenes. Glass, considered a hazard dur-ing the extrication process, can finally be handled in a more efficient and safe manner. The SMASH system allows application of specially formulated adhesive that holds glass upon shattering in all weather conditions. The dispenser applies the adhesive film quickly. Perforations on the film then permit easy and exact placement on the surface. Glass can be broken and removed in entire sections eliminating shards and pieces.

Proven to strengthen glass up to 42%, Packexe SMASH has eliminated the need to always forcibly break and remove it-just leave in place during the extrication process! A non-perforated hand-roll provides glass management of laminated glass inside as well as outside the vehicle reducing airborne particles. Packexe SMASHSafe, Easy, Quick glass management system.For more information contact: ESI Equipment, Inc, 1-800-5748228, www.esiequipment.com.

Call Today to Find Out How You Can Have Your Products Featured Here Next Month With Bonus Distribution at The NYS Chiefs Fire Expo. Call Barbara @ 631-776-0500 Ext. 220

Working Faces

Firefighters get together after a structure fire that occurred on March 26, 2012, in the Borough of Aspinwall in Allegheny County -Fire News photo by Western PA Fire Photography

Proud Supporter of:

Difficult Fight in Carlisle

On March 27, 2012, firefighters from Carlisle Borough and surrounding departments battled a stubborn, three-alarm blaze that heavily damaged a mixed occupancy building in the downtown district. Shortly after midnight units were dispatched to the rear of a W. High Street address for a smoke investigation. Engine 2-41 (Union-Carlisle) arrived to smoke showing from a four-story, brick, apartments-over-bar structure, and went in service with an interior attack. A second alarm was struck as conditions deteriorated and manpower was needed to control the fire. Several lines were stretched into the fire building and exposures, which sent a thick layer of smoke billowing across the fireground. A third alarm was requested for manpower purposes at 0045. Units remained on the scene for several hours performing overhaul and mopping up.

-Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Visit us at the Harrisburg Fire Expo • May 18-20 • North Hall, Booths 706-707

Fire News 2012, Page 19

Page 22, Fire News 2012

Hero Remembered in Bausman

The year 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the line-of-dutydeath of Bausman firefighter Jeff Jones who was killed in 1981. A memorial brick was placed at the Lancaster County Public Safety Center Memorial Park in his honor. Firefighter Jones died, along with two other men, as they tried to rescue an eight-year-old boy who was trapped in an abandoned septic tank. Two additional men

were also injured in the rescue. The three men, who had all descended into the septic tank during their rescue attempts, were the apparent victims of deadly methane gas, which was produced by grass clippings that had been thrown into the underground tank.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

Attention Pennsylvania Photographers & Public Information Officers Submit your photos and stories for the 2013 Pennsylvania Edition of SHOW EDITION

or have them published every month on FireNews.com

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Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS ENE WS .CO

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M

2012

Units reported that they could column of smoke while they see a to a reported barn fire. Upon were en route had their work arrival, crews cut out for Please turn to page 6 for them. the -Fire News photo by Jason full story.

Coleman-Cobb

WWW.FIREN

EWS.COM

Fire News We All to Harris lcomes burg

North Hall, Booths 704-7 -Second Annu 05 al Pennsylvan ia Editio

n-

Contact Tim Edwards: Tim@FireNews.com for more information

Fire News 2012, Page 23

Obituary

Lancaster Township Mourns Lt. Keith Rankin

A real “teddy bear of a guy,” who constantly did for others, Keith Rankin, a lieutenant with Lancaster Township Fire Department, died after collapsing during a training exercise in West Lampeter Township in September of 2011. Several of the 25 county firefighters on hand for the exercise performed CPR and other

life-saving techniques, but Rankin, 38, never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead at Lancaster General Hospital.

Rankin, a 23-year volunteer with Lancaster Township, worked full-time as a constable. He was survived by his wife, Abby, and two stepdaughters.

Rankin was described as a “fine man and close friend.” Firefighters from around the county mourned his death. Over 100 firefighters from neighboring companies paid their respects and offered support.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

Page 24, Fire News 2012

Hazmat Handled in North Hempfield Township

On April 14, 2012, firefighters from Westmoreland and Allegheny Hazmat units were called in from Westmoreland and Allegheny counties spent hours battling a fire at a family-owned business in counties and all firefighters had to undergo decontamination. The Hempfield Township. Firefighters who operated at the three alarm fire was in North Hempfield Township in Westmoreland County.

-Fire News photos by Western PA Fire Photography structure fire complained of itching skin and irritated throats.

Fire News 2012, Page 25

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PHOTOS? Coming Soon The All New FireNews.com

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Ser ving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes 3 Since 197 2012

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see a they could en route ted that were al, Units reporsmoke while they Upon arriv. column of ted barn fire. for them to a reportheir work cut out full story. obb crews had to page 6 for the Coleman-C Please turn photo by Jason -Fire News

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Fire News Welcome s all to the Mega Sh ow and EM S Today.

– New Jer sey Edi tion –

nia SERVING DELAWARE’S FIRE, RESCUE AND EMS COMMUNITY Pennsylva Annual -Second

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ENEWS.C WWW.FIR

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FALL 2011

Ser ving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes MARCH

2012

We want to publish your photos and video from: √ FIRES √ MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS √ AWARDS & PROMOTIONS √ FAMILY √ CELEBRATIONS √ UP CLOSE SHOTS √ GROUP SHOTS √ EVENTS

The Dover Fire Department was dispatched to Spruance Road for a working house fire.

Story begins on page 27.

-DFSN photo provided by Michael O’Connor, Assistant Chief Dover Fire Department

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Page 26, Fire News 2012

Stove Fire in Lower Swatara

On February 16, 2012, Box 59-3 toned out around 1615 for a reported stove fire at an Oberlin Road address near the former quarters of Company 59 (Lower Swatara). Engine 59 went on location with heavy smoke emanating from a 1.5-story, single-family dwelling.

Command 59 requested the first alarm assignment on a wellinvolved kitchen fire with extension. Water supply issues were overcome and crews were able to knock down the fire with handlines

and foam application. The fire heavily damaged the structure leaving the occupants homeless. Units on location were: Engine 59, 591 (Lower Swatara), 46 (Hummelstown), 88 (Middletown), Rescue 59 (Lower Swatara), 46 (Hummelstown), Truck 88 (Middletown), Tankers 59 (Lower Swatara), 54 (Londonderry), 701 (Rheems), and Air 41 (Bressler).

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire News 2012, Page 27

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Page 28, Fire News 2012

Burn Pile Sparks Fire in Providence

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Embers from a burn pile sparked a fire that destroyed a home on Saturday, January 8, 2012, in Providence Township. The residents of the home, on Lancaster Pike (Route 272), were doing yard work when their house caught fire just before 1400. It appears that the burn pile caught some wind, which blew embers against the house.

The fire traveled quickly through the two-story wooden home.

Surrounding woods also had began to catch fire. When firefighters arrived, the house was fully involved in flames. Firefighters immediately went into an exterior operation to bring the blaze under control within an hour. Crews were still at the site late Saturday continuing with overhaul of the property. A State Police Fire Marshal ruled the blaze accidental in nature and estimated damage at $350,000.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

Fire News 2012, Page 29

House Fire Handled in Monroe

On February 13, 2012, Cumberland County Box 25-10 sent companies to a Blossom Terrace address in Monroe Township for a house fire. The caller reported fire on the second floor and all occupants out of the structure. Chief 25 arrived on location to a two-story, single family, dwelling with fire showing. Numerous lines and a master

stream were needed to extinguish the fire, which rapidly spread.

Command 25 requested an additional two engines for manpower.

Units remained on the scene for several hours hitting hot spots. Units on scene were: Engines 3-36, 2-36, 28, 1-41, 2-33, 1-28, Rescue 45, 64, Tankers 25, 23, 33.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Page 30, Fire News 2012

Fire Destroys Apartments in Lancaster Township

In February, just before 1700, county dispatch received multiple calls reporting a fire at the River Park Gardens complex in the 1100 block of East Orange Street, across from the former Community Hospital of Lancaster.

According to Lafayette Deputy Chief Scott Hershey, fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke billowing from the building and flames shooting from the first and second floor win-

dows. Smoke from the fire could be seen from the Lafayette fire station on Lincoln Highway, about two miles away.

The occupants of the home were in the apartment at the start of the fire, but were able to escape. The women was taken to Lancaster General Hospital. Her injuries were not believed to be life threatening. Two of the four apartments in the building were destroyed,

with the other apartments sustaining minimal damage. The American Red Cross assisted about 15 residents who were displaced as a result of the fire.

The Lafayette Fire Department was assisted at the scene by fire units from Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, Eden, Witmer, Ronks, Willow Street and Lampeter.

-Fire News photos by Greg Leaman

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Fire News 2012, Page 31

INDUSTRY News Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners purchases Municipal Emergency Services Cleaning and Care Center in Charlotte, North Carolina

MVA Handled in Union Deposit

Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is proud to announce the purchase of Municipal Emergency Services' NFPA 1851 Cleaning and Care Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Minerva will continue to provide quality PPE cleaning and care for all MES customers and will add capacity and many new capabilities to the North Carolina center. Minerva is excited to support MES in this dynamic market and views this as positive move that will allow MES customers to obtain additional cleaning and care services that they currently don't have access to. With the purchase of the Charlotte facility all of the fire departments east of the Mississippi will now be able to benefit from Minerva's quality service via 1-2 day ground shipping.

About Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners Since its inception in 2004, Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners has been committed to providing the firefighting community with the finest possible maintenance and care program available. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is fully NFPA 1851 compliant and verified by Intertek, a leading third party verification service. Minerva is recognized by all of the major manufacturers and is authorized to do extensive repairs and alterations, as well as retrofits of all types from re-stitching to replacement of trim, hardware, etc.. Our tracking system allows departments to monitor the condition of their gear so that departments are better able to manage their inventory and budget.

Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners is extremely sensitive to the needs of firefighters and is committed to delivering the best service possible. Minerva offers free return shipping and prides itself in offering superior service at an extremely fair price. Their factory trained technicians provide the fastest turn-around time in the industry. Minerva Bunker Gear Cleaners currently services more than 700 departments nationwide from small volunteer departments to large metropolitan departments.

Minerva has also taken the lead in developing a complete line of detergents specifically for bunker gear. Fire Soaps has been designed to provide the departments that clean their own gear with a simple, effective, economical and gentle means of cleaning their gear.

Fire Soaps has been independently tested and proven to clean effectively, while being gentler on all personal protective ensembles.

On March 6, 2012, Companies 46, 47, and 48 were dispatched to South Hoernerstown Road and Duke Street for a two-car accident with entrapment and fire. Company 47 (Union Deposit) was first due. A chief officer from Company 47 arrived and reported a working car fire with all passengers out of one vehicle. The occupant of the second vehicle was quickly extricated and tended to while crews stretched a line on the working auto. The stubborn fire, fueled by leaking gas, took about 15 minutes to extinguish. At least one patient was transported to a local hospital. Units on the scene: Engine 47-1 (Union Deposit), 46 (Hummelstown), Rescue 46 (Hummelstown), and 48 (Hershey). This accident occurred in an area ravaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee and had been completely under several feet of water.

-Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2010 ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM WINNERS. • • • •

BETHPAGE FD PLANDOME FD WILLISTON PARK FD GREAT NECK ALERTS FD (SAFER & AFGP)

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ALL APPLICATIONS IDENTIFIED, WRITTEN, SUBMITTED, TRACKED, AND MANAGED BY:

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Page 32, Fire News 2012

Looking Back to 2011

-Fire News photo Greg Leaman

-Fire

-Fire News photo By Chris “Pump” Haldeman

-Fire News photo By We

stern PA Fire Photograp

photo News

-Fire News photo By Chr

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Greg L

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-Fire News photo Greg Leaman

Fire News 2012, Page 33

Looking Back to 2011

-Fire News photo Greg Leaman

-Fire News

photo Greg

Leaman

-Fire News photo

Greg Leaman

-Fire News photo Greg Leaman

-Fire News photo Greg Leaman

-Fire News photo Greg

Leaman

Page 34, Fire News 2012

Ultimate Training Held in Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Metro Fools Ultimate Training weekend was held from April 2729, 2012. Firefighters were trained in Advanced Engine and Truck Company Operations-Structure Burn Part 1.

-Fire News photos by Western PA Fire Photography

Fire News 2012, Page 35

Family Corner

Three Generations of Firefighters

Akron Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter Thomas Murray, Sr., Assistant Chief Thomas Murray, Jr., Firefighter Thomas Murray III and Firefighter Aaron Murray get together for a family photo.

-Fire News photo by Chris “Pump” Haldeman

When You Need To Know...

NJl OCEAN BRICKl TOWNSHIPl *SERIOUS MVA*l PRINCETON AVE & ROBBINS STl MVA WITH 4 VICTIMS TRAPPED. 2 ARE UNCONSCIOUS, 1 IS IN TRAUMATIC ARREST. 2 MEDEVACS REQUESTED TO FLY, 3RD ON S/ B. L/Z WILL BE AT THE OLD FOOTDTOWN ON TRT> 70. (C) BNNl NJS443/NJS281/NJC691/NJ745

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Page 36, Fire News 2012

Up Close & Personal

Father and Son: Robert B. Thompson III and Robert Thompson.

- Fire News photo by Western PA Fire Photography

Lancaster Township firefighter Eric Haavistola.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township firefighter James Logan.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township FD firefighters Nate Whatmore (left), and Barry Dusel (Right). -Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township firefighter Andrew Foster.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township firefighter, Lt. John Logan.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township FD LT. Justin Brian.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Manheim Twp. Police Officer John Donnelly with Lancaster Township FD Truck 6-6. -Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township firefighters Tom Royer, Andrew Foster and Captain Brett Fassnacht.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Lancaster Township firefighter Tom Royer.

-Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Fire News 2012, Page 37

Page 38, Fire News 2012

Pennsylvania MOTLEY CREWS

Pictured are fire and EMS personnel who participated in a mock MVA at the Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh on April 24, 2012.

-Fire News photo by Western PA Fire Photography

Ultimate Training Held in Pittsburgh The Pittsburgh Metro Fools Ultimate Training weekend was held from April 27-29, 2012. Firefighters were trained in Advanced Engine and Truck Company OperationsStructure Burn Part 1.

-Fire News photo by Western PA Fire Photography

Members of the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department Company 102 (Allegheny County) Rescue and Engine crews get together after a mock crash on April 24, 2012.

-Fire News photo by Western PA Fire Photography