1st Responder News PA October Edition

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OCTOBER, 2020

FIRE BURNS IN VACANT BRADDOCK CHURCH

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Braddock, Allegheny County - On August 22nd at 7:28 P.M., fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire located in the area of Library Street. Rivers Edge 113 Assistant arrived on-scene and reported smoke showing from a large commercial structure.

- See full story on page 4

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October, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

1st Out Specialty

23

Backstop USA

19

Campbell Supply.

If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

1, 24

Command Fire App.

22

ESI Equipment

3

Fire Flow Services

11

Fire Line Equipment

15

Kimtek

7

Kochek

14

Marco Equipment Sales

17

Mid Atlantic Rescue

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire Rips Through McKees Rocks apartments McKees Rocks, Allegheny County - On September 17th, at 2:08 P.M., firefighters were dispatched to a reported fire in an apartment located along George Street. Arriving units found heavy fire throughout the second floor and roof of a two-story mixed use building with reports of entrapment. Crews went to work searching the building and fighting the fire. A second alarm was requested as crews continued to work. All searches were negative and crews worked for over an hour before the fire was placed under control. Two firefighters were injured with reported minor injuries. No residents were reported injured. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is now investigating.

This 1985 GMC\Pierce Tanker with a 1000 G.P.M. pump and a 2000 gallon tank once was in service with the Mahoning Valley Fire Company of Lehighton, PA and now is being utilized by Livengood Excavators, Inc. of Northampton, PA.

5

Raynor Garage Doors

19

Team Equipment

21

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 24 No.10 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error.

Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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PUBLICATION CONTENT

ALAN HOFFMAN

Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

DALE FEEHRER

The Mechanicsburg FD has placed this 2008 Pierce Quantum (1500/750/Amkus) into service as Rescue 29. This piece formally served in Chester Heights, PA. TERRY RITZ

Garage Fire in Pennsburg On Tuesday, September 15th, at 2:17 A.M., Pennsburg, East Greenville, and Red Hill Fire Companies were dispatched to a shed fire at 207 West Side Alley in Pennsburg borough.

Upon arrival, Chief Scott Seip called Montgomery County Dispatch and said he was on location and had a fully involved garage fire. Quick work by the first responders at the scene had brought it under control within 15 to 20 minutes. The garage and the contents within were a total loss. There was no vehicles inside the garage because it was being used for storage. There were no injuries. Cause of the fire is pending the outcome of the investigation. Assisting the fire companies were Fire Police from the three fire companies. Upper Perk EMS was also on the scene.Trumbauersville Fire Company also responded to the scene but were not utilized.

CHUCK LOWE

Highville Fire Company, of Conestoga, once operated this 1991 Pierce Dash 1250 GPM pumper with a 1000 gallon tank. It was purchased by Lakeville Massachusetts in 2011. It remains in front line service with that department.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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Fire Burns in Vacant Braddock Church Braddock, Allegheny County - On August 22nd at 7:28 P.M., fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire located in the area of Library Street. Rivers Edge 113 Assistant arrived on-scene and reported smoke JUMP TO FILE# showing from a 082320112 large commercial structure.

After doing a 360 of the building, 113 Assistant reported heavy smoke coming from all four sides of a large vacant church and requested a second alarm.

Arriving crews found a working fire near the roof area of the fire and began to attack the fire. A third alarm was requested as crews worked to open up the roof to release heat so interior crews could knock the rest of the fire down. Crews had a somewhat difficult time due to lighting and being forced to abandoned aerial operations. Crews worked for about two hours before the fire was placed under control.

No was one was injured, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. There are reports of the building being struck by lighting prior to the fire.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Crews arriving to working church fire in Braddock

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS •••

Jim Alercia • Joshua Amberman • Stephen Barrett • Jason Batz • Denny Clopper • Timothy Coover • Bob Devonshire • Dale Feehrer • Alan Hoffman • Roman Isaryk • Ron Jeffers • William King • Nik Knauer • Joshua Knoll • JC Kriesher • Joseph Lennon • John Malecky • Artie Osniak • Bryan Phelps • Kevin Quigley • Eric Rasmussen • Lucas Richardson • Terry Ritz • Frank Robinson • Don Filippo Scicchitano • Shane Shifflett • Darin Smith • Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber Jr • Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

New Jersey: Ronnie Cordero, 61 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: April 1, 2020 Death Date: April 22, 2020 Fire Department: Little Falls Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Assistant Chief Ronnie Cordero drove the fire department apparatus to a service call at a residence. During that call, the crew came in close contact with the homeowner who stated that his son tested positive for COVID-19. He also stated that he had just returned from the hospital with COVID-19 related symptoms. The following day, the homeowner was transported by EMS to the hospital where he tested positive for the virus. Some of the EMS and fire personnel that Assistant Chief Cordero came in close contact with during this call and other responses were then tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies. Assistant Chief Ronnie Cordero was hospitalized on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, and passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, from the disease.

West Virginia: Russell K. Roberson, 42 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 21, 2020 Death Date: June 21, 2020 Fire Department:Iaeger Vol. Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday evening, June 20, 2020, firefighters from the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department, as well as several other departments, responded to the scene of a residential fire. On Sunday, June 21, 2020, firefighters again responded to the same residence for a possible rekindle. While at the scene, Firefighter Russell K. Roberson evacuated a home owner from a second residence that had started to burn. He became ill and while being transported to the hospital, passed away.

The cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Missouri: Ron Wehlage, Jr., 40 Rank: Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Incident Date: June 27, 2020 Death Date: June 30, 2020 Fire Department: De Soto Rural Fire

Protection District Initial Summary: On Saturday evening, June 27, 2020, Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Ron Wehlage, Jr., responded to a residential fire. After his work duty ended on Sunday morning, June 28, 2020, he returned home.

On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, he did not show up for his next shift. Someone was sent to check on him and found Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Wehlage deceased at his home from an apparent heart attack. Individuals attempted to contact Fire Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Wehlage on Sunday, June 28, 2020, but all attempts were unsuccessful.

West Virginia: Jason Cuffee, 27 Rank: Firefighter/Medic Incident Date: July 19, 2020 Death Date: July 20, 2020 Fire Department: Charleston Fire Department Initial Summary: At approximately 2330hrs., on Sunday, July 19, 2020, Firefighter/Medic Jason Cuffee was working at the Charleston Fire Department, Station 3. When he failed to respond to a call, his coworkers became concerned and went to check on him. They found Firefighter/Medic Cuffee unresponsive. They immediately performed CPR, and was then transported to the hospital where Firefighter Medic Cuffee was pronounced deceased in the early morning hours of Monday, July 20, 2020. The cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Georgia: Justin Robinson, 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 14, 2020 Death Date: July 21, 2020 Fire Department: Haralson County Fire Departmen Initial Summary: On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, Firefighter Justin Robinson was at the scene of a motor vehicle accident performing extrication of injured patients.

While at the crash site, he went into cardiac arrest.

Crews immediately initiated life saving measures and Firefighter Robinson was transported to the local hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

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Harwood Fire Company Holds Annual Bazaar We can all agree that the year 2020 has been a nightmare, Covid19, Civil Unrest, businesses shuttered and businesses going out of business. Food shortages, food recalls, the coin shortage, and city, state, and federal government shut downs. Most of us are ready to see 2020 end and the start of a JUMP TO FILE# new year.

083020103 Imagine if you will that you are a small volunteer fire department and you depend on your ability to raise money so that the department can stay afloat.

Many departments throughout the United States are just that way. And here in the Hazleton, PA area that is just as true for one local department. The Harwood Fire Company in Hazle Township depends on their monthly and yearly fundraising to purchase equipment, operate the rigs, and stay afloat. As they sat down earlier this year to plan out and work on the annual Harwood Fire Company Bazaar, a three day event featuring rides, games, food, and music, they had no clue that they might not be able to have their largest fundraiser of the year. But that was the reality that they faced this year. And as one firefighter said they were just happy being able to have what they could.

Harwood is part of Hazle Township in Luzerne County, PA and operates one Engine, a Utility, Tanker, and Chief Unit all staffed by an allvolunteer department. This year the department put in service a 1998 Seagrave that had seen service with the Bethpage Fire Department out of New York. The members worked to put the rig in service and the money for the rig and fitting it out came from fundraising.

One of their biggest fundraisers every year is the Harwood Fire Company Bazaar, and this year they almost did not have it. But they were able to and it was a scaled back version of what they normally have. The company that was slated to have rides backed out due to Covid-19 concerns, not all the vendors that had said they would be there were there. But the Bazaar still went on.

They had three carnival type games, the balloon game, the basketball game, and the fishing game.

They had three food vendors and their annual food fare, and on Friday and Saturday they had music, Friday was a DJ and Saturday live bands.

They also had their annual Fireman's Parade which year saw less than half of the normal attendees.

The Harwood Fire Company pulled it off and even though it might not have been as good as year past they still were able to hold their biggest fundraiser of the year. And they proudly showed off their newest piece of equipment and members worked with pride to ensure that this year was a success.

And it was a success.

- DAVID BUTCHER

Visitors to the Harwood Fire Company Bazaar order food during the three day event.

The band 5 7 Zero plays on Saturday, 22-August-2020 at the Harwood Fire Company's annual Bazaar.

DAVE BUTCHER ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

DAVE BUTCHER ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

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NEVER FORGET If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Every year since 2007, a group of photographers have held a photo shoot for firefighters of their rigs in front of the twin 9-11 beams. This has always been at no charge to the departments both career and volunteer to express thanks for the job they do. This year 186 emergency vehicles from four states gathered at Liberty State Park to gather with their brother first responders for the photo shoot, and to be sure those lost on that day are never forgotten.

TERRY RITZ

Fire Alarm at the Globe Hotel

On August 31st, the East Greenville Fire Company was dispatched to a fire alarm at the Globe Hotel on Fourth St. in the borough. On arrival, Deputy Chief 38 had a condition that needed ventilation. An exhaust fan was used to solve the problem in the interior of the hotel. There was no injuries. Assisting the fire company were Fire Police from East Greenville and East Greenville Borough Police.

Springtown E-40

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

BUDDY SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Tatamy Squad 22

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

JASON BATZ

Retired Reading Firefighter Andrew Kutz returned to city hall to meet with Fire Chief William Stoudt to receive a proclamation for his service along with his final paycheck. All while practicing proper protocol.

Matamoras T-321.

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION

If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Campbell Supply Co., LLC acquires Cruzan’s Freightliner Acquisition expands Campbell’s geographical reach with 2 additional service, parts and sales locations.

DALE FEEHRER

Truck 88 of the Middletown VFD (2009 Seagrave Marauder II-95' Aerialscope) is seen here using the master stream at a mutual aid church building fire in Steelton, PA on April 10th.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ, September 22, 2020 - Campbell Supply Company the northeast leader in commercial and emergency vehicle sales and service today announced they purchased Cruzan’s Freightliner a leading service, sales and parts dealership for Freightliner and Isuzu Trucks.

Cruzan’s joins Campbell’s business unit and in recognition of the acquisition will go to market under W. Campbell Supply Company of Atlantic County, LLC. The acquisition is the latest action driven by Campbell’s strategic plan and will result in the achievement of 3 of the plans key goals.

Market share growth, increase revenue and geographic expansion by the way of delivering on the promise of increasing the service and the distribution footprint in the northeast region.

“This is an exciting day for Campbell” said Scott Campbell, President of Campbell Supply Company. “Our acquisition of Cruzan’s Freightliner marks the continued execution of our strategic plan and delivers on the promise of northeast region expansion to benefit our customers and team members. As we welcome the Cruzan family to the Campbell family and work to grow to combine busi-

nesses, we see many opportunities to further value proposition of additional expansion into the emergency vehicle market, over the road owner operators and fleet operators in the northeast region. Our long term strategy is to further broaden our geographic footprint with increased capabilities for each location to offer a comprehensive suite of products and services” Campbell said.

Dale Cruzan, Sr. started his business in the late 1960’s as Dale’s Automotive Service and alongside his wife Carol ran a part time shop repairing cars and light trucks.

In 1984, Dale’s Automotive Service became a full service parts and sales source for MercedesBenz Trucks. The company was renamed Cruzan’s Truck Service Inc. Shortly thereafter, Mercedes-Benz Trucks were discontinued in the United States and Cruzan’s became a Freightliner commercial truck dealer for sales, parts and service.

Cruzan’s is a family operated business and holds the same values and similar history as Campbell Supply Company.

“We look forward to blending both companies’ strengths into one to provide sales and aftermarket support for which both companies are known for.” said Campbell.

About Campbell Supply: Campbell Supply Company is family/veteran-owned franchised dealership chain serving New Jer-

sey and New York’s Hudson Valley.

With 5 locations in Montgomery, NY, Lafayette, NJ, Newark, NJ, Woodbidge, NJ, and headquarters in South Brunswick, NJ, Campbell is a leader in the region for commercial truck and emergency vehicle sales and service. The company has been in business since 1967 and represents Daimler Trucks North America’s Freightliner product line, REV Fire Groups Spartan, Smeal and LTI fire truck line as well as Detroit, Cummins, Alliance Truck Parts and EVI. More information can be obtained on our website: www.campbellsupply.com

About Cruzan’s Freightliner Cruzan’s Freightliner is a family owned business that started in the 1960’s, originally a MercedesBenz truck dealership Cruzan became a Freightliner commercial truck dealership in 1984.

In 1998, a second location was opened in Egg Harbor Township outside Atlantic City, NJ, which the company quickly outgrew and relocated in a new facility in Absecon, NJ. In 2010, the Pleasantville location became a parts and service dealership for Isuzu Trucks. Both locations are Cummins Engine dealers and the Bridgeton, NJ location is a Detroit Diesel Engine dealer.

- PROVIDED

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? DALE FEEHRER

If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

ALAN HOFFMAN

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 50 of the Steelton FD, a 2018 Pierce Enforcer (1500/500), is flowing multiple lines during a second-alarm church fire in their 1st due on Good Friday.

Engine 1512 of the Macungie, PA Fire Department in service at a structure fire In the Borough of Macungie.

Schuylkill County's, North End Fire Co. of Pine Grove, operates a 1994 Spartan/S&S as Tanker 5835. It has a 750 pump and 3000 water and formerly served with Haycock Fire Co., of Bucks Co.

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LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Monroe Fire Company operates a 2012 Ford F550/Fouts Brothers 300/400 Mini Pumper.

TERRY RITZ

Red Hill and Pennsburg Respond to Fire Alarm at UPHS

ALAN HOFFMAN

This Ford Explorer serves as Traffic Unit 65-1 with the Pennsburg Fire Company Fire Police.

On Saturday, August 22, 2020, at 3:36 P.M., Red Hill and Pennsburg Fire Companies were dispatched to a fire alarm at the UPHS building on Walt Rd. in Red Hill.

After entering the building the officers had a smoke condition and afoul oder. They called Montgomery Dispatch to put out another dispatch for additional companies for back-

JUMP TO FILE #082420103 up.After the investigation was completed they had determined the air handler for the air conditioner above the drop ceeling had malfunctioned.

The call was brought under control with-in the half hour. Assisting the

two fire companies on the original dispatch were companies from East Greenville and Green Lane. There were no injuries.On location were Fire Police from Red Hill, Pennsburg, and East Greenville. Also an EMS unit from Upper Perk was on hand.

- TERRY RITZ

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

DALE FEEHRER

The Wrightsville FD operates this 2005 Ford/SEMO rescue unit equipped with Holmatro tools, water rescue equipment, and serves as the QRS unit.

ALAN HOFFMAN

The City of Allentown Fire Police utilize this Chevrolet Van as their Traffic Unit.

This patch Is from The Whitehall Fire Department, Lehigh County Station 35.

ALAN HOFFMAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

October, 2020

PAGE 13

DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Departmnt Profile” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

FRANK ROBINSON

Catasauqua Fire still operates this 1991 Olympian/LTI 109' Ladder.

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

This 1987 Mack CF/SWAB is still going strong after 32 years of fire duty. Engine 5, also known as the 14th Ward Fire Company is still in front line duty. Is assigned out of the 14th Ward Fire Company Station at 548 East Diamond in Hazleton, PA.

East Greenville Fire Co. 75th Anniversary Parade--- June 21, 1975

TERRY RITZ

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Harwood Fire Company in Hazle Township, PA still operates this 35 year old Pierce. The rig is from the West Shore Fire Dept in Conn. She went through a rehab in 1990 and once again in 2016 with body work, paint, and lights.

DAVE BUTCHER ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

FRANK ROBINSON

Landingville Fire Company still operates a 1982 Hahn 1500/2000 Pumper Tanker.

Harwood Fire Company proudly shows off their "newest" edition to their fleet. This 1998 Seagrave was just placed in service earlier this summer.

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October, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

DALE FEEHRER

Engine 91-2 of the Swatara Fire-Rescue is a 2005 Seagrave (1750/750) took a secondary hydrant assignment and supplied apparatus during a mutual aid 2 alarm building fire on April 10th.

Kochek and AWG Team Up to Deliver Outstanding Valve Quality Kochek Company, LLC has announced its new alliance with AWG Fittings GmbH. The two companies have partnered to provide Kochek loose equipment dealers with the superior performance and reliability for which AWG valves are known throughout the industry.

As Kochek's primary supplier of several sizes of gate, ball, intake, hydrassist, manifold, siamese, and pressure relief valves, AWG plays an important role in Kochek's efforts to ensure the continued satisfaction of its dealers and customers. With every order, Kochek custom fits each valve to exacting specifications.

Kochek President and CEO, George J. Wessner, said of the relationship with AWG, "We're thrilled to work with AWG to make this quality possible for our

customers. They rely on their Kochek equipment when it matters most, and our valve performance is something they can always count on in the field."

About Kochek Headquartered in Putnam, CT, Kochek Company is a leading producer of water movement products for fire, water works, and irrigation markets throughout North America and abroad. In order to achieve its mission to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, Kochek follows the guiding principles of lean manufacturing. More information about Kochek and the company's entire product line may be found at www.kochek.com.

- PROVIDED

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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Vehicle News

ALAN HOFFMAN

This 2002 International\New Lexington Tanker with a 1250 G.P.M. Pump and a 2000 Tank is in service with the Berrysburg & Community Fire Company.

The Bart Twp., Fire Co. has taken delivery of their 2020 Pierce Enforcer Engine/Rescue (2000/750/Amkus/10KW). This piece will be designated as Engine 51-1.

FRANK ROBINSON

Perkiomen Twp. Fire Company now operates a 2019 Sutphen 1500/2500 Pumper Tanker.

PATRICK M. SHOOP, JR.

The Rural Ridge Vol. Fire Co. in Allegheny County recently placed in service Rescue/Engine 175. The Unit is a 2020 Sutphen w/ a 1500 GPM pump, and 500 Gallon Water Tank.

ALAN HOFFMAN

PATRICK M. SHOOP, JR.

This is Tower 53 from the Lower Providence Fire Department. It is a 2020 Pierce Velocity\Ascendant 100’ Mid Mount Tower Ladder.

DALE FEEHRER

The Horsham Fire Co. recently took delivery of their new Quint 15. The unit is a 2020 Pierce w/ a 1500 GPM pump, 500 Gallon Water Tank, and 107’ RM Aerial.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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Kochek Introduces New, Upgraded Pistol Grip Ball Valves September 14, 2020--Putnam, CT - Kochek Company, LLC has announced that new, custom Scotty pistol grip ball valves are replacing its former offerings.

The new Kochek ball valves in 1.0” and 1.5" sizes are now sourced directly from Scotty® Firefighter to ensure durability and top-quality performance. To further meet the rigorous demands of the field, Kochek re-engineered the Scotty models to include a lightweight aluminum full-time 360º female swivel on all models and aluminum male threads on most models, excluding those with 1.5” NH Male threads.

These high-flow pistol grip ball valves are compatible with most 1.0” and 1.5” threaded nozzles, allowing for flow rates up to 100 GPM. They come with a bail positioned on top, permitting reliable, smooth shut-off operation.

All Kochek's standard finishes and colors are available on the aluminum components, and laser engraving is available.

Scotty® Firefighter, a division of Scott Plastics Limited based in British Columbia, Canada, manufactures forestry hand pumps and backpacks, foam and gel systems,

nozzles, wrenches, adapters, connectors, and valves. A complete product view is found at www.ScottyFire.com.

About Kochek Headquartered in Putnam, CT, Kochek Company is a leading producer of water movement products for fire, water works, and irrigation markets throughout North America and abroad. In order to achieve its mission to manufacture and deliver the highest quality products at competitive prices, Kochek follows the guiding principles of lean manufacturing. More information about Kochek and the company's entire product line may be found at www.kochek.com.

- PROVIDED

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2020

PAgE 19

BUDDY SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JASON BATZ

Cumru Firefighter, Rachael Brady, learns how to operate a pump during a water supply drill. Rachael is observed by her father, Jeff.

BACKSTOP

THE FULLY AUTOMATIC REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING OBSTACLES BACKSTOP applies the brakes instantly and automatically when a reversing vehicle contacts an obstacle.

COST SAVINGS Installing BACKSTOP minimizes damage costs to both the installed vehicle and surrounding obstacles.

May reduce insurance premiums.

MINIMIZE VEHICLE DAMAGE BACKSTOP projects beyond the rear of the vehicle, minimizing collision damage to doors, lights, and rear steps.

MAXIMUM SAFETY BACKSTOP’s instant and automatic braking system is much faster than a driver’s reaction time.

The brakes remain applied until the driver manually releases the brakes by shifting the vehicle out of reverse gear.

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October, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FIREFIGHTER, From Rookie to Chief ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

FIREFIGHTER From Rookie to Chief

By A. I Dower

Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.95

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This is a soft cover book measuring 6 inches by 9 inches and has 164 pages plus nine pages of black and white photos. The author at present will be 95 years old this year. He joined the London Fire Brigade in 1950 and retired in 1983 after rising from rookie to chief and then inspector. There are 13 chapters of interesting reading starting with a chapter before the fire service and building on each subsequent chapter which was memoirs of each rank that he held.

I believe that he may have had intended to address British readers because there is no glossary to explain many terms used by the British fire service which different from the United States fire service.

Nevertheless it is a colorful read especially trying to figure out what certain terms or titles may mean.

Sometimes I had to go to the search engine of my computer to find a definition here and there.

Add to that the jargon spoken by the English much of which Americans may describe as slang, and you have interesting stories. Although he spent his career in many assignments in many different types of areas, he explains about his experiences battling fires and emergencies of all kinds. He does not dwell on many of these calls some of which were tragic and others at times humorous. We must not forget fire station routines and atmospheres of comradery which are always fun to read about and those can be found in the book.

One of this things which amused me the most is how the British could take a noun or verb that Americans would be familiar with and present with another word or term. In those cases I would say to myself, “Yeah I guess you could call it that also!” In any event I believe this is an interesting book to read for anyone who has the time.

The photos are at the end of the book and are mostly group photos or presentation. He and his late wife are in one photo. She is credited with being an important inspiration to him when he did his writing. He now resides in Spain.

Read More Book Reviews on our Website! www.1rbn.com

Say it with me now...KEEN Wah! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

So in case you missed it or didn’t know, quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah. If you have been living under a rock, you wouldn’t know that this ancient “grain”/superfood has become extremely popular over the last few years.

And while its popularity is in its infancy here in the United States, historical evidence puts its domestication for human consumption 34 thousand years ago in Peru and Bolivia. But perhaps its biggest misconception is that it isn’t actually a grain at all. In fact, quinoa is the seed from a flowering plant in the amaranth family. It is more closely related to spinach than say rice. Because of this, it is a gluten-free food, which makes it

Serves 2-4

perfect for those with gluten allergies. Many recipes that contain grains such as wheat, rice and barley can easily be substituted with quinoa. They even make quinoa flour for baking!

So now that we have the pronunciation down, let’s talk about cooking with quinoa. In the firehouse, I have found that it's hit or miss when it comes to putting out a successful meal using this delicious ingredient. Those who haven’t tried it are often reluctant just based on the name alone. And some just don’t like the texture, like when one of my partners said it felt like he was eating sand, which I find to be a little bit of an exaggeration. The great thing about quinoa is that while it certainly has its own flavor, it is mild enough to “play well in the sandbox” with other flavors, sort of like rice. It is delicious on its own, cooked in some chicken stock or seasoned water, but using it in other ways is where I find it to be more accessible to others

who may have not tried it. I have used it successfully in casseroles and stir-frys, but one of my favorite applications is to use it as a stuffing, like in this recipe for stuffed acorn squash. And it is seasonally versatile as well.

While this acorn squash recipe is perfect for the fall, a cold quinoa salad with cucumber and tomato is delicious for the summer. Maybe use it in a Spring quinoa bowl with peas, lemon and mint. Or how about using it as a base for beef stew in the winter?! Seriously though, you get the idea.

And besides its versatility, it is extremely healthy. In fact, a 2017 study in the Journal of Nutraceuticals and Food Science found that when compared to other cereals like wheat, corn and barley, quinoa has more protein and a greater balance of essential amino acids. Not only is it a good source of protein and fiber, it is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

It is no wonder this crop was so important to the Incan people!

QUINOA-CHICKEN SAUSAGE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

Ingredients:

2 Acorn Squash, cut in half horizontally, seeds and stringy flesh scooped out. ½ lb. Chicken Sausage, casing removed ½ Apple, seeded and chopped ½ Onion, chopped 1 Garlic Clove, diced 4 Sage Leaves, diced 1 tsp. Paprika 1 tsp. Ground Cumin 3/4 Cup Dry Quinoa, cooked according to package 3/4 Cup Shredded White Cheddar Cheese, reserve half for garnish Salt, to taste EVOO Optional: Finely chopped chives for garnish

AJ FUSCO

• Add the cooked quinoa to the sausage mixture and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.

• Preheat oven to 400* F

• While the squash is baking, cook the quinoa according to the package and brown the sausage in a drizzle of EVOO in a medium saute pan. Using a slotted spoon, remove cooked sausage and set aside in a bowl.

• Place squash on a foil lined sheet pan, cut side down.

Roast for 25 minutes or until soft. Remove from the oven.

• Add the garlic, sage and spices to the pan and cook until fragrant. Remove the onion-apple mixture and add it to the cooked sausage.

• Garnish with chives and serve.

Procedure:

• Trim both ends of the acorn squash off. Cut the squash in half horizontally and scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh. Drizzle with EVOO and a pinch of salt.

• In the same pan, add the onions and saute until lightly browned. Add the apples and saute until the apples start to soften.

• Add half of the shredded cheddar to the mix and stir.

Place the cooked squash on the same sheet pan cut side up. Stuff with quinoa-sausage mix, top with more cheese and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is browned.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2020

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October, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Footprints on the Heart Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

It is not the what that is important but the who.

I feel like I spent my life around a firehouse all my life, at least since I was two years old. I may not remember everything about every time that I was there, but I remember how my uncles made me feel. They spent time with me and I cannot for the life remember what we did, except the feeling around Christmas and the summer picnics. But the uncles made sure that they spent time with the children and made our time special.

The other day I noticed some children who were being lifted up by their parents so that they could see the fire engine through the windows. I pulled the engine out of the bay. I showed the boys around the engine and turned on the lights. The boys were so happy. When I got home I saw a large toy fire truck that I was going to get rid of. I brought it down to the station to give to the boys. After a few days, the family came back and I asked the parents if I could give it to the boys. The parents agreed and then it all happened. Their faces lit up with smiles and their eyes were so wide open. One of the boys stopped whatever he wanted to do and got down on his knees and starting playing with the toy right on the driveway. The family will never remember who I am. They may not remember what town but they may remember the feeling that they had while they were with me for a short time.

When we spend time with the children, they may not remember us but they may remember the feeling. Kids may remember that firemen make them happy. They may remember the care that a police officer had for them. The lol-

lipop that he would always get from the doctor for a great check up.

People will remember the time that you spent with them. You may have listened to someone who was having a really bad day. You may have helped the little old lady down the street, bring in her trash cans. The veteran who may be in the veterans’ home may not remember your name but they know that they like you.

I remember my mentors in life and how I was appreciative for their time and their constant words of encouragement and caring they had for me. I remember how some teachers were caring and became friends of my family. I remember my friend in Georgia who always made time for me and my daughter. I cannot remember everything that we did but I can remember how they made me feel.

People may not always be with us but the impression that they leave on our life will always be there, be it positive or negative.

There is a saying that I heard, I forget where it comes from, we are blessed to see everyone. Some people bless us when they come into the room and others bless us when they leave the room. What kind of impression are you leaving?

Are we the type of people that leave footprints on someone’s heart and they always want to have those footprints?

When I teach new chaplains, a question that is always asked of them is “how do you know that you have made a difference with the person that you were with?”

The answer is that we never know what type of impression we have on anyone’s life.

The conversation and time that we spend with people are the seeds that we are planting. We may never see the harvest of those seeds but we are not supposed to.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Twp. Crews Find Working Fire After Fire Alarm

Scott Township, Allegheny County - On August 22nd, at 12:58 P.M., fire crews were dispatched to the Chatham Park Apartments for an automatic fire alarm. Police arrived on-scene and found a light smoke condition in the basement area of the building. Fire crews quickly arrived and began searching for the source of the smoke. A working fire in an apartment on the 1st floor was then discovers and crews went to work to extinguish the fire. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control in under 30 minutes but a heavy smoke condition remained in the building. Crews then began to ventilate the building before allowing residents to return to the building. No injuries were reported and the fire is still under investigation.

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our “Apparatus in Action” feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

North Catasauqua's aerial in service at the second alarm dwelling fire 4/4/20.

KEN SNYDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2020

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October, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA