1st Responder News PA April Edition

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APRIL, 2021

FATAL ACCIDENT IN READING AFTER TREE FALLS ON MOVING VEHICLE

TOM REHR

Reading, PA - On March 11th, the rescue assignment was sent to Mineral Spring Rd., just after Hessian Rd. on the Lindbergh Viaduct, for reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Reading Fire Car 8 arrived on scene and found a large tree that fell on a vehicle, crushing the passenger compartment, and heavily entrapping one occupant.

- See full story on page 4

1-877-622-MARS www.MidAtlanticRescue.com

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April, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PATCH OF THE MONTH

ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies

Company

1st Out Specialty

3,22

Bond Legal Lawyers

Campbell Supply.

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.

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21

1, 24

Command Fire App.

16 FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

ESI

5

Firehouse Expo

17

Fire Line Equipment

19

Kimtek

15

Marco Equipment

7,22

Mid Atlantic Rescue

EUGENE WEBER JR.

11

This patch belongs to the Eureka Fire Department, located in Allegheny County, PA.

Raynor Garage Doors

22

Team Equipment

13

Twin Tier Fire & Safety

18

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No. 4 - 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.

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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

TERRY RITZ

Harrison Fire Quickly Spreads

Commercial Building Fire in Red Hill

Harrison Township, PA – Just before 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 13th, fire crews were dispatched to the intersection of River Avenue and Walnut Street for a report of smoke and flames coming from a house. Crews quickly arrived to find a vacant home heavily involved, with extension into a garage.

An interior attack was attempted, but due to the amount of fire all crews were forced to abandon the building. About 30 minutes into the incident, smoke began coming from the eaves of an old Harrison Township Fire Station. Crews were able to quickly contain the extension into the fire station and remained on-scene for overhaul. No injuries were reported and the fire is now under investigation.

Red Hill, PA - At 7:20 A.M. on March 16th, the Red Hill Fire Co., along with several other fire companies in the Upper Perk Valley, were called to a building fire at Artisan Mfg. on 6th Street in Red Hill borough. Upon arrival, first responders had a smoke condition inside the building. They entered the building and went to the location where the heaviest smoke was.

Numerous ceiling tiles had to be removed to check the area and a complete investigation was performed. A real cause was not given until an investigation could be completed. The building was completely evacuated and there were no injuries reported. Assisting Red Hill Fire Co. were Pennsburg, East Greenville and Green Lane. Upper Perk EMS, and Fire Police from the four fire companies had also responded.

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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

Hometown Fire Company operates this 2019 Ford F350/25/200 Brush Truck.

TOM REHR

Crews work to stabilize a tree that fell on a moving vehicle, trapping the driver.

Fatal Accident in Reading After Tree Falls on Moving Vehicle DALE FEEHRER

The Upper Nazareth FD operates this well kept 1985 Chevy/Pierce mini pumper (400/300).

Reading, PA - On March 11th, the rescue assignment was sent to Mineral Spring Rd., just after Hessian Rd. on the Lindbergh Viaduct, for reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.

Reading Fire Car 8 arrived on scene and found a large tree that fell on a vehicle, crushing the passenger compartment, and heavily entrapping one occupant. Car 8 immediately requested a heavy wrecker tow truck to lift the tree off the vehicle and added Engine 3 to the assignment for additional manpower.

First arriving crews rapidly sta-

JUMP TO FILE #032021101

bilized the tree and began working to gain access to the patient. Ten minutes after arrival, crews gained access to the patient, but still had significant entrapment. Rescue crews had multiple hydraulic tools in service at the same time working to free the patient from the wreckage.

Fire personnel were able to successfully extricate the patient before the tow company arrived, with the

extrication being completed in roughly 25 minutes. RFD EMS personnel performed advanced life saving measures during the extrication process, as well as during rapid transport to the hospital, but unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.

The roadway remained closed for a period of time as city arborists worked to removed the tree from the lanes of travel. Please keep the family in your prayers after this tragic, fluke accident.

- JASON BATZ

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

Brickerville Fire Company operates this 2019 Ford F550 4x4/Marco 500/250 Brush Truck.

TRUCKIE MAN

Pennsylvania DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) operates this brush truck, designated Lima 56. This truck is based in the Luzerne County area.

KEN SNYDER

Shown here is a profile photo of the Lower Providence FD at Eagleville, showing their two command vehicles, engine, tower, rescue, and brush unit.

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New York: Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., 67 Rank: Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President Incident Date: September 2, 2020 Death Date: September 2, 2020 Fire Department: Spring Brook Fire District #1 Initial Summary: On Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Fire Police Captain/1st Vice President of the Spring Brook Fire District #1 Donald E. Trzepacz, Sr., attended a mandatory meeting at the fire department to review and discuss new recruitment applications. He informed the 2nd Vice President that he was not feeling well, left the meeting, and returned home. He was found deceased from an apparent heart attack the next morning.

Kentucky: Robert "Rob" Orkies, 55 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 9, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Zoneton Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Chief Robert “Rob” Orkies developed COVID-19 while on-duty from a fellow firefighter with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020.

Illinois: Leo W. Werner, 67 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 9, 2020 Death Date: December 10, 2020 Fire Department: Scales Mound Fire Protection District Initial Summary: On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at approximately 2200hrs, Captain Leo W. Werner responded to a medical call at a residence. After returning home, he suffered an apparent heart attack and passed away shortly after midnight on Thursday, December 10, 2020.

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Texas: Randy Robinson, 64 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 15, 2020 Death Date: December 17, 2020 Fire Department: Fort Worth Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Randy Robinson contracted COVID-19 at the fire station.

He passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from the virus.

Wisconsin: David Jerald Tomlinson, 71 Rank: Firefighter/Fire Inspector Incident Date: November 11, 2020 Death Date: December 6, 2020 Fire Department: Poynette-Dekorra Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Fire Inspector David Jerald Tomlinson contracted COVID-19 while performing fire inspections for the department.

Alabama: Donald Downs, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: December 9, 2020 Fire Department: Saragossa Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On November 17, 2020, Firefighter Donald Downs, while attending mandatory training for the fire department, contracted COVID-19 from attendees at the exercise. He passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 from the virus.

Pennsylvania: Lee Witman, 88 Rank: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Incident Date: December 6, 2020 Death Date: December 11, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Chief Emeritus/Firefighter Lee Witman, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020, from the virus.

Pennsylvania: Edward Hine, 79 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 13, 2020 Death Date: December 16, 2020 Fire Department: Colonial Park Fire Company Initial Summary: Firefighter Edward Hine, while performing in-station duties, contracted COVID-19. He passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from the virus.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 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.

No one can resist the temptation of Buffalo Sauce!

FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

East Prospect Fire Co. No. 1 operates this 1999 Spartan Metro Star/Marion 500-GPM/500-GWT wet rescue as Rescue 42. It once served in Forks Township, PA as Rescue 2541.

You are sitting in your local watering hole, and a server walks by with a plate of Buffalo wings.

The smell is intoxicating, and no it’s not the beer you are drinking.

The combination of peppers, vinegar and butter create the perfect combination of heat, savory and sour. Your mouth starts to water and you cannot resist the temptation to order a dozen…or two. I am sure we have all been there. It is, to me, one of the best examples of flavors coming together to form the perfect sauce.

The roots of Buffalo sauce and in particular, the Buffalo wing, are rooted in myth and lore. The most popular, and arguably most true, is that they were born out of necessity in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY. A place which I have yet to visit, but will, hopefully, before I kick the bucket. Now at this point you are probably assuming this is a recipe for Buffalo wings.

Unfortunately it is not, but it is however a recipe for something inspired by the almighty wing. There are times when I absolutely crave those familiar flavors but would rather not go through the trouble of deep frying in my home or firehouse. The smell of frying chicken, although good, can linger around a little longer than I like. It also creates a mess if you are not careful. Oil almost always manages to find its way to the kitchen

floor, stovetop and everything in between. And let’s be honest, it’s not the healthiest thing in the world. As you probably have figured out by now, I love taking unhealthy dishes and putting a healthier spin on them, while keeping them delicious. This is one of those recipes, Buffalo Chicken Burgers!

In this recipe I use lettuce as a bun to lower the carbs, but feel free to use a traditional bun if you so please. There is also a bleu cheese yogurt sauce which, when compared to traditional bleu cheese dressing, adds extra protein and lowers the calories. This is a great recipe for the grill now that the weather is warming up. Hope you enjoy… and remember, stay safe, eat well!

BUFFALO CHICKEN BURGERS W/ BLEU CHEESE YOGURT SAUCE ON LETTUCE “BUNS” Makes 4 burgers Ingredients:

CHUCK LOWE

Former Tower 28 from Union Fire Association in Lower Merion was recently found in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The 2001 KME Aerial Cat 1500/250/95' apparatus is currently serving the Town of Lincoln as Tower 1.

Chicken Patties: 1 lb. Ground Chicken 1 Carrot, peeled/rough chopped 1 Celery Stalk, rough chopped ½ Yellow Onion, rough chopped 1 Egg ¼ Cup Buffalo Sauce 1 Cup Breadcrumbs Buffalo Sauce: 1 Cup Hot Sauce 3 Tbsp. Butter, cubed

DALE FEEHRER

The Schuylkill Hose Co. #2 is now operating this 2000 Seagrave 75' Aerialscope as Tower 63-22. This piece formally served in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Bleu Cheese Yogurt Sauce: 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt ½ Cup Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 tsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. Garlic Powder 1 tsp. Lemon Juice Salt/Pepper to taste 1 Head Boston Lettuce, leaves separated Optional: Chives for garnish Procedure: -For the buffalo sauce: Heat hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. When the sauce starts to simmer, add the butter and stir until combined. Set aside to cool.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Porters Community Fire Company now operates this 2001 Ford F350/Reading as Brush 53. It formerly ran with Abbottstown in Adams County, and has a 200-GPM pump and carries 300-gallons of water.

-For the bleu cheese sauce: Combine the yogurt, worcestershire, bleu cheese, garlic powder, lemon juice in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust season-

AJ FUSCO

ing.

-For the chicken burgers: Add the carrots, celery and onion to a food processor and buzz until minced (mince with a knife if needed). Sauté the carrot mixture in a sauté pan with a drizzle of EVOO and a pinch of salt until soft, 2-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

-In a large bowl, combine the cooled carrot mixture, egg and ¼ cup of the cooled Buffalo sauce. Stir until combined. Add the ground chicken, and mix with your hands just until combined. Add the bread crumb and mix in gently with your hands. Do not overwork

the mixture or it will toughen up the burgers. Form 4 equal sized burger patties, place on a sheet pan. IMPORTANT: refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to allow burgers to set up.

-Heat up a cast iron pan, sauté pan or grill on medium heat. Add a drizzle of EVOO and cook burgers 4-5 minutes on one side without moving. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F. -Assemble burgers on lettuce “buns”, drizzle with Buffalo sauce, a dollop of Bleu cheese sauce and chives.

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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.

JC KRIESHER

Summit Station Squad 34-55 operates as the first due engine company for a house fire on Panther Valley Rd. in Wayne Twp.

The remains of the fully involved truck.

KEN SNYDER

Truck Garage Blaze Quelled in Weisenberg Twp.

KEN SNYDER

Upper Macungie 5611 on scene at a second-alarm dwelling fire January 9th in Upper Macungie Twp.

KEN SNYDER

Fogelsville 811 on scene in a rear alley at a second-alarm dwelling fire January 9th in Upper Macungie Twp.

Weisenberg Twp., PA - On February 16th at 1:25 P.M., Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched Weisenberg, Fogelsville and Trexlertown fire companies to a reported roof fire located at 9883 Old Rt.22 in Weisen- JUMP TO FILE# berg Township. 022221103 Berks County also dispatched the Kutztown Fire Company to the scene.

On arrival, Weisenberg command reported heavy fire at the end of a long multi-bay garage with flames through the roof.

First due Fogelsville engine laid a supply line from a Rt. 22 hydrant up a long driveway while Weisenberg's quint concentrated on the roof fire.

Inside the garage was a fully involved truck fire causing extension to the wall and roof. A request for more tankers and two additional engines with manpower was made by Weisenberg command. Fortunately, a quick knockdown was to be had.

The burnt truck was a total loss and there was heavy damage to that part of the garage. Companies remained on scene until about mid-afternoon.

KEN SNYDER

- KEN SNYDER

Firefighters direct a stream at the wall where a fully involved truck was located.

JC KRIESHER

Mahanoy City Engine 48-12 (Citizens) works on the scene of a multiple-alarm rowhome fire.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Technical Rescue Conducted in Perkiomen Twp. for Hand Stuck in Equipment Perkiomen Twp., PA - At 9:40 A.M. on Thursday, March 11th, volunteers with Perkiomen Township Fire Company Station 66 (western Montgomery County, PA) were dispatched to a technical rescue at PCA: Packaging Corporation of America on Iron JUMP TO FILE# Bridge Road in the 031121106 township.

The report was for a male who had a hand stuck in equipment.

Numerous area companies responded to assist at the extended rescue, including Collegeville Fire Company, Trappe Fire Company No. 1, Skippack Fire Company, Limerick Fire Department, Lower Providence Fire Department, Lower Frederick Fire Company, UPT Fire & Emergency Services (Upper Providence Township), Royersford Fire Department, Worcester Volunteer Fire Department, Black Rock Volunteer Fire Company and the Montgomery County DPS US&R team. Thanks to Trappe Medic 324 and the multiple Fire Police that were on scene.

Crews were on scene for about two hours. Once his hand was freed, the patient was helicoptered out by JeffSTAT. - TED HODGINS

TED HODGINS

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

If you have photos for our “On the Liter Side” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

FRANK ROBINSON

JC KRIESHER

Pine Grove Fire Chief Nick Miller carries a ladder from Truck 5825 toward a first due fire in Wayne Township.

Lake Harmony Fire Company's Chief responds with this 2013 Yamaha 50cc scooter.

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Emergency Medical Services” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Allentown, PA - March 5, 2021 – The board of trustees of Cetronia Ambulance Corps is pleased to announce the promotion of Robert F. Mateff Sr. to chief executive officer effective January 1, 2021. Mateff had become the interim CEO in July 2020 and had previously served as the chief operating officer since June 2017.

KEN SNYDER

Historic Philadelphia Firehouse Gets An Upgrade Philadelphia, PA - Located in the northwest section of the city, Chestnut Hill's Engine 37 historic 1894 station recently received $9 million worth of renovations and expansion.

This 127-year-old firehouse was built for the horse-drawn apparatus and is the city's oldest continually operating station. This company is well known for having the tightest quarters in the city; its engine has to have modified handrails and retractable sideview mirrors to clear the overhead doors. The station doors were designed in 1893 by John Windrim before he built Philly's Franklin Institute. A new two-bay,

JUMP TO FILE #031521103

one-story annex station with a common glass walkway connects to the older station. The previous door clearance problem is now solved by using folding doors.

Other new features include a new HVAC, modern kitchen, bathrooms, and locker area, an exercise room, washers and dryers for decontamination of gear, and a multipurpose/training room.

- KEN SNYDER

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Prior to Cetronia Ambulance Corps, Mateff, 54, had roles in government and communications. Mateff was instrumental in the development of the Northampton County 911 center and was former chair of the Northeast Regional Counter terrorism task force. He previously served and was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve as Deputy of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, where he worked on the strategic direction and development of the statewide 911 system.

Mateff worked as Director of Emergency Communications and Operations at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was responsible for strategic leadership with emergency communications throughout the university system. Mateff also is a former Deputy Sheriff and Emergency Medical Technician. He holds a certificate in Preparedness Leadership from the University Of Pittsburgh Graduate School Of Public Health and is a graduate of DeSales University, with a criminal justice degree.

“The entire board feels that the organization is in very capable hands with Bob. The transition to an internal candidate made the process seamless. When you add Bob’s prior experience and institutional knowledge of the organization, we knew we were making the right decision to promote from within. We look forward to working with Bob on many levels, so that we can continue the lifesaving mission this organization has had for the last 65 years,” said Board Chair Christopher Lakatosh, Principal and Senior Consultant, Cornerstone Institutional Investors.

ALAN HOFFMAN

This 1980 Mack CF (ex FDNY Engine 7), that was once owned by the Mapleton Fire Department and is now privately owned, is pictured here drafting out of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg at the annual Pump Primers Muster in 2017.

Mateff will be focused on strengthening Cetronia’s community relations; creating positive work/life balances for the associates; and navigating the organization out of the COVID-

CETRONIA AMBULANCE CORPS.

Robert F. Mateff, Sr.

19 pandemic. He will also look to guide the nonprofit organization by providing the best tools and technology to the associates so that they can provide the highest level of care to the community.

“I am beyond grateful and honored to lead this organization into the future. I have an enormous amount of respect for the board of trustees who have helped strengthen the foundation of Cetronia. I am excited to lead our associates who are the backbone of our organization. I am also looking forward to helping advance the industry with different approaches to EMS in the future,” said Mateff.

About Cetronia Ambulance Corps: Cetronia Ambulance Corps is a nonprofit 501c3 organization.

Serving our community since 1955, we proudly serve Lynn, South Whitehall, Upper Macungie, Weisenberg and Whitehall townships, as well as portions of Lowhill, Salisbury, Greenwich and Albany Townships, and the Borough of

Coplay in Eastern Pennsylvania. Our mission is to be the leader in emergency medical services, transportation and community health resources.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps is one of the largest providers of ambulance services in Eastern Pennsylvania; employing 135 full- and part-time career associates, 20 active volunteers and boasting a total fleet of 41 vehicles, including 19 ambulances, 20 para-transit vehicles, a supervisor’s vehicle, and a special services unit. As the regional leader in EMS, Cetronia Ambulance Corps fields over 42,000 calls annually, covering an emergency service area that spans across 130 square miles, touching more than 226,000 people, and a non-emergency coverage area that encompasses five counties.

Cetronia Ambulance Corps is proud to support the residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountains and remains dedicated to community involvement, outreach and education throughout the Lehigh Valley region.

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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

The borough of Cornwall, PA was founded in 1742 after a stonemason located the area by looking for quality stone and ore. Not long after the area was discovered, he constructed a large furnace for smelting which gave the borough it's name (Cornwall). The furnace still stands today and is registered as a National Historic landmark.

With the amount of ore in the area, the quarry from which it was pulled from was actually the largest open mining pit in the world while it was in operation. The mining shut down because of damage caused by flooding from Hurricane Agnes the year before in 1972.

The flood water filled the base of the quarry and has made the area a rather large lake which is off limits due to the hazards that lay under the water, including heavy equipment that were lost.

The Community Fire Company was established in 1923. Currently they are Lebanon County Station 36 but, if the fire company would have been established earlier they would have belonged to either Lancaster or for a short time Dauphin Counties. It wasn't until 1926 when the borough was incorporated that the citizens would be citizens of Lebanon County.

Today, the fire company operates out of one station, which they moved into in 2006, leaving the old station located in a small village called Rexmont.

With 12 active members, they respond to roughly 200-300 calls per year. The first due area consists of a mix of residential, some commercial, woods, and rural. The apparatus consists of one engine, a brush truck, an ATV (which is primarily used on the walking trails for brush fires and medical), a raft, and the only ladder truck in the general area covering parts of Lebanon and Lancaster Counties.

DALE FEEHRER

Station 36 DALE FEEHRER

Brush 36, 1997 Ford F-350, 250/200/10 Gal A Foam

DALE FEEHRER

Engine 36, 2016 Freightliner/Pierce, 1500/500/Hurst

DALE FEEHRER

ATV 36, 2007 Kubota RTV *The ATV has a skid unit with a tank and pump for brush fires, and also has a set up for patient transport. *Boat 36, 2014 Rescue One Inflatable Boat

DALE FEEHRER

Command 36, 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

DALE FEEHRER DALE FEEHRER

Truck 36, 1997 E-One (1250/500/75')

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

JC KRIESHER

Llewellyn Firefighter Joe Pothering standing by with Engine 3-10 at a fire in Minersville.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

STILL IN SERVICE

Love, love, love Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

For the past 12 months, we have been going through some major events. We have started with the covid virus; that one event can be a challenge in itself.

Add to it the demonstrations that we have had for various civil unrest. Add to that a very interesting and emotional presidential election. Also child, elder, domestic and other abuse has been on the rise, and so has been depression and suicide.

Do you remember the old game with a camel? On a camel there were two bags and the object was to see how many straws that you can put into the bags and then the camel would finally break the back.

Each one of us has our own packs, on our figurative backs.

There is only so much that we can take and I have been seeing the kicking the dog scenario. Some people may be getting frustrated from being confined in the house or apartment, people’s employment may be in jeopardy or they may have challenges dealing with the new technology or procedures, each person has some of the common stress and some think that they are the only person going through their challenges.

Well, people may be looking for an outlet, no matter what. The person may not know how to constructively release stress, so they may look for the figurative dog to kick. They may know or feel that the dog will not do or say anything back to them.

As you have been seeing, we are going through so much together. People have been lashing out on one another, when they would never have even thought of it before. People are destroying things, when they would never have done anything like that in the times before this pandemic.

I am pretty sure that most religions promote loving one another and helping one another. So how can we reduce a lot of the stuff that’s going on? How about putting yourself in the other people’s shoes? How about talking with the other person and not just shouting offensive things? How about showing concern for those hurting or looking for a voice?

I still believe that people are good and the heart to care for one another is there. Many of us

would not do the work that we do or do outreach in the community, if we did not care for people.

During the movie “Independence Day”, Judd Hirsh refers to John Lennon, from the Beatles, where John Lennon wrote the song “all you need is love”, and that John was a very smart man. If we loved one another, would we attack each other? Would we destroy property? Would we deface property? This is not expressions of love. How about coming together with respect and voice your opinions and listen to the other persons opinion? Wow, there is the difference. Many people want to voice their opinion PERIOD. They want to voice their opinion but nobody else in this world matters but them.

I listen to many people who do not believe what I believe. They may not think the way that I do. I may not think the way that they do. We still get along.

In the Bible, Jesus was asked what the greatest law was. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I ask you to please look at those verses. It says “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Does anyone see any qualifiers? Does it state that they have to be the same color? Same religion? Same sexual orientation? From the same country? What other qualifiers do you want to put up? It says “Love your neighbor as yourself”, pretty simple to me.

How many of you have spoken to strangers in your life? Everyone has. It is through talking with and getting to know strangers that we develop friendships and may get a spouse out of it or a best friend.

I know that it sounds so simple but let me ask you, how easy is it for you to love your family? You may have that one person that is really difficult or gets on your nerves, but you are still there for them. So, try the same thing for someone who is not your relative.

We can not only show love for someone in word but also as we talk with them. Someone I was speaking to express how they were talking to someone. I heard the words that they were using and I understand that they were frustrated, but I heard words that did not express love.

Many of us will recognize parts of First Corinthians chapter 13, especially during wedding ceremonies:

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." Let the phrase "if I do not have love, I am nothing" sit with you for a while. How many people actually have love, especially for those who are not within your inner circle? Do you show love to strangers or your enemies? Sure, it is easier to love people that look like us, talk like us, or have some of the same interests but do we love people who are not like us. Are we willing to love people who think differently than we do? Are we willing to love people of different occupations? Other religions?

"Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." Love is kind. It does not dishonor others. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil. It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres. These phrases give us something to think about and also to measure our love by. How are we and society at loving, according to this teaching?

Are you willing to forgive? Do you sit there with a book and keep track of how many times someone has messed up, according to your rules? This action only creates more bitterness. If you need something to keep track of, keep track of the good that people have done, what people do for you without asking, or when people give you a hug. We should not be watching to make sure that the scales are balanced. Do you think this might be where the phrase "I'll get even with you" comes from? Throw away the scales, the records or whatever and just care for people.

I can never get even with all those who have showed me encouragement, kindness, caring, compassion, or brought me joy. I can only try to pay it forward and put all that into people that I experience each day. We never know what kind words or actions will do to a person's day.

Please continue to show that you care for all. Also remember that you can raise someone up or tear them down with your tongue.

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

ALAN HOFFMAN

Union Fire Company Engine 61-1 of Hamburg, PA is a 1980 HAHN with a 1250-GPM pump and 750-gallon tank. It is still in service as a reserve engine.

FRANK ROBINSON

Shenandoah Fire Department Phoenix FC No.2 still operates this 1983 Ford/FMC 1000/500 as Engine 747.

DALE FEEHRER

The Rescue Fire Co. of Bangor, PA continues to operate this 1991 E-One (1250/200/95') as Tower 3021.

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Vehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

Germansville Fire Company now runs a 2020 KME The Concordville Fire & Protective Association recently The Northampton FD has placed this 2021 Pierce Arrow 1750/500/79' as Quint 1031. placed this 2020 Seagrave Marauder rescue-engine into XT Ascendant into service as Truck 4221 (2000/300/100'). service as Rescue 59 (2000/750/30f/Hurst).

RAINMAN14

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

Fame Fire Co. No. 3 recently placed into service this 2020 Alliance Fire & Rescue Svs. has taken delivery of their McAdoo Fire Co. Inc. has taken delivery of this 2021 Spartan Gladiator/Custom Fire Apparatus Pumper with 2020 Pierce Arrow XT 105' ladder truck. This piece will KME Panther LFD (1500/2000) pumper-tanker. This piece will be placed into service as Tanker 49.

750 GWT and a 1500-GPM pump. Fame Fire Co. is one of be designated as York County Truck 77. the three companies that make up the West Chester FD.

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Malibu Burning ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Malibu Burning The Real Story Behind L.A’s Devastating Wildfire

By Robert Kerbeck Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $16.99

Get your personal copy of

The PA Edition Name:______________________ Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________ State:_____ Zip: _____________ __ $36 for one year subscription __ $60 for two year subscription

PAYMENT METHOD __ Check __ Money Order __ Charge card Card # _____________________ Exp:____________ Signature ___________________ Send payment to: 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER 1 ARDMORE STREET NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

Amount enclosed: ______

For Credit Card Orders: just fax this to (845) 534-0055 or subscribe online at

www.1RBN.com

This is a soft cover book measuring 6" x 9", with 250 pages. It has 22 chapters plus a prologue and an epilogue. It is a great book about horrific stories and experiences! The thing that makes this book different than most books about fires is that the author, his family and his house survived this fire, the worst in L.A. history, and the chapters are about residents, businessmen and others and what their experiences were during this period, which started on November 8th of 2018.

You will get a perception of what they endured and how the fire was handled by the firefighting agencies who battled it. You will read about horror, tragedy, heroism and perseverance. You will come to know that not everyone who lives in the Malibu areas are wealthy people, in fact it is the opposite. You will read however how some celebrities, such as Nick Nolte, lost his house while he was filming a movie in Europe! You’ll read about the organization of Engine 271 and the story behind that.

You will read about to what extreme homeowners will go to protect their property, especially when tall trees of types prone to fast burning surround them and how far embers can travel and spread flames. You will read about death and human interest stories, especially when it came to animals, both as pets and those running free. Just about all of these chapters cover these experiences compiled through interviews by the author who happens to be a writer.

He himself put in countless hours trying to help others in all kinds of ways.

There is one chapter where the fire department tries to address questions and complaints from displaced residents and people devastated by this fire. I cannot write enough about these stories in the limited space that I have, but each chapter tells a story that the reader will empathize with and there are no cookie cutter stories. When I was on the job I expected to go to fires and we took many as routine.

But many times I did empathize and thought how devastated and depressed I would be if the fire I was at was my own home! Each chapter is separate in itself and this book is worth reading!

MEMORIES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

CHUCK LOWE

This 1986 Seagrave 100' aerial was designated Philadelphia Ladder 26.

Bob Long

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Rekindle Causes Second Fire at Dwelling in Lower Milford Twp. Lower Milford Twp., PA - On March 20th at 3:22 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to assist Lower Milford Twp. Fire Co. with an engine and ladder on a rekindle of a dwelling fire that JUMP TO FILE# happened the previ- 032221104 ous night.

Upon arrival they had smoke and some fire on the second floor of the two-story dwelling. A hand line was used to put out the smoldering fire. The night before, fire companies from two counties (Lehigh and Berks) were dispatched to a working dwelling at the same location. The owner had returned from work and found his dwelling fully involved.

There were no injuries and no cause was yet determined, pending the outcome of the investigation. Some of the fire companies that responded on the original call were Lower Milford, Upper Milford, Coopersburg, Hereford and Upper Saucon. The dwelling was built back in the late 1800's.

- TERRY RITZ

TERRY RITZ

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