1st Responder News PA August Edition

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FIREFIGHTERS RESCUE MULTIPLE PEOPLE FROM FAST-MOVING STRUCTURE FIRE IN DUBOIS

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Dubois, PA - On the morning of Saturday, May 19th, firefighters from throughout Clearfield and Jefferson Counties responded to 322 W. Long Avenue in downtown Dubois for a structure fire with reported entrapment. Crews were dispatched out at 9:53 A.M. - See full story on page 26

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Arrive to Heavy Smoke Showing from City of Pittsburgh Home

City of Pittsburgh, PA - At 8:23 A.M. on June 2nd, Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Hawthorne Street in the Stanton Heights section of the city.

The first arriving unit advised dispatch that they had heavy smoke showing and began an aggressive interior attack.

Crews were able to quickly knock down the fire and began overhaul. The fire was placed under control in 24 minutes.

Two adults and two children were displaced due to the fire, but there were no injuries. The cause is being investigated.

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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 22 No. 8 - 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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Reading FF Erik Hirner passed away after sustaining serious injuries in a motorcycle accident while traveling to work. Hirner was a 10 year veteran of the department, assigned to Ladder 1 on the 'C' Platoon.

NIK KNAUER

Reading Firefighter Killed in Tragic Motorcycle Accident Reading, PA - It is with great sadness that we report the untimely passing of Reading Firefighter Erik Hirner. Erik was on his way to work on Friday, May 25th when his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle on Maidencreek Road in Maidencreek Township. Hirner was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and would ultimately succumb to those injuries on Sunday, May 27th.

Erik was hired on June 25, 2007 and assigned to the 'D' Platoon as a jumper. In June of 2010, FF Hirner took assignment on Engine 13 with the 'A' Platoon. In a cost-cutting measure, Engine 13

JUMP TO FILE #060818108 was closed in 2011 and Hirner was assigned to a jumper position on the 'C' Platoon. Erik would then take a permanent assignment on Ladder 1 as the Tillerman in 2012. In addition, Hirner served as Assistant Chief with the Charotin Hose Company in North Catasauqua, and was very active with the department.

He leaves behind a wife and daughter along with his parents, brother and sister.

- JASON BATZ

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

PATRICK M. SHOOP, JR.

Special Calls Requested at Fuel Terminal Fire in Hampden Twp. Hampden Twp., PA - On June 7th at approximately 12:15 P.M., Cumberland County Communications sent units to 2125 Simpson Ferry Rd., at Zenith Energy Terminal, for a fuel tank fire. A first-alarm was requested, along with several special calls including Hazmat Team 200, Foam Team, Dauphin County Hazmat and Harrisburg International Airport ARFF. Units remained on scene for several hours containing the incident.

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.

Mayfield W. Walker Hose Co. 1 runs this 1992 Mack/Swab Rescue.

The unit once saw service at Wissahickon Fire Dept. (Montgomery County).

FRANK ROBINSON

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

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Crews use deluge guns from the ground, engines and ladders to help bring the fire under control.

JC KRIESHER

KEN SNYDER

Two-Alarm Fire Displaces Residents in Allentown

Allentown, PA - On June 2nd around 6:30 A.M, companies were dispatched to 801 N. 4th Street. This is a three-story corner building with a convenience store on the first-floor and apartments above. Heavy black smoke and fire were showing, affecting the second and third floors. Engine 6 immediately called for a second-alarm. The two front bay windows were heavily charred. Two out of the 12 displaced residents were taken to the hospital; one with smoke inhalation and one with burns to the hands. The second and third floors received heavy fire damage while the store received smoke and water damage.

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Antique Apparatus� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

DAVE FRITZ

The Reiffton Fire Co. of Exeter Township in Berks County still maintains this beautiful 1972 Mack CF as a company-owned antique. Engine 2-2 received a refurbishment by New Lexington in 1991 and has a 1250-GPM pump with 500-gallons of water.

Tremont Home Destroyed by Heavy Fire Schuylkill County, PA - Just after 10:00 P.M. on Monday, July 9th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 sent a first-alarm assignment to the 100 block of West Main Street in Tremont Borough for a reported house fire with possible entrapment.

The first-alarm included Fire Districts 67 (Tremont), 12 (Donaldson), 22 (Joliett), 21 (Ravine), 52 (Minersville Fire-Rescue) and a Rapid Intervention Team from District 58 (North End).

First responding units were advised that the caller reporting the fire on the second-floor saw lights on inside the residence, leading them to believe that someone may still be inside. A fire police portable called on scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find heavy fire showing from the second-floor of a two-and-a-half story single-family dwelling. A primary search was quickly initiated as crews began to stretch lines to-

JUMP TO FILE #071018117 ward the building.

Engine 12-10 took the 'A/B' corner while 67-10 secured a water supply at Main and Pine Streets.

Engine 22-14 came in from the south side of Pine Street and also secured a water supply. Room was left in the front of the building where Ladder 58-25 and Tower 5222 set up for operation.

Command relayed to all units that there was no entrapment and all occupants were accounted for.

Crews made multiple attempts to make interior attacks on the fire, but the blaze proved to be too stubborn and crews were pulled from the building. An exterior attack was initiated from the bucket of 52-22, ground lines and the deck gun from 12-10.

At this time, command requested a second-due RIT to the scene and the second-alarm on

standby. Pottsville Stations 50 and 60 were sent to the scene for RIT and the second-alarm was moved up to the borough.

The fire was knocked down from the exterior and crews attempted to make another push inside until conditions again deteriorated, leading command to call for the exterior deluge.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down roughly one hour after the first crews arrived on scene as firefighters continued to pour water from outside the building.

Overhaul was then initiated as crews could be seen pulling walls and ceilings and soaking them down with water.

A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to help investigate the cause of the fire. The second-alarm standby was released before midnight and operating crews began to clear in the early morning hours.

- JC KRIESHER

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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

West Virginia: Michael Edwards, 46 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: March 24, 2018 Death Date: March 24, 2018 Fire Department: Pratt Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Fire Chief Michael Edwards and Lieutenant Tom Craigo were killed and three other firefighters were injured when, for a cause still under investigation, the apparatus they were in left the narrow roadway and crashed into a rock wall. At the time, the firefighters were responding to a multiple fatality motor vehicle crash on the West Virginia Turnpike. Of the three firefighters injured, Fire Chief Timothy Walker remains in the hospital in critical condition; Firefighter Billy Hypes is in stable condition; and Firefighter Kyle Jenkins was released with minor injuries.

at a private residence in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.

Firefighter-Paramedic Garner was treated at the scene by the local EMS and transported to the hospital where he passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Wisconsin: Richard L. Garner Jr., 29 Rank: Firefighter-Paramedic Incident Date: April 1, 2018 Death Date: April 1, 2018 Fire Department: Madison Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter-Paramedic Richard L. Garner Jr. completed a 48 hour shift at 0700hrs on April 1, 2018, during which he responded to nineteen emergency calls. Later that day, between the times of 1200hrs and 1300hrs, Garner collapsed

Texas: Bernard Olive, 68 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: April 5, 2018 Death Date: April 5, 2018 Fire Department: Baytown Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Fire Chief Bernard Olive passed away while on duty from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Texas: Larry Marusik, 68 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 10, 2018 Death Date: March 23, 2018 Fire Department: Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: The Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management has reported the death of Firefighter Larry Marusik. Firefighter Marusik passed away at the Brooke Army Medical Center on March 23, 2018, from injuries sustained while battling a large grass fire on March 10, 2018.

Minnesota: Timothy Wayne Royce, 58 Rank: Second Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: March 29, 2018 Death Date: March 30, 2018 Fire Department: Mapleton Fire Department Initial Summary: Second Assistant Fire Chief Timothy Wayne Royce died from an apparent heart attack on March 30, 2018, several hours after responding with his fire department to a motor vehicle crash and a medical call, as well as participating in fire department training at the station.

Texas: Caleb Scott, 29 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 3, 2018 Death Date: April 3, 2018 Fire Department: North Richland Hills Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter Caleb Scott suffered a reported heart attack while at his fire station on the morning of April 3, 2018. Fellow responders immediately came to his aid at the firehouse before transporting him to Medical City North Hills Hospital, where Firefighter Scott later succumbed to his injury.

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RAINMAN14

Motorcyclist Dies After Colliding with Unmarked Police Car in Harrisburg Harrisburg, PA - Just hours after the Harrisburg Fire Expo ended, around 6:15 P.M. on May 26th, Harrisburg Bureau of Fire along with Harrisburg Police and LifeTeam EMS were sent to the intersection of N. 2nd St. and Seneca St. for a car accident with injuries. Harrisburg Fire Truck 2, Wagon 3 and Chief 5 went responding with reports of a motorcycle versus car, with CPR in progress. A motorcyclist had struck an unmarked Harrisburg Police car. The officer quickly sprung into action and began CPR on the motorcyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Pennsylvania State Police are conducting the accident investigation and reconstruction.

Firefighters perform a defensive attack.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Multiple Homes in McKees Rocks McKees Rocks, PA – On July 8th at 5:42 A.M., fire units were dispatched to a reported house on fire in the 400 block of Woodward Avenue in McKees Rocks Borough. Units were advised that they were receiving multiple calls and that there was possible entrapment.

McKees Rocks' Fire Chief arrived on scene and reported that he had three wood-frame structures fully involved with fire and extending on both sides. A secondalarm was then immediately

JUMP TO FILE #070918147 requested.

Crews were able to quickly verify that all occupants of the homes were accounted for and a defensive attack was set up in both the front and rear of the structure.

About 20 minutes into the incident, the home on the 'Bravo' side had collapsed. A third-alarm was requested as crews continued to at-

tack the fire before finally bringing it under control several hours later.

Two occupied homes were completely destroyed and a third unoccupied home sustained heavy fire damage. Two families, including five adults and seven children, were displaced and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

No injuries were reported and the fire is now under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

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.

NICK MARKOWITZ, JR.

Tractor-Trailer Fire Results in Major Traffic Delays on PA Turnpike

Monroeville, PA - Crews responded on the extremely hot day of July 1st to a report of a tractor-trailer on fire. The trailer was carrying wood products and headed westbound on the PA turnpike, between Irwin and Monroeville. The fire resulted in traffic being backed up for miles, and to make matters worse, a second truck jackknifed during the incident, blocking responders. Fire departments from Monroeville as well as departments from Westmoreland County responded and used foam to get the intense fire under control.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Station 21 of Mifflin County is the Mifflin County Forest Fire Crew. Currently the crew operates with a 1983 Ford F series crew cab pickup as Brush 21-1, which was in private use previously. Brush 212 is a 1984 Chevrolet/Knaphiede that served the West Granville Fire Company as Special Unit 17-1.

Both units use on-board portable pumps, Brush 21-1 carries 175 water and 21-2 carries 200-gallons.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Death...

Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

Death is something that is always around emergency services.

Emergency services sees it so much, and may meet death if things go wrong on a scene.

When I teach class, I say "Thank you for joining emergency services, now is the time to say goodbye to the age of innocence.

We see things that the public does not want to see, or even know what happens." After that statement is made, we start teaching them about critical incident stress management and other ways to handle stress, as well as resources that are out there.

Death is all around emergency services and it is something that all emergency services has to deal with. We deal with those who die in a fire, car crash, someone who has a heart attack or other medical call, someone who has taken their own life, a child or an elderly person that dies, etc. But this also may be the public, or from the emergency responder’s family, or the family of emergency services.

Sometimes it may seem like too much. Death does not discriminate. Sometimes emergency services may experience many deaths in a short amount of time from different parts of their lives.

Death is a part of life, not always a good part. When someone has been suffering, it is said that they experience pain no longer.

When it is quick, at least they did not feel any pain. Death cannot rule our lives. Responders need to work on how they will process the different deaths. Each death will hit a responder a different way.

Emergency services may or may not get used to how much is seen. When I worked my first shift in EMS, within the first five minutes I met death. Some people get accustomed to dealing with death of a client, to the point that when they see a bloody scene, they may think of what they are going to have for dinner. Other people may not be able to finish the rest of the shift. But one thing that we all have in common is that we all must deal with death.

People cope with death in many ways. Some people may use firehouse humor to help them lessen the blow. But some others may think about death a little more. Maybe the person reminded us of a family member, or was a family member. Maybe the person was someone that we have worked alongside of for many years.

Maybe when we see one particular face of death, we may think about

our own mortality.

We know that if someone in emergency services die, we put the mourning band over our badge, lower the flags to half-staff and put bunting on the station.

Some other companies may have their own traditions, but most of us mark the day and have the flags lowered for 30 days. There are other traditions that may arise at different stations to say goodbye to an emergency responder.

When a child dies, it hits hard.

An innocent child. When emergency responders have a call with a child, the pace gets quicker, they work harder and pull out all the stops. The death of a child or children effect emergency responders harder. Some of the people that have been portrayed as the rock may be effected more.

But emergency services is not exactly a safe occupation. Death is all around us and on certain calls we can almost see the Grim Reaper standing in the shadows as the emergency responders are trying to do the best work that is able to be performed.

Many emergency services wear the Class A uniforms more for funerals than anything else.

The black mourning band may seem to be over the badge for so long. Sometimes it may feel like joy will never come because there is so much in common. One fire chief told me that, “One thing we all have in common is death".

Each one of us needs to think about the way that we work with death. It is not an easy subject to talk about, but we can also make things easier for when it is our time to die. Think about a will, prearranging your funeral services, insurance, discussing if you are an organ donor, etc. Sometimes people say the best way that they want to die is quietly in their sleep.

What resources do you have to deal with seeing so much death? Do you have a chaplain to talk with? A counselor? The crisis team? Do you have friends to talk with, or that will mourn with you?

Job, when he lost everything, his friends came over and spent time with him. They sat there for seven days, just being present and not saying a word. But they were there for him. Are you there to help someone with death, even if it is by just sitting there?

Let us also remember to celebrate life. Tell your loved ones that you love them, let them hear those three words. Yes, love is a four letter word, why is it so easy to say the “F” four letter word, yet so hard to say the word love? We never know how or when we will die. Let those who you love hear it before they will never hear it from you.

Love you Dad!

www.1rbn.com

August, 2018

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VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Pennsylvania

PGI Announces the Introduction of FireLine Multi Mission Dual Certified Garments

MADELYN ROHRER

Working Vehicle Fire on Rt. 283 in E. Hempfield

E. Hempfield, PA - On Monday night, June 25th, the 23 House was alerted at 9:52 P.M. for a vehicle fire on Rt. 283. Units arrived to find a well involved SUV that had been rear-ended.

Engine 23-1 arrived and made quick work of the fire while Engine 69-2 checked for hazard control. Rescue 23 checked the truck that rear-ended the car. While crews handled the incident scene, the Fire Police Division re-routed traffic off of Rt. 283, as it was shut down. Units cleared the scene and opened the roadway back up at 10:47 P.M.

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.

MICHAEL MAY

The patch of Blaine Hill Volunteer Fire Company of Elizabeth Township (Allegheny County), PA.

Firefighters and departments are trained and prepared to respond to a wide variety of situations involving fires, explosions, rescues, medical emergencies, hazardous conditions and natural disasters.

They also respond to nonemergency service calls, good intent calls and false alarms. Less than 10% of fire department runs actually involve fire. EMS and rescue, good intent, false alarm and incident calls account for about 90% of all reported runs. These brave men and women need to be equipped with the proper PPE for their range of operations. PGI, Inc. is proud to introduce FireLine™ Multi Mission dual certified garments — innovative designs for more of what you do.

The number one fatality in line of duty deaths among firefighters and first responders is sudden cardiac arrest, most of which can be attributed to heat stress, overexertion and pre-existing medical conditions.

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FireLine Multi Mission garments are engineered to maximize protection, comfort and mobility at a price that’s about one-third the cost of traditional turnout gear. FireLine Multi Mission apparel is engineered for the work you do with proven FR fabrics offering the best combination of flash fire, thermal protection and abrasion resistance in a singlelayer garment. FireLine Multi Mission tech rescue gear features articulated elbows and knees, generous gusseting, radial sleeves and anatomical patterning providing unrivaled freedom of movement. High quality construction and an array of options allows for truly custom gear, so firefighters will have the right gear for the right job. The FireLine Multi Mission line offers first responders peace-of-mind protection with enhanced comfort and best-in-class performance.

UL Classified, FireLine Multi Mission PPE meets or exceeds both the NFPA 1951 Standard on Utility Technical Rescue for Protective Apparel as well as the NFPA 1977 Standard on Protective Clothing and equipment for wildland fire fighting.

Jim Sonntag, President, PGI, stated, “At PGI, our drive and relentless commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and service is paramount and we are committed to leading the way in the design and manufacture of high performance PPE. We pride ourselves in employing the most advanced materials and premium accessories, allowing us to create technical products that can be trusted to perform in the most extreme conditions.” Sonntag went on to say, “Our philosophy is to design and manufacture products that are as good as they can possibly be, performing over time and beyond expectation at the point of extreme need.”

Exclusively from PGI, FireLine Multi Mission gear is now available through leading fire service distributors in the US, Canada and throughout the world. For more information visit www.firelinemultimission.com or call PGI at 800-558-8290.

About PGI: As a market leader in technology driven personal protective apparel, PGI designs and manufactures innovative garments for firefighters, EMS, police, military and industrial professionals the world over. The PGI line of high performance products includes Cobra™, Cobra™ NextGen™ and Cobra BarriAire™ Gold Hoods, FireLine™ and FireLine Multi Mission gear, and DriGuard™ FR Base Layer garments.

Rooted in America’s heartland, Green Lake, Wisconsin, PGI products meet or exceed all applicable industry standards.

PGI, INC.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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READINGPAFIRE.COM

Firefighters arrived with fire showing in the rear of 742 North 9th St. A vehicle and several propane tanks burned, spreading fire into the adjacent building.

Firefighters Battle Fire and Severe Heat in Reading Reading, PA - With the northeast section of the country experiencing a massive heatwave in early July, phone calls began to flood the Berks County DES call center on July 1st reporting a fire in the 700 block of North 9th Street. A large column of smoke could be seen all throughout the city.

Chief Rehr (C8) arrived at 742 North 9th with fire showing in the rear. Firefighters made access from Douglass Street and stretched hose lines to attack the large volume of fire on the back of the structure. Numerous propane

JUMP TO FILE #070318110 tanks and a vehicle burning caused multiple explosions early in the incident. Companies accessing the front of the building forced entry and began a search of the apartments above.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 10 minutes, and all searches were clear with no injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

West Mifflin Battles Two-Alarm Apartment Fire

West Mifflin, PA - At 6:15 P.M. on July 13th, fire units were dispatched to a reported apartment building on fire with possible entrapment located on Midway Drive in West Mifflin. Shortly after dispatch, Homeville Station 293 reported heavy smoke seen in the area from their station. A second-alarm was then requested. Arriving units found a multi-unit rowhome style apartment building with one unit fully involved. Crews made a quick knock on the fire and then performed a primary search. No occupants were found. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews continued to work on extinguishing hot spots before the fire was finally placed under control at 7:11 P.M. All units cleared the scene at 10:07 P.M. There is no word on what may have started the fire. No one was injured and those displaced by the fire are now being assisted by the American Red Cross.

- JASON BATZ

Campers and firefighters pose for a group photo.

DORI-ANN MILES/LIMERICK FIRE CO.

Limerick Fire Co. Hosts 5th Annual Kid's Fire Camp PATRICK M. SHOOP, JR.

Two Alarms Struck for New Cumberland House Fire New Cumberland, PA - On May 24th at 1:02 P.M., Cumberland County Communications sent units to Box 10-03 at 418 7th St. in New Cumberland for a house fire. Units arrived to find heavy fire conditions and quickly upgraded to a secondalarm. Crews from Cumberland, York, Dauphin and Perry Counties responded or transferred for the fire.

Limerick, PA - The Limerick Fire Company recently completed their 5th Annual Kid's Fire Camp.

Over 130 children participated in the camp, where they get firsthand experience in different aspects of fire and emergency medical training.

Participants in the camp range from 6 to 13 years of age. The main focus of the camp is to teach fire safety in their everyday lives.

Children learn the basics of contacting 911, fire extinguisher use, how to carry ladders, and how to work as a team.

JUMP TO FILE #062518131 They also observed a vehicle rescue demonstration, watched a fire sprinkler demonstration, learned about tanker operations, and even talked to a PennSTAR crew who brought their helicopter to camp.

Later in the week, while wearing their issued turnout gear, children got to put some of the skills they learned to use as they worked side-by-side with firefighters using

hose lines and fire extinguishers.

They also competed in a mini firefighter challenge.

The fire company works with several surrounding agencies to put the camp on. Many members from mutual aid companies and families of members gave their time to come out and help on a daily basis, as it takes many people to run the program. There were close to 50 people daily who took time out of their schedule to make it successful.

- DAN MILLER

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COMMAND VEHICLES

If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Hazleton Deputy Chief 2 uses this 2017 Ford.

KEN SNYDER FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Four People Hospitalized, Three Families Displaced by Fast-Moving Fire in McKeesport

KEN SNYDER

The Montoursville FD uses this Chevy as a command vehicle.

City of McKeesport, PA - On June 16th at 5:05 A.M., McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire with entrapment in the 2600 block of Cleveland Street. Police arrived on-scene to find a fully involved structure with a woman and child trapped on a rear roof of the home.

The woman was able to drop the child to safety as the first arriving engine quickly rescued the woman. A second-alarm was then quickly requested as crews began to set up a defensive attack and protect the exposures.

Multiple fire hydrants failed as crews began to arrive, so several tankers were immediately dispatched. Exposures on both sides of the fire began to ignite as crews worked with tank water until a

JUMP TO FILE #061818101 water shuttle was set up. The home eventually collapsed, so crews began working on the exposures in order to keep the fire from spreading further.

Once crews finally received water, they were able to begin to knock down the bulk of the fire in the original structure and extinguish fire in the exposures. The fire was finally brought under control over an hour later as crews stayed on-scene for several hours in order to completely extinguish the fire.

Four people were inside the home when the fire broke out. Two of the residents were able to escape by jumping from second-floor win-

dows. All four people, including the five-year-old child, were taken to the hospital for numerous injuries and burns.

A total of three families were displaced. One exposure home sustained heavy fire damage and the other exposure sustained moderate fire and smoke damage. Three other homes and several cars were also damaged due to the heat. One firefighter sustained an ankle injury, but was treated at the scene.

There is no word on what may have started the fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is now investigating. The American Red Cross is helping the three families displaced by the fast-moving fire.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

TERRY RITZ

Fire Destroys Shed in Upper Hanover Township

Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Saturday, June 16th at 5:50 P.M., East Greenville Fire Dept. was dispatched to an unknown type of fire on Spring Valley Road. On arrival, Chief 38 had smoke and flames showing from a shed that was burned almost to the ground. Montgomery County Radio called and asked if he wanted to upgrade. He told them to dispatch a tanker just in case, but the fire was placed under control about 15 minutes later. There were no other outbuildings nearby. The cause of the fire is pending the outcome of the investigation. Assisting the fire department was Hereford Twp. with a tanker. East Greenville Fire Police also assisted.

There were no injuries.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 15

Crews Arrive to Find Working House Fire in Rapho Twp. Rapho Twp., PA - Around 8:00 P.M. on May 21st Lancaster County Station 75 (Fire Department of Mount Joy) and mutual aid were alerted for a dwelling fire, with multiple people calling in to the 911 center.

Chief 75 arrived to find a two-story JUMP TO FILE# home with fire 053118109 showing from the garage and the second-floor. Truck 75 and Engine 751 arrived at about the same time. While the truck was getting set up, Engine 751 knocked down most of the fire with the deck gun. The crew then pulled two hand lines and knocked down the rest of the fire with them and the master streams from the truck.

The incident was placed under control in about one-and-a-half hours. The PSP fire marshal was also called to the scene.

- TIMOTHY COOVER

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PAGE 16

August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

SCENES FROM THE 2018 HARRISBURG FIRE EXPO Photos by Todd Bender

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

PAGE 17

MEMORIAL BOARD

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

Two-car crash with entrapment in Ontelaunee Twp.

OWEN HELLER

Two-Car MVA with Entrapment in Ontelaunee Twp. Ontelaunee Twp., PA - On Friday, June 22nd around 5:43 P.M., Berks County DES dispatched Stations 37 and 12, along with Rescue 11 and Northern Berks EMS for a reported car accident with entrapment at Allentown Pike and East Huller Lane. Multiple calls were received reporting two vehicles with two people trapped.

Medic 672-1 arrived at 5:48 P.M. and reported two vehicles involved with one patient trapped in each car, and requested an additional Medic truck from Muhlenberg. Rescue 11 and Ladder 12 arrived at 5:50 P.M., along with Deputy 11, and began preparing to extricate both victims. Because of where the vehicles came to rest, Ladder 12 stretched their winch line to remove the pickup truck

JUMP TO FILE #062318100 from the driver's side of the SUV due to it being pushed against the guardrail with very limited access.

Once the pickup was removed, the crew from Ladder 12 went in service with their tools and began extrication on both vehicles with the assistance of Rescue 11's personnel. Rescue 37 arrived at 5:58 P.M. and mitigated fluids while the other companies were extricating the patients.

Crews from Ladder 12 and Rescue 11 had both patients extricated within eight minutes of their arrival.

LUKE DEPLEDGE

Reading, PA - June 25th marked the first anniversary of the passing of FF Matthew Schneck. Matthew came to Reading after retiring from Allentown FD. He was a veteran of the Navy and brought with him a wealth of knowledge in fire suppression, hazmat, bomb squad, and water rescue from his many years of service as a sailor and firefighter. Firefighters from Harrisburg, Allentown, Bethlehem and Reading Fire Departments came together to grind out a grueling workout in his honor on a hot morning. The workout had various exercises for firefighter fitness, as well as a rep scheme of ‘330’ (Matthew’s RFD badge number), and 22 push-ups (for veteran suicide awareness). Matt’s daughter Abby, and son Alex, were also in attendance and were surprised with Matt’s dog-tags during a presentation from Paramedic Dan Wassel.

- OWEN HELLER

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

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Get Good Knock on House Fire in North Braddock

FRANK ROBINSON

Sunbury Steam Fire Engine Co. No. 1 still operates this 1974 Mack CF 1000/750.

North Braddock, PA - On Thursday, July 5th at 8:00 P.M., Allegheny County 911 dispatched fire units to the 1100 block of Franklin Avenue in North Braddock Borough for a reported house fire. County advised units that they were receiving multiple calls. The first arriving officer found heavy fire showing from the second-floor. Crews quickly went to work and knocked down the bulk of the fire in under 20 minutes. Crews then began to perform overhaul. The home was vacant at the time. No injuries were reported and the fire is now under investigation.

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August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Hazleton House Fire Possibly Started by Fireworks

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.

RAINMAN14

Lake Harmony Fire Co. runs this 2009 Pierce Arrow XT with 105’ Aerial Ladder, 525-gallon tank and 2000-GPM pump as Ladder 1721.

Mohnton Fire Co. runs this 2002 pierce dash with 105’ Aerial, 400gallon tank and 1500-GPM pump as Ladder 57.

RAINMAN14

JASON BATZ

The Spring Township Fire Dept. operates this 2017 Emergency One Typhoon 1500/530 pumper as Engine 85.

DALE FEEHRER

The Newburg Hopewell VFC operates this 2006 Mack/KME (500/3000) as Tanker 151.

Luzerne County, PA - Over 50 people lined the sidewalks of Carleton Avenue in Hazleton on Wednesday night, July 4th, to watch as fire tore through two buildings.

Around 11:30 P.M., JUMP TO FILE# Hazleton City Fire 070518106 and Medic 26 were dispatched to the 300 block of Carleton Avenue for a reported house fire.

First responding units advised communications that a header was present as crews raced toward the Heights neighborhood.

Crews arrived on scene to find heavy fire consuming the rear of two duplexes at the corner of Carelton and East Court. A nearby SUV was also on fire.

Chief 2 immediately requested all apparatus to be staffed and respond to the scene. Rescue 3 and Ladder 1 proceeded to the front of the building where smoke could be seen escaping from all floors of the original fire building.

An engine was positioned on East Court and a blitz fire was placed into service. Command requested RIT and an engine out of Hazle Township, as well as a move-up of McAdoo’s Quint to cover the City. Hazle Engine 2 secured a water supply at Berner Ave. and East Court and sent water to the scene.

As firefighters worked to get a handle on the fire, flames began to blow out of a first-floor window on the “D” side, which was only a few feet away from the exposure. Crews knocked down that fire and the smoke escaping from the second-floor began to intensify. The second-floor window was taken out, and shortly after, fire was blowing out of the second-floor. Personnel stretched an additional hand line from Rescue 3 and began to knock down the fire from the street.

At this time, McAdoo’s Quint was brought into the scene as well as a Rapid Intervention Team from Mahanoy City. Freeland was sent on the move-up to the city’s south side station.

Additional crews were sent into the exposure through the front door and directed to check for extension in the upper floors.

Light smoke from the roof began to turn to dark brown smoke as crews could be seen pulling ceilings in the third-floor. A crew ascended Ladder 1 and put a hole in the roof for ventilation. At the same time, thick black smoke began to pour out of the attic window of the original fire building.

Firefighters in the exposure building were unable to bring the fire under control and the smoke continued to thicken until flames were seen from the “B” side and through the top of the roof. Tower Ladder 1 backed into the scene and set up for ladder pipe operations. The Tower opened up its

Flames shoot out of the second-floor as a firefighter climbs down a ladder at a Carleton Ave. fire in Hazleton that destroyed two duplexes.

JC KRIESHER

ladder pipe on the roof of the exposure building and knocked down the fire.

All crews were then ordered to evacuated the buildings. Heavy fire began to shoot through the roof and out the attic window of the original fire building until the ladder pipe from Ladder 1 was put into service to help with the Tower.

Water was continuously poured onto both buildings until the bulk of the fire was knocked down around 1:30 A.M. Crews remained on scene well into the morning extinguishing hot spots and investigating the fire. Accord-

ing to the American Red Cross, 11 people from four families were displaced by the fire and receiving assistance.

During the night, Hazleton Police Chief Jerry Speziale posted on social media indicating that the fire was possibly started by fireworks being set off for the holiday.

It is unknown if the fireworks in question were the type that were recently legalized in Pennsylvania.

The new fireworks law has been a hot topic for safety among first responders throughout the state.

Smoke billows from an attic window.

- JC KRIESHER

JC KRIESHER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

PAGE 19

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes

For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work.

With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way.

The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers.

“The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper.

“The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND

gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.”

Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-

ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space.

Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the

down payment dollars needed at closing.

The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington.

To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements.

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

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August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Guest speaker, York County Judge Todd Platts.

ROB BRADY

Hanover Area Volunteer Fire and Rescue Celebrates its Formation with Ribbon Cutting and Celebration

Fall River, MA - "In 1998, the Fire Department issued a challenge to the Fire Companies to come up with a logo for their respective company. My Company was first commissioned in 1873 as Massasoit Engine Company Five, so we came up with a logo that featured an Indian wearing a fire helmet inside a Maltese cross emblem. My tattoo is a replica of the Indian on the logo." -Kenneth Leger

Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at

Hanover, PA - On Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., the Hanover Area Volunteer Fire and Rescue welcomed the community to celebrate its ribbon cutting and first organizational meeting at the Clover Lane Fire Station in Hanover. Company and department members, both past and present, along with local and state officials attended the celebration. The Honorable Judge Todd Platts conducted the Oath of Office and was the guest speaker. PA State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego attended and congratulated the new

JUMP TO FILE #061418102 officers of the Company.

Hanover Area Volunteer Fire and Rescue is the result of the consolidation of Hanover Borough fire companies Eagle Fire Company No. 2 and Clearview Fire Company No. 3, and Penn Township fire companies Penn Township Volunteer Emergency Services and the Fire Police of Penn Township.

Along with the Hanover Area

Fire Rescue Commission, which was formed in January of 2017 by the municipal governments, the consolidated volunteer organization will jointly serve a population of over 35,000 people in southwestern York County. The new company and Commission provide Fire-Rescue, EMS, Scuba, Advance Technical Rescue and Fire Police services.

The career division of the Commission is represented by IAFF Local 2045.

DRILLS/TRAINING

- ROB BRADY

To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

KEN SNYDER

Cetronia F.D. Holds Open House

South Whitehall Twp., PA - On Saturday, May 12th, the Cetronia F.D. held an open house at their station from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Apparatus was on display and there were demonstrations and refreshments available.

DAN MILLER

Members from the Montgomery County Foam Task Force recently conducted a drill at the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center in Sharon Hill. The task force consists of several fire agencies from throughout Montgomery County as well as the County Hazardous Materials Response Team. Crews used different types of nozzles and application methods to practice extinguishing fires.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

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August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firefighters Keep Multi-Alarm Blaze Contained to One of Three Barns in Hustontown Hustontown, PA - On the afternoon of May 27th, Fulton County 911 received reports of a commercial barn fire in the area of 3476 South Madden Road, just north of Hustontown in Taylor Township. The Hustontown Vol. JUMP TO FILE# Fire Co. was dis- 060318105 patched out on Box 5704 with crews from McConnellsburg, Needmore and Fannett-Metal Fire Companies at 3:01 P.M. Hustontown Fire Chief 57 marked up directly after dispatch and was advised by Fulton Dispatch that they had reports of a commercial barn fully involved and impinging on a natural gas tank.

Chief 57 approached the scene with heavy smoke and fire showing and immediately requested an additional alarm. Upon his arrival, Chief 57 reported the correct address as being the Huston Hollow Farm at 2994 South Madden Road and confirmed he had a working fire. Firefighters had an approxi-

mate 80’x400’ hog barn well involved in between two other barns, with livestock still in the structure.

Firefighters battled the blaze and worked to free the trapped livestock and protect surrounding exposures. The blaze was upgraded to a third-alarm equivalent for additional tankers as crews used multiple hose lines and ladder pipe operations for nearly an hour before bringing the flames under control.

Firefighters were committed on the scene for several hours conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots in the middle barn that caught fire. Heavy equipment had to be used to pull down walls and remove debris to help extinguish the flames. Firefighters' aggressive efforts were able to keep the blaze contained to the middle barn only, limiting the loss. The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal’s Office was notified about the blaze, but the cause of the fire is not currently known. It is unconfirmed if any livestock was lost during the incident, but no injuries were reported.

Nearly 100 emergency responders from over 20 different agencies from Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia responded to the multi-alarm blaze. Fulton County PA crews responded from Hustontown VFC Co.57, McConnellsburg VFC Co.56, and Needmore VFC Co.55. Hustontown received mutual aid from Franklin County PA’s Fannett-Metal Fire & Ambulance Co.12, Metal Twp. Fire & Ambulance Co.21, St. Thomas Fire & Rescue Co.18, Franklin Fire Sta.4, MMP&W VFD Co.9, Marion VFC Co.8; Huntingdon County PA’s Shade Gap Area Fire Co.14, Robertsdale Wood & Broad Top Fire Co.17, Three Springs VFC Co.12, Orbisonia-Rockhill VFC Co.9, Trough Creek Valley VFC Co.21; Bedford County PA’s Everett Fire Co.32, Six Mile Run Area VFC Co.36, Bedford Fire Co.31, Breezewood VFC Co.40; Cumberland County PA’s Newburg-Hopewell VFC Co.51, Cumberland Valley Hose Co.53; Morgan County WV’s Berkeley Springs Fire Co.1; and Washington County MD’s Hancock Fire Co.5.

SHADE GAP AREA V.F.C.

Ladder Trucks from McConnellsburg Fire, Bedford Fire and Franklin Station 4 conduct Ladder Pipe operations, keeping the fire contained to one of three commercial barns in Hustontown.

Additional assistance was received in the way of transfers from Bedford County PA’s Southern Cove VFD Co.41, Saxton VFC Co.35, Franklin County PA’s West Fire Co.15, Allegany County MD’s

Orleans VFD Co.43, and Morgan County WV’s Berkeley Springs Fire Co.1.

- WILLIAM KING

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

PAGE 23

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August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Working Fire Assignment Requested in Columbia Borough Columbia, PA - Around 2:00 A.M. on July 9th, Columbia Borough Fire Dept. and mutual aid departments were alerted for a house fire on Cloverton Drive. Crews went enroute and were given an update of multiple callers reporting fire in the garage. Police units JUMP TO FILE# on scene were also 071718120 reporting a working fire.

Engine 802 arrived on scene with an attached garage fully engulfed with an exposure being effected by the heat of the fire. Command requested the working fire assignment to be filled.

Crews worked on scene for about four hours. The Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate.

- TIMOTHY COOVER

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TIMOTHY COOVER

Simple Advice ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Simple Advice

By James O. Page Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $20.00 This is a soft cover book measuring 6" x 9" with 164 pages.

It is a compilation of 45 essays by the author who is now deceased, but had a very colorful career beginning with the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1957.

He implemented the L. A. County’s paramedic program in

1971, and for a time served as a technical consultant for the T.V. series, Emergency. I’ll let you, the reader, comprehend his impressive bio.

These essays are grouped into 12 sections. Such topics are One Man’s Career, Extraordinary People, Fire Service Culture, California Firestorms, When Things Go Wrong, The Ride of My Life, Fire Chiefs, Getting Things Done through People, Ink Fights, Keep The Lawyers Out Of This, Bureaucratic Foibles, and Movies And Television. There are two to four stories in each of these groups, none of which are very long but all very interesting. There is also an epilogue.

The only photo (other than two small black and white ones of the author), is of the author at the back bumper of a replica of old Rescue 11, a 1947 Ford panel truck which was formerly a plumber’s truck for sale in Minnesota that he bought and later restored to look like the first rescue truck he was assigned to.

Read previous columns from John Malecky and the rest of our staff at www.1RBN.com

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.

Lavelle Tanker 4-32 has one line stretched at a brush fire that spread to an outbuilding in Butler Township.

JC KRIESHER

Pine Grove (North End) Ladder 58-25 serves as the first-due truck company for a building fire in Hegins Township.

JC KRIESHER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

PAGE 25

Vehicle News

DALE FEEHRER

The Lower Providence FD has taken delivery of this 2017 Sutphen walk-on rescue.

Smoke and flames escape from all sides of a vacant home on Island Rd. in the Mahanoy Plane section of Gilberton.

JC KRIESHER

Gilberton Vacant Destroyed by Fire DALE FEEHRER

The Hazleton FD is now operating this 2018 KME Predator (2000/750/Hurst) rescue-pumper, designated as Rescue 3.

DALE FEEHRER

The Bridgeport Fire Dept. recently placed this 2018 KME engine into service, designated as Engine 32.

DALE FEEHRER

The "Washies" of Danville have recently taken delivery of a Spartan/Rescue 1 walk-in rescue with a 24' box built on a 2018 Spartan Gladiator chassis, designated as Rescue 27.

Schuylkill County, PA - At 6:50 P.M. on Sunday, June 10th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 sent a firstalarm structure assignment to the area of 116 Island Road in the Mahanoy Plane section of JUMP TO FILE# Gilberton for a re- 061818139 ported house fire.

The first-alarm included Districts 44 (Gilberton), 43 (Frackville), 45 (Girardville), 48 (Mahanoy City), 64 (Shenandoah) and Englewood Engine 369.

Marshal 44 arrived on the scene shortly after dispatch and found a vacant, two-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing from all sides. Mahanoy Plane Engine 44-10 was first to arrive and stopped short of the fire building, which was located on a small heavily wooded lane, and was followed by Engine 44-15.

A water supply was secured from a nearby hydrant but the municipal water supply does not provide adequate water for a working fire which led command to request a tanker task force. Tankers from Fountain Springs, Gordon, Mahanoy City, Ryan Township and Shenandoah were sent on the task force along with an engine from Shenandoah Heights, a ladder from Ashland and engines from Fountain Springs and Ryan Township.

Multiple lines were stretched to all sides of the fire building, including blitz fires, and crews attacked the fire from the exterior as structural compromise was already evident. Mahanoy City Chief 48 took command of the operations on the "C/D" sides. Engine 369 was assigned water supply and began to pump water from the tankers down into the scene.

The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 30 minutes of firefighters arriving on the scene. Crews continued to pour water on the building from the outside and in an attempt to get a better angle, crews moved a blitz fire up a steep embankment and began to flow from the top of the nearby railroad bed.

Around an hour into the incident, command declared most of the fire under control and began to re-

lease some of the tankers. Command also requested a State Police Fire Marshal to the scene.

Crews remained on the scene well into the evening cleaning up hot spots and later returned in the early morning hours for a rekindle. One firefighter sustained a minor injury on the scene and was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

- JC KRIESHER

JC KRIESHER

Englewood firefighters work to knock down visible fire on the second-floor of the vacant home.

PAGE 26

August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Three Firefighters Transported to Hospital During Millvale House Fire Millvale, PA - On July 8th at 2:56 P.M., firefighters were dispatched to Millvale Borough for a report of smoke and flames seen coming from a home behind Howard Street. Millvale's Fire Chief arrived and found a working fire on Siegel Street with heavy smoke coming from the roof area. Crews quickly went to work attacking the fire.

At one point, a firefighter was

JUMP TO FILE #070918148 injured and had to be helped from the structure with a leg injury. A second-alarm was requested for manpower as crews spotted smoke coming from an exposure structure.

Crews were able to force entry into the exposure and extinguished some fire that had extended from the orig-

inal home. No residents were inside the exposure home at the time of the fire, but crews were able to rescue several pets from inside.

Three firefighters were transported to local hospitals, two with heat exhaustion and one with a leg injury. All were later released. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is now investigating.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

PROVIDED

Firefighters Rescue Multiple People from Fast-Moving Structure Fire in Dubois Dubois, PA - On the morning of Saturday, May 19th, firefighters from throughout Clearfield and Jefferson Counties responded to 322 W. Long Avenue in downtown Dubois for a structure fire with reported entrapment.

Crews were dispatched out at 9:53 A.M. The first engine arrived on scene in two minutes and 15 seconds of the initial call to find a three-story building with heavy fire and smoke showing through the front door. According to DuBois Volunteer F.D. Chief Ben Blakley, the fire started on the first-floor, which houses Mike’s Lock and Hardware store, before spreading throughout the rest of the building.

Firefighters rescued at least six people from the burning building, including three that were pulled from the fire escape, two from the second-floor hallways, and another from the roof. Three residents and two firefighters sustained minor burns and smoke inhalation and were transported from the scene to a local hospital for treatment, where they were later released.

Firefighters' efforts to put the fire out were hampered due to

JUMP TO FILE #052418103 how old the building was, as well as the head start the fast-moving flames already had on them when they arrived. The blaze was declared under control around 12:30 P.M., a little over two hours after the initial dispatch.

Dozens of firefighters responded and worked at the scene, including Dubois, West Sandy and Oklahoma of the Sandy Twp. Fire Department, Reynoldsville Borough, Sykesville Borough, Clearfield, Brockway, Brookville and Lawrence Township. Ambulances from DuSAN, DuBois EMS, Jefferson County EMS and Clearfield EMS also responded and assisted at the scene.

Approximately 20 people were displaced by the fire and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. It's possible that the building will be a total loss. The cause of the fire is unknown and currently under investigation.

- LINDSEY PALMER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

August, 2018

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August, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

Bureau of Fire, City of Harrisburg Station No. 1 is located in Dauphin County, PA.

City of Harrisburg Station No. 1

TIMOTHY COOVER

Firefighters arrived with smoke showing from three dwellings in the 200 block of West Douglass St.

LT. ANDREW GETKA

Three Alarms Struck in Reading

Ladder 2 is a 2015 Pierce Arrow XT tractor drawn ladder truck.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Reading, PA - On Tuesday evening, June 19th, the Berks County DES 911 center received a call reporting a house on fire at 242 West Douglass Street. Within seconds, additional calls began to flood the center reporting smoke and flames showing from several houses in the block.

Box Alarm 0704 was transmitted, turning "C" platoon companies out on a hot and humid evening. Engine 7 arrived at a three-story MOR with smoke showing from the third-floor. Firefighters forced their way into the

JUMP TO FILE #062118101 dwelling and stretched a line to the upper floors. With fire spreading into the adjacent dwellings at 240 and 244, Deputy Chief Stoudt (Car 4) requested a second-alarm at 7:06 P.M. Searches were conducted throughout the fire and exposure buildings with no one found. Additional hose lines operated in both 240 and 244 West Douglass.

A third-alarm was transmitted at

Bob Long

Wagon 3 that runs the streets of Harrisburg is a 2008 Pierce Arrow XT. TIMOTHY COOVER

Utility 1 is also located at Station 1.

TIMOTHY COOVER

7:25 P.M. due to the heat and humidity. One occupant from 244 was taken to Reading Hospital after fainting.

The fire was placed under control at 8:00 P.M. with no other injuries reported. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Firefighters from West Reading, Spring Township, Greenfields, and Goodwill of Hyde Park assisted. Offduty firefighters placed reserve apparatus in service for emergency response.

- JASON BATZ

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

BILL BARR

Two of three airtankers stationed at the Hazleton airtanker base recently worked a wildfire in Hazle Township. Tankers 874 and 855 dropped six loads of 800-gallon each on the fire that occurred on a red flag day. Ground crews from at least 10 local fire departments and DCNR Forestry battled the stubborn blaze, fighting high temperatures and wind for several hours before bringing it under control. Pictured is Tanker 855 dropping on the wildfire.

Firefighters fight the fast-moving fire.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighter Charged with Arson During Brackenridge House Fire Brackenridge, PA – At 4:21 P.M. on May 21st, firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of 7th Avenue in Brackenridge for a reported structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a duplex with heavy fire showing. The fire quickly consumed the home as firefighters set up a defensive attack. The fire was finally placed under control at 6:33 P.M. An 18-year-old firefighter, Patrick Gillis, who belonged to Pioneer Hose Company, Highlands Hose Company and also a volunteer with the Salvation Army, later ad-

JUMP TO FILE #052218105 mitted to starting the fire. According to the criminal complaint, multiple witnesses told police that they saw Gillis in the area just before the fire, and then saw him return as a firefighter with Pioneer Hose Company.

Police stated that the fire chief had informed them that he had previously lived in the duplex. Police then questioned Gillis at the scene and placed him under arrest. Gillis

then admitted to setting the fire by placing a lighter and some paper inside of a microwave, turning it on and leaving. When asked why he had done it, Gillis claimed he had just wanted to respond to a fire.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s Office also confirmed that the fire had originated in the microwave. Gillis was being held in the Allegheny County Jail, charged with arson and several other offenses.

No one was injured during the incident.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

FIRE EQUIPMENT

If you have photos for “Fire Equipment” please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

ARTIE OSNIAK

Structure Fire Heavily Damages Tavern in Dawson

Dawson, PA - On Friday, May 18th around 1:45 A.M., Fayette County Companies were dispatched to River Road in Dawson for a commercial structure fire at Chubboy's Tavern. First arriving units encountered heavy fire conditions with collapse of the structure. Units from Fayette and Westmoreland Counties worked this fire for hours and were called back for a rekindle around noon. No injuries were reported and the fire is being investigated by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.

Got hose?! Neptune Fire Co.'s Engine 33 was originally designed as an attack engine, and while those capabilities continue, the need for more hose has grown. Starting in 2004 there was a large number of members who were around for all types of daylight calls, including being called out-of-county to barn fires and for manpower. Engine 33 has 3,500-feet of 5" LDH hose which can be split into dual 1,500-foot lays.

J. KNOLL/2 GUYS FIRE-RESCUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

MEMORIAL BOARD

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

JC KRIESHER

Crews stretch a bumper line to the truck tractor fire where a good Samaritan was able to wake the sleeping driver before the fire overtook the cab.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Braddock, PA - On Tuesday, July 3, 2018, Thomas “TJ” Petrovic, Fire Chief and Charter Member of Braddock Volunteer Fire Department #2 Station 113, passed away unexpectedly. Chief Petrovic was a member of the Braddock Fire Department since it’s incorporation in 1972, and served the community for 46 years. Chief Petrovic was 63-years-old. He will be missed by his family, the members of his department and the entire community.

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.

Good Samaritan Saves Sleeping Truck Driver from Fire in Hazle Twp. Hazle Twp., PA - A good Samaritan was able to awaken a sleeping truck driver to get him out of his burning truck on Wednesday morning, May 23rd. At 4:28 A.M., Hazle Township Fire/Rescue and APTS Medic 11 were dispatched to the CanDo Expressway and Maplewood Drive near the Humboldt Industrial Park for a reported vehicle fire.

Chief 141 arrived on the scene to find a fully involved truck tractor attached to a trailer in the parking lot of Maplewood Plaza at 626 CanDo Expressway. Engine 3 pulled into

JUMP TO FILE #052318129 the parking lot and stretched a bumper line to the fire. Tanker 6 arrived and fed the Engine while crews worked to extinguished the fire. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in less than 10 minutes.

According to Hazle Township Chief Scott Kostician, a passing truck driver noticed flames coming out from the driver’s side front

wheel area and immediately pulled over and went up to the truck. The good Samaritan began banging on the door of the truck and awoke the sleeping driver who was unaware of the fire. The driver was able to jump out of the truck to safety, wearing only a pair of pants. No injuries were reported on the scene.

Rescue 141 and Pennsylvania State Police–Hazleton also assisted at the scene. Fire personnel were clear shortly after 5:00 A.M. - JC KRIESHER

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 29 of the Prescott Fire Company in South Lebanon Twp. (Lebanon County), is a 1993 E-One Protector that originally served the Cleona Fire Company on the west side of the county. It has a 1500 pump, 750 water and 30 Foam, and replaces a 1970 Hahn which had previously served the Goodwill Fire Company of neighboring Myerstown.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Battle Fully Involved House Fire in McKeesport

McKeesport, PA - At 1:00 A.M. on June 5th, City of McKeesport firefighters were dispatched to a possible structure fire in the area of Lincoln and Olive Streets after 911 Dispatch received several calls for a fire in that area. Police arrived on scene and confirmed a fully involved house located on Olive Street. McKeesport Deputy 3 immediately requested a second-alarm with call backs for his station. Crews went to work setting up a defensive attack due to the structure being vacant, and protected an adjoining exposure. After about an hour, crews were able to get the bulk of the fire knocked down before the structure collapsed. The collapse caused a telephone pole and wires to come down, but no firefighters were injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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August, 2018

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