1st Responder News PA December

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DECEMBER, 2014 DECEMBER, 2015

FIRE LEAVES MANY HOMELESS IN ASHLAND

STEPHEN BARRETT

Ashland, Schuylkill County, PA - On October18th, after 2:10 p.m., the Ashland Fire Department Girardville Ranger Fire Company and Ashland Ambulance were dispatched to 1234 West Walnut Street for a house fire. Ashland’s Fire Chief Phil Groody reported flames coming from all three sides of the two rowhomes.

- See full story on page 22

Happy Holidays!

To our advertisers and readers

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December, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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Hydetown MVA injures three

Hydetown VFD was dispatched for a MVA with rollover and possible entrapment on October 23rd. Upon arrival, Hydetown units found no entrapment, but did have one vehicle with heavy damage and a Jeep 4x4 rolled over. One patient was flown to Erie's UPMC Hamot Medical Center for multiple traumatic injuries. Two patients were transported to Titusville Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Hydetown units remained on scene until the roadway was cleared.

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EAST COCALICO FIRE DEPARTMENT

East Cocalico Township takes survival program

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 19 No. 12 - 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 in error. Omissions or errors must be A division of: brought to the attention of the newspaper during the s a m e month of publication.

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JEFF GOLDBERG

Veteran’s Day Parade

Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA. Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in Lower Makefield Township's Veteran's Day Parade.

Reamstown, PA. Firefighters from the East Cocalico Township Fire Department along with some others trained in firefighter survival techniques on Saturday, November 7th. The 16 hour class was hosted through Bucks County Community College. Members constructed their own props to keep the class within the township without having to leave the area. The class was instructed by Jason Batz, Scot Lands and James Lerch.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

TIMOTHY COOVER KEN SNYDER

Han-Le-Co housing Hanover Twp., Lehigh County, PA. On October 10th, the HanLe-Co Fire Company held a dedication and housing for their 2015 Pierce quint.

Multiple alarm commercial building in Lebanon County Crews were dispatched for a large commercial building at Acorn Manufacturing at 7:20 p.m. on November 5th. Initial callers reported a well off building with explosions.

Chief 3 Daniel Bradon (Lawn Fire Department) asked for the second alarm placed on standby until arriving on scene. While Bradon was responding to the scene, he reported a column from a mile out. On scene, Chief Bradon reported a fully involved structure fire and requested the second alarm assignment to head to the scene.

Flames were shooting about 40 to 50 feet into the air. Crews went

JUMP TO FILE #110715100 to masterstream operations right away and set up a fill site at Mount Gretna Lake.

Crews found multiple buildings involved with collapse, a couple tractor trailers, and fire rolling over a propane tank. After doing an aerial view of the fire, crews found the first building had fire in the roof area and heavy fire throughout the rear off the building with multiple 1000 gallon propane tanks on C/D corners.

About 30 minutes into the call, they declared everything was col-

lapsing with a block shell. Also, heavy embers were flying around into the woods surrounding the structure.

Crews kept apparatus coming all night until the fire was declared under control at about 4 a.m. on the 6th of November. About 20 fire departments from all over Lebanon, Lancaster, and Dauphin Counties were at the scene.

The Salvation Army brought out their food truck to provide food and drinks to the emergency crews working the fire.

No one was injured and everyone went home.

- TIMOTHY COOVER

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

KEN SNYDER

Annual Fire Prevention Expo On October 8th, the Norco Fire Co. 64 held their annual Fire Prevention Expo at the Coventry Mall, just south of Pottstown. This event marked a return to this mall and was well attended.

KEN SNYDER

This 2012 Ford Expedition of the Honey Brook F Co. No.1 is used as the Duty Officer’s vehicle.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT MID ATLANTIC RESCUE SYSTEMS!

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December, 2015

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Missouri: Larry J. Leggio, 43 Rank: Fire Apparatus Operator Incident Date: October 12, 2015 Death Date: October 12, 2015 Fire Department: Kansas City (Missouri) Fire Department Missouri: John V. Mesh, 39 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 12, 2015 Death Date: October 12, 2015 Fire Department: Kansas City (Missouri) Fire Department

Initial Summary: Fire Apparatus Operator Larry J. Leggio and Firefighter John V. Mesh died from injuries sustained in a structural collapse while working at the scene of an apartment building fire.

Multiple units were dispatched at 1927hrs on initial calls that indicated fire visible from the structure; additional units were dispatched as the incident escalated, with a full second alarm requested shortly after arrival. Tactical assignments were made, including establishing a Rapid Intervention Team, and crews began operating to effect fire suppression and occupant rescue, rescuing multiple occupants by ladder prior to deteriorating conditions and forcing a shift to defensive operations. Evacuation was ordered at 1952hrs. At approximately 2007hrs, a collapse was reported on the east side of the building. Two MAYDAY calls were received from the collapse area, indicating firefighters in urgent distress; four firefighters were reported trapped by the collapse. The Rapid Intervention Team witnessed the collapse and held their ground for no more than 10 seconds until Command ordered them to effect the rescue. They located, uncovered and removed several firefighters from the immediate area.

The first ambulance transporting a firefighter departed the scene at approximately 2013hrs, arriving at Truman Medical Center (TMC) approximately five minutes later. A second emergency transport left the scene at approximately 2021hrs with arrival at TMC five minutes following. Both those firefighters, Fire Apparatus Operator Leggio and Firefighter Mesh, were pronounced dead at the hospital after paramedics, nurses and doctors had attempted to revive them. A third firefighter was transported to University of Kansas Medical Center at 2023hrs and a fourth transported non-emergency to St Luke’s at approximately 2027hrs; their condition is still to be reported.

The cause of the fatal fire is being investigated by local, state, and federal authorities.

Tennessee: Antonio Smith, 46 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: October 6, 2015 Death Date: October 7, 2015 Fire Department: Memphis Fire Department Initial Summary: Fewer than 24 hours after responding to an emergency call with the Memphis Fire Department, Fire Lieutenant Smith was found deceased near his residence inside of his personal vehicle. The nature and cause of Lieutenant Smith's fatal injury are still to be reported.

Ohio: Charles “Chuck” Horning, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 13, 2015 Death Date: October 13, 2015 Fire Department: Townsend Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Horning was found deceased, slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle, approximately eight hours after responding to a fire call with his fire department. The nature and cause of the fatal injury is still to be determined.

New Jersey: Gerald "Bear" Celecki, 70 Rank: Fire Police Officer Incident Date: October 14, 2015 Death Date: October 14, 2015 Fire Department: South Amboy Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Police Officer Celecki collapsed while directing traffic at an emergency incident. Celecki, who was also chief of the Middlesex County Fire Police, was treated on-scene by fellow responders and transported to the hospital but succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

Texas: Larry O'Neil , 58 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 25, 2015 Death Date: October 25, 2015 Fire Department: Lone Camp Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter O'Neil was responding to an emergency medical call in a fire department vehicle and had just arrived on-scene when fellow responders noticed that he had become ill. Firefighter O’Neil was removed from the vehicle, provided medical assistance, and transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of injury still to be reported but thought to be cardiac related.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

J. LENNON

Nice stop on fast moving Freeland fire Freeland, Luzerne County, PA. On November 13, 2015, fire crews from several counties battled a large dwelling fire.

Crews arrived to heavy fire in the dwelling, which eventually broke through the roof.

Two ladder pipes were put into service along with several other master streams to contain the fire from spreading to a nearby dwelling.

Standby companies came from

JUMP TO FILE #111615127 as far away as Lake Harmony in Carbon County.

Officials state that a culinary mishap was the cause of the fire.

No injuries were reported and 11 people were displaced because of the fire.

- JOSEPH LENNON

EASTERN YORK EMA

Lower Windsor brings squad and engine company Engine 41 and Rescue 41-1 took an evening trip to Lisa Circle in Lower Windsor for a house fire on Monday. Rescue 411 arrived on scene and crews conducted a search that proved negative. Crews assisted in fire suppression, opening up and overhaul operations. Crews worked for several hours until all hot spots were out. Thanks to Lancaster Companies 10 (Marietta), and 79 (Maytown) for standing by at the 41 house!

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

DARIN SMITH

Fire erupts after a wall collapsed on a shed causing the homeowner to retreat.

BOB DEVONSHIRE

The Berwick Fire Police operate this 2003 Utilimaster van for traffic control throughout the Berwick area.

Shed burns in Bart Township A shed burned to the ground in Bart Township. Bart Township Fire Company (Station 51) along with several neighboring fire companies responded to the 1000 block of Georgetown Road for a working shed fire just before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday October 25, 2015.

Two residents attacked the fire, tried to keep the house cool with garden hoses prior to the fire departments arrival. One line was pulled from the back yard while a second

JUMP TO FILE #102515104 line was deployed to the roof.

Engine 51-2 arrived and stretched the initial one and three quarter inch line to attack the bulk of the fire. A backup line was stretched to cool the exposure building and assist with extinguishment.Tanker 51 arrived and supplied water to Engine 51-2.

Crews knocked down the bulk of the fire quickly and began overhaul. Firefighters checked the home which stood about ten feet from the shed for extension.

Damage to the home was limited to melted siding from the heat.

The shed and its contents were a total loss.

Firefighters were on scene for about 45 minutes.

- BOB DEVONSHIRE

FRANK ROBINSON

Lionville Fire Company operates a 1998 Pierce Lance heavy rescue.

FRANK ROBINSON

Schuylkill Haven Hose Co. 2 operates a 2008 Pierce Velocity 2000/1000/30F.

ANDREW GETKA

Car fire in Lower Providence Lower Providence Fire Department was advised of a car fire at Saint Gabriel's Hall on Pawlings Rd. Squad 53 arrived to find a car well off. The squad and engine crews quickly contained the fire.

FRANK ROBINSON

Downingtown Alert Fire Department utilizes a 2013 E-One 100' tower ladder. It has a 2000 gpm pump and 130 gallon water tank.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

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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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

KEN SNYDER

Engine 110 of the Aquashicola Fire Department is a 2012 American La France 1250/750, which formally saw service with Hughstown

TERRY RITZ

Accident with injuries in Upper Hanover Township

FRANK ROBINSON

Grove City Fire once ran this 1982 American La France 100' ladder.

It has a 1000 gpm pump and a 500 gallon tank. The unit is now privately owned.

Upper Hanover Township, PA. On Nov. 8, 2015 at 10:46 p.m., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to an accident with injuries on Church Rd. in Upper Hanover Twp. When Chief 38 and Squad 38 arrived, they found a car with heavy damage and a person injured inside the car under a carport adjacent to the house.

JUMP TO FILE #110915101 Apparently, the car ran off the road, went across the lawn and the shrubs, hit the parked car under the carport, and came to rest under the carport. The injured person had to be extricated from the car.

Both cars had extensive damage.

The injuries to the person were unknown. The injured was transported to the hospital.

The cause of the accident is pending the outcome of the investigation. Assisting the fire company was an EMS unit from Upper Perk, Pennsburg Fire Police, and PA State Police.

- TERRY RITZ

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Police rescue one victim and start CPR Warminster Township, Bucks County PA. The Warminster Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Friday, November 6th for a dwelling fire in the 1200 block of Newtown Rd. The fire was called in by radio from a Warminster police officer on patrol.

While Bucks County Emergency Communications transmitted tactical box 90-69, the Warminster police officer approached the dwelling to check for occupants and upon getting to the front porch, the officer found an un-conscious male on the porch and pulled him to a safe location. At that time, it was

JUMP TO FILE #110615112 determined that the victim was not breathing and CPR was initiated.

Several more police officers arrived including a police officer from Northampton Township. They moved the fire victim to a safer location and continued CPR until medics from Warminster Ambulance and Tri Hampton Rescue Squad arrived to administer care.

Deputy 90 arrived on scene to heavy fire showing. Engine 90 was first in and put several hand lines and a deck gun in service. Addi-

tional apparatus on scene included Ladder 90; Squirt 93; Engines 91; 92, 93, and 83; Rescue 3; and Special Service 93.

The fire victim had a pulse prior to being transported to Abington Hospital-Jefferson Health. Also one firefighter and one police officer were transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The fire was placed under control in about 45 minutes and the fire scene is being investigated by FM274 from Warminster with assistance from the County and State Fire Marshal’s office.

- JOHN ENGLAND IV

KEN SNYDER

Merion Fire Company hosts housing Ardmore, PA. On November 1st, the Merion Fire Company held a dedication and dual housing for their 2013 Pierce pumper and 2015 Spartan ERV 103’ ladder truck. This company also celebrated 125 years of service this year.

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Reading, PA. Early in the morning on Saturday, November 7th, the Berks County Communications Center dispatched units to the Warren Street bypass for a car accident. Engine 9 and Car 8, on the street from a previous run, arrived quickly with one vehicle flipped over. Firefighters began care of the occupant who was found lying 15 feet from the wrecked car. The patient was packaged and taken to Reading Hospital Trauma Center in serious condition. A search of the interior of the vehicle found no remaining occupants.

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December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

TIMOTHY COOVER

Double pin job in the Township At 2:18 a.m. on October 18th, crews from Maytown/East Donegal Township Fire Department were dispatched for an unknown injury vehicle accident. Police arrived to find a pick up truck head on into a tree with two occupants trapped. With that update, county upgraded the call to entrapment and added rescues from Wrightsville and Mount Joy. Crews worked for 15 minutes removing tree branches, the roof of the truck, and rolled the dash back to gain patient access.

Crews then assisted with patient care and provided lighting for the police to do their investigation.

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Crews remove a women from her vehicle after crashing through a fence and hitting a telephone pole before coming to rest in a retention basin.

One vehicle into a retention basin Warminster Township, Bucks County, PA. Hartsville Fire Company (Station 93) was dispatched to a marine rescue on Sunday, November 15th at 7:38 p.m. Marine Box 93-30 was transmitted by Bucks County Emergency Communications for a report of a car into a lake.

Units on scene reported a one vehicle accident with a car in a retention basin. The vehicle went

JUMP TO FILE #111615100 over the curb and airborne before crashing through a property fence and a utility pole. The car sheared off a telephone pole at the base and came to rest wrapped in the pole and half in the retention basin.

The female driver was re-

moved from the car by firefighters from Stations 93 and 90 and Medic 122. Medic 122 transported the patient to Abington Memorial – Jefferson Health in Abington. In addition to Stations 93 and 90, Marine 3 from Northampton was dispatched to the incident. The incident is being investigated by Warminster Police.

- JOHN ENGLAND IV

TIMOTHY COOVER

Police officer involved in accident in Columbia Borough

On October 13th, crews from Columbia Borough Fire Department were dispatched for a, MVA in the borough. Crews arrived to find two cars that were involved. Crews worked to free one patient. Both patients were transported to Lancaster General Hospital with minor injuries and were released shortly after. The police officer was responding to a burglary in the borough when the accident happened.

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Car slams into Pittsburgh pizza shop

Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15th, a car crashed through the front of Mineos Pizza, located in the Noble Manor Shopping Center along the 2300 block of Noblestown Road in the City of Pittsburgh. It is unknown why the driver ended up driving into the pizza shop, however, the driver only sustained minor injuries after being helped out of the car by City of Pittsburgh firefighters and medics.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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December, 2015

TIMOTHY COOVER

Vehicle into Maytown Square

Burned area of woods

ERIC OBERDORFF

Working woods fire on the West End Hellam Township, PA. At 2:02 p.m. on November 16th, the engine company was alerted for a woods fire on the 4700 Block of Baer Valley Lane in Hellam Township.

Engine 41 (Firefighter Oberdorff) went enroute with four personnel in two minutes.

Chief 41-1 (Russ) arrived on the scene to find a working woods fire, JUMP TO FILE # 111815101 with approximately two to three acres involved, endangering multiple structures and spreading.

Attack 21 (Hellam) arrived on scene and advanced handlines to begin getting a knock on the fire.

Engine 41 arrived on scene and supplied the attack truck. The crew from Engine Co 41 pulled the 300 foot line, as well as the hi-rise pack for additional line.

Crews from 21/41 knocked a majority of the fire with lines, and indian tanks.

Multiple departments assisted in extinguishing hot spots, and falling trees that were on fire in the area.

Special thanks to Engine 19-2 (York Twp) for covering the 41 District while we were at the fire.

- ERIC OBERDORFF

Just after midnight on October 18th, crews from Maytown/East Donegal Fire Department were alerted for an MVA with entrapment at the square in Maytown. Crews arrived to find one vehicle into the center of the square with heavy front end damage. Police pulled the occupant from the vehicle before the arrival of the fire department because of steam or smoke coming from the front end of the car. Crews stabilized and depowered the vehicle, helped with patient care and cleared the scene shortly after.

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JEFF GOLDBERG

Yardley cuts, spreads, and rams vehicle Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA. Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in a rescue tool drill at the Woodside Fire House Station 80.

Crews working the scene of a two alarm dwelling

TIMOTHY COOVER

Multiple callers report smoke pouring from dwelling Crews from Columbia were alerted for a dwelling in the 300 Block of Walnut Street with multiple calls reporting smoke pouring out of a row home on November 4th.

Crews arrived to find a middle row home with an attic fire, spreading to homes on either side. Chief 802 arrived to find heavy smoke in the area and requested the working fire assignment.

JUMP TO FILE #110515132 Chief 802 reported three story middle row with smoke pushing from the roof. Crews went to work to make sure everyone was out of the building due to conflicting reports.

The call was then upgraded to a second alarm bringing in more

crews to help extinguish the fire because of being unsure of which home the fire started in.

The cause of the fire was electrical in a second floor bedroom.

The fire damaged five homes altogether with either fire or smoke damage.

- TIMOTHY COOVER

COMPANY 41

Fire in the attic of a first due house Hellam, York County, PA. A 7:39 a.m. box alarm on November 12th brought Engine 41 to the 6200 block of Wantz Lane for a report of "smoke in an attic". Battalion 891 (Woods) and Engine 41 (Firefighter Poole) arrived on scene with a one and a half story, single family dwelling with smoke showing from the attic. The engine company laid 1,100' of five inch supply line from Dark Hollow and Wantz. Crews advanced a 200' crosslay into the attic to find high heat and smoke. Engine 891 (York Area United) opened up on the first floor to find active fire. Once this was done, 41 had fire in the attic, and crews made a quick knock on the fire. There was fire damage to the chimney and the areas surrounding. Crews operated for just under three hours.

KEN SNYDER

Pine Grove housing On October 17th, the Pine Grove Hose Hook and Ladder Fire Co. No. 1 held a housing and dedication ceremony for their 2014 Pierce engine. The housing was then followed by a parade.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Burned area of woods

ERIC OBERDORFF

Working woods fire Occupant rescued from third alarm on the West End Reading Ladder 3's master stream in operation at a fire on North 9th Street.

Reading, PA. On October 22nd, multiple phone calls were made to the Berks County Communications Center reporting a house on fire at 9th and Oley Streets. Box alarm 0903 was transmitted at 3:18 a.m. sending first due Engine 9 and Ladder 3.

Engine 9 rounded the corner onto Oley Street and reported a large volume of fire to the rear of 645 North 9th Street. Ladder 3 took the front of the three story dwelling and prepared for a aerial master stream attack. A two and a half inch hose stretch was initiated down an alley behind the dwellings. A portable master stream was used in an attempt to knock down the fire.

With the fire growing larger, Chief Landis (C8) requested a second alarm at 3:24 a.m. As several supply lines were being laid in the street, crews began searching the

JUMP TO FILE #102215112 adjacent homes on either side of the fire building. An semi-responsive occupant was found on the second floor of the B exposure, and removed to an awaiting EMS unit.

The fire progressed into 643 and 647 North 9th Street through a common attic space. With the roof of the fire building burned away, numerous firefighters were sent to exposure roofs to complete a trench cutting operation.

Although the fire was being darkened, a third alarm was struck at 3:54 a.m. to bring additional help to the scene. The fire was eventually placed under control at 5:37 a.m. with remaining searches negative. A dog was also located and secured until a representative from

ANTHONY MICCICKE

animal rescue could respond. No other injuries were reported, the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

During the fire, Engine 7 reported losing an engine cooling line, which began spraying water all over the motor. The event required the cab to be raised so the operator could divert the water from electronics. Engine 9 began overheating, sending steam from the radiator and over the windshield requiring an additional pumper to take over it's duties.

Firefighters from Greenfields, Spring Township, Alsace Manor, Mount Penn and Central of Laureldale assisted city companies. On an interesting note, a two alarm fire also involving these dwellings occurred in March of 2013.

- JASON BATZ

Hellam, York County, PA. At 2:02 p.m. on November 16th, the engine company was alerted for a woods fire on the 4700 Block of Baer Valley Lane in Hellam Township. Engine 41 went en route with four personnel in two minutes.

Chief 41-1 (Russ) arrived on the scene to find a working woods fire, with approximately two to three acres involved, endangering multiple structures and spreading.

Attack 21 arrived on scene and advanced handlines to begin getting a knock on the fire. Engine 41 arrived on scene and supplied the attack truck. The crew from Engine

JUMP TO FILE #111815101 Co 41 pulled the 300' line, as well as the hi-rise pack for additional line.

Crews from 21/41 knocked a majority of the fire with lines, and indian tanks. Multiple departments assisted in extinguishing hot spots, and falling trees that were on fire in the area.

Special thanks to E19-2 (York Twp) for covering the 41 District.

- ERIC OBERDORFF

ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our All in the Family feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

TIMOTHY COOVER

Vehicle into the Maytown Square

Just after midnight on October 18th, crews from Maytown/East Donegal Fire Department were alerted for an MVA with entrapment at the square in Maytown. Crews arrived to find one vehicle into the center of the square with heavy front end damage. Police pulled the occupant from the vehicle before the arrival of fire department because of steam or smoke coming from the front end of the car. Crews stabilized and depowered the vehicle, helped with patient care and cleared the scene shortly after.

A. GETKA

Sanatoga firefighters, father and son duo, Ken and Eric Linsenbigler participated in a forcible entry class hosted by Lower Providence Fire Department.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser

RICKY BROWN

Chimney fire at the Accomac Inn

Hellam Township, York County, PA. Companies 41, 21, and Lancaster 80 worked a chimney fire at the Accomac Inn on November 1st. Engine 41 and Rescue 41-1 arrived and found a slight haze on Division 3, and ashes falling from the chimney. 41 pulled the 300 foot line off the engine to the rear door, split crews to each division, and sent a crew to the roof to investigate. Crews on the roof confirmed a blockage in the chimney, as Division 1 cleared the fire box. Shortly after clearing the blockage, companies picked up and went available.

Maytown-East Donegal Township Fire Department covered the township’s first due

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Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day?

There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows.

Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well.

Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show.

Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen.

"The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun."

ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can

VENDOR TIDBITS Notes from the emergency service business community

raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available.

"Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick.

"We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!”

The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks.

"We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-

beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department.

"A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since."

"I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner.

"We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good."

Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right.

Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.”

For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

2015 Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony Doylestown Borough, Bucks County, PA. The 2015 Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service presented by the County of Bucks and the Bucks County Fire Chief’s and Firefighter’s Association was held in the Bucks County Memorial Courtyard in Doylestown on October 18, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.

The ceremony JUMP TO FILE# began with the 102015109 Honor Guard, Loch and Rannoch Pipes & Drum, and Firefighters, Fire Police Officers, and EMS pesonnel marching into the Memorial Courtyard adjacent to the old county courthouse.

The Chairman of the Bucks County Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Committee, David Hathaway, welcomed everyone who attended the ceremony.

The invocation was delivered

by Chaplin Station 53, Firefighter Station 95 Montgomery County Jonathan Bosco.

The Honor Guard presented the colors in the courtyard behind the Fallen Firefighters and Fire Police Memorial.

The keynote speakers for the ceremony were Second Vice President Bucks County Fire Chief’s and Firefighter’s Association David Pearl, President Bucks

December, 2015

Blood & Fire Vendetta ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Wreath ceremony

County EMS Chief’s Association Scott Henley, and Bucks County Commissioner Vice Chairman Charles Martin on behalf of Commissioner Chair Robert Loughery, and Commissioner Diane Ellis Marseglia.

Bucks County Commissioners Charles Martin and Diane Marseglia participated in the firefighter and EMS wreath laying ceremony.

Falls Township Fire Company Firefighter Gary Margerum son of Line Of Duty Death Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Chief Nel-

JEFF GOLDBERG

son ‘Snooky’ Margerum tolled the bell during the reading of the Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Roll of Honor and 2014 Pennsylvania Fallen Firefighters Roll of Honor.

The ceremony concluded with family members, firefighters, and EMS personnel laying a carnation at the fallen firefighter’s memorial.

A reception with refreshments took place at the Doylestown Fire Company station after the ceremony.

- JEFFREY GOLDBERG

PAGE 21

Blood & Fire: Vendetta By K.M. Bozarth Available from Amazon.com Price: Paperback $15.43 Kindle: $3.43 I read this book, which is soft cover measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches.

It has 24 chapters within 209 pages and is the first of what is to become a series of novels by this author.

The author has been a firefighter since the year 2000 and has worked in volunteer and paid fire departments in Burlington County, New Jersey. This county is New Jersey’s largest in area and spans from the Atlantic Ocean to the Delaware River, which sepa-

rates the state from Pennsylvania.

The book is fiction, but is based on her personal experiences. Being a female, one can imagine the obstacles she faced within her career working in what for many years was considered a “man’s job.!”

In a very unbiased way, she writes about being treated differently by different individuals in her crew and in the department, particularly by an officer in command of her company.

She is married and her husband has a different public safety type job.

Both go through trying times from the demand of their jobs in which PTSD can become a by product.

For her character, she takes you through station life, training sessions and emergency calls and helps you develop the imagery of being right there in their midst.

It is a good read for both genders, whether you are an emergency service worker or not.

Additional book reviews from John Malecky can be found at www.1rbn.com

PAGE 22

December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JOHN ENGLAND IV

Annual Hotfoot 88 Run

Upper Dublin Township, Pa. Fort Washington Fire Company held their 4th Annual Hotfoot Run. It is an 8.8k or 8.8m or 5k run through Upper Dublin Township, benefiting the Fort Washington Fire Company Active Workers Association. After a damp morning, the rain stopped in time for the runners to have a great run.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Fire leaves many homeless in Ashland Ashland, Schuylkill County, PA. On October18th, after 2:10 p.m., the Ashland Fire Department Girardville Ranger Fire Company and Ashland Ambulance were dispatched to 1234 West Walnut Street for a house fire. Ashland’s Fire Chief Phil Groody reported flames coming from all three sides of the two rowhomes. The fire was spreading to the top floors of the three story corner apartment building.

The smoke and flames continued to spread quickly and moved throughout the attic and second floor. The chief quickly ordered a second alarm to the scene. The Mahanoy City Citizens Fire Company, Englewood-Butler Township Fire Company RIT team, Mount Carmel Anthracite Fire Company, Shenandoah Columbia Fire Company, Gordon Fire Company and the Altamont-West Mahanoy Township were dispatched. A number of tanker trucks from Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia Counties were also dispatched.

Ashland Engine 38-10 made a

JUMP TO FILE #102515109 defensive exterior attack. Ashland Engine 38-15 advanced a number of hose lines into the first floor front entrance of the exposure building on the A side. The Ashland ladder sent it’s ladder to the exposure buildings for ventilation.

The interior attack crews found smoke in the upper floors. The crews gained access to the second and third floors and open up the front windows. Firefighters then advanced to the attic with hose lines to find extreme heat and thick smoke.

Incident command had the third alarm dispatched to Ashland on standby.

The fire eventually vented from the roof, causing elevated master streams to be put into action. Interior crews were then able to control the top floors of the apartment building and pull ceilings. The crews were able to expose the hidden fire and extinguish it in the

apartment building.

The multiple exterior hose lines helped contain and extinguish the main fire in the initial fire building.

The majority of fire was knocked down in sixty minutes and exterior overhaul operations started. Command was able to place the fire under control before 4 p.m. and released the units standing by.

The initial fire building was destroyed and left all families displaced. The apartment building’s three floors received extensive smoke and water damage making it unsafe to live in. The majority of the mutual aid units cleared the scene by 4:30 p.m. Ashland firefighters remained throughout the afternoon and evening investigating the cause. The fire is under investigation by the State Police Fire Marshal and the Ashland Police.

Ashland and Shenandoah Ambulances had control of rehab operations. American Red Cross also responded to the scene and assist the displace residents.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

BARB WEST

Cumru Township travels to Lebanon County for live fire training On Saturday October 17th, several firefighters from the Cumru Township Fire Department traveled to the Lebanon County Fire School for live fire training. Firefighter practiced hose line stretching and suppression techniques during the training in the Lebanon County burn building. Several staff members were on site to manage the fires and the building.

The department completed 8 training evolutions in 3 hours.

DALE FEEHRER - D.F. APPARATUS PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

Highspire has placed this 2003 Rosenbauer/General Safety engine into service designated as Engine 55-1. "Squad 55" operates with a 2,000 gpm pump, and a 500 gallon tank. This engine formally served in Woodbridge, NJ.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 23

December, 2015

KEN SNYDER

BARBARA WEST

Two people hurt in head-on collision Annville Township, PA. On the evening of November 9th, firefighters from the Annvillle-Cleona Fire District were dispatched for a head-on car accident in the 1200 block of East Main Street. Units arrived to one driver entrapped in a Ford Escort. While crews worked to free the occupants, a landing zone was established for helicopter transport. Companies were on scene for about an hour.

Philly Fire Safety Exposition and Muster held

Philadelphia, PA. On October 18th, the Annual Fire Safety Exposition and Muster was held at the fire academy. Various demonstrations were presented as well as a display of apparatus, a fire flea market, food and entertainment, and a closing awards ceremony. In the drill area, two rooms and contents were built for a fire demonstration. The room on the left only had a smoke detector, the room on the right had a smoke detector and a home sprinkler system. FD water application to the first room and contents was delayed to incorporate the alarm to attack mode.

Then the crew from Water Tower 38 extinguished the fire. The sprinkler room fire showed very little activity and was quickly brought under control when compared to the unprotected room

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Matheson operating a brand new Hurst battery operated rescue tool.

JEFF GOLDBERG

Hurst tools demonstrated Get your personal copy of

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Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA. Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently partici- JUMP TO FILE# pated in a stabiliza- 111015112 tion drill hosted by MES Hurst Product Specialist John Sileski at the Woodside Fire House Station- 80.

- JEFFREY GOLDBERG

FRANK ROBINSON

Three people escape building fire in Lebanon County

Over 50 pieces of apparatus weere needed to respond to Acorn Manufacturing for a large building fire in Lawn, Lebanon County on November 12th. Three people barely made it out of the structure when the fire took off. When firefighters arrived, it was fully involved in fire.

Fire companies from Lebanon, Lancaster and Dauphin Counties responded. Over 23 tankers were needed due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area. Fire companies remained on the scene for many hours doing overhaul and extinguishing hot spots. There were no injuries and is no cause at this time.

Second fire in three weeks strikes same Ashland street Ashland, Schuylkill County, PA. On November 6th, after 12:30 p.m., the Ashland Fire Department, Girardville Ranger Fire Company and Ashland Ambulance were dispatched to 1016 Walnut Street for a house fire. Ashland’s assistant fire chief reported flames coming from the rear of the two row homes. The fire was spreading to the top floors of the three story row home and the next door exposure He quickly ordered a second alarm. The Mahanoy City Citizens Fire Company, Englewood-Butler Township Fire Company RIT team, Mount Carmel Anthracite Fire Company, Shenandoah Columbia Fire Company, Gordon Fire Company and Altamont-West Mahanoy Township were dispatched. Command also added Shenandoah Ladder 745 as the fourth truck company. The Mahanoy City RIT was also dispatched.

Ashland Engine 38-10 made a defensive exterior attack. Ashland Engine 38-15 advanced a number of hose lines into the first floor front entrance. The Ashland sent its ladder into the air for master stream operations.

A large explosion occurred in the rear, causing the fire building to collapse in the yard. Command ordered the out of town engines to set up in the rear. Girardville Engine 45-10 and Gordon Engine 46-10

JUMP TO FILE #110915105 placed their master streams into service. The two engines were able to knock down the large flames consuming the rears of the homes.

Mahanoy City had its RIT on the Alpha side. Incident command then had the third alarm dispatched to Ashland on standby.

The fire eventually vented from the roof of the main fire building, causing the need for more elevated master streams. Altamont and Shenandoah firefighters backed up the first hose line crews, who attacked the fire in the exposure buildings. The Pottsville City RIT Team North stood by on Spruce Street.

The interior attack crews in the exposure homes found smoke and minor extension in the upper floors of the two and a half story buildings. The crews gained access to the second and third floors and opened up the front windows.

Shenandoah’s Ladder 745 crew went to the roof by climbing the ground ladders to do ventilation.

The roof crew made a number of vent cuts to check the roof for extensions and vent some smoke.

Firefighters then advanced to the attic with hose lines to stop the extension of the fire. The attack crews

then were able to stop the advancing fire and vent the upper floors.

Interior crews were then able to control the top floors of the apartment building and pull ceilings.

The crews were exposed the hidden fire and extinguished it in the main fire building. The crew from Engine 742 was credited for rescuing two rabbits that were in a cage in the exposure building. The majority of fire was knocked down and exterior overhaul operations started.

Command then was able to place the fire under control before 2 p.m.

The initial fire building was de-

stroyed. The exposure buildings received extensive smoke and water damage. Most mutual aid fire units clearedby 4:00 p.m. Ashland and Girardville remained through the evening investigating the cause.

Ashland and Shenandoah Ambulances responded for rehab. The American Red Cross assist the displaced residents.

The fire was the second multi alarm fire to occur within blocks apart on Walnut Street in the past few weeks.

STEPHEN BARRETT

- STEPHEN BARRETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

PAGE 25

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

VEHICLE NEWS

Kutztown Fire Department now operates a 2015 Sutphen heavy rescue.

FRANK ROBINSON

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Explosion at chemical plant leads to five alarms in Leetsdale

Refton Fire Company now operates a 2015 Ford F550/Marco 500/345 brush truck.

FRANK ROBINSON

More than 70 homes were evacuated and eight injured after an explosion and fire in a Leetsdale Pennsylvania industrial park.

The explosion and fire occurred shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18th at the Lubrizol Corporation Oilfield Chemistry site in Leetsdale Borough.

Officials say that a fire alarm went off at 10:11 a.m. followed by a phone call from a plant employee reporting an explosion and fire.

Fire units arrived minutes later to find heavy fire and smoke pouring from the building. Overheated containers exploded and the air and a plume of smoke poisoned with ammonium persulfate and sodium chlorite could be seen for miles around and even picked up on local weather radar.

The fire quickly consumed and destroyed one building before

JUMP TO FILE #111815100 spreading to a second one. Several other buildings suffered heat, smoke and water damage. Several train locomotives suffered fire damage from the intense heat.

The five alarm fire brought hundreds of firefighters from three different counties, including a high volume air unit that traveled an hour from Westmoreland County.

Along with the fire units, several EMS agencies, FEMA, PEMA, Allegheny County and Beaver County Emergency Management and HazMat, City of Pittsburgh River Rescue, the Department of Health and the Salvation Army responded.

The fire was finally brought under control about four hours later, but fire units remained on scene for

several days as the investigators tried to determine the cause.

Emergency officials evacuated over 70 homes to a nearby high school and issued a shelter in place warning, which was broadcast via the Emergency Broadcast System.

Residents were able to return by late afternoon.

One firefighter was transported to a local hospital for chest pains and was later released. Two other firefighters were treated on scene.

Five employees were also hurt. Two were taken to local hospitals for chemical burns and chest pains. The other three were treated on scene.

Allegheny County Fire Investigators along with plant officials spent the next few days trying to determine what may have cause the explosion and fire.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

DEPARTMENT PROFILES If you have photos you would like to see in our Department Profiles feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

The City of Lebanon has taken delivery of a 2015 E-One Typhoon engine (1500/530).

DALE FEEHRER - D.F. APPARATUS PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

KEN SNYDER

Tanker 83 of the Portage V F Co. is a 2015 International/4-Guys 500/3000.

The West End Fire Co. No. 3 of Coatsville celebrated their 100th Anniversary this year.

KEN SNYDER

December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 27

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

THEN AND NOW

If you have photos you would like to see in our Then and Now feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

In North Manheim, Pa., Mount Carbon's 1985 American General 6x6 was used for off road flood relief.

KEN SNYDER

Fire Prevention Expo held in East Greenville

East Greenville, PA. On October 13th, the East Greenville Fire Company held its annual fire prevention expo. The public had a chance to see live demonstrations such as an auto fire, an auto extrication and a simulated Christmas living room fire. Apparatus from local companies were also on display.

Take the “pressure” off!

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

On the heels of Halloween and Thanksgiving and the busy holiday season fast approaching, many of us are soon to abandon our regular exercise routine. Unfortunately, in many cases fitness routines are replaced with poor eating patterns laden with sugar, salt, cholesterol and fat. Less exercise and increased food consumption is a double whammy!

Many of us are well schooled in the danger of consuming excessive amounts of high fat food. Although it is important to limit the amount of fat you consume, many of us are unaware of the negative effects a diet high in sugar and salt can have on our weight and our health. One such negative effect is high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure has long been linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke and more.

Before you trade in your exercise program for a holiday season of poor eating, consider the long term consequences.

A recent client presented as overweight, and newly diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension). His physician not only recommended weight loss, but also wanted to prescribe multiple medications. Since this was a recent diagnosis (which did not present at a doctor’s visit in previous months) the physician agreed to give the client an opportunity to manage his blood pressure on his own. (Please note,

this decision can only be made by a physician and is dependent on the severity of the hypertension and condition of the individual.)

Although it is possible to wean off medication as blood pressure is managed over time, in many cases blood pressure medication continues long term and sometimes lifelong.

My client (Bob) wanted to avoid medication if possible, so he set out to manage his blood pressure naturally. The physician cleared him for mild to moderate exercise (based upon the individual), and sent him on his way with an appointment to return in three weeks for reevaluation.

Upon first interview with Bob, I learned that a typical breakfast for him was a sugared cereal and a glass of chocolate milk. Lunch (since he was on the go) was typically pizza, a hot dog or sometimes a soup and sandwich. Additionally, on average there were two to three glasses of iced tea or other soft drink per day.

Snacks were often chips, pretzels and an occasional candy bar. Dinner, was much better, a lean meat – starch and a vegetable. Alcohol consumption was occasional.

Since, bodyweight, as well as sodium, caffeine and alcohol consumption (and of course saturated fat and cholesterol) all significantly affect blood pressure, Bob’s daily food/beverage choices seemed the best place to start. Along with a mild exercise program, Bob agreed to make some dietary changes. A dietician can be of significant benefit, so after checking with one, here is what we managed to workout.

The sugary cereal at breakfast was replaced with shredded wheat or oatmeal (read the label, zero sugar

zero sodium). Bob added a ½ of a banana and ¼ cup of (raw, unsalted) almonds. The chocolate milk had to go (sugar and caffeine). Instead, he had a cup of decaf coffee with just a splash of flavored creamer (less than 1 gm saturated fat, zero sodium, zero cholesterol and 2.5 gms sugar). He also added a multi-vitamin daily.

His mid morning snack was an orange. Lunch was more typically grilled chicken or turkey on light bread (sodium is only 70mg/slice as opposed to most breads which contained closer to 200mgs/slice). The bread didn’t seem to taste much different, was really just a bit thinner than most, which probably accounted for the lower calories and sodium content.

Later day snacks were unsalted popcorn or ¼ a cup almonds. Dinner remained pretty much the same. He paid more attention to portion sizes and avoided prepackaged foods or canned vegetables since they are all loaded with sodium. Evening Snack was a “Healthy Choice” brand fudge bar. Please note these are merely a few examples of what worked for him. His diet contained a wide variety of foods. Your dietary choices should be tailored to your needs.

Bob originally thought soup and salad was a healthy meal, but the labels show most canned soups contain over 600 mgs of sodium in just one serving. Many of the salad dressings are high in fat and contain 350700mgs of sodium in just two tablespoons. That doesn’t leave room for much else if you are looking to stay between 1500 and 2300mgs of sodium per day. (see the DASH eating plan, a dietary plan for reducing blood pressure at http://dashdiet.org/default.asp) The sugary soft drinks had to go.

Bob now drinks plenty of water and naturally flavored seltzer. An occasional soft drink can be tolerated, but

RON JEFFERS

The American General 6x6 is now part of the Franklin Square-Munson Fire District on Long Island and serves as a disaster relief unit.

consuming two, three and sometimes four per day had him exceeding recommended sugar levels.

Exercise, was four days per week for 30 minutes. Considering hypertension, workouts were mostly cardiovascular in nature. We avoided overhead lifting, used light weights and did lots of circuit training.

After three weeks Bob dropped ten lbs. I know we typically recommend a weight loss of only two lbs per week, but calculations showed that Bob had dropped more than four lbs of water (as per measured on a bioelectrical impedance scale) and a little more that five lbs of fat. That had him well within recommended levels. His high sodium diet had him retaining a great deal of water and reducing his sodium intake released a good amount of water.

He returned to the doctor and his blood pressure had dropped enough for the Dr. to grant him a few more weeks of self management. (Remember, the physician, and only the physician can safely make this determination.) After three additional weeks, Bob dropped another seven lbs (for a total of 17 lbs). His blood pressure was within normal range and the physician deemed no medication necessary at this time.

Bob had been consuming far too much sugar, which was keeping extra weight on him. His sodium content had him retaining far too much water.

Originally, the Dr. would have prescribed a diuretic along with an antihypertension medication, but Bob’s weight loss brought him success on all counts.

Presently, as this holiday season approaches, he continues to lose weight, at a somewhat slower rate.

Bob will check in with the dietician for further recommendations and eventually some maintenance advice.

His blood pressure and weight are within healthy ranges. He is still

medication “free”. He continues to exercise, and we constructed a plan to fit his holiday schedule. As of our last workout, he reports that he is not going hungry and is not feeling deprived at all. By reading the labels, he has been able to make better choices and avoid unnecessary food traps. He has worked some of his favorite, and less healthy food choices into the mix, but has limited portions and also managed to find tasty satisfying versions.

Next time you are in the food store, pick up a few of your favorite foods and read the label. Check the fats, and saturated fats. Compare the sodium and sugar levels. Not only will you be surprised how high some of them are, I bet you will also notice a significant difference in many brands of the same product. Be sure to pay close attention to serving size as often they are much smaller than we think.

For more information on label reading go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/LabelingNutrition/ucm274593.htm For more information on daily sugar intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Ne wsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm4 55837.htm For more information regarding sodium intake go to: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm315393.htm For further information on reducing blood pressure through nutrition go to: http://dashdiet.org/default.asp for the “DASH” diet I referred to earlier.

Get your holiday exercise plan in place and by January you can be enjoying a Happy Healthy New Year!

More than ever, a physician’s approval is the place to start.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

PAGE 29

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PAGE 30

December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BOB LONG

RICKY BROWN

Fire knocked by Hellam Township homeowner

A fast-acting Hellam Township resident was able to use a home fire extinguisher to put out a fire that made its way outside of an oven located inside an apartment building on November 3rd. Company 41 and mutual aid responded to the Cool Creek Apartment complex for the reported fire just before 7 p.m. Units arrived and stretched a line to find the fire contained to the stove with minimal damage. Upon checking for remaining fire, smoke was cleared from the residence and companies were available shortly after.

PAGE 31

December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your photos in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

Lower Windsor rescue company crew

ERIC OBERDORFF

NIK KNAUER

Members of the Reading Fire Department B Platoon Lower Windsor engine company crew pose at the 3rd and Court station.

Some of the members of the Reading Fire Department D Firefighters Ralph Marks and Steve Turner poses with Maytown Firefighter John Cook platoon posed for this group shot at the former Read- Chris Longworth and his parents. Firefighters removed ing Station Outlets.

Chris from a burning home in September of 2014.

NIK KNAUER

NIK KNAUER

ERIC OBERDORFF

TIMOTHY COOVER

1995 - 2015 Celebrating 20 Years of Service!

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Commercial Fire at Grief Industries

NICK MARKOWITZ JR.

Confused motorist injured in mall entrance wreck

Monroeville Mall spent several a million dollars updating it’s public areas including redoing some entrances. But too some motorists they are very confusing and a motorist was hurt when they accidently drove straight onto a traffic island, which brought the car to a fast stop. Crews from Monroeville VFD and medics as well as Monroville Police responded quickly to the scene and extricated the motorist this afternoon and were able to keep traffic moving at the same time.

West Hazelton, Luzerne County, PA. On October 25, 2015 at 4:30 p.m., the APTS EMS, West Hazleton Fire and Hazleton Fire Departments were dispatched to a commercial fire alarm at Grief Industries in the Val- JUMP TO FILE # mont Industrial 103015114 Park. The first fire units arrived to find smoke coming from the front of the large industrial plant building. The fire chief requested the second alarm units from McAdoo, Hazle Township, Freeland, Sugarloaf Township, Valley Regional, and Mahanoy City for a working commercial structure fire.

West Hazleton Engine 24-1 deployed hose lines into the building to attack the fire. Firefighters were delayed in mounting a offensive attack in the first minutes as the building was closed and secured. A number of hose lines were deployed through the large garage doors on Side Alpha. Foam hose lines were used to darken down the fire found in a machine.

Attack crews entered the rest of the building to found a heavy smoke condition in the ceiling area. The smoke quickly vented from the roof and made the conditions less dangerous. Command ordered all interior crews to start

ventilating the building.

The second alarm engine companies responded and staged in the area of the parking lot.

Mahanoy City Rescue 993 and Squad 451 were assigned to RIT operations and stood by.

The heavy fire in the machine was knocked down in less than twenty minutes. The power and other utilities were shut down and secured. It was determined that the machine was safe enough for crews to overhaul and soak it down.

Firefighters continued extinguishing hot spots. The fire was placed under control in less than an hour with all visible smoke venti-

STEPHEN BARRETT

lated. The large industrial building received major smoke damage.

The second alarm units were released from the scene before 7:00 p.m.

Emergency medical personnel from APTS Ambulance and West Hazleton EMS provided rehab to the firefighters. Firefighters from Mahanoy City stood by at the scene for West Hazleton throughout the incident. Fire Police assisted the West Hazleton firefighters in directing traffic around the scene.

-STEPHEN BARRETT

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Goodwill Fire Company of Jacobus runs this 1993 Ford F350/Reading 500/220 brush truck.

JASON BATZ

Reading firefighters raise money for MDA during hockey game

Reading, PA. The Reading firefighters conducted a boot drive during a Reading Royals hockey game on Saturday, November 7th. Donations were collected for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The firefighter raised $642 during the evening, to bring their 2015 total to $8,973.

KEN SNYDER

Attack 24 of the Friendship F Co. No.1 in Geigertown is a Ford F550/Marco 500/300.

The staff of 1st Responder Newspaper would like to extend to our valued readers and advertisers our warmest wishes for a safe & happy holiday season.

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Residential sprinklers versus firefighter safety STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

On August 13th, the New York City Council passed legislation that requires the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in pet stores that house animals for 24 hours.

The deadline for compliance is December 2016.

The councilman sponsoring the bill, Councilman Corey Johnson was quoted as saying the sprinklers will save the lives of animals and firefighters who attempt to rescue them.

Contrary to Mr. Johnson’s concerns for firefighters, on August 19, the New York State Codes Council, after extensive lobbying by the construction and realtors association, failed to adopt requiring the installation of residential sprinklers in all new one and two family homes.

The Code will still require residential sprinklers in wood frame construction that exceeds two floors above grade. Needless to say, this was a disappointing defeat for the New York fire service, which had waged its own lobbying campaign in support of the requirement.

Executive Director Jerry DeLuca of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) commented, “I am deeply disappointed that in voting to remove residential sprinklers from the statewide building code, members of the Code Council have chosen to put profit ahead of safety.”

On October 13, the Minnesota Court of Appeals overturned the residential sprinkler requirement that required the installation of residential fire sprinklers in all newly constructed homes in excess of 4500 square feet. The Builders Association of the Twin Cities had initiated the appeal of the requirement by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry claiming the 4500 square foot size was an arbitrary figure and unsupported.

The Minnesota Court issued the following statement: “We are mindful today that we are declaring a rule adopted by an administrative agency of the state invalid. We do not do so lightly, but rather thoughtfully and unanimously. Nevertheless, we are bound to apply the law.”

The executive director of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities also issued a state-

ment: “Safety is the highest priority of Minnesota builders, and we are proud that new homes in Minnesota are among the safest in the nation. The sprinkler mandate would not have changed that safety record, but it would have made homes more expensive for Minnesota families. The Court’s decision to invalidate the sprinkler rule confirms what the public, legislature, and code experts have overwhelmingly stated all along, the sprinkler mandate is arbitrary and not supported.”

A few key issues in the debate over residential fire sprinklers is the additional cost for purchasing a new home requiring sprinkler installation when most homes require smoke detectors which do an excellent job in alerting the residents to exit the home in a timely and safe manner.

Also, that the older homes will not be required to have sprinkler systems thereby presenting a greater loss of life hazard than the newer constructed homes.

I don’t think so!

The modern constructed homes burn faster and hotter due to contents and materials and the collapse dangers are increased by the use of truss construction in floors and roofs, posing an increased life hazard to firefighting personnel.

The answer to this issue is for firefighters to operate from exterior positions, avoiding any possibility of being trapped in a collapse.

Over the past few years, the concern for firefighter safety has increased due to the economic climate of the nation.

The reductions in staffing in many municipal departments and the decrease in volunteer firefighters could be offset to some degree by the installation of fire sprinklers in the home.

It would seem that with the reduced number of firefighters, there would be a far greater justification for residential sprinklers.

If all the newly constructed homes that have been built over the past 25 years had been required to have residential sprinklers installed, maybe we could face the present economic crisis and firefighter cutbacks feeling a little more secure about the safety of firefighters and the people residing in those homes.

New York City Councilman Corey Johnson was concerned with not only saving lives of animals, but firefighters also.

Till next time stay safe and God Bless!

KEN SNYDER

Parade and housing held in Pottsville Pottsville, P.- On October 10th, the Good Intent Fire Company held a parade and a housing ceremony for their 2015 KME engine.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2015

PAGE 35

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

A. GETKA

Lower Providence hosts forcible entry and RIT classes

The Lower Providence Fire Department training hard for the second half of the yearm, concurrently running a forcible entry program and RIT skills program. Members from Phoenixville, Sanatoga, and Worcester Fire Companies also participated in some of the training.

Citizens Fire Company of Palmyra still operate a 1979 Mack CF 1250/1000.

PAGES

FRANK ROBINSON

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December, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

YOUR PARTNER IN THE FIRE AND RESCUE VEHICLE BUSINESS SINCE 1966.

Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday Season from the entire staff at Campbell Supply Company!

CALL 1-800-800-3959 FOR ADDITIONAL INFO

www.campbellsupply.com

www.campbellsupply.com