1st Responder News PA December Edition

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DECEMBER, 2014 DECEMBER, 2020

CREWS FIND HEAVY FIRE ON ARRIVAL IN EAST MCKEESPORT

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

East McKeesport, PA – At 1:19 A.M. on November 3rd, fire crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Morrelle Avenue for a report of a house on fire. Police arrived on-scene and reported a working fire, with heavy fire showing from the second floor.

- See full story on page 15

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

Happy Holidays!

To our advertisers and readers

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December, 2020

1St Responder Newspaper - PA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Backstop USA Campbell Supply.

15 1, 24

Command Fire App.

16

ESI Equipment

19

FDIC

13

Fireflow Services

11

Fire Line Equipment

7

Long Island Mega Show Marco Equipment

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.

Page

21 2,17

Mid Atlantic Rescue Waterous

5 23

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 24 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 A division of: in error.

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

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FRANK ROBINSON

Pottsville Fire Department operates a 2014 Pierce Arrow XT 100' Tiller. The unit once saw service in Melbourne, Florida.

DONNY MARKS

Reading Firefighters arrived at this 3-story rooming house with fire rapidly extending from the first to the second floor via void spaces.

The fire required additional manpower and took an hour to control.

Reading Firefighters Rescue Man from Two-Alarm Structure Fire Reading, PA - Early on the morning of October 31st the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received several calls reporting a fire at 907 Franklin Street.

Deputy Chief Glore (Car 9) arrived with fire showing from the first floor and baker's alley of a three-story boarding house. People gathered outside the building advised Glore that there were still people asleep inside. Firefighters stretched a hose line into the first floor of the building to protect the stairs as crews ascended to begin a search.

A second hose line was placed in service to stop the fire from spreading through the alley. With the fire now showing on the second floor, Chief Glore requested a second alarm. With all hands working,

ALAN HOFFMAN

This 1981 HAHN/LTI 100’ Tiller, which previously served Waldorf, MD, is privately owned by a member of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society in Shenandoah, PA.

JUMP TO FILE #103120103 an occupant appeared on the roof after escaping his apartment.

Crews removed the man after raising a portable ladder.

Several areas of the building needed to be opened up to stop the progress of the fire. The remainder of the building was clear of other occupants. The fire was eventually placed under control an hour later.

Two firefighters sustained minor injuries but did not require transport. No other injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Units from Spring Township, Mount Penn, Lower Alsace, and Exeter assisted.

DALE FEEHRER

The Highspire FD has placed this 1991 Seagrave (1500/750) into service as Engine 55. This piece formally served in nearby Swatara Twp., PA.

- JASON BATZ

PUBLICATION CONTENT

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

DALE FEEHRER

The Irvona VFC operates this 1993 Autocar/4-Guys tanker (1500/3000) as Tanker 27. This piece formally served the Lisburn Community Fire Co., in Lisburn, PA.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2020

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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

Tanker 59 of the Lower Swatara FD, a 2017 Pierce Enforcer (1500/2500), operated at the "dump site" during a first due barn fire on Memorial Day.

DALE FEEHRER

Crews work a commercial structure fire in the City of Jeannette, 11/6/20.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Jeannette Police Find Working Building Fire DALE FEEHRER

Engine 54 of the Londonderry Fire Co., a 2008 KME (2000/750/50A/CAFS), is seen here emptying its tank when water supply issues arose during a mutual aid two alarm barn fire.

KEN SNYDER

Allen Twp. Engine 4511 in service in a rear alley at the Northampton 2nd alarm apartment fire back on May 24th.

City of Jeannette, PA – Around 8:30 P.M. on November 6th, while on patrol, Jeannette Police discovered smoke coming from a commercial structure at the corner of Clay Avenue and South Fifth Street.

Firefighters were JUMP TO FILE# quickly dispatched 111620118 and arrived and made entry to find a well progressed fire in the basement and first floor. Crews made an aggressive attack while positive pressure was used in the exposure building to prevent fire spread.

Crews worked for several hours before the fire was placed under control. Fire crews were able to prevent extension into the exposure building. No one was injured, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Stay on top of the news. Visit 1st Responder on the Web at

www.1RBN.com KEN SNYDER

Palmer's Ladder 27 in service in a rear alley at the Northampton 2nd alarm apartment fire back on May 24th.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2020

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December, 2020

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Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@Belsito.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS •••

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

CORRESPONDENTS •••

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

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Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@1strespondernews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www.1rbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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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

California: Peter Hein, 61 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: August 11, 2020 Death Date: August 11, 2020 Fire Department: Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On August 11, 2020, Fire Engineer Peter Hein was working with the U.S. Forest Service at the Stagecoach Wildfire in Kern County. He suffered a medical emergency and was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

California: Jose M. Perez, 44 Rank: Firefighter III/Paramedic Incident Date: July 22, 2020 Death Date: July 25, 2020 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter III/Paramedic Jose M. Perez contracted COVID-19 as a result of numerous exposures from positive COVID-19 patients during the course of his official duty for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He subsequently passed away on July 25, 2020, from the virus.

Montana: Thomas Duffy, 40 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 24, 2020 Death Date: August 24, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 24, 2020, Pilot Thomas Duffy, flying a Type 1 Kmax helicopter, was conducting bucket drops while battling the White River Fire in Mount Hood National Forest, when his helicopter crashed. He worked for Central Copters, Inc., a private family run company out of Belgrade, Montana, as a wildland-contract pilot for the U.S. Forest Service. The official cause of the crash is under investigation.

Pennsylvania: David Closs Sr., 67 Rank: Volunteer Incident Date: August 17, 2020 Death Date: August 23, 2020 Fire Department: Avis Fire Company #1

Initial Summary: On August 17, 2020, Firefighter David Closs and other firefighters from the Avis Fire Company #1, responded to a residential structure fire.

Firefighter Closs was working scene safety a short distance away from the actual structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency and was immediately taken to the local hospital. He passed away on August 23, 2020 from an apparent heart attack.

Oregon: Diane Jones, 63 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 31, 2020 Death Date: August 31, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 31, 2020, Firefighter Diane Jones, who worked for a private company during the wildland fire season, KL Farms/Fire LLC, was battling the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest in California, when she was involved in a vehicle crash, along with two other firefighters. Firefighter Jones was repositioning the engine when it backed over an embankment and into a fire. She passed away from the injuries she sustained in the accident. One of the two other firefighters is being treated for injuries sustained in the crash, while the third firefighter was uninjured. Firefighter Diane Jones was a volunteer firefighter for the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department in Cresson, Texas.

Her son, Captain Ian Shelly, also a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, was fighting the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest as well.

Texas: Thomas Searcy, 45 Rank: Career Incident Date: July 27, 2020 Death Date: September 8, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Captain Thomas Searcy was battling COVID-19 when he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at the Memorial Hermann Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a month fighting the virus. Captain Searcy contracted COVID-19 from exposure in the workplace from numerous fire and EMS calls he responded to where individuals had been diagnosed with the disease.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2020

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December, 2020

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

FRANK ROBINSON

Port Clinton Fire Company now operates a 1998 Mack/Swab 1500/2600 Pumper Tanker.

KEN SNYDER

Steamer Returns to Reading DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Crawford County's Titusville FD operates this 2015 HME Silver Fox 1500/1000 as Engine 26-2. The Engine is called the "Colonel Drake" as a throwback to a hand-drawn apparatus of the same name, in honor of the man who explored the oil fields of the area.

Reading, PA - On August 15th, volunteers met up at the Shenandoah Historical Fire Society Museum to assist in loading a horse-drawn steamer onto a flatbed trailer for a trip back to Reading.

This steamer had been on loan to their museum and was used by the Union Fire Company No. 13 of Reading. The steamer was built in 1909 by the American LaFrance Fire Engine Co. of Elmira, NY. It was known as a Metropolitan steamer and had the serial number of 3296. The 'Unies' used this steamer in the city up into the 1930's. After its 50 mile trip, the steamer arrived at its new home in the Reading Area Fire Museum at 501 S. 5th St. After dislodging, awaiting Reading area volunteers then pushed the steamer into the museum's open bay.

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

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Clinton County's Lamar Twp. FD has placed into service Brush 111, a 1994 Stewart & Stevenson/2020, that was received through the state forestry program. The fire company has outfitted it with a portable pump and 1000-gallons of water.

JASON BATZ

KEN SNYDER

Quakertown, PA Fire Co. No.1 is a 2019 Seagrave 1500/750.

The Reading Fire Department recently graduated its 2020 class from the Fire Academy. The class is shown posing with Mayor Eddie Moran, and Fire Chief William Stoudt Jr. Members of the class included Ryan McCloskey, Zachary Zerbe, Kieran Dolan, Edward Yescavage, Christopher Turner, Hunter McMullen, and Patrick Walls.

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

It is with great sadness and regret that we report the passing of Reading Firefighter James "Corky" Lerch, Jr. After a few short months, Jim lost his battle with cancer while surrounded by his family and friends.

Jim served as a volunteer firefighter with the Neversink Fire Co. in Reading before being hired in June of 2001.

After completing fire training, he was assigned to the 'D' platoon as a jumper. In February of 2002, FF Lerch was

assigned to Engine 5. Jim would move to the 'A' platoon in May of 2010, when he took an assignment on Engine 1. In December of 2015, Jim transferred to the 'B' platoon on Engine 3. In 2018, after working a few years on the 'B' platoon, Lerch switched to the 'C' platoon on the engine.

Jim is survived by his wife, Christine, 3 children, and 1 grandchild.

- JASON BATZ

December, 2020

PAGE 9

2020...A little sweet and a little sour, just like these brussels sprouts FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

To say 2020 has been a trip, would certainly be an understatement. Between a global pandemic, one of the most important Presidential elections of all time and everything in between, this year has had its fair share of ups and downs. I have found myself over the course of this past year watching my daughter grow up into a happy and healthy two-year-old, while also watching friends grieve over the loss of loved ones due to Covid-19. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, not just for myself but everyone around me and beyond. With that being said, I do try to keep optimistic for what 2021 has to offer. But for now, let’s pay homage to 2020 with a dish that can describe it no better...Sweet and Sour Brussels

Sprouts!

Growing up I absolutely hated them. They were always served well beyond over cooked, mushy and pale green. Brussels Sprouts belong to the Brassica family, along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They all contain high amounts of compounds, that when exposed to heat, produce hydrogen sulfide, hence the smelly characteristics of these vegetables. But for some reason I feel like brussels sprouts get a worse rap than the rest of them. Maybe it's because so many home cooks just toss them in boiling water, cook them for way too long and then expect all the kiddies to run to the Thanksgiving table asking for seconds. When your first encounter with them includes said stinky boiling situation, you are no doubt setting yourself up to not like them as you get older. But like so many others before me, I gave brussels sprouts the chance to redeem themselves.

Enter the roasted brussels sprout…

Roasting them with high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating texture and a slight bitterness

that balances out the sweetness. It also helps preserve their bright green color, which is much more appealing than the over-boiled stuff you might be used to. And while brussels sprouts, roasted with some EVOO and salt are perfectly delicious, they pair really well with the sweet and sour flavor profile. There are many different ways to accomplish this, but my favorite is definitely using apple cider vinegar for our sour aspect and either honey or maple syrup for the sweet component. The cider vinegar packs just enough sweetness and bite, without being overbearing. The addition of chili flake, while certainly optional, adds yet another dimension of flavor via heat. And the chopped pecans add texture, something that can be lacking in brussels sprouts, enticing our palate to want more.

This recipe is perfect alongside a holiday roast, grilled steak or some pan seared pork chops. They will certainly turn a non-believer into a believer that brussels sprouts can actually taste good!

Stay safe, eat well!

SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves 4 as a side Ingredients:

NIK KNAUER

Reading FF James "Corky" Lerch, Jr. recently passed after a brief battle with cancer.

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

16 oz. Brussels Sprouts ¼ Cup Honey 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp. Chili Flakes 1 Tbsp. Butter ¼ Cup Toasted Pecans, chopped for garnish Salt, to taste EVOO Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 450° F. Place ½ sheet pan in the oven to preheat as well.

-Trim the brussels and cut in half. Toss in a bowl with a pinch of salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Carefully remove the preheated sheet pan with an oven mitt. Add the brussels sprouts in a single layer and place back in the oven.

-Roast the brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until charred and tender.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

This 1977 American LaFrance, formerly of Clearfield Fire Co. #1, is still beautiful maintained by it's private owner.

-While the brussels sprouts cook, place the honey in a small saucepan over mediumlow heat. Stir until the honey

starts to bubble, carefully add the vinegar. Simmer until slightly reduced. Add the chili flakes and a pinch of salt, stir to combine.

-Add the butter and remove the pan from the heat. Stir to

combine, set aside.

AJ FUSCO

-Place roasted brussels sprouts in a serving dish, drizzle with honey-vinegar glaze.

Garnish with chopped pecans.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

TED HODGINS

Non-Commercial Building Fire in East Pikeland Twp. East Pikeland Twp., PA - At 2:17 A.M. on Saturday morning, November 7th, Perkiomen Township Fire Company Tanker 66 and an all-volunteer crew were dispatched to East Pikeland Twp. in Chester County to assist with a non-commercial building fire in the 600 block of Schuylkill Road. Tanker 66 was on scene providing water and support for over one hour.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire Damages West Mifflin Home West Mifflin, PA – At 11:21 A.M. on October 25th, crews were dispatched to the 4300 block of Bowes Avenue for a reported house on fire. Crews quickly arrived and found heavy fire in the rear of the home, which extended into the home. Crews made entry and knocked down the fire inside while crews also knocked down the fire in the rear. The fire was placed under control in under 30 minutes. Crews then remained on-scene for about an hour for overhaul. No one was home at the time, and the fire is under investigation.

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.

JESIAH NEWSOME

Early Morning Basement Fire in Reading Reading, PA - On the morning of October 28th, a box alarm was transmitted for 534 North 11th Street for smoke showing from the basement. Chief Moyer (Car 7) arrived with smoke showing from a two-and-a-half story MOR. Firefighters stretched a hose line into the dwelling and located a fire in the basement. Crews searched the home and found no occupants inside. The fire was placed under control within 15 minutes with overhaul. No injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

Traffic 57—1 from the West End Fire Company of Stowe, PA is a 2012 GMC Sierra.

ALAN HOFFMAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2020

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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

Located in Mountain Top, PA on a two-lane country road is Wrights Township Volunteer Fire Department. As I pulled up to their station, Engine 189-1 was sitting on the ramp. Engine 189-1 (the official county designation), or Engine 1-17 to the members, is a 1999 Pierce Quantum with a 2000-GPM pump, and a 1000 water tank, 35-gallons of foam. Engine 1-17 is their first due structure fire rig. It has seating for eight firefighters and has 2500-feet of LDH. Inside the station is 189-2, 2-16 to the department, which is a 2002 Pierce Lance and the department’s Rescue Engine, decked out with a Hale 2000GPM pump, a 500-gallon water tank, and 40-gallons of foam.

The Engine seats six firefighters and is equipped with a full compliment of Amkus Hydraulic Rescue Tools, Rescue Jacks, and Hand Tools for Rescue. It is loaded with 2000-feet of LDH, and is the second due on all fire calls.

Next up in their arsenal of equipment is Ladder 189, known as Tower 3, a 1995 Simon Duplex/LTI 95-foot tower ladder. It has a 2000-GPM Hale pump, with seating for six firefighters. It is equipped with a full complement of Amkus System and 125-feet of ground ladders.

Next up is Tanker 189, known as Tanker 1-Tanker 18. It is a 2005 Pierce Arrow XT, with a 2500gallon water tank, 1250-GPM

pump, and a 40-gallon Foam Cell. The rig is versatile in its role, as it can either work as a Tanker or pack a nice punch at a structure fire with its remote deck gun, LDH, and cross lays.

It is loaded for structure fires or any other type of fire emergency, and has seating for six firefighters.

The department is rounded out with three brush units, a Fire Command unit, and two utility vehicles. They also have a seven-member Fire-Police unit to help keep everyone safe on scene, along with 30 volunteers and 11 members training and going through the state firefighting classes.

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 189-1, a 1999 Pierce Quantum (2000/1000/35).

- DAVID BUTCHER

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 189-2, a 2002 Pierce Lance (2000/500/40).

Wrights Township Volunteer Fire Dept. station

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

Tanker 189, a 2005 Pierce Arrow XT (2500/1500/40).

Ladder 189, a 1999 Simon Duplex/LTI (2000-GPM pump).

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire Command 189

DAVE BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2020

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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.

DANIEL WADE

Firefighters were alerted to this apartment building fire by a police patrol. Companies arrived with fire throughout the first floor.

Police Officers Come Across Building Fire in Reading

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Jefferson Township Fire Department, located in Lackawanna County, PA.

Reading, PA - Around 10:15 P.M. on Monday, October 26th, Reading Police Officers were traveling in the area of 10th and Walnut Streets when they discovered smoke coming from the first floor of an apartment building.

A box alarm was transmitted, sending companies to 201 North 10th Street. Chief Moyer (Car 7) arrived with fire throughout the first floor of a three-story OMD, and several police cars blocking access. Engine 3, previously responding to a

JUMP TO FILE #102920112 carbon monoxide alarm, was redirected to the incident and arrived first-due.

Firefighters quickly deployed a line and put a quick hit on the fire.

Police Officers restrained an injured man from reentering the building and noted that he had suffered burns to his body. Paramedics moved the victim to an ambulance and trans-

ported him to Reading Hospital.

Crews searched the upper floors of the building for occupants. All of the occupants escaped safely, with the exception of three cats who were located and brought out to their owners.

The fire was placed under control approximately 20 minutes later.

No other injuries were reported, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

- JASON BATZ

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

FRANK ROBINSON

Van Crashes Into Muhlenberg Township Home

Muhlenberg Twp., PA - Temple Fire Department in Muhlenberg Township responded to a report of a car into a house on Mount Laurel Road on October 3rd. There were no injuries, but the house sustained heavy damage. Fire crews were cleared of the scene a short time later.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Pictured is equipment from the Green Lane Fire Company and the Red Hill Fire Company that participated in the 1985 Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Convention, held in Reading. Engine 42-22 from the Green Fire Company was a 1971 imperial with a 1000-GPM pump and 500-gallon tank, and Engine 71-21 from the Red Hill Fire Company was a 1972 Mack CF with a 1000-GPM pump and 750gallon tank.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAgE 15

December, 2020

Crews Find Heavy Fire on Arrival in East McKeesport East McKeesport, PA – At 1:19 A.M. on November 3rd, fire crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Morrelle Avenue for a report of a house on fire.

JUMP TO FILE# Police arrived 111620116 on-scene and reported a working fire, with heavy fire showing from the second floor. Firefighters quickly arrived and made an aggressive interior attack, knocking the bulk of the fire down.

The fire was placed under control in about 30 minutes as crews remained on-scene extinguishing hot spots. No one was injured, and the fire is now under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

BACKSTOP

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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May reduce insurance premiums.

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

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

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

EASY INSTALLATION The BACKSTOP manual provides installation Instructions for almost any truck or emergency vehicle.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Little things make big changes Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

These are interesting times that we are in. Many times people do not realize how something small will have a major impact on our lives and society.

A major fire may start because of just one spark.

A drop of water on a rock means nothing but if we continually drop water on the same spot of the rock, we will form a hole or possibly split the boulder in two just by using a little water.

Something small can have great impact.

If we catch a medical challenge early enough, we can remove the impact. What would happen if we were able to remove cancerous cells early enough? Or heart disease, diabetes, or other diseases early enough?

We may have a small accident that may impact our lives forever.

We have recently been introduced to how something as small as a germ can effect the entire world.

We may take that germ for granted but how much of an effect has that had on our lives.

Many people have been thrust into becoming more technologically dependent. How many of us have been forced into isolation? It may feel like we were given a prison sentence, especially for those who lived by themselves before the start of this. How many meetings, these days, are now by looking at a computer? People now visit people by viewing them as if they were watching a television program. People are seeing people that they know through closed windows and birthdays are being celebrated by cars driving by and honking their horns.

People say this is the new normal. Many times after a criti-

cal incident, we hear some people say that we need to get accustomed to the new normal. I would say that "normal" is fluid. Life is not stagnant. We do not wear the same size clothes all our life. We do not have the same type of transportation as we did. Do to advances in technology and medicine, the way that we do our job has changed. Firefighters have different advantages and just look at the advances that EMT's, paramedics and the medical field have. Life is ever changing and we need to realize and change with it but also to hold onto the things that are just, right and true.

Over two thousand years ago the world was changed. A little baby was born. He was born in a manger. So many people knew about the prophecy of His life.

Granted many people questioned the miracles that He did and also if He truly was the Son of God. How many people have seen miracles done in His name? How many people had their physical and/or spiritual lives saved because of this baby?

There are many people who call to Him in times of trials. During an illness, after a death, or during a disaster, we may call out to Jesus or God for strength and understanding. This little baby is where so many people draw strength from. The Lord came to us in a way that was not intimating to people. Can you imagine how the people would have reacted if He came down from Heaven on a cloud? People would probably have passed out. They would have been overcome with His presence.

Let us not just dismiss something that is small and, to us, unimportant. It may not be what it is right now but the potential, the unwrapped gift that it truly may be.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Monroeville Crews Quickly Knock Down Kitchen Fire

Monroeville, PA – Just after 5:30 P.M. on October 6th, Monroeville fire crews were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from a house along Robert Street. Crews quickly arrived with smoke showing and forced entry. Interior crews found a working fire in the kitchen, which they quickly extinguished. Crews remained on scene to check for extension and to ventilate the structure. All units then cleared without further incident.

Bob Long

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Vehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

FRANK ROBINSON

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

Frystown Community Fire Company now operates a Landingville Fire Company now operates a 2020 Sut- Birdsboro-Union Fire Department now operates a 2020 2009 E-One 1250/750. phen 1500/3000/30 Pumper Tanker.

Pierce Enforcer 1500/750.

The Earl Twp. Fire Company has placed this 2019 Ford The Mt. Pleasant Fire Company has taken delivery of The Liberty Fire Co. #4 of Schuylkill Haven, PA has taken F-550/Vengeant attack unit into service as Attack 19 their 2020 E-One Cyclone quint (1750/500/100). delivery of their 2021 KME Panther engine (1200/300/25af).

(1500/1000/Hurst). This piece will serve as Engine 63-14.

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Notes from the Fireground ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Notes from the Fireground Memoir of a New York Firefighter

By Thomas Dunne 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: $29.95

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This is a soft cover book measuring 6” by 9”, with 198 pages.

There are 35 chapters, all of which are very interesting. The author is a retired deputy chief who served 33 years on the job. I also served 33 years in the fire department I was in, and I think we both feel the same about the job…that it was the best job in the world. He comes from a firefighting family and his writing reflects both on the job and family memoirs. Each chapter deals with a single subject so to speak, and for me it was an enjoyable book to read because even though our departments were vastly different in size, there were many common routines and experiences that are similar.

I would say for the most part the book is about when he was a deputy, but there are also chapters that deal from when he was the “new man” up through the company officer ranks. There are stories dealing with tragedy, which of course are not enjoyable especially when serious injury is involved and life is lost, but the reader, if “on the job”, will go through this book and be able to empathize with the experiences.

There are a number of fires written about both when he was a company officer and chief, including getting into the thick of it as a lieutenant and captain. One chapter is devoted to “buffs” in which there is a slight error with an explanation from me. He stated that buffs were not firefighters. While that is true to distinguish them on the fireground, many firefighters are fire buffs when they are off duty. I figure that in his experience he never ran into any buffs that were also firefighters, career or volunteer, so he was being honest.

While many buffs held menial jobs, many were professionals who earned much more money than firefighters did.

In addition there are memoirs dealing with personalities that he worked with of both good and indifferent natures. Some of the incidents he writes about I remember from the past and he explains them exactly as I remembered being reported, including the Happy Land Social Club arson fire which resulted in the deaths of many young people. He served in many different neighborhoods in busy and not so busy districts, so he was a well rounded firefighter.

There are a number of black and white photos in the book, most of which are of the fireground, including some which were taken by one of 1st Responder News’ correspondents. All in all it is an interesting book to read!

VEHICLE NEWS The Hughesville Volunteer FD of Lycoming County recently placed two new units in to service. Brush 24 is a 2020 Ford F-550 with a Marco body. It has a 500-GPM pump, and carries 255-gallons of water and 10-gallons of foam. Utility 24 is a 2020 Ford F-350 with a Knaphiede body. The brush replaces a 1992 GMC/E-One with 450/200, and the utility replaced a 1995 Ford F-350/2006 Knaphiede.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Hughesville placed this 2020 Ford F-550/Marco in to service as Brush 24. It has a 500 pump, 255 water and 10 foam, and replaces a 1992 GMC/E-One.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Hughesville recently placed in to service a new Utility 24. This 2020 Ford F-350 has a Knaphiede body.

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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.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Homestead McDonald's Hit by Kitchen Fire

Homestead, PA – At 9:39 P.M. on October 9th, crews were dispatched to the McDonald’s located in the Waterfront shopping complex for a reported kitchen fire. Police arrived on-scene and reported smoke showing from the building.

Crews arrived and found a fire in the kitchen, which was quickly knocked down. Crews then began to open up the ceiling to knock down fire that had extended into the ceiling area.

The fire was placed under control in about 30 minutes as crews remained on-scene for ventilation and extinguished hot spots. No one was injured.

Geisinger Life Flight departing from Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Plains, PA.

AVIATION DUDE

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