1st Responder News PA December Edition

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DECEMBER, 2019

WEST DONEGAL TWP. HOME SUFFERS MAJOR DAMAGE

TIMOTHY COOVER

West Donegal Twp., PA - On November 14th at 4:01 P.M., crews from Rheems Fire Department along with mutual aid departments were dispatched to a reported kitchen fire at 284 Hillcrest Lane in West Donegal Township (Lancaster County).

- See full story on page 8

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

Campbell Supply.

1, 28

Backstop USA

Command Fire App. Fire Expo 2020

Fire Line Equipment Kimtek Corporation Kochek

Marco Equipment Sales Marion Body

Mid Atlantic Rescue

15

16

23 7

9

21 11

27

5

Pivot Onsite Innovations

19

Prime Safety

25

Premier Safety

Ray’s Pagers

13

18

Raynor Garage Doors 21,22 Waterous

TIM MUSSER MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Respond to Dwelling Fire in Cumru Twp.

Cumru Twp., PA - On October 24th, Berks County Department of Emergency Services received a phone call from 103 High Blvd. reporting a house fire at 101 High Blvd. Captain 36 (Yoch) arrived to a single-story dwelling with smoke showing. Firefighters received assistance from Kenhorst and Reading units and stretched a line. Crews searched the home and located a fire in the living room. Chief 42 (Beane) placed the fire under control at 3:29 P.M., with all searches clear and no injuries reported. The Cumru Twp. Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

Units from Mohnton and West Reading also assisted.

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 23 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.

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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

Londonderry Firefighter C. Smith, a third generation firefighter between Londonderry and Middletown Fire Companies, quickly poses with his daughter during Londonderry Fire Company's annual open house/fire prevention.

Crews take a breather following an aggressive interior attack on the fire.

Crews from Three Counties Battle Dwelling Fire in Stewartstown Stewartstown, PA - At 12:09 P.M. on November 16th, Eureka Vol. Fire Company's Box 54-10 in East Hopewell Twp. was struck out for a kitchen fire on Round Hill Church Road.

Engine 54-2 (EVFC), Engine 54-3 (EVFC), E45 (North Hopewell-Winterstown), Engine 1011 (Norrisville-Harford Co.), Tanker 56 (Fawn Grove), Tanker 54-1 (EVFC), Tanker 43 (Felton), Truck 54 (EVFC), Truck 58 (New Freedom), Rescue 61 (Shrewsbury), and Ambulance 54-1 (EVFC) were due. Due to minimal manpower, pieces on the firstalarm were asked to be replaced.

Engines 56-3 and 56-1 (Fawn Grove) went en route at that time.

First-arriving Engine 54-2 found heavy fire and smoke showing from sides 'A' and 'B' on the first floor. Truck 54 came in behind them while Engine 54-3 staged at the end of the driveway and sent its manpower up. Engine 45 and Tanker 56 arrived simultaneously, with Engine 45 proceeding down the driveway and Tanker 56 establishing nurse tanker operations at the end of the driveway.

With Chief 54 inside helping the first-in units fight the fire, Chiefs 56-1 and 45-1 established Command. A working fire assignment and Tanker Task Force were requested simultaneously at 12:14 P.M. On the working fire assignment, Engine 54-4 (EVFC), Tanker 45 (North Hopewell-Winterstown), Tanker 1025 (Norrisville-Harford Co.), Air 35 (Dallastown), Engine 451 (Maryland Line-Baltimore Co. for RIT), Truck 19-1 (York Twp.), Medic 288 (Pinnacle), MICU 95-31 (SYCEMS), and Fire Police from 54, 43 and 45 were requested.

On the Tanker Task Force, Engine 43 (Felton), Tanker 55-1 (Airville), Tanker 454 (Maryland Line-Baltimore Co.), Tanker 39 (New Bridgeville), Tanker 37

JUMP TO FILE #111819102 (Windsor), and Tanker 59 (Glen Rock) were due.

Arriving units began staging on the hard road and sending their manpower down to the scene. Engine 56-1 established a draft site at a nearby pond in case a tanker shuttle needed to be started. At 12:25 P.M., Command sounded a second-alarm, bringing Engine 55-1 (Airville), Tanker 63 (Loganville), Engine 55-3 (Airville), Engine 61-2 (Shrewsbury), Rescue 39 (New Bridgeville), Tanker 35 (Dallastown), Tanker 44 (Craley), Truck 631 (Whiteford-Harford Co.), Engine 56-2 (Fawn Grove), and Ambulance 455 (Maryland Line-Baltimore Co.) to the scene. While en route however, most of these second-alarm units were cancelled.

Crews were able to get a good knock on the fire around 12:50 P.M., and some of the crews began to take up from the scene. Air 35 staged in a nearby driveway and filled air bottles for those working on the scene. Crews spent roughly two hours following the knockdown of the fire performing extensive overhaul and extinguishing hot spots. All but Stewartstown's crews had cleared the scene by 3:00 P.M., and by 3:30 P.M., they cleared the scene as well.

The kitchen area where the fire originated, and parts of the first and second floors sides 'A' and 'B' received heavy fire damage. The rest of the home received heavy smoke and water damage.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Great work by all crews working together to make a good stop on this large fire.

- JOSHUA AMBERMAN

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Three-Alarm Fire Strikes Mohnton Fire Company’s Social Quarters Mohnton, PA - On November 14th at 6:07 A.M., the Mohnton Fire Company, along with Spring Engine 85, Cumru Engine 42-1 and Shillington Engine 36 were dispatched to a fire alarm at the Friendship Fire Company Social Quarters, located at 100 E Summit Street.

Crews arrived to find heavy fire in the bar area of the building, with heavy smoke pushing from the 'B/C' corner. The call was quickly upgraded to a working structure fire. Ladder 57 arrived with Engine 42-1 and established command. A second-alarm was struck shortly after arrival, and fire crews began stretching lines towards the 'Alpha' side doors where crews made entry.

The third-alarm was requested at 6:30 A.M., bringing in multiple engines from Lancaster County.

Western Berks Engines 18-1 and 18-2 were responding to a Hazmat while covering for Spring Twp. when they were recalled and redirected to the fire.

Firefighters were able to make a quick knockdown of the fire on the first floor, and as more crews

JUMP TO FILE #111519118 arrived, a second line was stretched to the second floor of the building. Firefighters from Ladder 18 and Tower 79 were sent to the roof to perform vertical ventilation while a manpower pool was established in front of Station 57, near Engine 85.

Interior crews found fire running the walls in the banquet area of the second floor. Once the fire was extinguished, crews worked to preserve the scene for the Fire Marshal. The fire was placed under control at 7:27 A.M., and the PA State Police Fire Marshal began investigating a short time later.

The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but is believed to be accidental. Fire crews operated for over three hours before leaving the scene. The near century old building was the original firehouse of Friendship Fire Company No. 2 of Mohnton.

RAINMAN14

Smoke billowed from the second floor as crews worked to contain a 3-alarm blaze in the former fire station.

- LUCAS RICHARDSON

MOHNTON FIRE CO.

MOHNTON FIRE CO.

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

Prefer emails?

Email your press release and photos directly to Lindsey@1strespondernews.com MOHNTON FIRE CO.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

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December, 2019

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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: Paul Rotondaro, 36 Rank: Fire Captain Incident Date: October 2, 2019 Death Date: October 2, 2019 Fire Department: CAL FIRE, Merced County Fire Initial Summary: On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, Captain Paul Rotondaro, while on-duty, left the Merced County fire station to go to the Usona fire station. Driving a Ford Ranger, Rotondaro was hit by another truck, causing his truck to leave the road and catch fire, killing him instantly.

Washington: Christian Dean Johnson, 55 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: September 1, 2019 Death Date: October 2, 2019 Fire Department: Okanogan Fire Department/Okanogan County Fire District 3 Initial Summary: On Sunday, September 1, 2019, the Okanogan Fire Department/Okanogan County Fire District 3 responded to the Spring Coulee wildland fire. Assistant Chief Christian Dean Johnson and another firefighter were in a brush truck on the north end of the fire when the flames overtook them. The firefighter with Johnson was able to outrun the fire, but Johnson was unable to escape. The other firefighter came back to treat him and called for help. Johnson was airlifted to the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, where he died on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, from the burn injuries he sustained in the fire.

New York: Dale Jaynes, 72 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 16, 2019 Death Date: October 1, 2019 Fire Department:Burdett Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, September 16, 2019, Firefighter Dale Jaynes was working with his crew at a residential structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately taken to the hospital, where he passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2019.

Texas: Greg Garza, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 15, 2019 Death Date: October 15, 2019 Fire Department: San Antonio Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Firefighter Greg Garza responded to an electrical incident at the Comfort Suites. Garza returned to the apparatus to retrieve some equipment and was attempting to exit the fire apparatus when he tripped getting out of the truck and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. He went into traumatic arrest, was transported and passed away at the hospital.

Texas: Steven Paul Henderson, 60 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 7, 2019 Death Date: October 12, 2019 Fire Department: Louise Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, October 7, 2019, Firefighter Steven Henderson and another firefighter were returning from a fire call in a tanker truck when they stopped alongside the road to inspect the front tires.

While outside the vehicle, another firefighter from the same fire department driving his personal pick-up truck, who was also at the scene of the fire call and left shortly after Henderson, did not see the truck parked in the roadway or the two firefighters standing outside of it and subsequently hit both Henderson and the other firefighter. Henderson was immediately transported by LifeFlight to the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, in Houston, where, on Saturday, October 12, 2019, he succumbed to the injuries sustained in the accident. The other firefighter who was hit had non-life threatening injuries and was released from OakBend Medical Center in Richmond, TX.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

TERRY RITZ

Fire in Upper Hanover Twp. Destroys Shed Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On November 5th at 4:17 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a shed fire on Mack Road in Upper Hanover Township. Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Mike Wetzel had a fully involved shed fire. The flames were completely doused within a few minutes by firefighters using a hand line and foam. The shed was a total loss, but there were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is pending the outcome of an investigation. Assisting the fire company were East Greenville Fire Police and an Upper Perk EMS unit.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Crews arrive to find a garage fully involved and fire in the kitchen area of a home in West Donegal Twp., 11/14/19.

West Donegal Twp. Home Suffers Major Damage as Kitchen Fire Extends to Garage West Donegal Twp., PA - On November 14th at 4:01 P.M., crews from Rheems Fire Department along with mutual aid departments were dispatched to a reported kitchen fire at 284 Hillcrest Lane in West Donegal Township (Lancaster County).

Crews enroute were given the report of a fire in the kitchen and shortly after, County came back on the air to report that the fire was extending to the garage with multiple calls now being recieved.

Assistant Chief 70-2 arrived and set up Command with the report of a two-story, single-family dwelling with the garage fully in-

JUMP TO FILE #111619100 volved. Truck 74 (Elizabethtown FD) arrived and split crews to ladder the building, search for occupants and determine how far into the home the fire was. All occupants were accounted for a short time later. Engine 701 (Rheems FD) arrived and placed two lines in service, one to the garage and one through the front door.

Command then requested two additional tankers to the scene and ultimately requested the secondalarm for manpower at 4:26 P.M.

Tanker 70 supplied Engine 701 while Tanker 79 (Maytown East Donegal Twp. FD) supplied water for Engine 702. Engine 742 set up to draft from a pond to the rear of the dwelling and supplied Rescue 80 (Columbia Borough FD) to help with fire suppression at the rear of the structure.

Command placed the fire under control at 4:34 P.M., with crews remaining on scene until 7:06 P.M. No injuries were reported during the incident, and the PSP Fire Marshal is investigating.

- TIMOTHY COOVER

KEN SNYDER

Southeastern PA Fire Prevention Expos

Several large and small fire companies schedule their fire prevention expos during the early part of October. These are held in mall parking lots and on closed-off streets, etc. All kinds of fire prevention material is handed out to the public, including plastic fire helmets for the kids. Some expos also provide demonstrations on auto extrication, cooking fires and sprinklers, and sometimes also provide the experience of the smoke detector trailer. The goal is to focus on fire prevention as a year round event. Pictured is the Coventry Mall expo located south of Pottstown, sponsored by the Norco Fire Company.

TIMOTHY COOVER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Ruthless Tide: The Heroes and Villains of the Johnstown Flood ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Ruthless Tide: The Heroes and Villains of the Johnstown Flood

By Al Roker Available wherever books are sold Price: $16.19 (soft cover)

This book that was reviewed is a soft cover, measuring 5 ½ inches by 9 inches, and it contains 370 pages. It is a tragic, true story about a deluge of rain that fell on May 31st, 1889 that dropped almost a foot of water in under 24

hours. This took place in Central Pennsylvania and the result of it became the deadliest in our history.

The flood it caused quickly destroyed Johnstown, a town with a population of 20,000. It raised the Little Conemaugh River and threatened the South Fork Dam. The dam was built to make a private lake for a hunting and fishing club. Many of the rich industrialists belonged to this club. Names such as Andrew Carnegie are mentioned, as well as others. The dam was controversial, as some thought it was not constructed well enough.

The pages in the 14 chapters and epilogue detail the horror of this event, including death and miraculous endings intertwined.

The stories of many families affected are written and will keep the reader in suspense.

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

JC KRIESHER

The Pottsville FD received a new Chief's vehicle back in May. The 2019 Ford Expedition is seen here sitting in the shadow of the Schuylkill County Courthouse.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Chief 87 of the Quakertown Fire Department utilizes this GMC pickup as his command vehicle.

December, 2019

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? When a Vegetable Takes Center Stage...

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.

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

FRANK ROBINSON

Womelsdorf Fire Company now runs this 1999 Pierce Lance 1500/600 that once served the Jericho FD in Nassau County, NY.

TERRY RITZ

Red Hill Fire Co. recently purchased this 1996 Mack/KME 1500/2500 tanker from Alburtis Fire Co. (Lower Macungie Twp.).

The tables are set, friends and family are starting to announce their arrival, and the smells of the holidays fill the air. The spiral honey ham is getting its last coating of glaze, the filet mignon is resting and the turkey is getting carved. The center of the table is cleared to make way for platters of meat, while the vegetables take their place in the far ends of the earth...ok, maybe this is a little bit of an exaggeration, but in all honesty, who really pays much attention to them?

Is it because we have been eating the same vegetables year in and year out? The green bean and sweet potato casseroles, the apple and cranberry sauces, and let’s not forget the wonderfully off putting dish that is overcooked brussels sprouts. It’s time we take a stand and start putting a little more effort into those “side dishes”. Let’s make them worthy of the center of the table, right next to the prime rib. Seems like a daunting task, but with some attention to detail and great ingredients, we can finally let the vegetables take center stage.

Great ingredients are the most important part of any recipe. They are the foundation to build flavors upon that will take a dish from good to great. When shopping for produce,

if the budget allows, it's best to buy organic. There are obvious reasons as to why, with the important one being better flavor. Organic produce has more antioxidants, which affects the taste, aroma and mouthfeel. In short, organic produce has more intense flavor than those grown conventionally. With that being said, we need to address the other ingredients which make up great recipes.

As with produce, the other elements of a dish must be the best we can afford. This is not to say all recipes need to break the bank, but rather we should focus on some key ingredients to help make the dish shine. Let’s take the recipe for ChileMaple Glazed Butternut Squash for instance. Maple syrup is something you should not skimp on, as it lays the groundwork for all the ingredients that follow. It's very easy to grab the bottle of “pancake syrup” instead because it may be half the price, but one look at the ingredient list and you will see why the real maple syrup makes sense. If a recipe contains many ingredients, read through it and decipher which ones will make or break a dish depending on the final goal and “splurge” on them.

Now that we know how to shop for ingredients, let’s talk a little about why certain ingredients work in a dish. In order for vegetables to shine, the recipes must have elements that excite our palate. It's not a hard fast rule, but there should be salt, fat and acid. There is no chance of achieving great flavor without the addition of salt. In fact, you can eliminate any other seasonings and yet still make a

great meal using only salt. It has the ability to enhance the other ingredients in the recipe, even in sweet applications like desserts. There are so many different kinds out there, but for the majority of recipes you may find, kosher is best.

The fat in a recipe is vital as well, especially in a vegetable dish since most vegetables don’t contain fat.

Among all the fats out there, extra virgin olive oil is best for most cooking techniques, aside from high heat applications like frying. In moderation, butter is also a delicious ingredient to carry flavor and add moisture as well. When buying butter, look for the unsalted, grass-fed variety. If you taste something and it seems like it's missing something, it's usually lack of an acidic component. Whether it comes from fruit, like lemon or vinegar, acid will help balance out the fat in a dish. It's also the component which makes us crave more of something. Just a squeeze of lemon on some roasted broccoli elevates the dish from home cooked to something you may find in a restaurant. With the Chile-Maple Glazed Butternut Squash recipe, the cider vinegar balances out the richness of the butter.

The elements of salt, fat and acid when applied to vegetables is what takes them from the corner of the table to the center of attention.

When you combine great ingredients with great presentation, any vegetable will hold its own next to the glazed ham or rib roast at the holiday dinner table!

Stay safe, eat well!

CHILE-MAPLE GLAZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH Serves 4

Ingredients:

FRANK ROBINSON

Swatara Fire Rescue operates this 2008 Pierce Quantum Heavy Rescue that once saw service in Lawnton, PA.

1 Large Butternut Squash ¼ Cup Maple Syrup 3 Tbs. Unsalted Grass-fed Butter 2 Tbs. Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Fresno Chile (substitute with jalapeno or shishito), sliced 6 Bay Leaves, preferably fresh Salt EVOO Procedure:

- Preheat oven to 450°F

- Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds - Using a peeler, peel the skin of the squash until there is only bright orange flesh DALE FEEHRER

The Goodwill Fire Company now operates this 2003 Crimson (1250/500/30f) as Engine 52-11, which formerly served in Avoca, PA.

- Rub all sides of squash with EVOO and salt, place on a roasting pan cut side

down. Cook in oven for 1520 minutes.

- While the squash cooks, combine the maple syrup, butter, vinegar and chile in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer and reduce to a syrup, about 5 minutes.

- After the squash has cooked for 15-20 minutes, remove from the oven.

Place squash on cutting

board and carefully slice into ¼” slices. Using a spatula, arrange the squash back on the roasting pan in a shingle like pattern. Stuff with bay leaves, brush with glaze and place back into the oven.

AJ FUSCO

- Cook squash for another 30-40 minutes, brushing with glaze every 10 minutes or so. Remove and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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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

Station 2 in Lycoming County is Woodward Twp. Vol. Fire Company, located at 4147 N Route 220 Hwy. in Linden, PA. They run Squad 2, Tanker 2, Brush 2 and UTV 2 (not photographed).

TIMOTHY COOVER

Site of the frontal house collapse on Fountain St.

KEN SNYDER

Three Alarmer Destroys Ten Homes in Allentown Squad 2 is a 2001 HME Central States with a 1500-GPM waterous pump and 750-gallons of water. It's loaded with 1000-feet of 5-inch, 200-feet of 2 1/2 inch, 2 cross lays, 3 speed lays and a trash line.

The squad also carries a set of Hurst battery powered tools. The cutters and spreaders can be found in the officer's side compartment with a combination tool in the front bumper.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Tanker 2 is a 2012 Freightliner/Midwest with a 3000-gallon poly tank, 1000-GPM Darley pump and 3000-gallon dump tank.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Brush 2 is a 2005 F550 Central States body with 250-gallon poly tank, Hale XP 200 diesel skip load pump, and 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 inch rear discharges. It's used for brush fires, QRS calls, water rescues, and to get manpower to scenes.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Allentown, PA - On October 20th at approximately 3:10 A.M., the fire department was summoned to 918 W. Green Street for a reported house fire.

The response was 4 and 1, plus Battalion Chief 43 JUMP TO FILE# 102919100 Atiyeh.

Police on scene advised the Comm Center that the front of the house had exploded out onto the 700 block of N. Fountain Street, the intersecting alley. This was an abandoned two-story house that was on fire. A second-alarm was transmitted by Battalion Chief Atiyeh.

As heavy fire conditions increased, and as the fire started to run the roofs, a third-alarm was transmitted. Early evacuations were in effect, with the evacuees given shelter in LANTA buses parked at N. 9th and Tilghman Streets. The Red Cross also assisted the victims, which at last count was 47 displaced persons.

The only injury reported was to a firefighter with a minor shoulder problem. After the fire was over and the buildings were inspected, it was determined that the structures would need to be demolished.

The cause of the collapse still remains a mystery, as the gas utility company could not find any traces of leakage.

- KEN SNYDER

KEN SNYDER

Fire continues to work its way down Fountain St., towards the end of the row.

HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

PAGE 13

INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

HANOVER TWP. FD

Hanover Twp. Police Officer Rescues Man from Burning Home

"My name is Firefighter Jeff Helgert from Allegheny Valley VFC Station 315 in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This tattoo was done in 2014 to represent the fallen."

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Ashley Borough, PA - On November 3rd at 3:12 A.M., the Ashley Fire Department (Luzerne County), along with first due companies from Hanover Township, Nanticoke City (RIT), Sugar Notch Boro and Hanover JUMP TO FILE# Township Medic 9, 111419101 were dispatched to reports of a working house fire at 120 N Main Street.

Additional resources were requested upon arrival of the first due companies, bringing in the Kingston FD as RIT and utilizing Nanticoke FD for manpower. The fire was contained to the structure, with some siding damage to a neighboring home.

The occupant of the home was pulled from the working fire by a passing Hanover Township Police Officer who was traveling through the Boro of Ashley, returning to his coverage area. The police officer and the occupant were assisted in getting off the front porch by a passerby. The officer sustained injuries to his arm, with the resident being transported to a local hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and released a few days later.

Unfortunately, two dogs perished in the fire. All fire departments returned to service without injuries or additional incident.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental in nature.

- HANOVER TWP. FD

HANOVER TWP. FD

PAGE 14

December, 2019

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.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Two Alarms Called at Braddock House Fire Braddock, PA - At 1:43 P.M. on October 28th, firefighters were dispatched to June Way in Braddock Borough for the report of a house on fire. Shortly after dispatch, EMS reported that there was smoke seen from their base.

The Rivers Edge Assistant Chief

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the Hanover Vol. Fire Department, located in Washington County, PA.

KEN SNYDER

Bethlehem FD Housing Ceremony Bethlehem, PA - On October 17th, the Bethlehem FD held their first housing at the Lincoln Fire Station on Easton Avenue.

After the ceremony, the new Engine 5, which is a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 2000/500/20/107', was 'pushed' into the station.

JUMP TO FILE #110419101 arrived on scene and reported a working fire with heavy smoke showing, and assumed Command.

Crews quickly arrived and made an

Bob Long

aggressive interior attack. The bulk of the fire was knocked down and placed under control at 2:39 P.M. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating the incident.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAgE 15

December, 2019

Vehicle News

Quarryville Fire Company now operates this 2019 Pierce Alert Fire Company of Emigsville recently took delivery E-11 of Northern Lebanon Fire and Emergency Services (Lebanon County) is a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 1500/1000.

Enforcer 2000/1000, designated Engine 57. of this 2019 Ford F-350/Warner utility truck.

FRANK ROBINSON

MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

KEN SNYDER

DALE FEEHRER

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

DALE FEEHRER

The Columbia Borough FD has taken delivery of this The Hughesville Vol. FD recently had a 2014 Ford F-150 Northern Lebanon Fire & Emergency Services has taken 2019 Pierce Enforcer (1500/500/Hurst) rescue/engine donated to them by a company member from his busi- delivery of this 2019 Pierce Enforcer pumper (1500/1000) that will be designated as Lancaster County Rescue 80. ness. This unit runs as Utility 1-24. that will be housed in the Lickdale Station as Engine 11.

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Leo Independent Fire Co. of Red Lion (York County), used to operate this now privately owned 1935 Seagrave Suburbanite, featuring a 500-GPM pump and 100-gallons of water.

MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

This beautiful 1974 Mack CF with a Maxim trailer and 100' aerial ladder was originally delivered to Allentown, PA, where it ran as Ladder 3. In 1993, it was refurbished by Lee's Emergency Equipment in Tuckerton, NJ, before it began its service with Oaklyn, NJ as Ladder 1843. It was purchased by a family in South-Central PA when it was retired from service, and still makes regular appearances at musters and conventions across the area.

Firefighters and Hazmat personnel prepare to enter the building.

RAINMAN14

Strange Odor Prompts Hazmat Response in West Chester West Chester, PA - At 12:20 P.M. on October 19th, all three stations of the West Chester Fire Department, along with EMS, were dispatched to 326 N Walnut Street, at the Hickman home’s Mary Taylor House, for an odor investigation.

As crews went inside and began investigating the odor, which was reported on the second floor, three additional ambulances were requested to the scene. A Hazmat officer was requested to the scene, as well as the Chester

JUMP TO FILE #102519119 County Hazmat Team.

Crews evacuated more than 20 residents from the Mary Taylor House and moved them to the old Hickman home. One employee was transported to Chester County Hospital for an unknown reason.

Station 52 was re-dispatched for their Air Truck as Ladder 6 and Engine 47-2 were brought into the Borough for relocates. As Hazmat

15-1 arrived, the fire relocates were requested into the scene and additional companies were also dispatched.

Hazmat members first made entry into the building just after 1:30 P.M., and operated for several hours until clearing the scene.

The building was then handed over to management before residents were allowed back in. The exact cause of the odor was not determined.

- LUCAS RICHARDSON

OLD & NEW

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

ALAN HOFFMAN

This L Model Mack belongs to the Reiffton Fire Company, and features a 750-GPM pump and 300-gallon tank.

KEN SNYDER

Fame EMS of Lewistown recently displayed their 1969 International Springfield and their 2018 International Lifeline.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

PAGE 17

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.

TERRY RITZ

Pennsburg Fire Co. runs this 2007 Pierce Rescue Engine 2000/750, 50-gallon CAFS as Rescue 65.

LT. ANDREW GETKA

Several Reading Firefighters were recognized for their actions in early 2019 during the department's annual Medal Day ceremony, held 10/12/19.

Reading Firefighters Recognized During Awards Ceremony Allentown Engine 11 is a 2019 Pierce Enforcer 1500/500.

KEN SNYDER

Reading, PA - The Reading Fire Department's annual "Medal Day" was held on Saturday, October 12th at the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. This year's event focused on three incidents in early 2019.

On January 7th, Engine 3 was sent to 2709 Perkiomen Avenue in Mount Penn Borough to assist at a dwelling fire, where Firefighters Joshua Green and Timothy Conti successfully rescued an occupant trapped on the second floor.

On February 16th, a box alarm

JUMP TO FILE #102619101 was transmitted to 19 South 10th Street for a fire in an apartment building, where Firefighter Lucas Depledge located and removed an occupant from a smoke filled second floor.

On February 28th, members of the 2019 firefighter recruit class were engaged in classroom activities after completing morning exercises when one recruit collapsed

into cardiac arrest. The class successfully revived the recruit with the help of several other firefighters. Those honored for the act included Deputy Chief Michael Glore, Lt. David Williams, Matthew Grant, William Lomnychuk, Garry Clarke, Michael Sninsky and Brett Mack, as well as Jonathon Fritz and Jeffrey Shilling from the Berks County Fire Training Center.

- JASON BATZ

ON THE LITER SIDE

If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Adams Township Fire Co. No. 2 in Saint Michael operates this 2017 Chevrolet 3500/Knaphiede utility box as Utility 84.

FRANK ROBINSON

South Ward Fire Company in Tamaqua operates this 2017 Pierce Saber 1500/750/30 Foam.

ALAN HOFFMAN

The Eastern Berks FD uses this wooden fire truck to display messages, such as their upcoming events.

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

The Temptation to Look Into the Mirror... EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

So many times we're moving forward when we drive down the road and we occasionally look in the rear-view mirror, or in the side mirror, to see what's coming up from behind. We want to make sure that we watch out for the tractor-trailer or the flashing lights in the mirror. But we should not constantly look in the mirror; we should just check occasionally for only a few seconds.

If we constantly look in the mirror as we're driving, we do not see what's ahead of us.

We may miss that the road makes a turn while we are too distracted looking at something that caught our interest and we're hung up on it. We may keep looking at the exit that we were supposed to take, but we blew it. We were distracted and going too fast and now we are a mile past where we needed to change direction.

As we go through life we are to look ahead of us, at the work that we have set our hands to. We cannot constantly live in the past.

The enemy wants us to live in the past, so that we cannot complete the mission that God has for us. If we live our life in the past, we will crash because of the “I should haves”, or the “I could haves”. But you did not. You made a decision. You acted a certain way. Can we take it back or hit the reset button for our life?

No, we must continue on.

We must learn from our experiences. All the past decisions and experiences, no matter if they were right or wrong, make you who you are. We have learned lessons. Yes, sometimes those lessons were painful to you or others, but hopefully you learned from them. If we never made any mistakes, could we learn?

Even if we make no mistakes, there are times that we are in great pain. We may experience a close person’s death, or suicide.

We may have seen tragedy and it shook our world, but that does not define us. We may have flashbacks of past incidents or may have nightmares, but we should not live there.

Visit our website! www.1rbn.com

Philippians 3:12,13 States that I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

13 Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

If we let our past rule our present, we may have no future. You may look so hard in the rear-view mirror and not look up that you miss the next exit, so you did not take the off-ramp.

As we go through life, we are to look up and see what is ahead of us, as the work that God has set for us.

Use the past as a reference of lessons learned. As a point of reference, the past is alright. But as a

wise teacher taught me, you cannot have a foot in two canoes. As your foot is in the two canoes, the boats separate and you fall into the water.

If you get stuck in the past and cannot get out for one reason or another, you may need someone to be your guide in the journey of getting rid of the dreams, or flashbacks, or triggers.

Please remember to do what you need to do to press on in the things that God has for you. You were created on purpose for a purpose. We do not want to cheat other people by not being able to assist them.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh Didymus-mchugh.com

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

SHANE SHIFFLETT

EMS 18 assisting Greencastle Rescue Hose Co. No. 1 on a medical call.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

CHUCK LOWE

Former Tower 53 of Lower Providence Twp., a 2006 Spartan Gladiator Advantage/Allain 95' Aerialscope, was acquired by the Leicester, Massachusetts FD in 2017. That town decided it was too costly to repaint the apparatus, so it remains designated Tower 53 in its new assignment.

FRANK ROBINSON

Citizens of the Palo Alto Fire Company operate this 1987 Hahn 1000/700/30 Foam that once saw service in Pitman, NJ.

December, 2019

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your “Faces” in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,

Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari took charge of water supply operations at a fire in West Mahanoy Twp.

JC KRIESHER

JORDAN BANKERT

Reading Deputy Chief Mike Glore practices with a lowering system during a rope rescue training in September.

JC KRIESHER

Nuremberg-Weston Fire Chief Joe Lescowitch responded to Sugarloaf Twp. as part of a recent second-alarm.

KATIE WITMOYER

Mahanoy City Chauffeur Shane Finneran operates Ladder 48-25 at a fire in Shenandoah.

JC KRIESHER

Cumru Twp. FD Deputy Chief James "Guff" Seiger with his serious face during a hoseline drill at the Berks County Fire Training Center.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Summerhill Boro Vol. Fire Company (Cambria County) still operates this 1980 American LaFrance Century/1998 4 Guys refurb as Engine 86-2. It has a 1500-GPM pump, 750-gallons of water and 30 of foam.

FRANK ROBINSON

Skippack Vol. Fire Company still maintains this 1964 Chevy Brush Truck 200/200.

December, 2019

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

KEN SNYDER

New Station for Pen Argyl Pen Argyl, PA - Last July 14th, ground was broken for a new fire station for the Lookout Fire Company, which was organized back in 1890. The new multi-million-dollar station is 15,800-square-feet and has four apparatus bays. It also has offices, a training room, work shop, an equipment room and a social hall. On November 16th, the public was invited to attend the company's open house and dedication.

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

The Fleetwood Fire Co. recently hosted a Rapid Intervention Team program through the Bucks County Community College. The program concluded at the Berks County Fire Training Center with students learning basic skills used in extricating a downed firefighter.

Fifteen students engaged in skills learned from Firefighter LODD's, such as Mark Langvardt (Denver), Brett Tarver (Pheonix), and John Nance (Columbus). The program reinforced the concept of keeping RIT techniques basic.

PAge 23

December, 2019

YOU WON’T RUN OUT OF THINGS TO DO AT ....

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FIRE EXPO 2010

LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S 48 TH ANNUAL

FIRE EXPO 2020 ShOw hOuRS

FRIDAY, MAY 15 – 10 AM - 5 PM SATuRDAY, MAY 16 – 10 AM - 5 PM SuNDAY, MAY 17 – 10 AM - 4 PM

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ADVANCED TICKETS $9 ARE AVAILABLE THRU MAY 1, 2020 at LCFA.COM OR BY SENDING CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO FIRE EXPO AND SELF-ADDRESS STAMPED ENVELOPE TO:

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JASON BATZ

Firefighters use ropes to remove a downed firefighter from a lower level after a floor collapse.

630 East Oregon Rd. Lititz, PA 17543

717-581-5469 • Fax: 717-735-7459 email: expo@LCFA.com website: Lcfa.com

ADMISSION: Adults $9.00 Children 9 and under FREE

hOSTeD BY LANCASTeR COuNTY FIReMeN’S ASSOCIATION There were 366 Exhibitors Displaying Products in 488 Booth Spaces and exhibiting 217 Emergency Vehicles Last Year To Provide For Your Needs and Services

Attendance in recent years has been over 20,000

FOR LODGING PLEASE CONTACT

CONNeCTIONS hOuSINg

JASON BATZ

The removal of a downed firefighter up a flight of stairs will always be a physically demanding skill. Crews practice the "Nutmeg" carry to expedite the process of moving a firefighter.

1-800-262-9974 or www.connectionsmeetings.com/content/1439.htm

PAGE 24

December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Heavy Fire Consumes Vacant McKeesport Home McKeesport, PA - At 2:07 A.M. on November 3rd, firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire located along the 900 block of Park Street in the City of McKeesport.

With multiple calls being reported, Police arrived on JUMP TO FILE# scene and found a 110419102 vacant home with heavy fire showing.

Fire units quickly arrived and a secondalarm was requested for manpower. Defensive operations were set up and crews battled the fire for over an hour before finally bringing it under control.

No injuries were reported, and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

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Crews attack the fire from the outside of the vacant McKeesport home, 11/3/19.

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

KEN SNYDER

Eastern Salisbury Fire Co. Engine 2011 on scene at a 2nd-alarm dwelling fire in Salisbury Twp., 7/18/19.

JC KRIESHER

Tamaqua Engine 65-10 (American Hose) operates as the second due engine company for a house fire in the village of Hometown.

DALE FEEHRER

Elizabethtown's Engine 74-2, a 2007 Sutphen (1500/500), along with Truck 74, a 2010 (100') Sutphen, operate at the scene of a first due working fire, 8/11/19.

JC KRIESHER

Hometown Fire Co. operates a 2019 Ford pickup with an HMA Fire Ultra High Pressure Pump as Engine 25-15 at a first due house fire.

December, 2019

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December, 2019

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 Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

(Editor's Note: Story #092719113 titled “Third Alarm Blaze Strikes Senior Care Center in Upper Macungie Twp.� was featured in last month's edition with a few pieces of incorrect information. Below is the corrected story, and we apologize for this error.)

FRANK ROBINSON

The Llewellyn Fire Company operates this 1998 Stewart & Stevenson 250/600 Brush Truck.

Smoke at the rear of the Heather Glen Senior Care facility floodlighted by Trexlertown's ladder.

KEN SNYDER

Third-Alarm Blaze Strikes Senior Care Center in Upper Macungie Twp.

RAINMAN14

The Grantville Vol. FD operates this 1984 AM General 5-ton, 6x6 with 1000-GWT and Darley Pump as Brush 39-1.

Upper Macungie Twp., PA On September 22nd at 2:54 A.M., Companies 8, 25 and 56 of the UMFD responded to a fire call at the Heather Glen Senior Care facility, located at 415 Blue Barn Road. The facility provides care for seniors and those who are afflicted with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

A neighbor behind the facility saw a fire on the rear deck of the occupied building and called it in.

On scene, Fogelsville Fire Chief Jacque Creamer, Jr. reported heavy fire in the rear and transmitted a second-alarm. A Herculean task was carried out by firefighters, police and EMS in evacuating the patrons as smoke began to filter into the numerous rooms as alarms sounded.

A third-alarm was transmitted

JUMP TO FILE #092719113 and a MCI Level 2 was established. Five staff members and 82 patrons were evacuated from the facility. Seven rescues were made in the rear of the building via ground ladders. Evacuees were transported by buses and vans to the Trexlertown firehouse and a nursing home in Emmaus. Two firefighters and six residents were taken to the hospital for evaluation of non-life-threatening injuries.

The blaze continued to give firefighters a problem in the original area, as it had lodged itself in the roof area and ceilings had to be opened up. Surrounding the facility with raised aerial ladders were Western Salisbury, Weisen-

berg, Trexlertown, Emmaus and Cetronia.

Other companies on scene were Whitehall, Tri Clover, Vera Cruz, Lower Macungie, Fountain Hill, Woodlawn, Catasauqua, Lower Milford, Lehigh County, Nancy Run, Alburtis, Kutztown, Blandon and Fleetwood.

Numerous ambulances along with the Eastern PA EMS Council, and state and local police also assisted. Canteen service was provided by North Penn Goodwill of Souderton. (Author's note: My apologies in case I missed anyone.)

To quote Fogelsvile VFC's Facebook page, "At the end of the day, everyone went home".

- KEN SNYDER

DALE FEEHRER

The Nuremberg-Weston Vol. Fire Co. operates this 1992 Mack MR/General Tank (350/2000) as Tanker 1931.

ALAN HOFFMAN

The Trumbauersville Fire Co. uses this Dodge pickup truck as Utility 58.

Evacuees await bus boarding instructions.

KEN SNYDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

December, 2019

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December, 2019

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA