1st Responder News PA February Edition

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FEBRUARY, 2021

CREWS BATTLE UPPER MACUNGIE DWELLING FIRE

KEN SNYDER

Upper Macungie Twp., PA - On the evening of January 9th, just before 11:00 P.M., Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched Fogelsville, Upper Macungie and Trexlertown fire companies to a two-and-a-half story dwelling fire located at 6512 Memorial Rd., in the Kuhnsville section of the township.

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February, 2021

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No.2 - 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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Many of us do not think about what it is like to be anxious, but others can be frozen by anxiety.

Some people cannot look at paper from a particular person because it makes them anxious, or cannot go through a certain intersection or part of town. There are some people who cannot bare to throw certain things out because of the anxiety and emotional attachment that they have assigned to an inanimate object.

We may think of people who look like hoarders and we want to tell them to just throw it out.

What we need to do is to come alongside them and see what the anxiety may be attached to and why. Many times we can work on small steps and keep the person's anxiety in check.

The truth is that many people may face anxiety in their own way. I have seen others, that when they are anxious, are basically frozen. They cannot move forward, they are just there. I have seen this with people who may be afraid of heights, or some people that may be afraid of fire or blood.

Some people may want to just say "suck it up, buttercup", but that is not the right solution. How would the people saying it feel, if it was they who became frozen?

Many times, if we take the time to talk with the people, we can help them through their block. True, that some people may need longer time to overcome their anxiety and they may need some professional assistance.

Did you ever get anxious about a test? Interview? Freeze on

a high dive? What is it that may make you anxious? How about the holidays or birthdays, when you have to see those relatives? You may try backing out of it by saying that you have other plans, just to get out of it.

The Bible says to be anxious for nothing and in Matthew chapter 6, it states 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?

26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

These are definitely wise words and directions but it is our humanity that once it gets into the mix, that we do worry or become anxious.

Please have time and understanding for the person that you may work with in a disaster, whatever the person identifies as a disaster. Some people are accustomed to working with disasters all the time, but once it is effecting them personally that they truly understand and may become more compassionate to the client.

We can learn so much just by listening to the people that we meet. As a good friend of mine said, "God gave us two ears and one mouth. Maybe we need to listen twice the amount of time that we speak, after all, I think He knows what He is doing."

Stay safe and listen to people.

It will surprise you once you listen to other people's stories.

KEN SNYDER

Crews Battle Upper Macungie Dwelling Fire Upper Macungie Twp., PA - On the evening of January 9th, just before 11:00 P.M., Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched Fogelsville, Upper Macungie and Trexlertown fire companies to a two-and-a-half story dwelling fire located at 6512 Memorial Rd., in the Kuhnsville section of the township. Upon arrival, Fogelsville's Chief found heavy fire on a second floor rear deck and requested a second-alarm. Three mutual aid companies were activated along with a later request for more manpower from two additional companies. Fogelsville's ladder tower vented the westside of the building while Trexlertown's ladder worked on the eastside. As the fire darkened down, some companies remained on scene dealing with hot spots and overhaul. There were no known injuries.

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

JC KRIESHER

Mahanoy City Responds to Wind Turbine Fire Mahanoy Twp., PA - On December 28, 2020, Mahanoy City West End Fire Company was dispatched to the Locust Ridge Wind Farm off Route 339 in Mahanoy Township for a windmill fire. Crews arrived on scene to find a wind turbine on fire with heavy black smoke billowing from the unit. Engine 48-15 set up a safety perimeter and kept an eye for spot fires from falling debris. Units remained on scene for nearly three hours as the fire had to burn itself out. This is the fourth incident of this type at the wind farm over the last decade or so. This particular turbine was one that previously burned.

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February, 2021

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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

Our condolences go out to the family of retired Reading Firefighter Paul "Gumshoe" Lerch, who recently passed away. Firefighter Lerch retired from the Reading Fire Department in 2010 after serving for more than 43 years. Lerch was hired in October of 1967 as a driver for the Hampden Fire Co., and shortly after, the Marion Fire Co. Lerch, who gained the nickname "Gumshoe" or "Shoes", would eventually be assigned to work on Ambulance 96 in the 1970s after the city closed Engine 10. A short time later, Shoes took an assignment on Ladder 3 with the B platoon. FF Lerch initially worked as the tillerman, before moving to the front-end in 1987. Shoes spent 24 years driving Ladder 3 on the B platoon and as the shift's senior man for several years. Lerch's son, Scott, was hired by the department in 1995 and currently serves in his father's position on Ladder 3.

JC KRIESHER

A firefighter works a line shooting water into the front of the garage.

Nuremberg Garage Destroyed

by Overnight Fire

NIK KNAUER

Retired Firefighter Paul Lerch recently passed away. Lerch served with the Reading FD for more than 43 years.

Nuremberg, PA – Firefighters were called out at 12:40 A.M. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 for a reported garage fire at the intersection of Mahanoy and Pine Streets in the Village of Nuremberg, North Union Twp. Fire Districts 19 (Nuremberg-Weston) and 9 (Sheppton-Oneida) were due with units from Luzerne County (177–Sugarloaf).

Deputy 19 was immediately on-air reporting a bad address as he found the fire at the intersection of Main Street and School Street. The Deputy assumed command, reported fire through the roof and requested two additional tankers.

JUMP TO FILE #010521103

Tankers from Shenandoah and Ringtown were dispatched.

Engine 19-10 pulled past the scene to the intersection and stretched a blitz fire. Truck 19-20 took the driveway and set up for master stream operations while additional handlines were stretched.

Tankers 19-30 and 19-31 dropped a portable pond on Mahanoy Street for 19-10 to supply the scene. Engine 9-10 was directed to the Weston Dam for a fill site.

As tankers were slow to re-

spond, additional tankers from Hazle Township and Harwood were dispatched and Command requested Squrt 64-20 from Shenandoah for manpower.

Firefighters were able to bring the flames under control within 20 minutes.

Command began to release mutual aid tankers before 2:00 A.M. and the fill site was also broken down. The remainder of the alarm aside from District 19 was released shortly after.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

- JC KRIESHER

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

ALAN HOFFMAN

Pictured is the group of Firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary members from the Green Lane Fire Company and Red Hill Fire Company that participated in the 1985 Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Convention held in Reading, which was the 106th anniversary of the association.

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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Georgia: Keith Obrian Williams, 54 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 17, 2020 Death Date: October 17, 2020 Fire Department: Camilla Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty, Captain Keith Williams was found unresponsive by fellow firefighters at the Camilla Fire Department early on October 17, 2020. Life-saving efforts began immediately but were not successful. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

Texas: Lemuel Bruce, 44 Rank: Arson Investigator Incident Date: October 16, 2020 Death Date: October 16, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: During the early morning hours of Friday, October 16, 2020, Arson Investigator Lemuel Bruce and other members of the Arson Division, Houston Fire Department, tracked down a possible lead to arsons being set in the Houston area. When they arrived at the Timbergrove neighborhood, a suspect fatally shot Arson Investigator Bruce. The suspect was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Georgia: Harold Boone, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: September 17, 2020 Death Date: November 2, 2020 Fire Department: Monroe County Emergency Services Initial Summary: Firefighter Harold Boone, while onduty at the fire station, contracted COVID-19 from fellow firefighters who had subsequently tested positive for the virus. He passed away from the disease on November 2, 2020.

Kansas: Johnny Ivison, Jr., 23 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 8, 2020 Death Date: November 8, 2020 Fire Department: Easton Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, November 8, 2020,

Firefighter Johnny Ivison, Jr., was responding to a call of a residential fire in Easton, Kansas, in his privately owned vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado Truck, when the vehicle went off the road. Firefighter Ivison attempted to correct his path, but overcorrected causing the truck to roll over numerous times, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died from the injuries sustained in the crash.

Indiana: Matthew D. Bennett, 49 Rank: Engineer Incident Date: November 13, 2020 Death Date: November 14, 2020 Fire Department: Indianapolis Fire Department Initial Summary: Engineer Matthew Bennett drove Engine 1 to a possible structural collapse after a car drove into a home. Upon his arrival and as crews began to work, Bennett complained to the EMS Duty Officer on scene that he was experiencing chest pains. The EMS Duty Officer escorted Bennett to an ambulance to be evaluated. Bennett was then transported to a hospital and immediately taken into surgery. Despite all efforts, however, Bennett passed away the following afternoon. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be determined.

California: Sean D. Laffan, 42 Rank: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: November 16, 2020 Death Date: November 16, 2020 Fire Department: Oakland Fire Department Initial Summary: Interim Assistant Fire Chief Sean Laffan collapsed in an office of the Oakland Fire Department’s administrative building. Staff on-site began performing life-saving measures until Laffan was taken by ambulance to Summit Medical Center in Oakland. Later that evening, Laffan suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest and, despite all resuscitative efforts, passed away.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? An Italian-American classic with a healthy twist!

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

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Wayne Twp. Vol. Fire Company in Greene County operates this 1999 International 4900/4 Guys as Rescue 75-1. This rescue formerly ran with Elysburg Fire Dept.

Walk into any red sauce joint or pizzeria and you are sure to find Chicken Parm on the menu. This classic Italian-American creation, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, has its roots back in Italy where it was first made with eggplant. When Italian immigrants came to America, they brought their recipes but adjusted them to use the now cheaper meats such as veal, pork, beef and chicken. There are many theories as to why it is called Parmigiana, when in fact it is almost always made with mozzarella, but this is not an article long enough to dive into Italian food history.

What we do know is what

makes a dish Chicken Parm.

Breaded chicken cutlets are pan fried in olive oil until golden brown, covered in tomato sauce and then finished with mozzarella which melts and bubbles until brown in some spots. This is what I grew up eating on many Thursday nights at my grandmother's house, right next to my bowl of ziti and meatballs, another ItalianAmerican invention. I love chicken parm so much, I would often order it the next day when we went out to eat at the local Italian restaurants. In its classic iteration, it is just chicken, sauce and cheese, but many chefs and home cooks have put their own spin on it by turning them into “grilled cheese” or stuffing peppers with them. But for me, the classic approach is the best….but, unfortunately it’s not always the best for your waistline.

When I wanted to rethink and reimagine this dish to make it healthier, the first thing that came to mind was the traditional method

of frying the cutlets. In the healthier version, we bake them instead which still allows us to get a crispy exterior without the extra fat and calories. Pre-baking the breadcrumbs also helps us get some color on them before they coat the chicken. And speaking of breadcrumbs, using the Japanese Panko variety also gives us more texture than traditional fine breadcrumbs.

And while the traditional method for breading chicken is flour, egg and breadcrumbs, I wanted to change that up as well. So instead of eggs, this recipe uses plain Greek yogurt, which acts as a binder but also lowers the calories slightly and adds some protein.

This recipe certainly does not beat the traditional chicken parm you are used to ordering, but if you need a healthier recipe to put into the rotation, this one is definitely worth giving a shot. All the familiar flavors without most of the guilt. Stay safe, eat well!

BAKED CHICKEN CUTLET PARM Serves 4 Ingredients: TIM O’BRIEN

The Tom Masano Auto Group recently purchased former Reading Engine 14 from a private seller. The 1984 International/Kovatch pumper ironically served the area where the auto group is located.

The engine is now wired to use the lights indoors.

4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts 1 C Flour 1 C Plain Greek Yogurt 2 C Plain Panko Breadcrumbs 1 Tsp. Dried Oregano 28 oz. Whole Peeled Tomatoes, crushed by hand 2 Garlic Cloves, diced ½ Onion, diced ½ lb. Low-Moisture Whole Milk Mozzarella 1 Bunch Fresh Basil, chiffonade (sliced thin) EVOO Salt and Pepper, to taste Procedure: -Preheat oven to 375°

DALE FEEHRER

The Goodwill Fire Co. of York Twp. has placed this 1995 Seagrave Marauder (1,750/1000/Amkus) into service as Engine 19-2. This piece formally served with the Eureka VFD in Stewartstown, PA.

-Place breadcrumbs on a sheet pan, toast for a few minutes until light golden brown. Remove, place in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper and oregano. Set aside.

-Slice chicken breast in half, creating two thin cutlets. Repeat with remaining breasts and set aside. In a large bowl place flour, season with salt, pepper and oregano, set aside. In another large bowl, put in yogurt and a pinch of salt, set aside.

FRANK ROBINSON

Laflin Fire Department operates this 1993 E-One Heavy Rescue that once saw service in Wildwood Crest, NJ.

-Place a wire rack in the sheet pan previously used for

AJ FUSCO

breadcrumbs.

-Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess, followed by the yogurt. Wipe off excess yogurt and place in breadcrumb mixture. Firmly press breadcrumbs into cutlet and place on sheet pan with the wire rack. Place chicken in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. -While the chicken bakes, heat EVOO in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and saute until translucent. Add

garlic and sauté until golden brown. Carefully add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer and continue to cook while the chicken bakes. Stir frequently so it does not burn. Taste and adjust seasoning.

-When the chicken is cooked, remove from sheet pan along with rack. Ladle some tomato sauce onto bottom of sheet pan, add the chicken and top with more sauce. Top each piece with cheese and place under broiler or back in oven until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh basil.

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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

McKees Rocks Home Under Renovations Goes Up in Flames

DON SCICCHITANO

A firefighter vents the roof during the call.

McKees Rocks, PA – At 3:22 P.M. on December 18, 2020, firefighters were dispatched to a reported house on fire in the area of Island Avenue and Churchill Street. Just after dispatch, several departments reported seeing smoke from their stations. Crews arrived to the area and found a working fire in a home located along Camp Avenue and a second-alarm was requested. An aggressive attack was made, knocking the bulk of the fire down. Crews continued to work on extinguishing the rest of the fire before it was placed under control at 4:12 P.M. The house appeared to be having renovations done when the fire broke out. No injuries were reported.

Two-Alarm Fire with Entrapment and Injuries in Girardville Girardville, PA - On Friday, January 1st, Girardville fire companies and others were dispatched to a working fire with reports of entrapment at 217 West Main Street in their borough.

Chief Zangari arrived quickly and found the occupants on the roof, with reports of some still inside as well. Before more fire units arrived, neighbors sprang into action and grabbed a ladder to help rescue those on the roof. A second-alarm was quickly

JUMP TO FILE #010121108

sounded, bringing in more manpower to help extinguish the blaze.

Chief Zangari stated that two children were flown by Life Flight and Medvac while one adult was transported by ground.

Firefighters were able to contain just about all the damage to 217 while 215 only had some

water damage. The owner and occupant of 215, Mary Ferrari, praised Chief Zangari and all the local firefighters who prevented her home from being damaged.

She stated that if it wasn’t for their quick response and actions, she fears she would have lost her house.

- DON FILIPPO SCICCHITANO

MONARCH FIRE COMPANY

Amity Township Firefighters Make Quick Stop Amity Twp., PA - On the evening of December 22, 2020 at 10:22 P.M., Monarch Fire Co. and Amity were dispatched to the Valley View Community for a structure fire. The first arriving officer went on scene and confirmed a working fire in a trailer. First-in units arrived and crews made quick work for the blaze. Birdsboro-Union Fire Department, Exeter Twp. Fire Department, Mount Penn Fire Co. and Southern Berks EMS assisted on the scene. The fire was placed under control in about 20 minutes. The homeowner was able to evacuate safely and no one was injured.

DON SCICCHITANO

Medevac and Life Flight together at the landing zone awaiting their patients.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

TERRY RITZ

Commercial Building Fire in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Monday, December 28, 2020 at 7:31 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Company was dispatched to a commercial building fire alarm.

Upon arrival, Fire Chief 38 had an active fire in one of the mill rooms. He called Montgomery County Radio Dispatch to upgrade the assignment to a second-alarm.

More manpower and apparatus was needed to bring the fire under con-

JUMP TO FILE #123020103

trol. Fire companies from Montgomery, Berks and Bucks Counties were to respond to this location.

The fire was brought under control in one hour. Cause and damage are pending the outcome of an investigation. There were no injuries.

Additional fire companies that responded were from Pennsburg, Red Hill, Green Lane, Hereford, Milford, Bally, and Trumbauersville. EMS units that responded were Upper Perk and Harleysville. Fire Police from East Greenville, Pennsburg, Hereford and Red Hill were also on scene.

- TERRY RITZ

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

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighter Safe After Mayday Call in Avalon Avalon Borough, PA – At 5:13 A.M. on December 27, 2020, crews were dispatched to the 200 block of Marie Avenue for a house fire. On arrival crews found a working fire on the second floor and began to attack the fire. Additional units were dispatched as crews continued to work. At one point, a Mayday was called for a firefighter down on the second floor. Rapid Intervention Crews were deployed, and the firefighter made it out of the structure unharmed. Crews then continued to battle the fire for several hours in frigid temperatures before it was brought under control. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.

KATIE WITMOYER

Firefighters from Cumru Township and Mohnton participated in a vehicle rescue drill at Mohn's Junkyard. Crews worked to remove a victim from a vehicle rolled on it's side.

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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.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Penryn Fire Company in Lancaster County operates this 2008 Kenworth T-800/4 Guys 1500/3500 as Tanker 28.

JORDAN BANKERT

Reading Tower 1, Engine 3, and Ladder 1 in service at a working fire on S 5th St.

Reading Firefighters Respond to Third Floor Fire DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Lycoming County's Nippenose Valley Vol. Fire Co. operates this 2005 International 7400/Rosenbauer/2017 Missouri Fire Apparatus as Rescue 6. It formerly saw service with Stockton, IL, where it was damaged in a station fire.

Reading, PA - Shortly after 3:00 P.M. on December 30, 2020 firefighters in Reading were dispatched to 107 S 5th Street for reports of fire in a building, with a possible occupant trapped on the third floor.

Engine 3 had smoke showing from the eaves as well as the third floor upon arrival and advised Car 3 that they were stretching a line.

Tower 1 had initiated search, lo-

JUMP TO FILE #123120105

cated a fire on the third floor in the front bedroom, and reported occupants were that stating everyone was out. Car 3 declared a working fire on the third floor of a row home and established command.

Crews rapidly extinguished the fire, containing it to the room

of origin. Tower 1 and Rescue 1 crews completed searches throughout the fire building and reported it clear of occupants.

Command placed the fire under control with overhaul and requested the Fire Marshal's Office to be notified. No injuries were reported.

- JASON BATZ

LITTLE BIG GUYS If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Little Big Guys” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

ALAN HOFFMAN

Tanker 6 of the Bellgrove Fire Company is a 2018 Western Star/Alexis Tanker with a 1000-GPM pump and 3000-gallon tank.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Engine 29-11 of the Diamond Fire Company in Walnutport, PA is a 2009 International/KME with a 1500-GPM pump, 500-gallon tank and 20-gallons of Class A foam and 20-gallons of Class B foam.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The President Township Fire Company of Venango County operates this 1992 Chevrolet/4 Guys 500/200 as Attack 18-22. This unit previously saw service with Mill Village in Erie County.

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PAGE 13

HAZLE TOWNSHIP FIRE AND RESCUE

Fire showing over the roof of 2538 Christine Road on Saturday, 12/19/20.

Heavy Fire Damages Hazle Twp. Home Right Before Christmas Hazle Twp., PA - On the cold Saturday evening of December 19, 2020, just before 7:00 P.M., Hazle Township Fire and Rescue was called out for a working structure fire at 2538 Christine Road in the Ridgewood section of the Township.

Fire had erupted in the rear of the split-level home and impinging on the roof of the home.

Upon arrival, Hazle Twp. Volunteer Firefighters made an aggressive attack and held the fire to the rear of the structure. The home suffered extensive fire damage to the rear of the structure, along with heavy heat and smoke damage to the rest of the structure.

According to Deputy Chief Jason Zoshak, firefighters found heavy fire blowing out of the rear of the structure, sending heavy black smoke into the air. Deputy Chief Zoshak credits the quick action of the first arriving firefighters in saving the rest of the structure.

JUMP TO FILE #123020100

During the incident, a firefighter from the Harwood Fire Department brought pictures out of the structure and made sure that they were returned to one of the residents of the home. One firefighter received a minor injury and was treated and released at the scene. The sole resident at home at the time of the fire was not injured.

Hazle Twp. firefighters were assisted by the Harwood Fire Department, Valley Regional Fire and Rescue, Sugarloaf Fire Company, and the Freeland Fire Department.

The City of Hazleton Fire Department responded with their Rapid Intervention Team. Lehigh Valley EMS was also on scene to handle any injuries.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews work to contain a commercial structure fire.

Police Respond to Burglar Alarm, Find Working Fire in West Deer Twp. West Deer Twp., PA – Just before 6:30 A.M. on December 26, 2020, West Deer Police responded to TNT Metals, located along Frontier Drive, for a burglar alarm activation.

Police arrived and notified dispatch that there was heavy smoke and fire coming from the building and requested the fire department to respond. Firefighters arrived and began to attack the

JUMP TO FILE #122920108

fire, but were hampered due to combustible metals inside the building, lack of access to the exterior, and snowy weather conditions. Mutual aid was requested from several companies to assist.

Crews worked for several hours opening up holes in the

walls to get to the bulk of the fire before it was brought under control. Crews then remained onscene for several more hours before fire units were able to clear the scene.

There were no injuries reported and the fire is now under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

- DAVID BUTCHER

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

FRANK ROBINSON

Pillow Fire Company No.1 once ran to calls in this 1926 Hahn 300/250 Engine.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BRETT MACK

Crews operate at a reported vacant structure fire in Reading.

‘Vacant’ Structure Fire in Reading Claims Civilian’s Life Reading, PA - On December 20, 2020 around 8:27 A.M., companies were dispatched to the area of S 11th Street and Spruce Street for multiple calls reporting black smoke coming from the front of a structure.

Updated calls stated that fire was showing from the front window of 1103 Spruce Street. Tower 1 arrived on scene and reported a two-and-ahalf story, middle of row structure, with heavy fire showing on the first floor. R1 Lieutenant advised all units that the building was tagged "vacant & condemned" and all personnel should use caution.

Car 2 arrived on scene, established command, and requested RPD to the scene immediately for traffic control due to vehicles running over the fire department's hoses. Crews advanced into the first floor knocking down all visible fire. Search crews reported that they had fire on the second floor, so an additional hand line was stretched to their floor.

While they were operating on the second floor, one of the firemen fell through the floor before getting stuck around chest deep. A fireman nearby grabbed onto him and together they were able to keep him from falling all the way through.

Both firemen were unable to let go and call for help via their radios. A third fireman was advancing a hose line to the second floor when he heard the yells and saw the firemen in trouble. He quickly called a MAYDAY, which was transmitted at 8:38

JUMP TO FILE #122620103

A.M. Command immediately acknowledged the MAYDAY, activated the RIT team, and requested a second-alarm. After calling a MAYDAY, the third fireman joined in the effort and together they were able to remove the fireman in distress. The crew reported to command that they had the fireman unstuck and out of the building. At 8:42 A.M., command reported that the MAYDAY was canceled and all personnel were accounted for.

During searches of the first floor, a civilian was found deceased. As suppression efforts continued, personnel operating on the second floor reported a partial ceiling collapse, but confirmed the crew was okay. R1 Lieutenant advised command that the fire on the second floor was knocked down, but he located fire on the third floor as well. Another line was stretched to the third floor and the fire was extinguished.

Crews also worked in exposure buildings to ensure no fire travel had occurred and the fire was placed under control at 9:29 A.M., with extensive overhaul. Injuries sustained by the firemen are all reported nonlife-threatening. The OFM is investigating the fire.

- JASON BATZ

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2021

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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.

MATTHEW CARL

Back on 8/1/20, workers from the Sunoco Pipeline project were burning a pile of timbers leftover from the project. The fire ignited several adjacent piles of timber, causing a problem. Brecknock Fire Company Assistant Chief Schlouch requested additional assistance from Cumru to assist in extinguishing the fire. Tower 42 flowed into the pile for several hours, discharging approximately 150,000-gallons of water.

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

JESIAH NEWSOME

Brandi is a 4-year-old Australian Cattle Dog who loves to be at the Blandon firehouse and will steal as much attention from the firefighters as possible. Whether its training, meetings or riding on the trucks, she wants to be included. When a call comes in while she is at the firehouse, she stays back to watch the station and eagerly listens for the sound of the returning trucks.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2021

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February, 2021

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Young Heroes ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Young Heroes

By Paul Hashagen 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: $17.95 This is a soft cover book measuring 6" X 9" with 178 pages. It has five stories of fires in New York City in the horse-drawn days. These were real fires. The author was a firefighter in New York City having retired after 25 years of service, most of it being assigned to Rescue Company 1 in Manhattan. He has written several fantastic books, including the History of Rescue 1. All of his books are extremely interesting including this one. The chapters are named for young civilians who

were not themselves firefighters, but played vital roles in the fighting of these fires. Read the book to see how.

Much of the stories detail super heroic efforts by the firefighters, who in comparison to today, worked with very limited resources when it came to technology alone. Daring rescues utilizing wooden aerial ladders and scaling ladders make for unbelievable accounts of heroism at its best. Most of the aerial ladders were 75-feet and the rescues to be made were from higher levels. Firefighters worked long hours with little time off. They also had to transmit calls for help by tapping a code on the street fire pull boxes.

There were no masks or thermal imaging cameras to enhance operations.

There were two points I learned about during the review of the book.

One was the purpose of spiral staircases in the stations, and the second was the origin of the sliding pole.

The last fire was of the Equitable Building in 1912, which is probably the longest of the stories and latest in the group.

There is also much information to be gained by the reader after going over the author’s notes and acknowledgements. It is another one of Paul’s fantastic books and one I recommend.

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

JC KRIESHER

Saint Clair Ladder 62-23 operates at a first-due fire on Second Street in the borough.

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February, 2021

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Vehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

The Ebenezer Fire Company has taken delivery of their Palo Alto, Citizens Fire Department now operates this The Linglestown Fire Co. #1 has taken delivery of this 2020 Pierce Saber (1500/1000) engine. This piece will 1998 E-One 1250/700/30 A/30 B Foam.

2021 KME (2000/300/102') mid-mount tower, designated serve as Engine 9.

Truck 35.

DALE FEEHRER

The Eureka Vol. Fire Company recently took delivery of their 2020 E-One Typhoon (1500/850/Amkus) rescuepumper. Rescue 54 was slated to be in service by the end of December.

MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

DALE FEEHRER

Laurel Fire Company No. 1 of Windsor (York County) re- The Strasburg Fire Co. #1 has taken delivery of their cently placed into service this 2020 Ford F-250 with a 2019 Ford F-550/Marco (1250/300) "TAC" unit. This piece Warner utility body and work done by Lancaster Truck will be designated as Tac 5.

Bodies, as Traffic 37.

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.

DON SCICCHITANO

Rollover with Ejection in Coal Twp. Sends Two to Hospital ALAN HOFFMAN

This patch is from the Washington Twp. Vol. Fire Company of Westmoreland County, PA.

Coal Twp., PA - Coal Township fire companies were dispatched on January 2nd for reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment in the area of Route 61 and 16th street. Units arrived and found a Hyundai Santa Fe on its roof. Crews set up blocking positions and treated the injured, one who was reported as possibly being ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.

Crews treated and transported the victims to local hospitals.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Four-Alarm Structure Fire in Wilkes-Barre City Displaces Residents Wilkes-Barre, PA - On January 9th, Wilkes Barre City Fire was dispatched to a residential structure fire with possible entrapment.

On arrival two working structure fires JUMP TO FILE# were confirmed, with 010921105 one house fully involved and live wires down and arcing.

Command called for a fourth-alarm working fire box. Off duty firefighters were called in along with an engine from Hanover Twp. and Kingston as the RIT. Firefighters did a surround-anddrown on the fully involved house and went interior on the second house.

Crews worked for hours to knock the flames out and do overhaul. WilkesBarre Fire Chief Delaney confirmed that nobody was inside the first house, and residents of the second house evacuated immediately.

At this time the fire is under investigation. Nine people were left homeless.

- PA BYSTANDER

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House fire in Wilkes-Barre, 1/9/21.

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PA BYSTANDER

Firefighters doing work.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2021

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

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Plum Crews Arrive to Find Working Kitchen Fire DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Cambria County's Conemaugh Independence Fire Co. still operates this 1985 Hahn/Pirsch ladder as Truck 15-2. It has a 400-GPM pump, 400-gallon water tank and 110' rear-mount ladder. The truck started service with Bryn Mawr Fire Co. and was sold to Trappe before going to Conemaugh.

Plum, PA – At 2:09 P.M. on November 28, 2020, crews were dispatched to the 400 block of Crestview Drive for a report of smoke coming from a home. Firefighters quickly arrived to find a working fire in the kitchen. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control in under 20 minutes. Firefighters stayed on-scene to check for any extension and for ventilation.

No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.

Bob Long

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire Found at Monroeville Mall After AFA Monroeville, PA – Around 6:30 A.M. on December 27, 2020, Monroeville fire crews were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at the Monroeville Mall. Crews arrived to investigate and found water flowing inside the building along with a moderate smoke condition. Crews made entry and found a fire in the back of a store being held in check by the sprinkler system. A crew from Truck 4 cut the security gate and quickly extinguished the fire. Due to the size of the building and the volume of smoke, vent trucks from Westmoreland City and Greensburg were requested to the scene. Crews stayed on scene for about two hours ventilating the building. The fire is now under investigation and the mall was able to open by noon.

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February, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Second-Alarm Destroys Home in West Cameron Township West Cameron Twp., PA - On January 3rd just after 2:00 A.M., a working structure fire was reported on Upper Road in West Cameron Township. The responding chief was advised of reports of fire and smoke visible from the second floor.

Chief 350 ar- JUMP TO FILE# rived and confirmed 010321110 a working fire and requested a secondalarm as it was fully involved upon his arrival.

Multiple tankers were called due to the rural area, and a tanker site was set up on each side of the incident.

A neighbor said they were awakened by someone pounding on their door during the night and they called 911. They also stated after the call to 911 the windows popped and went from all smoke to fire blowing out.

Crews operated on scene until just before 7:00 A.M. when they were placed back in service.

It should be noted that power was out in the area just prior to the start of this fire. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was called in to investigate.

- DON FILIPPO SCICCHITANO

DON SCICCHITANO

Engine 11 in front of the fire supplying water from the dump tank.

Truck Erupts in Flames and Extends to Row Home in Washington City of Washington, PA – Around 1:30 P.M. on January 15th, City of Washington firefighters were dispatched to Maple Terrace for a reported vehicle fire involving a structure, with reports of explosions.

Firefighters arrived to find a box JUMP TO FILE# truck and front of a 011621106 four-unit row home heavily involved with fire. Firefighters quickly learned that the truck contained large propane tanks that were feeding the fire. An aggressive attack on both the truck and structure commenced and the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down before being placed under control in just over 30 minutes.

The fire originated in the back of a pest control box truck and quickly spread to the structure. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. No injuries were reported.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews work to extinguish hot spots.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2021

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