1st Responder News Pennsylvania February Edition

PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

The Pennsylvania Edition

HOME SUBSCRIPTION - $36/YEAR

SEE OUR AD ON BACK COVER

WWW.1RBN.COM

FEBRUARY, 2020

CAR ACCIDENT LEADS TO MASSIVE FIRE GUTTING 3 EAST DEER HOMES

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

East Deer Township, PA – At 11:26 A.M. on December 27th, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the 400 block of Freeport Road for a motor vehicle accident and house fire. Responding crews advised dispatch that there was a working fire with smoke showing from a distance.

- See full story on page 16

Join our Team of Dispatchers Paging with a Rewards Program!

Visit our website to fill out an application.

www.1rwn.com

PAGE 2

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES

A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

Campbell Supply.

1, 28

Backstop USA

Command Fire App. FDIC

FIRE 2020

Fire Flow Services Fire Expo 2020

Keystone Emergency Kimtek Corporation

Marco Equipment Sales Marion Body

Mid Atlantic Rescue

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

15

20

21

25

23

JASON BATZ

Firefighters in Reading were sent to this home on Olive St. for a basement fire.

20 7

9

11

19

5

Raynor Garage Doors 17,26 Team Equipment, Inc.

TEMPLE FIRE COMPANY

Senior Firefighter Larry LaFaver from the Temple Fire Company recently retired from active service after serving the community for 47 years. LaFaver joined the company in 1972 and has served as a Lieutenant and Engineer. We wish him good luck!

3

Water Rescue Innovations 27

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 24 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.

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

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 info@belsito.com

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.

THOMAS MCCLAFFERTY

Reading FF Kenneth Licwinko masks-up before entering the dwelling, where crews quickly knocked down a basement fire and rescued a cat.

Cat Rescued During Basement Fire in Reading Reading, PA - On the cold morning of January 9th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received a call from 1318 Olive Street reporting a fire in their basement. Box Alarm 0902 was transmitted while the call takers advised the occupants to flee from the burning home.

Engine 9 arrived with smoke showing from a two-story, singlefamily dwelling. Firefighters stretched a hose line into the dwelling and located a fire in the basement. The occupants advised the firefighters that all had made

JUMP TO FILE #010920114 it outside with the exception of a cat. Crews searched the building and located the feline, which was given oxygen via "PET" mask and successfully revived.

The fire was placed under control at 9:56 A.M., with no other injuries. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating.

- JASON BATZ

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Firefighters Get Quick Knock in Penn Hills

Penn Hills, PA – At 9:57 P.M. on December 26th, firefighters were dispatched to Frankwood Road in Penn Hills for a reported residential structure fire. Units arrived to find a working fire with fire showing in the rear. Crews were quickly able to attack the fire, knocking most of it down. The fire was placed under control in about 30 minutes. No one was injured and the fire is under investigation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

February, 2020

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.

FRANK ROBINSON

Good American Hose Co. No. 3 of Mahanoy City once ran this 1979 Hahn 1000/500. The unit is now privately owned.

Matthew C. Smelser being led one last time to Medic 509 for a final ride.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Matthew C. Smelser Laid to Rest After L.O.D.D. KEN SNYDER

This 1995 Spartan/Saulsbury 1250/500 short wheelbase Squad 360 of the Good Intent Hose Co. No.1 of Llewellyn once served with Applegarth Vol. Engine Co. No.1, District #2 of Monroe Twp. in Middlesex County, NJ.

West Newton, PA - On Sunday, January 5th, Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services Paramedic Supervisor Matthew C. Smelser was tragically struck and killed by a tractor-trailer while working an accident scene on Interstate 70, just west of the Smithton exit in Westmoreland County.

Matthew Smelser was a 24year veteran of Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services, spending the past 20 years as a supervisor. Matthew was also a

JUMP TO FILE #011220112 member of the UPMC Paramedic Response Team.

On Friday, January 10th, funeral services were held followed by a procession to the cemetery where he was laid to rest. Hundreds of EMS workers, firefighters and police officers from around the state and country came to pay their respects.

Matthew leaves behind his wife of 19 years, Lynn, his 7-yearold son Logan, and 6-year-old daughter Adriana. Matthew also leaves behind his two brothers, two sisters, his mother and stepfather, and many more friends and family.

Matthew will truly be missed by his family, friends and the community.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine Tanker 15 of Port Matilda, Centre County is a 2002 Pierce Dash 1500/2500, that started life with Thomasville in York County.

They merged with Nashville and this unit was sold.

KEN SNYDER

This 1986 Hahn 1500/1000 once saw service in Sidney, NY and is now owned by a PA collector.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 5

PAGE 6

February, 2020

1 ARDMORE STREET • NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com

EXECUTIVE STAFF PUBLISHER

Joseph P. Belsito (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) ••• GENERAL MANAGER

Kathy Ronsini (Kathy@1stResponderNews.com) ••• MANAGING EDITOR

Lindsey Palmer (Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com) ••• PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1stResponderNews.com) ••• CIRCULATION MANAGER

Michelle Belsito (Michelle@1stResponder.com)

••• DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@1stResponder.com)

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.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

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.

845-534-7500 ext. 212 • (fax) 845-534-0055 News@1stResponderNews.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

If you would like information about how advertising in 1st Responder News can benefit your company call our advertising hotline at:

845-534-7500 ext. 211 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Advertising@1stResponderNews.com

CIRCULATION INFORMATION

1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. If you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $36 per year.

845-534-7500 ext. 220 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Circulation@1stResponderNews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING

1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your adverA division of: tisement free of charge. Additionally, we offer a complete marketing department for all of your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices.

As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scanning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce the highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

In memory of those who gave all

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

Nebraska: John Sing, 67 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 11, 2019 Death Date: November 11, 2019 Fire Department: Boys Town Fire & Rescue Initial Summary: On Monday, November 11, 2019, at approximately 0200hrs, Chief John Sing responded to an EMS call. When he returned to the station, he collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Massachusetts: Jason Menard, 39 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: November 13, 2019 Death Date: November 13, 2019 Fire Department: Worcester Fire Department Initial Summary: In the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 13, 2019, Lieutenant Jason Menard and his crew responded to a multi-residential structure fire, with heavy smoke coming from the building. The fire grew to four alarms and, at one point, firefighters issued a mayday call from the third floor.

Lieutenant Menard and other firefighters became trapped by heavy fire conditions. He helped two firefighters escape the blaze, but the fire quickly worsened and Lieutenant Menard was unable to flee and succumbed to his injuries. Three other firefighters were taken to the hospital. Two of the firefighters have been released and the third is in serious condition.

New York: Darryl Rollins, 42 Rank: Chief Incident Date: November 19, 2019 Death Date: November 20, 2019 Fire Department: North Amityville Volunteer Fire Company Initial Summary: On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at approximately 1900hrs., Chief Darryl Rollins responded to a possible residential fire. He returned home and was found unresponsive early the next morning. He was im-

mediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from a cardiac arrest.

New York: Robert White, Jr., 65 Rank: Chief Incident Date: December 5, 2019 Death Date: December 5, 2019 Fire Department: West Stockholm Fire Department Initial Summary: On Thursday, December 5, 2019, at approximately 1930hrs., Chief Robert White responded to a residential structure fire in Potsdam, New York.

After arriving at the scene, he collapsed and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away. The cause and the nature of death have not yet been determined.

Georgia: George "Johnny" Childs, 64 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 4, 2019 Death Date: December 5, 2019 Fire Department: Arcade Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, December 4, 2019, at approximately 1545hrs., Firefighter George “Johnny” Childs responded to a residential structure fire. The next morning, Thursday, December 5, 2019, he was found unresponsive by his personal vehicle outside a local business. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away from cardiac arrest.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

February, 2020

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.

KEN SNYDER

Seen on a dealer's lot, this Ford F-350 Utility 6 for the Hazleton FD is ready for winter with its ExtremeV plow.

FRANK ROBINSON

Lisburn Fire Company operates a 2015 Ford F550/KME 500/300 Mini Pumper.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Centre County's Howard Fire Co. now operates this 2018 Dodge Ram 3500/home built rear end. It has a 105-GPM pump and 150gallon water tank.

ALAN HOFFMAN

The Lower Macungie FD has this 2016 Ford/KME Fire Police truck in service as Unit 30-51.

STEPHEN BARRETT

A Butler Twp. fire chief arrived on the scene and found a working house fire with one resident trapped.

Resident Rescued from House Fire in Butler Township Butler Twp., PA - On December 15th at 10:00 A.M., the Butler Township, West Mahanoy Township, Gordon and Ashland Fire Companies, with the Ashland Ambulance, were dispatched to a structure fire involving entrapment. The fire was at 7 Tiley Road in Butler Township.

A Butler Township fire chief arrived on the scene and found a working house fire with one resident trapped. He assumed command and requested that a tanker task force be dispatched to the scene for additional water supply.

A tanker truck task force from Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia Counties were dispatched and responded.

Lavelle and Fountain Springs Butler Township Engines and Tanker arrived on location. The fire units staged near the building

JUMP TO FILE #122119101 on the 'Delta' side on Tiley Road.

Firefighters found one injured male resident outside the residence on the floor porch. Firefighters were able to enter the home and rescued a trap female resident who was still inside. The injured residents were transported

by EMS to the Ashland football field to meet awaiting medical helicopters. The patients were then flown to the Lehigh Valley Burn Center in Allentown.

Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines into the home to conduct an interior attack. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in the home and the fire was stopped.

Ashland's ladder truck positioned on the 'Delta' side and sent its lad-

der to the roof. A ventilation team went to the roof to vent smoke from the home. Command then determined it would require additional manpower to properly overhaul and extinguish the fire.

The Altamont RIT team stood by on the scene. Tanker trucks lined up on Dutchtown Road waiting to share their load of water.

Fire Police from multiple fire companies worked to direct onlookers away from the fire scene.

The cold weather surely hampered firefighting operations throughout the incident. Emergency units and their crews operated for over two hours in temperatures around 30 degrees.

Units cleared the scene before noon without any injuries to firefighters.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to 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, MA FD in 2017. That town decided it was too costly to repaint the apparatus, so it remains designated Tower 53 in its new assignment.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

"I'm a supporter and former volunteer of the Crescent City Fire Department in Crescent City, FL. I still work for the city now as a meter reader. I'm also a volunteer for Fire Dog Services Program (a turnout gear recycling program for hand-me-down gear), which I've done since 2011'ish. I got this tattoo around 2013, and I designed it myself. It was inspired by my interest through life being a junior/explorer to a volunteer. Working with FDSP, I have witnessed many stations willing to donate hand-me-down gear to less fortunate smaller stations, and I believe it's just one of the many true definitions of brotherhood; our Fire brothers and sisters working together to help one another out, even in other areas or other parts of the world."

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Visit us online for more news around Pennsylvania! www.1rbn.com

February, 2020

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

February, 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.

JC KRIESHER

Shenandoah Engine 64-10 noses in at a house fire in nearby Brownsville.

DALE FEEHRER

The Hellam Fire Co. runs this 2006 KME as Engine 21-1 (2250/1000/30F/Holmatro). In this shot, Engine 21-1 was first arriving at a working garage fire in Hellam Twp.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Two Rescued from North Versailles Apartment Building Fire North Versailles, PA – At 11:53 P.M. on December 26th, fire crews were dispatched to the Versailles Castle Apartments located along Greensburg Pike for a reported structure fire with entrapment. Police arrived on-scene first and confirmed a working fire with several residents trapped on the third floor.

Engine 211 arrived on-scene just three minutes after dispatch and made entry into the front of the structure. A North Versailles police officer grabbed a ladder off the engine and proceeded to the

JUMP TO FILE #010620114 rear of the building to assist victims trapped on the third floor. As more crews arrived, police and arriving firefighters and EMS personnel were able to rescue two residents from the third floor. Fire crews then searched the building for any more possible victims, which came up negative.

Crews were able to locate the fire on the basement level of the building and quickly knocked it

down, containing the fire to one apartment. Several other apartments did sustain smoke and water damage. Crews spent several hours on-scene performing overhaul and ventilation.

The two rescued residents and one police officer were transported to local hospitals for smoke inhalation. A total of 15 residents were displaced due to the fire and were being assisted by the American Red Cross. The fire is now under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

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

Ringtown Valley Tanker 30-35 pumps water to the scene of a house fire in West Mahanoy Township.

JC KRIESHER

KEN SNYDER

Bethlehem E-1 on scene of a two-alarm dwelling fire at 630 Wyandotte Street.

JASON BATZ

The Reading Fire Museum owns this 1937 Pirsch 500-GPM pumper. The rig formerly served with the Rainbow Fire Company in Reading.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

The manpower pool and RIT's aside of the fire building.

KEN SNYDER

Cucina Povera translates from Italian to English as “poor cooking”. It is a term used to describe the food and recipes of rural Italian cooking centuries ago. This “style” of cooking was not one of intentions, but more of necessities.

These times were very trying and with meat being so scarce, many of the recipes that come from this period are very heavy on vegetables. There was also no waste, as evident in the recipe for biscotti, where the Tuscans “twice-cooked” the biscuits to make them last longer. Or in Ribolitta, a thick bread soup which is “re-boiled” to further extend its use.

Cucina Povera can be looked at from a philosophical point

rather than specific recipes. Using what you have, rather than seeking out ingredients, is one philosophy of this era. The Italian peasants either used whatever vegetables they had on hand, or found ways to repurpose what they had already cooked. It is absolutely one of my favorite ways to approach cooking, especially for the firehouse.

We all know cooking at the firehouse is one ripe with budget constraints and opinions. Using the Cucina Povera approach allows us to keep costs low by using ingredients we may have on hand already, rather than having to go out and shop for an entire meal. I almost always take a look in the fridge before heading out to the supermarket, a reconnaissance mission of sorts. There is almost always a half onion not used, or maybe a bag of carrots on their way out. Leftover fresh herbs, which I highly recommend for their flavor over dried, are going to be inevitably left in the crisper

waiting to die a slow, wilting death. So rather than plan a meal based off what I want to cook, I like to base it off of what is available to use. And no dish is designed better for this application than soup!

Minestrone soup is a dish from the Cucina Povera era, and is still popular many years later after it originated. For good reason too!

It is packed with vitamins, nutrients, protein and flavor! There are many recipes out there for it, but use what you’ve got on hand. Any vegetables will work, just keep in mind cooking times vary for the types you use. In this recipe I also blend some of the beans with the stock, which when added back to the soup, adds body. If you prefer a more liquid soup, skip this step.

There is also no meat in this recipe, but if you must, the addition of crumbled sausage would be delicious!

Stay safe, eat well!

MINESTRONE SOUP Serves 6

Ingredients:

The fire vents itself on the adjoining duplex porch roof.

KEN SNYDER

Two Jumpers Flee Structure Fire in Bath Bath, PA - On January 3rd at about 8:30 A.M., the Bath FD was dispatched to a dwelling fire at 214 E. Northampton Street.

About two blocks from their station, command could see a column of smoke as they were responding. On arrival, half of the three-story duplex was well involved and there were two injured jump victims, who were transported to the hospital. They had jumped from the second floor.

Three other tenants made it out safely.

This working fire necessitated a mutual aid response with special units like East Allen's ladder tower and Hecktown's Snozzel taking the front of the duplex, and Palmer Twp.'s tiller taking the rear.

An unattached garage was

JUMP TO FILE #010820104 burned out and leveled, there was evidence of heavy damage on sides 3/4 of the #214 duplex, and there was less damage to the other half of the duplex. The neighboring Sacred Heart Rectory received radiant heat melting of its upper window sidings.

Interior and exterior crews had to contend with numerous hot spots until the fire was basically contained by 11:00 A.M. There was a report of one firefighter receiving a minor injury, and there was another report of a pet fatality.

- KEN SNYDER

1 Yellow Onion, chopped 3 Cloves of Garlic, chopped 3 Carrots, peeled and rough chopped 3 Celery Stalks, rough chopped 3 Yukon Gold Potatoes, cubed 5 Stalks Kale, leaves torn and stems chopped Handful Fresh Green Beans, ends removed and cut into 1” pieces 2 Zucchini, chopped 1 Sprig of Fresh Rosemary 1 Bay Leaf 1 T Tomato Paste 28 oz. Can of Diced Tomatoes (No Salt Added if possible) 48 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth 19 oz. Can of Cannellini Beans Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chili Flakes Salt to taste Procedure:

-Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add enough oil to just coat the bottom of the pot. When the

oil starts to shimmer, add the onions, bay leaf and rosemary. Season with a pinch of salt and chili flake.

When the onions are translucent add the garlic, carrots, celery and kale. Stirring often, cook until the vegetables are light golden brown.

Add the tomato paste and stir for about a minute.

-Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Add the potatoes, half of the beans, zucchini and green beans. Continue cook-

ing until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes.

AJ FUSCO

-While the soup is cooking, take a ladle of soup broth and put in a blender with the remaining half of the beans.

Let cool for a couple minutes. Carefully, blend the beans and add the bean purée to the soup.

-Taste and season before serving. Garnish with celery leaves, parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 13

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

The Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Company was founded in 1952.

The company covers about 600square-miles, including parts of Martic Twp., East Drumore Twp., Drumore Twp. and Providence Twp., which range from rural/farming, to commercial and residential. The Susquehanna River also flows through

some of the coverage areas to a large hydroelectric dam called the Holtwood Dam.

On March 1st of 2014, the Pequea Fire Company (a neighboring company), merged with Rawlinsville VFC which gave the station additional equipment, money and personnel, making the current active roster

35 people.

Today, the station sits at 33 Martic Heights Dr. in Holtwood, PA. They respond to about 300 calls annually between their coverage areas and mutual aid. The RVFC currently operates with 2 engines, a pumper/tanker, a brush unit, a squad, and 2 boats.

Fire House.

Tanker 58, 2019 Pierce Arrow XT (1750/3000) *(post refurb).

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

Former Tanker 58, 2000 Spartan/Fire Cab *(cab was replaced with Arrow XT Cab, electrical upgrades to pump panel, and added body height for additional equipment).

Engine 58-1, 1998 Seagrave (2000/1000).

DALE FEEHRER DALE FEEHRER

Former Engine 58, 1972 Mack CF (1250/500), purchased used in 1992 and operated until 1998 when it was sold to a private owner.

DALE FEEHRER

Engine 58-2, 1992 Pierce Dash (1500/500/50f).

DALE FEEHRER

Brush 58, 1995 Ford F-350 x-Pequea, PA *(the only Pequea piece kept after the merger).

PAGE 14

February, 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.

Kinzer Tanker 45 is a 2018 Pierce Enforcer 1500/3000.

KEN SNYDER

JASON BATZ

Reading firefighters pose for a group shot after loading an estimated $9,000 worth of toys into a salvation army box truck.

Reading Firefighters Purchase $8,000 in Toys for Salvation Army

ALAN HOFFMAN

This 2019 Ford/Bruan Ambulance Unit 46-3 is from Minquas Fire Co. No. 2 of the Downington FD.

Reading, PA - The Reading Firefighters held their Salvation Army Toy Drive Breakfast on Friday, December 20th. For the past 10 years, firefighters have been pulling together to assist the families of Reading. The group raised $8,000 through a t-shirt fundraising campaign, and from several donors in the area. The toys were purchased at a local Target shopping store and donated directly to the Salvation Army. Major donors to the campaign included Savage 61 Dodge, Target, Approved Mortgage Group, Reading Fire Equipment, Weikel's Sportwear, and the West Lawn Quoiting Association. The toys were distributed to over 1,300 families before Christmas.

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

DALE FEEHRER

The Rheems FD operates this 2009 KME (1500/1000/20F) as Engine 701.

DALE FEEHRER

The Witmer Fire Protection Association operates this 2019 Pierce Enforcer (1500/500) as Engine 62-1.

Chief 23 of the Dublin Fire Co. uses this Ford Interceptor as a command vehicle.

KEN SNYDER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Guide to New York City Fire Apparatus ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Guide to New York City Fire Apparatus 2019 Edition Edited by John A. Calderone 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

This is a soft cover book measuring 5 ½ inches by 8 ½ inches. It has 88 pages, which are color coded to specify different types of apparatus. The photos are all in

color, plus there's an introduction page, abbreviations, and the last two pages have apparatus assignments by unit.

The book has quality page material and as is usual for Fire Apparatus Journal, it is put together magnificently. It portrays the apparatus that was part of the department at the time the book was made up. It includes a photo of each apparatus with appropriate data and the number purchased in the order.

In most cases, registration numbers and assignments are given. There is also an explanation on how to interpret the registration numbers.

The apparatus photos in the case of special units does not always have an indication as to the responsibility of that unit. Hard core buffs of the New York City Fire Department would naturally know the duties. The photos again as usual are of top quality by experienced apparatus photographers.

Enjoy the book…it’s another winner!!

February, 2020

PAgE 15

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

JASON BATZ

Blandon Firefighter Neve Miller takes a shot behind the wheel of Reading Rescue 2 during the 2019 Salvation Army Toy Drive.

BACKSTOP

THE FULL AUTOMATIC REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING OBSTACLES BACKSTOP applies the brakes instantly and automatically when a reversing vehicle contacts an obstacle.

COST SAVINGS Installing BACKSTOP minimizes damage costs to both the installed vehicle and surrounding obstacles.

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.

Don’t Back Up Without Backstop Backstop USA

18 Hollywood Blvd. S * Forked River, NJ 08731 Phone: 609-971-2756 * Toll Fre: (Outside NJ) 888-745-2983 * Fax: 609-971-2793 Email: support@backstop-usa.com * Website: wwwkstop-usa.com

PAGE 16

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Car Accident Leads to Massive Fire Gutting 3 East Deer Homes East Deer Township, PA – At 11:26 A.M. on December 27th, fire and rescue crews were dispatched to the 400 block of Freeport Road for a motor vehicle accident and house fire. Responding crews advised dispatch that there was a working fire with smoke showing from a distance. JUMP TO FILE# Crews arrived 010620116 to find a three-vehicle accident with a pickup truck striking a gas meter that had quickly engulfed a home. Flames quickly spread to two neighboring homes.

Multiple fire crews from both Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties were requested to the scene.

Crews worked hard to knock down the flames before the gas line feeding the fire was able to be shut off. Once the gas line was shut off, crews were able to start aggressively attacking the fire.

Crews remained on-scene for several hours before the fire was finally brought under control.

The home that the truck struck was completely destroyed, and the two neighboring homes sustained major damage from smoke and flames. It was reported that the pickup truck had lost control after loosing a wheel and striking two other vehicles before striking the gas meter. No injuries were reported.

The family, including two adults and four children, were able to safely escape the home after it was quickly engulfed in fire. The American Red Cross is assisting that family.

Crews battle massive fire after car accident, 12/27/19.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Visit us online for more news around the states! www.1rbn.com FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Neff's ladder tower operates at the garage fire.

PAGE 17

February, 2020

KEN SNYDER

STEPHEN BARRETT

Frackville Engine 3-10 arrived on scene and found a Ford Mustang off the roadway and fully involved.

Firefighters Quickly Extinguish Vehicle Fire in Foster Township

The rear entrance of the garage.

Foster Twp., PA - On December 28th at 8:40 A.M., FrackvilleGoodwill, Minersville Fire-Rescue, Mount Pleasant-Foster Township, and Cass Township Heckschersville Fire Companies were dispatched to a motor vehicle fire on Interstate 81 in Foster Township. The phone caller reported that a vehicle being towed by a large RV was on fire.

Frackville Engine 3-10 arrived on scene and found a Ford Mus-

JUMP TO FILE #122919106 tang off the roadway and fully involved. Frackville firefighters deployed the front discharged hose line and attacked the fire. Minersville Fire-Rescue Engine 52-12 staged behind Engine 43-10 and stood by for additional water.

Mount Pleasant-Foster Township staged behind Engine 52-12 and

provided traffic control during the incident.

The vehicle was quickly extinguished and overhauled by the firefighters. It was the first time the Frackville firefighters used their recently purchased used fire engine on a working fire. The 2009 KME Predator engine rescue was purchased from the Columbia Fire Department the week before.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

KEN SNYDER

Two-Alarm Fire Strikes North Whitehall Twp. Structure

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

North Whitehall Twp., PA - On January 7th at 11:51 A.M., a second-alarm was struck for Drobot Automotive, located at 3220 Mauch Chunk Road. The one-story building was used for car repair and maintenance and was severely damaged.

JASON BATZ

This 1959 Mack Pumper formerly operated as Engine 3 with the Neversink Fire Company. The rig is now owned by company member Bruce Dengler.

PAGE 18

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Pittsburgh Crews Battle Abandoned House Fire City of Pittsburgh, PA – At 10:27 P.M. on December 27th, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to the 7900 block of Madiera Street for a JUMP TO FILE# reported abandoned 010620115 house on fire.

Crews arrived to find a fully involved house and quickly set up defensive operations.

A large water main and sink hole occurred while crews were fighting the fire. Crews had to shut down operations and re-position apparatus due to the sink hole growing larger. Once apparatus was re-positioned, crews reestablished defensive operations.

A second-alarm was requested for manpower at 11:17 P.M., and crews remained on-scene for several hours.

Fire crews also responded to two other fires in the area, all in abandoned structures. No one was injured in any of the fires.

The fire is now under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 19

PAGe 20

February, 2020

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

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.

FIRE EXPO 2010

LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S 48 TH ANNUAL

KEN SNYDER

This ex-Shartlesville, Berks County Chevy fire truck has been revamped and now serves as an advertizement truck. It was seen in the Lehighton area of Carbon County.

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

FIRE EXPO 2020

20 , 20 , 17 6 1 5, Y 1 MA

The Gates Will Close One Hour Prior to Closing Time

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Air/Light 52 of the Goodwill Fire Co. #2 of West Chester has been placed in service with the Cherry Tree Fire Co. in Indiana County.

Rescue 525 is a 1992 International/Kenco.

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:

FIRE EXPO 2020 630 East Oregon Rd. Lititz, PA 17543

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

FRANK ROBINSON

Citizens Fire Company of Mahanoy City runs a 1991 Mack CF 75' Aerialscope that once saw service in Upper Saucon, PA.

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

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

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

February, 2020

Bob Long

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BUDDY SHOTS

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

Reading FD Lieutenants Andrew Getka and Rik Kuhn pose for a photo at the annual Salvation Army Toy Drive.

JASON BATZ

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Casseroles Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

I was listening to a speaker a while back and they were discussing that certain diseases or health conditions earn certain food.

If you think about it, you will notice the truth behind it. People with certain diseases, visitors come over and bring casseroles. If other people spend time in the hospital, an edible arrangement, of fruit, is sent to the house.

Recently, I went over to a friend’s house, who has a physical challenge, and there was a team of supporters, with 14 people in the

Get your personal copy of

The PA Edition

Name:______________________

Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________ City: ______________________

State:_____ Zip: _____________ __ $36 for one year subscription

__ $60 for two year subscription

PAYMENT METHOD

__ Check

__ Money Order __ Charge card

Card # _____________________ Exp:____________

Signature ___________________

Send payment to: 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER 1 ARDMORE STREET NEW WINDSOR, NY 12553

Amount enclosed: ______

For Credit Card Orders: just fax this to (845) 534-0055 or subscribe online at

www.1RBN.com

room. It was good to see that there were so many people there to show support and love.

This morning it made me think, what is it like for someone with a mental health issue or substance abuse challenge? Where is the team that comes together for them? I know people who deal with depression or PTSD or substance addiction.

You want to guess how many people show support? What food do you bring over?

I have talked with many people who have substance addictions.

Many of them told me that they had a crisis or trauma in life. They never sought help for one reason or another. I have even heard of people being told that they are to never cry or talk about what happened. Talk about a reason why some of these people have challenges. Do we take the time to really talk to people?

For many of us, when someone is in the hospital for a surgery or treatment, we may go over to visit.

How do we handle someone with a mental health issue? Do we just avoid the person? How would you feel if you were that person?

Many people put a stigma with people who have mental health issues. Did you know that 20% of Americans have mental health issues? That means that 1 in 5 of us has challenges. Think about people in your family. Who do you know that may be depressed? Do you realize that depression untreated may lead to someone taking their own life?

One thing that sticks me strange is that so many times people say that they never expected the person to take their own life. My question is simple, did you bother to engage the person when they were going through depression, or did you just walk away?

Have you taken a Mental Health First Aid Course, or a Suicide Awareness Course, or a Psychological First Aid Course? There are many places that we can learn to help someone, but are you willing to take the first step? Did you check out the SAMHSA website? Or any other mental health website?

Be brave enough to help others.

By helping others on this issue, you may even find out that you may need some assistance, or you may finally take care of the issue that you have been denying for years.

The first part of healing is to admit that you have a challenge and work to get the assistance that you need. The best thing that you can do, to be a good friend, relative, church member or what have you, is to care about all people. The Good Book that I read tells me that we are to love our neighbor. That’s it PERIOD. There are no qualifications as to who that person is, or what condition that they have.

Remove the Stigma, Show the love.

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

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.

Potter County's Chemical Engine Co #1 of Roulette operates to second hand rigs as there front line units. Engine 46-1 is a 2014 Pierce Saber that came from Pennsauken, NJ. It has a 2000-GPM pump and 750-gallon water tank, plus rescue tools. Squad 46-8 is a 1998 Pierce Dash from the Lincoln Fire Co., Whitemarsh Twp., Montgomery County. It has a 1750-GPM pump, 750-gallon water tank, 20 foam, and a full set of rescue equipment. These 2 units will serve the company well into the future in their rural mountainous "God's Country" terrain.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 46 of the Chemical Fire Co., Roulette, is a 2014 Pierce Saber 2000/750, formerly of Pennsauken, NJ.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Squad 46-8 served with the Lincoln Fire Co., Whitemarsh Twp., Montgomery County, and is a 1998 Pierce Dash, 1750/750/20 Foam, and full compliment of rescue equipment.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

NEVER FORGET If you have photos you would like to see in our “Never Forget” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

A helmet in Adams County displaying Never Forget 343 09/11/2001.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

February, 2020

PAGE 27

PAGE 28

February, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA