1st Responder PA March Edition

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MARCH, 2017

KIRK NEIDERMYER

Ronks, PA - On February 7th at approximately 12:15 P.M., Station-48 (Ronks) and multiple Mutual Aid companies were dispatched to 2878 Lincoln Highway East for a reported dwelling fire with possible entrapment and explosions. Units arrived to find a house that had exploded off of its foundation from a propane leak.

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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WEH Technologies Zodiac

Penn Twp., PA - On January 16th, the Manheim Fire Department, along with Mutual Aid from Lititz Fire Company No. 1, East Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company Station 2-3, Penryn Fire Company No. 1, Hempfield Fire Department and Neffsville Fire Company, were dispatched to the 500 block of Auction Road for a reported barn fire. Deputy-26 (Daniel Reif) arrived shortly after and confirmed a working fire.

Crews worked to extinguish the fire quickly before it spread to exposures.

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Knock Down House Fire in Caln Township

3

Ultra Bright Lightz Waterway

Firefighters Respond to Barn Fire in Penn Township

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Task Force Tips

KIRK NEIDERMYER

15

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 21 No. 3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be A division of: brought to the attention of the newspaper during the s a m e month of publication.

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KIRK NEIDERMYER

Multiple Brush Fires on Route-30 in West Hempfield

West Hempfield Twp., PA - On January 14th, companies from Mountville Fire Company No. 1, Rohrerstown Fire Company, West Hempfield Fire/Rescue, Manheim Township Fire/Rescue Station-201, Hempfield Fire Department and Columbia Borough Fire Department Station-80 responded to multiple brush fires located before the Prospect Road exit. Crews made quick work of the fires and Route-30 was shut down for approximately 30-45 minutes while they worked.

Caln Twp., PA - At 8:54 P.M. on January 31st, Thorndale volunteers, along with numerous other companies from around the area, were dispatched to the 300 block of Jonathan Drive in Caln Twp. for a house fire. Chief-38 made the response shortly after dispatch and was advised by County that the back corner of the house was reported to be on fire. Lieutenant49 (East Brandywine) was the first one on scene and reported that he had heavy smoke showing from the residence. With that information, Chief-38 requested the Working Fire dispatch and a tanker task force since the area did not have hydrants.

Chief-38, Engine-76 (VA Hospital) and Ladder-41 (Coatesville) all arrived on scene at the same time. Engine-76 pulled into the driveway and stretched a one-andthree-quarter inch hand-line into the basement where the bulk of the fire was located. Ladder-41 pulled in behind them and put the ladder to the roof while also throwing ground ladders and forcing entry into the first-floor of the residence. The next units to arrive began setting up to pump water to Engine-76 via the tankers that

JUMP TO FILE #020817117 were responding.

Crews encountered heavy fire conditions in the basement and were able to make a knock on the fire quickly. Everyone worked well together and had the fire under control as quickly as possible. One resident was injured and transported to the hospital. Companies on the initial dispatch were 38 (Thorndale), Engine-76 (VA Hospital), Ladder-41 (Coatesville), Engine and Rescue35 (Wagontown) and Engine 44-5 (Westwood). Tower-47 (Lionville) was the RIT. The Working Fire dispatch added Air-46 (Minquas), Medic91 and FM101, 1st Alarm Tanker Task Force Rescue-44 (Westwood), Engine 47-5 (Lionville), Tanker-8 (Keystone Valley), Engine 48-5 (Glenmoore), Tanker-39 (West Bradford) and Tanker-36 (Po Mar Lin). Engine-33 (Honey Brook) and Engine 49-5 (East Brandywine) were added later for additional manpower.

- MARK WALSH

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

KIRK NEIDERMYER

Trailer Fire in Honey Brook Township Honey Brook Twp., PA - On February 1st just after 12:00 P.M., the Honey Brook Fire Company, along with Mutual Aid departments, were alerted to a reported structure fire in the Lazy Acres Trailer Park in Honey Brook Township.

Chief-33 (Robb) and Deputy-49 (Edwards) arrived on location and reported smoke showing with a

JUMP TO FILE #020817118 working fire. Engine 33-1/Captain 33A (King) arrived next on location, established a water supply and stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line into the dwelling to find the seat of the fire.

Crews encountered deteriorating conditions inside of the structure and evacuation tones were sounded per Command, pulling all interior crews out. Crews extinguished the remaining fire externally. Units remained on the scene for approximately three-hours.

- MARK WALSH

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.

KIRK NEIDERMYER

Crews Quickly Knock Garage Fire in Akron Borough

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Berks County, PA - The Union Fire Company of Hamburg operates this 1984 AM General, ex-military, five-ton truck as Brush-61. It has a 300-pump, 800-water and is one heavy duty off-road vehicle.

Akron, PA - The Akron Volunteer Fire Company and Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company were dispatched on January 15th for a reported building fire. Chief-12 arrived with smoke showing and requested Lincoln Fire Company for RIT and an additional engine, bringing in West Earl Fire. Crews made quick work of the fire and performed overhaul. A PSP Fire Marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause.

FRANK ROBINSON

Rehresburg, PA - Rehresburg Fire Company operates this 2012 Ford F550/Fast 1500/320 Mini Pumper.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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March, 2017

KIRK NEIDERMYER

A propane tank explosion destroyed this home in Ronks.

Crews making entry into the garage.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Garage Fire Destroys Two Cars in Silver Spring Township KIRK NEIDERMYER

Propane Tank Explosion Destroys Home in Ronks Ronks, PA- On February 7th at approximately 12:15 P.M., Station48 (Ronks) and multiple Mutual Aid companies were dispatched to 2878 Lincoln Highway East for a reported dwelling fire with possible entrapment and explosions.

Units arrived to find a house that had exploded off of its foundation from a propane leak, with a fire in the basement. All occupants of the structure were outside of the dwelling with no injuries. Crews worked to contain the fire from the outside due to the possibility of collapse.

The structure was deemed a total loss and torn down due to the safety issue of a possible collapse.

Martin's Mulch was called in to de-

JUMP TO FILE #020817121 molish the house while the Red Cross was called in to assist two residents. The PA State Police Fire Marshal ruled the cause of the explosion as undetermined.

Assisting Station-48 were Bird-in-Hand Fire, Witmer Fire, Lafayette Fire, Paradise Fire, Gordonville Fire & EMS, Kinzer Fire, Lancaster EMS, East Lampeter Police, East Lampeter Codes and East Lampeter Public Works. Willow Street Fire was on standby at Station-48.

Silver Spring Twp., PA - On February 7th, Cumberland County 911 Communications dispatched Companies 33, 31, 127, 125, Truck-28, Sq-33, Rescue-31, Tanker-31, Tanker-33 and Ambulance-72 to a reported house fire at 274 Ridge Hill Road on Box 3301.

Chief-33 (Curtis Hall) was in Command and immediately confirmed a working fire. Upon arrival, all occupants were outside of

JUMP TO FILE #020817111 the home and accounted for. Crews made an aggressive attack and extinguished the fire within minutes, but extensive overhaul was needed. Two vehicles that were inside the double garage, including a Corvette and a Nissan, sustained extensive damage in addition to the homeowners' belongings.

Firefighters vented the home using fans while additional crews pulled siding off the damaged wall, checking on extension. The incoming engine company dropped 1500-feet of five-inch LDH hose. EMS was on standby and supplied the firefighters with water during Rehab. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

- SHANE SHIFFLETT

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

- KIRK NEIDERMYER

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J. KRIESHER

Shenandoah, PA - Lehigh Valley Health Network MedEvac-7 transports a patient from the Shenandoah helipad.

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March, 2017

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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

New York: Arthur "Art" Brault, 54 Rank: Fire Chief Incident Date: December 20, 2016 Death Date: December 20, 2016 Fire Department: Cumberland Head Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: After responding with his fire department to a structure fire earlier in the evening, Fire Chief Arthur "Art" Brault was discovered by his wife deceased in bed when he did not turn out for a second structure fire alarm call.

New Jersey: Louis Kelly, 70 Rank: Deputy Fire Coordinator Incident Date: December 8, 2016 Death Date: December 16, 2016 Fire Department: Union County Fire Office of Emergency Management Initial Summary:Deputy Fire Coordinator Kelly responded to a multi-alarm residential structure fire in Clark, NJ. He arrived on scene and assisted with operations at the Incident Command Post. While on scene, he suffered a medical emergency and went into cardiac arrest. He was immediately tended to by emergency responders, who performed CPR and utilized an AED to regain his pulse and breathing. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and while still hospitalized the following week, his condition deteriorated and he passed away.

North Carolina: Donald “Reid” Key II, 31 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 25, 2016 Death Date: December 27, 2016 Fire Department: Whispering Pines Fire Rescue Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, December 25, at 1617 hours, Station 51 was dispatched to an Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA). Lieutenant Key responded as the Driver of 516 (Tanker); however,

was cancelled upon arrival by the Chief who had confirmed the AFA was accidental and no assistance was needed. Upon returning to the station, Lieutenant Key assisted several fellow firefighters with washing, cleaning equipment, repacking hose on 511 (returning from 2nd alarm structure fire).

Later that evening after returning home, Lieutenant Key began experiencing a headache. The next morning (12/26/2016), the headache worsened, at which time Key’s wife drove him to Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC. After being evaluated, Lieutenant Key was airlifted to UNC-Chapel Hill Hospital where he arrived midday (12/26/2016). He passed away at approximately 1345 hours on 12/27/2016. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Michigan: Fred A. Newton, Sr., 66 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 27, 2016 Death Date: December 27, 2016 Fire Department: Somerset Township Fire Department & EMS Initial Summary: While preparing to leave the fire station upon completion of his shift which included responses to three emergency incidents, Captain Newton went out to the station parking lot to start and warm his car. At 0815hrs, as other members of the fire department arrived at the station, they noticed Newton was in his car and had perhaps fallen asleep while the vehicle was still running. When a firefighter went outside and knocked on a window of the vehicle there was no response. He then opened the door and noticed Captain Newton was not breathing. Emergency dispatch was notified and the EMS crew at the station immediately began to render assistance, including ALS procedures, and transported Newton to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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March, 2017

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MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Outbuilding Destroyed by Fire in East Fallowfield

Reading FD Lieutenant Gail Knauer.

NIK KNAUER

Reading FD Lieutenant Resigns After 16-Years of Service Reading, PA - Good luck to Reading FD Lieutenant Gail Knauer, who recently resigned from the FD in order to pursue an educator position with the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences.

Lieutenant Knauer served the City of Reading for 16 years after being hired on January 1st, 2001 when the fire department took control of EMS. During the origin of EMS service, Paramedic Knauer was assigned to Medic-2 on the D-platoon and four years

JUMP TO FILE #012917112 later, in August of 2005, Knauer took a transfer to Medic-2 on the C-platoon.

Gail went on to be promoted to Fire Training Lieutenant on June 1st, 2013, and then in March of 2016, Lieutenant Knauer transferred to the Fire Marshal's Office.

Best of luck with your new position Gail!

- JASON BATZ

East Fallowfield, PA - During the early morning hours of Friday, February 3rd, Modena Fire Company volunteers were awakened at 1:39 A.M. for a reported outbuilding fire in the area of Youngsburg Road and Wheatland Drive in East Fallowfield. Also on the assignment were Westwood, Coatesville, Sadsburyville and Keystone Valley for RIT. Chief-37 (Dowlin) responded and was advised that police were correcting the address to 50 Youngsburg Rd., and were also reporting a working fire. Deputy-44 (Scott) was first to arrive, reporting the 20x30 outbuilding as well-involved.

JUMP TO FILE #020817119 Chief Dowlin arrived, assumed Youngsburg Command, and assigned Deputy-44 to operations while also requesting two additional tankers to be added to the assignment. Additional tankers were alerted from Keystone Valley and Cochranville.

Ladder 41-1 was the first apparatus on scene, took the driveway and went into service with one hand-line. Engine 37-1 arrived shortly after and led 600-feet of five-inch supply line up the driveway while its crew deployed two

additional hand-lines. Engine 44-5 picked up the line at the bottom of the driveway and supplied Engine 37-1.

Engine 37-3, Rescue-8 and Engine 31-1 arrived and set up manpower to the scene. Tankers 27 and 8 shuttled water from a hydrant located in a nearby development.

The fire was placed under control at 2:12 A.M., but crews remained on the scene for several more hours conducting extensive overhaul. A backhoe was called in from East Fallowfield Township following overhaul to knock down the unstable structure.

- MARK WALSH

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

DID YOU K NOW

?

Fire Fighting was actually a sport at the 1900 Olympics in Paris.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Schuylkill County, PA - The Klingerstown Fire Company operates this 1989 Chevrolet/Tri-State Refueling/1995 home refurbed tanker that was acquired from the US Navy. It has a 300-pump and 2200-gallons of water and will be replaced anytime now by a 2016 Western Star/4 Guys tanker 500/2000.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Tree Falls on Vehicle, Killing Driver in Coatesville Coatesville, PA - Thorndale volunteers were alerted at 7:39 A.M. on Monday, January 23rd for an accident reported as serious at the intersection of N. Caln Road and Ridgeview Drive, during which time a storm was brewing in the area, bringing with it high winds and rain.

Initial reports were for an overturned vehicle. FM-39 (Stackhouse) was the first to arrive and reported one vehicle overturned with a subject still inside and trapped. FM39 immediately requested Station-76 (VA Hospital) to assist. Rescue-38 and Engine-76 made the response.

During initial observation, it appeared that the vehicle hit the tree after it had fallen on the roadway, which caused the vehicle to flip over.

Deputy-38 arrived, assumed Command and advised Rescue-38 that they would need to perform a rapid extrication. Ambulance-41 and Medic-93 were also on scene and assisted with the removal of the driver. Several firefighters were able

JUMP TO FILE #020817116 to gain access to the patient and removed him without cutting the car.

Afterwards, the crew from Engine-76 worked quickly to remove large pieces of the tree from one lane of the roadway so that EMS could get through and transport the patient to a hospital. Traffic had been shut down already at the north side of the hill by Traffic-38 while the south side was covered by Utility-38.

EMS transported the lone occupant to a local hospital. Fire crews remained on scene clearing the rest of the tree debris and waiting for a tow truck to arrive. After speaking with witnesses, it was determined that the tree had actually fallen on top of the vehicle, which then caused it to overturn. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle did not survive his injuries.

- MARK WALSH

March, 2017

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PAge 10

March, 2017

A Good Job VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

A Good Job Stories of the FDNY HBO Documentary Films Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.00 (DVD) This is a 60-minute DVD comprised of a large group of interviews with FDNY firefighters of many ranks, both active and retired, about the memories of their careers, including the good times, the bad times, the happy and sad moments, times of transition and the personal effects that the ordeals and experiences left on them.

The interviews are done by Steve Buscami, an award winning actor and director, who prior to his acting career, had taken the test for firefighter in 1976 and spent four years at Engine-55 in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.

Steve returned to Engine-55 after 9/11 to lend a hand on “the pile," in search of missing members.

The interviews address “the war years,” named for the fires in the 1960’s and 1970’s, including

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

the Madison Square Tragedy which claimed 12 firefighters in 1966 and the Waldbaum’s roof collapse in Brooklyn in 1978, which claimed six members. The advent of female firefighters, black firefighters, self-contained breathing apparatus and new bunker clothing is discussed. Two retired female firefighters, including a battalion chief, give details of their indoctrination and treatment when women first got assigned to stations.

The Happyland Social Club fire in 1989 is discussed and of course, the World Trade Center in 2001. Some of those interviewed lost family members, including two sons of Deputy Chief Ray Downey. The firehouse kitchen is touched on where jokes and horseplay abound, especially with probationary firefighters.

Retired commissioner Sal Cassano and retired Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn are interviewed.

Dunn could have lost his life at the Madison Square fire with the difference of his order by the deputy chief and the order given to Engine-18. If those orders were reversed, we would never have benefited from his textbooks, one of which was “The Collapse of Burning Buildings!”

I believe this video will keep your undivided attention for it's duration and help both firefighters and non firefighters to appreciate what working in a burning building is like, realizing that the horrors of the job can stay with the person for many years to come.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 11

March, 2017

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.

SAYRE FD

House Fire in Sayre Displaces Residents Sayre, PA - A fire broke out around 2:00 P.M. on February 3rd at a house on South Elmer Avenue.

Sayre Fire Department members arrived to find flames shooting from the left side of the firstfloor of the house. The fire had started on the first-floor and quickly traveled up through the walls to the second-floor and into the attic. Fire crews vented the roof to clear the smoke, pulled ceilings and also opened walls to get control of the fire. No residents were injured, but a cat was unfortunately lost to the fire. One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and released. The Sayre FD was assisted by the Athens Boro FD, Athens Township FD, Sayre PD and Greater Valley EMS for medical and an air cascade truck. The Red Cross was assisting those families affected by the fire.

DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE LESSAR

Reading, PA - Reading Paramedics Jeremy Bice and Kirk Litzenberger pose during a party thrown to congratulate Kirk on his promotion to Lieutenant.

0317PA01pg12.qxp_Layout 11 2/17/17 10:57 AM Page 1

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

D ID Y OU K NOW

?

“Jake,” a slang term for “Firefighter,” was first used during the early 20th century in the Greater Boston area. Although it’s origins are recognized as “officially unknown,” many agree that the affectionate term was derived from the “J-Key,” a key shaped like the letter ‘J’ that was used to open the fire alarm box. The firefighters who held the J-key to open the fire box began being referred to as “Jakes”.

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Garage Fire Quickly Knocked in East Fallowfield Twp. East Fallowfield Twp., PA On the afternoon of January 13th at 4:50 P.M., Station-38 was dispatched to assist Station-37 (Modena) along with several other area companies for a JUMP TO FILE# garage fire. Chief- 082613157 37 made the response and was advised of a possible working fire with numerous calls being received. Upon Chief-37's arrival, he confirmed a working fire with heavy fire showing from a detached, 16x20 garage.

Ladder-41 (Coatesville) arrived first, pulled into the driveway and led off with a one-and-three-quarter inch hand line. Crews from 37, 76, 38 and 49 began arriving next and assisted with stretching a second hand-line and forcing entry into the garage. Once crews were able to make access inside, the fire was placed under control a short time later.

Crews remained on the scene until the Fire Marshals arrived and were able to investigate.

Once given the All Clear, crews were able to extinguish hot spots and cleared the scene a short time later.

- MARK WALSH

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

PAGE 13

Business Destroyed by Blaze in Franklin Township McKnightstown, PA - On January 1st at 9:04 A.M., Cashtown Fire was alerted for a working structure fire in Franklin Township on Box 4-1. Adams County received the call by radio from FP Unit 4-1 who was in the area when he discovered the fire at JUMP TO FILE# 2586 Chambers- 013017125 burg Road in the Village of McKnightstown.

FP 4-1 reported to dispatch that he was on the scene of a working commercial building fire. Adams County 911 quickly dispatched units out that were due on the box and firefighters were quick to respond out.

Cashtown units arrived to find a single-story commercial structure with heavy fire coming from the front office windows on side "Alpha" of the structure.

Heavy fire conditions had also extended to a parked vehicle in front of the structure. Firefighters pulled multiple hose lines and attacked the blaze for over 30-minutes, working to gain control of the fire. Command reported the fire as under control at 9:42 A.M. The building at 2586 Chambersburg Road was owned by US Exotics Ltd. The building sustained heavy damage from the New Year's Day morning fire. No one was at the location at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported and the fire is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Approximately 50 firefighters responded out to the incident.

Cashtown Fire Co. 4 responded and received assistance from Arendtsville Fire Co. 5, Gettysburg Fire Co. 1, Buchanan Valley Fire Co. 27, Biglerville Fire Co. 6, Fairfield Fire & EMS Co. 2, Fayetteville Fire Co. 7, Barlow Fire Co. 22, United Hook & Ladder Co. 33 Bonneauville Station, Heidlersburg Fire Co. 25, Adams Regional EMS Gettysburg MICU 54-1 and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal’s Office.

Heavy smoke pours from the US Exotics building in Franklin Twp. on New Year's Day.

ARENDTSVILLE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. FB

- WILLIAM KING

ARENDTSVILLE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. FB

PAGE 14

March, 2017

It’s Difficult EMS ISSUE

CHELLE CORDERO

Operating an EMS agency isn’t an easy task, but when someone dials 911 when a loved one is ill, they expect help to arrive ASAP. Many agencies manage to accomplish the expectations, but it is getting more and more difficult.

According to the January 2017 SEMSCO conference call meeting, some of the biggest challenges facing EMS in New York State include an aging population, chronic health epidemics such as obesity, longer travel times ambulance to scene to hospital, and a lack of public awareness. Areas highly dependent on Medicaid funding are finding that payments are less than their ac-

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tual costs. Newer protocols and technologies, while designed to provide better outcomes, also bring higher training costs and investment in time, the purchase of expensive equipment, local tax caps and lack of community financial support caused by the lack of knowledge of how EMS works.

The staffing of ambulances also presents problems. EMS is not known for its high earnings of paid personnel. There is a high turnover rate as members move on to higher paying positions. Volunteer agencies have the added problems of providing incentive for potential members to join, asking for members to come in on their own time for additional training, and also maintaining an adequate volunteer base while personal lives seem to just get busier. According to this conference, the average age of an EMS responder currently in NYS is 40-years and older (both paid and volunteer services), and there are not enough active providers.

Often, new members come in enthralled with the idea of lights and sirens, CPR saves, delivering babies, action and excitement, and playing the part of the hero; most of these scenarios are used in recruitment videos, posters and other handouts. Members that join for the action are often discouraged when many calls are not much more than simple transports, fall down and go bump, and/or RMAs when a new parent is nervous about the baby’s first cold.

Most EMS calls are not flying down the highway, running into the face of danger kind of adrenaline rushes.

Among the recommendations made to affect positive changes in EMS are increasing public awareness about funding, offering (and being able to afford) competitive salaries, working with the hospitals to recognize the value of prehospital care, encouraging volunteerism (which is comparatively low in NYS), and agencies joining forces to offer employees better benefits. There were also discussions about the increasing demands of provider certification, training of future EMS leaders, and improving the overall experience of the healthcare provider.

The report summed up NYS EMS Leadership Themes, “The EMS Community in NYS needs to develop the motivation to engage the broader communities in understanding EMS, expressing our vulnerabilities and potential, engaging others in solutions, and making sure broader constituencies see the value in what we have to offer and the risk of not taking a piece of the responsibility for our future success.”

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Quickly Control House Fire in Coatesville Coatesville, PA - On the morning of Saturday, January 7th at 8:27 A.M., firefighters from Stations 41, 43, 38, 37 and 76 were dispatched to the 800 block of Coates St. for a reported house fire. Crews from Ladder-41 and Engine-43 were on the scene within minutes and Ladder-41 reported smoke showing from a few blocks out.

On arrival, crews reported a working house fire in a two-story, middle-of-row dwelling. The PD was also on-scene and reported that

JUMP TO FILE #020817114 they had fire in the rear first-floor and also had an injured subject for EMS. Engine-43 arrived on scene next and crews from Ladder-41 stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch hand line into the fire building while the engine driver connected to the hydrant that was only 30-feet from the home. Shortly after, crews from Rescue-38, Engine-76 and Engine-37 ar-

rived and began to assist the crews from Coatesville. The crew from Rescue-38 stretched a second oneand-three-quarter inch line and checked the exposure for fire.

Traffic-38 also made the response and assisted with shutting down the roadway for firefighters.

Crews had the fire under control in less than 20 minutes and stayed at the scene until the arrival of the Fire Marshal's Office.

- MARK WALSH

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

KEN SNYDER

Nazareth, PA - This 1977 American LaFrance Pioneer 1500/1000 once protected Upper Nazareth Township.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

PAGE 15

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.

J. KRIESHER

A Sheppton-Oneida firefighter checks the crashed vehicle as EMS renders care to the driver.

Driver Injured After Crashing into Rock on Route-924

SAYRE FD

Sayre, PA - Engine Company No. 1 of the Sayre Fire Department is located in Bradford County.

Schuylkill County, PA – Sheppton-Oneida firefighters were dispatched at 9:22 A.M. on Tuesday, February 7th by Schuylkill County 911 to the area of 489 Main Boulevard in East Union Township for a vehicle crash with injuries.

Shenandoah EMS was also due on the response.

Rescue Engine 9-10 went responding and was advised of a single-vehicle crash with one injury.

The engine arrived on-scene to find a vehicle in the middle of the

JUMP TO FILE #020717110 roadway with heavy front-end damage after striking a large rock off the road and an injured person sitting in the roadway. Ambulance6402 arrived on the scene simultaneously with the engine company.

The engine crew split up, with some members helping EMS with patient care, while others controlled hazards on the vehicle. The

remaining members began traffic control in the area.

One patient was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Firefighters remained on the scene for over one hour while the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the crash and the vehicle was towed from the scene. The roadway was reopened and all units were available shortly after 10:30 A.M. - JC KRIESHER

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

DENNY CLOPPER

Cashtown units remained on the scene with PSP at Chambersburg Rd. and Short Cut Rd.

Serious MVA in Franklin Twp. Sends Three to Area Hospitals Spelter, WV - Trevor Vance is a 19-year-old firefighter from West Virginia who has been serving his community since he was just 15-years-old. He is currently a firefighter at Spelter Volunteer Fire Department in Spelter, West Virginia and decided to get this tattoo done approximately two years ago. When asked what inspired him to get the tattoo, he said "being a firefighter is a brotherhood, so I thought to myself, why not get a tattoo that will be there forever and remind me of what I have been through and who I've been through it with." Trevor also said that the tattoo lets him show off what he's so proud of doing.

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Cashtown, PA - On January 29th, emergency crews from Adams County were alerted on Box 4-2 in Franklin Township for a vehicle accident with entrapment and fire. Units due on the box were dispatched out to the intersection of Chambersburg Road and Short Cut Road at 12:31 P.M. Cashtown Assistant Chief Bowling arrived on the scene to find a Dodge Dakota truck and a Lincoln town car, both with heavy damage from the collision. Assistant Chief Bowling reported that the fire appeared to be out and that he had at least one patient confined. After quickly evaluating the scene, Assistant Chief Bowling immediately requested an additional ALS unit started to the scene and assumed Command.

Fire and EMS crews working the incident had three patients in total to care for. After evaluation of

JUMP TO FILE #013017138 all three patients, Aviation was requested by Command, as well as an additional engine company to establish a landing zone and a third BLS unit for transport. Firefighters from Cashtown and Arendtsville arrived on the scene and worked together to stabilize the vehicle and extricate the patient from the wreckage. Fairfield firefighters arrived and established a landing zone for Lifenet-81 which was inbound out of Hagerstown.

Firefighters worked for nearly 20 minutes to extricate and package the patient for transport while EMS crews tended to the two other patients who were not entrapped.

Thanks to the great teamwork conducted by all crews involved, the patients were able to be trans-

Fairfield Engine 2-1 stands by at the landing zone with Lifenet-81.

ported from the scene within 30 minutes after their arrival to the scene. Lifenet-81 airlifted one patient to York Hospital while Adams Regional EMS transported the second to Gettysburg and Fayetteville Fire & EMS transported the third patient to Chambersburg Hospital.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police. Cashtown Community Fire Co. 4 responded out with Engine 4-1 and Rescue-4, receiving assistance from Arendtsville Community Fire Co. 5 Engine 5-1, Fairfield Fire & EMS Co. 2 Ambulance 2-2 and Engine 2-1, Fayetteville Fire & EMS Co. 7 Medic-7 and Ambulance 7-5, Adams Regional EMS MICU 54-1 and Medic 54-3 and Aviation Lifenet81 out of Hagerstown.

- WILLIAM KING

DENNY CLOPPER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

PAGE 19

Why Isn't it Okay to be a Fit Firefighter?

It seems almost silly that I’m writing this article. It actually seems like a great waste of time that it even has to be written. However, my inbox continues to fill with questions about why it’s so hard to convince other members of their departments that being fit is really a good thing. It’s almost unreal that in our society we are still convincing people that being fit is good; that our bodies weren’t made to carry hundreds of extra pounds, or that our joints and muscles need to be utilized and trained to work well, or that our organs can only work with our help. Oh and by the way, all of that applies to firefighters' bodies too. We don’t get a “service” discount on that one.

As firefighters, why do we create these stigmas when it comes to fitness within our service, and why do we allow them to continue? I suppose it depends on how you look at the bigger picture because about 30-years ago, we wore hip boots and long coats. At that time, anyone who wore bunker pants was wrong.

Same with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. I think we can all agree that the level of protection bunker pants provides is far superior to that of hip boots. Wearing your SCBA is much better than eating smoke. In the end, bunker pants are good and so are SCBAs. So, maybe fitness is just as good...maybe even a better thing for the fire service than bunker pants and SCBAs. In part-one of this two part series, I plan to point out some of the common pitfalls that seem to plague the fire service when it comes to fitness and in part-two, I plan to address some ways to overcome them.

Let’s start off with the biggest one of all. Fitness standards will be used as a way to discipline or even replace firefighters, further discouraging people from volunteering. It’s very possible that if a department established a mandatory health and wellness program, a person who refuses to participate could be removed from that department. Why anyone would refuse is a mystery to me. It’s a proven fact that participating in a health and wellness program sponsored by your employer is a benefit to the employee, not to mention you'd also have an added benefit, called living a better life.

The statement above also applies on the volunteer end; but, if you have an established health and wellness plan, do you really want a person to volunteer who doesn’t want to be a part of it? Our Line-of-Duty-Death numbers should answer that question for you...

Then we have the firefighter who still feels that the only reason we want to workout is so we look good at the beach. Well, maybe looking good at the beach isn’t such a bad thing for the fire service. Af-

ter all, we are constantly in the “public's eye." So tell me, who do you JUMP TO FILE #013017120

want representing your department?

The firefighter who looks good at the beach, or the firefighter who can’t see his/her belt buckle because their stomach is hanging over it. Please realize that the above statements have zero bearing on appearance. Take a moment and picture this...you just called a Mayday from a collapse.

Which of the above firefighters would you want on your Rapid Intervention Team?

A firefighter fitness "hater line" that I just can’t seem to wrap my head around is when someone says "you shouldn’t workout on-duty, or at the firehouse because you might be “tired” from working out when a re-

ported fire comes, impairing your ability to respond." In that case, I suppose we should never stretch lines, or put up the ladder, or do any form of training while on-duty because what if a reported fire comes in and we’re tired? It makes no sense to me at all.

We are not “working out” at work.

We are training our bodies to do our job. We just have to be smart enough to not deplete our entire tank, same as how we watch the air gauge in our masks while entering a commercial structure.

In part-two of this series, I will better explain how to create a fitness culture within your department and trust me, the "quick-fix" haters won’t like this one either simply because it won’t cost $29.99, nor provide free shipping, nor promise you the ultimate weight loss or fitness solution specifically designed and doctor approved for firefighters.

At the end of the day, don’t let any

haters keep you down, just let them keep on hating! Every new change that was brought to the fire service was met with resistance and every

PROVIDED

new change that comes along will be met the same way, fitness included.

- ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Reading Firefighter Retires After 24 Years of Service Reading, PA - Congratulations to Reading FF Merlin Planer on his retirement after more than 24-years of service to the City of Reading. FF Merlin began his career on August 10th of 1992. After completing fire training, JUMP TO FILE# he was assigned to 020517122 the B-platoon as a jumper. After working as a jumper for about one-year, Merlin took a position on Engine-12/B-platoon.

In 1994, the city placed several companies out of service to place additional staff on the remaining apparatus. It was during this reorganization that FF Planer was reassigned to the D-platoon as a jumper. In February of 1997, FF Merlin found a home on Ladder-1/A-platoon, where he remained for the next 20 years.

Congratulations and best of luck Merlin!

J. KRIESHER

Hazle Twp. firefighters work to overhaul this trailer that caught fire in the Humboldt Industrial Park.

Flames Engulf TractorTrailer in Humboldt

- JASON BATZ

NIK KNAUER

Reading FF Merlin Planer retires after more than 24-years on the job.

Luzerne County, PA – At 5:20 A.M. on Monday, January 30th, Luzerne County 911 dispatched Hazle Twp. Fire & Rescue with Medic-11 to 1102 North Park Drive by US Cold Storage in the Humboldt Industrial Park for a tractor-trailer on fire.

Engine-2 responded and was advised that 911 was getting conflicting reports as to which piece of the truck was actually on fire.

Some callers were reporting that the tractor was fully engulfed while others stated that the trailer was on fire. The engine requested an additional page for an extra engine and tanker to the scene.

The engine arrived on-scene to find a detached trailer sitting on North Park Drive with the refrigeration unit on fire in the front of the trailer. The crew stretched a bumper line and donned their

JUMP TO FILE #013017135 SCBA before quickly darkening down the fire.

Engine-3 and Tanker-6 arrived on the scene and staged near Engine-2 while the Tanker hooked up to feed water to the engine.

Crews made access to the interior of the trailer, which was carrying food product and checked for extension. Firefighters remained on the scene for nearly one hour, hitting hot spots and overhauling the trailer.

Apparatus was clear of the scene shortly before 6:30 A.M. During the incident, traffic was slowed on the busy Park Drive and nearby Route-924.

- JC KRIESHER

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March, 2017

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

Cressona, PA - The Goodwill Fire Company now operates this 2015 Freightliner/Pierce as Tanker 41-38. It has a 1000-GPM pump, 2000 water and 30 foam.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Lehighton, PA - Mahoning Valley Fire Company No.1 uses this 2017 Freightliner/KME 750/3000 as Tanker-631.

KEN SNYDER

KIRK NEIDERMYER

Porch Fire in Mountville Borough Extends to House

Mountville, PA - On January 29th, Mountville Fire Company No. 1, Rohrerstown Fire Company, Columbia No. 1 Fire Department, West Hempfield Fire/Rescue and Blue Rock Fire Rescue were alerted for a reported house fire. Truck-67 hit the street first and was advised that Assistant-7 (Kalbach) called in and reported a working fire. Engine 7-1 went en-route and requested the Working Fire dispatch to be transmitted. Crews arrived to find a porch well-off, with extension into the house.

Crews knocked down the fire quickly and remained on the scene to perform extensive overhaul.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

Who else is affected when a firefighter gets injured or killed is a question many of us in the fire service tend to avoid, or not dwell upon. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make the realities and pain of life go away and all emergency service personnel should realize that the death and/or injury of a firefighter will have far reaching impact in their family, department and community.

The injury that befalls a firefighter can be a lasting and traumatic experience; in some instances, it may require extensive long-term medical treatment and care, maybe disfiguration, paralysis, or living the rest of one’s life with a permanent disability. It can be a very high price to pay, especially if the injury could have been prevented. The ultimate price would be the death of a firefighter as an immediate result of performance of duty, or at a later date from complications from injuries sustained while in the performance of duty. Needless to say, death is final, the last whistle has blown and the game has come to an abrupt end. Spouses, families, friends, department and community will be heartbroken and saddened, and they may be devastated by the loss of a brother/sister firefighter.

With the sadness brought about by death or injury, in the days and years ahead there will be many problems and issues that will have to be addressed and overcome, and in most instances, they will have a lasting impact on the family, department and community. We can evaluate this impact in the form of physical, financial, emotional and psychological stress.

The physical damage will be in the form of the injury, medical care needed and potential for rehabilitation. Many firefighters think small when they think of injuries; a cut, broken bone, sprain, minor burn, or some form of injury that will be short-term and soon forgotten. Unfortunately, there are other forms of injuries that may render the firefighter incapacitated for the rest of their life, placing a tremendous burden on family, friends and the department to always be there in support. Some victims and their families may have tremendous difficulty in handling the emotional and psychological trauma that can accompany long-term injury and potential confinement to bed, a wheel chair, or walker, and

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The After Affects of LODD or Injury

the endless medical appointments and treatments. Included will be the additional stresses in providing home care and transportation for an incapacitated individual. It will not be an easy task, and it will be fraught with deep mixed emotional feelings and at times, frustration and “Why me?”.

What about the financial and economic aspects of being injured? Who will pick up the bills, both medical and living expenses?

In most instances, it will be the department's insurance carrier, or the local municipality, or state government through Workers Compensation, Volunteer Benefits Law, or the state pension system.

What about future educational requirements for children and all those little extras one gets accustomed to, where will the extra cash come from? In most instances it stops and may bring about a change in lifestyle for the family.

The department will suffer for a variety of reasons, including saddened and weakened morale, increased costs for liability and workers compensation, increased workload, and additional operating costs. Some of these will also trickle down to the community, as any financial increases for the department will inevitably be passed on to them. The department and the community will be effected by the loss of services.

In the death of a firefighter, much of the impact and burden mentioned previously will be similar, but nothing will replace the fallen firefighter. There will be the mourning and wake, generally followed by a departmental funeral attended by colleagues from surrounding jurisdictions, all of which is quite ceremonial and impressive. More importantly, it doesn’t bring you back to life.

Neither will all the benefits that come with dying in the line-ofduty. And remember, you don’t get the benefits, your survivors do as they will surely need them.

These benefits have greatly increased over the years, but they still aren’t worth dying for. Practicing firefighter safety and maintaining an attitude to stay safe will help keep you out of harm’s way and extend your life and career.

Remember, death is forever and much longer than life, so do your best to live a long, healthy life in the performance of your duties by looking out for your personal safety and the safety of your fellow firefighters. When you do, you will also be looking out for those silent partners consisting of family, friends, department and community, to whom you mean so much.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

March, 2017

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March, 2017

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

Carlisle, PA - Ex-Goodwill Fire Co. operated this 1937 Seagrave until it was sold to West Fairview Fire Co., who then sold it to a private individual. It has a 750-GPM pump, 100 water and is very well cared for.

Blaze Destroys Hegins Township Business

Schuylkill County, PA – At 4:35 P.M. on Saturday, January 28th, Schuylkill County 911 transmitted a first-alarm assignment to the area of 929 East Mountain Road in Hegins Township for a reported business building fire at West End Electric.

The first-alarm included Districts 13 (Hegins Valley), 14 JUMP TO FILE # (Sacramento/Hubley 012917111 Twp.), 10 (Pitman/Eldred Twp.), 58 (North End/Pine Grove), RIT from Pottsville (Stations 50 and 60), engines from Jolliett and Gratz (Dauphin County) and Hegins Area Ambulance.

Engine 14-10 and Tanker 14-30 responded as first-due and were advised that a caller reported smoke pouring from the building that houses West End Electric. Chief 14-02 arrived on the scene shortly after and found a vehicle on fire inside of the building, with smoke showing from a single-story, metal pole building.

Shortly after the update of the vehicle fire, Chief 14-02 radioed to incoming units that the fire had now spread to the building. Alert tones began to sound and all units were advised of a working building fire at 4:43 P.M.

Chief 13-02 arrived on the scene, assumed Command and requested a Tanker Task Force be dispatched to the scene. Tankers dispatched included Districts 3 (Llewellyn), 4 (Lavelle), 12 (Donaldson), 21 (Suedberg), 24 (Newtown) and 46 (Gordon). Also dispatched were Tanker-810 (Jolliett), Tanker-26 (Berrysburg/Dauphin County) and Tanker-27 (Gratz/Dauphin County).

Apparatus arrived on the scene to find heavy fire throughout the building, including a two-story office area against the “B” side. Crews began to stretch multiple lines off of Engine 14-10. A portable pond was set up at the pump panel of 14-10 and tankers began to drop their water. Engine-810 was assigned to a tanker fill site but found trouble accessing the pond, so Engine 58-15 was redirected to a different fill site and set up to fill the tankers.

Engine 13-15 positioned in front of 14-10 and stretched multiple lines to the building while being supplied by 14-10. Ladder 58-25 was directed to the "A/D" corner and flew the stick to the roof, allowing crews to ascend for vertical ventilation. Firefighters attempted to knock down the fire with multiple heavy lines and portable monitors; however, the fire continued to spread throughout the building. Additional firefighters went

around the building with saws and opened the exterior walls to find additional spots of fire.

Smoke continued to pour out of the building despite the efforts of the firefighters on the scene. Once the smoke from the main garage began to dissipate, thick brown smoke began to push from the office area. The smoke continued to gain momentum and then erupted in flames until a firefighter quickly doused them. Crews then made an attempt to push inside.

Firefighters were unable to make it all the way into the building due to safety concerns, but they continued to attempt to knock down the fire from all different angles. Ladder-58 repositioned the aerial to a small porch roof where firefighters cut the front of the building away and hit the secondfloor area with a hand-line from the roof.

After many hours of hard work, the fire was finally placed under control at 7:06 P.M. At that time, most units were released with the exception of the truck company and first-in units. A State Police Fire Marshal was called to the scene to help investigate the origin and cause of the fire.

Remaining crews were released later in the evening. No injuries were reported on the scene.

- JC KRIESHER

J. KRIESHER

Sacramento Engine 14-10 pulled on-scene to find heavy smoke showing from this building on East Mountain Road.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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March, 2017

RAYMOND STENDER

FRED KELLENBERGER

Truck Catches Fire After MVA in Reading

Reading, PA - On Monday, February 6th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services dispatched companies to the intersection of 4th and Buttonwood Streets for reports of an accident with fire. Engine-3 arrived at the scene and found a two-vehicle accident with an engine compartment fire. Firefighters quickly knocked the fire down and began treating the occupants.

No confinement was reported and the patients were taken to the Reading Hospital Trauma Center for further treatment. Chief Stoudt (C7) was in Command.

Structure Fire in Wesleyville Damages Luncheon Shop

Wesleyville, PA - Crews were dispatched on January 22nd for reports of a structure fire in Wesleyville. Upon arrival, firefighters found a one-story, 75x75 frame structure that was well-involved. The fire damaged a luncheon shop on the Exposure-4 side of the fire building. Responding departments included Wesleyville, Bellevalley, Brookside, Harborcreek, Kuhl Hose and Fairfield.

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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

J. KRIESHER

Hubley Twp., PA - Engine 14-10 of the Sacramento Community Fire Co. with multiple lines stretched, drafting from a portable pond during a building fire in neighboring Hegins Twp.

RAYMOND STENDER

Erie Firefighters Conduct Roof Operation for Structure Fire J. KRIESHER

Ringtown, PA - Ringtown Rescue Engine 30-15, first on the scene of a working house fire on Main Street in their borough.

KIRK NEIDERMYER

Woodshop Fire in Earl Twp. Earl Twp., PA - On January 12th at 5:33 A.M., Garden Spot Fire Rescue was dispatched with Mutual Aid from Farmersville Fire Company and Martindale for a reported outbuilding fire. Chief 39-2 (Kuenzli) arrived and confirmed a well-involved structure fire. Crews put multiple hand lines into service to knock down the flames. The fire was placed under control by 5:55 A.M.

Erie, PA - Erie firefighters conducted a roof operation on the cold and snowy afternoon of February 2nd. Units were dispatched for a structure fire at 537 West 18th Street and upon arrival, found a fire in the attic. Responding units included Chief-324, Tower-2 and Engines 11, 12, 13 and 6.

RICHARD BILLINGS

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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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.

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Berks County, PA - The Strausstown Fire Company in Berks County operates Tanker-50, a 1990 Pierce Dash 1250/2500. It was previously owned by West Earl Fire Company in Lancaster County.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

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Myerstown, PA - Keystone Hook and Ladder once ran this 1958 Chevy/Morison Rescue Truck. The unit is now privately owned.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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March, 2017

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2003 KME 102' Platform Detroit 500 HP Diesel Allison HD4060 Tranmission, 6 Bottle 6000 PSI Cascade System with 2 Postition Fill station

2005 Pierce Pumper Waterous 1250 GPM Pump 1000 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2008 Ferrara Heavy Rescue Cummins 330HP 20KW Generator Light Tower Cascade System

2000 KME Renegade Walk-Around Heavy Rescue Detroit 400HP 25KW Generator, Front Winch Light Tower, Breathing Air System Air Reel, Cord Reels

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2003 Pierce Quantum 105’Aerial Waterous 2000 GPM Pump 500 Gallon Poly Tank Allison Transmission Detroit Diesel

2008 Spartan SVI Heavy Wet Rescue Hale 250 GPM Pump 250 Gallon Tank Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic

2001 Smeal HME 75' Quint Waterous 2000 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Tank Detroit Diesel Allison Automatic

2007 Pierce Saber Custom Heavy Rescue Cummins Diesel Allison Automatic Warn Electric Winch

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2010 Ferrara 100' Mid-Mount Platform Hale 2000 GPM Pump 300 Gallon Poly Tank 10KW Diesel Generator

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

STEPHEN BARRETT

The second-alarm engine crews arrived and went to the 2nd-floor to attack the extending fire.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

Chambersburg, PA - Chambersburg Fire Asst. Chief-1 responding to a call reporting smoke in the building at Manor Care.

KEN SNYDER

Penbrook, PA - The Penbrook Fire Company runs this Chevy Trail Blazer as a command vehicle.

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Basement Fire Displaces Residents from Ringtown Home Ringtown, PA - On January 20th at 3:45 P.M., the Ringtown, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City, East Union Township and Conyngham Township Fire Departments, along with Shenandoah Ambulance, were dispatched to 198 East Main St. for a possible structure fire. The caller reported smoke coming from the basement of a two-story home.

Ringtown Engine-Rescue 30-15 and an assistant fire chief arrived within minutes and found heavy smoke pushing from the basement.

The engine officer quickly confirmed a working fire and established incident command. One of the home’s occupants had self-evacuated and was waiting outside of the burning home before firefighters arrived.

The fire appeared to be spreading throughout the home, so the assistant chief on-scene requested a second-alarm to be dispatched, bringing in additional manpower from North Union Twp., West Mahanoy Twp. and a number of local tanker trucks.

Ringtown Engine-Rescue 30-15 established a water supply from a

JUMP TO FILE #012217121 hydrant west of the fire building.

Engine 30-15 then staged on East Main St., west of the structure. The crew from Engine 30-15 deployed two hose lines into the front doors of the structure. Hose lines were advanced to the basement of the home to stop the spreading flames.

Shenandoah Squirt-745 staged in front of Main St. and obtained a water supply. The Squirt crew deployed a number of ground ladders to the "Alpha" side of the home.

Conyngham’s Engine-352 established a water supply from a second hydrant just west of the fire building and supplied Squirt-745.

The Squirt crew went to the roof to conduct vertical ventilation. The second-alarm engine crews arrived and deployed their crews to the second-floor to attack the extending fire. The attack crews quickly knocked down the flames and vented out of a window.

The backup crews proceeded to check on extension and vent smoke

from all the upper windows. Mahanoy City’s Rescue-993 arrived and sent their crew to assist the Ringtown firefighters with RIT operations. The remaining units staged on East Main St. and sent their crews to the fire building. A number of firefighters entered the fire building to back up the first attack crews and to perform ventilation.

The fire was eventually extinguished and overhaul was started by interior firefighters. The smoke was quickly vented from the home and no fire extension was found. Incident Command declared the fire as under control at 4:30 P.M. and started to release some Mutual Aid units from the scene. The remaining first-due units picked up and returned to their quarters by 6:00 P.M. The American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the displaced residents of the home. The fire appeared to have started in the basement of the home. Personnel from Frackville and Shenandoah Ambulances provided rehab to firefighters during the incident.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

The Heart of the Matter is a Matter of the Heart Chaplain’s Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. (Psalm 86:11) Singleness of heart/purpose is not a foreign concept to the firefighter or EMS worker. The very duties of these occupations cry out for a concerted singleness of our purpose to fulfill the mission. Meeting the im-

mediate needs of the patient is the first responder's mission. Upon arrival of an emergency call, we must be totally focused on the patient as well as our surroundings. It is essential. This essentiality also applies to our spiritual lives. Only when we pursue God with singleness of heart do we experience the fulfillment of His purpose in our lives - to rescue us.

Indecision about God is described in the Bible as "double-mindedness" - and double- mindedness is a costly habit. With so much contentment at stake, why do we waver?

Why don't we choose God more wholeheartedly?

"Unite my heart to fear Your name." This is a prayer for the integrity of a "pure" heart, one that is not only clean, but also decisive.

James wrote, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8). What we need is the courage to pursue God with singleness of purpose.

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; (1 Peter 3:8).

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

VEHICLE NEWS

J. KRIESHER

The driver of this vehicle suffered injuries after the head-on collision on Route-924 near Sheppton.

Four Hurt in Car Crash Schuylkill County, PA – At 5:48 A.M. on Friday, January 27th, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched Fire District-9 (Sheppton-Oneida) to 859 Main Boulevard in East Union Township for a motor vehicle accident with unknown injuries. Shenandoah ALS was also due on the call.

Medic-6402 responded and was advised of a two vehicle crash and that 911 was now getting reports of entrapment. The assignment was upgraded to a rescue dispatch which brought Mahanoy City West End Rescue-993 to the scene.

Sheppton-Oneida Engine 9-10 arrived on the scene to find a two-vehicle crash on Route-924 in the middle of the Sheppton mountain, with heavy front-end damage to both vehicles. Chief-9 assumed East Union Twp. Command.

After a quick assessment of the scene, crews found one injured person in a vehicle facing northbound (not trapped), one person who was walking but wounded, and two people confined in a passenger vehicle facing southbound.

The vehicle was stabilized while one firefighter initiated C-Spine immobilization and the Hurst spreaders were stretched off the engine. Crews removed the passenger side front door and were able to access both patients. The driver was removed and placed onto Medic-6402’s litter.

JUMP TO FILE #012917106 At that time, Rescue-993 was directed to set up a traffic control point at Route-924 and Phineyville Road.

Rescue-469 was also asked to set up an additional traffic control point at Center Street and Brandon Street in Sheppton.

Two medic units from APTS (Luzerne County) arrived on the scene and began to treat the passenger of the vehicle and the wounded person who was walking. West Hazleton Ambulance-583 arrived, packaged the driver of the other vehicle and initiated transport. They were met with another ALS unit out of Luzerne County while on the way to the hospital.

Multiple Pennsylvania State Troopers out of the Frackville barracks were on the scene investigating the crash. Crews remained on the scene and kept the roadway shut down for nearly two hours, as extensive cleanup was needed for a large debris field and a large amount of fluid on the roadway. The roadway was reopened around 8:00 A.M. after both vehicles were towed from the scene.

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DALE FEEHRER

Longwood, PA - Longwood Fire Company of Chester County has placed this 2016 Pierce Arrow XT heavy rescue with a full complement of Hurst extrication equipment into service.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Cambria County, PA - Portage Fire Company has placed into service this 2016 Sutphen Monarch rescue. It runs as Rescue-83 and has a 2000 pump, 500 water and 30 foam along with a full complement of rescue tools.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2017

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March, 2017

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA