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MARCH, 2020

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE HOUSE FIRE IN WARWICK TWP.

JASON MCCULLY

Warwick Twp., PA - At 3:21 P.M. on January 25th, the Twin Valley Fire Department and multiple mutual aid companies were dispatched to Hawthorne Lane in Warwick Township for a dwelling fire. While responding to the scene a column of smoke was spotted and Engine 69-1 requested the first-alarm tanker task force.

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

A guide to finding great companies

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All Hands Fire Equipment 23 Campbell Supply.

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FDIC

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Fire Expo 2020

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TERRY RITZ

Accident with Injuries in Upper Hanover Twp.

Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Monday, January 27th at 11:21 A.M., East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to an accident with injuries at the intersection of Jacobs Sawmill Rd. and Kutztown Rd., in the township. Upon arrival, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Wetzel had a Jeep on its roof and a pickup truck in a field at the intersection. The Jeep overturned several times and landed on its roof after the impact. All occupants were out of the vehicles when fire crews arrived. The cause and severity of the injured people from both vehicles were not available. There was considerable damage to the Jeep and the front end of the pickup suffered some damage also.

Assisting the fire company were Fire Police from both East Greenville and Pennsburg Fire Companies. Assistance from PA State Police and EMS from Bally were also on the scene.

9 11

Mid Atlantic Rescue

5

CORPORATE INFORMATION

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

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KATIE WITMOYER

Garage Fire in Wyomissing Borough

Wyomissing Borough, PA - On Wednesday, January 22nd, dispatchers from the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received several phone calls reporting an explosion in the area. Another caller from Girard Ave. reported smoke showing from a home on Monroe Ave. Tower 79 arrived at a two-and-a-half story, single-family dwelling with smoke showing from the 'C' side. Firefighters stretched a hose line into the home and began attacking a garage fire.

Two additional lines were stretched but not placed into service. Chief 85 (Hackman) reported all searches were clear. No injuries were reported, and the Spring Twp. Fire Marshal was investigating. Units from West Reading, Kenhorst, Shillington, Mohnton, Temple and Reading assisted.

RON JEFFERS

Rookie Firefighter Sam Springstein with his family, Fire Chief Steven McGill and Mayor Steve Fulop.

A Fire Department Ceremony With National Attention Jersey City, NJ - The Jersey City Fire Department added 15 new members on the morning of January 14th during a ceremony that attracted local and national media personnel. The City Council Chambers in City Hall was standing room only as family, friends, city officials and first responders gathered to see the new firefighters sworn in by Mayor Steven Fulop and Chief of Department Steven McGill.

Among the new recruits was the son of Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, Sam Springsteen.

His parents and family members watched with pride as he was sworn in. Sam, 25, is the youngest of Bruce and Patti Scialfa's three children. Sam has previously served as a volunteer firefighter in the state.

As usual, the department's ceremony was professional in every way, leaving good memories of this important day for recruits and their families. The recruits were led into the chambers by the Fire Department Honor Guard and the Jersey City Firefighter's Pipes and Drums Emerald Society. The Springsteen rookie wasn't singled out during the swearing-in, he was just one of the new recruits.

“This is my son's day,” The Boss said after the ceremony.

“We're very proud of him.”

In reference to his completed training at the Morris County Pub-

JUMP TO FILE #011720110 lic Safety Training Academy, Sam Springsteen said, “It wasn't easy.”

These new members also received EMT training.

Chief McGill pointed out that the Fire Department now has its first two sisters on the job. Battalion Chief Constance Zappella stood with her sister, Francesca, as she took the oath. Francesca had served the city as a police officer for three years.

“If I hadn't seen how much she loved her job I don't think I would've switched over,” Francesca said of her battalion chief sister.

The Fire Department now has 666 members protecting the city of nearly 200,000. Mayor Fulop was proud of the fact that the city no longer has a “brown out” policy, that closed as many as five fire companies on a shift when manpower was low.

The other new appointed firefighters are: Thomas McFarlane, John Bramley Jr., Conor Keim, Shane Richeal, Jason Garrison, Omar Soto, Sean Brady, Connor Wujciak, Angel Ortez, Francis Degnan, Richard Ferment, Andrew Crilly and Luke Gibbons.

- RON JEFFERS

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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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.

Rose Fire Co. #1 of New Freedom Truck 58, a 2000 E-One Cyclone 100' rear-mount platform, operating at a recent 2-alarm fire in East Hopewell Twp.

MASON-DIXON FIRE PHOTOGRAPHY JC KRIESHER

Tamaqua firefighters found heavy fire showing from the first floor of 126-128 Gay St. A blitz attack was initiated utilizing the deck gun from Engine 65-10.

Duplex Damaged in Tamaqua Fire

Engine 751 found tight quarters trying to get to a recent mobile home fire in Mount Joy Borough.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Schuylkill County, PA – At 12:09 A.M. on Sunday, January 26th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 transmitted Box 13 in the borough of Tamaqua for a house fire at 126 Gay Street.

First responding units were advised of multiple calls reporting a house fire with people possibly inside. Chief 65 arrived to assume command with a working fire in a two-story duplex. Fire was showing from the first floor and going up into the second floor. Chief 65 determined that all occupants were accounted for.

Engine 65-10 arrived on the scene and began a blitz attack with their deck gun. Firefighters began

JUMP TO FILE #012720115 to stretch lines as the fire was knocked down with the deck gun.

Engine 65-13 brought a supply down Gay Street and set up at the 'A/D' corner. Engine 65-14 was directed to set up to the rear of the structure while Engine 65-12 came in behind 65-10. Ladder 65-20 was blocked out by LDH and staged away from the scene.

Crews stretched multiple lines into both sides of the building where they found fire present on all floors. A crew was sent to the roof via the back of the building

and cut a hole in the exposure building and then in the fire building.

Once the roof was opened up, firefighters made a push into the attic and were able to bring the fire under control. Chief 65 placed the fire under control at 1:29 A.M. PPL Electric was on the scene to pull meters from both sides. The American Red Cross was also called in to assist displaced occupants. A State Police Fire Marshal was dispatched to help look for the cause of the fire.

Fire apparatus was clear of the scene by 4:00 A.M. - JC KRIESHER

FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS If you have photos you would like to see in our Future 1st Responders feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

DALE FEEHRER

Tanker 70 of the Rheems FD, a 2005 Mack/S&S (1250/3500), is seen here supplying during a working house fire in Mt. Joy Twp.

J. LENNON

Lake Harmony Tanker 17 at the scene of a house fire in Lake Harmony, 1/31/20.

DALE FEEHRER

Seven-month-old Weston, the son of Hershey VFC FF G. Peters, is all smiles as he sits on the front bumper of Truck 48.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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March, 2020

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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

Colorado: Kenneth Jones, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 7, 2019 Death Date: December 7, 2019 Fire Department: Summit Fire & EMS Authority Initial Summary: On Saturday, December 7, 2019, at approximately 0200hrs., Firefighter Kenneth Jones responded to a multi-residential structure fire. Jones had climbed to the roof of the five-story building in search of access to the fire when he fell off of the structure. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away.

Pennsylvania: Michael Christopher Malinowski, Sr., 40 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 2, 2019 Death Date: December 3, 2019 Fire Department: Morton-Rutledge Volunteer Fire Company Station 13 Initial Summary: On Monday, December 2, 2019, at approximately 2000hrs., Captain Michael Christopher Malinowski responded to a call of reported downed wires and trees. After returning to the station, he complained to his fellow firefighters that he wasn’t feeling well. The next day, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, while at work, he became ill and was immediately taken to the hospital where he passed away a short time later from an apparent heart attack.

New York: Michael Cardinale, Sr., 63 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 18, 2019 Death Date: December 18, 2019 Fire Department: East Farmingdale Fire Company Initial Summary:On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, at approximately 1140hrs., Firefighter Michael Cardinale, Sr., responded to a vehicle crash. After returning to the station, he went upstairs to the sitting area. Approximately 25 minutes later, a fellow firefighter found him

unresponsive and immediately performed life-saving efforts to revive him. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Missouri: Charles "Chuck" McCormick, 30 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 5, 2020 Death Date: January 5, 2020 Fire Department: West Peculiar Fire Protection District Initial Summary: On Sunday, January 5, 2020, at approximately 1104hrs., Firefighter Charles “Chuck” McCormick responded to a residential structure fire. When Firefighter McCormick entered the structure, the floor collapsed and he fell into the basement. He was rushed to the Belton Regional Medical Center where he later passed away from the injuries he sustained in the fall.

Maryland: Otis L. Isaacs, Jr., 73 Rank: Assistant Engineer Incident Date: December 28, 2019 Death Date: December 29, 2019 Fire Department: North East Fire Company Initial Summary: On Saturday, December 28, 2019, Assistant Engineer Otis L. Isaacs, Jr., was fixing a break on a fire engine and was on stand-by for two responses.

While on stand-by, he assisted with a function the fire department was having that evening by setting up tables and chairs. He returned to the station the next morning, Sunday, December 29, 2019, to work on another fire department vehicle. When he returned home late that morning, at approximately 1130hrs., he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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Spring makes Jack Frost green with envy…

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

But why would Jack Frost be so jealous of Spring? Oh I don’t know, maybe it's because the vegetables and herbs he murdered are all coming back to life like a bunch of delicious, green zombies!

Ok, maybe I took it a little too far with the zombie thing. It’s just that I get really excited thinking about all the green starting to sprout up, some of the first being fresh herbs.

They make a dish pop more than any other garnish and when properly used, can separate most home cooked meals from those found in restaurants. Details like the use of fresh basil as a garnish for your

pasta or fresh rosemary on roasted potatoes can take your food to the next level, much more so than using the stale dried stuff that has been sitting in the back of your cabinet for 3 years.

Fun fact: I actually found Paprika in my mom’s house from 1983, the year I was born!

All joking aside, fresh herbs add so much flavor and nutrients to a dish without adding extra fat or calories. But it also comes at a cost. Some recipes only call for a scant amount, which can inevitably lead to the rest eventually rotting away in the crisper. If your soft fresh herbs like parsley, basil or cilantro are starting to wilt, soak them in ice water for 20 minutes and they should perk right up. But if that doesn’t work, blend them into a sauce like the aptly named Green Sauce.

My first experience with Green Sauce was at a restaurant I

MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Chris Matisko, 29, Firefighter at Station 54 in Lower Burrell, passed away on January 30, 2020 after battling an ongoing illness. Chris held several different officer positions, including Assistant Chief.

He will be missed by many. Rest in Peace, brother.

STEVEN MATTO

STEVEN MATTO

Station 54 crosses under the arch at the funeral service for FF Chris Matisko.

worked at in Manhattan, where we served it with rotisserie chicken.

It’s bright, tangy flavor cut through the richness of the chicken perfectly. Under the command of Chef April Bloomfield, we wasted NOTHING! It was a whole animal butcher shop/restaurant so we were very conscious about using all the scraps from the animals and vegetables. This ethos has stayed with me ever since.

In my version of Green Sauce, I use whatever herbs I have lying around. Sometimes it may be only cilantro, and others cilantro, basil and parsley. It is one of those “good on everything” recipes that

pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken. And while grilled chicken breast would certainly do just fine, why not take it up a notch and grill a whole spatchocked chicken. If you are not familiar, spatchcocking is a technique which involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird out. This allows the chicken to cook at a more even rate, meaning the legs will cook at roughly the same time as the breast. It also cooks faster than if kept whole due to the more even heat distribution. And finally my favorite reason, crispy skin! The fat is able to render out much better this way, which results in more

skin getting more crisp. Now spoon some of that bright, healthy Green Sauce over top and you have one helluva meal!

I wanted to really showcase Spring in this recipe so I served the chicken with peas, as this is when they are in season. But I actually prefer the frozen kind because they are packed at the height of their freshness, consistently sweet and quite frankly, much more convenient than shelling your own. I guess just using peas, whether frozen or not, is enough validation that Spring is finally here. Till next year Jack!

Stay safe, eat well!

GRILLED SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN WITH GREEN SAUCE, FARRO AND PEAS Serves 4

Ingredients:

Chicken: 1 - 4lb. Whole Chicken, *spatchocked 2 tsp. Salt EVOO

*Place the chicken on a cutting board, breast-side down with the legs facing towards you. Dry with paper towels.

Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of the back bone staying as close to the spine as possible. Cut along the other side of the spine and remove, reserving for stock. Flip the chicken so the breasts face up. Using your palms, press down on the bird to flatten it out. If time allows, place the flattened chicken on a wire rack on a pan. Season all sides with salt and place in fridge skin-side up overnight.

Green Sauce: 4 Cups of Mixed Fresh Herbs such as Parsley, Mint, Cilantro, Marjoram, Basil 1 Garlic Clove Juice of 1 Lemon 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt 1 Tbs. Capers Pinch of Chili Flakes, to taste 1 Tbs. Salt ½ Cup EVOO Farro: 2 Cups Pearled Farro, *pearled farro cooks faster than whole 2 Cups Frozen Peas ½ Onion, chopped 6 Cups of Water or Chicken Broth

EVOO Salt, to taste Juice of 1 Lemon Optional: Crumbled Goat Cheese and Chopped Pistachios Procedure: Chicken:

-Turn on grill to medium, leaving the center burner(s) off. While the grill preheats for 15 minutes, take the chicken out of fridge and rub skin with EVOO.

-Place the flattened chicken skin-side down on the middle of the grill. There should be no fire directly under the chicken.

-Grill for 20-30 minutes, flip to skin side up and cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the internal temp on the thigh is 165° F. Green Sauce:

-While the chicken cooks,

place all the Green Sauce ingredients except the EVOO in a blender or food processor. Buzz the ingredients until smooth and with the motor running drizzle in the EVOO. Taste and adjust seasoning, set aside. Can be done a day in advance.

AJ FUSCO

Farro with Peas:

-In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of EVOO over low heat. Add the chopped onions and a pinch of salt.

Sweat the onions until translucent without browning. Add water or chicken broth and bring to boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the farro. Cook according to package. When the farro is almost done, add the peas.

-After the farro and peas are drained well, add back to the saucepan with lemon juice and drizzle in some more EVOO. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve at room temperature with crumbled goat cheese and pistachio.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Vehicle News

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Norristown FD now operates this 2018 E-One Typhoon as Quint 27. It has a 1500 pump, 500 water and 78' rear-mount ladder, and replaces a 1993 Duplex/LTI.

FRANK ROBINSON

Wyndmoor Hose Company No. 1 now operates this 2019 Rosenbauer 2000/500/55' Snorkel.

DALE FEEHRER

The Brickerville Fire Co. has taken delivery of this 2019 Ford F550/Marco (500/250/CAFS) squad unit (TAC).

FRANK ROBINSON

New Kingstown Fire Company now operates this 2019 Pierce Enforcer 1500/1000 as Engine 33.

March, 2020

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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.

FRANK ROBINSON

Hazle Township Fire operates this 1998 Seagrave 100' Tiller that once saw service in Paxtonia, PA.

Fire billows out of the second floor of this house in Warwick Twp.

JASON MCCULLY

Firefighters Battle House Fire in Warwick Twp. Warwick Twp., PA - At 3:21 P.M. on January 25th, the Twin Valley Fire Department and multiple mutual aid companies were dispatched to Hawthorne Lane in Warwick Township for a dwelling fire.

While responding to the scene a column of smoke was spotted and Engine 69-1 requested the firstalarm tanker task force. Engine 691 arrived to find fire showing from the front of a two-story home.

Crews stretched the front bumper lines towards the house for a primary attack.

Engine 62-5 arrived seconds later to supply Engine 69-1. Crews from 69 and 62 made the initial attack on the fire, with one crew taking a line through the rear door and

JUMP TO FILE #020720125 another crew taking a line to the second floor. Firefighters worked on both primary searches and fire attack upon entering the house.

With the arrival of more crews additional hand lines were stretched and firefighters were able to quickly knock down a bulk of the fire on the first and second floors. One line was brought to the basement where crews found hot spots.

Ground ladders were thrown to multiple sides of the house and firefighters went to the roof with tools to perform vertical ventilation. With fire already in the attic, it was not

long until flames began blowing through the roof. Crews worked diligently to stop the progress of the fire. Extensive overhaul operations began on both floors and in the attic.

The fire was placed under control just before 5:00 P.M. After overhaul was completed mutual aid companies began clearing the scene.

TVFD remained on scene to assist the Fire Marshal. Overall, nearly 1,000-feet of hand lines were in service off of Engine 69-1 and over 3,000-gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire. Several gallons of foam were also used to help with overhaul operations. Crews cleared the scene at 6:53 P.M.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Mahantongo Fire Co. in Pitman now operates this 1998 Pierce Quantum engine that came from Pittston Twp. (Luzerne County).

Engine 10-10 has a 1500-GPM pump, 750 water and 50 Foam, and replaces a 1993 HME/Ferrara that was sold to Middleport (Schuylkill County).

- LUCAS RICHARDSON

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

ALAN HOFFMAN

Rescue Engine 58 of the Hereford Fire Co. is a 2007 E-One with a 1500-GPM pump and 500-gallon tank. It previously served with the Mantua FD in New Jersey.

DALE FEEHRER

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Mount Pleasant Twp. Vol. Fire Company in Washington County still operates this 1993 Pierce Dash as Engine 41-2. It operates from their substation and has a 1500-GPM pump and 1000-gallon water tank.

Susquehanna Fire Co. #1 of York Haven has recently placed this 2002 KME engine (1500/500) into service as Engine 27. This piece formally served as Engine 31 with the Edgemont Fire Co. in Harrisburg, PA.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

Side 'C'.

J. LENNON

Dwelling Fire Destroys Home in the Pocono Mountains

"My name is Matthew Plew and I'm a volunteer firefighter for Brunswick Fire Company No.1 in Upstate New York. I've been a firefighter for almost 7 years now, following in my dad's footsteps, who is the chief of my department. This tattoo means a lot to me. Firefighting is a huge piece to my life and has been for many years. My hardwork and dedication to my community, and becoming a firefighter 7 years ago was the best thing I ever did."

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

Join the Heroes Team!

Becoming part of the Heroes team KDV LWV EHQH¿WV &RQWDFW XV WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW EHFRPLQJ D +HURHV &HUWL¿HG DJHQW info@HeroesRealty.com

HeroesMortgageProgram.com

877-541-HERO

Lake Harmony, PA - Fire districts 17, 16 and 22, along with Lake Harmony Ambulance were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire at 8 Pinchot Trail, off of State Route 940, on Friday morning, January 31st.

JUMP TO FILE# A PPL electric 020720127 crew stopped to investigate smoke coming from the dwelling and called in the fire to Carbon County Communications. The electric crew checked the dwelling for occupants, and after finding no one home, disconnected the power to the structure.

Ladder 17 (Lake Harmony) was first on scene with the dwelling well involved and stretched two hand lines. White Haven and Freeland Fire Companies were added to the response for manpower.

White Haven’s engine and 16’s (Albrightsville) tanker set up a porta pond and supplied Ladder 17. Penn Forest’s crew took side 'C' of the dwelling. A third line was then stretched from Ladder 17. Crews from Freeland opened the roof and helped with overhaul.

No injuries were reported, and crews were on scene for around three hours.

- JOSEPH LENNON

BILL BARR

Chief 1701 - R. Lennon in command on side 'A' of the dwelling.

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March, 2020

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

Lycoming County Station 45, Citizens Hose Company, is located in Jersey Shore.

Engine 4-45 is a 1996 Pierce Dash.

TIMOTHY COOVER

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Apartment Fire Displaces Multiple Residents in Turtle Creek

TIMOTHY COOVER

Engine 145 is a 1985 Stuphen Pumper and is a reserve engine.

Originally Glen Rock FD ex Pine Creek Independent Hose Co.

Turtle Creek, PA - At 10:19 A.M. on January 19th, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Watson Drive for a reported bedroom on fire.

Turtle Creek 283 Assistant Chief arrived on-scene and reported a working fire with heavy smoke from the second floor of a four-unit row-home. Crews from West Wilmerding Station 211 and Monroeville 1 arrived and stretched a line, hitting visible fire from the

JUMP TO FILE #012020100 outside before making entry.

Once crews made entry, firefighters were able to knock down the bulk of the fire, preventing it from spreading to other units in the row-home. The fire was quickly brought under control as crews stayed on-scene for some time checking for extension and per-

forming overhaul.

Two adults and two children were inside when the fire broke out but managed to escape. A total of eight adults and four children were temporarily displaced. No injuries were reported.

A neighbor reported that a cat knocked down a lamp and started a mattress fire, but the official cause is still under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

FLASHBACK

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

Rescue 45 is a 2006 Pierce Enforcer.

TIMOTHY COOVER

BARRY FISHER

TIMOTHY COOVER

The old Hahn Engine 4 sits across the street and is privately owned by a member.

Wilkins Township Fire Department #3 formerly operated this 1987 Sutphen Quint with 65' tower as Tower 16. The rig is shown during the 1994 PA State Firemen's Convention, where the unit won a 1st place award.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FIREFIGHTER PROFILES 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

Fire tore through the roof of this home in Bear Creek Township.

RAINMAN14

2 Alarm Fire Tears Through Bear Creek Twp. Home 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!

At approximately 9:45 am on January 21st, Bear Creek Twp Fire, Laurel Run Fire and Shades Creek Fire were dispatched with EMS to 150 Old East End Blvd in Bear Creek Township for a structure Fire with reported entrapment.

A caller reported the back of a house on fire with 2 people still inside along with pets. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the 2nd floor of the house. They were quickly able to confirm that everyone was out of the residence. Due to the time of day, the decision was made to

JUMP TO FILE #012720116 strike the 2nd alarm. A tanker task force was also dispatched to assist.

Firefighters began stretching lines towards the house as fire started to break through the roof. As some crews worked on knocking down the fire from the exterior, other crews began making entry to the house. Bear Creek’s tanker laid LDH from the scene to Route 115 on Pittston Blvd where a dump was established for incoming

tankers. A fill site was established just down the road near the Geisinger medical center. Crews fought heavy fire conditions on the second floor from the exterior and interior. Firefighters fought the blaze for hours before it was placed under control. The Red Cross was dispatched to the scene for a displaced family. Fire companies from 3 Counties assisted at the scene. Fire crews didn’t clear the scene until after 1pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- LUCAS RICHARDSON

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.

DENNY L CLOPPER

Rescue on Gravel Pike in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Tuesday, February 11th at 3:40 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co., along with Pennsburg Fire Co., were dispatched to a single-vehicle car accident with rescue on Gravel Pike just north of Hosensack Rd. in the township.

An injured male passenger had to be extricated from the front passenger side. The rescue was completed with-in 10 minutes upon arrival using the jaws of life. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Cause of the accident is pending the outcome of the investigation. There were no other injuries. Assisting the two fire companies were East Greenville and Pennsburg Fire Police, PA State Police and Upper Perk EMS.

PROVIDED

The Hanover Township Fire Department, Luzerne County, recently replaced their older water rescue craft with two new 2019 Zodiac Milpro boats, motors and trailers. Both boats were placed in service in the fall of 2019.

Union Historical Fire Society Annual Allentown Spring Melt Marketplace to be Held April 18 & 19, 2020 Allentown, PA - Get ready for the annual “Spring Melt” Fire Antique Memorabilia and Marketplace and the 32nd Annual Firematic Antique Auction. The auction will be held on Saturday, April 18th with the marketplace to follow on Sunday, April 19th at the Agri-Plex at Allentown, PA Fairgrounds.

Auctioneer Donn Zalewski has lined up another exceptional auction this year.

Premier collectors/authors James and Sandra Piatti have contributed some outstanding items to the auction this year. You can view many of the items included on the auction website. Visit www.donnandassociates.com.

NEW THIS YEAR IS A FRIDAY PREVIEW TIME from 12pm to 3pm on April 17th and a NEW AUCTION START TIME OF 8am on the 19th, preview from 7am to 8am. You can contact Donn directly by phone: 216-780-4821 or email: donnDRZ22@aol.com with any questions or to inquire about adding items to the auction.

On Sunday, April 19th at 9am, the doors open to the largest fire antique and memorabilia marketplace in the United States. Attendees come from all over the country, Canada, the U.K and France, as well as from Pennsylva-

JUMP TO FILE #020420105 nia and the surrounding states.

Anything fire department related can be found gathered in one place at this show. There is something for everyone, including new and used apparatus on display.

Admission is a contribution to the Union Historical Fire Society of $5.00 to the Auction and $10.00 to the Marketplace. Children under 12 admitted free. Refreshments are available all weekend and parking is free. Because this is an indoor show, the weather is never a problem.

Vendors are always welcome.

Keep in mind the show is limited to fire related items ONLY. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit our website at www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.co m or contact Tom & Cheryl D’Arcangelo at 631-348-3787 or email darcantq@gmail.com with your questions.

The UHFS assures you there will be a great selection of vendors and merchandise this year. Mark your calendar and we hope to see you in April.

- CHERYL D’ARCANGELO

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

FIRE EXPO 2010

LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S 48 TH ANNUAL

FIRE EXPO 2020

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

ADMISSION: Adults $9.00 Children 9 and under FREE

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

Attendance in recent years has been over 20,000

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ALAN HOFFMAN

The Borough of Emmaus recently held an event called "Artists & Hydrants", where various artists from around the area custom painted fire hydrants along Chestnut Street in Emmaus.

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

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Massive Three-Alarm Fire Destroys Shenandoah Factory Shenandoah, PA – At 3:50 A.M. on Friday, January 17th, the Shenandoah Fire Department was dispatched with Mahanoy City West End Rescue 48-50 to the 200 Block of East Lloyd Street in Shenandoah for a possible commercial building fire.

Shenandoah Police arrived in the area and reported smoke showing from 125 East Lloyd Street.

Squrt 64-20 and Ladder 64-25 arrived on scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire with all occupants out of the building.

Chief 64 arrived and assumed command of the incident, finding a two-story brick building that was formerly a cloth factory with smoke showing from all sides. The smoke was brown and lazy upon the fire department’s arrival.

Engine 64-12 came in and secured a water supply in the front of the building, as did Engine 64-11.

Engine 64-10 secured a hydrant from the West side and positioned at the 'A/B' corner. The tiller set up at the 'A/D' corner with the Squrt in front of 64-10 at the 'A/B' corner.

Crews worked to make it to the second floor and attempted to knock down the fire while a truck crew worked on opening the roof.

At this point it was determined that additional manpower would be needed, which led Chief 64 to request a second-alarm to the scene.

The building was laddered as crews continued their efforts to knock down the fire. The smoke continued to worsen and began escaping from between the bricks on the 'A' side. High winds whipped through the area, swirling the smoke from the fire throughout the surrounding streets.

Flames could be seen dancing through the second floor via the large windows on the 'A' side. The smoke worsened as the wind continued to howl through the scene.

Around 45 minutes into the incident, Command ordered all firefighters evacuate the building and the roof. With no progress being made, Command decided that the attack would now transition to a defensive mode.

As firefighters were performing an accountability report outside, a MAYDAY was declared as the roof crew was missing a member. RIT began to activate, but moments later the MAYDAY was cleared.

The firefighter on the roof became separated from the crew and disoriented by the low sitting smoke.

Once the smoke cleared, the firefighter was able to find the nearest

JUMP TO FILE #012420103 ladder and descend to the ground.

After firefighters were evacuated from the building, the smoke picked up intensity and fire could be seen growing in the second floor.

Within minutes fire began escaping from the second floor windows. A blitzfire quickly knocked down the flames, but the smoke returned and was now more turbulent than ever.

After a few moments fire began breaking through all windows.

Flames shot 30-feet into the air and engulfed high tension power lines above the building. PPL Electric was on the scene and confirmed power was cut to all lines in the area of the fire.

A third-alarm was requested to the scene and also a second-alarm tanker task force. At this point in the incident, fire was consuming the majority of the 120'x70' building.

A dump site was set up on Center Street to feed the scene where Mahanoy City Tower 48-20 set up for master stream operations in front of the building. Water was slung onto the fire from all sides of the building, including deck guns on 64-10 and 64-11, master streams from 64-20 and 64-25 and Frackville Ladder 43-20 was set up on the 'B/C' side.

Even with the master streams in operation, fire continued to blow through the roof of the building.

The 'D' side of the building was in the backyard of a row of homes on Bower Street which had potential to be compromised.

Englewood Engine 4-19 positioned near the row and began to stretch lines to the rear to protect the exposures. Supply line was laid from Washington Street down to 419. A third-alarm was struck for tankers.

Crews continued to pour water onto the fire throughout the morning. Tankers from all over Schuylkill County and some from Luzerne and Columbia Counties shuttled water to the scene until 11:00 A.M. Shenandoah fire units remained on scene throughout the day working on hot spots, however due to the construction of the building, it would be impossible to extinguish all pockets of fire. The department was called back to the scene numerous times for flare ups.

JC KRIESHER

Firefighters arrived on East Lloyd St. in Shenandoah to find smoke showing from a brick factory building, 1/17/20.

JC KRIESHER

Flames shoot from the second floor of the factory as firefighters work to set up additional master streams.

- JC KRIESHER

JC KRIESHER

Turbulent smoke pushes from the second floor of the former United Wiping Cloth Company in Shenandoah.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JAY SCHEFFLER

This patch belongs to Goodwill Fire Company #1, located in Germansville, PA.

March, 2020

PAGE 17

Fire Companies in Muhlenberg Township Merge Into New Department Muhlenberg Twp., PA - With volunteer fire company membership dwindling across the commonwealth, many organizations have sought new and creative solutions to maintain some level of service within their respective communities.

The Township of Muhlenberg is no exception to this issue, as recently the township leaders faced the task head-on with the creation of a merger committee in 2017. The group consisted of local elected officials, legal council and representatives of the Goodwill and Temple Fire Companies.

As the group reviewed data and looked to the future, the realization of funding two individual fire companies with low membership was not sustainable. Parttime drivers were added a few years prior to ensure apparatus would be able to respond during daytime hours.

In 2019, the Township began a search for a paid Fire Chief to oversee the merger process and continue moving the department into the future. In September of 2019, Reading Fire Department Deputy Chief Larry Moyer was hired by the Township to serve in a part-time capacity.

The Muhlenberg Twp. Fire and Rescue Department Company 66 is set to begin service on March 1st of 2020. The department operates from three stations with four pumpers, heavy rescue, rear-mount ladder, and several

MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP FIRE & RESCUE

The newly created patch for Muhlenberg Twp. Fire and Rescue Services. The organization was formed from the Goodwill and Temple Fire Companies.

brush and support vehicles. New officers for the department were interviewed and selected by an independent panel of people from the community and other fire departments.

The Goodwill and Temple Fire

Companies were organized in 1906 and 1910 respectively. Both companies have served proudly for more than a century and will continue serving well into the future.

- JASON BATZ

CHANGE OF QUARTERS

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

TERRY RITZ

Vehicle Fire Inside of Structure in Upper Hanover Twp.

Upper Hanover Twp., PA - On Wednesday, January 22nd at 2:30 P.M., multiple fire companies from the Upper Perk Valley responded to a fire inside of a structure in Upper Hanover Twp. The fire involved an automobile on a lift inside of a pole building structure on Geryville Pike at "Harry's You Pull It".

The fire was brought under control within 10 minutes. There was very minimal damage to the structure, but the automobile suffered major damage. The cause of the fire is unknown, pending the outcome of the investigation. Assisting the fire companies were Red Hill, Pennsburg, Green Lane, East Greenville, Milford Twp. and Trumbauersville. Red Hill, Pennsburg, and East Greenville Fire Police also responded, as well as an EMS unit from Bally.

KEN SNYDER

Newtown Square-Station 41 in Delaware County will soon be operating out of this new six-bay firehouse as soon as some minor work is completed.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

New York’s Rescues VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

New York’s Rescues 5 DVD Set

By Advanced Print & Video Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson,, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail: fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $69.95

This five DVD set is sold for the above price and is activity recorded for all five of New York City Fire Department’s rescue companies. Each company has its own DVD. All are 60 minutes with the exception of Rescue 5, which is 45 minutes. We will be presenting each DVD separately for this first review of Rescue 1 and the next four.

For the review of Rescue 1, the coverage starts off in late 1997

and 1998. There is brief narration, however radio traffic can be heard so the viewer has a better idea of what is going on. It starts off with clips of various incidents in which the company operated with “Rescue Me” sung in the background

by Fontella Bass. This goes on for a few minutes followed by a brief talk by a firefighter who has about 16 years in the department and has been assigned to Rescue 1 for the past six months. He describes the many types of calls the rescue company trains for and answers, and the many different types of diversions that make up the city. All of the action is in Manhattan where the unit is stationed. There is a fifth-alarm, a third-alarm and an all-hands, as well as horrendous accidents, a building collapse just before New Year’s Eve of 1997 (near where the ball would drop), and some training thrown in. The coverage is action packed but there is also some firehouse life scenes, such as preparing for a meal. I feel it is a good representation of the company and its pride all feeding to the interest of the viewer, especially if he or she is a fire buff with interest in the FDNY.

KEN SNYDER

Upper Frederick Twp. Fire Co. Acquires New Helmets

Upper Frederick Twp., PA - This fire company has become the first company in Montgomery County to order and use these 'jet' style fire helmets. The MSA Cairns XF1 helmet features full head protection utilizing a full face shield and a sleek no snag brimless shell. Chief Patrick Corcoran has also opted for his department to use these helmet accessories: internal googles, dual lights, internal communications and company helmet stickers. The helmet's modular design allows for quick disassembly and decontamination. No tools are needed for the removable, washable innards of the helmet. Eight of these helmets have been placed into service, with more to come in a future purchase.

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.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Westmoreland Firefighters Knock House Fire

West Hempfield Fire operates this 2019 Ford F550/Vengeant 300/350 Squad 4x4.

FRANK ROBINSON

Allegheny Twp., PA - At 1:06 P.M. on January 26th, fire crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire located along Bagdad Road in Allegheny Township. Police arrived onscene, reported smoke showing, and then reported a working fire on the first floor. Fire crews arrived, forced entry on the vacant home and encountered heavy fire on the first and second floors. Tanker operations were established for water supply as crews made an aggressive attack. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes. No one was injured and the fire is under investigation.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

These Heroes Are Not Sandwiches Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

In the fire service we are loaded with priorities and important choices. One of the issues of Time Magazine offered a list of 20 people they considered to be heroes of the last 100 years. Some of those names I recognized and possibly agree could be considered heroes, names like Billy Graham, Anne Frank, Helen Keller, Mother Teresa, and the American G.I.. Still others listed I question their being called heroes; Marilyn Monroe, Bruce Lee, or the Kennedys. I guess it would depend upon your definition of the word “hero”. Still oth-

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ers were names that I didn’t recognize and had to look them up to see what they were known for. Names like Emmeline Pankhurst, Bill Wilson, or Harvey Milk.

If I were to ask you who your heroes were, what names would you give me? Would I recognize any of those names? How do you define the word hero? I have my own definition, but I had to look up the word in a dictionary just to see how “they” define what a “hero” is. Of course, just as each of us may have different ideas or definitions, the dictionaries I looked in had different definitions.

Webster’s dictionary says that a hero is “a man of distinguished valour or intrepidity”. Then, of course, I had to look up “intrepidity”. It means, “fearless bravery in danger”, “undaunted courage”.

Good definitions, I think. Then, in Cody’s Merriam-Webster dictionary, a hero is, “one that is much admired or shows great courage”.

Finally, in my Random House college dictionary a hero is defined as, “a man regarded as having heroic qualities and is considered a model or ideal” and “a small loaf of Italian bread”.

It is interesting to me how our definitions of hero have been modified over the past half century. We have gone from “fearless bravery in danger” to “one that is much admired” and “a small loaf of Italian bread”. For some reason, we had been putting the “hero” label on people who could play sports, sing songs or act on TV or in the movies. But who are your heroes? *True heroes aren’t the ones rushing for touchdowns, they are the men and women who are rushing to the scene of a burning building, or a traffic collision – willing to risk their own lives to save the life of someone else. *True heroes are not recognized because they wear baseball uniforms, they are recognized as the men and women in Fire, Police and EMT uniforms. They are the ones who are wearing the uniforms of our various branches of the military. *True heroes aren’t the people who take center stage at a concert, they are the ones taking classes in their spare time so that they are trained to the best of their ability when they come to your aid. *True heroes aren’t the ones wearing gold medals on their chests, true heroes are the ones with the badges on their uniforms. *True heroes aren’t the modern day pop stars driving around in their big limousines, they are the officers driving around in emergency vehicles that promise to “protect and serve.”

True heroes are those who serve the citizens of the city that they work for and place themselves in harms way each and every day.

These Heroes Are No Sandwiches.

STEVEN MATTO

Fire Rips Through Armstrong County Home

Parks Twp., PA - At 12:49 A.M. on February 7th, several companies were dispatched to a residential structure fire at 1138 Washington Street in Parks Township. Crews arrived to find 20foot high flames shooting through several windows and the front garage door. As crews started to fight the blaze, tankers were called in due to an insufficient amount of nearby hydrants. Once a more ample water supply was established, firefighters had the bulk of the fire knocked down, but found extensions in the walls and eaves. The fire, which was believed to have started in a wood burner, kept firefighters on scene for several hours.

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.

LUKE SCHULTZ

Reading Firefighters assisted the Habitat for Humanity program on Wednesday, February 12th, at 346 West Greenwich Street. The group moved over 150 bags of concrete and drywall into the property.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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March, 2020

RICHARD BILLINGS

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.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Goodwill Fire Co. of Bridgeport operates this 1999 KME as Engine 32. It has a 1250-GPM pump and 500-gallon water tank.

KEN SNYDER

Penn Forest Twp. Vol. Fire Co. #2 uses this 2016 Rosenbauer Commander FX 1500/1000.

KEN SNYDER

Dublin Vol. Fire Co. Engine 23 is a 2018 KME Predator MFD 1750/1000.

KEN SNYDER

Back Mountain Regional Fire & EMS in Dallas uses this GMC as Regional Squad 1.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2020

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March, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA