1st Responder Pennsylvania March Edition

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MARCH, 2016

CHAMBERSBURG GARAGE FIRE

DENNY CLOPPER

Fire destroyed a 25’x35’ single story garage and it’s contents which included a car, tires, propane bottles and many miscelleaneous items on Saturday, January 9th at 3:29 p.m. located to the rear of 1921 Philadelphia Avenue, Greene Township, in Chambersburg.

- See full story on page 8

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March, 2016

One alarm residential fire in Harborcreek

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- JEFF HAWRYLIW

Crews from Harborcreek and Fairfield making entrance to the fire

37

43

Mid Atlantic Rescue

Harborcreek Township crews were dispatched for a working structure fire in the 1300 block of Bartlett Road.

Harborcreek Fire Department Chief 220 arrived to find a working fire in a two story residential home and assumed fire command on East County TAC JUMP TO FILE# channel 3, Harbor- 011716104 creek Engine/ Tanker 225 was first to arrive and crews stretched a hand line to the back of the structure and starting fire attack.

Fairfield Engine 263 was second due pumper and laid a supply line to Engine 225. Fairfield Engine 262 was third due pumper and fed the supply line. Both Fairfield engine crews assisted with fire suppression on the second and first floors. Brookside Ladder 249 raised the ladder and with crews from Lawrence Park 283 performed ventilation Harborcreek was also assisted by Emerycare paramedics. The fire is under investigation at this time believed to have started in the kitchen.

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Kaler Motor Company Kimtek

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 20 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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TIMOTHY COOVER

Crews rescue a collie that fell through thin ice On January 9th, crews were alerted for a water rescue in the area of Bear Creek Elementary School. Initial reports claimed a dog was in the water and it’s owner had jumped in to save him. Upon arrival, crews found the owner out of the water, but the dog still in the pond. Crews sent one firefighter out in his wet gear cold suit to retrieve the dog. Elizabethtown Fire Department had command and was assisted by crews from Rheems, Maytown, and Bainbridge Fire Companies.

DOUG KAHN

Gettysburg training event Gettysburg, Barlow and Fairfield Fire Departments took part in the training of the former America’s Best Value Inn, Gettysburg, PA on January 9, 2016. The building owners are allowing local fire departments to train in the structure before it is torn down to make way for a new hotel.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BARBARA WEST

Firefighters attempt to contain the blaze in one portion of the Blakeslee Inn

J. KRIESHER

Major fire at Monroe County business Monroe County, PA. At around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, Monroe County 911 dispatched units to the Blakeslee Inn & Restaurant on Route 940 in Tobyhanna Township for a commercial fire alarm. Soon after, reports of a commercial structure fire began to come in to 911.

Crews arrived on the scene to find a working fire in a large motel with restaurants inside. Extra assistance was immediately requested to the scene. Firefighters throughout Monroe County were brought in as well as crews from Carbon, Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties.

Tobyhanna Township Ladder 2 was on the scene in the front of the building using an elevated master

JUMP TO FILE #020416141 stream while Lake Harmony Ladder 17 was set up in the rear. Tobyhanna Township Rescue 3 was the primary engine on the C side of the building pulling a draft from two portable ponds. Albrightsville Rescue 1651 was the primary engine supplying Ladder 2 while a White Haven engine was also drafting out of ponds in the front of the building. It supplied an elevated master stream on Freeland Ladder 136, who was also set up on the A side.

At the height of the fire, crews on scene had their efforts hampered by very strong winds and torrential downpours. The fire continued to

rip through the building and spread throughout the unburned portions as crews had a hard time sustaining water levels for all streams. A tanker task force was requested out of Luzerne County and before 1:00 p.m., the fire was brought under control.

The equivalent of six or seven alarms were called in to the scene including 25 tankers from the area.

A state police fire marshal was requested to the scene to aid in the investigation while heavy equipment was brought in to help demolish the building and extinguish hidden fire.

Local news reports state that one firefighter was transported to the hospital for a minor injury.

Bunker Hill holds annual banquet On Saturday, January 30th, members of the Bunker Hill Fire Company gathered for their annual awards banquet at their station. Awards were presented to several members for their service. Firefighter of the Year was presented to Charles Vandusan, EMS Provider of the Year to Chief Rick Kreitzer, and Fire Police Member of the Year to Paula Chadwick. Special guest speakers included Mark Salada of Lebanon County Special Unit 66, as well as PA Fire Instructor William Yeagley.

- JC KRIESHER

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

CHESTER FIRE

Two car crash on Route 291 DARIN SMITH

Newmanstown Fire Company Engine 24-1 is a 1985 Pierce Dash 1250/1000 that originally served as Engine 1-9-2 for the Schoeneck Fire Company in Lancaster County, just over the mountain.

Company 82, Chester 11 and several EMS units responded to a serious auto accident at 2nd and Parker Streets on Feb. 1. Engine 82 reported that he had one trapped and Tower 82 was ordered to go into service upon arrival. Chester 11 (Battalion Chief Landrum) had the 291 command and reported he had a two vehicle crash with one person DOA and one person trapped. Extrication was handled in ten minutes and the company operated for the next two hours on the scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

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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

Texas: Stacy A. Crawford, 47 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 19, 2015 Death Date: December 19, 2015 Fire Department: Navarro County Emergency Initial Summary: While involved in training exercises at the fire station, Firefighter Crawford suddenly became unconscious and collapsed. Resuscitation efforts were begun by fellow responders and Firefighter Crawford was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

North Carolina: Sidney "Sid" Winer, 92 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 20, 2015 Death Date: December 15, 2015 Fire Department: No. 7 Township Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Firefighter Winer was involved in a motor vehicle collision on October 20th, 2015, while riding in department's Ford F150 returning from picking up equipment. Another vehicle pulled out directly in front of the department's truck. Winer sustained serious fractures to both feet as a result of the collision which totaled the department's truck. As a result of the injuries he sustained, Firefighter Winer's right leg was amputated just below the knee on December 3rd, 2015.

Firefighter Winer was in the rehabilitation center at CarolinaEast Medical Center when he succumbed to his injuries on December, 15th.

Mississippi: Willie B. Ratliff, 66 Rank: Captain Incident Date: December 21, 2015 Death Date: December 21, 2015 Fire Department: City of Clarksdale Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Captain Ratliff was found deceased in the firehouse by fellow firefighters from an apparent heart attack shortly after participating in fire department physical training at the fire station.

Pennsylvania: Louis “Pop Pop” Patti, 67 Rank: Fire Police Officer Incident Date: December 6, 2015 Death Date: December 22, 2015 Fire Department: Warwick Township Fire Company 1 Initial Summary: Fire Police Officer Patti passed away on December 22, 2015, from a CVA injury suffered minutes after returning home from a vehicle extrication response call on December 6, 2015.

Ohio: Patrick R. Wolterman, 28 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 28, 2015 Death Date: December 28, 2015 Fire Department: Hamilton Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wolterman died from injuries sustained when he became trapped in a residential structure fire. According to initial reports from the media and fire department, firefighters responded to the fire at 0112hrs and upon arrival observed heavy smoke coming from the home. Firefighters had been advised that the house may be occupied with two elderly residents and at 0117hrs entered the home to search for any residents and began an interior attack on the fire. At approximately 0120hrs firefighter Wolterman fell from the first floor into the basement and firefighters transmitted a "Mayday" alert calling for help.

Firefighters quickly located and rescued Firefighter Wolterman and performed life saving measures while en route to Fort Hamilton Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The fatal fire incident remains under investigation by local and state authorities.

Michigan: Charles C. Adams, Jr., 47 Rank: Firefighter Trainee Incident Date: January 2, 2016 Death Date: January 2, 2016 Fire Department: Spring Arbor Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Trainee Adams was participating in search and rescue training at the local fire academy. He became ill and momentarily lost consciousness. Displaying heart attack-like symptoms, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Firefighter Trainee Adams passed away at the hospital later that evening from a cause yet to be determined.

Illinois: Kenneth K. Harris, 56 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: January 11, 2016 Death Date: January 11, 2016 Fire Department: Village of Oak Park Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Harris finished his shift on 01/11/16 at 0730hrs. During this shift, Harris responded to multiple incidents with the last incident being at 0615hrs. At approximately 2030hrs that same day, Harris suffered a cardiac arrest while at home and passed away from injuries sustained.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firefighters knee down from the intense heat.

DENNY CLOPPER

Single story garage fire in Chambersburg Fire destroyed a 25'x35' single story garage and it’s contents which included a car, tires, propane bottles and many miscelleaneous items on Saturday, January 9 3:29 p.m. located to the rear of 1921 Philadelphia Avenue, Greene Township, Chambersburg.

Box 44-03 was dispatched alerting a total of eleven companies from both Franklin and Cumberland Counties on the first alarm assignment and working fire dispatch with about 60 firefighters on the scene.

The garage was fully engulfed in flames upon the arrival of Engine 43 and Chief 46. A four inch supply line was laid, about 700 feet from Siloam Road, establishing a water

JUMP TO FILE #011716113 supply with Engine 13-2 picking up the line. Additional engines and tankers arrived on the scene. The heat from the flames could be felt about 50 feet away.

There were some explosions from the garage which were reported to be tires, gas cans and the gas tank on the car. Prior to arrival, a pickup truck was removed from the garage by several neighboring residents.

The fire was brought under control in about 15 minutes; however, some units remained for about one and half hours soaking down

the remains and performing salvage and overhaul operations.

Franklin Fire Co. officials said, "the cause of the fire was related to the woodstove inside the garage."

The name of the owner and if insured wasn't released.

Emergency personnel responding were the Franklin Fire Co. of Chambersburg, Chambersburg EMS, Letterkenny Army Depot Fire Co., West End Fire & Rescue Co., Pleasant Hall Fire Co. Marion Fire Co., New Franklin Fire Co., Vigilant Hose Co., Cumberland Valley Hose Co., Walnut Bottom Fire Co. and Newburg-Hopewell Fire Co.

RICK BILLINGS

- DENNY CLOPPER

JASON BATZ

Driver crashes head-on into a pole

Cumru Township, PA. On Friday, January 8th, the Berks County Communications Center dispatched units to a vehicle accident with entrapment. Engine 42 arrived on scene to an SUV into utility pole. Firefighters and EMTs jointly removed the injured driver, and then transported to the Reading Hospital Trauma Center. Firefighters were available shortly after. The Shillington Fire Company also responded.

VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

Let’s Roll Engine 15 Media Group Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800522-8528 E-Mail: support@firep o l i c e - e m s . c o m www.fire-police-ems.com Price $14.95 (DVD) This DVD gives an account of six Los Angeles firefighter, who peddled 3300 miles within 45 days from their city to New York City to help support two foundations benefitting those who died on 9-11-01.

Their quest was not only to recognize and remember the 343 New York City firefighters, who gave their lives but all those who died that day.

Accompanied by a camper bus, a videographer who rode on a pickup truck tailgate to visualize the many aspects of the trip and the support group, these men withstood all kinds of weather, individual injuries and group conflicts at times to accomplish

Let’s Roll

their mission.

The video brings you through many stops throughout the trip, the many bicyclists who joined them when riding through and the hospitality shown them in many different ways.

One thing realized is that when you become a firefighter you join a brotherhood, which is recognized wherever you go.

I say the word brotherhood, but extend that meaning to the many female firefighters as well.

The video has to be seen to appreciate the team’s efforts and reception in all of the stops along the way.

In Albuquerque, NM one of them noticed that there was a pole hole in the restroom so that firefighters could hit the floor safely if they were using the room when a call came in rather than running to one in another room or taking the stairs.

Their stops included Shanksville, Pennsylvania where one of the planes landed that fateful day and to the Pentagon where another one landed, before ending expedition to New York City.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

CHESTERFIRE

Chester 11 has fire showing from Sun Hill section At 3:30 a.m., the assignment was dispatched to 812 Glen Terrace for the "structure". Chester 11 (Battalion Chief J. Iacono) arrived first and reported fire showing from a two story end of the row. Engine 82 lead off with a 150 feet of one and three quarter inch and Tower 82 began throwing ladders and performing searches. Engine 81’s crew checked the side four exposure. The bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly and all searches were negative. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes.

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JASON BATZ

Shillington Engine 36 and Wyomissing Tower 79 in the rear of the dwelling fire at 34 Peach Street in Mohnton.

Fire guts historic structure in Mohnton Mohnton, PA. On the morning of January 20th, the Berks County Communications Center began to receive numerous calls reporting a house on fire in Mohnton Borough.

Dispatchers quickly dispatched companies to the JUMP TO FILE# corner of Lemon and 012116109 Peach Streets.

Assistant Chief Umberger (AST57) arrived with Cumru Engine 42-1 at a two story dwelling fully involved. With fire showing from every window, a blitz attack was initiated while firefighters started stretching hose lines to both sides of the structure.

With temperatures in the 20's firefighters dealt with rapid ice buildup due to the run-off from the fire streams. Initially firefighters dealt with water supply issues until a pump engaged in the water system.

With the bulk of the fire knocked down, Mohnton Ladder 57 was repositioned in the front of the dwelling and used for overhaul.

The owner of the home advised the structure was in the process of being renovated with reclaimed wooden beams.

The fire was eventually placed under control at 9:55 a.m., nearly two hours after dispatch. No injuries were reported during the fire, and officials from the Pennsylvania State Police were investigating.

Firefighters from Cumru, Shillington, Wyomissing, Spring Township, West Reading and Brecknock assisted. The homeowner estimated the building was one of the oldest structures in the borough.

- JASON BATZ

NIK KNAUER

Reading firefighter promoted Reading Firefighter Robert Stichter was promoted to Lieutenant in the Fire Marshal's Office. Lt. Stichter began his career with the department on August 10th, 1992. After completing fire training, he was assigned to the A platoon as a jumper firefighter. In August of 1994, the department added staffing to all engine companies. It was during this time Stichter was assigned to Engine 1 working downtown. Bob moved to Engine 5 on March 5th of 2005, working with the B platoon. About a year later in July of 2006, Bob went back downtown to work Tower 1 remaining on the B platoon. Bob made his last move when he transferred to Rescue 1 on the D platoon on October 26th of 2010. Lieutenant Stichter started in his new position on February 1st.

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Fire showing from this dwelling at 34 Peach Street in the Borough of Mohnton.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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March, 2016

LIEUTENANT MIKE GLORE FRANK ROBINSON

Lafayette responds to rollover

Members from Lafayette Fire Company responded to a rollover motor vehicle crash on January 16th in front of the Walmart store on Lincoln Highway. The accident resulted in one injury. The patient was transported by Lancaster EMS. Firefighters remained on the scene for spill control and for traffic control.

Early morning extrication in Reading

Reading, PA. The Berks County Communications Center dispatched Reading units to 9th and Franklin Streets on the morning of January 14th. Units found a mini-van involved in a broadside collision with a tractor trailer. The driver of the van was found to be confined, with both occupants needing medical attention. Firefighters extricated the occupants using hydraulic tools, opening the entire side of the van. Both the driver and passenger were taken to Reading Hospital Trauma Center after the 15 minute extrication. Companies were busy for about 30 minutes total.

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Old wax factory burns to the ground in Tuscarora

Tuscarora Engine 27-17 arrived first and established a water supply from a hydrant in front of the building.

STEPHEN BARRETT

Schuylkill County, PA. At around 11 a.m. on Sunday, January 24, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched the first alarm commercial assignment to 140 Walnut Street in Schuylkill Township for a reported building fire. Fire District 27 (Schuylkill Twp.), District 32 (Walker Twp.), District 40 (Coaldale), District 65 (Tamaqua) and Tamaqua Rescue were due.

Engine 27-17 was advised of multiple calls reporting a working fire at Material Dynamics also known as “The Old Wax Factory.�

The engine arrived and confirmed a working fire with fire through the roof. A second alarm was struck.

An announcement was made that no water was to be used on the fire, only foam should be applied as the company now dealt with different types of resin.

The second alarm dispatched

JUMP TO FILE #012616108 Fire Districts 26 (Ryan Twp.), 40 (Coaldale), 54 (New Philadelphia), 59 (Port Carbon), Engine 32 (Pottsville) and a RIT from Mahanoy City. Lansford Truck 1521 was also dispatched.

Taxing the local water system, fire crews worked to find other sources of water. A dry hydrant was found to be inoperable so a tanker task force was dispatched.

Mahanoy City Engine 454 and Tower 456 set up on the B/C corner to initiate foam operations from the bucket. Tamaqua Engine 778 and Brockton Engine 27-14 worked to set up a tanker dump site.

Multiple companies loaded all the foam they could find and brought it into the scene and dis-

tributed it to the engines. As the fire on the A side began to get knocked down, the fire flared up at the C/D corner. A line was stretched off 778 to the C side and firefighters carried pails of foam to that location.

As tankers arrived and a good water supply was secured, the fire crews began to gain a good handle on the fire. The thick black smoke that once rose high into the sky had turned white and slowly continued toward the sky. The bulk of the fire was brought under control before 2:00 p.m.

Tankers from throughout Schuylkill County and some from Carbon and Luzerne Counties assisted at the scene. As of 5 p.m., crews were still on the scene mopping up the fire.

- JC KRIESHER

J. KRIESHER

Firefighters were forced to watch the building get completely destroyed by fire as tankers were brought in to supplement the taxed local water system.

Vehicle News

PATRICK SHOOP, JR.

PATRICK SHOOP, JR.

The Brooklyn Hose Co. of Lewistown in Mifflin County Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Strip District, Engine 3, 2015 recently took delivery of their new engine. Engine 13-1 Spartan/Spencer 2000/500/20, Allegheny County, PA. is a 2015 E-One Cyclone II 1500/2080.

PATRICK SHOOP, JR.

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Swisshelm Park, Engine 19, 2015 Spartan/Spencer 2000/500/20, Allegheny County, PA.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

ARTIE OSNIAK

City of Greensburg operates this 2002 Ford F-550/Custon Built Body Hi-Expansion Foam Truck. 76,000CFM ventilation fan/36,000CFM Hi-Expansion Foam ARTIE OSNIAK

New Year rings in with Butler house fire City of Butler, Butler County, PA. At around 7:00 a.m. on New Years morning, the City Of Butler Fire Department Station 1 was dispatched along with Veterans Affairs Fire Dept. Station 38, Butler Twp Fire District Ladder 3, Butler Ambulance Service Station 99 and City of Butler Police to 119 Walker Ave for a residential structure fire.

Upon arrival of the city units, fire was showing on the second

JUMP TO FILE #012516110 floor of the structure that was converted into two apartments. All residents were evacuated upon firefighters arrival.

Fire crews went to work deploying two 1 3/4CAF attack lines to the second floor for fire attack.

Firefighter's found fire on the second floor and into the third floor

attic. Engine 38 was put to work assisting city crews with fire attack. Ladder 3 arrived and was ordered to deploy ground ladders.

Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately two hours. No injuries were reported to firefighters or residents. Eight people were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by the American Red Cross.

- ARTIE OSNIAK

KEN SNYDER

Rescue 45 of the Fleetwood Fire Company is a 1999 Freightliner/Amtech.

Home destroyed by fire in Wilkes Barre Township Wilkes Barre Township, Luzerne County, PA. On January 22, 2016 at 3:15 p.m., the Wilkes Barre Township, Hanover Township, Ashley Fire Departments and Ashley Ambulance were dispatched to 93 Nicholson Street in Wilkes Barre Township for a house fire.

Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor of a two and a half story home. Firefighters believed the home was unoccupied and the fire was spreading to the second floor. A second alarm was dispatched to the scene.

Ashley firefighters supplied a five inch suppy line. Hanover Township Truck 4 sent it’s ladder to the front of the structure. A number of hose lines from Rescue 201 were deployed and sent to the front door. Interior crews gained entry into the home and attacked the flames.

Hanover Township Rescue 5 and Plains Township Tower Ladder and staged behind Rescue 201 and sent its crews to the burning residence. Wilkes Barre Township Engine 2 and Plains Township worked on establishing a second water supply from a hydrant just south of the fire building.

JUMP TO FILE #012616107 The flames on the first floor were quickly knocked down and extinguished. The fire extended into the second floor and made the attic fully involved with flames venting from windows. The elevated master stream from Hanover Township Truck 4 was placed in service and water was sent to the upper windows.

The large flames in the attic were knocked down and this allowed attack crews to enter the upper floors. Firefighters then worked on overhauling and properly extinguishing all hot spots in the home.

Command requested that additional companies respond to the fire scene to assist with overhaul.

Fairview Township Fire Department was dispatched and responded. Fairview Township Rescue 1 staged a block away and sent its firefighters to the front of the structure to stand by. The crew was then assigned to assist with overhaul in the structure.

Incident command requested additional manpower to enter the exposure homes to check on any

The flames on the first floor were quickly knocked down and extinguished.

extensions through the walls.

It was then determined the fire was extinguished and there was no threat of extensions.

The very cold conditions ham-

pered the firefighting operations by making everything icy.

The home at 93 Nicholson Street received major fire and smoke damaged.

STEPHEN BARRETT

The residents of the home were not home at the time and are now displaced.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

911 Rapid Response

Palmyra, PA 717-473-3843 www.911rapidresponse.com

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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

BARBARA WEST

J. KRIESHER

A second alarm was struck for an apartment building fire on East Norwegian Street in Pottsville.

Crews made a quick knock down on the fire however one occupant was killed in the blaze.

Annville Cleona Fire District Engine 58-1 travels with Santa through Cleona borough.

Man dies in Pottsville apartment fire Schuylkill County PA. At 2:44 a.m. the Pottsville Bureau of Fire was dispatched to 324 East Norwegian Street in the city for a reported apartment building fire with entrapment.

P-4 arrived on the scene and confirmed a working fire with entrapment and requested a RIT from Schuylkill Haven. Upon further investigation, P-4 found heavy fire in a three story apartment building. A second alarm was requested at 2:52 a.m.

Ladder 51 took the address on Norwegian Street and went to work. Engine 32 secured a water supply at Norwegian and 61 and fed Ladder 51. Engine 62 was directed to the rear for heavy fire on the third floor. Ladder 21 flew the

JUMP TO FILE #012616109 stick to the roof.

Schuylkill Haven set up their RIT in the area of Ladder 21 while interior crews battled flames and performed a primary search. Port Carbon 59-11 was directed to send their crew into the building and assist with the search. Englewood Engine 369 was assigned as RIT in the rear of the building while Minersville Tower 519 had their crew sent to work.

While performing the search, one occupant was found deceased in a second floor room. A county coroner and the Pennsylvania State Police were requested.

The bulk of the fire had been knocked down by the 20 minute PAR check. Crews continued to work on hot spots and smoke slowly dissipated. Extra caution had to be used for those operating as the temperature hovered below 20 degrees.

The fire was placed under control at 4:08 a.m. Schuylkill EMS provided medical care to two civilians and one firefighter.

City companies began to pick up shortly after 5:00 a.m. MarLin Engine 20-10 and Saint Clair Tower 701 were on standby at Station 30 for any other responses in the city.

J. KRIESHER

Palo Alto Engine 612 with multiple lines off during a working commercial fire in Port Carbon. Engine 612 is a 1987 Hahn and is operated by the Citizens Fire Company.

- JC KRIESHER

NOZZLE NUT PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 82 seen here pumping as the second due engine at a fire.

Engine 82 is a 2009 Pierce Arrow XT 1500/750/30.

ANDREW GETKA

Car versus tree in Lower Providence The Lower Providence fire Department was requested by police for an accident with entrapment. A vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and ended up in an empty parking lot.

Rescue and Engine 53 arrived to find EMS working on removing one patient and a possible door pop for the second. The truck was stabilized and surveyed and found that door pop wasn't necessary. EMS from Lower Providence and Trappe transported the patients to area hospitals.

J. KRIESHER

Citizens Tower 456, Mahanoy City, on the scene of a three alarm job in Ashland.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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

Reading Fire Ladder 1 is setup at 549 Gordon Street after firefighters discovered a Chimney Fire. (note reserve ladder 2 was in service for L1)

TOM LESZCZYNSKI

Elizabethtown Truck 74 a 2010 Sutphen 100' tower operates at a furnace malfunction in their 1st due.

DALE FEEHRER - D.F. APPARATUS PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

March, 2016

PAGE 19

Fairfield goes to cottage fire On Tuesday, January 12th at 2:30 p.m., Fairfield Hose Company was alerted for a reported structure fire in the 5200 block of East Lake Road. Upon arrival of Fairfield Assistant Chief 261, a single story cottage home was found with a working fire underneath the structure. Fairfield JUMP TO FILE # Hose Company's 011716106 first alarm assignment was sent and due to the location of the fire a tanker box was called, bringing in numerous tankers from the surrounding departments.

Fairfield Engine 263’s crew was assigned to stretched a four inch supply manifold long line due to the location of the fire. 263 was supplied by Kuhl Hose Tender 685 and Fuller Hose Tanker 206. Lawrence Park Engine 283 also stretched a long line from the opposite direction being supplied

by Fairfield Tanker 265. Fuller Hose Engine 204 assisted with 283 and assisted with fire suppression, Brookside Rescue 248’s crew assisted 263 crew and performed ventilation and overhaul.

The house was located on a remote portion of Lake Erie and because of the weather conditions (blizzard like) and untreated road-

Fairfield, Fuller, Brookside, Harborcreek Twp Crews are checking for extension on the Alpha/Bravo side of the structure.

CHIEF DON ERBIN JR.

ways, the first arriving companies had a hard time accessing the fire building, but fortunately were able to bring the fire under control in about 20 minutes. Fairfield Assistant Fire Chief 261 had the East Lake Road command on East Erie County Tac 3.

Companies assisting Fairfield

were Harborcreek Engine 224, Lawrence Park Engine 283, Brookside Rescue 248, Fuller Engine 204 and Tanker 206, Greenfield Tanker 715, Kuhl Hose Tanker 685, Harborcreek Twp 237, And EmergyCare Paramedics.

- JEFF HAWRYLIW

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BEN HASTY

Officers involved

NYPD

NYPD officers rescue woman from car crash Police Officers Benny Colecchia, Daniel Rich and Matt Wicelinski were traveling to Canton, Ohio on the morning of January 14th to attend a memorial service for Canton Police K9 Jethro, who was shot and killed by a suspect.

As the officers were driving, they observed an ambulette overturned on icy Interstate 80 in Clarion, Pennsylvania, trapping a woman in a wheelchair.

The officers were able to get into the vehicle by using a LifeHammer to break a window. Once

JUMP TO FILE #071513129

Reading firefighters raise $4500 for toy drive

Reading, PA. For firefighters in the City of Reading, the issues concerning poverty are very real. Day to day, firefighters encounter families who are down on their luck. The issue becomes even more pressing during the holidays. For the past six years, Reading firefighters have raised money for toy programs held within the city. This year was no exception as the firefighters raised the largest amount of money to date. With the help of a t-shirt sale and several large donations, the firefighters raised $4500. Toys were acquired at a local Target, and delivered to the Reading Salvation Army for distribution to families before Christmas. It has always been the goal of the department to make sure no child goes without something to open on December 25th!

inside, the overturned vehicle, Officer Colecchia used a knife to cut the woman free from her wheelchair and Officers Rich and Wicelinski carried her from the crash site so they could administer first aid.

They stayed with the woman until local emergency crews arrived.

- DAVID BURNS

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TERRY RITZ

Dwelling Fire in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA. On Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 5:40 p.m., East Greenville Fire Company was dispatched to a dwelling fire on Barn Lane in Upper Hanover Twp. along with Pennsburg and Milford Twp. Fire Companies. Upon arrival, a smoke condition was found inside the dwelling. It was discovered that the damper was closed on the pipe in the basement on the stove. The quick response by responding fire companies was credited for bringing the smoke condition quickly under control. There were no injuries. Exhaust fans were used to help remove the smoke from the dwelling. Assisting the fire companies were fire police from Pennsburg.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Lake Harmony's Ladder 17 in service

R. LENNON

Heavy fire at Blakeslee Inn in the Poconos Crews arrived to find a working, well advanced fire.

LHC #2

First alarm structure fire in Washington Township Washington Township, PA. During the late morning of the rainy February 3rd, at 10:52 a.m., Box 21-2 was dispatched to the 800 Block of West Matterstown Road for a reported residential structure fire. This brought units from Companies 21 (Elizabethville), 20 (Miillersburg) and 26 (Berrysburg).

Engine 21 went enroute and Dauphin County Communications advised that the caller was reporting a working fire with flames through the roof of the structure.

Due to the low lying haze and fog, Chief 21-2 was unable to see if he had a visible column. With the information provided, Chief 21-2 requested the first alarm assignment.

This brought additional units from Companies 216 (Fisherville), 29 (Halifax), 22 (Lykens) and 27 (Gratz) to the scene.

Engine 21 arrived on the scene at a working structure fire and laid five inch back the lane. Engine 20 picked up the five inch and supplied Engine 21 from Tanker 21's port-a-pond. Due to the amount of

JUMP TO FILE #020316109 fire in the structure, crews led off with defensive operations utilizing a Blitz Fire and a couple of one and three quarter inch crosslays.

Roughly ten minutes after units arrived, there was a partial roof collapse of the structure. It was quickly determined by command that the house had been vacated by the resident two weeks prior.

As the remaining units arrived, they staged on West Matterstown Road and sent their manpower forward to assist with extinguishment and overhaul of the structure. As the tankers arrived, they joined the line of tankers waiting to drop water into the port-a-pond. Engine 22 established a fill site at the pond on Savadge Road.

A fire marshal was called to the scene and the incident is currently under investigation.

February 3, 2016 - Monroe County, PA - Station 41, Tobyhanna Township Fire Company Station 41, was dispatched to a reported fire alarm at the Blakeslee Inn around 8:30 AM Wednesday morning. As the dispatch was taking place, Monroe County Communications upgraded the response to a structure fire. Station 42 (Tunkhannock) Fire Company, along with Carbon County Stations 17 (Lake Harmony) and 16 (Albrightsville) were added to the

JUMP TO FILE #020316107 response. The first units on scene had heavy fire showing upon arrival. Tobyhanna's Ladder took side "A", while Lake Harmony's Ladder took side "C" and began to vent the roof. Multiple hand lines were placed in service. Shortly after that, both ladder pipes were flowing water, along with several portable master streams. Water

supply was established using tankers and porta tanks. Multiple dump sites were used, as well as multiple fill sites, including two in Lake Harmony. Over 20 fire companies responded from four counties. Crews were on scene for over 10 hours. One firefighter from Lake Harmony was transported to Pocono Medical Center for an eye injury, and was released within the hour.

- JOSEPH LENNON

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

- JESSE SHUTT

Visit us at web

www.1rbn.com

KEN SNYDER

The Harrisburg Bureau of Fire runs this 2003 Chevy as a Special Operations Command unit

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

COMPANY 41 JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Get your personal copy of

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Name:______________________

Telephone:___________________ Address:____________________

Working vehicle fire on the 30 Strip At 0516, the Engine Company was alerted for a vehicle fire on Route 30 EB at MM249. Chief, Engine, and Rescue 41-1 were en route with 9 personnel in two minutes.

The bulk of the fire was extinguished by Engine Company 21 (Hellam) upon the arrival of Engine

JUMP TO FILE #011016108 41. Crews from 41 assisted 21's crew with overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots.

- ERIC OBERDORFF

Heavy fire showing on arrival

Warwick Township, Bucks County, PA. Bucks County Emergency Communications transmitted Tactical Box 66-05 on Friday evening, January 15th at 7:03 p.m. to the 1500 block of Stony Road. Squirt 93 was first in with heavy fire from the porch area. Tower 66 arrived second and nosed into Squirt 93.

All companies were in service. Because of hydrants in that area, Truck 3 and Truck 34 were recalled. The fire was placed under control at 8:22. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Other apparatus included E66, TR66, E93, SS93, R90, R29, L29 and Medic 122. L79 and E62 covered Station 66

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Basement fire quickly extinguished in Mahanoy City Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, PA. On January 19, 2016 at 5:00 p.m., the Mahanoy City Fire Department (five stations), and Ma- JUMP TO FILE# hanoy City Ambu- 012516113 lance were dispatched to 626 East Center Street in Mahanoy City for a house fire.

Chief 455 arrived in minutes and found a fire in the basement of the row home. The resident stated he had a fire in the wall, but he believed that he put out with a hose.

The chief order a crew to investigate the fire to keep it from spreading quickly throughout the walls of two and a half story row home.

Citizens Engines 454, Tower 456 and Humane Engine 451 entered the basement through the front door. Engine 451 hooked to a hydrant at 7th and Center Street and laid into the fire. Engine 454 established a water supply from the hydrant at 6th and Center Street and staged in front of the home. Citizen Tower 456 parked on Side Alpha and stood by to send its platform to the roof with a crew.

A hose line from Engine 454 was deployed and entered the front door. Interior crews gained entry into the basement with TICs and a water can to check on any flames.

Washington Ladder 457 and Good American Engine 462 staged in front of Engine 451 and its crews to the residence to stand by. West End Engine 465 and Rescue 993 staged on Center Street just west of

the fire building.

Incident command requested additional manpower to enter the exposure homes to check on further extension. It was then determined the fire was extinguished and there was no threat.

The very cold conditions did not hamper the firefighting operations, which generally make things a challenged.

KATE CHAPMAN

The home at 626 East Center Street received minor fire, water and smoke damage. The homes at 624 East Center Street received minor smoke damage.

The Assistant Fire Chief credited the brave fast actions of the resident, which helped stop the fire.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

PAGE 25

TERRY RITZ FRANK ROBINSON

Rollover in East Lampeter Township Firefighters from Lafayette Fire Company responded to a rollover motor vehicle accident on Route 30 and Witmer Road on Jan 15. The accident resulted in minor injuries. Crews uprighted the vehicle from the winch off Unit 631 and units where cleared from the scene 30 minutes later.

Three vehicle accident on Gravel Pike in Upper Hanover Twp. Upper Hanover Twp., PA. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016 at 6:58 a.m., East Greenville Fire Company was dispatched to a three car accident with injuries on Gravel Pike between Mill Hill Rd. and Zeigler Rd. The fire company responded with Squad 38, Air 38 and Engine 38. Upon arrival, Deputy 38 Mike Wetzel had three vehicles involved with the third vehicle sixty yards down the road.

The cause of the accident is pending the outcome of the investigation. The severity of the injuries were also undetermined at the time of the impact. Assisting the fire company were Pennsburg Fire Police, Upper Perk Police, PA State Police, and Upper Perk EMS.

PAGE 26

March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

RON FREY

Vehicle fire for Reading firefighters

Reading, PA. Early in the morning of Monday, January 18th, several phone calls were made to the Berks County Communications Center reporting a car on fire. Engine 9 and Ladder 3 were dispatched to the 700 block of Mulberry Street for a vehicle burning close to a house. Engine 9 arrived to a burning Mercedes. The fire was knocked down within ten minutes.

Crews were on scene for for a short time with Reading Police for evidence collection.

TERRY RITZ

Two vehicle accident with injuries in Upper Hanover Township Upper Hanover Twp., PA. On January 11, 2016 at 12:15 p.m., the Pennsburg Fire Company was dispatched for an accident at East Buck Rd. and Geryville Pike in Upper Hanover Twp. Upon arrival, Chief 65 called Montgomery County Radio to dispatch East Greenville Fire Company to assist on the rescue involving the two vehicles against the utility pole and set up a command. The cause of the accident and the severity of the injured are unknown pending the outcome of the investigation.

Assisting the fire companies were Upper Perk EMS, Pennsburg Fire Police, and PA State Police.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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PAGE 27

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

NIOSH safety advisory for translucent corrugated roof panels STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

On November 20, 2015, NIOSH issued a safety advisory for the fire service. This safety advisory was issued after a firefighter fell through a corrugated roof panel and subsequently died from his injuries. The following information is taken directly from the NIOSH safety advisory and can be downloaded from the NIOSH web site and printed for distribution and posting: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2016-110/pdfs/2016-110.pdf Please inform your membership.

Translucent corrugated roof panels may contribute to increased fall risk during roof operations.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that all fire departments immediately take the following actions to reduce the risk of firefighters being injured or killed while operating on roofs that contain translucent corrugated roof panels: • Ensure that all firefighters, company officers and chief officers are aware of and are trained to recognize translucent corrugated roof panels.

• Establish policies and procedures to ensure that firefighters do not walk or stand on translucent corrugated roof panels.

• Ensure firefighters immediately inform the incident commander and other firefighters when translucent corrugated roof panels are identified.

• Ensure firefighters follow safe roof operating practices including sounding the roof, having enough ladders for safe exit and always wearing the proper PPE, including self-contained breathing apparatus.

The NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program is currently investigating a July 15, 2015 firefighter line of-duty-death that illustrates the hazard to firefighters when operating on roofs containing translucent corrugated panels. These panels are designed to transfer natural light and heat into a building's interior and in some cases may be painted or tinted to blend in with the existing roof.

These panels are designed in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and may be difficult to recognize, especially at night. Preliminary findings indicate that these panels are typically not designed to be walked upon, will not support the weight of a firefighter (with or without personal protective equipment and tools), and may degrade when exposed to UV, water and other chemicals. These roof panels can be found in a variety of buildings including, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, storage buildings, restaurants, carports, canopies, barns and covered walkways in both commercial and residential settings. Circumstances of the incident under investigation by NIOSH On June 28, 2015, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a 46-year-old career firefighter/engineer was seriously injured, and eventually died, when he fell through a translucent corrugated roof panel while his crew was searching the roof for fire extension from an exterior

dumpster fire. The fire department was dispatched for a report of a multi-family commercial structure fire. The first arriving crews found a fire burning in a dumpster located against the exterior wall of a 300 feet x 60 feet, one-story, metal frame commercial building located in a warehouse district.

The first arriving crews pulled the dumpster away from the building and quickly extinguished the fire using tank water. Scorch marks on the exterior wall near a window raised the possibility of fire extension inside the building.

The incident commander directed crews to force entry into the building and search for fire extension and occupants. He also directed a truck company to ladder the roof and search for fire extension. Four firefighters climbed onto the roof, where one used a thermal imager to check for signs of fire extension while the other three, including the firefighter/engineer, sized up the roof conditions. While operating on the roof, the firefighter/engineer stepped on a translucent corrugated roof panel and fell approximately 17 feet onto a concrete floor. The firefighter was seriously injured and died 17 days later on July 15, 2015. This fire department experienced a similar incident in 2012 in which a translucent corrugated roof panel broke under the weight of a firefighter who fortunately did not receive a serious injury. A NIOSH investigation report of this fatality providing additional details about the incident and recommendations for preventing falls through these types of roof panels will be available at a later date.

NIOSH would like to bring this information to the attention of all U.S. fire departments; firefighters; fire service trainers; building officials; local, city and state authorities having jurisdiction and building code organizations. Translucent corrugated roof panels are widely used across the United States. Fire departments should identify structures within their jurisdiction that have translucent corrugated roof panels and include this information in pre-incident plans.

This information should be shared with mutual aid departments and added into the caution notes of CAD dispatch systems where possible. Incident commanders should strongly consider the risk benefit analysis of permitting rooftop operations on identified buildings. Firefighters may not be aware of and may not fully appreciate the hazards and risks associated with these panels. Firefighters should always inform the incident commander and other firefighters when translucent corrugated roof panels are identified and should not walk or stand on them.

Firefighters should constantly sound the roof to gauge structural integrity and changes in roof construction. Translucent corrugated roof panels can be difficult to identify and seldom have frames or other features that identify their location.

References NIOSH [2004].

NIOSH ALERT: Preventing Falls of Workers through Skylights and Roof and Floor Openings. Cincinnati OH. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2 0 0 4 - 1 5 6 . http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2-004156/ Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

BRYAN PHELPS

Blaze strikes Potato City Country Inn At 6:30 a.m. on January 3rd, firefighters were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at the Potato City Inn Box 48-05 in Sweden Twp. Chief 48-10 arrived and reported smoke in the east wing of the motel and that all occupants were evacuated and accounted for.

The fire was on the first floor in the middle of the complex. Chief 48 arrived and along with 48-10 and a firefighter, who was onscene, began suppression with a can and extinguisher.

Chief 48 established command

JUMP TO FILE #010416115 and requested a first alarm, working fire dispatch. A five inch supply line was laid, attack crews from Tower 9 went to work with suppression and ventilation. Engine 1 and 2 crews arrived and went to the second floor to ventilate, search and assist with overhaul. Tanker 5 supplied Tower 9.

The fire was brought under control quickly with no extension to any other part of the motel. Crews

performed overhaul and removed smoke from the rest of the structure.

Damage is estimated between $6,000 and 10,000. The cause was determined to be electrical in nature.

Roulette was requested to stand by at their station with one engine, and an ambulance. All units were placed in service at approximately 10:30.

In all, two engines, a tower, a tanker and 21 volunteers answered the alarm.

- BRYAN PHELPS

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

KEN SNYDER

Squad 3-1 of the Yeagertown Fire Company is a 1989 Mack/Saulsbury air-light unit which originally saw service with Bay Shore, Long Island, NY.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Raising awareness in the community EMS ISSUES

CHELLE CORDERO

What do most people think of when they describe their local ambulance agency? A speeding ambulance with flashing lights? Maybe they will think of those so-called “ambulance drivers”? If they’ve been the recipient of an emergency medical response, maybe they will think of the strangers who came in to take blood pressure readings and took them to the hospital?

Few people understand everything that goes into the existence and maintenance of an EMS agency.

Most people have no idea if the middle-of-the-night responders are paid or volunteer, if they are firefighters, EMTs or paramedics, if they are first aid trained or other, or if the training took a day or nine months. Most people only know that if they dial 911, someone will show up to help.

Whether you are part of a nonprofit volunteer agency or a forprofit EMS business, community support is a necessity. Fundraising to keep your agency fully equipped and functioning, attracting qualified staff as efficient paid professionals, replacing vehicles, building a headquarters, charging patients for services, or even replacing uniforms for members will all go smoother if the residents and government leaders of your service area are behind you.

Public information officers can fill many valuable positions from the dissemination of vital info during an emergency to the more valuable (for the agency) connecting with the community. Publicizing things that the agency can do for the community in addition to 911 response (such as CPR classes, loan closets, holiday events, event standbys, etc) will definitely open your neighbors’ eyes.

All agencies should maintain websites. They can be simple and inexpensive sites, some sites start as low as $20 per year depending on storage space and how much the agency can do for itself. Vital com-

ponents to websites include listing the administrative and operating officers, non-emergency contact info (including an email, phone number and street address) for the agency, info about HIPPA policies and obtaining medical records. Other helpful information to include would be member or employment applications, a running list of courses offered to the community, health and safety tips, the organization’s history, an “in the news” section, and highlighted announcements about awards, achievements, new equipment, etc.

Occasional photos of corps events are nice to add although not a necessity depending on member and leadership preferences, but they do help to literally put a face to the organization.

Posting “kudos” to members for a job well done and personal notes of congratulation on weddings, births, promotions and stuff like that helps to humanize the agency and lets the community connect.

Membership and fundraising drives can be added to the website to help increase exposure.

Ideally the agency PIO should be a team effort (with one person in charge to ensure cohesiveness). Different positions can include a liaison with other first responder agencies, a publicity coordinator to establish a relationship with local media; a web-master to ensure the website is up to date and accurate, and a “speakers’ bureau” to attend community meetings and offer presentations.

Have the staff work on yearly EMS Week ideas publicized by NAEMT (www.naemt.org) and ACEP (www.acep.org/emsweek) for tried and true community awareness. *Learn how to be a public information officer, publicity chair, or webmaster with (often free) training offered online through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (https://training.fema.gov/is/), at regional EMS conferences, local newspaper meets, and links to webinars at EMSWorld (www.emsworld.com/training-education), and JEMS (www.jems.com/videos.html).

J. KRIESHER

Entrapment was originally reported to responding Nuremberg firefighters who found this SUV rolled over and no one around it on Tomhicken Road.

SUV rolls over in Black Creek Luzerne County, PA. At 4:13 a.m. on Saturday, January 9, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched Nuremberg-Weston Fire and Nuremberg EMS to 1589 Tomhicken Road in Black Creek Township for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Medic 26 was also due out of Luzerne County.

Engine 582 went responding and was advised of a single vehicle rollover with one occupant trapped.

JUMP TO FILE #011116107 The engine arrived on scene to find one SUV on it’s roof, off the roadway into the woods. Firefighters quickly approached the vehicle and found no one inside. Crews proceeded to check the wooded area surrounding the scene to ensure no occupants were ejected. All searches turned up negative.

About 45 minutes later, County

dispatch advised Luzerne County received a call from a man in West Hazleton reporting he was in a vehicle crash versus a tree, but didn’t know where it occurred.

The Pennsylvania State Police were on the scene to investigate the crash. Engine 583 also assisted and Luzerne Medic 26 was cancelled upon arrival.

- JC KRIESHER

Correspondent Contest Sponsored by All Hands Fire Equipment The readers of 1st Responder Newspaper have helped make www.1rbn.com the fastest-growing Fire/Rescue/EMS site on the web. Information comes from our valued correspondents. Each time you post an entry on our website, your name will go into a drawing for a monthly prize. Only web entries are eligible.

The prize for our March editions from All Hands Fire Equipment is One Hundred Years of Valor by Paul Hashagen.

Our February editions winner of a 5.11 Tactical Job Shirt with the new FF1 logo from FF1 Professional Safety Services was John Bechtold from Kingston, NY. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Heather at x212.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

PAGE 31

DON WYAR

Large house fire seen for miles Firefighters extinquish the flames with a hoseline dawning air packs

DENNY CLOPPER

Fiery crash fatality injures two On January 21 at around 9:00 p.m., the Cumberland County 911 Center dispatched Box 252-96 for a reported tractor trailer fire located on Interstate 81 at the 26 milemarker southbound. Receiving additional cellular phone calls, the assignment was changed to a vehicle accident with fire and multiple patients.

Co. 52 Vigilant Hose Co., Co. 15 West End Fire & Rescue Co., Co.

JUMP TO FILE #012316103 73A and Co. 73M Shippensburg Area EMS and ALS were alerted.

Engine 52 arrived to heavy fire showing that involved a tractor trailer and a mini van. Engine 15-2 supplied E52. Command 52 requested additional tankers from Co. 52 and Co. 49 Walnut Bottom Fire

Co. E 15-1. Squad 15 arrived with additional manpower and lighting.

Two people were confirmed as Class 4 (deceased).

The fire was brought under control in about one half hour. Some units remained on the scene for many hours. State Police and the County Coroner were on the scene assisted by many fire police.

- DENNY CLOPPER

At 5:26 p.m., Cambria County 911 dispatched South Fork, Summerhill, Saint Michael, and Beaverdale for a house fire in the 900 block of Frankstown Road in Croyle Township.

As units were responding, the center gave updated information that they were taking several calls from people all over the area reporting a large amount of visible fire.

Due to the large amount of snow that fell earlier in the day from Winter Storm Jonas, the roadways were still hazardous. From the time of dispatch until the first unit arrived was ten minutes.

Engine 861 (Summerhill) was first in and reported a fully involved two and a half story brick residence with fire already through the roof.

Engine 841 (St Michael) arrived shortly after and both crews pulled

JUMP TO FILE #012616106 hand lines and master streams for an exterior attack.

At 5:37 p.m., a second alarm was struck for tankers from Portage and Dauntless. (Ebensburg) A tanker shuttle was set up using a dry hydrant at a pond a half mile away, and a hydrant at the Forest Hills Middle School one and a half miles away.

No one was home when the fire was reported. EMS units from Forest Hills, Portage, and East Hills set up a rehab area in a yard across the street from the scene.

Crews were on scene for four hours. No one was injured.

- LARRY PENATZER

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March, 2016

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

City of Greensburg Fire Department operates this 2004 Seagrave TB as Engine 79-8. 1250 pump/500 water

ARTIE OSNIAK

JEFF WERTZ

Second alarm fire in Lower Alsace Township Lower Alsace Twp, PA. Early in the morning of January 29th the Berks County Communications Center dispatched fire crews to 2160 Highland Avenue for a house fire. Deputy Chief Wertz (Deputy 1) arrived at a single story raised ranch with a rapidly spreading fire through the first floor.

Firefighters had difficulty operating due to a large amount of snow from a previous storm. A second

JUMP TO FILE #020116119 alarm was requested by Chief Faust at 5:43 a.m. for additional manpower. Firefighters stretched several lines to combat the fire, which switched to defensive tactics when a portion of the roof collapsed.

The fire was eventually placed under control at 6:34 a.m. The fam-

ily was evaluated for smoke inhalation after the arrival of Lower Alsace EMS. The family did not require transport, and no other injuries were reported.

Firefighters from Mount Penn, Exeter, Birdsboro, Oley, Alsace Manor, Reading, Laureldal, Muhlenberg and a canteen unit from Twin Valley operated at the scene.

- JASON BATZ

The Wrightsville Fire Department, in York County operates a 1996 Seagrave Marauder Rescue-Engine as Rescue 41-1. It has a 1500gpm pump, 1000 gallons of water, and seating for 10.

JORDAN BANKERT

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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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

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

FIRE EXPO 2010

LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION’S 44TH ANNUAL

DARIN SMITH

Rescue 322 is a 2006 Rosenbauer/General Safety with a 2000 gpm pump and 525 water. It originally saw service with Woodbridge, NJ, and now runs with Unityville in Lycoming County.

FIRE EXPO 2016 SHOW HOURS

FRIDAY, MAY 20 – 10 AM - 5 PM SATURDAY, MAY 21 – 10 AM - 5 PM SUNDAY, MAY 22 – 10 AM - 4 PM The Gates Will Close One Hour Prior to Closing Time

KEN SNYDER

Engine 2 of the Middleboro, MA FD was a 1928 750 gpm rotary gear pumper. It has been restored and is now privately owned here in PA.

ADVANCED TICKETS $9 ARE AVAILABLE THRU MAY 1, 2015 at LCFA.COM OR BY SENDING CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO FIRE EXPO AND SELF-ADDRESS STAMPED ENVELOPE TO:

FIRE EXPO 2016 940 Village Road, Lancaster, PA 17602

717-464-3291 • Fax: 717-464-3291 Email: expo@LCFA.com Website: lcfa.com

FRANK ROBINSON

Wagontown Fire Company operates a 1999 Pierce Dash 2000/750.

The unit saw service at Yardley Makefield.

ADMISSION: Adults $9.00 Children 9 and under FREE

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

Attendance in recent years has been over 20,000

FOR LODGING PLEASE CONTACT

CONNECTIONS HOUSING

1-800-262-9974 or https://resweb.passkey.com/go/2016fireexpo or 1-855-476-6976

DALE FEEHRER - D.F. APPARATUS PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

Rutherford operates this 1992 Alf engine (1500/500/30f) that formally served in Neffsville, PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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Vehicle News

Ladder 24 of the Philadelphia F.D. is a 2016 KME 100’.

KEN SNYDER

KEN SNYDER

The Greenawalds Fire Company of South Whitehall Township operates this 2015 KME 2250/750

Girardville fire claims life, injures two Schuylkill County, PA. One person died and two others were injured as a result of a two alarm fire in Girardville. The initial alarm was sent out shortly after 7:00 a.m. on January 8 for 529 East Mahanoy Avenue in Girardville for a reported house on fire with possible entrapment.

A second alarm was immediately struck. Chief 45 arrived on the scene and confirmed a JUMP TO FILE# working fire and en- 011116105 trapment. Engine 45-10 crews began to search for victims.

The Washington Fire Company of Ashland, Columbia Fire Company of Shenandoah, West End Fire of Mahanoy City, William Penn Fire Company and the Altamont Fire Company were dispatched to assist on the second alarm. Two ALS units out of Shenandoah and BLS units from Girardville and Ashland also responded.

William Penn Engine 888 and Girardville Engine 45-11 secured water supplies. Mahanoy City Engine 454 was returning from a motor vehicle accident and was also added to the box.

Crews encountered heavy smoke showing from the front of the two and a half story duplex while heavy smoke and fire was visible to the rear. Shenandoah EMS crews found one patient on the front porch roof and quickly started a rescue. A stokes basket was summoned and with the help of Girardville and William Penn firefighters, EMS successfully lowered the patient to the ground and loaded her into an ambulance.

Firefighters continued to search inside the residence, where they found a second patient unconscious on the second floor. The victim was removed from the residence and taken to an awaiting ambulance. Unfortunately, this victim succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.

Engine 454 was directed to the rear of the residence along with Ashland Engine 38-15 while Lad-

J. KRIESHER

A firefighter ventilates the second floor of a two alarm fire with entrapment on Mahanoy Avenue in Girardville

der 38-25 was given room to access the front of the building. Shenandoah Engine 742 sent their crew into the building. 38-15 began to draft from a nearby creek while Engine 454 stretched lines into the rear of the building.

38-25 flew the stick to the roof and a crew went up to perform vertical ventilation. A third victim emerged onto the street and was quickly treated by Ashland EMS who met with a Schuylkill EMS paramedic unit.

Within an hour, the bulk of the thick black smoke had dissipated to white steam and crews came out to rehab. Others continued to pull

walls and ceilings and the fire was brought under control around 8:30 a.m.

A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to help investigate the cause. The Girardville Borough road crew also came to the scene and spread rock salt throughout the scene as the temperature hovered just below freezing.

Second alarm companies began to return to service around 9:00 a.m. and the first due units were clear by noon. Investigators were on the scene well into the night.

- JC KRIESHER

Cardio workout blues? “Break it up to wake it up!”

ERIC OBERDORFF

Late Night Rollover in Hellam Township Hellam Township, PA. At 11:30 p.m., the rescue company was dispatched for an MVA with rollover with no injuries at Kreutz Creek Road in the area of Ore Bank Rd. The chief and both rescues hit the streets with nine personnel in two minutes.

Chief 21 (Strittmatter) arrived on scene to find one vehicle on it’s roof with no injuries. The occupants were out of the vehicle. Units cleaned up debris and cleared the scene once the vehicles were towed.

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS Lori Ann Hodgkinson

It's not Spring yet, but we're getting there. January and February are in the rearview mirror. We are in the homestretch when it comes to avoiding/beating the Winter blues.

One way to get a step closer is to break-up/change up your current cardio workouts. Even the smallest of changes can do the trick.

Presently I have my clients

breaking their cardio workouts into four quarters and inserting several basic exercises in between.

It breaks the monotony and makes the cardio more manageable and enjoyable. They report time seems to pass more quickly and there is a notable positive change in their bodies.

We use the first two minutes of the first quarter to gradually warm-up before reaching the usual speed/pace. After completing the first quarter we insert twenty push-ups, twenty squats and twenty crunches. The exercises are performed as quickly as possible, with no rest and without sacrificing proper form or alignment.

Next it's a return to cardio for another 25% at the usual pace, followed by the push-ups, squats and crunches. Then we get right back to that cardio and a third bout of the exercises.

We complete the final quarter then move into a cool-down and full-body stretch.

The sample uses one exercise each for the upper-body, lowerbody and abdominals, but you may prefer to substitute them to suit your needs. All guidelines regarding intensity and duration apply.

Remember to have your physician's approval before beginning any exercise program.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

J. LENNON

Cheltenham Township mansion burns Wyncote, PA. On Feb. 4, Cheltenham Township Fire Companies (LaMott-2, Ogontz-5, Elkins Park-3, and Glenside-1) were dispatched by Montogomery County Radio for a reported dwelling fire at 1012 Green- JUMP TO FILE # wood Avenue at 020416130 11:17 a.m.

Lieutenant 5 (P. Washington) arrived on scene at 11:19 and reported heavy smoke from the roof area.

Engine 2 and Engine 5's crew, lead by Captain 5 (D. Washington) made an aggressive interior attack on multiple floors of the structure. Chief 5 (K. Lynch) established Greenwood command.

The fire was in the walls of the huge mansion, and the first companies in the building had difficulty getting all the walls opened up quick enough to contain the fast moving blaze. Command then ordered the second alarm struck.

The interior crew reported that the fire had already burned through the floor on the second floor of the structure. The fire then spread quickly to the third floor and attic areas. Greenwood command then ordered all personnel to evacuate the building at 12:11 p.m.

Exterior operations commenced with ladder pipes from Ladder 400 (Edge Hill) and Ladder 1 (Glenside), as well as four other master streams. Both ladder companies should be commended for their apparatus placements in extremely tight driveways.

The fire was under control in less than three hours.

- JOSEPH LENNON

March, 2016

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Seven firefighters injured after successful rescue on New Year’s Day Shortly after 9 a.m. on New Years Day, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were alerted to the 1000 block of Ross Avenue for a residential structure fire in Wilkinsburg, a Pittsburgh suburb covered by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

The first arriving units arrived to find a two and a half story Victorian style home with heavy smoke and were advised that an elderly woman was trapped on the second floor.

Firefighters made rapid entry to rescue to woman, who was found in a rear second floor room. They were able to successfully rescue the woman through a window; however, conditions deteriorated rapidly trapping several firefighters in the process. The firefighters had no choice but to bail out of the second story. Several made it down ladders, but several others had to jump to

JUMP TO FILE #010316100 safety.

Pittsburgh Fire Chief Darryl Jones told reporters, “It was either bail out or die”.

A total of seven firefighters were injured in the process and were transported to UPMC Mercy Hospital.

One firefighter suffered burns to the hands, one suffered a broken vertebrae and one suffered a broken pelvis. The others were treated and released. All firefighters were released by Saturday night and none of the injuries appear to be life threatening.

The 86 year old woman, who was successfully rescued, remains in stable condition at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Three other people, includ-

ing a nine-month-old infant safely made it out of the home before fire units arrived.

After all the firefighters escaped and were accounted for, an aggressive defensive attack went into place until the fire was brought under control just over an hour later. A total of three alarms were needed along with multiple EMS units from various agencies assisted with transporting the injured firefighters.

City of Pittsburgh Mayor Bill stated, “We’re making sure the firefighters and their families get support through the city. The mission now becomes to take care of them.”

Investigators from both Allegheny County and The City of Pittsburgh are now investigating what may have started the fire.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Crews arrived to find the bulk of the fire knocked.

SCOTT PAUL

Vehicle endangering structure Halifax Township, PA. During the early afternoon hours on February 2nd, at 12:24 p.m., Box 29-1 was dispatched to the 2900 Block of Peters Mountain Road for a reported residential structure fire.

This brought units from Companies 29 (Halifax) and 216 (Fisherville).

Chief 29 went enroute and Dauphin County Communications advised him that there was a pick up truck fully involved that was approximately two to three feet away from a garage. Chief 29 advised that he had a visible column and requested the first alarm assignment.

This brought additional units from Companies 20 (Millersburg), 38 (Dauphin), 35 (Linglestown) and Perry County Company 2 (Dunannon).

Chief and Engine 29 arrived on scene to find the fire to be almost

JUMP TO FILE #020416100 out. A firefighter from Company 216 had been passing by at the time of dispatch and stopped. He threw snow on the truck while the homeowner used a garden hose. With the fire under control, Command 29 held the box to Companies 29 and 216.

Crews from both companies performed overhaul of the vehicle and checked the garage for any extension. The only extension noted to the garage was slight charring of the one corner of the structure.

After overhaul was performed, a blanket of CAFS was placed on both the vehicle and the garage.

- JESSE SHUTT

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

ERIC OBERDORFF

Reported entrapment

Hellam Township, PA. At 4:11 p.m. on Jan. 7, the rescue company and Engine Company 21 were dispatched for an MVA with reported entrapment in the area of 89 Cool Creek Road in Hellam Township. Rescue 41-2 (Firefighter Oberdorff) went enroute with five personnel in two minutes.

Rescue 41-2 arrived on scene to find a two vehicle MVA, head-on with all occupants out of the vehicles, establishing Cool Creek command. A41 arrived along with Rescue 41-2, and tended to one patient with a foot injury. Rescue 41-2 crew depowered vehicles, and began extensive fluid control, assisted by Rescue 1, and Engine 21. Crews from 21 and 41 cleared the roadway of debris, and the vehicles were towed.

DARIN SMITH

The Hope Hose Co of Lock Haven runs a 1989 Pierce Arrow 105' rear mount ladder as Truck 2-70. The truck was purchased from the Union Fire Company of Oxford.

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March, 2016

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Fairfield Engine 262 crews setting the fans for ventilation

Ladder 51 was first in to this building fire on West Market Street in Pottsville.

J. KRIESHER

Pottsville holds building fire to first alarm Schuylkill County, PA. At 8 a.m. on January 27th, Schuylkill County 911 dispatched the Pottsville Bureau of Fire to 1247 West Market Street for a reported building fire with entrapment.

Chief P-1 went responding and was advised of multiple calls reporting smoke showing from a building in the area of 13th and Market Streets. Captain 55 was immediately on radio reporting a large column of smoke almost a dozen blocks away. Additional calls were reporting people possibly jumping from the rear of the building and possibly two more trapped.

P-1 arrived on the scene shortly after and confirmed a working fire with heavy smoke showing and asked for Schuylkill Haven RIT dispatched. Ladder 51 was directed onto 13th Street and attacked the fire from the D side. Engine 62 stretched into the front door.

EMS reported they could hear

people knocking on the inside of JUMP TO FILE #020416139

windows to the rear of the building.

Crews performed a rapid primary search for any occupants, which turned up negative.

Engine 32 stretched an additional line into the building. Engine 71 secured a water supply at 13th and Norwegian and fed Ladder 51.

Engine 11 positioned behind Ladder 51 and their crew assisted inside. Ladder 21 staged behind Engine 32.

Crews from both truck companies ascended to the roof and performed vertical ventilation to take some heat off the engine companies. A secondary search was performed, which also proved negative.

Multiple pets were rescued

from the building and the Schuylkill County Animal Rescue Team responded to assist. The Red Cross was requested to provide aid to those displaced by the fire. Initial reports indicated close to a dozen people would be left homeless due to the blaze.

The fire was brought under control within a half hour and crews continued to search for hot spots and extension to neighboring structures. Crews did find extension into the exposures and quickly doused the flames.

Crews began to pick up from the fire scene by 9:30 a.m. and return to service.

While packing up, crews were alerted to a working vehicle fire a block up Market Street. Engines 71 and 72 responded and found a working engine compartment fire near Charlie’s Pizzeria.

- JC KRIESHER

JOHN FOX

Basement fire in Lawrence Park Township Lawrence Park, Erie County, PA. Shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Jan. 9, Fairfield Hose Company was alerted to assist the Lawrence Park Fire Department in the 800 block of Napier Ave for a reported row house fire.

Upon arrival of Lawrence Park, Chief 280 reported a light smoke visible with a reported basement fire. Fairfield Engine 263, Engine 262, and Squad 267 responded to assist.

Engine 263 was second due engine and crew was assigned to pull the second line and assist with fire suppression in the basement.

Engine 262 stood by at the secondary water source and its crew assisted with ventilation on

JUMP TO FILE #011716105 the alpha side. Squad 267 set up near Engine 263 and stood by as the ambulance crew. All crews assisted with overhaul and mop up before clearing the scene.

Chief 280 had the command on East Erie County TAC 3. Companies also assisting LPFD were Wesleyville Engine 302, Brookside Ladder 249, and EmergyCare Paramedics.

The fire is currently is under investigation by the Lawrence Park Fire Department.

- JEFF HAWRYLIW

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com

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

ARTIE OSNIAK

City of Greensburg Fire Department operates this 2012 F-750/1993 Kenco as Salvage 79-8

DARIN SMITH

Mount Gretna's Special Operations is a 1987 Ford EXL350/Reading, which they purchased from Middle Creek Search and Rescue. The unit started out as Rescue 1-15 of the Ephrata Area Rescue Services. It was then donated to Pioneer Fire Company of Ephrata. They in turn sold it to Middle Creek Search and Rescue.

FRANK ROBINSON

Nancy Run Fire Company runs a 2011 International/Hackney Special Operations Unit.

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Pennsylvania

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT TheFireStore Promotes James Witmer to Chief Executive Officer

COATESVILLE, PA – 2/16/2016 TheFireStore, the nation’s leading multi-channel distributor of public safety equipment, supplies, training, and service is pleased to announce the promotion of James Witmer to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective February 10, 2016. Witmer, former Vice President of Sales, has been a crucial member of the TheFireStore team since joining the company in 2003 as the Special Projects Manager. From there, James worked his way through the company ranks, serving as the Marketing Manager, Director of Business Development, and most recently, Vice President of Sales.

Witmer will be assuming the CEO position in place of his father, Jim Witmer, who will continue to serve as Co-Founder and Chairman of TheFireStore. With this promotion, he will take on the added responsibility of establishing strategic growth priorities, articulating the company’s vision, setting the company culture, ensuring key positions are defined and filled, providing resources, and removing obstacles.

In October of 2014, TheFireStore shared with their customer family and friends that Jim Witmer had been diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease at only 57 years of age. Since then, James has been leading the charge in ensuring that the company continues to grow as it always has— with the support of its excellent customers, positive relationships with the

manufacturers it represents, and the hard work and dedication of its fantastic employees. James has been vital in the recent acquisition of Heroes Apparel in Richmond, VA; expanding the company’s SCBA sales and service footprint to include the state of New Jersey; explosive growth in both the outside and web-based sales for all TheFireStore brands, and targeting corporate philanthropical efforts at Alzheimer’s research.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to lead TheFireStore into the future,” said James Witmer. “It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of my father, a true visionary, and I am so thankful for this beautiful business that he has architected. I am grateful that my parents are not abdicating their role as owners and that they will be a sounding board for me as I grow in this role.”

The entire team at TheFireStore is excited to celebrate James as their new CEO, and looks forward to the continued success they’re certainly going to experience.

“You can’t help but to beam with pride when you see your children thrive and succeed. James is a born leader, and it’s really great getting to witness success after success in not only his role at TheFireStore, but his role as a husband and father, too,” said Jim Witmer.

“This is a very exciting time for us as

a company and we are proud of the growth we have seen in James in recent years. He will do a great job leading us forward,” said Ruth Witmer, President of TheFireStore.

“I’m honored by the trust that my family has in me and also the team that I work with on a daily basis,” said James. “I know that what we have accomplished and what we will accomplish is not the result of any one person, but through the hard work of many and by the grace of God.” James holds a degree in Accounting from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He and his wife Keshet Witmer have four children. James sits on the committee for Northern Chester County Young Life, is on the Missions Leadership Committee at Providence Church in West Chester, PA, and has been a member of Vistage since 2011.

About Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc.’s (THEFIRESTORE) motto is Equipping Heroes™; this is accomplished by providing the industry's best equipment and supplies to the professional men and women who serve to ensure the public's safety. THEFIRESTORE prides itself on its competitive prices on quality products coupled with toplevel customer service not found anywhere else in the industry. For additional information, please call (800) 852-6088 or visit TheFireStoreinc.com.

Firematic opens new facility

Firematic Supply Co. Inc. is proud to announce the opening of our new facility in Altamont, NY to serve our expanded sales and service territory for Pierce fire apparatus.

This adds the counties of Franklin,

Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren, Washington, Fulton, Saratoga, Montgomery, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Otsego, Schoharie, Albany Delaware, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, and Sullivan in New York State.

Fisch Solutions

Fisch is proud to have established itself as the premier fire department IT vendors for fire departments and fire vendors.

Founded by Firefighter/EMT Jason Fisch at the age of 14 as a freelancer and 2006 as an official company, the 11-person firm is made up of mostly firefighters from around the country.

The company provides agencies web design, software, and app solutions as well as system integrations for stations and mobile applications.

Most notably, Fisch is known for its

Spotteddog ROVER response system it provides to agencies around the region.

The system allows responders to be alerted via App or text message and allows for the responders to respond back via speed dial, text, or app. The program also has integrated mapping, AVL, and pre-plans.

The award winning company has received various recognitions including being a Goldman Sach's 10K Small business and a member of most fire department organizations including NYS Fire Districts Association, FASNY, and NYS Fire.

KIMTEK line of UTV Transport Skid Units now offered on W.S. Darley website

ORLEANS, VT; February 1, 2016— W.S. Darley’s e-commerce website eDarley.com now features the KIMTEK® MEDLITE® and FIRELITE® line of transport skid units custom designed for UTVs. The addition of KIMTEK's products on the Darley website provides customers with more options for purchasing UTV-based skid units specifically designed for offroad EMS, medical, and firefighting applications.

KIMTEK President Kimball Johnson said, “I am pleased that one of our

long-term strategic goals was reached this year with the addition of KIMTEK products into the larger line of products sold by W.S. Darley and Co. since 1908." Noting that loyal Darley customers can now buy KIMTEK products direct through eDarley.com, a website Mr. Johnson said is trusted throughout the industry, he added, "This development is another milestone in a long, successful relationship between W.S. Darley and KIMTEK.” Visitors to eDarley.com will find KIMTEK's FIRELITE Transport at

http://www.edarley.com/firelite-transport-skid-units/ and KIMTEK's MEDLITE Transport at http://www.edarley.com/medlite-transport-skid-units/.

Sales of KIMTEK UTV and pickup truck-based skid units topped a record 465 units shipped in 2015. Posting a gain of over 10% from the previous year, KIMTEK is poised for another record year in 2016. The company attributes this growth to successful relationships with vendors, high quality products, and excellent service before,

during, and after the sale.

KIMTEK is the largest producer and marketer of UTV and pickup truckspecific skid units for public safety agencies in the U.S. Custom designed for off-road emergency service vehicles, KIMTEK's slide-in fire and rescue skid units and MEDLITE medical skid units are now in service in all fifty states, the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service, as well as with U.S. Embassies, the Department of Defense, and all branches of the U.S. Mil-

itary. A certified GSA contractor, KIMTEK transport skid units are also widely used in first response for large industrial plants, mining operations, and for seashore, sports stadium, racetrack, and other recreational venues.

KIMTEK Corporation was founded in 1984 as a research and development company dedicated to advances in life safety technology in the fire sciences.

For more information, please contact KIMTEK at 888-546-8358 or visit the company's website at www.kimtekresearch.com.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

PAGE 43

FACES

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

Sponsored by...

Fairfield Rescue Captain Steve Moore, Assistant Chief Jeff Hawryliw, 2nd Lieutenant Chris Irwin, and Probationary Firefighter Steve Vollmer work together as one to change out their bottles.

FAIRFIELD PHOTOGRAPHER JOHN FOX

2880 Bergey Road, Suite U Hatfield, PA 19440

Phone: 215-997-3665 • www.kalermotorco.com kalermotor@verizon.net

PA Sales Dealership for Ferrara Fire Apparatus and Service for all makes and models of fire apparatus

A Few Services We Provide:

• PMs

• Electrical and Lighting Upgrades

• Custom Fabrication

• Monthly Service Check

• Refurbs

J. KRIESHER

Michael Petri, Captain 742 (Columbia Hose Company, Shenandoah), gives details of what he found inside a fire in Girardville

• Accident Repairs

PAGE 44

March, 2016

FACES FROM AROUND THE STATE 1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

J. KRIESHER

John "Bucky" Rogers runs the pump on Mahanoy City Engine 454 during a large commercial fire in Schuylkill Township

Reading Firefighter Bob Himes poses next to a dryer vent which had previously caused a panic during a cold morning.

JASON BATZ

J. KRIESHER

Chief Engineer Gary Witmier runs the pump on Pottsville Engine 11 at a working building fire on West Market Street

J. KRIESHER

A firefighter looks on as Lake Harmony Ladder 17 flows water through an elevated master stream

JASON BATZ

Reading Firefighters Terry Hoyer and Jim Miller pose for a quick photo during CPR training.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

FACES

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

J. KRIESHER

A firefighter transmits an update from the front of the Blakeslee Inn during a major fire at the business

NIK KNAUER

Reading Firefighter Robert Stichter poses with a cake after being promoted to Lieutenant in the Fire Marshal's Office.

March, 2016

PAGE 45

Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser

Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day?

There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows.

Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well.

Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show.

Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen.

"The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun."

ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can

VENDOR TIDBITS Notes from the emergency service business community

raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available.

"Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick.

"We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!”

The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks.

"We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-

beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department.

"A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since."

"I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner.

"We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good."

Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right.

Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.”

For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.

PAGE 46

March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

MUTUAL AID GORDON WREN

STEPHEN BARRETT

Residents rescued in Girardville Girardville, Schuylkill County, PA. On January 8th, at arround 7:10 a.m., the Girardville’s Ranger and Girard Fire Companies, Girardville Ambulance and Shenandoah ALS were dispatched to 527-529 East Mahanoy Avenue for a house fire with entrapment.

Girardville Fire Chief Frank Zangari reported flames coming from the rear of the double home.

The fire was spreading quickly through the second floor and the attic area. He learned of trapped residents inside the homes and ordered a second alarm.

The Ashland Fire Department’s Washington Fire Company, Mahanoy City West End Rescue Fire Company (RIT), Shenandoah Columbia Fire Company, and the Altamont and William Penn West Mahanoy Township Fire Companies were dispatched. Mahanoy City Citizens Fire Company Engine 454 was special added.

Girardville Rangers Engine 45-10 made an offensive interior attack. Crews found dense smoke and fire on the upper floors of the

JUMP TO FILE #011016101 two and a half story building. Girardville’s Girard Engine 45-11 deployed hose lines into the exposure home. The fire chief and EMS personnel located and removed an injured resident from the front porch’s roof. Firefighters enter the home and found an unconscious male on the second floor. He was transferred to EMS personnel.

The Ashland ladder was raised to the front roof for ventilation.

The interior crews gained access to the second floor. The roof crew made a number of vent cuts. Firefighters then advanced to the attic with hose lines and found extreme heat and thick smoke. The attack crews extinguished the fire and vented the smoke from the upper floors.

Interior crews were able to control the fire on the top floors.

The crews pulled ceilings and extinguish the blaze in the attic. The fire was knocked down and condi-

tions allowed for overhaul operations. Command placed the fire under control at 8 a.m. The aggressive interior attack helped contain and extinguish the fast moving fire.

The tragic fire heavily damaged the two homes and left two families displaced. The double home’s upper floors received extensive fire and water damage. The majority of the mutual aid fire units were cleared by 10:30 a.m.

Girardville firefighters remained on the scene throughout the afternoon. The fire is under investigation by the State Police Fire Marshal and the Girardville Police.

Girardville and Shenandoah ambulances transported the injured to Pottsville hospitals. A male succumbed to smoke inhalation. The other injured residents remained in the hospital.

The American Red Cross assisted the displace residents. Ten individuals were left homeless.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

A generation or two ago, it seems like every region had a few firefighters who earned the nickname "Smokey."

In our county, I can recall three veteran firefighters whose nicknames became Smokey (or Smoky); and in many cases, people had no idea what their first names were since they were only referred to by their nickname.

Most of these "Smokeys earned their Smokey titles in the 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, and into the 1960's.

Their individual legends were achieved by their unusual ability to function in heavy smoke filled conditions without any type of respiratory protection for prolonged periods of time.

Frequently, they would exit the building showing no effects from what they called back then a "feed" of heavy smoke.

Interestingly, the three I am thinking of all lived well into their 80's. Many of the Smokeys were looked up to.

There is another nickname that gets attached to some firefighters that is not as prestigious - "wrong way." These individuals, it appears, have a habit of driving their Chief's car or fire apparatus to the wrong address for emergencies on a fairly regular basis -enough so to earn the nickname.

This can happen to any of us.

Years ago, I remember being awakened by our fire tones at 3 a.m. for a reported structure fire on Dwight Avenue.

I jumped into my vehicle and proceeded to Eisenhower Avenue (as in President Dwight Eisenhower.)

I arrived at the scene on Eisenhower Avenue, had the microphone in my hand and was just

about to call dispatch, asking them how they received the call, when the dispatcher called to inform me that the police department was on the scene reporting a working structure fire at the corner of Dwight and Mallory.

A 10,000 watt light bulb went off in my little brain as I proceeded the two miles to the right location.

I did not go the wrong way enough to earn the nickname, and it happens much less now in the computer age.

The fire service does seem to love putting nicknames on each other.

One of our larger firefighters at 6'3" and 250 lbs. is nicknamed "Mongo" after the character in the movie "Blazing Saddles." If you want a wall taken down quickly or a door taken without forcible entry tools, Mongo is your man!

Some of the more unique firefighter nicknames I am aware of are: the "Nozzle Twins" - identical twins who fought many fires on a hand line, "27-Tanker" - a very large firefighter, "Preacher" who gave sermons to the young firefighters on anything and everything, "Beans" - for obvious reasons, "Chubby" - for obvious reasons, "Dinky" - don't want to know, "Killer Kain" - liked to take on the world after having a few, and many I never understood: "Fuzzy," "Gutch," "Monk," "Scootch," "Bird," and many more.

Many of these firefighters seem happy with these nicknames and have the name stitched into their fire department jackets, shirts, etc.

It seems that most are given with friendship and respect.

IN SERVICE

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EA EAS AS SY SY SY! Y!!

Register at 1rbn.com bn.com to begin posting directly.

ARTIE OSNIAK

City of Greensburg Fire Department operates this 2002 Seagrave TB as Engine 79-3 1250 pump/500 water

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March, 2016

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Former restaurant burns in Schuylkill County Schuylkill County, PA. At 10:27 a.m. on Feb. 1, units were sent to the former Swiss Chalet restaurant at 529 Second Mountain Road in West Brunswick Township for a reported commercial building fire. The first alarm included Fire Districts 42 (West Brunswick/Deer Lake), 56 (Orwigsburg), 47 (Landingville), 63 (Schuylkill Haven) and a RIT from Pottsville.

Chiefs 42 56-02 went responding and were advised County was receiving multiple calls reporting a fire at the former restaurant. Chief 42 requested a tanker task force due to no water supply in the area, bringing tankers from Districts 34 (Wayne Twp.), 39 (Auburn), 55 (New Ringgold) and 63 (Schuylkill Haven).

Chief 56-02 arrived and confirmed a working fire in a one story addition to a three story former restaurant that now held apartments. The fire appeared to be contained to the one story addition on the B side of the main building.

Chief 42 assumed West Brunswick command. A second alarm was requested as the fire was now spreading into the main apartment house, dispatching additional units from all three Schuylkill Haven companies and Ladder 51 from Pottsville.

Engine 56-10’s crew stretched a line into the front door of the ad-

JUMP TO FILE #020416140 dition and the fire was darkened down. Engine/Tanker 47-10 nursed the engine while a portable pond was set up at the front of the rig. 47-10 began to draft while the tankers poured their water into the pond.

Next arriving crews were sent into the former restaurant to search for hidden fire. Multiple lines were requested into the building as smoke could be seen pushing from all corners.

Ladder 63-25 took the building. Smoke continued to pour from the third floor, leading command to direct the truck company to the roof. A vent was cut to alleviate some attic heat.

Additional personnel were still needed to battle the stubborn fire, prompting command to request New Philadelphia, Tuscarora, Tamaqua and Hamburg units.

Smoke conditions were continuing to change at the roofline, leading a crew from Ladder 51 into the attic to attack the fire. A crew from Yorkville (Pottsville) ascended to the roof and cut an additional vent hole at the peak.

At this time, the smoke finally cleared from the third floor.

Crews continued to work on the roof and interior of the original fire building, where small

Waiting for the call CHAPLAIN’S CORNER Pastor Fernando Villicana

”…in the last days mockers will come with their mocking…saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” (2 Peter 3:3-4).

Some shifts feature long periods of waiting. The trucks have been washed; grass cut; supplies on the med units inventoried; the station is clean. And we still wait.

Waiting for the next call. It’s easy to get sleepy.

One thing for sure: the next

call will come, it is inevitable. We don’t know when, what address, or how serious. It may even be a false alarm.

Having to wait in no way lessens this reality: the alarm will sound, and we will respond!

Peter writes that we’re in a season of waiting on the Lord’s return.

Jesus promised that, one day, He will return to establish a kingdom of righteousness here on earth.

Our New Testament reveals over 300 references to the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Some laugh and blow it off. “Ha! Where is He?” Don’t be lulled into spiritual sleep. Waiting in no way lessens this truth: Jesus will come. Be alert. Be ready!

pockets of fire continued to flare up. At the 140 minute PAR check, command placed the fire under control.

A State Police Fire Marshal

was requested to aid the investigation. Additional services from PPL and the American Red Cross were also dispatched.

First alarm companies re-

J. KRIESHER

mained on the scene well into the evening. No injuries were noted on the scene.

- JC KRIESHER

ANTIQUE APPARATUS

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Previous columns from Fernando Villicana and the rest of our staff can be found at www.1RBN.com

City Hook & Ladder - Lewistown Chiefs Car 1923 Ford Model-T Mifflin County, PA.

PATRICK M. SHOOP, JR.

March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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PAGE 49

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March, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

DEPUTY CHIEF NICK AMICONE (RET.)

Second alarm sends one to burn center Muhlenberg Township, PA. On January 29th, the Berks County Communications Center dispatched local fire companies to 914 Tuckerton Road for a house fire.

Goodwill Chief 10 Brian Kissinger arrived to a twostory single family dwelling with fire showing from the garage. Firefighters found the homeowner on the front porch burned on his upper body.

As engine companies began stretching lines, crews were unable to locate a hydrant due to the large amounts of snow around the streets. A second alarm was transmitted for additional manpower.

Responding paramedics from Muhlenberg EMS re-

JUMP TO FILE #013116113

quested a helicopter to fly the homeowner to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Crews also located and removed a dog from the dwelling, which was taken to a local animal hospital. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in 30 minutes, however units were on scene for more than two hours completing overhaul.

Firefighters from Temple, Central of Laureldale, Spring Township, Leepsport, Blandon assisted. The occupant was listed in crticial condition.

- JASON BATZ

FACES

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RON FREY

Garage fire in Northeast Reading Reading, PA. On Saturday evening, January 9th, the Berks County Communications Center dispatched companies to a garage fire in the 1400 block of North 9th Street. Chief Mogel (C2) arrived at a a garage burning to the rear of 912 Amity Street. Firefighters stretched a line down the alley and knocked the fire quickly. Crews worked to overhaul the roof for an additional 45 minutes along with checking the inside of the adjoining property. No injuries were reported. While crews were in the process of taking up, a car wrecked into the rear of Engine 1.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2016

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