1st Responder PA March Edition

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MARCH, 2021

FIREFIGHTERS RISK HEALTH WHEN EXPOSED TO AFFF FIREFIGHTING FOAM

PROVIDED

Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day. They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description.

Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes. Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation.

- See full story on page 4

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March, 2021

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX A guide to finding great companies

Company

Page

1st Out Specialty

3

Bond Legal Lawyers

Campbell Supply.

21

1, 24 JC KRIESHER

Command Fire App.

16

ESI

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Two Extricated from Serious Crash in Black Creek Twp.

5

FDIC

23

Firehouse Expo

17

Fire Line Equipment

19

Kimtek

13

Marco Equipment

7,15

Mid Atlantic Rescue

11

Two Bros. Auto Transport 15

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 25 No.3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error.

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

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PUBLICATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Advertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertisements are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. vouches for the credibility of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

It took rescuers nearly 30 minutes to extricate the driver of the vehicle on the right. Both drivers were flown to a trauma center with serious injuries.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Battle Abandoned Building Fire in Braddock Braddock, PA – At 4:51 P.M. on February 1st, firefighters were dispatched to a reported house on fire located in the 300 block of Camp Avenue. Soon after dispatch, Rivers Edge FD reported a header of smoke seen from their station. Crews arrived to find an abandoned three-story apartment style building with heavy fire showing from the rear, along with a brush fire. Rivers Edge Engine set up in an alley behind the building and quickly hit the fire with a deck gun, knocking the bulk of the fire down. A second-alarm was requested, and crews began to check for extension throughout the building. Due to unsafe conditions on the third floor of the building, crews were unable to get to the fire from the inside. A tower ladder was brought into the rear alley to extinguish the rest of the fire on the third floor.

No one was injured. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is now investigating.

Luzerne County, PA – At 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 18th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched Fire District 19 (Nuremberg-Weston) to 1564 Tomhicken Road in Black Creek Township.

Firefighters arrived on the scene in Engine 19-10 and Squad 19-60 to find a two-vehicle head-on collision, with both drivers still in the vehicles.

Personnel found one driver to be unresponsive, popped the door and were able to quickly extricate to EMS. Crews found the second driver was trapped under the dashboard, but conscious.

Command requested Sugarloaf Rescue 177 be added to the incident and two helicopters to respond to the scene. ShepptonOneida Engine 9-10 was sent to the Nuremberg Park for the landing zone.

JUMP TO FILE #011921101

Firefighters removed both doors on the driver’s side and began to lift the dash to extricate the patient. After working for nearly 30 minutes, the driver was able to be pulled from the wreckage.

Sugarloaf EMS and McAdoo EMS transported both patients with medics from Medic 11 and Medic 26 to the Nuremberg Park where they were flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville via MedEvac 4 and LifeFlight 6.

Fire crews remained on scene until 10:00 P.M. as State Police investigated the crash.

- JC KRIESHER

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

DALE FEEHRER

Steelton Truck 50, a 2003 E-One Cyclone (2000/300/95'), is seen here operating at a mutual aid working fire in Middletown Boro back on 7/10/20.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

KEN SNYDER

Engine 11 of the Erie Fire Department is a 2003 KME 1500/750.

PROVIDED

FRANK ROBINSON

Citizens Fire Company of Mahanoy City operates a 2003 Pierce Lance 2000/600/150F, designated Engine 454.

DALE FEEHRER

Manheim Twp. Fire-Rescue Engine 201 (2000/500) is one-of-four identical 2011 Pierce Arrow XT pumpers that serves the township.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Tanker 7 of the Moscow Vol. Fire Company is a 2007 KME Predator with a 1500-GPM pump and 2500-gallon tank.

Firefighters Risk Health when Exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam Firefighters work in a dangerous environment every single day.

They knowingly risk their lives in service to others and their community as part of the job description.

Their willingness to protect us in the face of unthinkable danger is part of what makes them heroes.

Firefighters understand the risks of the flames and deteriorating buildings. They have seen their colleagues suffer burns, broken bones and the complications caused by smoke inhalation.

While we all know and acknowledge running into a burning building is dangerous, firefighters are often exposed to life-threatening hazards that are not as obvious.

One of the most-deadly hidden dangers is not presented by the fire, but by one of the tools these brave men and women are provided to fight it.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a fire suppressant found on most fire trucks and at fire training facilities. It is a humanmade chemical designed to coat and suffocate a fire, depriving it of oxygen. While AFFF Foam may be an effective fire suppressant, it also may contain perfluorooctane acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). These perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are part of a large family of dangerous man-made chemical

JUMP TO FILE #021821103

compounds that are known carcinogens – meaning we know they can cause cancer.

These substances can accumulate and remain in the human body for long periods of time. It is this long-term exposure that creates an increased risk of various deadly cancers, including pancreatic cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.

For men and women fighting fires, the harmful chemicals can be orally ingested, absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

These dangers are now welldocumented. The U.S. Fire Administration now cautions that fire departments should replace older AFFF stocks with fluorine-free foam solutions. It advises handlers of these dangerous chemicals to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and a self-contained breathing apparatus. It also advises firefighters to shower within one hour after returning to the station or home, among other warnings.

Despite these relatively new warnings and awareness, the manufacturers of AFFF have known of these dangers for years and know-

ingly exposed our nation’s firefighters to these cancer-causing substances - putting profits over the safety of our heroes.

“If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF firefighter foam, you may have a claim against the manufacturers and should seek counsel,” Ms. Liakos of Bond Legal said.

If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighter foam on the job and developed cancers or other side effects, contact Bond Legal to discuss your potential claim for justice and compensation at 866927-1261 or intake@bondlegalgroup.com.

Cancers caused by PFAS Some potential cancers that are caused by PFAS chemicals in AFF: Bladder Breast Colon/Rectal Kidney Leukemia Lymphoma Liver Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Prostate Ovarian Testicular

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

March, 2021

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS ••• Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Robert “Pip” Piparo (Health & Fitness) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS ••• Jim Alercia • Joshua Amberman • Stephen Barrett • Jason Batz • Denny Clopper • Timothy Coover • Bob Devonshire • Dale Feehrer • Alan Hoffman • Roman Isaryk • Ron Jeffers • William King • Nik Knauer • Joshua Knoll • JC Kriesher • Joseph Lennon • John Malecky • Artie Osniak • Bryan Phelps • Kevin Quigley • Eric Rasmussen • Lucas Richardson • Terry Ritz • Frank Robinson • Don Filippo Scicchitano • Shane Shifflett • Darin Smith • Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber Jr • Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team of correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@1strespondernews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www.1rbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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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 Mississippi: Joseph "Joe" Gallo, 34 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: November 17, 2020 Fire Department: Blissfield Township Fire Department Initial Summary: While responding with the Blissfield Fire Department to a barn fire, Captain Joseph Gallo was driving a Chevy Impala with emergency lights activated. As he drove on a gravel portion of the road, he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and Captain Gallo was ejected. He was transported to the Toledo Hospital where, after all attempts at resuscitation were exhausted, Captain Gallo was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained. He was a Paid-on-Call Captain with the Blissfield Township Fire Department and a Part-time Firefighter/EMT with the Madison Township Fire Department.

with a known case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized on November 12, 2020 and passed away from the virus on November 21, 2020.

Mississippi: Michael Buitendorp, 40 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 18, 2020 Death Date: November 18, 2020 Fire Department: Grant Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at approximately 2100hrs., Firefighter Michael Buitendorp, driving a fire department tender, was responding to the scene of a camper fire in Otto Township when he lost consciousness. The firefighter who was with him was able to stop the fire apparatus and call for help.

Grant Township firefighters and EMS personnel immediately performed life-saving measures. Firefighter Buitendorp was then transported to the Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The cause of his death is under investigation.

Washington: Alan Dean Basso, 59 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 27, 2020 Death Date: November 27, 2020 Fire Department: Cowlitz County Fire District 5 Initial Summary: On the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso responded to two medical emergency calls, the last one dispatched at 0848hrs. Later that day, at 1355hrs, Basso was driving in the downtown area of Kalama when his vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. He was unconscious and not breathing, suffering a cardiac arrest. Citizen CPR was immediately initiated by a nearby off-duty Portland firefighter, 911 was summonsed, and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 resources arrived on-scene. Immediate advance life support measures were administered, and Basso was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.

Missouri: Robert "Bobby" Joseph Rocha, 59 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 23, 2020 Death Date: November 21, 2020 Fire Department: Kansas City, MO Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha contracted COVID-19 from a patient

Indiana: Robert Cree, 72 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 22, 2020 Death Date: November 22, 2020 Fire Department: Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: At 1900hrs on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree responded to a medical emergency at a residence. Upon returning home, at approximately 2010hrs, Firefighter/EMT Cree collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Crews arrived at his home and immediately performed CPR. Despite all efforts, he could not be resuscitated and passed away.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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Woman in Wheelchair Rescued During Fire in Perkiomen Twp. Perkiomen Twp., PA Perkiomen Township Fire Company along with numerous mutual aid fire companies were dispatched to a report of a house fire in the area of King Road and Cranberry Blvd., in the Cranberry Estates JUMP TO FILE# neighborhood of 022121102 Perkiomen Township in western Montgomery County, at 2:20 P.M. on February 20th.

Deputy 66 arrived on scene and found a two-story, singlefamily house with fire showing.

Engine 66 was first to arrive and began search and rescue operations, as well as fire suppression.

Crews from Engine 66 and Engine 51 did an outstanding job removing a victim from the second floor. Tanker 66, Ladder 77 and Squad 34 provided fire suppression during the rescue.

Assisting Perkiomen on scene were Limerick Fire Department, Collegeville Fire Company, Trappe Fire Company No. 1, Skippack Fire Company, Lower Frederick Fire Company, Lower Providence Fire Department and Royersford Fire Department.

Special thanks to Harleysville Community Fire Company and West Norriton Fire Department for standing by at our station.

Ambulance companies responding included Trappe Medic, Plymouth Community Ambulance Association - Medic 308, Skippack Emergency Medical Services, Harleysville and Pottstown.

Great work also from all of the local Fire Police officers and North Penn Goodwill Service.

The fire is under investigation by the PA State Police Fire Marshal and the Perkiomen Township Fire Marshal.

Info on how you can help the displaced family can be found at the following link: https://gofund.me/9fcccd45

TED HODGINS

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

- TED HODGINS

EUGENE WEBER JR.

TED HODGINS

This patch belongs to the Emsworth Fire Department, located in Alegheny County, PA.

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

JC KRIESHER

Smoke comes out of the upper floors of a historic home in Minersville built in the 1860's.

Historic Minersville Home Damaged by Fire TERRY RITZ

Pennsburg, PA, - Former Pennsburg Fire Police Officer Brenda Koder passed away on Dec. 22, 2020 at the age of 51. Brenda joined the Fire Company in 1993 and became a Fire Police Officer.

She also became a lifetime member of the Pennsburg Fire Co. She was active in various positions within the fire company, including former Executive Secretary of the fire company and a past Secretary/Treasure of the Fire Police. She was also a former volunteer of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Assoc. She will be sadly missed by her family and everybody she was involved with. She is survived by her parents, Larry and Barbara Roeder, husband Ralph, daughters Miranda and MaKenna, and son Matthew, all at home.

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

DALE FEEHRER

Five years ago, Garfield decided to adopt the members of the Kreamer FD in Kreamer, PA. Garfield showed up to the station as a stray, and after many lost and found ads were listed trying to find the owner went unanswered, the members decided to make the station his new home. A mixture of on-duty and volunteer crews care for the cat, who in return offers free mouse removal and serves as a very friendly greeter to visitors.

Minersville, PA – At 3:11 P.M. on Tuesday, February 9th, Minersville Fire District 52 was sent to 28 Sunbury Street in Minersville for a reported house fire.

The call was quickly upgraded to a house fire with entrapment as reports came in of two people still inside the JUMP TO FILE# 021621100 residence.

Tower 52-22 was the first unit out and was advised that additional reports indicated that all occupants were out of the building. The tower took the address of a large historic home built in 1860 at the corner of Sunbury and Front Streets. The building had a unique construction with multiple floors and over 6500-square-feet of living space.

Engine 52-12 came in behind the tower and secured a water supply while 52-13 secured a water supply on Front Street, on the 'B' side. A line was stretched off 52-13 as crews searched for the fire.

Schuylkill EMS was responding to the scene and was advised to report to the front of the building as police had a victim with breathing difficulties.

Interior crews were reporting high heat in the upper floors, but were unable to locate the fire. With radio reports indicating a working fire and no command initially set up, Communications added Pottsville Stations 50 and 60 for a Rapid Intervention Team.

The tower crew ascended to the upper floors in the bucket and began to open windows which allowed brown smoke to escape from the building. Turbulent smoke also began to push from the second floor windows on the 'C' side.

Pottsville Engine 68-16 arrived quickly, followed by 68-25 who set

JC KRIESHER

A crew from the bucket of Minersville Tower 52-22 clears windows from the third floor.

up near 52-13 and flew their stick and began to ventilate additional windows. Neither crew was able to perform RIT duties, as many tasks still needed to be accomplished on the fire scene.

Conditions continued to deteriorate on all sides even as additional crews arrived on scene. Chief 52 arrived and assumed command. A second-alarm was struck, which was technically the third-alarm, as 50 and 60 are the second-alarm. The additional alarm brought Frackville Ladder 43-20 and Yorkville Rescue 68-53, plus special calls from Schuylkill Haven RIT, Pottsville Engine 68-11 and Llewellyn Engine 0310.

The turbulent smoke that was pushing from the second floor turned into heavy fire blowing out of multiple windows on the second floor on both the 'C' and 'D' sides. Two lines were stretched to the backyard to knock down the fire as crews had to back out of the second floor.

Once the fire was hit from the exterior, additional firefighters

headed inside and were able to knock down the remaining fire on the second floor.

Frackville Ladder 43-20 arrived and was directed to open the roof on the 'C' side. As the Frackville crew began to cut, all three aerials were now working on opening the roof on the 'A', 'B', and 'C' sides.

With the report of the knock on the fire on the second floor and the truck companies opening up, the fire was brought under control and only steam was now coming out of the openings. The fire was placed under control around 4:15 P.M. The American Red Cross was dispatched to the scene to assist eight displaced occupants. A State Police Fire Marshal was requested to the scene to investigate the cause.

By 4:30 P.M., crews started to break down and return to service.

Schuylkill Haven RIT packed up and relocated to Minersville Fire-Rescue to provide coverage until first due crews could get ready for service.

- JC KRIESHER

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

How do you make healthy pancakes taste good? Add bacon!

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

PA BYSTANDER

Two Dead and Multiple Homes Destroyed by Fire in Kingston Kingston, PA - At approximately 12:50 A.M. on Thursday, February 18th, Kingston FD was dispatched to a possible residential structure fire. On arrival firefighters confirmed that one structure was fully involved with collapse and possible entrapment, and two neighboring homes were also on fire with flames through the roof. Multiple departments in Luzerne County were dispatched to help assist with manpower and water supplies, and the tanker task force was also dispatched to assist with a fill site due to hydrants being frozen. It took several hours to contain the fires, at which time a search went underway and two people were found deceased. Six residents were left homeless. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but under investigation by the fire marshal and Pennsylvania State Police.

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

Pancakes are a firehouse breakfast staple. Often cooked on a cast iron pan or griddle that outdates even the most senior members, these flapjacks feed many for cheap. Which is probably why they are so popular for fundraising as well. In firehouses all across the country, “pancake breakfasts” help raise funds for departments in need. They also appeal to us on a more personal note as well. Sunday morning with the family, cup of joe and a stack of pancakes evoke memories of a simpler time.

Or maybe it was the trip to the local IHOP you remember most.

The point is, food has a way of engraining itself into our memories and more often than not it is the food we grew up eating. My dad loves a good pancake and now more than ever, enjoys cooking them for my daughter. And believe it or not, this food has been around a lot longer than you and I. Some evidence dates it back to the Stone Age! And in more “recent” times, Thomas Jefferson was a huge fan of the flapjack, even sending a recipe back to his hometown from the White House.

So now that we have established the fact that pancakes are not only delicious and hold a sentimental place in our hearts, lets also admit now that they are definitely not the healthiest of foods for us to eat on a regular basis. But

how on earth can we make this somewhat healthy AND delicious at the same time?

Well first let’s start with the actual pancake itself. Instead of using your standard All-Purpose flour, this recipe uses almond flour, which is great for the glutenfree and gluten-intolerant folks out there. We also use bananas, not just for flavor, but to add moisture and sweetness as well since almond flour tends to be a little “drier” than conventional flours.

And whenever we need to make something taste better, what do we add? BACON!!! If you haven’t tried pancakes topped with real maple syrup and bacon, you are seriously missing out! There is no better combination of flavors than sweet and savory.

Stay safe, eat well!

BACON-BANANA-ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES Makes approximately 8 - 6” Pancakes Ingredients: 4 Ripe Bananas 4 Eggs 1 Cup Almond Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder ¼ Cup Maple Syrup Pinch of Salt 4 Slices of Cooked Bacon, crumbled Cooking Spray or Butter for pan Procedure: -Separate the egg yolk from the whites by carefully cracking them in to a large bowl. Using your hands gently scoop out the yolks and place in a medium bowl.

-Using a whisk, whip the egg whites until fluffy, set aside.

-Combine the maple syrup and bananas in the same bowl as the egg yolk. Mash bananas and stir to incorporate. Add the almond flour, baking powder and salt to the bowl. Stir to combine thoroughly.

LAKE HARMONY FIRE CO.

Lake Harmony Ladder 17 operating at a working dwelling fire in the Holiday Pocono section of the township, 2/4/21. Crews made an aggressive interior attack with multiple lines in service.

-Carefully fold in the egg whites to the batter with a rubber spatula.

AJ FUSCO

through.

-Ladle the batter into a greased preheated non-stick pan, cast iron or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle each pancake with some crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Cook pancakes untouched until the bottom starts to brown and you see bubbles forming, about 2-3 minutes. Very carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until fully cooked

-Garnish with more crumbled bacon!

(Note: These pancakes are very tender and delicate compared to traditional so they may need a little extra cooking time and gentle handling!)

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WORKING FACES

Enjoy taking photographs?

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

Get the most out of your hobby!

1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph JC KRIESHER

Engineer John Wiekrykas pumps Mahanoy City Engine 48-12 with the help of a junior firefighter.

submissions.

Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information!

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

845-534-7500 ext. 212 DAN MILLER

Monarch Fire Company Lieutenant Rodney Wagner works the pump panel for a recent fire.

JC KRIESHER

Englewood Fire Chief Ed Beneshunas leads his crew as RIT at a multiple-alarm fire in Mahanoy City.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JC KRIESHER

Smoke and steam escape from a house in the 300 block of West Penn St. in Shenandoah. Firefighters had the blaze under control in less than 30 minutes.

Five Displaced by Shenandoah Fire Schuylkill County, PA – At 8:40 P.M. on Monday, January 18th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched Fire District 64 (Shenandoah) and 48 (West End – Mahanoy City) to 322 West Penn Street in Shenandoah for a structure fire.

Engine 64-12 and Chief 64-3 were immediately on the way and were advised of a call reporting windows smashing and smoke in the area. Chief 64-3 confirmed the report and assumed command.

Engine 64-12 arrived and secured a water supply while Squrt 64-20 came in from the West side.

Two lines were stretched to begin the fight to extinguish a basement fire.

Smoke was pouring from the residence and blanketed a good portion of the borough as the other companies responded to the scene.

Tanker 64-30 was directed to the rear and all other apparatus was advised to stage on Coal Street.

JUMP TO FILE #011921102

Interior crews were reporting that the stairwells were compromised, leading command to change their tactics. A ground ladder was thrown to a second floor window and a firefighter took up an additional hand line.

The fire was placed under control at 9:21 P.M. Assistant Fire Chief Rick Examitas said the cause of the fire was still under investigation with the assistance of a State Police Fire Marshal.

Five people were displaced by the fire. Examitas said none were home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross was requested to assist the displaced.

Fire crews were clear of the scene by 10:15 P.M. - JC KRIESHER

March, 2021

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Vehicle News

RAINMAN14 FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Bethlehem Township Vol. Fire Company recently placed in to service a 2020 Pierce Enforcer 2000-GPM/750-GWT pumper as Engine 1711.

Fire Quickly Spreads to Three Homes in Carnegie Carnegie, PA – At 1:35 A.M. on January 19th, fire crews were dispatched to the 100 block of Railroad Avenue for a reported house on fire. Police quickly arrived and reported a working fire at the address. Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire coming from the home with exposures on both sides also involved. Crews made entry into all three homes, quickly knocking down the fire in both exposures. Crews then worked on containing the fire in the main building before it was finally brought under control about two hours later. Two residents were home at the time of the fire, but made it out safely. The American Red Cross is helping residents displaced in the homes damaged by fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is now investigating.

RAINMAN14

The Upper Darby Twp. Fire Department recently placed in to service this 2020 Seagrave Capitol 100’ rear-mount ladder as Truck 37.

RAINMAN14

The Nancy Run Fire Company of Bethlehem Twp. recently placed in to service this 2020 Seagrave Marauder, with a 1500-GPM pump and 500-GWT, as Rescue Engine 1413.

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

FRANK ROBINSON

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

Rick Billings

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

The Unknowns VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky

The Unknowns A Documentary Film About America’s Most Sacred Shrine Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $20.00 (DVD) This DVD is approximately 84 minutes in length. It details the background of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Fort Myers, Virginia. It is a well organized story about the military volunteers who guard this tomb seven days a week and 365 days a year, regardless of weather. It takes you through the history of the shrine and the painstaking and rig-

orous training these men and women are put through who desire to be a part of this guard. Like any other strict training it is a process of elimination which is determined either by the candidates (as they go through their ordeal) or the trainers (when a candidate does not meet the requirements during the training).

This video goes through step by step training, routines and behind the scenes such as crew quarters while on duty, reporting, inspections and a vast array of all aspects of guarding the Unknowns.

It is precision the likes of which you’ve probably never seen. It’s comforting to know that there are still humans around that are so disciplined. They are also deeply dedicated to their country and to those who gave their lives to defend it.

To each who meets the qualifications a badge is presented and stays with that person even after he or she leaves the assignment. However it is pointed out that it can also be revoked at any time if there is reason to believe that the holder is not keeping up to what is expected of them either on or off duty. In short, it is a documentary that is certainly educating and enlightening!

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

DALE FEEHRER

The Community Fire Co. of Frystown has placed this 2000 E-one engine (1250/750) into service as Engine 53. This piece was purchased from the nearby North End Fire Co. of Pine Grove, PA.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

TERRY RITZ

JC KRIESHER

Firefighters had a knock on a fire in this house on Panther Valley Rd. in Wayne Twp. within minutes of arriving on the scene.

Quick Work Made of Wayne Township House Fire Schuylkill County, PA – At 11:30 A.M. on Tuesday, February 16th, firefighters were dispatched to 2405 Panther Valley Road in Wayne Township for a house fire. The firstalarm included Fire Districts 34 (Wayne Township), 63 (Schuylkill Haven–Liberty), 58 (Pine Grove– North End) and 47 (Landingville).

Chief 34-02 arrived on the scene to find a working fire with active fire in the upper floor of a single-family dwelling. Chief 63 arrived shortly after and assigned water supply.

Situated in a rural setting, Chief 63 requested a tanker task force to the scene. The TTF included Fire

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Districts 39 (Auburn), 41 (Cressona), 47 (Landingville), 53 (Mount Carbon), and Berks County Engine/Tanker 50.

Summit Station Squad 34-55 was first arriving and took the driveway where a line was stretched into the building. Engine 63-14 was next arriving and staged on Panther Valley Road where they would become part of the water supply. Friedensburg Engine 34-10 went past the scene and secured a water supply from a small stream running nearby.

Firefighters from Summit Station and Liberty were able to locate the seat of the fire and had it knocked down within minutes. Ladder 58-25 arrived and brought ladders to the scene where they worked to open up the building.

With the fire knocked down and a stable water supply established, Command released the tanker assignment.

The American Red Cross was requested to the scene for a family of six that were displaced because of the fire.

Commercial Building Fire in Red Hill Red Hill, PA - On Monday, January 25th at 10:00 A.M., several fire companies from the Upper Perk Valley responded to a reported fire in the ductwork at Artisan Mfg. Co. on 6th St. in Red Hill borough. When fire companies arrived the people had been evacuated from the building and the firemen entered the building to do an investigation, where they found burning embers inside of the ductwork. They had the fire under control within the half hour and then checked for extension but couldn't find anything else. The cause of the fire is pending the outcome of an investigation. There were no injuries reported. Fire companies that responded were Red Hill, Pennsburg, and East Greenville. Upper Perk EMS unit and Fire Police from the three fire companies were also on the scene.

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

- JC KRIESHER

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

DALE FEEHRER

The Mt. Pleasant Fire Co. operates this Ford F-350 rescue unit equipped with Hurst eDraulic tools. This piece replaced an early 90's Ford L8000.

AVIATION DUDE

Geisinger Life Flight at Danville, PA hangar after a call.

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Vehicle News

KEN SNYDER

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

Rescue Engine 2041 of the Eastern Salisbury Fire Co. in Campbelltown Fire Company now operates a 2019 Pe- The Brecknock Twp. Fire Co. #1 has taken delivery of their 2021 KME Panther (1500/1000/25f) engine.

Salisbury Twp. is a 2020 Spartan/4-Guys 1500/1000. terbuilt/Alexis 1750-GPM/4000-gallon Tanker.

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

The Fairview Twp. FD has taken delivery of this 2020 Yorkville Fire Rescue of Pottsville operates a 2020/08 The Letterkenny Army Depot FD in Chambersburg has Spartan/Swab Heavy Rescue. The unit had a full refurb placed two 2020 Pierce Saber (1500/750) engines into Pierce Enforcer (1500/750) pumper. service as Engines 13-2 & 13-3. in 2020.

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Is There Meaning to the Madness?

Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

Well, we find ourselves well into a new year - 2021. Looking back at 2020 we can only hope that this year will be far less challenging and that things will return to what we have always called “normal.” We have faced civil unrest, economic challenges, political confusion and continue coping with a global pandemic.

How do we grow through what we go through? The answer - a healthy perspective, focus and faith. Is there meaning to the madness? I would say YES. Philippians 1:12 (GN) I want

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you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. v18 It does not matter!

I am happy about it whether from wrong or right motives. and I will continue to be happy.

The background of the story today is that Paul for the last four years has been miserable in circumstances. He just spent two years in prison in for a trumped up charge. Then - on a ship to go to Rome to appear before Nero (notorious for his cruelty to Christians) he's shipwrecked, stranded on an island, bitten by a poisonous snake, continues on to Rome, spends another two years in prison awaiting trial to be executed. During this two year period in Rome he is chained to a guard for 24 hours a day. At this point, most people in our society would wonder if life was worth living. Yet in spite of all of these situations, Paul says in "And I will continue to be happy” (Philippians 1:18). What’s Paul's secret? How does he stay positive in prison, triumphant over troubles and delight in difficulties?

How does Paul stay so happy, positive, joyful in spite of the fact that things went wrong in his life?

Paul gives us on major reason for joyful living in spite of adverse circumstances The number one reason - a healthy perspective. The truth is, every one of us has been adversity affected by the recent crisis. But the way you look at that problem is much more important than the problem itself. Your perspective makes the all the difference in the world. v12 “I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me (negatively) have really helped the progress of the gospel.”

In other words: I can see the best even in the worst. I can see God at work in the problems and when things don't go my way. If you don't choose your priorities, you'll go around putting out one fire after another, living your life simply from problem to problem and not choosing what's most important.

Listen to what Paul said: “It doesn’t matter! I am happy about it, and I will continue to be happy.

Was Paul insane? Delirious? No! Paul said he had to set his priorities, his values, not let problems steal his joy. Have a perspective to live from and a priority to live by.

Know what is important, and like my wife often tells me - “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Here is the best priority anyone could ever live by: Proverbs 3:6 (LB)"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

Is there meaning to the madness? Yes, as long as you put God first (a priority to live by).

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

FRANK ROBINSON

Robert Fulton Fire Company still operates a 1984 Mack R/Pierce 1000/3000 Pumper Tanker.

PA BYSTANDER

Swoyersville Engine 279 is a 1995 KME with a 2000-GPM pump and 750-GWT.

DAVE W. BUTCHER/ENGINE 72 PHOTOGRAPHY

The City of Hazleton FD still operates this 1995 KME AERIALCAT 102' TOWER LADDER. It runs out of the Southside Station and is part of the Pioneer Fire Company No 1. The rig is one-of-three older (20 years of service or older), that the Hazleton FD operates. The department is in the process of replacing this rig along with the other two.

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

Located about five miles northeast of the City of Lebanon is the small rural community of Mt. Zion, PA. The community sits within Bethel Township, which stretches from Lebanon to Berks Counties. The Mt. Zion Community Fire Company is less than 10 minutes from the county line. This company, along with the Fredericksburg Fire Company, provide the fire services to Bethel Township and it's 5,000-plus citizens on the Lebanon County side.

The Mt. Zion Community Fire Company was established in 1950, which is proudly shown on all of their apparatus.

Today, they operate out of the same quarters they moved into once established at 1526 Mt. Zion Rd. With 22 active members, they respond to around 70 calls annually between responses to both sides of Bethel Township and mutual aid to other areas. The current fleet consists of one engine, a tanker, and an attack unit.

DALE FEEHRER

The quarters of the Mt. Zion Comm. Fire Co.

DALE FEEHRER

Engine 40, 2004 Spartan/New Lexington (1250/750)

DALE FEEHRER

Tanker 40, 1999 Freightliner/Firovac (0/3000)

DALE FEEHRER

Attack 40, 2015 Ford F-550/Swab (250/200)

THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos for “This Old House” please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

TERRY RITZ

Dwelling Fire in Pennsburg

FRANK ROBINSON

Fame Fire Company of West Chester still operates out of their historic fire station.

Pennsburg, PA - On February 5th at 8:24 P.M., Pennsburg Fire Company, along with several other fire companies from the immediate area, were dispatched to a dwelling fire at 365 Seminary St. in Pennsburg borough. Upon arrival, the Pennsburg Fire Chief had a heavy smoke condition mainly in the basement of the dwelling. After investigating the basement area the firemen found a sump pump that was overheated.

Within a half hour the incident was brought under control.

Exhaust fans were used to clear the house from the smoke.

Assisting the Pennsburg Fire Co. were fire companies from East Greenville, Red Hill, Milford Twp., and Trumbauersville.

Upper Perk EMS was also at the scene.

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Proudly Serving Eastern Half of NY, Eastern PA, & NJ

CONGRATULATIONS Monroe Fire Department in Monroe, NY on their recent Spartan/EVI Heavy Rescue Order Features Include: • Spartan Gladiator LFD • Emergency Vehicles Inc Walk Around Rescue Body • 8 Man Cab • Cummins X12 500hp • Allison 4000EVS • Whelen LED Warning Lights • FRC LED Scene Lights • Wilburt LED 120v Light Tower • Cummins Onan PTO Generator • Roof Top Storage Compartments • Roof Top Ground Ladder Storage • Roof Top Access Ladder • Custom Air Bag Storage Module • Speedy-dry Storage Module • Tool Air Reels • Electrical Reels

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Phone: (845) 565-7700 • Fax: (845) 427-0825