1st Responder News PA October Edition

The Pennsylvania Edition PUBLISHING SINCE 1993

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OCTOBER, 2016

TWO-STORY DWELLING DESTROYED BY AFTERNOON BLAZE

TERRY SIGLER

Antrim, PA - On Tuesday, September 6th, Franklin County 911 received reports of a house fire, located south of Greencastle, off of Williamsport Pike. Washington County’s Tanker-13 out of Maugansville was en-route to a barn fire in Guilford Township when they saw a heavy column of black smoke emanating from the area of the house fire.

- See full story on page 17

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 20 No. 10 - 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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MAX HIRNEISEN

Multiple Alarm Fire in West Reading Brings City Response

West Reading, PA - On Saturday, August 27th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services received multiple calls reporting a deck on fire in the rear of 512 Penn Avenue.

Ladder-1 and Medic-3 were dispatched from the city to assist on the first-alarm. With the fire rapidly spreading in the rear, a second-alarm was requested at 3:23 P.M., bringing Engine3 to the scene. Companies remained on-scene for nearly two hours assisting West Reading and other county units. The fire was placed under control at 4:51 P.M.

Reading Probationary Firefighters Graduate Reading, PA - On Friday evening, August 26th, the academy graduated eight probationary firefighters during a ceremony held at the Double Tree Hotel. The ceremony began with entry by the RFD Color Guard marching to bagpipe music played

by Mark Atkinson. Firefighters, family and friends listened to words spoken by officers, the managing director, and special guest speaker, former Fire Marshal Todd Iaeger. Retired Police Officer Lionel Carter provided the opening prayer and benediction. The firefighters received their platoon assignments, with their first shift starting on Sunday evening, August 28th. The recruits will remain on probationary status for the next six months.

JEFF SHILLING

TERRY RITZ

Two-Car-MVA in Upper Hanover Upper Hanover, PA - On Sunday, August 28th at 1:20 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a two-vehicle-accident at the entrance to Goody'z Eatery, located on Rt. 29 in Upper Hanover Twp. The cause was unknown and the female driver of the passenger car was taken to a local hospital for further treatment. The driver of the SUV was not injured. Assisting EGFCo. was Pennsburg Fire Police, Upper Perk EMS and PA State police.

Junkyard Fire in Cumru Township

Cumru Township, PA - On Monday afternoon, August 29th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services began receiving calls for a column of smoke showing near the Berks Fire Training Center. While units were responding, companies were advised that the smoke was coming from Mohn's Towing scrap yard. FC-42 arrived to find a motorhome and debris from several other large vehicles burning. Engine-42 laid a line in from Mountain View Road and made an initial hit with a master stream to cool the area near a large stack of tires. Two lines were stretched into the area, with the fire being placed under control in 25 minutes. No injuries were reported and firefighters from Kenhorst, Reading, Shillington and West Reading assisted at the scene.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

DAN MILLER

Royersford Firefighters Help Child Stuck in Swing

Royersford, PA - On September 11th at 2:40 P.M., the Royersford Fire Department and Ambulance were dispatched to a park located at 5th Ave. and Chestnut St. for the report of a child stuck in a swing. Upon arrival, police and fire crews found a mother with her child, who was stuck in a swing. Crews utilized hydraulic cutters to remove the seat from the swing set, which allowed an easier removal of the child from the seat. Once removed, the child thanked all of the responders on-scene and the child's mother shook hands and thanked all personnel for coming to their aid.

The child was unhurt.

Command facing the townhouse with SQ-93 and E-93 in front of the fire building.

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Crews Rescue Trapped Occupant from Second-Floor Window Warwick Twp., PA - The Warwick Fire Co. was dispatched by Bucks County Emergency Communications to a dwelling fire with possible entrapment on September 1st. The initial alarm came in at 2:22 A.M. and called for TW-66, R-66, E-93 and SQ-93. Police onscene confirmed heavy smoke and fire with one person trapped and hanging out of a second-floor window. The trapped individual was not just a civilian, but a dispatch supervisor at Bucks County Emergency Communications.

Battalion-66 arrived on-scene and confirmed heavy fire with en-

JUMP TO FILE #090216127 trapment and set up Command, asking for the assignment to be upgraded to a full box. Chief-93 arrived on-scene and joined Battalion-66 in Command. As the first fire apparatus' were arriving, police officers and medics from Warminster Ambulance grabbed ladders off of a nearby pickup truck and placed them up the the second-floor window. Squirt-93 was first on-scene and started deploying ground ladders as the

trapped occupant was brought down by medics and police.

Coming in on the full box was L-90, E-90, E-92, SS-93 and R-29 for RIT. A special call went out for an additional Engine and Ladder, which were E-95 and L-79. Engine-62 and Engine-78 were also brought in to assist with overhaul.

Firefighters were on-scene for several hours. The occupant was transported to the hospital and released.

The fire in under investigation by FM-276 and the Bucks County Fire Marshal's office.

- JOHN ENGLAND IV

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.

DAN MILLER

Royersford Car Accident Snarls Traffic Royersford, PA - Trappe Fire Company Ambulance and Linfield Fire Company responded to a two-vehicle accident at the Intersection of 10th Ave. and Royersford Rd., located in the Royersford section of Limerick Twp., at 5:01 P.M. on Sunday, September 11th. Upon arrival, all occupants were out of their vehicles. Firefighters handled fluid control and secured power on the vehicles while EMS tended to the injured. Both drivers were transported to local hospitals. The accident is being investigated by Limerick Twp. Police.

FRANK ROBINSON

Malaga, NJ once ran this 1990 HME/Grumman 1500/2500 Pumper Tanker. The unit is now in service at Frystown, PA.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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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

Irwin, PA - The Irwin Fire Department runs this 2014 Smeal Sirius/2,000-GPM pump/300-gallon water/105-foot ladder truck as Truck-57.

DAVE FRITZ

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Second-Alarm Fire in Chester County

ADAM ALBERTI

Wernersville, PA - The Western Berks Fire Department recently received this 2016 Pierce Velocity/ 2000-GPM pump/500-Gallon Water Tank/40-Gallon Foam Tank with compressed air system/105-foot Aerial Ladder.

ADAM ALBERTI

Spring Township, PA - The Spring Township Fire Department has placed this 2015 KME Predator Heavy Rescue into service as Rescue-85. It has a 1500 GPM pump and 500 Gallon Water Tank.

ADAM ALBERTI

Bethlehem Twp, PA - The Nancy Run Fire Company recently placed this 2015 Spartan ERV 100' Ladder Tower into service as Tower1421. It has a 2000 GPM pump and 300 Gallon Water Tank.

East Brandywine Twp., PA On Friday, August 26th at 10:53 P.M., units were dispatched to the 100 block of Ridgewood Circle, located in East Brandywine Twp., for a house fire. Initial reports were of fire on the back deck, with the caller reporting that JUMP TO FILE# she couldn't breathe 083016110 and that the house was being evacuated. Stations 49, 48 ,46, E-45, E-38, R-47 and Ambulance-41 were on the initial call.

Chief-49 (Edwards) arrived first and reported a two-and-a-half story, single-family dwelling, with heavy fire showing from the "C" side of the building. Engine 49-5 arrived next and stretched a two-and-a-half inch line to the "C" side to start making an attack on the fire. Assistant-49 (D'Amico) arrived and assumed operations, immediately advising all units that this was going to an exterior attack due to the amount of fire and lack of water supply.

Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, a tanker task force was requested to the scene, bringing in E47-5, E44-5, E33-5, Tanker39 and Tanker-73. A short time after the tanker task force was requested, a second-alarm was called and then eventually, a second-alarm tanker task force was requested as well.

A total of nine tankers were dispatched to the scene. Engine45 and the tankers set up a dump site at the top of Ridgewood and Bailey, with two large fill tanks.

Once the tankers dumped their water, they proceeded up to Station-49 to fill with water again.

Crews on-scene of the fire had numerous handlines stretched, as well as multiple master streams, including the ladder pipe from Ladder-49. Crews were on-scene until the very early morning hours.

Firefighters from East Brandywine, Glen Moore, Thorndale, Downingtown, Lionville, Westwood, Po Mar Lin, West Bradford, Ludgwigs Corner, Honeybrook and Coatesville, VA Hospital all

MARK WALSH/IRISHEYEZ PHOTOGRAPHY

responded to the scene. EMS from Washington Hose Company and Brandywine Hospital Medic-93 were on-scene as well.

- MARK WALSH

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October, 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

Illinois: Eric Kohlbauer, 52 Rank: Captain Incident Date: July 12, 2016 Death Date: July 12, 2016 Fire Department: Freeport Rural Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Captain Kohlbauer was working with other members of his fire department on a pumper relay drill when he suddenly collapsed and fell face forward into a dump tank of water. Fellow responders immediately placed Kohlbauer on the ground and rendered medical aid, including AED. Within minutes, Captain Kohlbauer was transported to the hospital where, despite all best efforts, he succumbed to his injury reported to have been an aortic rupture.

Wisconsin:Mitch Koski, 56 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: July 11, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Montreal Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Chief Koski of the Montreal Fire Department was responding under a mutual aid agreement with the Saxon-Gurney Fire Department to people in distress in Saxon Harbor after making radio contact with the Saxon-Gurney Fire Chief. The private vehicle that Assistant Chief Koski responded in was washed into the harbor by the flash flood waters and Assistant Chief Koski perished from drowning.

Florida: Joseph T. DeMarinis, 32 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 13, 2016 Death Date: July 14, 2016 Fire Department: Clermont Fire Department Initial Summary: Several hours after getting off of his duty shift which included several emergency response calls, Firefighter DeMarinis checked himself into the hospital where he passed away from a reported cardiac event.

New York: John Scott, 71 Rank: Fire Coordinator Incident Date: July 20, 2016 Death Date: July 20, 2016 Fire Department: Tioga County Bureau of Fire Initial Summary: While performing maintenance on a county radio tower, Fire Coordinator Scott was struck when the driver of a county vehicle was

backing up. Scott was then transported to UHS Wilson Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

New Hampshire: Charles Waterbury, 56 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 24, 2016 Death Date: July 24, 2016 Fire Department: Orford Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Waterbury suffered a medical emergency while fighting a brush fire in Lyme, New Hampshire. Firefighter Waterbury was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center where he was pronounced dead from nature of fatal injury still to be determined.

Pennsylvania: Gabriel Garnet Lee, 42 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 23, 2016 Death Date: July 23, 2016 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Lee was found unresponsive in the gym of the firehouse several hours after responding to a fire call. Lee was treated by fellow responders then taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The nature of fatal injury is still to be determined.

Missouri: Edward Austin Cosgrove, Jr., 53 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 24, 2016 Death Date: July 24, 2016 Fire Department: Green Township Fire Protection District Initial Summary: Firefighter Cosgrove responded to a recreational vehicle on fire. On arrival, Firefighter Cosgrove was performing or assisting with hoseline advancement to perform fire suppression, when he became ill. Emergency care was initiated at the scene and Firefighter Cosgrove was transported to a local hospital in cardiac arrest where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Apartment Building Destroyed by Fast Moving Fire MARTY JOYCE

TFC Responds to Call with Crew of Female Firefighters Bensalem, PA – At 10:00 P.M. on September 6th, Trevose Fire Company (TFC) was returning from their drill at the Bensalem Township Public Safety Training Center when TFC Engine-84 was dispatched to the Barnes and Noble, located at Neshaminy Mall, for an alarm system. While the alarm system was uneventful, it was the engine crew that responded who was drawing the attention.

The responding firefighters consisted of an entire crew of female firefighters.

For the Trevose Fire Company, an “all-girl” crew is not unheard of, as 20-percent of the company’s current members are women. This crew of firefighters can trace their acceptance as firefighters back to over 40-years-ago, when the first women were welcomed in as fulltime members. Since then, women have held office in the fire company as both elected administrative and appointed line officers.

The Trevose Fire Company is proud of it's diverse volunteer

membership and value the time the volunteers give to train, run calls and complete other duties while still maintaining their busy home, work and social lives.

Pictured from left to right are Karli Krug, a recent high school graduate who works as a EMT; Amber Kenney, a new mother who works with intellectually disabled adults, teaching them work place skills and Jamie Monreal, the fire company photographer, who also volunteers with a local animal shelter and works at a rehabilitation clinic. Like all interior firefighting members of the Trevose Fire Company, these firefighters are IFSAC/ProBoard certified at the Firefighter-1 level, as well as PA DOH Basic Vehicle Rescue.

These three young women represent not only the Trevose Fire Company, but are also role models for young girls who wish to join the fire service.

- JOHN ENGLAND IV

McKees Rocks, PA - On Tuesday, September 13th at 3:47 A.M., firefighters were dispatched to the 400 block of Alexander Street, located in the McKees Rocks boro, for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, units found a three-story, six-unit apartment building, with the rear of the structure heavily involved with fire and heavy smoke coming from the entire building.

Due to the tight streets, only one engine was able to make it past the building and began attacking the fire

JUMP TO FILE #091616104 as McKees Rocks' ladder truck was placed between two homes on Island Avenue, which is located behind the structure. The fire quickly grew to three alarms due to the amount of fire and lack of access to the structure.

At one point, the roof had collapsed, forcing firefighters into a defensive attack. The fire was finally

placed under control at 7:38 A.M and the building was declared a total loss. A total of 13 adults and nine children were displaced by the fire, but luckily, all occupants made it out safely and no firefighters were injured.

Fire officials stated that the fire started after one of the residents fell asleep while cooking french fries; however, the official cause is still pending.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Two Garages and Vehicle Destroyed in Beaver Beaver, PA - Around 1:20 P.M. on Saturday, September 17th, Beaver Firefighters were dispatched to the 200 block of Buffalo Street for a reported structure fire.

Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved garage fire, with extension to an additional garage and one vehicle.

Propane tanks were JUMP TO FILE# also reported to 091916100 have exploded.

Smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away and a cloud of smoke filled several nearby blocks as firefighters attacked the fire.

A total of five Beaver County Fire Departments responded to the fire, which was placed under control in under one hour. Police

stated that the fire may have possibly started when a resident was burning leaves, which is illegal in

the town.

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

-ERIC RASMUSSEN

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

JOHN M. MALECKY

Levittown's former Squrt, a 1990 Seagrave 1500/500, now serves the Hamilton Township, NJ Fire Department at DeCou Hose.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Liberty Fire Co. of Schuylkill Haven operates this 1992 Pierce Arrow 1500/1000 as Squad 63-69. It previously served the Goodwill Fire Company of Cressona, located only about one mile away.

DAVE FRITZ

The Kinloch Fire Department recently placed into service this 1992 Seagrave as Engine-54, which previously served as Engine-29 with SAVES and prior to the merge, served as Engine-18 from Brushtown Fire Department, located in Adams County.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Blair County's Bald Eagle Fire Company operates a 1994 Spartan/Saulsbury as Engine-3612. It has a 1500 pump, 1000 water and previously served in Havre de Grace, MD.

October, 2016

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

NEVER FORGET

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

ANTHONY MICCICKE

A 9/11 Memorial monument stone at Post-184, located in Upper Hanover Twp.

TERRY RITZ

TERRY RITZ

A 9/11 Memorial, located off of Gravel Pike in Upper Hanover Twp., at Post 184 American Legion Home.

ANTHONY MICCICKE

Second-Floor of Dwelling Burns in Reading

Reading, PA - On the evening of Saturday, August 27th, the Berks County DES began receiving calls reporting a house on fire with flames showing in the 700 block of North 9th Street. Engine-9 and Ladder-3 arrived to find a crowd surrounding a two-and-a-half story dwelling with nothing showing. As firefighters opened the door to the secondfloor stairs, smoke began to flow from the building. The fire was located in a bedroom and crews began stretching a line. All searches were clear and the fire was knocked within 10 minutes. Crews ventilated the structure and started salvage on the first-floor. No injuries were reported.

The Fire Marshal's Office was investigating and Chief Stoudt (C7) was in command.

BARBARA WEST

Mobile Home Fire in Bethel Township

Bethel Township, PA - On the morning of Saturday, September 10th, firefighters on the northern end of Lebanon County were dispatched to 8 East Pine Street for a reported house fire.

Units arrived to a well involved mobile home burning. According to Fredericksburg Fire Chief Kevin Snader, the fire was quickly knocked by firefighters using about 750-gallons of water.

The lone occupant of the house escaped unharmed. The Lebanon County Fire Marshal was requested to the scene for the investigation. Firefighters from Mount Zion, Jonestown, Bunker Hill, Ono, Lickdale, Frystown, Myerstown and Bellgrove assisted.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Fire Damages Six Row Homes and Displaces Residents Ashland, PA - On August 25th at 1:10 P.M., the Ashland and Girardville Fire Departments, along with Ashland EMS, were dispatched to 402 West Center Street for a possible structure fire. The caller reported smoke coming from a second-floor window of JUMP TO FILE# the two-and-a-half 090116108 story row home. The Ashland Police and an assistant fire chief arrived within minutes and found heavy smoke pushing from the windows and confirmed a working fire. A number of the home’s occupants had self-evacuated and were found waiting outside of the buildings.

The assistant chief requested that the second-alarm be dispatched to the scene. The dispatch center then upgraded the alarm and quickly dispatched Mount Carmel, Altamont, Shenandoah, Gordon, Mahanoy City Fire Companies and the Englewood RIT Team. The assistant fire chief determined that the fire appeared to be spreading throughout the roof line of the row homes. He then requested additional RIT Companies from Mahanoy City and Pottsville City.

Ashland Engine 38-15 established a water supply from a hydrant located west of the fire building. Engine 38-15 then staged on Center Street, just west of the side of the structure. The crew from Engine 38-15 deployed hose lines into the doors of the exposure structures of 404 and 406 Center Street. Ashland Engine 38-10 established a water supply from a hydrant located in the rear of the fire building, in a back alley. The crew from Engine 38-10 deployed hose lines into the rear doors of the structures that were on fire. Ashland Ladder 38-25 staged in front of the building on the Center Street and sent it's ladder to the roof. The ladder crew then deployed a number of ground ladders to the "Alpha" side of the homes.

Girardville Engine 45-10 established a water supply from a hydrant located just east of the fire buildings. Engine 45-10 and Chief45 moved up to the fire location to find heavy flames coming from the second-floor windows. Chief-45 and his crew from Engine 45-10 deployed hose lines to the front side of the structure to make an exterior attack. The flames were quickly knocked down by the exterior hose lines from Engine 45-10.

The second-alarm engine crews arrived and deployed their crews to the second-floor to attack the extending fire. The attack crews quickly knocked down the fire and vented out the window. The backup crews proceeded to check on extensions and vent the smoke from all of the upper windows. Mount Carmel Ladder-2 staged at the "Alpha-Delta" corner and sent it's ladder to the roof of the exposure homes. Citizen's Tower-456 was given orders to set up on the "Bravo" side and send it's platform up to conduct roof operations.

Chief-45 and his crew from Engine 45-10 deployed hose lines to the front side of the structure to make an exterior attack.

STEPHEN BARRETT

The attack crews quickly knocked down the fire and vented out the window.

Shenandoah Ladder-745 staged at the "Alpha-Bravo" corner and sent it's ladder to the roof. The secondalarm ladder crews went to the roof to assist the Ashland firefighters with vertical ventilation. Pottsville City fire units arrived and sent their crews to assist the Ashland firefighters with RIT Team operations.

The remaining responding units staged on Center Street and sent

their crews to the fire building. A number of firefighters entered the fire building to back-up the first attack crews. Hose-lines were advanced to the attics of the home in order to stop the spreading flames.

The fire was eventually extinguished and overhaul was then started by the interior firefighters. The smoke was quickly vented from the building and no major fire extensions were

found past 406 West Center Street.

Chief-38 declared the fire under controlled at 1:30 P.M. and then started to release some mutual aid units from the scene. The remaining Ashland and Girardville fire units picked up and returned to their quarters by 4:00 P.M. A total of six homes and were affected by the fire. The tenants of the affected homes were displaced.

STEPHEN BARRETT

The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents with finding shelter and providing relief.

The fire was found to have started on a mattress and was caused by a juvenile with a lighter. Ashland, Frackville and Shenandoah Ambulances provided rehab to the firefighters on-scene.

- STEPHEN BARRETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

BUDDY SHOT

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

JOSHUA "GUNNER" KNOLL

The Yellow Breeches Ambulance Company recently hosted the Cumberland County, PA 89th Annual Fireman's Convention and Parade.

Part of the parade included a special group of brothers and sisters who came down from Canada to help celebrate the event and march in the parade. The Canadians marched the entire parade route and also took home some awards in the process, including 1st-Place for Longest Distance Traveled and a Judges award.

TOM LESZCZYNSKI

Reading Firefighters work some hot-spots after knocking down a garage fire on Moss Street.

Garage Fire Destroys Two Vehicles

Reading Firefighters Luke DePledge and Ron Frey stopped recently to pose with WFMZ-69 News Reporter Keleigh Gibbs.

RON FREY

DID YOU K NOW

?

Firehouses have spiral staircases because horses that were used in the 1800’s to pull fire wagons had learned how to walk up straight ones.

Reading, PA - At 9:42 A.M. on Tuesday, September 6th, the Berks County DES center received a report from a parking enforcement officer about a fire on Moss Street. Seconds later, multiple calls were received JUMP TO FILE# reporting a column 090616118 of smoke showing from multiple locations around the city. Engine-9 and Ladder-3 arrived at 1206 Moss Street to a singlestory, deep garage, burning in between two dwellings. Two lines were stretched from Engine-9 off of North Mill Street. Engine-1 took position on Moss Street and stretched a line from that location. Two vehicles were found burning in the garage. Both vehicles were completely destroyed.

Adjacent properties suffered exterior damage due to the radiant heat. The fire was placed under control at 9:59 A.M., with overhaul following. The owner of the garage was transported from the scene with burns. The Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the cause and origin of the fire.

- JASON BATZ

JUDD WEBER

Smoke pours from the tops of these homes on North 10th Street after two cars in a garage caught fire in Reading.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 17

October, 2016

Two-Story Dwelling in Antrim Township Destroyed by Afternoon Blaze Antrim, PA - On Tuesday, September 6th, Franklin County 911 received reports of a house fire, located south of Greencastle, off of Williamsport Pike. Franklin dispatched crews on Box 3-13A at 4:37 P.M. to 13432 Whispering Springs Drive. Emergency crews from Franklin County and Washington County were due on the assignment.

Washington County’s Tanker13 out of Maugansville was enroute to a barn fire in Guilford Township when they saw a heavy column of black smoke emanating from the area of the house fire.

They reported the column of smoke to Franklin Dispatch and advised that they would be diverting to the house fire due to their close proximity to the incident.

Greencastle Ambulance 3-7 was the first unit to arrive and found heavy fire showing from the second-floor and coming through the roof. Ambulance 3-7 reported a two-story structure with fire through the roof and exposures on side "Bravo." Engine 3-1 requested the working fire dispatch to be started on Ambulance 3-7's report. As crews arrived, it was confirmed that there were no occupants in the structure at the time of the fire.

Firefighters responding on Box 3-13A arrived and started a defensive attack mode, attacking the blaze from the exterior of the structure. The fire quickly spread from the second-story "Bravo" side, into the garage area, and across the roof. Greencastle’s Deputy Chief Harold Koons arrived and assumed Whispering Springs Drive Command and quickly assessed what he had to work with.

Crews were split up into two attack groups to battle the rapidly growing blaze. One group worked to protect exposures on side "Bravo" while the second group of crews worked to attack the blaze itself with hand lines. Upon arrival of Washington County Quint-27, operations worked to

JUMP TO FILE #090716120 establish water supply to adequately supply Quint-27 for ladder pipe operations, as crews continued to battle the blaze with hand lines.

Firefighters battled the blaze for approximately one hour before gaining control of the afternoon blaze. Fire crews remained on the scene into the early evening hours, conducting overhaul operations and hitting hot spots to ensure that the fire was out. Command was able to release a majority of the crews around 7:30 P.M. Franklin Dispatch was challenged that day with two working fire incidents at the same time, in Guilford Township and Antrim Township. This caused a challenge with resources needed at both incidents, including multiple tankers to establish water supply operations at both scenes.

The cause of the blaze on Whispering Springs Drive is not currently known and is still under investigation. The house involved sustained heavy damage and the neighboring residence sustained moderate exterior damage from the heat. Luckily, no injuries were reported during the incident. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals were called in for the investigation.

Greencastle Fire Co.3 received assistance from Franklin County crews, including Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Mercersburg “M.M.P.W.” Co.9, Marion Fire Co.8 and Franklin Fire Station-4.

Greencastle also received out-ofcounty assistance from Washington County crews, including Maugansville Fire Co.13, Longmeadow Fire Co.27, Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Clear Spring Fire Co.4, Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Community Rescue Medic 75-9, Washington County Rehab-255 and Washington County Air Unit-25.

- WILLIAM KING

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

JOSHUA "GUNNER" KNOLL

Westmoreland County, PA - Grapeville Fire Company's Station-21 still operates this 1995 HME/4 Guys/1,500 GPM/750-gallon tank engine. This engine proudly served in Patton, PA for a time as well.

WCVFRA-PT: SHANE SHIFFLETT

Assistant Chief Smiley from Longmeadow operates the ladder pipe off of Quint-27.

Fire quickly spread across the roof as firefighters worked to establish a water supply.

BOB LONG

WCVFRA-PT: TERRY SIGLER

PAGE 18

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

What Does a Trash Bag Mean to You? Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

Let's think about what happens when we get a call for a house or apartment.

The alarm comes in and we board our bright shiny fire apparatus, we make it through the traffic to the location, we connect to the hydrant, do a search and then work on suppression, then overhaul. But something may be missing. Where is the client in this equation? Are they on the other side of the barrier tape? Are they dressed? Who is there for the unfortunate person? I know the answer is the Red Cross, but who is there for them until they show up?

We know that when the call is over, if we have a bad call, we can get help through the crisis team.

The client is standing there, watching their life go into ruins.

Do you have someone to put a blanket around them? Who takes them to a safe place so their trauma is reduced? So many times we may not understand what our client is going through in the hour or so until the Red Cross shows up, if someone called for them.

Fire is a thief, but worse than a thief. The thief comes into the house and steals the television, or computer or something that THEY think is valuable. Fire comes in a destroys everything,

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things that are worth money and things that are worth memories.

Many of us have not experienced what a client really goes.

Let's put on a new set of glasses.

Your house is on fire. You may have been pulled out of the house or gotten out before it got too bad.

You hear the crash of windows and see the roof cut open. You are standing watching things being destroyed by the fire. You may be in your pajamas, because during fire prevention you were told to get out fast. After the fire, you see that they are bringing out your sofa, television, computer, etc. You are given a trash bag, the same ones that are used in the fire station. You are told to gather all your possessions and put them in the bag and that you will only be able to go back into the house once, before it is razed or you are not allowed entry. You may or may not be able to use your car. Oh wait, your

phone and all the phone numbers and insurance policies were burned in the fire, or stored on the computer, that is laying on the front lawn.

Let us put ourselves in their place. How would we want to be treated or worked with during the fire? During our time of crisis?

How many of your needs from Maslow's hierarchy of needs are being met?

Maybe your department can teach your crews how to work with the clients. Maybe your department can do a drill with the Red Cross, where your people are put into a shelter, as a client. Go to another town during a big fire. Do not buff the job. Observe. Watch the people.

Watch the emotions. Find out how you can truly help your neighbor, the client, the victim.

Stay Safe Didymus McHugh

October, 2016

PAGE 19

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PAGE 20

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

ADAM ALBERTI

New Hope, PA - Eagle Fire Company maintains this 1951 Mack L85S pumper. It has a 750-GPM pump and 750-gallon water tank. It is designated as Engine 46-1 and was in service up until just a few years ago.

DAVE FRITZ

Natrona Heights, PA - Hilltop Hose Co. 3 still maintains this 1959 GMC/Gerstenslager as Squad-32, a company owned antique in their unique blue color.

On Call ON THE BOOK SHELF Jr

by John Malecky

On Call By Allen B. Locklier,

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: $19.99 This is a soft cover book measuring six inches by nine inches and has 229 pages. It is a compilation of memoirs of a paramedic firefighter who served a career in the Clark County, Nevada Fire Department whose headquarters is in Las Vegas. During his career he served as a firefighter, paramedic and arson investigator, so the 57 chapters in the book reflect on memories of all three duties and as you can imagine the stories are short! Not all of the stories are “in the field� shall we say as some of them take place in the

station and other places. I believe it is helpful to explain a little about Clark County and the fire department. The county itself is the largest in the state of Nevada and is the size of the state of New Jersey which is 7790 square miles.

One of its jurisdiction is protection of the Las Vegas strip so alarms on that strip receive a dual response from the county and the city. They also cover the largest part of Las Vegas Valley which is 293 square miles and to three resort townships. They maintain 29 career and 13 volunteer stations the latter being in rural areas. In any event this book is a good read!

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

PAGE 21

Entrapped Driver Flown to York Hospital Following MVC with Collapse Gettysburg, PA - On Friday, September 2nd, Adams County 911 received reports of a serious accident in the area of 165 York Street, located in the Borough of Gettysburg.

Emergency crews from Gettysburg Fire Department, along with Gettysburg EMS, JUMP TO FILE# were alerted around 090416100 2:46 A.M. for the auto accident.

MICU-54 arrived to the scene and found a vehicle on it's side, with fire and heavy entrapment.

MICU-54 immediately requested additional rescue units to the scene to assist with extrication. A Gettysburg Borough employee, Francis Dutrow, was able to arrive shortly after dispatch and used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out prior to FD arrival.

Firefighters were faced with a single occupant that was trapped.

The vehicle had struck a building, causing a major collapse at Li’s Buffet on York Street. Chief-1 Hurshel Shank, arrived on the scene and assumed Command. With the extensive damage and structural collapse, Command quickly assessed the scene and requested a full structural box to be dispatched out, along with the York County ATR Collapse Unit to the incident.

Crews were split up into several groups due to the extensive operation they were faced with. As res-

cue crews worked to free the patient, several personnel were assigned to watch the structure for any changes during rescue operations, while other crews stretched out hose lines around the scene to be prepared for any fires that could be ignited from the collapse.

Firefighters from Rescue-1 began extrication efforts and were soon assisted by crews from Barlow Rescue-22 upon their arrival. Lieutenant-1 Ed Mizenko had command of the rescue group, as crews worked to free the driver of the truck. The driver was a male patient whose extremities were pinned under the dash and seat, with the floor boards pushed upwards. Firefighters worked for nearly 90 minutes, using hydraulic tools and basic portable tools, before freeing the driver from the wreckage.

Firefighters searched the rubble of the structure collapse to confirm that they had no other victims on the scene, which came up negative. Gettysburg Police had reports of a second occupant fleeing the scene prior to units' arrival. The driver was the only reported injury from the incident. It was advised that he sustained moderate-to life-threatening injuries.

He was transported to Gettysburg Hospital, where he was then flown by Life Lion Aviation to York Hospital.

Once rescue operations were complete, a building engineer was called in to inspect the structure that had sustained heavy damage, which was later deemed condemned until repairs could be made. Fire crews re-

mained on location that morning until 6:15 A.M. Fire Police remained on the scene until 4:32 P.M. that afternoon, until the building was secured.

Gettysburg Police are investigating the accident. It is believed that the vehicle was traveling at speeds around 90-miles-per-hour when the

accident occurred.

Gettysburg Fire Co.1 responded out and received assistance from Barlow Fire Department Rescue-22, United Hook & Ladder Co.33, Biglerville Fire Rescue-6, Arendtsville Fire Tower-5, York County ATR, and Collapse-9. Addi-

911-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

tional assistance was also received from Fire Police units out of Gettysburg, Barlow, Cashtown, United Hook & Ladder, Irishtown, Littlestown, Heidlersburg, Fairfield, Hampton and Arendtsville.

- WILLIAM KING

Multiple Units Respond to Second-Alarm in Reading Reading, PA - On the morning of Sunday, August 28th, the Berks County DES sent companies to a working fire at 306 South 6th Street. Tower-1 arrived at a twoand-a-half story structure, with fire showing from the top floor. Firefighters forced the front JUMP TO FILE# door open and 082816112 stretched into the building. As crews worked the fire, searches were in progress in both the fire building and it's exposures. The bulk of the fire was knocked down at 7:16 A.M., with a large amount of overhaul following. All searches were declared clear, with multiple firefighters working the roofs of the dwellings. Chief J. Stoudt requested a second-alarm to assist with the large amount of overhaul.

No injuries were reported and the fire was eventually placed under control at 8:08 A.M. The Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the cause. Units from West Reading, Kenhorst and Spring Township assisted at the scene. Members from the "A" platoon placed reserve apparatus into service and off-duty firefighters were also called in to man the reserved apparatus.

- JASON BATZ

Firefighters gather to take a break after this two-alarm fire on South 6th Street in Reading.

ANTHONY MICCICKE

PAGE 22

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Car Fire in Reading Extends to Structure Reading, PA - On Saturday morning, August 17th, C-Platoon companies were dispatched for a vehicle fire at 5th Street and Cherry Street. Companies arrived to a passenger vehicle fully involved with fire, which had extended to a covered carport-type structure, as well as JUMP TO FILE# the adjoining build- 091716101 ing.

Chief Stoudt (C7), requested that the Box be transmitted for a working fire. Crews forced entry into the rear of the long property, which fronted on South 5th St. as a commercial occupancy. The interior ceilings were pulled and the roof was opened to halt the spread of the fire in the rear of the firstfloor. Operating over multiple interior staircases while attempting to vent the smoke and conduct secondary searches, crews escorted occupants from the building who were found in an apartment on the third-floor. The fire was placed under control with overhaul at 2:15 A.M. No injuries were reported and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.

- JASON BATZ

BRETT MACK

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

MVA in I-70 Construction Zone Sends Several to Hospital Bentlyville, PA - On September 13th, units responded to I-70 Eastbound for an MVA in a construction zone. The accident resulted in a major traffic back up and several individuals being sent to the hospital.

The MVA oc- JUMP TO FILE# curred when a Mini- 091316120 van was rear-ended by a Ford, approximately three miles past the Bentlyville exit. The area was under construction, being widened and lengthened, to help avoid accidents. That very dangerous stretch of I-70 is considered one of the 10 most dangerous roads in all of PA. Firefighters and medics from Falowfield and Benteyville responded to the scene, along with PSP. The MVA was just one of several incidents that day, including at least two other accidents and a fuel spill, all along the same road.

- NICK MARKOWITZ

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Medics assist occupants of the Minivan, which was struck from behind.

NICK MARKOWITZ JR.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

PAGE 25

FACES OF PENNSYLVANIA’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

Reading, PA - In September, Reading Firefighters completed their 2016 MDA fundraising campaign, raising $5,513 during their Fall boot drive. The total amount of money raised for the year came to $10,547! Reading Firefighters are always proud to raise money for such an exceptional charity.

KATRINA SCHREEFER

Bethel, PA - Retired Jonestown Fire Chief Bernie Boltz takes up after a recent fire in Bethel Township.

BARBARA WEST

DAN MILLER

Royersford, PA - On September 11th, Royersford Firefighters helped remove a child who was stuck in a swing.

TERRY RITZ

East Greenville, PA - Former East Greenville Fire Co. Chief Engineer Dick Conrad at Annual Community Day in September.

ANTHONY MICCICKE

Reading, PA - Reading 2nd Deputy Chief Larry Moyer removes a hose line after a second-alarm fire on South 6th Street in August.

PAGE 26

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

ARTIE OSNIAK

City of Butler House Fire

Butler, PA - On September 5th at 7:07 P.M., the City of Butler FD, along with Veterans Affairs FD and Butler Ambulance Service, was dispatched to 311 W. Brady St. for a residential structure fire. Upon arrival of Butler City, units confirmed a working fire on the second-floor of the duplex.

Crews went to work attacking the fire with a one-and-threequarter inch hand line. The fire was contained to the second-floor. One resident was checked out by EMS for a burn to the arm, but refused transport to the hospital. All crews cleared the scene shortly after.

ANTHONY MICCICKE

Reading, PA - The Reading Fire Department's volunteer SCUBA team operates this 1972 Ford/Boyertown unit as Scuba-1. The rig formerly saw service with Birdsboro-Union Fire Department as Rescue 7-4.

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 27

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

JASON BATZ

Burn Victim Flown from Cumru Township Cumru Township, PA - On Wednesday, August 14th around 1:30 P.M., Berks DES dispatched an ambulance from Southern Berks to Mount Penn Road for a report of a male who suffered severe burns after a radiator exploded. Moments after EMS arrived, a helicopter was requested to transport the patient to the burn center at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Company42 was dispatched for the landing zone and located a field near the residence for landing. After assisting the helicopter staff from Penn Star-4, all units were cleared.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Lebanon County's Bellegrove Fire Company operates QRS-6, a 2015 Ford F-550/Custom Truck and Body Works. This unit runs all EMS calls in the coverage area and can also haul manpower for other incidents.

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PAGE 28

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

each month in all of our r editions.

TERRY RITZ

One Injured in Two-Car-MVA

For over 40-years, Barry Walters has been an EMT with Jeannette EMS, located in Jeannette, PA. After the September 11th attacks, Barry was inspired to draw a sketch of a 9/11 memorial.

With the help of a tattoo artist, he brought that sketch to life and had it tattooed on his back two-years-ago. The tattoo is a permanent reminder of 9/11, symbolizing both Freedom and the sacrifices made that day, which we will never forget.

East Greenville, PA - On Saturday, September 17th at 5:50 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched for a two-vehicle accident, located in the boro on Blaker Dr. There was one minor injury to a female that was in the car and she was treated at the scene by EMS. The accident involved a small pick-up truck and a sedan. Other details of the accident were not made available. Assisting the fire company were Upper Perk Police, Upper Perk EMS and Pennsburg Fire Police.

Would youyou likelike youryour emergency services related Would emerge ency services related tattoo featured here? ?

Contact tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey us at at News@1stResponderNe ews.com

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

D ID YOU K NOW

?

TERRY RITZ

Patients involved in accidents used to be carried in mortuary vehicles! Before 1966 and the emergence of the Emergency Medical Service, it would be normal for people to be transported to the hospital in vehicles used by funeral homes.

Brush Fire at New Goshenhoppen Park East Greenville, PA - On Wednesday, September 14th at 1:42 P.M., the East Greenville Fire Co. was dispatched to a brush fire at New Goshenhoppen Church Park. The cause of the fire is unknown and there were no injuries reported. The fire spread from an upper field, down through the fence and into the park. Assisting EGFCo. were Pennsburg Fire Co., Hereford Fire Co. and Pennsburg Fire Police.

ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATE 1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

PAGE 29

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

DAN MILLER

Royersford, PA - Linfield Firefighter Christian Flynn applies absorbent at the scene of a two-vehiclecrash on September 11th.

Reading, PA - On September 5th, Reading FF Justin Auker battled a fire in a garbage can.

JASON BATZ

Ashland, PA - Backup crews proceeded to check on extensions and vent smoke from the upper windows of a house fire on August 25th.

STEPHEN BARRETT

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Beaver, PA - On September 17th, Beaver Firefighters worked at a structure with multiple garages on fire.

ANTHONY MICCICKE

Reading, PA - Reading Firefighter Tom Leszczynski treats a patient after a motorcycle accident on September 4th.

PAGE 30

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Vehicle News

The Falls Twp. Fire Department in Bucks County recently placed this 2016 Ford F550/EJ Metals mini pumper in service as Tac-30. It has a 300 GPM pump, 300 gallon water tank, and 30 gallon foam tank. It was purchased factory direct.

Hempfield Township Fire Department in Lancaster County recently took delivery of a 2016 Sutphen SPH100 Tower Ladder. It has a 1500-GPM pump, 300-gallon water tank and 100' aluminum aerial ladder. It will serve the department as Tower-69.

ADAM ALBERTI

For the first time since 1987, the City of Harrisburg will be operating a Tiller. Ladder-2 is scheduled to go into service this Fall, after extensive training. The last Tiller was sold off from reserve status in 1987. The new ladder is a 2016 Pierce Arrow XT with a 100' ladder.

The City of Scranton recently received a 2016 KME Union Fire Company of Carlisle recently took delivery Pumper and placed it into service as Engine Company- of this 2016 Pierce Enforcer pumper. It has a 1500-GPM 4. It has a 1500-GPM pump, 1000-GWT and 25-gallon pump, 750-gallon water tank and 30-gallon foam tank. foam tank.

ADAM ALBERTI

ADAM ALBERTI

The Neptune Fire Company of Richland, located in Lebanon County, has placed into service a 2015 Spartan/KME remount of their 1993 Saulsbury body. The body was originally mounted on a Volvo Chassis.

ADAM ALBERTI

Dunmore Fire Department in Lackawanna County recently received a 2016 Pierce Velocity 100' aerial ladder.

It has a 2000-GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank and is painted in the department's new black-over-red paint scheme.

ADAM ALBERTI

Washington Fire Company of Mechanicsburg recently took delivery and placed this 2016 Pierce Enforcer pumper into service. It has a 1500-GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank and 30-gallon foam tank.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

KME has delivered a new Heavy Rescue to the Friendship Fire Company of South Lebanon Township in Lebanon County. The 2016 KME Severe Service, Rescue-25, replaces a 1995 E-One Cyclone, which has been sold to the Rainbow Fire Company of Schuylkill Haven.

PROVIDED BY KEN SHULER

ADAM ALBERTI

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

ADAM ALBERTI

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Limerick Fire Co. recently put this 2016 Ford/350XLT/4x4 Eagle Fire Company of New Hope recently received this Community Fire Company of Cornwall Borough in with Super Single Conversion from Firematic into service. 2015 Kenworth T800/4Guys tanker. It has a 2000-GPM Lebanon County recently placed this new engine into pump and 4000-gallon water tank. service as Wagon-36. The 2016 Freightliner M2 has a Pierce body, with a 1250-pump, 750-tanker and 20-Foam.

It also carries some extrication equipment.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

The Human Factors, a Contributing Factor in Firefighter Injury and Death, Part III STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

This article, along with the two previous articles, first appeared when I initially started writing this column, "Staying Safe," 15-years-ago. I repeated it six-years-ago with slight modification, and feel it still holds true today as a leading cause of firefighter injury and death. It can serve as a refresher for senior firefighters and as a safety lesson for newer firefighters.

There are those firefighters who believe they are impervious to injury and that accidents don’t happen to them; therefore they can do and act as they wish. The taking of foolish chances and avoidable risks under the guise of being a “macho” firefighter can lead to injury and death. This is Human Error at its worse and any personnel displaying this type of action requires strong supervision, discipline and additional training to correct the behavior. In most circumstances, the problem will be remedied. Personnel who believe they operate in a protected environment, safe and free from harm, just because of the nature of the service they provide, are setting themselves up for disaster.

Horseplay and practical jokes have been in the fire service from its origin and when done occasionally and in good taste, they can contribute to the morale of the organization while building camaraderie and providing a form of stress relief. It is important that horseplay not get out of control and that it is not demeaning, offensive, or derogatory, and also that it does not compromise safety.

The biggest negative factor regarding horseplay is that it has the tendency to get out of control and it is then when stupidity is interjected that the problems and unsafe acts begin. Any form of horseplay at the scene of an emergency should not be permitted because it becomes a diversion of one’s concentration from the tasks at hand and increases the risk for unsafe acts. Supervision and department policy will control to what extent horseplay may be tolerated, if at all.

There is a feeling among many firefighters, especially the newer firefighters, that to seek help in order to accomplish a task or chore is reflective of their inability to get the job done, while in actuality, they may be increasing their risk of being injured. As previously mentioned, “you do not have to know how to do everything," and with that I include, “you don’t have to do everything alone.”

There are many functions on the

emergency scene that require team effort and if the task you have been assigned to needs more than one set of hands or eyes, request them. You may need someone to assist you with lifting, raising a ladder, or to protect your back when opening a roof. Strains, sprains and falls add to the number of injuries each year that can be prevented, simply by seeking a helping hand. If there are not enough personnel on-scene, call for additional help. If upon arrival it looks like you will need more personnel, call immediately, as you will need lead time before they are on-scene and available to assist. The old proverb still exists, “call for help early, if you don’t need them, they can go back home, but if you do, they are on the way!” Adequate on-scene personnel greatly reduces the potential for unsafe acts and injuries.

Common sense, something that was always the hallmark of the American persona, has been on the decline in our country and has appeared within the ranks of emergency service. Common sense is the basic brain function that helps keep us safe and generally acts as our gut reaction and alarm system, which (should) alert us to danger.

If something doesn't look right, it probably isn't. That is how simple it is! You don’t need a ruler to measure how far the distance is between the base of the ladder and the wall in order to check for a safe climbing angle. If it doesn't look safe, it isn't. When you are crawling down that long, smoke filled hallway and the flames start to roll back in your direction, it is common sense that tells you to slow down, open the nozzle, or get the heck out! Common sense, when used in addition to our other senses, is an integral part of our built-in personal alert system. Pay attention to it, as it may very well save your life.

These are just some of the Human Factors that contribute to human error, which in turn contribute to unsafe acts, followed by an increase in accidents and the possibility of death and injury.

Until we can control the excitement, speed and adrenaline rush that kick in during emergency response while also overpowering the thought process, we remain at risk. Human error is a behavioral problem that is controllable through training, supervision and thought. Think about what you are going to do, before you do it.

Think about what can go wrong in the task you are about to do. Think about the risks involved and weigh them against what you intend to accomplish. Always take the time to think. Just because you put your helmet on your head doesn't mean you have to remove your thinking cap!

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

October, 2016

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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.

The Jeannette Fire Department in Westmoreland County runs this unique vehicle as Vent-112, a 1990 Chevy/Smokeblaster. Vent trucks are starting to become more prevalent now, but this piece was bought new by Jeannette in 1990 and replaced another one. There is currently a total of four vent trucks in the Pittsburgh area, which has a rich assortment of specialty pieces.

DAVE FRITZ

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Joliett Fire Company of Schuylkill County operates this 2015 GMC 3500/Knaphiede as Attack-810.

It has a 250-pump, 200-water and 10-foam.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Madisonville Independent Fire Company operates a trio of DCNR brush trucks, including Brush 561, a 1986 Chevrolet with a PP/200 water.

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

PATCH OF THE MONTH

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

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

JOSHUA "GUNNER" KNOLL

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Adams Township Fire Department, located in Dunlo, PA.

The Citizens Fire Company, out of Mt. Holly Borough in Cumberland County, still operates this 1996 E-ONE 100' Straight stick. This image was captured during the Cumberland County Firefighter's Convention.

RON JEFFERS

New Hope TAC 64 is going strong with this 1979 Dodge 4WD/Pierce 400-gpm/300-gwt mini-pumper.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Kinzer Fire Company of Lancaster County still operates this 1990 Pierce Dash 1250/3000 tanker.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

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October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

RAYMOND STENDER

Fire Breaks Out at Joe’s Hilltop Garage in Erie Erie, PA - At approximately 10:00 A.M. on September 15th, a structure fire was reported at Joe's Hilltop Garage, located on Henderson Rd. Smoke was showing upon arrival and the fire was located in the wood stove of a one-story, 35x75 garage. Units from Bellevalley, Perry Highway, Kearsarge, Kuhl hose, Brookside and Westleville were called to knock down the fire.

NIK KNAUER

Congratulations to Reading 1st Deputy Sean Hart on his new position with Berks County DES. Chief Hart recently resigned after 19 years of serving the City of Reading. Chief Hart was hired on June 16th of 1997. After the academy, Firefighter Hart was assigned to the "B" platoon as a jumper firefighter. On March 5th of 2005, Sean moved on to Engine-9 as a firefighter within the same platoon. In December of 2010, Sean was promoted to Lieutenant in the training division. On June 1st of 2013, Lt. Hart was promoted to 2nd Deputy Chief on the "C" platoon and then 1st Deputy in May of 2015. We wish Sean the best of luck in his new position!

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

October, 2016

PAGE 35

Late Model Used Apparatus Command Fire offers these beautiful certified units for immediate sale!

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PAGE 36

October, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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