1st Responder PA September Edition

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SEPTEMBER, 2016

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Duquesne, PA - At 10:39 A.M. on July 19th, firefighters were dispatched to the 2300 block of Duquesne Place Drive, located in the Hilltop Parkview Manor Apartments, for a reported kitchen fire. Arriving units found a working fire on the first-floor of a multi-residential apartment building that was rapidly spreading from the kitchen throughout the apartment.

- See full story on page 17

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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FDIC

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Task Force Tips

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CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 20 No. 9 - 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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JASON BATZ KEN SNYDER

Bethlehem Firefighters Battle Three-Alarm Blaze Bethlehem, PA - Firefighters responded to the 1600 block of E. 8th St. for a working fire in a duplex on May 26th at around 9:41 A.M. First-due Southside companies encountered water problems, hindering fire suppression. Second and thirdalarms were soon to follow. Three interior firefighters later declared a "Mayday." One firefighter was able to make an interior escape, while one escaped down a ladder from the second-floor and another had to jump from the second-floor window on Side-4. That firefighter received leg injuries and was transported to the hospital. Master streams from Ladder-1 and Aerial-2 (in the rear alley), helped to suppress the flames. The fire was eventully contained but continued to smolder into the afternoon. The American Red Cross assisted four families comprising of ten people in total.

Bedroom Fire on Perry Street Reading, PA - On Sunday, July 10th, the Berks County Department of Emergency Services began receiving frantic calls reporting a house on fire. Box Alarm 09-02 was dispatched to 941 Perry Street for a house fire with entrapment. Engine9 arrived at a two-and-a-half story MOR, with smoke showing from the second-floor. Crews stretched a line into the building and encountered fire in the second-floor front bedroom.

Firefighters searched for a trapped occupant, but the person was found outside after climbing off of a rear porch roof. The fire was placed under control 15 minutes later and the occupant was taken to Reading Hospital with smoke inhalation.

No other injuries were reported. The Fire Marshal's Office was investigating and Chief Mogel was in Command.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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

Bensalem, PA - In a world where First Responders are being attacked and picked apart on social media, this neighborhood pulled together and helped the local volunteers lay a five-inch supply hose line at the scene of a fire on August 21st. The picture speaks a million words about a community coming together to help out in a time of need.

MICHELLE HEIL

Firefighter Gabrial Lee’s casket being loaded onto Engine-50, which served as the caisson.

STACY L. HOWELL

Funeral Services for Philly FD’s Gabriel Lee

Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia FD's "North Philly Cowboys" logo.

STACY L. HOWELL

Philadelphia, PA - Funeral services were held on August 2nd for Philadelphia Firefighter Gabriel Lee, who died at the age of 42 while on duty July 23rd.

Family, friends and fellow firefighters gathered at the Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia to pay their respects. Burial followed the service at the Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Prior to becoming a firefighter, Gabe Lee served in the US Army from 1991-1995 and was a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He also served with the Philadelphia Police Dept. as a correctional officer.

Firefighter Lee entered the Fire

JUMP TO FILE #080716102 Academy in March of 1999 and upon completion, was assigned to Engine-35 in the East Falls section of Philly. Approximately one-yearlater, he transferred to the firehouse known as the “North Philly Cowboys," as a member of Engine Co. 50. In October of 2005 he transferred across the apparatus floor and became a member of Ladder Co. 12, where he served until his death.

During his night shift on July 23rd, Firefighter Lee was found un-

responsive in the basement gym of the firehouse. He was transported to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after. Members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Highway Patrol unit escorted his body to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

While cause of death is being investigated, fire officials indicated that Firefighter Lee had responded to a fire earlier in the day, on July 23rd, and returned to the firehouse to work his night shift.

Firefighter Lee is survived by his wife and three children.

- STACY HOWELL

Myerstown, PA - In support of his son who has Autism, Joshua Knoll added a special touch to his Mack MC Engine by having an Autism Awareness logo created and put onto the truck.

JOSHUA " GUNNER " KNOLL

Mahanoy City, PA - On August 20th, the Good American Hose Co. held a parade, dedication, and housing for their 2016 Rosenbauer pumper-tanker.

KEN SNYDER

Members of Philly PD's Patrol Unit preparing to escort the funeral procession.

STACY L. HOWELL

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

WORKING FACES

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September, 2016

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

Crews going to an exterior attack as heavy flames are shown.

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Warminster, PA - Deputy-90 Pete Croak, assisted by Chief-93 Eric Gottschall and Battalion-92 Al Carbone, looking on as DC-90 talks to a PECO rep. at the scene of a dwelling fire on July 25th.

ON THE LITER SIDE

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

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Fire Extends Through the Roof Warminster, PA - Warminster FD's Station-92 was dispatched by Bucks County Emergency Communications at 2:26 A.M. on July 25th for a dwelling fire.

Apparatus dispatched was E92, SQ-93, L-90, R-90 and Quint15 from Montgomery County.

Initial reports from dispatch were an electrical fire in the outside rear and extending to the roof.

JUMP TO FILE #072516128 Police arrived on-scene and reported a working fire.

The first Chief Officer onscene gave a report of heavy fire through the roof. Crews first attempted an interior attack, but after Command saw the fire load

in the attic, he sounded the evacuation. All firefighters were accounted for.

Extra apparatus was brought in to the scene, including E-29, E93, SS-93, R-66, SQ-10 and E-15 from Montgomery County. No injuries were reported and Fire Marshal-274 is investigating.

- JOHN ENGLAND IV

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

The prize for our August editions from Fire & Safety Services is a 30oz YETI mug. The retail value of this mug is $60. If your company would like to provide a prize and sponsor our monthly contest, contact Lindsey at x212.

The winner will receive a 30oz YETI Mug. Fire & Safety Services has been selling and servicing fire apparatus in New Jersey since 1964. We represent Pierce Manufacturing, Sealegs Amphibious Marine Craft, B.R.A.T., Frontline and segments of Oshkosh Corporation.

PROVIDED

San Bernardino, CA - On August 9th, the SBCoFD wished "Smokey the Bear" a Happy 72nd Birthday! Smokey is most recognized for his slogan “Only you can prevent forest fires," and continues to help educate the community about fire safety.

Happy Birthday Smokey!

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September, 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

Michigan: Andrew Russell, 48 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: January 24, 2016 Death Date: July 2, 2016 Fire Department: Harrison Township Fire Department Initial Summary: Several days following surgery to replace a shoulder that was badly injured from a fall on ice while working an emergency medical call, Lieutenant Russell began to feel sick and asked his wife to call 911. Responders provided assistance to Lt. Russell and transported him to the hospital where he passed away from complications related to the surgery.

Nevada: Jacob O’Malley, 27 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016 Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Nevada: Will Hawkins, 22 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 10, 2016 Fire Department: BLM Nevada State Office Initial Summary: While investigating lightning strikes in the area, two firefighters were killed and one firefighter was injured when, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the fire department vehicle they were traveling in on Nevada State Route 140 (near Denio, Nevada) had a tire failure and overturned. Firefighters Jacob O’Malley, the vehicle operator, and Will Hawkins died from injuries sustained in the crash.

New Jersey: Richard N. Zadorozny, 66 Rank: Chief Engineer Incident Date: July 10, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Eatontown Engine, Truck, and Hose Co. #1 Initial Summary: Along with his fire department, Chief Engineer Zadorozny was dispatched for an odor of natural gas at a local apartment complex.

Operating the first responding apparatus, Zadorozny and his crew arrived on scene to investigate the incident. The odor was eventually unfounded and the apparatus returned to quarters.

Chief Engineer Zadorozny returned to his home for the evening and, a few hours later, suffered a medical event (likely cardiac). EMS responded to Zadorozny's home, but were unable to revive him.

Zadorozny was pronounced dead a short time later.

Delaware: Tim McClanahan, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 11, 2016 Death Date: July 11, 2016 Fire Department: Lewes Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter McClanahan died after falling from a helicopter while participating in a monthly “hoist training” exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The helicopter immediately landed and the trooper medic and volunteer firefighter on board began to provide medical assistance. Firefighter McClanahan was taken to Beebe Healthcare, where he was pronounced dead. The fatal incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, state and local authorities.

Arkansas: Lancy A. Crawford, Sr., 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 7, 2016 Death Date: July 7, 2016 Fire Department: Plainview Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: As a part of the fire department’s weekly meeting/drill, Firefighter Crawford was operating a 1996 Ford Tanker truck traveling eastbound on Arkansas State Highway 60 and negotiating a curve when the apparatus left the roadway and rolled several times. Firefighter Crawford, who was wearing a seat belt at the time, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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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

Selinsgrove, PA - Selinsgrove Fire still operates a 1996 Seagrave 1500/500/100' Ladder.

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fire at Former Macy’s Store Goes to Six-Alarms RON JEFFERS

Hazle Township, PA - Hazle Township Tower-5 is a 1982 Mack/75foot Baker tower ladder that saw original duty in Roslyn, PA.

APPARATUS IN ACTION

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

Pittsburgh, PA - At around 1:30 P.M. on the afternoon of July 30th, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located in the former Macy’s/Kaufmann’s Department Store, which had been undergoing renovations. Due to the building being 13 stories high, the fire automatically became a threealarm as the City’s high-rise plan went into effect.

Upon arrival, units found heavy smoke showing from the 1.2-million-square-foot building and had reports that all of the construction workers who were inside of the

JUMP TO FILE #080116116 building were unaccounted for.

Command requested that the fire go to six-alarms due to the amount of smoke and the possibility of missing workers.

Firefighters located the fire in the basement, inside of a freight elevator shaft. The building did not have an active sprinkler system due to the construction taking place, but fortunately the standpipes did.

Once firefighters were able to sup-

ply water to the standpipes, the fire was quickly contained.

All of the construction workers were eventually accounted for and no one was injured. The fire was finally placed under control around 4:30 P.M. There was no word on what may have caused the fire. Construction workers did report a loud crashing sound, followed by a lot of smoke, at which point they called 9-1-1. The City of Pittsburgh's Arson Squad is now investigating.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Working RV Fire for Fisherville

Reading, PA - Reading Engine-4 supplies several streams during a recent probationary FF qualification test.

JASON BATZ

KEN SNYDER

Coopersburg, PA - Coopersburg Engine-412 on-scene at a secondalarm apartment fire in Coopersburg, on June 13th.

Jackson Twp., PA - During the humid afternoon of Monday, August 1st, Box 216-1 was dispatched at 3:13 P.M. to the 1900 block of Armstrong Valley Road in Jackson Township for a reported RV fire. As members started heading towards the fire station, they JUMP TO FILE could already see a #080316109 growing smoke column just outside of the Village of Fisherville.

Engine-216 arrived on location to find a fully involved RV, approximately 10-to-15 feet from the rear of a residence.

Command-216 requested an additional Engine and Tanker to the scene. A trash line was pulled off of Engine-216 and crews went to work, extinguishing the fire. Tanker216 pulled in behind the Engine and stretched a two-and-a-half inch supply line to the Engine.

As crews from the Halifax Fire Department arrived on-scene, their manpower was sent forward to assist with extinguishment and overhaul of the RV. Due to the quick

response of the Fisherville Volunteer Fire Company, the fire was contained to the RV, with the rear of the residence sustaining only radiant heat damage. Halifax EMS was also on the scene and provided rehab to the crews.

BILL STOEFFLER

This was the third call of the day for the Fisherville Volunteer Fire Company. Earlier in the day, they handled a unique medical-assist and an automatic fire alarm.

- JESSE SHUTT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

KEN SNYDER

Catasauqua Second-Alarm House Fire

Catasauqua, PA - On June 27th, the CFD and the North Catasauqua FD were dispatched at 3:46 A.M. to a dwelling fire on 10th St. and Race St., located in the borough. CFD Chief-202 arrived on location to find a working dwelling fire with possible extension to an adjoining exposure.

Chief-202 immediately called for a second-alarm, bringing in mutual aid companies from Lehigh and Northampton counties. The fire started at 412 Race St. before extending to Exposure-4.

With interior and exterior attacks, the fires in both dwellings were contained in about one hour.

Overhaul and hot spot patrols lasted into the early morning.

JASON BATZ

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.

Cumru Township Fire Chief Retires

Cumru Township, PA - Cumru Township Fire Chief Scott Brady recently retired after decades of service to the citizens of the Township. Brady began his position in 2007 as a Fire Department Coordinator, working to merge the Grill, Cedar Top and Gouglersville Fire Companies. In 2010, the Cumru Township Fire Department began as a single organization and three career firefighters were hired. Before taking the position in 2007, Brady was a volunteer with the Cedar Top Fire Company, serving in various positions, including Chief. The Chief plans to relax and continue to travel with his wife in their motor home. He plans to remain on as the Emergency Management Coordinator.

FRIENDSHIP FIRE COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHER

Lebanon County, PA - Recently, a group of fire apparatus photographers from Central PA got together to shoot some apparatus. L to R: Timothy Bissinger, Dan Markiewicz, Darin Smith and Joshua " Gunner " Knoll.

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JASON BATZ

Reading, PA - Reading Lieutenant Tom Rehr poses with Western Berks EMT Megan Elizabeth during a recent box-alarm.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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COMMAND VEHICLES

If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

Ridley Park, PA - The Ridley Park Fire Company uses the Ford Expedition as a Command vehicle.

KEN SNYDER

KEN SNYDER

Tullytown, PA - Chief-33 of the Tullytown Fire Company uses this 2010 Ford Expedition.

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

Red Lion, PA - Leo No. 1 of Red Lion still owns their 1935 Seagrave 500/250.

KEN SNYDER

Tremont, PA - This 1878 Silsby Hose Cart once protected Tremont.

5-5-5 Firefighter Fitness: What's your "why"?

What's your "why"? It seems like an odd question for a fire service newspaper to be asking, however; when it comes to fitness in the fire service, I feel it's the key question that we should all be asking ourselves and each JUMP TO FILE# other.

072016129 Fitness in the fire service has been, and continues to be, a shelved issue. It's continually put on the back-burner by firefighters, chiefs and department administrators. At times when it does come to the foreground, the true "why" of it is lost in products, plans and paperwork.

So, what's your "why"? It seems almost offensive or wrong to ask this to emergency service providers, because our "why" begins the day that we place our hand on the bible, swearing an oath to protect the lives and property of the citizens we serve.

That, my friends, is a monumental task in itself, and one that puts both our bodies and minds at risk to host medical issues every single day.

This article could end here, with me giving you three simple steps to follow: become a firefighter, swear an oath, and make fitness a priority. But year-afteryear, the lead killer of firefighters is from cardiac-related disease and year-after-year, nothing changes to fix it. We keep moving on, forgetting the "why," and pretending like everything is okay.

Are we lying to ourselves? Or are we just too afraid to put in the required work, which in the end, will only make us better at doing what it is we claim to love.

When we hear the word "fitness," we are constantly bombarded with the "how-to's," which go hand-in-hand with the "ultimate weight loss products," that are usually featured on infomercials, in gyms, and now even in our own service. Let me give you some insight that I'm sure many of you are already aware of.

There is no "one" specific product, or fitness discipline, that will make you become a healthier firefighter. Countless departments have spent tens-of-thousands-ofdollars on high-end gym equipment, expensive trainers, and on gimmick products and programs, but they rarely see positive results because they never gave their people the "why."

Our fitness levels need to be near a professional athlete's level.

No one reading this can deny the fact that the job we perform at a fire is not physically demanding, and in addition to the physical demands, we are asked to perform it under conditions deemed as extremely dangerous. Is your "why" starting to creep into your mind yet? Because it should be! Over the years, we have wasted our time making fire service fitness complicated, when it really doesn't have to be!

Here I am, asking you to

Robert "Pip" Piparo.

think of your "why," when I haven't even given mine yet. Sort of hypocritical, right?! My first "why" is my family. My wife and my sons are my life, and I could never imagine leaving them early simply because I refused to commit 30-45 minutes each day to making myself healthier. My other "why" is for my co-workers, my crew, and all the men and women I pledged an oath to protect every single day. My last "why" is my 55-5 Firefighter Fitness family, who day-in and day-out, have found their "why" and are living the "Train Hard Do Work" lifestyle that 5-5-5 Fitness encompasses.

By this point, you should all have a glimpse of what your "why" is, along with a promise to yourselves to start making some positive changes. But I know it's not that simple, and it would be wrong of me to just leave you here to do it all alone. What's simply amazing, thanks to technology, is that there are over 70,000 other firefighters just like you, who follow 5-5-5 Fitness and are ready and waiting to support you along your fitness journey. You're never alone when it comes to fitness, just like you're never alone when fighting

TODD POOLE

fires!

Check back in future issues for more fitness tips from Pip. About Robert "Pip" Piparo: Robert, better known as "Pip," is currently a Lieutenant with the City of New Brunswick Fire Department, located in New Brunswick, N.J., and has been there for 12-years. Pip has been a part of 5-5-5 Fitness for threeyears.

About 5-5-5 Fitness: 5-5-5 Fitness is a non-profit organization, founded by motivated firefighters with one specific mission: to reduce cardiac related firefighter line-of-duty deaths.

Each and every day, they stay true to their mission by providing workouts free of charge and also by providing free fitness equipment to fire departments, nationwide. What started as an idea has grown into a call for change within the emergency services field. They have chosen to not accept the "it's because we have always done it that way" mentality, but instead have chosen to stand up and lead the charge for change.

- ROBERT "PIP" PIPARO

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firefighters Quickly Knock Down Dwelling Fire Middletown Township, PA Firefighters from the LanghorneMiddletown Fire Company, Penndel Fire Company, Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Parkland Fire Company were recently dispatched to Tactical Box 21-04 for a reported JUMP TO FILE# dwelling fire on 071116137 Langhorne-Yardley Road.

Firefighters went into service with a hose-line on the interior of the dwelling and quickly extinguished the blaze before it spread to the rest of the house. Units remained on location, checking for fire extension on both the interior and exterior of the dwelling. Fans were also used to remove the smoke condition from the dwelling.

Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company's Chief Frank Farry was in Command of the incident.

The Middletown Township Fire Marshal's Office was investigating the cause of the fire.

- JEFFREY GOLDBERG

Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Firefighters checking for fire extension on Tactical Box 21-04.

JEFF GOLDBERG

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

Blooming Grove, PA - Blooming Grove’s 25 Brush is this 1952 Studebaker with twin steer capability. It is part of the Cooperative Mutual Aid Fire Suppression, which is part of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It has a CET 500-gpm pump, 500-gallon water tank, one-and-three-quarter inch reels, four 100-foot one-inch forestry lines, several donuts of forestry hose, a portable pump, two leaf blowers, hose fittings, a Stihl saw, Pulaski tools, brush rakes, shovels, miscellaneous hand tools, hard suction hose and bumper ground sweep nozzles.

D.C.R.SCICCHITANO

Fire Leaves Two Homeless and Kills Three Pets

JOHN M. MALECKY

Blooming Grove's 25 Brush, 1952 Studebaker with twin steer, 500gpm pump and 500-gallon water tank. It is part of the Cooperative Mutual Aid Fire Suppression, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural resources.

Mount Carmel, PA - At 8:30 P.M. on August 19th, the NCCC (Northumberland County Communications Center) was contacted by the Mount Carmel Police Department to notify and confirm a working structure fire, located in a duplex at 324 South Beech Street.

The two residents were left homeless for the second time in less than nine years. A row of homes burned in the 100 block of South Spruce St. in Mount Carmel nineyears prior, which had also left the two displaced.

MCPD Patrolman Kevin Malukas along with a neighbor entered the property in an attempt to rescue the residents and their dogs prior to the fire department's arrival.

They managed to find and remove three dogs from the house and pro-

JUMP TO FILE #082016102 ceeded to perform CPR on each, but sadly, the dogs could not be saved.

Nobody was home at the time the fire started. One of the residents was a firefighter with a local department and arrived on-scene to find that it was his own home that he was responding to. The fire was believed to have started near the rear of the structure, in the kitchen area.

The fire went to a second-alarm with three-alarms on stand-by, and transfers were made to cover the companies in service. The blaze was brought under control in about 90 minutes, with the remaining fire

apparatus released from the scene at approximately 1:45 A.M., once overhaul and investigation were complete.

Asstant Fire Chief Jack Williams Jr. stated that they would not know the cause of the fire until the investigation is complete, but confirmed that it started on the firstfloor of the house. The Red Cross was contacted to assist the displaced residents. Mount Carmel Fire Police assisted with traffic control, as people flocked to the area to watch and film as the incident unfolded.

Two Mount Carmel police officers and one firefighter required medical attention at the scene after being overcome by smoke and heat.

- DON FILIPPO SCICCHITANO

TERRY RITZ

Right rear of Blooming Grove's 25 Brush.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Pedestrian Struck on Main Street in East Greenville

East Greenville, PA - On August 23rd at 8:43 P.M., East Greenville Fire Company was dispatched to a pedestrian struck in the intersection of 2nd and Main Street, in the borough. A 16-year-old male wandered into the intersection when he was struck by a Toyota that was traveling southbound. No reason was given as to why he was in the intersection. He was being tended to by emergency personnel before being transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital. His condition was unknown. Assisting the fire company was Upper Perk EMS, Pennsburg Fire Police and Upper Perk Police.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

PAGE 17

Kitchen Fire Destroys Apartment Building and Displaces 66 Residents Duquesne, PA - At 10:39 A.M. on July 19th, firefighters were dispatched to the 2300 block of Duquesne Place Drive, located in the Hilltop Parkview Manor Apartments, for a reported kitchen fire.

Arriving units found a working fire JUMP TO FILE# on the first-floor of a 072016100 multi-residential apartment building that was rapidly spreading from the kitchen throughout the apartment. Efforts were hampered to contain the fire due to low water pressure from the local hydrants, located within the gated apartment complex. Hydrants from outside of the complex had to be taken in order to boost pressure and attack the fire.

The fire spread into the secondfloor of the apartment and quickly penetrated the common roof. Once the fire reached the roof, it quickly ran throughout the building and in both directions. A trench cut was attempted to head off the fire, but failed due to the amount of fire already running the roof.

Due to the rapid spread of the fire and the poor water supply, firefighters were evacuated from the building and a defensive attack was established.

Once the bulk of the fire ap-

peared to be knocked down, interior crews made an attempt to enter the structure, however; conditions deteriorated again and a second evacuation of the building was made.

Within minutes of the evacuation order, it was reported that one firefighter was trapped and the Rapid Intervention Team was immediately deployed. After several minutes of searching for a possible downed firefighter, a PAR check was initiated and it was discovered that everyone was in fact out of the building and accounted for. Firefighters then continued defensive operations.

A water supply tanker shuttle was established several hours into the fire in order to supplement the low pressure coming from the hydrants. Over 20 fire and EMS agencies responded to the scene.

The fire was officially placed under control around 5:30 P.M. Throughout the course of the fire, seven firefighters were transported to local hospitals and treated for heat related issues before being released.

The building contained 32 separate units, housing a total of 66 residents, including 40 children. The entire building was declared a total loss. The American Red Cross was on-scene assisting those displaced by the fire. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Defensive attack in progress after crews pulled out of building.

ERIC RASMUSSEN/FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Fisherville and Mutual Aid Handle MVA Jackson Twp., PA - As the heat and humidity was starting to rise on the morning of Monday, July 25th, Box 216-2 was dispatched at 7:11 A.M. to the 200 Block of Mountain House Road for a reported accident with entrapment. This brought units from Companies 216 (Fisherville), 21 (Elizabethville) and 29 (Halifax), as well as EMS from Life Team Medic-6.

Chief 19-2, who works at a nearby business, responded to the scene and reported that he had a single vehicle laying on its driver's

JUMP TO FILE #072516104 side, with the driver confined in the vehicle. Rescue-21 arrived and began stabilizing the vehicle, utilizing both step choc cribbing and struts. Squad-216 and Engine 29-1 both staged their apparatus and sent manpower forward.

Crews removed both the windshield and the back window on the pick-up so that EMS could gain entry to the patient. Due to the po-

sition of the patient in the vehicle and the overall position of the vehicle, it was decided to flap the roof. Once the roof was flapped, the patient was placed onto a backboard and removed from the vehicle. Once the patient was removed, crews controlled fluids and assisted the towing company with removal of the vehicle. After the vehicle had been removed from the scene, the box was placed in service by Command-216.

- JESSE SHUTT

DUNCANNON FIRE

Well Involved House in Marysville

Crews work to gain entry to the patient entrapped in the pick-up.

JESSE SHUTT

Marysville, PA - Around 10:30 P.M. on the night of July 3rd, Perry County 9-1-1 began receiving multiple calls reporting a house on fire in Rye Township, just outside of Marysville Borough, in the area of Legacy Lane. Marysville Tanker and Chief6 arrived to a well-off house and requested a working fire dispatch. Crews began an offensive attack with a one-andthree-quarter inch attack line off of Tanker-6 before being evacuated from the building. Duncannon Truck-2's master stream then went into service to gain control of the fire. Crews utilized multiple hand-lines and Truck-2's master stream to extinguish and hydraulically overhaul the building. Marysville Fire Company was assisted on-scene by numerous departments from Perry, Cumberland and Dauphin Counties.

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

JASON BATZ

Driver Ejected in MultiVehicle Accident Reading, PA - On Saturday, July 23rd, the Berks County DES began receiving numerous calls reporting a car accident at 5th and Greenwich Streets. Engine-7 arrived to find a five-vehicle accident, with several people injured. Firefighters began tending to one occupant who had been ejected. Two additional EMS units were requested by Chief Born (C-5). All occupants were taken to Reading Hospital for further treatment.

FRED KELLENBERGER

Police Pursuit Ends with Car Crash Reading, PA - Early in the morning of Thursday, August 25th, the Reading Police were engaged in a pursuit, caused by a vehicle that was driving the wrong way down a one-way street. The pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a building near 848 North 8th Street. A rescue assignment was dispatched to the scene. Engine-9 arrived to find a car into a structure, with eight other vehicles also struck. While firefighters tended to the driver, members from Rescue-1 treated road fluids and assessed the building. The patient was taken to Reading Hospital. Chief Stoudt (C7) was in Command.

September, 2016

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September, 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.

Crews work from the exterior after the garage had been evacuated.

JACK LITTLE

Working Garage Fire in Gratz

JOSHUA " GUNNER " KNOLL

Richland Boro, PA - Neptune Fire Co.'s Squad-33 Patch. Each air cylinder represents companies that they have filled air cylinders for at various fires and trainings.

Gratz, PA - As the morning temperatures were starting to rise on Sunday, July 17th, Box 27-1 was dispatched at 10:40 A.M. to the 400 block of South Spruce Street for a reported structure fire. This brought units in from Companies 27 (Gratz), 28 (Pillow), 26 (Berrysburg), 22 (Lykens) and 23 (Wiconisco), as well as Life Team-Medic-6.

Chief-27 went responding and was advised of fire in a detached garage. Chief-27 arrived on-scene to find a 50' x 100' detached garage fully involved. Engine-27 laid in from a hydrant, hitting the fire with

JUMP TO FILE #071716103 it's deck gun and tank water to knock the bulk of the fire down while the hydrant was being charged.

As mutual aid units arrived on the scene, they sent their manpower forward to assist with extinguishment of the fire. Truck-22 arrived on the scene and laddered the structure.

They were about to send a crew to the roof for venting when it was noticed that there was sagging in the

roof. Command-27 ordered an evacuation of the garage. Once crews were evacuated, units extinguished the remaining fire from the exterior of the structure. After the fire was knocked down, salvage and overhaul began.

During overhaul, it was noted by crews that multiple gusset plates on the rafters in the garage had failed. Life Team-Medic-6 set up a rehab sector behind Truck-22 and crews rotated out on a regular basis due to the high temperatures.

- JESSE SHUTT

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

AMKUS Rescue Systems acquires 911 Tools Valparaiso, IN - AMKUS Rescue Systems, an industry leader in providing cutting edge hydraulic extrication equipment and rescue systems to emergency responders worldwide, announced its intent to acquire "911 Tools," a U.S. manufacturer of vehicle stabilization equipment and lifting systems.

“This is a patented, state-ofthe-art system that integrates the strength, speed, control and dependability of hand-powered hydraulics with the structural components of the strut,” said Kyle Smith, President of AMKUS Rescue Systems. “It’s an affordable system that’s easy to set up and operate and is rated for structural loads, so rescue professionals can confidently raise and lower materials as quickly as the circumstances of their particular emergency requires.”

The 911 Tools rescue strut product line, which is marketed under the RescueStrut brand name, includes accessories that will allow emergency responders to transform vehicle stabilization struts into other life-saving rescue tools, such as manual hydraulic rams and shoring struts, as well as tripod, bi-pod and mono-pole adapters for use in rope rescue scenarios. In addition, the RescueStrut system can be easily configured for trench, structural collapse or confined space rescues.

“Not only does this complement our existing AMKUS line of extrication equipment and rope

rescue systems, but it also puts us in the position to offer a wider range of high quality rescue products to our customers at an affordable price.” Smith added. “This acquisition further supports our efforts to provide the best in class rescue systems to our global market.”

With the expected August 1st completion of the acquisition, the RescueStrut line of equipment will be marketed under the AMKUS brand, and distributed by AMKUS and 911 Tool distributors within their existing territories.

911 Tools will move from its current Lansing, IA home to the newly completed AMKUS World Headquarters, in Valparaiso, IN. AMKUS/911 RescueStrut System Release: AMKUS began business as a fledgling family start-up in 1971 – mirroring the year and means that its parent company, Task Force Tips, opened its doors for business. For TFT, its 2016 AMKUS acquisition made perfect sense professionally, since the two companies were founded and built on an earnest commitment to provide innovative new products and world-class service and support to emergency service professionals the world over.

For more information on AMKUS or to find a dealer in your area, please visit www.amkus.com or call (800) 59AMKUS. - AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS

AMKUS RESCUE SYSTEMS

AMKUS RescueStrut System sets up quickly and is easy to operate with gloved hands.

JASON BATZ

Reading crews dealt with multiple roofs at this McDonalds structure when fire traveled into void spaces.

Firefighters Battle Blaze at McDonalds Reading, PA - With hot and humid weather on July 23rd, BPlatoon firefighters were hoping for a quiet shift.

That would change after the McDonalds located at 1001 North 9th Street JUMP TO FILE# made a 9-1-1 call, 072416103 reporting smoke inside of the restaurant. Moments after Box 9-02 was transmitted, Engine-9 arrived on-scene with smoke coming from the roof.

Crews stretched a line inside of the building while Ladder-3 raised it's main to the roof. With smoke flowing from the ceiling void space, firefighters moved throughout the rear of the building to locate the fire's origin. The fire was located in the rear of the building, around the freezer. Due to multiple renovations to the structure, firefighters had a difficult time opening the roof and walls up to get at the burning materials. The fire was eventually placed under control two hours later. Weather conditions forced firefighters to take frequent breaks in order to remain hydrated. No injuries were reported and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Chief Born (C5) was in Command.

- JASON BATZ

LINDA SNYDER

Firefighters work in the rear of the 9th Street McDonalds after mulch burned into the building.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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PAGE 23

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

IN SERVICE

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

MDA Ambassador Ethan Pyles poses with FF Tim O'Brien and Justin Auker before his ride around town.

RAY CARL

Reading Firefighters Hold Event and Raise $1800 for Muscular Dystrophy Reading, PA - On Sunday, August 21st, the Reading Firefighters held their first annual "Cold Ones For A Cure" fundraiser at Trooper Thorns Pub in Reading. For a $20 donation, participants received a sandwich and soft drink, as well as 50% off of all draft beer. Local MDA Ambassador Ehthan Pyles joined the crew to say thank you before receiving a special ride on Engine-5. Reading FD thanks all who helped make the event a success!

DALE FEEHRER

Porters, PA - Porters Fire Co. operates this 2000 Freightliner, designated as Engine 53-2 (1500/2500).

Bloomsburg, PA - Espy Fire Company operates a 2006 Pierce Dash 2000/500/105' Ladder.

FRANK ROBINSON

ANDREW KUTZ

Accident Snarls Traffic and Sends Two to Hospital in Reading

Reading, PA - On Monday, August 22nd, the Berks County DES began receiving multiple calls reporting an accident on Lancaster Avenue, by the on-ramp to the West Shore Bypass.

Engine-5 arrived to find a three vehicle accident with injuries and fluids down. Crews worked to treat the injured occupants while firefighters from Rescue-1 secured the vehicles and treated the fluids. A second EMS unit was requested to assist. All injured occupants were taken to Reading Hospital.

Chief Stoudt (C7) was in Command.

KEN SNYDER

Lehigh County, PA - Lehigh County EMA uses this 1996 Fleetwood as a mobile command center.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firefighting Air Tankers VIDEO REVIEW

Video reviews by John Malecky

Firefighting Air Tankers By Firestorm Video Productions 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: $24.95 (DVD) This is a 60 minute DVD of air tanker operations at California natural cover fires. Model fixed wing, propeller driven planes are featured that are either operated

by CAL FIRE of the California Division of Forestry or of private aircraft contracted to the U.S. Forest Service. Some models include the Cal Fire S2T air tanker and the Neptune Aviation System P2V and P2V5 all of which were antisubmarine warplanes once used the by Navy and then converted to air tanker status. The Lockheed P3 Orion is another aircraft, this one was formerly used for sub surveillance and presently operated by the Aero Union Corporation. The Canadair CL 215 and 415 are also

featured. These are built as air tankers and have the capability of refilling with water in flying mode such as a lake. The 10 Tanker Air carrier which is a MacDonald Douglas DC-10 can hold 12,000 gallon of retardant. During the rundown of these aforementioned aircraft, you can see them operating at or near fires either directly dropping retardant on the fires or in proximity to them to slow its advance and giving the ground troops an edge when they go in for the extinguishment. Verbal Air traffic between the planes and the ground can be heard, however later on in the video there is a section narrated by a retired member of the USFS who details the strategies and tactics of air tanker operations as you see them working and this provides and educational segment of the video. This narration takes up a good portion of the video. There is also a bonus section which features vintage aircraft now retired that is working at a 1999 fire and how they get prepared to go to duty from the Paso Robles, CA Air Attack Base.

This DVD was chosen to provide a little different type of firefighting separate from that in urban areas. I also want to credit with videographer with a job well done!

KEN SNYDER

Second-Alarm for Coopersburg Apartment Fire

Coopersburg, PA - The fire department responded to an apartment fire at 547 E. Station Ave. on June 13th at around 2:30 A.M. On arrival, Chief-401 requested a second-alarm due to heavy fire in the rear of this two-and-a-half story building. Companies from Lehigh and Bucks counties were dispatched to the scene. One day earlier, the department was dispatched to the same location for an attached shed fire. During the apartment fire, a "Mayday" was called for a firefighter trapped on the second-floor, but fortunately he was able to get out uninjured. Three families were displaced by the fire and the building had to be torn down.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

PAGE 27

When Disaster Strikes Chaplain's Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

It is one thing to witness disaster on TV or hear about it from somewhere in another part of the world, but this is where first responders live. As well trained as we are, as often as we respond to such a wide variety of emergencies, even for us in the fire service, there is a whole different dimension to disaster when it strikes so close to home or hits your life.

So often in the midst of a crisis we want answers, yet even answers can’t change what has happened … so we need something MORE than just answers. Has anyone left us a blueprint in how to face a tragedy?

How do we deal with tragedy as godly people who believe in a good God? There is a man named Job that faced a terrible personal tragedy, a man who lost his children in a terrible accident, a man who also had few answers, so what sustained him?

The example of Job shows us a path through tragedy, while it doesn’t give us all the answers, it does point us to the one who can sustain us. Job 1:22 (NLT) In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. When we can’t find solutions to our questions, we can find a Savior for our catastrophe.

What could possibly give a sense of security in the face of death and disaster? For someone with no belief in God there is nothing but sorrow and loss! For someone like Job however that had a trust and belief in God there were other possibilities -faith, eternal security and an ongoing relationship with God. How do you handle a terrible disaster? Getting through a disaster begins long before one ever hits. The best way to handle unforeseen crisis is be strong before one ever comes. A sponge when squeezed can only give off whatever it had absorbed just before it was squeezed. If Christ lives in you now it will be His presence that is released in you when life and circumstances squeezes you.

Blessings, Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Service Chaplain

Visit 1st Responder on the Web at www.1RBN.com

HARRY DEITZ

Crews Extricate Heavily Entrapped Occupant Elysburg, PA - Elysburg and Overlook Fire Departments responded to a single vehicle accident with one occupant heavily entrapped on July 6th. Crews worked together to remove the roof, two doors and the "B" post before completing a dash roll to remove the front seat passenger.

The patient was taken to a local trauma center by Elysburg's MICU. Crews responded to this alarm while daytime temperatures were reaching well over 90-degrees.

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PAGE 28

September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Gish Logging Company in Ft. Loudon Fort Loudon, PA - On Wednesday, August 24th, Franklin County Fire & EMS departments were alerted for a structure fire at 4980 Path Valley Road in Metal Township, on Box 21-2. The call came into Franklin County 9-1-1 around 4:00 P.M. for a kiln fire threatening one of JUMP TO FILE# the warehouses at 082616126 Gish Logging Company. A fire, which started in one of the company’s kilns, quickly spread to an adjacent storage shed that was loaded with wood.

Assistant Chief Jim Birgfeld responded out the incident. He was only minutes away from the scene and could see heavy smoke showing. Chief Birgfeld arrived to find heavy fire involving a storage shed, which was spreading to the other kilns. Firefighters began an aggressive attack, working to battle the blaze as other departments were responding with water tankers to establish a water supply.

Firefighting efforts were hindered because of rural water supply issues, however; water supply was finally able to be established after water tankers worked to haul water to the scene from the lake at Cowans Gap State Park. A total of 21 water tankers worked as a team to establish a constant water source for suppression operations.

Nearly 100 emergency workers from Pennsylvania and Maryland responded out to the four-alarm fire. Some are calling the blaze the largest fire in the history of the Metal Township Fire Department. Three hours into the incident, crews could still be seen battling flames in one of the warehouses that was still burning.

Firefighters battled heavy fire conditions for several hours as the fire fed off of the business' inventory.

Firefighters worked in high, humid temperatures, in the upper80’s, during the blaze. Command reported that four different Rehab Units from surrounding jurisdictions responded to assist with rehabilitation of the firefighters, including supplying water, Gatorade and light snacks. Two firefighters were transported to an area hospital for dehydration, where they were treated and later released. No other injuries were reported.

Firefighters were on the scene until early morning hours on Thursday, August 25th. It is estimated that nearly $2,000,000 in inventory and equipment were saved by company employees and fire department personnel. The fire is currently under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal’s Office. The dollar amount in damages sustained has not yet been released and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Metal Township Fire Co.21 responded out to the incident, with assistance from nine Franklin County Companies and 19 out of county mutual aid agencies. The Franklin County departments who responded consisted of crews from Chambersburg Fire Co.1, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Marion Fire Co.8, Mercersburg “M.M.P.W.” Fire Co.9, Franklin Station 4, Pleasant Hall Fire Co.11, Fannett-Metal Fire Co.12, New Franklin Fire Co.17 and St. Thomas Fire Co.18.

The county mutual aid departments who assisted were Fulton County- Needmore Fire Co.55, McConnellsburg Fire Co.56, Hustontown Area Fire Co.57; Cumberland County- Friendship Hose Fire Co.47, Walnut Bottom Fire Co.49, Penn Township Fire Co.50, Newberg-Hopewell Fire Co.51, Vigilant Hose Fire Co. 52, Cumberland Valley Hose Fire Co.53, Shippensburg EMS Co.73; Huntingdon County- Orbisonia-Rockhill Fire Co.9, Thee Springs Fire Co.12, Shady Gap Fire Co.14, Robertsdale, Wood & Broad Fire Co.17; Adams County- Buchanan Valley Fire Co.27; Washington County, MD- Maugansville Fire Co.13, Clear Spring Fire Co.4, Leitersburg Fire Co.9 and Rehab Unit Support-255.

- WILLIAM KING

WCVFRA-PT: SHANE SHIFFLETT

WCVFRA-PT: SHANE SHIFFLETT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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September, 2016

OLD & NEW

Vehicle News

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

KEN SNYDER

Mahanoy City, PA - The Good American Hose Co. No. 3 of Mahanoy City has acquired this 2016 Rosenbauer 1500/2500/20.

JOSHUA " GUNNER " KNOLL

Richland, PA - Neptune Fire Company's Squad-33 on the old 1994 Volvo Chassis.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Mill Creek, PA - Huntingdon County Station-20 recently placed this 2015 International 7400/Pierce, 500-pump and 2000-water into service. It replaces a 2004 International 7400/4-Guys 500/2000 that was sold in Arkansas.

JOSHUA " GUNNER " KNOLL

Richland, PA - Neptune Fire Company's Squad-33 on the new 2015 Spartan Chassis.

FRANK ROBINSON

Allentown, PA - Han Le Co Fire Company No.1 run this 2015 Pierce Quantum 2000/500/105' Quint.

RAYMOND STENDER

Units Respond to Car into Retaining Pond DALE FEEHRER

Bern Township, PA - The Greenfields Fire Co. has taken delivery of this 2015 KME Engine-55 (1500/750/15kw gen.).

Erie, PA - On July 9th, departments responded to a car that went into a retaining pond, located on Young Rd. and Cherry St., in Erie.

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Business Destroyed During Three-Alarm Fire West of Chambersburg Chambersburg, PA - On August 12th, firefighters from five different counties between Pennsylvania and Maryland responded to a three-alarm structure fire, located West of Chambersburg.

Around 2:18 P.M., Franklin County 91-1 received a call JUMP TO FILE# reporting a fire at 082616113 Triple Nickel Auto Parts. Fire crews were quickly dispatched out to 2956 Lincoln Way West on Box 44-04. Responding crews had a large column of black smoke pouring from the blaze that could be seen as they were coming out of Chambersburg.

Firefighters arrived to find a 100' X 300' structure, fully involved with heavy fire through the roof. Matt Bigler, Lieutenant44 of Franklin Station-4 arrived and assumed Command. Firefighters set up for a defensive attack, as they struggled to establish a water supply. The blaze went to three-alarms, bringing crews in from neighboring jurisdictions. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly one-and-ahalf hours before bringing it under control.

Over 100 firefighters responded to the fire, including mutual aid from Adams, Cumberland, Fulton and Washington Counties. Crews were faced with high temperatures, multiple explosions and exposure problems, making operations difficult and challenging for crews.

Several departments responded in just to assist with firefighter rehab, as they rotated their crews in and out of the 100-degree temperatures. Several firefighters were treated at the scene for heat related issues during the blaze, but no one required transportation

to the hospital.

Firefighters remained on the scene well into the evening hours, hitting hot spots and assisting the Fire Marshals. Crews were also faced with extensive overhaul operations. Management at the business reported that all employees were able to safely evacuate the structure during the incident by implementing their Emergency Action Plan.

The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshals have been called in to investigate the cause of the massive fire, which destroyed the auto parts business and caused an estimated $1,000,000 in damage. The fire, which rapidly spread throughout the 30,000-square-foot building, is currently under investigation.

Over 20 different agencies responded to the incident. Franklin Station-4 out of Chambersburg re-

ceived assistance from Chambersburg Fire & EMS Co.1, St. Thomas Fire Co.18, New Franklin Fire Co.17, Holy Spirit EMS Co.100, Fayetteville Fire & EMS Co.7, Greencastle Fire Co.3, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Marion Fire Co.8, Mercersburg “M.M.P.W.” Fire Co.9, Pleasant Hall Fire Co.11, West End Fire Co.15, Franklin Air 10, Fulton County McConnellsburg Fire Co.56, Adams County Buchanan Valley Fire Co.27, Cumberland County Vigilant Fire Co.52, Cumberland County Cumberland Valley Hose Co.53, Cumberland County Shippensburg EMS Co.73, Washington County Maugansville Fire Co.13, Washington County Rehab Support Unit 255 and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's Office.

FRANKLIN STATION-4

WOMEN IN FIREFIGHTING If you have photos you would like to see in our Women in Firefighting feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com

- WILLIAM KING

FRANKLIN STATION-4

Rochester, NY - Ewa Hlebowicz is a Career Firefighter/Paramedic at the Barnard Fire District, located in Rochester, NY. She has been in the public safety profession for over 10years. Ewa graduated from the New York State Fire Academy in 2008 and soon after, received her Bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration and Associate's degree in Fire Protection Technology and Paramedicine. Ewa’s other passion and full-time profession is fitness and personal training. Ewa spent several years instructing Crossfit classes and also attended the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX to specialize in physical fitness of Law Enforcement and Fire Service Personnel.

In 2014, Ewa began working with 55-5 Firefighter Fitness alongside Robert Piparo, which has since gained a lot of attention for the work they are doing to reduce cardiac-related line-of-duty-death numbers in

the fire service. With the help of social media, their free app, seminar/expo appearances, and lecture series, 5-5-5 Fitness is able to provide free workouts, education and motivation, in an effort to promote health and fitness in the fire service.

Since their start three-years-ago, 55-5 Firefighter Fitness has gained over 90,000 followers from firefighters and their families all over the world, in addition to raising over $30,000 worth of fitness equipment and wellness products that have been given away to fire departments across the United States.

"People say lifting weights is dangerous for women," says Ewa. "Wrong! Women lifting weights to be strong and fit is not dangerous.

Being weak is dangerous, especially in this line of work."

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- EWA HLEBOWICZ

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Injured Patient Removed from Roof in Gratz Borough Gratz Borough, PA - On the morning of July 6th, Life Team Medic 6 was dispatched at 9:07 A.M. to Box 27-1, at the 300 block of North Spruce Street for a Laceration. MICU 6-4 went en-route and was advised JUMP TO FILE# that as a male was 070716118 working on installing a metal roof on a house, he cut his leg on a piece of the metal roofing.

With this information, MICU 6-6 added onto the call and Company-27 (Gratz), along with Truck-22 (Lykens) were dispatched to the scene. Rescue-27 arrived and after assessing the situation, had Truck-22 set up on the A/B corner of the structure.

Ground ladders were thrown and EMS made access to the roof in order to start treatment and packaging of the patient. The crew from Rescue-27 also went to the roof to assist EMS. Truck-22 set up their rigging and stokes basket. The patient was packaged and placed in the stokes basket

DRILLS/TRAINING

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

STEVE BOYER

Truck-22 begins to lift the patient off of the roof in the stokes bas-

and lowered to the ground. Once on the ground, the patient was placed in MICU 6-4 and trans-

ported to a local hospital.

- JESSE SHUTT

JASON BATZ

Cumru Township, PA - Cumru Township Firefighters Nate Klein and Kyle Lonaberger work to force a door during a forced entry drill in August.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

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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.

Warminster, PA - Battalion-91's Steve Young doing a little rehab on Tactical Box 92-05 in July.

JOHN G. ENGLAND IV

Reading, PA - Reading Firefighter Andrew Kutz poses after battling a fire at a McDonalds in July.

LT. ANDREW GETKA

DALE FEEHRER

Elizabethtown, PA - Elizabethtown FD Lieutenant Bowers poses for a quick photograph while educating the public during the National Night Out event in August.

KEN SNYDER

Mahanoy City, PA - Newly elected Fire Chief Dan Markieweiz addresses an audience at the housing of the department's new pumper-tanker at the Good American Hose Co. No. 3 dedication.

Shippensburg, PA - FF Sara Jones holds the hand-line at a recent call for smoke showing in a building.

DENNY CLOPPER

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

The Human Factors, A Contributing Factor in Firefighter Injury and Death, Part II STAYING SAFE

Chief Henry Campbell

This article first appeared when I first 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.

Lack of concentration is when the mind wanders and we stop paying attention to the tasks at hand.

This is usually when unsafe acts resulting in injury can occur. If injury should occur, the individual generally doesn’t have a plausible explanation, due to the lack of concentration. Many of us respond to motor vehicle crashes where one or more of the drivers have no idea as to what may have caused the crash. Why not? Because they were not concentrating on their driving.

They were busy talking or texting on their cell phone, eating, applying makeup, shaving, or whatever else.

Unfortunately the most important task, that of driving, is getting the least attention. The same holds true in emergency services. Lose your concentration with the task at hand and you increase your risk of injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on and remain alert and focused to the task at hand, prepared for all consequences. When you have been operating under difficult circumstances, extreme weather conditions, or any other reason that might impair your concentration for a long period of time, notify your officer and obtain relief. There are two types of fatigue, which are physical and mental. Both can lead to injury and/or death if there is no intervention and rest.

Poor judgment is like guessing, and there is no room for guessing at the emergency scene. Evaluate the task that has to be performed and if you are not sure as to what to do in order to handle or mitigate a situation, or how to perform a specific task, stop and seek help. Do not look at emergency incidents or individual tasks through “rose colored glasses," because the situation may not be as simple or safe as it appears. Expect the unexpected by being prepared for all eventualities!

Whether the incident commander or individual firefighter, always ask yourself “what will happen when I do this?” For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, and you must be prepared for it. Be truthful and think what the worse possible scenario is. Can the ladder fall? Will the rope break? Is the roof unsafe? Has the floor burned through?, Can we make an offensive attack? Will the car roll? What

will happen when I force this door or break this window? What risks are involved? Can I achieve my desired goal? When we ask our self “what will happen when I do this?” we must evaluate the end result and the risks involved. If the risks are too great for the task to be completed safely, we must eliminate or reduce the risks as much as possible in order to increase the margin of safety. This may require changing the strategy or task being deployed and if so, go ahead and do it. Remember, there is more than one way to skin a cat. I am fully aware that risk is a constant companion in our business, but risks can be reduced, if not eliminated altogether, to make for a safer work environment. Risk a lot to save a lot, risk little to save little!

Contributing to the Human Factor as a cause for unsafe acts with the increased potential for injury and death is lack of training or insufficient training. All personnel at the emergency scene may not have the same level of training and experience, and therefore should not be expected to perform at the same level. Company officers and IC’s should be aware of individual FF/EMT’s experience and training, and assign tasks accordingly. The emergency scene can be good learning ground for inexperienced personnel, where they can observe and assist in performing tasks and assignments under direct supervision.

If direct supervision cannot be provided, they should not be assigned any task beyond their level of training. In today’s real world where staffing levels or daytime response may not provide sufficient on-scene personnel, the tendency may be to use the inexperienced FF/EMT to perform unsupervised tasks beyond their level of training. Avoid doing this. You may have to reassign individual tasks, or wait until a more experienced FF/EMT becomes available. Additional skills required to operate specialized pieces of equipment should be learned on the training grounds or back in the station, not at the emergency scene.

Untrained FF/EMT’s operating power equipment that they have not been certified to use could prove disastrous in more ways than one.

Training and experience are the backbone of any safe operation, and it is equally important for each FF/EMT to be aware of their qualifications and experience. The FF/EMT should also know their limitations, recognizing what is beyond their training and experience, and not be embarrassed or ashamed to inform their officer when those circumstances arise. Remember, in the beginning you don’t have to be able to do everything! Learning and gaining experience takes time and if you maintain a proper attitude toward safety, you will have a lifetime of learning.

To be continued next month.

Till next time, stay safe and God Bless!

RICHARD BILLINGS

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2016

PAGE 35

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September, 2016

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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