1st Responder PA September Edition

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SEPTEMBER, 2018

FIRE DESTROYS WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP HOME

CRMEDIA- C.J. RINEHART

Washington Twp., PA - On the evening of August 5th, Franklin County 911 took several calls reporting a house on fire on Waterloo Road in Washington Township. Multiple calls came in around 5:00 P.M. reporting the blaze.

- See full story on page 16

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes SEE PAGES 18 & 19 FOR DETAILS.

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

MEMORIAL BOARD

A guide to finding great companies

Company

1st Out Specialty

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

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Armor Tuff Flooring Black Lake

Campbell Supply Co. CA Reed

Reading, PA - Retired Reading Firefighter Robert Ringler was recently laid to rest on Friday, July 20th. Ringler was hired in May of 1966. Although he spent 22 years on the job, he volunteered with the Neversink Fire Company 13 years prior to being hired. Bobby retired in March of 1988 from the "B" platoon as the driver of Ladder 1. Firefighter Ringler was placed on the rear of a 1959 Mack Pumper, which previously served as Engine 3, for his final ride through the city.

15

25

1,32

CET Manufacturing

14 11

Command Fire App.

14

FDIC

23

Finley Fire Equipment

5

Fire Flow Services

7

Fire Line Equipment

27

Hoffman Radio Network

20

Kimtek Mid Atlantic Fire Zodiac

9 31

21

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 22 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 A division of: in error.

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

JASON BATZ

TIMOTHY COOVER

Laundry Room Fire Damages Home in West Hempfield Twp.

West Hempfield Twp., PA - The West Hempfield FD, along with mutual aid departments, were dispatched for a dwelling fire on July 27th, with additional info that they had smoke in the laundry room of a home. Crews arrived to find a laundry room on fire with extension into the walls and roof of the laundry room. Crews worked on scene for about two hours before going available.

JASON BATZ

FLASHBACK

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PUBLICATION CONTENT

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

BARRY FISHER

The Scottdale Fire Department formerly operated this 1962 American LaFrance as Ladder 58-6. The apparatus was refurbed in the 1990's.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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September, 2018

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.

DALE FEEHRER

Columbia Consolidated operates this 1997 Simon-Duplex/Saulsbury. Rescue 80 carries 2 Onan generators, a 35,000 Watt PTO driven, and a 10,000 Watt diesel driven. This piece also carries a 6 bottle-6,000 psi cascade system, and a large compliment of Hurst extrication equipment.

Smoke billows from the exposure building as crews work to get a handle on the fire.

JC KRIESHER

Multiple Alarms Sounded in Port Carbon

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Squad 14-1 of City Hook & Ladder in Lewistown (Mifflin County), is this 2017 Dodge Ram 3500/Knaphiede. It carries a skid unit with a portable pump and 200 water.

The Mount Joy Fire Department operates this 2017 Seagrave 95' Aerialscope.

FRANK ROBINSON

KEN SNYDER

Tender 5331 of the Hecktown FD is a 2017 Peterbilt/4-Guys 1750/4000.

Schuylkill County, PA - Just after 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 12th, Schuylkill County 9-1-1 dispatched Fire Districts 59 (Port Carbon) and 57 (Palo Alto) to 108 Market Street in Port Carbon for a brush fire endangering a structure.

Chief 59-01 arrived on scene and JUMP TO FILE# found a working 072418109 structure fire at the former Encounters Tavern and requested the box be filled out.

Fire was seen consuming the “B” side of the building and impinging on the nearby residential exposure. Upon further investigation, neighbors were stating that there may be people in the second-floor of the building.

The assignment was re-dispatched with entrapment.

Crews stretched lines in an attempt to bring the fire under control and away from the exposure, but smoke could be seen escaping from the “B” exposure. Firefighters attempted to gain control of the fire in the exposure but were unsuccessful, and eventually all crews had to pull out for master streams to be put in operation.

Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down in the original fire building and the exposure by the master streams, crews re-entered and overhauled the buildings.

Crews from throughout Schuylkill County were called into the scene, including Pottsville, Schuylkill Haven, Minersville, Tamaqua, Frackville, Englewood and Tuscarora. A tanker task force was also sent to the scene to supplement the municipal water source.

- JC KRIESHER

JC KRIESHER

Heavy smoke can be seen from the rear of the buildings.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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September, 2018

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

North Carolina: Richard L. Sales, 52 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: April 8, 2018 Death Date: April 8, 2018 Fire Department: Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Richard L. Sales was killed in a single vehicle crash while traveling on fire department business. According to initial reports, Sales was on I-40 Eastbound when he struck barriers in the middle of the road, lost control of his vehicle, and went down an embankment onto roadways below before coming to a stop. The cause of the wreck is still under investigation, but the local news reported it was the same area where a motorcyclist and the driver of a semi-trailer died in separate wrecks on March 31, 2018.

New York: M. Kent Stillwagon, 52 Rank: Firefighter-Paramedic Incident Date: April 16, 2018 Death Date: April 17, 2018 Fire Department: Greenlawn Fire Department Initial Summary: Shortly after responding to numerous calls on the evening of Monday, April 16, 2018, Firefighter-Paramedic M. Kent Stillwagon was found just after midnight at his residence in cardiac arrest. His fellow volunteers and friends from the Greenlawn Fire Department responded and tried valiantly to resuscitate him, but after being transported to Huntington hospital and an extended resuscitation attempt by hospital staff, FirefighterParamedic Stillwagon passed away.

Georgia: Gregory Jackson, 50 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 14, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Fort Benning Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Gregory Jackson became ill at the end of his shift on April 14, 2018.

He was transported to a local hospital where he

passed away on April 19, 2018. The nature and cause of fatal injury are still to be reported.

Georgia: Adam Taylor, 30 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 30, 2018 Death Date: March 30, 2018 Fire Department: Decatur County Fire Rescue Initial Summary: Late in the evening of his scheduled shift and after conducting search and rescue drills in full protective gear including SCBA, Firefighter Adam Taylor began to complain of chest pains he related to a muscle pull. Shortly after leaving work to go home because of the pain, he went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced deceased upon arrival at a local hospital.

Virginia: Herbert Tyler "Butch" Wilcox, 77 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 18, 2018 Death Date: April 19, 2018 Fire Department: Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Wilcox responded to two fire calls on April 18, 2018, one at 1300hrs and a brush fire at 1605hrs. After returning from the brush fire, Wilcox complained of neck and back pain. He went to a local MediCenter where he was examined and then sent home. At approximately 0730hrs the next morning, Firefighter Wilcox's wife tried to wake him but found him unresponsive and immediately called 911. Emergency responders arrived on scene and began CPR, but after 30 minutes of resuscitation efforts, Firefighter Wilcox was pronounced deceased at his residence. The nature and cause of fatal injury is still to be determined.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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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

RAINMAN14

Delano Fire Co. still runs this 1991 KME pumper as Engine 6-10.

KEN SNYDER

The Sweet Valley VFC in Lucerne County mantains this 1976 ExMilitary/American Air Cleaner 750-GPM pumper.

Firefighters operate a handline at the two-alarm barn fire in Gap.

BOB DEVONSHIRE

Two-Alarm Fire Strikes Chicken House in Gap Gap, PA - A two-alarm barn fire struck a Gap, Pennsylvania chicken house shortly after a storm moved through the area on Tuesday evening, August 7th.

Firefighters from the Gap Fire Company were initially dispatched for the report of an unknown type fire at 574 Spring Valley Road in Salisbury Township. Firefighters arrived and quickly realized that the fire was a working barn fire.

The initial alarm was upgraded to a barn fire, bringing additional

JUMP TO FILE #081618123 resources to the scene. The incident commander quickly requested the fire be upgraded to a second-alarm.

Several LDH supply lines were laid in the driveway to support both hand line operations, as well as supplying the elevated master stream on Truck 42 (Gap). Firefighters began by protecting the chicken houses on both sides of the

fire building until a sustained water supply could be established.

Crews from multiple tanker companies hauled water from a local quarry. Firefighters fought the fire in the 44' X 500' barn for one hour before bringing it under control.

One firefighter was transported to a local hospital due to heat related issues. Gap Fire Company was in command of the fire.

- BOB DEVONSHIRE

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.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Berks County's Ruscombmanor Township Fire Co. operates a 1991 Pierce 1250/750 as Engine 34.

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FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

North Braddock capped off their annual fair in July with a parade and water battle. Some North Braddock firefighters even dressed in drag to celebrate!

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

DAWN BANKS

Recruits Graduate from Reading FD Academy

Reading, PA - On Friday evening, July 27th, the Reading FD held graduation ceremonies for the 2018 recruit class. The event was held at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Reading. Short speeches were given by Fire Chief William Stoudt, Deputy Chief Ron Banks, and City Managing Director Glenn Steckman. Firefighter Wade VanBuskirk spoke on behalf of the class regarding their experience through the academy.

The recruits were assigned to platoons as follows: A PlatoonWilliam Corvese, Thomas McClafferty, and Paul Brutto; B Platoon-Cody Schaeffer, Wade VanBuskirk, and Kurtis Knauss; D Platoon-Paul Dudan. We wish them the best of luck with their careers.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Crews Arrive to Find Heavy Fire in Munhall Munhall, PA – At approximately 7:30 P.M. on July 25th, firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire located along the 1300 block of Margaret Street. Crews arrived on scene to find a vacant structure with heavy fire showing. A defensive attack was set up and used until the bulk of the fire was knocked down. Crews then entered the structure to perform overhaul and extinguish hot spots. No one was injured and the fire is now under investigation.

September, 2018

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1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firefighters Leave Parade for Working Fire in Apollo Apollo, PA - At approximately 5:10 P.M. on August 11th, firefighters were dispatched to 307 Wilson Way in Apollo Borough. Crews quickly arrived to find a working fire that had already begun to spread throughout the home. A man was JUMP TO FILE# also found with 081318102 burns and suffering from smoke inhalation after he attempted to go back into the home before fire units arrived. He was transported to West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

No fire hydrants were accessible due to a water main break, so an additional nine tankers were dispatched to the scene. Once the fire was knocked down, crews stayed on scene for about two hours before all units cleared around 7:30 P.M. One firefighter sustained minor injuries.

Thankfully, fire units and the additional tankers were able to arrive quickly on scene, as they were lining up several minutes away in Vandergrift for the 125th Western Pennsylvania Fireman’s Parade.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Crews work on overhaul after the bulk of fire was knocked down in Apollo.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hot Weather Prompts Second-Alarm at Reading House Fire Reading, PA - On Monday afternoon, August 5th, Berks County 911 dispatchers received a call from a frantic woman reporting a fire at 345 North 6th Street. As a box alarm was being transmitted, the woman advised the dispatcher that the JUMP TO FILE# fire was spreading 080718118 into the house next door.

Chief Mogel (Car 2) arrived at 2:04 P.M. with fire showing from the rear of a threestory MOR dwelling. Firefighters stretched hose lines into 345 and 347 while others searched the structures. Lieutenant Getka (Rescue 1) reported a large volume of fire in a rear void space.

Chief Mogel requested a secondalarm at 2:14 P.M. for additional help.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was taken to Reading Hospital. The fire was placed under control at 2:46 P.M. The Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. Units from Spring Township and Mount Penn assisted.

- JASON BATZ

Two of Reading's Ladder Companies take the front during a dwelling fire at 347 North 6th Street. Excessive heat required a 2nd alarm for additional help.

JORDAN BANKERT

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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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.

Firefighters from Schuylkill Haven RIT standby in front of 511 Peacock St. in Pottsville as firefighters work inside to overhaul the building.

JC KRIESHER

Fire Police Officer Struck by Car at Pottsville House Fire This patch belongs to the Conneaut Lake Park Fire Department, located in Crawford County, PA.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

Schuylkill County, PA – At approximately 8:45 A.M. on Friday, August 17th, Pottsville City Fire District 68 was sent to 511 Peacock Street for a reported house fire.

Chief 68 was advised of a caller reporting fire in the rear second-floor of a residence, and everyone was believed to have been evacuated. Nearing the scene, the chief had a column of smoke visible and declared a working fire with a request for a Rapid Intervention Team from Schuylkill Haven as well as a Tower-Ladder from Minersville.

Crews arrived on scene to find a fire in a two-story, single-family dwelling. Engine 68-12 took the address, followed by 68-11 who secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant. Ladder 68-25

JUMP TO FILE #081818101 came in from the west, took the "A/D" corner and was supplied by 68-16 who grabbed a hydrant coming in from Walter Griffith Avenue.

Firefighters were able to make a quick knock on the fire while a crew cut a hole in the roof for ventilation. The bulk of the fire had been knocked down within 20 minutes of the first rigs arriving on scene.

While the incident was creating a traffic issue on Peacock Street, a volunteer Fire Police Officer from the city was directing traffic in the 200 block. According to a release from the police department, a driver in a black Kia approached the fire police and once

informed of the road closure, began to curse at the volunteer and proceeded to drive around him toward the fire.

After realizing the road was actually closed, the driver turned around and stopped in front of the fire police. The driver then accelerated and struck the fire police officer with the car and fled the scene toward downtown Pottsville.

The fire police officer was laying in the middle of the roadway until EMS quickly responded from the fire scene and began to treat him for minor injuries. The patient was transported to a local hospital.

The police are still searching for the vehicle and the driver.

- JC KRIESHER

TERRY RITZ

Garage Fire in East Greenville Quickly Knocked East Greenville, PA - On Tuesday, August 28th at 5:42 P.M., East Greenville Fire Co., along with Pennsburg and Hereford Fire Companies, were dispatched to a garage fire at 432 4th St., in the boro. Upon arrival, Chief 38 (Jason Wilson), had a singlestory garage fire with smoke showing. Quick response from manpower with a hand line and multiple firemen with hand tools had the fire under control within 15 minutes. The garage suffered moderate damage to the structure and some of the contents. Firefighters conducted overhaul and checked for extension. There was no injuries and the cause is under investigation. Assisting the fire companies were the East Greenville Fire Police, Pennsburg Fire Police and Upper Perk EMS.

EMS loads a fire police officer into their ambulance after he was struck by a hit-and-run driver who became irritated after learning of the road closure.

JC KRIESHER

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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September, 2018

HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK

1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Animals Rescued from Millvale Apartment Fire

This tattoo was sent in by Parker Griffith from Georgia.

When asked what inspired him to get it, he had this to say: "It was fall of 2008 and I decided to take the challenge of completing the Georgia Smoke Diver program, one of the toughest programs in the nation. There are only about 1,000 people who have completed the program since 1978 when it first started. I trained for a year at 40-years-old and made it. If you go to the website (www.georgiasmokediver.com), you can read all about what it means to accomplish this feat.

I got back home and wanted a reminder of the hard work and satisfaction I got from this class, so Midnight Iguana in Athens, Georgia drew the tattoo up and I had it done. The bulldog is "Uga", the official mascot of the University of Georgia Bulldogs. I live near there and I'm a huge dog fan.

If you pass the challenge, you get a lifetime number; mine is 696, given to me as I came through the last obstacle. FIDO is a military acronym that stands for 'Forget It, Drive On'.

The program is a week of hell, but will change the attitude of a good fireman to one of a great fireman. This class doesn't make a great fireman, it makes a good fireman better."

Millvale, PA – At 8:23 A.M. on July 28th, firefighters were dispatched to the 400 block of North Avenue for a possible structure fire. The caller stated that she heard a smoke alarm and could smell smoke in the building.

Millvale's Chief arrived on scene and reported nothing showing from three sides, and went inside to investigate. Soon after, he notified dispatch that he had a working fire in the second divi-

JUMP TO FILE #073118104 sion.

Crews began to arrive and made an aggressive attack, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. During a search of the building, crews found three dogs and one rabbit which were quickly removed as they were found. Two of the dogs were given oxygen and

then taken to a local animal hospital for further treatment. All animals are expected to survive.

The owner of the animals was also transported to a hospital for evaluation. No further injuries were reported. The fire was placed under control at 9:46 A.M. as crews began to go back into service.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

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.

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

Lindsey@1strespondernews.com

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

This 2006 GMC runs as Utility 17 at Big Run Fire Company in Jefferson County.

PAGE 14

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Food Trailer Explosion Burns Two in East Hempfield Twp. Manheim, PA - Firefighters from Hempfield Fire Department, East Petersburg Volunteer Fire Company and Rohrerstown Fire Company re- JUMP TO FILE# sponded to a re- 081618125 ported explosion of a food trailer on Champ Blvd. in East Hempfield Township on Sunday, August 12th, at 12:18 P.M. Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved food trailer and two people with significant burn injuries. Crews went to work with extinguishment of the fire and assisting EMS with patient care.

Both patients were transported to a local hospital and then flown to a burn center near Philadelphia.

Crews remained on the scene while the State Fire Marshal investigated the cause of the reported explosion and fire.

- BOB DEVONSHIRE

Firefighters extinguish a fire in a food trailer after an explosion that injured two men who were working in the trailer.

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

Care Flight lands on Lincoln Highway (Adams County) to transport a pedestrian struck.

SHANE SHIFFLETT

BOB DEVONSHIRE

PAGE 15

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Freight Train Derails in City of Pittsburgh, No Injuries Reported City of Pittsburgh, PA – Just after 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 5th, a Norfolk Southern freight train traveling from New Jersey to Chicago derailed in the south side section of the city.

Emergency crews arrived to find that the train JUMP TO FILE# had fallen onto 080618105 Pittsburgh’s mass transit subway systems tracks, just prior to the Station Square station.

Crews closed down busy East Carson Street and the Smithfield Street Bridge. Subway traffic was also shut down.

Emergency crews remained on scene overnight to begin the recovery process. East Carson Street and the Smithfield Street Bridge remained closed until the derailment was cleaned up.

There was no word on how the train jumped the tracks (a total of seven cars); a lengthy investigation was set to begin. No one was injured.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Train derails onto busy mass transit tracks.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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September, 2018

DRILLS/TRAINING

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

Reading Firefighters pause for a moment during a water rescue program after learning how to preserve heat in a self-rescue situation.

DEPUTY CHIEF RON BANKS

CRMEDIA- C.J. RINEHART

Fire Destroys Washington Township Home

Recently, the Sanatoga Fire Co. in Lower Pottstsgrove Twp. hosted several area fire companies for a bus rescue class. The old bus was donated by Werner Bus Co. Phoenixville and transported and set up by Bux-Mont Towing.

TOM KELLY

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Two Vacant Homes Destroyed in Homestead

Homestead, PA - At 3:30 A.M. on July 26th, fire units were dispatched to a reported house on fire in the area of Sarah Street. Police arrived and reported that they had two vacant structures fully involved on Joseph Street. As fire crews arrived, a defensive attack was established and a second-alarm was requested. Crews spent several hours on scene before the fire was finally placed under control. The fire has been determined suspicious and is now under investigation.

Washington Twp., PA - On the evening of August 5th, Franklin County 911 took several calls reporting a house on fire on Waterloo Road in Washington Township. Multiple calls came in around JUMP TO FILE# 5:00 P.M. reporting 080918113 the blaze.

Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue, located in Blue Ridge Summit, was dispatched out on the call at 5:03 P.M., along with several surrounding departments due on Box 4-2. Blue Ridge Assistant Chief Jesse Wolfe marked up directly after dispatch, reporting heavy smoke in the area. Franklin advised they had multiple reports of a house fully involved and impinging on a second residence. Wolfe immediately requested Franklin Dispatch to start the Working Fire dispatch based on the information they had.

Units responding on the box had heavy smoke billowing from the area. Blue Ridge’s Fire Chief James Meek arrived on the scene at 13290 Waterloo Road, reporting that he had a two-story residential structure with heavy fire conditions on Divisions I & II of the structure, with fire showing on sides Alpha, Bravo and Charlie. Chief Meek established Waterloo Command and advised that crews would be operating from the exterior only in defensive mode.

Firefighters deployed several attack lines to conduct their fire attack while protecting the surrounding exposures. Crews' initial efforts were blocked by downed powerlines on side Bravo of the structure, delaying their ability to conduct an aggressive attack. Firefighters battled the flames for almost an hour before they were able to get a significant knock using ladder pipe operations along with the exterior attack lines. Command reported the

fire under control at 5:59 P.M. Crews remained committed on the scene for well over an hour conducting overhaul operations and extinguishing hot spots. Chief Meek advised that the house was occupied at the time of the fire. The homeowner woke up coughing from smoke filling the house, alerting him to the fire. The homeowner was able to safely evacuate the structure prior to fire departments' arrival. No other occupants were inside at the time of the blaze, but several cats were able to be rescued by firefighters upon their arrival.

Heavy fire conditions accompanied by high heat and humidity hampered firefighters’ efforts as they battled the evening blaze. Firefighters' aggressive efforts were able to keep the fire contained to the involved house. Chief Meek reported that the fire caused heavy damage to the home, which was considered a total loss.

The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined and remains under investigation. No injuries were reported. Fire department operations were complete by 7:30 P.M., at which time crews began wrapping

up operations and clearing the scene.

Over 50 emergency personnel responded to the incident from four counties between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Franklin County crews responded from Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue Co.4, Waynesboro Fire Co.2, Raven Rock Fire (Site R) Co.19, New Franklin Fire Co.17, Mont Alto Fire Co.5, Waynesboro EMS Co.2, and Franklin County Air 10.

Out-of-county mutual aid was received from Washington County, MD crews from Leitersburg Fire Co.9, Smithsburg Fire Co.7, Longmeadow Fire Co.27, and Washington County Rehab Unit 255; Adams County crews from Fairfield Community Fire Co.2, and Fountaindale Vol. Fire Co.3; as well as Frederick County, MD crews from Vigilant Hose Co.6 out of Emmitsburg.

Additional assistance was received in the way of transfers from Franklin County’s South Mountain Fire Co.16 and Fayetteville Fire Co.7; Washington County, MD’s Antietam Fire Engine 2 and Mt. Aetna Fire Co.16; and Frederick County, MD’s Thurmont Fire Co.10.

- WILLIAM KING

PHOTO 17

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

PAGE 17

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

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

In June of 1921, the newly formed Jessup Hose Company #2 was chartered. Lackawanna County's newest fire company was up and running. They soon purchased a brand new white fire engine, which was painted all red. By 1929, a new Buffalo engine was purchased with a 750-GPM pump, painted all blue. In 1948, the membership purchased a new Ward LaFrance engine to replace the Buffalo, which was sold to Thornhurst Fire Company.

The company had made a couple moves from different buildings they called home, including moving into a previous borough building, until 1983 when they hired an architect and built their current home.

In 1974, they replaced the aging Ward LaFrance with a new Ward LaFrance Ambassador. This engine had a 1000 pump and 750-GPM, and was refurbished in 1991 by a local company. This also brought a change in the colors of the company to white with blue stripping. In 1984, it was decided that they needed to add a more specialized piece for handling brush fires. A used 1965 Ford pickup was purchased and the department members rebuilt this into a brush unit.

A local department they have trained with, Scott Hose Co. #1, had a 1967 International/Ward LaFrance engine they were selling. The membership of Jessup liked it and decided it was time once again to expand their fleet and have a back up for their current Ward LaFrance engine. They purchased the engine and made it Engine 25-1.

Then, in 1989, the aging Ford pickup was in need of replacement. A committee decided on a brand new Chevrolet 3500/Reading, and all the equipment from the old Squad was placed onto this rig, along with some new rescue equipment. Unfortunately, it wasn't long until it was realized that this vehicle was too small for the needs of their growing rescue call volume and equipment. oIt was decided in 1993 to purchase a new Sutphen rescue engine to replace the small squad. Rescue 25 has a 1500 pump and 750 water, along with a large compliment of rescue equipment.

After the squad was gone, which had been re-designated Rescue 25 before it was sold,

1974 Ward LaFrance/1991 local refurb, 1000/750, Engine 25.

Engine 25 is a 1994 Sutphen 1500/750.

Brush 25, 1986 Chevrolet from DCNR with 125 pump and 210 water.

Car 25 is this 2016 Ford F-550/Knaphiede.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

ATV 25, 2011 Polaris Ranger/ASAP.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Rescue 25, 2013 KME.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

the company realized the need for off-road capabilities. They contacted the Department of Forestry and received a 1952 Dodge 3/4 ton truck that the membership equipped for brush fires. It had a 125 pump and 125 water. In 1996, the unit was beginning to have many issues. They returned it to DCNR and received a 1986 Chevrolet pickup truck to replace it. It was quickly outfitted with a 125 pump and a 210-gallon tank.

By 2003, the 1974 WLF was ready for retirement. A new

Freightliner/Ferrara with a 1250 pump and 500 water was purchased as Engine 25. By 2012, the company was responding to a very large number of rescues, and it was decided to purchase a larger, more dedicated rescue unit. Rescue 25 is now a 2013 KME with an on-board CAFS system. The department decided to sell the Freightliner/Ferrara to help pay for the new rescue, and re-designated the Sutphen as Engine 25.

In 2001, Jessup Hose Co. #2 be-

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Ambulance 25-8, 2008 GMC/Horton.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Ambulance 25-9 2016 Ford F-450/Road Rescue.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

came a part of the fledgling Lackawanna County Rescue Task Force. Each company involved brings a special element to the team, with everyone getting specialized training.

Another one of the specialized vehicles at the station is a 2011 Polaris Ranger, outfitted by ASAP. It has an enclosed "ambulance" body for transporting patients from off-road areas out to an awaiting ambulance for transport to a hospital.

A 2016 Ford F550/Knaphiede

rounds out the current fire company fleet, running as Car 25. It carries miscellaneous equipment for the company. They also have an EMS division which currently operates two ambulances, a 2008 GMC/Horton, and a 2016 Ford F450/Road Rescue.

Author’s Note: A special thank you to Chief Steve Pitoniak and the members of the company for pulling out apparatus for photos on such a beautiful day.

- DARIN SMITH

PAGE 18

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

PAGE 19

eLEND joins Heroes Mortgage Program to offer down payment assistance for heroes

For many Americans, funding the down payment necessary to realize a dream of home ownership simply is not possible; and squirreling away the dollars to do so on a limited budget could mean several years of renting and waiting to buy a house. In some cases, first responders and other community service employees have trouble affording homes in the areas where they work.

With a purchase as big as buying a home, a little help can go a long way.

The Advantage Program, introduced to the Heroes Mortgage platform by eLEND, helps hometown heroes like police officers, volunteer and paid firefighters, EMS workers, medical professionals and educators purchase a home within the community where they work, even in high-cost areas. The unique down payment assistance program was specifically designed for those who make a difference in other people’s lives, as well as first time home buyers.

“The Heroes Mortgage platform helps connect members of the emergency services community with lenders that are specifically interested in working with them,” said Joseph P. Belsito, publisher of 1st Responder Newspaper.

“The Advantage Program created by eLEND is exactly what makes the Heroes Mortgage Pro-

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform. It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

- BILL PACKER Executive Vice President eLEND

gram a valuable resource for heroes in our community looking for home financing.”

Grant provides help to homebuyers Many buyers wait patiently on the sidelines, saving money and watching interest rates rise. Unlike many other home buying assistance programs, eLEND’s Advantage Program provides a grant for the down pay-

ment. These resources can immediately build a borrower’s buying power, helping them act on a purchase more quickly for either that first home, or a move-up home as the family has grown and needs more space.

Qualified buyers can receive grants up to 2% of the purchase price, minimizing the

down payment dollars needed at closing.

The grant is “forgivable” so it doesn’t have to be paid back, and there are no resale or borrower repayment restrictions. In the state of Wisconsin, appraisal cost (up to $700) is credited back at closing. This program is not yet available in Hawaii or Washington.

To qualify, a borrower need only meet one of the following very flexible requirements: a current, retired, volunteer or professional first responder (police officer, firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, etc.), educator, medical personnel, civil servant or military personnel, or a first-time homebuyer or meet certain income requirements.

“We’re excited to introduce our Advantage Program to the Heroes Mortgage platform,” said Bill Packer, executive vice president of eLEND, a division of American Financial Resources, Inc. “It’s our way of trying to help hometown heroes advance their dreams of home ownership.”

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

For more information or to check your eligibility for The Advantage Program, visit www.heroesmortgage.com/AdvantageProgram or call 877-541-HERO.

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Three Patients Airlifted After Explosion at Letterkenny Army Depot Letterkenny, PA - On the morning of July 19th, Franklin County 911 received reports of an explosion with fire at the Letterkenny Army Depot near Chambersburg.

Letterkenny’s Fire Co. was quickly alerted, JUMP TO FILE# along with neigh- 072518105 boring departments due on Box 13-1, at 7:16 A.M. for a reported explosion with injuries at “Building 350” on California Avenue. Letterkenny Assistant Chief 13 marked up directly after dispatch, reported smoke showing as he approached the scene, and established command.

Command quickly assessed the scene and reported that he had a working fire inside the structure along with two victims who were currently outside. Letterkenny firefighters arrived and deployed an attack line to begin their interior attack while Captain 13 and Ambulance 13-8 crews tended to the injured.

Interior crews found heavy fire conditions in a 12’x16’ paint booth and were able to keep the fire contained to the booth. While firefighters worked to contain the blaze, Letterkenny personnel located a third patient that had exited on the other side of the building. All three patients had life-threatening injuries and were classified as Class 1 patients by EMS crews. Command requested aviation started for all three patients.

Emergency crews were faced with mass-chaos, having to deal with the accountability of over 300 employees that had been evacuated from the structure, while also attempting to extinguish the blaze and tend to three high priority patients. Command kept crews on task as everyone worked together. Crews were able to get the fire extinguished within 30 minutes of their arrival as EMS worked to evacuate the injured victims. Firefighters remained committed for over two hours as they checked the rest of the building, confirming they had no extension and that all occupants were out.

The incident occurred in a paint booth inside the facility at “Building 350”. The cause has not yet been determined, but the Depot Command, Col. Stephen Ledbetter, reported that Let-

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terkenny’s Safety and Engineering Offices, along with OSHA and Letterkenny’s Emergency and Fire Services, are working together to investigate the cause of the incident.

Five employees were reported injured during the incident. Three patients were treated by EMS and airlifted with serious injuries to area burn centers while a fourth was treated and transported by ground to a local hospital for a medical emergency. It was later reported that a fifth patient was transported by personal vehicle to one of the local hospitals where they were treated and released for smoke inhalation.

Out of the four patients transported by EMS, one patient succumbed to their injuries, two others remained hospitalized in serious condition, and the fourth pa-

tient’s condition was unknown.

Letterkenny Army Depot FD, Station 13, responded to the incident, receiving assistance from emergency crews from Franklin Station 4, Pleasant Hall Fire & EMS Co.11, Chambersburg Fire Co.1, Marion Fire Co.8, West End Fire Co.15, Cumberland Valley Hose Co.53, Holy Spirit EMS Co.100, Fayetteville Fire & EMS Co.7, Franklin Air 10, Life Net 81 from Hagerstown, Penn State Health’s Life Lion III out of Carlisle, and STAT Medevac 13.

Additional crews from Pleasant Hall Co.11, Vigilant Hose Co.52, Mont Alto EMS Co.5, South Mountain Fire Co.16, and Mercersburg M.M.P.W. Fire Co.9 also assisted by transferring crews in to cover the area.

- WILLIAM KING

Phase 2 is available!

PLEASANT HALL V.F.C.

Pleasant Hall Ambulance 11-9 and Chambersburg Engine 1-1 at the LZ as Life Net 81 takes off with one-of-three burn patients from an explosion at Letterkenny Army Depot on July 19th.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Vehicle News

The Limerick FD has recently placed this 2017 E-One 95' The Kimberton Fire Co. now operates this 2017 Sea- Glen Lebanon Fire Company now operates this 2018 tower into service as Tower 51. grave Apollo II tower (2000/300/105') as Tower 61.

Peterbuilt/Pierce Pumper Tanker 750/3000.

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

The Lancaster Twp. FD has taken delivery of this 2018 Salem Twp. Fire has taken delivery of this 2017 Spartan Germania Fire Company now operates this 2018 E-One Pierce Arrow XT rescue-pumper. Rescue 66 operates ERV (1500/750/10kw gen.), designated as Squad 174-1. Typhoon 1500/750. with a 2000-GPM pump, 750-gallon tank, Harrison 30-kw hydraulic generator, and 4 hydraulic reels.

DALE FEEHRER

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

House Fire Goes to Three Alarms in McKees Rocks McKees Rocks, PA - At 6:03 A.M. on Friday, August 3rd, firefighters were dispatched to the 700 block of Boquet Street in McKees Rocks for a reported residential structure fire. Medic units arrived onscene and reported heavy smoke showing from the third di- JUMP TO FILE# vision, and fire 080618100 showing from side "Charlie".

A second-alarm was requested as crews arrived and began to attack the fire. A thirdalarm was then requested for manpower as crews continued to attack the flames. The fire was placed under control in about one hour. No one was injured and the fire is now being investigated.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

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Crews battle a 3-alarm house fire in McKees Rocks.

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Structure Fires 2017

Congratulations to Firefighter Mark Ammon on more than 25 years of service to the City of Reading. Mark was hired on February 1, 1993. After completing the academy he was assigned as a jumper firefighter on the "C" platoon. After a year on the "C", Ammon took an assignment to Engine 13 on the "A" platoon. This would be one of the last positions bid before the addition of the 2nd firefighter position in the summer of 1994. After working East Reading for roughly 4 years, Ammon would move to Engine 11 on February 13, 1998. In 2011, the company was reorganized as Engine 7. Mark spent the majority of his career on the "A" platoon and with the company based at Spring & McKnight Streets. We wish him the best of luck!

NIK KNAUER

Structure Fires 2017

By Alan Simmons Productions Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $12.95 (DVD) This is a 44 minute program covering two fires in the City of Los Angeles and one in Burbank, California. The first is a Greater Alarm Fire in Sun Valley which involved a one-story commercial structure occupied by the Universal Iron Door Company. There is heavy fire inside challenging handlines. These outside lines attempt to gain advancement supported by a ladder pipe. The fire makes it through the roof and is eventually knocked down. Crews are then seen mopping up during final extinguishment. There is a nice mixture of different brands of apparatus which responded.

The second fire is a residential

structure fire in the Highland Park section. It is a frame building with fire through the roof. The building is partly obscured by trees on the property. Outside handlines operate here also. It appears that they still use wooden truss ground ladders, no doubt in an attempt to avoid electrical hazards.

The Burbank fire is a secondalarm that involves a private house. Size up is difficult because the house appears to be one-anda-half stories, but it is attached to another similar type structure which is two stories. I could not determine if this was two attached buildings to one large building, but either way the fire communicates to both.

White smoke is showing when the camera gets there and flame eventually shows through the roof, particularly after the “truckies” ventilate with saws and hooks, and later worsens. Handlines are then stretched to the roof and operated on the flames. Apparently crews could not make the ground floor entry, as it was too far for them to revert to this tactic.

It certainly appears to be a stubborn, intense fire. At one point it seems that there are more firefighters on the roof than on the ground! It gave the firefighters "a run for their money", and I could sympathize with their frustrations!

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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THEN & NOW

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

Cleona Fire Department (located in Lebanon County) had an EONE engine that served the department well for many years, but the time came that they wanted something new. After placing an order with Pierce to get a new engine, they sold the E-ONE engine to their neighbors, the Prescott Fire Company out of South Lebanon. Prescott replaced their aging 1970 Hahn engine with the E-ONE engine. Now on its second life, Engine 29 will serve the citizens of South Lebanon Township for a long time.

J. KNOLL/2 GUYS FIRE-RESCUE PHOTOGRAPHY

This photo of Wagon 8 was taken moments after first arriving at Cleona's fire station.

Smoke pushes from the attic at a house fire in West Mifflin.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

West Mifflin Firefighters Battle Stubborn House Fire J. KNOLL/2 GUYS FIRE-RESCUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Cleona's E-ONE engine is now serving just down the road at Prescott Fire Co.

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

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department (Lycoming County) operates this 2016 Ford F-550/AEV as Ambulance 24.

West Mifflin, PA - At 1:17 P.M. on August 3rd, fire units were dispatched to a possible residential structure fire located along the 1900 block of Michigan Avenue. Police arrived on-scene first and reported heavy smoke coming from the roof area of the home.

Crews then went to work and found the fire running the walls of the "Delta" side of the attic.

JUMP TO FILE #080618104 Duquense Annex's Assistant Chief arrived on-scene and assumed command, requesting a second-alarm for manpower due to the humid conditions.

Crews were finally able to open up the roof and attic area and extin-

guish the fire. The fire was placed under control at 2:18 P.M. The family that was displaced is now being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

PAGE 26

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Firestorms Chaplain’s Corner

Pastor Fernando Villicana

Once again we find ourselves praying for our Firefighters along with the numerous evacuees driven from their homes due to a series of wildfires which have plagued our state. Wildfires can ignite quickly, without warning, and do maximum damage in a short period of time.

What do you do when your world is on fire? What if you knew that everything you owned would be burned up completely in a matter of minutes and you would be able to save little, if anything?

I stood next to a family who had just lost everything in one of these wildfires. The thing the mother lamented more than anything else was the loss of the family pictures. She described the fire as something that had taken all her memories away. After praying together we all agreed that although personal possessions are important to them, the fact that the entire family stood together unharmed was more important than anything else they may have lost in the fire.

Yes, these fires have the capacity to rob us of certain things, but we are told to count our blessings too. This helps us gain a healthy perspective. Fires can be devastating but there are other ways that our lives go up in flames. You experience a painful divorce. You are notified that you will no longer have a job. A child, a spouse or a parent is diagnosed

with a terminal illness. You go through a financial crisis. You are betrayed by a friend or loved one.

Your health deteriorates. You fail at something important. Your life is reduced to ashes.

What do you do? I am assuming that you understand that I am coming from the perspective that the only way to get through these fiery trials is to know God and have him in your life. That is the given from which everything else I am saying comes. Those of us who have gone through these trials cannot imagine what it would be like to have to go through them without Him. God never leaves us nor forsakes us during difficult times, and gives us the antidote for the pain suffered through at the many setbacks in life.

Isaiah 26:3-4 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is the Rock eternal."

Yes, there will be storms in the forecast for us. Storms are inevitable. But we also have the confident assurance that the Lord will shelter us in the storms.

He will not always use the same methods to protect us, but He will do so. At times He will allow the firestorms to pass by on each side while we are protected in the palm of His hand. At other times He will permit us to go through some firestorms. I think He does this to show how true believers should react when our world is turned upside down.

Do you want peace in the midst of your firestorm? Place your trust in the Lord and do not allow the fire to shake your faith.

Praise the Lord that He is greater than any firestorm we will encounter!

RAINMAN14

Two-Alarm Fire Damages Camp Hill Café Camp Hill, PA - At 7:56 P.M. on July 14th, Camp Hill Fire Department (14), along with West Shore Bureau of Fire (13), New Cumberland Fire Department (10), Lower Allen Fire Company Truck 12 and York DLA Rescue 69, were dispatched to 2163 Market Street in Camp Hill Borough for a house fire.

Chief 14 went responding with the additional that a resident at the address advised that their house was on fire. Chief 14 arrived on

JUMP TO FILE #072518109 scene and advised that the fire was at the corner of 22nd and Market Street at the café. Engine 14 arrived and stretched lines.

Crews found heavy fire that started in the first-floor kitchen and extended to the outside of the building. Chief 14 requested the second-alarm which brought in

Enola Fire Company (17), and Rescues from Northeast Fire & Rescue (20) and Hampden Fire (30).

Crews were able to knock down the fire and confirmed that everyone had evacuated the building. Truck 14 set up to the roof of the building and crews vented. At 8:41 P.M., Chief 14 marked control of the box.

- LUCAS RICHARDSON

COMMAND VEHICLES If you have 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.

TOM LESZCZYNSKI

Two-Car Crash in Reading Injures Two

KEN SNYDER

Chief 3201 of the Woodlawn F.D. in South Whitehall Twp. uses this Chevy as a command vehicle.

Reading, PA - Around 2:00 P.M. on August 8th, Reading firefighters were dispatched for an MVA at Centre Avenue and Spring Street. With companies responding, Berks County DES dispatchers reported one of the vehicles on its side. Medic 2 arrived at a two-car accident with people confined in a rolled over SUV. Crews stabilized the vehicle and began treating the injured. Various tools were used to quickly flap the roof of the vehicle. Both the driver and passenger were removed within 15 minutes. The pair was then transported to Reading Hospital Trauma Center.

Chief Moyer (C7) was in command.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

Rookie Police Officer Rescues Resident from Pitcairn Structure Fire Pitcairn, PA - At 3:47 P.M. on July 25th, fire units were dispatched to the 100 block of Brinton Avenue in Pitcairn Borough for a reported apartment on fire with possible entrapment.

Police Chief Scott Farally, along with rookie Officer Brandon JUMP TO FILE# Morris (working his 073118100 first day on the job), arrived on-scene and successfully rescued a resident from the building.

At the same time, Pitcairn Station 229 Chief advised dispatch that he had smoke showing from the station and declared it to be a working fire. As crews arrived onscene, an engine crew from Pitcairn 229 began to attack the fire, knocking it down quickly.

The fire was placed under control at 4:23 P.M. Crews stayed on-scene for a short period of time checking for extension and hitting hot spots. No one was injured and the Allegheny County Fire Marshal is investigating.

- ERIC RASMUSSEN

Crews work an apartment fire in Pitcairn.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

TIMOTHY COOVER

Bainbridge Rescue 71 Placed into Service, Runs MVA in Conoy

CHRIS SLAYMAKER

The Gap Fire Co. of Lancaster County operates on the scene of a recent house fire on Limeville Road in Gap, PA.

Conoy, PA - Around 7:00 P.M. on July 9th, the Bainbridge and Elizabethtown Fire Departments were dispatched to a vehicle accident on Route 441 at the intersection with Bainbridge Road. Rescue 71 was placed into service and responded with a crew of six. Chief 71 arrived to find a two-vehicle accident, with a car in the middle of the intersection and a tractor-trailer about 200-yards into a field. Crews handled patient care and hazards. The rescue stayed on scene to provide lighting for the tow company before going available.

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

September, 2018

PAGE 29

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

SANDRA KATZIN

Jett Riders Visit Reading Fire Station

Reading, PA - On Wednesday, July 18th, a special group of cyclists arrived at the Southwest Station on Lancaster Avenue for a special tour and fire truck ride. The riders are part of the Jett Ride, which promotes awareness for Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy. All of the riders are siblings or friends with boys afflicted with the disease. The group began their trek in Alexandria, Virginia and were riding their way to Plymouth, Massachusetts. Plymouth is the home of the Jett Foundation. In addition, we welcomed one of our MDA ambassador's, Ethan Pyles. Ethan was also slightly interested to go for a ride on Ladder 1.

FIRST DUE PHOTOGRAPHY

Three Trailers Burn at Truck Yard in Penn Hills Penn Hills, PA - At 10:10 P.M. on July 22nd, fire crews were dispatched to a possible structure or garage on fire along the 1900 block of Universal Road. A passing officer advised county dispatch that it was a trailer that was on fire. Police arrived on-scene and advised that there were now three trailers going good and asked fire units to expedite their response. Crews arrived on-scene and quickly got a good knock down on all three trailers. Crews then spent over an hour overhauling the contents of the trailers and using foam to fully extinguish the fire. No one was injured and the fire is being investigated.

RICHARD BILLINGS

Former Valley Center Fire Co.'s 1959 Crown Firecoach.

TERRY RITZ

PAGE 30

September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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

TIMOTHY COOVER

Maytown East Donegal Twp. Firefighters Steven Rettew and AJ McCarty.

MADELYN ROHRER

East Petersburg Engine 23-1's crew pose for a photo after returning from a vehicle fire.

Crews working to remove a trapped patient.

TRISH RIVA

Eventful Day for First Responders in Commodore Commodore, PA - Saturday, July 28th was a full and eventful day for many area volunteers, and further displayed the commitment of those volunteers to the community.

The day started with much joy and happiness as volunteers from many area fire departments celebrated Clymer Chief Jeff Gromley's wedding.

At 9:51 P.M., our station was dispatched for a vehicle accident, possibly involving two or three pedestrians. Several members immediately left the wedding reception and responded to assist those involved. Based on initial reports, an engine from Indiana Fire Station, which was on stand by for Clymer, was requested to the scene to assist.

Upon arriving on scene, officers found a vehicle that had struck two parked cars, but fortunately no pedestrians. Crews provided lighting while EMS checked the driver, and state police completed their investigation. Crews were on this incident for a little under one hour.

Following that incident, crews placed the truck back into service

JUMP TO FILE #080218102 and were standing at the station chatting when a passerby pulled up and reported a serious vehicle accident on 286 at Starford Road (around 10:58 P.M.). Chief Mark Riva (540) responded to investigate while the remaining crew put the rescue on the road.

As 540 Chief arrived in the area, he contacted Indiana County 911 and they advised that they were processing the call at that time. Shortly after 540 Chief arrived, he assessed the situation and advised all personnel of one male patient trapped. The crew of 542 arrived and immediately went to work extricating the patient.

Crews were able to quickly remove the roof and driver's side door. At that time, rescuers found the patient's foot entangled in the floor pan of the vehicle. Engine 108 (Indiana) was then requested to respond, which was still on standby in Clymer.

Rescuers worked quickly, and

carefully removed, pushed and pulled the floor pan to remove the entrapped foot. While this was happening, we were advised by EMS that the patient was going to be flown from the scene and a landing zone needed to be established. Several Clymer personnel were returning from the wedding reception and responded to our station and used Engine 543 to establish the landing zone. After the patient was extricated, crews remained on scene until PSP and a tow truck cleared.

These incidents greatly demonstrated how the volunteer fire service does whatever necessary, whenever necessary, for the citizens of our communities. It also displays how numerous departments can come together and work like a well-oiled machine for the community. Consistent training from the county and state, as well as training and coordination between departments, can allow us to come together in such a fashion.

- JAMES HOPKINS III

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.

PROVIDED BY JEFF LECOMPTE

Retired Bethlehem Firefighters Jeff LeCompte and Bob Simmons prepare to run 5 miles around the city during the Hometown Heroes Event over memorial day weekend.

Mifflintown Hose Co. of Juniata County placed this beautiful 2007 E-One Typhoon into service as Rescue 29. It previously saw service with Decatur Fire Co. of Mifflin County.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

SALES

Tom Quinn 484-650-2092

Anthony Lepone 856-816-2593

September, 2018

SERVICE

John Heacock 610-301-7717

Brian Gilmore 856-783-0720

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September, 2018

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA