VOLUME 6, NO.5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 NOVEMBER 2016
Story on page 8. -Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Remembering 9/11 See page 24
-Pennsylvania Edition-
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Fire News, November 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Garage Fire in Ridley Township The Holmes Fire Company, and other companies, were dispatched to Kedron Avenue for a building fire.
See story page 7
A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor
Philadelphia House Fire On September 3, 2016, Philadelphia firefighters responded to a dwelling fire in the 1000 block of South 60th Street. See story page 9
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Family of 5 Displaced in Lancaster Township Fire The Lancaster Township FD was dispatched for a two-story apartment building fire at Village of Lancaster Green See story page 12 Apartments.
Great Stop at Gallitzin Commercial Blaze
On October 9, 2016, firefighters responded to a well-involved building on Coupon Gallitzin Road in Gallitzin.
See story page 13
Not Your Everyday Extrication Gettysburg Fire Department along with EMS was alerted for an auto accident on York Street in Gettysburg Borough. See story page 18
Obituary Chief Jeff Fustine He was a member of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for 28 years, and he had served as Chief 1 for the past four years. See story page 28
PLUS:
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Fire News Mourns The Line of Duty Death of:
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Training
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Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 29 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30 Industry News
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Charles E Horan Safety Officer North Belle Vernon Volunteer Fire Department
Page 4, Fire News, November 2016
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PA F I R E C O M M I S S I O N E R
From the Editor’s Desk
Commissioner’s Corner
Dennis Whittam, Editor
Learning from Our Elders Before I get into my editorial, the staff at Fire News would like to offer our condolences to the family and to the brothers and sisters in the FDNY who mourn the loss of Deputy Chief Michael J. Fahy. Like the thousands who attended the funeral for this hero, and in the true tradition of the fire service, we will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers. There is some comfort in knowing that Chief Fahy’s death saved lives one week later, when the Paterson Fire Department responded to a similar call. I am sure Paterson Chief Michael Postorino had the FDNY and Chief Fahy in mind as he took command of a similar emergency. He most definitely saved the lives of his responders in the way that he handled his call. Well done Chief! It wasn’t this fatal call that motivated me to write about ‘Learning from Our Elders.’ Recently, I attended the New Jersey Firemen’s Conference in Wildwood (NJ). Whenever I go to a conference, I meet people who read my editorials and offer suggestions for future ideas that affect the fire service and our responders. While in Wildwood, I met a retired FDNY Deputy Chief. He made me aware of an idea that he implements to educate the young responders who are still ‘green’ but have the enthusiasm to train and to safely handle calls. Over 25 years ago, when I joined my department, there was an ex-captain who would always ask how the call we had just worked went. For instance, if it was a brush fire I returned from, he would ask questions that made me think. I never
knew for sure what he was getting out of us until one day, my company responded to a major brush fire that almost killed me. If it wasn’t for the experience and knowledge of the captain on my truck, the outcome of the call could have been very different. When I came back to the firehouse, I knew what the ‘oldtimer’ had been getting at with his questions. From that day on, I always listened intently to the senior members of my department. Sadly, it took a close call to make me realize this. My conversation with the retired deputy in Wildwood started with my disappointment with many of the young firefighters, who in reality are a lot like I once was. A little bit of experience doesn’t make you a seasoned firefighter. Let’s face it, although calls may be similar in nature, there is always that one call that doesn’t follow the norm and can take the lives of firefighters. Sharing experiences is what helps make us aware of what may happen and helps keep us safe. If you like to read, find the 1979, second edition of the FDNY’s, WNYF. There is a critique of a fire known as the ‘Flushing Flue’ that almost claimed the lives of two very seasoned officers. I encourage you to find the article and read it. To our seasoned firefighters: take the advice of retired FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Fischler and when you are sitting around the firehouse, engage the people who are our future in conversation. Ask tough questions and give guidance through your experiences. To all; be safe! …..Dennis
by Tim Solobay Wow, how time flies. It seems like I just sat down to do last issue’s article and in a blink of an eye it’s time again. First off, kudos to Burgettstown, North Strabane and City of Washington Fire Departments and their committees for a wonderful State Convention. Janet and Mark, you two did a wonderful job keeping Jerry under control! If you missed it, which unfortunately many did, you missed a wonderful time at a great venue. Not sure why attendance was down this year but those that attended had many options of things to do and some great classes to sit in on along with the business meetings here in Western Pennsylvania. I joke with my friends from the east and other far off places in the state that it’s ok to cross the mountains into Western PA and come to events out here, but I guess there is still some type of stigma out there. Well, you get another opportunity next year when Penn Hills, which is right outside of the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, will be the host. These committees put a lot of hard work into pulling this off and the least we can all do is try and support our brother and sisters and attend. It’s always a good weekend of comraderie and sharing of ideas and meeting other folks doing the same thing you do back in your communities. Heck, you might even get information to help your department function better than it does now. The legislative session is winding down and by the time this gets into your hands the general election will be days away. I hope you all get out to vote. Please remember to find out who our fire service friends are before you vote. I know we say we don’t want to be political, but folks, reality is it’s all political and without folks who understand what we do, things will never move forward. The things we need to survive are dependent on who we can go to and have in office. There are a few bills floating out there that we are hoping get passed and sent to the governor’s desk. If not I again hope they get put out in front early in the session next year so that they can get done. We are a very diverse state and as I have crisscrossed it meeting and listening to many of you, it becomes very evident that a cookie-cutter approach to many of our problems isn’t the answer, and we need to create, as Don Konkle often
says, “a tool box of options” for both the fire service and municipal leaders to use in their particular area to work on fixing the problems you may be experiencing in your community. Now, that is not to say that the big three you hear me often talk about -FUNDING, RECRUITMENT/ RETENTION and TRAINING DELIVERY - can’t have some common threads. We will continue to work with legislative leaders and the governor’s office to address these things and try very hard to get some resolution. On September 24, 2016, prior to the convention parade, we attended and participated in the funeral service for the Line of Duty Death of a personal friend and great advocate of the fire service, and familiar face to all in western Pennsylvania and the State Fireman’s Association, Charles Horan. We give our best to Michelle, his wife, and mom Susan and hope that a familiar Dr Seuss saying of, “Don’t be sad he’s gone, Be glad we had him, will be of some comfort. One of the next big events of the fire service will be the Fire Service Institute’s annual meeting and dinner coming up on November 19, 2016, in Harrisburg at the Best Western Premier on 800 E. Park Drive. For details call 717-2365995. I hope by now that everyone has gotten in their application for this year’s piece of the $30 million state grant program for fire departments and ambulance services and also realize that the federal AFG application period is open till November 18. Well, I will end it here for this month. I hope all had a great fire prevention week and shared good safety information with the residents in your communities and let them see what it is that you all do every day to keep them safe. Tim
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As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns …
by Kraig E Herman Public Education Specialist / NFIRS State Program Manager Office of the State Fire Commissioner
I hope everyone had a great turnout for their open houses for Fire Prevention Week. I shared on the OSFC Facebook page any open house ads I saw to help spread the word. Hopefully that helped you out and you had a great attendance. In the last issue I mentioned forming a Public Education Network in Pennsylvania. If you are interested in being a part of this, drop me an e-mail and I will get the ball rolling. I know there are some departments within Pennsylvania that already have some great fire safety programs and others that are struggling to find some success. By forming this network, we can bounce ideas off each other and offer assistance to one another. OSFC has been actively doing NFPA’s Remembering When: A Fire and Fall Prevention for older adults programs around the Lancaster and York areas, but now we need to focus on getting this program out to other areas of the Commonwealth. Establishing this network will help achieve this goal. When it comes to public education, one dream or wish I have is to have a “traveling show” where I can travel anywhere in the Commonwealth to attend fairs, expos, home shows, etc., for the purpose of reaching citizens to promote fire safety. Again, I cannot do such a thing by myself. It will take a team to pull off, hence the reason why I think we should have a Pennsylvania Public Education Network in place. Let’s work together to get more smoke alarms in each home, reduce the number of civilian fire deaths and raise the awareness and importance of having home fire sprinklers. EMAIL ME TODAY! Continuing with the topic of fire prevention, at the time of me writing this article, due to some personal family medical issues, the Fire Safety at the Capital Complex will not happen this year. Time moved so fast and with other job duties plus the family medical issue, I just ran out of time. I will just have to make this a goal so that it does happen next year! I would also like to mention some other fire safety topics you may want to begin to promote: home heating dangers (chimneys, woodstoves etc.), CO dangers, turkey fryer safety, and holiday fire safety. I have some brochures on these topics I can share. As mentioned before, you can also visit NFPA website for excellent safety tip sheets as well as the USFA website to get free materials sent directly to you. On the PennFIRS side of the house, things are looking rather well. We are now down to roughly 560 fire departments in the Commonwealth that are still not reporting. For those that have contacted me to either register for Emergency Reporting (the new PennFIRS) or worked to get your department off the “bad list,” I thank you. I am fully aware that most of you are volunteers and you have other responsibilities with family, etc. As I mentioned last month, I do not want to create more burdens for you by hounding you month after month about the importance of reporting your incidents. I just want to make sure that: number one, your department remains grant eligible; and number two, I can fulfill my other job responsibilities as Public Education Specialist and have good data on hand when it comes to developing fire and life safety programs. All of this benefits you, your department and the communities you proudly serve. So if you know your department is not reporting, time is running out. Contact me — e-mail is the best since I am out traveling around the Commonwealth a lot — to get set up with Emergency Reporting or at least get up to date with your incident submissions if you choose to stay with another incident reporting program. I will close this month’s edition by listing upcoming Emergency Reporting/PennFIRS training. Remember, even if you are using another program to report, you can still attend any of these sessions! Upcoming trainings are: Thursday, October 13, McCalmont Twp. VFC Anita, Pa. (Jefferson County) 1800-2200; Monday, October 17, West End Fire & Rescue Mahanoy City (Schuylkill County) 1800-2200; Thursday, October 20, Lawrence County PSTC New Castle, Pa. 1300-1600 and 1800-2100; Monday, October 24, Wayne County EOC Honesdale, Pa. 1800-2200; Thursday November 3 West Mead # 1 VFC Meadville, Pa. (Crawford County) 1800-2200; Monday, November 14, Northumberland 911 Center Sunbury, Pa 1800-2200; and Sunday, November 20, Monroe County EOC Stroudsburg, Pa. 0900-1300. Until next month, be safe brothers and sisters.
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Responder Safety Learning Network Launches National Traffic Incident Management Training Certificate
RSLN Partners with Federal Highway Administration to Offer New TIM Certificate by Steve Austin The Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have announced a new certificate in traffic incident management now available on learning.respondersafety.com. This certificate, earned by taking 10 RSLN online training modules, is equivalent to attending an instructor-led National Traffic Incident Management Training class. “ResponderSafety.Com is thrilled to partner with the Federal Highway Administration to make this training certificate available,” said Steve Austin, Project Manager. “We expect this National TIM Training Certificate will make our vetted online training an even more attractive option for all first responders who value operating safety when responding to roadway incidents.” To earn the web-based certificate on RSLN, registered users must complete 10 tested online training modules in topics ranging from “Advance Warning,” to “Blocking,” to “The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,” to making “Move It or Work It,” decisions. Successfully passing these modules means that the first responder has been exposed to the same content taught in the classroom at the National TIM Training. RSLN training modules are free for all users. In addition, registered RSLN users can opt-in to a secondary reporting system that makes their online training results available to training managers at participating agencies. “Training managers at those organizations can log in and verify that their first responders have completed this vital training and earned the National TIM Training Certificate,” said Austin. To learn more about the webbased National Traffic Incident Management Training Certificate, please visit www.respondersafety.com. About the Federal Highway Administration: The FHWA is an agency within the U.S. DOT that supports state and local governments in the design, construction, and maintenance of the Nation’s highway system and various federally and tribal owned lands. Through financial and technical assistance to state and local gov-
ernments, the FHWA is responsible for ensuring that America’s roads and highways continue to be among the safest and most technologically sound in the world. About The Responder Safety Learning Network: The Emergency Responder Safety Institute of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association provides the Responder Safety Learning Network as part of its mission to improve the safety of the nation’s emergency responders by: •Engaging in and promoting activities that include developing educational material to support responder safety training •Promoting the National Unified Goal (NUG) for Traffic Incident Management (TIM) •Encouraging the development of TIM Teams •Promoting collaboration, communication and cooperation among the nation’s emergency responders •Keeping emergency responders up to date on national rules, regulations and trends related to safe roadway incident operations. The Responder Safety Learning Network delivers free training modules and downloadable resources in the safety aspects of traffic incident response. These modules and resources are vetted by recognized experts, consistent with the NUG, and in alignment with any associated standards and requirements that apply to an individual module or resource topic. The testing and documentation available for module completion assists emergency responders in keeping a training record that can assist with meeting continuing education requirements.
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Adams Co. Fire
On September 11, 2016, firefighters from United Hook and Ladder Fire Department in New Oxford, Adams County, battled a working fire in a twostory, single-family dwelling. The fire originated in a bedroom due to an unattended candle and caused approximately $50,000 in damages. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
Garage Fire in Ridley Twp. On September 2, 2016, the Holmes Fire Company, with other township companies and mutual aid from Norwood, were dispatched to Kedron Avenue for a building fire reported to be in a detached garage with exposure issues. Upon arrival, Ladder 43 stretched a handline on the single-story, wood frame garage, which was well involved, and made a quick knockdown. The building was heavily damaged and required extensive overhaul. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
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Cover Story
Lemoyne 3-Alarmer Draws a Crowd
On September 12, 2016, Cumberland County Box 113-02, dispatched Engine Co’s 13 (West Shore Bureau of Fire), 10 (New Cumberland), 12 (Lower Allen), Truck 14 (Camp Hill), Squad 13 (West Shore), and Air 13 (West Shore) to Hummel Avenue at Lafferty Lumber for a building fire. Chief Mulhollan requested a second alarm assignment, bringing Engine Co’s 21 (Creekside), 30 (Hampden Township), York County 68 (Fairview Township), Truck 12 (Lower Allen), Tower 2 (Harrisburg City), Rescue 14 (Camp Hill), 20 (Northeast - East Pennsboro), and Rescue 69 (DLA - New Cumberland) for RIT. Incoming companies prepared to go defensive on arrival. Truck 14 and Tower 2 went in service with master stream operations. A one- and two-story, unattached, commercial property was an immediate exposure on the B side and became involved, but was able to be saved and suffered heat, water and smoke damage. Truck 12 flowed master streams protecting other structures which were exposed to radiant heat. Squad 13 went in service with deck gun and blitzfire operations. A line was also stretched to cool Squad 13 down as intense radiant heat impinged on the apparatus. Additional arriving engine companies supplied aerial operations, bliztfires and handlines. Access to the rear was limited due to train tracks and arcing, high voltage power lines. One power line fell on a blitzfire, rendering the device inoperable until the power company shut off the grid. Squad 33 (New Kingston) was special called to the scene for RIT when Rescue 69 was put to work. Crews stretched two handlines in an attempt to make an interior attack on a two-story office building between two buildings, but were forced to withdraw once the second floor flashed over. This office building eventually became fully involved, but an unattached building separated by a few feet was spared from the flames. A third alarm was transmitted with engine companies ordered to lay in from hydrants 3,000 feet from the scene. Mechanicsburg Truck 28 and Progress Truck 32 both set up in front of the structure and began flowing master streams. Approximately 100 firefighters from 20 companies in Cumberland, Dauphin and York counties battled the blaze. The fire caused over $1 million in damages. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, November 2016, Page 9
Philadelphia House Fire
On September 3, 2016, Philadelphia firefighters responded to a all companies in service. Deputy 1 assumed command and requestdwelling fire in the 1000 block of South 60th Street. Battalion 7 ed two engines, two ladders and a medic above the box. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski arrived to heavy fire throughout a two-story twin with fire extending to the Bravo and Delta exposures. Battalion 7 (C Platoon) put
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Car Fire Extends
On August 23, 2016, LanghorneMiddletown Fire Company Firefighter Mike Ryan (nozzle) extinguished hot spots in a vehicle after a vehicle fire with fire extension into a dwelling on YardleyLanghorne Road. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Butler City Duplex Fire Stopped City of Butler Station 1, Veterans Administration Fire Department Station 38 and Butler Ambulance Station 99 were dispatched to W. Brady Street in Butler City for a residential structure fire on September 5, 2016. Station 1 arrived to find fire on the second floor of a duplex. Firefighters stretched a line and contained the fire to the second floor. One resident was evaluated by EMS for a burn to the arm but refused transport to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Hanover House Fire Penn Township firefighter Ken Kuhn (left) and Captain Matt Boyce carry an exhaust fan back to the ladder truck after a smoky fire in a house in Hanover, York County on September 18, 2016. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
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Family of 5 Displaced in Lancaster Twp. Fire
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On September 30, 2016, the Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched for a two-story apartment building fire at Village of Lancaster Green Apartments on Judie Lane in Lancaster Township. A resident called building maintenance to explain there was excessive heat in the master bedroom. As the resident met the building maintenance representative, they observed smoke coming from the roof. Arriving firefighters found smoke venting from a gable vent over apartments A thru H. The fire was beneath the roof and above the ceilings in an open space extending the length of the building. Firefighters had no access to the attic and were forced to cut their way into the attic thru the roof with chainsaws. Two ladder towers were deployed for firefighters to access the roof. A third tiller ladder was used to access the gable end. Once inside the attic, firefighters observed an electric wire arcing from the end wall, which had filled the entire attic area with smoke from burning insulation. Firefighters removed the burnt insulation with barn shovels and vented the smoke. A family of five were displaced. The family was placed in the care of the American Red Cross. Assisting were: Mountville, Lafayette, Lancaster City, Blue Rock, Willow Street, Manheim Twp., Rohrerstown, West Willow, Upper Leacock, East Petersburg Fire Co. and Lancaster EMS. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Sykesville Store/Barn Fire A Sykesville Amish furniture store and barn caught fire on August 26, 2016. Within a short amount of time the fire went to a third alarm. Multiple stations from the surrounding areas were called in to assist. Firefighters fought the fire for approximately five hours. - Fire News photo by Ashley Frantz-Walters
Troy Hill House Fire Recently, Zone 1-2 companies dispatched to Lowrie Street, in the Troy Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, for a possible structure fire. Engine 32 arrived on location to find smoke showing. Firefighters stretched a line to the interior and quickly knocked down a fire in a 2-1/2 story, occupied frame dwelling. The fire was placed under control in about 15 minutes. Companies responding: Engines 32, 3, 38, 6 (Go Team), Truck 32, Mac Unit, Battalion Chief 4031, 4033 (Safety Officer). - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
City of Chester Bldg. Fire On September 13, 2016, Companies 81 and 82 dispatched for a mid-afternoon building fire. C platoon was sent to West 6th Street for the dwelling fire. Upon arrival Chester 11 encountered a stand-alone three-story dwelling with smoke showing. Crews made short work of the fire, which was held to the rear of the structure. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
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Fire News, November 2016, Page 13
Great Stop at Gallitzin Comm’l. Blaze On October 9, 2016, firefighters responded to a well-involved building on Coupon Gallitzin Road in Gallitzin. Firefighters from three aerial ladders, eight engines, eight tankers and several specialty vehicles were able to confine the fire to the building of origin, ultimately saving a large number of exposures, including multiple job site trailers, tractor trailers and equipment. Water supply was established via two sources, first a 3,900-foot LDH relay from a hydrant and 2000-feet of LDH to support a tanker shuttle operation. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold
West Cocalico Twp. House Fire On October 7, 2016, firefighters responded to South Windy Mansion Road for a reported house on fire. Chief 18 reported a visible thermal column from two miles away as companies responded. Engine 18-1 arrived with orders to start an exterior attack as secondary units arrived to go interior. Companies had the bulk of the fire knocked down in about six minutes. Crews remained on location doing salvage and overhaul while finding hidden pockets of fire. A few hours later, crews responded back to the home as the fire flared back up and was heavily involved again. Crews remained on the scene for a few hours to bring it completely under control. - Fire News photo by Chris Haldeman
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Susquehanna Twp. Blaze
On September 5, 2016, Company 31 (Edgemont), Engine and Truck 32 (Progress), Engine and Rescue 37 (Rescue Susquehanna Twp), and Engine 33 (Colonial Park) responded to N. 21st Street in Susquehanna Township for a house fire. Multiple calls indicated everyone out and the house to be fully involved. Engine 32 arrived at the two-story dwelling to find heavy fire on the second floor and stretched a line to the rear basement where companies entered. Command requested a first alarm. An additional handline was stretched as heavy fire consumed the second floor and attic of the home. The fire was placed under control in about an hour with extensive overhaul required. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Lower Keeping Things Macungie Twp. Safe 2-Alarmer
Firefighters from several departments responded to a two-alarm fire on Strathmore Drive in Lower Macungie Township on August 24, 2016. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
On September 4, 2016, firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in a standby special assignment at Lower Makefield Township’s Community Day Fireworks display with Ladder 80. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Ummm, You Can’t Do That Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Lieutenant Jason Feyko extinguishing an unauthorized open burn on a residential property on River Road in the area of the Delaware River in Lower Makefield Township. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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On August 22, 2016, the Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment building fire on Judie Lane in the Village of Lancaster Green Apartments. The 911 saw smoke from his apartment door. The resident was coughing and explained he could not evacuate due to his son being a quadriplegic. The father refused to leave his son inside the smoky building. All other residents evacuated the building safely. Manheim Township Police Officers Bradely Redinger and Aaron McCoy were the first emergency responders on the scene. The two entered, encountering heavy smoke at the rear of a common hallway that serviced the apartments. They made their way to the apartment of the trapped
Fire News, November 2016, Page 15
residents, wrapped the man in a sheet and carried him out of the building, across a driveway to a grassy knoll as the fire apparatus was arriving. Lancaster EMS evaluated the son but he did not require medical treatment. Firefighters found a heavy smoke condition and a smoldering fire in the electrical closet on the first floor, rear of the building which contained electrical panels and electrical meters. The smoke was vented from both floors of the apartment building and PPL was requested to the scene. The Red Cross was summoned to assist with housing of approximately 13 displaced residents. Assisting were Blue Rock Fire Rescue and Lancaster EMS. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
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Yardley Makefield Handles MVA
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Firefighter Amy Chamberlain operating an e-draulic Hurst cutter at a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Merrick Road and Woodside Road on September 13, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Car Hits 2 Houses in Lancaster City On September 11, 2016, the Lancaster City Fire Department was dispatched for vehicle into a porch on Hershey Avenue in Lancaster City. A male driver lost control of his car, ran over a tree, bounced off a front door of a house and overturned on a neighbor’s newly built porch. Lancaster City firefighters had to stabilize the car on its side and remove the roof of the car to access the driver. There were no other occupants. The driver was freed and taken to Lancaster General Hospital but was not seriously injured, Lancaster City police said. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
2 Injured in Philadelphia MVA Firefighters from Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 70 took care of a person following a traffic accident that injured two people seriously on the Roosevelt Blvd at Large Street in September. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Very Lucky Lady A train crashed in to a car at the Route 100 railroad crossing in Upper Macungie after the female driver failed to yield to the oncoming train. The train, from Norfolk Southern, was a local train used to service the industrial park and was only going about 25 mph when the accident happened. The female was able to be freed by firefighters and suffered only minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Driver Rescued After Flip in Lancaster Township
On August 27, 2016, an elderly woman was injured when the car she was driving overturned in the 700 block of S. West End Avenue, near Manor Street, in Lancaster Township. The woman’s sedan was traveling south when it swerved and crashed into the rear of a pickup truck parked along the street, causing the car to flip onto its roof. Lancaster Township firefighters used hydraulic tools to remove the driver’s side doors. She was removed 14 minutes after arrival. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Miflin Co. Car-IntoHouse On September 8, 2016, Highland Park Engine 4 and Fame EMS Medic 12 responded to a vehicle into a house on Parcheytown Road in Derry Township, Mifflin County. - Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
Not Your Everyday Extrication Recently, Gettysburg Fire Department along with EMS was alerted for an auto accident on York Street in Gettysburg Borough. Ambulance 54 arrived and reported a pickup truck into a building, with the truck on its side, heavy entrapment, on fire and the building collapsing. The assignment was upgraded to a full structural response. Chief Hurshel Shank had command. An hour-and-25-minute extrication was required to free the lone occupant of the truck. Several rescue tools and techniques were utilized, as well as rigging the overturned truck to the fire engine for stabilization. York County ATR team was dispatched to assist on scene, as well. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
3-Car MVA in Bucks Co. Engine 502 and Engine 50 along with medics from Bristol Township were dispatched to Route 13 and Commerce in Bristol Borough, Bucks County, after a three-vehicle accident left three people hurt. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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CO Scare in West Lampeter Twp. On September 5, 2016, Willow Street and Lampeter Fire Companies responded to a CO investigation at the Taco Bell Restaurant on Willow Street Pike North in West Lampeter Township. The incident was reported when six or seven employees reported they started feeling sick. “We found no issues, so the building was turned over to the West Lampeter Township code enforcement representative,” Willow Street Fire Copany Chief Mike Reese said. “It’s under investigation; we believe it might have been a small freon leak.” - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Odor Investigation in Lancaster Twp. On August 28, 2016, the Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to Wyncroft Lane for an odor investigation inside an apartment building. Firefighters checked the apartment with a thermal imaging camera and discovered a hot stove burner coated with waste cooking oil was causing the odor. A PPV fan was stationed at the door of the apartment to vent the apartment. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
New Oxford Gas Main Break On August 25, 2016, United Hook and Ladder Fire Department from New Oxford was dispatched for an outside investigation of an odor of gas in the 3300 block of the Carlisle Pike near the Columbia Gas Distribution station. Units arrived to find a major gas leak after a worker drove over the gas main. The assignment was quickly upgraded to a full box assignment bringing additional engines and tankers from throughout Adams County. It took Columbia Gas nearly five hours to mitigate the problem. (Left): Assistant Chief Nick Shaffer updates the command board at the scene. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
FFs Rescue Child From Locked Car On August 15, 2016, Firefighters rescued a little girl from a locked car after her father accidentally locked the keys inside the car. The temperature at the time was 84 degrees, with the heat index over 100 degrees. Firefighters used a lock out kit and a good Samaritan from R. Dubb Construction supplied wood shims which were wedged between the window and door to access the locking mechanism. The child was extricated from the car three minutes after arrival. The child was uninjured and carried to a cool LEMSA ambulance for evaluation after being extricated. This was the fifth call of the day for Lancaster Township firefighters who responded to a wires down call, a standby, an assist EMS and an assist police call prior. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire Prevention Month in Lancaster Twp.
On October 4, 2016, the Lancaster Township Fire Department started a month of fire prevention programs beginning with programs at E.R. Martin Elementary School on Wabank Road and Kidde Kollege Preschool on Columbia Avenue in Lancaster Township. Students were given fire prevention bags filled with literature and a yellow fireman’s helmet. A fire safety message was explained to the students, and instruction was provided covering what do when a fire occurs in their home, as well as calling 911. - Fire News photo by FF Irene Fitzkee, LTF
Looking Back
Allentown 1992
On August 6, 1992, Allentown firefighters were called to 635 N 4th Street for a reported house fire and arrived to find smoke and fire showing from the second floor of an apartment house. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Fire News, November 2016, Page 21
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Training
Practice Makes Perfect
Mt. Lebanon and North Strabane Fire Departments hosted a Firefighting Operations in High Rise and Standpipe Equipped buildings back in June. Assistant Chief David MaGrail from the Denver Fire Department trained firefighters on standpipe procedures, hose advancement and nozzle techniques in a local parking garage. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
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The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department held a unique form of extrication training at their station, focusing on control of the tools. Jenga, played with manual tools, and moving eggs with hydraulic tools were among the activities of the evening. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2016, Page 23
Double Housing for Lansdowne
Delaware County Company 19 Lansdowne housed their two new pieces of apparatus on October 1, 2016. Rescue 19 is a 2016 Seagrave 1500-gpm Rescue Pumper with a Marauder II Stainless Steel Cab that seats seven, a 1500-gpm Waterous Pump, 600-gallon tank, command light, and portable winch. Engine 19 is a 2016 Seagrave 1500-gpm Pumper with a Marauder II Stainless Steel Cab that seats eight, 1500-gpm Waterous Pump and a 750-gallon tank. The apparatus were housed at Station 19 during an open house that was attended by the public, local politi-
cians and mutual aid companies. The housing ceremony was followed by a short parade and a banquet. - Fire News photos by Frank Wesnoski
Page 24, Fire News, November 2016
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Remembering 9/11
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Firefighter Larry Newman participating in the Honor Guard Wreath detail during the 15 Year Anniversary Remembrance in Light ceremony at The Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s official 9/11 Memorial in Lower Makefield Township on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company firefighters participating in the Lower Makefield Township memorial on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Falls Township Fire Company #1 ‘The Big House,’ firefighters participating in the Lower Makefield Township memorial on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Upper Makefield Fire Company firefighters participating in the Lower Makefield Township memorial on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Newtown Fire Association firefighters participating in the Lower Makefield Township memorial on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Firefighters participating in the Lower Makefield Township memorial on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Members from all South Whitehall Fire Departments (Greenawalds, Woodlawn and Cetronia) pose with a piece of WTC metal acquired from the Port Authority of NY and NJ. The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 2016. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold
On August 20, 2016 the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Pennsylvania Chapter held their first 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride to commemorate the 15th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The ride traveled 78 miles through Montgomery and Bucks Counties in Pennsylvania. - Photo courtesy of Laura Maxwell and Larry Browne
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Fire News, November 2016, Page 25
Chief Frank Farry Proposes Pennsylvania State Representative/Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Fire Chief Frank Farry surprises his girlfriend Kristen Erway with a marriage proposal during the 1st Responder Weekend Parade at Sesame Place in Langhorne PA on Saturday September 10, 2016. Of course, Kristen accepted! - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Still Workin’ Newton/Wayne Fire Company’s 1950 Chevy fire engine. The engine was bought brand new and served until the 1990s. The truck is all original and still participates in parades and other community events. - Fire News photo by Curtis Jury
Page 26, Fire News, November 2016
Tri State Antique Muster
FireNews.com
The Tri State Antique Fire Engine Association held their annual Fire Muster on August 28, 2016, in downtown Pittsburgh. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
Wanna’ See What It’s Like? The Mt. Lebanon, Castle Shannon and Dormont Fire Companies near Pittsburgh host an annual Citizens Fire Academy at which civilians get to experience first-hand what it takes to be a fireman. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2016, Page 27
Community Public Safety Program in Lancaster Township On September 15, 2016, the Lancaster Township Fire Department provided a community fire prevention program along with Manheim Township Police Department for residents of Kensington Club apartments in Lancaster Township. Residents were provided fire prevention literature and were able to ride in a fire engine, Lancaster Township Engine 66-3, and work a small hoseline from Lancaster Township Engine 66-2, shooting water at a mock building prop with rotating flames when water hits them. The Lancaster County Fireman’s Association smoke trailer, which has a kitchen and second floor bedroom, was on hand. Participants were instructed on kitchen and stove safety along with fire extinguisher use. Manheim Township Police Officer Aaron McCoy provided police safety tips. Residents were able to sit in a police vehicle and observe the computer and radio communication equipment and more. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Huntington, WV. Fire Prevention Parade Huntington, West Virginia, Fire Prevention Parade on October 10, 2016. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Page 28, Fire News, November 2016
FireNews.com
Obituary Brockway’s Chief Jeff Fustine
Chief Jeff Fustine was laid to rest after a massive funeral and procession involving first responders from multiple counties and the entire Brockway community. He was a member of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for 28 years, and he had served as Chief 1 for the past four years. - Fire News photos by Ashley Frantz-Walters
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2016, Page 29
Up Close & Personal On October 8, 2016, Lititz Fire Company members spent the day doing live fire training scenarios at the Lancaster County Fire Academy’s burn building. - Submitted by Ron Oettel
Mt. Lebanon and North Strabane Fire Departments hosted a Firefighting Operations in High Rise and Standpipe equipped buildings back in June. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Nashville Fire Chief and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Brad Dunham works at a small fire on a porch in York County near Thomasville on September 2, 2016. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company Firefighters, family, and Sesame Place characters at the 1st Responder Weekend Parade at Sesame Place in Langhorne on September 10, 2016. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Whitehall firefighters at the scene of a structure fire at the Keystone Pub on Grape Street on July 18, 2016. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold Hanover and Penn Township career and volunteer firefighters after a smoky fire in Hanover Borough, York County on September 18, 2016. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
Irishtown Fire Company in New Oxford. - Fire News photo by Steven Roth
Lancaster Township Fire Department responding to an MVA on Columbia Avenue on October 12, 2016. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Page 30, Fire News, November 2016
FireNews.com
Firehouse Kitchen With Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney
While driving home from a rough weekend at Mohegan Sun, I received a phone call from one of the producers of The Dr. Oz Show. They were a fan of Firehouse Kitchen and wanted to know if I would come on The Dr. Oz Show and make a “garlicky dish.” “A garlicky dish?” I asked. The producer said, “Oh wait, let me explain. We are doing a show about a young man who is an internet sensation. He is going to show some of the remedies for garlic breath.” The producer continued, “Can you bring in your wife and two other fireman you had on your show with you?” I asked why, and he said they had a funny skit set up for us. Fair enough. Hey, I’m firefighter Ray! I’m up for anything. Garlicky dish, garlicky dish — what am I to make? Then, I remembered a show I did in Somerset, New Jersey, with a young firefighter who made this unbelievable garlic bread. He called it Heart Attack Bread. I didn’t think there would be any remedy for garlic breath from eating Heart Attack Bread. The day of the taping arrived. The show sent a car to pick us up. Firefighter Ray was moving up in the world! I asked, Mike Munoz, a regular on my show from the Wantagh Fire Department, and Billy Zoller of the West Sayville Fire Department, to join me on the show. They were to be the testers. Even though they didn’t have any idea what their job would be, they
were up for the chance to be on national television. We arrive at the studio and were ushered into the green room, then whisked away into hair and makeup and then a three-hour wait to tape the show, about which I still had no clue to what our purpose would be. Finally, we were given the details. Each fireman and myself are to eat the bread. Next, each of us would be given one of three different natural garlic breath remedies: apple, hot green tea, and a lime with a shot of tequila. Being the Irishman I am, they gave me the tequila remedy. After taking our remedy, Dr. Oz and my wife had to smell our breath to see who was the least garlicky. The lime with tequila won! Now mind you, the tequila had nothing to do with the remedy! They informed me after that they thought it would be fun to add the tequila. Me? I thought it would be fun to pour myself another shot. The segment lasted about six minutes, and it was a great experience to see how things operate on a show of this caliber. Dr. Oz was a gentleman. His warmth and personality shown through the moment we met. He truly made us feel welcome. I would like to thank Dr. Oz and his entire staff for the wonderful experience we had. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or friend us on Facebook; 631-514-5859.
HEART ATTACK BREAD
One loaf of Italian Bread (preferably peasant bread) Two sticks of butter Two heads of garlic (finely chopped) Salt, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice garlic bread down the center into two halves. Melt the butter in saucepan and lightly brown the chopped garlic in the melted butter. Pour over the halves of the Italian bread. Season to taste with salt, pepper and Parmesan Cheese. Bake until golden brown on outside. Remove, slice and enjoy!
FireNews.com
Fire News, November 2016, Page 31
ATTORNEY NEIL ROSSMAN TO KEYNOTE AT FDSOA Neil Rossman, the attorney who handled the landmark case against a fire truck manufacturer in 1985 and changed fire truck designs forever, will be the keynote at the Fire Department Safety Officers Association’s annual Apparatus Symposium and Safety Forum, Tuesday, January 17th, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. Thirty-five years ago, Firefighter Joseph Tynan, Jr., fell off a fire engine in Brookline, MA. Rossman, a former firefighter, took the case of the permanently disabled Tynan because it was too common for firefighters to be hurt from the opencab design of fire trucks. In 1985, a Boston jury found the Wisconsin fire truck manufacturer liable for Mr. Tynan’s injuries. The impact was revolutionary on the industry and within a year fire trucks were radically re-designed. Neil Rossman is a partner in the law firm of Rossman and Rossman and specializes in Superior Court trials involving medical malpractice, products liability and personal injury. He was a firefighter in the U.S. Army while on active duty and a professional firefighter for 6-1/2 years with the Swampscott (MA) Fire Department. He has spoken over 45 times to fire service groups in the United States and Canada about fire service liability and firefighter occupational safety and health. Rossman will be presenting during the Apparatus Symposium. The Apparatus Symposium and the Safety Forum will be co-located at the Wyndham Orlando Resort on I-Drive, Orlando, Florida. The Apparatus Symposium, January 16-18, will feature apparatus and
ambulance specification and maintenance topics. Details and registration information can be found on the event page of FDSOA.org. The Safety Forum pre-conference program begins January 16-17, Dave Dodson and Shadd Whitehead will teach the two-day Incident Safety Officer class and Steve Raynis and Dan Melia will teach the two-day Health Safety Officer class preceding the start of the Safety Forum, Wednesday, January 18 to Friday, January 20, 2017. For more information on either event, contact Rich Marinucci, FDSOA Executive Director at 248-880-1864. The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA works to help fire departments achieve proficiency and promote the recognition of training, skills and a secure future. In May 2016, FDSOA won the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its work over 28 years, “as an organization fully dedicated to the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.”
PROLINER, CODE 3 AND OTHERS HELP A DEPARTMENT IN NEED Beaver Falls Fire Department (BFFD) is a small fire department with a great need. This small town department serves a large area of Western Pennsylvania, but works with a very small budget. It became apparent that the department was in need of an arson investigation unit, but there were no funds available to secure the needed vehicle, equipment and specially trained arson dog. That is until State Farm Insurance donated Patty, and the training to certify her as a fully trained arson dog. Along with Patty, State Farm also donated a 2013 Ford Taurus, which was a recovered stolen vehicle. Since the vehicle needed to be repaired and restored to operable condition, Steve Wisotsky from State Farm Insurance, working in conjunction with Long Island Auto Body Repairmen Association (LIABRA) was tasked with securing a facility to donate the repairs. Scotsman Collision of Mt. Sinai performed the repairs at no cost to Beaver Falls Fire Department. However, the unit was far from ready for service. It still needed to be up-fitted from a standard Ford Taurus to an emergency vehicle. Not having the funds needed for the necessary emergency equipment, Fireman Dave Seidel of Beaver Falls Fire Department planned to fundraise with T-shirt sales, spaghetti dinners and other local fundraisers. Together with State Farm Insurance they raised enough money to install a new dog PROTECTION cage system for Patty to ride safely. The rest of the equipment was put on hold until more money could be raised. Meanwhile, the important work of arson investigation was waiting for Patty and BFFD. The call for help was heard two states away, when BFFD and Steve Wiotsky of State Farm Insurance approached Billy Georgiou, owner of the
Long Island, NY-based emergency rescue vehicle dealership, ProLiner Rescue. Georgiou spec-ed out the vehicle proposal for BFFD and despite the fact that the small town department didn’t yet have the needed funds, Proliner commenced work on the vehicle. Proliner worked with Code 3 to secure the needed emergency light bar, siren system and strobing push bumper system. Proliner also added additional strobes to the package, shelf and taillights. Down the road, after all the necessities were in place, BFFD had hoped to add ghost stripes to the vehicle; Proliner installed these as well. Georgiou also worked with Relay Communications to secure a donation of a fully programmed two-way radio. As the September 16 deadline approached, it became apparent that BFFD was not near reaching the amount of money needed for the up-fitting. Billy told them, “Don’t worry about it, whatever you raise, we will still build the vehicle.” True to his word, the car was completed and the majority of the cost to build it was donated by Proliner. This fully up-fitted 2013 Ford Taurus, along with arson dog Patty, is a proud addition to the BFFD, who along with other townships and local law enforcement investigates arson calls for a large area of Western Pennsylvania. In fact, in the short time Patty has been on the job she has already solved a serial arson case!