VOLUME 8, NO. 1
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
MARCH 2018
Story on page 24. -Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Fire News Welcomes All to the Pittsburgh Fire Expo -Pennsylvania Edition-
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 3
In this issue... First Fire for Newly Merged Department Firefighters from two counties battled a three-alarm apartment fire in Hanover Borough. See story page 7
On January 7, 2018, fire broke out in a residence on Sara Lane in Penn Hills, Allegheny County. See story page 11
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO
Hummelstown House Fire On February 5, 2018, Hummelstown and area companies responded to North Duke Street for a residential fire. See story page 19
Jim Thorpe House Well Involved Firefighters from Jim Thorpe and surrounding communities were dispatched to South Street for a dwelling fire. See story page 21
House Goes in Duncannon On February 3, 2018, fire crews responded to a structure fire on Barnett Drive in Duncannon. See story page 23
Alfred Ewing, Sr., Calls it a Career Fawn Volunteer Fire Company #2’s Alfred Ewing, Sr., turns over the reins. See story page 35
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 33
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Page 4, Fire News, March 2018
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Afraid of Rehab? Most of the firefighters I know welcome the chance to be the first responder on their rig, especially when they know it's a worker. Yet, there is one duty that most balk at. How many of you cannot wait until the fire is over so that you can participate in Rehab and medical evaluations after the fire? At times I feel sorry for our emergency medical staff because they are given the serious task of making sure firefighters are ready for the next call, and you may try your best to avoid them. Firefighter rehabilitation is the process of providing rest, rehydration, nourishment and medical evaluation to members who are involved in extended or extreme incident scene operations. We are all aware that the effects of heat stress can be fatal. Injury from slips, trips and falls, along with strokes and heart attacks are things we should also be concerned about. Believe it or not, about 80,000 firefighters are injured every year. Over the past few months, you have responded and fought fires in extremely adverse conditions. This winter has been brutal. Extremely cold conditions have tested all of you. About 100 firefighters die each year,
with cardiac or cerebrovascular events being blamed for 50 percent of the line of duty deaths. The purpose of Rehab is to decrease the likelihood of on-scene injury and death. My opinion is that a good rehab program should be ongoing. It should ensure that physical and mental condition of members does not deteriorate to a point that affects safety of each member or that jeopardizes safety and integrity of overall operations. Over the years, I remember my department EMTs watching over the firefighters as they operated at calls in extreme weather conditions. According to NFPA 1584, the company or crew must self-rehab (rest with hydration) for at least 10 minutes following the depletion of one 30-minute SCBA cylinder or after 20 minutes of intense work without wearing an SCBA. The company officer must ensure that all members are fit to return to duty before resuming operations. There are many other concerns that should be taken into consideration during Rehab Operations. I am not the expert. Rely on the guidelines and best practices set up by the qualified people in your county. Your EMS staff should review NFPA 1584, which
is the standard on the rehabilitation process for members during emergency operations and training exercises. Accountability is a key component to your Rehab operation. I recommend that everyone visits the FEMA website at www.fema.gov, and search for Firefighter Rehab information. Remember that rehab is a necessary component to all firefighter operations. When you are told to go to Rehab, don’t be afraid. Welcome the thought that someone is watching over you. As for our EMS responders; I will talk about PTSD in a future editorial. PTSD effects all of us. Stay safe! - Dennis
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 5
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5 Displaced in East Pittsburgh Fire
Around 0230 on January 18, 2018, fire units were dispatched to a structure fire on Howard Street in East Pittsburgh with multiple calls coming in and a report of the entire rear of a row house on fire. Units arrived to find heavy fire showing from a row house and began an offensive attack. A second alarm was requested. Eventually all units were forced to evacuate. About an hour into the incident a third alarm was requested. Firefighters then began offensive operations again. The fire was finally placed under control shortly before 0500. No one was injured in the fire but five people were displaced. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
Hampden 2-Alarmer On December 28, 2017, Hampden Township Box 30-04 sent Engines 30, 22, 37 and 14, Truck 30, Rescue 30, and Squad 23 (RIT) to South 36th Street for a house fire. Engine 22 arrived to heavy fire issuing from side C of a 1-1/2 story, single-family dwelling. Command 30 requested a second alarm bringing Engines 12 and 31, Truck 12, Rescue 27, Rescue 40 (RIT), Air 13, and Rehab 100 to the scene. Three lines were stretched and operated. A line was also stretched to the D-side exposure where siding caught fire. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and extensive overhaul was required. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 7
First Fire for Newly Merged Department
On February 2, 2018, firefighters from two counties battled a three-alarm apartment building fire in Hanover Borough. Newly created (by merging two departments) Greater Hanover Fire Rescue and York County Station 79 firefighters arrived to heavy fire across side A of the three-story, six-unit apartment building. Firefighters made an aggressive interior knock of the fire. Extensive overhaul was needed to open up the old building, which had several layers of ceiling and roofing materials. This was the first fire for the newly merged department. Station comprised of the old Hanover Fire Department (46) and Penn Township Fire Department (49), both career and volunteers. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth
Page 8, Fire News, March 2018
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Apollo Structure Fire On January 3, 2018, units responded to a residential structure fire on North 6th Street in Apollo, Armstrong County. The fire was started when a space heater was left unattended. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Ammo Cooking Off at Penn Township Fire On February 3, 2018, Box 2-08 toned for a residential structure fire on Barnett Drive in the Cove section of Penn Township. Engines 2 and 6, Rescue 2, Squad 20, Truck 2, and Tankers 2, 6 and 9 made up the initial assignment. Chief 2-3 requested Engine 9, Rescue 37, Tanker 37, and Air 13 to the scene. Duncannon Squad 2 dropped a supply line at the end of a long driveway to set up for portable pond operations. Two lines were stretched from Squad 2 as heavy fire issued from a single-story (two stories in the rear), wood frame, single-family dwelling. Companies were also advised of ammunition going off on the A/B side. Chief 2-1 arrived and assumed command and ordered all companies out of the structure for defensive operations. Four additional tankers were requested to the scene (Tankers 29, 17, 8 and 12). Numerous handlines and an aerial stream from Truck 2 poured water on the stubborn blaze for over an hour before knocking down the bulk of the fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it ‌ etc. During a January 16, 2018, snowstorm, New Alexandria and surrounding stations were alerted to a house fire in the 8400 block of Route 22. Engine 77 arrived to find a working fire. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Page 10, Fire News, March 2018
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Lower Makefield Fire Draws a Crowd
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, along with fire on Lang Drive in Lower Makefield Township. Penndel, Falls Township, Morrisville, Fairless Hills, William Penn, Langhorne-Middletown and Edgely covered. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg Levittown #1 and Newtown, were recently dispatched for a dwelling
Mt. Lebanon Basement Blaze
On January 8, 2018, the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department was dispatched for a residential structure fire on Pinoak Road. Upon arrival they found heavy fire in the basement and the second alarm was struck. Firefighters went to work on the fire in the basement while mutual aid companies forced the front door to save residents inside. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 11
Penn Hills House Blaze
On January 7, 2018, fire broke out in a residence on Sara Lane in conditions as multiple Penn Hills units, as well as Verona 285, batPenn Hills, Allegheny County. Near-zero temps caused treacherous tled the blaze. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 12, Fire News, March 2018
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Lower Paxton Garage Fire Contained
On January 19, 2018, in Lower Paxton Township, Box 33-7 sent Company 33 (Colonial Park) and Engines 34 (Paxtonia) and 35 (Linglestown) to Galion Street for a garage fire. Engine 33 arrived to a fully involved garage with fire extending into an attached two-story house. A line was stretched on the garage fire and a secondary line stretched into the house. The bulk of the fire in the garage was knocked down in about 10 minutes. Primary and secondary searches were negative. No extension into the first and second floor of the house but there was some minor extension into the attic that was quickly contained. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Braddock Hills 2-Alarm
Early on January 2, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire on 4th Street in Braddock Hills. Fire units arrived to find heavy fire on the second and third floors and began attacking the fire. A second alarm was eventually requested and crews were forced to evacuate the structure twice during the incident. All residents made it out of the structure safely and no one was injured. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
1 House Totaled, 2 Damaged in Lebanon Fire On January 1, 2018, in Lebanon, city box 15-02 sent Engines 17 and 19, Truck 18, and Rescue 24 to the area of South 9th and Chestnut Streets for a house fire. Rescue 31 (RIT) and Truck 36 were added to the assignment. Chief 15 arrived to heavy fire showing from the second floor of a 2-1/2 story, attached wood frame. Companies led off with a line from the exterior to knock down the fire, while interior crews prepared to make an aggressive attack. The fire extended to the exposure, prompting command to request a second alarm.
Engines 25 and 37, Truck 26, and Rescue 25 responded on the extra alarm. Two lines were stretched and operated into the fire building. Additional lines operated in both exposures. Companies were able to knock down the bulk of the fire in about 20 minutes with extensive overhaul required in single digit temperatures. The fire building was a total loss and two exposures were heavily damaged. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 13
Double Fatality in Franklin Township Fire
On January 19, 2018, firefighters from numerous Carbon County who were transported to a local hospital; both died at the hospital. departments battled a multiple-alarm apartment building fire on Crews battled the fire for hours before getting the upper hand. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. Main Road in Franklin Township. Firefighters removed two victims
Page 14, Fire News, March 2018
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Stroudsburg Fire On February 3, 2018, multiple departments battled a stubborn fire on Main Street in Stroudsburg. The fire was received as an automatic fire alarm. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
The Blow Torch-Frozen Pipe Trick Never Fails ‌
On January 4, 2018, a residence on Arnold Street in New as Arnold 95-2 and Lower Burrell 69, fought the blaze in the sixKensington caught fire when the occupant tried to thaw frozen degree temperature and negative double-digit wind chills. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto pipes using a blowtorch. All five New Kensington companies, as well
Richland Township Trailer Fire Firefighters responded to Grant Road in Richland Township for an outbuilding fire. On arrival, companies encountered a well involved trailer being used for storage. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Rough 24 for Duncannon
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On January 6, 2018, Duncannon Fire Company units responded to multiple calls for a structure fire. Chief 2 went on the air reporting a column of smoke from a mile out and requested a first alarm. Crews were met with heavy fire and thick smoke. Ambient temperatures were around 12 degrees with negative wind chill, and ice on all structures and personnel. The home was destroyed by the blaze. This was the second fire DFC fought within 24 hours in identical conditions. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
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Longswamp Township 2-Alarmer
Firefighters from Berks and Lehigh Counties responded to a twoalarm house fire on Longswamp Road in Longswamp Township on January 21, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Cold Fight in Murrysville
On January 4, 2018, a vehicle fire in a garage caught the garage, and two nearby houses on fire on Ridge Lane in Murrysville. Crews from several companies fought the blaze in near-zerodegree temperatures for hours. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fatality at Penn Hills Blaze
On January 14, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to Homestead Road in Penn Hills for a report of a car fire extending to a house. Police arrived and reported the house fully involved. A second alarm was immediately requested. Arriving units had trouble finding a hydrant that worked due to freezing conditions and a third alarm was requested. When they finally found a hydrant, there was a sudden drop in water pressure and a special call went out for three tankers. It took several hours to finally place the fire under control, at which time, an 82-year-old man was found deceased in the rubble. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Partial Collapse at Middletown Blaze On January 3, 2018, in Middletown, Box 88-1 sent Company 88, Engines 54, 59-1 and 74-1 to North Pine Street for a house fire. Chief 88 advised of multiple calls and possibly three occupants still inside. The first alarm was requested, bringing Engines 55 and 71, Rescue 59, Truck 50, and Air 41. Chief 88 arrived to a single-story dwelling with fire showing on side Bravo. Despite occupants going back in the structure they were all accounted for as companies arrived. As members stretched lines, heavy fire broke through the roof and there was a partial collapse on the B/C corner. Two lines were stretched and operated making a good stop on the fire and preventing the rest of the house from becoming involved. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Quakertown Bor. Fire
Allentown Car, Truck, Building Fire
Firefighters responded to an apartment house fire on the 30th block of South 6th Street in Quakertown Borough. Units arrived to fire in a two-story apartment building. The fire was quickly brought under control with no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
On January 28, 2018, Allentown firefighters responded to Cedar Street for a structure fire. Crews arrived and found a car, a truck and a building on fire. As crews went to work with attack lines the truck company went to the roof to open up. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
New Oxford House Fire
North Whitehall 2-Alarmer
Truck 33 from United Hook and Ladder Fire Department in Adams County set up on side A at working house fire in New Oxford Borough on January 21, 2018. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Firefighters from North Whitehall, Washington Township and Slatington battled a two-alarm house fire on Ranch Road in North Whitehall on January 7, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Hummelstown House Fire
On February 5, 2018, Box 46-2, sent Hummelstown and area companies to the 100 block of North Duke Street for a residential fire. Company 46 (Hummelstown), Engines 47-1 (Union Deposit), 91-5 (Rutherford), Rescue 88 (Middletown), Tankers 59 (Lower Swatara), 47 (Union Deposit), and Air 48 (Hershey) were dispatched on the initial box. Chief 46 arrived to a fully involved house fire and requested the first-alarm assignment. Engine 48 and Truck 48 (Hershey), and Rescues 59 (Lower Swatara) and 48 (Hershey) responded as the working fire companies. Truck 34 (Paxtonia) and Air 41 (Bressler) also responded. Engine and Truck 46 took a position on side A, secured water, and stretched a line to the second floor in attempt to make a knock on the main body of fire. Engine 91-5 took a position in the rear and also stretched a line to side C. Heavy fire consumed the second floor rear and extended to the attic of the 2-1/2 story, occupied, single family dwelling. Interior crews reported the stairs from the second floor to the attic were burned through and companies could not access the attic from the interior. Several additional lines were stretched and the roof opened before the bulk of the fire could be knocked down and overhaul operations completed. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 20, Fire News, March 2018
On January 13, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to a commercial structure fire located on Hafner Avenue in Etna Borough. Etna Chief Greg Porter arrived to find heavy smoke surrounding the structure and requested EMS to assist with a police officer who had been overcome with smoke. Soon after, a second alarm was requested. When heavy fire began to vent through the roof, Chief Porter had crews evacuate and began defensive operations. Multiple mas-
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Etna Handles 3-Alarm Commercial Fire
ter streams were put into place, including two aerial devices placed across a creek from the structure. A third alarm was additionally requested due to the temperatures in the teens. Crews remained on scene for several hours before the fire was brought under control. The business housed vending machines and video games and was considered a total loss. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Fatality in Bethlehem Twp. Fire Firefighters from numerous departments battled a two-alarm fire on Ironstone Road in Bethlehem Township on January 19, 2018. Firefighters arrived to find a well involved dwelling fire with reports of people trapped. Firefighters were able to make rescues, however one person perished from the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Muir Garage Fire On December 29, 2017, Muir firefighters responded to an early morning structure fire just blocks from their house. Engine 650 arrived and confirmed smoke showing from the eaves of a detached garage. Chief 650 took command while Engine 650 stretched two lines from the corner of Wiconisco and Weaver Streets. One line was taken to the A side to protect an exposure. Engine 647 arrived and secured a second source of water and Tanker 810 Joliett positioned
in the alley leading up to the B side with a third source of water. Truck 22 arrived with manpower and began opening up the structure. Ladder 58-25 arrived also with manpower. Crew 58-25 responded as RIT. All active fire was knocked down fairly quickly and overhaul operations began. Units responded from Muir, West End Sheridan, North End Pine Grove, Sacramento, Lykens, Wiconisco and City EMS. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Jim Thorpe House Well Involved
On January 28, 2018, firefighters from Jim Thorpe and surround- Firefighters spent several hours working to control the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. ing communities were dispatched to South Street in Jim Thorpe for a dwelling fire. Crews arrived and found a house well involved.
Page 22, Fire News, March 2018
Lehighton Fire
On January 6, 2018, firefighters from Lehighton were dispatched to the rear of the post office on North 2nd Street for a structure fire. Reports of a garage well off turned into garages attached to an apartment building on fire. A second alarm was struck while crews were still responding. Upon arrival, heavy fire was showing. Crews worked for about 45 minutes to plave it under control. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Orwin Structure Fire
On December 2, 2017, Orwin firefighters responded to a structure fire in Orwin with exposure problems. Multiple units from Schuylkill and Dauphin counties were called to the scene. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Cold Fight in Harrisburg On December 31, 2017, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) to the area of North 4th Street for a house fire. Lines were stretched into the fire building and crews advanced on a heavily involved first floor, extending to the upper floors. With heavy smoke pushing from the exposure Chief 5 requested a second alarm. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes. The fire extended to all floors of the fire building which was vacant and extended to the third floor and cockloft of an occupied exposure. Temperature during the fire was 12 degrees. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Lower Burrell Handles Car Fire
Lower Burrell Station 54 responded on January 23, 2018, to a vehicle fire on Greensburg Road. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Chimney Fire in Lancaster Township
Firefighters extinguished a chimney fire at a home on Bentley Lane in Lancaster Township on January 15, 2018. Embers were emitting from the chimney upon arrival. Firefighters laddered the building, removed the chimney cap and dropped four chimney bombs into the flue which immediately extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the chimney and did not extend into the house. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Swatara Twp. Commercial Fire
On January 7, 2018, in Swatara Township, Box 49-2 toned for a report of smoke from a building on Paxton Street (Faulkner Nissan) sending Company 91, Engine 59, Trucks 32 and 50, and Rescue 40 on the initial assignment. Chief 91-1 arrived to smoke showing from a commercial building. Engine 91 secured a hydrant and took a position on side C. A line was stretched from Engine 91 to the interior. Truck 32 checked the roof for extension. Companies had a fire involving a waste oil burner that was knocked down without any further extension. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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House Goes in Duncannon
On February 3, 2018, fire crews responded to a structure fire on Barnett Drive in Duncannon. Duncannon Rescue 2 arrived to find a well involved single-story modular home with a two-story attached addition with a garage underneath on the B side. The house was fully involved. Rescue 2 laid in 1000 feet of five-inch up a long driveway and Tanker 2 hooked up a water supply. Marysville
Tanker 6 arrived and laid an additional 200 feet of five-inch finishing the lay to Tanker 2. New Buffalo Tanker 9 arrived and staged at the end of the driveway. Multiple units from Perry, Dauphin and Cumberland Counties also responded. Multiple times crews had the fire knocked back when it flashed back to life. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Page 24, Fire News, March 2018
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Cover Story
Total Loss in Fisherville
On February 9, 2018, Company 216 of the Fisherville Volunteer Fire Company responded for a structure fire in a single-wide with flames showing. Lieutenant Jesse Shutt requested the first alarm for a visible column of smoke in the sky. Halifax Engine 29 and Tanker 29 arrived first, positioning in the driveway to the residence and stretched lines putting a knock on the fire load at the front door.
Tanker 29 secured a water source for Engine 29. Tanker 216 arrived. Crews from Reliance Hose Engine 21 sent manpower to assist. Tanker 21 and Tanker 19 (Carsonville) and Engine 26 (Berrysburg) also responded. The single wide suffered severe damage and was determined a total loss. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
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New Kensington 3-Car MVA
New Kensington stations 56-2, 4 and 5 responded to a three-vehicle accident on Route 366 in New Kensington with reported entrapment and multiple injuries. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Milligantown Road MVA
Lower Burrell 69 responded to a single-vehicle accident with minor entrapment on Milligantown Road in Lower Burrell on January 20, 2018. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Allentown Entrapment On February 4, 2018, Allentown Police were dispatched to a reported accident with unknown injuries at Irving Street and American Parkway. Police arrived on scene and requested fire and EMS respond for an entrapment. Fire crews worked to free the driver of the vehicle which left the roadway following the crash. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Philadelphia 3-Car MVA Engine 18, Ladder 34 were on scene with medics in Philadelphia, as they removed an injured man from his vehicle after it was involved in a minor three-vehicle crash on Roosevelt Boulevard. Ladder 34 was in service blocking the highway, as members of both companies helped the injured. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Milford Township MVA Companies responded to an MVA on Bethlehem Pike in Milford Township. Crews arrived to find one car versus tree with one victim heavily entrapped. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Lucky Lady
Fire News, March 2018, Page 27
On January 17, 2018, crews from New Kensington 2, 4 and 5, and The vehicle was braced from falling deeper into the ravine as crews Lower Burrell 54 and 69 responded to a two-vehicle MVA with mul- extricated a trapped female. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto tiple injuries and entrapment, with a vehicle into a tree and a creek.
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Driver Extricated in Lancaster Twp. MVA The Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched on December 29, 2017, for an MVA with entrapment in the 1400 block of Marietta Avenue. Manheim Township police responded and discovered a person was trapped. The SUV left the roadway and crashed into a large tree, landing down an embankment off the roadway. Blue Rock Rescue 905 (Millersville) was requested to assist. The driver side doors were removed while firefighters stabilized the vehicle from below. The patient was extricated 20 minutes after arrival of the and transported to the hospital by Lancaster EMS. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Bensalem Crash ‌ and Crash Again Bensalem fire crews from Stations 65 and 88 had their work cut out for them late January, when an alleged drunk female left the scene after a parking lot crash. She then drove at high speed and slammed into another vehicle, resulting in both drivers being trapped. The injuries were reportedly serious. The extrications were quick and Rescue 4 stayed on scene providing lighting. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 29
1 Overturn, 1 Fatality in 2 Incidents
On February 2, 2018, Harrisburg Box 1-3 toned, sending Wagon 3, Tower 2, and Squad 8 to Route 322 eastbound on the ramp to Interstate 81 southbound for an accident with entrapment. Wagon 3 and Tower 2 arrived to a tanker truck overturned with an entrapment. City crews worked for an extended period of time to extricate the driver who was transported to the hospital in unknown condition. Companies were out for over three hours. While this incident was going on, another accident was reported on Route 322 east, prior to the ramp, involving a motorcycle. That accident ended with the fatality of the motorcyclist. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
TRAIN UP Where Leaders Come To Train Explore Now: WWW.FDIC.COM Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
H.O.T. Evolution (Outside) 4 HOUR Basics of Tactical Emergency Care - HYBRID- NEW
Mark Litwinko Lieutenant Fort Wayne Fire Department
Monday, April 23, 2018: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Description With the increasing number of high-threat, mass casualty incidents, there is an immediate need for responders and agencies to adapt strategies and tactics, safely and efficiently mitigate the incident and provide care to the victims. The evidence-based content is consistent with the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care guidelines and recommendations. Participants are provided with the tools for continued training at their own department specific to casualty care as it relates to the Rescue Task Force concept. Attendees will leave with instructional materials, knowledge of evidence-based medicine specific to high-threat incidents, and a framework for program design. This is a highly interactive course with opportunities to test the latest equipment through ample hands-on training.
Reality in Virtual Reality: Training for the Future Thursday, April 26, 2018: 3:30 PM - 5:15 PM Room: 500 Ballroom Description You will embark on a virtual journey through the fire service, led by Leicestershire (England) Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with RiVR, to see what they have achieved over the past three years and how they did it. You will be looking ahead to the training environments of the not-so-distant future that were created and designed through virtual and augmented reality and the methods and practices of these two forward-thinking organizations. You will also be looking at how virtual reality is set to change the way humans learn!
Paul Speight Watch Manager Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service
Page 30, Fire News, March 2018
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Extrication in Lower Burrell
December 29, 2017, firefighters responded to a single-vehicle accident with entrapment in Lower Burrell. Station 69 extricated the occupant through the back window of the vehicle. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
MVA with Ejection Company 63 responded to an MVA with ejection. On arrival, an Americus Ambulance was on scene already rendering patient care. Company 28 Pillow Rescue responded as well as Lower Mahanoy Engine 62. An SUV had turned at the last second into the path of a fully loaded triaxle hauling coal. At impact, the SUV deflected off to the southbound berm striking a sign. The truck continued across both lanes coming to rest in a pull-off area. One person was transported. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
No Surprise. Truck Damaged at RR Crossing Hit Croydon Fire Company and Bristol Township Fire Police were called to a truck versus train crash on State Road in Croydon. The driver of a pickup truck sustained injury when he struck a locomotive, which was crossing State Road. There was no damage to the locomotive. Police said the signals were working at the time of the crash. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Quakertown Handles MVA, Pin The Quakertown Fire Department was alerted for an MVA on Sunshine Drive in Richland Township. Crews found one vehicle versus a tree with one person trapped. Firefighters removed the roof and doors to extricate the person. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 31
MVA Ends Police Chase
Engine 2 (Yeagertown), Rescue 6 (Reedsville), and Medic 12 (Fame The truck was also on fire. Police put fire out before Fire/EMS EMS) responded to an MVA in Derry Township on Old Stage and arrival, and the patient was flown to a local trauma center in critiPheasant Valley Roads on January 10, 2018. Units arrived to find a cal condition. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop person trapped in a pickup after it hit a tree during a police chase.
Page 32, Fire News, March 2018
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Up Close & Personal
On February 3, 2018, a firefighter takes a breather during a structure fire on Barnett Drive in Duncannon. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Lancaster Township Firefighters attending RIT training on January 15, 2018. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Landon Fairman (right) gears up to go into a burning structure with his father, Scott Fairman for the first time in his 13 years of service. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
On January 17, 2018, a crewman from New Kensington Rescue 4 at a two-vehicle MVA with multiple injuries and entrapment. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Photographer Dennis Wetherhold, Jr., stands with former Hereford Chief Dean Marks at the scene of a fire in Longswamp Township on January 21, 2018. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Zac Taylor from the Hampton Fire Company in Adams County at a house fire on January 21, 2018, in New Oxford in Adams County. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Dan Poist from United Hook and Ladder Fire Department shutting down a hydrant after battling a house fire in New Oxford Borough on January 21, 2018. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Allentown Firefighter Chris Mokris arrives on scene of a house fire on Allen Street on January 24, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 33
Training
RIT Training in Lancaster Township
Lancaster Township Fire Department held RIT training on January 15, 2018. Firefighters used their large social hall, old engine bay and basement to practice rescuing a firefighter in distress. The class was conducted by veteran Firefighter Chris Mosso. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Kiski Township FD#1 Basic Rope and Rigging
The Kiski Township Fire Department hosted a Basic Rope and FD, and Washington Township VFD were involved. Training was Rigging class held at the Fire Department on January 27, 2018. provided by State Instructors Matt and Mike Kutch from East - Submitted by Jason Cook Members from Kiski Township FD#1, North Apollo VFD, Apollo #2 Franklin FD.
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Lancaster Township Fire Prevention
Lancaster Township Fire Department provided fire prevention information to a total of 2,487 children during 2017. Over 1100 children were visited by Santa Runs during his community visitations. The balance of the 1,384 were visited at schools and other functions during fire prevention presentations. This surpasses last year’s total by over 1,000 children. In June, LTFD Community Day combined
with LCFA convention parade reached over 1000 parents and children. The Lancaster Township Fire Department answered 506 calls in 2017, five more than 2016’s total. Firefighters responded to 37 building fires, 44 medical assist/EMS calls, 53 MVAs and 23 gas leaks. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 35
Alfred Ewing, Sr., Hands Over the Reins
Alfred Ewing, Sr., of Fawn Volunteer Fire Company 2 has, at 81, decided to step down and let the younger generation of firefighters take over. Ewing said he will, however, remain on the board. “I’ll let somebody else be the boss, and I’ll be the follower,” he quoted as saying in a Tribune Review story. “I don’t give orders now. I take them.” Both Ewing, and his wife Lois (she has served as the company’s financial secretary for years) resigned at the end of 2017. He had been
Chief of Fawn #2 since 1971, having joined the company in 1966. When he first assumed leadership of the company, Ewing said the department had hand-me-down equipment. The department is now upto-date, with four trucks, modern gear to stand with the best of them, and no debt. - Fire News story from a story by Brian C. Rittmeyer of the Tribune Review. Full story at triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13144362-74/after-heading-fawn-fire-company-since-1971-oldschool-chief-steps-down
Page 36, Fire News, March 2018
Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum Moves
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Volunteers from several fire departments, along with several inmates from York County Prison, moved artifacts, including photos, the old fire house siren and the Hanover Fire Department 1883 Silsby steam engine, to the new museum, which is slated to open later this year. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth
York, Cumberland Trucks York County DLA Fire Company 69 and Cumberland County-NRMA Fire Company 37. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Yardley-Makefield Receives Donation Ron Pinchuk, LuAnne Socha and Mary Kraft, residents of The Community of Regency at Yardley, recently presented a donation check in the amount of $1060 to Yardley-Makefield Fire Company President and Firefighter Larry Newman, and Controller and Firefighter John Kingham at the Woodside Fire House, Station 80. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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2018 Pennsylvania EMS Motorcycle Ride
The 2018 Pennsylvania EMS Motorcycle Ride is scheduled to be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018. The ride is to raise funds to support the Fallen Angels fund for EMTs, Paramedics and other ambulance/rescue personnel families of those EMS personnel who died in the line of duty. Many of the EMS Services and Ambulance companies across the country are volunteer or independently owned and may not have life insurance for staff. The route of this scenic ride across central Pennsylvania will go past the stations of those EMS personnel who died in the line of duty during the past year. The average length of the ride is around 100 miles depending on the needs of passing EMS stations affected by an LODD. This is the only ride in support of EMS in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The cost is a donation of $20 per driver and $10 per passenger. The exact starting location in central Pennsylvania and the ending locations are now being planned. Additional information will be available by contacting Megan Ruby at the Emergency Health Services Federation at 717 -774-791; e-mail: mruby@ehsf.org. - Submitted by George J. Aupperlee
Fire News, March 2018, Page 37
Saving Our Own The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute and the law firm of Williams, Willig and Davidson, have developed a program on preventing firefighter cancers and ensuring your rights are protected under Pennsylvania’s firefighter cancer presumption law. This free program is available to all fire organizations in Pennsylvania. The program is approximately 90 minutes, and covers important steps that you can take to reduce the cancer risk and how to have your best chance of having your worker’s compensation claim approved. Now is the time to schedule 2018 date for the program. We are now faced with one of the most important cultural changes in the history of the firefighting profession. To request delivery of Saving Our Own contact Don Konkle at 717-236-5995 or dhkonkle@gmail.com.
Page 38, Fire News, March 2018
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FDIC 2018: NEW CONCEPTS, PRODUCTS, THOUGHTS AND APPROACHES By Chief Bobby Halton The key to firefighter’s success is training, education, and networking — all of which they aggressively pursue at FDIC and bring back home to local departments. Firefighters see how every element of consequence that impacts firefighting is assembled at FDIC International 2018. The work behind FDIC International 2018 represents literally everyone you could imagine in the fire service. There will be many new faces at FDIC International 2018 — new instructors, new concepts, new products, new thoughts, and new approaches. The uninitiated think everything is new but insiders, those with skin in the game, the FDIC people, know we are building on the foundations laid by millions who came before us and to whom we are grateful. FDIC 2018 will offer 28 hands-on training classes, 80 workshops, 200-plus classes, the most inspirational keynotes, an emerging technologies summit, the most comprehensive fire exhibition, the largest stair climb, and countless networking celebrations and unique FDIC traditions that bind us, define us, and connect us. The Main Program speakers are Dan DeGryse, Gavin Horn, Ted Nee and, special guest, FEMA Administrator Brock Long. The classes will again create the direction, the intellectual drive, the controversies, and the debates for the coming year. There are literally dozens of special networking events. Beginning on Tuesday night, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network has its comedy night fundraiser; the Fraternal Order Of Leatherheads hosts its FOOLS bash; there’s the Courage and Valor 5K Fun Run; the
National Fallen Firefighter (NFFF) Stop, Drop, and Rock ‘n’ Roll celebration; the MSA block party. Friday is the NFFF Stair Climb and the Indianapolis firefighters’ union party. All week long, the Firefighter Combat Challenge will be going on, as well as dozens of other events and gatherings. Last year 34,000 attendees celebrated the art and science of firefighting. Firefighters attend FDIC because it represents who we are. We are the fire service, we are the community, we are neighbors, we operate in the real world together, we drill and train together, and we assemble at this FDIC conference and exhibition together. This is our show, firefighters, men and women who have skin in the game, who respond when called, who never accept how it is but only accept that it will be better. The classes, drills, instructors, and speakers were all chosen by us, gritty, street-savvy firefighters who may not have the alphabet after their names, who sometimes drop the wrong kind of adjective when excited, but who struggle every day to be better than yesterday. This is the conference that no volunteer, no career, no industrial firefighter should miss; a conference that pays the utmost respect to local expertise, that put first and foremost in all they do the interests, concerns, and well-being of firefighters and our mission first. We hope we’ll see you at FDIC this April. Department members are urged to network with one another to purchase group pricing on our FDIC registrations. Register by March 9, 2018, and you can save over $100 off registration fees.
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Fire News, March 2018, Page 39
Firehouse Kitchen
FDNY Ski Races: Part II In last month's article, I wrote about my cooking experience with my good friend Bobby Rollins, aka Bo-Ro, and his famous pancakes made at the FDNY Ski Races. Since pancakes are a very quick meal to make, there was a lot of talking during this episode. Besides making fun of the guys in Ladder 127 and Engine 298, Bo-Ro and I spoke about my time in the truck. One story we reminisced about was when I almost transferred to another firehouse. This would have been one of the worst decisions of my career. As a probie, there were a few guys giving me a hard time. They couldn’t handle my happy go-lucky demeanor. When I first got on the job, you rotated for three years to three different houses (one house each year). This would give you a chance to experience different types of houses. At the end of the third year, you would normally return to your first house. During my rotation, I had the pleasure of working in E263 in Queens and E205 in Brooklyn. In 2001, I returned to my first house (L127). My first day back from rotation, the same few guys that had given me a hard time when I first arrived, picked up where they left off and continued giving me a hard time. Now, I have pretty thick skin, but for the first time ever, these guys made me dread going to work. For this reason, I put in my papers to transfer back to E263. I know, going from an A truck to an engine is unheard of in the FDNY, but I felt at home at E263. Until … Bobby Rollins and
another good friend of mine, Kevin Fogarty, cornered me and asked why I was transferring. They said I was a good firefighter and a standup guy. I explained the problem I was encountering with some of the senior — and some not so senior — men. This was when BoRo looked me in the eyes and said, “Ray, there are five jerks in every firehouse. The five in this one zoned in on you.” I replied, “Everyone else thinks they are jerks too?” With this piece of information, I decided to stay and handle these guys head on. If I didn’t, I probably would have had this problem in every firehouse I went to. There is an old saying in the FDNY, ‘different circus, same performers.’ If you can’t figure out who the jerks are, then you are probably one of them. I am very thankful for having been a part of the FDNY and L127. I learned so much about the fire department and the importance of the brotherhood of being a fireman. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com; or e-mail firehousekitchentv@gmail.com. Be sure to like us on Facebook.
Pancakes 1 cup flour Heavy tablespoon of sugar 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 tablespoon of baking powder 1 egg Blueberries Salt, milk, butter Whip egg. Add flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, a pinch of salt and three melted tablespoons of butter. Slowly mix in milk to consistency of choice. Pour on griddle and add blueberries to your liking. Cook both sides until golden brown and enjoy.