Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 VOLUME 7, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
MAY 2017
Story on page 42. -Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Harrisburg FD Mourns the LODD Of Lt. Dennis DeVoe See page 48.
-Pennsylvania Edition-
Page 2, Fire News, May 2017
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 3
In this issue... Collier Township House Fire Crews battle difficult access, arcing power lines and soft ground to bring a stubborn fire under control. See story page 11
Lexington Street House Fire
Wagon 3; Squad 8; Towers 1, 2, and Captain 2 (Lloyd) respond to a Harrisburgh a house fire. See story page 13
4 Displaced in Manheim Township Duplex Fire Manheim Township Fire Rescue is dispatched to a fire on State Street. See story page 18
Arson at Adams Co. Restaurant Fire Firefighters respond to the Keystone Diner Restaurant on the York Road in New Oxford. See story page 20
Derry Township Overturn
Engine 4, Rescue 14 and Medic 12 arrived to find a tractor-trailer overturn on US 322 in Derry Township. See story pages 26
Harrisburg FD Mourns the LODD of Lt. Dennis DeVoe See story page 48
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 PA Firefighters in Action . . . . . . . . .pages 34-37 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 38-41 Up Close & Personal Industry News
. . . . .pages 44-46 and 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 57
Special Features
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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 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 Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES, SHANNON GRAHAM CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, DONALD THOMA, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY, SHANE SHIFFLETT, GEORGE STAPLETON COPYRIGHT 2017, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Don’t Be Complacent It is 0300 and your tones go off informing you of an automatic alarm at a residence. There are a lot of thoughts that should be going through your head as you are responding to the call. Automatic alarm, not a commercial establishment, no additional calls, etc. Your dispatcher informs the officer or chief he has no additional information. Your sleepy mind might be thinking about getting the call over with and getting back to bed. Damn automatic alarms! You arrive on scene at a typical house in a residential development. No cars in the driveway, and no sign of anyone in the home. You knock on the door, ring the door bell, perform a 360 and confirm no one is home. You find a window that isn’t locked, make entry into the home and there is no sign of danger. Or is there? The front door is opened and a few guys search the house, finding a smoke alarm head flashing. There is no apparent reason for the activation. Hey, you have been at this type of call many times. It is probably a defective alarm head that was set off by any number of reasons.
By now, a neighbor pops in and asks, “Anything wrong?” You go through your usual questions and find out the house was just sold and the new owner stopped by to check the house and cleaned up. You are ready to go home, when one of your crew says he smells something in the basement. Making a long story short, it turned out the homeowner set off several insecticide “bombs” in the basement to take care of a bug problem. Fortunately, no one was hurt at this call. But this call makes you think of everything you did right, what you did wrong and what could have happened that might have had disastrous results. All of us, at times, can be accused of complacency. We assume that every call is going to be like the past calls we have had, especially with automatic alarms. Carbon monoxide, chemicals, gas leaks that show no sign of odor as you are walking around a structure, are all possibilities that we must be aware of when we enter a building. I can tell you to wear your SCBA and facepiece all of the time. But let’s face it, we don’t always do
what we know is the safe thing to do. This insecticide call actually happened. No one was hurt, but the call made me think that possibly we should encourage homeowners to place signs on their home when they are using total-release foggers or bug bombs. Encourage your community at Fire Safety Day to read labels on dangerous products and not to be complacent of the hazards of using these products. Use every call as a learning tool to stay safe for future calls. It is springtime, the time of the year that homeowners use pesticides. Keep this in mind when you respond to calls for a “strange odor.” Dennis
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PA F I R E C O M M I S S I O N E R
Commissioner’s Corner by Tim Solobay I’ll start out this month with saying we are still waiting on 367 fire and ambulance companies to send in their grant agreement paperwork. The list is extensive and we will have it posted on our page on Facebook, as well as on The Fire News page at www.FireNews.com. These have been ready for over two months now — going on three — and we don’t want you missing out on the funds your department requested, which are sitting here. These are the funds you made application for back in September and October and are part of the $30 million Annual Fire and Ambulance Grant Program funded through the Casino Funds. Please get that necessary paperwork in so you have the proper time to not only make the purchases for which you applied, but also to have the time to get the closeout information in prior to next year’s program, which will begin in early September. On the same line, I believe we are down to less than 60 departments that haven’t signed up or made the arrangements with the statewide mandatory reporting requirement that is also part of the passed legislation that makes the grants possible. On a solemn note, I would like to again offer our deepest sympathies to Michelle Paploski and Deputy Chief Mike Yiengst and their families on the passing of their father, James H Yiengst, a 55-year member of the Keystone Hook and Ladder Co. # 1 of Myerstown, who passed away on April 1, 2017, after an incident that occurred on March 31, 2017. A wonderful tribute and funeral ceremony was conducted by the fire company and surrounding departments to a man who dedicated his life to the fire service. You will be missed, Jim, but never forgotten.
A big Thank You goes out to the over-60plus individuals who have answered a request that I put out there on something that might be perceived as controversial, but what I have been asked about for years: a document that we collectively will be assembling that will be voluntary in nature — and even in implementation — but will serve as a guide for those who choose to use it for their department/company. What is it, you ask? We will call it the Pennsylvania Fire Service Deliver Manual. It will be designed to be a sample guideline/SOP that departments can model their operations on. The goal is to give examples of how you look at: 1) Membership types and requirements; 2) Training requirements for both new and existing members (realizing that in PA nothing is mandated but suggested); 3) Operations at both fire scenes and at your stations; and 4) Minimum Standards that you may want to choose for Firefighters, Operators and Officers. I am not sure of the timeline to get this document out. It will be an open document that will be a continuing work in progress, but something that all department officers can use as a guideline for operations. I am late this month getting the article out so I will end here. Thanks for what you all do each and every day in your communities keeping everyone safe. Until next month, you all stay safe as well and remember Everyone Goes Home is more than a phrase, it’s what we need to live by.
As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns By Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI I dedicate this month’s article to Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe — RIP Brother, we got the line from here. Welcome back to another month of “As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns.” I’m looking out my office window watching it raining, thinking back to just two weeks ago. I would have been at work that day, and I would have been staring out the window at our blizzard! It is simply amazing how things can change so quickly. But I am ready for spring because that means baseball will be in full swing. I can watch on television, go to the local stadium to watch Independent League action or simply take a lawn chair to my backyard and watch the little guys and girls play the game (my favorite of the three options!). That’s my enjoyment outside of the office. Inside the office my enjoyment, dare I say passion, is spreading the word of being fire safe. FIRE SAFETY As I worked on various projects in March, I reached a point where I convinced myself that I am failing at my job. A few weeks ago, two children lost their lives in a fire that was linked to the charging of a hoverboard. We have all shared tales of the fire hazards that hoverboards are creating, and yet these units are still being sold, fires are being started and lives being taken far too soon. Not just the lives of the public we have sworn to protect, but the life of a brother firefighter was taken while responding to a fire linked to a charging hoverboard. My oldest son has begged me for over a year to get him one and I refuse saying it’s a fire hazard. One time he replied, “It won’t happen to us.” Therein lays the biggest problem we face in the fire service; complacency. When news broke that the fire claimed the life of a young child, our brother Lt. DeVoe, while responding to the fire. (See story on page 13, and coverage of Lt. DeVoe’s funeral on page 48. — Ed.) and, a few days later, another young child, I made sure my son listened carefully to the entire story. I explained to him the lasting effects it would have on many people, how some companies have one goal in business and that is to make money. They could care less about the safety of the consumer. They only care about the almighty dollar. Guess what? He no longer wants a hoverboard. If only we could get others to sit and listen to us carefully about what it means to be fire safe, how inexpensive it is to be fire safe. That my brothers and sisters, is what we need to do more of. On another note, I am preparing the narrative portions for the upcom-
ing Fire Prevention and Safety grant as part of FEMA’s AFG program. I knew then that Pennsylvania has a problem when it comes to keeping older adults safe from fire. I have mentioned before that over half of all civilian fire deaths are older adults, aged 55 and over. Well, it gets worse. For the time period 2014-2016, Pennsylvania leads the US in older adult fire deaths with an estimated 211. This is not an accurate number as there are hundreds of incidents classified as “unknown age” when reported (more on the reporting aspect in the Incident Reporting section). The 211 is what I have documentation for, so if I were to go through past reports or do internet searches, that number would only go up and we would only “pad our lead.” I have said it before and I will say it again, this is NOT something we want to be # 1 in. This is a problem that needs OUR immediate attention. One person alone cannot fix the problem. It takes a TEAM approach to make it happen. How can WE fix this? We need to do more fire safety education with our older adults. As a result of these numbers, our next course of action is to expand our outreach of presenting NFPA’s “Remembering When: A Fire and Fall Prevention for Older Adults.” Three of us from OSFC (Harrisburg Office) will be out in Allegheny County on May 22 and 23 (flyer included in this edition) holding a train-the-trainer on “Remembering When” so that YOU can help us expand the programming. Day one will consist of going over all aspects of the program and sharing some tips that we have learned that help to make the program fun and educational. On day two, older adults will be on hand for us to present the program to, while you, the student, watch to see how it can be presented. We plan on doing other events like this in the near future so keep your eyes open for that information. Something else we are beginning to plan is to help reduce the numbers of older adult fire deaths is holding a Fire Safety Summit on November 16 and 17 in Harrisburg at the Best Western Premier. NFPA is assisting us in putting on this event, along with help from the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute (PFESI), since our event would be a prelude to the Annual PFESI Seminar and Dinner on November 18. The Fire Safety Summit will convene on Thursday evening with “Night School” and then reconvene on Friday for an all-day session on various topics. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming months. I will conclude this section of my article by sharing some ideas/plans we are working on for the remainder of the year. On May 13, OSFC and continued on next page
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 7
As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns continued from previous page PEMA Staff will be at Peoples Bank Park in York for Emergency Responder Appreciation Night at the York Revolution game. Before the game begins, OSFC will be on hand with a table to distribute fire safety materials. Sparky the Fire Dog will be there to help us out. He is even bringing his friend Buzz E Smoke Alarm, making his “official public debut!” Oh, and I almost forgot, can you believe Sparky issued a challenge to the Revolution’s mascot, DownTown to a relay race? If you live in the York area and want to help us out, contact me. If you’re a fan of baseball, come out to a very nice ballpark and enjoy the National Pastime!
INCIDENT REPORTING
We are down to 51 fire departments not reporting their incidents to OSFC. I post the list about once a week on our Facebook page. A few weeks back, letters were sent to those departments that received the 20162017 grant explaining that if they do not start to report their incidents beginning June 1, 2017, they will not be eligible for the 2017-2018 grant. I’ve had some departments saying, “we will get them to you,” but until I receive the files, the department is going to remain on the non-reporting list. As I have said many times over the last six months or so, if your department is on the non-reporting list, contact me via e-mail so we can get you off the list. If you are a Firehouse user, I can send you instructions for submitting your files via FTP. However if you are using a different program, like Fire Programs or ECM, I will be honest and say I am not familiar with how those programs work and you will have to contact the respective support team for help in exporting your incidents to us. Speaking of support teams, earlier this month I found out that unless your department has purchased a maintenance contract with Firehouse, they no longer wish to help departments with issues. So if you are using Firehouse that was given to you from OSFC over the years, you no longer have any support help from Firehouse. I know of at least two departments that I referred to Firehouse for help since I was unable to help, and they were turned down assistance from Firehouse Support. So if your department chose to remain with Firehouse Software, I highly recommend you contact them to see if you still have a maintenance agreement or if you need to purchase one. We have numerous Emergency Reporting/PennFIRS training coming
up over the next couple of months. Here is a list of what we have scheduled. If you would like to attend any, just drop me an email with how many will be attending: • April 19: Lycoming County • April 20 - Luzerne County • May 1: Tioga County • May 3: Lancaster County • May 11: Venango County • May 17: Berks County • May 25: Butler County • May 31: Lebanon County • June 19: Beaver County Flyers for these are posted on our Facebook page and our website. In the previous section, I mentioned about the numbers of older adults dying in fires. Any guess where I get all this information? I get it from the various media outlets. If I were to rely solely on data put into PennFIRS, our fire fatality levels would be in the 30s and 40s. Yes, those numbers are nicer to see than the actual number, but they are not accurate. In 2016 alone, there were 109 fire deaths that have no ages tied to them because the information was never reported. As much as I do not want to see older adults dying in fires, it would be nice to know exactly how many are. As we teach, when conducting our Emergency Reporting/PennFIRS classes, just completing the reports to “get the red out” is not the mindset to have. In past months’ articles, I shared reasons why you should report; from being called to testify, to getting coverage for cancer presumption. I am respectfully asking everyone to please, complete all sections of the incident reports, including the non-NFIRS required areas. The non-NFIRS required information is where most of the good information needed to assist in fire safety outreach programs comes from, and for us in Pennsylvania; this is an area where we are lacking. I will begin to bring this month’s article to a close by reminding everyone that starting June 1, 2017, ALL DEPARTMENTS MUST BE ACTIVELY REPORTING IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2017-2018 GRANT. Commissioner Solobay has identified “actively reporting” as reporting your incidents on a monthly basis. “Let’s Make Pennsylvania Safe Again!” Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI Public Ed. Splst./NFIRS State Prog. Mgr. Office of the State Fire Commissioner krherman@pa.gov
Page 8, Fire News, May 2017
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Pennsylvania State Fire Academy
By George Stapleton, PSFA A new chapter in live fire training at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy (PSFA) is now in the history books. Last month, the PSFA conducted its first of many scheduled Academy On-the-Road (AOTR) Flashover Recognition and Survival classes utilizing our Mobile Flashover Simulator (see photo above). This mobile unit is the PSFA’s first delivery of a live-fire training prop to firefighters outside of Lewistown in our 67-year history. While it’s called a simulator, the inperson experience of smoke and fire are real. Flashover Recognition and Survival is a one-day course designed to give the student the skills and knowledge to recognize and understand the occurrence called flashover. The primary focus is to provide the student knowledge of pre-flashover conditions, to instruct students how to deal with these conditions, and hopefully avoid their becoming victims of this violent phenomenon. All students participate in live fire evolutions as part of this course. Students must provide proof of prerequisite training that includes a certificate indicating completion of a basic training program such as (Structural Burn Session; an Entry Level course such as: Essentials or Interior Firefighter with Live Burn, or Firefighter 1 certification) before enrolling. Our goal was to duplicate the success of our fixed-site flashover training that was installed in the summer of 2013 in Lewistown. Since
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then, the PSFA has conducted over 375 live burns and trained over 1000 students. Now that Lewistown fire training has wheels, firefighters across the Commonwealth who don’t have access to live fire training or who can’t attend the Flashover Recognition and Survival programs at the PSFA, can participate in the same training experience closer to home. The purchase of the mobile flashover training prop and the transport vehicle were made possible by combined multi-year awards of 85-percent federal funding from the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG) program of the Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and 15-percent state funding. Since 2013, State Fire Training Academies have been eligible to apply for AFG funding. Without the AFG grant program, this new initiative would have not become a reality. The picture (above, right) are students and instructors participating in the maiden burn of the first remote offering of the Flashover Recognition and Survival course using the mobile training prop; conducted on April 22, 2017 in Schuylkill County. Many thanks to the instructors, students, and the facility for making these first remote classes such a success. For more information on the eight-hour AOTR Flashover Recognition and Survival course that utilizes the mobile Flashover Simulator, please go to the Office of State Fire Commissioner website (www.osfc.pa.gov), click on State Fire Academy and in the drop-down menu choose “Academy On-the-Road.” The PSFA will deliver the training prop and provide the instructional cadre of PSFA Adjunct Instructors to conduct the training. The host organization is responsible for the delivery fee and the purchase of all consumables (OSB, propane, etc.) used during the training. The class size per day is limited to 14 students. Students receive a certificate from the PSFA recognizing they have received 7.5 hours of approved instruction from the course. All the details and contact information for this AOTR course offering are available on the website. As a reminder, our Flashover Recognition and Survival classes are also available utilizing our fixed-site Flashover Simulator in Lewistown, and can be scheduled by fire departments during our Fire Department Training Days advertised on the PSFA Resident Course Schedule. Fire Department Training Days are not open enrollment courses, but closed training opportunities available for fire departments that want to book that day and conduct a Flashover Recognition and Survival class for their respective department. Fire Department Training Days are invoiced for the costs of all materials consumed. The Flashover Simulator has also been incorporated into our Engine Company Operations at Residential Fire courses here at the PSFA. Individuals wanting to experience this training can enroll in Flashover Recognition and Survival class advertised on the PSFA Resident course schedule. Just complete a PSFA application (OSFC Website) for one of the following course dates: June 16, July 13, 14, 27, 28, August 25, 26, or November 1, 2, 2017. Both PSFA Resident courses are offered in Lewistown and are available at no cost to the student. This training reinforces previously learned classroom lessons on fire dynamics, ventilation and fire suppression. I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating: I believe the best fire dynamics hands-on training currently available for firefighters is experiencing a live burn within a flashover simulator. Most firefighters who’ve participated and observed the live burn sessions both inside and outside the container can read the smoke, feel and see the impacts of ventilation and flow paths, and understand why sudden temperature changes require the gases above them be cooled. Firefighters who have participated in the simulator and witnessed fire dynamics up close and personal are better educated and trained; because “Safety is no Accident, Train to be Safe.”
Page 10, Fire News, May 2017
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New Kensington Car Fire
On April 20, 2017, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire at transported to the hospital with burns. Freeport Road and Route 366 in New Kensington. One person was - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Long Fight at Reading 3-Alarmer
On April 2, 2017, Box 0602 sent Engines 1, 3, 5 and 9; Tower 1; Ladder 1; Rescue 7; and Cars 7 and 9 to the intersection of S. 11th and Chestnut Street for smoke from a building. Additional calls reported a possible fire in a factory. Companies arrived to a working fire in a four-story, vacant building and went in service with exterior operations. A second and then third alarm was transmitted, bringing the remaining city apparatus, along with mutual aid companies to the scene and for coverage. Portable master streams and aerial operations were placed in service bringing the fire under control in about six hours with companies remaining on the scene for almost two days to fully extinguish the fire and hot spots. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb, Dennis Wetherhold, Jr., and First Source News
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Collier Twp. House Fire On April 9, 2017, a second alarm was transmitted on arrival for a house fire in Collier Township, west of Pittsburgh. Crews had to battle difficult access, arcing power lines and soft ground conditions to bring a stubborn fire under control. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Bravery Overcomes Fear “Being courageous does not mean you are not afraid, it means bravery overcomes your fears.� Jacob Synder from Summerville Fire Department and Keith Kniseley of Oliver Township Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ashley Walters
Fire News, May 2017, Page 11
Page 12, Fire News, May 2017
Millersburg Good Friday Fire Not So Good
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Firefighters responded to a residential fire in Millersburg in April. The incident included hydrant issues, a 1000-foot stretch to a pond, exposure fires, a roof collapse followed by wall collapse, brush and grass ignition and a truck fire on one of the exposures. The first arriving unit was Engine 20. Chief 20 upgraded the box to a first alarm working fire, bringing units from Millersburg, Elizabethville, Berrysburg, Halifax, Lykens, Fisherville and Pillow to the scene. The house was totally destroyed, but there were no injuries suffered. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Well, I Thought it Was Out Chambersburg Fire was alerted to Wilson Avenue for a chimney fire recently. Engine 1-2 and Truck 1 arrived to find a two-story, single-family home, with smoke showing from the front door and fire coming from the top of the chimney. The homeowner stated that he had a fire going the previous evening and awoke in the morning to a barking dog and smoke throughout the house. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Mayday at Butler City Blaze On March 26, 2017, Butler County 911 Center dispatched Butler City Station 1, Veterans Affairs Fire Department Station 38, Butler Ambulance Service Station 99 and Butler City Police for a structure fire on Center Avenue in Butler. Units arrived to a moderate smoke condition on the Charlie side of the structure, which housed a restaurant on the first floor with two floors of apartments above. All occupants safely evacuated. Command requested a secondand then third alarm. As command issued a evacuation order, a firefighter was separated from his crew and a Mayday was declared; the firefighter found his way to a window self evacuated via ground ladder. The fire was darkened down and units worked opening up the front of the building. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Adams Co. Electrical Fire On March 3, 2017, Adams County Box 33-2 was struck for a commercial building fire on York Road, at The Ox, a closed bar and restaurant on York Road (US Route 30). Mutual aid came from Hanover, Penn Township, SAVES, East Berlin, Gettysburg and Irishtown. Crews battled the two-alarm fire in 35- to 40-mph winds. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
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On March 10, 2017, Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3; Squad 8; Towers 1, 2, and Captain 2 (Lloyd) to Lexington Street in the Uptown neighborhood of Harrisburgh for a house fire. County Communications advised reports of children trapped on the third floor. The first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Rescue 69, Air 30. and Truck 32 on the box. Updated info reported five children trapped on the roof. Captain 2 arrived to find a three-story, row dwelling with heavy fire on the first floor and instructed companies to get a ladder to the second-floor roof. The wind-whipped fire was extending to the second floor as firefighters performed searches. Crews operated without a positive water source for several minutes during primary searches as tank water kept the fire in check under rapidly changing conditions. Captain 2 requested a second alarm bringing Engines 30, 37-1, Truck 50, and Rescue 44. Firefighters made a heroic effort in rescuing three children from the home despite the fire extending to the third floor and through the roof. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. Sadly, two children passed away in the days following the fire while one child remained in critical condition. A teenager and an adult were treated for smoke inhalation. In an unfortunate twist of events, many city firefighters were attending the funeral for retired Harrisburg firefighter Dan Wolfe, at the time of the fire. One of those
Fire News, May 2017, Page 13
Lexington Street House Fire
firefighters, Lt. Dennis Devoe, headed from the funeral to the quarters of Squad 8 to pick up gear to respond to Lexington Street. He was involved in a hit-and-run accident at N. 14th and Walnut Streets and passed away the following day. A 19-year-old woman was arrested and charged with drunk driving several days laters. The fire was traced to a charging hoverboard. (See page 6 for Kraig
E, Herman’s As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns column and page 48 for coverage of Lt. Dennis Devoe’s funeral. — Ed.) Needless to say it has been a rough few days for the members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire as they deal with the loss of their brothers and the trauma involved with rescuing children resulting in a fatality. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 14, Fire News, May 2017
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2-Alarm Gym Fire in Philadelphia
A two-alarm fire destroyed the Aqua Hub fitness center on Grant Avenue on March 6, 2017, in Philadelphia. The fire, sparked by a roofer’s torch quickly spread to consume the entire building. No injuries were reported. There were numerous people exercising in the club, and many had to abandon their valuables in their lockers, but all got out safe. Thick smoke caused many residents to shelter in place. A SEPTA bus got stuck on a residential street when firefighters laid waterlines at the scene. Passengers had to find another ride. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Four Structures Damaged in Easter Fire Firefighters battled heavy fire on Tactical Box 98-10 on Park Avenue in Morrisville on Easter Sunday. Firefighters came from Morrisville FC, Falls Township FC, Fairless Hill FD, Yardley-Makefield FC, Levittown FC #1, Levittown FC #2, Edgely FC, Newtown FA, William Penn FC, Penndel FC, Parkland FC, Langhorne-Middletown FC, Upper Makefield FC, Tullytown FC, Third District FC, Trevose FC- Canteen 4, New Jersey (Rustling Hose) and New Jersey Slackwood VFC. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Page 16, Fire News, May 2017
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Electrical Fire in Lewistown
On May 1, 2017, Lewistown Fire Department, along with mutual aid fire and EMS units, responded to the City Hook and Ladder station for a building fire. Units arrived to find a working fire on the third floor caused by arcing wires during high winds. Firefighters made a good stop and brought the fire under control in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
4 Families Displaced, 7 Homes Damaged in Conestoga Four families were displaced after a fire destroyed several apartments and a barn in Conestoga, according to Conestoga Fire Chief Larry Frankford, Jr. The fire was reported on April 8, 2017, on Main Street in Conestoga. The fire started in the detached two-story barn at the rear of the property then spread to the main house, which was divided into apartments. A state police fire marshal estimated about $300,000 worth of damage, not including heat damage to at least five nearby properties and fire damage in an immediate to spread, and crews were hosing down at least one nearby neighbor’s backyard, Frankfort said. The barn was destroyed in the blaze. structure to prevent it from catching fire. More than 30 Fire crews had to knock down the remainder of the structure after it was units from over a dozen fire companies were on the scene. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman deemed unsafe. Firefighters reported that wind was an issue, causing flames
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 17
Exploding Paint Can
On April 10, 2017, firefighters responded to a shed fire in Upper some trash, which ignited the shed. Burrell. The fire started when a paint can exploded while burning - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 18, Fire News, May 2017
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Allentown Battles Vacant Dwelling Fire
Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department were dispatched on March 26, 2017, to a reported house fire on N 9th Street. Dispatched on the initial response were Battalion 43 (Williams), Engines 9, 4, 6, Truck 2 and Engine 10 as RIT. Upon arrival Engine 9 reported heavy smoke and fire visible from the front side of a reportedly vacant dwelling that was set back from the street. Crews went interior in an attempt to make a quick hit on the fire. Within a few minutes, it was determined the floor was becoming weak in areas and a decision was made to pull crews and go defensive. A second alarm was requested bringing in Engines 13 and 14. Engine 13 secured a water supply and headed to the rear of the dwelling. Due to the alley being too tight Engine 13’s crew dragged a leader line down the alley and put two 1-3/4 inch lines in service. One was used to protect an exposed house and the other line was used to battle the fire. As the fire broke through the roof, Truck 2 was placed in service and began flowing its two elevated waterways. Firefighters battled the fire through the night and ended up requesting a demo crew to take down the building. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
4 Displaced in Manheim Twp. Duplex Fire On April 15, 2017, Manheim Township Fire Rescue dispatched to a fire on State Street and found a fully involved fire on the first floor, with the flames eventually spreading upstairs, said Manheim Township fire Chief Rick Kane. Arriving Manheim Township Police reported a two-story duplex with fire showing on the first floor. An interior crew called a Mayday after they experienced deteriorating floor conditions on the division one of the building. A second crew of firefighters behind them assisted the crew in distress before they fell through the weak floor. An evacuation was ordered when a collapse seemed imminent and the fire went to a second alarm. Kane said a firefighter was injured when he was on the first floor and his leg went through the floor. He was taken to Lancaster General Hospital with what appeared to be first or second-degree burns on his foot. An expo-
sure sustained radiant heat damage. The Red Cross responded to assist two adults and two children who were displaced. Some three hours after being declared under control, the fire re-ignited, with flames shooting out of a second floor window near where two firefighters were working. The re-ignited fire was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Marysville Fire On March 2, 2017, Perry County Box 6-01 sent Engines 6 and 20, Rescue 6, Tanker 6, and Truck 2 to S. Main Street in the borough of Marysville for a residential fire. Chief 6 advised of multiple calls, possibly involving a second home. Chief 6 arrived to heavy fire showing. Engines 11 and 37, Rescues 2 and 20, RIT 32, and Air 13 responded to the scene. Marysville Tanker 6 arrived and stretched two lines. Due to heavy fire conditions, companies were forced to evacuate the 2-1/2 story dwelling, which was unoccupied. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 25 minutes with extensive overhaul. Two pets were rescued. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Franklin County Fire
Fire News, May 2017, Page 19
Fayetteville Fire along with multiple departments throughout Franklin and Cumberland Counties assisted on a 7 Box on Scotland Road. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Long Day in New Tripoli Firefighters from Northwestern Lehigh County battled a well involved house fire on Lochland Road in New Tripoli on April 7, 2017. Crews arrived to find a fully involved, large, single-family dwelling. Due to the area being in a nonhydrant area, a request was made for numerous tankers to respond. Within minutes the roof collapsed followed by other parts of the building including the rear upper wall. Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the night. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Arson at Adams Co. Restaurant Fire
Adams County Box 33-4 was struck on March 27, 2017, for smoke coming from the Keystone Diner Restaurant on the York Road in New Oxford, Adams County. The Adams County 911 Center advised Chief 33 of multiple calls for fire from the restaurant. Chief 33 arrived to heavy fire showing from the Delta side of the single-story, unoccupied, family restaurant. The fire went to two alarms and was extinguished in under 45 minutes. The fire was ruled “intentionally set.� - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Waynesboro 3-Alarmer
Firefighters from Pennsylvania and Maryland were alerted for a structure fire in the Boro of Waynesboro after Franklin County 911 received reports of a dwelling fire in the 200 block of Ringold Street. Chief Shawn Adolini from Waynesboro Fire was advised by dispatch of a kitchen fire on Ringold Street and that all occupants were evacuating. Waynesboro Deputy Chief Jody Sanders arrived to find a three-story duplex with two dwellings involved and heavy fire showing. Deputy Chief Sanders assumed Command-2, and reported flames coming from the roof. He requested a second-alarm. Firefighters were hindered by downed power lines, but were able to make entry and begin an aggressive interior attack on the rapidly growing blaze. Chief Adolini arrived, at which time Deputy Chief Sanders passed command and was assigned safety. Multiple crews
worked to control the blaze as Chief Adolini worked to evaluate the scene when crews reported the fire was spreading into a third residence. Concerned with the rapidly deteriorating situation, Command requested a third-alarm assignment. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
7 Homeless in Steelton Fire On March 4, 2017, Box 501 sent Company 50, Engine 41, Wagon 4, and Tower 1 to N. Third Street for a structure fire. Police reported a basement fire and everyone out. Chief 50 assumed command as heavy smoke poured from an occupied, 2-1/2 story, wood frame duplex, and requested the alarm be upgraded. Engine 49, Truck 32, Rescues 40, 88 and 69, and Air 30 made up the assignment. Multiple lines were stretched and companies made an interior attack. The fire extended into the first floor in the fire building and exposure with heavy smoke throughout. Engine 40 and Rescues 49 and 59 were special called to the scene. The fire was placed under control in about an hour. Four adults and three children were left homeless. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Partial Collapse in Vandergrift On April 17, 2017, firefighters responded to Longfellow Street in Vandergrift for a house fire. The fire started in a second-story bedroom and quickly involved the entire second floor and attic. A partial roof collapse ensued. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Lucky Lady in Arnold
Lemon Twp. House Fire
Early on February 26, 2017, firefighters responded to a car fire in Arnold (Westmoreland County). The truck caught fire while a woman was driving, but she was able to pull over and escape before the vehicle became completely involved. The small truck was thought to have experienced a fuel leak. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Firefighters from Triton Hose and Meshoppen Fire were dispatched on February 20, 2017, to the intersection of Route 29 and Meshoppen Creek Road in Lemon Township for a structure fire. Companies arrived to a well involved single-family dwelling. A special call was made for tankers from Springville and Harvey’s Lake. A five-inch supply line was hand jacked to a nearby pond. Crews would battle the fire for about an hour before getting it under control. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Wheatfield Township Blaze
Just after midnight on February 19, 2017, Box 2-05 sent Engines 2, 8 and 10; Rescues 2 and 8; Tankers 2, 9 and 10; and Truck 2 to Loshes Run Road for a commercial building fire. Chief 2-3 reported a column of smoke en route. This brought Engines 9, Rescue 20 (RIT), Tanker 29, Truck 10, and Air 35 to the scene. Squad 2 and Truck 2 took a position on side A and Tanker 2 set up at the driveway to pump from a portable pond. Companies went into defensive mode using the master stream from Truck 2 and multiple handlines. Command special called Tankers 6, 8, 12, 20 and 38 to the scene. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Oklahoma Boro Kitchen Fire
On April 10, 2017, firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire at the Oklahoma Inn, in Oklahoma Borough. The fire started as a grease fire in the kitchen. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Looking Back
The Antrim House Restaurant in downtown Greencastle, Franklin County in 1998. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Page 24, Fire News, May 2017
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YardleyMakefield at MVA
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of Edgewood Road and Matthew Drive. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Chambersburg MVA Chambersburg CFD worked a car into a telephone pole incident on Progress Road recently. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
MC vs. Minvan Minivan Wins Lancaster Township Fire Department Fire Police were dispatched to assist Blue Rock Fire Rescue with traffic control after a motorcycle-versus-minivan accident at Columbia Avenue and Albright Avenue on March 25, 2017. The motorcyclist was transported to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Green Twp. MVA Fayetteville Fire and EMS units were alerted for a two-car MVA with air bag deployment on Scotland Main Street in Greene Township. Chief Bill Wishard arrived on Rescue Squad 7 to find the two vehicles in the intersection. Fayetteville firefighters were able to conduct a quick extrication of the confined patient within minutes of arrival. One patient was transported to Chambersburg Hospital for checkup after the accident, but no serious injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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SHACOG TRT Responds
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Late on Easter Sunday evening, the SHACOG Technical Rescue Team was call out to assist with a vehicle into a building south of Pittsburgh. The vehicle had removed over eight feet of cinder block from the basement foundation. The TRT erected shoring to stabilize the house and prevent a collapse as the vehicle was removed. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Bensalem Overturn Firefighters from Bensalem worked to extricate a woman after a rollover on State Road on March 16, 2017. No other vehicles were involved. The woman skidded on some ice and her vehicle overturned. There was no one else in her vehicle. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Page 26, Fire News, May 2017
Derry Township Overturn
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On March 27, 2017, Engine 4, Rescue 14 and Medic 12 arrived to find a truck and trailer overturn with one driver confined on US 322 at the Charles Street onramp in Derry Township. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
I-81 MVA Cumberland-Goodwill EMS and PSP worked a crash with injuries on Interstate 81 at milemarker 47 in Cumberland County, recently. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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2 Injured in Philadelphia MVA Two people were injured in an accident and removed from their vehicles by Philadelphia Fire Department crews on March 25, 2017. They were in a funeral procession when they were broadsided by another vehicle at Tyson Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. Traffic backed up from that crash and caused a secondary pile up two blocks away on Roosevelt. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Harrisburg MVA On April 8, 2017, after clearing a box alarm at 19th and Regina Streets, Harrisburg Wagon 4 responded non-emergency for an MVA at 16th and Regina Streets. A vehicle took out a telephone pole and crashed into parked cars before coming to rest against an occupied dwelling. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fundraiser for Family of Lt. Dennis DeVoe The Art of Firemanship Days along with the Allison Hook & Ladder are selling raffle tickets to raise money for the family of fallen Harrisburg Fire Lieutenant, Dennis DeVoe. The raffle prize is a Full Conference Pass to FDIC 2018. The pass includes hot classes, round trip airfare and a 7-night hotel stay. Tickets are $10 a piece and only 1,000 tickets will be sold. The drawing is taking place on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 9pm at the Allison Hook & Ladder Open House located at 315 S. 14th Street, Harrisburg, PA. You do not need to be present to win, however, the open house features other auctions, as well as a great night of brotherhood. The night begins at 6pm with auctions and raffles beginning shortly after. Lt. Dennis DeVoe Memorial Shirts – Lt. Dennis DeVoe Memorial Shirts will be sold at the PA Fire Expo in Harrisburg on May 19, 20, and 21, 2017. Sizes small through XXXL. $20.00. Shirts will also be available for pick-up at Squad 8’s Station.
Art of Firemanship Days 2017 On May 19-21, 2017, the Art of Firemanship Days 2017 will be presented by the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire in cooperation with the Harrisburg area Community College-Shumaker Public Safety Training Center. Firemanship isn’t simply the practice, skill or occupation of firefighting like the dictionary states. Firemanship goes far beyond that simple definition. Firemanship is the intangible part of our job. The part which we as individuals have the most control over. The basic act of firefighting is a trade. And, as a trade, firefighters are required to learn the skills necessary to carry out the tasks related to firefighting. Firemanship on the other hand is a craft. And as a craftsman you take the tasks learned as a tradesman and develop them into an art form.
This process is not for everyone. It requires dedication and determination as well as the drive to be the best at what we do. We must also be willing to adhere to a value system and ethos set forth by those who have gone before us. The true art of firemanship is learned through a desire to be the best and the determination to never stop learning and honing our craft. It’s about pushing further when we’re ready to stop. It’s about learning from those who’ve gone before us and honoring them by living up to and exceeding their hopes and expectations. Are you happy to just be a tradesman or do you want to be a craftsman? Learning the art of firemanship will make the difference. For more information go to firemanshipdays.com
Page 34, Fire News, May 2017
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
on April 23, 2017. Butler kitchen fire by Artie Osniak oto ph - Fire News
Six departments from three counties responded to a Kiski Township fire. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Upper Macungie Township house fire on March 31, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Lower Paxton Town ship blaze on April 17, 201 - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb 7.
Lancaster Township duplex fire. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
On March 20, 2017, the Lewistown Fire Depart ment contained a house fire on W. 4th Street. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company were dispatched for a brush fire. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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March 6, 2017 heny Township on Quick work in Alleg photo by Steven Matto - Fire News
Bristol Borou
gh fire com panies on March 13 responded to a house fi re , 2017 - Fire News photo by Daw . n Altstatt
Ten families displaced in Harrisburg blaze. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 36, Fire News, May 2017
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
ed to a house fire in firefighters respond olved on arrival. On April 18, 2017, inv ly ful s ture wa Cadogan. The struc photo by Steven Matto - Fire News
Emergency responders in Bristol Township were called to a fatal crash on Route 13 at Haines Road on April 9, 2017. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
New Franklin Volunteer Fire Company and Franklin Fire Company Station 4 responded to Wayne Avenue for a vehicle fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
On April 26, 2017, Fame EMS respond the Lewistown Fire Department and ed to Banks Avenue and Parcheytown Ro ad for a vehicle accide - Fire News photo by nt. Pat Shoop
University’s Blue Rock Fire Rescue responded to Millersville East Village for a building fire March 27, 2017. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
On March 19, 2017, Per ry County Fire dispatche d units to Inn Road at Tubby’s Nig htclub for a commercia l structure fire. - Fire News photo by Jas on Coleman-Cobb
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
St. Thomas Volunteers Company 18 operated on Lincoln Way West for a single vehicle into a utility pole. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
County) in Croydon (Bucks A three-alarm fire oration. rp Co ies alt eci Sp ay destroyed the Railw tt sta Alt wn Da - Fire News photo by
Extrication at a L - Fire News ancaster Township MVA photo by Gre . g Leaman
Philadelphia firefighters responded to fire in a row dwelling and arrived to fire showing from a second floor two-and-two. - Fire News photo by First Source News
Smart, Safe, Efficient
rollnrack.com • 262-363-2030
Page 38, Fire News, May 2017
Training
Advanced Vehicle Rescue Training
On February 26, 2017, Community College of Allegheny County presented an Advanced Vehicle Rescue class at Etna Volunteer Fire Company near Pittsburgh. Instructors Ed Davies, Greg Porter, Steve Kline and Jason Butterfield put together some great scenarios to challenge the students. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
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Training
Dodgeball Training Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Deputy Fire Chief Tim Chamberlain participating with other firefighters in an Air Management Drill of dodgeball. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Pump Training at Lancaster Co. PSTC Fifteen firefighters participated in a Pump Operations Level 1 class at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center in Manheim on March 25, 2017. Five of the 15 firefighters were from Lancaster Township Fire Department where Pump 1 is a required class to be a driver operator. The class was taught by instructor Bob Snyder. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
RIT Training A multi agency RIT training put the students through their paces to help out in case one of their own needs help on a fireground. RIT training is serious business, and the instructors put a hurting on this class, with their scenarios in an acquired building. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
PA Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team Trains The Pennsylvania Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (PA-HART) is a joint partnership between the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission , and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency along with credentialed civilian rescue technicians. This highly trained aerial search and rescue team provides an air asset for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation to respond to natural and manmade disasters inci-
dents. Team members receive technical training that prepares them to engage in hostile environmental conditions in both the urban and wilderness setting. Their annual training was held at Somerset Lake on February 11, 2017. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Training
HazMat Refresher On April 2, 2017, 23 Lancaster Township Fire Department volunteers spent their Sunday completing a six-hour HazMat Refresher class taught by instructor Bob Snyder. Firefighters practiced metering— the practical exercise to finish the class — by using the station kitchen entrance door and kitchen area. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
SHACOG Tech Rescue Team Training It was a cold March 11, 2017 morning, but the SHACOG Technical Rescue Team-Water Division was out on the Ohio River, just West of Pittsburgh, for training. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Page 42, Fire News, May 2017
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Cover Story
Old Rockdale Hotel Burns in North Whitehall
On February 14, 2017, firefighters from North Whitehall and Lehigh Townships were dispatched to the 1800 Block of Rockdale Road for a house fire. Laury’s Station Assistant Chief Chris Greb ordered a second alarm struck. Neffs Fire Chief Jim Steward arrived and advised of a well involved building fire. The location was the former Rockdale Hotel which was turned in to a large dwelling. The chief advised the 911 Center that one person was still inside. The male resident went back inside the dwelling to
rescue a dog. Chief Steward was able to make it inside and removed the male from the house with no serious injuries. Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, tankers were called from Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties. Due to the distance of tankers from the scene and fill site locations, multiple tankers had to be used. It took firefighters hours to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Did You Feel That? A 2.3 magnitude earthquake shook Lancaster Township April 23, 2017, causing no damage or injuries. The small quake struck at 1649 and was centered about two-miles southeast of Millersville, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS pinpointed the epicenter of the tremor along Route 741, north of New Danville, at a depth of about three miles. The quake, which many people said sounded like a boom rather than a rumble, prompted a flood of calls to the county’s 911 center and multiple responses by fire and police. The center fielded more than 500 calls within 30 minutes of the quake, according to Randy Gockley, director of the Lancaster County Emergency Management Agency. Gockley said the quake appeared to have been felt primarily in the central part of Lancaster County. While residents in the southwest part of the county appeared to take the brunt of the quake, residents to the far east and west — such as Marietta, New Holland, Leola — said they felt nothing. In Lancaster County, many persons who called 911 asked about a possible earthquake
while others reported possible gas explosions, prompting the dispatch of fire crews to several areas. The most significant earthquake in the county in the last 30-plus years was centered in the Marticville area and registered 4.1 on the Richter scale. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Rough Terrain Rescue On March 02, 2017, crews from 95-1 and 2, and New Kensington 56-2, 4, and 5 responded for a rescue of an unresponsive woman down an embankment in thick brush. The woman regained consciousness during the rescue and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Up Close & Personal
Kris Anthony of Oliver Township Fire Department located in Coolspring covered in foam after a controlled burn. - Fire News photo by Ashley Walters
A firefighter working a two alarm fire at a restaurant in Adams County on March 27, 2017. The fire was determined to be intentionally set. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
On April 04, 2017, firefighters in Harwick (Allegheny County) responded to a fire in a duplex. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
On March 24, 2017, a firefighter at a structure fire on William Penn Highway in Export. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Lower Paxton Township Blaze on April 17, 2017. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
On February 26, 2017, Community College of Allegheny County presented an Advanced Vehicle Rescue class at Etna Volunteer Fire Company near Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
West Willow firefighters discussing tactics at an apartment building fire in Conestoga. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
South Mountain Company 16 volunteers assisting on a Waynesboro threealarm house fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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Up Close & Personal
Slatington Fire Chief Jason Nicholas commands the fire scene on Walnut Street on April 7, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. PA Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team training at Somerset Lake on February 11, 2017. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
On March 30, 2017, New Kensington firefighters responded to a commercial structure fire. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Firefighters from Greenawalds arrive on the RIT assignment during a two-alarm fire in North Catasauqua on March 12, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Page 46, Fire News, May 2017
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Up Close & Personal
RIT crews staging at a Hampden Township house fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
On March 3, 2017, a crew heads toward a commercial building fire on US Route 30. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
On March 21, 2017, firefighters responded to a commercial basement fire in Tarentum (Allegheny County). - Fire News photo by Steven Matto The staff and students at a multi-agency RIT training seminar. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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LODD
Harrisburg’s Lt. Dennis DeVoe
On Friday, March 17, 2017, thousands of civilians and firefighters paid tribute to Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Lieutenant Dennis DeVoe. Lt. DeVoe died in the Line of Duty on March 11, 2017, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on March 10, 2017, while responding to a house fire in the City of Harrisburg. He was surrounded by his family and close friends at the time of his passing. A graduate of the 14th Fire Academy at Harrisburg Area Community College, in 1996, he served with the Harrisburg Fire Department Squad 8. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Urban Search and Rescue and was a state Fire Instructor at HACC as well as the York County Fire School. Family, community and service to others were the focuses of Denny’s life. In addition to being a paid fireman, he also served as a volunteer for numerous area departments, for many years, starting at the age of 16. He is survived by his wife, Amy Joy DeVoe, and, children, Carson, Aliza, Emma, and Jake; his mother, Joyce N. Webb, and her husband, Robert, and his brother, Brian DeVoe, and his wife, Sheila. He is also survived by a large extended family. The funeral procession passed by locations within Harrisburg including the state capitol and a firefighter’s service was held inside the Forum Auditorium. On Saturday, March 18, 2017, a service was held at Grace Fellowship Church in Shrewsbury followed by a private burial service. Denny was a leader in the department and the fire service. His passion for the fire service made each of us strive to be better in all we do. Our department and the City of Harrisburg are better because of his service. Our hearts are broken and we grieve for the loss of our brother. Our resolve is strong and our will unwavering as we move forward with our service to the City of Harrisburg just as Denny would have said is a must. We love you, we will miss you. Rest in Peace Brother DeVoe. Please keep Dennis’ family and the members of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire in your thoughts and prayers as we all grieve this loss. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko and Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Please see page 33 for information concerning a fundraiser for the family of Lt. Dennis DeVoe.
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Berkshire Bank Donates to Yardley-Makefield
Berkshire Bank Vice-President Massachusetts East Regional Manager Michael Mirski, Vice-President Regional Manager Thomas Lanigan, and Assistant Vice-President Branch Officer Gregory Kay presented a $1000 check from the Berkshire Bank Foundation to Yardley-Makefield Fire Company President Larry Newman, Vice-President Phil Devaney, and Controller John Kingham. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Documenting Firefighters’ Memories
Ashley Walters of Flashover Photography in Reynoldsville captured this photo for her firefighter PTSD project. Firefighter Brett Toven, of the Oliver Township Fire Department in Coolspring, stands looking at a fully engulfed house. The photo will be used to represent that one call that forever haunts a firefighter. These are the untold stories that weigh heavy on the hearts of these brave men and women. “I want to use my photos to show the world these stories and bring awareness to PTSD,” Ashley stated. If you would like to follow Ashley’s project go to her Facebook page “Flashover Photography.” - Fire News photo by Ashley Walters
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Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum
After a year of negotiation with the Borough of Hanover, The Fire Museum Committee has received a deed to the old Eagle Fire Company Building at 134 East Hanover Street which will allow the Fire Museum to move to that location upon completion of upgrades and repairs to the structure. The Fire Museum has been in existence since the 1890s as the Fire Company purchased new equipment and placed the older units on display on the second floor of the East Chestnut Sreet fire house. In 1981, Borough Council constructed a new firehouse to house two companies and included a new museum in the Wirt Park Fire Station located on North Franklin Street where it remained until 2012, when the Borough moved the museum to its present location at 241 North Franklin Street in the old boiler room of the Hanover Shoe Factory, which was made into an apartment complex. The Museum Committee and volunteers were very happy with that move as it increased our display area from 800- to over 4000square feet and allowed us to increase our displays to include not only Hanover items but items from Penn Township Fire Companies and Pleasant Hill and other neighboring companies. Many hours were spent by many volunteers to move and display the hundreds of items that are now on display. In 2015 the Public Works Department housed in the Old Eagle Fire Station moved to new quarters and the 1914 Eagle Fire Station was available for use, and after many months we now have the deed for the Station and look forward to help from our members and invite all who love the fire service history to come and help the Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum become a reality in its new home. The committee has embarked on many fund raising ideas and look forward to all interested parties to help in this project. “Fix the Eagle Fire Station into a great fire museum and protect the history of the fire service.� Anyone interested in making a financial donation to the museum may do so by sending a check to Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum, 261 North Franklin Street, Hanover Pa. 17331. We are a 501-C-3 organization. You may see our web site at www.hanoverfiremuseum.com. Or you may donate via www.gofundme.com Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum. - Fire News photos provided by Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum Committee
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Ramirez Gets Fireman of Year
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Lieutenant Tyler Ramirez was awarded Fireman of the Year 2016 at the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Annual Installation Banquet on March 18, 2017. (Left to right): Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Assistant Chief Ryan Matheson, Deputy Chief Tim Chamberlain, Lieutenant Tyler Ramirez, and Fire Chief Glenn Chamberlain. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Nelson Margerum Honored
Firefighters and family members gathered at the YardleyMakefield Fire Company Main Street Station to honor Line of Duty Death for past-Chief Nelson ‘Snooky’ Margerum Wreath Laying Ceremony on March 15, 2017. - Submitted by Jeff Goldberg, photo by Tim Chamberlain
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Glenside’s Scholly Calls it a Career
On April 19, 2017, the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners honored the Glenside Fire Company’s Robert Scholly, Sr., for 60 years of dedicated service to the residents of Cheltenham Township. Bob served as a Lieutenant for two years, Captain for nine years, Deputy for four and Chief for eight years. For Bob’s final call the company responded to a vehicle fire at the intersections of Greenwood Avenue and Limekiln Pike. Bob was in the front seat of Engine 1 and was fittingly on the nozzle. Until the last day he was putting on an air pack next to men and women 30, 40 and 50 years his junior. Bob will still be a fixture at the company as he still serves on the Board of Directors and is the Chairman of the Facilities Committee. - Fire News photos by Bob Scholly, Jr., and Mathew Scholly
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It’s a Girl!
Fire News, May 2017, Page 53
Tarek and Natalie Masaoud’s celebrate the gender reveal (a girl) Assistant Chief at Station 282, Summit Hose, in Allegheny County. with pink water released from the deck gun of E-282. Tarek is the - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
James F. Hurley Remembered With Wreath Firefighters and family members gathered at St. Ignatius Cemetery to honor Line of Duty Death James F. Hurley with a wreath laying ceremony. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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Pocono Raceway Fire Department Welcome to the fifth largest paid fire department in Pennsylvania. Chief Dave ‘Chico’ Richards heads a crew of 180 personnel for a typical weekend race from April to October and 219 for a NASCAR race, which is held twice a year. The crews spend three to four days for a race weekend and come from Pennsylvania and New Jersey and as far away as New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Vermont. The different crews are comprised of Fire, Extrication, Ambulance, Wreckers, Maintenance and Restoration vehicles. Training is open to all active firefighters who complete a rookie class every March and handson training in April for all positions. Once a firefighter is qualified they can go to any NASCAR track and work. In addition, every firefighter and ambulance crew must take a refresher course annually. To give you an idea how busy this track gets, there can be as many as three events going on in one day. Pocono has the ability to configure 30 different courses for any organization that leases the track. For example, during September in 2016, there were 23 events scheduled within 17 days, and each event had to have a fire/rescue crew on scene. Average speeds vary, but the first ever 500-mile Indy Car race to average over 200 mph was held at Pocono. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 55
Up Close & Personal
Chambersburg firefighters working a chimney fire on Wilson Avenue. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Partial collapse in Vandergrift. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay with the Easter Bunny. - Fire News photo courtesy of Tim Solobay
PA Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team training on February 11, 2017. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Page 56, Fire News, May 2017
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Announcements GRANT WRITING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES MAY 22-23, 2017 The Cumberland County Department of Public Safety will sponsor a Grant Writing seminar on May 22 and 23 at 1 Public Safety Drive, Carlisle, PA, from 0800 to 1600 on both days. First Responder Grants will present a specialized class for Public Safety/First Responder Agencies on developing, writing and applying for grant programs. The training is specifically directed at First Responder and Public Safety Agencies of Police/Fire/EMS and Emergency Management or local government agencies seeking grant funding from federal/ atate/local grant funding sources. This two-day grant writing training will be presented by nationally known grant consultant and author Kurt Bradley of First Responder Grants. Mr. Bradley is a retired public safety administrator who has been consulting with public safety agencies on their grant needs since 2004 and whose company has amassed a total of more than $2 billion in grant awards for these agencies with a 80-percent overall success rate. He is considered one of the country’s leading public safety grant consultants. In this economy the competition for grant dollars is extremely high and you will need a competitive edge. This training provides that competitive edge! Tuition for the course is $450 per student and lunch will be provided on both days. To register go to firstrespondergrants.com/ frg_classes/class_list and for further class information and/or to register call Kurt Bradley at 863551-9598 or e-mail KBradley@ firstrespondergrants.com. F o r lo cal a r e a inf o r e ga r ding the Cumbe rl a n d DPS t r a i n i n g v e nue c a l l Claudia Garner at 717-218-2911 or e-mail cgarner@ccpa.net. Added Bonus Value for Attending a First Responder Grants Training Classes: Any student attending a First Responder Training Class who signs up for our Annual Grant Services Package (AGSP) within 30 days of attending will receive a $200 discount off the normal annual subscription price of $1300. Early registration is encouraged to assure that the minimum number of registered students is achieved in order for the class to be presented. You do not have to pay, simply to register. Payment is due not later than the first day of class and we accept all major credit cards and checks. Upon registering you will be asked to specify your preferred method of payment and a billing invoice will be e-mailed to you for processing.
parades great again.” Leaman created an eye-catching magnet featuring the making parades great again slogan to help advertise the 2017 annual event. All participants will receive a commemorative dash plaque featuring Lancaster Township’s Engine 1, a 2016 Pierce Arrow. Convention delegates will receive a tote bag, a convention book featuring all Lancaster County fire companies and a 2017 convention ribbon. Following is a list of activities that are scheduled for the two-day event: Friday, June 2: A memorial service will honor all the firefighters of Lancaster County who have died in the past year. The service will be held at the Millersville Bible Church, on New Danville Pike in Lancaster Township. The address is 1940 New Danville Pike, Lancaster, PA. The start time of the service is 1900. Light refreshments and an awards ceremony will follow the church service. Ample parking is
available for apparatus in the church parking lot. Saturday, June 3: Delegate registration starts at 0800 followed by the convention meeting at 0900. The meeting is being held at Lancaster Township Fire Department South Station in the village of Bausman at 125 Fairview Avenue. Saturday, June 3:The parade kicks off at 1400. The parade line-up starts at 1130. Staging area for the parade is West Street and Elwood Avenue. Eleven trophies with a $100 cash prize will be presented for each category. Trophies are determined by the convention committee. A people’s choice award, sponsored by Command Apparatus, will be determined by the attending firefighters. Saturday, June 3: Lancaster Township Community Day is also being held at the staging area to showcase the county apparatus. Convention LANCASTER TOWNSHIP FD HOSTING memorabilia will be available. Events will include a vehicle extrication L.C.F.A. 97TH CONVENTION AND PARADE demonstration, an opportunity to handle a hose line, police demonstraThe Lancaster County Fireman’s Association 97th Convention is tions and firetruck rides. Also, community groups will be on display. being hosted by Lancaster Township Fire Department Friday and There will also be a food available to enjoy. Stay up-to-date with convention information and attendee apparatus Saturday, June 2 and 3, 2017. photos on the convention Facebook page: facebook.com/lcfa2017convention and the LCFA website: lcfa.org/convention. - Submitted by Greg Leaman
SPRING CLEANING FOR A CAUSE: THE BEREAVEMENT UNIFORM PROGRAM
Fire companies or private apparatus owners can sign up online to register. There is no time limit to register. Lancaster County companies have lost interest in the past few years, but in 2017, Lieutenant Greg Leaman, chairman of the 2017 convention and parade, hopes to “Make
“Making sure a dress uniform is available for conduction of Final Honors is what the BUP is all about and without question is one of the most generous and outstanding programs ever offered to a Fallen Firefighter. What we do collectively for families during this most solemn of times speaks volumes about who we are and how we honor those who serve. The Lighthouse BUP supports the American Fire Service in a most fitting and respectful way. The Eternal Chief and St. Florian are smiling,” said Michael Kuk, PhD., Chief Fire Chaplain, Vernon Parish FD (LA). Now available in all 50 states, the BUP needs your surplus dress uniforms … and the truth of the matter…the BUP won’t survive without you and your department. Take responsibility for checking your department’s storage closet and ship your surplus dress uniforms to: Lighthouse Uniform Company, Attn: BUP, 1532 15th Ave W., Seattle, WA 98119 Every donation is recorded on the BUP’s Be Remembered Wall of Fame. Don’t forget to include a note with how you would like your donation to read. For more information, call 206-282-5600 (PST). - BC Greg Markley, Sec/Treasurer Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
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Fire News, May 2017, Page 57
WATERWAY TWIN TIER IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE ITS EXPANSION! This spring their new division, Twin Tier Fire & Safety Services, will be offering comprehensive fire truck and pump maintenance as well as aerial testing at their facility or at your location. Jim Conboy, owner of Waterway Twin Tier since 2009, has seen the great need in New York and Pennsylvania for an independent third party tester for aerial devices. He has also had numerous requests for recommendations of a company to perform annual maintenance. “My customers constantly ask if I know anyone who can service their apparatus. So far, I've had to say no. Now I can say, Yes!” Twin Tier Fire and Safety Services’ technicians are EVT certified and the aerial testing technicians are NDT certified, all according to NFPA requirements. Generator and light tower maintenance will also be offered. The safety of the firemen, as well as the community, are just part of the driving force behind the creation of Twin Tier Fire and Safety Services.
“Our goal is to provide our maintenance customers with the same outstanding service and fair prices they currently receive from Waterway Twin Tier,” Conboy explained. Waterway Twin Tier currently tests fire hose, ground ladders, hard suctions tubes, appliances, nozzles and hydrants. Pump tests are conducted using their Draft Commander 3000®. Detailed records for each apparatus will be maintained and supplied to each department. Fire departments in New York and Pennsylvania can now enjoy quality preventative maintenance and Annual and five-year aerial testing by certified technicians from a company they know and trust. For more information, 570-767-1018 or info@twintierfireandsafetyservices.com.
RECORD ATTENDANCE ACHIEVED AT FDIC INTERNATIONAL 2017 The Fire Department Instructors Conference International (FDIC International) announced a record-breaking attendance of nearly 34,000 attendees from 58 countries at its 90th annual training conference and expo, held at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN April 24-29, 2017. The world’s largest and most comprehensive annual firefighter training and exposition event, FDIC International included Classroom Sessions, Pre-Conference Workshops, Hands-On Training Evolutions, networking events, a conference program with more than 300 speakers, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge products and services from nearly 800 companies. “FDIC International 2017 was a huge achievement for PennWell and the fire service. Its continued growth reflects its reputation for delivering the most advanced training and education from the world’s finest instructors,” said Eric Schlett, Vice President/Executive Director, PennWell Corp. FDIC International 2017 featured many special events and networking opportunities. The NFFF 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, the Scott Firefighter
Combat Challenge, the Firefighter Throwdown Crossfit competition, the HEAT Competition, and the Real Time Outdoor Product Demonstrations provide firefighters with competition and educational opportunities. Many off-site industry association events also take place each year, as well as networking events such as the International Networking Event. As an official event of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyers Select Program, FDIC International also provided an International Lounge complete with local area information and translation services for attendees traveling overseas. Recognizing that the FDIC Experience is hard to put into words, Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, FDIC International Education Director, maintains that, “after nine decades, FDIC will stay true to our heritage and original commitment to train the fire service.” FDIC International 2018 will be held April 23-28, 2018, at the Indianapolis Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. To learn more about FDIC International, please visit www.fdic.com.
Page 58, Fire News, May 2017
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