VOLUME 8, NO. 2
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
MAY 2018
Story on pages 6 & 7. -Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart
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Page 2, Fire News, May 2018
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Fire News, May 2018, Page 3
In this issue... Plum Attic Fire On March 6, 2018, crews battled an attic fire in Plum. See story page 8
Fire and Ice — and Saves — at 5-Alarmer A fire broke out in the apartments above the Papa J’s restaurant in Carnegie on March 2, 2018. See story page 9
25 Displaced in Lancaster Twp. Blaze Lancaster Township firefighters battled a two-alarm fire that destroyed a twostory, multi-family apartment building on Wyncroft Lane. See story page 14
Palmerton House Fire Firefighters from Carbon and Northampton Counties battled a fire in a single-family dwelling on Lafayette Avenue in Palmerton.
See story page 16
FF Injured in Eden Resort Villa Blaze
Manheim Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to a building fire at the Eden Resort on Eden Road in Manheim Township on April 10, 2018. See story page 23
Obituaries Bausman’s, Lancaster Township’s Elmer P. Reese, Jr. Greensburg’s J. Edward Hutchinson See story pages 40 & 44
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 29-32 Up Close & Personal . . .pages 34, 35, 45,46 &49
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 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, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Social Media in the Fire Service I hope you realize that Social Media is here to stay. Seventy-six percent of our friends in government reported social media enabled them to have more meaningful interactions with their constituents. We saw the use of social media become a regular tool in the 2016 election campaign. Unlike past campaigns, social media effectively helped both candidates reach audiences across the nation at all times. Social media is not new. Blake Scott wrote an article that was published in Fire Engineering in 2013. He stated, “Social media has changed the world, and now the fire service must make a choice: adapt to the new environment or face some unpleasant consequences in the years to come.” The use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have become an integral part of every activity that goes on in your department. It is no secret that I am a fan of using Facebook. My department has strict rules that the membership adheres to governing the use of social media. Our social media policy was put together by one of our chiefs. The policy was thoroughly explained to the membership. I am privileged to be my department’s photog-
rapher and Public Information Officer. As soon as I get home from a major call, I write a brief explanation of what happened and share it, along with a photo or two with our community. Community interaction and comments are overwhelmingly positive. I should add that my chiefs trust my decisions and are extremely supportive of what I do. Let’s face it, the public deserves to know what has happened in their community. The use of social media cuts down on inaccurate rumors and ultimately has rallied our community in support of their fire department. If we have a call that is serious, our community knows to go to our Facebook page to find out what happened. Occasionally we have to remind a member that comments, and photos are my job. Our members know that they can share whatever their PIO places on social media. As an active PIO at a scene, we welcome the media. The chief has enough to do at a working fire. The PIO can handle the media by giving them enough accurate information so that they can do their job. Their job has been in existence since the early 18th century. If you want a
truthful story about what happened at your call, give the media the facts. Yes, there will be “fake news,” however it has been my experience that the local papers are on your side. Give them the accurate facts so that they can write accurate stories that compliment your department. Inaccurate stories usually come about when no one talks to the media and they are forced to ask bystanders for statements that may be inaccurate, at best. For the last few years, Fire News was recognized by the Press Club of Long Island for the Best Use of Social Media. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, so that you can get an idea of how powerful social media can be. … Dennis
RESILIENCE FOR DUTY: MIND AND BODY
By Anthony S. Mangeri, MPA, EMT, CEM With the physical and emotional demands on responders today, there we desire. Several studies have shown that, “Physical or emotional disis a need to redefine what it means for firefighters to be fit for duty. tress increases the intake of food high in fat, sugar, or both.” Individual resilience for duty refers to the one’s ability to prepare for To counteract the cravings for unhealthy food choices, focus food and recover to return to normalcy. Resilience begins with understanding choices on fruits and vegetables. Drink water and exercise to lower levthe stress you face when responding to the chaos of crisis. Unmanaged, els of the stress hormone. constant exposure to such adversity can influence relationships, cause health issues and even affect safety at work. Being a “Resilient Engage Your Peers, Partners and Friends Responder” starts with committing to take care of yourself, sleeping Several articles and studies show that having healthy relationships is well, eating well and living well. a critical component of a personal resiliency strategy. Being mentally prepared for duty includes the ability to process and discuss our experiBegin with a Good Night’s Sleep ences with those we trust and with those we have built relationships. Resilience begins with reporting for duty mentally and Relationships help the responders maintain a positive outphysically ready to respond. Sleep is a critical component look and a calm demeanor. to one’s physical health and mental well-being and is essenThe American Psychological Association (APA) has tial to resilience. According to the National Heart, Lung released an online brochure that can assist individuals in and Blood Institute (NHLBI), sleep helps your brain funcbuilding their resiliency. Having relationships allows peers, tion and process the stress of the world around us. Sleep partners and friends to be part of a support network. also prepares your brain for your duty day. It aids in manThe APA provides 10 ways to build resilience. The first aging your attention span and decision-making skills. is to build strong connections with family, peers and Sleep deficiency may impact resilience and can impact friends. Also, being there for others in need can have a emotions, behavior and one’s ability to cope with changes. benefit to building personal resilience. Peers, partners and This can lead to elevated levels of stress and has been friends also help to recognize changes in personality and linked to depression, risky behaviors and even suicide. behavior that you may not recognize and help you recogNHLBI also points to the value of sleep in managing nize and cope. physical well-being and repairing the impact of stresses on our bodies. No one is immune to the physical and emotional impacts of stress. When you sleep, the body heals and regenerates. For example, when Just as physical conditioning takes time, building a resilient lifestyle you sleep, your body works to repair the impact of a variety of stresses takes time. However, it is an essential component of assuring fitness for on your heart and blood vessels. duty. Portions of this article appeared on InPublicsafety.com as part of Eat Well and Take Your Time American Military University’s series on stress and wellness in public Eating well includes learning about food and nutrition so that you safety. Visit Inpublicsafety.com for access to this free resource, have a healthy well balanced diet. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine Understanding and Coping with First Responder Stress . and alcohol. According to the American Heart Association, excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine can increase blood pressure. Avoid cafAnthony S. Mangeri, Sr., MPA, CEM, EMT has more than 30 years of feine during rehab. Instead, drink water to stay hydrated. experience in emergency management and public safety operations. According to an article in the Harvard Mental Health Letter, while Currently, he is the Director of Strategic Relations for Fire and stress initially may reduce appetite, stress eating is real. Stress eating Emergency Services at American Military University. Anthony is on the can lead to the overeating of comfort foods that can be high in fats and faculty in the School of Security and Global Studies. He also serves on sugars. the Fire & Life Safety Council of ASIS International and Vice-President The article also advises that stress can also change the type of food of the International Association of Emergency Managers Region 2.
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Cover Story
2 FFs Die in York City Collapse
On March 21, 2018, York City Engines 99-1, 99-5 and 99-9; and Truck 99-1 were dispatched to East Philadelphia Street for a structure fire with possible entrapment. Chief 99-2 arrived to find a fourstory warehouse with heavy smoke showing. As companies were stretching lines, Deputy 99 requested a second alarm for heavy smoke issuing from the entire building, with heavy fire on the first floor rapidly extending upward. As conditions deteriorated, command evacuated the structure. A few minutes later command requested a third alarm and incoming companies prepared for defensive operations. The interior floors collapsed as fire enveloped the former Weaver Piano and Organ building, which was under renovation and being converted into apartments. A Mayday was issued but was cleared after an additional PAR check. Apparatus were repositioned away from the collapse zone as numerous blitz
fires, ground appliances, and master streams from Trucks 99-1 (York City), 89-1 (York Area United), 1-2 (West York), 2, (West Manchester) and 11 (Nashville) flowed water on the fire. About 90 minutes into the incident the C/D corner of the building collapsed. The fire was contained in about six hours as firefighters continued to pour water on the building into the next day. Almost 24 hours after the initial alarm, while companies were still working on scene, a wall collapsed briefly trapping firefighters. A mayday was called and the York County ATR team dispatched to the scene. The trapped firefighters were removed from the rubble and transported to a local hospital. Sadly, firefighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony succumbed to their injuries suffered in the collapse. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Thousands Mourn the Loss of Two Fallen York FFs
- Fire News photos by Jillian Stewart
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Plum Attic Fire
On March 6, 2018, crews battled an attic fire in Plum. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Barn, Brush Fires in Weisenberg Township On March 15, 2018, firefighters from Western Lehigh County and eastern Berks County battled a two-alarm structure fire at a property off New Smithville Road in Weisenberg Township. Crews were dispatched just after 0130 and arrived to find a well involved barn along with several other pole buildings. A second alarm was struck as well as a special call for brush fire control. Kempton Engine 44 responded to I-78 and worked from the top of the scene to control several brush fires. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Historic Building Burns in Hanover Early on March 1, 2018, firefighters responded for a building fire on Hanover Road, at the Little Red Schoolhouse Restaurant. Chief Hagerman arrived, established command at the single-story commercial building with smoke pushing from the building and fire inside. Truck 79 from York County Station 79 laddered the building and forced entry. Engine 29 laid a five-inch supply line from a hydrant. The fire was placed under control in about 45 minutes. The building was an original one-room school house for the Conewago Valley School District. It dates back to 1894. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
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Fire Fire and and Ice Ice ... and and Saves Saves ... at Carnegie 5-Alarm
A fire broke out in the apartments above the Papa J’s restaurant in Carnegie on March 2, 2018. The fire quickly spread through the open areas of the building, causing some residents to be rescued from the windows. The fire went to five alarms, and conditions on the scene were tough as the water began to freeze on the surfaces. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
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Three Houses Go in 3-Alarmer
On April 5, 2018, Lewistown Fire Department Stations 11, 13 and 14, and EMS 12 were alerted for a house fire in the 100 block of Shaw Avenue. First responding units reported a column of smoke from a distance. Units arrived to a fire in one house with extension into two others. Due to the wind driven fire, command requested a second and then third alarm shortly after arrival in order to keep the fire from running the block. Units and transfer assignments responded from Mifflin, Juniata, Snyder, Centre and Huntingdon Counties After an almost-four-hour fight the incident was placed under control with the total loss to the three houses. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Turtle Creek House Fire On March 18, 2018, fire units were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Church Street Extension in Turtle Creek. Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire throughout the structure and showing from every window on side A. Units began to attack the fire as live wires began to fall on the alpha/delta corner. A second alarm was requested as firefighters continued to try to contain the fire and protect the exposures. Crews worked for about two hours before finally bringing the fire under control. No one was injured and one person was displaced by the fire. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Fully Involved in Bushkill Township On March 12, 2018, crews were called to Bushkill Center Road for a house fire. County communications advised multiple calls were coming in reporting an active fire. First arriving crews reported the structure fully involved. Due to water issues, tankers were called to the scene. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen
3-Alarmer for Lititz Specialty Bakers Plant At 0330 on March 13, 2018, Lititz firefighters responded to a three alarm fire at the Specialty Bakers plant just north of Lititz. Approximately 50 pieces of apparatus, including twenty tankers and ten engines were used to suppress the fire, which resulted in $8 million in damage to the building and equipment. - Fire News photo by Kirk Neidermyer
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Bristol Twp. Fire Response Hampered
Vandergrift Apartment Fire
In April 2018, when firefighters responded to an alarm system, they were met with smoke coming from a warehouse off of Woodhaven Drive. The box was filled out and fire crews from Bensalem and Bristol Township responded. Crews had to alter their response due to live wires down from an earlier, unrelated call in the vicinity. Fire Police from Bristol and Bensalem worked to divert traffic. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
On March 21, 2018, crews from three counties were called to battle a three-story apartment fire in Vandergrift. Firemen fought the blaze for hours in the below-freezing temperatures and heavy snow. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fire News, May 2018, Page 13
Been There Done That ‌
On April 2, 2018, in Lower Paxton Township, Box 34-4 sent Company 34 (Paxtonia); Engines 33 (Colonial Park), 32 (Progress) and 35 (Linglestown); Rescues 46 (Hummelstown) and 36-1 (West Hanover); and Truck 35 (Linglestown) to Springford Terrace for a structure fire. There were multiple reports of someone still inside. A first alarm was struck before the arrival of first-due companies. Engine 34 arrived to find a middle-of-the-unit townhome with heavy fire showing from side A and requested a second alarm. Engine 34 and 32 each grabbed their own hydrant and companies
led off with deck gun operations. Reports from the rear indicated two stories with basement access and fire through the roof. Several handlines were stretched and the exposures opened. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 25 minutes. The fire was held to the apartment of origin and searches were negative. On a side note, this same townhome was the site of a late morning fire on February 1, 2010, that also went to a second alarm. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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25 Displaced in Lancaster Twp. Blaze
On March 15, 2018, Lancaster Township firefighters battled a twoalarm fire that destroyed a two-story, multi-family apartment building on Wyncroft Lane. Engines 66-1, 66-2 and 66-3; Truck 66; and Rescue 905 were dispatched. Chief 66-1 requested a second alarm. Rescue 905 arrived to heavy fire showing from the roof on the A/B side. Command reported a fire running the roof and requested the Truck 67 to prepare for platform operations. With heavy fire conditions rapidly spreading, command ordered all companies out about 20 minutes into the incident. With low hydrant pressure in the area, an additional two engines were requested. Three aerial streams, blitzfires, and handlines worked to contain the blaze that engulfed the entire second floor and roof. Command requested a tanker force, of eight tankers. Twenty-five occupants were displaced and the fire caused $1.2 million dollars damage. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Don Shenk
Coopersburg Apartment Fire
On March 17, 2018, firefighters from Coopersburg were dispatched to East Oxford Street for an apartment fire. A second alarm was quickly struck when crews arrived to find fire showing from the building. Crews were able to make a quick knock down on the fire but remained on the scene for about an hour performing overhaul. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. and Jayson Wagner
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Trailers Burn in Gratz
On February 21, 2018, Company 27 responded for a reported trailer fire. Engine and Tanker 27 responded, and found a burn pile spreading, which had ignited two trailers rigs, which were fully engulfed. Command requested a tanker from Pillow Fire Company and later requested Engine 21 from Elizabethville to the scene. Crews were able to bring the fire under control. Rescue 27, Medic 6 and the Pennsylvania State police also assisted. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Palmerton House Fire
On February 10, 2018, firefighters from Carbon and Northampton Counties battled a fire in a singlefamily dwelling on Lafayette Avenue in Palmerton. The house was undergoing renovations and the owner was not home. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Franklin Township Structure Fire
On March 18, 2018, firefighters from Carbon County battled a multiple alarm fire at the former Trainer’s Inn on Interchange Road in Franklin Township. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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1 Fatality, 10 Displaced in Jeanette Blaze On April 9, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located along South 7th Street in the City of Jeanette. Arriving units found a six-unit, wooded row house with heavy fire running the entire rear and heavy fire showing out of the front of one of the units. Crews were advised that one person was still inside and a rescue attempt was made. However, flashover conditions made firefighters retreat. Firefighters later recovered the body of a 78-year-old woman. A second person who was rescued from the second floor was treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Firefighters fought for several hours and two separate collapses occurred on both ends of the building. Ten people were displaced by the fire. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Fast Work at 2-Alarmer Early on April 29, 2018, firefighters were alerted for a residential structure fire in Upper St. Clair, south of Pittsburgh. Mutual aid companies were brought in on the second alarm and made quick work of the fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, May 2018, Page 19
Chickens Saved for Another Day
Dauphin-Middle Paxton Fire Company was called out for a reported structure fire at the 38-7 box. Crews arrived to find a wooden garage structure at the back of a long driveway with a chicken coop on fire. Crews saved the chickens and placed them in a nearby chicken coop, while other knocked down the small fire. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Quick Knockdown in Monroe Twp. Early on April 6, 2018, in Monroe Township, Cumberland Box 25101 sent Engine Companies 25 (Monroe Township), 33 (New Kingstown) and 27 (Citizens-Mechanicsburg); Truck 28 (Washington-Mechanicsburg); Rescue 27 (Citizens-Mechanicsburg); Tankers 25 (Monroe Township), 33 (New Kingstown) and 31 (Silver Spring); and RIT 23 (Upper Allen) to West Trindle Road for a house fire. Chief 25 was advised of multiple calls reporting the back of the house on fire. Washington Fire Company of Mechanicsburg Chief 8 arrived at the location, just outside the borough limits, and reported a 1-1/2 story, single-family home, with heavy fire at the rear. Rescue 12 (Lower Allen) was special called for RIT. Two lines were stretched quickly knocking down the fire with limited extension. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Allentown Fire Not So Bad On March 27, 2018, Allentown firefighters were d i sp a t ch ed to Libe r t y St reet for a house fire . Crews responding were advised of possible people trapped and smoke showing from a third floor. An additional engine was ordered. As crews arrived on the scene they found light smoke showing from the third floor and all occupants out. Crews went to work and stretched a single line to knock down a small fire. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold, Jr.
Early Fourth — Fireworks Sparks Garage Fire Willow Street Fire Company was dispatched to a house fire on February 11, 2018. Fire was showing from the attached garage of a two-story home on Woodhall Drive, at Thornhill Lane in West Lampeter Township. The blaze was caused by fireworks that weren’t properly extinguished inside the garage. Assisting were New Danville, Quarryville, Refton, Lafayette and Lancaster City. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Fatality in Middletown Blaze On March 19, 2018, Middletown Box 88-2 sent Company 88 (Middletown), and Engines 59-1 (Lower Swatara), 54 (Londonderry) and 74-1 (Elizabethtown) to East Roosevelt Avenue for a residential structure fire. Duty Officer 88 (Fink) advised of a fire on the side of the house under the carport. Police reported they were attempting to get an occupant out. The balance of the first alarm was requested to the scene. Duty Officer 88 arrived to fire showing from all sides of a two-story, single family dwelling and confirmed an entrapment. Engine 88 stretched a line and successfully removed an occupant from a second-floor bedroom. The fire extended from the first floor to the second and attic before being brought under control using several handlines. Unfortunately, the rescued victim later passed away from injuries incurred. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Old Bethlehem Pike House Fire
Recently, the Milford Township Fire Department responded to Old Bethlehem Road in Milford. Companies arrived to find a house fire which was brought under control in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
New Kensington Junkyard Fire
New Kensington stations responded to multiple vehicle on fire on April 9, 2018, at Lucchetti’s junkyard in New Kensington. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Duncannon Carport Fire
On April 21, 2018, the Duncannon Fire Company was dispatched for a house fire. Crews arrived to find heavy fire from the B side of the structure from under and over a car port. Crews went to work knocking down most of the fire. Reserve Truck 2 was utilized to reach the second floor and attic to open the structure. Multiple mutual aid companies were called to assist. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Total Loss in Derry Twp.
On April 27, 2018, Engines 4, 3 and 1, and EMS 12 responded to Woodland Avenue in Derry Township for a house fire. The structure was well involved on arrival. Chief 4 requested a second alarm which brought Rescue 14, Truck 15 and Rehab 12. The home was a total loss and two family pets perished in the blaze. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Long Day in Brentwood On March 5, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire located on Pearl Drive in the Borough of Brentwood. Arriving units found a fully involved structure and an offensive attack was initiated. About 20 minutes into the fire, firefighters were evacuated from the building and a defensive attack was set up. Firefighters stayed on-scene for about four hours. Several people were displaced but nobody was injured. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Hamburg Borough Berks County
On January 13, 2018, firefighters from departments in Berks and Schuylkill counties responded to a two-alarm all-hands call at a church in Hamburg Borough. - Fire News photo by Jarrod Emes
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Fast Moving Barn Fire in Lower Burrell
On April 10, 2018, Stations 69 and 54 from Lower Burrell, and 952 from Arnold, fought a barn fire in Lower Burrell. The fire spread quickly, and several farm animals perished in the fire. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Quick Work in Lower Allen Twp. On March 11, 2018, Lower Allen Township Box 12-05 sent Engine Companies 12 (Lower Allen), 37 (Naval Support Activity) and 24 (Lisburn); Truck 12; and Rescues 12 (Lower Allen) and 30 (Hampden Township) to St. John’s Road for a house fire. Chief 12 requested an additional engine to the box (Engine 22 Shiremanstown). Companies arrived to fire on the second floor of a single-family dwelling, with possible extension into the attic space. Command requested a second alarm, bringing Engine Companies 30 (Hampden), 14 (Camp Hill) and 28 (Mechanicsburg); Truck 23 (Upper Allen); Rescue 27 (Mechanicsburg); RIT 69 (Defense Logistics New Cumberland); Squad 8 (Harrisburg); and Air 13 (West Shore). Two lines were stretched knocking the bulk of the fire down in less than 10 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Castle Shannon Fire
A fire broke out in a single-family residence in Castle Shannon early on a March. Firefighters had to deal with some difficult fire hydrants, cold conditions and a stubborn attic fire, upgrading the incident to a third alarm before bringing it under control. No injuries were reported and firefighters safely evacuated the family pets. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, May 2018, Page 23
FF Injured in Eden Resort Villa Blaze Manheim Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to a building fire at the Eden Resort on Eden Road in Manheim Township on April 10, 2018. People driving past the resort on Route 30 were reporting fire through the roof. Arriving firefighters encountered heavy fire in one of the villa buildings, spreading to other units. Neffsville Fire Company Deputy Chief Mike Elliott requested three additional engines and two ladder towers to the incident. Elevated master streams were used to extinguish the large volume of fire that was consuming the second floors of the eight-unit resort villa. One Manheim Township firefighter was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being hit by debris. Assisting were Upper Leacock, East Petersburg, Lafayette, Lancaster City, Lancaster Township, Rohrerstown and Blue Rock Fire Rescue. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Decatur Township Total Loss Units arrived at a Barnett Lane address for a reported kitchen fire only to find a house well off. One patient was transported from the scene with burns. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
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Hit-and-Run MVC On April 18, 2018, Arnold and New Kensington companies responded to a hit-and-run MVA with injuries. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Beer Barrel Truck Crash On April 10, 2018, Bensalem Fire and Rescue had their hands full when a tractor trailer hauling empty beer kegs flipped off an I-95 overpass and fell 35 feet, hitting a car below. The driver of the truck was trapped. Crews went in service with hydraulic tools and freed the driver. Companies from Cornwell assisted. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Halifax Truck Overturn The Halifax Fire Department responded to an MVA in which a box truck hauling organic flour had tipped over and come to rest against a guardrail. EMS transported the lone occupant, while fire crews controlled fluid spills and awaited the towing company. Once the box truck was uprighted and removed, the roadway was reopened. Route 147 was shut down for several hours. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Good Place for an MVA
Bensalem Fire and emergency responders responded to a two-car MVA in the Trevose section of Bensalem on April 14, 2018. The crash happened in front of the Trevose Fire House in the middle of the afternoon. Injuries were minor but traffic was tied up in the area. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
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Brentwood MCI MVA
Fire News, May 2018, Page 25
On April 24, 2018, a car crashed through a hair salon located in the Brentwood Towne Square shopping plaza. Crews arrived to find multiple trapped patients and a Level 1 MCI was requested, sending multiple EMS and rescue units to the scene. Five people were trapped inside the salon and were rescued within 30 minutes. Two other people outside the salon were also injured. Eight people, including the driver, were transported to local trauma centers. It is believed that the driver, a 58-year-old male, suffered a medical emergency causing the accident. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Extrication in Penndel On April 19, 2018, firefighters from Parkland, Penndel and Middletown Township were called to the 400 block of Lincoln Highway for a van that split a utility pole in half and then flipped onto its side. The patient was trapped inside the van for about 20 minutes. Companies had to use chains to winch the dash out to free the driver, the sole occupant. Fire Police were called to the scene to direct traffic. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Lancaster Township MVC
A two-vehicle accident closed Abbeyville Road in Lancaster Township on April 24, 2018, in Lancaster Township. A sedan rear-ended an SUV at the Cheves Place intersection. The driver of the SUV was injured and taken by ambulance to the hospital with neck pain. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Philadelphia MVC Companies from Philadelphia responded to an MVC with injuries on the 9800 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. The vehicle was hit by a truck and spun across three lanes of the busy roadway. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Natural Gas Leak in Lewistown
Lewistown firefighters re-pack a five-inch hose after a natural gas leak on February 28, 2018. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
HazMat in Bensalem Firefighters from Bensalem, and the Bucks County HazMat unit responded to a spill from a 55-gallon drum under a truck off of Bridgewater Road in April 2018. The unknown chemical was leaking and in danger of polluting the nearby Neshaminy Creek. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Collapse Condition in Lancaster Two days after a million-dollar fire loss at Kensington Club Apartments, Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched for an investigation across the street from the building that was destroyed by fire. All 12 units on Wyncroft Lane were evacuated following a report of sagging flooring and ceiling cracks. A Lancaster Township building code enforcement officer also responded. After
Fame EMS Sets Up Rehab Unit Fame EMS with the Rehab sector on Shaw Avenue. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
an inspection by the code enforcement officer and Lancaster County Rescue Task Force 36 Collapse Team Chief 905, it was determined that residents of nine of the units could be allowed to return. Until a structural engineer could determine if they were safe to inhabit, three units were condemned. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Training
Don’t Text and Drive
North End Pine Grove Fire Company and surrounding companies and Lehigh Valley Medevac put on a distracted-driving mock crash exhibition at Pine Grove Area High School. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
North Fayette Live Burn Drill
Live burn at an acquired structure with North Fayette. The old farmhouse provided many evolutions of live fire training for the crews before finally being deemed structurally unsound. Many firefighters got crucial hands-on skills and learned much from a great group of instructors. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Training
Training Drill in Cheswick
On March 25, 2018, Cheswick Station 121 hosted training drills at entry, and search and rescue. Crews had use of the massive structhe soon-to-be-demolished Ches-A-Rena skating rink in Cheswick. ture’s interior and exterior for nearly 100 firefighters to practice - Fire News photos by Steven Matto Crews practiced several exercises, including roof rescue, forcible on-scene situations.
Disoriented FF Training in Lancaster Twp.
The Lancaster Township Fire Department conducted disoriented firefighter training as part of their bi-weekly training program. Firefighters were blindfolded and walked
into their social hall with no lighting and a hoseline. Firefighters were challenged to read the couplings on the hose to find their way out of the building. In a second evolution they were challenged to find the nozzle end of the hose after a Mayday was announced. Firefighters were instructed by Lieutenants Chad Slover, Mike Adams and Firefighter Chris Mosso to read the hose couplings by feeling the female and male hose connections which would tell them in which direction the hoseline was connected. A third scenario involved an RIT use a FAST board to extricate them using evolution to find a downed firefighter and their skills to read the hose coupling. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Hose Advancement Training in Lancaster Twp. Firefighters practiced hose line advancement at their February 12, 2018, meeting. Firefighters pulled a crosslay from Engine 66-1 and advanced the hose into the fire hall searching for a mock fire in an office. Lieutenants Chad Slover and Mike Adams taught the firefighters the proper hoseline placement at a doorway to ensure maximum hose maneuverability. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Training
Monroeville Live Burn Drill
On March 10, 2018, all five Monroeville departments participated in a live structural burn drill. Interior attack was the prime focus, while other exercises were performed, such as line stretching, exterior attack and rapid intervention. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Training
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MCI Training
Over 160 Fire/EMS students from Central Pennsylvania participated in a two-day MCI Class taught by A.J. Heightman. The class focused on all types of MCI incidents, although the main focus of the drill, held at Mifflin County High School, involved a school shooting. It was a great learning exercise for all. - Fire News photos by Pat Shoop
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Up Close & Personal
Greater Hanover Fire Rescue career Captain Bryan Spickler has a discussion with Chief Anthony Clousher after a house fire in Hanover Borough on February 12, 2018, in which several animals were rescued. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
A secondary search conducted by Pittsburgh firefighters at a structure fire on Orator Street found a cat which was brought out to paramedics who treated it for smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Engine 11 Assistant Chief Green fighting a rubbish fire at South Whitehall Auto Salvage on April 13, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Marysville fire crews responding to a residential structure fire with a possible entrapment on Aril 12, 2018. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Carbon County firefighter after a fire on Lafayette Avenue in Palmerton. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold, Jr.
A Penbrook firefighter working a house fire on South 14th and Swatara Street on April 27, 2018. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Firefighters on scene at a house fire on Bushkill Center Road on March 12, 2018. - Fire News photo by Rich Rolen
Burnham Firefighter and ex-Chief Bill McCurry operates Engine 1 during a working structure fire. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
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Up Close & Personal
Firefighters from Rescue 18 and Trumbauersville 58 after a fire in a laboratory of Upper Perkiomen High School in Pennsburg on April 28, 2018. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
On March 10, 2018, all five Monroeville departments held a live structural burn drill. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Lancaster City Bureau of Fire members at a garage fire on February 10, 2018. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Live burn at an acquired structure with North Fayette. The old farmhouse provided many evolutions of live fire training for the crews before finally being deemed structurally unsound. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Firefighters from departments in Berks and Schuylkill counties posing for a selfie after responding to a two-alarm all-hands call in a church at Hamburg Borough on January 13, 2018. - Fire News photo by Jarrod Emes
North End Pine Grove Fire Company and surrounding companies and Lehigh Valley Medevac put on a distracted-driving mock crash exhibition at Pine Grove Area High School. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
28 people displaced in Pittsburgh apartme nt - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography. fire. com
rollover Emergency crews responded to an MVC with in New Kensington. A DUI arrest followed. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
ponded for a fatal emergency crews res On April 19, 2018, on Bustleton Pike in Feasterville. motorcycle crash Alex Lloyd Gross - Fire News photo by
Williamstown’s Liberty Fire Company 24 was dispatched for a small outside fire and found it had spread to nearby sheds and a garage. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
1, 8, Wagon 4, Tower Harrisburg Squad South 14th and On April 27, 2018, in 4 responded to Truck 2, and Capta eets for a house fire. Swatara Str b Jason Coleman-Cob - Fire News photo by
On April 27, 2018, crews responded to a residential fire on Main Street in Leechburg, Armstrong County. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
On April 27, 2018, Cit y of Pittsburgh firefig hters were dispatched for a struct ure fire in Wilkinsb urg - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography. . com
ded
Multiple stations from Granville Township respon to a brush fire on the Route 22 Bypass. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
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Pennsylvania Fire Fighters in Action
Germansville, New , firefighters from On March 22, 2018 re dispatched to a fire at the Bagel Tripoli and Neffs we h on Route 309. Bunc Jr. Dennis Wetherhold, - Fire News photo by
On April 9, 2018, US Route 30 completely collapsed sending the road and hillside 40-feet down into an apartment building, completely destroying it. - Fire News photo by FirstDuePhotography.com
Several companie in Harrison for hours s battled a structure fire in below-fr - Fire News photo by eezing temperatures. Steven Matto
LZ for On April 12, 2018, Arnold 95-1 and 2 set up an ort. transp ency emerg for pter helico vac MedE a Stat - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Obituary
Bausman’s, Lancaster Twp.’s Elmer P. Reese, Jr.
Elmer P. Reese, Jr., former Bausman Chief and Lancaster Township Fire Department Life Member answered his last alarm after 50-plus years of service on February 17, 2018. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday at the Lancaster Township Fire Department monthly business meeting where they presented him with a surprise birthday cake. Reese began firefighting in 1963 with the former Wheatland Fire Company. He was promoted to Lieutenant and training officer, then briefly to Captain in 1970. Elmer was instrumental in acquiring one of the first Hurst vehicle rescue tools for Wheatland Fire Company and authored an IFSTA manual on vehicle extrication. In 1978, he joined the Bausman Fire Company. He was promoted to Second Assistant Chief in 1979 and elected Chief in 1981. Elmer stepped down as Chief of
Bausman Fire Company in 1984 In 1981, Bausman Firefighter Jeffery Jones and two Saint Joseph Hospital paramedics died in the line of duty during a confined space rescue of a eight-year-old boy on Hamilton Road in Lancaster Township. In the wake of the tragedy, Elmer established a confined space rescue training program for all Lancaster County air trucks and rescue companies. He gave them first-hand knowledge on the dangers associated with confined space incidents. He was a US Army veteran and served 24 years with the Pennsylvania National Guard. He retired in 1999 from Schultz Transportation as a mechanic. He was a life member of Lancaster County Firemen’s Association and a founding member of their Fire Expo which is held each year in May at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. He was presented a service award in 2014 at Lancaster Township Fire Department’s annual
member appreciation banquet honoring his 50 years of service. Elmer’s two sons, Michael and David, attended the award presentation. Michael is the Chief of Willow Street Fire Company and David is the Deputy Chief of Willow Street Fire Company. Interment was at St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery in the Village of Bausman with full military honors. Elmer now rests in peace one block from the Lancaster Township Fire Department South Station. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
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Announcements NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES SURVEY ON SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s (NFFF) Everyone Goes Home (EGH) program is conducting a needs assessment to build effective suicide prevention and awareness programs. The NFFF has partnered with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, a leading suicidologist with experience in developing innovative programs for first responders. As part of this assessment, Dr. Spencer-Thomas created a survey to gather feedback from fire service members (active, retired and non-uniformed), support groups (clinicians, EAP providers, chaplaincy groups, etc.) and family members. “I am inspired to see how the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is tackling the issue of suicide head on,” said Dr. SpencerThomas. “This approach of deep listening followed by thoughtful strategy development is key in making successful inroads into suicide prevention.” The NFFF encourages fire departments to distribute the survey to its members and use it as an opportunity to share other resources like the Pocket Peer mobile app, the “ACT Now! Ask.Care.Take.” downloadable poster and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number 1-800-273-TALK(8255). In addition to this survey, Dr. Spencer-Thomas will be conducting focus groups, in-depth interviews and a literature review regarding first responders and suicide. “We are fortunate to have partnered with Dr. Spencer-Thomas to address the issue of suicide in the fire service,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “Gathering and analyzing information directly from firefighters and their families will help build future awareness and prevention resources to support behavioral health needs.” Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NFFFSurveyPt1 to participate in the survey. This project is funded by DHS/FEMA’s Grant Program Directorate for Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Fire Prevention and Safety Grants. For more information on the NFFF, visit www.firehero.org and for more information on EGH visit www.everyonegoeshome.com.
STATE DCED GRANT FUNDS FIRE ENGINE The City of Allentown is in receipt of a $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development toward the purchase of a new pumper. The city expects delivery of the vehicle in January 2019, which comes on the heels of this year’s purchase of two rescue pumpers that were included in the 2018 capital budget. Delivery of those vehicles is expected December 2018. The 122-person department maintains seven fire engines and one ladder truck from six fire stations spread across the city. The department’s highly trained personnel include units specializing in hazardous materials, underwater recovery and technical rescue, an arson K-9 unit and bomb squad. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr., story by Mike Moore
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Obituary
Greensburg’s J. Edward Hutchinson
Chief J. Edward Hutchinson, the longest serving Chief of the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department, serving over 63 years as Chief, died on April 15, 2018. J. Edward Hutchinson’s innovations and educational methods were superb. Hutch gave his life to the fire service and touched thousands of firefighters’ lives. He helped people not only in southwestern Pennsylvania but all over the United States. Chief Hutchinson spent 79 years as a firefighter and 63 years as Fire Chief in the City of Greensburg. His thoughtfulness, teachings, assistance to others and giving back to the community were done like no other individual in the fire service. Chief Hutchinson’s focal point was the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department and the City of Greensburg. He will be sorely missed. The firefighters, citizens, and city administration’s in the past, present and future will never see an individual that gave so much as Chief J. Edward Hutchinson. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Up Close & Personal Rodney ‘Ike’ Felix, a 50-year member and past-Chief of the New Oxford Fire Company salutes as a fallen firefighter funeral procession passed through New Oxford. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Rescue 27 Lieutenant Gratz at a February 21, 2018, trailer fire. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Washington Township firefighter on scene at an April 14, 2018, barn fire on Deer Road. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Firefighters confer at the scene of an April 24, 2018 carinto-shop MVC in the Brentwood Towne Square shopping plaza in which eight people were injured. - Fire News photo by FirstDue Photography.com
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Up Close & Personal
A firefighter at an April 29, 2018, residential structure fire in Upper St. Clair, south of Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Two Manheim Fire Rescue firefighters at the Eden Resort fire in Manheim Township on April 10, 2018. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
A successful SAR at the March 25, 2018, training drill hosted by Cheswick Station 121 at the soon-tobe-demolished Ches-A-Rena skating rink. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Lewiston Fire Incident Commander Chief Robert Barlett at a fire on Shaw Avenue. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
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Up Close & Personal
Lower Burrell Volunteer Fire Company #3 Chief Sabulsky at a fire in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
A successful SAR at the March 25, 2018, training drill hosted by Cheswick Station 121 at the soon-tobe-demolished Ches-A-Rena skating rink. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
A Castle Shannon firefighter escorts a rescued feline from an early morning house fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager On March 18, 2018, Middle Paxton Township and assisting crews responded to a porch fire on North Front Street. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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