VOLUME 7, NO. 3
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JULY 2017
Story on page 23. -Fire News photo by Ken Lager
CVVFA Convention
See page 25 for more information. -Pennsylvania Edition-
Page 2, Fire News, July 2017
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 3
In this issue... New Kensington Blaze On May 13, 2017, firefighters responded to New Kensington for a structure fire. See story page 7
Berwick Township Barn Fire
On June 6, 2017, United Hook and Ladder Mini-Pumper 33 used a deck gun to attack a barn fire on High Rock Road.
See story page 9
On May 26, 2017, the Bethel Park Fire Department handled a stubborn two-alarm fire in a two-story residence. See story page 15
Allentown House Fire Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department were dispatched to North 7th Street on June 12, 2017, for a house fire. See story page 16
Training in Pennsylvania
See story pages 22 & 23
LCFA Parade and Public Safety Community Day Lancaster Township FD hosted the 97th annual Lancaster County Firemen’s convention parade and Public Safety Community Day. See story page 28
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30
Special Features
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
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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Page 4, Fire News, July 2017
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Who is Maslow? One thing I was sure of when I joined my volunteer fire department, was that if I was to be successful, I needed to be a good listener and work hard at learning my new trade to be respected as a good firefighter. I was a believer in Maslow’s Hierarchy. (Google Maslow’s Hierarchy on your own!) Everyone, no matter how old you are, needs to have good self-esteem and a sense of belonging in society to feel a part of it. As an officer in the fire service, an understanding of Maslow’s theory can help you lead your company with a fair amount of success. But to fine tune this theory for the fire service, there are a few things all of you need to understand. Are you competent at what you do? This is a tough question to answer. Knowing how to do something, like starting a saw is a good thing. But when the blade needs to be changed, can you do it quickly and efficiently? For our new pump operators; can you safely get your crew to the scene of a fire? Will the nozzle team have their water when they need it? What do you do when you screw up? Do you accept responsibility for your actions? Mistakes happen. Don’t beat around the bush and make excuses for a mistake. When things go wrong, go back to the firehouse and sit down with the people who have some experience and ask them what
you may have done wrong. During your critique, if you get several explanations about your mistake or problem you then need to seek additional help from places like your local fire academy or the manufacturer of the product with which you had a problem. Always remember that if people view you as not knowing about a task you are supposed to know, they will shy away from you and might even view you as being unsafe. Do you want to walk into a burning building with a partner who doesn’t know what to do should a problem arise? The firefighting culture can be tough. We tend to avoid change. When change occurs that you do not understand, remind yourself to be flexible and whatever you do, do not create your own interpretation of something and then pass it along to others. Educate yourself about the change by asking others their opinion. But always ask the person making the change to explain why the change is needed. The person making the change should also reflect on the concerns of the members. You gain the respect and get the support of others when they see that you care about them. If you are a senior member, you need to make sure the new members of your department learn first-hand from your knowledge and experience. Attend probie drills. Simply
by standing at the drill and observing, you can make positive suggestions to the trainees. Wearing your gear during the drill, sets the example for everyone to follow. Senior members can reinforce the reasons why we do things a certain way. It is simple for a new member to earn the respect of the company. You gain respect by understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy and by doing your job well. Remain committed to being the best at what you do. Remain dedicated to your passion to be an extraordinary first responder. -Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, July 2017
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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 How could it be July already? Graduations are over and our young folks are crossing into one of the most exciting times in their life. Good luck to all our Junior Firefighters as they begin the early days of their adulthood. We can only hope that as they step into the next phase of their young lives that the fire service still remains a vital and important part of their lives. They are our future of the service and we must see to it that they not lose focus of the community commitment they made a few short years ago and hope they continue to share the excitement of public service with their friends. We have several issues to share with you. First off: we have received calls about the Real ID Bill and how it will affect travel and entry into the National Academy, but also to other federal controlled buildings, for flying and just being accepted as a legal Federal ID. Several weeks ago, the House and Senate passed a bill and the Governor signed it and it is supposed to now give Pennsylvania until 2019 to get our driver’s licenses and other state-created IDs compliant with federal law. I believe this will cover those coming to the National Academy next month for PA Weekend. More to come, but I believe we will all be good with our present driver’s licenses. Act 172 ,which is the signed legislation that allows for local governments to offer earned income and local property tax rebates to volunteers has been vetted and we now have sample ordinances and guidelines for you to work with your local governments to see if they are willing to take part. We are striving to get you addresses for sites where you can go for information to help you and your municipality work with Act
172. One additional item on this bill is how or what should be the qualifying percentage of participation. We have suggested anywhere from 25 to 35 percent participation of fire calls, meetings, trainings, fundraisers and work details. For the non-suppression members who are administrative help, fundraisers, work details and meetings also should be included but maybe at a higher percentage since they don’t answer fire calls or train. Lastly, we have been working with Penndot and PSP to come to agreement with legislation passed last year that will allow for chiefs and assistant chiefs to run interior red emergency lights in their personal and fire department vehicles. At this time, all other folks that carry a chief or assistant chief title who aren’t fire can still run red lights but it has to be under the old law, which doesn’t allow interior lights. I hope that we can and will continue to add to the list of red light users and then work on blue light users. There is a lot to digest this month and as budget negotiations continue and are in full swing and hopefully been completed by the time this issue comes out we must end here and focus on initiatives we are working on with the legislature. Stay safe, hydrate yourselves well because we are receiving many calls from the EOC about FFs going down at calls from the heat. Till next time.
As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns By Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI Incident Reporting This month’s article is dedicated to those Pennsylvania citizens that Hopefully each department will be starting have perished in fires this year. As of May 31, 2017, 53 civilians have lost to report their incidents to us by the end of this their lives in residential fires. month as we are past June 1, 2017, which Fire Safety starts the mandate to report so you are eligible for the FCEMS grant. Over the last few weeks, I have been fortunate to attend multiple Remember, your department should have at least June, July and August conferences pertaining to fire and life safety. I have said this before, but I incidents reported to OSFC to be eligible for the grant. The non-reporting am very passionate about my job. However, every time I learn of a fire list shrunk considerably in a very short time and for that, I say THANK fatality, I get the proverbial punch in the gut. People should not be dying YOU! There are still roughly 20 departments we have not heard from and in fires at the alarming rate they are, particularly our older adults. But they are facing not being grant eligible. are and we need to do something. I also want to remind everyone that for those that signed up for In past articles, I mentioned about the formation of the Pennsylvania Emergency Reporting through OSFC since July 2015, your calls need to Fire Safety Coalition. We are not an official group of people, however that be in REVIEWED status for us to export them. I have shared this many is my goal. At two different conferences I recently attended, I was able to times in my articles and on our Facebook page yet I know there are talk with other fire and life safety educators from the state level to see how departments that have incidents in Emergency Reporting that say COMthey formed similar groups. They shared many ideas and suggested I start PLETE and think they are done. But that is not the case! Your incidents with developing a list of resources. In other words, a list of what props and need to say REVIEWED. If they say COMPLETE, they will not be programs department may have available. With that said, what props exported and therefore we will think you are not reporting. I strongly urge and/or programs does your department have? Do you have a fire extin- everyone to look at your incident list to make sure your calls say guisher simulator? A fire safety house? These are the things I would like REVIEWED. If they say COMPLETE, you must double click on the incito know, so I can develop a resource list. One of the goals behind this fire dent, then click on the “authorize” tab at the top, enter your password and safety coalition is to develop regional teams of interested people that then click the “complete box.” This will change the incident to could help each department with fire safety issues, especially if the “reviewed” and life will be good! department does not have the resources to do a fire safety event. I would We have one more Emergency Reporting/Pennfirs training program like to hear what programs you do in your communities, as well. So scheduled then we will be taking a summer break. But then we are going please, drop me an e-mail and let me know what you have or do. to change things up. Starting in the August-September time frame, we will In last month’s article, it seems that my little graphic announcing the be instituting bi-weekly evening webinars. Preliminarily, the sessions will date of Pennsylvania’s Fire Safety Summit was omitted, so let me give a be on Thursday evenings starting at around 1830 or 1845 and should only plug for that. On Thursday evening, November 16 and Friday, November take an hour to 90 minutes. We will hammer out more details over the 17, 2017, OSFC, with assistance from NFPA, will be hosting the first next month and have more information in next month’s article. Pennsylvania Fire Safety Summit. Thursday evening’s program is That’s about it for this month. I hope everyone enjoys their summer designed for the volunteers to hear from several folks about different top- vacations! Just remember to grill safely, leave the fireworks up to the ics pertaining to fire safety. Friday will be the same, however be a bit professionals and remember that TOGETHER we can MAKE PENNmore in depth. The dates piggy-back into PFESI’s Annual Seminar and SYLVANIA FIRE SAFE AGAIN! Conference and will be held at the Best Western Premier off Union Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI Deposit Road in Harrisburg. The schedule for the fire safety summit is not Public Education Splst/NFIRS State Program Mgr. yet finalized, but as soon as it is, it will be made available. So, keep watch Office of the State Fire Commissioner on our Facebook page and website for that information! e-mail: krherman@pa.gov
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 7
New Kensington Blaze
On May 13, 2017, firefighters responded to New Kensington for a structure fire. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Lehigh Twp. Barn Fire
Firefighters from three counties responded to the 3700 Block of Cedar Drive in Lehigh Township for a barn fire on May 27, 2017. Lehigh Township Assistant Chief Scott Uhnak established command and reported a well involved barn fire. As companies arrived, the front part of the barn collapsed in the roadway. A secondary collapse happened as the fire continued to burn away structural components. A tender task force responded due to a lack of hydrants in the area. Crews remained on scene for several hours battling the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Could’ve Been Worse A house fire on Otter Street kept fire crews busy on May 1, 2017. Crews arrived to thick smoke bellowing out the top floor. Firefighters thought a child was inside, which set off a frantic rescue attempt, but it was later determined the child was at a nearby library. Crews from Bristol Township and Borough responded along with Morrisville crews. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Bethel Park Mattress Fire On April 26, 2017, the Bethel Park Fire Department quickly responded to a structure fire and found a mattress on fire in a second story bedroom. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 9
Berwick Township Barn Fire
On June 6, 2017, first-due United Hook and Ladder Mini-Pumper 33 used a deck gun to make an attack on a barn fire on High Rock Road in Berwick Township of Adams County. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth
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Let’s Try A Different Way Next Time, OK?
Fire struck a row home on May 4, 2017, on N. Plum Street in Lancaster property and said that the blaze remains under investigation by the city City. City Fire Captain Jason Greer said a small fire was started by the fire marshal’s office. One firefighter was taken to Lancaster General resident outside the rear of the home and spread up the back wall to the Hospital after suffering a minor shoulder injury, Greer said. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman attic area. The resident set the fire in an effort to rid possums from the
Page 12, Fire News, July 2017
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Lancaster Township Stove Fire
The Lancaster Township Fire Department responded to an apartment building fire on June 22, 2017, at the Kensington Club Apartments. A pan of oil on the stove ignited and flames jumped to the cabinets and microwave. The resident evacuated and called 911. The fire was extinguished by police using a dry chemical extinguisher as the fire department arrived. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Penn Hills Electrical Fire On June 07, 2017, firefighters responded to a fire in a circuit breaker in the basement of a Penn Hills home. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Arnold Electrical Fire On May 15, 2017, firefighters responded to an electrical outlet fire in a bathroom in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Quick Knockdown in Steelton Steelton Company 50 and surrounding companies were dispatched to the 600 block of South 2nd Street for a structure fire. Chief 50 arrived to fire showing from a 2-1/2 story, occupied duplex. An attack line was stretched to the interior, where companies knocked down a fire in the attic. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes with no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Harrisburg Abandoned House Goes Early on May 5, 2017, Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 4, Towers 1 and 2, and Battalion Chief 5 (Wise) were dispatched to 14th and Swatara Streets for a house fire in a three-story, wood frame, with heavy fire on the second and third floor rears. Two callers reported a fully involved abandoned structure. Chief 5 requested the first alarm en route bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69 and Air 13 to the scene. Squad 8 reported an unattached exposure was starting to smoke from radiant heat as companies were stretching lines. Chief 5 arrived on scene, assumed command, reported heavy fire on all three floors and companies went defensive. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Neighbor Rescues Child in Allentown Allentown firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Liberty Street, with initial reports indicating a child trapped on the second floor. Firefighters arrived to find the child had been pulled from the building by a neighbor. Both were transported to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest for smoke inhalation, along with a female who collapsed at the scene. The fire was contained to the second floor. The American Red Cross was called to help displaced residents. With both towers out of service due to mechanical failure, firefighters were operating a 75-foot quint as the primary ladder truck for the shift. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Upper Burrell Smoke Call On May 1, 2017, firefighters responded to a call for smoke inside a commercial structure in Upper Burrell. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
1 Injured in Apartment Fire Fire crews from Hulmeville and Langhorne responded to an apartment fire on May 12, 2017. One person suffered burns and smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 15
Bethel Park Fire On May 26, 2017, the Bethel Park Fire Department handled a stubborn two-alarm fire in a two-story residence. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Harrisburg Multi-Dwelling Fire Just after midnight on May 2, 2017, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Towers 1 and 2, and Captain 6 (Feldman) to Derry Street for a structure fire in a three-story, occupied multiple dwelling, with apartments over a store. County Communications advised of calls reporting the third floor to be on fire with possible occupants still inside. Squad 8 reported fire on the second floor and possibly someone hanging out the window, and requested the first alarm, bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69 and Air 13 to the scene. An initial attack line was stretched to the second floor. Tower 1 set up a ground ladder to the second floor to assist with the evacuation of an occupant. Captain 6 requested a second alarm, bringing Engines 30 and 37, Trucks 32 and 50, and Rescue 44 to the scene. The fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes and all primary searches proved negative. The fire damaged six apartments. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 16, Fire News, July 2017
Allentown House Fire
Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department were dispatched to North 7th Street on June 12, 2017, for a house fire. Companies were advised of numerous calls reporting a middle-of-the-row dwelling with fire coming from it. Battalion Chief Bill Held assumed command and confirmed the fire and heavy smoke showing from two dwellings. Firefighters stretched into both dwellings as the truck company ventilated the front window. Due to mechanical failures, firefighters were using a 75-foot quint that had been reassigned as a truck company. As fire went through the roof, a second alarm was struck. Catasauqua Truck 2 was dispatched to the scene to assist. Crews had the fire contained in about 30 minutes but remained on the scene for overhaul. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Tire Fire in Arnold
On May 02, 2017, firefighters responded to a tire fire in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fatal Hit-and-Run in Bristol Boro
Fire crews were called to standby an accident scene involving the hit-and-run death of a pedestrian on Route 13 in Bristol Borough on May 26, 2017. Crews, along with fire police were on scene for over five hours for the police investigation. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Philadelphia MVA
Philadelphia fire crews from Foam 18 and Medic 20 responded to an MVA in Philadelphia in May 2017. One person sustained a hand injury. A ladder company was called but cancelled due to police being able to contain the traffic and remove the vehicles. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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A motorcyclist was seriously injured when he lost control of his bike on June 4, 2017, in Lancaster Township. The 57-year-old male rider was heading north on New Danville Pike when he missed a curve just north of a bridge that spans the Conestoga Creek. The bike struck a utility pole and street sign causing the rider to be propelled 25 feet from his motorcycle. A passing nurse witnessed the accident
MC Accident in New Kensington On May 20, 17 firefighters responded to a motorcycle accident in New Kensington. The patient was medevac’d by LifeFlight with serious injuries. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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New Danville Pike MC Accident
and stopped to render aid. The rider suffered a partial amputation of his foot, a broken arm and a dislocated hip. He was taken by ambulance to Lancaster General Hospital. The rider’s leg was eventually removed above the knee due to the extensive damage to the limb. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 19
Veree Rd. Extrication
Philadelphia fire crews responded to an accident scene on Veree Road near Welsh Road in March. One driver was trapped in the car and was rescued with minor injuries. No other vehicles were involved. Engine 62 and ladder 34 were called to the scene, along with Medic 6. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Lancaster Twp. MVA Illustrates Newton’s 1st Law Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched for a class 2 MVA in the 1900 block of New Danville Pike in Lancaster Township. Callers were reporting a vehicle had run into a pole and wires were down on the roadway but not sparking. Callers were also reporting power was out in the area. The accident occurred after the female driver of a green Jeep failed to negotiate the curve on New Danville Pike just before the Conestoga River Bridge. The road curved and the driver didn’t, illustrating Isaac Newton’s first law of motion, “An object will remain in a straight line unless compelled to change
its state by the action of an external force.” The driver continued straight off the roadway striking a directional warning street sign and smashing head on through a utility pole, snapping it off at the base. The Jeep came to an abrupt stop after squarely striking a large tree . Power was initially out as far away as Beanhill Road. Fire apparatus remained on the scene until midnight after PPL secured the wires from the roadway. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Up Close & Personal
Allentown Lieutenant Chris Gerencher during a garage fire on May 27, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Upper Allen Township firefighters returning to service after an investigation. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
A firefighter at a commercial structure in Oakmont on April 29, 2017. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
May 13, 2017, the Local Western Fire Departments got a rare opportunity to practice extrication on a Port Authority Transit bus. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
East Berlin volunteer firefighter ‘Chicken Little,’ a female firefighter still doing it with the boys, at the young age of 69. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Early morning response by PA Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay and members of his home company in Canonsburg. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
On May 07, 2017, firefighters quickly knocked down an electrical fire in White Valley. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Training
Staying Sharp in Natrona Hts. On May 07, 2017, Citizens Hose Company of Natrona Heights practiced vehicle rescue. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Chaplains Trained in Hermitage Fifty-eight fire chaplains, police chaplains, emergency responders, and mental health professionals from Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington, traveled to Hermitage (PA), on June 5 and 6, 2017, to learn about “Strategic Response to Crisis.” The advanced seminar from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation was taught by
Peter Volkmann, chief of the Chatham (NY) Police Department, and regional director of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation for the eastern U.S. and Puerto Rico. Hermitage FireRescue sponsored and hosted this ninth annual chaplain training seminar, along with the Hermitage Police Department and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ. - Submitted by David Williamson
Essentials Class in Indiana County
An Essentials Class was held in Indiana County on May 20, 2017. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Cover Story
Fire News, July 2017, Page 23
Local Western Bus Extrication Practice
May 13, 2017, the Local Western Fire Departments got a rare opportunity to practice extrication on a Port Authority Transit bus. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
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Chaplain Bridge Dedicated William Lotz Honored Hermitage Fire Chief John Flynn and Hermitage Police Chief Eric Jewell presented the Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains to William Lotz of West Richland (WA) on June 5, 2017, while he was attending Hermitage’s ninth annual chaplains training seminar. The Humanitarian Award is given for a lifetime or a career of outstanding humanitarian service which has profoundly affected the quality of life in one’s community or nation. Chaplain Lotz created the Federation of Fire Chaplains’ manual in 2004, which is the basis for, not only the Essentials of
Fire Chaplaincy course required of all fire chaplains, but for advanced training as well. He entered the fire chaplaincy as a volunteer in 1988 while he was still a full-time pastor, but transitioned into fulltime paid chaplaincy (after completing a Doctor of Ministry degree in the field), providing spiritual and emotional care to multiple fire and emergency medical service departments in southeast Washington State. He is also director of the Training Institute for the Federation of Fire Chaplains, an international organization, has written several courses, and is on the faculty of the National Police and Fire Chaplain Academy. - Submitted by David Williamson
Relay for Life
On June 9, 2017, members of the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department participated in their local ‘Relay for Life’ event to raise money for the American Cancer Society. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Local 204 Boot Drive
IAFF Local 204 of the Greater Hanover Professional Firefighters of Hanover (PA) in York County collected donations during their annual MDA Fill The Boot Drive. IAFF 2045 has been collecting for 20-plus years with an average donation each year being over $10,000 to MDA. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth
Bridge dedication for fallen firefighter in Venango County. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
Lancaster County Fire Expo 2017 The Lancaster County Fireman’s Association held it’s 45th annual Fire Expo event on May 19, 20 and 21, 2017, at Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. According to John Alexander, chairman of the Lancaster County FIRE EXPO committee 15,320 people were in attendance for this year’s show. Last year’s attendees had the opportunity to visit with a total of 344 exhibitors who participated by offering displays at 448 booth spaces and exhibiting some 223 some vehicles for a combined 671 spaces utilized. Since children under 10 are admitted free, the committee pointed out there were hundreds of uncounted future firefighters also in attendance. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Canonsburg on Parade
Canonsburg firefighters prior to a Memorial Day parade. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 25
CVVFA By Claudia Garner and Candice McDonald
CVVFA 116th Annual Convention August 2-5 2017, McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Co. 112 East Maple Street, McConnellsburg, PA 17233
Wednesday, August 2:
1900
Audit Committee Meeting Board of Directors MeetingLocation to be Announced
Thursday, August 3:
0800 0900 0915
Registration- Coffee, Juice, Donuts Call to order Annual Memorial Service St. Paul Lutheran Church 220 North Third Street, McConnellsburg, PA Meeting reopens Lunch- Fire House Meeting reconvenes Saturday, Keynote Speaker Todd A. Leiss: August 5: Traffic Incident Management Coordinator PA Turnpike Commission Learn from the LegendsLincolnWay Pizza and Sports Bar Picnic- American Legion Picnic Grounds
1045 1200 1300
1530 1830
Friday, August 4:
0800 0900 1200 1300 1400 1830
Registration-Coffee, Juice, Donuts 32nd Annual Presidents Council Meeting Lunch President Council Reconvenes Business meeting Annual Installation and Awards Banquet American Legion Post 561 411 N. 5th Street McConnellsburg PA Banquet Speaker: Tim Solobay Fire Commissioner, Commonwealth of PA
TBA Annual Prayer BreakfastLocation to be determined 0900-1200 Pre-parade Judging Fulton CO. Fair Grounds Lincoln Way East, McConnellsburg PA 1200 116th Annual Convention Parade steps off followed by Awarding of Prizes at the Fire House
CUMBERLAND VALLEY VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION 116th Annual Convention Registration and Event T-Shirt Form • August 2-5, 2017 hosted by McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Co. Name: ________________________________________________________________ Affiliation:__________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Info: Cell (____) ____________________ Email: ______________________ Thursday Picnic at American Legion Picnic Grounds # __________tickets free Friday Banquet at the American Legion # __________tickets at $10.00 each T-Shirt @ $20 dollars each
#_____S #____M #____L #____X Large #____ 2X Large
Total Enclosed______________ Please pre-register by: July 14, 2017
#____3X Large
Make Checks payable to McConnellsburg Volunteer Fire Co. Mailing address: McConnellsburg VFC Attention: Convention Committee PO BOX 724 McConnellsburg PA 17233
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PA Fire Expo in Harrisburg
Commissioner Tim Solobay and friends at the PA Fire Expo.
Commissioner Tim Solobay and members of the staff of fire Commissioner’s office at the PA Fire Expo in Harrisburg. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
PA Commissioner Visits Williamsport FD
PA Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay visited with members of the Williamsport Fire Department. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
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Kids Safety Day
PA Fire Commissioner Yim Solobay’s granddaughters and others enjoy Kids Safety Day sponsored by Canonsburg Hospital. - Submitted by Tim Solobay
Fire News, July 2017, Page 27
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LCFA Parade and Public Safety Community Day hosted by Lancaster Township Fire Department loved by the community
Lancaster Township Fire Department hosted the 97th annual citizens following the parade. Trophies were determined by the convention Committee. Winners Lancaster County Firemen’s convention parade combined with were presented a trophy and a $100 cash prize. Winners were: Lancaster Township Public Safety Community Day on June 3, 2017. People’s Choice Trophy - Lancaster County Hazmat 2-1, Hundreds of Lancaster County residents gathered on a warm 77 a 1995 Simon Duplex Hazmat Unit. degree, bright Saturday afternoon to enjoy the parade and the public Best Appearing Antique Trophy - Croyton Fire Department safety display. Rescue, privately owned by James Yiengst from Meyerstown. “This is the second year Lancaster Township Fire Department has Judges Antique Trophy - Carlisle Fire and Rescue Services held a Public Safety Community Day. This year it was combined with 1966 American LaFrance, privately owned by Michael R. Snyder the annual Lancaster County Firemen’s convention parade to gain counof Carlisle. ty wide exposure to our public safety education efforts and firefighter Oldest Antique Trophy - Community Fire Company of Seven recruitment program” stated convention chairman Lieutenant Greg Valleys, a 1883 Rumsey fully functional hand-drawn pumper. Leaman. Farthest Distance Traveled Trophy - 1983 Sutphen Deluge Some of the Public Safety Community Day attendees this year conPumper, owned by Shawn Layton of Greencastle. tained Lancaster City horse mounted police, Lancaster County Best Appearing E-One Trophy - Quarryville Fire Company 57-4. Firemen’s Association smoke trailer, Manheim Township PD K9 unit, Best Appearing KME Trophy - Fivepointville Fire Company Manheim Township Fire Rescue bounce house and Middle Creek Tanker 32. Search and Rescue Team, S&S Storm Chasers and Gordonville EMS. Best Appearing Pierce Trophy - Lincoln Fire Company Children had an opportunity to take a ride on a fire truck and shoot Engine 16-2. water from a hoseline at a small mock wooden house on fire with spinBest Appearing Aerial Trophy - Willow Street Fire Company ning flames. Truck 50. The parade kicked off at 2 p.m. with Fire Chief Ron Comfort Jr. leadBest Appearing Specialized Trophy - Gordonville Fire & EMS ing the parade on his Harley motorcycle followed by the Marine Corps Special Unit 43. League Color Guard and a Lancaster City horse mounted police officer. Best Appearing Rescue Trophy - East Petersburg Fire Company Sirens screamed through the Hamilton Park neighborhood during the Rescue 23. hour long parade. Best Appearing Tanker Trophy - Bird-In-Hand Fire Company Approximately 70 emergency vehicles participated in the parade that Tanker 41. began in the Hamilton Park area of Lancaster Township at Spencer Best Appearing EMS, ALS or BLS Trophy - Gordonville Fire Avenue and returned back on Atkins Avenue to the parade staging area and EMS Ambulance 43-1. at West Street for trophy Presentation. Deputy chief Glenn Usdin and Lieutenant Mike Adams, parade com- Fire News photos by Greg Leaman mittee chairman presented 13 trophies to the gathered firefighters and
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 29
Firehouse Kitchen With Ray Cooney Paterson Fire Department’s winning pork belly tacos
PORK BELLY BRINE
1 quart apple juice concentrate 2 gallons water 1# Sugar 1# Salt 2 bay leaves 3 tbsp Black peppercorns Cover pork belly with brine and let sit refrigerated for six hours or overnight.
PINEAPPLE MOJO
1 pineapple, rough chop 2 red onion, rough chop 1/2 Pt garlic cloves 2 New Mex Pod, toasted and stemmed or seeded, and rehydrated 1 Bu Cilantro 1/2 cup Lime Juice 1/2 tsp grated Corriander 1/4 tsp grated Cumin PINEAPPLE RELISH Roast pineapple, onion garlic at 450 until PINEAPPLE PORK BELLY 2 cup grilled pineapple, small dice soft. Puree in blender with spices, chili, lime 1/2 cup red onion, brunoise juice and cilantro. Puree and pour over pork 2 oz. pork belly 1/4 cup Jalapeño, brunoise belly. Roast pork belly at 325 for six hours. Pineapple relish Lime wedge 1/4 cup Cilantro, rough chop Calabrian Chile hot sauce 2 tbl lime juice CALABRIAN CHILE Cilantro sprig Honey to taste HOT SAUCE Flour tortilla 4 tbl olive oil 1/2 cup Calabrian chile Queso fresco Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup red wine vinegar Combine ingredients and let sit for a few 1 tbl Harissa hours so flavors can marry. Heat up flour tortillas on skillet and keep 1/2 tbl Dijon mustard warm. Slice and sear pork belly on skillet 1 tbl salt SRIRACHA SOUR CREAM or griddle until brown and slightly crispy. 1/2-3/4 cup blended olive oil 1 cup of sour cream Place the pork belly on the flour tortilla, top 1/2 tbl garlic, chopped Sriracha to taste Combine Calabrian chiles, vinegar, with pineapple relish and queso fresco. Lime juice to taste Harissa, Dijon, salt and garlic in a blender Drizzle with Calabrian chile hot sauce and Cilantro and puree until smooth. Drizzle olive oil in Sriracha sour cream. Garnish with fresh Combine all ingredients and let sit for a few until ingredients are combined and smooth. cilantro and a line wedge. hours.
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Page 30, Fire News, July 2017
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HONOR FIREFIGHTERS WHO DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY Register for the 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters at Belmont Park
• 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters on Sunday, • Can’t be in New York? Join in the virtual climb! Learn more at www.nationalstairclimb.org October 1, 2017 at Belmont Park. Register in advance at • Proceeds benefit FDNY Counseling Services Unit (CSU) www.nationalstairclimb.org. and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) • Fees: $35 for the Climb. $50 for the Climb and After Party. $50 for Climb Supporters and After Party When firefighters die in the line of duty, the entire fire service grieves. We look for ways to make sure their lives and their sacrifices are honored. We also want to ensure that the families, departments and friends of the fallen find comfort and resources they need to rebuild their lives. On October 1, 2017, join hundreds of other firefighters in New York to honor the fallen at the 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters at Belmont Park. “The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation performs extraordinary work providing resources for the families of fallen heroes across the country,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “By climbing steps each year, every participant not only raises funds to support the families of FDNY members who made the Supreme Sacrifice, they also ensure those we have lost are never forgotten.” Gates open and on-site registration begins at 0830. Firefighters will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the number of floors in the Twin Towers. All climbers will receive a t-shirt and a
name badge for the firefighter they are honoring. “The National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters is a journey of hope, raising funds to help programs for surviving relatives of firefighters across the country,” said Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “Approximately 80 firefighters die in the line of duty each year in the U.S. and this is a way to let the families know they and their firefighters are not forgotten.” The stair climb is a family event and we encourage you to bring your spouses, children, family and friends. An After-Climb Party and Races will begin at 1130, featuring a BBQ buffet and unlimited draft beer and soda. There will also be bounce castles, pony rides and fun for the entire family. In addition, the New York Racing Association will raffle two 2018 Belmont Stakes Day reserved seats valued at $200 each, and will assign a minimum of five race names for the FDNY to use to honor their fallen. For more information and to register, go to www.nationalstairclimb.org.
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Fire News, July 2017, Page 31