Fire News Pennsylvania, July/August 2022

Serving PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUME 13, NO. 3

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1973

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Story on page 7 -Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Philadelphia FD Mourns the LODD of Lt. Sean Williamson See Story on Page 14.

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

3rd Alarm Blaze in Halifax As many slept soundly in their beds, a major event was unfolding in the borough of Halifax.

See story on page 6

3 Homes Burn in Kulpmont Three homes were extensively damaged by fire in Kulpmont during heavy rainstorm.

See story on page 8

2-Alarm Fire at Palmer International Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to a fire at Palmer International on Lucon Road.

See story on page 12

Motorcycle Crash on Bridgewater Road Bensalem medics responded to Bridgewater Road for a motorcycle crash.

See story on page 21

1 Fatality at Graham Blvd. Blaze On June 19, 2022, firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of Graham Boulevard for a reported house fire.

See story on page 25

Obituary Swedesberg’s, Perkiomen’s Joseph Barnshaw See story on page 26

PLUS:

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 17 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, TED HODGINS, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, STEPHEN LENZ, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ 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.

Page 4, Fire News, July/August 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready for Something That Can’t Happen?

An AS/MCI (active shooter/mass casualty incident) drill was held at Greenport (NY) High School on June 4, 2022. The drill had been scheduled months prior, but somewhat eerily took place 11 days after the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting in which 19 elementary school students and two teachers were slaughtered. The proximity to that latest AS/MCI is what has prompted this editorial. The drill involved the Southold Police, Suffolk Police, North Fork fire departments and EMS services from Jamesport to Orient, and even several South Fork departments, along with moulaged teenage actors to play victims. By all reports the exercise was a success.

But what makes a successful AS/MCI drill?

According to FEMA’s 2013 white paper, Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department Operational Considerations and Guide for Active Shooter and Mass Casualty Incidents, there are several things that responding agencies need to incorporate into a specific SOP for such an event.

Why formalize reacting to an AS/MCI if your department already has an MCI plan in place?

Because the “AS” part of the exercise makes it, nearly, an entirely different animal.

Some particular areas of focus, become apparent with little thought and are proved out — or have problems made obvious — by an AS/MCI

drill. Some key facets are communication between the parties, including ensuring all parties are not only able to communicate with each other, but use the same terminologies when doing so.

This is unlikely to be a problem between FDs and EMS, but it may become a problem when communicating with law enforcement (LE) who, in most instances, will be first on the scene.

Other areas of concern will become apparent in frequent drills involving all the aforementioned agencies, as well as local hospitals and trauma units. There needs to be a single Incident Command Post for fire, EMS and LE. The goal of any and all SOPs is to plan, prepare and respond in a manner that will save the maximum number of lives possible.

Although in their careers most first responders have encountered some horrific scenarios, the results of a mass shooting of unarmed people — seemingly more often than not children with obviously terminal wounds — will undoubtedly be something first responders will never forget.

Many of the first responders will be long-term casualties of this ongoing slaughter, even if they never spilled a drop of their own blood. As psychology researcher Deborah C. Beidel, Ph.D. of the University of Central Florida, who has studied the impact these slaughters have on first

responders, put it, “There are just some events that are so horrific that no human being should be able to just process that and put it away.”

Add after-action reports and treatments to the long list of things an AS/MCI SOP demands.

A last note … “It’ll never happen here” too often becomes, “Oh my God, how did this happen?”

Be prepared for the thing that’ll never happen.

And the only way to do so is to train for it.

- Gary P. Joyce Managing Editor Gary P. Joyce is filling in for Editor Dennis Whittam this month. Joyce is a decorated three-tour Viet Nam combat veteran.

Page 6, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Overnight 3rd Alarm Blaze in Halifax

Twelve departments with 25 units responded to a 0221 callout from Dauphin County 911 fregareding a vacant house fully involved on Armstrong Street. The initial page out was for Engine 29, Engine 216-1, Tanker 29 and Truck 20. Chief 29-3 was given additional information and at that time requested a first alarm be struck, adding Air 35, Perry Engine 2, Perry Truck 2, Reliance Hose Rescue 21, Fisherville Tanker 216 and Dauphin- Middle Paxton Tanker 38.

Units arrived to a two-story single-family dwelling well involved and beginning to spread to multiple exposures. A second alarm was struck with the main fire building fextending to a two-story single-family home, a two-story four-unit row home and a two-story four-bay garage. As crews began to put the first water on

the growing blaze that seemed to be taking the whole block, Truck 20 arrived on scene positioning on the A/D corner of the row home in a dirt driveway being supplied by Engine 29 as Firefighter Hepner took to air in the bucket to begin aerial master streams. A third alarm was struck at 0257. The main fire building collapsed as multiple lines were working on the second two-story home, the row home and garage. At 0305 evacuation tones were dropped as conditions rapidly deteriorated in the row home with smoke beginning to exhibt “breathing” and a flash over occured on the A/B/C area. Within minutes crews brought the remaining fire under control. The fast moving blaze had affected five structures, a car, a work truck, and an enclosed utility trailer. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire

Marshal arrived later in the morning to conduct an investigation into the cause. During the event EMS from Life Team Medic 6, Williamstown EMS and Millersburg EMS collaborated to assist with rehab.

Units finally cleared the scene at 1036 and returned to stations to begin the tedious task of cleanup.

Units on Scene: Engines-29, 216-1, 19-1,201, 22, 26, 37, 35 and Perry 9. Trucks: 20, Perry 2. Rescues: 21, 37 and Perry 2. Tankers: 29, 216, 21, 20, 38, 19, Perry 2. Air 35. Utilities- 29, 291and 21. Ambulances-20-1, 6-4, 13-2, 24Q with Rehab Trailer. PS&P Fire Marshal, three transfers and two units on standby in quarters.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 7

Cover Story

39 Residents Displaced in Harrisburg Blaze

On May 24, 2022, at 2010, Box 1-3 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 3, Truck 2, Tower 1 and Battalion Chief 7 to Reel Street in the city’s Uptown for a structure fire. Chief 7 requested the first alarm assignment. Truck 2 arrived to heavy fire on the second floor of a three-story, middle-of-the-row, dwelling. Wagon 3 laid a line while Wagon 4 stretched a line into Tower 1 to attack the D exposure. Chief 7 reported a row of eight homes with fire on the second and third floors and extending in both directions of the cockloft. Chief 1 requested the second alarm. Truck companies made several holes in the roofs of the dwelling keeping the fire from spreading. The fire was placed under control in about an hour with extensive overhaul required. Seven homes were affected and 39 residents were displaced. The cause was a malfunction in an air conditioner on the second floor.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 8, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Fire at Harmar Wendy’s On June 21, 2022, just before 1800, fire crews were dispatched to the Wendy’s restaurant located along Freeport Road in Harmar Township for a fire in the building. Soon after dispatch, 911 began to receive multiple calls for a fire at the location. EMS arrived and confirmed a working fire with fire showing from the drive-through window. Crews began an aggressive attack and the fire was able to be placed under control in about 30 minutes.

Crews then remained on-scene for several hours to extinguish hot spots. There was no word on what caused the fire.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Teamwork Halts Mt. Lebanon 2-Alarmer Firefighters battled a two-alarm garage fire in Mt. Lebanon, June 9, 2022.

The garage was fully involved on arrival, with exposures endangered and the tree line facilitating additional spread. A second alarm was quickly called. Crews brought the fire under control and took care of the adjacent structure and the tree. Great team work between municipalities and all of the first responders working together from fire, police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager

3 Homes Burn in Kulpmont Three homes were extensively damaged by fire in Kulpmont during heavy rainstorm on May 6, 2022. Firefighters from at least eight communities battled the two-alarm fire for more than four hours. All three homes were vacant and being remodeled when the fire broke out.

- Fire News photo by Harry Deitz

Monroe Porch Fire Recently, Monroe crews responded to a working porch fire. Assistance came from 25 Mechanicsburg, 23 Upper Allen and 33 New Kingsington.

- Fire News photo provided

Page 10, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Looking Back Philadelphia - 1985

On July 13, 1985, LIVE AID was at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Fire Department manned hoses to cool the crowd of 100,000. They were out for over two hours in the blazing sun cooling members of the crowd as bands such as Judas Priest; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, and others played.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Smoker in Perkiomen

At 1737 on May 2, 2022, an oven fire in the unit block of Wynnewood Drive in the township had Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker 66 and Air 66 responding.

Volunteers investigated and remediated the smoke with fans.

Station 66 volunteers were in service for about 30 minutes. Thanks to Trappe Fire Company’s Fire Police for helping to keep the scene safe.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Yeagertown Car Fire

Engine 3 (Yeagertown) attacks a car fire on a very hot day.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Porch Fire Extends

Crews responded to a porch fire with extension into the home. No serious injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Tim Solobay

Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Barn Consumed On May 12, 2022, just before 2200, crews responded for a barn fire on Saint Johns Road, Mifflin Township. Multiple calls were made to Dauphin County 911 in relation to the event and other units were added. In the night sky a glow of orange could be seen from several directions. Engine and Tanker 26 arrived and notified county of a fully involved barn fire. Engine 21 picked up Engine 26’s five-inch to supply water. Engine 21 established a porta-pond and tankers began to dump their loads. Crews found flames had created a small grass fire spreading towards a field, and went to work wetting down an exposure building. Despite rapid responses by the crews the fire had spread rapidly and consumed the structure. Additional tankers from Hickory Corners, Community Fire and Wiconisco Fire were also requested as well as the rehab unit from Williamstown EMS. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

New Cumberland House Fire On May 20, 2022, Cumberland County Box 10-01 sent Engines 10, 13, 68, 12 and 14, Trucks 10, 12 and 69, Squad 13, Rescue 68, RIT 40, and Air 13 to Market Street in New Cumberland Borough for a house fire with possible entrapment. Due to numerous calls, the working fire assignment was sent on the initial dispatch.

Fairview Township Rescue 68 and Lower Allen Squad 12 arrived and secured a hydrant. Attack lines were stretched from these companies for heavy fire to the rear of a three-story semi-attached dwelling. Command 10 requested a second alarm for manpower. The fire extensively damaged the fire building and caused severe damage to the attached exposure. The fire was placed under control in about 40 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

2-Alarm Fire at Palmer International On May 18, 2022, Skippack Fire Company was dispatched to a fire at Palmer International on Lucon Road. A second alarm was quickly called due to the size of the facility, location of the fire, and the amount of work needing to be done to extinguish all of the fire and check for extension. Crews operated on scene for 4-1/2 hours.

We are grateful for the assistance of our mutual aid companies including Perkiomen Township, Lower Providence, Harleysville Community, Upper Providence Township Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Trappe, Worcester, Upper Salford, Lower Frederick, Hatfield, Perseverance Company of Souderton, Towamencin, Skippack EMS, and Harleysville EMS. We also appreciate North Penn Goodwill Service Canteen for providing food and rest facilities as well as Limerick and Telford for standing by at the Skippack Fire Station.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

2-Story Garage Fire on Trappe Road At 1838 on June 1, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker 66, Air 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to a building fire in the 100 block of Trappe Road in the township. The initial report came in as a lawn tractor that caught fire inside a two-story garage. Fire Marshal 76 arrived on scene and reported black smoke pushing from the first and second floor of the two-story out building. Engine 66 arrived and knocked down the fire on the first floor. Thanks to our mutual aid partners who also responded including those from Trappe Company 1, Collegeville and Royersford, Skippack and Lower Providence. Thanks also to Upper Salford for standing by at our station.

- Photo courtesy of Pat Webster, Bob Greenwood, John Pablo, Royersford FC and Upper Salford FC.

Page 14, Fire News, July/August 2022

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LODD

Philadelphia’s Sean Joseph Williamson

It is with great sadness that the Philadelphia Fire Department announced the loss of one of its own, Lieutenant Sean Joseph Williamson who passed away in the line of duty on June 18, 2022.

Lieutenant Williamson, 51, and a 27-year veteran of the department, was killed at a fire on West Indiana Avenue in the city’s Fairhill section.

He was most recently assigned to Ladder 18, located in the Hunting Park section of the city. Five City of Philadelphia employees — Lieutenant Sylvester Burton, Fire Marshal, Lieutenant Clarence Johnson, Firefighter Dennis Daly, Firefighter Robert Brennan, Jr., and Thomas Rybakowski, Supervisor, Emergency Services Unit, L&I — werealso injured.

Shortly before 0200, fire crews responded to the fire. Eight occupants of the property were safely evacuated from the building. The fire was placed under control over an hour later. Firefighters remained working when the building collapsed after 0300. A second alarm was declared after the collapse occurred.

Three firefighters and the L&I inspector, were initially trapped. Two other fire department members were trapped under debris where firefighters began a search and rescue operation after the initial collapse.

Around 0700 the trapped firefighters were removed from the rubble.

Firefighter Robert Brennan, Jr., was rushed to Temple Hospital.

Lieutenant Williamson was pronounced deceased on the scene at 0645.

The building’s owner was later charged with arson.

Williamson is survived by his partner Dana Kuzma. Devoted father of Patrick Williamson, Alyssa (Elizabeth) Glassey, and Kierra Kuzma.

Beloved son of Barbara (Robert) Nerch-Williamson. Brother of Erin Williamson, Debbie Taraschi, and Donna Nerch. Cousin of Lauryn Keenan and Dante Fratto. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and the entire Williamson family Sean was a former US Marine. He was a mentor and guide to many people in and outside of the fire department. He led by example every day and was loved by all. - Photos courtesy of the Philadelphia FD

Page 16, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Car Fire Extends to House in Susquehanna Twp. On May 5, 2022, at 0232, Box 32-2 sent Company 32, Engines 301, 33 and 40, and Rescues 35 and 37 to Birch Street in Susquehanna Township for a house on fire. County advised responding companies of rapid calls reporting a working house fire. Chief 32-2 (Lawrence) arrived to a twostory, single-family dwelling with a car fire in the carport and extension to the house. Paxtonia Truck 34 was added to the box. The bumper line was stretched from Progress Engine 32 making a quick knockdown of the visible fire limiting further extension. All searches were negative and firefighters removed a dog from the residence. Four adults were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Harrisburg Porch Fire Extends to Dwelling On May 10, 2022, Harrisburg Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower 1 and Battalion Chief 5 (Lloyd) were dispatched to North 4th Street for a residential structure fire. County advised of two callers reporting a fire on the back porch and second floor. Truck 2 arrived to a two-story, occupied row dwelling with light smoke showing. Wagon 3 stretched a line to the second floor rear. Truck 2 reported fire on the balcony that appeared to have extended into the interior. Captain 4 advised there was fire in the ceiling. Shortly after, heavy fire consumed the ceiling and roof areas. Chief 5 requested the first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Truck 32, Rescue 69 and Air 13. Engine 2, manned by members who were coming on duty, also responded to the scene. Once companies were able to open up, the fire was quickly knocked down.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Kitchen Fire in Limerick Twp. Limerick Township firefighters were busy on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, responding to six calls throughout the day. The second call of the day was a report of a building fire in the 500 block of Hunsberger Drive. Tower 51, Rescue 51 and Ladder 51 all responded. Upon arrival, smoke was discovered in the residence.

Crews proceeded with ventilation and checked the remainder of the residence and surrounding units. Trappe Fire Company and Sanatoga Fire Company also responded.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 17

Up Close & Personal

Harrisburg firefighters after a recent run.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman Cobb

Station 66 volunteers at Perkiomen Valley Middle School East to work on hydrant hook-ups plus laying and repacking the five-inch supply line.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 18, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Training

Training at Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

On May 23, 2022, Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers went to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Upper Providence Township, for a combined training with area fire companies including Upper Providence Township Fire and Emergency Services, Royersford, Collegeville and Black Rock. Various scenarios were played out to review working together, communication, coordination and incident command. Thanks to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks for the unique opportunity to have a training at their facility. - Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, July/August 2022

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MVA with Fire in Granville Granville Township Fire-Rescue along with Fame EMS arrived to find a vehicle that went airborne into a backyard. A quick acting neighbor pulled the occupant from the burning vehicle.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Delivery Van Driver Dies after Hitting Apparatus In May 2022, Bensalem Township Fire-Rescue was operating Engine 222 on Street Road when an Amazon delivery driver hit Engine 222 nearly directly head-on, causing major damage to both vehicles. The firemen inside the truck jumped out, grabbed their rescue tools to free the injured Amazon driver, who suffered fatal injuries. The firefighters were not badly hurt, said Bensalem Township Public Safety Director Bill McVey. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Freak MVA in Bensalem Bensalem EMS and Cornwells Fire Company responded to a freak accident in May 2022. The crash happened on the 900 block of Bristol Pike. A vehicle was traveling south in a reckless manner with the doors open. When that vehicle got to Richardson Avenue, another vehicle was sideswiped and the striking vehicle flipped onto its roof. That driver sustained serious injuries. The driver of the other car was treated for abrasions.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 21

4 Injured in 3-Car MVA in Bristol Twp. A grinding three-vehicle crash sent at least four people to various hospitals in Bristol Township in April 2022. Originally dispatched as an extrication, it was held to Levittown 2 (Station 13) and the Township (Engine 225). At least four medic units transported patients with serious but non-life-threatening. The crash happened when one car crossed over, and smashed head on into another vehicle, after side-swiping the third car.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Motorcycle Crash on Bridgewater Rd. On May 8, 2022, Bensalem medics responded to Bridgewater Road for a motorcycle crash. A biker with a passenger was traveling too fast, rounded a curve and slammed into a curb on the street. The motorcycle flipped over and both occupants were thrown. The injuries were said to be serious.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 22, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Mugging it up at Harrisburg Don’t know who this is, just somebody mugging it up at one of the booths at Harrisburg.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

2022 Fred J. Gross Award Winner: Makayla Brunnabend Prior to their quarterly meeting with the Upper Macungie Board of Supervisors on June 14, 2022, the members of the Good Will Fire Company 1 of Trexlertown announced the winner of the Fred J. Gross Memorial Community Service Award.

Established by the fire company in 2016, a graduating high school senior residing within the fire company’s response area is recognized for their volunteer community service during the current academic year. The award is in memory of past Fire Chief Fred J. Gross who was a life member of the fire company with over 45 years of active service. He strived to always assist his fellow neighbor in their time of need. Fred instilled this compassion not only in his children and grandchildren, but also to many local residences allowing this all-volunteer organization to provide emergency services to the local community for over 100 years and counting. On June 14, 2022, representatives from the fire company and the Gross family presented this year’s award to Ms. Makayla Brunnabend, a 2022 graduate of Parkland High School. Makayla is the daughter of Jason and Lisa Brunnabend of Upper Macungie Township. As a scholar, she maintained a 4.0 GPA while active.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Bower, Safety Officer

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 23

Trappe-Collegeville Memorial Day Parade Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers took Tanker 66 and Air 66 to the Trappe-Collegeville Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 2022. The parade was lined with enthusiastic members of the community to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Perkiomen Twp. Community Day Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers had a great time at Perkiomen Township Community Day on June 4, 2022. It was great to see so many of our neighbors out and about and stopping by in the great weather. We were able to demo our trucks and hoses with some hands-on activities. Good to see everyone!

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 24, Fire News, July/August 2022

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NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE RESEARCH AGENDA REPORT RELEASED Researchers and fire service practitioners met virtually last year for the 4th National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium resulting in the National Fire Service Research Agenda Report with nearly 300 recommendations. Symposium participants worked in three facilitated working groups to create recommendations to have the most significant impact on firefighter health and safety. The facilitators then submitted the recommendations as worksheets to an expert jury of researchers and fire service representatives. After review, the jury was able to modify and move recommendations to other domains as needed. The report includes the finalized recommendations and the working groups’ original worksheets. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) hosted the National Fire Service Research Agenda Symposium, and UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) was the exclusive sponsor.

NFFF Chairman of the Board of Directors Troy Markel said, “Our commitment to create a fire service national research agenda is embedded in the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives through Initiative 7. But even more critical than that, is our commitment to take a multidisciplinary approach to firefighter health and safety by providing the opportunity for researchers and fire service representatives to map out the future needs of the fire service.”

Steve Kerber, Executive Director of FSRI, added, “The research conducted today is without a doubt making a difference in the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters and communities across the

country. It is promising to read these recommendations created with the input of firefighters and envision what the future of fire service research can be.”

The report features the working group recommendations based on their domains topical area. The planning committee determined the three domains to be: • Domain #1: Hiring/Retention/ Advancement included recommendations on recruitment, effective leadership, diversity/equity /inclusion/belonging, and hiring, promotion, and retention.

• Domain #2: Effective operations included recommendations related to training, tactics, tools, equipment, apparatus, personal protective equipment, and community risk reduction.

• Domain #3: Health and safety included recommendations related to wellness, understudied populations, cardiovascular health, cancer, mental health, metabolic health, reproductive health, occupational medical evaluations, fatigue, injury prevention/assessment, violence prevention/risk assessment, and work environment.

The 4th National Fire Service Research Agenda Report can be downloaded here: http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/01/research-agenda-symposium-4-report.pdf For more information on the National Fire Service Research Agenda, please contact John Tippett, Director of Fire Service Programs, jtippett@firehero.org.

Pennsylvania Apparatus Atglen PA Fire - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

The Weisenberg Fire Department recently placed into service this 2021 Rosenbauer Commander 2000-gpm pumper tanker with a 3000-gallon water tank and a 30-gallon foam tank as Tanker 5121.

Enola Truck 17 at FDIC 2022.

- Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett

Weisenberg Tanker 5121

Whitehall’s Brush 3761

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

The West Catasauqua Fire Company of Whitehall Township operates this 2020 Ford F-550/Levan with a 250-gpm pump and a 300-gallon water tank as Brush 3761.

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 25

Fatality at Graham Blvd. Blaze On June 19, 2022, around 1240, firefighters were dispatched to the 800 block of Graham Boulevard for a reported house fire. When crews arrived, they were met with heavy fire conditions in the back of the home and weretold an elderly man was still inside. A second alarm was requested as crews began to search for the victim. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions during the search and were forced to back out. Unfortunately, crews found the victim, a 70-year-old man, deceased. Crews worked for over two hours before the fire was placed under control.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Working Barn Fire Upper Mahantongo Twp. Klingerstown units were advised of a working barn fire on Saw Mill Road in Upper Mahantongo Twownship. A special call for second alarm tanker task force was requested. On arrival, crews found a large barn fully involved with partial collapse already and additional structures with fire.

Command advised it would be exterior operations only as the remaining part of the barn had fully collapsed. Crews worked to douse remaining flames and hot spots.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Page 26, Fire News, July/August 2022

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Obituary Swedesberg’s, Perkiomen’s Joseph Barnshaw

Joseph J. Barnshaw, an active volunteer firefighter, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 1, 2022, at his residence with his loving family at his side. He was 73.

Mr. Barnshaw was born in Bridgeport, PA, on February 16, 1949, and was the son of the late J. Wilson Barnshaw, former Fire Marshall of the Boro of Bridgeport and the late Mary (Choinski) Barnshaw Longacre. He was employed as a laborer for the Township of Perkiomen and a Deputy Sheriff of Montgomery County.

He started his career as a volunteer firefighter as a Junior Fireman with the Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company. He was also an Assistant Engineer, served on the Board of Directors and the Fire Police Unit.

While with Swedesburg, he received numerus awards, including Firefighter of the Year, the Fire Chief’s Award, Chief Engineers

Award, Presidents Award and Fellowship Award.

When Joe moved to Perkiomen he continued as a volunteer firefighter and joined the Perkiomen Volunteer Fire Company. There he became Deputy Chief and President of the company and received the Firefighter of the Year award. Because of his many years and service to both companies, Joe was bestowed the honor of Life Member. He was a Security Guard with EPS. Surviving are his loving wife: Catherine (Myers) Barnshaw, daughter Cathy Jo Barnshaw, son John J. Barnshaw, Collegeville Police Officer and Chief of the Perkiomen Fire Co. and his wife Carrie, and his grandchildren Diana, Olivia, Beau and Brooks.

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Nicky, whom he missed dearly and his stepsister Janet Smith and sisters Betty Saladino and

Roseann Milewski In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Nicky’s Heart of Gold, 343 Maple Ave., Collegeville, PA 19426.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, July/August 2022, Page 27

New toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.

2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.

2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.

BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

We are looking forward to our new monthly feature

Sold by Command Apparatus

“It’s New to THEM”

AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus

To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly

631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com