VOLUME 7, NO. 4
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 SEPTEMBER 2017
Story on page 7. -Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
Fire News Welcomes All to the 2017 PA State Fire Convention -Pennsylvania Edition-
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Fire News, September 2017, Page 3
In this issue... Chicken House Fire Adams County Box 25-2 was struck for a chicken house on fire on Oxford Road in Tyrone Township. See story page 8
Harrisburg Residential Fire Harrisburg firefighters responded to N. 13th Street between State and Walnut for a residential structure fire. See story page 14
Taking the Outside to Get Inside Firefighters made quick work of a New Kensington structure fire. See story page 18
Dogs Saved in Arnold Sardis VFD members rescued – and revived — two dogs from a house fire. See story page 22
Good Save, Tough Fight in Clifton Heights Clifton Heights crews were dispatched for a building fire with entrapment on North Sycamore Avenue. See story page 24
Obituaries
A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES, SHANNON GRAHAM CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, DONALD THOMA, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY, SHANE SHIFFLETT, GEORGE STAPLETON COPYRIGHT 2017, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
9/11: Never Forget Every year, I sit back and think of the staggering statistics that have changed the lives of so many responders and innocent civilians who had the misfortune of being murdered in the attacks on the United States of America on September 11, 2001. For those of you who lived, worked, responded, were curious and visited the site, the smell cannot be forgotten. The smoky mix of burnt plastic and smoldering materials can instantly bring back memories for many of the aftermath of the collapse of the two towers of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Some facts: 91,000 liters of jet fuel and 1,200,000 tons of building materials burned at 1000 degrees for a very long time. There were 23,000 fluorescent light bulbs in the World Trade Center. The bulbs contained small amounts of known carcinogens which vaporized for everyone to breathe. Then there were 75,000 telephones reportedly in the buildings, attached by 19,000 miles of cable — think PCBs. The coatings on the cables and 300 main frame computers that were pulverized and burned gave off toxic gases that many inhaled for many weeks. [Visit the “Let’s Roll Forum” for some incredible facts about the WTC.]
This year, I lost a few close friends, who succumbed to 9/11 related cancers. I can only say they set the example of being true American heroes by continuing to make everyone aware that the diseases related to the attack on this country continue to have a horrible impact on us. I thank Firefighter Jimmy Lanza of Ladder 43 and Firefighter Ray Pfeifer for all they did to make sure our government does not walk away from a situation that is predicted to continue to get worse. Doctors have now linked many respiratory illnesses and 68 cancers to the WTC toxic dust. Last September, the FDNY added 17 names to a list of those who have died of 9/11related illness, bringing the total to 127. I am sure this list will grow in 2017. In the true tradition of the FDNY, the NYPD and the PAPD, they have not forgotten their own, who continue to succumb to 9/11 related illnesses. We must never forget all of our first responders, emergency responders, recovery and cleanup workers, and volunteers who helped in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the crash site near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Never forget the survivors who lived, worked or went to school near the World Trade Center on September 11 or in the subsequent months.
Records show that the total number of all 9/11 responders, including firefighters, who have been diagnosed with WTC-linked cancers now exceeds 5,100. I read that Dr. Raja Flores, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center, one of seven sites affiliated with the WTC Health Program, insists that researchers are just scratching the surface with these findings. Dr Flores reminds us that there’s no doubt that we will see a sharp increase in 9/11-related cancers over the next 30 years. Sadly, the real mass of 9/11-related cancer deaths is probably yet to come. Remember, never forget. Stay vigilant and continue to monitor the aftermath of 9/11. Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, September 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 This month is a bittersweet feeling. Our long-time Fire Academy Administrator, George Stapleton, is leaving for a wonderful opportunity in South Carolina at their State Fire Academy. Pennsylvania’s loss is South Carolinas gain. While we hate to see him go, we wish him well on this new endeavor, and now we will all have another place to vacation in South Carolina! George’s last day was August 16, 2017, and in the interim another very qualified individual, Bruce Trego, will fill in. There will be no interruption of services and George leaves the academy with a very qualified replacement. Another great weekend at the National Academy has also come and gone. More than 200 individuals had good training and the highlight of the weekend was the memorial service held on Saturday night. As usual, there was some tomfoolery and poor Chief Mike Whitzel was the target of some good heartfelt fun. I think some guy named Frank from Schuykill County might have been the ringleader. It’s always a good thing to get together, and not only get some good education, but that strengthening of brotherhood and sisterhood with socialization. If you have never attended before it’s something you need to consider. Check in with Terri at the academy, who is the planner and coordinator. Summer will be on the downside as you read this, unbelievably. That also means it is time to have your closeout report submitted for this past
year’s grant. Those received after the end of August will put you in the delinquent file and remove you from the ability to submit for the 2017-18 grant year. If there is an issue getting completed, please don’t wait until the last day to reach out. It will then be next too impossible to help. Also, this year it has become a requirement to report your incidents; either by using the state provided emergency reporting program or another program. This should have been done by the end of June. Thank you for the cooperation, since most of you have been performing this important function. Lastly, the SR 6 committee members should be getting notified if they haven’t already. We hope to get meetings rolling so that the legislation for items can get into legislative form and be introduced. Hopefully, they can be passed prior to the end of this legislative session, which ends November 2018. I hope all had a good summer. Soon we will prepare for the colder weather and that white stuff, which if the precipitation is anything like we got this summer, we could be in for some exciting times. Stay safe and hope to see you in Penn Hills at the State Convention.
As the Pennsylvania Fire Service Turns By Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI Welcome back to another month of As the Pennsylvania Fire Service INCIDENT REPORTING Turns. Let’s get down to business on the two topics I know each one of I have communicated many times through you are eager to read every month! my monthly articles here in Fire News, I have posted on our Facebook and even sent e-mails, yet I am still receiving calls and e-mails from people saying they were not FIRE SAFETY Fire Prevention Week will be here before you know it. I hope your aware incidents had to be showing “reviewed.” So once again, and I will department is already beginning to plan activities. If you have not seen capitalize and bold font my type, IN ORDER FOR OSFC TO EXPORT YOUR INCIDENTS FROM EMERGENCY REPORTthis year’s theme it is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” Speaking of activities, I am still waiting to know what programs or ING THEY MUST BE IN “REVIEWED” STATUS. If they show complete with a yellow lock, your department will be activities your department provides to promote fire safety. A few articles back I asked for input on what works for you and what may not, as well considered “not reporting” because we will not have the incidents on file. as what props or resources you have on hand to promote and educate on I strongly urge everyone to check your incidents and for any that show fire safety. My goal is to develop a resource list as I am still working on “complete,” please authorize them to be moved to reviewed status. Recently the PSFA Alternative Energy Program administered a grant having a Statewide Fire Safety Coalition. For departments that may not have the funds to buy fire safety materi- and there were some departments that almost did not receive their funds als, there are places on the Internet where you can download materials for because of not reporting. When we contacted the departments we found free and even add your department name to them! I would highly recom- out many are doing reports until they are complete then stopping. THEY mend checking out www.nfpa.org/fpw, www.usfa.fema.gov and MUST BE SHOWING “REVIEWED” IN ORDER FOR OSFC TO EXPORT EACH FRIDAY! www.strategicfire.org to access these FREE material generators. The other issue I seem to get a lot of calls and e-mails about is The agenda for the Pennsylvania Fire Safety Summit, being held Thursday evening November 16 and Friday, November 17, 2017, has people wanting their passwords reset. We at OSFC do not have the capabeen set. I have included the registration form with my article so bilities to reset passwords. You will have to contact support@emergenhopefully it can be printed in this edition. If not, you can go to our cyreporting.com for assistance in this matter. However, Emergency Facebook page or website to access the agendas and registration forms. Reporting unveiled a few weeks back a “forgot password” feature. To use The event will be held at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg and this “forgot password” feature, you need to assign your login an e-mail address. You can do this under the Administration Tab/Personnel List. includes a dinner Thursday evening and lunch on Friday. While you’re attending the summit, why not stay the extra day and par- If you need further help on this, click on the Support tab and look under take in the festivities of the PFESI as they have their Seminar and Dinner the Knowledge Base area for the article and short video. Until next time, be safe out there and, please, help me MAKE PENNon Saturday, November 18 at the same venue! We are still seeing a high number of older adults dying in fires. As of SYLVANIA FIRE SAFE AGAIN! August 7, 2017, Pennsylvania has experienced 37 older adults (age 55Kraig E. Herman, IAAI-CFI and-over) who have died in fires, with the total civilian fire death number Public Education Specialist/NFIRS State Program Manager standing at 74. A majority of the causes of these fires are listed as “under Office of the State Fire Commissioner investigation,” however hoarding was a factor in at least four older adult e-mail:krhermanpa.gov deaths and smoking in two older adult deaths. I realize that is not much data to go off of, but the underlying factor is older adults account for over 50 percent of all civilian fire deaths. I also realize we will not ever reach zero, but reducing that number is my number one goal.
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Cover Story
I-476 Truck Fire
Nether Providence Township (Delaware County) companies were dispatched for a vehicle fire on I-476 north at the exit 3 northbound on-ramp. A tractor-trailer was observed well involved on a PennDOT camera. Companies arrived to find a trailer well involved with the tractor pulled away. Crews hit the fire with tank
water but ran out as a water supply was being worked. Over 3000 feet of supply line had to be laid. Six companies, including two special called units responded. Crews performed an extensive overhaul which kept I-476 north and the Baltimore Pike west shut down for several hours. - Fire News photos by Frank Wesnoski
Page 8, Fire News, September 2017
Chicken House Fire
Adams County Box 25-2 was struck for a chicken house on fire on Oxford Road in Tyrone Township. Shortly after dispatch, the call was followed by a second alarm for a well involved chicken house fire with an approximately 100,000 live chickens inside. Engine 25 from Heidlersburg arrived, pulled a 2-1/2 inch handline and began an exterior attack on the southern end of the building, as fire was through the roof. Truck 33 arrived, also setting up on the southern end, but was unable to get an adequate water supply, preventing any aerial attack as the fire progressed down the approximately 50- x 800-foot building. Firefighters from several departments, including Gettysburg, Hampton, East Berlin and Arendstville began defensive operations as well as opening up an adjoining tunnel to prevent the fire from extending into the other seven chicken barns. The fire building was a total loss. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth - 911 Photography
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Oxford Township House Fire
On July 16, 2017, Adams County Box 33-6 was struck for a house fire on Elm Lane in Oxford Township. Units arrived to smoke pushing from the roof. Heavy fire was encountered on entry to the kitchen where the point of origin was believed to be. The fire was quickly knocked down by the engine crew. The owners escaped with their two pet dogs. Chief Rabine had command. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth - 911 Photography
United Hook & Ladder Responds A lone firefighter from United Hook and Ladder Fire Department silhouetted by the fire of a fully involved shed fire with extension to two homes. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth - 911 Photography
South Newton RV Fire
Cumberland County Fire Company 49, located in Walnut Bottom, fire to the engine compartment. Pennsylvania State Police and fire was dispatched to Interstate 81 southbound for an RV on fire. police maintained traffic control throughout the incident. No Engine 49 arrived and found fire in the engine compartment and injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett deployed handlines. Crews made a quick knockdown and held the
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Hanover Borough Commercial Fire
Hanover Borough Box Alarm 083 was sounded on July 15, 2017, for an automatic alarm at IWM International (the old Hanover Wire Cloth) building on East Middle Street. Engine 46-1, under the command of Captain Doug Kemmerly, arrived and reported a fire on the roof of a 1-1/2 story brick commercial building with fire running the rafters. Mutual aid fire departments, as well as all off-duty career personnel from Hanover and Penn Township, responded. Units went to work opening the roof while shutting down power on the inside, and battling the rapidly spreading fires along the steel rafters, which were covered with several inches of wire dust. The box was held to a working fire assignment, with RIT assigned. - Fire News photos by Steve Roth - 911 Photography
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White Church Rd. House Fire
Franklin County and Cumberland County firefighters operated at a house fire on White Church Road in Franklin County. - Fire News photos by Shane Shifflett
Apartment Fire in Franklin County The Franklins operate on an apartment fire on LWW in Franklin County. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Pool Supply Shop Fire The Springfield Fire Department (Bucks County) responded to a two-alarm fire on North West End Avenue in a single-story commercial building containing pool supplies. Firefighters arrived to heavy fire showing. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Looking Back
Pine Grove Building Fire
Firefighters from numerous fire departments battled a multiple alarm fire at Lehr’s Feed and Farm Supply in downtown Pine Grove on May 1, 2017. Companies were faced with multiple buildings on fire when they arrived and worked for over an hour to contain the fire. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Waiting for the Call
Rescue Hose Company 3 of Greencastle staged, awaiting assignment. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
When We’re Done the Work Starts
Mechanicsburg Fire and mutual aid companies reloading hose. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Page 14, Fire News, September 2017
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Harrisburg Residential Fire
On August 14, 2017, Harrisburg firefighters responded to N. 13th Street between State and Walnut for a residential structure fire. A caller reported flames from the window. Chief Wise arrived to fire showing from the second floor of a three-story duplex. Two lines were stretched, quickly knocking down the fire with no extension. Box alarm: Wagon 4, Squad 8, Towers 1 and 2, Chief 4; First alarm: Wagon 3, Rescue 69, Air 13. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Quick Work by the First-Due
On July 12, 2017, units arrived to find a working apartment fire with subjects trapped on Shaw Avenue in Lewistown. Engine 11 made a quick attack while rescue efforts were being made. One patient jumped from a second-floor window and was treated on scene by Medic 12 before being airlifted to a trauma center. - Fire News photos by Pat Shoop
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Lower Paxton Township Blaze
On July 1, 2017 in Lower Paxton Township, Box 33-1 sent Company 33 (Colonial Park), Engines 34 (Paxtonia) and 35 (Linglestown) to the 800 block of Colonial Road for a structure fire. Chief 33 arrived to find a one-story, ranch-style dwelling with heavy fire in the garage and extension to the home, which was fully involved. Companies briefly initiated an interior attack but were forced to evacuate and go defensive. Multiple handlines, deck guns, and the master stream from Truck 35 were used to darken down the fire. A first-alarm assignment was requested by command. Companies remained on the scene for an extended period of time performing overhaul. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Gratz House Fire
On August 26, 2017, Box 27-1 sent Company 27 (Gratz), Engine 26 (Berrysburg), Truck 22 (Lykens), Rescues 23 (Wiconisco) and 28 (Pillow) to W. Market Street for a house fire in Gratz. County Communications received calls reporting smoke from a structure. Chief 27-2 arrived to smoke showing. The fire building was an occupied two-story with a garage attachment in the rear. A first alarm
was requested, bringing Engines 65 (Klingerstown), 1410 (Sacramento), Truck 20 (Millersburg), Rescue 21 (Elizabethville) and Tanker 26 (Berrysburg). Companies fought the fire defensively and worked to protect exposures on the B and D side. The bulk of the fire was knocked in about 45 minutes with extensive overhaul required. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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N. Lebanon Twp. 3-Alarmer
On July 22, 2017, Box 28-01 sent companies to E. Cumberland Street at Carl’s Service Station in North Lebanon Township for a vehicle fire inside a car wash. Updated info indicated the building to be involved. Engine 28 (Weavertown) arrived to fire in a two-story, commercial building with apartments. Chief 28 requested the second alarm shortly after arrival. Companies made an interior attack, but were forced to evacuate when conditions deteriorated. A third alarm was struck with additional calls for manpower. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. Mutual aid came from Lebanon City and Lebanon County Haz Mat. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 18, Fire News, September 2017
Grill Fire on the Fourth
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The Lewistown Fire Department responded to the Sacred Heart Church Rectory for a propane grill on fire on the porch. Units arrived to find the grill well off and extending to the porch roof. An aggressive attack knocked the fire and prevented the fire’s spread into the main structure. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Vacant House Fire On August 30, 2017, Citizens Hose, Harrison Hills, Hilltop Hose, and Pioneer Hose responded to a vacant house on fire in Harrison Township. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
East Vandergrift Fire On August 29, 2017, Vandergrift, Lower Burrell, and Hyde Park responded for a structure fire in East Vandergrift. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Taking the Outside to Get Inside On June 22, 2017, Assistant Chief Ed Saliba and Station 2 Captain BJ Kersey made quick work of the metal shell of a commercial structure in New Kensington to advance an attack inside the fire in the structure. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 20, Fire News, September 2017
Pittsburgh Structure Fire
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On June 26, 2017, crews from Pittsburgh and Penn Hills battle a second division fire in a structure in Pittsburgh. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Arnold Basement Fire August 18, 2017, crews from Arnold, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Sardis and Citizens Hose put a quick knock on a rapidly spreading basement fire in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Plum Bedroom Fire On June 27, 2017, crews quickly extinguished a small bedroom fire, checked for hot spots and provided ventilation in Plum. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Double Fatal in Juniata Co. Blaze
On August 4, 2017, firefighters responded to a fire in a row house on Tuscarora Street in Mifflin Borough, Juniata County. Two people were reported trapped. Both persons were found but did not survive. - Fire News photos by Pat Shoop
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Recycling Center Fire Draws a Crowd
On June 26, 2017, firefighters from three counties battled a fire at Hanna’s Auto and Truck Recycling Center on Best Station Road in Washington Township. The blaze appeared to begin in an office building on the west side of the road and spread to junked cars parked outside. Responding fire crews requested additional alarms
struck when the header from the fire could be seen from miles away. Tankers and crews from Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties responded and worked for about an hour before gaining control of the fire. Crews would remain on scene through the night hitting hot spots. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Dogs Saved in Arnold
On July 09, 2017, Joey Paiano, Chief of Sardis Volunteer Fire Department, carried out the first of two unresponsive dogs found under a bed in a room on fire in Arnold. Paiano, along with Jeff DeCola of Lower Burrell, performed CPR on the first dog, as Brian and Morgan Gouza of Arnold 95-1, and Arnold Police Officer Josh Stanga perform CPR on a second dog found. Both dogs were fully revived and transported to an emergency vet. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Page 24, Fire News, September 2017
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Good Saves, Tough Fight in Clifton Heights
On September 4, 2017, Clifton Heights crews were dispatched for a building fire with entrapment on North Sycamore Avenue. Police arrived to fire showing from the second floor of a two-story apartment building. A parent dropped two children into the hands of police officers from the second floor and then two adults jumped; both were injured. The fire required additional alarms and special calls including an EMS disaster box bringing multiple EMS units for an MCI. Crews eventually needed several elevated master streams to control the fire. - Fire News photos by Frank Wesnoski
Mattress Warehouse Fire
City of Chester crews were dispatched for a commercial building fire in a 100x 200-foot, single-story warehouse filled with mattresses on West 3rd Street. A second alarm and several special calls were required to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photos by Frank Wesnoski
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Restaurant Blaze in Havertown
Crews dispatched for a reported commercial building fire reported to be the deck of Barnaby’s Restaurant on Old West Chester Pike in Havertown. Command 56 reported the deck of the establishment fully involved. Engine 56 led off with the deck gun, as crews knocked down the fire and advanced into the interior to extinguish the extension. A second alarm was struck as crews had extensive overhaul and roof work. - Fire News photos by Frank Wesnoski
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1 Dead, 3 Trapped in Millersville Explosion
Blue Rock Fire Rescue was dispatched on July 2, 2017, to assist UGI utility representatives at a gas leak. UGI workers were investigating the leak on Springdale Lane, near Millersville, when an explosion occurred. Three UGI workers and a Lancaster Area Sewer Authority employee were working outside the home at the time. A UGI worker was pronounced dead at the scene. Four surrounding homes also were damaged and have been condemned. Fire crews
were staged in the safe zone, pulling hose lines off the engine when the house exploded. Firefighters ran in to save the workers who were trapped under the debris and searched the debris field. Firefighters extinguished a burning vehicle amongst the rubble of the house. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman, drone photo by Adam Missimer
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6 FFs Injured in Frazer Tire Fire
On August 5, 2017, Frazier Township firefighters responded to a fire in a junkyard, which ended up burning for hours, destroying an outbuilding, cars and several hundred tires. Six firefighters were injured fighting the fire. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Training
Drilling on the Jacks Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Captain Colby Fisher setting up a Res-QJack during a drill held at the Woodside Fire House Station 80. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Aspinwall, Sharpsburg RIT Training The Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department (Allegheny County Station 102) and the Sharpsburg Volunteeer Fire Department (Allegheny Station 265 ), recently participated in a combined set of company Rapid Intervention Team classes. The two companies respond together quite often and Station 265 will be used at times to augment 102’s team, when available, for RIT assignments. To date, both companies have put in around 1250 man hours of combined station training. The training has included calling a Mayday, RIT basics and advanced ground ladders, SCBA confidence and fire dynamics. - Submitted by Andy Marsh
You’re in Good Hands with Aspinwall VFD Sixteen Aspinwall volunteer firefighters participated in a vehicle rescue skills drill on August 15, 2017. This training focused on scene and vehicle stabilization, using hand tools, and the edraulic spreaders and cutters. Crews demonstrated various cribbing techniques, learned a couple of ways to remove glass and how to gain access using the e-draulic battery-operated rescue tools. Aspinwall VFD is proud to say that it has 10 BVR technicians, five SVR technicians, two firefighters trained at the Paramedic level, nine firefighters trained at the EMT level and one firefighter trained at the EMR level. - Submitted by Andy Marsh
Max Fire Box Demo
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Lieutenant Campbell demonstrating the Max Fire Box an educational package that empowers interactive learning of rapid fire and smoke behavior events in a controlled environment. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Monroeville Burn Drill
On July 13, 2017, Monroeville Station #1 conducting an essentialsstyle burn drill. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Live Burn Drill in Manor Township On August 19 and 20, 2017 an advanced live burn seminar was held at the condemned F r i e nds hi p I n n i n M a n o r To w n s h i p . Crews from Manor Township, Kittanning, North Apollo, Adams Area and Pine Township participated. Different fire scenarios were presented on the ground and second floors, using different methods of attack, including the roof, ladders, tower truck and ground. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Training
SHACOG Trains On August 17, 2017, South Hill’s SHACOG Technical Rescue Team had a joint training with the water and rope divisions. They practiced a scenario of removing a patient from the underside of a bridge overpass and lowering them to a waiting boat in the river below. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Water Rescue Call in Allentown On July 1, 2017, members of the Allentown Fire Department Dive Team were put in service when police came upon a vehicle partially submerged in rising waters at Cedar Beach Park. Due to numerous storms that day, Cedar Creek overflowed its banks and covered the park in water. The car was checked and determined to be vacant. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Trauma Patient Air Lift
Air Methods launching from Chambersburg Hospital inbound to York with a trauma patient. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Looking Back Truck 1 from the Chambersburg Fire Department flowing water on the Greencastle Cold Storage fatal fire in early January 2000. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Trucks on Display Harrisburg Fire and Pikeville (MD) on display in downtown Harrisburg. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Flag Detail at 9/11 Memorial Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in a flag detail with Ladder 80 at the ‘Ride for the Heroes,’ event at The Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s official 9/11 Memorial. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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A-Shift FFs Recognized
Mechanicsburg: Cumberland County Co. 37- Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Firefighters from A Shift are recognized and thanked for assisting during a DLA drill. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Aspinwall National Night Out On August 1, 2017, the Aspinwall Neighborhood Watch Organization held its 8th annual National Night Out. This year’s event saw the proceeds raised to help support the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department, the Aspinwall Police and Foxwall EMS. Close to 1,000 people attended. The agencies attending also included Aspinwall Emergency Management, Pennsylvania USAR, Allegheny County Emergency Services, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Blawnox VFD, Sharpsburg VFD, the Allegheny Blue Team Haz-Mat Unit, and a landing of the Life Flight medical helicopter. The night also included samplings from the area’s food establishments, games for the children and music. In addition, the Fire Safety trailer was on hand for families to learn more about public fire and life safety education. The Aspinwall Neighborhood Watch Organization also has about eight of its members on the Aspinwall CERT team, which supports Aspinwall’s Police, Fire, EMS and Emergency Management. - Submitted by Andy Marsh
Page 34, Fire News, September 2017
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42nd Pump Primers Muster
The 42nd Annual Pennsylvania Pump Primers Muster was held on pumping into the Susquehanna River along with several fire relatJuly 8, 2017, at Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park. The muster featured ed vendors. Various awards were presented in several categories. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb over 100 antique firetrucks and apparatus on static display and
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Fire News, September 2017, Page 35
2018 National Fire & Emergency Services Symposium & Dinner Call for Seminar Proposals
Proposals must include the following information: Seminar title; Seminar description and objectives (minimum 200 word narrative); Names of panelists and moderators with biographical information (minimum 200 words per biography); Statement explaining how the proposed seminar aligns with CFSI's mission to advance the readiness and response capabilities of all first responders; Statement explaining how the applicant will help CFSI promote the seminar and the 2018 National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Seminar proposals must meet the following criteria Dinner; A primary point of contact for the submission, including name, to be considered: Seminars should focus on federal policy or issues that are national in phone number, and e-mail address. scope, and have a positive impact on the nation's fire and emergency All proposals will be reviewed by CFSI’s staff and the Programmatic services. Seminars intended solely to promote for-profit programs and activi- Subcommittee of CFSI’s National Advisory Committee. Incomplete proposals will not be considered. Applicants must agree to work with ties that specifically benefit an organization will not be considered. CFSI to finalize participants, produce relevant materials, and promote Seminars are limited to 50 minutes in length. Where applicable, proposed panelists and moderators should repre- the seminars series. CFSI reserves the right to make changes to panelists and seminar content. sent a diversity of national organizations and fire service disciplines. Questions regarding the Call for Proposals should be directed to Sean Proposals should be submitted online to CFSI no later than Carroll, CFSI’s Director of Government Affairs, at scarroll@cfsi.org or October 6, 2017. 202-371-1277. The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is announcing an official Call for Proposals for the 2018 National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium. The Symposium will be held in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in conjunction with the 30th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.
Page 36, Fire News, September 2017
2017 Fire Safety Summit
The Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s office is proud to host a 2017 Fire Safety Summit sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, and in partnership with State Farm Insurance, Kidde, the American Red Cross, and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The 2017 Summit will be held on the evening of November 16 and during the day of November 17, 2017, featuring topics on: • Pennsylvania Fire Data and the National Fire Problem • Public Education Resources • Wildland Fire Safety • The Fire Sprinkler Initiative • Smoke Alarm Canvassing and Installation
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Pennsylvania Fire Safety Summit Friday, November 17 | 0900-1500 0900-0930 Welcome and Introductions Tim Solobay Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Local Fire Chief State Farm Insurance 0930-1000 Pennsylvania Fire Data and the National Fire Problem Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s Office, NFPA Public Education Network - Kraig Herman 1000-1045 Stocking Your Toolkit Meredith Hawes, Regional Education Specialist, NFPA
Pennsylvania Fire Safety Summit: Night School Thursday, November 16 | 1800-2100
1045-1100 Break with Vendors
1700-1800 Dinner and Visit with Vendors
1115-1145 Resources for Young Children Amy Lebeau Public Education Division, NFPA
1100-1115 NFPA Wildland Fire Safety
1700-1715 Welcome and Introductions Tim Solobay - Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner State Farm Insurance - Local Fire Chief
1145-1215 Fire Sprinkler Initiative
1815-1830 Pennsylvania Fire Data and the National Fire Problem Kraig Herman Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s Office, NFPA Public Education Network
1300-1330 Remembering When: Older Adult Fire and Fall Prevention Program Pennsylvania State Team
1830-1900 Stocking Your Toolkit Meredith Hawes, Regional Education Specialist, NFPA 1900-1930 Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 1930-1945 NFPA Wildland Fire Safety 1945-2000 Fire Sprinkler Initiative 2000-2045 - 1945-2045 Smoke Alarm Installation and Canvassing in Pennsylvania - Panel Discussion Neal Zipser-Kidde Fire Safety, State Farm Insurance, Steve Leuber - American Red Cross
1215-1300 Lunch Provided
1330-1345 Break with Vendors 1345-1415 Carbon Monoxide: The Invisible Killer U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 1415-1455 Smoke Alarm Installation and Canvassing In Pennsylvania Neal ZipserKidde Fire Safety Steve Leuber - American Red Cross and Fire Department partners 1455-1500 Closing Sponsored in partnership with Kidde, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, State Farm Insurance
2045-2100 Closing Sponsored in partnership with Kidde, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, State Farm Insurance, Safe Kids
NO CHARGE TO ATTEND WITH MEALS INCLUDED! Times: Thursday evening November 16 - Dinner 1700, Sessions start at 1800 _________ Friday November 17 - Sessions start at 0900 (lunch provided) _______________
**CHECK WHICH SESSION ABOVE YOU WILL BE ATTENDING** Location: Best Western Premier 800 E Park Drive Harrisburg, Pa 17111 To Register: Complete below and email this form to Public Education Specialist Kraig Herman at krherman@pa.gov Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Title: _____________________________ Business/Agency: ____________________________________________ Business phone #: _________________________________ Fax #: _______________________________________ Business Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ________________ Email address: __________________________________________________________________________________
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS MONDAY OCTOBER 30, 2017
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Fire News, September 2017, Page 37
Chief Elmer Reese Celebrates 80th Birthday
Lancaster Township Fire Department celebrated retired Chief Elmer Reese’s 80th birthday on August 22, 2017, at their monthly meeting. Chief Reese was Chief of Bausman Fire Company from 1981 to 1984. He received a 50-year service award in 2015. Bausman Fire Company and Wheatland Fire Company merged in 1991 to form Lancaster Township Fire Department. Reese started his firefighting career in 1963 as a member of Wheatland Fire Company. From 1970 through 1978 he was promoted to lieutenant and captain. In that time period he was part of a group that
Retired Chief Elmer Reese and Lancaster Township Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Leaman. was instrumental in bringing one of the first Hurst Rescue Tools in Lancaster County to Wheatland Fire Company. Reese joined Bausman Fire Company in 1978. In 1979 he became the Second Assistant Chief and Chief in 1981. In 1985 he stepped down as Chief and became a full time driver and assistant engineer. Cake, a birthday card signed by all members and ice cream were presented to Chief Reese during the meeting. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
Page 38, Fire News, September 2017
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Up Close & Personal
Franklin County and Cumberland County firefighters operating at a house fire on White Church Road in Franklin County. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Lt. Patrick Shoop, Jr., checks for hot spots in the roof area. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
On September 5, 2017, firefighters responded to a fire in the walls of a vacant house in Arnold. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Arnold’s Chief Walter Gouza and his two sons, Wally and Brian at a basement fire in Arnold on August 18, 2017. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Mechanicsburg Fire Chief Michael Fahringer in command at a second alarm house fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Lancaster Township Chief Ron Comfort, Jr., at a fire in the Burger King Restaurant on Millersville Pike on June 25, 2017. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, September 2017, Page 39
Up Close & Personal
Leitersburg firefighters assisting Company 2 Waynesboro at a fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Allentown Firefighter Ron Conway operates as part of the RIT during an apartment fire on North 7th Street on July 21, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
A Letterkenny Federal firefighter rescued a small dog from an apartment fire in Chambersburg. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
New Franklin firefighters assisting Waynesboro Fire. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Allentown Fire Captain James Kutz, Jr., takes a rest following a house fire at North 8th Street on July 1, 2017. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
Adams County Company 29 (SAVES) Firefighter Klunk on scene of a working fire in New Oxford. - Fire News photo by Steve Roth - 911 Photography
Page 40, Fire News, September 2017
Obituaries
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Summit Hose’s Mikey Zier
On August 12, 2017, funeral service for Summit Hose Station 282’s 17-year-old Junior Captain Mikey Zier, who lost his life in a multi-fatal accident in Plum. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
CVVFA By Claudia Garner and Candice McDonald
Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association News
Meeting Dates: The following dates have been selected for the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association Meetings in 2017-2018. Fall Meeting: Saturday and Sunday October 14 to 15, 2017: Location Hacks Point Fire Company, Earleville, MD. Saturday Workshop with Breakfast Meeting Sunday morning followed by the meeting, which is scheduled to be completed by noon. Spring Meeting: Saturday and Sunday April 7 to 8, 2018: Location in the Emmitsburg, MD area. Presidents Council Meeting on Saturday with Spring Association Breakfast Meeting on Sunday. Target adjournment is noon Sunday 117th Annual Convention: Wednesday, August 1 to Saturday, August 4. Presidents Council Meeting Friday August 3 at Fairplay, MD (Hagerstown area). More information will be forthcoming on www.CVVFA.org. New President Sworn In: Hoby Howell of Maryland was installed as President along with Allen Baldwin as 1st Vice-President and Rich Brunner as 2nd Vice-President. Dr. Candice McDonald was elected
Director becoming the first officer or director elected from the state of Ohio. Come see us in Nashville at Firehouse Expo October 18 to 21, 2017: The ResponderSafety team will be on the show floor and Jack Sullivan, Director of Training, will have a classroom presentation. How to Join: Go to www.cvvfa.org. Join on line or download an application. Dues are $5 per year. We Need Your Help: The CVVFA wants to communicate with all our members. We have many members who have not supplied us with an e-mail address. If you know a member who is NOT receiving this newsletter let us know and send along their e-mail address and we will add them to our list. Haven’t attended a meeting lately? Membership involvement in running our association and staffing our national programs is a priority. A small handful of folks can’t do it all. Want to help? We have a spot for you. Get in touch with one of the Officers or Directors. Contact information is at www.CVVFA.org.
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Obituaries
Fire News, September 2017, Page 41
Junction FC’s William Beers, Sr.
On August 15, 2017, members of area fire companies paid their respects for the past-chief of Junction Fire Company, William Beers, Sr. - Fire News photos by Pat Shoop
Page 42, Fire News, September 2017
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FHEXPO17: ENHANCING YOUR EDUCATION Firehouse Expo 2017 offers more workshops than ever before, including 10 pre-conference workshops, a full two days of community risk reduction, and four new exciting hybrid workshops combining intense classroom instruction with high-impact hands-on training. The main conference includes more than 140 educational and marquee sessions featuring high-profile events and some of the most critical topics in the American fire service. The exceptional lineup of educational programs covers a variety of topics that are critical to your dayto-day operations and your long-term growth in the fire service. “Firehouse is excited to be back in Nashville for our second year, and this conference promises to be even more action-packed than last year,” said Firehouse Editor-in-Chief Tim Sendelbach. “Each class is designed and focused on making sure you get the attention you need to learn and apply the skills you learn at Firehouse Expo.”
exciting educational sessions, including those focused on WUI command, fire research, leadership, first-due strategic responsibilities, tactical resiliency and more. Also included in the pre-conference programming is Firehouse’s Community Risk Reduction program. Presented in partnership with the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), this program focuses on improving the firefighters’ work environment, working with code officers to create a safer community and more.
Main Conference Sessions - October 19 through 21 Don’t miss Expo sessions focused on forcible entry, rapid-intervention teams, mayday events, survival skills, wind-impacted fires, building live-fire training props, hazmat operations, railroad incidents, fire prevention, diversity issues, PTSD and stress management, initial attack line skills, developing a healthy and fit firehouse culture, tower rescues, social media policies, search and rescue, managing staffing limPre-Conference Sessions -October 17 and 18 itations and much more. To learn more and register, visit firehouseexAs part of its pre-conference lineup, Firehouse offers a variety of po.com.
HONORING OUR FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
Register for the 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters at Belmont Park shirt and a name badge for the firefighter they are honoring. Join hundreds of other firefighters in New York to honor the The stair climb is a family event and we encourage you to fallen at the 3rd Annual National Stair Climb for Fallen bring your spouses, children, family and friends. An AfterFirefighters at Belmont Park. Climb Party and Races will begin at 1130, featuring a “By climbing steps each year, every participant not BBQ buffet and unlimited draft beer and soda. There will only raises funds to support the families of FDNY memalso be bounce castles, pony rides and fun for the entire bers who made the Supreme Sacrifice, they also ensure family. In addition, the New York Racing Association will those we have lost are never forgotten,” said FDNY Fire raffle two 2018 Belmont Stakes Day reserved seats. For Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro more information and to register, go to www.nationalstairGates open and on-site registration begins at 0830. Firefighters will climb the equivalent of 110 stories to symbolize the climb.org. number of floors in the Twin Towers. All climbers will receive a t-
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Fire News, September 2017, Page 43