Fire News Pennsylvania, January/February 2022 edition

Serving PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUME 11, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022

Story on page 10.

-Fire News photo by Jeffrey Goldberg

Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Fatality at Tower City Fire A fire in Tower City claimed the life a very well-known and respected young man.

See story on page 6

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

Hereford 3-Alarmer Crews battled a three-alarm blaze in Hereford.

See story on page 8

House Destroyed in Porter Township Crews were dispatched to a house fire on East Grand Avenue in Porter Township.

See story on page 13

Allentown Motel Fire City of Allentown firefighters were dispatched to the Royal Motel on East Congress Street for a fire.

See story on page 16

Palmyra Apartment Fire Displaces 7 Palmyra and surrounding companies responded to East Main Street in North Londonderry Township.

See story on page 18

F-3 Tornado Touches Down Firefighters from Bensalem responded to Street Road for a confirmed F-3 tornado touchdown.

See story on page 25

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 27-29 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 32 & 33

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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Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, 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, January/February 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

As We Enter 2022 …

As Fire News welcomes everyone to 2022, I would be remiss if I didn’t pause to look back to December 2021 and offer condolences to the Malveaux family and to the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY).

Recently, FDNY Firefighter Vincent Malveaux was in training and began to feel ill and lost consciousness during his daily training at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall’s Island. ‘Pablo,’ as Malveaux was affectionately known to his classmates, was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he died. As a firefighter, I know the sadness of losing a brother or sister firefighter. Fire News will bring you coverage of the Line of Duty funeral to honor Firefighter Vincent Malveaux in a future edition of our paper.

As we enter 2022, I would like to congratulate all firefighters and officers as you take on your new positions of being a firefighter and a new officer. To all firefighters, especially those firefighters who have some time under their belts, take the time to share your knowledge with your newer members and take the time to offer learning experiences that will

help your company officers lead you through the year. New officers should confer with past officers so you don’t repeat the same mistakes that they may have made. As a new leader, never embarrass a member who may seem weak in certain skills. You will soon learn that as a new officer, you now take on the role of being a teacher. Firefighters must practice what they have learned to become proficient in the skills that save lives, including your own.

Officers need to make sure every member knows how to use the tools of your trade - firefighting!

Anyone with experience will tell you that going on calls is the easy part of our job.

Making sure you and your colleagues know what they are doing is the hard part. Hopefully everyone realizes the importance of drills, training, and truck maintenance. Yes, I said truck maintenance! Saws must start; air packs must work as expected and simple things like making sure the fuel tanks are full is important. When you leave the firehouse after a call, stop, and look around and give thought to anything that requires attention. If you see something is wrong, don’t wait until the next day to make changes.

As an officer, you must set the example and keep the bar raised high, so that your troops are ready for action.

On New Year’s Eve, hug your loved ones, say a prayer for world peace and dust off your training manuals so that you can be the best at what you love to do. Also, remember Firefighter Vincent Malveaux and offer prayers of comfort to his family. In my family, we have a tradition; at the stroke of midnight, we hug one another and start the new year with three foods: herring, lentil soup and rye bread. Yes, I know, to some this sounds horrible. But the symbolism is meaningful.

I wish everyone good luck, good health, and prosperity in 2022. Happy New Year and good luck to all as you enter 2022!

- Dennis

Truck Crash and Fire

On October 28, 2021, Halifax Fire Company 29 was called out for a a drainage ditch. Crews from Dauphin, Middle Paxton and tractor-trailer fire on the Peters Mountain Road. Crews arrived to Fisherville also responded. find the cab of the truck fully involved and that it had crashed into - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Page 6, Fire News, January/February 2022

Fatality at Tower City Fire

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A fire in Tower City claimed the life a very well-known and respected young man, Jonathan Murray, on October 25, 2021. During the event one firefighter was injured, treated by EMS and released at the scene.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Upper Macungie 2-Alarmer

Recently, crews battled a two-alarm house fire in Upper Macungie.

- Fire News photos by Rich Rolen

Page 8, Fire News, January/February 2022

Hereford 3-Alarmer

Crews battled a three-alarm blaze on November 13, 2021, in Hereford.

- Fire News photos by Rich Rolen

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Upper Allen Kitchen Fire Extends

R e c e n t l y, c re w s f ro m U p p e r Al l e n E n g i n e / Tr u c k 2 3 , Mechanicsburg 29 and Lower Allen 12, responded for a structure fire. An exhaust fan caught fire, causing extensive damage to the kitchen and bathroom of the home. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo courtesy JS Fire Photo

Long Fight in Philadelphia Commercial Blaze

In the early morning of December 16, 2012, Philadelphia firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire in a large two-story commercial building. The fire eventually grew to four alarms as the fire spread to surrounding commercial buildings and a three-story twin house. Firefighters would battle the fire into the afternoon hours and were on scene hitting hotspots into the night.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 9

Page 10, Fire News, January/February 2022

Cover Story

Fairfield Road House Fire

On November 6, 2021, the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, along with crews from the Newtown Fire Association, were dispatched for a house fire on Fairfield Road. Fire Chief Glenn Chamberlain arrived to visible fire from the garage and side C of the dwelling. Rescue 80, Ladder 0 and Rescue 45 arrived simultaneously and went in service with numerous handlines. The fire extended into the attic and crews had to back out and use master streams due to the roof collapsing. Numerous other companies came in to assist and cover Yardley. The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Fire Marshal’s Office was investigating.

- Fire News photos by Jeffrey Goldberg

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Page 12, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Looking Back Allentown - 1997 Allentown firefighters battled a multiple-alarm mixed-occupancy fire that started in the Law Street Deli on February 7, 1997.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Allentown - 1998

Philadelphia - 1983

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department’s 3rd Platoon battled a multiple-alarm house fire on December 5, 1998.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

In November 1983, the driver of a 1970s Chevy Nova is questioned about his sobriety by police, as fire crews from Engine 62 and Ladder 24 dealt with hazards.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 13

House Destroyed in Porter Twp. Recently, at 0259, crews were dispatched to a house fire in the 1700 block of East Grand Avenue in Porter Township. Shortly after Chief 22-5 advised county of a working house fire with heavy fire from division 2 of a three-story wood frame structure. Soon after it was reported that heavy fire was coming from the second floor and fire was out the roof. A second alarm was struck. Deputy Chief B. Wagner established command and two handlines were put into service to the bravo and delta sides. Tower City Engine 66-10 arrived and laid 500 feet of five-inch line and then pulled a 2-1/2 inch smooth bore and two 1-3/4 inch lines. Additional units began to arrive and further defensive operations commenced. Unfortunately, crews then experienced water issues with the system not being able to keep up with demand. Command requested the tanker task force. Both Lykens Truck 22 and North End Ladder 58-25 were put into service on the A side with master streams and also structure collapse mitigation. The initial interior attack attempts were abruptly halted by heavy fire and a collapse. After two hours the fire was marked under control. Two water main locations were reported to have failed.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Fire Strikes Historic Building in Mechanicsburg A second alarm fire on December 16, 2021, heavily damaged a third-floor apartment in Mechanicsburg’s business district on West Main Street. Due to numerous calls, the full working fire box was sent on the initial dispatch. Engine companies 29, 37, 31 and 23, Trucks 29 and 23, Rescues 29 and 30, RIT 33 and 69, and Air 13 made up the first alarm assignment. Chief 3-29 arrived to smoke showing from a three-story, end-of-the-row. Interior crews encountered heavy fire on the thirdfloor rear which extended into the cockloft, which ran the entire length of the building. Due to deteriorating conditions and the fire breaking through the roof Command 8 (Neff) requested a second alarm. With numerous lines operating and fire in the cockloft, Command 8 ordered all companies out and used master streams to knock down the fire in the cockloft. Shortly after conditions started to improve, companies resumed interior operations. The first floor was the former Gingerbread Man restaurant, a fixture in the borough for years; apartments were on the upper floors. The fire was placed under control in about an hour; 13 residents were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 14, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Bethel Park Burger King Fire Recently, the Bethel Park Fire Department was dispatched to a working fire at the Burger King on Library Road. Firefighters arrived to smoke showing from the roof and quickly went to work. Crews did a great job finding and quickly extinguishing the fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Duplex Fire in Bristol Bristol Township and borough fire crews were dispatched to a duplex fire in November. The fire, on Schumacher Drive, started in the rear, outside of the duplex. No injuries were reported. The fire was declared under control within an hour. The cause was not determined.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Page 16, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Allentown Motel Fire

Firefighters from the City of Allentown were dispatched to the ed flames showing from a single-story motel. Crews made a quick Royal Motel on East Congress Street for a structure fire. Additional knockdown of the fire. information reported a room on fire. Truck 2 reported a visible - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. header while responding to the call. Engine 13 arrived and report-

Conoy Township Structure Fire

On November 2, 2021, Communications dispatched Engines 71-1, streams operations. Lines were stretched off of Engine 71-1 to knock 74-2 and 701, Rescues 71 and 79-1, Tankers 54 and 71, and Trucks down the fire from the exterior. The fire involved a two-story, wood 74 and 88 to the area of Amosite and Risser Roads in Conoy frame, dwelling with hoarding conditions and was believed to be Township for a dwelling fire. Bainbridge Engine 71-1 arrived to a vacant. Companies tried to do a brief search but were evacuated fully involved structure just south of the intersection on Risser Road. from the structure after a partial collapse. All companies took a Due to no hydrants in the area, a portable pond was set up and defensive posture and it took about an hour to knock down the bulk - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb Marietta Engine 10 set up a fill site. Truck 74 prepared for master of the fire.

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 17

Structure Fire in Halifax On November 20, 2021, the Halifax Fire Department was dispatched for a possible attic fire on Armstrong Street in the borough. Engine 29 arrived to smoke pushing from the 2-1/2 story, wood frame, multi-family structure’s division 1 of the chimney’s b side. Mutual aid companies began to arrive as Halifax stretched a line and wet down the area. At this time command requested additional crews to go interior where they opened up the wall in area of a heating stove pipe. The event was then quickly downgraded as all active fire was found and held in the area of the pipe.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Lehigh 2-Alarmer Recently, Lehigh County Communications sent crews to Levans Road for a house fire. Neffs Chief 1601 arrived to fire showing from the Delta side and struck a second alarm. Engine 3912 pulled four lines and Truck 1631 began roof operations. A handline was pulled off of Truck 1631 and put in service in the exposure building. Crews remained on scene well into the night.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Page 18, Fire News, January/February 2022

Salisbury House Fire

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On November 16, 2021, crews battled a multiple-alarm structure fire at a mansion in Salisbury Township.

- Fire News photos by Rich Rolen

Palmyra Apartment Fire Displaces 7

At 2128 on November 28, 2021, Box 1-6 sent Palmyra and surrounding companies to East Main Street in North Londonderry Township for a structure fire. Deputy 1 requested the box be upgraded to include mutual aid from Dauphin County. Deputy 1 arrived to a single-story garage-type building, with apartments above, and heavy fire on the C side. Engine 1-1 grabbed a hydrant on East Main Street and took a position down the driveway to the front of the building. Tower 1 arrived and set up behind Engine 1-1. The bulk of the fire was on the second floor and void spaces. Multiple lines were stretched and operated along with extensive overhaul was required to bring the fire under control in about an hour. One occupant was injured and the fire left seven residents displaced.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 20, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Lower Paxton House Fire At 0635 hours on November 7, 2021, Company 33, Engines 30, 32 and 35, Truck 34, and Rescue 40 dispatched to Sweetbrier Drive in Lower Paxton Township for a residential structure fire.

Responding companies were advised of two calls reporting a basement fire. Colonial Park Engine 33 arrived to fire and smoke showing from a two-story, single-family, split-level dwelling.

Engine 33 secured their own hydrant and crews stretched an attack line, making a quick knockdown on a room and contents fire in the lower level.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Lafayette Street Garage Fire Extends Firefighters from Carbon and Northampton counties battled a fire on Lafayette Street. The garage was well involved on arrival.

The garage was destroyed and several other buildings in the area sustained damage.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Derry Township Dwelling Fire At 2058 on November 27, 2021, Box 48-3 sent Company 48, Engine 46, and Tankers 54 and 59 to Joann Avenue for a structure fire. County advised of a single caller hearing a fire alarm going off and believed they could see smoke from the roof. Hummelstown Engine 46 arrived to smoke showing from the roof area. Chief 48 (Leonard) assumed incident command and reported a possible attic fire. Companies had a single-story, with basement access in the rear, and fire through the roof on side C. Engine 91-5 was dispatched for RIT. Two lines were stretched and operated for fire in the unoccupied dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Gas Odor in Perkiomen At 0702 on November 2, 2021, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Tanker 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to the 600 block of Bridge Street in the township for a report of a gas odor/leak in the house and garage. The crew was in service for about 25 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 21

Butler Basement Fire Held On December 5, 2021, around 1630, Butler County 911 received multiple calls for a house on fire in the 500 block of West Wayne Street in the city of Butler. Butler 911 dispatched Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service) and Butler City Police. Chief 1 arrived to fire in the basement of a two-story dwelling and requested a second alarm bringing in all off-duty Bureau of Fire shifts. Crews worked to contain the fire to the basement. No extension was discovered.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Harrisburg Duplex Fire At 1229 on November 16, 2021, Box 1-2 sent Harrisburg Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief Bradford to North Street for a structure fire with people still inside. County advised responding units of a back porch on fire with one occupant outside but the status of other occupants was unknown. Chief Bradford arrived to smoke in the area and Wagon 4 secured a hydrant. Companies had fire on the second floor of a 2-1/2 story, frame, duplex. A line was stretched from Wagon 4 for the initial fire attack. Two additional lines were operated, one in the fire building and the other in the exposure. The Red Cross assisted with at least one adult occupant.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 22, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Stubborn Bethlehem 3-Alarmer On November 24, 2021, crews battled a stubborn three-alarm structure fire in Bethlehem.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

West Hazleton 4-Alarmer Firefighters from numerous counties battled a four-alarm fire that started on the roof of a Weis Market in West Hazleton. The fire quickly spread due to high winds. Crews battled the fire for hours before bringing it under control. Companies from Luzerne, Schuylkill and Carbon responded to the call.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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Harrisburg Row Home Fire At 1218 on December 19, 2021, Box 1-5 sent Harrisburg Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 6 (Bradford) to the 1400 block of South 13th Street in South Harrisburg a fire. First arriving companies had heavy fire on the first floor of a 2-1/2 story, wood frame dwelling in a row of three. Lines were stretched into both 1332 and 1334 S. 13th Street where heavy fire was consuming both floors in of the dwellings. With conditions deteriorating, Chief 6 requested the second alarm. A brief water supply issue forced Chief 6 to evacuate the structure. Fire was able to get into the attic of the unattached exposure to the north and a line was used to quickly knock down the fire. With extensive overhaul and opening up required Chief 1 requested a third alarm for manpower. The two fire buildings at 1332 and 1334 were heavily damaged and the exposures suffered moderate damage. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Halifax Town House Fire A fast-moving fire destroyed two homes just outside Halifax Borough on December 20, 2021. At 0834 hours, Halifax Company 29 and Fisherville Engine 216-1 were sent to Dustin Drive for a porch fire. Engine 29 arrived and reported a working fire in a multiple row, end-ofthe-row unit.

Heavy fire rapidly spread to all floors and through the roof of the fire building and the exposure before being stopped at the third dwelling in from the end.

Four lines were stretched and operated and the bulk of the fire knocked down in about 20 minutes. No injuries were reported in the fire which destroyed two homes; a dog also perished in the fire.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Tree on Car in Gratz The Gratz Fire Company was dispatched to the 600 block of North Crossroads Road in Gratz for an MVA with a tree on a car on November 13, 2021. Rescue 27 arrived to find a car that was traveling north had a tree fall onto it. Crews assisted with patient care and assisting the occupants out of the vehicle until the arrival of EMS. Crews then assisted with cutting the tree and debris clean up.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

3-Car MVA on Gravel Pike At 1712 on November 9, 2021, Perkiomen Fire Company’s Engine 66, Field 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to a three-vehicle accident in the 800 block of Gravel Pike (Route 29) near the entrance to the Landis Supermarket. The crews were in service for about 45 minutes. Thanks to Lower Frederick Fire Company Station 52 Fire Police for assisting at the scene.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Motorcycle vs. Car MVA Croydon Fire Company operated at the scene of a motorcycle MVA in November. One rider was hurt when the rider collided with a car. The incident was held to Rescue 11.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Double Fatality at Bensalem MVA

A vehicle exiting an apartment complex in Bensalem is being blamed for causing a double-fatal traffic accident in November.

Bensalem fire crews went in service to extricate at least two people. Rescue crews from Trevose and Cornwells also responded.

The other driver sustained serious injuries. At least four medic units were dispatched to the scene on Knights Road in late October 2021.

- Fire News photo Dawn Altstatt

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 25

F-3 Tornado Touches Down

Firefighters from Bensalem responded to the Faulkner car dealership on Street Road for a confirmed F-3 tornado touchdown. The building was open for business and took a direct hit from the twister, which devastated the entire complex, leveling the service area. There were only a few minor injuries, however. Emergency

management was on scene through the night, making sure there was no danger from a gas leak. Companies from Bensalem, Southampton and Bristol Township were called to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 26, Fire News, January/February 2022

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2 Injured in 3-Vehicle MVA Trout Run, Hepburn, Old Lycoming, Loyalsock and SREMS responded to a three-vehicle MVA with two injuries transported.

- Fire News photo by Joseph Hopple

Tractor TrailerTrike MVA Bensalem Township Fire crews responded to an MVA involving a tractor trailer carrying heavy equipment and a motorized trike, at the intersection of Street Road and Hulmeville Roads. This happened in November 2021. The driver of the trike was the only patient. After attending to the patient and getting him transported, the company went in service with traffic control until the arrival of Bensalem and Bristol Township Fire Police. The patient suffered serious injuries.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Car Into Creek … and More … in Bensalem Firefighters in Bensalem had to use foam to put out a car fire in mid-October when a drunk driver plowed his car through a fence and into a creek. The driver also struck six parked vehicles in the parking lot of the Creekside Apartments on Knights Road. Rescue companies were initially dispatched for an extrication. Upon arrival they found the driver was out of the car. He was transported and crews went in service to mitigate a gasoline spill instead. Heavy-duty wreckers were called to remove the car from the creek. The driver and his family face evictions for this escapade.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 27

Trench Rescue Training

Crews from Old Lycoming Township, Duboistown, Montgomery and Williamsport Bureau of Fire participated in a trench rescue

class taught by instructors from HACC. - Fire News photos by Joseph Hopple

Page 28, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Cranberry Twp. Training Blitz Members of the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company and outside mutual aid companies at the 24-hour training blitz on October 23, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Washington Twp. Rescue Practice Members from Washington Township, Lehigh County’s three fire departments practiced their rescue skills on November 21, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 29

Upper St. Clair Fire Department Training

Upper St. Clair Fire Department held a night time training session at Washington County Fire Academy. Everyone worked hard to pack as much training into the night as possible.

- Fire News photos by Ken Lager

Page 30, Fire News, January/February 2022

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Halifax Brush 29 Dedicated On November 7, 2021, Halifax Brush 29 was dedicated in memory of fallen Firefighter/tow operator Tyler Laudenslager who was struck and killed last year along I 78 while conducting his daily job as a tow operator.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

2021 Perkiomen Township Fire Department Santa Run - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 31

Remembering 9/11 The September 11 banner made its way to Bristol Township in Bucks County in October. The banner, which flew at Ground Zero for one year, was unfurled and emergency responders from the township posed for this photo, holding it up, with firetrucks representing the township in the background. The banner was there with organizers from an event to raise money for 9/11 survivors and their families, who were killed or are sick and unable to work as a result of the attacks.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Hero Thrill Show Fundraiser Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department join the festivities and help the Honor Guard for the presentation of colors at the Hero Thrill Show. This event, held at the sports complex in Philadelphia, raises money to pay for the education of the children of police and firefighters when the parent is killed in the line of duty. The event is well attended and features firefighting demonstrations, tactics and fire truck rides.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Perkiomen Vols Honored for Heroism Eight Perkiomen Township volunteer firefighters (Montgomery County) were recognized on December 13, 2021, for their valor

and heroic actions during a residential fire on King Road in the township on February 20, 2021.

All were instrumental in the rescue of a handicapped resident at the house fire.

Firefighters Jeffrey Wynne, Aleksey Kononenko, Chief Engineer John Moran, Jr., and Junior Firefighter Patrick McCafferty were presented with the Distinguished Service Medal. This medal is awarded to, “Persons who have performed acts of heroism.”

Assistant Chief Brian Debus, Assistant Chief Kevin Motsavage, Deputy Chief Stan Turtle and Firefighter Chris DiFerdinando were presented with the Medal of Valor for their roles in the King Road Fire. The

Lower Macungie Open House Lower Macungie Fire Department held its open house on October 9, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Steve Lenz

Medal of Valor is awarded to firefighters for, “Performance above and beyond the call of duty at extreme personal risk and having been instrumental in rescuing and saving the life of another person.”

The awards were presented at the December monthly meeting by Perkiomen Township Fire Company President Brad Bonner and Fire Chief John Barnshaw.

(Left to right): Deputy Chief Stan Turtle, Assistant Chief Kevin Motsavage, Assistant Chief Brian Debus, Engineer John Moran, Jr., Firefighter Chris DiFerdinando, Firefighter Jeffrey Wynne, Junior Firefighter Patrick McCafferty and President Brad Bonner.

Missing from photo: Firefighter/EMT Aleksey Kononenko.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 32, Fire News, January/February 2022

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DAVID RUSSELL APPOINTED FEMSA PRESIDENT David Russell, Owner and President of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been elected as President of the Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023 at the 2021 Annual Meeting.

Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., has been a member of FEMSA since 2012, with Russell as the company representative since inception.

“I’m honored to have been elected as President by my fellow committee members. Since being elected to the Board in 2017, I have held positions as Board Member, Treasurer and most recently Vice President. During this time, I have seen previous Presidents create crucial progress for the benefit of the industry. I am humbled to continue this important work and look forward to my term,” said Russell.

Russell is the first industry dealer to be elected President in over 20 years. His duties will be to oversee daily operations of the organization while developing and implementing the strategic vision and planning of the organization with the assistance of the other officers and board members.

FEMSA is the leading trade association for the fire and emergency services industry, representing over 140 companies that provide products and services for fire and EMS professionals all over the world.

If you would like more information, p l e a se c o n t a c t Ash l e y R o ss a t aross@f-ss.com.

FDSOA ADDS “MEMBERS ONLY” SECTION TO WEBSITE The FDSOA Board is excited to announce a new Members Only area to your website. You will have to be logged into the website to view this area.

One new feature of this area is a Document Library where we will collect and store documents that our members may use in their own departments. The Document Library will store documents encompassing various topics to include Behavioral Health, Safety Officer specific items, Emergency Vehicle Technician, Physical Fitness and Vehicle Accidents to name a few. Our goal is to build a robust library over time that will allow members to research various policies without having to “reinvent the wheel”.

We are requesting your help in filling the library. If you have any documents that you would like to share, please let us know. If you have a topic that you would like to see represented, let us know as well.

Click on the Member Document Library Link to access the document library. Reminder, you will have to log into the website to

view this area. This is accessible for all Individual, Department and Corporate members.

If you have anything that you would like to share, please send them via email to documents@fdsoa.org.

After we receive your document, our team will review, and then add to the library if appropriate. You will receive an email reply regarding the status within a couple of weeks.

This is a new area, so please be patient as we receive, review and post documents.

This information is provided for educational, and reference purposes only.

Members are reminded that some materials may be copyrighted and are subject to legal ramifications. The FDSOA makes no representations as to the contents and does not endorse any specific positions. Points of views and opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the FDSOA.

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 33

FLEET COMPLETE ASSET TRACKERS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED AS LTE-M FOR FIRSTNET A complete range of the latest low-power asset tracking solutions - AT1s now certified for use on FirstNet and available to First Responders and the extended public safety community. AT1s are LTE-M devices and fit any level of organizational requirements.

Fleet Complete is launching a comprehensive suite of long-term evolution (LTE) asset trackers for use on FirstNet - AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar. These small devices fit on any equipment and have built-in sensors for ambient temperature, humidity, light, impact, and motion.

FirstNet is the only nationwide, high-speed broadband communications platform dedicated to and purpose-built for America’s first responders and the extended public safety community. It is built with AT&T in a publicprivate partnership with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) - an independent agency within the federal government. It’s designed with and for public safety.

The new solar and wired asset trackers are among the first to be officially recognized as LTE-M for FirstNet. This fully integrated solution is specifically designed for public safety organizations - first responders and those that support them - to provide critical connectivity and insights into assets in the field. With advanced analytics and GPS tracking, Fleet Complete for FirstNet helps improve dispatch efficiency, response times, and safety.

Before being certified and approved for use on FirstNet, devices are subject to hundreds of tests that cover a number of aspects, from security and durability to network impacts.

This helps make sure that they can meet the needs of first responders.

These are the smallest, low-cost solutions that are suited for emergency response and public safety. This also includes use cases for transportation, healthcare, and utilities. The devices can be outfitted on powered and nonpowered equipment, such as medical equipment, generators, trailers, chassis, containers, among other mission-critical tools.

With built-in sensors that monitor location, temperature parameters, light, and impact, AT1 Wired and AT1 Solar provide capabilities that ensure assets are always where they need

to be, as well as reports and analytics on environmental conditions of sensitive equipment with proof of action around their safety requirements.

“This really brings everything together for public safety agencies — and those who support them,” says Brent Dutka, Vice President of Business Development at Fleet Complete.

“Depending on the operational requirements, public safety agencies now have a variety of tracking options that operate on FirstNet. This helps ensure that your assets are accounted for and where they need to be when emergency strikes. You have collective visibility over your resources on one screen, and you can combine it with fleet tracking on the same platform, without switching systems.”

“We’re excited about the growth of LTE-M for FirstNet and to collaborate with Fleet Complete to offer their LTE-M for FirstNet Asset Tracker,” said William Stovall, vice president, Mobility and IoT, AT&T. “This gives first responders and the extended public safety community that supports them visibility into critical assets such as generators, trailers, and essential equipment to help them be more efficient and stay safe during everyday operations and emergency response.”

Fleet Complete is among the first to provide a suite of fleet and asset telematics devices that support use on FirstNet. The asset-tracking devices included are: • AT1 Wired that comes with 9 feet of cable and connects directly to equipment’s power source. It is able to recharge whenever the power is on at 100mA charge rate and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge.

• AT1 Solar that provides an option of recharging the tracker’s battery whenever it’s exposed to direct sunlight and includes 1500 pings on a full battery charge.

- Photos provided by Fleet Complete

Page 34, Fire News, January/February 2022

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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

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Fire News, January/February 2022, Page 35

Butler Celebrates New Apparatus

On October 17, 2021, the Butler Bureau of Fire in the City of Butler held a community day to showcase their brand new 2021 Pierce Arrow XT 100-foot Ascendant Mid-Mount Tower with a 2000-gpm pump and 300-gallon tank. This apparatus is designated as Tower

1. Newest members were sworn in and presented with their badges. and other activities were also held throughout the day.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak