Fire News Pennsylvania, Nov./Dec. 2023

PENNSYLVANIA Nov./Dec. 2023

Volume 14, No. 5

Story on page 6.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Schuylkill Historical Society Open House See Story on Page 21

PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 3

In this issue...

Southampton House Fire Firefighters from Southampton made quick work of a house fire on Poplar Street.

See story on page 4

3-Alarm Abandoned Commercial Structure Fire The Butler County 911 Center dispatched Stations 1, 3, 38, 99 and Butler City Police to the area of South McKean and Center Avenue.

See story on page 8

Camp Hill House Fire Displaces 6 Engine companies 13, 30 and 22, Trucks 12 and 17, Squad 13, and Rescue 30 responded to Runson Road for a house fire.

See story on page 9

Red Rock Hill MVA Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department and Bradford City Fire Department Ambulance were dispatched to a singlecar MVA on Red Rock Hill.

See story on page 14

Woman Found on Lehigh Members of the Catasauqua and North Catasauqua Fire Departments assisted in locateing a missing female on the Lehigh River.

See story on page 17

Obituary Allison Hook & Ladder’s First Lady Roberta Buskey See story on page 36

PLUS: Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 New to Them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27

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Page 4, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Bradford Wildfire On October 5, 2023, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported wildfire on Circle Street. Squad 1 and Engine 1 responded with five firefighters and remained on the scene for approximately an hour extinguishing the fire.

- Fire News photos by Jay k. Bradish

Southampton House Fire Firefighters from Southampton made quick work of a house fire on Poplar Street. One firefighter sustained an injury. Crews from Trevose and Northampton responded.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 5

1 Building Gone, 1 Going in Annin Twp. At 0655 on October 9, 2023, Star Hose Company of Port Allegany and the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a reported garage fire on Champlin Hill Road in Annin Township. First arriving units found one building burned to the ground and another structure starting to burn. Mutual aid assistance was requested from Roulette, Coudersport and Eldred. One burn victim was transported by Port Allegany ambulance to Olean (NY) Hospital after a medical helicopter could not respond due to weather.

Firefighters were on scene until 1100. A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was investigating the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

Upper Allen Garage Fire On September 26, 2023, in Upper Allen Township, crews were sent to Wakefield Avenue for a garage fire. Chief 1-23 saw a column of smoke in the distance while en route and arrived at a two-story, split-level dwelling with a working garage fire. The working fire dispatch brough Engine 15, Rescue 15, Squad 33 (RIT), and Air 13 to the scene. Two lines were stretched for fire in the rear corner of the dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 6, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Cover Story

Harrisburg Vacant Row Home Fire

On October 16, 2023, at 0039, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Captain 3 (Saul) to the area of Howard and Crooked Streets, behind the quarters of Squad 8, for a house fire. Captain 3 arrived to a well involved, middle-of-the-row, house and requested the first alarm. Wagon 3, Truck 32, Rescue 69, Air 13, and Chief 1 made up the extra companies. The fire involved a 2-1/2 story, wood frame vacant dwelling that had extended into the exposures, some of which were occupied. Multiple lines were deployed and as conditions worsened the building was evacuated and units went in service with master streams from Truck 2, Tower 1 and Truck 32. A second alarm was struck bringing Engines 37-1, 301 and 68-1, and Trucks 34 and 2 to the scene. All searches of the dwellings proved negative. Companies operated for over an hour before the fire was declared under control.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Commercial Fire in Butler Members of the Butler Veterans Affairs Fire Department responded for a commercial structure fire in the City of Butler on September 15, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

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Like Father, Like Son

James Kelley, Chief of the Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department in McKean County with his son Alex Kelley at a recent training exercise. Chief Kelley has been a firefighter for 22 years and Chief of the Department for 17 years. His son, has been a junior firefighter for four years and is a senior at Bradford Area High School. He is currently the junior fire department Captain and is completing the state essentials firefighting course so that he may become a regular member of the department.

- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, November/December 2023

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3-Alarm Abandoned Commercial Structure Fire

On September 15, 2023, at 0324, the Butler County 911 Center dispatched Stations 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), 38 (Veterans Affairs FD), 99 (Butler Ambulance) and Butler City Police to the area of South McKean and Center Avenue for smoke coming from a building. City police confirmed smoke coming from an abandoned commercial building at the intersection of Center Avenue and South Cliff Street. City fire units requested a second alarm for all off-duty Butler Bureau of Fire shift along with ladder trucks from Stations 15 (Saxonburg) and 26 (Chicora). Fire units went to work on an interior attack. Command was advised that the first floor was burned through and the fire was advancing

above the interior crews. Command evacuated all personal from the building and went into defensive operations. At 0409 command requested an engine From Station 10 (Herman). At 0500 Station 9 (East Butler) and Station 14 (Unionville) were added. At 0502 command requested Station 33 (Slippery Rock) for a tower. In all, four aerial ladders were in operation along with numerous ground monitors. Command was finally terminated at 1551. The building was demolished to uncover hidden fire from the roof collapsing down into the second floor.

- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak

Electrical Issue in Slatington Firefighters were dispatched to Kuntz Street at George Dillard Manor in Slatington for a reported high-occupancy building fire. Responding companies were advised of an odor of smoke on the fifth Floor. A second alarm was struck for additional manpower. Crews arrived and confirmed a burning electrical odor on the fifth floor and continued to search for the cause. An evacuation of all the residents took place as crews continued to look for the cause. Crews were able to locate an issue inside one of the apartments and ventilated the building.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 9

Camp Hill House Fire Displaces 6

On October 14, 2023 at 1532 Engine companies 13, 30 and 22, Trucks 12 and 17, Squad 13, and Rescue 30 responded to Runson Road for a house fire. Due to multiple calls, the balance of the first alarm was assigned bringing Engine companies 37 and 10, Air 13, and Rescue 69 for RIT. Police advising fire in the rear of the house. Chief 2-30 arrived and confirmed a working fire in the rear. Hampden Chief 30 assumed incident command for a single-story house that was well involved. Lines were stretched from Engine 22, and Truck 12 took side A where their crew opened up the roof. Engine 1-30 laid a line to the rear where a line was stretched to side C. Additional companies assisted with searches, opening up, and stretching lines. Command requested Squads 20 and 33 to the scene for manpower. Two adults and four children were displaced and assisted by the Red Cross.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 10, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Upper Allen House Fire

On September 8, 2023 in Upper Allen Township at 1638, Box 23-02 sent Engine companies 23, 29, 12 and 25, Trucks 29 and 12, Rescue 29, and Air 13 to Springwillow Drive for a house fire. Due to calls being received, the working fire was dispatched on the initial alert.

The caller advised of an explosion in the garage and there was a fire and they were evacuating. Chief 23 arrived to smoke showing from

the eaves. Engine 23 laid in from a hydrant out front of the dwelling and lines were stretched for a fire in the rear of the dwelling on the C/D corner of a single-story, single-family, dwelling. Two lines were stretched and operated. The fire was brought under control at 1724.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 11

Page 12, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Fire Damages Lemoyne Apartment Building

On October 11, 2023, Lemoyne Box 113-02 sent Engine companies 13 and 10, Rescue 14, Squads 8 and 20, Trucks 12 and 2, Rescue 69, and Air 13 to Hummel Avenue for a house fire. Caller advised fire in the house, PD hsaid ther was smoke in the area, and a male trying to enter the home. With this info headquarters toned out the working fire assignment on initial dispatch. Chief Mulholland

reported fire showing from the second floor of a 2-1/2 story, multifamily, dwelling. Multiple lines were stretched and the fire extended into the attic area requiring extensive opening up to knock down the bulk of the fire. Squad 33 special called for manpower. Searches were negative and several occupants were displaced.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Small Plane Crash at Northeast Airport The Philadelphia Fire Department responded to a small plane crash at Northeast Philadelphia Airport on August 4, 2023. There were no serious injuries reported. The plane was landing and had a student pilot and authorities said the plane overran the runway and hit a patch of grass and flipped over. Fire crews stayed on scene until the arrival of the FAA. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

DWI MVA on State Road

Philadelphia Fire responded to the 8300 block of State Road for a two-vehicle MVA with entrapment. An intoxicated female driver was going south on Frankford Avenue when she swiped the rear of a northbound vehicle after crossing into opposing lanes. She then went out of control, and slammed into at least six vehicles in a car lot and then wrapped her car around a pole. Two medic units were called, as was a full rescue assignment. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Bike Injury at Spring Mountain Requires Medevac At 1604 on, September 27, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66, Field 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to Spring Mountain in Spring Mount as mutual aid to support Upper Salford Volunteer Fire Company for a report of bicycle accident on the main mountain bike trail. After the patient was taken down the mountain, a PENNSTAR helicopter airlifted the patient. Units were on scene for just over one hour.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Train Hits Person … or Maybe Not Members of numerous departments assisted the Northampton Fire Department with a search following a report of a person being struck by a train in the borough. Crews were dispatched to Railroad Street as the Norfolk Southern Crew reported they struck a person walking on the tracks.

No victim was located after an extensive search of the area.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 13

Philadelphia Head-on

Engine 62, Ladder 34 and Medic 20 were on the scene of a wrongway driver that crashed head-on into a car on the Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia. One person suffered a minor injury.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Motorcycle vs. Car MVA

Bensalem Fire crews responded to Interstate 95 and Street Road for a serious crash involving a motorcycle. A car coming off I-95 ran the red light police said, causing the motorcycle to slam into the driver’s door area. The car driver, a male from Philadelphia, was trapped in his vehicle and had to be freed using rescue tools. Two medic units were called. Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Page 14, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Red Rock Hill MVA

Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department and Ba radford City Fire Department Ambulance were dispatched to a single-car MVA on Red Rock Hill at 0911 on October 11, 2023. After arriving, mutual aid was requested from Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department. A medical helicopter was requested to the Foster Brook Park off of Derrick Road. Limestone (NY) Volunteer Fire

Department was requested to establish an LZ for the helicopter. It took over 90 minutes for the driver of the vehicle to be extricated.

Bradford Township and Otto Township fire police assisted in closing Red Rock Hill during the rescue operation. Firefighters used hydraulic tools to perform the extrication. Foster Township Police investigated.

- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

Page 16, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Auto Strikes Harrisburg Restaurant

On October 4, 2023 - Harrisburg Squad 8 and Tower 1 were dispatched to Cameron and Market Streets for an accident with injuries. County advised of a vehicle on its side into a building and bystanders pulled at least one occupant out of the vehicle. Squad 8 arrived to find one vehicle into a single-story restaurant and an

Hydrant and Hose Training for Perkiomen On October 3, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers went to the Perkiomen Township Building parking lot behind the station to work on hydrant operations and hose deployment. This was a hands-on training of basics and best practices; a great overview for new volunteers and a refresher for seasoned members.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

occupant laying on the sidewalk. Wagon 4 was special called for manpower. The occupant of the vehicle was transported to a hospital and units remained on the scene for about an hour.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 17

County Fire Police Meeting The meeting of the Bucks County Fire Police was held in the engine bay of Station 6 in September. Fire police from companies across the county were represented.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

Woman Found on Lehigh Members of the Catasauqua and North Catasauqua Fire Departments were notified of a missing female in the Lehigh River in the area of the North Catasauqua Bridge. Water rescue units from Allentown, Whitehall, Northampton, Coplay and Lehigh Township were requested and assisted with searches. The Lehigh County Drone team provided an aerial view and ground crews walked the river bank. The female was eventually located on the river bank and transported to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Page 18, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Training

30 Attend Tri-County Fire School Classes

Classes were held October 5 and 6, 2023, at the Tri-County Fire Essentials class and the Vehicle Rescue Operations class.

School in Smethport. Approximately 30 volunteer firefighters from - Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish throughout the area attended the interior firefighter portion of the

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 19

PA Fire Commissioner, Senator Meet at Perkiomen Twp. FC

On September 27, 2023, recently appointed Pennsylvania Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook and Senator Tracy Pennycuick (PA 24th, Vice-Chair of Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees) met with area fire chiefs, officers and volunteers at Perkiomen Township Fire Company in western Montgomery

County. The meeting was a great way to communicate directly and openly with state leaders to raise issues, concerns, and solutions about the fire service locally and across the Commonwealth.

Thanks for making the trip to Perkiomen Township!

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 20, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Remembering 9/11 A 9/11 remembrance ceremony was held at the Mission BBQ on Haldeman Avenue. All branches of this restaurant held a service at noon on September 11. Philadelphia Ladder 34 and Cornwells Fire Company Ladder 16 formed an arch in the parking lot, and were joined by the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Fire Department. As a promotion, all first responders ate free at the restaurant on 9-11.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Edgley Open House Two members from the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader Squad pose with Bristol Township’s Edgley Fire Company Ladder 10 during their Fire Prevention Open House. The festivities included a raffle, firefighter competition and vendors.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 21

Schuylkill Historical Society Open House

Mahanoy City’s Schuylkill Historical Fire Society held an Open House on September 9, 2023.

- Fire News photos by Steve Lenz

Page 22, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Remembering the 343

For the 22nd year, Bradford Township volunteer firemen have lit the Fireman’s Monument in Oak Hill Cemetery in observance of 9/11. Firefighters hung a large American flag behind the monument and lit the monument for three hours and 43 minutes in honor of the number of New York City firefighters that lost their lives that day.

The Fireman’s Monument was dedicated in 1909 for the volunteer

firemen that served Bradford from 1903 to 1076 when the paid fire department was established. A procession of police and fire emergency vehicles passed through downtown Bradford at 2030. Fire and police agencies from throughout McKean County participated in the annual event.

- Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 23

Harrisburg Awards Ceremony

Harrisburg Bureau of Fire held their 2023 Awards Ceremony at Station 1 on October 10, 2023.

Awards were presented by Chiefs 1 (Enterline), 2 (Souder), 3 (Sattizhan), and 4 (Wise). The guest speaker was Mayor Wanda Williams. Members were given individual and unit citations for CPR saves, rescue from a house fire, accidents, and Pennsylvania Task Force 1 deployment. Four new members were sworn into as official members by the mayor, and several firefighters were recognized for years of service milestones. A special acknowledgement went to former Wagon 4 Chauffeur Michael Stender who was elected to political office.

Chief Enterline announced a partnership and initiative with the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire and Harrisburg City Schools to expose youths to being a city firefighter and fire safety. It was noted that there have been no fire related fatalities in the city in two years.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 24, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Montgomery County Hero Fundraiser

On September 30, 2023, the Montgomery County Hero Fund 5K Brews and BBQ fundraiser event was held at the Lower Providence Fire Department Fairgrounds. Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Deputy Chief Stan Turtle started the 5K. The Montgomery County Hero Fund is a 501(c3) organization that provides immediate and ongoing relief and services to any law enforcement officer, military personnel, firefighters, paramedics and/or other first responders or their loved ones as a result of tragedy on duty or in service of the people of Montgomery County. A great day, great event and a great cause.

The Montgomery County Hero Fund was founded in 2012 by Sharon

and Sean E. Cullen in response to the murder of Officer Brad Fox of the Plymouth Township Police Department and United States Marine Corps (ret.).

The mission of the Montgomery County Hero Fund is to immediately guarantee that the acts of a hero will never be forgotten and that we will always rise to the challenge of making sure sacrifice in the line of duty will never be in vain and that law enforcement officers, military personnel, firemen, paramedics and/or first responders and their loved ones will be protected and cared for in the event of tragedy.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

LONGTIME FIRE SERVICE ADVOCATE VICKIE PRITCHETT RECEIVES NFFF’S GLATFELTER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has recognized Ms. Vickie Pritchett as the newest recipient of the Foundation’s Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award. Ms. Pritchett serves as the Vice President/Executive Officer at the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) and is being recognized for her many and varied contributions to the NFFF, according to Troy Markel, Chair of the NFFF Board of Directors. “Vickie is a tireless advocate for the Foundation and the fire service in general,” Markel said. “Her dedication sets the bar for the rest of us to follow.”

Vickie is a long-time advocate for safety throughout the fire service and for NFFF, specifically. She is a key component of the Foundation’s national leadership efforts and strategic grassroots programming. Her impressive resume and influence throughout the fire service is well known, and her support of NFFF is constant.

“Vickie is the true embodiment of the spirit of the Glatfelter award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to support and further the mission of the NFFF. For many years, her innovative thinking and

great leadership have not only benefitted the Foundation but have promoted firefighter safety and amplified the voice of safety in the fire service overall. I am confident that her impact as a connector, liaison, spokesperson, and hands-on partner for the NFFF will continue for years to come,” said Chief Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. The NFFF created the Arthur J. Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award to recognize exceptional service to the NFFF by men and women who continue in support of Glatfelter’s legacy as a champion of the fire service.

Ms. Pritchett was presented the Glatfelter Distinguished Service Award by Tony Campisi, Chairman of the Glatfelter Insurance Group, on September 27, 2023, during the opening session of Firehouse Expo in The Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.

“Vickie Pritchett represents everything that Art Glatfelter stood for,” Campisi said. “We are grateful for leaders who carry the standard for the fire service, and it’s a privilege to present Vickie with this award.”

FDSOA TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR SAFETY OFFICER OF THE YEAR Fire departments from across North America can showcase their best incident or health and safety officer by nominating that officer for this prestigious annual award.

The Fire Department Safety Officers Association is again accepting nominations for its annual Safety Officer of the Year award. Nominations can be submitted until November 10, with the winner being announced at FDSOA’s annual Health and Safety Conference.

“Safety officers are often the unsung heroes of their departments,” says FDSOA Executive Director Rich Marinucci. “They are quietly making sure our firefighters go home in one piece after every call or shift.

And they are building policies and procedures to ensure they can live the longest, healthiest life possible.”

Casey Jones, the 2023 Safety Officer of the Year, said in his acceptance speech that the unknown was the most dangerous thing

facing the fire service today. “There are a lot of unknowns, but it is really ourselves, because we are the ones who fear the unknown.” Preparedness, he said, is not a destination, but an ongoing effort to learn and improve.

FDSOA’s Safety Officer of the Year award is about honoring the best of the best, Marinucci said.

“And it is also about setting the bar high for others to strive for. That means staying educated, innovating and constantly preparing.”

This year’s winner will be honored at FDSOA’s Health and Safety Conference in Phoenix, Ariz. Jan. 14 - 18, 2024 and have her or his travel expenses to the conference paid.

To nominate someone for this award, visit https://www.fdsoa.org/page-18152 for rules and a link to the nomination form.

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 25

A Busy Month at Allison Hook & Ladder No. 2

For the third year in a row, Allison members, assisted by Chief Doug DeHaven Fire Marshal (ret.) of Hagerstown (MD), provided a strong fire prevention message, a workbook, and an Allison helmet to kids in our neighborhood. Following the interaction with our members, each received a ticket that was redeemed at the ice cream

truck for a treat of their choice. The kids also got a chance to climb into the engine and get their picture taken. Allison officers took the opportunity to interact with community leaders who attended the festival. Many positive comments were received about our commitment to our neighborhood.

- Fire News photos by Steve Austin

2nd Annual Allison Hill Academy a Success

Partnerships help make the Second Annual Allison Hill Academy successful, and the Senator John J. Shumaker Public Safety Center at Harrisburg Area Community College provided the venue.

Firefighters sharpened their skills by training in the rain. Allison’s instructors focused on how to adjust to short-staffed crews with realistic hot training. While it wasn’t planned, the weather added to

the challenge. The Training Committee of the Firefighters Association of the State of Pennsylvania helped fund the academy with a generous grant. Our students also enjoyed a meal and socialization the evening before the academy at the firehouse.

- Fire News photos by Steve Austin

Allison Honors Retired Fire Instructors Honoring those who came before us is what we do at Allison Hook and Ladder. For the second time, we hosted retired fire instructors for a social, and meal prepared by Allison Chef Milo Smith. We take seriously our commitment to remember those who brought us here. We also held a get-together of the retired Harrisburg firefighters during the month.

- Fire News photos by Steve Austin

Page 26, Fire News, November/December 2023

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Obituary

Allison Hook & Ladder’s First Lady Roberta Buskey Roberta ‘Bert’ Buskey, the widow of our late President Barry Buskey has passed away. Mrs. Buskey was inducted into the company as an Honorary Life Member following the death of her husband.

“She was truly a fireman’s wife,” said current Allison President T. Cosgrove Jones. “Bert stood with her husband through his entire fire service career, including the last years of his life as he fought against all odds to re-establish Allison as an active fire company,” he added.

Bert last visited Allison when she unveiled Barry’s portrait with her family at her side. The members of Allison have a special place in their heart for the Buskey family who contributed so much to the company.

Left: Mrs. Buskey stands beside the portrait of her husband Barry.

- Fire News photo by Steve Austin

Cumberland Valley VFA: Changing Our Name Not Our Mission During the Cumberland Valley VFA Fall Meeting in Odenton (MD), members unanimously adopted a resolution stating that the organization will be known as Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association (CVVFA) going forward.

This change is largely ceremonial to reflect the dedication and operations that CVVFA displayed for the past 122 years. According to our constitution and by-laws the legal change to our name must take place at the annual convention. Because we are forward thinking, we decided to begin calling ourselves a “Firefighters” Association now reflecting the makeup of our membership.

What once began as a collaboration between four neighboring states,

CVVFA is now a nationwide organization, comprised on men and women who not only are members of fire and EMS departments but also law enforcement agencies, tow operators and more. We started with a mission to standardize hose couplings in 1901 and have further expanded our focus on responder safety at roadway incidents, community risk reduction and reputational risk management.

Over the next months, CVVFA will continue to enhance our brand under the new name as we head to our 123rd CVVFA Convention in Halfway, MD, in August 2024 where the official name change will take place.

- Submitted by Steve Austin

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Fire News, November/December 2023, Page 27

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