Fire News Pennsylvania Mar./Apr. 2023

Allentown Trench Rescue

The Allentown Fire Department and Lehigh County Special Operations Team were dispatched to Wayne Street for a trench rescue.

See story on page 4

Lewistown Camper Fire

Lewistown and surrounding stations arrived to find a well involved camper fire.

See story on page 6

Fire Leaves Penbrook

Occupants Homeless

Paxtonia Captain 34 received calls for a structure fire on Hoffer Street in Penbrook.

See story on page 9

Greensburg Structure Fire

Multiple departments respond to a structure fire at the Greensburg Knights Inn.

See story on page 13

Firefighters Battle Garage Fire in

Middle Paxton Twp.

Dauphin-Middle Paxton and surrounding mutual aid companies respond for a fire.

See story on page 20

American Legion Post 887 Destroyed

Eldred Twp., Eldred Boro and Smethport VFDs were dispatched for a structure fire.

See story on page 22

AService for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

WinterChallenges From the Editor’s Desk

I recently checked with my local groundhogs and found that all the seasoned groundhogs had differing opinions on when winter will end. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of cold weather, while Chuckles and General Beauregard Lee are saying we will have an early spring. Since I am an optimist, I’m betting on an early spring! But, regardless of what our groundhogs think, I am staying prepared for a few more weeks of cold weather.

I grew up in the fire service. I remember my dad hated fighting fires in the cold. He always prepared his rack for winter, which included an extra wool sweater, a wool skull hat and a nylon vest. In 1960, I was a full-fledged buff. In those days I ran to fires and immediately found the Salvation Army truck, which was always present. My adopted job was to retrieve a cardboard box filled with coffee and doughnuts and distribute them to the MPOs, so that the members of the companies had a warm beverage waiting for them when they exited the fire building. I know the members appreciated my gesture offering them coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army. Truthfully, I miss the dedication of the Salvation Army. With the advancement of technology, we now have Recuperation and Care Units (RAC Units). These units respond to all-hands calls and provide members with cool

drinks and cool towels during hot weather and warm drinks during cold weather.

Several times I was asked to run to my father’s company and load up a bag of dry clothing and bring it back to the fire. It didn’t look like fun when I saw firefighters exiting a warm building in wet clothing and standing in freezing temperatures. This changed in the late 60s.

In extreme temperatures, firefighters need protection from both heat and cold at the same incident. While stretching lines and opening up a building, firefighters are exposed to the cold temperatures and, within minutes, they are exposed to extreme heat. Firefighters who are dressed for the cold are likely to become fatigued. It is common for firefighters to be sweating on the inside and covered with ice on the outside. Officers should remind members to stay warm without compromising protection.

Plan and prepare for fighting fires in the winter months. Agood pump operator has a built-in instinct that warns of the dangers of allowing their truck to freeze up. Some departments in cold climates operate with dry pumps. As they arrive on scene they allow water to enter the pump so that it can be out into operation. I recommend that new pump operators speak with a senior pump operator to review cold weather operation. You should also check with the pump

manufacturer to see if they have guidelines for operating in cold weather.

Check with Firehouse magazine. Jim Vaughn wrote a great article called, “Preparedness and Training for Cold-Weather Firefighting.” Check out their December 2020 edition.

Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong and that springtime is less than six weeks away. In the meantime, stay warm! - Dennis

Allentown Trench Rescue

On January 11, 2023, at around 1400, the Allentown Fire Department and Lehigh County Special Operations Team were dispatched to the 1500 block of Wayne Street fora trench rescue. The callerreportedtwo men trapped aftera trench collapse. The first victim was quickly removed from the trench. However, the second victim was buried up to his neck. At around 1700, the Scranton and

Bucks County tech rescue teams were requested to respond to the incident. The Scranton tech rescue team was put to work, however the Bucks County tech rescue team staged at the city’s Mack South fire station. Many crews worked forovereight hours to free the second victim and, at around 2215, he was extricated from the trench.

- Fire News photos by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Lewistown CamperFire

Lewistown and surrounding stations arrived to find a well involved camperfire endangering a structure.

AMerry Christmas for2 Dogs

Philadelphia Fire Department crew responded foran apartment fire on Woodhaven Road just before Christmas night at the North Point apartments.. They arrived to heavy smoke showing when they pulled up. Two dogs were rescued froma third floor apartment. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Whitehall Twp. Apartment Fire

On January 22, 2023, at around 1600, the Lehigh County Communications Centersent Station 3, Engine 3711, Trucks 3631 and 3831, and Station 62 (Cetronia EMS) to Russell Court in Whitehall Township foran apartment building fire. The callerreported that the fire alarms were going off and there was smoke coming from the floor below them. Engine 3912 arrived first and reported smoke showing. The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes. Crews remained on scene for about a half hourconducting overhaul.

Harrisburg Firefighters Knock Down Vehicle Fire

At about 0130 on December18, 2022, Harrisburg Wagon 4, Tower1, and Chief Bastinelli were dispatched to North 20th Street and Briggs Street fora vehicle fire. Wagon 4 stretched a line to quickly knock down a fire in a sedan.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

2 Alarm House Fire forBradford City FD

- Fire News photos by Jay Bradish

Bradford City firefighters were dispatched to an early morning residential fire recently. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire extending to residential exposures on both sides. All occupants of the fire building were self-evacuated, and a second alarm was requested bringing all off-duty city firefighters, as well as Bradford Township and Derrick City volunteerfire departments to the scene. Abroken hydrant hindered initial operations but was soon overcome. Firefighters used three blitz fire masterstreams and several handlines to extinguish the fire. There were no injurie s and firefighters remained on-scene forfourhours.

FirefighterInjured at BridgewaterRd. Arson

Firefighters from all overLowerBucks County responded to Bridge waterRoad in Decemberforfire in an industrial building used as a book seller which was intentionally set officials said. One firefighterfrom Nottingham sustained injury when he fell 25 feet from a ladder. The fire reached two alarms before being brought under control. An arson dog from Philadelphia was brought in to help the investigation.

- Fire News photos by Dawn Altstatt

On December22, 2022, shortly after2000, Paxtonia Captain 34 received calls fora structure fire on HofferStreet in Penbrook. At 2010, Box 301 sent Company 30, Engines 32, 33, 50, Wagon 4, Truck 32, Tower1, and Rescue 37 to HofferStreet fora house fire. Chief 40 quickly advised of heavy smoke showing, confirming the dispatch. Engine 32-1 arrived first due, laying out from 28th and Hofferand requested the first alarm. Companies encountered

Fire Leaves Penbrook Occupants Homeless

Fire Leaves Penbrook Occupants Homeless

heavy fire from an unoccupied, single-story dwelling with a downed powerline in the rear. One line stretched through the front doorand two lines worked in the rearmaking a good knockdown of the bulk of the fire. Extensive overhaul was required to check forextension in the loft area. Several pets were rescued but two dogs died in the fire.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Lewistown 4 Alarm Fire

Units from fourcounties responded to a four-alarm apartment building fire on West Charles Street recenly. One firefighterwa s

injured and 14 people were displaced.

- Fire News photos by Patrick Shoop

House Fire in Reedsville

Smoke Showing at Excitement Smoking?

Several West Shore fire companies battled a fire at a LowerAllen Township business on December21, 2022. Crews were dispatched to Excitement Smoking on Hartzdale Drive and arrived to smoke showing from the single-story strip mall. Multiple handlines were stretched to the front and rearto knock down the smoky fire that involved the ceiling. Companies were out forovertwo hours and no injuries were reported.

Engine 6 (Reedsville) arrived to a second-floor fire in town. Quick work held the fire to the second floor.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Greensburg Structure Fire

Multiple departments were dispatched to a structure fire at the Knights Inn, along South Main Street, in Greensburg. First responders were met with hea vy fire coming through the front doorof the unit, which had been burnt through. While the bulk of the fire was contained to a single unit, neighboring units suffered damage as well. A cat was rescued from an adjoining room. The state police fire marshal was investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Additionally, this is the second fire at the Knights Inn in one month.

- Fire News photos by James Brooks

Working a Whitehall Building Fire

Catasauqua firefighterKalynych and North Catasauqua firefighter Barberare seen operating at a second alarm apartment building fire in Whitehall Township on January 22, 2023.

Bucks Meadows Apartment Fire

Firefighters in Bensalem responded fora working fire at the Buc ks Meadows apartment complex on Knights Road in November2022. Aroom and contents fire was reported on the top floorof the building, which two-story garden apartments. Multiple units were damaged by smoke and water.

Barn Fire in Lower Pottsgrove Twp.

Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to assist Sanatoga Fire Company with a barn fire in LowerPottsgrove Township on January 11, 2023. Crews from Squad 51 and Tower51 assisted with interiorand exterioroperations. Tanker51 assisted in shuttling waterto the scene, while Deputy 51 assisted with running command of the fire.

- Submitted by The Limerick FD

Harrisburg Kitchen Fire Damages Duplex

December29, 2022, Harrisburg Box 1-4 toned at 1349, sending Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief 6 (Bradford) to South 20th Street fora microwave fire. Chief 6 while en route advised of three calls reporting a microwave on fire, both buildings on fire, and explosions. County also received a report of animals trapped. Squad 8 reported smoke showing as they rounded the cornerof 13th and Market streets. Chief 6 gave the first alarm as he arrived to a duplex to find fire on the first floor. Wagon 3, Truck 32, Rescue 69, and Air41 made up the first alarm assignment. One line was stretched intoduplex where companies encountered heavy fire in the rear. Asecond line was stretched into the otherhalf of the duplex and a third line stretched from Wagon 3 to be used forextension in the fire building. Chief 6 reported all occupants out. The fire was placed undercontrol in 20 minutes and two adults were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

- Fire News photo by Georffrey Wetherhold

Firefighters Battle New Cumberland House Fire

On December21, 2022, at 0740, Box 10-01 sent Engine companies 10, 13 and 68; Trucks 10 and 69; and Squad 13 to Market Street for a house fire. Engine Companies 12 and 14, Truck 12, Rescue 14, RIT40, and Air13 made up the working fire companies. Chief 1-10 arrived shortly afterdispatch reporting a 2-1/2 story residential, structure with heavy fire on the C side. Two lines were stretched for

the initial fire attack and crews were able to make a good knockdown of the fire. Companies had to open up the attic area, particularly around the eaves, to contain extension. An exposed dwelling suffered melted siding. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Independence Street 2-Alarmer

Fire broke out in the rearof two businesses on December21, 2022, on East Independence Street in downtown. OIPRestaurant and an adjoining cigarshop were extensively damaged by smoke, flames and wateras a result of the fire, which was believed to have started

in a storage area between the two businesses where cleaning materials were kept. Firefighters from at least seven area communities responded undera mutual aid call to the two-alarm fire

- Fire News photos by Harry Deitz

Long Fight at Allentown 3-Alarmer

On Jnuary 22, 2023, Allentown firefighters were dispatched at 0417, fora structure fire at 23rd and Walnut streets. Upon arrival, Ltoeutenant Arneron Engine 10 reported heavy smoke showing from Youell’s OysterHouse. As the crew of Engine 10 forced the door, Battalion Chief James Wehrarrived and took command. Engine 10 reported a working fire once entry was made. Crews encountered heavy fire conditions inside and the request was made

foran additional engine company. Engine 11 was dispatched as the RITand Engine 6 was the additional engine. BC Wehrwas using all hands and shortly afterthe working fire was reported Wehr requested the second alarm. The fire would grow to three alarms and firefighters would battle the fire foroverthree hours before gaining control. The cause was underinvestigation.

Allentown Scrap Yard Fire

- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department battled a fire inside a scrap yard in the city forseveral hours. Crews responded to North 13th Street (EMR Scrap Metal) forthe outside fire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

Firefighters Battle Garage Fire in Middle Paxton Township

On December29, 2022, at 2120, Box 38-5 sent the Dauphin-Middle Paxton Fire Company and surrounding mutual aid to Fishing Creek Valley Road fora garage fire. First arriving companies had heavy fire showing from a two-story garage attached to a dwelling and fire running the roof line into the dwelling. Apowerline down and arcing on the A/B cornerpresented a hazard forinitial companies operating. Engine 38 laid a line at the driveway and, because

there were no hydrants, set up a porta-tank. Engine 37 pulled up in the driveway where lines were placed in service and a worked a trench cut in the roof of the dwelling to cut off horizontal extension. Command requested an extra engine and two tankers to the scene. The fire was placed undercontrol in about an hourand crews performed extensive overhaul as the second floorof the garage had hoarderconditions.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Limerick Responds

January 28, 2023, at 2206, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora fire in Pottstown on Prospect Street. The caller reported a fire in the basement. Squad 51 responded and Tower51 went to standby. - Submitted by the Limerick FD

American Legion Post 887 Destroyed

At 1100 on January 27, 2023, the Eldred Township, Eldred Boro and Smethport VFDs were dispatched on Box 18-4, fora working commercial structure fire at the American Legion Post 887 on Route 446 in Eldred Township, McKean County. First arriving units found a well-advanced fire and requested a second alarm, followed shortly by a third alarm. Ultimately, a fourth alarm was sounded bring over100 firefighters from Pennsylvania and New York to the scene. In all, over20 volunteerdepartments and one

careerdepartment responded. Afive-inch hydrant supply line, three five-inch supply lines from drafting sites and a tankershuttle supplied waterforfirefighting operations. The last firefighters returned to theirstation after2100. The building was destroyed. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was underinvestig ation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit.

- Fire News photos by Jay Bradish

Garage Fire Extends Into House in Warrington Garage Fire Extends Into House in Warrington

On January 9, 2023, at 2215, Warrington Township Engines 66, 15, 67, 23, ND 1-25; Tanker66, 15, 67 AND 23; and Rescue 66 were dispatched to Cabin Hollow Road fora residential structure fire. Reports were fora garage on fire, spreading to the house, and all occupants out. Chief 15 reported a smoke column two-miles out. Command requested the working fire dispatch and tankertask force due to the area not having any hydrants. The fire was in a

two- story wood frame, with attached garage and fire throughout. Crews were evacuated from the dwelling due to unstable walls on the second floorand roof area. Several handlines were operated and companies battled the fire forabout an hourbefore placing undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb

East HanoverTwp. House Fire

On January 13, 2023, at 2202, East HanoverTownship Box 39-6 sent Company 39, Engines 47,nd 48, Wagon 1, Truck 48, Rescue 36-1, and Tankers 35 and 47 to Shady Lane fora structure fire. Asingle callerreported the rearof the attached garage on fire. Lieutenant 39 arrived to heavy smoke showing and requested the first alarm. This brought Engines 46 and 2, Tower1, Rescues 35 and 91-5, and Tankers 37, 2 and 6 to the scene. Due to the area having no hydrants, Command 39 requested the second alarm for tankers only. Crews had a well involved garage attached to a one-story, occupied, dwelling with a propane tank in the rear. The fire extended to the dwelling via the roof area. Multiple lines were stretched from Wagon 1 and companies had the fire undercontrol at 2252.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Limericak Commercial 2-Alarmer

At 0157 on December31, 2022, the, Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora building fire at a multi-business facility at the end of Possum Hollow Road. Squad 51, Tower51, Rescue 51, Engine 51, Ladder51, Utility 51, and Fire Police 51 responded, as did mutual aid units. Upon arrival, Deputy 51 immediately struck a second alarm. Quint 58 arrived and began the initial fire attack in the back. Squad 51 arrived and ran a hose in the front, searching forthe fire on the inside. Additional units deployed handlines, threw ladders, and assisted with the fire attack. The fire was extinguished at around the one-hourmark, but there continued to be heavy smoke conditions in the building. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the fire marshal. - Submitted by the Limerick FD

Allentown 2-Alarmer

HanoverTwp. 2-Alarmer

Firefighters from the Han-Le-Co and Catasauqua fire departments were dispatched to the intersection of North Irving Street and Airport Center Drive in HanoverTownship fora dwelling fire. Chief 3302 advised he could see a headerfrom the fire station and ordered the second alarm be struck. Catasauqua Engine 2 and Truck 2 arrived and Captain 207 took command and advised of fire showing from the AB cornerof the building. Crews went to work stretching two attack lines. As additional companies arrived, crews went to the roof to open up. Crews were able to get a good knock on the fire within 20 minutes. The cause is underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department battled this 2-alarm fire on Walnut Street on January 11, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.

Lewistown MVA

Bensalem Fire crews responded to a two vehicle crash with an overturned caron Dunkferry Road and Atlantic Avenue recently. Originally dispatched as a vehicle rescue, the driverof the ove rturned SUVwas able to was able to self-extricate with only minor injuries. The assignment was handled by the Township fire crew, Engine 222. -

Rescue 14 (Lewistown) and Medic 12 Fame EMS handle this two vehicle crash in Lewistown with one injury.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop

Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Philadelphia One DriverWreck

1 Fatality at Bradford MVA

Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department and Bradford City Fire Department ambulance responded to a single-vehicle MVAon Route 770 in Bradford Township. Two occupants were trapped. Firefighters used battery powered and hydraulic powered rescue tools to extricate the victims. Firefighters also established an LZ fora Mercy Flight helicopter, which transported one of the victims to a out-of-town trauma hospital. The othervictim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Lewis Run and Hilltop VolunteerFire Departments assisted with traffic control.

Limerick MVAwith Injuries Limerick Two-Vehicle MVA

On January 6, 2023, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora vehicle accident with injuries at the intersection of Linfield-Trappe Road and North Lewis Road. Squad 51, Engine 51, and Fire Police responded. Crews cleared debris, directed traffic, and stayed on the scene until tow trucks arrived. All units were made available about thirty minutes later.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

On January 30, at 2023, Limerick Fire Department was dispatched fora two-vehicle accident on North Lewis and the 422 off-ramp. Engine 51, Squad 51, Assistant 51, Chief 51, and Fire Police responded as well as local police and a Trappe EMS unit. Crews cleared glass and debris from the road and waited forthe two trucks before being made available approximately 30 minutes later.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

Philadelphia Fire crews responded to the 3500 block of Presiden t Street foran MVA. One driverslammed into several parked cars, before flipping on its side. Engine 46 Responded and helped with patient care of the driver.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

- Fire News photo by Jay Bradish

Limerick Advanced Ropes and Rigging Training

January 30, 2023, Limerick Fire Department firefighters participated in advanced ropes and rigging training. The training consisted of two skill stations. Station 1 was patient packaging in a Stokes basket and using Ladder51 fora horizontal lift with ropes and anchoring, change of direction, and rigging fora raise and capture.

Station 2 was patient packaging as well, but with a low-angle rescue. An anchorpoint was established with Field 51 and set up forrigging so that the rescuers could go down the incline, access the patient, and safely bring the patient and rescuers to the top of the slope.

- Submitted by the Limerick FD

ON THE PASSINGOFFIRE ENGINEERING AND FDIC-CLARION EVENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBOBBYHALTON

It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.

“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.

Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.

Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.

Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events

“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”

Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY

“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”

Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX

“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”

Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”

Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department

“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”

Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”

Perkiomen Officers Sworn In

Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s operational officers, administrative officers and trustees for 2023 were sworn in by the honorable Magisterial District Judge Albert J. Augustine at the January 9, 2023, meeting.

Operational Officers are:

Chief: Brian Debus

Deputy Chief: Stan Turtle

Asst. Chief: Kevin Motsavage

Asst. Chief 1: John Barnshaw

Battalion Chief: Dan Melville

Battalion Chief 1: Rob Weber

Lieutenant: Jeffrey Wynne

Lieutenant 1: Chris DiFerdinando

Thanking a LongTime Volunteer

At the Perkiomen Township monthly meeting of January 9, 2023, Perkiomen Township Fire Company recognized the contributions of volunteer Firefighter Aleksey Kononenko. Aleksey has been a volunteerwith us since July 2018. Work opportunities are bringing him to central Virginia and he will be moving out of the area. Thanks foryouroverfouryears of service to Perkiomen Township! Outgoing Fire Chief John Barnshaw and incoming Fire Chief Brian Debus presented Aleksey with his helmet and shield.

Chief Engineer: John Moran, Jr.

Fire Police Captain: James Bogusky

Administrative Officers are:

President: Brad Bonner

Vice President: Ted Hodgins

Recording Secretary: Dave Dewey

Treasurer: Bill Patterson

Financial Secretary: Summer Uchin

Trustees:

Michael Zielinski (Chair)

Jack Heelan

Andy Horutz

Dylan Moran

Justin Piccone

Charles Supinski

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Single Vehicle MVA in Schwenksville Borough

At 9:13am Saturday morning, Tanker66 and an all-volunteercrew responded to a single vehicle accident at the intersection of Main St (Rt 29) and Perkiomen Avenue in Schwenksville Borough. Ourteam was dispatched to support LowerFrederick Township Fire Station 52. Crews were in- service forabout 30 minutes. Pennsylvania State Police and Plymouth Ambulance also responded.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins