Fire News Pennsylvania, Mar./Apr. 2024

Chimney Fire Extends into Home

McVeytown FC and mutual aid were dispatched to Ferguson Valley Road in Oliver Twp. for a house fire.

See story on page 4

McKeesport Fire in the Walls

Fire crews were dispatched to the 2700 block of Dinsmore Street in McKeesport for a fire around the fireplace.

See story on page 9

Long Fight on Gerloff Road

On December 28, 2023, crews and mutual aid companies responded to a building fire on Gerloff Road.

See story on page 14

Family Displaced in W. Hanover House Fire

The West Hanover FD and surrounding mutual aid companies were dispatched to Moyer Road for a house fire.

See story on page 16

Fatality at Shaler Twp. House Fire

One man died and another was taken to the hospital following a house fire in Shaler Twp. on January 9, 2024.

See story on page 18

Obituaries

McClure’s

Tim Parson, Jr.

Steelton’s

Eugene Vance III

See story on pages 24 & 26

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Chimney Fire Extends into Home

At 2239 on December29, 2023, McVeytown Fire Company and mutual aid were dispatched to Ferguson Valley Road in Oliver Township fora reported house fire. Upon arrival, Lieutenant 18 reported heavy fire on the delta-side exteriorof a 2-½ story singlefamily dwelling believed to be spreading quickly in the home.

Engine/Tanker18 arrived and stretched into the home finding extension into the attic. Crews remained on the scene until around 0100 on December30 forextensive overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Samuel Baumgardner

Cover Story Fast Stop at Barry Township Shed Fire

On January 14, 2024, Hegins, Sacramento, Minersville, Pitman, Lavelle, Gordon, Tremont and Engelwood were dispatched to a reported shed fire in the 200 block of Hill Road in Barry Township. Hegins Chief 13 was advised by county of a 16- x 8-foot shed on fire with flames 20 feet high along with exposure to nearby structures. Chief 13 arrived and confirmed the shed fire and a brush fire starting to spread to the east. Units began arriving and lines were put into service. Crews split tasks of fire suppression as others worked from the opposite side on exposure protection as well as suppression. Crews were able to make quick work knocking down flames as additional units arrived and sent manpowerforward with tankers staging to supply engines. Responding crews encountered icy spots on Deep Creek Road and subsequently any waterthat fell onto the roadway at the scene from apparatus iced over. Crews were able to begin clearing and returned to warmth as temperatures hovered around the upperteens to low 20s.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Allentown House Fire

Firefighters from Allentown responded to a working dwelling fire on Greenleaf Street on January 6, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Concord Township Fire

On January 5, 2024, just after2100, ButlerCounty 911 dispatched Station 26 (Chicora), Station 28 (Petrolia), Station 29 (Bruin), Station 30 (North Washington), Station 25 (West Sunbury), Station 9 (East Butler), Tower55 (Emlenton) and Station 56 (Karns City EMS) to the 800 block of Seven Hills Road in Concord Township in ButlerCounty fora garage fire. North Washington Chief 30-3 was first to arrive and confirmed the fire with most of the garage on the ground. Engine 26-2 arrived, and Engine 26-1 dropped supply line from the main road up the driveway to supply Engine 26-2. Tanker10 (Herman), Tanker13 (Prospect), Tanker33 (Slippery Rock), Tanker35 (Oneida Valley) and Tanker39 ( Parker) and Engine 32 (Eau Claire) were dispatched to the fill site. The fire was knocked down and extensive overhaul took place. No injuries were reported and crews cleared the scene 2330.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

House Fire in Crabtree

In the early morning of January 4, 2024, a neighborand passerby spotted heavy black smoke and flames billowing from a house in Crabtree. The residents of the house, a fatherand daughter, were able to escape to the roof. The neighborthat had called 911 was able to catch the daughter, as the fatherjumped from the roof. Both residents escaped without major injuries. According to Crabtree Fire Chief Bill Watkins, the ho use did have working smoke detectors. When firefighters arrived, flames had burned the front left cornerof the house, a duplex that had been converted into a single-family residence. The family lost one of their pet dogs, with anotherbeing rescued. Aheating unit on the first flooris believed to have started the fire.

- Fire News photo by James Brooks

8 Displaced at Marysville Duplex Fire

On December27, 2023, shortly after1300, Perry County Box 6-01 alerted Engines 2 and 6, Squad 20, RIT32, Tankers 2, 6 and 20, and Truck 2 to South Main Street in Marysville fora house fire. Engine 6 and Chief 6-2 reported a well involved first floor. Engine 6 arrived to a two-story dwelling with heavy fire from the front and requested a second alarm. Engine 6 laid in from the north and supplied two lines forthe initial fire attack. Squad 20 secured watersupplying additional attack lines. Special Services companies performed searches and opened up. Command 6 reported fire on the first and second floors of two houses. Searches were negative and a dog was rescued a few minutes into the operation. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1416 and displaced eight occupants.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

McKeesport Fire in the Walls

Around 1930 on January 21, 2024, fire crews were dispatched to the 2700 block of Dinsmore Street in the City of McKeesport fora reported fire around the fireplace. Crews arrived quickly and found a working fire in the walls. Asecond alarm was requested as McKeesport fire crews started to attack the fire. However, the fire ran the walls into the roof area. Due to bad hydrants, tankers were requested to the scene. Crews worked forjust about an hour before the fire was placed undercontrol. No injuries were repor ted, and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Small Garage Fire in Hegins

The first day of 2024 just about came to a close when, at 2133, a call came in fora reported garage fire in the 500 block of East Main Street in Hegins. Chief 13-01 arrived and advised of a small garage fully involved and upgraded the box to a working fire. Crews quickly went to work placing three lines into service. Command advised Tanker14-30 to stage behind Engine 13-10 and supply them with waterand forEngine 14-10 to tag a nearby hydrant. Remaining units were advised to stage and send manpowerto assist. Crews remained on scene conducting mop up until a little after2300.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Bensalem Apartment Fire

Afire at the Knights Bridge Apartments in Bensalem brought companies from Bristol and Penndel in response. First-in crews enc ountered heavy smoke and soon fire was pushing from the front and

back. The fire was contained to the E Building. Several apartments were left uninhabitable. The Red Cross helped many displaced families. - Fire News photos by Dawn Altstatt & Alex Lloyd Gross

4 Houses Burn in Wilkes-Barre General Alarm Blaze

Just past noon on January 21, 2024, calls flooded Luzerne County 911 reporting a house on fire with three children trapped and preading to neighboring homes on North Empire Street in WilkesBarre. Asecond alarm was quickly called bringing in Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department forthe RITteam. While en route to the scene Wilkes-Barre city firefighters could see a thick black co lumn of smoke in the airand quickly escalated the call to a third alarm bringing in off-duty city firefighters to man the spare trucks. Companies arrived to a three-story wood frame dwelling with heavy fire throughout along with the homes on eitherside also being involved. Afourth alarm was called. HanoverTownship Fire Department was requested to respond, and was put to work along with the Kingston RITteam. At this point with heavy fire through-

out three private dwellings and fire starting in a fourth, command requested a general alarm which recalled all city firefighters to duty, along with the Avoca Fire Department RITTeam to provide forsafety when crews operated inside the structures. Despite heavy fire throughout and dangerous conditions, crews made intense efforts to search forthe possible trapped victims. Thankfully all occupants were accounted for, and had made it out priorto the fire department arriving. Crews operated forhours, making aggressive interiorand exteriorattacks but faced multiple structural collapses inside the primary fire building. By 1630 the bulk of the fire was out and companies were mopping up and starting to slowly clearthe scene.

- Fire News photos by Colin Gildea

Mifflintown Apartment Building Fire Displaces 11

At 0241 on December23, 2023, firefighters from Mifflintown Hose Company and mutual aid were dispatched by Juniata County 911 to North Main Street foran apartment building fire. Mifflintown Assistant Chief Matt Myers reported he had heavy fire from the rearof the building with occupants believed to be in the building, and immediately requested a second alarm bringing additional responders from as faraway as Reedsville and Newport. Units were assisted by PSP, Penn DOT, and PPL. According to Juniata Department of Emergency Services PIO Glenn Kerstetter, 11 people were displaced from fi ve rental units. The fire department turned overthe investigation to the PSPFire Marshall from Lewistown Barracks. The local chapterof the Red Cross was helping the victims. Crews cleared the scene around 0556 and no injuries to civilians oremergency responders was reported.

-

Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner

Explosion and Fire Severely Damages Chambers Hill Home

At 0954 on January 15, 2024, Swatara Township Box 456-2 sent Company 91, Engines 47-1, 50, 55 and 59, Truck 88, Squad 8, Rescues 33 and 69 (RIT) to Garden Drive in the Chambers Hill neighborhood fora house fire. Chief Steele advised of a callerreporting the back of the house on fire, with one person suffering burns and everyone out of the house. Chief Steele arrived to heavy fire showing from a one- and two-story dwelling. Engine 91 laid a line in from Chambers Hill Road supplied by Engine 91-2. Attack lines were stretched off Engine 91 and due to the structural integrity of the house on side A, all companies were evacuated and went defensive. It was reported a propane tank had exploded at the rearof the residence. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes and the fire placed undercontrol at 1041. Due to the condition of the dwelling, extensive overhaul was required to mop up hot spots. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Long Fight on Gerloff Road

On December28, 2023, around 1300, crews and mutual aid companies responded to a building fire on Gerloff Road. Tankers from multiple different townships were dispatched forwatersupply and fill sites were established. Crews battled heavy fire throughout the entire structure, performing defensive operations before the fire was brought undercontrol. Units were on the scene forseveral hours. Companies dispatched were: LowerFrederick 52, Limerick 5 1, Perkiomen 66, New Hanover37, UpperSalford 78, Ringing Hill 59, Tylersport 72, UpperPottsgrove 79, Pennsburg 65, UpperFrederick 87, Harleysville 89, Green Lane 42, Red Hill 71, Skippack 86, Worcester83 Amity 49, Boyertown 95, and Eastern Berks 97.

- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski &Ted Hodgins

Family Displaced in W. HanoverHouse Fire

At 0330 on December28, 2023, the West HanoverFire Department and surrounding mutual aid companies were dispatched to MoyerRoad in the Piketown section of the township fora house fire. Engine 36-1 arrived to a two-story farmhouse with fire throughout the first floor. Due to no hydrants in the area, additional tankers were added. Engine 34 established a fill site at Central Dauphin High School. Due to the heavy fire conditions, companies primarily applied waterfrom the outside with limited entry in the rear. Multiple lines were stretched and operated. Crews operated forabout 2-1/2 hours before companies started to be released. Searches were negative and the fire displaced two adults and two children.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Mayday, 5 Alarms, 8 Displaced in Homestead Bor. Fire

Before 0930 on January 20, 2024, firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire in the 200 block of East 17th Avenue in Homestead Borough. The Homestead chief arrived and reported smoke showing, with a working attic fire. Crews quickly arrived and went to work making entry into the home. Asecond alarm was requested as crews continued to work on the fire. Less than 15 minutes into the incident, a Mayday was issued as two firefighters had fallen through a hole in the floor. Athird alarm was requested as RITcrews began the process of removing the two firefighters. Both firefighters were successfully removed and treated by EMS fornon-life-threatening injuries. Crews continued to battle the flames, but the fire quickly spread to two additional structures. Atotal of five alarms responded to the fire as crews worked forseveral hours, battling icy conditions before the fire was placed undercontrol. Five firefi ghters were transported to local hospitals with minorinjuries. Eight residents were displaced. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal’s office is still investigating.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Hogestown House Fire

At 1630 on January 19, 2024, Cumberland County Box 31-10 sent Engine Companies 31, 33, 29 and 30, Truck 31, and Rescue 25 (RIT) to Carlisle Pike in the Hogestown section of the township forsmoke from a house. Chief 1-25 keyed up almost immediately, reporting heavy smoke showing from the second floor. Chief 1-33 requested the working fire dispatch bringing Engine Company 37, Truck 45, Rescue 69, and Air13 to the scene. Engine 33 laid in a supply line and handlines were deployed forfire on the second floorand the attic. All occupants were confirmed out. Engine 1-29 laid a line and supplied Truck 31 with water. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1716 with companies performing extensive overhaul. Six adults were displaced.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

House Fire on Dorseyville Road

At 1146 on February 3, 2024, firefighters were dispatched to the 500 block of Dorseyville Road in O’Hara Township fora reported house fire. Police arrived on scene and confirmed a basement fire. Crews arrived and found a 2-1/2 story home with heavy smoke showing from the basement and the roof. The Pleasant Valley Chief assumed command and requested additional departments formanpower. As crews entered the home, the fire had extended from the basement into the walls and roof of the home. Crews worked forovertwo hours before the fire was placed undercontrol. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Residential Fire on

On December23, 2023, around 1950, ButlerCounty 911 received a call fora residential structure fire in the 100 block of Schnur Road in Summit Township. ButlerCounty Station 10 (Herman), Station 15 (Saxonburg), Station 1 (ButlerBureau of Fire) and Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) were dispatched.

SchnurRoad

Fire at Georgia Pacific Plant

Chief 10 arrived to a working fire on the first floorof the residence. Engine 10 was requested to make forcible entry and extinguish the fire. ButlerBureau of Fire arrived on scene next and assisted c rews with overhaul. Saxonburg units arrived and also assisted with overhaul and utility control. The fire was brought undercontrol at 2016.

On January 2, 2024, the Mount Jewett VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to the Georgia Pacific MDF plant at 1230 fora fire in the press area. Departments from McKean, Elk and Warren counties either responded to the scene orprovided coverage. Those departments included Mount Jewett, Kane, Hamlin Township, Bradford Township’s RIT, Wilcox, Smethport, Lafayette Township, Ludlow and Johnsonburg. Firefighters were on-scene forover five hours.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Pittsburgh 2-Alarm Basement Fire

On January 23, 2024, just before 1530, Pittsburgh firefighters were dispatched to the 300 block of Diplomat Street fora report of an explosion in a basement with smoke filling the home. Crews arrived and found a working basement fire. Crews found that the fire had run the walls, and a second alarm was requested. The fire was placed undercontrol in less than an hour. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography

- Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish

House Fire on Goshen Road

At 1923 on January 21, 2024, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Station 66 volunteers were dispatched fora report of smoke coming from a dryervent at a home on the 100 block of Goshen Road in LowerFrederick Township. Engine 66 responded as mutual aid to support LowerFrederick Fire Company Station 52. Volunteers were in service forabout 50 minutes in 22-degree temperatures.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Harrisburg Basement Fire

On January 14, 2024, at 1452, crews responded to North 17th and ForsterStreets forsmoke from a house. Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, Chief Zavrel made up the initial response. Tower1 arrived to a three-story duplex on 17th Street with smoke showing. Aline was stretched from Wagon 4 and companies made a knockdown on fire on the first floor. Asecond line was stretched and operated in the basement. Chief Zavrel requested the first alarm about 10 minutes in, bringing Wagon 3, Truck 32, Rescue 69, and Air13 to the scene. Reports of an elderly female possibly trapped inside proved to be negative. The fire was placed undercontrol at 1524 hours.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Fatality at ShalerTwp. House Blaze

One man died and anotherwas taken to the hospital following a house fire in ShalerTownship, early on the morning of January 9, 2024. Aneighbor was coming home and spotted the flames around 0200. He tried to get in through the front door, but the heat, smoke and flames pushed him back. He then told the resident to kick out the window AC unit and jump. The neighborhelped one of the men jump to safety, and stayed with him until crews arrived and transported him to the hospital. Anotherman was found dead inside the home. The Undercliff Fire Company found the house to be nearly engulfed in flames upon theirarrival. They were assisted by numerous neighboring companies. During the fire, Shalerpolice on scene cited a driverwho drove overa section of LDH flowing into Millvale’s engine. The house was a total loss. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was investigating.

- Fire News photo by James Brooks

The Allison Seeks Sponsors forAnnual Open House

The Allison Hook & Ladder No. 2 is hosting their famous Fire Expo Annual Open House on May 17, 2024

As in past years, we look to our community and corporate partners for donations to assist us in maintaining our unique volunteer fire company in the heart of Harrisburg. Every year the members of the Allison welcome hundreds of first responders from across the United States showcasing the proud heritage of the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire. Proceeds from the event are directed to firehouse restoration projects, fire suppression support services to the Bureau of Fire, and community outreach programs. Donations are acknowledged on our social media platforms, and visible to the many visitors and followers of the Allison. We are actively soliciting several sponsorships.

BannerSponsors are offered for a $1000 donation. We will use your banner or we will furnish a 2- x -4 foot banner with the logo information that you provide. Your banner will hang in the firehouse for the entire year until the following year’s Expo open house. A Banner in our firehouse gets your organization recognized throughout the year during our various events and fundraisers and connects you with the “Allison Brand.” Tax donation letters are always provided acknowledging your contribution.

Raffle/Auction Sponsor items. We have a raffle and live auction for various equipment and goods that are donated for the event. This is a fantastic way to get your product into the hands of our patrons and to receive exposure for your company. All donations valued over $100 are provided tax donation letters acknowledging the contribution. Please pro-

vide the estimated value of the items.

Event Cup Sponsor Each year we offer a custom event cup with a printed sponsor logo. The cups are distributed all year long at various events. Allison cups are a great way to get your brand into the hands of firefighters and their families showing your partnership with the Allison. The Cup Sponsorship is $1500.

We invite representatives of your company to attend the Open House and enjoy the festivities with us. This is an excellent opportunity for your business to connect with potential safety partners.

The Allison Hook & Ladder No. 2 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Interested parties may contact us through our website or Facebook page.

Attack Goes Defensive in Hostetter

On February 4, 2024, crews were dispatched to a possible residential structure fire in the 200 block of Second Street in Hostetter. Chief 39 arrived to report a well involved two-story house fire, with fire showing on all divisions. Crews initially attempted an offensive attack, but due to rapidly deteriorating conditions, the decision was made to make the switch to a defensive operation. Watersupply was expected to be an issue, so numerous tankers were brought in from neighboring companies. All the residents and theirpets were able to make it out of the home safely. Currently the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal is leading the investigation

- Fire News photo by James Brooks

Historic Gavel and Block Returned to The Allison

Thanks to the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum an important archive was returned to the Allison and immediately placed back in service. The company’s original gavel and block was last used in 1958 to conduct an Allison meeting. The block was constructed from a piece of marble recovered from the Pennsylvania Capitol that was destroyed by fire on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1897. President T. Cosgrove Jones brought the regularmonthly meeting of the Allison to order on February 6, 2024, wielding the historic gavel. Vice President Bradley Myers was instrumental in working out the details of bringing the block and gavel home.

- Submitted by Steve Austin, photo and history credit Bradley Myers

Susquehanna Township Crash Injures 1

Fatality at Washington Twp. MVA

On January 14, 2024, at 0503, Box 32-7 sent Company 32 and Rescue 37 to Walnut Street, just outside the Harrisburg city limits, foran MVAwith entrapment. Engine 32-1 advised of a vehicle that hit two parked cars and flipped on top of them, with one person entrapped. Command 32 (Lawrence) advised no entrapment and placed Rescue 37 in service. The occupant of the vehicle self-extricated and was transported to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

3 CarMVAforBensalem

Fire companies were in service in Bensalem, along the 4800 block of Street Road, fora serious three vehicle crash. One vehicle came into anotherlane and two people were injured. Fire crews went in service fortraffic and safety. There was a large debris field that was a result of the crash. Trevose Fire Company and Bensalem Fire Rescue responded.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

At 0512 on January 11, 2024, a call was dispatched fora reported SUVon fire at the Holy RollerBush on Roller Road in Washington Township. Engine and Tanker21 were dispatched, along with medical units. Units discovered that bystanders had assisted in removing the victims from the vehicle and there was no entrapment. Soon afterone occupant crawled from the vehicle from the windshield area and dragged a second victim from the vehicle with the help of a passerby. Company 21 and 26 arrived on scene simultaneously and quickly working togetherextinguished the fire while others began patient care. Airmedical was requested and an LZ was chosen at the UpperDauphin High School due to muddy conditions in nearby fields. Command was then notified by county that Life Flight 1. wasa en route. The roadway remained closed forseveral hours while Pennsylvania State Polkice conducted an accident reconstruction investigation. Sadly, one individual passed away at the scene afterrescuing anothervictim from within the vehicle.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Borderline 3-CarMVA

Bensalem and Philadelphia fire crews responded to a serious MVAon Woodhaven Road at the borderin November2023. Three vehicles collided when one stopped short on the highway. Fire crews handled patient care, blocking and hazard control, until the cars could be towed.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Lucky Day on Bensalem Blvd.

Two medic units and Bensalem Fire rescue were called to a multi-vehicle crash on Bensalem Boulevard in December. One vehicle crossed the yellow line and hit anothercar. None of the injuries were serious, Fire crews were in service forabout 20 minutes with blocking.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Trappe Borough MVA

At 2119 on January 11, 2024, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Engine 66 and an all-volunteercrew were dispatched to a single-vehicle MVAon East 3rd Avenue in Trappe Borough. Engine 66 responded as mutual aid to support Trappe. Pennsylvania State Police advised fire departments of multiple injuries. Crews from Trappe Engine 68-2 and Engine 66 assisted with vehicle stabilization, debris clean up, and traffic control. Medic 336 Skippack Emergency Medical Services transported one person with injuries. The crash was investigated by the State Police. The roadway was closed forapproximately 90 minutes. Thanks to the Fire Police who helped keep the scene safe forfir st responders.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Bristol Pike 2-CarMVA

Bensalem Fire Rescue responded to a two-vehicle MVAcrash in January 2024, on the 3800 block of Bristol Pike. One vehicle came from a driveway and slammed into another, causing both cars to careen into a wooded area. Injuries were serious but not life threatening. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Harrisburg

Basement Fire

Medevac forMed Emergency Needs Life Flight

Hickory Corners and Community Fire Company 64 along with Americus Ambulance were dispatched to a reported cardiac arrest at the Line Mountain High School on January 20, 2024. After a short time working on scene it was determined by EMS the need fora medevac and Life Flight was requested. LowerMahanoy Fire Company 62 was dispatched to assist. Due to snow and a sporting event taking place within the school, crews established an LZ in the front parking lot of the high school. Once Life Flight arrived he was flown to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Well, That Was Unnecessary

At 2252 on January 11, 2024, Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower1, Truck 2, and Captain 3 (Saul) to Market Street fora report of a house fire. Additional info indicated smoke from the structure with flames in the basement. Captain 3 reported a basement fire in a single-story, vacant, dwelling. Two lines were stretched from the Squad fora mattress fire in the basement with some extension to the first floor.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Allentown firefighters were dispatched to 3rd and Union Streets fora waterrescue. Avehicle with a male occupant became disabled in the wateraftergoing around barricades that were put in place by the Allentown Streets Department. Crews were able to walk the male out to safety to a waiting police officer.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Vehicle Rescue Training forSpring Mill

On a recent cold, snowy night, Spring Mill Firefighters focused on Vehicle Rescue Training (VRT). Members practiced vehicle stabilization, patient assessment, use of rescue tools and patient packaging working with Whitemarsh Ambulance 318. The first responders practiced using various rescue tools to free the trapped patient while working with the EMTs and paramedics to simulate how they would treat the patients during an accident with entrapment.

- Submitted by Rob Walls

Like Father, Like Mother, Like Daughterin LancasterTownship

Perkiomen Trains

On January 15 and 22, 2024, volunteerPerkiomen FirefighterAndy Horutz , along with Deputy Chief Stan Turtle, reviewed First Aid, CPR, AED-use, choking and otherAmerican Heart Association items as a part of ongoing training. This was a refresherfor many of ourvolunteers and an introduction for ournew members.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Firefighters Educated by NABC F.R.E.E. Program

Future firefighterAddie Logan, the five-year-old daughterof Lieutenant James Logan, attends and observes training and maintenance nights with herparents. On January 22, 2024, the LancasterTownship Fire Department conducted its annual SCBArefreshercertification training. She intently watched herfather, Lieutenant Logan, conduct one of fourskill evaluation stations. In his “Hot Swap” station, firefighters performed “buddy breathing” and an emergency cylinderswitch.

- Fire News photo by Captain Greg Leaman, Lancaster Township FD

The NABC F.R.E.E. program is a collaborative effort by collision repairfacility, insurance companies that donate salvage vehicles and one of the NABC rescue partners which provides expert instructors and equipment to facilitate the event. Firefighters participate at no cost.

- Fire News photo by Captain Greg Leaman, Lancaster Twp. FD

at Perkiomen Valley HS

Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers participated in the Perkiomen Valley School District’s 2024 Martin LutherKing Jr. Day of Service on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Perkiomen Valley HS. Volunteers talked about theirroles and experiences, offered

2 Harrisburg Firefighters Retire After33 Years of Service

middle school students the opportunity to try on protective gearand use a digital fire extinguishertraining program.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

Junction FC Issues Inaugural Henry Banks EMTScholarship

Two Harrisburg firefighters recently retired aftereach having over30 years of dedicated service to the City of Harrisburg. D shift Tower1 ChaufferCedric Yates and Ladder2 Captain 4 Bryon Wornerboth came on the job with the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire with the Class of 1990. On December28, 2023, current and past members along with family, honored Cedric and Byron at City Station 2 to celebrate their careers. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

On January 2, 2024, the Junction Fire Company in Lewistown issued the first Henry Banks Memorial Scholarship to Ellie Briggs of McAlisterville. This scholarship was formed afterthe tragic loss of Banks in 2022. Banks who was a Firefighter/EMTwith Junction for almost a decade was a dedicated silent leaderof the department and loved by all. Pictured are from left; Firefighter/EMTand Scholarship Committee ChairDerek Bledsoe, Banks’s FosterMotherLea Ann Walter, Scholarship Recipient Ellie Briggs, Junction Fire TreasurerNakeisha Fryer, Fame EMS Paramedic/The Academy EMTProgram Assistant InstructorAby Abrashoff. - Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner

Farrell Fund Could Use a Hand

The Pennsylvania Chapterof the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund needs yourhelp. Not only do they need equipment forfellow firefighters in need, but also monetary donations are greatly appreciated. If you are in need of equipment, we might be able to assist. Please contact Rich Millerat Richmiller@terryfund.org.

24 New Firefighters Graduate

6-Year-Old- Prevents House Fire Calamity in LancasterTownship

On December21, 2023, 24 new firefighters graduated with the Firefighter1 Certification from the Montgomery County Fire Academy Class 2303. FirefighterDaniel from Fame Fire Company 3 and FirefighterAlexandru Vasilescu from South Media Fire Co. received the Academic Achievement Award fortheirclass. Graduates are from the following fire companies: Fame Fire Co. No. 3; Royersford Fire Department; UpperPottsgrove Twp. Fire Co.; Glenside Fire Company; Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company #1 of Pottstown; Middletown Fire Company No. 1; Norriton Fire Engine Company; Upper Frederick Fire Company; Gladwyne VolunteerFire Company; Gilbertsville Fire & Rescue Co.; Limerick Fire Department; Spring Mill Fire Company No.1; Barren Hill VolunteerFire Company; Harmonville Fire Company No.1; Phillies Fire Company; South Media Fire Company; Good Will Fire Company. Congragulations to all the graduates! - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski

Obituary

Lancaster Township Fire Department was dispatched to an alarm of fire on South President Avenue on January 6, 2024. Asnowstorm blanketed Lancaster Township and six-year-old Calvin Mohar was frolicking in the snow when he observed his neighbor’s house was on fire. Calvin immediately scurried into his own house and alerted his mother, Arelis Perez, about the fire. She gave Calvin the benefit of the doubt and peeked outside to investigate when she saw the siding was alight on their neighbor’s house. She wasn’t sure if it was coming from inside or outside the house. Calvin’father, Josh Mohar, called 911 as Arelis ran over to her neighbor's house to let them know their house was on fire. Other neighbors were able to move a propane tank away from the fire. In recognition of Calvin reporting the fire to his mother, the Lancaster Township Department presented Calvin with an honorary firefighter certificate on February 6, 2024.

He was also provided a tour of the Lancaster Township Department South Station and Lancaster Township Rescue 66 and its tools and compartments. He donned a helmet while sitting in the rescue's driver's seat whi le the emergency lights were flashing.

- Fire News photo by Capt. Greg Leaman, Lancaster Twp. FD

Fallen Mifflin Tow Operator Honored with Large Funeral Procession

Tim Parson, Jr., of McClure passed away December27, 2023, at the age of 35. Parson worked as a tow operatorwith his father’s company Parsons Towing and Recovery in Lewistown forall of his adult life until a 11-yearbattle with cancertook his life. Parson, who was a long-time supporterof local emergency services, was honored by

area emergency services, area businesses, and numerous tow services on January 5, 2024. Approximately 80 vehicles and countless people participated in the seven-mile processional from Reds Diner to the service at Reedsville Fire Company.

- Fire News photos by Samuel Baumgardner

Steelton’s Eugene Vance III

Longtime Steelton Borough Fire Chief Eugene “Gene” Vance III pa ssed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the age of 70.

Vance became a member with the Steelton Baldwin Company 4 when he was 18 and moved up the ranks to become the Fire Chief of the Steelton Fire Department in 1998, a position he held until his untimely passing.

Gene had over 50-plus years of dedicated service to the community and his life was celebrated on January 11, 2024 where family, friends, and hundreds of firefighters from across the region gathered to honor and pay their respects at Prince of Peace Church in Steelton. Following the s ervice, a procession of about three dozen fire apparatus past the Steelton F ire Department, where the house siren was sounded for about 30 seconds, en route to the Holy Cross Cemetery in Swatara Township where the chief was laid to rest.

- Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb