Fire News Pennsylvania, March/April 2021 edition

Serving PENNSYLVANIA

VOLUME 11, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

MARCH/APRIL 2021

Story on page 40.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Hectic Afternoon in Plum 3 MVAs in 21 Minutes See story on page 28

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Camp Hill Commercial Blaze and Wall Collapse On January 27, 2021, crews responded for a structure fire on Hummel Avenue in Camp Hill.

See story on page 6

Pittsburgh 4-Alarm with Collapse Pittsburgh firefighters responded to Carson Street for a call of smoke coming from the roof of a four-story commercial structure. See story on page 10

Commercial Fire in New Kensington Stations 56 1-5, 95 1 and 2, 54 and 69, 115, 168, 112, 280, 281 and 610 responded to Main Street for a commercial structure fire. See story on page 12

Long Fight in Butler County On January 30, 2021, Butler County 911 received a call for the back of the Sir Speedy building on fire with wires down.

See story on page 17

Quick Knockdown, Long Overhaul Silver Spring Township, Engine companies 31 and 33, Truck 30, and Tankers 33 and 20 were dispatched to Sunset Drive.

See story on page 23

Obituaries Perkiomen’s and Schwenksville’s Nicholas Matregrano Berkeley Hills’ Curt Kelly See story on pages 34 & 35

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pages 29, 30 & 32 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . pages 36-37 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 42 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 42 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 43

A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Editorial Assistant: BRYAN LOPEZ Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Page 4, Fire News, March/April 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

Hopefully by the time you read my March editorial, the cold weather has started to turn around and signs of springtime have arrived.

In my eyes, February 2021 has been a brutal month, with ongoing snowstorms that keep adding to the piles of frozen snow. I used to love the snow, but as I age, I am finding it difficult to work in 20-degree temperatures. One thing I can say for sure, I have a renewed appreciation for our young firefighters who never seem to mind the cold. Yes, we were all once young and enjoyed getting away to ski the slopes in frigid weather. Fighting a fire in extremely cold weather was also looked at as a memorable experience.

When winter arrived, I rearranged my turnout gear rack. I had a thermal lined vest that I wore on every call. Back in my early days, we didn't have thermal hoods. We relied on the earflaps in our helmets that were designed to protect our ears from burns in a fire, to keep us warm when we stood in the cold. If you look at old winter firefighting photos, you might catch a glimpse of a hooded sweatshirt poking out of the collar of a turnout coat. Yes, winter was and still is a time of the year that challenged firefighters.

A serious winter fire in below freezing temperatures starts off with finding a hydrant that was just buried by the snowplows, who are trying to keep traffic moving. Once the hydrant is cleared, that lucky firefighter may be spent for the rest of the fire. Fighting the fire is always warm. We never think of the cold until the fire is knocked down and we are standing in our soaking wet turnout gear that is now starting to freeze. As the ground around us becomes a skating pond, chiefs and safety officers have to give thought in calling for de-icing units to keep the scene somewhat safe. Call for help early!

For large scale fires, be sure that you know what resources your town and FireRescue and Emergency Services have to help rehab firefighters. Remember that frostbite can leave you with permanent reminders that your skin was once damaged by the cold.

Frostbite is serious! Protect yourself. Get out of wet clothing as soon as you can. Change out your wet gloves, wet socks and sweaty clothes before they freeze.

Manual dexterity declines in cold weather and your thought process slows down in cold weather. Know the symptoms of hypother-

mia. Once shivering occurs, you may not be able to warm up without an additional heat source.

Many years ago, I attended a seminar about working in extremely cold climates. A doctor from the US Army spoke about the problems that the constructions workers faced while working on the Alaskan pipeline.

His photos and narrations opened my eyes to the dangers of working in cold environments.

It is imperative that you look to your local university to find the cold weather experts and see if they will speak with your department on the dangers of working in cold weather. In the meantime, pray for warmer weather and stay safe.

Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Camp Hill Commercial Blaze and Wall Collapse

At approximately 0130 on January 27, 2021, crews were dispatched for a structure fire on Hummel Avenue and 18th Street in Camp Hill. First arriving units reported a two-story commercial structure with heavy fire. The building was empty at the time. Shortly after arrival, the face of the building collapsed causing it to be unfit for entry by firefighters. Crews remained on scene until after 0500.

The building, Kreamer Brothers Glass, a small local Camp Hill business since 1962, was a total loss.

- Fire News photos by Jill Stewart and Jason Coleman-Cobb

Rivers Edge at Braddock Borough Fire Just before 1700 on February 1, 2021, fire crews were dispatched to the 300 block of Camp Avenue in Braddock Borough for a reported house fire. Rivers Edge firefighters quickly arrived and found a vacant three-story building with heavy fire in the rear along with a brush fire. An engine from Rivers Edge set up in a rear alley and was able to get a quick knock on the bulk of the fire with a deck gun. Due to unsafe conditions, firefighters were unable to enter the third floor and a second alarm was requested allowing a tower ladder to be brought in and set up in the rear of the building to extinguish the remaining fire on the third floor. Crews stayed on scene for a few hours performing overhaul before returning to service. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 8, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Mt. Oliver Residential Fire It was a cold, foggy night in February when a 911 call reported smoke from the roof of a building on Margaret Street in Mt. Olive. Police reported smoke in the area and flames were seen on the second floor.

Firefighters entered and fire was located in a second-floor ceiling. All occupants got out of the house safely.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Multi-County Response to Fire Firefighters from three counties operated at a fully involved mobile home fire on West Zimmer Drive, in Lehigh Township, recently. Crews arrived and went to work with large lines and a deck gun. Tankers were used to shuttle water due to it being a rural area.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

Cranberry Estates House Fire The all-volunteer Perkiomen Township Fire Company, along with numerous mutual aid companies, were dispatched to a report of a house fire in the area of King Road and Cranberry Boulevard in the Cranberry Estates neighborhood at 1420 on February 20, 2021. Deputy 66 arrived to a twostory single-family house with fire showing. Engine 66 began search and rescue operations as well as fire suppression. Crews from Engine 66 and Engine 51 did an outstanding job removing a victim from the second floor.

Tanker 66, Ladder 77 and Squad 34 provided fire suppression during the rescue. Assisting Perkiomen on scene were Limerick, Collegeville, Trappe No. 1, Skippack, Lower Frederick, Lower Providence and Royersford.

Special thanks to Harleysville Community Fire Company and West Norriton Fire Department for standing by. Ambulance companies responding included Trappe Medic, Plymouth Community Ambulance Association - Medic 308, Skippack Emergency Medical Services, Harleysville and Pottstown. Great work also by all of the local fire police officers and North Penn Goodwill Service.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

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Page 10, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Pittsburgh 4-Alarm with Collapse

2-Alarm House Fire in Upper Macungie Twp.

Pittsburgh firefighters responded to Carson Street for a call of smoke coming from the roof of a four-story commercial structure. The call was quickly upgraded to a second alarm on arrival and then a third. The fourth alarm came 18 minutes after dispatch.

Firefighters went defensive just minutes before a partial collapse.

- Fire News photo

by Ken Lager

Firefighters from numerous Lehigh County companies battled a second-alarm dwelling fire on Memorial Road in Upper Macungie Township.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

North Fayette Chimney Fire

North Fayette crews responded to a call for a chimney fire with possible extension on Stonebridge Drive. Units arrived to heavy fire in the walls. Crews opened the walls and brought the fire under control. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

Bethel Park Chimney Fire Recently, in the snow, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon departments were called to a chimney fire that extended into a residential structure. Crews pulled lines and opened up the walls to chase down the fire.

No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo

by Ken Lager

Fast Spreading Fire in Carnegie Just after 0130 on January 19, 2021, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Railroad Avenue in Carnegie for a house fire. Police confirmed a working fire inside the home. Firefighters arrived to a quickly spreading fire and a second alarm was requested. Crews were able to get a quick knock on the exposure homes but fought for several hours trying to contain the fire to the original home. The fire was finally brought under control just over two hours later. Two people were home at the time but managed to escape without injuries. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by First Due Photography

Page 12, Fire News, March/April 2021

Commercial Fire in New Kensington

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On February 3, 2021, Stations 56 1-5 (New Kensington), 95 1 and 2 (Arnold), 54 and 69 (Lower Burrell), 115 (Upper Burrell), 168 (Hilltop Hose), 112 (Pioneer Hose), 280 (Highland Hose), 281 (Eureka), 610 (Murrysville Medic One) responded to Main Street in New Kensington (Parnassus Manor) for a commercial structure fire.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Total Loss in East Hempfield Twp. On February 9, 2021, at 0349, in East Hempfield Township, Engine 69-1 and Truck 23 were dispatched to East Main Street at the Black Knight Tavern and Grill for an automatic fire alarm. Before the engine and truck reached the scene, the box was upgraded to a building fire. Engine 69-2 arrived to fire showing from the rear of a three-story brick building with an apartment over the tavern. All five occupants were able to escape. Heavy fire was located in the basement and the fire managed to get in the voids and spread vertically to the floors above.

Command requested a second alarm about 15 minutes in and eventually a third for manpower. Heavy fire extended to the rear of the building on all floors and into the roof line. Several lines were stretched and operated. One firefighter was transported with minor injuries. The building was reportedly a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Steelton Fire Extends

At 1930 on January 28, 2021, Box 501 toned sending Company 50, Engine 91-2, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Rescues 40, 59 and 88, and Air 30 to Elm Street for a house fire.

Chief 50 (Vance) advised of multiple calls reporting smoke pouring from the windows. Steelton Engine 50 and Truck 50 quickly responded with nine members, arriving to smoke showing from side A. Engine 50 laid in from the hydrant to side A, and lines were quickly stretched for an interior attack. Chief 50 assumed command reporting a 2-1/2 story duplex with one side well off. Tower 1 arrived and laddered the fire building. Several lines were stretched into the fire building and to the second floor of the exposure. Fire involved the first and second floors of the fire building and extended via the voids and walls. The bulk of fire was knocked down in 15 minutes with extensive overhaul required. Truck 32 and Engine 55 were special called for manpower. The fire was placed under control at 2009.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Avis Mixed-Use Fire

On January 14, 2021, crews responded to a three-alarm fire in an apartment building with an antique shop on the first floor on Central Avenue in Avis in Clinton County. Units from Clinton and Lycoming County with two tanker shuttles supplemented the hydrant supply.

- Fire News photo by Joseph P Hopple NRP

Quick Stop on Cemetery Lane

On January 24, 2021, Perkiomen Township Fire Company Engine 66, Field 66 and an all-volunteer crew responded to assist Lower Frederick Fire Company with a woods and field fire on Cemetery Lane near Meng Road in Lower Frederick Township. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 13

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Fire Showing on Arrival Firefighters from the Whitehall and Catasauqua fire departments battled a structure fire on North Apple Street on February 13, 2021. Crews arrived to find fire showing.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Vehicle Fire on Freeport Rd. Stations 95-2 (Arnold) and 56-5 (New Kensington) responded to a vehicle fire in the 1700 block of Freeport Road on January 24, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

14 Displaced in Lower Swatara Twp. Blaze At 1221 on February 3, 2021, Box 59-1 sent Company 59, Engines 54, 55 and 88, and Truck 50 to Spring Road, Building D at the Spring Street Gardens apartment complex for a fire reported in the wall. Responding units were advised of a worker who was soldering a pipe that caught insulation on fire and fire was running up the ceiling on the first floor. Engine 59 requested the box be upgraded, adding Rescue 91, Truck 46, Squad 8, and Air 91-2 to the box. Engine 54 arrived to a smoke condition in the area and laid a supply line to the A/B corner, where heavy smoke was showing from the eaves of the roof line of an occupied, two-story apartment building. Apparatus access to the building was limited due to the nature of the layout and only Engine 54 and Truck 88 could get positions in the front of the structure. As conditions deteriorated quickly, Command 59 requested a second alarm to the scene (Engines 71 and 46, and Trucks 48 and 74.). Heavy fire consumed the second floor and roof as companies stretched several lines. A trench cut was made that stopped the horizontal fire spread. Trucks 32 and 34 were special called by command for manpower. The fire affected at least four apartments and displaced 14 occupants.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

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Page 16, Fire News, March/April 2021

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1 Injured in Bristol House Fire Firefighters from Bristol Township, Bensalem and Falls responded to the 500 block of Bath Street in Bristol Borough in January for a twin house fire. Heavy fire was visible by the first arriving company. One female sustained an injury.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Harrisburg Bathroom Fire On February 10, 2021, at 0123, Harrisburg Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Chief 5 (Lloyd) to Peffer Street, in the city’s Uptown, for a report of a bathroom fire. Responding units were informed occupants were evacuating, and smoke alarms were sounding in the background. Truck 2 arrived to smoke showing from the third floor of a three-story, occupied brick duplex.

Wagon 3 secured their own hydrant and water supply. Heavy fire was evident from the rear of the dwelling, prompting Chief 5 to request the first alarm (Wagon 3, Rescue and Air 13). Two lines were stretched into the fire building and one line into the exposure.

The bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down but the fire got into the walls extending to the exposure. Companies were able to open up and knock down the fire without any further extension.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Bethel Park, McMurray Road Recently, crews were called to a report of a chimney fire with extension into a residence on McMurray Road. Firefighters from Bethel Park along with mutual aid companies from Upper St. Clair and Mt. Lebanon braved snowy conditions and freezing temperatures to knock down the fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 17

Long Fight in Butler County

On January 30, 2021, around 0830, Butler County 911 received a call for the back of the Sir Speedy building on fire with wires down. The first alarm was sent that consisted of Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Chief 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Station 3 (Butler Township Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) and Butler City Police. Units arrived as command requested a second alarm which brought in all offduty Butler City firefighters. Chief 1 requested a third alarm which brought in Engine 9 (East Butler), Engine 10 (Herman), Ladder 26 (Chicora), Rescue 11 (Penn Township), Ladder 15 (Saxonburg) and Tower 33 (Slippery Rock). Numerous aerials were put into service on the alpha side and rear. Chief 1 then requested Station 14 (Unionville), Station 42 (Adams Area Fire District), Station 19 (Callery) and Air 185 (Marshall Township, Allegheny County) All units worked for several hours to contain the fire to the original building as the fire building was attached on both sides. Those buildings suffered smoke and water damage. The apartments above the buildings were unoccupied. City of Butler road department assisted at the scene with salt due to freezing temperatures. All units finally cleared the scene around 1430.

- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak

Page 18, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Spring Township Commercial 2-Alarmer

At 1338 on February 6, 2021, Perry County Box 4-09 sent Engines 4, 8, 3 and 12; Tankers 4, 4-1, 8, 3 and 12; Rescue 8, and Truck 12 to Shermans Valley Road in Elliotsburg at the JW Smith Auto Body for a building fire. Responding companies were advised of multiple calls being received for the back of the building on fire. Chief 4 arrived to smoke showing and Engine 4 laid a line around the side of the building to the rear. A fill site was established at Tuscarora Hardwoods and two fold-a-tanks were set up at the entrance of the business. Engines 10 and 1-48 supplied water from the portable

ponds to units on the fire ground. Tankers 1 and 10 were special called, and quickly deteriorating conditions accompanied by water supply issues due to no hydrants, prompted command to request a second alarm. Several handlines, a blitz fire, and the master stream from Truck 12 poured water on the L-shaped, metal clad building for hours before the fire was extinguished. Fire companies from three counties converged on the scene during the sunny, but windy, Saturday afternoon and were able to save a portion of the building.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 20, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Harrisburg 2-Alarm Takes 3 Houses At 1610 on February 14, 2021, shortly after the D platoon went on duty, Box 1-3 sent Wagon 3, Squad 8, Truck 2, Tower 1, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to Logan Street, in the city’s Uptown section, for a structure fire. Truck 2 arrived to a three-story, middle-of-the-row dwelling with smoke showing from the third floor. Chief 7 arrived and requested the first alarm bringing Wagon 4, Rescue 69, and Air 13 to the scene.

Wagon 3 secured a mid-block hydrant and Squad 8 laid a line to the rear for water supply. Captain 4 from Truck 2 reported heavy fire in a closet on the third floor. Squad 8 and Tower 1 went to work in the B exposure. With heavy smoke issuing from the dormer/roof line in a row of 16 dwellings, interior crews reported fire in the walls, Chief 7 requested the second alarm. Five lines were stretched and operated in several buildings which, along with extensive opening up, allowed companies to make progress. Three homes were affected and left several people homeless.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Allentown 2-Alarmer Allentown firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on South 16th Street during a heavy rain on January 3, 2021. Crews arrived to find heavy fire showing from the second floor.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Collier Township Porch Fire Extends

Working House Fire in Hegins

Recently, crews were called to a reported house fire on Kreiger Drive in Collier Township. First responders reported a rear porch on fire, with additional reports coming in of the structure being fully involved. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Ken Lager

On January 6, 2021, firefighters responded to a structure fire on East Main Street in Hegins, near Hegins Valley Fire Rescue Company 13’s station. Crews arrived to fire showing from the A and B sides of the structure on division 1. Fire was also pushing out the C side of the home on the first floor. Upon the initial attack it was found the fire had spread to the second floor, ultimately spreading to the attic.

Multiple companies from Schuylkill County operated at the scene with additional crews waiting in the manpower staging area across the street. Despite quick arrival and an aggressive attack, the home sustained significant damage throughout.

The cause was reported to have been a fire started in the area of a Christmas tree.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

Page 22, Fire News, March/April 2021

Multi-Alarm Blaze Draws a Crowd

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Firefighters from numerous departments battled a multiple alarm fire in Shenandoah on January 2, 2021, on West Oak Street.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Car Fire on Route 15

Multi-Alarm Apartment Fire

On February 27, 2021, firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Route 15 in Old Lycoming Township.

- Fire News photo by John Hopple

Firefighters from three counties battled a multiple-alarm apartment building fire on Lehigh Avenue, during a snowstorm recently. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the large apartment building on the corner of 3rd and Lehigh Avenues in Palmerton.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 23

Quick Knockdown, Long Overhaul

On February 17, 2021, at 2249, in Silver Spring Township, Engine companies 31 and 33, Truck 30, and Tankers 33 and 20 were dispatched to Sunset Drive for a chimney fire. Tanker 31 arrived to a working fire in an occupied, single-story dwelling. The first alarm assignment was requested bringing Engine Company 29, Tankers

33, 17 and 34, RIT 25, and Air 45. Several lines were stretched for fire in the attic. Tanker 6 and 37 were added to the box for additional water supply. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 15 minutes with extensive overhaul necessary for hot spots. Units were out about three hours. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Page 24, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Car Bursts into Flames after Crash Lancaster Township Fire Department volunteers were dispatched for an MVA with fire on New Danville Pike in the area of Second Lock Road in Lancaster Township. Witness stated three people from the accident self-extricated from the car and got into a green sedan that headed toward the city before the arrival of the police department, fire department and EMS. Lancaster EMS Medic 68 arrived and reported a vehicle well involved in fire and a large tree across New Danville Pike. The fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes. Lancaster Township firefighters checked the interior of the car to verify there were no other occupants.

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

Rollover MVA with Entrapment On February 04, 2021, at 2024, Stations 56 1, 2, 4 and 5 (New Kensington) responded to the Route 56 west ramp at the Memorial Park Cloverleaf for a single-vehicle rollover MVA with entrapment and entanglement.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

New Kensington MVA On January 17, 2021, Stations 56-1, 2, 4 and 5 (New Kensington) responded to Carl Avenue at Tarentum Bridge Road in New Kensington, for a single-vehicle MVA into a lightpost.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 25

Ped Killed in Bensalem MVA Recently, firefighters from Bensalem worked with the police at the scene of a fatal auto-pedestrian accident on Street Road. One male was killed when he tried to cross mid-block and was struck by a teenage driver. Fire crews were in service with lighting and holding tarps to protect the body.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

Perkiomen MVA Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers were called out on January 30, 2021, at 2159, for an MVA with injuries in the 600 block of Gravel Pike (Route 29) near Maple Avenue in Perkiomen Township. Plymouth Community Ambulance Association-Medic 308, PA State Police, PECO and Norm’s Save Station were also on scene.

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Page 26, Fire News, March/April 2021

Rescue with Flyout in Lower Mahanoy

On January 2, 2021, crews responded for a rescue just south of Dalmatia in Lower Mahanoy in Northumberland County.

County reported a male struck by a falling tree and Life Flight was placed on standby. Brush 64 arrived and was directed down a field road to the location of the victim, which was several hundred yards off of 147. At the same time Engine 62 arrived and a pickup was used to shuttle POV-arriving crews to the scene. Personnel at the scene then asked for the helicopter to be put in the air. An LZ was established close to the location in an open area. Millersburg Engine 20 arrived and the crew were given a ride to the scene. Life Flight landed, shut down and the medical crew offloaded. The patient was flown to the hospital after initial treatment.

- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko

Hegins Truck Rollover On January 9, 2021, crews responded for a tractor-trailer rollover in Hegins. Crews assisted with debris and fluid control.

Crews also staged on scene while a tow operated to upright the truck.

- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 27

Ah, We Don’t Think So … in Bensalem MVA

Fire crews from Cornwells Fire Company in Bensalem did not have but witnesses reported otherwise, saying he caused the crash. One to respond far for a two-vehicle crash in front of their station. Two male was trapped very briefly.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross injuries were reported, none of them life threatening. One driver tried to convince police he was coming from a different direction,

Page 28, Fire News, March/April 2021

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MVA with Entrapment in Lower Makefield Twp. Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Newtown Emergency Services Department were recently dispatched to a single-vehicle accident with entrapment on Quarry Road in the area of Jacob Drive in Lower Makefield Township.

- Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg

Overturn MVA in Lancaster Twp. Lancaster Township volunteers responded to an MVA at 0418 on February 18, 2021.

A car turned onto Schoolhouse Road from Millersville Pike and struck a guidewire connected to a series of utility poles that were grouped together causing the vehicle to become air-borne, collide with the poles and flip onto its side. The driver was not injured. A Good Samaritan called 911 to report the accident and sheltered the driver in their car from the 27-degree temperature outside.

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

Hectic Afternoon in Plum On January 16, 2021, between 1618 and 1639, Stations 235 (Logan’s Ferry Heights) and 54 (Lower Burrell) responded to Coxcomb Hill/Kerr Road/Dinwiddie Drive in Plum for three separate MVAs, including a car hanging over a 100-foot cliff and a car into a creek, all within 21 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Steve Matto

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Training

Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 29

Ice Rescue Training

On February 21, 2021, Stations 13 (Prospect), 20 (Evans City), 42 (Adams Area), 55 (Emlenton) and Baldwin trained in ice rescue at Moraine State Park in Portersville - Fire News photos by Steve Matto

Page 30, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Training

Ice Rescue Training

On January 24, 2021, Stations 192, 194 and 196 (Monroeville), 116 (Lower Kiski) and 149 (Etna) participated in ice rescue training at Moraine State Park in Portersville. Instructors were from Butler Team 300, Robinson Twp. SWR Station 244, Baldwin EMS SWR Station 510 and Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

- Fire News photos by Steve Matto

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Thanks for Your Service

We want to publicly say thank you, to Russell Bean for 29 years of volunteering with the Perkiomen Township Fire Company Station 66. Russell was Fire Police Captain 66-1 for many years. Thanks so much Mr. Bean for all your many days and nights helping to keep fire and accident scenes safe for us. Enjoy your “retirement,” you have earned it!

- Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins

Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 31

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Training

Williamsport Mid-Rise StandpipeTraining During February and March 2021, all four platoons of the Williamsport Bureau of Fire participated in mid-rise firefighting drills, hosted at the Genetti Lycoming Hotel, in downtown Williamsport. This real-world drill focused mainly on standpipe hose deployment.

- Fire News photos by Renee Smith WBF

Page 34, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Obituaries

Perkiomen’s and Schwenksville’s Nicholas Matregrano

Firefighter, Trustee and EMT Nicholas Matregrano passed away on January 1, 2021.

Nick was a valued volunteer with the Perkiomen Township Fire Company since 2017, and was a past-Chief at Schwenksville Fire Company 73 and an active member there for 42 years. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol for 33 years. Nick served on the PA

Fire Commission, was a CPR Instructor and also an Emergency Medical Responder. Nick also taught Protective Services at the North Montco Technical Career Center. Nick conducted first aid and CPR training and was also an excellent French-fry maker. Thanks Nick for your many years of dedication to the residents of Perkiomen Township and beyond.

Nick will be remembered as a great storyteller. He would really draw you in. He enjoyed his family, teaching our members and traveling. He will be greatly missed. His was a life well lived.

Nick has been a resident of the Perkiomen Valley for 47 years.

Nick loved his family and friends deeply. He and his wife Marilyn are wine enthusiasts and love traveling. He was a loving father and grandfather. His favorite pastimes were building forts, feeding his birds and deer, taking care of his pond, and sneaking cookies to his grandchildren.

- Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 35

Obituaries

Berkeley Hills’ Curt Kelly Curt Kelly served Berkeley Hills Fire Company since 1968 and was active up until his passing on January 21, 2021. He served as Chief for 11 years, and held many other crucial positions including President and Treasurer.

He was a great friend to the members and would always make sure you knew there was room on the rigs if you wanted to ride.

- Fire News photos by Ken Lager

Page 36, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Up Close & Personal

Bureau of Fire Wagon 3 crew pose for a picture after battling a fire on Whitehall Street on January 30, 2021. This would be the next to the last fire for Wagon 3 chauffer Deshawn Dennis (right), who retired after his tour, serving the residents of the City of Harrisburg for more than 20 years.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

Upper Allen Township Firefighter John Skalocky, with his grandson Nic, after a recent station tour.

- Fire News photo provided

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 37

Up Close & Personal

Bressler Station Lieutenant Jonathan Kibe at the Spring Street Garden Apartment job on February 3, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb

A firefighter battling a multiple alarm fire in Shenandoah on January 2, 2021, on West Oak Street.

- Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold

Page 38, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Looking Back

On November 9, 2013, several people were rescued from an apartment building fire on the 7800 block of Rising Sun Avenue in Philadelphia. Several injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt

In June 2006, one male was killed in a boating accident along Neshaminy Creek in Bristol Township. Fire units were called in from Bensalem and Bristol, along with fire police, to close bridges when a boat ran aground near a dock.

- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross

February 13, 2015, in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County firefighters battled a three-alarm commercial structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Rich Rolen

On November 30, 2002, a Landis Boulevard homeowner (West Lampeter Township) was up on a ladder in his front yard stringing Christmas lights when he spotted smoke coming from his open garage. The fire spread from the back of the garage up through the roof and across the entire house.

- Fire News photo by Greg Leaman

Page 40, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Cover Story

Collier Twp. Fire Extends

On January 17, 2021, firefighters battled a blaze in Collier Township on Carnoustie Court. The call came in as smoke in a garage. The fire quickly engulfed the garage and spread to the structure.

- Fire News photos by Ken Lager

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 41

It’sNew toTHEM Sponsored by Command Apparatus

BETHPAGE ENGINE 905 "Pride of Plainedge" 1998 Seagrave 1500 GPM single stage pump , 500 Gallon Water Tank , 40 Gallon Foam Tank. Served the residents of Bethpage from 1998- 2019 . The rig now belongs to the Harwood Fire Company located in Hazel Township Pennsylvania.

2001 EMERGENCY ONE Former West Niles Fire Company purchased by Damascus Arkansas 2001 Emergency One 1250 gpm with 1000 gallon tank.

2000 KME 95' AERIAL TOWER 2000 KME 95' aerial tower from East Norwich NY sold to Waterbury VT.

BEFORE BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER AFTER

We are looking forward to our new monthly feature

Sold by Command Apparatus

“It’s New to THEM”

AFTER Sold by Command Apparatus

To have your department’s apparatus featured here please call Barbara Connolly

631-776-1853 barbara@firenews.com

Page 42, Fire News, March/April 2021

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Fire News, March/April 2021, Page 43

SUTPHEN CORPORATION SHATTERS INDUSTRY RECORD

SUTPHEN’S NEW INDUSTRIAL PUMPER IS THIRD-PARTY RATED AT A RECORD 6000 GPM FROM DRAFT Sutphen Corporation, the largest familyowned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, announced that its new Sutphen Industrial Solutions Pumper shattered the industry’s record with a third-party rating of 6,000 gallons per minute from draft.

While officially rated at 6,000 gallons per minute from draft, the industrial pumper is capable of flowing over 6,500 gallons per minute from draft with unmatched abilities to pump from a pressurized source.

“As we continue to innovate and build our industrial portfolio, this record-setting apparatus solidifies Sutphen as a leader in the industrial fire industry,” said Zach Rudy, Sutphen’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Between our renown pumpers and worldclass aerials, we provide our customers with the best options in the industrial fire market.”

Built on a Sutphen extreme-duty, Monarch

chassis, the 304-stainless-steel industrial body was manufactured for the extreme conditions found on an industrial fire ground.

Complete with a Double Thunder, Hale’s

6,000 gallon per minute midship pump, and a direct-inject foam system, the unit highlights Sutphen’s abilities to integrate innovation into every aspect of its trucks.

“We are proud to have participated in bringing this powerful, high-quality, heavyduty industrial pumper to the market,” said Jim Kirvida, leader of Sutphen Industrial Solutions. “Collaboration between our two like-minded engineering and manufacturing teams resulted in a record-breaking rating of 6000plus GPM, proving Sutphen a respected leader in the industrial fire market.”

Sutphen and its network of dealers are currently demonstrating the unit across the country while it awaits a buyer. The demonstration unit is available for an accelerated delivery.

For additional information regarding the Sutphen Industrial Solution pumper, follow this link: https://www.sutphen.com/ in-stock/demo-479-industrial-pumper/

ATLANTIC EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS ACQUIRES FINLEY FIRE EQUIPMENT Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) company, announced today that Atlantic Emergency Solutions, Inc., has acquired Finley Fire Equipment Co. Inc., serving Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. The acquisition includes Finley Fire Equipment’s existing four service locations with plans to add five more in the next 12 to 24 months.

Atlantic has over 300 employees across 18 locations and supports seven states and the District of Columbia.

“For nearly 50 years, John Finley and his family have built an extraordinary legacy providing fire equipment and serving departments throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky,” said Joe Pack, President and CEO of Atlantic Emergency Solutions. “This expansion represents a new era for Atlantic and our growing family of sales and service professionals.”

John K. Finley established Finley Fire Equipment in 1972. His son, John W. Finley, took over as President and CEO in 1999. “I am grateful for the foundation my father created, and incredibly proud of the relationships and trust our team has established with our customers over the years,” said Finley.”

With Atlantic Emergency Solutions’ expansion, an immediate focus on additional sales and service support in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia includes:

• Strategic investments in additional locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia (locations will be at least 10,000 sq. ft. outfitted with modern electric lifts, tools, and diagnostic systems) • Recruitment initiatives for EVT, ASE, and Cummins-certified technicians.

• Full-time sales teams (Fire, EMS, and equipment) to actively support departments.

• A full-time team responsible for Pierce field stock units at customer locations.

Atlantic Emergency Solutions currently offers a multi-state service network, largescale parts inventory, and a knowledgeable team known for their dedication to aroundthe-clock roadside assistance. To support growing demand, the dealership is actively looking to increase their service network from 18 to 26 locations across their region.

“It has been an honor to partner with the Finley family and the Finley Fire Equipment team since they became a devoted Pierce dealer in 1974,” said Jim Johnson, president of Pierce Manufacturing. (Pictured): Joe Pack of Atlantic Emergency Solutions and John Finley of Finley Fire Equipment shake hands.

To learn more about Atlantic Emergency Solutions territory expansion, visit www.atlanticemergency.com. For more information about Pierce’s expansive dealer network, visit www.piercemfg.com.