VOLUME 8, NO. 3
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
JULY 2018
Story on page 19. -Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Training Across Pennsylvania See pages 22 & 23 -Pennsylvania Edition-
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 3
In this issue... 3-Alarm Apartment Fire On July 4, 2018, crews from multiple counties responded to a structure fire in Freeport. See story page 7
Fire in New Cumberland Two dogs died in a two-alarm house fire in New Cumberland on May 24, 2018. See story page 8
Scott Township House Fire Firefighters from multiple departments were called to a residential structure fire in Scott Township. See story page 10
Brackenridge Fire Draws a Crowd On May 21, 2018, stations in Allegheny County responded to a residential structure fire on 7th Avenue in Brackenridge. See story page 12
Route 309 Accident Emergency services crews responded to the intersection of Route 309 and Old Packhouse Road in North Whitehall Twp. for an MVC with entrapment.
See story page 17
Dauphin Co. 100th Anniversary On June 8 and 9, 2018, Liberty Hose Company 1 of Williamstown was host to the Dauphin County Convention 100th Anniversary. See story page 27
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 22 & 23 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . .pages 28 & 29
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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Page 4, Fire News, July 2018
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Organized? The alarm sounds and the dispatcher informs you that you have a reported structure fire with police at the scene stating that flames are visible. Your heart starts to race as you drop what you are doing to fill out the crew. You run to your gear rack and don your PPE as the truck is starting up. Your officer shouts at the slowpokes who seem to be dilly-dallying getting suited up. You barely make the truck, but regardless, you made it and are heading to what is now a confirmed working fire. The experienced responder stays calm and monitors his radio, keeping the volume down very low to prevent feedback, as the officer is listening intently to his orders as your truck nears the scene of the fire. Yes, you are going to work! As the truck stops and you carefully exit the crew cab, you get a sick feeling. Crap! I forgot my helmet. What! How do you forget your helmet? Do you know anyone this has happened to? Scenarios like the one I just cited happen. They happen because you may not be as organized as you think. I always encourage probationary firefighters to practice donning their gear. I also encourage them to give
thought about laying out their gear on their firehouse rack in a systematic way, so that each time they put their gear on, it is done exactly the same way. I am sure every one of you has a procedure that works for you. No matter what your job is, all of your turnout gear is necessary. You can’t forget your hood, gloves, helmet or other specialized equipment necessary to do your job. I have seen members don their SCBA while responding to a call and find out when they got off of the truck that their air bottle was empty. How did this happen? You checked it at truck maintenance and it was full. You turned your bottle on while responding to the call to check that you had a full bottle of air. What happened? Maybe you left your bottle on while responding to the call and in your haste; you accidently turned your purge valve, draining your bottle on the ride to the fire. Yes, it is embarrassing when you show up at a call and realize you forgot your helmet, lost a glove or had no air in your tank when you arrived. Now understand, what I cited doesn’t normally happen. But I will bet every responder
knows of stories where members were not organized and had problems with equipment from one call to the next. Let’s face it, mistakes happen, especially when you are not a seasoned responder. What can you do to prevent careless mistakes? The answer is simple. Stay calm and be organized! Know what you have in each pocket of your gear and practice a strict routine for donning your gear. Gear-up the same way every time you respond to a call. Check your equipment after every call and before every shift. A strict routine that is practiced over and over is a must! -Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, July 2018
McKeesport House Fire Extends, 4 Injured
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On June 16, 2018, around 0500, fire crews were dispatched to the 2600 block of Cleveland Street in the City of McKeesport for a house on fire with reported entrapment. Police confirmed a fully involved home with two people trapped in the rear on a roof. Just before fire crews arrived, a five-year-old girl was dropped to safety from the roof and the first arriving crews quickly rescued a woman still trapped. A second alarm was immediately requested. Crews quickly ran into water issues as several fire hydrants failed, so tankers were dispatched. Firefighters tried to contain as much of the fire as they could with the water they had until a water supply was finally established. The original home collapsed and homes on both sides began to catch. With the water supply established, crews began knocking down the bulk of the fire and working the exposures. Four residents were transported to local hospitals with numerous injuries and burns. One home was destroyed, one home sustained heavy fire damage, one home sustained moderate fire damage and three other homes along with several cars also sustained heat damage. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Wilmerding Boro Garage Fire Shortly after midnight on June 8, 2018, Allegheny County 911 upgraded a smoke investigation to a full structure assignment for a fire in the area of the 400 block of Middle Avenue in Wilmerding Borough. Police arrived and found a garage fire located in the alley behind Middle Avenue. When fire crews arrived, they encountered a fully involved garage fire with an exposure problem in the rear. Crews went to work to protect the exposure and knock down the fire. The fire was finally placed under control just over an hour later. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Fuel Tank Fire in Cumberland Co. On June 7, 2018, firefighters responded to a fuel tank fire at the Zenith Energy Terminal on Simpson Ferry Road in Hampden Township in Cumberland County. - Fire News photo by Patrick M. Shoop, Jr.
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 7
3-Alarm Apartment Fire
On July 4, 2018, crews from multiple counties responded to a structure fire in Freeport. After one house caught fire, the fire extended into other structures as well, giving crews a difficult task of reaching and controlling the fire. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto and Artie Osniak
Page 8, Fire News, July 2018
Upper St. Clair 2-Alarmer Recently, firefighters were alerted for a residential structure fire south of Pittsburgh. Mutual aid companies were brought in on a second alarm and made quick work of the fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Fire in New Cumberland
Two dogs died in a two-alarm house fire in New Cumberland on May 24, 2018. Nobody was home at the time of the fire that started on the first floor. Not only was the 85-degree weather an issue for firefighters, they also were trying to work around a hive of honey bees and an antique pick-up truck that was parked next to the house. - Fire News photos by Jillian Stewart, Pat Shoop and Patrick M. Shoop, Jr.
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 9
Inn Fire in Bucks County
In the early morning hours of May 22, 2018, firefighters responded to the historic 206-year-old Richlandtown Inn in Richlandtown in Bucks County. Companies arrive to find fire showing. Reports were that 16 people were displaced and two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
Tavern Collapses in Dawson Around 0200 on May 18, 2018, Fayette County Station 11 (Dawson); Station 10 D, L and V; Station 14 (Everson); Station 37 ( South Connellsville); Station 8 ( New Haven Hose Co.); Station 32 (Perry Township); along with companies from Westmoreland County, Station 58 (Scottdale), and Station 74 (East Huntingdon Township) responded to Chubboy’s Tavern on River Road in Dawson for a structure fire. Upon arriving, units encountered a collapse of the structure due to a heavy volume of fire throughout. Multiple handlines were put in operation as well as two aerial devices from South Connellsville and Everson. Crews worked throughout the night and into the morning to contain the fire. Units returned later in the day for a rekindle. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Page 10, Fire News, July 2018
Harrisburg House Fire Contained
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On May 8, 2018, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 3, Tower 1, Truck 2 and Chief Bradford to South 14th Street for a building fire. Responding companies were advised of multiple callers reporting flames visible and jumpers. The chief requested the first alarm en route. Squad 8 arrived to fire in a three-story, end-of-the-row dwelling. Crews stretched three lines to fire on all floors. All searches were negative and the fire was contained to the building of origin. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Lower Burrell House Fire Stations from Lower Burrell, New Kensington, Arnold, Markle and Citizens Hose battled a residential structure fire in Lower Burrell on June 11, 2018. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Catasauqua Apartment Fire Firefighters from the Catasauqua Fire Department along with surrounding communities battled a two-alarm fire in the rain on July 4, 2018, on West Race Street. The fire started in a third-floor apartment and was contained to that apartment. The residents were reported to be away during the fire and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Scott Township House Fire Firefighters from multiple departments were called to a residential structure fire in Scott Township. Crews arrived to heavy fire conditions in the basement with high heat. The residents were found to be out of town at the time. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Page 12, Fire News, July 2018
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Riding Mower Fire
On May 10, 2018, Granville Township fire companies responded to a garage fire on Loop Road in Granville Township. Crews arrived to find a riding mower on fire inside the garage. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Vacant Home in Pittsburgh Goes to 2 Alarms On May 31, 2018, Pittsburgh 17 truck reported a large amount of smoke in the area and found a working fire located along Oakwood Street. A first alarm was dispatched as crews began an aggressive attack. Due to the proximity of exposures and the fact firefighters could not access the structure due to heavy overgrowth, a second alarm was requested. Firefighters were finally able to get the fire under control. The home was vacant and no one was injured. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
3 Displaced in Pitcairn Fire
On June 26, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to a residential structure fire located along Wall Avenue in Pitcairn Borough. Crews arrived to find a working fire in a bedroom and attic and quickly began an offensive attack. The fire was placed under control shortly thereafter. No one was injured but three residents were displaced. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Brackenridge Fire Draws a Crowd On May 21, 2018, Stations 112, 168, 169, 282, 160, 281 and 280 in Allegheny County responded to a residential structure fire on7th Avenue in Brackenridge. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 14, Fire News, July 2018
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Spontaneous Combustion in New Kensington
On June 6, 2018, companies from New Kensington, Arnold and Lower Burrell were called to a commercial structure fire at UniFirst uniform supply company. Hot rags spontaneously combusted in a bin after being removed from a dryer. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Emerald House Fire Firefighters from Emerald, Slatedale and Friedens were dispatched to a house fire on Main Street in the Emerald section of Washington Township on May 20, 2018. Crews arrived to flames showing from the second story of a two-story, single-family dwelling. Engine 6 went to work deploying a handline. Chief 6 arrived and requested engines from Slatington, Walnutport as well as a RIT assignment from Greenawalds and a cascade from Woodlawn. The interior crew was able to make a quit hit on the fire and had it knocked down within minutes. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Newport Road Church Fire June 14, 2018, Penn Township Box 2-06 toned at 0200 sending Engines 2 (Duncannon), 9 (New Buffalo); Tankers 2, 9 and 6 (Marysville);and Trucks 2 and 32 (Progress); to Newport Road at the Otterbein Methodist Church for a building fire. Chief Worner arrived to fire showing through the roof on the C/D corner. Also responding were Engine 29 (Halifax), Squad 20 (Northeast) for RIT, Truck 10 (Newport), Tanker 29, and Air 35 (Linglestown). At 0210, a second alarm was requested bringing Engines 6 and 8 (New Bloomfield), Tankers 38 (Dauphin), 17 (West Enola) and 8, and Rescue 8 to the scene. Companies were able to make a good knock on the fire with exterior lines. Engine 2 set up a portable and used a nearby pond for water supply. A two-inch line was stretched to the interior on the D side to finish extinguishing the fire. The fire was contained to the area of origin with no extension to other parts of the church. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Quakertown Garage Fire Quakertown Fire was alerted for a fully involved garage fire on Penrose Street. Battalion 18 arrived to heavy fire coming from a two-story garage. The fire was quickly brought under control. - Fire News photo by Jayson Wagner
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Dog Grooming Shop Fire
On May 31, 2018, firefighters responded to a commercial building fire at Wags Grooming on Ort Valley Road in Derry Township in Mifflin County. - Fire News photo by Patrick M. Shoop, Jr.
Williamstown Structure Fire
On June 18, 2018, at 0042, calls were received for a structure fire in the 24-1 box of Williamstown. Units arrived to find a non-occupied three-story structure with fire showing from the B side of division 2 and smoke showing from the eaves. Soon after, command requested a second alarm. Truck 22 arrived but was unable to utilize its ladder/bucket to reach the roof due to overhead wires. Crews threw ladders to the D side where an additional occupied structure was and then from that home’s roof to the fire building. crews vented the structure and fire was reported to have burst out through the vent hole. Crews made a quick knock on a majority of the fire which was contained to the attic area of the third floor. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Fire News, July 2018, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, July 2018
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Fully Involved on Arrival
On May 8, 2018, fire units were dispatched for a structure fire on Virginia Avenue in Braddock Hills. Units arrived to heavy smoke in the area and a home fully involved. Firefighters were able to knock down the bulk of the fire in about 20 minutes and the fire was placed under control in about an hour. The homeowner escaped without injuries but was transported to the hospital as a precaution. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
2-Car MVC on Father’s Day in Lancaster Twp. Lancaster Township Chief 66 came upon a two-car T-bone accident on the morning of June 17, 2018, at the intersection of North President and Marietta Avenue. One person was injured and both drivers claimed they had a green light. Manheim Township Police investigated the accident. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Mifflin County MVC On May 26, 2018, emergency crews responded to an MVC at Electric Avenue and Sixth Street in Derry Township in Mifflin County. - Fire News photo by Patrick M. Shoop, Jr.
Extrication in Penndel MVC
One man was hurt when his vehicle rolled over in an MVC in Penndel on July 5, 2018. The man was briefly trapped in his vehicle and firefighters from Rescue 8 cut out the windshield and door to free him. The driver of the other vehicle sustained a minor injury. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Route 309 Accident
Fire News, July 2018, Page 17
Emergency services personnel responded to the intersection of sedan. Two people in another sedan were also injured and taken by Route 309 and Old Packhouse Road in North Whitehall Township EMS to a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr. on June 15, 2018, for an MVC with entrapment. Crews arrived on scene to find one person trapped and injured in an overturned
Page 18, Fire News, July 2018
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2-Vehicle MVC On May 29, 2018, County was advised by Lieutenant 28 that he was on the scene of a two-vehicle MVC along with Firefighter 28. County promptly dispatched companies 26 Berrysburg and Reliance Hose from Elizabethville 21 as well as EMS. Engine 26 and Rescue 21 responded finding both vehicles off the roadway. Crews assisted with patient care and debris clean up. West End Garage arrived to assist with removing the vehicles from the scene. State Police and a unit from Medic 6 Life Team also assisted. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Head-on MVC in Philadelphia Firefighters from Philadelphia were called to a highspeed crash on Frankford Avenue at Brighton Street in June. One vehicle crossed into the other lane and slammed head-on into a minivan. There were two injuries. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
You Might Wanna’ Get on the Brakes Next Time On June 4, 2018, Stations 235 (Logan’s Ferry Heights) and 54 (Lower Burrell) responded to an MVA in which a tractor trailer side-swiped a house and plowed through several utility poles, bushes and mailboxes. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 19
Cover Story
Controlled Burn Not So Controlled
On May 1, 2018, Dauphin-Middle Paxton Fire Company Station 38 responded for a porch fire. Duncannon Fire Company 2, dispatched on the initial box, advised county of a column of smoke and the box was upgraded to a first alarm. The home sat up at the foot of a mountain and had a tight, single-lane driveway. Squad 2 laid in a five-inch line. A tanker had unsuccessfully attempted to reach the
house. A second alarm was requested for manpower as the initial attack ran out of water. Tankers arrived to feed Tanker 38 from Dauphin-Middle Paxton. The log home was lost to a small control burn that had spread to the back deck/porch area and then spread to the home itself. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 20, Fire News, July 2018
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More Flooding, Rescues, 1 Death in Allegheny County On June 20, 2018, a slow-moving storm producing over three inches of rain in under an hour, rolled through the southern parts of Allegheny County. Multiple calls were received by Allegheny County 911 for reports of people being trapped in multiple communities. Swift water rescues teams throughout Allegheny, Washington and Beaver Counties were dispersed in various locations and conducted an estimated 66 rescues. One of the hardest hit communities was the Borough of Bridgeville where at least 30 rescues were conducted on just one street. McLaughlin Run, which runs through the borough
quickly overflowed its banks flooding several blocks. A 64-year-old woman was killed when she abandoned her vehicle near McLaughlin Run and was swept away by the fast-moving water. She was found just before noon the next day. About a dozen animals were also rescued and were treated at the command post. A state of emergency was declared in several southern municipalities impacted by the flooding. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Medevac for Dog Bite EMS responded to a call for a dog bite. Once on scene crews requested a medevac. County dispatched Wiconisco Fire Company 23 to establish the LZ. Life Lion arrived and the flight crew boarded Williamstown Ambulance 24-1 to prep the patient for flight. Crews assisted with loading the patient onboard the helicopter for transport. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Bombs in Buck County Fire department personnel in Bucks County were called to the Milford Township, to assist federal investigators find and defuse bombs. A male who had an ongoing disagreement with the township was arrested and charged with manufacture and possession of weapons of mass destruction. The man had multiple homemade bombs in and on his property. He also owned a chemical company and had bombs stored there as well, police said. Fire police from across Bucks County were called to assist. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Lancaster Township Fire Assists DUI Task Force Lancaster Township Rescue/Engine 66 assisted the Lancaster County DUI Task Force on June 29, 2018, by providing lighting at the checkpoint with their light tower. The task force established a sobriety checkpoint on Columbia Avenue between North President Avenue and Abbeyville Road. The task force is a team of local municipal police officers that conduct intoxicated-driving enforcement details in conjunction with Pennsylvania State Police. About 1,500 DUI charges are filed every year in Lancaster County. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 21
1 Dead, 1 Injured in Bensalem Explosion Fire crews from Bensalem and Bristol were called to a Liberty gas station on Route 13 in Bensalem for an explosion. Rescue 1 and the collapse unit from Philadelphia were brought in to assist. The owner was doing maintenance work on a tank when it exploded, killing him and seriously injuring a worker. It took two days to recover the body. - Fire News photo by Dawn Altstatt
Medevac in New Kensington On May 27, 2018, New Kensington Station 4 was called to set up an LZ for a Stat MedEvac helicopter to transport an unresponsive one-year-old patient. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 22, Fire News, July 2018
Training
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Structure Burn Class Members from Chicora (Butler County Station 26), Bruin (Butler County Station 29), East Butler (Butler County Station 9) and Emlenton (Venango County Station 55) participated in a structure burn class on May 6, 2018. Members took part in fire attack, SAR, truck company operations and other fire ground functions. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Learning by Burning Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, Lingohocken Fire Company, and Joint Base McGuireDix-Lakehurst recently participated in a structural suppression refresher at the Lower Bucks County Public Safety Training Center in Croydon. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
DUI Demo in Burrell On May 3, 2018, Lower Burrell Stations 69 and 54 participated in a mock DUI drill at Burrell High School to show the students the devastating reality of a drunk driving accident. High school students, as well as their parents, assisted in the drill to add realism to the event. Crews used BVR training tactics, such as stabilization, cutting, and extrication. Lower Burrell Police and EMS also responded. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Lower Burrell Hosts Burn Class On May 19, 2018, Lower Burrell hosted a burn class with Stations 54 (Lower Burrell), 95-1 and 2 (Arnold), and 282 (Summit Hose) at the Indiana Fire Academy. Crews practiced physical rescues, line advancement, and basic and advanced attack techniques. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Training
Crash Course Village
The Mount Lebanon Fire Department was lucky enough to do some vehicle rescue training with the instructors from Crash Course Village at a junk yard near Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Mutual Aid VRT Training in Manheim
Lafayette Fire Company firefighters joined Lancaster Township firefighters for mutual aid VRT training on June 18, 2018, at Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center’s vehicle rescue pad in Manheim. Twenty firefighters examined Lancaster Township’s recently delivered Pierce Arrow XT Rescue/Engine 66 along with Lafayette’s Engine 63-1. Firefighters practiced on a vehicle supplied by the training center deploying hand tools as well as Amkus hydraulic spreaders, rams and cutters to remove the doors, roof and lift the dashboard. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Fire News, July 2018, Page 23
Page 24, Fire News, July 2018
Lower Burrell Memorial Day Parade
- Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Oakmont/Verona Memorial Day Parade
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Lewistown Memorial Service
On June 2, 2018, family, friends, and fellow firefighters held a memorial service honoring three firemen killed in the line of duty 50 years ago on June 1, 1968. The three firemen from the Lewistown Fire Department were John Wilson, Jack Hopple and Richard White. All three were junior firemen who died while operating at a silo fire in Reedsville. All three were killed when the silo exploded and they were at the top of the Lewistown Ladder putting foam into the silo. Many family members and fire personnel spoke at the memorial including Patrick Pauly, past-Lewistown Deputy Chief; Bruce Trego, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner; and Ed Mann, past-Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner. The Lewistown Fire Department will never forget the sacrifice these three men made on that day. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Yardley Borough Memorial Day Parade
- Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Honored for Their Dedication The Yardley-Makefield Fire Company membership recently recognized Ted and Michael Ziaylek (Zico Ziamatic Corp. Fire and Safety) for their continued dedication to the fire company. Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Chief Glenn Chamberlain presented both Ziaylek brothers with photo frames. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Falls Township Fire Company #1 recently participated in the Yardley Borough Memorial Day Parade. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 25
Westmoreland County Fireman’s Convention
From June 7 through 10, 2018, the Westmoreland County Fireman’s Convention was held at Fort Allen Volunteer Fire Company’s Station 104. This was the event’s 83rd running. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Page 26, Fire News, July 2018
New Rescue Unit for Wiconisco
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Wiconisco took delivery of their new Rescue 5-112018. Featuring a 525-hp Detroit engine with 2000gpm pump and onboard 500 gallons of water. It will soon be going out for custom tool mounting and is expected to be placed into service sometime this summer or early fall. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Pittsburgh FOOLS and Amen Corner Awards Banquet
The Pittsburgh Metro FOOLS (Fraternal Order of Leatherhead EMS and dispatchers who went above and beyond the call of duty Society) held their annual banquet, presenting awards to local fire, in their service. - Fire News photos by Ken Lager
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Dauphin Co. 100th Anniversary
On June 8 and 9, 2018, Liberty Hose Company 1 of Williamstown was host to the Dauphin County Convention 100th Anniversary. On June 9 a parade was held in Williamstown with units from Dauphin and Schuykill Counties in attendance. Congratulations to Williamstown on hosting the convention; a good time was had by all. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Fire News, July 2018, Page 27
Dauphin VFA Convention
100th Dauphin County Volunteer Fireman’s Association convention was hosted by Williamstowns Liberty Hose Company Station 24. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Page 28, Fire News, July 2018
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Up Close & Personal
On June 27, 2018, fire units were called to the 400 block of James Street in Turtle Creek Borough for a reported basement fire. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
On June 19, 2018, Engine 21 of the Millersburg Fire Company Station 20 responded to a structure fire. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
The Mount Lebanon Fire Department had vehicle rescue training with the instructors from Crash Course Village at a junkyard near Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
On June 6, 2018, the Lower Mahanoy Fire Company responded to a one-alarm dwelling fire. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Franklin County, Marion Volunteer Fire Company Company 8 Shawn Buhrman in command. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
On May 19, 2018, Lower Burrell hosted a burn class with Stations 54 (Lower Burrell), 95-1 and 2 (Arnold), and 282 (Summit Hose) at the Indiana Fire Academy. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 29
Up Close & Personal
Firefighter Christopher Osniak (son of Fire News photographer Artie Osniak) at a commercial structure fire in Dawson, Fayette County on Friday May 18, 2018. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Aspinwall Chief Gene Marsico and Millvale former-Chief Jim Tunstall at Aspinwall Fire. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Firefighters from Emerald, Slatedale and Friedens were dispatched to a house fire on Main Street in the Emerald section of Washington Township on May 20, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
On May 13, 2018, fire crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire located on Dichicco Drive in North Versailles. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
On May 3, 2018, Lower Burrell Stations 69 and 54 participated in a mock DUI drill at Burrell High School to show the students the devastating reality of a drunk driving accident. Lower Burrell Police and EMS also responded. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Page 30, Fire News, July 2018
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Announcements Community Heroes Day at Penn State Football - vs Kent State - $10 of Every Ticket to Benefit the PFESI
the US have a greater number of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths. H.R. 931 seeks to establish and improve collection activities to collect a greater abundance of data and assist in developing new protocols and safeguards to protect firefighters. Co-sponsors of this bill including the following from Pennsylvania: Barletta, Lou [R-PA11]; Meehan, Patrick [R-PA7] (no longer serving); Shuster, Bill [R-PA9]; Costello, Ryan [R-PA6]; Fitzpatrick, Brian [R-PA8]; Murphy, Tim [R-PA18] (no longer serving); Brady, Robert [DPA1]; Thompson, Glenn [R-PA5]; Dent, Charles [R-PA15] (no longer serving); Boyle, Brendan [D-PA13]; Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA16]; Evans, Dwight [D-PA2]; and Kelly, Mike [R-PA3].
Beaver Stadium 1 Beaver Stadium University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 Saturday, September 15, 2018; noon. From $40. Welcome all firefighters families and friends! Please enjoy promotional rate tickets to the Penn State football game against Kent State. As a firefighter you can choose one of two options. Both options will include a game ticket and benefit the PFESI’s effort to help the families of fallen fire fighters. Help 24 other people sign up for tickets through this platform and all 25 of you will get to take a photo on the field at the conclusion of the game. Option 1 Includes a game ticket and t-shirt and $10 benefit to the PFESI From April 20 to 22, 2018, the Eastern Division of the International Option 2 Association of Fire Chiefs (EDIAFC) held its annual meeting and conIncludes a game ticket and $10 benefit to the PFESI ference at the Baltimore/Washington Airport. The EDIAFC represents; In addition to promotional rate tickets, three first responders will be Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, selected as a coin toss participant. To nominate someone please click Pennsylvania and Washington, DC to the here. International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). For more information, to purchase parking or for special seating During the business meeting on Friday, New requirements, please contact Will McGrath at 814-867-2536 or Jersey Chief James Yates EFO, CFO, Director wwm12@psu.edu of Fire & Emergency Services in West Windsor and a past-Chief and life member of Lawrence Road Fire Company was elected President. In his remarks at the installation dinner on Saturday, President Yates thanked outgoing H.R. 931, oroiginally sponsored by Rep. Chris Collins [R-NY27] President Paul Sterling of Maryland for his servrequires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop and ice and noted that his term would include stressmaintain a registry to collect data regarding the incidence of cancer in ing the importance of the IAFC initiatives on firefighters. This bill authorizes $10 million for fiscal years 2018-2022 firefighter cancer awareness and firefighter mento carry out those activities. tal wellness awareness. Information on both can Firefighters may experience detrimental health effects due to smoke be found on the EDIAFC web site; ediafc.com/. inhalation and other harmful substances. A 2015 study by the National Also announced, were plans for the 2019 EDIAFC conference to be Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that firefighters in held May 10 to 12, 2019, in Hightstown/East Windsor, New Jersey, themed “Leadership is Based on Knowledge.” Past-Carlstadt Chief Larry Wood is heading up that effort which will highlight the unique and diverse New Jersey fire service. Information on the conference can also be found on the EDIAFC website. In other action; retired Chief Ted Lowden (Evesham Fire Department, NJ) was elected EDIAFC International Director and in May, Chief Joseph Cunningham, Sr., (Delran Fire Department, NJ) was selected as the EDIAFC New Jersey Director. Chief Yates, EDIAFC President can be contacted at; jyatescfo@gmail.com.
Yates Elected President of IAFC Eastern Div.
H.R. 931: Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018 Signed by President Trump
Nominations Now Being Accepted for Public Safety Officer Medal Award Recognizes Public Safety Personnel for Valor The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has opened the nomination period for the 2017-2018 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. This is the highest national award honoring firefighters, emergency service officers, and law enforcement officers across the country, including federal, state, local and tribal officers. The nomination period will remain open until 2359 (Eastern time) on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. This award honors public safety officers who displayed exceptional acts of courage and decisiveness to protect human life, above and beyond the call of duty. To receive the Medal of Valor, public safety officers must be nominated by the chief executive officer of their employing agencies, recommended by the bipartisan Medal of Valor Review Board, and cited by the Attorney General. Each year, the medals are presented to the recipients at a special White House ceremony. Learn more about the requirements for this award on the Medal of Valor website and start preparing your nominations today.
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2018, Page 31
JUST ANNOUNCED … 150 EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS AT FIREHOUSE EXPO Firehouse Expo just announced its educational lineup for this year’s event. This is the third year Firehouse Expo will be held in Nashville, TN, and it will bigger and better than ever. 2018 highlights include: • More than 150 educational sessions that will challenge you to think differently and learn new techniques with more one-on-one time with influential leaders • More individualized training • Great opportunity for personal contact with peers and solution providers • All new Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Technology track to introduce these new products to you and keep you updated on the newest technology to help you fight fires • Company & Chief Officer Development Training where you can share best practices with fellow leaders, empower your staff
through education and secure your department’s future through a focus on operations on safety protocols. • Skill-focused scenario-based hands-on training (HOT) programs with a better student-to-instructor ratio than any other national or state event • -Live-Fire Engine and Truck Operations programs so you can learn the skills in detail before you need to put them to the test • Firefighter Health & Wellness track to help you improve your fireground performance Registration is now open. For details, visit FirehouseExpo.com. Early-bird savings of up to $120 off the full conference are good through Aug. 15. For Fire News readers, enter promo code FIRENEW for an additional $50 savings off of the full conference (published rates) and enjoy FREE exhibit hall admission.