On May 16, 2025, Yeadon Fire was dispatched to the 900 block of Church Lane for a residential fire.
See story on page 4
Hot Porch Fire in Lewistown
Lewistown Fire made quick work of a porch fire at the rear of a Valley Street home.
See story on page 8
Swatara Township
Garage and Car Fire
Swatara Township companies responded to an Oberlin structure fire.
See story on page 11
Company 63 Lands
Medevac 7
Amidday call on May 30,2025, came in for a medical assist for Companies 63 and 65..
See story on page 14
House Destroyed in 5-Hour Fight
The Clermont VFD was dispatched to a reported house fire on Red Mill Road in Sergeant Township.
See story on page 16
Obituaries
Belleville’s Samuel ‘Bob’Glick
Junction’s Harold Earnest
Carsonville’s David Warfel
See story on pages 22-23
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Directory
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Focus of the Month
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. page 20
Mayday Puts 1
FFin Hospital
At approximately 0545 hours, on May 16, 2025, Yeadon Fire Company was dispatched to the 900 block of Church Lane fora residential fire. Upon arrival, crews found fire showing from the Charlie side of the house. Additional crews were called in on mutual aid, including crews from UpperDarby. During the firefight, a Mayday was called fora firefighterwho had fallen from the second floorinto the first floor. The firefighterwas transported via ambulance to Presbyterian Medical Centerwith non-life-threatening injuries. He was released several hours later. Crews were on scene forabout three hours.
- Fire News photos by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos
WaterProblems at Conewago Township Fire
May 3, 2025 at 2209 hours, Conewago Township Box 81-3 toned out sending crews from Dauphin and Lebanon counties to Bellaire Road fora reported structure fire. Asingle callerreported a barn home fully involved with entrapment. Lawn Rescue Engine 3 arrived to heavy fire showing from sides Aand B and the structure was located at the back of a long lane in which tankers were needed to supply water. The barn was fully involved and collapsed. There was no entrapment. Aportable pond and a supply line relay required caused a delay in watersupply.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Garage Fire Jumps to Home
CarFire in New Kensington
On May 15, 2025, around 1314 hours, Station 21 (Cranberry Twp.) was dispatched into BeaverCounty to assist Station 52 (New Sewickley Fire District) with a residential structure fire. Tower21 and Engine 21-2 went en route right away. Cranberry crews arrived as the first-due engine and truck to find a single-family structure with fire well involved in the attached garage and into the structure. Two 1-3/4 inch lines were pulled from Engine 21-2 as the towercrew provided search and opened up the structure. Engine 21 arrived and supplied waterto Engine 212. Tankers from Station 52 arrived and supplemented the watersupply. Station 52 was assisted by otherunits from BeaverCounty as well as one additional unit from ButlerCounty. No injuries were reported and the fire was being investigated by the New Sewickley Township Police and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Firefighters battled a vehicle fire in New Kensington recently. Crews from New Kensington and Arnold responded to the scene.
- Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Bristol Fire Next to Elementary School
Fire crews were dispatched to a twin dwelling in Bristol Borough in April 2025, fora dwelling fire. They arrived, saw smoke and quickly put all hands in service. The fire was right next to an elementary school, which was placed on lock down. The response was upgraded when the first arriving chief confirmed there was a basement fire with a heavy smoke condition. Firefighters determined the fire was a dryerin the basement and extinguished the fire using one 1-3/4 inch hoseline, which was confined to the dryer. Firefighters ventilated the affected Radcliffe Street dwellings. Companies from Bristol Township and Fairless Hills were among those that responded.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Mifflin Town House Fire
Firefighters from Mifflintown Hose Company responded to William Penn Highway nearMifflintown fora reported house fire in the early morning of May 7, 2025. Upon arrival of Mifflintown Hose, Deputy Chief Koni Hench confirmed a fire in a second-floorbedroom. According to Hench it took firefighters 22 minutes to bring the fire undercontrol. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Pennsylvania State Police, and Lewistown’s Fire Marshal’s Office. Assisting at the scene were members from Friendship Fire, Fayette Fire, Beal Township Fire, Thompsontown Fire, Junction Fire, Central Juniata EMS, Pennsylvania State Police, and local fire police.
- Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner
South Buffalo Township Structure Fire
Amulti-county response was called fora fire in a commercial structure at the Rosebud Mining Facility in South Buffalo Township. Crews from several counties were called, and remained on scene forapproximately three hours.
-
Fire News photos by Steven Matto
Hot Porch Fire in Lewistown
On June 25, 2025, with the real-feel temperature at 108 degrees, the Lewistown Fire Department made quick work of a porch fire at the rearof a Valley Street home. Extra manpowerand rehab was requested due to the high heat.
- Fire News photo by Patrick Shoop
CarFire in Susquehanna
Progress firefighters quickly extinguished a vehicle fire nearthe intersection of North Progress Avenue and Valley Road on June 13, 2025. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
House Fire on Riverview St.
Just before midnight on April 22, 2025, McKeesport Bureau of Fire was dispatched to the 2500 block of Riverview Street, formultiple calls reporting a house fire. The responding deputy requested the second alarm bringing in Glassport 161, Versailles 286, White Oak 299, Allegheny County Airport 100, Dravosburg 131, Duquesne Annex 294, Munhall 203 forRIT. Crews worked and brought the fire undercontrol within a half hour. The Allegheny County Fire Marshal and McKeesport Police were investigating. - Fire News photo by Nick Kurta
Eldred and Mutual Aid Fight
Prentisvale Road Fire
On May 2, 2025, the Eldred Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Prentisvale Road at 1839 hours. First arriving firefighters found a working fire and requested mutual aid from Otto Township, Smethport, Port Allegany, Rew and Town of Olean, (NY) volunteerfire departments. Firefighters used three 1-3/4 inch handlines to extinguish the fire. Firefighters were on scene forthree hours. - Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish
Harrisburg Fire on Elm Street Snuffed
At 1228 hours on April 21, 2025, Harrisburg Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Squad 8, Tower1, Truck 2, Chief 8 (Zavrel) to Elm Street fora possible structure fire. Tower1 arrived to smoke showing from a two-story, occupied, middle-of-the-row brick dwelling. Aline was stretched off Wagon 4 which made a quick knockdown on a kitchen fire. The fire was placed undercontrol in about 15 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Upland Borough House Fire
Just before 1000 hours on May 4, 2025, dispatchers received a call fora house fire on 7th Street in Upland Borough. The first-due engine arrived, with fire showing, and eventually a second alarm was struck. It took crews from multiple fire companies about two hours to bring this stubborn fire undercontrol. No injuries were reported and one dog was rescued by firefighters.
- Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos
Swatara Township Garage and CarFire
On April 27, 2025, Swatara Township Box 49-1 sent Company 91, Engines 301, 50, 55, 59 and 2-13, Truck 32, Rescue 88, RIT69, and Squad 8 to 4th Avenue in the Oberlin section of the township, fora structure fire at 0457 hours. Responding units advised of a callerreporting flames and smoke from across the street. Chief 91-6 (Bradnick) arrived to a well involved, detached garage and vehicle to the rear of a 5th Avenue garage. Engine 91 dumped the monitor, then two lines were pulled, knocking down the bulk of the fire in less than 10 minutes. The fire was placed undercontrol at 0513 hours. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Philadelphia Apartment
Building Fire
Philadelphia Fire Department crews responded to a single alarm fire at an apartment building on Griscom Street on March 13, 2025. Engine 14 arrived to heavy smoke and put 3-and-2 in service. The fire was contained to the upperfloors. Companies stayed in service foran extended overhaul. Busy Oxford Avenue was closed to traffic. This is neara public transportation hub and fully charged waterlines caused delays from the fire.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
2 Structures Damaged in Allentown Row Fire
Firefighters from the Allentown Fire Department responded to Allen Street on May 7, 2025, fora reported house fire. Firefighters were advised by Allentown Police that a male was inside a thirdfloorapartment. The crews of Engine 6 and Truck 2 along with Assistant Chief 46 Jon Steed removed the male through a thirdfloorwindow. The fire eventually went to three alarms and additional manpowerwas required. The Catasauqua Fire Department also responded with theirLadder2. Firefighters operated forseveral hours and were able to contain fire damage to two structures on Allen Street. Otherproperties in the row were evaluated for smoke damage.
- Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.
Early Morning Fire
Just before 0530 hours on May 6, 2025, McKeesport Bureau of Fire was dispatched to the 2600 block of Jenny Lind Street. Crews arrived to find a working fire on the first floorand a second alarm was struck bringing in off-duty personnel and volunteermutual aid from Glassport 161, Versailles 286, White Oak 299, Allegheny County Airport 100, Duquesne Annex 294 and Munhall 203. Crews acted fast and got a quick knockdown on the fire without any injuries involved. The Allegheny County Fire Marshall and McKeesport Police were investigating.
- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta
Mifflin County Industrial Development Corp WaterMovement Drill
Firefighters from several Mifflin County fire departments converged on the MCIDC Complex on State Road 103 North on April 26, 2025, in what MCIDC and Fire Department officials are calling a successful drill.
According to MCIDC President/CEO Nick Felice, a few years ago MCIDC invested around $20,000 to install a river access point on property to not only augment the MCIDC current fire suppression system, but also give fire departments access to the river without disrupting the normal everyday traffic of the local boat launches. According to Junction Fire Co Fire Chief Scott Beers approximately 70 firefighters from seven different departments along with several Fire Service instructors coled by Lewistown Boro Safety Officer/retired resident Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Instructor Robert McCaa, and current
Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Instructor Thomas Leiter were able to create and maintain what they called a perfect maintainable pressure of 1400 gpm using roughly a mile of five-inch supply hose which started at the draft site by Nittany Paper and ending behind the former Avtex facility.
Chief Beers stated that the key to the entire operation was making sure that each engine only laid 1,000 feet of supply hose. Instructors McCaa and Leiter both spoke on the importance of 1,000 feet between engines being due to the amount of friction loss created in such a long stretch. With all of this being on a flat piece of ground, it was much easier to achieve and maintain the pressure a change in elevation such as making a lay from the draft site to say the Juniata Terrace would have a need for additional engines to be placed at shorter distances
due to the elevation difference causing a larger amount of friction loss. .
Both Felice and Beers wish to thank the Firefighters from Junction Fire, Burnham Fire, City Hook & Ladder, Granville Fire, West Granville Fire, McVeytown Fire , and Heritage Fire for their a participation in this drill. Additionally Chief Beers MCIDC Board for originally creating and continuing to maintain the draft site, Brannon and Royer Septic Service, Pennsylvania State Fire Academy for use of equipment for the drill, Friendship Fire of Port Royal for use of a mechanical hose roller. They would also like to thank Trinity Plastics and Nittany Paper for shutting down their normal tractor-trailer traffic as most entrances were shut down during the drill.
- Fire News photo by Samuel Baumgardner
Company 63 Lands Medevac 7
AnotherAir Medical
On May 31, 2025, area crews were dispatched to assist in establishing an LZ forairmedical. Life Team EMS and Tremont Area Ambulance requested airmedical following the evaluation of a medical call patient. Engine 27 responded, arrived at the chosen location and established the LZ. Soon after, both EMS units arrived to Life Flight 5 approaching then and safely touching down. Once loaded and the fire crew was out of the LZ perimeterLife Flight departed.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Amidday call came in fora medical assist forCompanies 63 and 65 on May 30, 2025. Soon afterunits were advised to establish an LZ foran incoming medevac. Command 63 was advised the aircraft would be Medevac 7. Engine 63 arrived and established the landing zone just off of HooflanderRoad. Within a few short moments, EMS arrived at the LZ as Medevac 7 arrived overhead. The pilot advised command they would be conducting a recon flight and then would proceed to land. Once circling Medevac 7 safely touched down and crew proceeded forward to the ambulance to ready the patient forflight.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Well, I Guess You’re Ready fora Tow
An elderly woman was driving on Grant Avenue when she drove up a flat bed of a tow truck which had just removed a vehicle from a crash. Afull accident response was dispatched. The incident was handled by Engine 62, Ladder34 and Medic 49. The balance was recalled. The woman had minorinjuries. The driver of the truck was not in the truck at the time of the incident.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Serious Injury in Motorcycle vs CarHead-on
Personnel from the City of Allentown responded to an MVA involving a motorcycle. The motorcyclist, driving eastbound, crossed overthe double yellow line and struck a vehicle coming in the opposite direction head on. The motorcyclist was thrown over the guard rail and down the embankment.
- Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Trench Collapse Rescue in DoverTwp.
At 1546 hours on May 31, 025, DoverTownship Company 9, Rescue 89, and companies from the York County Technical Rescue Team were dispatched to Anita Drive fora special rescue. Responding companies were advised of a subject trapped in a trench up to the waist. First arriving crews reported a subject trapped between the home’s exteriorbasement wall and a dirt pile. Additional resources were requested from the LancasterRescue Task Force along with Harrisburg Rescue 1. Units performed stabilization of the trench, interiorbasement wall, and had to hand dig dirt to free the trapped subject. Approximately fourhours afterthe arrival of the first fire company, the subject was extricated from the trench and flown to a local trauma centerby Stat Medevac with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Medevac by Life Flight
On May 25, 2025, Districts 13 and 14 land Life Flight 5 Districts 13 and 14 were dispatched to establish an LZ forincoming airmedical. Command was notified it would be Life Flight 5. District 13 arrived and established the LZ forLife Flight 5. Due to an extended arrival forEMS, Life Flight was requested to shut down. Aftera short time, EMS arrived and promptly readied the patient fortransport. Once readied, crews helped load the patient, who was transported to the designated hospital.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
3-CarMVAin Susquehanna Twp.
On May 29, 2025, Susquehanna Township crfews were sent to the area of 39th and Walnut streets foran MVAwith entrapment. Engine 32-1 advised three vehicles involved with one on fire. Engine 32 arrived and stretched a line foran engine compartment fire. Police assisted in the removal of one occupant and companies reported no entrapment. Occupants were treated and transported to local medical facilities.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
House Destroyed in 5-HourFight
On June 22, 2025 at 0840 hours, the Clermont VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Red Mill Road in Sergeant Township. First arriving firefighters found the house well involved. Additional crews were dispatched from Smethport, Norwich Township, Hamlin Township, Port Allegany, Mt. Jewett, Kane, Emporium; Johnsonburg and Mt. Jewett ambulances were also on scene. Firefighters used three 1-3/4 inch attack lines, a portable masterstream, a deck gun and two aerial masterstreams to fight the fire. Due to the rural location, four tankers were used to shuttle waterforfirefighting operations. No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. Firefighters were on scene forfive hours. The house was destroyed.
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
Day in the Life of a First ResponderEvent
The Emergency and Protective Services (EPS) program at Delaware County Technical Schools is a two-yearcourse open to high school students from all school districts in Delaware County. The EPS course encompasses nearly every aspect of the public safety field; including law enforcement, homeland security, criminal justice, corrections, firefighting, 911 dispatching, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). On May 8, 2025, EPS students participated in theirannual “Day in the Life of a First Responder” event. This event is an opportunity forstudents to participate in lifelike emergency scenarios, underthe guidance of public safety professionals from the community. During the Day in the Life event, the Emergency Services Training Centerbecomes a mini town. Throughout the day students will respond to various emergencies and work with public safety professionals from the area to mitigate them.
- Fire News photo by Sherry Tappan, Tappan Fire Photos
HanoverMemorial Day Parade 2025
- Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
Training
Live Burn Training in Limerick
On May 13, 2025 at around 0830 hours, Limerick firefighters, along with staff from the Limerick Township Fire Marshal’s Office, conducted a training exercise at an old house on Main Street slated fordemolition. The training focused on hoseline advancement, forcible entry techniques, VES (Vent, Enter, Search), breaching walls and windows, and improving radio communications. The goal was to provide crews with a realistic residential simulation, presenting challenges such as tight spaces, corners, and obstacles. Firefighters practiced advancing hose lines inside, communicating effectively overthe radio, and forcing entry through doors, among othercritical tasks. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
Live Burn in Westmoreland County
On April 27, 2025, members from Elizabeth Twp 140, Blaine Hill 142, Elizabeth Boro 139 and Glassport 161 participated in their annual day burn at Westmorland County Public Safety Training
Baden Fire Takes Part in Response Simulation
Firefighters from the Baden Fire Department from Beaver County participated in the Cranberry Township VolunteerFire Company’s 24-hourresponse simulations on May 17 and 18, 2025. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Centerand went through multiple evolutions to simulate events. - Fire News photos by Nick Kurta
Harmony
Trains with
Cranberry VFC
Firefighters from the Harmony Fire District participated in the Cranberry Township VolunteerFire Company’s 24-hour response simulations on May 17 and 18, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Training Montgomery Class 2501 24 Departments Benefit
Firefighter recruits from Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, and Berks counties graduated from the Montgomery County Fire Academy on May 29, 2025. On April 27, the recruits completed their live burn session, which included fire evolutions of basement, residential, garage, and commercial fires. They had to apply various fireground tasks throughout the evolutions. Most of the graduates earned their ProBoard certifications and passed their practical exams and classes. The Academic Achievement Award for the Interior Firefighter Class, 2501, was presented to Firefighter Michael Martin from Chester
Heights Fire Company. Congratulations to the MCFAClass 2501 firefighter graduates!
Firefighter graduates came from the following companies: East Greenville, Penn Wynne, Bryn Mawr, Harmonville, Black Rock, Conshohocken, Oley, Trappe, Belmont Hills, Kutztown, Flourtown, Ludwigs Corner, Limerick, Oakmont, Narberth, Sanatoga, Chester Heights, Brookline, Twin Valley, Spring Mill, Manoa, Amity, Upper Frederick and Union.
- Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION OFTHE STATE OFPENNSYLVANIAANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MEETINGTO BE HELD IN KINGOFPRUSSIA, PA
The King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania will host the 2025 Summer Meeting and the Annual Conference of the Firefighters Association of the State of Pennsylvania (FASP). The conference will be held September 19 and 20, 2025 and include an antique fire apparatus muster, Traffic Incident Management Training.
The events are as follows: ANNUALCONFERENCE
Thursday September 18 - Registration and Committee Meetings
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company
Allendale Road Station
170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406
Friday September 19 - Registration and Meetings (FASP)
Upper Merion Township Building
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA19406
Memorial Service at 11 AM @ KPVFC 9-11 Memorial
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company
Allendale Road Station
170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406
Out-of-State Association Officers Luncheon 12:30 PM
Peppers by Amadeo
175 Town Center Road, King of Prussia, PA
Meetings Reconvene (FASP& FASPAuxiliary) 1:30 PM
Upper Merion Township Building
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA19406
PFESI Board of Directors Meeting 1:30 PM
Upper Merion Township Building
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA19406
Goosenecker Meeting and Ladies Auxiliary Meeting
Swedeland Volunteer Fire Company
609 AStreet, King of Prussia, PA19406
Saturday September 20 - Registration, Meetings, Award Ceremonies
Upper Merion Township Building
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia PA19406
Antique Fire Apparatus Muster 11 AM - 3PM
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company
Allendale Road Station
170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406
Antique apparatus display and judging, food trucks AWARDS at 3PM
Traffic Incident Management Training Program By Responder Safety Institute
10 AM - 1 PM
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company
Allendale Road Station
170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406
Nationally recognized speakers, recruitment and retention poster board displays and special events will occur; as well as the annual awards ceremony and updates on the FASPR&R Safer Grant program. Info will also be posted at the respective websites: www.pafirefighters.org and www.kpvfc.com
Each year the FASPconducts their conference to discuss legislation, recruitment and retention, training, and other topics as well as presentation of awards for training, leadership, valor, and public education.
HOTEL: Crowne Plaza Hotel
260 Mall Blvd
King of Prussia, PA19406
610-265-7500
www. http://cpvalleyforge.com/
Block of rooms under “State Firemans Convention”
$138/night plus tax. INCLUDES Breakfast for 2 people
Direct Link for reservations below can be found at kpvfc.com/2025 Convention tab
Indicate which event you are requesting (Summer Quarterly Meeting or Annual Conference)
See you in September in KOP!
Training
Emergency Response Simulations
Overthe weekend of May 17 and 18, 2025, Cranberry Twp. VFC played host to the annual 24-hourERS (Emergency Response Simulations). Twelve companies with over65 firefighters responded to over100 simulated calls that were organized by 40 instructors. Calls ranged from structure fires, vehicle fires, dumpsterfires, searches, to technical rescues, fire alarms and medical calls. All the participants, staffed with theirapparatus, were stationed at the park firehouse. Every dispatch was different and unique. During the training there were nine actual calls from the ButlerCounty 911 centerto which crews responded. Departments that participated:
Township VFC; ButlerCounty- Rescue, Engine and Tower; Harmony Fire District ButlerCounty- Engine; Adams Area Fire District ButlerCounty Rescue; Berkeley Hills, Allegheny County; Etna Fire Department Allegheny County- Rescue; Stowe Township VFC Allegheny County- Ladder; Cochran Hose Company Allegheny County- Engine; Reserve VFD Allegheny County- Engine; Seville VFC Allegheny County- Engine; and Baden VFC BeaverCounty- Rescue.
- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
Cranberry
Tri-County Fire School Celebrates its 60th Anniversary
The Tri-County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Fire School celebrated its 60th anniversary in May in Smethport. The highlight of the event was the groundbreaking ceremony for the burn building addition. Fire School Chief Director Dan Burkhouse of Bradford Township was the master of ceremonies. He detailed the efforts to keep the three-story burn building functional and in use and the ongoing fundraising efforts to complete the project. The building was constructed in 1969 at a cost of $5,000 and has undergone several renovations and enhancements over the years with the last being in 2000. The new addition will cost $300,000 and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026.
State Representative Martin Causer presented Tri-County Fire School with a citation recognizing the school for 60 years of Training Emergency Responders. McKean County Commissioners Tom Kriener, Marty Wilder and Carol Duffy were present at the event. McKean County ARPACoordinator Dana Crisp also attended as she assisted in obtaining funds for the project. Lanny Layton, Butler County Community College Northwestern Representative spoke on the value of this fire school in educating volunteer firemen in northwestern Pennsylvania. Over 60 people attended the ceremony.
The first fire school was held on August 26 and 27, 1965, with 181 students and 13 instructors. Classes met in tents in a field on the fire school property as there were no classroom buildings. Early smoke training was done in a chicken coop and then a house. In 1967, a ladder tower was constructed out of four utility poles and used until 1989, when it was replaced with a steel tower that is still in use today. An oil tank fire prop was installed in 1967, and a
2 New Firefighters for Bradford Twp VFD
The Bradford Township VolunteerFire Department congratulates Robert Mackie and Landon Pierotti on graduating high school and transitioning from the department’s juniormember program to full membership. FirefighterMackie has completed his essentials fire training and FirefighterPierotti will complete his training this fall. Fire Chief Dan Burkhouse presented black helmets to the two members replacing theirorange helmets. - Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
Announcements
tanker truck fire prop was installed in 1972. These two props are very important training tools and were replaced in 2015 and changed to use propane as their fuel for fires instead of crude oil and diesel fuel.
The first building built was the office building in 1967. The classroom building was built in 1987.
Attendance at the annual May fire school weekend continued to grow, drawing firemen from Pennsylvania and New York State to its classes. In 1973, attendance was 445; in 1980, attendance peaked at 800 students. Classrooms and the cafeteria at the Smethport High School were used during this period. In the 1990s attendance started to decline as the number of volunteer firefighters declined in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Today, Fire School is run on three weekends in addition to the Essentials Class and trains approximately 350 firemen a year.
Classes held this weekend included Pump I, Forceable Entry, Basic Chainsaw Safety and Basic Search. The Chainsaw Safety Class and Basic Search Class were taught by staff from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Current officers and directors of Tri-County Fire School are President, Jack Fowler of Johnsonburg; Vice-President, Ken Weidow of St. Mary’s; Secretary, Cindy Burkhouse of Bradford Township; Treasurer, Judy Larson of Lewis Run; Chief Director, Dan Burkhouse of Bradford Township; Assistant Chief Director, Harry Lamielle of Bradford Township. Other Board of Directors are Tim Burkhouse of Bradford Township; Mike Burgoon and Mike McConnell of Rew. - Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish
Save the Date forthe Antique Fire and EMS Apparatus Muster!
Antique apparatus display and judging, food trucks and market.
Saturday, September 20, 2025. Antique Fire and EMS Apparatus Muster 11 a.m. - 3p.m. at the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company Allendale Road Station 170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406
Set up begins at 7 a.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m. Apparatus Registration online at www.kpvfc.com under the FASPConvention Link
Registration is $10 per antique apparatus; and $25 registration for vendor (10' x 10' space) Questions, contact: FASP2025@kpvfc.com or 610-265-1063 opt# 6
Antique Fire and EMS Apparatus Muster
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company in Conjunction With the FireFighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania.
Saturday September 20, 2025 170 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA19406 Set up at begins at 7AM Muster/Display 11 AM to 3 PM Awards presented at 3 PM
Fire Company Owned (First & Second Place) 1910-1950 1951-1969 1970 - 1995
Public Choice Award
Harold Earnest Honored forServices Rendered
Junction Fire Company FirefighterHarold Earnest was honored by local fire companies and an honorguard from Juniata County Veterans Council on June 10, 2025. Earnest served 24 years in the US Army Reserves out of the Lewistown Barracks and 50 years as a volunteerfirefighterholding life memberships at the Junction Fire Company and Chief Logan Fire Company Volunteers attending the service were assisted by Lewistown BoroPolice and local fire police. - Fire News photos by Samuel Baumgardner
Samuel ‘Bob’Glick Honored for50 Years of Service
Belleville Fire Company FirefighterSamuel ‘Bob’Glick was honored by local fire companies on June 14, 2025. Glick served over50 years as a volunteerfirefighterholding life memberships at the Belleville Fire Company, Big Valley Ambulance and Reedsville Fire Company. Volunteers attending the service were assisted by local fire police. - Fire News photos by Samuel Baumgardner
Carsonville’s David Warfel
Carsonville Fire Company 19 Fire Chief David Warfel, Forest district maintenance supervisor at Weiser State Forest, passed away while at the Wildland Fire Academy in Shippensburg University after a day of mentoring and teaching wildland firefighters. He was a 1985 graduate of Halifax High School, member and Fire Chief of Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company 19 as well as a life member and trustee of the Halifax Fire Department, member of the Dauphin County Fire Chief’s Association, Paennsylvania State Fire Instructor, a DCNR Instructor and a Forest Fire Warden.
David was well known both locally as well as nationally. Atrue
leader who took every opportunity to teach others. He was known for always having a smile and singing. Many came out to pay their respects with visitation followed by memorial service. Following the conclusion of the service, Chief 19 was given a final ride on the back of Carsonville Engine 19. Behind was a procession with other area fire company apparatus as well as numerous DCNR units and Brush apparatus. With the arrival at the cemetery a graveside service commenced that included the playing of bagpipes, ringing of the bell, final call announcement and a fly over by Penn State Health Life Lion.
