Fully Involved
365 Days of dedication
Every Call...
Every Day...
Every Member...
HIGHLIGHTS
Membership increased by 10% with new Firefighters, EMS Providers, and Company (support) personnel.
th
In the immediate aftermath of the April 29 Severe Storms, we opened our fire station for several days & nights to the public for air conditioning, charging electronic devices, free internet access, & general safe place for those who went days without any access to electrical power at their homes due to the high winds damage across the area
Our Junior Firefighter Program increased to 16 teens; three previous ones graduated to Senior Firefighter status
Due in part to a state grant, the fire department was able to purchase six new Thermal Imagery Cameras
Our annual summer Fire Camp for teens was held for the seventh time, with 34 Cadets graduating with certifications, training, and new friendships to drive the next generation of firefighters & first responders.
Six Firefighters earned their Firefighter 1 National ProBoard certification.
Three Firefighters earned their Firefighter 2 National ProBoard certification.
Four Firefighters earned their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification.
One our EMS Providers graduated Medical School and is now doing her residency at Penn State Medical.
UPMC partnered with our fire department for a community awareness campaign around the volunteer fire service and youth programs. This included several print, video, & social media ad campaigns along with a KDKA-TV special segment on their afternoon “Talk Pittsburgh” show and their newscasts.
RESPONSE STATS
Holiday Park VFD responded to 1,109 calls in 2025; a 4% increase over the previous year. Response
WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF
Welcome to this year’s edition of Fully Involved, the annual magazine of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department. As we reflect on 2025, our theme - 365 Days of Dedication: Every Call, Every Day, Every Member- perfectly captures the commitment and service demonstrated by our volunteers throughout a truly historic year
In 2025, the Holiday Park VFD responded to 1,109 emergency calls, marking the busiest year in the department’s history. These calls came without warning and at all hours—days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Each alarm represented a neighbor in need, and each response was met with professionalism, compassion, and a willingness to serve. This milestone is even more meaningful knowing that every call was handled by a 100%
volunteer force men and women who freely give their time, energy, and expertise to protect our community.
Dedication extends far beyond emergency responses. Throughout the year, our members committed countless hours to training and professional development to ensure they were prepared for whatever challenges they might face Firefighters completed Firefighter I certifications, strengthening their skills in suppression, rescue, and fireground operations. Several members advanced their medical training by earning EMT certifications, expanding our department’s ability to provide high-quality prehospital care. Others participated in specialized rescue, hazardous materials, and leadership training. These accomplishments required evenings, weekends, and personal sacrifice, but our members remained committed to being the best they could be for the residents we serve.
Our dedication to the future of the fire service continued with the 7th annual Holiday Park Youth Fire Camp. This program has become a cornerstone of our department, introducing young people to fire service skills, teamwork, discipline, and community responsibility In 2025, another group of motivated cadets took part in hands-on training and leadership development, many beginning a journey that may one day lead them into the volunteer fire service. Investing in our youth is investing in the long-term safety of our community.
Behind the scenes, our members also worked tirelessly to support the department through fundraising efforts. Weekly bingo and special events helped provide the resources needed to maintain equipment, training, and operations. These efforts may not happen on the emergency scene, but they are just as essential to keeping our department strong and ready.
The true strength of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department lies in its people parents, students, workers, retirees, and neighbors who answer the call without expectation of recognition or reward Their shared sense of purpose and pride in service defines who we are
On behalf of the officers and leadership of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department, thank you for your continued support. We are honored to serve this community and proud of what our volunteers accomplished in 2025.
365 Days of Dedication — Every Call, Every Day, Every Member.
YEARS OF SERVICE
Gary
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
LIFE MEMBERSHIP
Ranks Held
2nd Assistant Chief*
Captain Lieutenant
Assistant Engineer
Firefighter/EMT
Junior Firefighter
Josh Scalamogna was awarded “Life Membership” status by the fire department at the end of 2025 after completing 15+ years of dedicated service meeting strict standards each quarter.
He began his career in 2007 as a Junior Firefighter and has worked his way up the ranks to Assistant Chief. He is a founding cadre member of our annual Fire Camp where he has been hands-on involved in planning & execution as a Platoon Leader.
In recent years, he has led the successful revitalization of our annual Lenten Fish Fry, incorporating new menu items, preparation methods, and inventory control.
Special Activities & Roles
Fire Camp Platoon Leader | Exec Committee*
Junior Firefighter Program Lead*
Gun Bash Committee Chairperson*
Fish Fry Committee Chairperson*
Building, Maintenance, & Engineering Chairperson
Bingo Committee
(* = Currently Active)
NEW PHYSICAN
Certifications
Firefighter 1 & 2
Emergency Medical Technician
Basic Vehicle Rescue Technician
BLS Instructor
Swiftwater Rescue Operations
Rope Rescue Technician
Taylor Fusco graduated in May from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and she has begun her residency at the Penn State School of Family Medicine
She started out her medical career as a Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), a course she took at Holiday Park VFD, then headed off to medical school, and during her final year at medical school, she completed an intense internship at the Rochester Regional Hospital in New York
During back to Plum Borou the medical team at our
RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES
TRAINING NEVER STOPS
Certifications Earned in 2025
Firefighter 1
Greg Carbon
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Jesse Cook
Peyton Gibbs
Josh Hordubay
Mike Mlynar
Jenuel Roman
Firefighter 2
Greg Carbon
Peyton Gibbs
Jenuel Roman
Ropes & Rigging
Gavin Bordogna
Tyler Brucker
Greg Carbon
Tom Hordubay
Josh Hordubay
Jordan Hammond
Victoria Johnson
Joe Schwan
Sebastian Holtman
Tactical Emergency
Casualty Care (TECC)
Jim Sims
Peyton Gibbs
Chase Nesbit
Jenuel Roman
Hannah Westover
Essentials of Firefighting
Logan Kennedy
Hazardous Materials Ops
Greg Carbon
Skylar Culp
Peyton Gibbs
Logan Kennedy
Jenuel Roman
EVOC/EVDT
Greg Carbon
Josh Roden
Joe Schwan
EMSVO
Chase Nesbitt
Hannah Westover
US OPEN
MAJOR EVENT COMES TO PLUM BOROUGH
Throughout week of June 8th, the 2025 United States Golf Association’s US Open took place at the Oakmont Country Club in Plum Borough. Our fire department; along with our fellow volunteer fire departments & emergency agencies throughout Plum Borough; supported the event on-site with our members serving on Fire, EMS, Emergency Management, and support teams.
Some crews were stationed out on the golf course; while others staffed the fire station to cover the rest of the borough’s daily operational tempo. 236-ATV was utilized on the course for responses.
This event brought over 40,000 attendees daily to the golf course and surrounding areas. Our personnel were there throughout all the weather conditions, large crowds, and long days ready to assist in any way requested.
US Open Fire Crew
Josh Scalamogna
Chuckie Usher
Joe Susalla
Scott Feyes
Emergency Management
Jim Sims
Gregg Fusco
Borough-Wide Station Stand-by Crew
Ryan LaBertew
Nic Albert
Norm Auvil
Tyler Brucker
Greg Carbon
Jesse Cook
Brittany Franitti
Tom Hordubay
US Open EMS Crew
Alex Marcelewski
Gavin Bordogna
Brandon Corwin
CB McDonald
Chase Nesbitt
Mike Schuster
Cam Svidron
Joe Schwan
FIRE CAMP
34 cadets from across Western Pennsylvania graduated on June 27, 2025 from our 7th annual Fire Camp for teens sponsored in part by the “UPMC Community Commitment” program Holiday Park VFD each summer hosts the week-long camp for youth 14 – 17 years of age who are interested in the Emergency Services fields whether as a career path or as volunteers Similar to an interactive boot-camp, the cadets learned teamwork, lifesaving skills, and gained exposure to what it’s like to serve as a volunteer firefighter or emergency responder.
The UPMC Community Commitment program partnered with our fire department to help educate the public on the volunteer fire service, the junior firefighter program, and the annual Fire Camp for teens; which UPMC was a major corporate donor.
In the summer, UPMC sponsored a special long-form report on KDKA-TV’s daily show, Talk Pittsburgh, that highlighted the benefits, faces, and inside view of our annual Fire Camp
WATCH THE VIDEO: https://holidayparkvfd.org/kdka-firecamp-2025/
EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY
UPMC selected Cam Svidron, one of our Junior members, to tell his story of how he became a volunteer firefighter after attending our Fire Camp for teens, and since then has excelled in the fire service
UPMC’s Community Commitment program produced a video and digital campaign to promote local youth involvement in the volunteer fire service that ran over the air and on social media for portions of 2025.
WATCH THE VIDEO: https://holidayparkvfd.org/upmc-community-commitment
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Holiday Park VFD prides itself on how we get involved in the community beyond emergency calls. We have spent approximately 10,000 man hours this past year out in the community. These range from fire prevention to educational classes to safety checks, and more!
You can request Holiday Park VFD to attend and/or assist at your event by sending a request to chief@holidayparkvfd.org.
Our Community Outreach Officer, Gavin Bordogna, will then contact you to obtain further details and develop an agenda and schedule for the event.
Events throughout the year included....
CPR, First Aid, & Stop the Bleed classes
Fire Prevention & Safety classes
Assisting Special Events (Local & County level)
Supporting Local Causes & Fundraisers
Summerfest Fireman Challenge for Kids
Toys for Tots Collection Drive
Annual Plum Soccer Kick-Off Classic
Scouting Pack & Troop Partnership
Career Planning Lectures
Providing Traffic Control for Community Events
Santa Claus Day in Holiday Park
Halloween Night Candy Run
Open House & Fire Station Tours
Christmas at Plum Creek
Neighborhood Visits
USGA US Open
Conducting Safety Inspections
More details: https://holidayparkvfd.org/community-programs
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS
The Junior Firefighter Program is an good opportunity for teens age 14 thru 17 to become part of a volunteer fire department and learn early on the skills necessary to become a successful Firefighter in a safe & educational environment. Our program in the past has produced the leaders of today in our department and other agencies.
We value home life, school, and safety as our top priorities and the chiefs periodically reach out to parents to gauge how things are going and help maintain a healthy balance for the young teen.
Highlights from 2025
16 Junior Firefighters made up the Junior Corps, including five new members
3 Junior Firefighters were elevated to Senior Firefighters status
2 Junior Firefighters enrolled in the inaugural Firefighter Program at Plum High School
Junior Firefighter Chase Nesbitt earned his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Junior Firefighter Logan Kennedy earned his Essentials of Firefighting/Interior.
Several Junior Firefighters completed 3 of the 4 modules of the Essentials of Firefighting.
Assisted in numerous events throughout the year:
Fire Prevention, Summerfest, Soccer Classic, Station Tours, Holiday Events, Outreach Programs, Training, Bingo, Fish Fry, Scouting Educational Nights, and more!
A Training Program Steeped in Tradition
Under Pennsylvania law, Junior Firefighters can complete three of the four required training modules to become an interior firefighter under 17 years old. When they turn 17, they may with parent’s & chief’s permission complete the final module and complete their “live burn” to become certified; however they must wait till their 18th birthday before that certification becomes active
Courses Available: Firefighter Essentials, Haz Mat Awareness & Operations, Ropes & Rigging, EMR, EMT, Fire Dynamics, CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Landing Zone Ops
Mentorship: Learning from Experienced Firefighters
Senior Firefighters and Officers, several of them former Junior Firefighters, help oversee the program on a daily basis with a hands-on approach to learning In 2025, Lieutenant Tyler Brucker led the team of mentors ensuring each Junior Firefighter had someone to turn and shadow Time was dedicated to their level of training & opportunities to try new skills
Mentors: Chuckie Usher, Greg Carbon, Joe Schwan, Joe Susalla, & Ryan LaBertew
FIRE DEPARTMENT FAMILY
BUNKING IN
24/7 Response
Located on the second floor of the fire station are “living quarters” including: a bunk room, locker rooms, day room, offices, a conference room, and kitchen that allow our firefighters to stay for long periods of time. A dedicated group of firefighters “bunk-in” at the station on weekends and others on various weeknights to ensure we respond to emergency calls quickly & staffed up.
During severe weather days you find the bunk room full with volunteers to cover the volume of calls.
Minimum Bunk-In Requirements: Interior Firefighter or EMS Provider certification to “Bunk-In”.
“The Ohio Crew”
This trio of young Firefighters come from Ohio; who drive-in on extended weekends to "bunk-in" at our fire station. They met while in their local school district’s fire school, earning Firefighter 1 & 2 before they graduated high school.
Firefighter/EMT Jenuel Roman - joined after participating in Fire Camp Firefighter Greg Carbon - joined after participating in Fire Camp Firefighter/EMT Peyton Gibbs - recruited by Greg & Jenuel
APRIL 29 STORMS AFTERMATH TH
On April 29, 2025 dangerous storms in the form of tornadic activity and severe thunderstorms, front swept through the Pittsburgh region so damaging that many in the region, let alone Plum, were left without electricity anywhere from two to seven days.
Our personnel spent hours responding to calls around power lines down, fallen trees, flooding, storm damage and more
In order to help the community, we opened our fire station for several days & nights to the public for a safe place to enjoy air conditioning, charge electronic devices, access the internet, fellowship, catch up on news, and snacks for those who without any access to electrical power in their homes.
Several local businesses, churches, and organizations donated beverages and food each day.
CRITICAL INVESTMENT
Thermal Imagery Cameras
Thanks in part to the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner’s Grant, the Holiday Park VFD was able to purchase six Thermal Imagery Cameras from Seek Thermal for our front line apparatus.
A thermal image camera, or “TIC”, detects infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects, converting it into a visible image that shows temperature differences, allowing you to "see" heat in total darkness, smoke, or fog. These cameras are used for firefighting as they don't rely on visible light and can reveal hidden problems or activity based on heat signatures.
Features
Temperature Range: 0 to 1,022 degrees
Flash Light Power of 300 Lumens
Display Size of 3 5 inches, color view
Battery Time of six (6) hours
Types
One (1) AttackPro+ Large TIC for each: Engine, Rescue, and Ladder Truck.
One (1) FirePro 300 Personal TIC for each officer seat: Engine, Rescue, and Ladder Truck.
Cost Savings
The grant from the state, helped our annual budget by allowing us to focus operational funds on other critical areas while obtaining these new tools through the state funds.
FUNDRAISING
Weekly Bingo
Bingo occurs every Thursday throughout the year with doors opening at 5pm and first game kicks off at 6:30pm each week
Fireman’s Fall Gun Bash
Super Bingo
Double the prize money for a late night overnight event where the social hall and truck bays are filled with Bingo players! This occurs twice a year
Hundreds came out for an afternoon of fun and fellowship with plenty of food and prizes given away in October
Lenten Fish Fry
Our annual Lenten Fish Fry starts off each year on Ash Wednesday and runs every Friday for lunch and dinner service through Good Friday
2025 Annual Budget
As a volunteer fire department, we are classified as a 501(c3) non-profit with both a state Bingo & Small Games of Chance license in order to fundraise. As shown in the pie chart to the left, 80% of our operating budget is via fundraising programs with the remaining funds provided by the borough and via federal & state grants. In addition to the fundraising events listed above, we also send out a yearly mailing to residents and businesses within the Holiday Park fire district requesting a donation as part of our solicitation drive.
DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP 2025
Command Staff
Executive Staff
APPARATUS
236 Engine (2018 Pierce Enforcer 750 gallon PUC Pumper)
236 Rescue (2000 Pierce Dash Medium Rescue Pumper)
236 Truck (2008 Pierce Dash 105 ft Ladder)
236 QRS (2017 Expedition EMS Response Vehicle)
236 Utility (2020 F-350 Special Ops & EMS Response Vehicle)
236 Command (2023 Dodge Durango Chief Officer’s Vehicle)
236 Service (2009 Expedition Fire Police & Transport Vehicle)
236 Brush (With Trailer for Mobile Command Post or Transport)
236 ATV (Off-road emergency response Kubota with pump/tank or EMS/Rescue Ops)
The department's Senior Engineer and Engineers are responsible for maintaining our fleet of apparatus. Monthly truck check nights ensure apparatus operate at their peak performance level as well as refresh all personnel on specialized equipment carried.
All drivers must be hold Emergency Vehicle Operators Course certification as well as pass the department’s internal driver/operator training program for each vehicle along with additional certifications such as Pump Ops, Truck Company Ops, & when needed, EMSVO.
FULLY INVOLVED
HPVFD MEMBERS ROSTER
FF Nic Albert
FF John Albert
FF Norm Auvil, EMT-P
FF Tyler Brucker
FF Gavin Bordogna, PHRN
FF Gregory Carbon
FF Noah Carter
FF Danielle Cline, EMT
FF Mike Cline, EMT
FF Jesse Cook
ER Brandon Corwin, EMT-P
FF Eric Darr, EMT
FF Adam DeLuca, EMT
FF Aiden Faiella
FF Lisa Feyes, PHRN
FF Scott Feyes, PHRN
ER Joette Franitti, EMT^
FF Brittany Franitti, EMT
ER Carin Frank, EMT-P
FF Gregory Fusco, EMR
DR Taylor Fusco, DO/EMR
FF Daniel Giannettino, EMT
FF Peyton Gibbs, EMT
FF Jon Gottschall
FF Josh Hordubay
FF Thomas Hordubay, EMT
FF Victoria Johnson
FF Ryan LaBertew
FF Eric Leksell, EMT^
FF Mack Lewis, EMT
FF Alex Marcelewski, EMT
FF Denny Mazak
ER CB McDonald, EMT
DR Lee Milligan, MD
FPO Monte Myers^
FF Michael Mlynar
FF Chase Nesbitt, EMT
FPO Christine Perry
FF Noah Rhea, EMT*
FF Jimmy Reynolds^
FF James Richards Jr
FF Josh Roden
FF Sean Roden, EMT
FF Jenuel Roman, EMT
FF Gabby Scalamogna, EMT
FF Josh Scalamogna, EMT^
FF Michael Schuster, EMR
FF Joseph Schwan^
FF Gary Sims^
FF James Sims, EMT^
FF Joseph Susalla, EMT-P
FF Alex Taylor, EMR
FF Chris Taylor
ER Erica Taylor
FPO Peter Troxell, EMT
FF Chuckie Usher, EMT
FF Joe Volpe, EMT-P
FF Garret Wagner, EMT/RN
FF Chad Westover, EMR
FF Hannah Westover, EMT
FF Dave Weyant
FF Robert Yuska
JUNIOR MEMEBERS
Noah Adams
Kevin Anderson
Kaylee Cline
Skylar Culp
Sean Gregorie
Jordon Hammond
Logan Kennedy
Ethan McMann
Killian Schuster
Avery Shaffer
Camdyn Svidron
Caleb Westover
Emily Westover
Austin Wilhide
COMPANY MEMBERS
Gary Creighton
Ann Ratner^+
Haylee Shaulis
Lori Shaulis^
Madison Shaulis
Dawn Susalla
Jackie Taylor
Linda Vagnier, EMT^
Emma Yuska
LIFE MEMBERS
(not currently in active role)
Charlie Bell^
Mike Franitti^
Brian Gray^
Bill Hilderhoff^
Bob Iseman^+
Tom Inserra^
Dick McKee^
Tim Murtha^
Richard Rosey^
Rick Susalla, EMT^
Curt Troger^
Matt G. Vagnier, EMT^
Bob Webb^
Bill Weber^
Dot Weber^
JoAnn Zanotelli^
SPECIAL MEMBERS
Stacey Dorsh
Danielle Fusco
Brooke Fusco, RN
Mike Giannettino, RN/EMT
Joe Giannettino
Carol Glass
Nichole Hillman
Danielle Lukaszewicz, NP
Mike Krzeminski
Victoria McFarland
Robin Schuster
Rachel Timus
Sue Tomlinson
Brian Turpin, EMT
Mieke Usher
Jennifer Vagnier
John Paul Vagnier
Kristen Westover
FF = Firefighter | FPO = Fire Police
ER = Emergency Responder
DR = Physician
(*) = Leave of Absence
(^) = Life Member
(+) = Passed Away in 2025
