Fully Involved, Holiday Park VFD in 2021

Fully Involved H O L I D A Y P A R K V O L U N T E E R F I R E D E P A R T M E N T Issue No. 01

• Looking Back at 2021

Always Responding

Fire Camp

Community

Fire, Rescue, & EMS calls, we are here to serve.

Preparing today's youth to be tomorrow's firefighters.

Out in the community educating, assisting, & more.

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STATISTICS FOR 2021

865

Total number of incidents responded for the year (Fire, EMS, Rescue, etc...)

559

Number of Community Members certified in CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Fire Safety, and/or Fire Prevention via training classes hosted by HPVFD

106

Number of volunteers that staff HPVFD (Operational, Administrative, Support, Fundraising, etc...)

04 58 50

Number of Years serving Plum Borough as a fire department

Number of Community, Educational, & Special Events participated in

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WELCOME FROM THE CHIEF

By James Sims, Chief of the Department

"Fully Involved” is a term in the fire service that relates to a building that has fire in every part of the building.

The Thesaurus has over 53 related phrases such as fully engaged, fully participating and others.

Here at the Holiday Park VFD we have over seventy members from active fire & EMS members, to company members who help to run the administrative side; who all together actively participate in the fire department throughout the year on a steady basis.

The Holiday Park VFD responds to over 860 calls a year ranging from quick response medical calls, autoaccidents, cooking incidents, structure fires, and various public service details. Even with the pandemic the fire department continues to respond to incidents, possibly placing ourselves in harms way. We are proud to say that because of taking all necessary precautions and wearing the required personal protective equipment we have not had one exposure that led to one of our members becoming sick.

In 2020 the pandemic shut down our fund-raising activities and social hall rentals but because of the fiscal responsibility not only last year but in years past the Holiday Park VFD was able to make it through 2020 providing the same level of services as in the past until we could return to normal in 2021. We are glad to say that our Fish Fry was a success, our Bingo has returned with attendance greater than pre-pandemic levels; and our social hall is booking rentals into 2023.

Community activities have returned providing CPR, First Aid, Fire Safety, & Stop the Bleed classes. Our youth summer fire camp returned with 27 cadets this year spending a week learning about the fire service. We participated in borough hosted community days, festivals at Plum Creek, youth sporting competitions; and other local events when called upon.

The members of the Holiday Park VFD are “Fully Involved,” working hard to provide the best possible service to our Community.

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PRIDE IN DEPARTMENT It is a little known fact that the volunteer fire service runs on pride. Our members may not be paid but we earn more than money could ever buy us as members of our organization. A member of the public may drive by any given fire station in the United States and they would expect to see guys outside washing trucks, training or just talking to each other. These are all demonstrations of the pride that every emergency service member has in their equipment, their skills and their comradery. Stop by any given fire station and ask for a tour and you will likely be met with an ear to ear grin from a proud member excited to show off their hard work.

We are all proud to say that we are members of the Holiday Park VFD; because we know that we are doing everything in our power to make a difference in our community. In a conversation with Chief Jim Sims about the trials and tribulations of emergency services he simply replied “I love the volunteer fire service.” This sentiment is shared by every single member of this organization. We are here because we want to be, because we are proud and because we all love the volunteer fire service.

Firefighter Junior Firefighter EMR EMT AEMT Paramedic Fire Police Officer

Administrative Assistant Business & Financial Analyst Culinary Specialist Facilities & Maintenance Fundraising & Events Staff IT & Technology Specialist Vehicle Mechanic

Membership Information Click on QR Code

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2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS CANCER PREVENTION We completed an important health and safety upgrade to our facilities. In keeping with our department’s mission to prevent Cancer and related illnesses; we have installed the Plymovent system, designed to remove harmful gases & particulate from the building caused by our fleet of vehicles.

EMS AGENCY RENEWED LICENSE We completed our tri-annual licensure with the PA Department of Health Bureau of EMS to continue operating as a certified EMS Agency at the Quick Response Service (QRS) level. During this process certified a fourth vehicle in our fleet to respond to emergency medical calls for help.

REMODELED SOCIAL HALL In May, we opened to the public, our remodeled social hall which during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown underwent a massive revitalization. The new look offers an up to date feel, modern AV offerings, and larger kitchen to support fire department events and public rentals.

NEW VEHICLE 236-Utility joined our fleet, which replaced our old 236-Squad. It is a multitasked vehicle supporting EMS/QRS, special operations, fire ground support, ATV/UTV transporter, and brush unit. It is equipped with the latest EMS gear along with firefighting tools such as SCBA's, axes, extinguishers, etc...

NATIONAL CERTIFICATION ACHIEVED The majority of our apparatus drivers & all of our officers successfully completed the National Highway Safety Driver certification program. The intense two-day course focuses on operation, placement, and strategy to use the vehicle to its full potential. The drivers had to complete a strict driver obstacle course in their assigned vehicle; graded by the instructors.

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HISTORY OF H.P.V.F.D. The Holiday Park VFD was started in mid-summer 1962 by a group of concerned citizens, many of whom without any firefighting knowledge came together after they realized they needed to help their growing community.

Major housing developments were underway and many more were planned and it was increasingly evident that Holiday Park needed its own fire department. An official charter was granted on January 21, 1963, naming it the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department, a non-profit organization; with its first fire engine purchased used in 1963 from the Verona VFD. By 1972, it was clear that the Department had outgrown their current small building and plans were developed for a new fire station. In October 1972, a new building comprising a social hall and garage for four vehicles was completed and dedicated. Although this building was remodeled in 1987 and again in 2002 this is still the same building in use today.

There were no ambulance services in Plum Borough other than being transported by the police or waiting for a neighboring ambulance. In March 1973 Plum Council proposed that the Unity and Holiday Park Fire Departments initiate an ambulance service with the Borough providing insurance, medical equipment and ambulances.

In 1986, with the increasing number of motor vehicle collisions as well special response due to the growing population, special businesses and light industry in the Borough the Fire Department decided to add a specialized rescue vehicle. The vehicle was ordered in 1986 from Pierce Manufacturing and delivered in 1987. This vehicle was one of the first in the area to combine water, pump, walk-in rescue body, air storage to fill air bottles, large generator to supply emergency scene lighting.

The ambulance service was terminated in December 1989 due to lack of qualified medical personnel and tougher state regulations. In place of the ambulances, the Departments desire to help the decided they would provide “Quick Response Service” [QRS] to supplement the medical services given by the newly created Plum EMS. The Holiday Park Fire Department became the first certified QRS in the Borough with a new vehicle.

In 2001, the department added a combination engine/rescue vehicle to replace the 1987 Rescue Vehicle. The department after completing a needs assessment the department realized the best was to help the community was to investigate the purchase of an aerial truck. In June of a 2008 Pierce Dash Custom Class A 105’ Quint was delivered and placed into service. Despite our prudent financial policies, the purchase of the ladder truck for $750,000.00 was possible because of a 2003 agreement reached between the Borough of Plum and the Plum Fire Chiefs Association [PFCA] representing the four Plum fire departments.

The past ten years have seen impressive gains by the Department in the areas of a building addition, equipment, membership, and service to the community. The department began evaluating alternative options to increase the size of our facilities since 2000. The garage had become increasingly crowded with apparatus and associated gear, and there is insufficient space in the fireman’s lounge and offices.

In 2012, a final decision was made to expand the current facility by adding a 5,000-square foot two story building adjacent to the current garage. This new facility was planned during 2011-2012 and ground was broken in December 2012. The building was completed in June 2013. The ground floor houses two vehicles plus storage space for gear and equipment. The upper floor contains, offices, meeting rooms, and a firemen’s lounge. Ten Bunk Beds for those occasions when the station must be manned 24/7, a kitchenette, toilet and showers. The cost of the building when completed was $1,250,000.00.

With the Department responding to nearly 500 QRS calls a year, it was decided in 2016 to add a new QRS vehicle, and a 2017 Ford Expedition dedicated QRS vehicle was placed into service in October of 2017.

The fire department had been planning to replace their 1995 Pumper since 2015 and in 2018 the department took delivery of a new 2018 Pierce Enforcer Custom Pumper.

While through the years there have been some changing faces the department has always maintained a strong cadre of members of many years of experience whose commitment to community service inspires all our members. Each member who belongs in dedicated to one purpose. They are here to help. No-one should ever doubt the ability of Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department to respond to the needs of our community when any peril threatens lives or property. --- We are the helpers of the community.

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RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES "I knew if I called you guys that I could count on you to show up."

(Fire Chief from a neighboring fire department)

PHOTO CREDITS: From the Scene Photography - Facebook.com/FromTheScenePhotography First Due Photography - Facebook.com/FirstDuePhotography

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EMS OPERATIONS (QRS) Holiday Park VFD was one of the first volunteer fire departments in the state of Pennsylvania to be licensed as a EMS Agency providing Quick Response Service (QRS). This was done at the time of the creation of Plum EMS when we turned over our ambulances to them to get the new organization started. With EMS having a strong presence and tradition in the department, we started our QRS operations. Since then we have been assisting not only Plum EMS but the other ambulances services that are called into Plum Borough as well as assisting our healthcare partners and community organizations.

We focus on providing Basic Life Support until the Advanced Life Support personnel on the ambulances arrive on-scene. QRS/EMS operations are overseen by the department’s Medical Officer who reports directly the Fire Chief as well as to our Medical Director.

Our QRS is recognized at the “Master” level by the 𝗣𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺, created by the Pennsylvania EMS for Children program and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Bureau of EMS. This is a multi-tiered recognition program for EMS agencies who establish programs and standards to improve their capabilities to deliver emergency medical care to pediatric patients.

In 2018, the PA Department of Health, designated the Holiday Park VFD as a Continuing Education Sponsor Site; where we can host EMS classes that award credit to existing EMS providers as mandated by the state to maintain certification. We currently have members who are certified EMS Instructors and CPR/AED Instructors by the state.

EMS PROVIDERS EMR: 3 EMT: 19 A-EMT: 1 Paramedic: 5

EMS VEHICLES 236-QRS 236-Utility 236-Engine 236-Rescue 236-ATV 236-Chief 236-Medical (Supporting Vehicles)

INSTRUCTORS EMS: 3 CPR/BLS: 6 ACLS/PALS: 2 Stop the Bleed: 5

EMS COVERAGE Annual Plum Soccer Classic Western PA Mountain Bike Races Local Community Festivals 8

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TRAINING IS ON-GOING

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"Tomorrow's victory is today's training!"

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FIRE CAMP JUNE 21 - JUNE 25, 2021 Our son, Shai, had the hardest and best week of his summer with your station. He is continuing to tell our relatives all about his great experience during the summer camp and it seems now every sentence of his ends with the words, "with a 40 pound oxygen tank on my back." - Bethann Smith (mother of cadet) "My 15-year-old daughter, Eve, was one of 27, from throughout the Pittsburgh area, who participated in Holiday Park VFD's Fire camp. They broke down walls, competed in hose drills, learned to rescue people, were certified in CPR and learned about service to the community. ALL IN ONE WEEK! Thank you for the incredible experience & lesson in community service.

You have created an addict & she will be back! " - Marcie Cipriani (mother of cadet)

Holiday Park VFD's annual Fire Camp & Junior Academy occurs each summer which allows youth from all over the region to come experience what is like to be a emergency responder for a week.

Each cadet (camper) is between the ages of 14-17 with some coming from existing exposure to the fire service while others are brand new.

They are grouped together into "Squads" with experienced adult firefighters to mentor them along the way.

Cadets earn several certifications throughout the week including CPR/AED, First Aid, Fire Dynamics, Stop the Bleed, Helicopter Landing Operations, Water Rescue, Firefighter Challenge, and many more!

Our instructors & staff are comprised of both career and volunteer personnel from the Fire Service, EMS, and Law Enforcement from across the Pittsburgh region. They give up a week of vacation to come spend time with the future first responders and eager minds of tomorrow.

Several agencies open their doors, apparatus, and personnel to our camp: Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Training Center, Allegheny County Fire Academy, Allegheny County Fire Marshal's Office, Plum Borough School District, Plum Police, Allegheny Health Network, LifeFlight, Monroeville VFD, Lower Kiski Swift Water Rescue, Plum EMS, Unity VFD, Renton VFD, and Logan's Ferry Heights VFD.

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Video Highlights and Photo Galleries from 2021 Fire Camp Click QR Code

2022 Fire Camp & Junior Fire Academy Registration Opens January 15, 2022 on HolidayParkVFD.org 12

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COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Holiday Park VFD prides itself on how we get involved in the community beyond emergency calls. We have spent over 5,000 man hours this past year in the community by teaching free classes, visiting schools for fire prevention, conducting safety inspections, assisting special events, and supporting local causes.

CLASS ATTENDEES BLS Provider (CPR/AED) 101 Community First Aid 62 Stop the Bleed 88 Fire Extinguishers & Safety 75 Toys for Tots 2021 - We filled an entire Ambulance full of Toys!

Youth Fire Prevention 200 NWS Storm Spotter 33 School & Organization Visits 12

Christmas at Plum Creek

Summerfest

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Santa Visit

Stop the Bleed

Block Parties & Special Occasions Open House

Fire Safety Class

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SPECIAL EVENTS STAFFING TEAM "Holiday Park VFD has always ensured the safety & well-being our athletes & spectators at our annual three-day event every year!"

- Plum Soccer Association

Holiday Park VFD maintains a Special Events Staffing Team that is available for requests by the community to assist with emergency service needs at events such as fairs, festivals, sporting competitions, fundraisers, and charity causes.

Listed in the right column are some of our capabilities, each event scenario will have its’ own catered response.

CAPABILITIES OF SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM First Aid Staffing Our EMS certified personnel are available to assist as medical/first aid teams at special events in the community.

Utilizing our equipment, certified personnel, and ATV we can cover events such as Road Races, Bike Races, Soccer Tournaments, Festivals and more to provide emergency on-site medical care. From a simple first aid station to roving patrols with patient transport capability to a large medical tent with examination areas; we bring our expertise to any event. If transport is needed to a higher care such as a hospital; we work with local EMS agencies to bring in an ambulance to pick-up the patient(s).

Fire Protection Our firefighters are well trained in containing and controlling fires or fire-related events such as Fireworks shows and bon-fires.

Depending on your needs; we will bring the appropriate apparatus and equipment. Our command staff will work directly with event management before to determine your needs, during to ensure that those needs are addressed, and after provide a debriefing for your organization.

Safety Stand-by Our officers & firefighters are available to conduct safety checks and stand-bys for festivals, sporting events, and more Vendor area and mechanical areas are reviewed with recommendations made. We also have a state of the art fire safety trailer that can teach various skills to children & adults ranging from evacuation planning, severe weather survival, home fire prevention, smoke response, and more!

Request More Info Email Chief Sims for more info and to request assistance at your event: chief@holidayparkvfd.org

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ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Over 100 Golfers took part in our new tradition this past July, a day on the links to help raise funds to keep the fire department operating.

Golfers enjoyed a competitive round of golf, lunch, drawings/raffles, and steak dinner.

Awards went out to the top teams as well as individual hole challenges' winners.

Join us on June 11, 2022 for our next golf classic.

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HPVFD APPARATUS FLEET

236-ENGINE - 2018 Pierce Enforcer PUC Pumper

236-TRUCK - 2008 Pierce 105ft Ladder Truck

236-RESCUE - 2000 Pierce Dash Medium Rescue-Engine

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Allegheny County Station 236 - Plum Borough

236-QRS - 2017 Expedition EMS Response

236-UTILITY - 2020 Ford 350 Special Response

236-SERVICE - 2009 Expedition Support

236-ATV - 2012 Kabota Brush Unit 236-TRAILER - Swift Water Rescue

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After the challenges of COVID-19 in 2020; Holiday Park VFD saw the return of our weekly Bingo and our annual Lenten Fish Fry in 2021. We also held a new event for us with our first Golf Classic. We cannot thank the community enough for the support we receive at these events and through our annual fund drive. These events and any other fundraisers throughout the year enable us to provide the level of emergency services that you expect from us.

Annual Fish Fry Our annual Lenten Fish Fry will commence on Wednesday March 2, 2022, and run every Friday for lunch and dinner service through Good Friday.

Weekly Bingo Bingo occurs every Thursday through the year with doors opening at 5pm and first game kicks off at 7pm. Kitchen service is available for most of the evening as well as we are a ADA compliant facility.

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SOCIAL HALL "We loved their social hall! The main room's look is so elegant and the large kitchen made it easy for my caterer to work..." - Jamie & Mike

Our Social Hall can accommodate up to 250 guests depending on your event type, making it one of the largest rental spaces in Plum Borough. All rentals include use of the kitchen, AV equipment, sound system, and large parking lot for your guests to park in.

We provide easy access to our flat-screens for laptops to show slideshows, videos, training programs, and/or internet access. Our sound system has a board that will allow you to plug-in multiple sources including XLR, 1/4 inch, mini-stereo, and more. It also has a wireless mic system and several hand-held mic jacks located on various walls around the room.

Caterers, DJ’s, bands, and florists will find multiple doorways to use that are adjacent to the roadway or parking lot for easy load-in/outs. The hall and kitchen have numerous power outlets to tap into.

We have bar set-up in the rear of the room with a fully operational soda-fountain with Coke products (add-on charge), a high capacity ice machine, space for drink displays, and more…

Our large digital sign located above the parking lot can display your custom message to guests attending the event. Ask our hall manager how to request it.

Please contact us to book your next Graduation Party, Baby Shower, Bridal Shower, Anniversary Party, Birthday Party, Training or any special occasion.

Contact Jackie Taylor at: (724) 739-3977.

You can also visit our Social Hall page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hpvfdsocialhall

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Executive Officers

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

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HPVFD MEMBERS ROSTER FF Nic Albert FF Chuck Beveridge^ FF Charlie Bell^ FF Dave Bender, EMP-P ER Mark Breter, EMT FF Aly Bryner, EMT FF CJ Campeau, EMT FF Danielle Cline FF Mike Cline FF Jesse Cook ER Joette Franitti, EMT FF Mike Franitti^* FF Brittany Franitti ER Carin Frank, EMT-P FF Nick Fuga, EMT* FF Gregg Fusco, EMR ER Taylor Fusco, EMR* FF Sam Gates, EMT FF Fred Gerstacker, EMT-P FF Dan Giannettino, EMT FF Mike Giannettino, EMT FF Thomas Hordubay, EMT FF Andy Johnson FF Ryan LaBertew FF Eric Leksell, EMT^ FF Mack Lewis, EMT FF Alex Marcelewski, EMT FF Mike McKnight FF Denny Mazak FPO Monte Myers^ FF Mike Mlynar FF Anthony O’Brien FPO Christine Perry FF Jimmy Reynolds^ FF James Richards Jr FF Josh Scalamogna, EMT

FF Mike Schuster, EMR ER Rick Schroeder, AEMT FF Gary Sims^ FF Jim Sims, EMT^ FF Joseph Susalla, EMT-P FF Erica Taylor* FPO Peter Troxell, EMT FF Chuckie Usher, EMT ER Linda Vagnier, EMT^ FF Matt G. Vagnier, EMT^ FF Joe Volpe, EMT-P FF Garret Wagner, EMT FPO Bob Webb^ FF Chad Westover FF Dave Weyant FF Bobby Yuska JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS Victoria Crystaloski Anthony Franitti Megan Kimmel Hannah Westover COMPANY MEMBERS Arielle Paige Nichole Hillman Kristen Drew John Mellor^ Ann Ratner Becky Richards Ron Richards Claudia Scavo Lori Shaulis^ Dawn Susalla Jackie Taylor Emma Yuska

(FF = Firefighter | FPO = Fire Police Officer | ER = Emergency Responder) (*) = Leave of Absence (^) = Life Member

LIFE MEMBERS (not currently active) Dick McKee Tim Murtha Ed Kenna Tom Inserra Bob Iseman Bill Weber Richard Rosey Joseph Schwan Carl Lish Brian Gray JoAnn Zanotelli Dot Weber Curt Troger William Hilderhoff Richard Susalla John Mellor SPECIAL MEMBERS Stacey Dorsh Danielle Fusco Brooke Fusco Joe Giannettino Carol Glass Nate Hillman John Mairoino Victoria McFarland Angie Phelan Rachel Richards Robin Schuster Stephen Susalla Hannah Schrieber Sue Tomlinson Jennifer Vagnier John Paul Vagnier Julie Weyant Mieke Wilusz 22

Serving Since 1963 Allegheny County Fire Station 236 415 Old Abers Creek Road Plum, PA 15239 holidayparkvfd.org

HPVFD236

HolidayParkVFD236

(724) 327-3456

HolidayParkVFD