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In the first quarter of 2023 the fire department partnered with CCAC to host & teach an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Course that saw students comes from several agencies & counties. Holiday Park VFD acquired a “LUCAS Device” to aid our EMS personnel responding to a Cardiac Arrest incidents. It is an automated mechanical device that delivers consistent chest compressions on a patient during CPR; it also aids our EMS personnel by reducing rescuer fatigue & ensures the patient gets the best treatment. Our annual summer Fire Camp for teens had 32 Cadets graduate with certifications, training, and new friendships to drive the next generation of firefighters. Looking for new ways to engage today’s youth, the fire department aligned itself with Cub Scout Pack 111 & Boy Scout Troop 111 to help grow their youth program and provide charter support. FEMA awarded us a grant to obtain and install a “Gear Dryer” that will aid in speeding up the process of drying & restoring our personnel protective equipment to full duty after a major fire/incident. FEMA awarded us a grant to obtain new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) & air cylinders to replace our existing aging equipment. This was part of three fire department combination grant and the fire department anticipates delivery with deployment in 2024.
Holiday Park VFD responded to 1,018 calls in 2023. Response Type
Fire Districts Responded To
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James Sims, Chief of the Department As we reflect on the past year, the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department has been honored to serve and protect our community. Our shared experiences have been marked by both triumphs and challenges, and as we look ahead to 2024, we stand together, resolute in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents. In 2023, our dedicated firefighters responded to an astonishing 1,018 calls. Your unwavering support and trust in our ability to be "always ready" have allowed us to effectively address emergencies, ensuring the safety of our community. We are delighted to share that our Junior Firefighter Program has grown to include seven enthusiastic cadets. These young individuals represent the future of our department, and we are committed to fostering their passion and dedication to community service. The explosion on August 12th in the Rustic Ridge neighborhood deeply saddened us all. Six of our friends and neighbors were lost, leaving a void in our community. Our hearts go out to the affected families. In the face of this tragedy, we have witnessed the strength of our community as we came together to support one another. As we approach the new year, we carry with us the lessons learned and the bonds strengthened in 2023. We are optimistic about the future of Holiday Park VFD and remain committed to the well-being of our community. Together, we look forward to facing new challenges, celebrating achievements, and fostering an even stronger sense of community. In the spirit of our motto, "Always Ready", the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department is prepared to meet the needs of our community with dedication, skill, and a commitment to service. With gratitude, James Sims
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Photo Credit: From the Scene Photography
AUGUST 12, 2023
RUSTIC RIDGE We dedicate this issue of “Fully Involved” to all those lost in this tragic explosion... We thank all those who responded that day, Fire, EMS, Police, Utilities, and everyday citizens, who all came together to aid our community in time of need.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 10:23am our fire department along with the other Plum Borough fire departments were dispatched to an explosion and fire on Rustic Ridge Drive. We responded with our Ladder Truck, Rescue, Engine, QRS, Utility, and ATV throughout the course of the day. Our personnel not only conducted fire suppression operations but also with medical evaluations and firefighter rehab. In total 19 fire departments, numerous EMS agencies, multiple law enforcement agencies, county & state governments, and public utilities converged on the incident site to help fight, assist, contain, and serve those impacted. Everyday citizens are the unsung heroes of that day, the community both near & far provided water, food, transportation, opened homes, prayers, & most importantly were there to stand with people of the Rustic Ridge community & the emergency responders. While we cannot go back and change the events of that day, we can pause to remember all those lost and their families in our thoughts & prayers: Casey Klontz Keegan Klontz Heather Oravitz Paul Oravitz Kevin Sebunia Michael Thomas
NOMADIC
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This past year we lost several special individuals that made a lasting impact on the fire department. While they may be gone now, their voices & actions continue to leave a legacy on on us today. Rest in Peace.
ED KENNA Life Member
MIKE THOMAS Borough Manager
A fixture in the fire department for over five decades; Ed was our "Elder Voice" for continuing the traditions of the fire service to the younger generations as well as sound mind for fiscal & financial responsibility.
As the Borough Manager for Plum, Mike worked hands on with the volunteer fire departments to ensure an open & productive relationship. If we needed something from the borough, Mike made it happen.
Having served in various positions and roles, including Assistant Fire Chief, Ed had never stopped in promoting the volunteer fire department and pushing it to grow. IN MEMORIAM Fred Gerstacker, Firefighter/EMT-P Ron Richards, Company Member
The fire fund, a critical instrument of our fire operations, was with Mike’s help over the years maintained & grown to allow us to purchase new emergency vehicles and tools. A true friend to the firefighters, he was a advocate that can never be replaced.
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Executive Officers
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Starting 2023 off with some recognition
Member of the Year Ryan LaBertew
Life Membership Joette Franitti
Lawrence Glass Chief's Award Josh Scalamogna
Rookie of the Year Danielle Cline
Richard Borgoyne President's Award John Albert
Johnny & Roy Squad 51 Award Ryan LaBertew & Tom Hordubay 6
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EMERGENCY MEDICAL CALLS Our EMS personnel respond along side agencies such as Plum EMS, AHN Forbes 952, and Monroeville Fire EMS.
EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP At the core of the fire department is the vast experience of members over the years; especially the officers who bring strong leadership to the fire ground.
READY FOR ANY CALL No matter the nature or type of call for help, our members stand ready whether large or small.
SPECIAL EVENTS Throughout the year our personnel provide emergencies services & protection to local events in the region.
MUTUAL AID As volunteer firefighter numbers continue to dwindle in PA, we stand ready to go where ever needed.
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Certifications Earned in 2023 Firefighter 1 Danielle Cline Michael Cline Ryan LaBertew Interior Firefighter Nathan McWilliams Josh Roden Haz Mat Operations Nathan McMasters Josh Roden
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Brittany Franitti Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Alex Taylor Chad Westover CPR Instructor Carin Frank James Sims Joe Susalla
Courses hosted at Holiday Park VFD Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Confined Space Rescue LUCAS Operations Winter Emergencies & Ski Patrol Ops Burn Management for Firefighters Cancer Awareness for First Responders BLS Provider (CPR) First Aid & Stop the Bleed
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JUNE 19 - JUNE 23, 2023 Holiday Park VFD's annual Fire Camp & Junior Firefighter 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 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 and instructors to mentor them along the way. Cadets earn several certifications and skills throughout the week including CPR/AED, First Aid, Fire Dynamics, Stop the Bleed, Helicopter Landing Ops, Fire Ground Operations, Water Rescue, Firefighter Challenge, and many more!
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Holiday Park VFD prides itself on how we get involved in the community beyond emergency calls. We have spent over 7,000 man hours this past year in the community: Free CPR, First Aid, & Stop the Bleed classes Visiting Daycare & Schools for Fire Prevention Conducting Safety Inspections (Business & Residential) Assisting Special Events (Local & County level) Supporting Local Causes Rustic Ridge Neighborhood Support Summerfest Fireman Challenge for Kids Toys for Tots Collection Drive Annual Plum Soccer Kick-Off Classic Cub Scout Pack & Boy Scout Troop Partnership Car Seat Safety Checks Joint Sampson Family YMCA Training Ops
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Dedicated Teens Our Junior Firefighter Program is an 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 and educational environment; building up civic pride. How It Works The Junior Firefighters (JRFF) are overseen by the Chief Officers in conjunction with several Senior Firefighters (FF) designated as mentors for them. Our By-laws have specific guidance and rules for the 14 thru 17 years old age members of the department. JRFF’s will train alongside FFs in drills & classes as well as respond on emergency calls to assist within their scope under PA law & HPVFD policies. 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.
Junior Firefighter Program Mentors: FF/EMT Chuckie Usher FF/Paramedic Joe Susalla FF Mike Mlynar
(All mentors are former JRFR’s from earlier in their careers)
Special Accomplishment In late 2023, JRFF Nate McWilliams completed his Essentials of Firefighting/Fire School training and earned his Interior Firefighter certification as a 17 year old per a recent PA law change for training. Which means when he turns 18 in February he will then be allowed go into fires and operate just like the Senior FF's.
LEARN MORE: https://holidayparkvfd.org/junior-firefighter-program
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Cancer is becoming the leading cause of occupational firefighter death in the United States. There is increasing research being done and more being learned about the risks of a firefighters developing certain types of Cancer. The numbers of firefighters developing Cancer over the public are staggering. Some studies suggest as much as 82% of individuals who have served as a firefighter will succumb from Cancer. In January 2018, Holiday Park VFD Chief Jim Sims formed a four-man committee and together they had been researching, attending classes, and developing the C.A.A.R. (Cancer Awareness And Reduction) initiative. This initiative required a new way of thinking and a change of many years of culture and attitudes not only in our department but also the fire service in general. The days of being covered in sot & dirt, and having your turnout gear dirty as badge of honor are over. Those contaminates are killing firefighters across the country; and in some cases putting their loved ones at risk too. We successfully launched the initiative on May 1, 2018 and has been in practice ever since. C.A.A.R. SUMMARY 1) Mandatory Cancer awareness training.
FIRE STATION UPGRADE In addition the CAAR program; the department completed an important health and safety upgrade to our facilities with the installation a custom ventilation system designed to remove harmful gases & particles from the building caused by our fleet of vehicles. The “Plymovent System” was obtained via a competitive grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Program in 2019 but due to COVID-19’s impact installation took many months to get scheduled and finally completed at the end of 2020. Each of our six apparatus bay positions along with each vehicle has a dedicated ventilation system line, custom vehicle connection, and rolling frame to support collection of gases and particles.
2) Firefighters have primary & back-up sets of gear; switch out after major fires. 3) Decontamination on the fire scene and isolation of contaminated gear for trip back to the fire station. 4) Strict post-fire health procedures for crews. 5) Immediate clean-up & repair of equipment. 6) Limited exposure to areas of Fire Station. 7) Reporting of firefighter exposures. 8) Officers will periodically inspect gear to check on cleanliness and to see if any damages have been incurred. 16
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Annual Fish Fry Our annual Lenten Fish Fry commenced on Wednesday February 22, 2023, and ran every Friday for lunch and dinner service through Good Friday. Weekly Bingo Bingo occurred every Thursday throughout the year with doors opening at 5pm and first game kicked off at 7pm.
2023 Annual Budget Grants 8.6% Borough Support 10.9%
Fall Fireman's Gun Bash Hundreds came out for an afternoon of fun and fellowship with plenty of food and prizes given away in October. Super Bingo (twice a year) Double the prize money for a late night overnight event where the social hall and truck bays are filled with Bingo players! Solicitation Drive A yearly mailing to residents and businesses within the Holiday Park fire district requesting a donation.
Fundraising 80.6%
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Our Social Hall can accommodate up to 200 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. Please contact us to book your Wedding Reception, Baby & Bridal Showers, Anniversary, Birthday Party, Graduation Celebration, and/or Training or any special occasion. Contact Jackie Taylor at: (724) 739-3977 | Visit us online at https://holidayparkvfd.org/hall-rental/
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236 Engine (2018 Pierce Enforcer 750 gallon PUC Pumper) 236 Truck (2008 Pierce Dash 105 ft Ladder) 236 Rescue (2000 Pierce Dash Medium Rescue Pumper) 236 Utility (2020 F-350 Special Ops & EMS Response Vehicle) 236 QRS (2017 Expedition EMS Response Vehicle) 236 Command (2023 Dodge Durango Chief Officer’s Vehicle) 236 Service (2009 Expedition Fire Police & Transport Vehicle) 236 ATV (Off-road emergency response Kubota with pump/tank or EMS/Rescue Ops) 236 Brush (With Trailer for Mobile Command Post or Transport) The Department's Lead Engineer and his 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. LEARN MORE & PHOTO GALLERY: https://holidayparkvfd.org/apparatus/ 19
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Here is just a small sampling of what to expect in 2024... January Emergency Medical Responder Course February Fish Fry Kicks off on Ash Wednesday Every Friday of Lent March Daylight Savings Check your detectors Fish Fry April National Volunteer Week May Spring Super Bingo National EMS Week CPR, First Aid & Stop the Bleed June 6th Annual Fire Camp for Teens Fireman’s Challenge at Summerfest
August Plum Soccer Kick-Off Classic Mountain Bikes Races September Fall Super Bingo Touch a Truck National Preparedness Month CPR, First, Safety, & more October Fall Fireman’s Gun Bash Fire Prevention Week Open House Halloween Truck Treats November Toys for Tots Collection Drive Christmas at Plum Creek Fall Back Check your detectors December Holiday Bingo Santa Claus Visit
July Christmas in July Bingo Night Check our Facebook Page for the latest event updates! 20
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Membership Information Snap on QR Code
Firefighter Accountant Live-In Firefighter Administrative Assistant Junior Firefighter Business Analyst EMR Culinary Specialist EMT Facilities & Maintenance AEMT Fundraising & Events Staff Paramedic Technology Specialist Join usIT &on June 11, 2022 Fire Police Officer Vehicle Mechanic
for our next golf classic.
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FF Nic Albert FF John Albert FF Gabby Baker, EMT FF Charlie Bell^ FF Dave Bender, EMP-P ER Mark Breter, EMT FF Alyson Bryner, EMT FF Gavin Bordogna, PHRN FF CJ Campeau, EMT-P FF Danielle Cline, EMT FF Mike Cline, EMT FF Jesse Cook ER Brandon Corwin, EMT-P ER Joette Franitti, EMT^ FF Brittany Franitti, EMT ER Carin Frank, EMT-P FF Gregg Fusco, EMR ER Taylor Fusco, EMR FF Sam Gates, Jr. EMT FF Fred Gerstacker, EMT-P+ FF Dan Giannettino, EMT FF Thomas Hordubay, EMT FF Ryan LaBertew FF Eric Leksell, EMT^ FF Mack Lewis, EMT FF Alex Marcelewski, EMT FF Denny Mazak FPO Monte Myers^ FF Mike Mlynar FPO Christine Perry FF Noah Rhea, EMT FF Eric Repoff FF Jimmy Reynolds^ FF James Richards Jr FF Josh Roden FF Sean Roden, EMT FF = Firefighter | FPO = Fire Police ER = Emergency Responder (*) = Leave of Absence (^) = Life Member (+) = Passed Away in 2023
FF Josh Scalamogna, EMT FF Mike Schuster, EMR ER Rick Schroeder, AEMT FF Joe Schwan^ FF Gary Sims^ FF Jim Sims, EMT^ FF Joseph Susalla, EMT-P FF Alex Taylor, EMR FF Erica Taylor FPO Peter Troxell, EMT FF Chuckie Usher, EMT FF Joe Volpe, EMT-P FF Garret Wagner, EMT/RN FPO Bob Webb^ FF Chad Westover, EMR FF Hannah Westover FF Dave Weyant FF Bobby Yuska ER Emily Zangrilli, EMT FF Jake Zapata JUNIOR MEMEBERS Noah Adams Nate McWilliams Ethan McMann Chase Nesbitt Killian Schuster Madison Shaulis Chris Taylor Xeoy Thorwart COMPANY MEMBERS Ann Ratner^ Becky Richards Ron Richards+ Lori Shaulis^ Haylee Shaulis Dawn Susalla Jackie Taylor Linda Vagnier, EMT^ Emma Yuska
LIFE MEMBERS (not currently in active role)
Chuck Beveridge^ Mike Franitti^ Brian Gray^ Bill Hilderhoff^ Bob Iseman^ Tom Inserra^ Ed Kenna^+ Dick McKee^ Tim Murtha^ Richard Rosey^ Rick Susalla, EMT^ Curt Troger^ Matt G. Vagnier, EMT^ Bill Weber^ Dot Weber^ JoAnn Zanotelli^
SPECIAL MEMBERS Stacey Dorsh Danielle Fusco Brooke Fusco, RN Mike Giannettino, EMT/RN Joe Giannettino Carol Glass Nichole Hillman Danielle Lukaszewicz, NP John Mairoino Victoria McFarland Rachel Richards Robin Schuster Hannah Schrieber Sue Tomlinson Jennifer Vagnier John Paul Vagnier Julie Weyant Mieke Wilusz
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Serving Since 1963 Allegheny County Fire Station 236 415 Old Abers Creek Road Plum, PA 15239 holidayparkvfd.org
HPVFD236
HolidayParkVFD236
(724) 327-3456
HolidayParkVFD