60 Years of Excellence
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Mission Statement The mission of the Holiday Park Volunteer Fire Department is to minimize loss of life, property, and the environment from fires, natural disasters, life threatening situations, and to assist other emergency agencies. Our mission shall be accomplished through quality SERVICE delivery as follows: SAFETY: for the community we protect and the personnel that protect it. EDUCATION: through programs for our residents and youth. RESPONSIVENESS: to the suggestions, influence, appeals or efforts of others. VISION: from the past to the present and into the future. INSPECTIONS: investigation and pre-incident plans. COMMITMENT: to our community, our families, ourselves, and each other. EMPATHY: for all.
2022 Stats
Total Incidents Responded
879 Number of Fire/Rescue Calls
478
Number of Community Events Participated or Assisted With
52 Number of Community Members certified via HPVFD hosted classes
571
Number of EMS Calls
Number of Active Volunteers
401
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James Sims, Chief of the Department
In the summer of 1962, a group of men met in the upstairs of the Pines Restaurant and Bar located on Golden Mile Highway. With Holiday Park growing quickly with homes and plans for a shopping center, schools and churches they decided that a volunteer fire department was needed to protect the community. Many of these men having no fire training or knowledge of the fire service researched, hired an attorney, spoke to the developer for property and on January 21,1963 the charter was completed and the Holiday Park VFD was formed. These men were “Fully Involved” in providing fire and rescue services to the community. In 1972 the membership of the Holiday Park VFD along with the Unity VFD decided to take on the duties of providing ambulance service throughout the borough. For Holiday Park VFD it meant needing new space, so the decision was made to build a new building to house the fire equipment, the new ambulance, and a larger social hall. While the membership went to medical training the new building was built and was opened in 1973. These men and women who took on this undertaking to attend EMT training, design and build a building doing a lot of the work themselves to save money and to fundraise were “Fully Involved”. In 2007 the Holiday Park VFD decided to take on a new level of fire protection and with the fleet assistance program provided by the borough; they purchased a new 105’ Aerial Truck for the community to help protect both businesses and homes. This truck was delivered in 2008 and the membership had attended special training to operate an aerial truck. The membership had increased, the fleet had grown, and now the fire department was faced with a new challenge, they were out of room. A committee was formed which designed, went to bid, figured out financing, and moved forward adding on to the current fire station. The addition was completed and the fire department moved into the new addition in 2013. The membership that worked on this expansion was “Fully Involved”. As we enter into our 60th year of providing fire, rescue and quick response medical service we continue to follow in our founding fathers' footsteps. We realize that even though the years have changed; the people have changed; our mission has remained the same. That is to provide the highest quality emergency service to our residents of Holiday Park, Plum Borough, and those visiting, or traveling through our community. The over sixty (60) members of our department who respond to over 875 calls a year continue to remain “Fully Involved”.
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Membership Information Snap on QR Code
Firefighter Administrative Assistant Junior Firefighter Business & Financial Analyst EMR Culinary Specialist EMT Facilities & Maintenance AEMT Fundraising & Events Staff Paramedic IT & Technology Specialist Fire Police Officer Join usVehicle on Mechanic June 11, 2022
for our next golf classic. 16 3
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Starting 2022 off with some recognition
Member of the Year Monte Myers
Life Membership Ann Ratner
Lawrence Glass Chief's Award Jesse Cook
Distinguished Service Medal Joseph Susalla
Richard Borgoyne President's Award Alex Marcelewski
Johnny & Roy Squad 51 Award Tom Hordubay & Nic Albert 4
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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. The nearest fire company was several miles away and Holiday Park was growing rapidly. 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. Holiday Park’s first fire engine was purchased used in 1963 from the Verona VFD. Because they had no building; it had to be housed at the Sardis Fire Department. On a fire call, one fireman went to bring the engine to the fire scene while other responders went directly to the incident. The newly formed fire department purchased a piece of property on Route 286 later in 1963 and the original fire hall was dedicated in April of 1964. In June of 1965, the department ordered their first new engine at a cost of $17,750.00. 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. Charter Officers (1963) President: Robert Burkhouse Vice President: William Kern Treasurer: Thomas Puharic Secretary: Glen Canfield Assistant Secretary: Milt Harper Fire Chief: Floyd Shaeffer 1st Assistant Chief: Richard Ellenberger 2nd Assistant Chief: William Wallace Commissioner: James WIlson
Construction of orginal fire station
First Engine Pumper
Current Fire Station in 1972
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There were no ambulance services in Plum Borough other than being transported by the police or waiting for a neighboring ambulance. The members of Holiday Park VFD had the same desire to help the community and there were talks of providing an ambulance service. 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 subsequent years membership took classes for state certificates in addition to firefighting.
Scott Sampey & Jay Swartzwelder HPVFD Medical Officers
Rescue 405
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, and a 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 department's desire to help then decided they would provide “Quick Response Service” or "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. The current membership roster includes Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMT), and Paramedics (EMT-P). All of the department's firefighting and emergency personal are qualified in CPR, use of an AED, and other rescue techniques.
Our first QRS Vehicle
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In 2001, the department added a combination engine/rescue vehicle to replace the 1987 Rescue Vehicle. The department after completing a needs assessment; 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 volunteer fire departments. The past twenty-five 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 dayroom 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 our live-in program and 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.
2000 Pierce Dash Rescue Pumper
2008 Pierce Dash 105ft Heavy Duty Ladder
Fire Station before the addition in 2011
Fire Station after the addition in 2013
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With the department responding to over 450 EMS 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.
236-QRS
Former 236-Squad
New 236-Engine
New 236-Utility
In 2021, the department retired old 236-Squad for a new vehicle designed to be a fire ground support vehicle and secondary QRS vehicle: 236-Utility joined the fleet. While through the years there have been changing faces; the department has always maintained a strong cadre of members with years of experience. Our "Live-In" program ensures our station is manned during critical hours, and results in a fast response time. Each member who belongs is 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. As we look forward to the future, we are secure in the knowledge that we have the personnel and drive to succeed. January 2022
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Fire Chiefs Floyd Shaeffer, 1963 Milt Hart, 1964 Ed Shallenberger, 1966 Red Jenkins, 1967 Dick McKee, 1972 John Waugeman, 1973 Ed Rowland, 1975 Tim Murtha, 1976 Ed Murdy, 1978 Chuck Trathowen, 1980 Jim Sims, 1982 Brian Gray, 1989
Presidents
Bill Hilderhoff, 1990 Rick Borgoyne, 1992 Joe Schwan, 1995 Brian Gray, 1996 Joe Schwan, 1998 Matt Vagnier. 2000 Larry Glass, 2004 Jim Reynolds. 2011 Larry Glass, 2012 Jim Reynolds, 2015 Jim Sims, 2016
Bob Burkhouse, 1963 Willis Paul, 1966 Ralph Santoro, 1967 Jim Kane, 1973 Ed Murdy, 1974 Bob Iseman, 1977 Bill Weber, 1979 Frank Lochner, 1980 Carl Lish, 1983 Frank Lochner, 1985 Chuck Trathowen, 1987 Charlie Bell, 1988
JoAnn Cahill, 1991 John Tomain, 1992 Matt Vagnier, 1994 Scott Shaulis, 1997 Rick Borgoyne, 2001 Matt Vagnier, 2007 Monte Myers, 2009 Robin Schuster, 2012 Rick Borgoyne, 2014 Alex Marcelewski, 2016 Jackie Taylor, 2018
Life Members The highest honor that the department can bestow is “Life Member”. To achieve this level of membership sets that member in a elite class in the history of the fire service after many years of committed service to the department.
Earl Gage, 1978 Frank Ley, 1978 John Truxal, 1978 Bill Kern, 1978 Floyd Shaeffer, 1978 Dick McKee, 1980 Ed Murdy, 1981 Hugh Sipe, 1983 Bernie Rixner, 1983 Tim Murtha, 1984 Ed Kenna, 1985 Tom Inserra, 1985 Bob Iseman, 1985 Bill Weber, 1985 Richard Rosey, 1988
Joseph Schwan, 1990 Robert Burkhouse, 1991 Carl Lish, 1991 Brian Gray, 1991 Jim Sims, 1991 Gary Sims, 1992 JoAnn Zanotelli, 1992 Dot Weber, 1992 Curt Troger, 1993 Patricia Sipe, 1993 Charles Bell, 1996 William Sanford, 1998 William Hilderhoff, 1998 Richard Borgoyne, 2000 Richard Susalla, 2002
Charles Beveridge, 2006 Matthew Vagnier, 2007 Monte Myers, 2008 Joseph Parks, 2010 Bob Webb, 2011 Jimmy Reynolds, 2015 Eric Leksell, 2017 John Mellor, 2017 Lori Shaulis, 2017 Linda Vagnier, 2017 Patrick Sipe, 2018 Mike Franitti, 2020 Ann Ratner, 2022 Joette Franitti, 2023 17
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We take pride in our "fire family" knowing that we are here for each other and enjoy spending time together in fellowship and fun while ready to serve.
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JUNE 20 - JUNE 24, 2022 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 Operations, Fire Ground Operations, Water Rescue, Wilderness Search & Rescue, Firefighter Challenge, and many more!
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(Shown Above Left to Right)
236 Service (2009 Expedition Fire Command & Transport Vehicle) 236 Utility (2020 F-350 Special Ops & EMS Response Vehicle) 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 QRS (2017 Expedition EMS Response Vehicle) (Missing from Above)
236 ATV (Off-road emergency response Kubota with pump/tank or EMS/Rescue Ops) 236 Brush (With Trailer for Command Post or Transport) The Department's Senior 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. 20
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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.
Community CPR/AED 112
Fire Extinguishers & Safety 82
Community First Aid 65
Youth Fire Prevention 305
Stop the Bleed 100
School & Organization Visits 14
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Open House
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Annual Fish Fry Our annual Lenten Fish Fry commenced on Wednesday March 2, 2022, 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. Kitchen service was available for most of the evening as well as we are a ADA compliant facility.
2nd Annual Golf Classic Over 100 golfers took part in a day of fun on the links and dinner at Meadowinks Golf Course back in July.
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!
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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. 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 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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FF Nic Albert FF John Albert FF Gabby Baker, EMT FF Charlie Bell^ FF Dave Bender, EMP-P ER Mark Breter, EMT FF Aly Bryner, EMT FF CJ Campeau, EMT-P FF Danielle Cline, EMT FF Mike Cline, EMT FF Jesse Cook FF Keith Dix 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, Jr. EMT FF Fred Gerstacker, EMT-P FF Dan Giannettino, EMT FF Mike Giannettino, EMT FF Eric Gumkowski FF Thomas Hordubay, EMT FF Andy Johnson 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 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/RN FPO Bob Webb^ FF Chad Westover FF Hannah Westover FF Dave Weyant FF Bobby Yuska FF Jake Zapata JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS Victoria Crystaloski Anthony Franitti Alex Taylor Chris Taylor COMPANY MEMBERS Ann Ratner^ Becky Richards Ron Richards 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 in active role)
Chuck Beveridge Brian Gray Bill Hilderhoff Bob Iseman Tom Inserra Ed Kenna Dick McKee Tim Murtha Richard Rosey Joseph Schwan Rick Susalla Curt Troger Bill Weber Dot Weber JoAnn Zanotelli
SPECIAL MEMBERS Stacey Dorsh Danielle Fusco Brooke Fusco, RN Joe Giannettino Carol Glass Nichole Hillman Danielle Lukaszewicz, NP John Mairoino Victoria McFarland Rachel Richards Robin Schuster Megan Schneck, PA Stephen Susalla Hannah Schrieber Sue Tomlinson Jennifer Vagnier John Paul Vagnier Julie Weyant Mieke Wilusz 26
Serving Since 1963 Allegheny County Fire Station 236 415 Old Abers Creek Road Plum, PA 15239 holidayparkvfd.org
HPVFD236
HolidayParkVFD236
(724) 327-3456
HolidayParkVFD