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BRISTOL TWP., PA - Two women—a staff member and a resident—were killed and at least 19 people were hospitalized after an explosion and partial collapse at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on December 23, 2025. Then on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Bucks County Coroner’s Office announced that a third person, another resident at the facility, died from injuries sustained in the explosion. -

See full story on page 7

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

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Purchased and built in 1971 by Mount Penn Fire Company in Berks County, PA, this truck was delivered and started serv ice in late 1972 for the total cost of $30,000.

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CLEARFIELD, PA - Just before 4:30 P.M. on Saturday, Novem ber 1, 2025, Clearfield County DPS dispatched apparatus from Clearfield, Lawrence Twp., and Hyde to Armor Street in Clearfield for a shed/garage fire. Squad 1 from the Clearfield FD was first arriving with smoke showing from a 8x10 wooden shed. Crews from Clearfield and Lawrence Twp. stretched 2 lines and began suppression and quickly knocked the bulk of the fire down and began overhaul. En gine-Tanker 6 from the Hyde VFC arrived and supplied Engine 5 which in turn was supplying Squad 1. Crews were out for just under an hour before returning.

It served the Borough of Mount Penn, PA from September 1972 until January 1998 when it was sold to a private business. The truck ended up in the Schulkill Historical Fire Society "Graveyard", in Schuylkill County, PA where it was pur chased back by Tim Waldman for a small donation. A full off-frame restoration was done between 2021 and 2025 by Fire Line Equipment of New Holland, PA. The original 361

Cu.ln.210HP V8 was completely rebuilt. The Boom, Waterway, and Bucket were rewired with along with new hydraulics. All lighting was upgraded to LED and the paint was returned to the original color from 1972. To finish off the restoration, let tering and graphics were hand painted and reproduced to orig inal using the Fire Company's early photos. Lettering was done by Danz Lettering, Woxall, PA. Tim and Steve Waldman, who are still members with the Mt.Penn fire company, now own and have the truck stored in Oley, Pa.

CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 30 No. 1 - is published bi-monthly, 6 times a year for $24 per year by Belsito Communica tions, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Re sponder News, 1 Ardmore Street, NY 12553. No fi nancial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typo graphical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or A division of: in error. Omissions or errors S ^ ™ “ c a fo n s jf! a m ust be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.

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KEN SNYDER

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TREVORTON, PA - On October 11, 2025, the T. F. Co. in Northumberland County, in conjunction with the Fall Festival, held a fire parade honoring their 125 years of service to their area. The photo shows their three rigs minus the UTV 315 '08 Polaris, and the event stand by rig from the West End F. Co. of Sheridan.

PURUCATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views o f 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communications, Inc. Ad vertisements are sold pursuant to the "space available" and corresponding fee schedule. The mere fact that advertise ments are contained in this publication does not express nor imply that 1st Responder Inc. and Belsito Communi cations, Inc. vouches for the credibility o f the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

ART FOR HEROES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Art for Heroes” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

KEN SNYDER

For 90 years, the Lookout Fire Company in Pen Argyl has held a firemen's parade on Labor Day. This mural painted by Terri Palmer in 2024 depics historic scenes from those parades. Other local murals are shown on the same building on E. Pennsylvania Ave.

PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

KEN SNYDER

Upper Macungie Twp. F.D. Dual Housing The Upper Macungie Twp. F.D. held a dual housing for its Rescue Engine and 100 ft. Tower Ladder on October 5, 2025, at Station 56.

COMMAND VEHICLES If your Department has photos you would like to see in our “Command Vehicles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

EUGENE WEBER JR. KEN SNYDER

This patch belongs to the Garden Spot Fire Department Station 2, located in Lancaster County, PA.

The Upper Macungie Fire Department Chief's car is a 2020 Chevy.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 5

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January/February, 2026

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EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS Rick Billings (Cartoon) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain's Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain's Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS

New York: James G. Sitek, 68 Rank: Chief Incident Date: July 4, 2025 Death Date: July 4, 2025 Fire Department: West Colesville Fire Company Initial Summary: During the early morning hours of July 4,2025, Chief James Sitek responded to a house fire. While on scene, Chief Sitek reported that he was not feeling well and collapsed shortly after. Emergency personnel immediately provided care. Chief Sitek was transported to the hospital. Despite efforts from medical professionals, he was pronounced deceased that morn ing.

Jim Alercia • Jason Batz • Dale Feehrer • Ted Hodgins • Alan Hoffman • Roman Isaryk • Ron Jeffers • Regina Jelsfc. • William King • JC Kriesher • Chuck Lowe • John Malecky • Eric Rasmussen • Lucas Richardson • Terry Ritz • Frank Robinson • Don Filippo Scicchitano • Shane Shifflett • Sharon Siegel • Darin Smith • Ken Snyder • Eugene Weber Jr.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st Responder Newspaper welcomes submissions by our readers. Send stories and photos to us at news@lstrespondernews.com. Or, give us a call or post it directly to www. lrbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 1st Responder News’ graphics team will work with you on your advera division of: tisement free o f charge. Addition ally, we offer a complete marketing department for all o f your printed needs. Whether they are posters, or c o mmunications, inc. single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, no one else delivers the high quality work at our competitive prices. As a newspaper in the Belsito Communications Inc. family, 1st Responder News has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scan ning technology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP Color LaserJet 8500 to produce the highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

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Louisiana: Jonathan Ashworth, 23 Rank: Firefighter/Operator Incident Date: July 15, 2025 Death Date: July 15, 2025 Fire Department: Beauregard Parish Fire District 4 Initial Summary: Firefighter Jonathan Ashworth was responding to an emergency medical call at approxi mately 3:35 a.m. on July 15, 2025, when his personal vehicle left the roadway and crashed. He was fatally in jured in the crash and pronounced deceased at the scene. Wisconsin: Amie S. Lee, 61 Rank: Firefighter-Safety Officer Incident Date: July 1, 2025 Death Date: July 14,2025 Fire Department: Van Dyne Fire Department Initial Summary: On July 1, 2025, Firefighter-Safety Officer Amie Lee was working in the fire station when she fell and suffered a serious knee injury. About two weeks later, Firefighter-Safety Officer Lee reported dif ficulty breathing while at home during the early morning hours of July 14. Emergency personnel provided care on the scene before transporting Firefighter-Safety Officer Lee to the hospital, where she was pronounced de ceased. The suspected cause of death is pulmonary em bolism caused by a blood clot from the knee injury sustained at the fire station.

New York: Jason McGlone, 51 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: July 17, 2025 Death Date: July 17,2025 Fire Department: East Branch Fire Department Initial Summary: Assistant Chief Jason McGlone ar rived at the scene of a crash involving a motor vehi cle and a utility pole at approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 17, 2025. Shortly after arriving, Assistant Chief McGlone repositioned the pumper rescue truck he was driving to distance his vehicle from sagging elec trical wires. However, he was unaware that the wires had become entangled with the apparatus and were in contact with the vehicle's roof. Assistant Chief Mc Glone was electrocuted when he exited the rescue pumper. Personnel on-scene immediately began at tempts to resuscitate Assistant Chief McGlone with CPR and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). Despite these efforts, Assistant Chief Mc Glone could not be revived and was pronounced de ceased. Connecticut: Raymond "Ray" A. Moreau, 60 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 27, 2025 Death Date: July 27, 2025 Fire Department: Plainville Fire Department Initial Summary: On July 27, 2025, at approximately 6:20 a.m., the Plainville Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire. Multiple fire units from the Plainville Fire Department arrived on scene. Firefighter Raymond Moreau was working on scene and standing outside the house when a piece from a nearby fire appa ratus broke free and struck him, causing catastrophic in juries to his leg. Firefighter Moreau was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries during sur gery.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 7

3rd Person Dies After Bristol Twp. Nursing Home Explosion BRISTOL TWP., PA - Two women—a staff member and a resident—were killed and at least 19 people were hospitalized after an explosion and partial collapse at the Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on De cember 23, 2025. Then on Tues day, January 6, 2026, the Bucks County Coroner’s Office an nounced that a third person, an other resident at the facility, died from injuries sustained in the ex plosion. The explosion was reported around 2:15 p.m., causing major structural damage and trapping residents when part of the first floor collapsed into the basement. Firefighters and emergency crews from multiple jurisdictions res cued residents through doors, win dows, stairwells, and an elevator shaft. Officials said a strong gas

J ump to file #01092613D

ft 30 odor was detected before a second explosion and fire occurred shortly after crews evacuated the building. PECO shut off gas and electric service as a precaution and said it is unknown whether natural gas or company equipment caused the incident. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro praised first responders and local residents who assisted in the rescue efforts, calling it an ex ample of “neighbors helping neighbors.” State and local officials urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation continues.

- PROVIDED

FRANK SAIA

Crews stand by the collapsed area waiting for the natural gas supply to be shut and the flooded areas of the building to be pumped before continuing search and fire extinguishment operations at the Silver Lake Health Care Center following a catastrophic explosion.

FRANK SAIA

Crews remove debris and reposition tools and equipment from around the collapsed area following an explosion at the silver Lake Health Care Center in Bristol Pa, on December 23, 2025. FRANK SAIA

A Montgomery County, Pa USAR member with his rescue dog were on location to assist with search and rescue operations following the catastrophic explosion at the Silver Lake Health Care Center in Bristol Twp, Pa on December 23, 2025 that reportedly left two people killed and several others injured.

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

cIN THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CHAD

scon

Asst. Chief 26-1 and Lt 26-1 ready to make the push.

ALAH HOFFMAN

The crew from the Elm Hill Hose Co. No.3 of Plymouth had the honor of having Elvis riding with them on Engine 3 during the 21st annual Kielbasa Festival Parade in Plymouth.

Enjoy taking photographs? Get th e m ost o u t o f your hobby. 1st Responder News compensates correspondents for their article & photograph CHAD SCOTT

Asst. Chief 26-1 gaining access.

Crews Contain Overnight House Fire in Newton Hamilton Borough NEWTON HAMILTON, PA - On 12/01/25 at just after 3:00 A.M., the Newton Wayne VFC was alerted on the 26-10 box for reported smoke in a structure at 230 Church Street. LT 26-2 arrived on scene reporting a working fire. Chief 26 ar rived on scene with command confirming that all residents were out of the house. Company 26 with mutual aid com panies from Mifflin and Huntingdon Counties worked the scene for two hours.

submissions.

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January/February, 2026

PAGE 9

DRILLS/TRAINING If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘Drills'' feature, please upload them on our website. www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindseyw! lstResponderNews.com

In November, approximately 30 members of the Lincoln Fire Company Station 16 successfully com pleted Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training. As a designated rescue company, Lincoln volunteers are frequently assigned RIT responsibilities when responding as mutual aid, making this specialized preparation essential. Rapid Intervention Teams are dedicated solely to rescuing firefighters who be come injured, trapped, or face life-threatening emergencies during fireground operations. The training focused on developing and reinforcing the advanced skill sets required to perform these rescues ef ficiently and safely. The company emphasized that continued education and preparedness remain vital to protecting both the community and fellow firefighters.

LANCASTER CITY BUREAU UF FIRE

Life-Saving Efforts Recognized in Lancaster LANCASTER, PA - On November 16, 2024, B Platoon units from Truck 1, Truck 2, and Engine 1 responded to a northwest section vehicle rollover. Lancaster Police officers and by standers removed an unresponsive occupant from the over turned vehicle, and upon arrival, LCBF personnel immediately initiated CPR. After several rounds of resuscitation efforts, the patient regained a pulse and has since made a full recovery. Unit Citations were awarded to Lt. Alex Carcamo, Lt. Matt Guisbert, and Firefighters Luke Hausler, Andrew Lefever, Mike Peters, Angel Rosario, Erik Austin, and Jonah Lake. In addi tion, a Clinical Save Award was presented to Lt. Carcamo, FF Peters, and FF Austin for their direct lifesaving actions.

LINCULN FIRE CUMPANY STATIUN16

ALAN HUFFMAN

D w elling Fire in Upper M ilfo rd Township UPPER MILFORD WP., PA - On November 28, 2025 at 9:08 A.M., the Upper Milford Western District, Vera Cruz, and Here ford fire companies and Macungie EMS were dispatched for a dwelling fire at 7645 corning road in Upper Milford Town ship. Tanker 58 arrived on the scene and had a chimney fire and a large fire in the fireplace. Crews extinguished the fire in the fireplace and the chimney and did ventilation.

LINCULN FIRE CUMPANY STATIUN 16

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Rescue Engine 56 of the Upper Macungie Fire Department is a 2024 Pierce Arrow XT Heavy DutyRescue Pumper with a 2000-GPM pump with a 750-gallon tank and a husky 3 foam system with a 20gallon foam cell. KEN SNYDER

Rear Porch Fire Triggers Second Alarm a t Bethlehem Duplex BETHLEHEM, PA - On October 2, 2025 at around 10:30 A.M., the BFD was dispatched to a rear porch fire in a duplex at 502 and 504 W. Union Blvd. An active fire was found at that threestory duplex and a second alarm was requested. A search of the three divisions proved negative. The bulk of the fire seemed to be concentrated on the rear outside porch area. Four people were displaced by this fire and there were no known injuries.

DALE FEEHRER

The Coatesville Bureau of Fire operates this 2003 ALF/LTI (2000/500/100') as Ladder 43.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Working Mobile Home Fire in Upper Macungie Twp. UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., PA - On January 5th at 11:00 A.M., the Upper Macungie and Lower Macungie Fire Departments and the Greenawalds Fire Company for RIT were dispatched for a dwelling fire at 8852 Breinig Run Circle in Upper Ma cungie Township. An Upper Macungie Township police offi cer arrived on scene and reported smoke showing. Engine 8 arrived on scene and had a working mobile home fire, Engine 8 went into service with two hand lines and brought the fire under control. The cause of the fire is pending the investiga tion by the fire marshal.

KEN SNYDER

Dewey Fire Co. Hellertown's 2021 HME Ahrens - Fox 2000/500/30/111'.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 11

Working Fire in East Cleveland ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

Working Fire in East Cleve land By Michael C. Ede Available from: FSP Books 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $19.99 This is a soft cover book measuring 6 inches by 9 inches, with 196 pages. The author is a retired lieutenant from that de partment and shares his memoirs in a very honest, genuine way, holding no punches when re quired and being accurate in many of the details. Being a re tired member of a career fire de partment, I can relate to much of what he writes about. East Cleve

land is a small suburb of Cleve land, Ohio and from what I read, I would not ever want to live there and wondered if he did. As I read the book I realized that he did not live there. The town is ridden with crime, fires, typical politics and a lack of funds to make it efficient. There are 27 chapters about war stories (working fires), firehouse training and routines, types of fire fighters, relationships among dif ferent races of firefighters, and many more subjects. The town has two fire stations and eventually re sponded to EMS calls, as well as fires and other emergencies. Some of the stories are heartbreaking and close calls. One particular chapter which was interesting was called “Rumors.” The chapter had stories that were never actually proven to be true, but might have been. Again, having put a career in a paid department, I could relate to some of these type stories that oc curred in my own department or what I have known from visiting other departments. All in all, it is an excellent book that could be read by anyone since much of the FD lingo is explained by the au thor. It is a quick read with fairly short but nevertheless easy to read, interesting chapters.

KEH SNYDER

T 1 in service at the second alarm dwelling fire 11/30/25.

EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

KEHSHYDER

Crews check for extension in the rear roof area.

Firefighters Contain Afternoon Dwelling Fire in Allentown HEMS PHOTOGRAPHY

Hershey Life Lion brand new helicopter doing a demo at the first time ever airshow at the Harrisburg Internation Airport. The airshow feature the United States Navy Blue Angels and the F-16 Viper Demo.

ALLENTOWN, PA - On the afternoon of 11/30/25 a little after 3:00 P.M., companies were dis patched to 1530 W. Allen St. for a dwelling fire. Afire condition existed in the rear of the dwelling and a second alarm was requested. When the fire was knocked down, some companies began returning to quarters around 4:00 P.M.

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Five-Alarm Fire Destroys H istoric Abandoned Church in P ottstow n POTTSTOWN, PA — On No vember 21, 2025, at 6:22 a.m., Pottstown Station 69 and mutual aid units were dispatched to a re ported church fire at the intersec tion of N. Hanover Street and Chestnut Street. At the time of dis patch, only one caller had reported the fire. While Assistant 69 was en route, dispatch received additional 911 calls reporting heavy smoke and fire showing from an uniden tified, abandoned church. The as signment was upgraded to a working fire before any units ar rived, prompting additional com panies to be dispatched. Upon arrival, crews found the church rapidly becoming fully en gulfed. Multiple aerial apparatus were requested. Just eight minutes after the initial dispatch. Com mand ordered all personnel who had attempted to make entry for an interior attack to evacuate the structure due to fire venting through the roof and sides. By 6:33 a.m., the fire had escalated to a second alarm. Goodwill Ambu lance 329 also requested addi tional resources. Incoming aerials were posi tioned behind the church near the Salvation Army building and in front of the structure. Engines de ployed 5-inch supply lines to nearby hydrants. Fire Police were dispatched to close multiple streets across several blocks due to hose lines in the roadway and vehicles attempting to drive on and around them. Aerial master streams were operated from the front and rear, and a blitz line was set up in a driveway on the D-side.

Jump to file #112825173

f t Within 20 minutes of the initial dispatch, the incident reached five alarms. By 8:00 a.m., the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, and a little over an hour later, it was placed under control. Flare-ups and hotspots persisted, prompting periodic pauses in fire operations to reassess strategies. A collapse zone was established. The steeple and bell tower—which still con tained a brass bell—were allowed to bum until they collapsed at ap proximately 12:15 p.m. Structural engineers determined that allow ing the structure to burn and fail naturally was safer than attempt ing internal suppression efforts. PECO was notified early in the incident due to energized elec trical wires catching fire and sub sequently shut down electricity and gas service around the build ing. The Montgomery County Canteen Unit responded to pro vide food, drinks, shelter, and rest rooms for responders. Community members also offered support, bringing coffee, snacks, and drinks before the Canteen Unit ar rived. The Montgomery County Drone Team, USAR, Field Comm, Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshals, Incident Support Team (1ST), and arson K-9s responded for operational assistance and in vestigation. Fire operations con cluded after 16 hours and 49 minutes. No injuries were reported

among firefighters, responders, or residents. However, several homes were affected, including one that sustained fire damage and impact damage when the B-side wall of the church collapsed onto it. Ap proximately 250 firefighters oper ated at the scene. Built in 1861, the abandoned building was identified as the for mer Transfiguration Futheran Church, later occupied by Invictus Ministries, Inc., which sold the property in 2024. The constmction and layout of the church con tributed significantly to the diffi culty of suppression efforts. The cause of the fire remains under in vestigation. Responding Units: Montgomery County: Pottstown 69, Fimerick 51, Sanatoga 58, Ringing Hill 59, Upper Pottsgrove 79, Gilbertsville 67, New Hanover 37, Upper Prov idence 68, Power Providence 53, Power Frederick 52, Harleysville 89, Skippack 86, Pennsburg 65, Towamencin 76, Hatfield 17, Royersford 98, East Greenville 38, Jefferson 46, North Penn 62, Perkiomen 66, Trappe 77, Worces ter 83, Upper Salford 78, Upper Merion 56, Collegeville 34. Berks County: Boyertown 95, Amity 49, Earl Township 19, East ern Berks 97, Exeter Township 25, Monarch 6. Chester County: Kimberton 61, Twin Valley 69, Fiberty Steam 63, Norco 64, Valley Forge 68.

REGINA JELSKI

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January/February, 2026

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Four Alarms Struck at Apartment Building Fire in W hitehall Township WHITEHALL TWP, PA - On December 13,2025 at 8:20 P.M., the Whitehall Fire Department was dis patched for an apartment building fire at Fairmount Place Apartments on 1 Maryland Circle in Whitehall Town ship. Police arrived on the scene and had fire showing from a first floor apartment. Po lice officers then started to evacuate the building. The fire ended up going to 4 alarms with numerous fire and EMS units responding from Lehigh and Northampton Counties. AMass Casualties Incident was declared due to the amount of resi dents requiring care. The American Red Cross was assisting the resi dents of the complex who were dis placed by the fire.

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1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 15

HRFC

HAZMAT Incident Contained in Honey Brook Twp. KEN SNYDER

View of the rear area of the Chinese kitchen where the intense fire was knocked down.

HONEY BROOK TWP., PA On October 5, 2025, at 8:47 P.M., Station 33 (HBFC) was alerted for a gas leak on the 1600 block of Beaverdam Rd in Honey Brook Township. Chief 33, Engine 33-1 and Rescue 33 all made the response in under 4 minutes. Just prior to arrival. Chief Ream was advised by dispatch of a 1,000-gal. propane tank leaking. Units ar rived to find a catastrophic leak from a residential 1,000-gallon liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank that had rolled over onto the top side mounted shutoff valve. Chief Ream established Com-

T0 FILE#101525114

ap I % mand as crews quickly stretched two hand lines with combination nozzles utilizing fog spray pat terns to disperse propane vapors as much possible while other mem bers were tasked with evacuating the area and performing air moni toring. Chester County Hazmat 15 was requested to the scene for a team response along with a total of three mutual aid tankers. Fire crews set up a picket anchoring system to stabilize and slightly roll the tank off the damaged valve

allowing for the Hazmat Techni cians to secure the leak. An esti mated 900-gallons of combined liquid/gas propane was leaked. Upon completion of opera tions, the situation was placed under control and a decon station was established to remove any outer layer contaminants from per sonnel’s PPE. Blackhorse Propane was requested to the scene by Command to assist with uprighting the tank back into position. After operating for approximately 2 l/2hrs, all units cleared the scene returning available.

- HBFC

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘Where are they now?" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

KEN SNYDER

E-6 in service at the 2 alarm Chinese restaurant fire 12/4/25.

Two Alarm Fire Damages Allentown Chinese Restaurant ALLENTOWN, PA - On December 4, 2025 around 3:30, A.M. the Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched the AFD to 501 N. 7th St. for a commercial structure fire. On arrival, command had smoke showing from the building with visible fire coming from the first floor rear kitchen area of the Happy Garden restaurant. Everyone in the above second and third floor apartments were able to escape safely. A second alarm was necessary to stop the progress of the fire. There were no re ported injuries. Apartment residents were forced to relocate due to a lack of heat in the building.

FRANK RORINSON

Lancaster Township Fire Company operates a 2016 Seagrave 95' Aerialscope. The unit once saw service at the Falls Twp. Fire Company.

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

EAST PROSPECT FIRE COMPANY

East Prospect Fire Co. Responds to Trailer Fire on Sam Spur Lane LOWER WINDSOR TWP, PA - The East Prospect Fire Com pany responded on the afternoon of December 7, 2025 with Rescue 42, staffed with a crew of four, to a reported trailer fire on Sam Spur Lane. Firefighters worked alongside mutual aid partners on fire attack and overhaul operations to bring the incident under control. Additional members assisted with traffic control to help ensure scene safety for responders and the public.

KEN SNYDER

Allentown E 9 in service for a working dwelling fire on N. 12th St., August 29, 2025.

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South Whitehall E 32 in service for a working dwelling fire on N. 25th St., August 29, 2025. RAWLINSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Rawlinsville VFC Receives Community Donation from Tractor Supply HOLTWOOD, PA - On the morning of November 1, 2025, members of the Rawlinsville Volunteer Fire Co. were on lo cation with Engine 58-1 at the Buck Tractor Supply, where the department was presented with a $500 donation in sup port of its ongoing operations and community service ef forts. The contribution was formally received by company representatives during a brief presentation, highlighting con tinued local support for volunteer emergency services. Offi cials expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that community partnerships and generosity play a vital role in maintaining readiness, equipment, and public safety serv ices provided by the department.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Engine 7 of the Emmaus Fire Department on the scene and in service at a dwelling fire in the borough of Emmaus.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CHUCK LOWE

Cranberry Township Station 21 operated this 2015 Pierce Velocity 1500/500/25A/25B/75' aerial for 5 years. Lebanon, Connecticut, then acquired it and continues to run it as their Ladder 106.

COURTESY OF CAMRRIA TWP. VOL. FIRE CO.

Emergency Crews Respond to R ollover Crash in Cambria Township COLVER, PA - Cambria 911 dispatched multiple emergency units, including Blue Knob Volunteer Fire Company, Dauntless Fire Company Rescue 22, and medic units from Ebensburg Area Ambulance Associ ation 48 and Carrolltown 64, to a motor vehicle accident involving a rollover and possible entrapment on

Jump to file # 102 62515 7

Sunday morning, October 19, 2025. Rescue Engine 40, along with the Attack and Squad units, re sponded to the scene. Upon arrival, crews determined there was no en

trapment, and the call was subse quently downgraded. The driver sus tained minor injuries and was transported for medical evaluation. Cambria Township Police are con ducting the investigation.

- COURTESY OF CAMBRIA TWP. VOL. FIRE CO.

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Goodwill Fire Company of Flemington placed in service a 2005 Ford F-550/E-One as Rescue 7. The rescue previously served the nearby Wayne Twp. Fire Company of McElhatten.

Read more features on our website! www.1rbn.com LONDONDERRY FIRE COMPANY

The Londonderry Fire Company, based in Middletown, Dauphin County, held in-house training along the river to practice setting up island packs using portable pumps. The training focused on scenarios involving cabin fires on river islands within the department’s first-due area—locations accessible only by boat. Firefighters deployed portable pumps on docks and ran hoselines onto the islands to simulate fire-suppression operations in remote conditions.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 19

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

Members of Swatara Fire-Rescue, 599 Eisenhower Blvd., partici pated in the Burn to Learn training program hosted by the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire at the Paxtonia Station. The class, led by instructor Andy Starnes and sponsored by Seek Thermal and The Fire Store, focused on the use of thermal imaging cam eras in live-burn scenarios. Participants gained hands-on experi ence interpreting thermal data, improving search efficiency, and understanding fire behavior through real-time imaging. The train ing provided firefighters with practical tools to enhance safety and decision-making during interior operations.

RORERT FULTON FIRE COMPANY

Robert Fulton Fire Co. Controls Trailer Fire on Lancaster Pike SWATARA FIRE-RESCUE

DRUMORE TWP., PA - The Robert Fulton Fire Company re sponded to a working vehicle fire at 7:25 a.m. on November 14, 2025, in the 1400 block of Lan caster Pike. The incident involved a 20-foot deckover trailer loaded with corn fodder bales that was ac tively burning upon arrival. The call was initially reported closer to the Buck area, but after Station 58 began responding, the location was confirmed to be within Robert Fulton Fire Com pany’s first-due area. Deputy 89 arrived on scene to find heavy fire involving the trailer and its load.

J ump to fiie #121325133

Engine 58-1 arrived shortly there after and deployed two handlines to attack the fire. Squad 89 arrived moments later and placed both high-pres sure lines in service, allowing crews to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. Extensive over haul operations followed to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. Tanker 57 from Quarryville Fire Company assisted by supplying additional water to support sup

pression efforts. Cleanup operations were aided by Scott Stauffer and Cedar ETill Excavating, who helped remove debris from the parking lot. After returning to the station, respond ing members were treated to breakfast burritos prepared by the fire company auxiliary. All Robert Fulton Fire Com pany units were clear of the scene by 9:44 a.m. A total of 18 volun teers signed in for the incident.

- COURTESY OF ROBERT FULTON FIRE CO.

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘Antique Apparatus" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

SWATARA FIRE-RESCUE

Pleasant Hill Fire Company used to run this 1960 International/John Bean 750/600.

PAGE 20

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Face Value Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh

------------------------------------WE can get so much more cooperation from people if we smile versus from, not only that but we save en ergy when we smile. It takes about fifty muscles to frown and about fifteen muscles to smile. So, if you want to watch your energy smile. Oh, by smiling you will also feel better and have more energy. Have you ever noticed that at times a smile can be contagious like a yawn? You start smiling and then others may take your lead and also

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smile. Have you watched a baby in their playful mood where they smile and giggle and everyone around them smile, maybe even grumpy Gus. Oh, be careful, we know that if grumpy Gus goes to smile, his face may end up cracking. The Bible states that a joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22 We can easily see that if we understand the work of Patch Adams. I think part of any training man ual should include training people how to smile and how to encourage people, to me they seem to go to gether. Please smile more. You may scare some of your family members but if you smile, they may wonder what you are up to. In my family there were not many people who smiled but if you started playing music and telling jokes there would be smiles and laughter, even if it was only for a short time. Did you know that they say that smiling reduces blood pressure? Smile and if you don't have one, see who can share one with you. It is the cheapest way to improve face value.

STILL IN SERVICE If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘Still in Service" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey® lstResponderNews.com

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didy mus-mchugh. com

DALE FEEHRER

The Kunkletown VFC continues to operate this unique 1976 Ford C model as Bucket 28-61. Originally a utility truck for PP&L, the members of the KVFC purchased the truck and modified it in house to assist with chimney fires.

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The Harmonville Fire Company continues to operate the 1972 Maxim/1996 SWAB pumper at Engine 44-4 (1000/600).

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PAGE 22

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

East Prospect Fire Co. Announces Closure After More Than a Century of Service It is with deep regret that the East Prospect Fire Company an nounced it would cease operations as a fire company as of 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, bringing to a close more than a century of dedicated service to the com munity. Founded in 1907, the department has provided 24/7 fire protection for East Prospect and surrounding areas for generations. Department leadership cited declining volunteer participation, rising operational costs, and decreased revenues as the factors that forced this difficult de cision. Officials expressed heartfelt gratitude to the residents, supporters, and members who stood by the company throughout its long his tory. Arrangements are currently being finalized to ensure that all emergency calls in East Prospect and nearby areas will continue to be handled by mutual aid partners, maintaining uninterrupted fire pro tection for the community. No addi tional information was available for release.

- COURTESY OF EAST PROSPECT FIRE CO.

EAST PROSPECT FIRE COMPANY

Two Heavily Entrapped in Tractor-Trailer Crash in Palmer Township PALMER TOWNSHIP, PA Emergency services responded to the intersection of Main Street and the Route 33 interchange shortly after 5:00 A.M., September 23, 2025, for a motor ve hicle collision in volving a tractor-trailer, which left two occupants heavily entrapped. Multiple 911 calls reported a pas senger vehicle lodged beneath the side of a tractortrailer, with two patients classified as priority one. While en route. Deputy Chief 2751 requested a rapid re sponse for a heavy wrecker to assist with extrication, along with addi tional support from the Upper Nazareth Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters con firmed a single vehicle pinned be neath the tractor-trailer, with severe intrusion into the driver’s compart ment. Thanks to the rapid response of the wrecker company, crews were able to lift the rear of the trailer, re move the vehicle from underneath, and extricate the two patients. Suburban EMS and Nazareth EMS transported both patients to St Luke's Trauma Center. DAN CLERICO

- DAN CLERICO

Driver's side view.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 23

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Vehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

Lititz Fire Company operates a 2024 E-One 100' Ladder as Truck 25.

DALE FEEHRER

The Eagle Fire Co. #1 has placed this 2025 Sutphen Monarch (1500/750/Holmatro) into service as Engine 22.

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

The Union Fire Co. #1 of Leesport, PA has taken delivery of their 2025 Pierce Enforcer Lyons Fire Company now operates a 2025 Kenworth/Pierce 1250/3000 Tanker. PUC (2000/750/Genesis). This piece will be designated as Rescue-Engine 37.

DALE FEEHRER

The Summit Station Fire Company has placed this 2025 Kenworth T880/Sutphen The Denver Fire Company #1 has taken delivery of their 2025 Pierce Enforcer (1250/4000) into service as Tanker 34-36. (2000/750/Hurst) which will be designated as Squad 13.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 25

Vehicle News

DALE FEEHRER

FRANK ROBINSON

The Mifflinburg Hose Company #1 has taken delivery of a pair of new Sutphens'. En Conestoga Fire Company received their new 2025 KM/4Guys 1500/3000 gine 3-2 is a 2025 Sutphen Monarch custom pumper with a 2000-gpm pump and a Pumper/Tanker. 1000-gallon tank. Tower 3 is a 2025 Sutphen Monarch SPH100 with a 2000-gpm pump, with a 300-gallon tank and a 100' aerial.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE BUFFS

DALE FEEHRER

Philadelphia Fire Department Ladder 10 is this 2025 Spartan Metro Star cab and chas The Mt. Penn Fire Company has taken delivery of their 2025 Spartan Metro Star/LTC sis with an LTI ladder. It is equipped with a Spartan Metro-Star Chassis, a 500 HP 100' TDA designated as Ladder 1. Cummins X-12 Engine, QX-100 4-section aerial with 500 lb. tip load, Harrison 10KW hydraulic generator.

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DALE FEEHRER

The Cochranville Fire Company has taken delivery of this 2025 Seagrave Marauder The Neptune Fire Company #1 of Tyrone, PA has taken delivery of their 2026 Spartan non-walk-in Rescue-Pumper (1500/1000/Hurst). This piece will serve as Chester pumper, designated as Engine 34 (1500/1000/Genesis). County Rescue 27.

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Searches There is a high degree of variability when it comes to searching for potential vic tims. Prima fascia that seem s an outrageous statem ent. Make no mistake if there is som eone inside a burning structure we stop at nothing to get them out. There’s no vari able there at all; that’s very true. Now seriously consider the dynamics of your own de partment including policies and SOPs relative to searches. Are all members of your de partment (and on that particu lar call) trained to search? Do you use a hose line in con junction with a search? How is “two in - two out” defined in your departm ent? These are just a few items that should ei ther already been defined by policy and through trained drills well in advance or need to be quickly addressed by the first the arriving company. How do you know there are victims to search for? Some departmental SOPs require at least a primary search regard less of the situation whereas others may rely more on dis patched information and other factors such as day of the week, time of day, toys on the lawn, cars in the driveway, per haps first-hand information from neighbors/witnesses and of course direct observations of the fire and smoke condi tions before making that splitsecond decision to search.

A primary search (aptly named) is the first search of a struc ture. Full well knowing how fast a fire can develop firefight ers move fast during this search. The idea is to find as many potential victims as pos sible and get those victims and them selves out safely. A se c ondary search in most cases takes place after a fire has been knocked down. Its slower, more methodical and detailed. Regardless of the search type there are some de tails and tips that can be ap plied to both. Here’s a quick list: 1) Each search team should have at a minimum two fire fighters. 2) Each team member should have a tool to assist in a vari ety of tasks such as locating victims, increasing access and rescue operations. Although tool selection is variable at a minimum firefighters should have a Halligan, axe and a ther mal imaging camera (TIC). 3) Although most firefighters are trained to stay low and crawl due to heat and visibility conditions if the situation pres ents itself with light smoke/heat combined with good visibility duck-walking through a structure may in crease the chances of finding victims and getting them to safety. 4) Always have at least three

This article will not debate the specifics of any given depart ment’s policies etc., due mainly to the fact that policies and procedures are shaped on department resources includ ing average number of respon ders per call. For example, some departm ents even use their pump operator to con duct a 360 to free up the offi cer for a search. If firefighters/officers come across a better way that works for your department then by all m eans change it up and train better/smarter. Changes in policy and procedure shouldn’t wait for a firefighter or civilian to die in order to put into effect.

ways to contact your partner visual, hearing (use your out side voice) and touch. 5) Don’t use the working end of a tool to search for victims its likely they are having a bad day already and don’t need an axe bit in their chest. 6) Identify and call out all pos sible escape routes such as windows, doors and additional openings to other rooms. While you are searching make sure you check EVERYTHING! Behind and under beds (in cluding top bunks), in closets and bathtubs. Think about where scared people (espe cially kids) are going to hide. Think about how you are going to search a room - if you start with a right-handed search then continue in that fashion and don’t switch up as that can throw off your orientation. In addition to using hand searches to guide, firefighters can also put their feet against the wall stretching out with a tool. The downfall to this method is it doesn’t necessar ily allow for egress identifica tion however it can allow covering a standard 12x12 bedroom in a matter of se c onds. Two items to discuss when searching a specific room. The first is that it doesn’t necessar ily take two firefighters to enter a room to search when one can do so efficiently. Try leaving one firefighter at the door with a light to orientate the search ing firefighter. Secondly, is it necessary to mark the door once the search is done? Many

departm ents have markers or use chalk (down low) but how often is a secondary team able to see any markings on the door - especially if conditions worsen. That doesn’t mean don’t do it - by all means do so especially in nursing homes or hotels where there are dozens of similar looking doors. What it does mean is that in a typical residential structure fire any advantage probably won’t be worth the effort. When conducting a primary search should you have a hose line with you? Some SOPs specify that as a requirement but remember a primary search is designed to be quick and dirty and so hauling a charged hose line may slow that process down. Consider then just taking a 2.5-gallon water can in that at the very least will buy you enough time to search and get out and let the hose team go in and do their job. Vent, Enter, Isolate and Search (VEIS) is another kind of search that hinges on firefight ers isolating them selves from the fire that serves a dual pur pose of not feeding the fire with oxygen while providing time to search. Once the isola tion part is done which usually is just a matter of closing a bedroom door then a search can be completed quickly and/or victims removed through a window using a lad der. With any search, VEIS in cluded while firefighters are searching any exterior fire fighters are putting up as many ladders as possible. As a gen eral rule there should be at

least two means of egress from a second story/roof. Lastly is the concept of “Twoin, Two Out”. The most com mon definition is when two firefighters go in to conduct a search those sam e two fire fighters come out as a pair. So, if one firefighter goes low on air or finds a victim then both firefighters exit at the same time (with the victim of course). A second concept is that while two firefighters are in conducting a search a sec ond team of two is outside the door with a hose line covering the search team should it be necessary. Still one other defi nition I’ve come across is that while two firefighters conduct a primary search there are two others waiting for them to come out before proceeding in to conduct a search in another part of the structure. To conclude, remember that searching a structure is highly variable. In fact, according to Chief Rick Manocchi of the Glenville Hill FD all answers to questions about searching start with the same two words “It depends.” On that note, there’s no reason only one team of two firefighters should be sent to conduct a search. If you have the available re sources by all means multiple team s can be sent in simulta neously. New search policies may not be all they are cracked up to be and may not fit your department so while being pro active don’t be so ambitious where you overstep the capa bilities of your department. ■JOSEPH CEA

Read more about drills and training from around New Jersey on our website! www.1rbn.com

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 27

EMERGENCY AIRCRAF1 FIREFIGHTER PROFILE

If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website W W W . stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our Firefighter Profile feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

HEMS PHOTOGRAPHY

SAXTON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

SAXTON, PA - The Saxton Volunteer Fire Company announced that Ronnie “RJ” Jenkins is the new Fire Chief. Chief Jenkins has worked with the department and the community for many years as Assistant Chief. He has built a reputation for his professionalism, dedication, and strong leadership. Known for his in-depth training and practical experience, Chief Jenkins has been an important part of the department’s operational readiness and community engage ment. His appointment signals a new chapter for the company as he gets ready to take on his duties in the new year.

Stay on top of the news that matters to Pennsylvania HEMS PHOTOGRAPHY

emergency responders with a daily visit to www.1RBN.com

Lehigh Valley Health Network along with their partnership with Air Methods operate this 2007 EC-135 P2 aircraft that is based in the Pocono - East Stroudsburg area. Lehigh Valley Medevac operates 4 different helicopter bases along with ground trucks. When aircraft are grounded for weather or maintanence or the patient isn't in need of an aircraft transport. They will send a ground truck for the pa tient. But when an aircraft is needed they have bases in Kutztown with Medevac 1, Pocono - East Stroudsburg with Medevac 2, Hazletown with Medevac 4, Pottsville with Medevac 7. Medevac operates three EC-135 P2 aircraft and one EC-145 C2 aircraft. Lehigh Valley Medevac has been around since 1981 and has cared for over 90,000 patients in its 45 years of service in the state of Pennsylvania.

PAGE 28

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

FIRE COMPANY LOGOS

Bob Long

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Fire Company Logo” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

ALAN HOFFMAN

“M y d o cto r has given m e three days to give up drinking. I p icked M arch 7th, Ju n e 10th, and N ovem ber 18th.”

This is the logo of the Upper Macungie Fire Department, which consists of Lehigh County stations 8, 25 and 56.

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1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 29

IN SERVICE If your Department has photos you would like to see in our "‘hi Service" feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to LindseyMlstResponderNews.com

GALLATIN SUNNYSIDE VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT

G allatin Sunnyside VFD Responds to School Bus Crash Into Residence GALLATIN, PA - The Gallatin Sunnyside Volunteer Fire Depart ment was called to the 3200 block of Rainbow Run Road at 3:34 p.m. on October 7, 2025, after a school bus struck a house and another car, causing significant structural damage. Bystanders had already freed the driver before EMS arrived, and there were no students on the bus. Rescue 154 crews started stabilizing the damaged house while Rescue 140 and Squad 48 supplied wood and Paratech struts to shore it up. Firefighters spent about five hours securing the building, re moving both vehicles, and helping residents recover belong ings. The American Red Cross assisted the occupants, and a building inspector evaluated the home.

KEN SNYDER

Nicholson, PA Rescue 17 is a 2011 Ford 550/Blanchat.

KEN SNYDER

Diligence Fire Co. No. 1 Housing SUMMIT HILL, PA - On October 4, 2025, the Diligence Fire Co. No. 1 in Carbon County held a parade and a dedication cere mony for their new four door 1471 Utility truck and 1431 Tanker truck.

DALE FEEHRER

The Horsham Fire Company operates this 2020 Pierce Impel (1500/500/107') as Quint 15.

PAGE 30

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Accident w ith Injuries in the Borough of Macungie FRANK ROBINSON

MACUNGIE, PA - On October 3, 2025 at 1:15 P.M., Macungie EMS and the Lower Macungie Fire Department were dis patched for an accident with rescue at main and chestnut streets in the borough of Macungie. Chief 19 of the Upper Mil ford Western District Fire Co. was on scene and notified the county raido that there was no entrapment and spill control would be needed. Assisant 81 of the LMFD arrived on scene and took over command . Squirt 81 arrived on scene and did spill control and removed the debris in the street.

Cumbola Fire Company operates a 2004 Ford F450 155/3001 OF Brush Truck.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Rehab 32 of the Woodlawn Fire Department. HEMS PHOTOGRAPHY

One Patient Flown to Trauma Center A fter ATV Accident in Newport Twp. NEWPORT TWP., PA - On Sunday, September 28, 2025, New port Twp. fire along with Nanticoke Fire UTV and Nanticoke Medic 25 were dispatched for an ATV accident in a wooded area with injuries. When units arrived and located the ATV ac cident a medical helicopter was dispatched to respond to the accident. Nanticoke fire was then dispatched for an engine to respond and setup a landing zone for Lehigh Valley Medevac 4. Once Medevac landed and the patient was brought out of the woods, the patient was loaded and transported to the landing zone and then loaded into the aircraft and flown to a trauma center. FRANK ROBINSON

Lehigh Twp. Fire Company operates a 2024 Ford F 550/Pierce 4x4 1500/300 Brush Truck.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 31

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January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

FRANK RORINSON

Manheim Fire Department once ran this 1970 It/Howe 1000/500. It is now privately owned.

DALE FEEHRER

Though no longer in service, the Sugarloaf Fire Company continues to maintain their prized 1970 Ford E-350/Bean mini pumper. KEN SNYDER

10 P eople D isplaced by W orking D w e llin g F ire in K utztow n KUTZTOWN, PA - On October 4, 2025 at 6:05 P.M., compa nies from Berks and Lehigh counties assisted the Kutztown Fire and Rescue in controlling a working three-story dwelling fire with extension to a similar dwelling. The fire was dispatched for 451 W. Walnut St. Ten people were dis placed by the fire. A female and a child were transported to the hospital with smoke inhalation. There were no addi tional reports of injuries. DALE FEEHRER

The West Willow Fire Company once operated this 1962 Chevy/Hahn pumper. The piece was later sold to a campground where it was used to give rides to the guests. The piece was just recently pur chased by a collector.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 33

BRISTOL BOROUGH FIRE ASSOCIATION

Bristol Borough Fire Assoc. Attends Annual W akefield Lions Club Presents $10,000 Blue Mass Honoring Donation to Robert Fulton Fire Company First Responders

ROBERT FULTON FIRE COMPANY

(L to R): Chief Dan Appel, Wakefield Lions Club member Gary Kennedy, and Fire Company President Kris Schwerin Jr. pose following the presentation of a $10,000 donation to the Robert Fulton Fire Company.

Members of the Bristol Bor ough Fire Association proudly at tended the Annual Blue Mass at St. Mark Church in November, joining fellow first responders in a service dedicated to honoring the sacrifice, dedication, and serv ice of police, fire, EMS, and all who protect their communities. The solemn and meaningful ceremony included prayers and blessings offered by clergy in recognition of the men and women who stand ready to re spond at any hour. BBFA ex pressed gratitude to St. Mark Church for hosting the event and

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»4 3^ to all the responders who continue to serve with courage and com passion. The association also thanked the members who represented BBFA at the Mass, noting their presence reflects the department’s commitment to community, unity, and respect for the broader public safety family.

- COURTESY OF BRIS TOL BOROUGH FIRE ASSOC.

On November 11, 2025, the Robert Fulton Fire Company ex pressed its sincere appreciation to the Wakefield Lions Club for a significant annual donation in sup port of the department’s opera tions and mission. Representatives of the Lions Club presented a $ 10,000 check to the fire company, further strength-

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r#4 3P ening a long-standing partnership built on mutual support and com munity service. Fire company of ficials noted that the Wakefield Lions Club has consistently pro vided assistance whenever

needed, often at a moment’s no tice, and described the relationship as invaluable to the department. The donation was recognized as a meaningful show of continued trust and support for the fire com pany and its members.

- COURTESY OF ROBERT FULTON FIRE CO.

Stay on top of the news that matters to Pennsylvania emergency responders with a daily visit to www.1RBN.com

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Bannerville Fire Company of Snyder County placed in service a new Rescue 14. The 2000 Spartan/Saulsbury 1500/500 previously served with City Hook & Ladder, Lewistown.

PAGE 34

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

PA BUFFING

Luzerne Engine 2 operating at a 2nd alarm structure fire.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Squad 42 of the Green Lane Fire Company on the scene and in service at a dwelling fire in Upper Hanover Township.

DALE FEEHRER

ALAN HOFFMAN

Rheems Fire Company Engine 70, a 2009 KME (1500/750), was used to extinguish a Rescue 65 of the Pennsburg Fire Company on the scene and in service at a dwelling brush fire caused by burning trash. fire in Upper Hanover Township.

ALAN HOFFMAN

PA BYSTANDER

Tanker 21 of the Topton Fire Company on the scene and in service at a dwelling fire Pringle Fire Engine 1, a 2007 International Smeal pumper, on scene of a 2-car MVA in Longswamp Township. with minor injuries in Pringle, PA.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

January/February, 2026

PAGE 35

First Call of 2026 for Limerick: Head-On Collison on Ridge Pike LIMERICK, PA - The first call of 2026 for the Limerick Fire Department occurred on January 2nd at 8:58 A.M., for a head-on vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of Ridge Pike and Air port Rd. Rescue 51, As sistant 51, Fire Po lice, Limerick Police, and Free dom Valley EMS responded. Fire Po lice temporarily shut down Ridge Pike at Fruitville Rd, Neiffer Rd, and an area of Airport Rd to direct traffic away from the incident. Crews cleared the road of large amounts of debris, secured both vehicles involved, and as sisted with patient care. Tow trucks quickly responded and re moved the cars from the scene.

- REGINA JELSKI

REGINA JELSKI

PAGE 36

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Hazle Township Crews B a ttle S tructu re Fire in W in te r C onditions HAZLE TOWNSHIP, PA Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire at 1116 Four Seasons Court on Tuesday afternoon, De cember 3,2025, after dispatchers re ceived the call at approximately 4:14 p.m. Crews arrived to find heavy fire condi tions at the residence, with flames visible and smoke pushing from the structure. Firefighters quickly went to work deploying hoselines and operating in challenging winter conditions, as snow and ice covered the roadway and surrounding area. Crews made aggressive efforts to contain the fire and prevent further extension, working both inside and outside the structure while coordi nating water supply and ventilation operations. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. Fire fighters remained on scene for an extended period to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to check for any remaining hot spots. The cause of the fire has not been re leased, and officials noted that an in vestigation is underway.

- COURTESY OF HAZLE TWP. FIRE & RESCUE CO. 141 HAZLE TWP. FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY 141

HAZLE TWP. FIRE & RESCUE COMPANY 141

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 37

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

DALE FEEHRER

The Longwood Fire Company operates a 2001 Spartan/LTI 100' TDA that they ac The Steelton, PA plant of Cleveland Cliffs, a large steel producer, acquired this 1996 quired in a trade with the Christiana FD in Christiana, DE. Now serving as Truck 25, KME walk in rescue from auction to serve as Rescue 73. This piece formally served this piece also spent time in Annapolis, MD, and Dover, DE. with the Pennsylvania Department of Mining and was utilized for mining and trench collapses.

DALE FEEHRER

DARIH SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Weaverland Valley FD placed this 2020 Spartan/4-Guys pumper (2000/750) into The Gregg Twp. Fire Company of Spring Mill placed a new-to-them engine in service service as Engine 301. This piece formally served in Abingdon, MD as Engine 413. as Engine 7. It is a 1999 HME/4 Guys 1250/1000, and formerly served with Centre Hall.

osom

DALE FEEHRER

The Trough Creek Valley Fire Company now operates this 1997 Seagrave Marauder The Marklesburg Fire Company operates this 2000 AWD Pierce Dash (1000/750) as (1500/1000) as Engine 21. This piece formally served the Carlisle FD in Milford, DE. Engine-Rescue 3. This piece formally served in Lisbon, MD.

PAGE 38

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

REGINA JEISKI KEN SNYDER

Fire and EMS Respond to Vehicle Overturn in Limerick LIMERICK, PA - At 5:10 P.M. on October 14, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department and Upper Frederick Fire Company were dispatched to a reported vehicle rescue involving three oc cupants in one vehicle on Mine Run Rd. It was reported that the car was flipped onto its hood. By the time Limerick Police arrived, all occupants had safely evacuated the car with assistance from nearby Good Samaritans. Upper Frederick Fire Company was recalled. Fire Police shut down Mine Run Rd at Hockle Rd, Deerfield Rd, and N Limerick Rd for the duration of the incident. Crews from Rescue 51 secured the vehicle as best as possible while EMS evaluated the pediatric and adult patients. After the tow truck loaded up the car, crews cleared debris from the road. All were made available from the scene within the hour.

KEN SNYDER

Multiple-Alarm Fire Engulfs Duplex on Ridge Street in Emmaus EMMAUS, PA - On October 11, 2025, at around 2:00 A.M., the Lehigh County 911 Center dispatched the Emmaus FD and local companies to 211 Ridge St. for a fire call with possible entrapment. As E-7 arrived on scene the location was changed to 215 and 217 Ridge St., where fire was showing from a 2 M2 story duplex. The first aerial on scene was Lower Macungie Tower 81, which then took a position in front of the fire building. As the fire intensified, second and third alarms were transmitted. There was no entrapment of people and there were no known reported injuries. Fire activity began to darken down around 4:00 A.M.

ALAN HOFFMAN

Plug Strip Failure Sparks House Fire in Emmaus EMMAUS, PA - On September 24, 2025, at 8:25 A.M., the Emmaus, Vera Cruz, Western Salisbury, and Lower Macungie fire departments, as well as Emmaus EMS, were dispatched for a dwelling fire at 824 Franklin St. in the borough of Emmaus. The caller stated there was smoke in the dwelling. Engine 7 and Chief 7 arrived on the scene and had nothing showing. After an investi gation, it was found that a plug strip had failed.

January/February, 2026

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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DRILLS/TRAINING I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r D rills fea tu re p lea se u p lo ad th em o n o u r w eb site, w w w .lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m o r em ail th em to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m .

Lancaster Township Fire Department volunteers conducted joint training in Safe Harbor alongside mutual aid partner Blue Rock Fire Rescue. The session focused on essential operational skills, including drafting from the river, establishing water supply, tower ladder operations, and driver training. These coordinated exer cises reinforce interdepartmental efficiency, ensure reliable emer gency response capabilities, and support continued preparedness for real-world incidents across the region.

REGINA JEISKI

Evening Accident Involving Box Truck and Car in Limerick LANCASTER TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

LIMERICK, PA - At 8:54 P.M. on October 28, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle rescue on 422 eastbound between Evergreen Rd and N. Lewis Rd. Multiple callers reported a crash involving several vehicles, including a truck that had crossed the median from the west bound lanes into the eastbound lanes. Responding units included As sistant 51, Chief 51, Rescue 51, Squad 51, Special Service 51, Util-

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i ^

ity 51, 51 Fire Police, Pennsylva nia State Police, and Freedom Val ley EMS. 51 Fire Police shut down two westbound lanes, while 58 Fire Police were dispatched to close the left eastbound lane for the duration of the incident. Fortunately, no rescue was re quired. The drivers of both vehi cles involved were evaluated at the

scene by EMS. Tow trucks were called to remove the vehicles, and PennDOT was dispatched to cut the median guidewires to allow the box truck to be extracted. Crews cleared the debris from the road way, secured the vehicles, and pro vided scene lighting. The last of the units on scene was made available around 11:15 P.M.

- REGINA JELSKI

EMS I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to se e in o u r “ E M S ” feature, plea se uplo ad th em o n o u r w ebsite, w w w . 1stR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail th em to L in d se y @ lstR e sp o n d e rN e w s.c o m .

ALAN HOFFMAN LANCASTER TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

This Ford F250 utility unit serves as a EMS command unit with the city of Allentown Paramedics.

January/February, 2026

PAGE 40

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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