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PA BUFFING

WILKES BARRE, PA - Around 12:00 P.M. on January 21st, Wilkes Barre City fire and EMS were dispatched to a possible residential structure fire with multiple calls on it. When pulling out of their station, a large black header was seen. Wilkes Barre fire called for an immediate working fire box, adding Kingston Fire Department for their RIT team. ■

See full story on page 4

WELCOME TO THE MONROEVILLE FIRE & EMS SHOW!

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

ADVERTISER INDEX

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REGINA JELSKI FRANK ROBINSON

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Newmanstown Fire Company once owned this 1979 White/Pierce 1250/1000. The unit is now privately owned.

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Shippensburg West End Fire Company once ran this 2006 KME 2000/750/30. The unit is now in service at Lumberland FD in Glen Spey, NY.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - Pennsylvania edition - Vol. 28 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 of reprinting that part of the ad which was o m itte d or in error.

REGINA JELSKI

DALE FEEHRER

A division of:

Omissions or errors communications, Inc, must be brought to the attention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publication. Printed in Canada.

Building Fire on G erloff Rd. in Lower Frederick Twp.

The Nashville VFD placed this 2015 Sutphen pumper (2250/750) into service as Engine 11-2. This piece was formally Engine 54-4 of the Eureka Fire Company in Stewartstown, PA.

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PURUCATION CONTENT Notice: The advertisements, articles, and letters contained in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of 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 of the claims made in the advertisements or the representations expressed or implied in them.

R esponder N ew spaper

LOWER FREDERICK TWP., PA - Around 1:00 P.M. on Decem ber 28, 2023, crews and mutual aid companies responded to a building fire on Gerloff Road. Tankers from several differ ent townships were dispatched for water supply, and fillsites were established. Crews battled heavy fire throughout the entire structure, performing defensive operations before the fire was put under control. Units were on the scene for sev eral hours before being made available. Companies dis patched Lower Frederick 52, Limerick 51, Perkiomen 66, New Hanover 37, Upper Salford 78, Ringing Hill 59, Tylersport 72, Upper Pottsgrove 79, Pennsburg 65, Upper Frederick 87, Harleysville 89, Green Lane 42, Red Hill 71, Skippack 86, Worcester 83 Amity 49, Boyertown 95, and Eastern Berks 97.

DALE FEEHER

The Woodlyn Fire Company operates this 1990 Spantan/Saulsbury as Rescue 67. This piece was formally Rescue 2 of the Borough of Fort Lee, NJ.

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Winter, 2024

1ST Responder Newspaper - PA

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Four Homes Destroyed in Wilkes Barre Four-Alarm Blaze WILKES BARRE, PA Around 12:00 P.M. on January 21st, Wilkes Barre City lire and EMS were dispatched to a possible resi dential structure lire with multiple calls on it. When pulling out of their station, a large black header was seen. Wilkes Barre lire called for an imme diate working lire box, adding Kingston Fire De partment for their RIT team. On arrival, fire lighters faced three houses fully involved and called for a fourth-alarm box. Hanover Twp. Fire, Avoca Fire, and all off duty Wilkes Barre City firefighters were called in to assist with this massive blaze. While battling the blaze, one house collapsed and another house caught on fire, raising the total to four structures on fire. Twelve people were left home less after the fire, and three were taken to a nearby hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. One home owner's cat was missing after the fire. Firefighters battled the fire for over eight hours and once the flames were knocked down enough, a private demolition company was called in to knock the houses down. Firefighters stayed on scene to mon itor and continue putting water on the rubble. At this time the cause of the fire is being investigated by the fire marshal. The American Red Cross is helping those who lost everything in the fire.

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- PA BUFFING

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The back of the structures on fire with 2 blitz fires and Wilkes Barre Engine 2 flowing their deck gun.

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A Wilkes Barre firefighter flowing water from a hand line to knock the flames down enough to prevent a neighboring home from catching fire.

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Wilkes Barre Engine 6 on scene blocking a roadway so that cars didn't run over 5-inch hose,

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Winter, 2024

R espo n d er N ew spaper' 1 A R D M O R E S T R E E T • N E W W IN D SO R , N Y 12553 845-534-7500 • (fa x) 845-534-0055 • N e w s@ 1stR e sponderN ew s.com

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1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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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 Comer)

CORRESPONDENTS 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. 1rbn.co. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted. 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -7 5 0 0 ext. 2 1 2 • (fax ) 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -0 0 5 5 N e w s @ 1 s tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

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CIRCULATION INFORMATION 1st Responder Newspaper is delivered to all fire, rescue, ambulance stations and hospitals. I f you do not receive your papers, please contact our circulation department. Home subscriptions are $24 per year. 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -7 5 0 0 ext. 220 • (fax ) 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -0 0 5 5 C irc u la tio n @ 1 s tR e s p o n d e rN e w s .c o m

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 [-p m f l department for all o f your printed U needs. Whether they are posters, or c o m m unications, 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. 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -7 5 0 0 ext. 2 14 • (fax ) 8 4 5 -5 3 4 -0 0 5 5

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty South Dakota: Josh Kogel, 48 Rank: Chief Incident Date: September 4,2023 Death Date: September 4, 2023 Fire Department: Cavour Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, Sept, 4, 2023, Chief Josh Kogel responded to a structure fire at the Hurd Alignment and Services building. While outside the burning building at the fire apparatus, he experienced a medical emergency and collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was pronounced de ceased. The cause of his death has yet to be determined. New Hampshire: Terrence "Terry” M. Judge, 64 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: March 22, 2023 Death Date: March 24, 2023 Fire Department: Pembroke Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, March 22, 2023, Lieutenant Terrence "Terry” M. Judge responded to a flooding incident inside a multi-family residence. While at the scene, he operated a pump suction hose in the basement of the structure. He returned from the incident and was found the following morning collapsed in his home from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). He was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023. North Carolina: Troy Thompson, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 4, 2023 Death Date: October 4, 2023 Fire Department: Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, Fire fighter Troy Thompson was at the scene of a vehicle ac cident when he suffered a medical emergency. He was immediately rushed to UNC Health Wayne where he passed away a short time later. Investigation into the in cident continues. Virginia: Earl Dyer, 65 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: October 5, 2023 Death Date: October 5, 2023 Fire Department: Richmond Fire Department Initial Summary: On Oct. 5, 2023, Battalion Chief

Earl Dyer suffered a medical emergency while work ing his shift. Battalion Chief Dyer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a brief time later. Pennsylvania: Timothy "TJ” M. Johnson, 56 Rank: Chief Incident Date: October 16, 2023 Death Date: October 17,2023 Fire Department: Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, Oct. 16, 2023, Chief Timothy "TJ” M. Johnson responded to an EMS call at a residence. Upon returning to the station approximately an hour later, he complained of indigestion and an upset stomach. Chief Johnson went home and less than 10 minutes later, 9-1-1 was called to his residence. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he passed away on Tuesday morning, Oct. 17, 2023, from an ap parent heart attack. Virginia: Cameron Craig, 20 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 19, 2023 Death Date: October 19,2023 Fire Department: Abingdon Fire Department Initial Summary: On Oct. 19, 2023, Firefighter Cameron Craig was responding to a fire alarm call as a passenger in a fire department truck when the truck was involved in a crash. Firefighter Craig was fatally injured and pronounced deceased at the scene. Pennsylvania: Colin Reedy, 25 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: October 20, 2023 Death Date: October 20,2023 Fire Department: West Whiteland Fire Company Initial Summary: On Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, during a heavy downpour, Firefighter Colin Reedy and Fire fighter Emily Gindele were responding to the station in Firefighter Reedy's privately owned vehicle in response to an alarm. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Firefighter Reedy was pronounced deceased at the scene. Firefighter Gindele was transported to the Paoli Memorial Trauma Center where she is listed in critical but stable condition.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

L ife is S ho rt and P re cio u s Chaplain’s Corner Myke Cole

Ask a first responder, “What do you do?” M ost will reply, “I try to help on the worst day of someone’s life.” Whether you work in fire, EMS, law enforcement, or a re lated field, we are exposed to the greatest human suffering at the highest degree. We swim in it every day. When we arrive on scene to reduce harm, we cannot help but bear witness to the great est tragedies people encounter. We experience the loss of one’s home, all of one’s worldly posses sions. Severe injury. We even wit ness loss of life: of victims, and sometimes even our own friends, family, and colleagues who stand the line alongside us. We all handle facing this con stant drumbeat of tragedy differ ently. For many, we push it away, burying ourselves in training or work. For some, we anesthetize ourselves with alcohol or drugs, with video games or TV. Any thing not to look. Surprisingly for some, Bud dhists have a different approach. We lean in. The Buddhist practice of maranasati deliberately contem plates death. We focus on annica — the impermanence of every thing, reminding ourselves con stantly that nothing lasts, including everything we love the most. This may seem morbid, but in practice, it has the opposite effect. When we remind ourselves of the shortness and fragility of our lives, it emphasizes how precious and incredible life actually is, al lowing us to not sweat the small stuff and celebrate the wonder of everyday things that we can easily

lose: enjoying a meal, taking a nap, looking out the window on a beautiful day (or even a rainy day!), being with our loved ones. When was the last time you were thankful for the ability to walk? To breathe? Such a practice is of incredible benefit to first responders, who have to cope with impermanence more than most. Life is precious and short, do we really want to hold a grudge against our brother firefighter who forgot it was their turn to cook tonight? Do we really want to be angry about some polit ical event we are powerless to change? Should we waste our time glued to social media when the time we have to spend with our real-life friends is so short? By leaning into, instead of pushing away from, impermanence, the tragedy we witness on scene can be a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of not just our own, but everybody’s lives. The 13th century Chinese Buddhist poet Wu-Men wrote a wonderful poem that sums this up: Ten thousand flow ers in spring, the moon in autumn, a coo1 breeze in summer, snow in winter I f your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season o f vour life. As first responders, we are al ready doing everything we can to stop the suffering of the world. None of us do this to get rich or fa mous. One of the few perks we may be missing is the reminder this work provides of how short, wondrous, precious, and beautiful or own existence really is.

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

Chief 93 of the Hartsville Fire Company uses this Ford as a command vehicle.

R ic k B illin g s

Myke Cole is an aspiring chaplain in the Soto Zen Bud dhist tradition at the N Y Zen Cen ter for Contemplative Care. He is a firefighter in the Hudson Valley and also served with a department in Metairie, Louisiana.

Read more a rtic le s from a ll o f our colum nists on our w ebsite!

a t www.1RBN.com

c 2 0 2 4 by Rick Billings bear59dog@ yahoo.com Instagram - @ jam pony452

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

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TED HODGINS

House F ire Goshen Rd. in Low er F re d e ric k Twp. LOWER FREDERICK TWP., PA - At 7:23 P.M. on Sunday, Jan uary 21st, Perkiomen Township Fire Company’s Station 66 volunteers were dispatched for a report of “smoke coming from a dryer vent” at a home in the 100 block of Goshen Road in Lower Frederick Twp. Engine 66 and volunteers responded as mutual aid to support Lower Frederick Fire Company sta tion 52. Our volunteers were in service for about 50 minutes in 22-degree temperatures.

MANCHESTER TWP. STAFF

Chief Dan Hoff of York Area United Fire & Rescue receives a check for $50,000 from T-Mobile.

PATCH OF THE MONTH I f you have photos you w ould like to see in our “Patch o f the m onth “feature please upload them on our w ebsite, w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com or em ail them to L indsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

MANCHESTER TWP. STAFF

York Area United Fire & Rescue members with T-Mobile representatives being presented a check for $50,000 as part of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant.

Y o rk A re a U n ite d F ire & R escue A w a rd e d T -M o b ile H o m e to w n G ra nt fo r H yb rid S ta ff V e h ic le

PROVIDED DY RICHARD WEINZIERL

This patch belongs to Pine Township Engine Company, located in Mercer County, PA.

YORK COUNTY, PA - On Saturday, December 16, 2023, the members of York Area United Fire & Rescue were presented with a check for $50,000 as a recipient of the T-Mobile Hometown Grant. This grant will be used to assist the department with beginning the process of replacing the older staff vehicles with cutting edge hybrid technology style vehicles. This will provide the de partment a cost-effective and fuel-efficient vehicle while still ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. T-Mobile is investing nearly $25,000,000 in over 500 towns/communities over the next five years as part of this Hometown Grant program.

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

REGINA JELSKI

MCFA Class 2303

Montgomery County Fire Academy Graduation, Class 2303 MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA - Twenty-four new firefighters graduated with the Firefighter 1 Certification from the Montgomery County Fire Academy Class 2303 on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Firefighter Daniel from Fame Fire Co. No. 3 and Firefighter

Alexandru Vasilescu from South Media Fire Co. received the Aca demic Achievement Award for their class. Graduates are from the follow ing fire companies: Fame Fire Co. No. 3; Royersford Fire Depart ment; Upper Pottsgrove Twp. Fire

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Co.; Glenside Fire Company; Good Will Steam Fire Engine Company #1 of Pottstown; Middletown Fire Company No. 1; Norriton Fire En

gine Company; Upper Frederick Fire Company; Gladwyne Volun teer Fire Company; Gilbertsville Fire & Rescue Co.; Fimerick Fire Department; Spring Mill Fire Com pany N o.l; Barren Hill Volunteer Fire Company; Harmonville Fire Company No. 1; Phillies Fire Com

pany; South Media Fire Com pany; Good Will Fire Company. Congratulations to all the grad uates!

- REGINA JELSKI

ANTIQUE APPARATUS

ACTION SHOT

If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com

If you have photos for Action Shots please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com

or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

KEN SNYDER

FRANK RORINSON

This 1945 Mack 500/150 once protected Lehigh Twp. in Cherryville, and is now pri vately owned.

Shippensburg West End Fire responded to this MVA on Route 11 last November. One patient was transported to a local hospital after striking a pole and then driving into a cornfield.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, w ww.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ lstResponderNews.com

DALE FEEHRER

The Delta-Cardiff VFC continues to operate this 1989 Ford L9000/S&S as Tanker 57 (1500/3500). COURTESY OF WESTFALL FIRE DEPARTMENT

Asturdy 2020 Ford Fusion named Smokey and the skilled, prompt response of Westfall Fire Department crews are being credited by family members with saving an MVAvictim's life.

W estfall Twp. Fire Department and Sturdy Car Credited w ith Saving Woman’s Life WESTFALL TOWNSHIP, PA - A 24-year-old Milford, PA woman is lucky to be alive, accord ing to her mother, Denise GriffinBecker. Griffin-Becker said her daugh ter was sore, bruised, and very shaken up after rolling down a Route 84 embankment in the bitter cold of Friday evening, January 19th. Griffin-Becker’s daughter, Samantha Becker, had been travel ing between her Westfall job and home on January 19th when she slid on black ice at about 11:00 PM. The temperature was in the teens, and it was wet and snowy, as Becker’s 2020 Ford Fusion, lov ingly referenced as “Smokey”, slid along a guardrail, went through a non-railed section, down a grassy embankment, over a barrier fence, and landed in a water-filled drainage ditch. It was pitch dark, remote, and her car non-visible from the road. “Sammy was knocked uncon scious at first. We’re sure Smokey helped save her life. Besides being a very sturdy car, its airbags de ployed all around her and it called for help,” said Griffin Becker. Samantha recalled feeling cold water coming into the car and the car talking as she woke up. Injured

J ump to file #01 25 2 4 1 0 5

and wet, and with only her car’s headlights and tail lights breaking the dark, Samantha crawled out of her car, up the incline, and curled up in a ball near the shoulder of the road. “There was no one there at that time,” Griffin-Becker said. “Samantha did have her cell phone and was able to call her boyfriend, who also called 9-1-1.” A truck driver that had been behind Samantha’s car, but unable to safely stop, had also called 9-11. Westfall Fire Department am bulance and firefighter crews, fol lowed by Pennsylvania State Police responders, quickly arrived. Samantha was transported to Bon Secours Hospital, treated for a fractured rib, and released to re cover at home. “There are no words, only grat itude, to Smokey’s safety features and being well built, and to the first responders. They saved Saman tha’s life on Friday night,” said Denise Griffin-Becker.

- SHARON SIEGEL

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

The Larimer Fire Co. still operates this 1982 Mack R-600/4 Guys/2006 4 Guys as Westmoreland County Tanker 1. It has a 1000-gpm front-mount pump and 3000-gallons of water.

FRANK RORINSON

Tatamy Fire Company still operates a 1983 Mack CF/75'Aerialscope. It has a 1500-GPM pump.

Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

PAGE 13

OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING

LITTLE BIG GUYS

We Need Your Help!

I f you have photos you w ould like to see in our Little B ig G uys feature, please upload them on our w ebsite www. 1stR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail them to L indsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com Keep an eye out for National Events too!

O u r r e a d e r s m a k e all the d if f e r e n c e !

KEN SNYDER

Millville, PA Community Fire Co. Brush 237 is a 1985 3/4 quarter ton Chevy which features a winch on the front bumper along with two ground sweep nozzles, plus the usual brush firefighting equipment. HOSTED BYTHE LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION

MAY 17 & 18, 2024 PENNSYLVANIA FARM SHOW COMPLEX & EXPO CENTER IN HARRISBURG, PA

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B ecom e a n E x h ib ito r T o d a y ! E x h ib ito r F e e In c lu d e s • Exhibit space • Complimentary electric with every space i20V/20AMP/Max 1500 watts (if higher voltage is needed, you may purchase for an additional fee - see below)

• 8' curtained backdrop and 3' side rails for 10x10 booth spaces • Sign with company name at your space • Exhibitor passes based on spaces rented: I s'space receives 2 exhibitor passes. Each additional space receives 1 additional pass up to 5 spaces. 6 spaces receive 9 exhibitor passes. Each additional space receives 1 additional pass.

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Hazleton Fire Department runs this 2017 Kubota 70/80 ATV 4x4.

Aerial Space 15x50 Vehicle Space 15x35 Booth Space 10x10 (2 or more $855 each) Increased Voltage Electric (208V/30AMP)

$1,900 $1,650 $900 $85

Additional Exhibitor Passes $30 (for exhibitor personnel only) One Day Vehicle Parking Pass $10 One Day Trailer Parking Pass $25 (includes tow vehicle and trailer) One Day General Admission Pass $10

12024 S h o w H ig h lig h ts • Training courses eligible for EMS Con-Ed • Sponsorship and partnership opportunities * Multiple live product demonstrations * Outdoor display exhibit area

FRANK ROBINSON

Lawn Fire Company operates this 2003 Ford F550 /Swab 300/300 Brush Truck.

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

DEPARTMENT PROFILE I f y o u r departm ent has photos you w ould like to see in o u r “ D epartm nt Profile” feature, please upload them on o u r w ebsite, w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp o n d erN em .co m

S o u th W illia m s p o r t F ire D e p t. With the merger of Citizens Fire Company #2 & First Ward Fire Company, the South Williamsport Fire Department was formed in 2016. Currently, all the main apparatus remain from the merger, but are re-lettered and renumbered for the new department. Engine 5 is a 2004 American LaFrance Metropolitan 1500/1000, which was original to the Citizens Fire Company. Rescue 5 is a 2006 E-One Cyclone II 750/600 that served First Ward along with the current Truck 5 which is a 1999 Pierce Dash 2000/500/105’ rear-mount ladder. The department also operated a 2015 Ford F350/Jomac as Special Unit 5 and a 2019 Ford Expedition as the duty officer vehicle. They currently have an alliance with Loyalsock Fire Dept., in which each station has two personnel on duty during the day and are on automatic dispatch with each other.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Special Unit 5, 2015 Ford F-350/Jomac.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Truck 5, 1999 Pierce Dash 2000/500/105' rear-mount ladder, formerly First Ward of S. Williamsport.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Duty Officer 5, 2019 Ford Expedition.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Engine 5, 2004 American LaFrance Metropolitan 1500/1000, formerly Citizens, S. Williamsport. DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Rescue 5, 2006 E-One Cyclone II, 750/600, formerly First Ward, S. Williamsport.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

PAGE 15

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IN SERVICE If y o u h ave photos you w ould like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on o u r w ebsite w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d sey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

TED HODGINS

S in g le -V e h ic le M VA on E 3 rd A ve . in T rappe TRAPPE, PA - At 9:19 P.M. on Thursday, January 11th, Perkiomen Twp. Fire Company’s Engine 66 and an all-volun teer crew were dispatched to a single-vehicle crash on East 3rd Ave. in Trappe Borough (between College Ave. and Betcher Rd.). Engine 66 responded as mutual aid to support Trappe Fire Co. PA State Police advised fire departments of a single vehicle crash with multiple injuries. Crews from Trappe Fire Co. Engine 68-2 and Engine 66 assisted with vehicle stabiliza tion, debris clean up, and traffic control. Medic 336 Skippack EMS transported one person with injuries. The crash is being investigated by the PA State Police. The roadway was closed for approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Thanks to the FirePolice who helped keep the scene safe for first responders.

__________ DALE FEEHRER

The Fairview Twp. FD operates this 2015 Pierce Arrow XT as Engine 68-3 (1500/750/30f).

APPARATUS IN ACTION I f you have photos you w ould like to see in our A pparatus in A ction feature please upload them on our w ebsite w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com or em ail them to L indsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

KEN SNYDER

This 2022 Rosenbauer 2000/300/75' is used by the United Fire Co. in Montrose.

DALE FEEHRER

Mt. Gretna Engine 38, a 1993 Spartan (2000/700), is seen here op erating with a few lines off at a residential structure fire.

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Tower 6 of the Hallstead Fire Co. is a 2002 Sutphen 1500/300/70'.

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

MEMORIES

D R ILLS /TR A IN IN G

If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memories” feature please upload them on our website www. IRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

To see yo u r D rills in the new spaper upload them on our w ebsite w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com or em ail them to Lindsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com

TED HODGINS

DALE FEEHRER

Not much to look at now as a retired over the road service vehicle, but in it's glory days this Chevy 95 was a bright white with a sharp blue stripe when it served the Marysville Fire Company in Marysville, PA.

Mondays are for training and for keeping our skills sharp. Over two Mondays (January 15th and 22nd), volunteer FF Andy Horutz, along with Deputy Chief Stan Turtle, reviewed First Aid, CPR, AEDuse, choking and other American Heart Association items as a part of our ongoing training. This was a refresher for many of our vol unteers and an introduction for our new members. Classroom training, discussion, plus going through some practical scenarios keep all of us ready to respond.

1WORKING FACES If you have photos you w ould like to see in our “W orking F aces” feature, please upload them on our w ebsite, w w w .lstR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail them to Lindsey@ lstR esponderN ew s.com

UMERICK FIRE DEPT

Fire Marshal Semmeles with a duckling rescued from a storm drain.

TERRY RITZ

Hereford Fire Officer Dean Marks operating the pump on Tanker 58 at a fire in Upper Hanover Twp.

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

PAGE 19

V ehicle News

FRANK ROBINSON

DALE FEEHRER

Chemical Fire Company of Hummerstown now operates a 2023 Pierce Enforcer The Blue Rock Regional Fire District (Millersvilie Station) took delivery of a 2023 1500/500/107' Ascendant. E-One Cyclone rescue.

DALE FEEHRER

The Bendersville Comm. Fire Company now operates this 2023 E-One Typhoon E- The Bushkill VFC has placed this 2022 Spartan/LTC quint into service as Ladder 24 Max as Engine 7-2 (1500/760/20f). (2000/500/110').

DALE FEEHRER

The Boalsburg Fire Company operates this 2022 Pierce Velocity as Engine-Rescue The Sewickley Township VFC took delivery of a 2023 Pierce Enforcer PUC rescue3 (1500/750/3Of). pumper (1500/750/20af), designated as Rescue 85.

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Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

M atam oras Fire Departm ent R ain s for Bail Out MATAMORAS, PA - A dozen Matamoras Fire Department fire fighters were trained in January in the use of personal safety bailout kits. These safety de vices are designed to save lives in the event that any fire fighter has to bail out of a two-story or higher building. The kits and training were provided via a grant awarded to the department in 2023 by the Lieu tenant Joseph P. DiBemardo Me morial Foundation, Inc. The Bail Out Safety System is designed to supplement official firefighting turnout suits and gear. The kits work by allowing a fire fighter to anchor to a durable upper floor location and self-lower

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with the bail out system when ex isting passages and exits become inaccessible. Matamoras Fire Department Chief Todd Kowinsky said his de partment applied for the grant and trained on the system for exactly that reason. “We applied for the Lt. Joseph P. DiBemardo grant so our firefight ers would have the ability to escape when fire conditions become ex treme or the firefighter mns low on air and cannot make the exit from the 1st floor,” Kowinsky said. The foundation that funds the grant was established as a result of NYC incidents that claimed the lives of three NYC firefighters and severely injured four others on a single day, January 23, 2005. According to online reports, a call to a Bronx tenement fire saw six firefighters become trapped on the fourth-floor. The stmcture had blocked fire escapes and multiple additions and dry wall partitions. Surrounded by fire, with no way out and no ropes to self-lower, four of the six jumped from fourth-story windows. Two of the four were killed on impact, and two seriously injured. The last two firefighters, who were still together on the fourth-floor, had one rope that had been purchased by one of the two on his own. The other was DiBemardo. DiBemardo, who had just turned 34 the month before, was single and insisted on lowering his married-with-children colleague first. Unfortunately, the colleague hit the building on his way over the edge, lost his breath and grip on the rope, and fell to the ground. DiBemardo then tied off on a child guard, but also fell from the fourthstory when his rope broke. DiBemardo broke nearly all of his bones from the waist down, shat tered both feet, and developed res piratory arrest and pneumonia during a lengthy stay in the hospi tal. Fie eventually returned home, but lived in great pain every day until his death on November 22, 2011. NYFD and other departments have taken steps to help prevent such scenarios since then, including equipping and training firefighters with bail out systems. The Mata moras volunteer firefighters who completed the voluntary training plan to voluntarily refresh and re certify annually. “God forbid if any building goes up fast, with no exit. It will save lives,” said Kowinsky. “Flopefully it never comes to it, but if it does the men and women will be ready.” Note: Those who completed the recent Bail Out training were: Ian Copertino, Greg Fean, Alex Fitterer, Tyler Kowinsky, Jen Mai, Tyler Maney, Fleather Nealis, Travis Wildrick, William Johnson, Sean Alessandra, Matt McKeon, Paul Zorn.

- SHARON SIEGEL

SHARON E. SIEGEL

Bail Out certified Matamoras FD firefighters: Ian Copertino, Greg Fean, Alex Fitterer, Tyler Kowinsky, Jen Mai, Tyler Maney, Heather Nealis, Travis Wildrick, William Johnson, Sean Alessandra, Matt McK eon, Paul Zorn are shown training with the equipment.

Matamoras FD 1st Assistant Chief Matt McKeon demonstrates a descent using the Bail Out Safety kit each firefighter in his department is now equipped with.

SHARON E. SIEGEL

Matamoras FD firefighters Sean Alexander, Tyler Kowinsky and Travis Wildrick demonstrate proper application of the Bail Out System.

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Winter, 2024

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The Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire: A Boston Tragedy ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

The Cocoanut Grove N ight club Fire, a Boston Tragedy By Stefanie Schorow Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MAO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@ fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $23.99 This is a soft cover book measuring six-inches by nineinches, with 175 pages. As many readers may know, it is the story of one of the most deadly fires in

American history, which occurred in 1942. The author, a journalist, writing instructor and the author or coauthor of eight books on Boston history, explains in detail about the fire and many things related to it. This is the third book that she has written about the fire. It just seems to be a horrible story that never seems to end because as time goes on, more details come forth about it even after all this time. Nearly 500 people perished from this fire, many being incinerated by the flames and heat, while others died from smoke or from being tram pled on by those trying to escape through doorways of which the doors opened inward, hampering egress. The dead included patrons, employees and celebrities who were booked to perform. Locked side doors were also illegal and part of the problem, all in the name of making sure patrons paid their tabs before they left. Fighting the

PRIZED POSSESSIONS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Prized Possessions” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

fire is covered in one chapter. The book covers every aspect of the tragedy, including the construction of the building, the wiring, refrig erator system, flammable decora tions, as well as the main focus of running a business in which profit was key. There is not enough space allotted in this column to explain all the aspects which should be read about the fire. One of the laws I believe which was born from this incident is that all doors should open outward at businesses such as this. It is a horrible story, espe cially when human life is lost, yet even till today, there has not been a concrete cause established about how it started!

KEN SNYDER

The Eastern Berks Fire Department (a 2012 merger of Barto, Bally and Bechtelsville fire companies) uses this attention-draw ing wooden fire truck along PA Rt.100 to promote fire safety messages.

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F lu o rid e Is N ot Our F rie n d HOLISTIC HEALTH

DEE DEE DIMINO

So, fluoride is not our friend. It is more poisonous than lead and slightly less than arsenic. It is a neurotoxin, which means it is toxic to the brain. It is listed as “lethal poison” in the Merck Manual. This is crazy, right? It is on the shelves at the supermarkets! “If they put in our products, it can’t be bad, right?” This statement is incorrect! Studies done show a flaw in the re search—that excess fluoride does not prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is a most reactive ele ment. When ingested, it attacks the oxygen in the body and can result in too many free radicals. It can be the reason for chronic, health con ditions including cardiovascular, inflammatory conditions—even cancer. Using fluoride in your water, shower, or toothpaste can cause os teosarcoma, which is a bone cancer. Okay. This is serious enough. But it goes further. It can also be the cause of thyroid and endocrine is sues; brain disorders like Autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s Disease; lower IQ and memory problems; lower our white blood cells level, thereby compromising our immune system. Fluoride can also calcify the pineal gland. Too much fluoride in the body can lead to compro mised respiratory and liver condi

tions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and neurological issues like headaches, depression and muscle weakness. Often, people think their memory loss is just from getting older. However, it could very well be from the prolonged use of fluo ride. Fluoride is not needed to pre vent cavities. My son never uses flu oride and has had one cavity in 16 years! I recommend you do not let the dentist use fluoride when clean ing or rinsing your teeth. In fact, I encourage you to switch to fluoride free toothpaste—a simple switch for continued, total wellness. My favorite, non-fluoride tooth pastes are made by Dr. Bronner, Tom’s, or Jason. However, be sure to read the labels, because some of these companies still manufacture fluoride toothpaste. People might say, “It’s not in my water and I am not swallowing the toothpaste. So, what is the prob lem?” To this I say that fluoride is a liquid, and it goes directly into the bloodstream. It is overworking our immune system, causing many health issues. The bottom line is.. .tooth decay is not caused by not ingesting enough fluoride. Cavities are not caused by a lack of fluoride. Switch out to non-fluoride toothpaste, check your water supply, and look into filters for your tap and showerhead. Fluoride-free is the way to go. It is another simple step to give the body a chance—a chance to heal— a chance to be balanced—a chance to do what it is supposed to do—be healthy and strong.

Winter, 2024

PAGE 23

V ehicle News The Upper Gwynedd Township Fire Department of Montgomery County has 3 fairly new rigs they are running with. There are two 2021 Rosenbauer Commanders, Squad 80 has a 2250 pump, 750 water and 30 Foam, and Quint 80 has a 200 pump, 500 water and 78' rear-mount ladder. Also new for them is QRS 80, a 2022 Chevrolet pickup with a Reading utility body.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Upper Gwynedd Twp. Fire Dept. 2021 Rosenbauer Commander #H30483, 2250-500-78' rear-mount ladder, running as Quint 80.

UPPER GWYNEDD &“«»?W|St«,wr

Dee Dee DiMino Health Coach & Educator Awakening to Wellness, LLC dyminl4(a)bellsouth.net www.deedeedimino.com DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Upper Gwynedd Twp. Fire Dept. 2021 Rosenbauer Commander #H29195, 2250-750-30 Foam, running as Squad 80.

Read more a rtic le s from a ll o f our colum nists on our w ebsite!

a t www.1RBN.com DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Upper Gwynedd Twp. Fire Dept. 2022 Chevrolet-Reading running as QRS 80.

PAGE 24

Winter, 2024

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. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ lstResponderNews.com.

Being a Professional Instructor So you have all the training dard formal wear (business courses under your belt. You suit) if not issued by the in know how to create a lesson structor’s employer or depart plan, obtain any necessary ment is therefore not props and prepare a budget necessary because fire serv for your lesson, but do you ice clothing (formal and oth know what it is to be a profes erwise) is commonplace. That sional instructor? The term said, if you as the instructor professional is to say the are going to also participate least subjective and many in any skills or live fire, a times the contrary is an accu change of everyday clothes sation tossed out for the sole and of course your turnout purpose of winning a dis gear is perfectly acceptable, agreement based on pet full well knowing that you are peeves rather than actual pro going to get dirty. fessional standards. So, let’s define being professional fo A professional fire instructor cusing on the behavioral as must also avoid any conflicts pect rather than subject of interest. This is defined as knowledge. benefitting personally from your professional position. Being professional is to be a For example, if while instruct good communicator relative ing firefighters on the use of to your expectations (for stu SCBA you constantly bring dents and colleagues). Pro up a new feature on “XYZ fessionalism also includes packs” because you happen being respectful by making to own stock in that company, others feel appreciated, being well that may be considered a well groomed/dressed, hav conflict of interest because ing a strong work ethic, de you could benefit personally pendable, honest and flexible. and monetarily by using your Now let’s illustrate profes position as an instructor to sionalism by highlighting push a specific product. This what it isn’t with an emphasis is not to say you can’t men on four major themes. Ap tion anything but acting like a pearance, conflicts of inter sales rep as opposed to an in est, cursing and racist/sexist structor is a different ballgame. etc.remarks. Being professional starts with your appearance because all students, in this case fire fighters, are going to make a judgment on you as soon as they walk through the door. Instructors therefore must be well-groomed and properly dressed. Obviously these two criteria are subjective, but for the most part, firefighters are clean shaven and/or any fa cial hair would be contained within an SCBA so it’s a good idea to follow that same pro tocol. One’s actual hairstyle is irrelevant, just as long as you don’t look disheveled like you just rolled out of bed. As far as dress, business ca sual is the order of the day. Most instructors have shirts and slacks that have been is sued from the employer. If not, most fire departments also issue formal work shirts and that is fine as well. Stan

OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

The New Stanton Fire Department now runs a 2021 KME #11257 as Rescue 25. It has a 1000 pump, 500 water, 10A and 20B Foam. Old Rescue 25 is now in service with the nearby Yukon-South Huntingdon Twp. Fire Company as Rescue 19. It is a 1999 KME Excel MFD #3897 with 1500/750.

effective in helping firefight ers retain information the an swer is still “No” because there are still so many other words in our lexicon that can be used to emphasize a point that cursing isn’t needed. Part of this aspect goes back to separating personal and professional, i.e., even if you curse up a storm in your per sonal life, leave that at home so that aspect doesn’t dis tract the firefighters in your class and detract from your lesson. Remember to take stock in your audience be cause cursing is not part of everyone’s language. Of course, none of us are perfect and a curse slipping out is bound to happen. In that case, either simply move on and draw little attention or offer a quick apology and again just move on.

Because the fire service is a male-dominated profession this article will focus on sex ist remarks but realistically, any human rights issue can be inserted such as race, reli gion, sexual orientation etc. As the phrase goes “If you grin you’re in” meaning that if as the instructor you laugh or chuckle at a sexist joke then Separating personal and pro you become potentially liable fessional life has other signif for any legal fallout not to icance. For example, you may mention opening the door for like a fellow instructor as a further discrimination. It’s friend, but that doesn’t mean best not to let your class you don’t have an obligation allow any discrimination at all to report that instructor for and the best way to do that is substance abuse on the job once you become aware of or ignoring a safety protocol. any issues to nip it in the bud The latter has been termed immediately. the “Courage to be Safe”. Although calling out a fire fighter in front of the entire Some fire instructors curse - class is usually not advisable A LOT. But that’s OK, isn't it? it doesn’t have to be all about After all, we are adults, cor embarrassment either. If a rect? Firefighters curse right? sexist joke is made then sim The short answer is “No” it ply say “We are not going isn’t OK. It really does take down that road in this class” away from your lesson and and leave it at that. If the your message. Eventually, all issue persists then talk to the the firefighters are going to individual during a break. Se hear are the curses and not riously, if something went the substance of your lesson wrong and a downed fire in between. What about using fighter needed help getting a curse to emphasize a con out does it really matter what cept? Whereas I would con gonads the firefighter pulling cede that this strategy can be you out has as long as you

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK18 PHOTOGRAPHY

New Stanton Fire Dept. Rescue 25 is a 2021 KME #11257 with 1000/500/10A/20B Foam.

DARIN SMITH/TRUCK 18 PHOTOGRAPHY

Yukon-South Huntingdon Twp. Fire Co. Rescue 19 is this 1999 KME Excel MFD #3897 with 1500/750, ex-New Stanton. get to see your family again? The main point is that we are all firefighters regardless of our attributes. In extreme cases, make cer tain that you know the proce dure for accepting and investigating a complaint. If the employer that you are in structing for has a specific form to fill out then make sure you have a copy so that all relevant information is ob tained. It is imperative in order to maintain the integrity of the instructor and the em ploying organization to follow all procedures BY THE BOOK. The good news is that typi cally, it only takes one prop erly processed incident to stop future issues.

as an instructor. On a per sonal note, as a former sec ondary science teacher, I would like to see fire instruc tors take any necessary course to become mandated reporters in an effort to curb discriminatory practices both with students and colleagues. Mandated reporters are re quired and bound by law to report any discriminatory practices with legal conse quences for not doing so, and I firmly believe that fire in structors having the status of being a mandated reporter will have the effect of reduc ing any negative incidents full well knowing that at the end of the day there WILL be con sequences. - JOSEPH CEA

Avoiding these four main “traps” will (barring extenuat ing circumstances) pave the way for a successful career

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

Winter, 2024

PAGE 25

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Winter, 2024

1^ Responder Newspaper - PA

FENTANYL SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS f o r FIRST RESPONDERS ' For the purposes of this document, fentanyl, related substances, and synthetic opioids (herein after referred to asfentanyl') includes fentanyl analogues (e.g., acetylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, carfentanil, furanylfentanyl), novel synthetic opioids (e.g., U-47700), and other drugs that may be laced with these substances.

►The abuse of drugs containing fentanyk is killing Americans. Misinformation and inconsistent recommendations regarding fentanyl1have resulted in confusion in the first responder community. ► You as a first responder (law enforcement, fire, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel) are increasingly likely to encounter fentanyk in your daily activities (e.g., responding to overdose calls, conducting traffic stops, arrests, and searches). ► This document provides scientific, evidence-based recommendations to protect yourself from exposure.

W H A T Y OU NEED TO K N O W ► Fentanyk can be present in a variety o f forms (e.g., powder, tablets, capsules, solutions, and rocks). ► Inhalation o f airborne pow der is MOST LIKELY to lead to harmful effects, but is less likely to occur than skin contact. ► Incidental skin contact may occur during daily activities b ut is not expected to lead to harmful effects if the contam inated skin is prom ptly washed o ff w ith water. ► Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is effective in protecting you from exposure. ► Slow breathing or no breathing, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, and constricted or p in po int pupils are the specific signs consistent w ith fentanyk intoxication. ► Naloxone is an effective m edication that rapidly reverses the effects o f fentanyl'.

I ^

To protect yourself from exposure

W hen exposure occurs

► Wear gloves when the presence of fentanyk is suspected. Q

► AVOID actions that may cause

powder to become airborne. q

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► Use a properly-fitted, NIOSHapproved respirator ("mask"), wear eye protection, and minimize skin contact when responding to a situation where small amounts of suspected fentanyk are visible and may become airborne. ► Follow your department guidelines if the scene involves large amounts of suspected fentanyk (e.g., distribution/storage facility, pill milling operation, clandestine lab, gross contamination, spill or release).

C ollaborative

S upport From:

* American College o f Emergency Physicians • American College o f Medical Toxicologists . American Industrial Hygiene Association • Association of State and Territorial Health Officials • Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies • Fraternal Order of Police

► Prevent further contamination and notify other first responders and dispatch. ► Do not touch your eyes, mouth, nose or any skin after touching any potentially contaminated surface. ► Wash skin thoroughly with cool water, and soap if available. Do

NOT use hand sanitizers as they may enhance absorption. ► Wash your hands thoroughly after the incident and before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the restroom. ► If you suspect your clothing, shoes, and PPE may be contaminated, follow your department guidelines for decontamination.

• International Association o f Chiefs of Police • International Association o f Fire Chiefs • International Association o f Fire Fighters • Major Cities Chiefs Association • Major County Sheriffs o f America • National Alliance o f State Drug Enforcement Agencies

If you or o th er first responders exh ib it - Slow Breathing or No Breathing - Drowsiness or Unresponsiveness - Constricted or Pinpoint Pupils ► Move away from the source of exposure and call EMS. ► Administer naloxone according to your department protocols. Multiple doses may be required. ► If naloxone is not available, rescue breathing can be a lifesaving measure until EMS arrives. Use standard basic life support safety precautions (e.g., pocket mask, gloves) to address the exposure risk. ► If needed, initiate CPR until EMS arrives.

• National Association o f Counties • National Association o f County and City Health Officials • National Association o f Emergency Medical Technicians • National Association o f EMS Physicians • National Association o f State EMS Officials

https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/key-issues/fentanyl

• National Governor's Association • National HIDTA Directors Association • National Narcotic Officers'Associations'Coalition • National Sheriffs'Association • National Volunteer Fire Council • Police Executive Research Forum • Police Foundation

Winter, 2024

1st Responder Newspaper - PA

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ANNUAL

MONROEVILLE FIRE & EMS SHOW Saturday March 2,2024 from 10am - 5pm Sunday March 3,2024 from 10am - 4pm At the Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd, Monroeville, PA15146

Admission Price: $6

HOSTED BY:

Children under m are iree

r OEPAm*’* *

FO R M O R E IN F O R M A T IO N GO T O : W W W .M O N R O E V IL L E F IR E A N D E M S S H O W .C O M OR SCAN QR CODE A B O VE