VOLUME 8, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JANUARY 2019
Story on page 25. -Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Obituary, Lancaster Township’s Edwin Slaymaker See page 18. -Pennsylvania Edition-
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Nice Save at Armstrong Co. Blaze North Apollo Asst. Chief Cliff Rearic was driving by an auto body shop, when he saw both garage doors fully engulfed.
See story on page 6
Spring Mill Fire Draws a Crowd Spring Mill Fire Company was dispatched on November 12, 2018, for a non-commercial building fire on Barren Hill Road. See story on page 8
A Service for Pennsylvania Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager
Halifax, Fisherville Respond Halifax and Fisherville Fire companies responded for a reported electrical/ garage fire. See story on page 10
Early Morining Fire in Wilmerding On December 4, 2018, a 13-year-old boy getting ready for school saw smoke filling his family’s apartment. See story on page 12
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1 Dead, 2 Injured in Police Chase in Harrisburg Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, and Chief Bradford to an MVA with entrapment. See story on page 17
Obituaries Lancaster Township’s Edwin Slaymaker
See story on page 18
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Page 4, Fire News, January 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Wear Your PPE? Recently, many of you saw a video of New York City firefighters being consumed by a cloud of violent smoke and flame at a Sunnyside, Queens, fire. As I watched in horror, my main concern was that no one would be found dead or seriously injured after the incident. Seconds before this, I watched firefighters casually walking away from the building. Like a soldier going into battle, I am always impressed that FDNY firefighters typically demonstrate their professionalism on all levels as they don all of their personal protective equipment (PPE) all of the time. When the explosion occurred, my concern was for the members that were closest to the explosion. I watched the explosion over and over as it consumed several firefighters and their chief. I truly believe that everyone survived this incident because they were properly wearing their PPE. Yes, the chief and his members set the example for all firefighters to follow. Do you need another reason to convince you to wear your PPE? It has always been a pet peeve of mine, when I photograph a fire scene and I see people standing in the doorway of a fire wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt. If you are going to stand in the collapse zone of a structure
that is on fire, you should be in full turnout gear. I know your adrenaline kicks in and, as you stand watching your brothers and sisters stretch lines, you see a kink or a hose line caught in an un-chocked door. Your first thought is to help — they might be short staffed – get their line in place. But you really have to gain control of your emotions and instruct the firefighters in gear and point out the issues and let them handle the situation. Once a firefighter, always a firefighter; I get it! But, if you get hurt, the first thing the investigators are going to ask is why were you in the collapse zone feeding hose through a door sans PPE. By the way, I understand the person who was hurt the worse in the Sunnyside smoke explosion was a civilian standing in front of the building. Yes, your personal protective equipment works. Department Safety Officers should visually scan their scene and when they see an individual in close proximity to the scene and not in turnout gear, pull them back to a safe area. I have seen members of departments in suits and ties, golf shirts and sandals, and improperly donned PPE. It is not in anyone’s best interest to be on a fire scene
with no personal protective equipment. Learn from this recent smoke explosion in Queens. Watch the video over and over. Look at the force of the explosion as it swallowed the surprised firefighters. They were basically uninjured because they wore their personal protective equipment properly. Set the example in your department. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your own safety. -Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, January 2019
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Fatality at Whitehall Twp. Apartment Blaze Firefighters from Whitehall Township were dispatched to North 13th Street in the Spring Ridge Apartments for a reported apartment building fire. Numerous calls to the Lehigh County 911 Center were reporting Building J well off with fire showing. The Lehigh County 911 Center advised responding units that police were on scene reporting multiple buildings involved. Crews arrived to mul-
tiple apartments well off. After the fire was knocked down, a resident was discovered inside an apartment. The Lehigh County coroner’s office was requested along with the State Police Fire Marshall. Companies from Greenawalds and Catasauqua also assisted as well as Woolawn’s Cascade and Cetronia EMS. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Nice Save at Armstrong Co. Blaze Off-duty fireman/North Apollo Assistant Chief Cliff Rearic was driving by an auto body shop on Dime Road in Parks Township, Armstrong County, when he saw both garage doors of the shop fully engulfed. He ran into an upstairs apartment and helped a woman out, then went into the burning body shop and rescued a worker, who was trapped. Crews battled the blaze for several hours, preventing the fire from spreading to a connected business. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Harrisburg House Fire On November 22, 2018, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, Truck 2, and Battalion Chief Wise to Berryhill Street for a house fire. While companies were en route, County Communications advised of multiple calls reporting the house on fire, possibly spreading to the adjoining house and all occupants out. With this information the first alarm was struck bringing Wagon 3, Rescue 69 and Air 13. Chief 4 arrived on the scene reporting heavy fire on the second and third floors of a three-story, wood frame. Squad 8 made the initial stretch and two lines were placed in service into the fire building and exposure. Chief 4 requested a second alarm for manpower. County companies Engine 30 and 371, and Trucks 32 and 50, already en route for city station coverage, were redirected to the scene. Additional lines were stretched and companies were able to knock the bulk of the fire down in about 20 minutes. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 7
Long Fight in Burnham
Around 1600 hours a box alarm on November 22, 2018, was dis- Huntingdon and Centre Counties were requested to the scene or to patched for South Ridge Avenue, Burnham, for an attached garage fill empty stations. After a four-hour firefight the house and garage fire. Engine 1 arrived to heavy fire showing from the garage with were a total loss. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop extension into the house. Stations from Mifflin, Juniata,
Page 8, Fire News, January 2019
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North Versailles Dryer Fire
On November 21, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to Markle Street in North Versailles for a residential structure fire. The first-arriving officer reported smoke showing and the back of the home well involved. A second alarm was requested due to limited water supply and limited access to the street. Crews worked for over an hour to bring the fire under control. The elderly couple who lived in the home were able to escape without injury. The fire was determined to have started in a dryer located in the basement of the home. No one was injured and the American Red Cross helped the displaced couple. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Slippery Rock Vacant House Goes On November 13, 2018, the Butler County Emergency Services was notified of a house fire on Stamm Road in Slippery Rock Township. Butler County dispatched Station 33 (Slippery Rock), Station 34 (Harrisville), Station 14 (Unionville), Station 85 (Pine Twp. Engine Company, Mercer County), and Station 95 (Grove City, Mercer County). Units arrived to find a two-story house that was being demolished. Owners were burning close to the house and the house caught fire. Units worked and knocked down all fire from the exterior. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Spring Mill Fire Draws a Crowd Spring Mill Fire Company was dispatched on November 12, 2018, at 1751, for a non-commercial building fire on Barren Hill Road. Initial reports indicated a resident yelling that her house was on fire. Chief 45 arrived to heavy smoke showing on the alpha side. The structure was located in an area with limited access, making operations very difficult for firefighters. Squad 45’s crew stretched a handline and knocked down the bulk of the fire. Crews came from Spring Mill, Barren Hill, Conshohocken, Plymouth, Harmonville, Whitemarsh and Flourtown. The residents were all accounted for, and firefighters were able to save a pet, which was turned over to Red Paw Emergency Relief Team. The pet made a full recovery, however, one pet succumbed to smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Wayne Masters
Page 10, Fire News, January 2019
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School Fire in Ridley Twp. Ridley Township crews were dispatched for smoke coming from a school. Prior to the arrival of the first companies, fire broke through the roof of the 75- x 300-foot, 1- and 2-story school. Crews used master streams and trench cut the roof before stopping the fire which heavily damaged the building. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
Hamden Township House Fire Rekindles A house fire occurred in Hamden Township, Cumberland County, on December 14, 2018. The fire rekindled the following morning. Two people were displaced and a cat was rescued but the home was destroyed and at least two other pets were killed. - Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart
Halifax, Fisherville Respond Halifax and Fisherville Fire companies responded for a reported electrical/garage fire. County stated the caller reported fire on the outside in the area of the garage. Company 29 responded and was notified the resident was refusing to evacuate the structure as there was no smoke in the interior. Engine 29 arrived, found nothing and asked Company 216 to hold at their station. Chief 29-3 called county to confirm on the address. County then advised the call was to actually be in Middle Paxton Township on the south side of the mountain. Command 29 placed the box in service and began to respond to the 38-4 box with Engine 29-1 and Tanker 29. Engine 38 advised county they were approaching the area and had a column of smoke visible. Command 38 then requested the first alarm. County dispatched Companies 38, 37, 32, 29, 35, Perry 2, and Cumberland 20 and 17. Engine 38 stretched a line, and Duncannon’s Rescue 2 picked up a five-inch. A fill site was established and tankers were requested. Once power was secured, crews went to work knocking the fire down and opening up the foam-clad block wall. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 11
Hampden Township House Fire
On December 14, 2018, Box 30-05 sent Engine Companies 30, 14, 22, 12, Truck 30, Rescue 30, Squad 31 and RIT 25 to East Trindle Road for a house fire. Companies arrived to heavy fire showing from a single-story brick dwelling and attacked the interior with handlines. All occupants of the house were able to self-evacuate. Rescue 69 was special-called and shortly after all companies were
evacuated from the building for exterior operations. Heavy fire involved the roof area of the dwelling. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 45 minutes with extensive overhaul required. At least two pets were killed in the fire. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 12, Fire News, January 2019
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Rescues at Philadelphia 2-Alarmer On October 26, 2018, Philadelphia crews responded to a two-alarm fire on Paul Street at Frankford Street, during which several occupants were rescued via aerial ladders. - Fire News photo by Bob Myers
Early Morning Fire in Wilmerding In the early morning of December 4, 2018, a 13-year-old boy getting ready for school saw smoke filling his family’s apartment. He woke his parents who called 911. Fire units were then dispatched to the fire, located along 5th Street in Wilmerding. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from the Charlie side of the multi-family dwelling with evacuations in progress. Crews then found a fire in an exhaust fan located in a kitchen with extension into the walls. Crews were able to quickly contain the fire and stayed on-scene for ventilation. No one was injured, but the American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the families displaced by the fire. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Dogs Rescued in Cold Kiski Twp. Battle Five dogs were rescued from a residential structure fire in Kiski Township on December 10, 2018. Stations 140 (Kiski Twp.), 20 and 40 (Apollo), 170 (North Apollo), 67 and 52/53 (West Leechburg/Hyde Park), and 610 (Murrysville Medic One) were called to the fire on McKinstry Hill Road. Crews battled the stubborn fire for hours in bitter cold temperatures. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Yeadon Restaurant Fire - Again On December 14, 2018, crews were dispatched to Baily Road for a structure fire. They arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of a restaurant. The building was the scene of a suspicious fire the prior week. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
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Companies Respond to Commercial Fire
On December 11, 2018, Gratz Fire Company responded to a structure fire. Fisherville Chief 216-1 traveling nearby confirmed heavy smoke and fire showing from the A/B corner. Soon after, Chief 27 requested additional tankers. Engine 27 used its deck gun on fire through a large window on the B side. Liberty Hose Company 2 Lykens Truck 22 went to work entering through a C side door and up the stairs. As crew began to make an attack on the fire, a portion of the roof began to collapse and evac tones were hit. At this point, crews shifted to an exterior attack. After some time the fire was brought under control with the building having suffered major damage. Elizabethville, Lykens, Berrysburg and Klingerstown, among others, also responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Fire News, January 2019, Page 13
Cats Saved, Families Displaced in Pitcairn Boro
On November 29, 2018, firefighters were dispatched to the 500 block of 6th Street in Pitcairn Borough for a house fire. Crews arrived to find smoke showing from the third floor. Firefighters made entry and began an interior attack, quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire. As crews began overhaul and ventilating smoke, several cats were found and quickly removed from the home. EMS crews then assisted the cats, however, several cats were unable to be revived. At least four cats were revived. The American Red Cross assisted those displaced by the fire. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Page 14, Fire News, January 2019
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Butler House Fire On December 12, 2018, the Butler County 911 Center received multiple calls for a residential structure fire. Station 1 (Butler City), Ladder 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 38 (Veterans Affairs FD), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service), and Butler City Police were dispatched to West Penn Street in the City of Butler. Units arrived to find smoke coming from a two-story residential structure. Fire crews contained the fire to the second floor with some extension to the attic area. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Quick Stop at Attic Blaze
West Mifflin 2-Alarmer A second-alarm fire brought out many fire companies to help on a rainy December night in West Mifflin, Southeast of Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Fatality in Media
On December 8, 2018, Liberty Hose 2, Lykens Fire Company 22 and Wiconisco Fire Company 23 responded for a structure fire with smoke showing. County advised of a possible attic fire. Chief 22 arrived and confirmed the call. Additional units were requested to the scene. Crews were able to make a quick stop after venting the roof and knocking out the active fire, preventing any spreading to the D-side attached exposure. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
The Media Fire Company and others responded to an early morning fire on November 25, 2018. Crews arrived to find fire showing from the rear of a three-story apartment building on East Ridge Road. Crews recovered a 54-year-old female who died in the fire. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
Well Involved in Pottsville
Derry Township Garage Fire
On November 23, 2018, all seven Pottsville City companies, along with mutual aid from Mt. Carbon and Schuylkill Haven (RIT), responded for a structure fire on Cressona Road, which was well involved upon arrival. Multiple exterior streams were used to control the fire. Ed Ebling had command. - Fire News photo by Frank Wesnoski
On November 19, 2018, at 0028, firefighters answered Box 48-6, sending Company 48 (Hershey), Engines 1-1 (Palmyra) and 2 (Campbelltown), Rescue 2 (Campbelltown), Tankers 2 (Campbelltown) and 3 (Lawn), and Tower 1 (Palmyra) to Fishburn Road for a structure fire. Captain 48 arrived to find a fire on Muhlenberg Street, with fire showing on the Bravo side of the dwelling. The box was upgraded to a first alarm. Rescues 35 (Linglestown) and 88 (Middletown), Tanker 47 (Union Deposit), and Air 91-2 (Swatara Fire Rescue) responded. All occupants were confirmed out. The fire was contained to the garage with heavy smoke damage throughout the onestory dwelling. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 15
MVA, Fire, Fatality on I-78
On November 14, 2018, members from Hamburg, Shoemakersville, fire and a fatality in Windsor Township in Berks County on Kutztown and the Kempton responded to a multi-vehicle MVA with Interstate 78. - Fire News photo by Jarrod K. Emes
Page 16, Fire News, January 2019
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Halifax Responds to MVA
Blocker Vehicle Proves to Protect
On December 7, 2018, Halifax Fire Company 29 responded to a medical assist call. Moments later a secondary call came in for a reported head-on crash in the 29-1 box. Crews found an SUV and sedan with severe frontal damage to both in the roadway. Crews popped the door on the sedan while others began assisting with patient care. Additional EMS units were requested. EMS requested Life Lion be placed in the air. Fisherville Fire Company 216 assisted with handling the LZ. The driver was extricated from the sedan and transported by Life Lion. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
On November 19, 2018, crews were working on Route 11-15 to clear a crash involving a damaged tractor trailer. The truck’s load of grain was being offloaded to another truck as rain began to fall. A PennDOT truck with a traffic arrow positioned itself several hundred yards back illuminating its arrow board; there were also numerous cones notifying of a lane closure. As the PennDOT employees exited their truck heading for the first scene, a tractor trailer hauling cattle struck the blocker PennDOT truck, causing the PennDOT truck to exit the southbound berm, roll over and come to rest against a utility pole, then ignite. The tractor rig also exited the southbound berm, departed the roadway, hit a drainage ditch, sideswiped a utility pole and finally came to rest on top of a section of guardrail damaged in the first crash just hours earlier. New Buffalo Fire Company would again be dispatched to the exact same location with Rescue and Engine 9 for the MVA. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Mauch Chunk Rd. 2-Car MVA
Firefighters from North Whitehall Township along with Northern Valley EMS responded to a two-vehicle accident at Mauch Chunk Road and Foxfire Court on November 18, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Gas Leak at Marysville MVA
On December 8, 2018, Marysville Fire Company was called to the scene of an MVA with reported entrapment and a gas leak at Specialty Bakers. Marysville, Duncannon and Cumberland 20 fire companies responded to the scene. It was found that a single vehicle had struck the sign and continued through shrubbery and down an embankment where it came to rest against the structure. Crews found negative entrapment and confirmed the gas leak. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Medevac on South River Road On November 4, 2018, Engine 29-1, Engine 29 and Utility 29 responded for a reported motorcycle crash on South River Road. Crews arrived and began assisting with patient care and removing the motorcycle from the roadway. EMS arrived and advised county for the need of a medevac. The crews of Engine and Utility 29 established an LZ. Life Lion flew the patient to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Wiconisco and Reliance Hose Handle MVA
On November 21, 2018, Wiconisco and Reliance Hose crews responded to an MVA with a reported entrapment. Chief 23 responded in his POV and advised of no entrapment. Engine 23, Rescue 21 and Utility 21 responded. Company 23 remained on scene cleaning up debris and waited for tow to arrive to remove the vehicle. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 17
1 Dead, 2 Injured in Police Chase in Harrisburg
On November 25, 2018, Harrisburg Box 1-4 sent Squad 8, Wagon 4, Tower 1, and Chief Bradford to 25th and Brookwood Streets for an MVA with entrapment. Wagon 4 and Chief 6 arrived to find a single vehicle into a tree with three occupants trapped, two heavily. Wagon 3 and Truck 2 were added to the assignment. Companies worked for an extended period of time to extricate the patients who
were transported to medical facilities in serious condition. Paxtang Rescue 40 and Progress Engine 32-1 were special called to the scene to assist with extrication. The accident was the result of the vehicle fleeing police trying to make a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was pronounced dead at a local hospital. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Page 18, Fire News, January 2019
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Obituary
Lancaster Township’s Edwin Slaymaker
Edwin ‘Ed’ P. Slaymaker III, 75, a retired truck driver and welder, died Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy, after an illness. He was born on October 7, 1943. Ed was active in the EMS community since his youth. At the age of 14, he joined the Kinzer Fire Company, and then was a member of the Lafayette Fire Company. On January 4, 1984, Ed became a member of the former Bausman Fire Company which is now the Lancaster Township Fire Department, as a firefighter and later as the Fire Police
Lieutenant. Ed was a founding member and treasurer of the Lancaster County Fire Police Task Force and President of Lancaster County Fire Police Association. Interment was private in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA, with military honors. - Fire News photos by Greg Leaman
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Yardley-Makefield Mask Fit Testing
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently participated in an MSA mask FIT testing. YMFC Deputy Fire Chief Tim Chamberlain being FIT tested. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Deptford Uses Unique Program for Fire Safety Today’s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice. The Deptford Fire Department teamed up with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) — official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years — to promote this year’s campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” which works to educate the public about basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire. In support of Fire Prevention Week, Deptford used a unique Magic Assembly program to teach students to make a home escape plan. Deptford Fire District 1 sponsored an award-winning school assembly program that engaged students in a fun way — a Magic Show. But, this is no ordinary magic show, it’s magic with a message — teaching lifesaving lessons. Through active participation and discussion, Deptford Fire Department taught 3,200 students in kindergarten through sixth grade to teach their families “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.” - Submitted by Deptford FD
Fire News, January 2019, Page 19
PFESI Appoints Jerry Ozog of Mechanicsburg as the Executive Director The Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute announced the appointment of Jerry Ozog as its next Executive Director. Jerry has more than 33 years in firefighting and emergency medical services administration and has a diverse background in education, leadership and emergency services community relations. He is extremely familiar with Pennsylvania and most recently served as an Education Specialist for VFIS, a national emergency service insurance company. He also served as the Director of Fire and EMS Training at Harrisburg Area Community College, Executive Director of the former EMMCO East Regional EMS Council, and a Paramedic for Bradford Regional Medical Center and Citizens Ambulance Service of Indiana County. He holds many education credentials and certifications. Ozog is currently the Volunteer Deputy Fire Chief for the Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Company in Cumberland County. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Bradford Township VFD, Indiana Fire Association, Kittanning Hose Company No. 6, and the former Westmont Volunteer Fire Department. Ozog stated, “PFESI is an extremely important organization and we are at a critical point in Pennsylvania’s emergency services. I look forward to working with diverse groups across the Commonwealth facilitating solutions to decreasing volunteerism, funding of career fire departments, and poor reimbursement of EMS. My vision is to work at the grass roots level in local municipalities to educate and teach advocacy to firefighters and EMS practitioners. Additionally, my goal is to work with members of the SR 6 Commission and other statewide organizations to prioritize legislative efforts and then research best practices to implement change. I know change is difficult, but we are all in this together, across the Commonwealth, career, volunteer, EMS and fire.” Ozog will begin transition to the Executive Director position over the next three months. The Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute is an educational, non-profit association of emergency service organizations, emergency responders, industry and public service professionals who research, exchange information, and cultivate relationships among constituents about the issues affecting emergency response and life safety issues in Pennsylvania. - Submitted by Don Konkle, PFESI
Duncannon Gets New Apparatus
Centre Square FC Has a Good Christmas Santa was awfully good to the Centre Square Fire Company of Whitpain Township in Montgomery County. Not only did he bring them a new engine which he borrowed to visit children, but he gave them a new fire station as well! The fire station was built behind the location of the old station and reflects the growth of the area. A new roadway is yet to be installed, as well as a traffic light on the main highway in front of the station. The new station consists of a museum on the ground floor, a second floor with offices and a training room, plus a spacious engine room on the first floor. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
On November 6, 2018, the Duncannon Fire Company took delivery of its new 2019 KME 96-inch-wide Severe Service Engine/Pumper to be designated Engine 2. Engine 2 has a six-man cab with a 1500gpm Q-max pump, with on board 500 gallons. Along with this, Company 2 chose to go with a lowered hose bed and an OAL 10kW generator. In the coming weeks some additional details will be added before the engine is placed into service. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 20, Fire News, January 2019
Yardley Christmas Parade
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Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently participated in the Ye Olde Yardley Christmas Parade. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
The Holiday Express
On December 2, 2018, once again, multiple fire companies and at the Elizabethville Walmart and then departed in a rolling parade apparatus took part in the Upper Dauphin Human Services to Lykens. There crews unloaded trailers and fire apparatus haulHoliday Express, created to make sure Christmas was filled with ing boxes and bags of items. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko smiles for those in need. This year was no different as crews staged
North Apollo Breakfast with Santa North Apollo Station 170 held their annual Breakfast with Santa on December 16, 2018. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 21
Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg
- Fire News photos by Steve Lenz
Page 22, Fire News, January 2019
Keeping it Clean
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Future firefighter for the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Andrew Chamberlain cleaning apparatus at the Yardley Fire House- Station 0. Andrew’s father is Deputy Fire Chief Tim Chamberlain and his grandfather is Fire Chief Glenn Chamberlain. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Shop with the Heroes
Harvest Baptist Church and Walmart presented their first Shop with the Heroes event on December 16, 2018. Children were paired with first responders representing police, fire, EMS and the military. Children got to go Christmas shopping with these heroes using donations from the Harvest Baptist Church and Walmart. The heroes had as much fun as the kids, walking up and down the aisles,
checking out toys and clothes. Fire trucks and police cruisers were also on display in front of the store. This was a fantastic event, with first responders from various locations, including Harrison, Tarentum, New Kensington, Lower Burrell, Penn Hills, Washington Township, and other surrounding communities. - Fire News photos by Steven Matto
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Diesel Fuel Leak in Lancaster Twp.
Firefighters were called to a diesel fuel leak on a very cold and windy November 22, 2018 (Thanksgiving), at Old Glory RV and Boat Parking and Storage on Hershey Avenue. Firefighters used absorbent to stop the flow of fuel down a driveway. Haz Mat 2 assisted Lancaster firefighters with absorbent pads and the accumulated fuel captured below the leak. A tractor trailer fuel cap failed, causing approximately 25 gallons of diesel fuel to spill. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Fire News, January 2019, Page 23
Hi-Angle Cat Rescue On December 10, 2018, firefighters responded for an animal rescue in the town of Dalmatia. Lower Mahanoy Fire Company Station 62 responded with Brush 62. On arrival the crew was notified that a cat had gotten up a tree and not come down in four days. Millersburg Fire Company Truck 20 responded with two. Firefighter Hirsch loaded up into Truck 20’s bucket and began the ascent towards the cat. As the bucket neared the cat, it wanted no part of the friendly meeting and began to back down the tree. After a short descent the cat disembarked its perch, leaping from the tree and darting off into the woods unharmed. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Page 24, Fire News, January 2019
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Training
New Kensington and Bolivar Attend Burn Class On October 14, 2018, New Kensington and Bolivar attended a burn class at the Indiana Fire Academy. The class focused on line advancement and interior attack drills. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Vehicle Rescue Class On November 17 and 18, 2018, crews from Burnham, Lewistown, Decatur and Granville Township came together for a Basic Vehicle Rescue Update class. The 16-hour class taught students new technology in vehicle construction and rescue tools and procedures. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
DUI/Distracted Driving Drill All five New Kensington stations participated in a mock DUI/inattentive-driving drill at Valley High School on November 5, 2018. The demonstration was performed in front of Valley’s juniors and seniors, to make them aware of the dangers of drinking or texting and driving, and to show them what happens at an accident scene. New Kensington Assistant Chief Ed Saliba and his son, Ed Saliba III organized the event with the collaboration of the New Kensington Police Department, LifeFlight helicopter, Cardaro Funeral Home, and Ken Bacha, the Westmoreland County Coroner. Four student-actors also participated, playing the victims, donning makeup to give the drill a very realistic feel. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 25
Cover Story
Dogs Die in Wall Borough Fire
Just before 0100 on December 1, 2018, fire crews were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Versailles Avenue in Wall Borough. Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions throughout the home with exposure problems. An interior search and attack commenced, but crews were quickly evacuated from the structure. Crews then set up a defensive attack and were able to finally get the fire under
control in several hours. First Due Photography was able to coax out a pit bull who was observed running back into the rear of the home. No one was home when the fire broke out, however, it was reported that several other pit bulls perished in the fire. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Page 26, Fire News, January 2019
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Up Close & Personal Members of the Butler City Fire Department repacking supply lines after fighting a residential structure fire in the City of Butler on December 12, 2018. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
West Mifflin Chief Youkers at a second-alarm fire on a rainy December night in West Mifflin, Southeast of Pittsburgh. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
A cat being rescued at a Hamden Township, Cumberland County, on December 14. Sadly at least two other pets were killed. - Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart
Crews from Burnham, Lewistown, Decatur and Granville Township came together for a Basic Vehicle Rescue Update class on November 17 and 18, 2018. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company and Falls Township Fire Company 1 recently participated in a Hurst eDraulic Rescue Tool Drill. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
North Braddock Firefighters after a house fire on December 10, 2018. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
All five New Kensington stations participated in a mock DUI/attentivedriving drill at Valley High School on November 5, 2018 with some students as victims. - Fire News photo by Steven Matto
Duty Officer Snyder from Utility 20 assisting with a Millsburg dumpster fire on November 22, 2018. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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Fire News, January 2019, Page 27
TWO ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED CO-RECIPIENTS OF THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) selected the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department as the co-recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The award will be presented at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters. Established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative brings together members of the fire service and health and safety advocates in the state of Florida to share information and best practices on firefighter health and safety. The Denver Fire Department is being recognized for its development of a comprehensive health and safety program. The Denver Fire Department Safety and Training program incorporates fitness, nutrition and behavioral health that can be tailored to the needs of each individual firefighter. The elements are integrated with the department’s safety and training program, beginning with the recruit level and continuing well into each firefighter’s career.
Award. The presentation will take place at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC. Chief Sanders has been a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967. For over 27 years, he served as a member of the Louisville (KY) Fire Department, including nine years as chief of the department. Among his achievements as chief, Sanders worked with city officials and the public to pass legislation mandating that all unsprinklered high-rise buildings in the city be retrofitted with automatic sprinkler protection. Throughout his distinguished career, Sanders has held leadership positions in numerous national and international organizations and committees, including Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the Director of Central Field Operations for the National Fire Protection Association. On the international level, he serves as the President of the United States Delegation to the Comite Technique Internationale de Prevention and d ’Extinction de Feu. He also is the NFPA representative to the European Fire Service, the National Fire Chiefs Council of the United Kingdom, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council and the Global Fire Service Leadership Alliance. “He has made significant contributions in the areas of public safety and prevention, research, codes and standards, and leadership. Like the Chief Russ Sanders To Be Recognized At The 31st Lankford, he has dedicated his career to building a stronger Annual National Fire And Emergency Services Dinner late-Mason The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors and safer profession for all who serve. The CFSI Board of Directors selected Chief Russ Sanders as the recipient of the 2019 congratulates him and looks forward to honoring him on April 25, CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership 2019,” said Dr. William F. Jenaway, CFSI President.