Serving PENNSYLVANIA
Volume 16, No. 6
Story on page 9. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold Jr.
W W W.FIRENE WS .COM
Fire, Rescue Magazine & EMS Serving Fire, Rescue Heroes &Since EMS Heroes 1973
January/February 2026
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Newton Hamilton Working Fire The Newton Wayne Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to Church Street for a possible residential fire. See story on page 4
Millport Road Barn Fire Snuffed Manheim Township Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 600 block of Millport Road for a reported large barn on fire. See story on page 6
Pets Die at Foster Township House Fire Rew Volunteer FD Station 8, Derrick City Station 11 and Otto Twp. Station 9 VFDs were dispatched to a residential fire. See story on page 7
2nd Alarm for Penryn Fire Penryn Fire Company was dispatched to the 1600 block of North Penryn Road for a structure fire. See story on page 12
Holidays at the Greater Hanover Fire Museum More than 100 years of fire apparatus and a variety of model trains and Christmas decorations at the former firehouse. See story on page 20
Tributes Amy Sweitzer Perkiomen’s Russell D. Bean Robert T. McCaa See story on pages 25 & 26
PLUS: Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, TED FESSIDES, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, TED HODGINS, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, SETH LASKO, GREG LEAMAN, STEPHEN LENZ, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of: Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News Inc, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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All Out in Penn Twp. Barn Fire On October 22, 2025, the Butler County 911 Center received a call for a vacuum pump on fire in a cow barn in the 200 block of Powell Road in Penn Township. Tanker 11 arrived and requested a second alarm for a large barn fully involved. Additional tankers were requested. Firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time. one minor injury was reported but the firefighter was not transported to the hospital. All cows were safely removed from the barn. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Newton Hamilton Working Fire On December 1, 2025, at approximately 0309 hours, the Newton Wayne Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to Church Street in Newton Hamilton Borough in Mifflin County for a possible residential fire. Lieutenant 26-2 arrived to a working fire. Units operated at the scene for approximately 2-1/2 hours. Pictured is Assistant Chief 26. C. Jury. - Fire News photo by Chad Scott
House Fire in Arnold Minutes before midnight in August, crews in Arnold, New Kensington and Lower Burrell were called for a house fire in Arnold. Crews arrived to find a fire on the second division, with possible extension into the attic. Heavy smoke poured from the eaves as crews went to work. Crews had the fire under control in around 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Vacant Harrisburg Row Home Fire On December 1, 2025 Harrisburg Box 1-3 toned at 1754 hours, sending Wagon 3, Squad 8, Towers 1, 2, and Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) to the 2100 block of Moore Street for a possible house fire. At the same time, a fire alarm was being received regarding a high-rise downtown. County mutual aid companies were dispatched to the alarm fire and Wagon 4 was sent to the house fire. Tower 2 arrived to a three-story, brick, middle-of-the-row on Moore Street, with fire showing from the second floor. Two lines were stretched and interior crews reported fire on both the first and second floors. Firefighters were urged to use caution for multiple holes in the first floor. Crews also reported a hole in the floor of the fire room and requested a ladder to the second floor. Tower 1’s crew opened up the third floor mansard areas for hot spots. All visible fire was knocked down in less than 10 minutes and control was marked at 1820 hours. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Brush Fire Burns 10+ Acres At 1454 hours on November 7, 2025, New Hanover Station 37 was dispatched to the area of Miles Road and North Charlotte Street for a reported field fire. Upon arrival they discovered that increasing winds had caused the fire to rapidly spread, threatening nearby homes and wooded areas. Command requested additional resources and multiple field units, ATVs, tankers and engines were dispatched from departments across Montgomery County as well as from Chester County (North Coventry) and Berks County (Boyertown). Crews established a firebreak around the perimeter and Limerick Engine 51 was assigned to the east side to protect nearby property and a residence. remained. Tanker 59 and several engines supplied water for the operation. Later that evening, the New Hanover Fire Marshal announced that the fire was believed to have been caused by an improperly discarded cigarette. Approximately 10 acres burned. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
Millport Road Barn Fire Snuffed Just after 1400 on October 18, 2025, Lancaster County Emergency Communications dispatched Manheim Township Fire Rescue to the 600 block of Millport Road for a reported large barn on fire. Multiple master streams were placed in service for a defensive attack, and a tanker task force was requested and the fire was held to one alarm. - Fire News photo by Zack Spadaccia
Porch Fire in Frazer In August 2025, a call came in for a back porch on fire at an apartment building in Frazer. A quick response by several companies held the fire to a small area of the porch. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Allentown House Fire Extends Firefighters from the City of Allentown were dispatched for a house fire on North Jasper Street. The Lehigh County 911 center advised responding companies there was a large header showing from nearby police street cameras. On arrival, Engine 13 stretched an attack line to the rear of the property while Engine 6’s crew made an interior attack. Battalion Chief Boyle assumed command and struck a second alarm. Additional attack lines were stretched into an exposure building as the fire had spread to there as well as in the rear. Crews worked for about 30 minutes before bringing the fire under control. The cause is under investigation by the city’s Fire Marshal’s office. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Pets Die at Foster Township House Fire On November 12, 2025, at 1413, the Rew Volunteer Fire Department Station 8 along with Derrick City Station 11 and Otto Township Station 9 VFDs were dispatched to a reported residential house fire with smoke and flames showing. Rew Fire Chief Mike McConnell requested a second alarm at 1425 and added Bradford City Station 1 to the box. Bradford City Squad 1 was first to arrive and laid a 300-foot five-inch line to the scene. Rew Engine 8 arrived simultaneously. While firefighters were stretching lines, the deck gun on Squad 1 was put into operation. Three, 1-3/4 inch handlines were placed into operation by Squad 1, as was Class A foam line from Engine 8. Tanker 8 and Tanker 9 supplied Engine 8. The fire was placed under control after 90 minutes. Firefighters remained on the scene until 1830. No one was home at the time of the fire and there were no injuries. Several family pets perished. Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit is investigating. - Fire News photos by Jay K. Bradish
Turkey Day Porch Fire in New Kensington Late afternoon on Thanksgiving Day, New Kensington Station 56 and surrounding companies were called to a porch fire on 5th Avenue in New Kensington. Crews found a fire in the roof of the back porch, which was extending into the second division of the structure. Crews immediately pulled the ceiling and climbed the roof to attack the extension. Crews were on scene for around 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Lemoyne Duplex 2-Alarmer a Total Loss On October 29, 2025 at 0724 hours, Cumberland County Box toned sending Engine Companies 13 and 10, Rescue 14, and Trucks 2 and 12 to the area of 2nd Street and Apple Alley for a possible house fire. The initial caller said flames were coming from the back of the house. West Shore Bureau of Fire Chief 13 (Mulholland) requested the box to be upgraded, adding Squads 8 and 20, Rescue 69 (RIT), and Air 13 to the box. Chief 13 arrived to a 2-1/2 story, duplex with fire showing from the rear. Lines were stretched from Squad 13 making the initial fire attack. Reports that the fire extended to the attached exposure prompted Command 13 to request a second alarm at 0732. Engine companies 17, 20, 30, 12 and 68, and Truck 12 made up the extra companies. Due to companies chasing fire that extended to the attic via open voids in the walls, command requested Squad 33 to the scene as a second RIT. Multiple lines were operated bringing the fire under control in about an hour. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and deemed a total loss. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Stubborn Basement Fire in Fairview Township On December 9, 2025, at 1709 hours, Fairview Box 68-02 sent firefighters to Fishing Creek Road and Ellencroft Drive for a residential fire. Fairview 68-2 confirming a house fire, and laid a supply line. Engine 69 reported a three-story, farmhouse with fire showing from all three floors in the rear. Command advised companies of a defensive fire, requested the second alarm be struck. All occupants were confirmed as being out of the structure. Multiple lines were deployed and a blitz fire set up, as crews reported a basement fire. Firefighters attempted to extinguish the stubborn fire but were forced to evacuate. Crews were on the scene for over two hours. Four occupants were displaced from the home, with a portion dating back to 1825. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 9
Cover Story
Restaurant Fire in Allentown
The Allentown Fire Department battled a two-alarm fire in a mixed-use building on North 7th Street in the early morning houses of December 4, 2025. Crews arrived to find flames from the rear of the Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Philadelphia Duplex Explosion On October 1, 2025, Philadelphia crews responded to a fire with possible explosion on Kirkwood Road. Upon arrival, companies faced heavy fire from a duplex which spread to an adjacent duplex with a garage. Companies from all over northeast Philadelphia were called. One person was taken to the hospital and four people were displaced. - Fire News photos by Dawn Altstatt
Birthplace of a Historic Vehicle Destroyed by Fire On November 2, 2025, around 0030, Butler 911 dispatched Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Ladder 3 (Butler Township Fire District), RIT 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department) Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) and Butler City Police to Bantam Avenue in the City of Butler, for a commercial structure fire. As Tower 1 went en route they reported a large volume of fire in the sky. The second alarm was requested of all off-duty Butler Bureau of Fire shifts, all of Station 3. Also called were Rescue 11 (Penn Township), Ladder 15 (Saxonburg), Ladder 26 (Chicora), Ladder 33 (Slippery Rock), Engine 10 (Herman), Engine 9 (East Butler), Engine 14 (Unionville) and Engine 21 (Cranberry Township to fill the Butler Bureau of Fire Station). NOTE: The fire destroyed the former American Bantam Car Company building in Butler, PA. Bantam’s 1940 prototype (built from an idea to complete in just over 60 days) was the quarter-ton 4x4 which served as the forerunner of the iconic WWII Jeep. Only 62 of the Bantams were built. The company closed in 1956. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Garage Fire Stopped from Extending
On December 10, 2025 at 0555, the Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to a working fire in a garage that was attached to a residence. It was also reported that there was a deceased person. Upon receiving this information, Lt. Chris Salerno requested a second alarm bringing off-duty city firefighters and Bradford Township VFD to the scene. Derrick City VFD was placed on standby. Upon arrival, firefighters found a vehicle inside the garage on fire. Firefighters used a 1-3/4 inch attack line to extinguish the fire. Information about a deceased person was found to be misinformation. Firefighters were on scene for 90 minutes overhauling and removing smoke from the residence. - Fire News photo by Jay K. Bradish
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 11
Upper Macungie House Fire
Firefighters from numerous Upper Macungie Township stations corner of the garage. Crews stretched an attack line and made a were dispatched to a reported house fire on Royal Fern on October quick knockdown of the fire. Assisting Upper Macungie on scene 22, 2025. The caller reported a fire in an attached garage. Crews were firefighters from Lower Macungie and Greenawalds. arrived on scene to find fire and heavy smoke showing from the rear - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Firefighters Contain Fire at Swatara Chemical Laboratory At 1511 hours on December 1, 2025, Swatara Township Box 49-5 dispatched crews to Bobali Drive at McCreath Laboratories for a building fire. County Fire advised having received a call from the alarm company and employees reporting a fire in the lab. Engine 91 arrived to a single-story, large commercial building with fire showing on the D side. Chief 91-4 requested two additional RITs, bringing Squads 20 and 33 from Cumberland County to the scene. Lines were stretched from Engine 91 and members initiated an interior attack making a good knock on the bulk of the fire while crews from Towers 1 and 91 opened up the roof. Dauphin County HazMat was requested to the scene as hydrochloric acid and other chemicals were present. Crews were able to bring the fire under control in about 45 minutes with no further extension and all searches negative. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
2nd Alarm for Penryn Fire Just after 1500 on October 4, 2025, Penryn Fire Company was dispatched to the 1600 block of North Penryn Road for a structure fire. Engine 28-1 arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from a 40- x 80-foot building. Firefighters initially advanced handlines into the structure but were forced to go defensive before a second alarm and additional tankers were called. Eventually, heavy machinery was used to pull the building apart and completely extinguish the fire. No one was injured. - Fire News photos by Zack Spadaccia
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5 Alarm Fire in Pottstown Abandoned Church
On November 21, 2025, at 0622, Pottstown Station 69 and mutual aid units were dispatched to a reported church fire at North Hanover Street and Chestnut Street. Upon arrival, crews found the church rapidly becoming fully engulfed. Multiple aerial apparatus were requested and, just eight minutes after the initial dispatch, command ordered all personnel to evacuate due to fire venting through the roof and sides. By 0633 the fire had escalated to a second alarm. Engines deployed five-inch supply lines to nearby hydrants. Fire Police were dispatched to close multiple streets because of vehicles attempting to drive on and around hoselines in the street. Aerial master streams were operated from the front and rear, and a blitz line was set up in a driveway on the D-side. Within 20 minutes of the initial dispatch, the incident reached five alarms. By 0800 the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, and a little over an hour later, it was placed under control. The steeple and bell tower — which still contained a brass bell — were allowed to burn until they collapsed at approximately 1215. Structural engineers determined that allowing the structure to burn and fail naturally was safer than attempting internal suppression efforts. The Montgomery County Canteen Unit responded and community members also offered support, bringing coffee, snacks and drinks before the Canteen Unit arrived. Fire operations concluded after 16 hours and 49 minutes. Approximately 250 firefighters operated at the scene. Built in 1861, the abandoned building was identified as the former Transfiguration Lutheran Church, later occupied by Invictus Ministries, Inc., which sold the property in 2024. The construction and layout of the church contributed significantly to the difficulty of suppression efforts. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
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Back Porch Fire in Butler On December 1, 2025 around 1340 hours, Butler County 911 dispatched Station 3 (Butler Township Fire District); Station 38 (Veterans Affairs FD; Station 99 (Butler Ambulance Service); and Butler Twp. Police to the 200 block of Home Avenue for a residential structure fire reporting the back porch was on fire. Chief 3 (Fredrick) went en route and advised there was smoke showing. Chief 3 arrived and requested a second alarm. The fire was brought under control around 1430. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
Shed Fire in Lower Burrell On November 22, 2025, a call came in for a yard and shed fire at a residence in Lower Burrell. Station 69 was on scene in minutes to put out the 30-foot-high flames. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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2-Alarm Multi-Unit Townhome Complex Fire At 0204 on November 2, 2025, the Trappe Fire Company, along with the Collegeville, Perkiomen, Royersford, Upper Providence, Skippack, and Limerick, were dispatched to a reported building fire on the 600 block of Muhlenberg Drive. Initial reports indicated a fire in the basement of a residence, and occupants in the process of evacuating. Assistant 77 arrived and reported heavy fire showing from a multi-unit townhome complex. A second-alarm working fire dispatch was immediately requested, bringing additional resources. Lower Providence Tower 53 was positioned on the A side to provide elevated master stream operations. Ground crews deployed additional master streams on the B side to increase water flow and suppress the main body of fire. At approximately 45 minutes into operations, command requested additional companies to stand by at their stations to cover the region. By that time, the bulk of the fire had been knocked down, though occasional flare-ups continued. The fire was declared under control at 0415. A total of 60 firefighters operated at the scene. The Regional Fire Investigation Task Force was investigating the cause of the fire. - Fire News photos by Regina Jelski
Structure Fire in East Deer On December 12, 2025, alarms sounded for a working structure fire in East Deer in Allegheny County. Upon arrival, crews found a well-involved woodframed house. A second alarm was immediately sounded as crews attacked the blaze through heavy smoke. Multiple departments were on scene and it took over two hours to bring the fire under control. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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EV Self-Drives into Dunkin’ Donuts An EV (electric vehicle) “self drove” into a Dunkin’ Donuts on Woodbourne Road in Middletown Township in Bucks County recently. Two employees sustained injuries and building inspectors had to check the structure for damages. The driver was uninjured. The assignment was held to Middletown Township fire companies. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
MVA with Entrapment in Penbrook On October 20, 2025 at 1231 hours, Penbrook Box 302 sent Harrisburg Squad 8 to the intersection of 27th and Walnut streets for an MVA with injuries. En route the box was upgraded to an entrapment with reports of a vehicle on its side and person inside and unconscious. County Fire added Engine 32-1 and Tower 1 to assist. Battalion Chief 7 (Bastinelli) also responded. Companies arrived to a two-vehicle MVA with one of the vehicles on its side and two people entrapped. A tie back from the Squad was performed and crews removed part of the roof to extricate the patients in about 15 minutes. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Company 27 Establishes LZ On September 14, 2025, Gratz Fire Company 27 was dispatched to establish an LZ following the request by EMS. Command was informed the helicopter would be Life Lion 3 with a short ETA. A few brief moments later, Life Lion 3 appeared and touched down. Once the patient was readied for flight, crew assisted the flight crew with carrying the patient onto the helicopter. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
District 10 Lands Life Flight 5 The Mahantongo Fire Company was dispatched to assist EMS with a medical assist related call on October 2, 2025. After arriving, air medical was placed on standby. After evaluating the patient, EMS requested air medical be put in the air. At this time 10-40 departed the scene and responded to the designated LZ behind their station. With the LZ established, EMS arrived and, with the patient readied, fire crew assisted the flight crew with loading the patient, and the helicopter safely departed the scene. Unit 10-40 then responded to a tree down call before finally returning to its house. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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MVA on 422 Eastbound At 2054 hours on October 28, 2025, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched for a reported vehicle rescue on 422 eastbound between Evergreen and N Lewis roads. Multiple callers reported a crash involving several vehicles, including a truck that had crossed the median from the westbound lanes into the eastbound lanes. Fortunately, no rescue was required. The drivers of both vehicles involved were evaluated at the scene by EMS. Tow trucks were called to remove the vehicles, and PennDOT was dispatched to cut the median guidewires to allow the box truck to be extracted. Crews cleared the debris from the roadway, secured the vehicles, and provided scene lighting. The last of the units on scene was made available around 2315. - Fire News photo by Regina Jelski
MVA in Upper Providence Township At 0756 on December 3, 2025 Upper Providence Township Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ Squad 68 (C Platoon) along with Trappe Fire Company, Friendship Ambulance and Upper Providence Township Police were dispatched to the intersection of Bechtel Road and Fruit Farm Road for a report of a vehicle accident with injuries. Crews performed hazard control while Fire Police directed traffic around the scene. - Fire News photo by Ted Hodgins
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Training
Structural Burn Class in Butler County On November 2, 2025, the Unionville Fire Company in Butler County hosted a structural burn class. The participants previously had a classroom session. Departments from Butler County that participated were Station 14 (Unionville), Station 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Station 26 (Chicora), Station 28 (Petrolia), Station 33 (Slippery Rock), Station 34 (Harrisville), Station 35 (Oneida Valley) and two departments from Lawrence County. Pulaski Twp. and Volant. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
Perkiomen Trains with Skippack On October 23, 2025, Perkiomen Township volunteers held an additional training night and worked with Skippack Fire Company volunteers at their burn building. This hands-on training was with actual smoke, fire and heat conditions but in a controlled environment. The focus was on SAR, hose handling, fire suppression, air pack and mask use, tool use, entering and exiting of a building, communication, teamwork and coordination. This was a great coordinated group training with a neighboring mutual aid area fire company sharing best practices and knowledge. - Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins
Acquired Structure Burn Class On October 25, 2025, the Adams Area Fire District in Butler County hosted an acquired structure burn class. Multiple fire companies participated. - Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
Acquired Structure Burn Class in Cowansville On October 5, 2025, several departments attended an acquired structure burn class in Cowansville. Crews focused on stretching lines and interior attack, working through squad-based evolutions. As the structure burn progressed, crews practiced exterior attacks. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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3rd Annual Matt Sobecki Safety Day On October 18, 2025, the New Kensington Fire Department (NKFD) held their 3rd Annual Matt Sobecki Safety Day. Matt Sobecki, a Safety Officer at the NKFD, passed away in May 2023, and this event is in his honor. It is a community event, blending a touch-a-truck event with safety tips for the community, especially geared toward children. They had a house safety zone simulation, fire extinguisher demonstrations, interactions with firemen and their gear, hose operations, and more. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
2 Push-ins for Allentown Two separate push-in ceremonies were held in the City of Allentown on October 20, 2025. Two 2025 Seagrave Pumpers arrived and were placed in service at the City’s East Side and Fearless Fire stations. The twins are part of a larger order placed with Seagrave for a total of three pumpers and one tiller. - Fire News photos by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
ALLENTOWN SPRING MELT FIRE MARKETPLACE & AUCTION
Agri-Plex at Allentown Fairgrounds Sponsored by the Union Historical Fire Society April 18 & 19, 2026
The UHFS is preparing for the upcoming annual Allentown Spring Melt Marketplace and 37th Annual Fire Memorabilia Antique Auction. This is the largest fire memorabilia marketplace in the country. There are other musters and shows but this is the biggest. Attendees and dealers come from all over the United States and Canada. Anything fire department related can be found gathered in one place, which means there is something for everyone. On Saturday, April 18th the Marketplace set-up begins at 3 p.m. for vendors. Early Buyer passes are offered if you want first crack at the most desirable items. These can be purchased online or at the door. Go to: www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com, click on the Spring Melt tab for details. The auction is presented by The Eastmere Fireman. Auctioneer Brian Enterline always has exceptional items. You can preview the items in person on Friday April 17th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The auction starts promptly at 8 a.m. You can also view the items on the auction website: https://eastmerefireman.com/. Contact Brian directly by phone: 717-648-4458 or email: brian@eastmerefireman.com with questions or to inquire about consigning items to the auction. Admission is a $5.00 donation for the Auction and $10.00 for the Marketplace. Children under 12 are admitted free. Refreshments are available all weekend and there is no charge for parking. This is an indoor show, so the weather is never a problem, and the hall is ADA compliant. Keep in mind the show is limited to fire related items ONLY. New vendors are welcome. This is a great outlet for fire companies around the area to sell their old and surplus equipment. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit our website at www.unionhistoricatfiresociety.com or contact Tom & Cheryl D’Arcangelo at 631-348-3787 or email: springmelt.uhfs@gmail.com with your questions. Online vendor registration is available as well as mail-in registration forms. We are happy to partner with Fire News to promote the show. Look for the advertisements with all the information in upcoming Fire News issues.
NFFF AWARDS OVER $500,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has awarded 56 scholarships totaling $535,109 to the spouses, children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters for the 2025– 2026 academic year. Since 1997, the NFFF Scholarship Program has provided more than $7.39 million in tuition assistance to 1,765 students across the country. This year’s recipients include 38 returning scholars and 18 first-time recipients. NFFF awards scholarships based on applicants’ financial need and academic performance, with a special consideration for those working toward degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and public safety fields. “These scholarships reflect the NFFF’s ongoing commitment to the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “Stepping up to cover all or some of their tuition is the least we can do, and I know our generous partners feel the same.” Since 2005, Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship program, named in honor of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, a longtime advocate for firefighters and fire safety who played a crucial role in the establishment of NFFF. “For 20 years, our partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has been an unbreakable bond, rooted in our deep commitment to honor the enduring legacy of these national heroes,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, Executive Director, Motorola Solutions Foundation. In addition to the support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of the following: Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fund; Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund; Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund; Mission Square Retirement; National Association of State Fire Marshals;B urton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation; Global Health & Safety; Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation; Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation; Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information visit www.firehero.org.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS: 2026 EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO October 22–24, 2026 |Mohegan Sun, CT - Specialized Pre-Conferences: October 21, 2026 The 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo invites experienced and dynamic presenters to share their knowledge, expertise, and innovative ideas with EMS, fire, and first responder professionals from across the country. Now Accepting Presentation Proposals: We are seeking cutting-edge and engaging presentations that reflect the most current practices, research, and trends in the emergency services industry. Presentation Categories: Proposals are encouraged in the following focus areas: Basic Clinical: Foundational patient care, assessment, and treatment techniques; Advanced Clinical: Complex or specialized medical and trauma care, innovations in pre-hospital medicine, and emerging clinical technologies; Operations: Incident management, safety, interoperability, and field operations.; Educators: Instructional methods, classroom innovation, simulation, and professional development; General: Topics of broad interest across EMS and fire disciplines, including wellness, culture, and workforce development; Administrative/Leadership: Strategic planning, leadership development, budgeting, personnel management, and policy; Fire-Based Classes: Fireground operations, tactics, suppression, prevention, and firefighter health and safety; Fire Based Hands-On Training
Sessions: Interactive, skill-based programs offering attendees practical experience in controlled training environments. Specialized Pre-Conference Events - October 21, 2026;featuring two focused learning opportunities: Pediatric Symposium: Sessions designed to enhance care and advocacy for pediatric patients (pre-hospital and emergency); and Weathering the Storm – Preparedness Summit: A full-day program addressing disaster response. Submission Details: Presenters should submit session proposals that are interactive, relevant, and evidence based. Content should be designed to inform, inspire, and empower participants to elevate their professional practice. Submit proposals through the EMS & Fire Pro Portal found on the presenter tab of our website www.emspro.org. Deadline & Selection: All proposals must be received by January 30, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed by the EMS & Fire PRO Expo Education Committee.Share your expertise, connect with peers, and make an impact at the 2026 EMS & Fire PRO Expo. Contact Information: www.emspro.org | info@emspro.org.
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Holidays at the Greater Hanover Fire Museum
The Greater Hanover Area Fire Museum opened its doors through- with a variety of model trains and Christmas decorations on both out the holidays so that residents and firefighters alike could enjoy floors of the former firehouse. The museum is located at 134 East more than 100 years of fire apparatus and local fire service history Hanover Street in Hanover, PA. - Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
Fire Prevention with Districts 14, 13 and DCNR - Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Awards Ceremony On October 7, 2025, the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire held their annual awards ceremony on October 7, 2025, at City Station 1. Members were awarded and recognized for their efforts ranging from AED saves, auto extrications, rescuing occupants from a dwelling fire, to going above and beyond in services provided to the citizens of Harrisburg. New members and promotional officers were sworn in by Mayor Wanda Williams. Civilians and city sanitation workers were also honored for their efforts in helping citizens in distress. The Bureau also recognized members who retired in the past year and members who have reached years of service milestones. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 21
VCOS-VFIS Recruitment and Retention Award Presented to Upper Merion Township (PA) Fire & EMS Department, at the 2025 Symposium in the Sun The 2025 Retention and Recruitment Award is a joint venture of the Volunteer and Combination Officers Section (VCOS) of the IAFC and VFIS to recognize a department that successfully achieved its retention and recruitment goals from June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. Upper Merion Township Fire and EMS Department, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania was the recipient of this year’s award. Upper Merion Fire and EMS also received the Firefighter’s Association of the State of Pennsylvania Recruitment and Retention Award in September. Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania is located at the juncture of Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties, just a few miles from the City of Philadelphia border. The Township is 17-square miles and boasts a population of 36,628. Upper Merion is the 26th largest municipality in PA, and has a greater population than 38 of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania. From Thanksgiving to New Years it is the third largest city in daytime population and is considered the economic driver for Montgomery County and Southeastern PA Approximately 70,000 people work in Upper Merion, over 30 million people visit here each year (82,000 per day average), and over 250,000 cars move through Upper Merion daily. The Route 422 bridge has more crossings daily than the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia. The journey into recruiting and retaining fire and EMS personnel began in 2017-18 when Lafayette Ambulance struggled, and the three volunteer fire companies (King of Prussia, Swedeland and Swedesburg)
Monroeville Station 6 Open House
Monroeville Station 6 held their annual Open House event on October 4, 2025. The event lets the community interact with firefighters, take part in safety demonstrations, and watch a vehicle rescue demonstration. Several other departments assisted Station 6, including Munhall, Penn Hills, and other Monroeville Stations. There was plenty to see and do, and refreshments were served during the day. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
were being challenged by increasing call volume, changing laws and rules at county, state and national levels, straining volunteers, plus full employment limited volunteer availability. In 2019 the Township Supervisors decided to form the Upper Merion Township Public Safety Department, consolidating police, fire, emergency medical services and emergency management and overseen by a Public Safety Director/Chief of Police. The Township started the process by hiring a career fire chief, six career firefighter-EMTs, six paramedics and six EMTs, and began to create a comprehensive approach, illustrated later in this document. Six years later, Upper Merion Township now has Career Fire/EMS Chief 3 fulltime fire marshals 20 career firefighter EMTs 20 career paramedics A number of part-time firefighter/paramedic EMTS 6 volunteer chief officers Approximately 80 volunteer firefighters/stipend members of the three companies. Over 25 support members to the volunteer organizations. Upper Merion believes, success starts with a continuous marketing effort to secure additional personnel to perform departmental services. - Submitted by William F. Jenaway
Page 22, Fire News, January/February 2026
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2025 Introduces 2 and 4 Legged Members at Milmont The Milmont Fire Company welcomed new members in 2025 of both the two- and four-legged kind. Among several new members, two of those that joined, recently introduced two nine-week-old Dalmatians, brother and sister, puppies. Ash (left) and Cinder (right) have become our new mascots and are being trained for future fire prevention and other public events. Their humans, Shawn and Katelyn, joined in January this year and have brought a new level of comradery and moral to all the members who take part in the puppy’s care while they are at the firehouse. Now 10 months old, Ash and Cinder have already been to multiple events such as the Philadelphia Police Thill Show and our own recent Fire Prevention Night. You can follow their adventures on their own Instagram and are featured frequently on our Facebook page. - Submitted by Amy Jackson
Cranberry Township VFD Receives IAFC-VCOS-VFIS Each year the International Association of Fire Chiefs VolunteerCombination Officer Section VCOS and VFIS offer the Dr. William F. Jenaway Fire Service Illness and Injury Prevention Award, which is presented at the annual VCOS Symposium. To qualify, a department must have developed and implemented an injury, illness or vehicle safety prevention program and/or experienced a significant and verifiable reduction in incidents during a defined period; this award covers June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025. Typical of programs that may qualify include: physical and physical fitness, wellness, cancer prevention, and vehicle safety. This year’s recipient was the Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) of Butler County. The department explained why they believe their organization was successful in managing/reducing incidents, illnesses or injuries. Statistical details on reduction of incidents/zero incidents is supports their claim of success. The CTVFD is a 100-percent volunteer organization established in 1959, providing fire and rescue services to area residents. The company created a unique agreement with the Township in 1981, which transferred the assets of the Company to Cranberry Township. As part of the agreement, the township provides financial support for building maintenance, equipment and apparatus. In return the professionals of the
Lower Macingie VFD
2010 Spartan Gladiator/Rosenbauer 2000gpm/500gwt/20F/68-foot Squirt of the Lower Macungie VFD. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
Cranberry Township Volunteer Fire Company spend their volunteer time training, providing Fire Safety Education, and responding to emergency calls. This is a unique arrangement in southwestern Pennsylvania, and is a model of cooperation between a local government and volunteerism. CTVFD considers itself to have instilled a “culture of safety” which results in a more proficient operation. The “culture” is illustrated in their work efforts living up to our oath – to save lives and protect property. This is the expectation their customers, their communities, and their families have of their service – the public trust must never be broken. The work of the organization can be found on the website www.safergroup.org. This website provides background on the five company initiatives including the starting point of their safety culture – 33 standard operating guidelines used by all five joint responding agencies in performing their jobs safely to achieve proficiency. - Submitted by William F. Jenaway
Not a Good Spot for a U-Turn What was dispatched as a major MVA on Solly Avenue in Philadelphia turned into a routine assignment for Philadelphia’s Engine 18. An elderly woman attempted a UTurn in the middle of a street, when she was briefly pinned in her vehicle after being struck by another car. The woman was quickly freed. One medic unit transported the woman for injuries. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 23
Philadelphia Fireboats at the Navy-Marine 250th Birthday Philadelphia Fireboats were on display on the Delaware River, just outside of the Navy Yard, recently. They provided a scenic backdrop as four Navy ships came into the Philadelphia area. This was in celebration of the 250th birthdays of the US Navy and Marines. Thousands of people, along with governors of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, showed up to see the flotilla. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Trevorton Fire Co 125th Anniversary Parade
- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
9/11 Ceremony in Lower Burrell
Lower Burrell Stations 69 and 54 held their annual September 11th also present to speak to the crowd. ceremony at the American Legion in Lower Burrell. They honored - Fire News photos by Steve Matto the fallen, and discussed the tragic day. State and local officials were
Page 24, Fire News, January/February 2026
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 25
Tributes
Glick Fire Equipment Company Mourns the Loss of Amy Sweitzer
never afraid to reach for a broom, wash a fire What does service mean to you? For Amy truck or ambulance, put away a customer vehiSweitzer serving embodies how she lived her cle on the weekend, or pick up a stray wire tie life, personally and professionally. On October in the parking lot. Amy would make it a point to 12, 2025 as Amy entered her heavenly home, greet employees, customers, and vendors with a she heard the Lord tell her, “Well done, good warm smile and a caring question. and faithful servant.” Amy thought of Glick Fire as an extension In 1990, Amy became the first female fireof the PA Emergency Service community – fighter at Hand-in-Hand Fire Company near her there to serve each fire company, EMS compahometown of Smoketown, PA. Amy volunny, and municipality as they serve their commuteered actively at Hand-in-Hand from 1990nity every single day. When asked in an inter2008 alongside her father, Dave Glick, and view several years ago about Glick Fire and brother, Doug Glick. Amy continued to dediworking in the family business Amy stated, cate an immeasurable amount of time to various “It’s just in our blood, we learned from our organizations in the Emergency Services comgrandparents, and they learned from their parmunity and beyond. ents how to serve your community. I really feel In her professional life, after four years of like we got this far because we make decisions service with the United States Air Force, Amy became an integral part of Glick Fire Equipment Company. Her parents, for our customers, employees, and employees’ families.” The biggest impact that Amy had in life was her immense care shown Dave and Sue Glick, started the company in 1987 after seeing a need in their community for a fire truck sales and repair facility dedicated to to everyone around her. Loving Jesus, caring and serving others was her keeping emergency apparatus in service. While employed at Glick Fire way of life, and she wished for others to continue on that same path. - Submitted by Janys Ruth and later becoming an owner, Amy led with a servant’s heart. She was
Perkiomen’s Russell D. Bean Perkiomen Township Fire Company Life Member and former Fire Police Captain Russell D. Bean passed away on November 8, 2025. Bean was a dedicated member of the fire company for many years, and he served with dependable loyalty. He was 87-years old. In 2021, Mr. Bean ‘retired’ from the fire company after 29 years of volunteering. He had many days and nights helping to keep fire and accident scenes safe in Perkiomen Township. Perkiomen Township Fire Company volunteers were honored to be a part of Mr. Bean’s memorial service on November 15 at R. L. Williams, Jr., Funeral Home in Skippack. Mr. Bean’s remains were transported to the Lower Skippack Mennonite Church Cemetery on Air 66 and escorted by Engine 66 and Command 66. Mr. Bean’s service at the cemetery included a military honor guard and the playing of Taps. A resident of Graterford, PA, for over 50 years, he and his wife, Barbara (Kriebel) Bean, celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on September 2, 2025. Born November 7, 1938, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late Russell T. and Beulah E. (Freed) Bean. He was a 1957 graduate of Collegeville Trappe High School and served as a medic in the United States Army. He was employed with Robert Marshall Roofing, American Olean Tile, and Redner’s Markets. Durrell was a long-time member of Lower Skippack Mennonite Church. He was also a member of Perkiomen Township Fire Company and Fire Police, as well as Skippack Fire Company. He enjoyed being outdoors taking care of his friends’ lawns. He also enjoyed music, especially gospel music.
Along with his wife, he is survived by a son, Christopher Bean; a daughter-in-law, Terriann Bean; a granddaughter, Catherine Bean and her fiancé, CJ; two grandsons, Matthew Bean, Jr. and Andrew Hare; two sisters, Dorothy Hagin and Nancy Detwiler and her husband, Dennis; two sisters-in-law, Geri Newhart and her husband, Gerry, and Janet Kriebel; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his grand dog Cocoa, and grand cat Mr. Prince. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Bean, Sr.; a sister-in-law, Carolyn Costello; and two brothersin-law, Richard Kriebel and Julian Hagin. For those desiring, contributions may be made in his memory to Lower Skippack Mennonite Church, PO Box 202, Skippack, PA 19474. - Fire News photos by Ted Hodgins
Page 26, Fire News, January/February 2026
Tribute
FireNews.com
Robert T. McCaa
On September 28, 2025, around 250 firefighters from across Mifflin County and the Commonwealth, including fire academy staff, the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook, and several past Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioners, gathered for a funeral procession to honor former Lewistown Borough Fire Chief/Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Resident Instructor Robert T. McCaa. On September 29, 2025, roughly 250 more firefighters from across the Commonwealth and from as far away as Harrisonburg, VA., attended the funeral mass at St. Demetrius Roman Catholic Parish in Gallitzin. Afterward, family and friends gathered for a meal and told stories of humor and sorrow about their life experiences with Bob, all of which embodied his common sense, quick wit, and colorful oneliners. Being in local emergency services since the late 1990s and having known this man makes it easy to elaborate on McCaa’s life and legacy. In the fire department, the terms brother and sister are often used. Those who use those terms in Lewistown can almost always circle back to a small group of people when talking about pillars within the ranks that exemplify the given term. One of those pillars in Lewistown was McCaa. He was known to some as Bob, some as instructor McCaa, some called him “Mac,” but most of us called him chief. To some, chief is not just a title or a term; it’s a status, and those of us who continue to call him chief to this day respect him on a completely different level. Some may even say that McCaa was a generational chief. He himself comes to the position as a third-generation fire chief, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Bob even raised a fourth-generation firefighter/instructor/leader in his son, Robert R. McCaa, who is a career fire captain in Frederick County, Md. McCaa was born in Altoona on March 6,
1943, and later graduated from Bishop Guilfoyle High School in 1961. Out of high school, he became an airman in the United States Air Force. His tenure in the Air Force lasted from 1961 to 1965. During his training, his instructors realized that Bob’s mind operated on a different wavelength as he finished his training ahead of schedule. They invited him to come back to the training center in Mississippi as an instructor. He later went on to a new assignment as a ground radio repairman in Alaska before returning home to Altoona. After his return from his tenure in the Air Force, Bob returned to volunteer firefighting, when his volunteer firefighting tenure began. He rose to the position of fire chief at Gallitzin Fire Company in Cambria County. In 1978, Bob was hired as a resident instructor at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown. For the next 25 years, McCaa would serve not just the citizens and volunteer firefighters of Lewistown, Mifflin County, but also the Commonwealth, and even different parts of the US. McCaa retired from the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in 2003. The number of minds that were molded, firefighters created, many of which went on to be leaders or mentors themselves, is unfathomable. During his tenure at the fire academy, McCaa began to volunteer locally and rose through the ranks to department chief of the Lewistown Fire Department in 1992 and held the position until he stepped down in 2013. After he stepped down, he again took on another position of leadership within the ranks of the Lewistown Fire Department as the department safety officer until his death. As previously said, Robert T. McCaa was the epitome of the term brother and held high his readiness and willingness to help others in their time of need. McCaa, during his tenure at the fire academy, was one of the original members of Pennsylvania Task Force 1, which is one of many Urban Search and Rescue teams situated throughout the United States. One of the major deployments for PA
Taskforce 1 during Bob’s tenure was on Sept. 11, 2001, as they were summoned to Ground Zero. Bob traveled with the team and participated in rescue/recovery operations over several days at the site. Bob’s recollection of this deployment was published in the 2024 9/11Memorial insert in the Sentinel. During his time in Lewistown, McCaa spent a lot of time helping and tinkering with various local fire departments’ small engine equipment or their front-line apparatus when it needed repairs. Bob was the first call for many local fire companies for issues with the aforementioned. McCaa prided himself in rebuilding apparatus that others said was unrepairable, including a fire engine from the Union Fire Co. in Carlisle that was used by the fire academy for a short time after it was deemed unfixable. According to McCaa’s son, Robert R., on July 12, he was able to take his father to an antique fire apparatus showcase in Harrisburg called Pump Primers, where the aforementioned Carlisle Fire Engine was displayed by its current owner. Robert R. McCaa said that as soon as his father saw the fire engine, he jumped from his chair and ran to the side of it and began inspecting it and recounting items that he had repaired. His father talked with those in attendance about how well the apparatus that he rebuilt was still holding up. According to McCaa’s former instructor counterpart, retired Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Resident Instructor Patrick Pauly, most of McCaa’s students, colleagues, and friends will always remember him for his common sense and quick wit. But above all, they will remember his colorful one-liners that he could pop off at any given moment. Outside of the volunteer fire department after retirement, Bob spent a lot of time at the Mifflin County Airport flying his own personal experimental aircrafts with his friends in a group called the Quiet Birdman based out of the airport. - Fire News photos by Sam Baumgardner
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Fire News, January/February 2026, Page 27
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