PENNSYLVANIA VOLUME 9, NO. 3
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Serving Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes Since 1973 JULY 2019
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Animals Perish in West Granville Total Loss West Granville’s Engine 17 arrived to a fully engulfed structure fire. See story on page 6
House Destroyed in Forest Hills 2-Alarmer Firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Elmore Road in Forest Hills for a house fire. See story on page 7
Church Fire Ends a Long Day in Butler Co. Multiple calls come in for a fire at St. Matthias Church on East Main Street in Evans City Borough. See story on page 11
MVA into Creek Crews from Plum, Penn Hills, and Lower Burrell responded to this singlevehicle MVA into a creek with four occupants trapped. See story on page 16
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 Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artists: LYNN SEDLER, GREG JONES CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS DAWN ALTSTATT, TED AURIG, LAUREN CARPENTER, JASON COLEMAN-COBB, JEFF GOLDBERG, N. GRISWOLD, ALEX LLOYD GROSS, CHRIS HALDEMAN, CURTIS JURY, KEN LAGER, GREG LEAMAN, ANDY MARSH SR., STEVEN MATTO, ARTIE OSNIAK, STEVE ROTH, PATRICK SHOOP, SHANE SHIFFLETT, JAYSON WAGNER, ASHLEY WALTERS, FRANK WESNOSKI, DENNIS WETHERHOLD, JR. COLUMNS KRAIG HERMAN, TIM SOLOBAY COPYRIGHT 2019, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
13 Ducklings Saved in Confined Space Rescue Two Lancaster Township firefighters safely extracted 13 ducklings from a storm drain. See story on page 18
Obituaries McKees Rocks’, Richard Albert Elizabeth Twp’s, Henry Greenwood New Kensington’s, Bratton T. Williams Jr. New Kensington’s, Edward Saliba See story on pages 24-25
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Page 4, Fire News, July 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The Perfect Time to Hone Skills I would like to take a moment to thank all of our responders who have been honored for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Fire News was proud to have attended many department installation and award dinners that honored responders for high points, training awards, CPR saves, rescues and years of service. As I write my editorial, the Fire Department of the City of New York is preparing to honor their members who have performed above and beyond the call of duty by saving lives. We will talk more about that in our next edition. Are you one of your department’s newer members? Have you given thought to your dedication to your Oath of Service? Would you be able to put your life on the line to protect the lives of others? In your mind you are probably saying “Yes!” But what can you do to make sure you are ready to perform flawlessly at your next serious call? If you are given a rope and asked to tie it off, could you do it without hesitation? Or would you stare at the rope and guess at what to do? Officers set up great company drills throughout the year. Once a month, an evolu-
tion and skills are reviewed. Can you really learn a skill by doing it once a month? I say, No! Watch your next yearly bailout recertification drill. Are your members able to tie off, make it to the window, and then bailout without thought? When a room is ready to flash, you have seconds to perform a maneuver flawlessly. When you are searching a smokefilled room without a search rope and your vibra alert goes off do you know what to do? What happens if you are searching a room that you closed the door on and cannot find the door to leave the room? Maybe inside the room the door was totally smooth and blended into the wall. Do you have to give a Mayday signal, or could you calmly radio to someone out in the hall and ask them to open the door on the first room to the right of the staircase? Every situation requires thought about emergency procedures. Your thought process is developed by constantly drilling and talking with members to gain ideas on what to do. Critiquing after every call is a must! Constant practice is necessary to gain experience on skills that keep you safe. It is the responder’s obligation to familiar-
ize themselves with the skills taught to them. The next time you walk into the firehouse to kill time, eat your lunch or check the bulletin board, practice or do one thing that could save your life. Try this. Keep a six-foot rope in your living room. When a commercial comes on, nonchalantly pick up the rope and make as many knots as you can until your show resumes. If you do this with dedication, your knot skills will improve. Oh, one more thing, know what the knot is used for and where you will use that knot. Enjoy summer honing your skills as a first responder. - Dennis
Stubborn Fire in Plum
Tractor Fire in Forks Township
On May 3, 2019, companies from Plum, Penn Hills, Sardis, and Monroeville battled an abandoned house fire. Crews battled the stubborn fire for over 90 minutes. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Members of the Forks Township Fire Department were dispatched to a reported tractor fire on Youngs Hill Road on May 27, 2019. Numerous reports indicated the fire was close to a barn. A request was made for additional tankers until a better size-up was available. Crews arrived and found that police had attempted to knock down an engine compartment fire in a mini loader with an extinguisher, but it flared back up when crews stretched a handline. Fire crews had the fire knocked down in a few minutes. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold
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Animals Perish in West Granville Total Loss On June 9, 2019, West Granville’s Engine 17 arrived to a fully engulfed structure. Second-alarm tankers were requested by Chief Pauly. After all efforts by crews the house was a total loss. A dog, bird and pig perished in the fire. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Lightning Strike Fire in Mount Lebanon Recently a fire broke out during lightning storms in Mount Lebanon just south of Pittsburgh. The fire was contained to the outside and only one room of the structure. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
1 Injured at Commercial Fire in East Hanover Twp. Firefighters from Lebanon and Dauphin counties battled a second-alarm fire that ripped through Weavers Wrecking Yard in East Hanover Township on May 14, 2019, and sent a civilian to the hospital with burns. At 2350 hours, Box 12-96 sent Engines 12, 75, 10 and 11; Truck 12; Rescue 10; Tankers 6, 7 and 11; Squad 12; and Attack 75 to Homestead Road for a commercial building fire with possible entrapment. A caller reported explosions and possibly someone trapped in the building. A call from the business itself reported negative entrapment. Chief 57 arrived to fire in a single-story, metal, commercial building. The fire involved several cars in the rear which spread throughout the building. One burn victim was located in the rear and was transported to a medical facility via Life Lion Aero Medical. A portable pond was established and all companies operated defensively. Several cuts had to be made in the side of the structure to allow access. Crews battled the fire for about 30 minutes before the bulk of the fire was knocked down. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
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2-Alarmer, Exposures Catch, 1 House Destroyed in Forest Hills
On June 3, 2019, at 2324, firefighters were dispatched to the 100 block of Elmore Road in Forest Hills for a house fire. Police arrived to find heavy fire coming from a home at the end of a dead-end street. An engine and truck were able to set up in the front and in a dead-end alley in the rear of the home, but due to the tight space, all other units had to park some distance away and walk to the scene. Once crews established a water supply to both the front and rear of the home, two exposure homes began to catch on fire and a second
alarm was requested. Crews began to attack the fire in all three homes, quickly knocking down the fire in the exposures before focusing on the main home. Crews worked hard to control the stubborn fire before finally bringing it under control at 0127. Two adults and six children all made it out safely but lost everything. They were assisted by the American Red Cross. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Palmer Twp. 2-Alarmer Firefighters from Palmer Township along with numerous mutual aid companies battled a well involved dwelling fire on Timberlane Drive recently. Shortly after arrival of the initial companies an evac order was placed and a second alarm was struck. Crews gained control of the fire and began interior operations again. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold
Car Fire Extends to Butler Co. Home On June 23, 2019, Butler County 911 received a call for a house on fire on Keasey Road in Winfield Township. Butler County 911 dispatched Station 15 (Saxonburg), Station 10 (Herman), Station 27 (Buffalo Township), Station 36 (Sarver), Tanker 11 (Penn Township) and Station 45 (Saxonburg) Ambulance. Engine 10 advised of fire along with a vehicle on fire near the residence. The vehicle was parked next to the house at the time the fire started in the vehicle and extended on the delta side outside wall and into the residence. The house suffered extensive damage and the vehicle fire was contained to the engine compartment. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Reliance Handles Car Fire On May 10, 2019, Reliance Hose Company 21 was dispatched for a vehicle fire at the intersection of Routes 209 and 225 in Elizabethville. Crews made a fast attack on a van with an engine compartment fire. Crews then assisted with spreading drying agent to clean up fluids. West End Garage arrived and cleared the vehicle thus returning the roadway to regular traffic flow. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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New Cumberland Duplex Fire
On May 6, 2019, New Cumberland Box 10-01 sent Engine Companies 10, 12, 13, 14 and 69-1; Trucks 10 and 12; Squad 13; Rescue 68; and Air 13 to Geary Avenue in New Cumberland Borough for a stove fire. York County Engine 69 arrived to fire showing and stretched a line to the rear. Squad 12 stretched a line into the fire building and exposure. Heavy fire issued from the rear of a two-story, occupied, duplex prompting Command 10 to request a second alarm. Engine Companies 30, 24 and 68-1, Truck 2, Rescue 14, Air 35, and RIT 40 made up the extra alarm. The bulk of the fire
was knocked down in 10 minutes and contained to the rear of the second floor. No extension was reported to the exposure. One adult and child escaped the fire safely. - Fire News photos by Jason Coleman-Cobb and Jillian Stewart
Fatality at Derry Twp. Fire One person was killed in a Hershey fire that broke out shortly before 0700 on May 23, 2019, on West Chocolate Avenue in Derry Township. Two police officers and an off-duty firefighter were also taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation. Box 48-1 sent Company 48 and Engines 46 and 47 to a structure fire. Police reported a working fire with entrapment, which prompted the first alarm to be requested bringing Engine 1-1, Truck 48, Tower 1, Rescues 35, 46, 88, and Air 91-2 to the scene. Engine 48 arrived to fire and smoke showing from two-story, occupied, multiple dwelling. A line was quickly stretched to side D, where companies advanced on a first-floor fire. With conditions not improving and manpower problems, Command 48 requested a second alarm. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in 10 minutes with a heavy smoke condition throughout. A primary search revealed an occupant that succumbed on the first floor. The fire was held to the first floor. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Pittsburgh 3-Alarmer On April 29, 2019, City of Pittsburgh firefighters were alerted to the area of Larimer Avenue and Meadow Street for a house on fire. Responding units advised dispatch that there was heavy smoke in the area and arrived on Meadow Street to find three vacant homes on fire with heavy fire showing. A second alarm was requested as crews set up a defensive attack. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews entered two of the structures to continue to battle the blaze. About an hour into the fire, a third alarm was requested for manpower. No one was injured, and the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 11
Penn Twp. Gas Heater Fire On May 26, 2019, Company 2 (Duncannon) Engine, Tanker 6 (Marysville), Tanker 9 (New Buffalo), and Squad 20 (Northeast) were sent to State Road in Penn Township for a residential structure fire. Chief 2-3 advised of a gas heater on fire in the dining room. Engine and Truck 2 arrived to find a two-story, occupied, single-family dwelling with heavy smoke on the first floor. The working fire dispatched brought Engine 9 (New Buffalo), Tanker 20 (Northeast), Air 35 (Linglestown), and RIT 33 (Colonial Park). A line was stretched and quickly knocked down a smoky fire on the first floor. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Church Fire Ends a Long Day in Butler Co. On May 29, 2019, Butler County 911 received multiple calls for a fire at St. Matthias Church on East Main Street in Evans City Borough. Command 20 arrived to fire showing and requested a second alarm. Units stopped the fire before the structure was a total loss. The cause was under investigation. Units from Evans City, Callery, Harmony Area Fire District, Adams Area Fire District, Connoquenessing, Butler Township Fire District, Penn Township, Big Knob, Harmony Ambulance and Evans City Police and Fire Police. Most of these departments had been running numerous weather-related calls for the prior 24 hours due to a storm system that went through Butler County. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
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Etna Fire Goes to 7 Alarms On May 8, 2019, Allegheny County 911 dispatched fire units to STORAGExpress in Etna Borough, Allegheny County, a 110,000square-foot storage facility located along Butler Street for a report of a motorcycle on fire inside a storage unit, starting a fire that would go to seven alarms, involve some 40 agencies, including 28 fire companies, and reach an initial damage estimate of over $60 million. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Franklin Works Fire in Fannett Township Franklin Fire Company Truck 42 operated at a building fire in Fannett Township, Franklin County. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
Car Fire on Peters Mtn. Road On May 22, 2019, Company 29 responded for a vehicle fire on Peters Mountain Road. Engine 29, Tanker 29 and Engine 29-1 also responded. Crews stretched a line and made quick work of the fire. Fire Police 29 along with PSP also assisted. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
3-Alarmer in Rankin Boro. On May 23, 2019, crews were dispatched to a house fire located in the 300 block of 5th Avenue in Rankin Borough. Crews arrived to fire showing and a second alarm was requested. Interior crews began to attack the fire, but everyone was forced to evacuate due to rapidly deteriorating conditions and a third alarm was requested. Once all firefighters were accounted for, defensive operations were set up and continued for several hours before the last unit cleared the scene five-and-half hours later. Six adults, five children, two dogs, two hens and a rooster all made it out of the home safely. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
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FF Hurt in Bensalem Fire A severe lightning storm that went through Bensalem on June 2, 2019, caused a one-alarm fire at the Franklin Commons Apartments off of Park Avenue. Firefighters reported that one firefighter was hurt but did not suffer serious injuries. Several animals were rescued by firefighters. Fire companies arrived to smoke coming from the roof area. They used several ground ladders for access. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Quick Car Fire Stop in Slatington Slatington firefighters were dispatched to East Church Street for a car fire. Crews arrived to find the vehicle was actually on Hill Street. A Jeep was found to have an engine compartment fire spreading to the interior dash area. Crews knocked down the fire within minutes. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Animals Rescued in Coplay Fire Firefighters from several Lehigh and Northampton County departments battled a two-alarm fire on South 5th Street in Coplay on May 21, 2019. Crews arrived to a report of a possible female trapped inside. A search of the residence found no victim but several animals were rescued. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Suspicious Fire in Homestead Boro
Small Fire in Lykens Co. Home
On a rainy May 4, 2019, evening a call came in for a structure fire in the 22-1 box of Lykens County advised of fire on the first floor. Upon arrival, crews made entry and a small fire was found and extinguished. The cause was a candle that had burned down and cracked spreading to items on a television stand. The home also had smoke on both the first and second floors. Additional crews staged on the A side of the home. Multiple crews from Lykens, Wiconisco, Williamstown, Muir responded. Muir was the standby company for Company 21 Reliance Hose while they held their annual banquet. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Quick Knock Down by Canonsburg
Just after 1630 on June 26, 2019, Homestead Borough Police requested fire units respond to the 100 block of 11th Avenue for a fire in a vacant home. Fire crews found heavy fire coming from the structure with an exposure also catching. Crews were able to get a knock on the exposure home then worked for about an hour before bringing the fire in the original home under control. Several people who lived in the exposure home were displaced. The cause of the fire has been deemed suspicious. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Car Fire Near House in Arona Boro. On May 6, 2019, the Adamsburg and Community Volunteer Fire Department and mutual aid companies responded to Orchard Street in Arona Borough for a vehicle fire endangering a house. Chief 10 arrived to find a vehicle fire about 20 feet from the house. Quint 10 arrived and was assigned fire attack. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and completed overhaul. - Fire News photo submitted by Donald H Thoma
Firefighters from the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department recently responded to a vacant house fire. Mutual aid was brought in from Houston, North Strabane, Muse and the RIT from Peters Township. Crews made a quick, aggressive knock down of the blaze, but had extensive overhaul due to construction and building materials present. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Tim Solobay
Washington Twp. Fire
Franklin County firefighters operate on a working fire inside a building on Zane A. Miller Drive in Washington Township. - Fire News photo by Shane Shifflett
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Chain Reaction Crash in Westmoreland Co.
On June 13, 2019, a wheelchair bus turning from Route 819 onto Route 22 in Salem Township, Westmoreland County, was struck by a tractor-trailer traveling eastbound. The force of the impact pushed the bus into the westbound lanes of Route 22 where a second tractor-trailer and an SUV were struck. EMS and Rescue crews arrived and extricated three wheelchair bound patients on the bus. The driver of the bus, along with the driver of the westbound tractor-trailer and SUV also sustained minor injuries. All six patients were transported to local hospitals. - Fire News photo by First Due Photography
Extrication, Medevac at Williamstown MVA
On May 21, 2019, Liberty Hose Company 1 responded to an extrication call with a school bus and SUV in Williamstown. Crews went to work on what would be an extended extrication of the driver from the SUV. Life Lion was requested and landed at Wiconisco Fire Department helipad where the flight crew was then transported to the scene. As the Life Lion flight members readied the patient, litter crews completed extrication. Shortly after Medic 6-5 departed the scene en route to the LZ where the individual was then flown out. - Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
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MVA into Creek
Crews from Plum, Penn Hills, and Lower Burrell responded to this singlevehicle MVA into a creek with multiple injuries and four occupants trapped in the vehicle. Crews quickly extricated the patients after stabilizing the vehicle. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Fatal MVA in Harrisburg One person was killed in a two-vehicle MVA on Cameron Street in the City of Harrisburg on May 19, 2019. At 0637, Box 1-2 sent Wagon 4, Tower 1, and Chief 4 (Wise) to North Cameron Street for an accident with injuries. Squad 8 was added to the box with reports of entrapment and an engine compartment fire. EMS reported the engine compartment fire knocked down and the patient in respiratory arrest. City companies operated for about 25 minutes on the extrication. The driver of the vehicle suffered fatal injuries from the accident. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Hempfield Twp. MVA The Adamsburg and Community Volunteer Fire Department along with automatic aid from Herminie and Madison were dispatched to Route 136 in the area of Hixson Lane in Hempfield Township for a reported MVA with entrapment. Firefighters arrived to find a vehicle that had struck a parked vehicle and then landed on its side trapping the lone occupant. After stabilizing the vehicle with struts and cribbing, they began extrication. Firefighters removed the windshield and the sunroof, then utilized two sets of Hurst Cutters to remove part of the roof. The patient was placed on a backboard and was transferred to EMS. - Fire News photo submitted by Donald Thoma
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Car Flips, Driver Not Found
A 911 caller stated they were traveling on Columbia Avenue at Jackson Drive and discovered a car on its roof with no driver around. Lancaster Township volunteers were dispatched at 0332 on April 28, 2019. Lancaster Township Rescue 66 lit up the area while Manheim Township Police located the driver. The vehicle was flipped back onto its wheels by Wayne’s Towing and towed from the scene. - Fire News photo by Gregg Leaman
Tow Truck Driver Injured in Sideswipe MVA Philadelphia medics transported a patient after he was struck by a truck on Philmont Avenue. The man was driving a tow truck and was on the step of his customer’s vehicle when another truck did not move over. The worker was tagged by the mirror and suffered serious head injuries. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Rescue in Blue Mountain
Firefighters from Emerald and Slatington along with Northern Valley EMS were dispatched to the Nature Center along Blue Mountain for a fall victim. Once crews arrived it was determined that a teenaged male had suffered multiple injuries after a fall and was on the mountain between the top of Devil’s Pulpit and the upper trail. Additional resources were called from Slatedale, Walnutport, Lehigh Township, Germansville and the Lehigh County Special Operations Team. It took several hours to get the male packaged and off the mountain. He was then transported to the Slatington Airport for a medevac to the hospital. Macungie EMS provide rehab on the scene. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
Rescue in Bristol Recently firefighters from Bristol Township worked to bring a construction worker from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, down a hill, onto Durham Road. The worker suffered an emergency and had to be put into a Stoke’s basket, and lowered via ropes. Newportville, Third District and Township crews responded for the rescue. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
13 Ducklings Saved in Confined Space Rescue A confined space rescue by two Lancaster Township firefighters on May 14, 2019, safely extracted 13 ducklings from a storm drain on Bean Blossom Drive. A roof ladder was inserted in the storm drain to accesses the stranded birds. Firefighters Katie Remely and Devin Ashba, who were the best candidates to fit into the drain, descended into the storm drain. Firefighter Remely snatched 13 ducklings from the bottom of the drain and the connecting drain pipes. The ducklings were placed into a cardboard box being controlled by firefighter Ashba for safe keeping until extracted. The mother never returned to gather her 13 offspring. Firefighters waited 30 minutes for the mother, and then the 13 orphaned ducklings were transported by Deputy Chief Glenn Usdin to Raven Ridge Wild Life Center, in Washington Boro for safe keeping. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Microburst Keeps Bristol Crews Busy Fire companies from Bristol, as well as fire police, were kept busy in early June 2019, when a strong microburst hit the region. A portion of the roof was blown off of the Dog and Bull Restaurant. Multiple trees fell on houses, causing damage to many homes. In addition, large trees also fell on Newportville Road, which required it to be closed for several hours until it could be cleared. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
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Up Close & Personal
Strike Team crews gathered for a joint training session between Pennsylvania Strike Team 1 and the local technical rescue teams within Region 13 in Western Pennsylvania including the South Hills
Technical Rescue Team. The training emphasis was on four-post vertical shoring, rakers, and new equipment. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Ryan Jeffcoat celebrates his fifth birthday with his dad, Bill Jeffcoat, Chief of Penn Hills 227, by posing with the truck and in his dad’s gear. The future looks bright for this little firefighter! - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Members of the Harmony Area Fire District took a break after battling a two-alarm church fire in Evans City Borough, Butler County, on May 29, 2019. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
New Kensington Fire Chief Ed Saliba and visiting Greensburg junior Brett Steele catch a quick picture together after overhaul at a recent Arnold fire. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Falls Township Fire Company (The Big House), firefighters getting ready for the Falls Township Memorial Day Parade. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
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Training
SHACOG TRT Training at Montour Trail
The SHACOH Technical Rescue Team set up a mock rescue to practice skills along with Peters Township Fire Department in May
2019. They practiced setting up haul lines to retrieve injured patients from over the hillside. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
YardleyMakefield Trains
Flashover Training
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company recently participated in a flammable liquids refresher at the Lower Bucks County Public Safety Training Center. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Washington Township Station 102 hosted a three-day Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Flashover Simulator training class. Crews entered the simulator to experience how a flashover forms, and how to recognize it before it happens. Several departments from multiple counties attended the class. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Training
Dormont Extrication Training
Forcible Entry Training for Chicora
Recently, the Dormont Fire Department put their tools to work at a vehicle extrication training session outside of their station. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
Recently the Chicora Fire Department members spent an evening practicing skills for forcible entry. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
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Training
Art of Firemanship Days
Every year during Expo week, the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire nation. More than 300 firefighters representing 27 states and brings together instructors and firefighters for four days of high- Canada were in attendance. quality education and hands-on training, putting Central - Fire News photo by Jillian Stewart Pennsylvania on the map for some of the best fire training in the
Training in Lancaster
Recently, Lancaster firefighters practiced two simulated low manpower deluge attacks at the Lancaster County Fireman’s Pequea Lane Training Facility in West Lampeter. In the first evolution, an engine-mounted deck gun was put in service as rapidly as possible while the remainder of the crew established a supply line from the hydrant. The second scenario was similar but a TFT Blitz fire ground monitor was used in place of the deck gun. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Training for the Real Deal in Palmerton
Firefighters from Palmerton, Walnutport, Slatington, Aquashicola and Bomanstown worked on their skills in an acquired dwelling in Palmerton on May 6, 2019. Members performed a variety of tasks and worked on RIT skills as well. - Fire News photo by Dennis Wetherhold, Jr.
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Training
Foam Training
Recently, East Derry and Highland Park firefighters trained on car fires with CAFS foam. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
Page 24, Fire News, July 2019
Obituaries
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McKees Rocks’ Richard Albert
On April 22nd, Richard ‘Rich’ Albert, Assistant Fire Chief with the McKees Rocks Volunteer Fire Department lost his courageous threeyear battle with cancer at the age of 54. Assistant Chief Albert served with the McKees Rocks Fire Department for over 35 years and served as Assistant Chief for over 15 years. A final call and service was held on April 30, 2019, and he was laid to rest at St. Marks Cemetery. He will truly be missed by many in the fire service, his friends and his family. - Fire News photos by First Due Photography
Elizabeth Township’s Henry Greenawald Recently, the Central Volunteer Fire Company of Elizabeth Township mourned the loss of active life member Henry Greenawald. Henry dedicated decades of service to the community and will be greatly missed. - Fire News photo by Ken Lager
New Kensington’s Bratton T. Williams, Jr.
It was with very deep sadness that we report the passing of Bratton T. ‘Whitey’ Williams, Jr., a 59-year active member of the Bureau of Fire. Whitey began his career at Company 4 where he was instrumental in establishing Rescue 4 in 1980. Whitey was also a scuba diver on the dive team of the Fire Bureau. Whitey was hired by the city as a career firefighter in 1969 as a member of IAFF Local 2453 where he went on to serve as President of the local. Whitey served as a Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Chief at Company 4. He retired as a firefighter from the city in 1992 after 23 years of dedicated service. During that time, Whitey went to Lewistown and became a suppression instructor teaching alongside of John Leahy,
Glenn Cannon, Grant Wilson, Dan Aston and George Smith. Whitey was an excellent instructor sharing his wealth of knowledge to our members and molding us into great aggressive interior firefighters. Whitey taught in Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Butler, Fayette and Greene counties. Whitey also taught at the annual fire school at St. Vincent College. Whitey transferred to Company 1 in 1992 and remained active up until Monday while attending the New Kensington/Arnold & Lower Burrell Memorial Day parades. Whitey will be greatly missed. Please keep his daughter Pam and son Joe in your prayers. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 25
Obituary
New Kensington’s Edward Saliba
Edward Saliba, 89, of New Kensington died on June 19, 2019, in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was born in New Kensington on January 20, 1930, to the late Bergis George and Elizabeth Samaha Saliba and was a life-long resident of New Kensington. Mr. Saliba was the owner and operator of Saliba’s Market in New Kensington for 65 years and was also the New Kensington Fire Chief for 41 years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was a Life Member of the New Kensington Fire Department, a member of the
Western Pennsylvania Fireman’s Association, Westmoreland County Fireman’s Assocication, Pennsylvania State Fireman’s Association, The FO Eagles, New Kensington Moose #53, VFW Post 92, and the American Legion 868. He enjoyed working in his grocery store, the fire department and spending time with his family, especially his late wife. He truly loved being a fireman and helping people whenever he could. - Fire News photos by Steve Matto
Page 26, Fire News, July 2019
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Yardley-Makefield, Falls Twp. Honor Arch for Fallen Trooper
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company (Ladder 80) and Falls Township Fire Company (Ladder 30) participated in an Honor Arch, honoring Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Donald C. Brackett’s funeral procession. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Plum Fire Department Touch-a-Truck On May 4, 2019, all four Plum Fire Departments participated in their annual ‘Touch-A-Truck’ event. This event allows the public to see the gear and tools that the departments use every day, and have a seat in their favorite truck. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Good Ol’ Fashioned Fun! On May 23, 2019, Greensburg held its first annual Battle of the Barrel. Greensburg 3 was the winner, and with such an awesome turnout, this proved to be the start of a great yearly tradition. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 27
99th Annual Lancaster Fireman’s Assoc. Memorial and Awards The 99th annual convention meeting on the Lancaster County Fireman's Association was called to order June 1, 2019, by President E. Roger Noll at their headquarters on East Oregon Road in Lititz. The memorial service was conducted by West Earl Police Department Chaplain Daryl Stoltzfus, who read scriptures from the New Testament: Luke 10:30- 35 and John 15:13 followed by the Fireman's Prayer. Long-stemmed red rose buds were presented to family members or friends of the departed members who have answered their last alarm. Their names were read and the bell was tolled for each member. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Greensburg Emergency Service Camp a Hit On June 8, 2019 the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD), along with the Greensburg Police Department and Mutual Aid Ambulance Service held their second annual John Edward Hutchinson Youth Emergency Services Camp. Twenty youngsters ranging from 11 to 17 spent the day experiencing how these three branches of emergency services work together. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Fame EMS Awarded The staff of Fame EMS were awarded for their dedication during EMS Week. - Fire News photo by Pat Shoop
YardleyMakefield Memorial Day Parade
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company participated in the 2019 Yardley Borough Memorial Day Parade. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Page 28, Fire News, July 2019
FireNews.com
Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Fire Expo 2019 Lancaster County Firemen’s Association reported another successful Fire Expo held May 17, 18 and 19, 2019. John Alexander, chairman of the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association Fire Expo committee, stated there were 12,868 people in attendance for the 47th Annual Fire Expo show held at the Farm Show complex in Harrisburg. The attendees had the opportunity to visit with 304 exhibitors who participated by offering displays at 569 booth spaces and exhibiting 192 vehicles including 96 engines, 33 rescues, 20 aerials and 43 ambulances. - Fire News photo by Greg Leaman
Pipers at the Westmoreland Parade Westmoreland County Fireman’s Association Convention Parade at Fairmont Hahntown Volunteer Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
Arnold Memorial Service On May 5, 2019, both Arnold fire departments held their Annual Fire Department Relief Association Memorial Service. This service honors the fallen members, a blessing of the trucks, and a prayer service. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
2019 Fire Day Camp for Special Needs Children The Westmoreland County Fire Academy in Smithton was the host of an event, which allowed children with special needs and their families to participate in firefighting activities, such as manning a hose, using an extinguisher, sitting in the different apparatus; handling the tools, and trying on the gear. Everyone had a great time, including the firemen, and the turnout was well beyond what was expected. - Fire News photo by Steve Matto
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 29
Cover Story
Quarry Road House Fire
Firefighters from the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company, Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company, Morrisville Fire Company, Levittown Fire Company, and Newtown Fire Association were recently dispatched to a dwelling fire on Quarry Road. (Above):
Yardley-Makefield Fire Company Deputy Fire Chief Tim Chamberlain in service with hose line hitting the fire on side D of the dwelling. - Fire News photo by Jeff Goldberg
Page 30, Fire News, July 2019
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FIREHOUSE EXPO ANNOUNCES 2020 DATES The dates for Firehouse Expo 2020 have been set for July 21 to 25, 2020, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This will mark the fifth year the conference will be held in Nashville. “We’re happy to be returning to Nashville in 2020,” said Greg Toritto, Firehouse Vice-President/Group Publisher. “Firehouse Expo has traditionally had excellent attendance in the summer, so we’re returning to our roots. A July event provides firefighters an opportunity to bring their families along to enjoy all the fun the Nashville region has to offer while they attend our highly-respected training program and meet with the industry’s top manufacturers and suppliers.” Local partners are very supportive of Firehouse Expo and its move to a July date. “The Nashville Fire Department and Davidson County are excited to welcome Firehouse Expo 2020 back to Music City,” said Nashville Fire Department Director Chief William Swann. “With the change in the date, our commitment to help this world-class event be successful remains the same. Nashville is the host city, but departments from across Middle Tennessee all work closely together to help Firehouse Expo come together to enrich the training fire service professionals receive during this event.” Endeavor Business Media has restructured and bolstered its events team in recent months in order to better meet the needs of its exhibitors and attendees. Significant investment in the educational program, operations, marketing and sales resources, as well as the addition of proven and experienced leaders in those areas, will help Firehouse meet its goals to grow the event and create an excellent
customer experience for attendees and exhibitors alike. As part of the event’s growth, the exhibit hall will continue to evolve, including the addition of more educational sessions directly from the manufacturers, whose equipment attendees use to protect and serve their communities every day. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the manufacturers, and see and experience their equipment, products and services as they explore more than 80,000 square feet of displays during the three-day tradeshow. “We look forward to continuing our great relationships with our partners from the Nashville and the Middle Tennessee fire departments,” said Peter Matthews, Firehouse’s Conference Director and Editor-in-Chief. “Next year’s conference will include new hands-on training classes additional programs focused on EMS, and other sessions to keep our attendees engaged and learning while they are in Nashville.” Firehouse Expo brings together a community of career and volunteer firefighters to exchange information, learn life-saving techniques and see first-hand the latest equipment, tools and resources. Firehouse Expo 2019 will be held October 8-12 at the Music City Center. Next year, Firehouse Expo 2020 will be held July 21-25, at the Music City Center.