Bradford City FD was dispatched at 2046 hours on May 7, 2026, for a reported house fire on Pleasant Street.
See story on page 5
Barn, Shed Involved in East Hanover Fire
On April 28, 2026, East Hanover Township Box 39-3 sent fire crews to Jonestown Road for a barn fire.
See story on page 6
Serious Injuries
Lewistown companies arrived to heavy fire showing with multiple people trapped and several people jumping from windows.
See story on page 8
Vacant House Fire on
Butler’s
Center Avenue
Butler County 911 received a call for a house on fire in the 900 block of Center Avenue in the City of Butler.
See story on page 13
3 Injured in Hegins Twp. Van/Car MVA
District 13 Hegins Valley Fire Rescue was dispatched to North Good Spring Road in Hegins Township for a vehicle fire.
See story on page 18
Goslings Saved from Storm Drain
On April 16, 2026, crews were dispatched to rescue goslings that had fallen down a drain on Ridge Pike.
See story on page 20
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Annville Township Bar Fire
On June 1, 2026 at 0423 hours, Lebanon County Fire sent crews to the Corvette Grille for a commercial structure fire. Reports of entrapment were being received, however, no occupants were in the fire building. Heavy smoke was pushing from the rear of a 2-1/2 story, end-of-the-row dwelling apartments above a bar. A second alarm was struck. Multiple lines were stretched and the roof opened as the fire extended from the first-floor rear to the second floor and through the roof. Due to heavy fire, all companies were evacuated for a brief exterior attack before resuming interior operations. A third alarm was called at 0459. The fire was contained to the fire building with some smoke damage to the exposure. One occupant from the exposure was treated for smoke inhalation. This same bar was also damaged in a September 2019 multiple-alarm fire.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Pleasant St. Fire in Bradford City
Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched at 2046 hours on May 7, 2026, for a reported house fire on Pleasant Street. First arriving units found a working fire and requested a second alarm. This brought all offduty city firefighters and the Bradford Township RIT team to the scene. Derrick City was on stand-by for Bradford City and Lewis Run and Corydon Township were on standby for Bradford Township. The fire originated on the outside of the structure and ran the exterior wall and extended into the attic. Firefighters were on scene for two hours.
- Fire news photo by Jay K. Bradish
Lower Paxton Twp Handles House Fire
On June 14, 2026, around 0130 hours the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Fire and surrounding mutual aid companies were dispatched to Wrigley Lane for a structure fire. Paxtonia Squad 34 arrived to fire showing from the garage area of a two-story, single-family dwelling. Two handlines were placed in service, quickly knocking down the fire and preventing further extension. No injuries were reported and the fire was placed under control in about 20 minutes.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
How Stupid Can They Be?
Here’s How
The motoring public showed how stupid they can be when they drove past this car fire on the Roosevelt Boulevard. Instead of using a cut through to switch lanes, some opted to drive past an active scene until a ladder could be positioned for blocking. As water was put on the fire, plumes of white smoke caused visibility to diminish to zero.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Barn,
Shed Involved in East Hanover
On April 28, 2026 at 0055 hours, East Hanover Township Box 39-3 sent fire crews to Jonestown Road for a barn fire. Squad 34 arrived to a fully involved barn with one exposed shed. One line was pulled and Squad 34’s deck gun was briefly employed to darken down the flames. A second exposed shed also became involved but the fire did not damage a dwelling on the property. Companies went into defensive mode and established a collapse zone while using handlines and mopped up with the Tower 35’s master stream. Water supply was set up at the Valero gas station on Linglestown Road. The fire was placed under control at 0119 hours.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Jefferson Hills
2-Alarm Residential Fire
On April 22, 2026 at 1340 hours, 232 Assistant-1 came across smoke coming from the rear of a residence in Jefferson Hills. Upon further investigation, he located a working fire underneath the deck that was rapidly extending into the home. Assistant 232 immediately requested the first alarm assignment while beginning to alert and evacuate the occupants, as well as attempting to control the fire to the best of his ability with a neighbor’s garden hose. First alarm companies arrived and initiated fire attack along with primary and secondary searches. Crews were met with significant fire and heat conditions throughout all floors of the residence. Due to the volume of fire and extent of involvement, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm. Firefighters operated on scene for approximately four hours before placing the incident under control and returning to service. - Fire News photo by Nick Kurta
Arson Produces 1 Fatality, 2 Serious Injuries
On May 7, 2026, Mifflin County 911 Center received multiple calls for a house fire. First arriving Lewistown companies arrived to heavy fire showing with multiple people trapped and several people
jumping from windows. This fire was a result of arson with one fatality and two patients with serious burn injuries. A subject was in custody for setting the fire. - Fire
News photos by Pat Shoop
Jumpers at McKeesport House Fire
The McKeesport Fire Department responded to a fire on Lincoln Way, rescuing two cats in the process. According to McKeesport Deputy Fire Chief Geno Esken, the department responded to the fire around 1155 hours. Esken said the house had several apartments, and three residents were inside the building at the time of the fire. Esken said a man and a woman living on the top floor of the building had to jump from a window to a porch on a lower floor. The woman was treated and taken to the hospital after the fire. “The resident on the first floor had two cats, and after we were able to get a handle on the fire, we were able to locate the cats alive on the first floor,” he said. Fire departments from White Oak, Munhall, West Mifflin, Glassport and the Allegheny County Airport Authority assisted in responding to the fire.
- Fire News photo by Nick Kurta
Fire in Lawnton Section
of
the Swatara Township
At 1641 hours on May 7, 2026, Swatara Township Box 45-7 sent Company 91, Engine 32, Squad 8, Towers 1 and 33, Rescue 59 and Rescue 69 for RIT to Lancaster Street in the Lawnton section of the township for reports of smoke from the windows. Chief 916 arrived to a two-story apartment building with smoke showing from the Alpha side. Police advised of a possible entrapment. Swatara Fire Squad 91 stretched in for fire on the first floor involving the dishwasher and cabinetry with some extension to the second floor. Two lines were operated and the fire was placed under control at 1724.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
1 Burn Victim at Colliery Avenue Blaze
On April 27, 2026 at 1518 hours, numerous crews were dispatched for a reported house fire in Tower City Borough of the 500 block of Colliery Avenue. Deputy 22-2 requested a second alarm be dispatched. Deputy Chief 22-2 then advised of having one individual on the roof on the Charlie side and the structure fully involved. As Deputy Chief 22-2 was further investigating he advised County of having a burn victim and requested air medical be placed on standby and needed EMS to respond to the Charlie-side alley. It was stated that both Deputy Chief 22-2 along with Firefighter Brill, as well as the initial efforts of the victim’s husband, contributed to saving
the victim. At 1531, command advised of imminent collapse at the rear of the structure and a tanker task force was requested. At 1547 command advised county of additional collapse and ammunition discharging from within. Deputy Chief 22-2 advised 600,000 gallons of water were used from the system alone not including the water from the tanker task force which was comprised of 13-plus tankers. PSP fire marshals operated on scene and found the cause to be accidental in nature.
- Fire News photos by Seth Lasko
Long Stretch at Bensalem House Fire
Firefighters from Lower Bucks County descended on Moore Avenue in Bensalem for a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke and several special calls were made. No injuries were reported. There was a problem with a hydrant across the street rendering it unusable. Water lines were stretched from Street Road, to the fire dwelling, about a quarter-mile away. The cause was under investigation.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Bedroom Fire Brings Mutual Aid
Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire on May 13, 2026 at 1712 hours. First arriving units found heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the residence. Automatic mutual aid was dispatched from Limestone (NY) Volunteer Fire Department. A second-floor bedroom was involved in fire. Emergency personnel were on-scene for four-and-a-half hours. A Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal was investigating.
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
Vacant House Fire on Butler’s Center Avenue
On the morning of May 10, 2026 at 1024 hours, Butler County 911 received a call for a house on fire in the 900 block of Center Avenue in the City of Butler. Butler 911 dispatched Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Ladder 3 (Butler Twp. Fire District), Engine 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Dept.), 99 (Butler Ambulance) and Butler City Police. Captain 3, in the area, reported a working house fire and requested a second alarm brining in all off-duty Butler Bureau of Fire shifts. City fire units arrived to a two-story residential structure with fire showing throughout. Fire crews knocked down the exterior fire on the Alpha side and then went interior. At 1048 all crews were pulled due to deteriorating conditions. A master stream from Ladder 3 was put into action. No injuries were reported. All crews cleared the scene at 1315.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
2 Serious in 2 Car MVA
Firefighters from Engine 46 requested two medics for an MVA at Grant and Frankford avenues. One woman turned in front of a car sending both drivers to the hospital with serious injuries. Fire crews stayed on scene for an extended time waiting for police, as they secured the scene. - Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
Garage Fire in Middle Paxton
Middle Paxton Township Box 38-6 toned out at 0443 hours on May 20, 2026, sending crews to Sutton Drive in Middle Paxton Township for a garage fire. Chief 38 reported a column and glow from about a half-mile out and arrived to a fully involved garage and vehicles. Squad 38 was ordered to set up a fill site. Lines were stretched from Engine 37-1 for a defensive attack while Pumper Tanker 36-3 set up a portable pond. Three lines were operated and the fire was brought under control at 0517 with no extension to the dwelling.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
2 Fatal at Memorial Day Blaze
On Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), Butler County 911 received a call from a female advising her couch was on fire and she could not get out of the house. Butler 911 dispatched the first alarm of Station 20 (Evans City), Station 12 (Connenquessing), Station 19 (Callery), and Station 62 (Harmony EMS). As units responded, Butler 911 advised they still had the female on the line, and they could hear her coughing. Chief 20 requested the second alarm. Crews arrived to find a well-involved structure fire. Unfortunately, two people were lost in the fire, which was under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
Heavy Fire on Arrival
Susquehanna Township Box 32-2 toned at 1519 hours on May 13, 2026, sending units to the 3200 block of Brookfield Drive for report of a house fire. Chief 84 advised of rapid calls being received and the alarm was upgraded to firstalarm status. Engines 35, Squad 29, and Wagon 4, and Air 91-5 made up the extra companies. Progress Engine 32 secured a hydrant in front of the home. An attack line was stretched to the rear where crews had heavy fire showing from an occupied, single-family, dwelling with one story in the front and two stories in the rear. Chief 32-1 assumed incident command and Tower 1 crew assisted with searches and opening up the roof. Four lines were placed in service for fire in the basement that extended to the second floor and rear deck. One dog was fatally injured in the fire and the fire was placed under control at 1555. - Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
Building Fire in Harmony
On May 18, 2026 at 1203 hours, Butler County 911 received a call for a building on fire in the 200 block of Mercer Street in Harmony. Butler County 911 dispatched several stations. Chief 22 arrived on location to a working fire on the third floor of the building and requested a second alarm. Crews places lines in service on the third floor and additional crews opened the roof from the Alpha and Charlie sides. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
8 Displaced by South 4th St. Blaze
At 1524 hours on June 13, 2026, Columbia Borough and surrounding mutual aid companies were dispatched to the first block of South 4th Street for a building fire. Wrightsville Engine 41 arrived to a three-story, middle-of-therow, with fire from the roof. Multiple lines were stretched and firefighters made an attempt at an interior attack but were evacuated and forced to go defensive. Second and third alarms were struck bringing companies from Lancaster and York counties. The fire involved three dwellings and extended to a one-story commercial that was attached in the rear. A collapse of a portion of the commercial structure occurred. Firefighters remained on the scene for several hours; eight occupants were displaced.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
1
Saved at Butler Center Ave Fire
On April 8, 2026 around 0930 hours, the Butler County 911 Center took calls for a house fire with entrapment in the 500 block of Center Avenue in the City of Butler. Station 1 (Butler Bureau of Fire), Ladder 3(Butler Twp. Fire District), Engine 38 (Veterans Affairs Fire Department), Station 99 (Butler Ambulance) and Butler City Police were dispatched. Butler County 911 was on the phone with the entrapped occupant that was on the the second floor of the residence. Bureau of Fire crews were followed in by Veterans Affairs crew. A second alarm was requested, which brought in all off-duty Butler Bureau of Fire personal, along with all of the Butler Twp. Fire District. Crews split assignments and started fire attack and laddering the Delta side to gain entry to the victim. Crews From the Bureau of Fire and VA made entry and located the trapped occupant unconscious. Crews removed the occupant to awaiting EMS crews. EMS transported the patient to Butler Hospital where they met Life Flight 4 which transported the patient to a Pittsburgh hospital. Command requested Rescue 11 (Penn Twp.) for an air cascade. No other injuries were reported. The fire was being investigated by the Butler City PD and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal. I would like to give a big shout out to the call taker and fire dispatcher at Butler 911 for staying on the phone with the trapped occupant until the firefighters located her. Also, to the Butler Bureau of Fire and VA Fire and Butler Ambulance.
- Fire News photo by Artie Osniak
8 Displaced by Steelton Fire
Steelton Box 501 toned at 0221 hours on June 4, 2026, sending Company 50, Engine 91, Wagons, 4, 55, Rescues 33, 59, Towers 1, 32, and Air 91 to North 2nd Street for a reported house fire. Tower 1 arrived to a good smoke condition and requested the first alarm, adding Engines 33, Rescues 37 and 69, and Tower 91. Chief 32 assumed IC, reporting fire on first and second floors in the rear of a three-story, middle-ofthe-row of three. Three lines kept fire to the area of origin. Eight people were displaced and the fire was placed under control at 0254 hours.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
3 Injured in Hegins Twp Van/Car MVA
Pillow Fire Handles LZ
On May 5, 2026 at 1708 hours, District 13 Hegins Valley Fire Rescue was dispatched to the 500 block of North Good Spring Road in Hegins Township for a vehicle fire. Almost immediately after the initial dispatch, the incident was upgraded to an MVA with entrapment and fire. Crews arrived at the scene which was 3/4 of the way up the mountain and found two vehicles involved, one being a four-door sedan and and the other a Transit wheelchair transport van. Crews found the single occupant out of the sedan being cared for and the engine compartment fire extinguished and the driver of the van entrapped. Crews from District 13 HVFR and 10 Mahantongo worked to free the driver of the van while a third patient was located in the rear of the van. As Life Flight 5 lifted from the scene, Medevac 7 arrived and flew out a second patient; a third patient was transported by ground. District 13 and 10 remained on scene assisting with cleanup. Schuylkill County 911 dispatchers, Community Life Team EMS, Schuylkill EMS, Hegins Police, and Stielys Towing also assisted on scene.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Pillow Fire Company 28 was dispatched to assist Company 65 on a non-technical rescue call. On arrival, crews were diverted several hundred yards east to establish an LZ for air medical. Soon after, Chief 28 was advised the aircraft would be Geisinger Life Flight 5. Once safely on the ground the flight crew was transported to the initial incident scene. The fire crew assisted in carrying the patient onto the helicopter.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
No Serious Injuries in Fluehr Plane Crash
Firefighters responded to Fluehr Park for a single-engine plane which made an emergency landing on April 1, 2026. There were no serious injuries. The plane lost power and landed in a field, then crashed into a tree. A full accident response was called with companies in service for hazards.
On May 7, 2026 at 1346 hours, Harrisburg Box 1-3 dispatched units to Interstate 81 southbound at milemarker 66.7 for an MVA with entrapment. City crews used a saw from Squad 8 to cut the roof to quickly remove the driver who was able to walk away from the truck. The passenger was able to self-extricate prior to arrival of the FD. Extrication was completed at 1359 hours with minor injuries to the driver and passenger. Dauphin County HazMat was notified due to a diesel fuel leak.
- Fire News photo by Jason Coleman-Cobb
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
E-Bike
Goslings Saved from Storm Drain
On April 16, 2026, the Limerick Fire Department was dispatched to rescue goslings that had fallen down a drain at Ambler Savings Bank on Ridge Pike. Chief 51, Assistant 51, Fire Police, Utility 51, and Squad 51 responded. Bank staff reported that the usual number of goslings appeared to be reduced during their morning appearance by the bank. They then took it upon themselves to search for the missing goslings and found them trapped at the bottom of the parking lot storm drain. Firefighters arrived and used hooks and Halligans to open the heavy grate before going down the storm drain and rescuing the goslings. Firefighters Gavin Hartman and Sean Lucas then carefully crossed the road to the cemetery and lovingly reunited the goslings with their goose family. Little rescue adventures such as these certainly prove that we help save lives, no matter the size! - Submitted by Regina Jelski
Accident on Walking Trail
Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department and Bradford City Fire Department ambulance were dispatched to an e-bike accident on a walking trail at 1928 hours on May 18, 2026. The victim was transported by ambulance to an LZ established by Bradford Township firefighters. A MercyFlight helicopter transported the patient to an out-of-the-area hospital. Emergency personnel were on-scene for two hours.
- Fire News photo by Jay. K. Bradish
Donaldson FC Establishes LZ
Donaldson Fire Company was requested to establish an LZ for incoming air medical. Soon after, Donaldson Fire Engine 12-10 along with members in POVs and Tremont EMS 67-02 arrived at the LZ. A few short minutes later Life Flight 5 arrived, loaded the victim and departed.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Minor Injuries in Academy/Medford
MVA
Injuries sustained in this MVA were minor. Two medic units were called to assist Engine 22 at Academy and Medford roads. A car pulled out from a driveway without looking, causing the crash. Both patients were transported with non-life-threatening injuries.
- Fire News photo by Alex Lloyd Gross
High-Angle Rescue from Tununguant Creek
On May 29, 2026, Bradford City Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Hanley Park for a report of an unresponsive person in the Tununguant Creek. First arriving firefighters immediately initiated patient care. A rope system was setup with a mechanical advantage from Tower One. The patient was packaged in a Stokes basket and safely extricated from the creek over the flood control wall. All off-duty city firefighters were called in to assist in the res-
cue operation. The patient was transported by ambulance to an LZ and then transported by StatMedEvac helicopter to an out-of-thearea trauma center. Two ambulances, Tower One, Squad One, Utility One, and Fire Chief Brett Butler responded. Bradford Township and Derrick City were on stand-by for the city.
- Fire News photos by Jay. K. Bradish
Not What He Was Fishing For
On the evening of May 10, 2026, crews were dispatched to Sweet Arrow Lake for a vehicle in the water. Crews responded and arrived on scene to find a fisherman on a boat had found the vehicle 200 feet from the boat dock submerged in approximately eight-feet of water. North End Pine Grove, Pine Grove Township Fire Rescue, HH&L and Schuylkill Hose Company-Haven Dive Team arrived entered the water. The dive team informed Pennsylvania State Troopers of the license plate number and that all windows were up and intact. After gaining access to the vehicle’s interior, they found it to be empty. At about this time, PSP Trooper 2 brought a submersible ROV to the scene. Once at the scene Troopers placed the ROV into service and navigated it to the vehicle location. Hammers Towing and Recovery arrived on location and dive team members assisted in hooking up to the submerged vehicle. Onlookers increased along the shore and breast of the dam as the vehicle was slowly winched out of the lake. In short time it was back on shore and after investigation inside nothing was found except a stow a way fish that was returned to the lake to swim again. Shout out to the fisherman for finding and reporting the vehicle, a 2017 Audi Q7 which had been reported stolen days earlier.
-
LZ Established for Off-Road Rescue
On the afternoon of April 30, 2026, crews were dispatched to an off-road rescue in the 400 block of Molleystown Road in Tremont Township. Crews had to access the victim, who had been hit by a tree, via a long dirt lane. EMS determined the need for air medical, and an LZ was chosen at the Joliett Ball Field. Joliett Fire, Pine Grove Fire Rescue and North End reached the LZ and were met by Tremont Ambulance. After some time, Life Lion 2 arrived and transported the patient.
- Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Fire News photo by Seth Lasko
Cranberry Hosts Emergency Response Simulations
On May 16, 2026 at 0900 hours, Cranberry Township VFC hosted their annual 24-hour Emergency Response Simulations. Participants responded to a wide range of calls, including AFAs, EMS calls, complex MVAs, vehicle fires, structure fires, physical rescues, and more. Departments from Butler County that participated were Cranberry Township VFC, Adams Area Fire District,
Butler Township Fire District and Saxonburg. From Allegheny County came Baldwin, Leetsdale, Jefferson Hills, Etna, Marshall Township, Emsworth and Wilmerding. Montoursville from Lycoming County also took part in the exercises. The event ended around 1000 hours on May 7, 2026.
- Fire News photos by Artie Osniak
KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
FIRE STATIONS: SO MUCH TO BE DONE!
Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through communitydirected living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC.
The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell.
Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and well-being of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.”
In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities:
·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer; Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor;John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic; and Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist.
About Kidneys for Communities Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website.
F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Education Resource Organization), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently conducted a nation-wide survey on fire stations. It was an in-depth survey that revealed the glaring need for fire station replacement and renovations in the U.S. One statistic that stood out was that the average age of a station is 45 years! That was 1980! Most of you reading this article were not involved in the fire service at that time and a good percentage of you were yet to be born.
Think of all the changes and needs in fire station design which have evolved during this time. For example, female firefighters are no longer an oddity, EMS first responder is now a given, hazmat response is expected, and the fire service has emerged as an all-hazards response agency.
Now we have learned how important fire station design is to contamination control, how to maximize sleep, and a host of other holistic designs that improve firefighter health and wellness. Only a few stations are designed to meet today’s needs.
To address the void in learning about how to design or renovate a fire station, please plan to attend the Annual 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium, September 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful downtown Greenville, S.C. The first day (Monday) will be a pre-conference seminar on “First Steps.” The main Symposium is all-day Tuesday, allday Wednesday, and a half-day on Thursday. This year there will be over 50 speakers with several presentations related to station renovation, expansion, and retrofits. Bring key members of your governing body so they understand your needs. As a sample of what F.I.E.R.O. offers, attend our one-day fire station education day on Tuesday, August 11 as part of Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.
The common phrase heard from attendees is “I would have never thought of that!” Remember, fire stations must be considered “Critical Infrastructure” and they need to meet today’s needs and designed to last decades. For detailed information and registration, go to www.fieroonline.org and click on “events.”
Summit’s New Apparatus Seen Some Action
The Summit Station Fire Company of Wayne Township recently acquired this 2002 E-One/Saulsbury Walk-In Rescue Truck that was refurbished in 2017 by SVI and saw service as FDNY Rescue 2 and Laramie County (WY) Rescue 11. - Fire News photo by Geoffrey Wetherhold
New to Them Apparatus for
Lower Macungie FD
2021 Pierce Enforcer 1500/500 Rescue Pumper for Lower Macungie Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Steve Lenz
“250 Strong” Declaration Signing Commits to Recruiting 250 Volunteer Firefighters
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association is celebrating with a lifesaving initiative. Over 80 Montgomery County fire companies have set a goal to collectively recruit 250 new volunteer firefighters by the end of 2027.
Just like our Nation’s founders affirmed their commitment via the signing of a Declaration 250 years ago, fire chiefs from Montgomery County will do the same as they put their signatures on the “250 Strong: Save & Serve” declaration.
This significant action took place at a press conference on May 7, 2026, at the Montgomery County Fire Academy, 1175 Conshohocken Road, Conshohocken, on the outdoor fire training grounds.
Following the signing, firefighters geared up, pulled hoses and demonstrated the life-saving techniques they have learned as volunteers.
The Tradition and Challenges of Firefighting: From Ben Franklin to Now
Volunteer firefighting is a tradition that predates the founding of the United States. In 1736, Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, creating the nation’s first organized volunteer company. While the spirit of service remains, the numbers have shifted; Pennsylvania has seen a 90-percent decrease in volunteer firefighters over the past 50 years.
“With an increase in 911 fire emergency calls, we need community members to step up and volunteer with us to protect the people and property in our neighborhoods,” said Chris Schwartz, President of the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association.
To meet the 250-volunteer goal, the Association is launching a multifaceted recruitment campaign including online advertising, social media engagement, outreach at community events, local sports team sponsorships and more.
“This campaign is at no cost to taxpayers,” said Glenn Russell, Recruitment & Retention Committee Chair. “Our recruitment campaign is entirely funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) until 2030.” - Submitted by Jessica Lis
On May 22, 2026, the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council announced their annual recipient for the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Agency of the Year for 2026. The McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority (MFPAA) of northern Allegheny County has been selected for this distinguished honor. The award is presented in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of EMS.
The criteria for selection of nominees includes: patient care standards, safety, training, community involvement and medical care initiatives. As a non-profit organization the PA Emergency Health Services Council serves as an independent advisory body with matters pertaining to EMS. The MFPAA ensures a critical role in public health as first responders for the safety and medical care of their community. MFPAA serves a 64-square-mile region for the Township of McCandless, Franklin Park Borough, Township of Pine, Marshall Township, Bradford Woods Borough and North Park of Allegheny County.
“We could not have received this award without the support of the communities we serve on a daily basis. Our well-trained Paramedics and EMT’s are proud to provide high quality, pre hospital service to those in medical need 24/7.” stated Chief Chris Dell. Suzanne Filiaggi, Allegheny County Council Member said “This makes us feel so grateful to have an EMS agency in our area with this notable honor. MFPAA rep-
PA EMS Agency of the Year Award; Local Agency Achieves State Recognition
resents our region by offering so much for our residents, businesses, schools and organizations. Congratulations to MFPAA for all that you do, for all of us.”
MFPAA is also accredited by the national Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services recognition as one of only six EMS agencies in the state to have this status. In 2025, MFPAA was dispatched by the County 9-1-1 system on over 10,000 EMS calls and transported over 5,000 patients to area hospitals.
