On Thursday evening August 8, 2008 at 23:07 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1  was dispatched to a reported dwelling fire in 100 block of N. Ridge Road, Perkasie Borough.  Deputy 26 (J. Trotter) confirmed police reports of a working fire, with heavy smoke from Side A and gable ends of a single story residence.  Upon confirmation of a working fire, Tower 18 was added for RIT by dispatch.  Deputy 26 established Ridge Road Command and directed Engine 26 to pull hand lines to Side A front door and stretch a supply line to a nearby hydrant.  Tower 26 was ordered to use ground ladders and establish a ventilation hole at the roof ridge above the beginning burn through in the roof.  Interior engine company personnel found the seat of the fire in the attic area above the entranceway.  Operations Division Chief A. Wedman (B76) requested additional manpower to assist with salvage and overhaul.  Command requested two (2) additional engines for manpower, bringing Engine 23-1 and Engine 27-1.  Pets inside the residence were secured and turned over to the homeowner.  Crews assisted the homeowner with salvage of stored items in attic.  Fire cause investigation was turned over to Bucks County Fire Marshal FM 202 (J.Sivils) and PA State Fire Marshal A. Rhodunda.  Engine 17 and Rescue 59 covered Station 26 during the incident.  Grand View Hospital Medics stood-by on scene for rehabilitation services to the firefighters.  The incident was cleared at 03:00 hours.
 

The Kids Safety Trailer along with Fire Police 26 participated in a National Night Out event in Souderton Borough’s Community Park on Tuesday evening August 5^th.   Fire Education personnel taught the area youth about ways to recognize fire and safety hazards in the home.  Everyone was shown how to develop an escape plan and to select a family meeting place in case of an emergency.  The young at heart picked up activity and coloring books from our sponsor, The Weimer Group.  Operation 6 Save-A-Life smoke detectors were given free to the adults, along with instruction on how to install and perform regular tests.

Fire Police Lt. Paul Ferrara and Officer James Cash set up a nearby display of traffic control equipment to educate the community on their duties to protect the scene for emergency personnel.
 

 During storm conditions on Sunday afternoon July 27, 2008 at 13:37 hrs, Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Silverdale Vol. Fire Co with a reported lightening strike to a residence on Paige Trail in Hilltown Township.  A second call to the County Dispatch Center reported light smoke coming from the garage.  Chief 26 (Worthington) arrived on scene and established command.  Engine 59-1 was directed to pick up a nearby hydrant and lay-in the scene.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) took Interior operations and reported a fire in the attic.  Storm conditions having settled, Tower 26 was directed to place their main in service to the D side of the roof.    Rescue 59 arrived on scene to assist Engine 59-1 crew with pulling a line to the second floor master bedroom area.  Tower 26 crews removed roof shingles and extinguished the smoldering fire with two (2) pressurized water extinguishers.  Battalion 26 (Conway) handled Operations and requested arriving  Special Service 75 and Engine 60 companies to assist with throwing salvage covers to protect homeowner floors and personal property.   Chief 75 (Fegley) handled manpower, Deputy 26 (Trotter) assisted in the command post.  The incident was placed under control at 14:06 hrs.   Before apparatus was returned, Tower 26 crews covered the damaged roof.  All apparatus cleared the incident at 15:14 hrs.
 

 
On Tuesday morning July 15, 2008, Box 27-1 was struck for Sellersville Fire Dept. for a reported apartment fire on N. Main Street in Sellersville Boro.  The assignment called for Tower 26 and Engine 26 to respond.  While Tower 26 was enroute to the location, Chief 27 (McElhare) arrived and reported a working fire.  Tower 26 took the hydrant assignment and dropped in from Walnut and Main Streets to the front of the building.  After arrival on location, command was transferred to Captain 26 (Boshell), due to Chief 27 handling interior attack operations.  Engine 26 was directed to boost the pressure at the hydrant feeding Tower 26.  Tower 26 put their platform to the roof for ventilation purposes; they also supplied water to Engine 59.  The crew from Tower 26 advanced a back-up hose line to the rear of the apartment building. A crew from Squirt 18 advanced to the roof to cut vent holes for the crews inside. Companies were in service for three (3) hours.  Engine 60 provided stand-by coverage for Perkasie Fire Company.  A quick knock-down by Engine 27-1's crew prevented the fire from extending past the first apartment involved.  No one was injured and three (3) families were displaced for the short-term.
 

 
On Tuesday morning June 10, 2008, Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Sellersville FD for a two vehicle head-on accident with two patients trapped on Ridge Valley Road in the area of Game Land Road, West Rockhill Township.  Rescue 26 arrived with Captain 26 (Boshell) and Lt. 26-1 (S. Reutlinger) to assist Grand View Hospital Medics 151 and 151-1.  The eight-man company was split into separate crews for each patient.  Engine 27-1 handled vehicle stabilization and hazards prior to arrival, and then aided in extrication.  The first patient was transferred to EMS command seven (7) minutes after arrival on the rescue ground.  The second patient was extricated six (6) minutes later.  Fire Police 26 aided in providing scene safety by controlling and diverting traffic around the accident scene.
 

Early Wednesday morning May 14, 2008 the Department assisted Sellersville Fire Department with a fire reported at a restaurant in 1000 block of Old Bethlehem Pike.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) was the first to arrive on scene and reported an extinguished closet fire with a smoke condition in the dining area.  Chief 27 (McElhare) held responding unit to Station 27 apparatus and Rescue 26.  Crews went in service to aid in negative ventilation on Side A.  Fire Police 26 assisted with scene control.

On Sunday May 11, 2008, the Department was dispatched for a single vehicle motor vehicle accident in the 2400 block of N. Ridge Road.   Rescue 26 arrived with Chief 26 (Worthington) to assist Medics 151 (Grand View) and 108 (St. Luke’s – Quakertown) with two patients.  Engine 26 arrived to block southbound traffic approaching the scene.  Crews went in service to secure vehicle hazards, and aid in treatment and patient packaging.  Fire Police 26 provided scene safety by controlling and diverting traffic around the accident scene.

The new Fire Police 26 vehicle was recently delivered from Guardian Fire Equipment, Harleysville, PA.  The 2008 Ford F-550 4x4 is diesel powered with a 10 ft. PolyBilt body and has Harrison PTO driven 5kW hydraulic generator.  The four-door cab has room to carry five (5) persons, and a body designed with roll-up doors for easy access to traffic control and scene safety equipment.  The rear of the body has reflective chevrons for personnel safety while working in traffic conditions.  The rear compartment door provides access to an electric roll-out tray containing traffic cones and other assorted equipment.

This new unit will provide the fifteen (15) Fire Police Officers of the Department with the ability to support scene safety in service to the Fire and Police Departments in the area; and be self-sufficient while assisting at public service events.

Joseph’s story starts out like most other six year olds: playing, going to kindergarten and not having any major life worries.  That childhood reality was turned upside down in the spring of 2007, with the onslaught of headaches.  Joseph’s parents took notice because kids don’t usually complain of headaches.  Soon, the headaches were accompanied by nausea and vomiting which resulted in Joseph having an MRI, followed by a trip to CHOP.

On June 29^th, a parent’s worst nightmare: Joseph was diagnosed with a brain tumor called medulloblastoma.   A two by two and a half inch tumor was removed from Joseph’s brain on July 2^nd.  An MRI done that night, along with a spinal tap done two weeks later, gave Joseph’s family reason to celebrate: no other cancer cells were present.  The celebration was short lived because then it was time to start the next process of healing.  Joseph’s tumor was malignant; therefore it was possible that the tumor could return in an inoperable place.  Joseph should have started the fall in first grade with his friends, but instead, his fall consisted of many trips to CHOP in Philadelphia.  Joseph was given a treatment plan of radiation and chemotherapy: six weeks of radiation and forty eight weeks of chemotherapy.  Later in the fall, Joseph gained some of his strength and was able to join his friends at school.  Constant fatigue and appetite concerns consumed his family as Joseph endured his treatments.

Joseph’s story has not finished; he currently is in the midst of another round of chemotherapy.  Throughout this story, there are three constants that are truly amazing.  The first is Joseph’s spirit and attitude; he is still that smiling little boy, but with a little less hair.  The second is a family that has incredible faith in God and faith in his plan for them.  And the third, a community that is comprised of love, support and compassion.

FF/EMT Erin Kostrubiak was the recipient of 1 of 41 statewide scholarships awarded to college students from the State Fireman's Association of Pennsylvania.  Erin was also the recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association.  Erin is a freshman at the University of New Haven majoring in Fire Science with concentration in Fire Administration and Arson Investigation.  Congratulations Erin!

Recently all Department Apparatus Driver/Operators completed sixteen (16) hours of instruction in an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC).  The class guideline was developed by our insurance provider Volunteer Firemen Insurance Services, and covered areas such as legal understanding, safety and operation of fire apparatus.  VFIS is the largest provider of insurance, education and consulting services to Emergency Service Organizations.   Every two (2) years, approved drivers along with apprentice drivers test their skills in a driving course under direction of Bucks County Public Safety Center instructors.

Rescue 26 recently obtained a new level of rescue accreditation through the PA Department of Health (DOH) Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.  Rescue 26 becomes the first apparatus in Bucks County to meet the Pennsylvania Volunteer Rescue Services Recognition (VRSR) Program qualification for the Advanced Response Level.  The voluntary program provides a way for Perkasie volunteers to demonstrate their level of readiness in rescue services to the Pennridge area and surrounding communities.

According to the PA DOH, the Advanced Response Level provides for the following:  “Identifies basic tools, equipment (hand and power), manpower and training requirements that personnel trained to advanced levels can use to undertake basic through complex rescue operations.  This equipment may be carried on a heavy rescue or other specialized rescue unit.”

The VRSR program was developed through the collaboration of the Bureau of EMS, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and the Rescue Task Force of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Service Council (PEHSC) to formally recognize those services that meet the goals and successfully complete the recognition program. 

In addition to the required equipment, Perkasie volunteers must meet minimum personnel training requirements for rescue responses.  At the Advanced Level, the Department must provide two Basic Vehicle Rescue Technicians, at a minimum two Emergency Responders (can be cross-trained with the other required personnel cert’s) as well as two RIT personnel.

Perkasie Fire Company had to apply for the program through the PA DOH.  The process required many months of work by the Officers.  This included the application, documentation of training and certifications for all members, EVOC roster, scene control policy, mutual aid rescue agreement, DOT inspection documents as well as checklists for all equipment carried on Rescue 26.

The recognition certificate and apparatus decals will be presented to the Department at a Perkasie Borough Council meeting by representatives of the Bucks County Emergency Medical Services Council.  The recognition is valid for three (3) years.

The members of the Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 are very proud to meet the requirements to participate in the VRSR program.  They will continue to strive to provide the best possible rescue services to the community we protect.

The replacement Fire Police 26 vehicle is under fabrication at Guardian Fire Equipment, Harrisburg, PA.  The chassis is a diesel powered 2008 Ford F-550 4x4 onto which a 10 ft. PolyBilt body and 5kW hydraulic generator will be installed.  The four-door cab will have room to carry five (5) persons, and a body designed with roll-up doors for easy access to traffic control and scene safety equipment.  The rear of the body has reflective chevrons for personnel safety while working in traffic conditions.  The rear compartment will provide access to a roll-out tray containing traffic cones and other assorted equipment.

This unit will provide the fifteen (15) Fire Police Officers of the Department with the ability to support scene safety in service to the Fire and Police Departments in the area; and be self-sufficient while assisting at public service events.  When placed in service, it will replace a gas-powered Ford Van currently in use.  Delivery is anticipated in mid-March 2008.

On Saturday morning January 5, 2008 at 03:20 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 along with Sellersville FD Tanker 27 was dispatched to a reported dwelling fire in 3000 block of Hill Road, East Rockhill Township.  Battalion 76 (A. Wedman) confirmed police reports of heavy smoke in the area.  Chief 26 (D. Worthington) requested three (3) additional engines and three (3) additional tankers added to assignment.  Tower 18 was added for RIT.  Hill Road Command was established, and Engine 26 was directed to pull hand lines from an adjacent property driveway.  Tower 26 dropped 5” LDH from the intersection of N. Rockhill and Hill Roads, and was directed to perform ventilation on Side C and the roof.  Interior engine company and truck company personnel found the seat of the fire in the attic area above a vaulted living room ceiling.  Operations Division Chief Wedman requested additional manpower to assist with ventilation.  Command redirected Tower 18 to assist with roof ventilation, and have the RIT assignment replaced with Rescue 60.  Upon arrival, Squirt 18 pulled an additional hand line to backup interior crew.  Manpower Division Chief 27 (H. McElhare) requested additional personnel from Command.  Rescue 59 was added and directed to assist with salvage and overhaul on the interior.  Chemical 17 handled air cascade duties.  Battalion 27-1 (D. Wilson) directed water supply operations with Engine 27-1 at the tanker dump site.  Deputy 27 (D. Wagner) supervised tanker fill operations with Engine 17 at the Rockhill Quarry draft site.  Water movement on the incident was handled by Tanker’s 27, 58, 36 and Montco 72.  Grand View Hospital Medics stood-by on scene for rehabilitation services to the firefighters.  The incident was cleared at 0634 hours.

Due to working and functional smoke detectors, the homeowner’s family was able to awake from smoke filled conditions, evacuate and dial 911 from a neighboring residence.  Bucks County Fire Marshal 201 stated the cause of the fire to be related to hot fireplace ashes placed in an area adjacent to combustible materials at the rear of the residence

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 292

Total Number of Training Activities: 38

Year End Summary Statistics:

Apparatus and personnel responded to 292 requests; 43 of the incidents (14.71%) were fire related, 23 incidents (7.87%) were rescue/EMS related, 46 incidents (15.75%) were related to hazardous conditions, 87 incidents were service calls (29.79%), 47 incidents were good intent related (16.09%),43 incidents (14.72%) were false alarms and 3 incidents  (1.02%) were weather & natural disaster related.

Perkasie Borough had 101 incidents (34.58%), East Rockhill Township had 85 incidents (29.10%), and Hilltown Township had 18 incidents (6.16%) of the total call volume.  Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as West Rockhill Township with 26 incidents (8.90%), Quakertown Borough with 21 incidents (7.19%), and Dublin Borough with 7 incidents (2.39%) of the total call volume.

In total, the department staff provided 5,361 man-hours of service in response activity and training.