On Sunday evening May 31, 2009 at 21:44 hrs, Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 was dispatched for the odor of smoke outside a residence with an active alarm.  The call was initiated by two subjects passing by who heard the audible smoke detector and attempted to notify the occupants in the 1200 block of W. Park Avenue, Perkasie Borough.  Deputy 26 (Trotter) arrived on scene to smoke coming around the closed windows.  Engine 26 secured a water source from a hydrant at Parkridge Dr & Park Avenue into the scene.  The Engine Company forced entry to the front door along with a dry hose line and encountered heavy smoke conditions.  Chief 26 (Worthington) established Park Ave Command and requested the assignment filled out.  Tower 26 after nosing into Engine 26, was directed to force entry on Side C, which was later amended to establishing electric PPV to Side A entrance and handling ventilation.  Engine 26 crew, while searching for occupants, encountered an active flame under a pot of burnt food on the gas fired stove.  Park Avenue Command returned Tower 27, Engine 59 along with Tower 18 (RIT).  Engine 27-1 remained on location to assist Engine 26 with packing 5” LDH.  The Department remained on scene until 22:47 hrs ventilating the residence, securing the front entrance and awaiting the arrival of the property owner from an out of county location.

On Thursday evening May 21, 2009 at 19:18 hrs, Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 was dispatched for fuel on highway following a traffic accident at the entrance to the Pennridge High School complex.  Upon arrival, Deputy 26 (Trotter) directed Rescue 26 personnel to assess both vehicle operators and apply absorbent material to control the fluids on the roadway.  The batteries in both vehicles were disconnected prior to the arrival of the tow company.  At the conclusion of the incident, the Department was dispatched for gas fumes outside a residence in the 300 block of S. 9^th Street.  Rescue 26 monitored the atmosphere in the area of the exterior gas meter and inside the residence.  Results were negative and the Department was available at 20:08 hrs.
 

  
Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 would like to congratulate Deputy Chief Jason Trotter on his selection to attend the June 12-14, 2009 Train-the-Trainer program at the NASCAR R&D Center in Concord, North Carolina.  Upon completion of the Train-the-Trainer course, Deputy Chief Trotter’s full application and performance in the program will be considered in order to determine teaching status within the NASCAR program.  Most students are then paired with a current NASCAR Trainer as a mentor for a period of time to teach with and then are released to teach on their own.  This allows for additional experience, while having them as a resource as a new instructor becomes accustomed to the NASCAR training program and procedures.

On Saturday April 25, 2009, Rescue 26 participated with Bucks County Task Force 1 in the five county Southeastern PA Regional Fire Task Force (SEPARFTF) drill held at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.  Rescue 26 was dispatched for the drill and traveled to an announced point-of-departure in Ivyland to meet other selected task force apparatus and leaders.  Task Force 1 then traveled as a convoy to the Philadelphia Fire Academy to join with other Task Forces from Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.  This initial activation focused on radio interoperability between all counties.  In the afternoon, participants were instructed on the City of Philadelphia hydrant system.  Upon dismissal, the Task Force traveled back to Station 37 (Union Fire Co - Cornwalls) for a de-briefing.  Apparatus selected by the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association to participate in Task Force 1 are: Rescue 26 (selected as the engine with auto extrication capabilities), Engine 17 (Quakertown), Engine 24 (Plumsteadville), Engine 37 (Union), Quint 61 (Hilltown), Ladder 29 (Warrington) and Ladder 45 (Newtown).  The formation of the five-county SEPARFTF was a result of Department of Homeland Security funding for preparation planning of regional large scale disasters and catastrophic events.
 

Following the early morning garage fire on Saturday February 21, 2008, members of PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 spent the day testing and installing smoke detectors in Perkasie Borough and East Rockhill Township.  Assisted by Bucks County Chief Fire Marshal Nicholas Rafferty and his staff, firefighters knocked on 281 doors in both municipalities offering to inspect and test smoke detectors in private residences.  Lithium ten-year battery life smoke detectors were offered to those lacking functioning smoke detectors.  These detectors were obtained by the County Fire Marshal’s office through a federal FEMA grant under the program name “Operation Safe Home”.  In total, 126 free smoke detectors were installed by firefighters during the day, the most installed to date under the assistance of the FM’s office.

On Saturday morning February 21, 2008 at 07:30 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1  was dispatched to a reported garage fire in the 600 block of Rustic Drive, Perkasie Borough.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) confirmed the report with heavy smoke showing in a 20 x 20 detached garage.   Deputy 26 established Rustic Command and directed Engine 26 to pull hand lines to Side A and stretch a supply line to a nearby hydrant at Jefferson & Rustic Drives.  Upon confirmation of a working fire, Tower 18 was added for RIT by dispatch.  Tower 26 was ordered to use ground ladders and establish a ventilation hole at the roof ridge above the burn through in the roof on Side D.  Engine company personnel found the seat of the fire above a side entrance doorway with extension to the rafter and eaves in the attic area above.  Operations Division Chief A. Wedman (B76) directed Rescue 26 manpower to assist with salvage and overhaul.  Major shop equipment was removed and secured prior to the arrival of Engine 26 with the assistance of Perkasie Police Officers and the property owner.  Crews assisted the homeowner with tarping of ventilation holes at the close of the incident.  Fire cause investigation was handled by Bucks County Chief Fire Marshal FM 200 (N. Rafferty).  Engine 27-1 and Tower 27 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 08:50 hours.

Around 12:30 hrs on Friday January 23^rd, Rescue 26 was dispatched along with Grand View Medic 151 to a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of RT 313 and N.5^th Street, East Rockhill Twp.  Chief 26 (Worthington) arrived on scene to a four car accident on RT 313 west of N. 5^th Street.  Dispatch was notified that all persons were out of the vehicles, except one driver complaining of back pains.  Rescue 26 took a blocking position in front of oncoming traffic to protect personnel while controlling the fluids on the highway and securing vehicular hazards. Tac 76 responded to assist with vehicle hazards.  Fire Police 26 diverted traffic onto nearby roads around the accident scene while the tow company separated vehicles and removed them from the scene.

President Ed Boshell hands over the gavel to incoming President Roger A Jones at the January monthly meeting on Thursday January 8th, 2009. President Jones thanked past President Boshell for his 4 years of dedicated service as President of Perkasie Fire Company #1.

Rescue 26 was dispatched to a reported 2-vehicle roll-over accident at S. 9^th & W. Market Streets, Perkasie Boro on the afternoon of Friday January 9^th.  On arrival Battalion 76 (Wedman) advised no extrication was required on either vehicle, and due to the mechanism of injury, he requested the JeffStat air medical helicopter be placed on stand-by for one patient.  Upon assessment, GVH Medic 151 requested to have JeffStat2 fly to a landing zone established by Rescue 26 in an open area adjacent to First Saving Bank HQ in the 200 block of S. 9^th Street. Tac76 responded to the scene to secure both vehicle hazards.  Fire Police 26 directed traffic around the accident scene at the request of Perkasie PD.  All apparatus returned to quarters within the hour after general debris clean-up.

On Friday morning January 9, Station 26 was dispatched to an initial report of fire alarm activation at QNB Bank in the 600 block of W. Chestnut St., Perkasie Boro.  While enroute, Bucks Dispatch informed Chief 26 (Worthington) that the assignment was being upgraded for a fire reported on the roof.  This change brought 4 engines, 2 aerials and a RIT team on the first alarm response.  Engine 26 connected to the hydrant at 6^th & Chestnut, entered the two–story building from Side A to check for extension and insure all occupants had evacuated the building.  Tower 26 was directed to Side B to open the roof curbing and extinguish a small area fire.  Tower 27 placed their main to the roof on Side D.  Rescue 18 was added to the upgraded box assignment as the RIT team. All other incoming apparatus was directed to stage in the parking lot of Shelly & Sons.  Fire Police 26 rerouted traffic around the scene. The incident was placed under control within 30 minutes.  The fire was contained to a small area of roofing material with no extension to the roof decking below.  Perkasie PD assisted with securing the building entry points due to the incident occurring during normal bank operating hours. 

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 269

Total Number of Training Activities: 43

Year End Summary Statistics:

Apparatus and personnel responded to 269 requests; 37 of the incidents (13.91%) were fire related, 19 incidents (7.14%) were rescue/EMS related, 25 incidents (9.4%) were related to hazardous conditions, 97 incidents were service calls (36.47%), 42 incidents were good intent related (15.79%), and 45 incidents (16.92%) were false alarms.

Perkasie Borough had 94 incidents (35.34%), East Rockhill Township had 76 incidents (28.57%) and Hilltown Township had 18 incidents (6.77%) of the total call volume.  Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 13 incidents (4.89%) West Rockhill Township  with 8 incidents (3.01%), Quakertown Borough with 23 incidents (8.65%), Richland Township with 11 incidents (4.14%), and Dublin Borough  with 7 incidents (2.63%).

In total, the department staff provided 5,900 man-hours of service to the community in response activity and training.

On Saturday evening November 29^th, Station 26 was dispatched to an initial report of apartment fire alarm activation in Building G of the Shadywood Village Complex.  Chief 26 (Worthington) upon arriving on scene was advised by Dispatch that they were receiving reports of a smoke condition and had the assignment upgraded.  Upon initial investigation, Chief 26 encountered a heavy smoke condition in the hallway and witness reports of a kitchen fire.  Chief 26 established Shadywood Command.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) handled 1^st Floor Interior Operations from Side D exit.  Perkasie Borough PD assisted with evacuation of building occupants thru Side A exit.  Engine 26 company stretched a dry attack line to Side D exit door.  Utilizing a thermal imaging camera and a pressurized water extinguisher, interior crews knocked down fire which extended to adjacent kitchen cabinets.  Tower 26 company was directed to establish electric positive pressure ventilation to Side A exit to pressurize first level hallway and force smoke from fire unit to the exterior.  Engine 27-1 company was directed to assist Engine 26 with overhaul.  Tower 27 company was directed to assist Tower 26 with ventilation tasks, and to investigate potential smoke conditions on second level with Battalion 26 (Conway).  Rescue 18 was added to the upgraded box assignment as the RIT team.  The apartment occupant was transported to Grand View Hospital by Medic 151 for treatment.  Cause and determination of the fire in this Bucks County Housing Authority building was handled by Bucks County Fire Marshal Rafferty (FM 200). Food for on-scene personnel was donated by the Perkasie Domino’s pizza franchise in an adjacent center.

During the rainy conditions of Saturday evening November 15, 2008, the Bucks County Technical Rescue Task Force (BCTRTF) conducted their annual deployment drill.  Five (5) technical rescue trained firefighters and three (3) support firefighters participated with Tac 76 and the Technical Rescue Trailer (R97-26), joining Hilltown Twp. Fire Company (R97-60) and FDMT Rescue 18 as initial responder’s to an excavated trench rescue in the rear of Station 61.  The deployment drill required the full rescue and medical components of the BCTRTF.  As with a couple of our other deployment exercises, the Task Force was tested in worse case scenario weather situations, enduring a wet, muddy and dark adverse trench rescue operation.  Thanks to Hilltown Twp. Fire Company and Haines & Kibblehouse Construction for setting up this exercise!

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of its 2008 scholarship awards.  A total $25,500 was awarded to 32 first responders, the majority of whom are firefighters and company officers.  These motivated first responders are pursuing degrees and taking courses in Fire Science, Fire Service Administration and Management, Fire Protection and Fire Safety Engineering Technology, Arson Investigation, Public Affairs, Business, Public Safety and Public Administration, Paramedic training, Health Science and Emergency Medical Services, Public Safety Management, Executive and Organizational Leadership, Disaster Planning and Homeland Security.

Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 along with The IAFC Foundation wishes to congratulate scholarship winner Firefighter/EMT Erin Kostrubiak on her receipt of one of ten $1,000 volunteer awards for her pursuit of a Fire Science degree at the University of New Haven, CT.

On Saturday evening September 27, 2008, the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce will present several awards to outstanding people and businesses from the Pennridge Community at their Autumn Gala "An Evening of Elegance" to be held at the Indian Valley Country Club.  For thirty years, the Chamber has presented awards to highlight the individuals and businesses who willingly give of themselves to make this community a better place.  Nominations for these prestigious awards were submitted and presented to the Board of Directors.  Although the decision is never easy, recipients were chosen in four (4) different categories: Pennridge Arts award, James Hackett Memorial Good Neighbor award,  Business Achievement award and the Frank R. Kulp award.

 The Frank R. Kulp Memorial Award which is given to an individual in the area whose talents, abilities and dedication to their personal goals in their chosen field of endeavor has enriched the lives of everyone in the area.  Perkasie Fire Company Chief David Worthington was chosen as the 2008 recipient of this honor.  Chief Worthington has been a member of the Department since 1988, working his way up and then attaining the rank of Chief in 2004.  He has over thirty-two (32) years of experience in the fire service.

 Chief Worthington has implemented many changes that moved the Department toward the future, and provided better protection to the members and the Pennridge Community as a whole.  On a limited budget, he was able to secure funding to purchase a new aerial truck.  He also worked with a Volunteer Financial Services in restructuring the Department budget.  This allowed for the replacement of breathing apparatus equipment, and obtaining a new 2008 vehicle for the Fire Police.  He has actively pursued local and municipal grants to replace and upgrade equipment.  He has also worked closely with District Justice Charles Baum, putting together a program for youth offenders to perform community service, while giving them a strong role model to emulate.  Chief Worthington also is the Financial Secretary for the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Fire Fighters Association, which is responsible for establishing county-wide guidelines, rules and regulations.  His work ethic and standards are an inspiration to many.

While the NASCAR drivers on the track, three (3) of Perkasie’s officers are there to assist when trouble occurs at both Dover International Speedway – “The Monster Mile” and Pocono Raceway.  Chief Timothy Metzler, Deputy Chief Jason Trotter and Battalion Chief Andy Wedman were selected as part of the many fire-rescue protection personnel that support race functions at each track.  Whenever the NASCAR drivers are on the track, whether the Craftsman Truck Series or the Sprint Cup stars, they monitor race action ready to assist when unexpected trouble occurs either in the pit stalls or in a Crash Truck response.  The vehicle rescue training they received and practice here is used to protect the stars and teams of NASCAR. 

Congratulations to Chief Metzler, who was recently selected to participate in NASCAR’s Train-the-Trainer program as one of four representatives of Pocono Raceway.  This specialized program will be held in New Hampshire at the end of October.  Congratulations Chief!
 

 
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.