Current News

Photos by Perkasie FD Photographer James Wielgus
and Trevose FD Photographer Jaime Lee Monreal

On Sunday May 5, 2013, Rescue 26 traveled with the Bucks County Regional Fire Task Force to the Boeing facility in Delaware County to conduct their annual training with the balance of the Southeastern PA Fire Task Force (comprised of apparatus from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties).

Rescue 26, Rescue 4, Engine 17, Tower 18 and Ladder 29 were assigned to report to the PHL International Training Facility to participate in a scenario based upon mid-air collision between two aircraft, relieving Delaware County Station 48 (Tinicum Twp).

Photo by Perkasie FD Photographer Stephanie Ferrara

At 15:33 hrs. on April 21, 2013, Engine 26 was dispatched to assist Station 23 (Dublin) with confirmed fire in multiple storage units at the 313 Self Storage center in Hilltown Township. Dublin Command directed Engine 26 to become the draft Engine from the Porta-Ponds established along RT 313 in front of the fenced facility. Later in the incident, Engine 76 and Rescue 26 were added for additional manpower. Traffic 26 was on scene to aid with vehicular traffic diversion around the area. In total, 27 personnel responded to request for assistance. All apparatus cleared the incident at 19:05 hrs.

Photo by Perkasie FD Photographer Stephanie Ferrara

At 13:27 hrs. on April 9, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to report of dwelling fire at a residence in the 300 block of Three Mile Run Road in East Rockhill Twp.  Dispatch reported the call was from a child, who said mother ran back inside residence to find baby.  Pennridge Regional PD arrived on scene and reported everyone okay, and knocked fire with an extinguisher.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived on scene, reported smoke showing and established Three Mile Run Command.  Command directed Engine 26 to extinguish fire and connect to hydrant across from fire scene.  Command reported fire contained to garage with no extension to residence.  Grand View Hospital EMS stood-by on scene while personnel in garage.  Traffic 26 and Fire Police Officers diverted traffic around the incident scene.

Picture shows from left to right top to bottom: 1st FP Lt. James Cash, FPO James Pruitt, FPO James Fitzpatrick, 2nd FP Lt. Chris Petit Sr. FPO Jennifer Pruitt,
Instructor Jeff Fuerer, FPO Kathy White

On March 16 & 17, 2013, six members of the Perkasie Fire Police successfully completed a sixteen hour Advanced Fire Police training class at the Bucks County Public Safety Training center in Doylestown, PA.The course broadened their skills on all phases of Fire Police operations, providing them additional knowledge to better perform at fire, accident, police situations and community events.

During the month of March, Perkasie Borough Mayor John Hollenbach presented to Chief Worthington and PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1, the gold border decals recognizing the Department as meeting the 100% level in the State Fire Commissioner’s Participating Department Recognition Program. Perkasie FD is the 56th department in Pennsylvania to obtain the highest level of recognition.

The Commonwealth program recognizes emergency responders that have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

L to R: Life Member Jeff Schoeller, Fire Chief J. David Worthington, Police Chief Gura, and President Roger Jones

L to R: Vice President Leif Loheide and President Roger Jones

L to R: Fire Chief J. David Worthington, William E. Baringer, and President Roger Jones

L to R: Battalion Chief Andrew Wedman, President Roger Jones, and Chief J. David Worthington

The Perkasie Fire Company held it’s annual banquet on Saturday evening March 2nd. The department recognized retiring Chief of the Perkasie Police Department Joseph Gura on his 32 years as a police officer with the Perkasie Borough and 8 years as the Chief of the force. Chief Gura was recognized for his devotion, dedication, and hard work within the Pennridge Community and his assistance with the Perkasie Fire Company. In the first picture above are Life Member and Master of Ceremony Jeff Schoeller, Fire Chief J. David Worthington, Police Chief Gura, and President Roger Jones.

President Roger Jones also recognized Leif Loheide for his service and dedication as Vice President of the Fire Company for the past 4 years. In the second picture above are from left retiring Vice President Leif Loheide and President Roger Jones.

The William E. Baringer Distinguished Service Award was established this year. This is a new award, however long overdue. The award recognizes both past and current talents, with an ongoing commitment over the years to the betterment of the Perkasie Fire Company #1, with notable and numerous accomplishments. This award will be presented annually provided a worthy candidate meets the eligibility requirements. The candidate must be a life member of 15 years or greater and be an active life member. The award is chosen by the current Chief and President of the Perkasie Fire Company #1. Mr. Baringer was chosen for this award because he is the oldest active member, and is the epitome of service and dedication to the department. In the third picture above are Fire Chief J. David Worthington, William E. Baringer, Award recipient and President Roger Jones.

Years of Service Pins were presented to two Life Members this year. In the last picture above are Battalion Chief Andrew Wedman with 25 years of service, President Roger Jones, and Chief J. David Worthington with 25 years of service.

Each year the department also recognizes one of its business partners for ongoing and continued valuable support. This year the fire company recognized American Heritage Federal Credit Union for their ongoing support of the fire company. American Heritage was even gracious enough to present the fire company with a contribution at the function.

Others within the department received activity awards for points during the year. This consisted of golf shirts for those worthy individuals. Other honored guests in attendance were representatives from Perkasie Borough and Perkasie Police Department. As well as the Bucks County Fire Marshall’s Office, Dublin Fire Company, Haycock Fire Company, Quakertown Fire Company, as well the Sellersville Fire Company. The Hilltown Fire Company provided a stand by crew and The West End Fire Company provided table bus service and dishwashers.

At 21:11 hrs. on Tuesday February 19, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPNAY No. 1 was dispatched to report of chimney fire at a dwelling in the 700 block of E. Rockhill Road in East Rockhill Twp. Battalion 76 (Wedman) reported a 3-story 50’ x 20’ single family dwelling with an active chimney fire. Deputy 26 (Trotter) assumed Incident Command, while Chief 26 (Worthington) handled Operations. Command directed Tower 26 to back into driveway and extend platform to center of roof. Battalion 76 requested Engine 76 company to the first floor interior to remove the fireplace insert and associated ductwork. Command directed Engine 26 company to split crew and monitor wall temperatures on 2nd & 3rd floors with extra personnel assisting Engine 76 company. Tanker 72 (Tylersport) stretched a dry 5” hose to Tower 26. After clearing two (2) blockages in chimney temperatures returned to normal levels with no extension to the structure. St. Luke’s – Quakertown EMS stood-by on scene while personnel worked in off ladders. Traffic 26 and Fire Police Officers diverted traffic around the incident scene.

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 along with 170 other Fire Departments in the Tri-State area participated in this the 21st annual WPVI Operation 6 Save- A-Life Smoke Detector program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. President Roger Jones and FF/EMT Patti Kostrubiak received ten (10) cases of free smoke detectors with 10-year lithium batteries for distribution in the community.

This generous allotment was made possible thru a donation by Channel 6 ABC, Home Depot, Tri-State Toyota and Kidde Corp. who have provided smoke detectors to Tri-State area departments. Over 10,000 smoke detectors were distributed and a half a million detectors have been distributed since Operation 6 Save- A-Life began 21 years ago. Present at the distribution were Philadelphia Deputy Chief Derrick Sawyer along with 6ABC Reporters Karen Rogers and Eva Pilgrim.

For more information about the free smoke detector program please go to www.6abc.com. If you live in within Perkasie Borough or East Rockhill Township and cannot afford a working smoke detector or would like to have a smoke detector installed, please leave a message on our Station voicemail at (215) 453-2166 or e-mail our Public Information Officer at the link above with your request.

In the early moringin hours at 05:28 hrs on Sunday January 27, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a chimney fire reported by the homeowner in the first block of Blue Rock Drive in East Rockhill Twp. Chief 26 (Worthington) directed Engine 76 to enter residence to clean fire box and move wood stove. Engine 26 was instructed to throw ground ladder to chimney on Delta side and drop chains. Battalion 76 (Wedman) handled fire ground operations between interior and Roof divisions. Tower 26 assisted Engine 76 with floor runners and clearing ash debris. Department cleared the scene in 50 minutes. Traffic 26 secured private vehicle access into scene.

At 09:21 hrs on Thursday January 25, 2013, Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a reported building fire with smoke filled second floor in the 1000 block of Old Bethlehem Pike in West Rockhill Twp. Battalion 26 (Boshell) was first on scene and established Command and directed incoming apparatus. Rescue 26 was instructed to search the 2nd and 3rd floors for occupants. After completion of task, Rescue Company assisted with ventilation of structure from malfunctioning oil-fired heater. Traffic 26 again joined efforts with directing traffic around the area roads during the incident.

At 17:08 hrs on Tuesday January 22, 2013, Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a barn fire reported by neighbors in the 100 block of Haflers Road in West Rockhill Twp. Chief 26 (Worthington) reported a large column of smoke visible one mile out and requested a Tanker Task Force be dispatched. Assistant 27 (McDonald) arrived on scene ahead of Chief 26 and established Sellersville Command. Chief 26 handled fire ground operations. Tower 26 backed onto the property driveway, and after water supply was established utilized elevated master streams. Rescue 26 and Engine 26 were added to the assignment for additional manpower and equipment. Rescue 26 secured electrical service from the residence to the detached building and back-up generator, allowing firefighters to continue suppression on the metal sided wood frame building. Battalion 76 (Wedman) assisted Assistant 27 in the Command Post handling fire ground communications. Traffic 26 joined efforts with directing traffic around the area roads during water relay operations.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 314
Total Number of Training Activities: 48

Year End Summary Statistics: Apparatus and personnel responded to 314 requests; 38 of the incidents (12.10%) were fire related, 1 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.31%), 42 incidents (13.37%) were rescue/EMS related, 41 incidents (13.05%) were related to hazardous conditions, 104 incidents were service calls (33.12%), 48 incidents were good intent related (15.28%), 38 incidents (12.10%) were false alarms, and 2 incidents were special type (0.63%). Perkasie Borough had 127 incidents (40.44%), East Rockhill Township had 67 incidents (21.33%) and Hilltown Township had 8 incidents (2.54%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 26 incidents (8.28%), West Rockhill Township with 25 incidents (7.96%), Quakertown Borough with 17 incidents (5.41%), Richland Township with 7 incidents (2.22%), Silverdale Boro with 3 incidents (0.95%), Tinicum Township with 4 incidents (1.27%), and Dublin Borough with 10 incidents (3.18%). In total, the department staff provided 8,395 man-hours of service in response activity and training.