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.
Friends Of Joseph
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 29th, 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 2nd.
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.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
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!
PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY RECEIVES
ADVANCED DOH RESCUE RECOGNITION
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.
SMOKE
DETECTORS SAVE LIVES
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
YEAR
END REPORT 2007
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.
HOLIDAY GIFT
Since
replacing their old SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus)
with new equipment, the members of the Perkasie Firemen’s Relief
Association voted to offer the excess equipment to a needy Fire
Department in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. After contacting State
Fire Commissioner Edward Mann, an email was sent out to organizations
across the State. Numerous inquiries were received, and a decision was
made transfer the assets to Marion Township Volunteer Fire Company of
Boyers (near Slippery Rock), Butler County, PA.
www.mtvfd31.com
MTVFC
Assistant Chief Ryan Enscoe and two members drove six (6) hours to
accept the equipment just prior to Christmas Day. The donated equipment
will replace low pressure 2216 SCBA with hip-mounted regulators. Chief
Enscoe commented they were surprised at the generosity, and also
condition of the equipment they received. They look forward to the
newer technology and the ability to use high pressure SCBA similar to
their mutual aid departments on their 100 calls to service each year.
BUSY
WEEK FOR VOLUNTEERS
The
last several weeks have been active for the firefighters on RESCUE 26.
Calls for assistance to area Departments have kept the apparatus wheels
moving. Requests for RIT qualified personnel, mutual-aid assistance
and move-ups to cover other Stations had the combination rescue/pumper
on the road traveling across upper Bucks County and even to Red Hill,
Montgomery County. Rescue 26 was on-scene to assist with a seven (7)
vehicle accident scene on NB RT309 By-Pass in West Rockhill Township.
Recent wintry weather conditions had personnel performing auto
extrications and responding to numerous downed electric wires in the
Perkasie Borough, East Rockhill and Hilltown Townships.
“RIT
can be defined as a Rapid Intervention Team where qualified firefighters
stand-by outside in full protective equipment with various tools ready
to rescue other firefighters that are working in a hazardous atmosphere;
is the result of a series of incidents where fire fighters became lost,
trapped, or disoriented while fighting a structure fire without a RIT
present.”
In Loving Memory of PAST
CHIEF KENNETH R. BARNDT
Chief Kenneth R.
Barndt was a Life Member since 1966 of the Department. He served as a
Foreman, Assistant Chief, Chief and Vice President over the years. He
was the Fire Chief in charge of Perkasie’s “Great Fire of ‘88”. Chief
Barndt also volunteered with the Perkasie Fire Co. Ambulance. He was a
member of the Brunna Butzers organization. He was also a life member of
the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association; and also the
Keystone State Fire Chiefs Association. He took the first EMT class
offered in Bucks County. He also served as Perkasie Borough’s “Santa
Claus” for many years. He always looked forwarded to joining with
friends at the Department’s annual Old-Timers Banquet each fall. He was
proud to have both his daughter Patti A. Kostrubiak and grand-daughter
Erin Kostrubiak join the Department and become full Active members upon
passing their IFSAC Firefighter 1 certification.
BUS
RESCUE PRACTICES
In an effort to keep current
with the latest rescue practices, firefighters and EMT’s from PERKASIE
FIRE COMPANY No. 1 practiced extrication techniques on a school bus
donated by Wilcox Recycling. Instructors from the Bucks County Public
Safety Center taught the Department current heavy rescue practices.
The Pennridge School District bus transportation center, two (2)
elementary, two (2) middle schools and the high school are located
within the Department’s first-due area. Rescue 18 (West End –
Quakertown), Rescue 23 (Dublin) and MCI-3 (St. Lukes – Quakertown)
joined in mutual-aid training evolutions involving participant victims.
NEW SCBA
IN SERVICE
This summer, PERKASIE
FIRE COMPANY No. 1 replaced their 15 year old SCBA (self contained
breathing apparatus) with 32 new sets. The new MSA Fire Hawk air packs
were purchased from Breathe Safe Air Systems, Inc. of Warrington,
Pennsylvania.
"On behalf of
Breathe Safe Air Systems and MSA, we would like to thank the Perkasie
Fire Department for their continued support to the community.", said
Michael Oglialoro, Sales Manager for Breathe Safe. He continued, "The
planning, research, and purchase of new self contained breathing
apparatus shows the fire company's commitment to life saving equipment
and their commitment to serving the community. The members of Perkasie
Fire Department should be proud and commended for their efforts and
interest in safety."
A major reason for
SCBA replacement was due to the result of expiring air cylinder life.
An increasing number of the Department's cylinders were expiring due to
hydrostatic age and could no longer be used for service, which is a
standard set by the US Department of Transportation. The new SCBA are
among the finest on the market and offer remarkable upgrades in
technology and safety. The new packs are compliant with current 2002
NFPA standards, will receive free upgrades to new 2007 NFPA-1981
standards.
Some of the latest
technology include a heads up display in the facemask that indicates the
air level that remains in the cylinder, a PASS device which is a safety
alarm system that monitors movement of the firefighter wearing the air
pack and responds to inactivity, and a buddy breathing system that can
be used when a fire fighter runs low or out of air. Each of the
Perkasie firefighters has been fit tested for their own personal face
piece. As firefighters don the packs, they will now have their own
facemask ensuring a good fit each and every time.
The Department also received a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) air supply
unit that can be carried to a fallen firefighter that may only have a
limited air supply.
LANDING GEAR MALFUNCTION
On Saturday August 8 at 10:23 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was
dispatched for a special assignment on Box 76-28 at the Pennridge
Airport. Airport management stated that the pilot of a Skydive
Philadelphia aircraft reported a problem with the landing gear on a twin
engine Beechcraft King Air. The pilot landed the aircraft on the
runway, performed emergency shutdown procedures and successfully exited
the aircraft. Upon arrival, Battalion 76 (A. Wedman) directed Rescue 26
and Engine 26 to positions at each end of the 4215 ft. runway to signify
the airport was closed to incoming traffic. One of the engines
continued to run with the propeller clearing the runway surface by 2”.
The engine continued to run for 2-1/2 hours until the propeller stopped
spinning. Battalion 26 (J. Conway) was in contact with both airport and
aircraft owner, Cabair, mechanics regarding requirements to lift and
lock landing gear. Rescue crews utilized multiple Hurst air bags to
lift and crib aircraft until onsite aircraft mechanics could manually
lower and lock the landing gear. The incident was cleared at 16:07 hrs.
2007
Burpee Emergency Service Award
Pictured in the photo from left to right are: President Edward J.
Boshell, Chief J. David Worthington, Safety Officer Kathleen Reutlinger
and PA Representative Paul Clymer
A prestigious honor
was bestowed upon Kathleen Reutlinger as she was presented with a 2007
Burpee Emergency Services Award on October 28, 2007 at the Spring Mill
Manor Country Club. The annual award program is hosted the Central
Bucks and Pennridge Chambers of Commerce. Safety Officer Reutlinger was
recognized for her service to the PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 as
Chairperson for the Tower 26 Housing Celebration. She was presented
individual citations from U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy, PA State
Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr., and PA State Representative Paul
Clymer recognizing her achievements
AANNUAL
LADDER CERTIFICATION COMPLETED
Due to the nature of fire emergencies, firefighters make more severe
demands upon their ground ladders than any other piece of equipment.
Technicians from Aerial Testing, Lebanon, PA were at the Borough Station
recently to
help ensure that the ladders we use will be safe, reliable, and perform
as needed.
Tests were performed
to the guidelines established by the NFPA 1932 Standard "Use,
Maintenance, and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders"
to test our fire departments' aluminum ground ladders:
·Visual
Inspections
·
Horizontal Bending Test
·Roof
Hook Test
·
Hardware Test
·
Hardness Test
They also performed an inspection on Tower 26. The aerial device was
examined for compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines along with
the National Fire Protection Association standards NFPA1901 & 1914 for
such things as:
·
Outriggers and Controls
·
Turntables and Controls
·
Platforms and Controls
·Ladder
Section Components
·Boom
Components
·
Complete Hydraulic Systems
·
Interlock and Safety Systems
This
testing is performed annually for the safety of the Firefighters, and to
reduce the cost of insurance premiums. A certificate documenting the
inspection of each ladder will be forwarded along with any maintenance
recommendations.
FEMALE
FIREFIGHTERS RECOGNIZED
All active female firefighters from Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 recently
gathered for a group photo in front of Tower 26 to remember past
Firefighter Deborah Sowers, who was the first woman to join in 1977.
Pictured from left to right are Firefighter Patti Kostrubiak,
Firefighter Erin Kostrubiak, Safety Officer 26 Angela Kelly, Safety
Officer 76 Kathy Reutlinger, Lt. Holly Becker and Firefighter Sandy
Schaller.
All of these women have passed the NFPA standards for Fire
Service Professional Qualifications and are certified by the
International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). Safety
Officer’s Kelly and Reutlinger both hold Fire Instructor I & II
certification besides their Health & Safety Officer qualifications.
They participate along with Lt. Becker on the Bucks County Technical
Rescue Task Force.
New
Command Vehicle Placed In Service
PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY
No. 1 recently placed in service a new command vehicle. The 2007 Ford
Expedition XLT was purchased with Pennsylvania Department of Community
and Economic Developments funds secured with the assistance of PA State
Representative Paul Clymer. Shown above are Fleet & Leasing Consultant
Chris Batori of Faulkner-Ciocca Ford Mercury, Quakertown, PA handing the
keys to Chief Worthington. Emergency warning lights, communication
equipment and reflective striping were installed by Concours Automotive,
Ambler, PA. This vehicle will replace a high mileage 1992 GMC truck
presently in use by Battalion 26.
NFPA Recognition
PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY
No. 1 has been recognized by the Office of the PA State Fire
Commissioner as an organization that supports, promotes and encourages
their emergency response personnel to voluntarily be recognized as a
certified fire professional in accordance with nationally recognized and
sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The NFPA standards for
Fire Service Professional Qualifications identify the minimum
requirements for a person. A person
certified to one of the Fire Service Professional levels will
have demonstrated competency in the knowledge and skills required to
perform at a particular level. The service that can be offered to the
citizens and community is enhanced by the professional competency
attained through this certification process.
In
receiving Silver recognition, the total number Certified Personnel must
be equal to or greater than 75 percent (75%) of the number of members
listed on the Department Active Member Roster. Special recognition was
presented to PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 by the Office of the PA State
Fire Commissioner by way of silver trimmed decals which will be proudly
displayed on Department apparatus.
Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Two
Perkasie firefighters who died in the line of duty in 1926 were honored
at the Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on October 8th
at 10 a.m. in the courtyard of the Bucks County Courthouse, 55 E. Court
St., Doylestown, PA
Jacob
C. Crouthamel and Willis Sames were both firefighters with the Perkasie
Fire Company when they were killed in the line of duty April 1, 1926. A
drill was being held at the Bush Hotel in Quakertown by the Bucks County
Fire Marshal to test the Quakertown water system. Seven companies,
including Perkasie, were to respond. At 7:45 p.m., as Perkasie Fire
Company's 1919 Seagrave pumper truck was en route to the drill, a car
blocked the roadway and did not move out of the way of the truck even
when sirens were sounded. As the fire truck swerved to pass around the
car, the back wheel of the truck sunk into the shoulder of the road,
which had been softened by rain. led to the injury of 16 firemen who
were hurled from the truck. Sames and Crouthamel were crushed between
the side ladder of the truck and the telephone pole as the truck
swerved. Crouthamel, 42, was a borough councilman and clothing
manufacturer in Perkasie and died instantly from a skull fracture and
crushed chest. Sames, 26, died two hours later at the Quakertown
Hospital from a skull fracture, crushed chest and broken arm. Ralph
Schlich, 25, the driver of the car that did not yield to the truck, was
found guilty and charged the maximum fine of $25.
Now, over 80 years later, the two firefighters' names were added to the
memorial in Doylestown; and the two men were honored posthumously at the
memorial service, which occurs annually. The ceremony is held the same
day as the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service, which is held
in Emmitsburg, Md., and honors all fallen firefighters across the
nation. In addition, the Bucks County service is a chance for those who
cannot travel to the national service to honor the fallen heroes closer
to home. The first fallen firefighter recorded on the memorial is
Walter L. Moore, a foreman with the Bristol Fire Company who died in
1915 when a train hit the fire truck as it was en route to extinguish
houseboat fires on the Delaware River. The two fallen firefighters from
Perkasie in 1926 will become the second and third recorded deaths on the
memorial, which includes a total of 21 names.
(Text taken from news
article written by Reporter Emily Morris – Perkasie News-Herald on
October 4, 2006)
ISO Review
PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 and Insurance Services Office, Inc. recently
completed a Public Protection Classification survey of the Borough of
Perkasie. The Borough received an improved Class 4 rating. This means
that PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 is now one of only 145 Fire Departments
in the State of Pennsylvania to obtain this classification. This highest
classification an all volunteer department can achieve is a Class 3
rating. National statistics show that only 10.3% of the communities
surveyed received a classification of 4 or better. Residents within the
Borough may see a property insurance savings if their property insurer
recognizes by this improved score. The specific reduction varies
between insurance companies, and residents should contact their
insurance carrier for further details. In the letter from the ISO to
the Borough Manager, they wished to congratulate the Borough for their
commitment to serve the needs of the community property owners and
residents.
FIRE TRUCK PURCHASE
Perkasie
Fire Company Purchases New Pierce Custom -Four Door 100 Foot Aerial
Platform Truck. To replace the current Tower 26
Ridge Road Fire - March 18, 2006
Fire Call: Ridge Rd, East
Rockhill
Type of Call: Fire in the basement.
Time of call: 12:07 PM
Details:
Perkasie Fire Company's station 26 and East
Rockhill Station 76, along with Sellersville, Silverdale, Dublin,
Telford, Quakertown #1, and Quakertown West End fire departments,
Perkasie EMS, and St Luke's EMS were called to Ridge Road for what
started out as a fire in the basement of a 2 1/2 story home. Fire
quickly spread in the home from the basement to the first floor and the
rest of the house before it was brought under control a few hours later.
Thankfully the family was not home at the time. East Rockhill
Emergency Management was called because the house needed to be torn down
due to heavy structural damage and potential collapse.
Perkasie's Ladder truck fought the fire from
above while several teams utilized hand lines from different access
points around the building.
North Penn Goodwill was called to nourish the
75 or so firefighters, EMTs, and support personnel that were on the
scene from around noon until after 6 PM. The Red Cross was also called
to assist with the family's temporary housing and clothing needs.
The fire was turned over to the Fire Marshal
Nick Rafferty and the State Police for investigation.
PERKASIE FIRE
COMPANY PHOTO DAY
Date:
5/30/05
The members of the Perkasie Fire Company gathered for a
photo shoot at the site of the covered bridge in LenapePark. Group pictures
of the company were taken, along with individual pictures of our
apparatus. Some of the pictures from this day appear below, and the
apparatus photos can be viewed on the apparatus page.