On Saturday morning  February 4, 2012, Engine 76 and Engine 27 will be escorting one of our own, Firefighter Gregory M. Nyce from his Fort Dix, NJ discharge point to his residence in Perkasie.  Firefighter Nyce has just completed his first 12 month tour of duty in Afghanistan as part of the Army Reserves forces.  Welcome home Soldier and thanks for your service!

  
Total Number of Incidents for Year: 319

Total Number of Training Activities: 51

Year End Summary Statistics:

Apparatus and personnel responded to 319 requests; 27 of the incidents (8.46%) were fire related, 2 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.62%), 43 incidents (13.47%) were rescue/EMS related, 66 incidents (20.68%) were related to hazardous conditions, 92 incidents were service calls (28.84%), 44 incidents were good intent related (13.79%), and 45 incidents (14.10%) were false alarms.

Perkasie Borough had 128 incidents (40.12%), East Rockhill Township had 91 incidents (28.52%) and Hilltown Township had 22 incidents (6.89%) of the total call volume.  Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 15 incidents (4.70%), West Rockhill Township with 28 incidents (8.77%), Quakertown Borough with 10 incidents (3.13%), Richland Township with 7 incidents (2.19%), Silverdale Boro with 0 incidents (0.00%), Bedminster Township with 5 incidents (1.56%), and Dublin Borough with 3 incidents (0.94%).

In total, the department staff provided 6,606 man-hours of service in response activity and training.

  


At 21:36 hrs on Tuesday December 13, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to the report of 2^nd floor bedroom on fire with a bedridden person inside in the 1300 block of Meadow Lane in East Rockhill Township.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) arrived first on scene within three (3) minutes of dispatch and entered the dwelling to investigate.  He reported to Chief 26 (Worthington) that the fire was an electrical outlet arcing in a different bedroom, and that a smoke condition did not exist.  Chief 26 directed Engine 26 Company to take a thermal imaging camera and tool box inside.  Deputy 26 (Trotter) assisted by identifying circuits at the electrical distribution panel.  Engine 76 Company was directed to handle portable lighting as power to the residence was planned to be disabled.  Tower 26 and Tac 76 staged on street.  Command asked for Grand View Hospital Medics 151 to enter the residence to check the medical condition of the person.  The involved electrical circuit was disabled.  The gypsum wall was opened up around the duplex outlet, the wires were capped and secured.  Traffic 26 diverted vehicles around the fire scene.  The Department cleared the scene at 22:11 hrs.
 

  
SAFETY TIPS

• Have your home heating systems (including chimneys and vents) inspected and serviced annually by a trained service technician.
• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, far away from the home.
• Never bring a charcoal grill into the house for heating or cooking. Do not barbeque in the garage.
• Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
• Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup in your home outside separate sleeping areas.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If you suspect CO poisoning, get outside to fresh air immediately, and then call 911.

KNOW THE SYMPTONS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

• Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, people may not know that they are being exposed. The initial symptoms of low to moderate CO poisoning are similar to the flu (but without the fever). They include:
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
• High level CO poisoning results in progressively more severe symptoms, including:
  • Mental confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of muscular coordination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Ultimately death

Symptom severity is related to both the CO level and the duration of exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants and/or physicians can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning symptoms for the flu, which sometimes results in tragic deaths. For rapidly developing, high level CO exposures (e.g., associated with use of generators in residential spaces), victims can rapidly become mentally confused, and can lose muscle control without having first experienced milder symptoms; they will likely die if not rescued.

  A very prestigious honor was bestowed upon J.David Worthington as he was presented with the 2011 Burpee Emergency Services Award on Sunday October 23^rd 2011 at the Spring Mill Manor Country Club. The annual award program is hosted by the Pennridge and Central Bucks Chambers of Commerce.

 Chief Worthington was recognized for his service to the Perkasie Fire Company No.1 as a goal oriented leader. Working tirelessly as a financial advisor, and heavily involved with new equipment, and vehicle purchases as Chief over the past seven years.

 Dave was also recognized with developing long term relationships with Perkasie Borough and East Rockhill Township. Also with implementing a community service program for juveniles with the Perkasie Police Department and District Judge Charles Baum.

 He was presented with individual citations from U.S. Representative Michael G. Fitzpatrick, PA State Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr. and PA State Representative Paul I. Clymer recognizing his achievements.  

 Pictured in the photo from left to right are: PA State Representative Paul Clymer and Chief Worthington.
 

Two Perkasie firefighters who died in the line of duty in 1926 were remembered by Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 at the Bucks County Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday October 2nd. Jacob C. Crouthamel and Willis Sames were both firefighters with the Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 when they were killed in the line of duty April 1, 1926 while traveling to a call in Quakertown Boro. The service honors all fallen firefighters across the Nation and Commonwealth, and is similar to the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service which is held in Emmitsburg, MD. 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 in route to extinguish houseboat fires on the Delaware River. The two fallen firefighters from Perkasie in 1926 are the second and third recorded deaths on the memorial, which includes a total of 22 names. Due to the training and safety awareness of firefighters in Bucks County, fortunately no additional names were added this year.  The Memorial Service was conducted by the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association along with the Bucks County Commissioners.
 

On Friday September 30, 2011 at 14:03 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a Small Plane Crash assignment on Box 76-28 at the Pennridge Airport. The call in the Dispatch Center reported that an airplane came into the airport with landing gear collapsed.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived on location and recognized the aircraft as the twin engine Beechcraft King Air operated by Skydive Philadelphia. The pilot landed the aircraft on the runway, performed shutdown procedures and successfully exited the aircraft. After investigation, Battalion 26 held the assignment to Rescue 26 at 14:09 hrs.  Rescue 26 was directed to contain the fluids on the runway under each stopped engine with oil absorbent material.  Bucks County 911 Center notified the FAA of the crash and reported an one (1) hour response time to the scene for a field investigator.  Battalion 26 cleared all apparatus at 14:21 hrs. while awaiting arrival of the FAA.

  
The purpose of the Voluntary Rescue Service Recognition (VRSR) program in Pennsylvania is to provide statewide standards of rescue service equipment, personnel training and staffing, communications, reporting, and operations.  In 2008, Rescue 26 was certified at the highest level – “Advanced”.  Every three (3) years apparatus must be re-inspected by representatives of the PA Dept. of Health Bureau Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to reaffirm compliance.  Captain 26 (Reutlinger) handled the re-inspection process and announces an extension of our certification.  Rescue 26 remains the only Rescue Company in Bucks County to meet the state wide standards.

Recognition by the State EMS Department means that a Rescue Service has met the requirements defined by the program, deserving the privilege of displaying the “Seal of Recognition” decal.  When a rescue vehicle displays the voluntary recognition decal, it guarantees to the community it serves:  a) that the rescue service met the standards of the guidelines at the time of inspection, b) that on each emergency response call, there are an  appropriate minimum number of rescue and medical personnel, and  they have the appropriate rescue tools and equipment to safely and effectively perform a rescue.

Click here for more information. 
 

At 11:40 hrs on Monday August 15, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a homeowners report of smoke in basement in the area of 2500 block of Hill Road in East Rockhill Township.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) arrived first on scene and reported smoke showing from single story residence.  Battalion 76 established Hill Road Command.  Engine 26 was advised to proceed down the narrow driveway and pull an attack hand line to Bravo Side to make entry thru a Bilco door to the basement.  As the second in apparatus, Squirt 18 (West End) was directed to drop 5” LDH down the driveway. Tanker 27 (Sellersville) staged on the roadway, prepared to fill the supply line when directed by Command.  Chief 26 (Worthington) handled Operations and Chief 87 (Wilhelm) had control of First Floor.  Squirt 18 Company made entry into the kitchen area checking appliances above the suspected fire area.  Engine 26 Company forced the Bilco door and encountered medium smoke conditions.  Personnel located the fire source and knocked down with a pressurized water extinguisher.  Negative mechanical ventilation was established in the Bilco doorway to evacuate the basement level smoke.  Squirt 18 Company established positive pressure ventilation thru the main entry door on Alpha side, and proceeded to ventilate each room of the dwelling.  Tower 26 personnel aided with ventilation.  Engine 26 Company used the charged hand line to lightly wet down the adjacent wood stud wall and floor joists above fire area, checking progress with a thermal imaging camera.  Responsibility for RIT was handled by Rescue 60 (Hilltown), who after the incident was placed under control, assisted with manpower in wrapping up equipment. The Incident was placed under control at 12:02 hrs, and all units were cleared at 13:18 hrs.  Traffic 26 diverted vehicles around the fire scene with the assistance of other Fire Police Officers.

Congratulations to the graduates! On Wednesday evening August 3, 2011, students of the Bucks County Public Safety Training Center (BCPSTC) assembled in the auditorium of the Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA for commencement ceremonies. Those present that evening, received their completion certificates from BCPSTC Director Fred Hunsinger. Present for the commencement were Firefighter James Wielgus (left) and Firefighter Gregory McManus (right). Their hard work and study in FF1 has prepared them not only for firefighting, but has become the foundation for future training courses.

“Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” - Aristotle

Even though the outdoor temperatures of summer are here, the Department Officers and Firefighters continue to work on their skills in a local structure in Perkasie Borough.  The residence is scheduled to be dismantled by a local business, and a training location was provided.  Several hose line advancement techniques with coordinated ventilation methods where demonstrated by Department Training Officers, and repeatedly practiced by all over the past weeks. Search and rescue exercises were demonstrated and accomplished for varied experience levels. Probationary firefighters demonstrated their recently learned Fire Academy skills with raises and placement of multiple ground ladders for several of the exercises.

On Saturday June 4, 2011, members of PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 participated in a Firefighter Olympics competition hosted by Station 36 (Richlandtown) at the Benner Memorial Hall grounds.  The day consisted of seven (7) competitive events including: Firefighters Challenge Obstacle Course, Bucket Brigade, Gear Relay, Hose Drag and Roll, Hose Relay, Drafting Relay, and Tug-Of-War.  The day ended in a tie between Station 18 (West End – Quakertown) and Station 26 (Perkasie) teams.   The judges determined that a running relay race would be used to determine the Overall winner.  Team Perkasie gained a marginal win by a few feet for the Overall Team trophy, besting teams from Station 18 (West End), Station 27 (Sellersville) and Station 40 (Springtown).  Thank you to the Judges and our hosts from Station 36 (Richlandtown) for the new stainless steel gas grill, $200 Certificate to the Fire Store along with the trophy.

Team Perkasie members were Battalion Chief Ed Boshell, Lieutenant Jordan Schoeller, Firefighter and Team Captain Brian Black, Firefighters Chris Bogen, Joe Ferrara, Erin Kostrubiak, Jim Wielgus, John Yannaccone and Tim Yannaccone

At 10:35 hrs on Friday June 3, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for passing motorist’s report of light gray smoke coming from the eaves and gable vents of a dwelling in the area of 1300 N. Ridge Road in East Rockhill Township.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived first on scene and was approached by a Pennridge Regional PD Officer that fire was on Side C of the dwelling with possible entrapment inside.  Battalion 26 attempted to make access inside the dwelling with a pressurized water extinguisher, but was met with darkening smoke and deteriorating conditions.  Battalion 26 requested the full box be struck and established Schoolhouse Command.  Engine 26 was advised to proceed to B/C corner and pull an attack hose line to Side C of the dwelling.  Chief 151 (Cook) arrived on scene assumed EMS Command with Grand View Hospital Medics 151 and planned a Rehab Area.  Command advised Engine 27-1 to lay-in supply line from the hydrant to feed Engine 26 and pull a back-up hose line. Deputy 26 (Trotter) began to handle Operations on the fire ground. Tower 26 was directed to Side A to begin roof ventilation with Tac 76 and Battalion 27-1 (Wagner).  On the report of working fire conditions, Tower 18 was added for RIT.  Command requested a FM from Bucks County Fire Marshal’s office to investigate cause and origin.  Additional Engine Companies were requested for manpower bringing Bucks County Engine’s 17, 27, 58, 59, 59-1 and Montgomery County Engine 74-1 .  Responsibility for RIT was passed to E74-1; so Tower 18 could split manpower to 2^nd floor from outside dwelling and to vent the dwelling addition roof.  Additional Tankers were requested as support for additional water supply if needed.  Primary search and the bulk of the fire was knocked down by 11:15 hrs.  Chemical 17 was added for the air cascade assignment.  St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown Medic 108 responded with MCI-3 to assist EMS with firefighter rehabilitation.  At 11:31 hrs, Schoolhouse Command was able to confirm that all occupants of the residence were accounted for and safe.  The Incident was placed under control at 11:36 hrs, and all units cleared at 14:31 hrs.  North Penn Goodwill Service provided food and drinks to approximately 60 emergency service personnel.  Traffic 26 diverted vehicles around the fire scene with the assistance of other Fire Police Officers.

At 21:50 hrs on Sunday May 8, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to stand-by at the scene of a three (3) vehicle accident in the intersection of N. 7^th and W. Callowhill Streets in Perkasie Borough.  Chief 26 (Worthington) directed Rescue 26 to secure the hazards first on the yellow vehicle in the middle of the intersection.  Engine 76 arrived on location and assisted in controlling vehicle fluids on the streets.  Utility 26 arrived with additional personnel to assist with clean-up.  Department remained on scene illuminating the area for Borough Police to conduct their investigation.

At 04:13 hrs on Saturday April 30, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to the report of an odor of smoke by a resident in the area of N. 7^th and Buttonwood Streets in Perkasie Borough.  Chief Officers and Police confirmed an odor in the area and searched for the source.  Nineteen (19) minutes later, Battalion 76 (Wedman) found smoke coming from the roof of a building on Tunnel Road near RT 563.  Chief 26 (Worthington) requested a Full Box assignment and established PSG Command.  Deputy 26 (Trotter) handled Operations, Battalion 76 was assigned Side C.   Command directed Engine 26 (which had responded to the Odor Investigation) to lay-in from the hydrant at property entrance toward the B/C corner.  Tower 26 was directed to place their aerial main to the B/C corner, and Tower 27 was directed to place their main to the A/B corner of the warehouse.  Tower 18 handled the initial RIT assignment.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) held Accountability  responsibilities. Numerous additional companies responded on the assignment throughout the early morning hours for personnel and equipment.  A second RIT response was handled by Rescue 19. Fire was found on the first floor with extension to finished goods stored on mezzanine areas.  Truck companies opened the roof as the location of the fire room was found.  Ventilation fans were placed in service to move smoke from the facility.  Command requested a Bucks County Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) member respond.  The incident was placed under control at 06:39 hrs.  During overhaul, it was noted that several mercury filled thermostat ampoules were broken during extinguishment.  HIRT monitored exposure readings and recommended decontamination of all firefighters on site.  Decon 79 and Decon 90 were established at the front of the property to scrub turnout gear and equipment used on scene.  Forty (46) firefighters were transported to Grand View and St. Luke’s – Quakertown hospitals for precautionary evaluation and testing for exposure to mercury.  The test results for all volunteer emergency service personnel are presently negative, and cleared to return to service.

  

At 10:01 hrs on April 21, 2011, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to the 1000 block of N. 5^th Street in Perkasie Borough for the report of a bench fully involved on the front porch.  The incident was reported by a passing motorist.  Perkasie Borough PD held the fire in check until with several dry chemical extinguishers arrival of the Department.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) handled Command and directed Engine Company 26 to use two (2)  pressurized water extinguishers, and a thermal imaging camera to check for extension into the dwelling.  Engine 27-1 stood-by at a nearby hydrant and advanced manpower to assist with mechanical ventilation.  Tower Company 26 staged at rear of Engine 26 and established positive pressure ventilation with an electric PPV fan under direction of Captain 26 (Reutlinger).  There was no extension into the dwelling, and all companies cleared in 30 minutes.  The Department would like to remind all residents to properly extinguish and discard smoking materials after use.   
 

  

Once again PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 participated in Operation 6abc Save A Life smoke detector program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.  Deputy Chief J. Trotter and FF/EMT P. Kostrubiak received free smoke detectors for distribution in the community.  This allotment was made possible thru a generous donation by Channel 6-ABC and Kidde Corp. who provided 14,000 smoke detectors to 130 tri-state area Fire Departments.  The Department was the only one with representatives from the upper section of Bucks County.  Present at the distribution were Philadelphia Fire Dept. Commissioner Lloyd Ayers along with 6abc reporters Karen Roberts and Cecily Tynan.  For more information about the free smoke detector program please go to http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=8014527&syndicate=syndicate&section

If you live within Perkasie Borough or East Rockhill Township and cannot afford working smoke detectors and would like smoke detectors installed, please leave a message on our Department voice mail at 215.453.2166 or email our Public Information Officer at the link above with your request.

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 hosted its Annual Banquet on March 5^th, and recognized Robert Price for his many years of service and bestowed the honor of  dedicating Engine 76 in honor of Chief Timothy W. Metzler.

Department President Roger Jones presented Life Member Robert Price with an plaque award recognizing his many years of service as a Trustee, Hall Manager and Relief Association President.   He was also presented with his 50-year service pin, in front of his wife and family members who were invited guests.  President Jones noted the many positions held by Price, including his many years served as President.  Bob continues to be one of the most active members today as he was when he joined the Perkasie Fire Company No. 1.  It was also noted that Life Member Earl Hendricks was unable to attend the Banquet, but will be receiving his 50-year pin at the next Department business meeting.

President Jones also recognized Chad and Beth Davis of Davis Feed Mills of Perkasie with the Business Award.   This award was presented in recognition of the assistance Chad Davis extends to the Department whenever wheeled machinery or particular help is needed around the station; along with recognizing both of their help as non-members at the monthly community Breakfast events.

Together with President Jones, Fire Chief J. David Worthington presented a slide-show history on the construction of Station 76 in East Rockhill Township.  It was noted that the building dedication occurred ten (10) years ago.  Chief Timothy W. Metzler was invited to speak about the planning efforts to make Station 76 come to reality.  While speaking, his wife and children surprised him by coming forward to join him.  As it was mentioned to the audience that Chief Metzler led the efforts in equipment layout and mounting, Chief Worthington and President Jones presented a chrome plaque to mounted on Engine 76 which stated “In Honor of Chief Timothy W. Metzler for his vision and determination in establishing an East Rockhill Township station” and announced the dedication Engine 76 in acknowledgment of his service  Chief Metzler was truly surprised and deeply honored to be recognized with his family, honored guests and membership present..

In other awards, President Jones presented the 2010 Activity Awards to Firefighter John Yannaccone, Fire Firefighter Justin Loburak, Jr. Firefighter Timothy Yannaccone, Fire Police Captain Paul Ferrara, Fire Police Officer/Trustee Alan Edwards and Chief Worthington.

Other honored guests at the banquet were:  Pa State Representative Paul Clymer; Perkasie Borough Mayor John Hollenbach along with Council Members Matt Aigeldinger, Florence Frei, Barbara Krantz, Suzanne Kravitz; Buck Chief Fire Marshal Nicholas Rafferty, Dublin Fire Chief Philip Meyers, Sellersville Fire Chief John Lindsay, Silverdale Fire Chief Keith Seifert, North Penn Goodwill Deputy Chief David Fisher and Hilltown Twp. Battalion Chief James Mohan.