Training day, structure box, wreck Jan.15 - With temps in single digits, a good portion of Sunday was spent in the streets. Starting before 9 A.M.a crew of six trekked to Jessup or a unique training experience. With several buildings slated for demolition, Jessup firefighters made these building available for training. Company 43 joined over 80 other firefighters who worked on various training stations.

While the ladder crew was training, a structure box was for a fire in a stove was dispatched at10:30 hours in the 300 block of Marion Street in Browndale. The fire was extinguished by the occupant before the arrival of the first alarm assignment. All companies were returned to service.

Just before 5 p.m. Engine 43, Rescue 41, Chief and Deputy 43 responded to a car on it's roof on Route 247 (White Rock Drive). The driver self extricated but companies remained on the scene due to the location and extended time to get the vehicle removed from the roadway.
 

Fire wrecks Clinton Township home Dec. 22 - Fire tore through a single family dwelling at 274 Little Keen Road in Clinton Township. The first alarm was dispatched at around 8:30 p.m. resulted in a long evening for firefighters. Companies operated for over four hours dealing with a heavy fire load in the basement of the structure. A defensive strategy was used throughout the incident. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the PSP Fire Marshal.

Smoke in the building Dec.5 - At 09:30 hours, Engine 41, Ladder 43 and Ambulance 41-9 reponded  to a local alarm assignment (smoke investigation) at 30 Park Street in Browndale for smoke in the building. The structure, a one story ranch, was heavily charged with smoke with the occupant reporting he was unable to close the door to the wood burning heating appliance located in the basement.

On arrival, the occupant was out of the structure, but was evaluated by 41-9 for smoke inhalation. The occupant refused EMS treatment. Engine 41 extinguished the fire in the stove coordinating with Ladder 43 on ventilation of the structure. Crews returned to service in about 40 minutes.

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Final respects paid to Chief McCusker
Nov. 12 - James B. McCusker Sr., a pioneer of  the local fire service and a lifelong resident of Forest City, died Monday night, November 7, 2011,  after an illness. He was 91 years old.  He as laid to rest on Satuday. Ladder 43 and 18, shown below formed the arch leading the Chief McCusker's final resting spot.

At age 12, he was selected as a lantern boy and mascot of the Hillside Fire Company in 1932, an association which continued for 79 years until his death as the oldest living member of the Forest City Fire Dept. He served as Fire Chief for many years during his long career.

Station 43 would like to express its condolences to the McCusker Family and to our Brothers and Sisters as Station 41. Obituary

Car, truck crash injures one in Vandling
Nov. 3 -  A delivery truck and a car collided head on at the intersection of Main and Clinton Streets in Vandling at 10:40 hours. The driver and passenger in the car self extricated. The driver of the  truck was not injured. Ambulance 41-9 transported the female driver of the car to Marion Community Hospital.  Crews cleared the incident  in thirty minutes. On the assignment: Chiefs 43 and 41, Engine 43, Rescue 41, Ambulance 41-9, and MICU 9-51.

Structure fire, possible CO poisoning, RIT assignment 
October 29 - With less than desirable "fall" weather conditions a structure fire assignment was sent to  17 Silhouette Lane in Clinton Township just 07:30 hours. The fire was confined to the chimney. Crews were back in service in about 45 minutes. Later in the day, Companies 43 and 41 responded to the 300 block of 6th Street in Vandling for an investigation possible CO exposure. EMS treated and transported three patients to the hospital for evaluation. Just before 8:00 p.m., Company 43 was sent to Thompson, Suquehanna County for the rapid intervention team (RIT) assignment at the structure fire at 1159 May Road returning to service about two hours later.

Quick stop on garage fire
October 27- A localized  power outage in the White Oak area of Clinton Township resulted in a  garage fire.  The homeowner at 813 White Oak Drive reported a fire in the garage just before 10:30 p.m. A portable generator was operating in the garage providing power as a result of the outage when it apparently ignited the garage on fire. Quick action by the homeowner and first arriving engine company (Engine 94) keep damage to a minimum. Crews worked for about 20 minutes before returning to service.
 

Ladder runs  structure box Oct. 12 - Ladder 43 and the Chief responded on the structure assigment at 404 Delaware Street in Forest City just after 11:00 hours.

The structure, a large 2 1/2 story woodframe with a basement, had fire in the chimney that ran through the center of the structure.  There was negative extension in the structure.  Command 41 backed down the assignment holding 43 and 41, returning the rest. Crews operated for about an hour.  On the assignment: Engine 41, Engine 61-4, Engine 52,  Wagon 41, Rescue 41, Ladders 18 and 43 and Ambulance 41-9

Open House - Friday, October 14
The Browndale Fire Company held its annual Open House on Friday, October 14, 2011. 
Local  residents were provided tours of the building and equipment, fire prevention information, emergency prepardness information. Thanks to all who participated.
 

43 helps out with Steamtown Marathon October 9 - Sunday's Steamtown Marathon drew over 2000 athletes who trekked from Forest City to Scranton. Station 43, along witth other first responders, sealed of roadways the runners passed through

Training with 51, 61
Oct. 6 - Personnel from Station 43  spent a portion of  Wednesday evening training with Company 51 (Rescue 51) and Company 61. Crews reviewed some basic vehicle rescue practices. Thanks to all for a great training effort.

"Command Technician" program presented
On Thursday evening, Sept. 22,  Battalion Chief (ret.) Steve Schellenberg, District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department  presented a high-powered presentation entitled, “Command Technician”. Follow an interactive lecture, students participated in a scenario with live audio under the watchful eyes of Chief Schellenberg.

Chief Schellenberg recently retired from DCFD’s 6th Battalion. This battalion includes the U.S. Capitol, the White House, Lincoln Memorial and many of our nation’s most cherished icons. His interactive presentation showed the importance of a “strong command presence” and  the value of a  command technician (chief’s aide).

In addition to firefigthters from Station 43, the following departments were represented at the program: Maplewood Fire Company, Whites Crossing Fire and Rescue, Cottage Rescue,
Blakely Hose Company, Scranton Fire Department, Choconut Center (NY) Fire Company, Dalton Fire Company and Dickson City Fire Department.

First responders recognized at FCPC
Sept 15 - Local first responders were recognized today at the Forest City Personal Care. Company 43 joined Company 41 for the event. Good cookies and a song.... their way of saying thanks!  Thank you for inviting us.

Drilling for commerical building fires

Sept. 14 - Crews spent Wednesday evening participating in several evolutions related to fires in commercial occupancies. Emphasis was placed on pulling the "big" line, large area search practices and overall crew integrity. Thanks to Deputy Chief Obelenus for planning the exercises.

43, other companies aid Luzerne County
Sept.11- With water levels from the Susquehanna River receiding,  Luzerne County EMA looked to neighboring counties for mutual aid assistance to help already weary first responders. 

Company  3 was one of several companies to spend September 11 aiding some of the area's worst flood-ravaged areas.  The U-Truck and the Engine, with a crew of six, were assigned to the West Nanticoke area of Plymouth Township. Other companies  assisting from Wayne County included 12, 13, 18, 41 and 9. All crews were assigned a myriad of duties in cluding pumping details and washing roadway.

9/11  pins presented  Honesdale National Bank presented special commentorative pins recognizing all local first responders. The presentation coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Pins will be presented to all Station 43 personnel. Presenting the pins to Chief Richards were HNB's Virgina Connor (L) and Mary Ann Risboskin (R).

Pig Roast & Gun Raffle a success!
Sept. 10 - The weather coorperated allowing us to get a successful fund raising event  in on Saturday, Sept 10.  We 'd like to thank everyone who help make the event a huge success. Thanks again!
 

Imagination Station at 43 August 31 -Boys and girls from the Imagination Station Day Care paid a visit to Station 43.  In addition to a tour of the station and "show and tell" with the apparatus, they received some important fire safety information.  Thanks for stopping by and brightening our day!

Irene kept crews busy
August 28 - Hurricane Irene's visit to the area is causing a nuisance to local residents with localized flooding, closed roadways and isolated power outages. Company 43 responded to over 30  public service type calls for downed wires and flooding. 

Bloodmobile a success
August 12 - A steady flow of people made their way through Station 43 as we hosted our third bloodmobile this year. Station 43 is proud to support this effort!

Ladder, Chief on Thompson Box
August 12 - Ladder 43 and Chief 43 were on the Susquehanna County assignment as the Rapid Intervention (RIT) company on Lamb Road in Thompson at 02:40 hours. Command reported an electrical fire with possible extension into the walls in a dwelling. Companies operated for about 25 minutes before all were returned to service.
 

Double pull for FCNC drill July 19  - It never fails... sweltering heat for the annual training drill at the Forest City Nursing Center. Today was no different. The engine and the ladder took position on side C of the facility for the "reported" fire on the second floor. The engine secured its own water supply and the "400 footer" making their way to the fire room with hose to spare. Crews returned to quarters and critiqued their experiences making recommendations for improvements.

Big rig looses brakes, jackknifes; second crash 

July  19- A tractor trailer driver from Connecticut experienced a few tense moments when he lost his ability to stop his rig after its brakes overheated. The incident occurred at 07:30 hours in Clinton Township on Route 247 near the intersection of Route 296.

The driver was not injured, however, his truck ended in a ditch with the trailer spanning the roadway forcing a road closure for nearly two hours. Two heavy duty wreckers were dispatched to the scene, eventually clearing the roadway. later in the day, companies 41 and 43 were dispatched to the intersection of Route 171 and 247, in the 300 block of Main Street in Forest City at 13:12 hours for a two vehicle crash. With no entrapment or injuries, Engine 43 was returned to service.

Three vehicle crash, no injuries:  Coal truck, SUV and Car
July 9- A three vehicle crash involving a dump truck carrying a load of coal, a car and a SUV occured on Route 171, in the 200 blcok of Main St. Vandling  just after 8:00 a.m.  While there was negative entrapment, the crash littered the roadway with coal, glass and twisted metal closing it for over 40 minutes. All involved refused medical treatment at the scene.  Forest City PD is investigating the cause of the crash.

On the assignment: Car 43, Chief 43, Chief 41,  Engine 43, Rescue 41, Ambulance 41-9, MICU 9, FCPD

Structure fire, explosion, rescue at jail
July 6- It sounded good, but for the most part was uneventful!

On Tuesday, ladder 43 was dispatched around 14:30 hours for a reported structure fire at 725 Hudson Street in Forest City. With only downed powerlines in the area, command downgraded the response to a single company (Engine 41) returning the rest.  Later in the day a box was sent to 427 Main Street in Vandling for a report of two explosions in the area. Chief  43 arrived on scene along with PD determining  the "explosions" were actually fireworks. Chief 43 held Ladder 43 for the investigation, returning the remainder of the assignment.

On Wednesday, July 6, Ladder 43 was special called to the State Correctional Institution in Waymart  to assist in the removal of an employee who was stuck in a bucket truck.  The vehicle suffered a mechanical failure and was unable to be lowered. The aerial was extended to the worker allowing him to get his feet back on the ground.

Another training exercise with Station 61 June 29 - Ladder 43 worked with Engine 61-4 at two different locations. The first location was the Fell Charter School. Engine 61-4 set up draft to the rear of the school supplying Ladder 43's ladder pipe. After several evolutions the crew travelled to the former Fell Elementary School setting up for rooftop operations. Thanks again to Chief's Unis and Herchik for their hospitality.
 

•Check the hoses for leaks before first use each year. If there are leaks, turn off the valve and have the grill serviced by a professional. •If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill. •Gas cylinders should have an overfill protection device (identified with a triangle-shaped hand wheel). •Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.

Day at the daycare June 20 -The crew at Station 43 traveled a short distance up the street to the Pat Pitus Daycare Center to do an in-service training program for its staff. The 10 children at the center demonstrated stop, drop and roll and  how to safely exit a smoke filled structure. As expected the kids really took an interest in Ladder 43!

Congratulations Shorty! The crew at Station 43 would like to congratulate former Captain Kristian Short for his completion of the Baltimore City Fire Department's Training Academy.  He has been assigned to Truck 8. The photo to the right is his new home! We all wish you the best of luck!

Motorcycle crash
May 12 - A motorcyclist lost control of his bike just before 8:00 am near the intersection of Northwest Road and Clinton Street in Vandling. The driver faired better than the bike that was heavily damages in the crash. The driver refused treatment at the scene. The cause of the wreck is under investigation by Forest City PD. Crews were on scene for about 20 minutes.
On the assignment: Engine 43, Car 43, Rescue 41, Ambulance 41-9, MICU 9 and Forest City PD.
 

43 on fatal blaze in FC April 21 - Company 43 was part of the first alarm assignment sent to 723 Delaware Street in Forest City just after 06:00 hours for a working fire in a dwelling with entrapment. The blaze proved fatal to a male occupant of the structure. In additional to the fatality, others had to flee the fire.  The blaze damaged two adjoining structures before being brought under control. Crews remained on the scene for several hours. A PSP fire marshal is investigating the fire's cause. Scranton Times Additional story

Engine, Trucks, Squads: Putting it all together
Live fire training in Vestal NY
April 16 -Despite often heavy rains and high winds, Saturday served as a great day for training. Seventeen personnel from Company 43 teamed up with Company 57 (Choconut Center/Broome County, NY) for a day of  live fire exercises at the Vestal Fire Department's Training Center.

Following a review of standard operating procedures, riding assignments and company expectations, crews were assigned and rotated through several fireground evolutions, each followed by a critique. This was not our routine burn session. Instead instructors  recommended how fix dysfunctional practices that lead to confusion and chaos.

The instructor cadre from Task Force 1, Inc. included: 

Car carrier slams through building in FC
April 15- A tractor trailer with a full loads of vehicle barreled through a commercial building just before  13:00 hours. The driver escaped injury and a occupant in the store located on the first floor of the structure managed to self extricate the building after coming close with his fate at 636 Main Street in Forest City. Apparently the truck was unable to stop coming down the incline of Route 247 at the intersection of Route 171. 

Company 43 was special called on the incident bringing the Ladder, Engine and the Chief. The ladder was used  initially for recon  to determine the structural stability of the building from the roof down.  A primary and secondary search of the structure proved to be negative.

Companies worked for about 2 hours as two large tow trucks were used to remove the rig from the structure. Not knowing how the structure would withstand the bout with the truck, a collapse zone was established and companies set up in defensive stance in the event of an ignition to the structure placing master streams in position. 

Ladder 43 was supplied by Engine 41 while Engine 43 had it's own water source protecting the Charlie side.

On the incident: Chief 41, 43, Car 43, Ladder 43, Engines 41 and 43, Rescues 41 and 18 Ambulances 41-8 and 9, MICU 9, Susquehanna County EMA and  Forest City Police. Transfer: Engine 61-4 to Station 41.

Crash with entrapment in Vandling
April 13 - In the midst of a heavy downpour, a crash with entrapment near intersection of Northwest Road and Clinton Street in Vandling was dispatched at 00:24 hours. The driver of the vehicle apparently lost control, making contact with a utility pole and ending on its side.
The driver had to be extricated.  Companies cleared the scene in 25 minutes. 

On the assignment: Car 43, Engine 43, Rescue 41, Rescue 51, Ambulance 41-9, MICU 9 and Forest City PD. 

Ladder, Car on Clifford box

March 27 - A reported strucure fire in the chimney took the Ladder and the Car to Susquehanna County's Tennessee Gas Road in Clifford Township just before 7 p.m. With no fire extension in the 2.5 story wood frame dwelling, Chief 18 backed off the box holding the Car but returning the ladder and the remainder of the assignment.

RIT assignment followed by working fire
March 24 - A fire contained to a chimney drew a response just after 9:30 to Thompson, Susquehanna County. With the fire was contained to chimney, Thompson command downsized the response utilizing the first due companies.

WNEP Then just after 11pm Wayne County dispatched a box assignment for a working fire at 523 Creek Drive in Clinton Township. The initial dispatch reported possible entrapment, however, that proved to be negative as all occupants of the structure managed to escape. Several pets were not so lucky falling victim to the blaze.

Initial companies on scene had a fully envolved wood frame structure located about 1000 feet up a narrow roadway. Companies operated for over four hours on the stubborn blaze that required extensive overall. The blaze, in a non-hydranted area, required the use of seven tankers, moving water from a fill site at the Prompton Dam.

One firefighter was injured on the scene and was transported to Wayne Memorial Hospital.

On the assignment: 
Engines 94, 12, 13-3, 13-5, and 43
Ladders 43 and 58
Rescues 75 and 59
Tankers 12, 94, 32, 21, 28-5, 28-6 and 75
Waymart Ambulances 1 and 2
Car 43
Squad 22 transferred to Station 43

Bad road conditions, two wrecks
March 21- Weather conditions were not very spring-like causing an SUV to flip over on the Belmont Turnpike just after 06:00 hours. The crash report originally sent companies to the 400 block of the Belmont Turnpike. Eventually the wreck was located in Company 28's first due. The driver self-extricated and was treated at the scene. 

Then, just before 14:00 hours a crash in the 100  block of Main Street  Vandling involving two vehicles drew a response from Engine 43, Rescue 41, Ambulance 41-9 and MICU 9.

Crash, RIT assignment

March 17 - A vehicle that sheared off a utility pole near  546 White Rock Drive drew a response just after 8:30 A.M. Engine 43, Car 43, Rescue 41 and Ambulance 41-9 were on the assignment. With the driver self-extricated, command held 43 Engine and 41-9 returning the Rescue. Just after 11:00 a.m. 43 firefighters responded on Susquehanna County  (Thompson) for a working fire in an automotive garage. Assigned RIT duties, crews remained on the incident for over four hours.

43 runs RIT on  Susq. County blaze
March 6 - Company 43 responded as the Rapid Intervention Team on a working fire in Thompson Borough, Susquehanna County. Crews operated for about two hours before returning to service just before 4 pm.

Tanker overturns on Route 296

Feb. 19 -  The driver of a tractor trailer hauling milk lost control of his vehicle in near white-out conditions Saturday morning just before 10:00 hours on Route 296 near the intersection of Route 247 in Clinton Township.

The truck came to rest in a field along Route 296. With the driver self extricated refusing medical treatment, the incident prority became contol of the leaking cargo (milk) and fluids from the vehicle.  Initially, an attempt to transfer the upset tanker to another prior to uprighting it met with little success.  After consulting with representatives from the tow company, the milk hauler, EMA and PSP, a plan was devised to upright the truck to allow of off loading. The extended incident required the closing of Route 296 for sevearl hours.
 

Units on the incident: Car 43 (Chief 43), Engine 43, Rescue 41, MICU 9, Waymart EMS, PSP, Wayne County (64 1 & 2) EMA and PA DEP.

Boot Camp: "Energizing"
Nearly 25 fire service personnel spent the weekend getting "energized" at a two day
training program at Station 43. 

Company Officer Boot Camp  targeted newly promoted or appointed  "company" level officers. The program reviewed supervisory and managerial skills for company officers on the first day and transitioned on the second day to suppression responsibilities of  leading the company on the fire ground.
 

The lead instructor for the program was Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief Jim Stedman (ret.). He worked in busy areas on the city's west side, lower east side tenement and high rise district, and ultimately in the 1st Battalion in the downtown area.  Chief Stedman trained newly promoted Lieutenants, Captains, and Battalion Chiefs in strategy & tactics, incident command, human resource management, ISO (State of Illinois Certificate), fire service instructing, and other officer development criteria.

Chief Stedman is currently a professor at Columbia Southern University (Fire Service Admin); Lewis University (Fire Service Admin - undergrad) and (Public Safety graduate program);  Governors State University (Public Administration graduate program).

In addition to eleven personnel from Station 43 in the program, the following departments participated in the training:  Coolbaugh Twp. FD, Dickson City FD, Dalton Fire Company, Pittston City FD, East Haven (CT) FD, Endicott (NY) FD, and the Choconut Center (Binghamton, NY) VFC.

Two alarm commercial building fire 
Dec. 30 - Just after 01:00 hours Ladder 43 and Engine 43 were on the assignment for the working building fire with reported entrapment at 257 Hudson Street in Forest City. The three story structure housed apartments on the top two floors with a tavern operating on the first floor.  "Riley's"  was closed for the evening at the time of the fire.

An occupant from the apartment on the second floor was removed from the building by a police officer and civilians, treated by EMS and transported to the hospital.  The main body of fire was located on the first floor in the tavern area.  Two firefighters from Ladder 43, Captain Kristian Short and Firefighter Mike Skasko recieved first and second degree burns when they were caught in a reported flashover while preforming a primary search in division one.

 Both were transported to Marion Community Hospital, treated and released. Companies operated for about two and a half hours with extenive overhaul required.  Times
 

L43 as FAST Truck on  18 box Dec. 21 - Just before 17:00 hours, Ladder 43 was dispatched as the FAST Truck for the garage fire on Route 2023 in Clifford Township. The fire was contained to the attic area of the 20' x 40' garage.  Crews operated for approximately 45 minute before returning to service.  On the box: Ladders 18 and 43, Rescue 18, 41, Engines 24 and 52, Tankers 18, 52, 28, and 24. Ambulances 18-9 and 28-3.

Bad road conditions lead to wrecks

Dec. 7 - This crash happened just before 09:00 hours as old man  winter deposited snow from squalls making for slippery traveling. The crash occurred in the area of Beech Grove Road and Route 170 in Clinton Township. The driver of  this 2004  PT Cruiser lost control, hitting a tree and then the guardrail. Both airbags deployed. The patient self extricated the wreckage. Crews returned to service in 20 minutes.

On the assignment: Rescue 12 (in place of Rescue 75), Engine 43, Car 43, Waymart EMS and PSP

Just before 4 p.m. another crash, this one on Flat Rock Road near Smith Road challenged responders just to get there with nearly impassable conditions on this township road. The crash, a vehicle over a deep embankment, required no extrication as the operator managed to get out under his own power. However, the vehicle could not be removed due to the steep embankment and conditions. Companies operated on scene for over an hour. On the assignment: Rescue 75, Rescue 41.  Engine 43, Ambulance 41-9 and PSP.

A third crash, at 20:54, for the overturned SUV near 757 Belmont Turnpike in Clinton Township was dispatched. The SUV's airbags deployed, but once again a lucky driver got out without extrication. On the assignment: Rescue 75,  Engine 43, Waymart EMS,  MICU 9 and PSP.

First due area enlarged
Station 43's first due area was enlarged on January 1, 2011, when it added the Borough of Vandling (Lackawanna County). Recently, Vandling  officials designated 43 as the  "first due" company for emergencies within the Borough. 

Earlier stuff... go to not so recent stories, news