First
due structure box Jan
25. - Just before 1:45 p.m. Wayne County Communications dispatched
the structure fire assignment for 1448 Belmont Turnpike in Clinton
Township. First arriving piece, Ladder 43, arrived reporting smoke
showing at a residential dwelling. The crew investigated the source
of the smoke determining it was an oven fire. Using an ABC extinguisher,
the Ladder got a knock on the fire. With the fire under control, command
backed down the assignment to the ladder, an engine and a tanker. The structure
was vented and all companies returned to service in about 15 minutes.
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.
Mike Burzachiello, Firefighter,
Trenton FD Rescue 1
A special thank you to
the Todd Shear of Station 57 the great meal he prepared for us following
the training. Also, a thank you goes out to Whitney Point and Maine Fire
Departments for providing RIT services during the training.
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.