On your knees Dec. 1- No, it was not a prayer circle. Rather the photo shows a crew gathered around the engine Wednesday evening during a training drill. A review of layouts the first topic followed by an thorough review of knots.  A thank you to the  Captain and Sargents for a well planned training drill.

No work at box assignment
Nov. 24 - Just before 17:00 hours a box was dipatched for a structure fire on the 1100 block of Main Street in Vandling. Initially sent out a stove fire, the Ladder and Engine were both due. Supplimental information reported the occupant had the fire extinguished. Chief 41 assumed command, downgrading  the assignment to one company.

Craft Fair, Santa's visit a success

Browndale Fire Company's Craft Fair and visit from Santa on Saturday was a huge success. With a steady flow of bargain seekers in the morning keeping everyone busy, the arrival of the jolly old fat man in the red suit took center stage. Leaving around 2 p.m. with a long list of from those who where nice and not naughty, Santa left for another visit! We'd like to thank all who contributred to make this a successful event.

Bittersweet day at 43 Saturday was a bittersweet day at Station 43 as Tower Ladder departed for it's new home. Our "first truck" is  headed to Lawrence, MA, a suburb of Boston. With a lots of good memories we hope that it will serve new new owners as well as it did us.

Drill in Binghamton worth the ride

Nov. 7 - Despite a fifty minute ride, there were no other complaints from those who attended  rapid intervention team drills on Sunday. Personnel from Station 43 were the invited guests to participate in training with several departments from Broome County, NY. The training event was hosted by the Choconut Center Volunteer Fire Company at its training center near Binghamton, NY.  RIT crews completed two very difficult Mayday events including a floor collapse with three downed firefighters and a second event that replicated "Collier's Mansion" conditions with a narrow basement stairwell with very tight quarters. Both exercise resulted in completed rescues with favorable outcomes!

A sincere thank you to Chief Shear (pictured above right) for inviting us and Brothers Todd for an excellent meal that followed the training.

RIT response on Thompson box
October 29 - Ladder 43 was dispatched as the RIT company on the first alarm assignment  to  a structure fire at 16202 Route 171 near Thompson, Susquehanna County at 06:16 hours. With command marking on scene with smoke showing, a second alarm assignment was requested. Route 171 Command quickly reduced the assignment by canceling the second alarm having the balance of the first continue in. Companies operated of about 25 minutes.
 

Open House big draw  The second annual open house at Browndale Fire Company  on Thursday, was a bid draw. A steady flow of visitors toured the station, sat in on fire safety presentation and took time to show their appreciation for our services. Thank you to all who attended and to our members of the efforts making the event a success! In photo: Sgt. Skasko demonstrates PPE stressing not the "fear the firefighter"

Recruitment day at high school A portion of Tuesday was spent a Forest City Regional High School.  Our recruitment team met with several high school students who expressed in interest in emergency service.  Thanks for your interest in Station 43! A special thank you to Captain Short who spearheaded the effort!

Building collapse on Belmont Turnpike
Company 43 responded to a reported building collapse on Saturday, September 25, just after 6 pm.  The incident ar 1359  Belmont Turnpike  in Clinton Township occurred while a man was working on a porch roof that collapsed resulting in a 10 fall. The injured man was treated by Forest City EMS and Cottage ALS. and transported to CMC. Companies returned to service after 20 minutes.
 

Early morning 41 box August 11 - A 41 box for a house fire was dispatched just after 00:30 hours for 63 Depot Street in Forest City. Ladder 43 and Engine double pulled on the box. With smoke showing from 41 engine stretched a line to division 2.   The fire was quickly knocked down, limiting damage to one room. Crews operated for about an hour before returning to service.

Shift system implimented
A new SOG entitled “Shift Assignments” has been issued replacings the SOG entitled “Platoon System” that has been in place since 2007. 

The SOG  involves several operational changes that are being implemented to accomplish several  objectives are met:
• Insuring that minimum staffing is available to respond to emergencies. 
• Built in “off duty” time for volunteer members by requiring response only while on a duty shift.
• Non-emergent station duties are completed on a scheduled basis on a rotating basis allowing work a more equal distribution of the workload.
• Personnel will be afforded more individualized training and hands on experiences within the shift.

The premise behind the shift assignments is simple.
• Everyone shares equally in the workload
• Everyone shares equally in training, station duties and apparatus checks
• Everyone share equally in time off
• Everyone shares equally in responses
• Everyone depends on each other  Review the SOG
 

NWS confirms tornado According to the National Weather Service a tornado  did cause the path of destruction in Wayne County early Friday evening.  Representatives from the National Weather Service in Binghamton, NY, toured the area Saturday confirming that a tornado did  tear through the area on Friday.  Crews from Station 43 spent the day throughout the Clinton Township meeting with homeowners and  lending a hand where needed. Utility companies, PennDot and the local chapter of the American Red Cross  were also busy restoring  power, phones, clearing roadways and insuring all local residents had shelter.  Scranton Times-Tribune    PhotosWBRE

Earlier
Likely related to the storm, a  box assignment was dispatched to  White Oak Drive in Clinton Township just after 18:30 hours on Friday  for possible structure fire. 

As companies and 43 responded to the incident, they had to be replaced on the assignment as they were unable to traverse a path of destruction on Routes 247 and 296. The assignment was adjusted by Wayne County Communications.  The fire was handled by the revised box with Companies 43 and 41 trying to clear a path of downed trees and wires. There were no reported injures from the storm, however, there were several properties damaged and countless trees and utility wires down in Clinton Township. Several roadways were closed.  Numerous companies from Wayne and Lackawanna County were kept busy with the storms aftermath. WNEP
 
 

Ladder, Engine get "work"  at drill On Tuesday, the annual drill was held at the Forest City Nursing Center in Forest City.  43 double pulled  with the engine and ladder both taking position on Side C, division 2 of the facility.

 A "fire" located in a patient's room was quickly snuffed out with a quick deployment of the 400 foot preconnect with engine covering the FD connection. The truck vented and completed the primary search. 
 

Good hands on training Despite temps near 95 degrees, a good training exercise was conducted on Wednesday evening,  at 340 Main Street in Forest City (the former Station 41).  The old firehouse will be demolished early next week and  Station 43  seized the opportunity to use the building for some  hands on training. Crews drilled  on rooftop ventilation, trench cuts and worked with both portable and the aerial ladder  Thank you to  Mr. Newak for giving us this opportunity prior to demolishing the structure.

Trip to the day care A crew from Station 43 were guests as a local day care center on Tuesday.  Fire drills, stop, drop and roll and other public fire education topics were  covered by the crew with tots and teachers at the Pat Pitus Day Care Center in Browndale.  No surprise, the kids liked the fire engine!

Life member Vince Wojcik passes away
It is with deep regret that  Deputy Chief Obelenus announces the death of Life Member Vince Wojcik. Vince passed away on Thursday, May 27, 2010, following an illess.  Vince served in various operations and admistrative offices in his 40+ year career at 43. Most notable, he served as recording secretary for over 30 consecutive years. Funeral arrangments are private. Obit
 

Flames gobble up tractor A riding mower met it's fate Friday morning around 11:30. Just after cutting his  lawn, a local resident can from inside his home to find this mower on fire. Originally dispatched as a local alarm, Chief 43 requested the upgrade to a box assignment  with two nearby exposures. The fire was held in check by Engine 43 resulting in the remainder of the box returning to service.

43, 23 join up for structure burn
43 and 23 (Dickson City) partnered efforts to complete a successful training program on Saturday with a trip to Schuylkill County's Fire Training Center for a burn exercise. Thirteen personnel from 43 participated in day's activities. A special thank you  to Chief Randy Shear and his crew from Choconut Center VFC (Broome County, NY) for filling in for 43 while we were in Frackville. Some photos....
 

43 on RIT assignment in Susquehanna County A working two alarm fire in Gibson Township on Monday morning, April 12, just after 10:30 hours drew a RIT assignment for  Co. 43. The fire destroyed two structures in this non-hydranted area. Companies worked in a defensive mode for about two hours before returning to service. During the operation, Engine 61-4 from Lackawanna County transfered to Station 43. Visit www.cliffordfire.com

One killed in Clinton Township wreck
A Forest City girl died last Sunday morning as a result of injuries she suffered in a crash along Route 247 in Wayne County, reported state police in Honesdale.Police have not released the name or age of the girl, who was a passenger in the 2003 Hyundai, or the driver, another female juvenile of Forest City who has been transported to Community Medical Center with unknown injuries.

Police said the driver was traveling south on Route 247 around 7:45 a.m. and negotiating a curve when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed lanes and struck a tree.  Companies 43,  41, Forest City EMS and  Mobile 9 (MICU) responded to the incident. Crews remained on the scene for over two hours assisting the Pennsylvania State Police and the Wayne County Coroner.

Station 43 awarded Assistance to Firefighters Grant
Station 43 was notified of the award of over $67,000 in an AF Grant.  The grant will be used to replace all supply and attack hose, nozzles and other appliances. Additionally, a complete cascade system (compressor and air cylinders), saws and thermal imaging cameras will be purchased.
 

"New" U-truck placed  in service With the help of a state grant, a "new" utility truck was place in service this week. the F-250 Ford club cab pickup was purchased  locally.  It was recently outfitted with emergency  warning devices, radio and a graphics package.

Command for Company Officers  program completed Nearly 40 fire officers or fire officer candidates attended a two day training program on January 30 and 31, 2010, presented by Task Force 1, Inc.  entitled, Command For Company Officers. The program's lead instructor will be Michael "Mick" Mayers.  The lead instructor was : Mick Mayers,  Battalion Chief, Hilton Head Island FD , SC.

Michael “Mick” Mayers has served the Hilton Head Island (SC) community as a firefighter and paramedic since 1982, where he is currently a Battalion Chief.  His career began as a volunteer with Bridgeport (PA) in 1980. His responsibilities also include duties as the Deputy Director of the South Carolina Urban Search and Rescue Program (SC-TF1) and as Chairman of NFPA’s Rescue Technician Professional Qualifications Committee (NFPA 1006).  Mick is also one of the founders and past Vice-Chairman of the State Urban Search and Rescue Alliance (SUSAR).  Mick holds a degree in Fire Science Technology from Savannah Technical Institute and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.  He is an author of many articles on emergency service leadership; his articles and posts can be found on his site at www.FirehouseZen.com

In addition to personnel from Station 43, participating  fire departments included:

Lackawanna County, PA Dickson City Fire  Department Newton  Ransom Fire Company Blakely Hose Company Broome County, NY Choconut Center Volunteer Fire Company Connecticut West Haven  IAFF Local 1198 West Shore Fire Department

Wayne County, PA Lake Ariel Fire Company Honesdale Fire Department Gouldsboro Fire Company Susquehanna County, Pa Hop Bottom Fire Company Thompson Hose Company Luzerne County, PA Plymouth Fire Department

Training SOG issued
A new SOG related to the training process at Station was recently issed. Read the SOG.

BC Schellenberg visits 43 Station 43 was paid a visit by retired District of Columbia Battalion Chief Steve "Shelly" Schellenberg. Chief "Shelly", who was enroute to a training seminar, spent a few hours at the station, reviewing our operation and sharing some of his experiences with crew. We'd like to thank him for taking the time to stop by and  share his insights with us. (In photo: Chief Richards, Battalion Chjef Schellenberg and Assistant Chief Ellsworth)

Former  Engine 43 sold On Friday, January 8th, Justus Volunteer Fire Company, Station 28 in Lackawanna County, took delivery of our former Engine 43.  The 1990 Spartan/FMC may get a new color and look in the near future.  Best of luck to the new owners!

IAMRESPONDING on line, SOG issued, training conducted
Training was held  Monday, January 4, 2010, to insure all response personnel are familar with the operational features of the  IamResponding.com  program.  A new SOG, I Am Responding, 500-10-01, was issued. Review the  SOG now

Deputy Chief Billy G stops by 43
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder, one of the most recognizable names in the fire service, spent some time Friday morning at Station 43. Billy was in  Hazleton  Thursday evening presenting a Firefighter Survival Seminar, "Injury and LODD's at Single Family Dwelling Fires" .

Chief Richards, long time friend of Chief Goldfeder, and Assistant Chief Obelenus  were his guests for dinner before Thursday evening's event. Enroute to his next program in Albany, NY on Saturday, Billy stopped by to check out Station 43 Friday morning.
 

Billy commented on our commitment to safety and operations, in particular, the automatic 4 engines, 2 ladders, 1 rescue squad and 4 tanker response on EACH alarm assignment.  Ironicially, during his lecture the night before, he emphasized the need  to have adequate resources at all working fires.  Billy has written several articles on the topic,  showing that over 20 firefighters are needed to SAFELY conduct interior operations, hence the need for automatic mutual aid. Billy also had a twinkle in his eye  when he climbed in and on Tower Ladder 43 which originally saw service on Long Island, where Billy grew up.

Billy said, "You have a great station. I'm really impressed. Riding assignments, good box assignments and  a good proby program. It's clear you guys have your sh%@ together."

We hope to have Billy back soon for another visit!

About Deputy Chief Goldfeder:
Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO, a firefighter since 1973, serves as Deputy Fire Chief of the Loveland-Symmes FD in S.W. Ohio. LSFD is an ISO Class 2, full service ALS department providing a full range of traditional and non-traditional emergency & community services. A Chief Officer since 1982, he has served as a Fire Chief in Ohio, Virginia and Florida. 

Chief Goldfeder also served as a Public Protection representative covering southern New York, for I.S.O. as well as a Company Officer, starting with the Manhasset-Lakeville F.D., in Long Island, N.Y.
 

In  1993 graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, he is the former Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs VCOS Section. In 2001, Chief Goldfeder was honored with an appointment of Hon. Battalion Chief of F.D.N.Y. and is a member of the Board of Directors of the September 11th Families Association,  the Board of Directors of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and provides assistance to the NIOSH Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program . Additionally, he is the recipient of numerous operational and administrative awards and recognitions and received the Loveland-Symmes FD Departmental Award of Excellence in 2003, the ISFSI Fire Instructor of The Year Award for 2004, the Dana Hannon Fire Training Award for 2004,  the I.A.F.C’s Presidential Award for 2005, the 2007 IFSTA Everett E. Hudiburg Memorial Award for firefighter training excellence and the 2007 Nassau County (N.Y.) Frances X. Pendl Fire Service Humanitarian Award.

Chief Goldfeder recently completed his 6th year as a Commissioner on the Commission of Fire Accreditation International. He serves as an Associate/Contributing Editor for FIRE ENGINEERING, FIRE RESCUE, WITHTHECOMMAND.COM, FIREHOUSE as well as Firehouse.Com and is a member of the F.E.T.N. (Fire and Emergency Television Network) Advisory Board. He has spoken on, as well as published, numerous articles on subjects such as combination FD's, fire command and tactics, firefighter/fireground safety, apparatus design and deployment and fireground staffing. His monthly column "Close Calls" appears in FIREHOUSE Magazine and his bi-weekly radio show “Through The Smoke” is hosted on Firehouse.com.
 

Deputy Chief Goldfeder accepts Station 43 shirt from Assistant Chief ObelenusChief Goldfeder has served on several NFPA and IAFC Committees, is the Chair of the IAFC’s Safety, Health and Survival Section, serves on the National Firefighter Near-Miss Reporting Task Force (IAFC) and has been an Instructor at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (F.D.I.C.) for the past 25 years as well as a member of the FDIC Advisory Board for the past 15 years.  He has and does provide consulting services for municipal and private corporations with a clear focus on firefighter safety and survival. Chief Goldfeder, along with Captain Gordon Graham, police/fire service risk management expert, attorney and California Highway Patrol Captain, hosts and sponsors  the website: www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com  , a 100% non-commercial, independent and free site with only 1 focus: Firefighter Safety, Survival and Getting Everyone Home.

Our first newsletter
Browndale Fire Company released its first newsletter. The newsletter provides information about company operations and other timely topics. Download the newsletter

Two days of training completed:  "Save Yourself, Save Others"
Task Force 1, Inc.,  presented  its new training program, "Save, Yourself, Save Others", on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18th at Station 43. Lead instructor and  friend of Station 43, retired Captain Tony Tricarico from  FDNY's Squad 252 teamed up with Captain Greg Barnas from Jersey City's Ladder 6 to show firefighters how to save themselves in life threatening situations.

Both days started at Station 43 with an interactive lecture. Intense practical exercises were conducted at the Kartri Sales Company building on Susquehanna Street in Forest City. Seventeen Browndale firefighters were joined by fellow firefighters from as far away as Colorado, traveling to see this program's debut.

Departments participating included: 
Choconut Center FD, Broome County, NY 
Wallington Fire Department, Bergen County, NY
Pittston Fire Department, Luzerne County, PA
Duryea  Fire Department, Luzerne County. PA
Avoca Fire Department, Luzerne County PA
Lake Ariel Fire Company, Wayne County, PA
Blakely Hose Company, Lackawanna County, PA
Old Forge Fire Department, Lackawanna County, PA
Greenwood Fire Department, Lackawanna County, PA
Vandergift Fire Department, Westmoreland County, PA
Burning Mtns. Fire Protection District, Garfield County, CO
View the photos
 

Fire rips through mobile home 
Smoke detectors credited with early warning

The lone occupant of a mobile home located at 258 Burns Road in Clinton Township narrowly escaped for a fire just before 3 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4.   The fire resulted in heavy fire damage to the trailer.  Wayne County Communications Center dispatched the box assignment at 02:41 hours. The fire was brought under control in about fifteen minutes. The fire was declared out at 05:05 hours with command (Chief 43) releasing all companies.

The fire is under investigation by the PSP Fire Marshal.  Photos PA Home Page
On the box: Engines 94, 12, 43, and 41, Rescues 75 and 59, Ladder 43 and 13-4, Tankers 94, 12 and 75, Car 43 and Waymart EMS. 

SUV into structures
An SUV that apparently lost its brakes coming down Marion Street (Route 247) in Browndale did extensive damage to two structures just after 10:30 hours on Saturday, October 31.

The female driver escaped unharmed despite the extensive damage to the SUV and both structure.  The damaged structures are no strangers to similar crashes as over the years other vehicles have met their fate there as well.  The driver of SUV self extricated despite double air bag deployment.

Chief 43 had the command with the Sgt. Short on the engine handling Division 1 inside the structure, Captain Zasik (41 Rescue) took charge of the stabilization group.  Once the extent of structural damage was determined the vehicle was removed from the structures without incident.  The incident was wrapped up in 30 minutes.  Photos

On the assignment: Chief 43, Car 43, Engine 43, Rescue 41, Forest City EMS and PSP.

SUV vs. dirt bike on Route 247
The driver of a dirt biker suffers significant injuries in a crash with an SUV

The wreck occured Sunday afternoon, October 11, around 15:30 hours on Route 247 near the between Commerce Drive and Front Street in Clinton Township. After the collison between the SUV and the bike, the SUV hit the guardrail stopping in a wooded area.

The driver of the SUV reportedly was uninjured. Forest City EMS and Mobile 9 handled patient care. On the assignment: Engine 43, Car 43, Chief 43, Rescue 41, Forest City EMS, Mobile 9 and PSP

Fatal crash in Vandling 
A deadly crash on Route 171 in the 300 block of Main Street drew a response for the Engine crew on Friday evening, September 4th. A motorcyclist died in the crash after losing control on a corner ending up under a SUV.  The deadly crash is under investigation by the PA State Police. 

Engine 43 was detailed to the Vandling Recreation Field to establish a  landing zone for Lifeflight, but was eventually canceled by EMS. Crews remained on the scene for over 90 minutes with Route 171 remaining closed.  On  the assignment: Engine 42, Rescues 41 and 51, Forest City EMS, Cottage ALS (Mobile 9). Scranton Times
 
 

Open House a hit Station 43 opened it's door to the public Thursday evening. The event featured fire station tours, public fire safety education demonstrations, and a presentation provide an overview of  fire company operations. Special thanks to all three Clinton Township Supervisors for taking the time to visit the fire station and sit through our presentation.  WNEP TV made time to come up the the firehouse to cover the event. We're proud of our station and apparatus, but  most importantly, we are proud to have a great cadre of members who are committed to the firehouse!

Violent crash on Route 296

A violent crash on Route 296 between Stanton Drive and Elk Lake Drive resulted in serious injuries for two people Saturday morning bust before 06:00 hours on Saturday, August 1.  Wayne County Communications dispatched the rescue assignment at 05:58 hours bringing Rescue 75, Engine 43, Car 43, Waymart EMS and ALS from Cottage EMS.

Upon dispatch communications advised that due to weather conditions no medical helicopters were available  to fly due to weather conditions. The female passenger was self extricated with the male driver heavily entrapped.  Both patients were taken to the trauma center via ground transportation.

Rescue 75 handled  the extrication and removed the entrapped patient at 06:19 hours. Engine 43 handled the hazards and provided a hand line for patient and crew protection.  Deputy Chief 75 (Lombardi) handled the extrication while  Captain 43 (Ellsworth) oversaw the hazard control.

Chief 43 (Richards) had the Route 296 command. Crews cleared the scene just before 07:00 hours. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police. Photos....

Plane crash, 1 hurt 

The pilot of a lightweight plane was injured in a crash landing at a private air strip  near Stone Bridge Lane and Route 170 in Clinton Township Sunday afternoon at 17:47 hours.  Apparently the plane lost power on approach to the landing strip, slamming to the slide of a ravine, coming to rest on some downed trees. The pilot was still in the plane when emergency services arrived.  The plane was immediately secured preventing it from sliding down the hill side into the stream below. Once extricated by Rescue 75, the pilot was treated by Waymart EMS and Mobile 9 then transported to the hospital. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Photos

On the response: Car 43, Engines 43 and 94, Rescue 75, Tanker 94, Waymart EMS and Mobile 9. 

First night of training with Co. 94
Tuesday evening may respresent the first of many multi-company training exercises with Company 94 and other mutual companies over the summer. 43 worked with 94  (Prompton) at  White Oak Pond in Clinton Township, give both companies a chance to get familiar with each others apparatus and equipment. Several water movement drills were conducted  involving both engines and the tower ladder. We'd like to thank Chief Collins and his crew for their efforts in making for a great training exercise. Both companies plan to train together in the very near future. Photos

Busy weekend: HOGFEST Saturday, Training Sunday
For the third month in a row, Station 43 personnel racked up nearly 400 man-hours of training.  On Sunday, the day was spent doing various drills in conjunction with the fourth module of the Delmar FF1 program. Photos
Earlier photos

HOGFEST is history
Blessed with beautiful weather, the event drew hundreds of locals who where out for a good time.  Special thanks to Chief Fanning and the crew from Station 22 who filled-in for us while we were committed to HOGFEST. The photos!

Working with the 400' line
A good portion of a Saturday was spent practicing with the 400' 2" preconnect line.  The line was added to the attack arsenal when the new engine went in service. With many setbacks and building that are "deep", the 400' footer can be deployed with good fire attack capabilities. The photos.

8 complete FF1 program
The Delmar FF1 program that started a few days after the New Year came to an end Monday evening with the written exam.  The 180 hour program consisted of four modules.  In addition to the basic FF program, all members obtained a National Haz Mat Certification. Station 43 would like to thank all the instructors who made this program a success.  We look forward to having you back for future training endeavors! Congratulations to the following  firefighters from Station 43 who successfully completed the program: Shawn Burns, D.J. Yestrepsky, Don "Pappa D" Yestrepsky, James Tasso, Julie Doyle, Pat Davis, Mike Skasko, and Sgt. Kristian Short.
 

Heavy fire on arrival in Vandling
Firefighters had heavy fire showing on arrival on Thursday, March 12, just before 20:00 hours in the 400 block on Main Street in Vandling, Box 4201. Fire was blowing out into the street from a 2.5 story wood frame structure at 440 with exposures on the Bravo (444) and Delta Sides (438). With heavy fire involvement and exposure problems, Command immediately requested a second alarm on the box.

First arriving engine, E-41, mounted a high volume exterior attack with Ladder 43 on the Alpha side. Following the high volume attack, crews determined that the fire was contained to the 440 Main Street structure. Command backed down the assignment to the second alarm, special calling Rescue Co. 51 from the second.

Companies worked for nearly four hours handling extensive overhaul operations. A PSP Fire Marsha;l determined the fire  was arson.  On the box: Engines 42, 41, 43, 614 and  52, Ladders 43 and 58, Rescues 59,51  and 41,  Squad 59 and Forest City EMS.  Photos

Engine, Car on two alarm fire in Bethany 
A massive log cabin style home was hit by flames Friday morning in Dyberry Township, near Bethany on Route 670 in Wayne County just after 08:00 hours. 

Initial companies on scene had heavy fire on the Charlie side of the structure with extension into the Division 2 and the roof area prompting a quick request for a second alarm. The fire was contained to three rooms of the structure, but required extensive overhaul.
With the fire contained, efforts were focused on overhaul and salvage. The structure was located approximately one mile off Route 670 limiting apparatus access. Engine 43's crew was assigned to Division 2.  Crews worked for about two hours before returning to service. No injuries were reported. A State Police Fire Marshal will investigate the fire's cause.  More Pictures

Firefighter attains FF1, Hazmat Ops Certifications
Cheryl Hunsburger recently was certified as a Firefighter 1 and received her Hazardous Materials Operations certification.  Cheryl  traveled to  Great Bend and Susquehanna Fire Departments from August 2008 to January 2009 for over 200 hours of classroom time, practical skills, and practice time. Included in this class, was a structural burn class that was needed for the certification that was held in Vestal, New York. Testing for this certification, which also took place in Vestal New York, was very rigorous. There were four different written examinations and two different practical examinations that had to be completed.  Early in 2008, she also completion her Emergency Medical Technician certification.

Station 43 to become Red Cross Shelter
43 thanked for "stepping up"
Browndale Fire Company  approved unanimously to proceed with an application to be an American Red Cross Shelter last week. 

Browndale Fire Company was visited by the American Red Cross of Lackawanna County on Monday, October 20th for a walk through of the fire station in consideration of being a Red Cross Shelter and to be utilized when disaster strikes in the area. 

The Red Cross was very pleased with the fire station's facility and thanked us for "stepping up" to the plate.  While Browndale may seem like an unlikely place, you never know when disaster may strike.   The American Red Cross of Lackawanna County was pleased to have our fire company added to their list of shelters.   The official letter will be arriving in the mail soon.

We understand that in a time of emergency/disaster, the fire company members will be out helping others in the community as we did two years ago for the June floods. However, our station, once activated as a shelter, could be manned by the Red Cross and its trained volunteers to help others in our community, or those "down the valley" from us or even "over the mountain" from us. The Red Cross will be looking to provide shelter and emergency training to volunteers in the community. 

The Browndale Fire Company is proud and eager to be assisting those in need in case of disaster.   Just another example of the commitment of the members of the Browndale Fire Company to the community that we serve.

Transition to new frequencies complete
The transition to the new frequency lineup that is part of a communications upgrade effort at Wayne County Communications Center was completed on Saturday.  The new freqeuencies are as follows: Both County 1 and 2 have a PL of 167.9 transmit and receive, County 1 ~ 151.415 and  County 2  155.6775.  Fire 1 is 155.9175 and  Fire 2  is  156.0375.  A third county frequency and a third fire frequency is planned for the future. At this point, all four frequencies will be activated. Sgt. Ellsworth coordinated the project.

More new Trix....
Captains  Tricarico and Barnas do "REAL" Truck Company Ops
Captain Tony Tricarico, Squad 252, FDNY,  and Capatin Greg Barnas, from Ladder 6 in Jersey City, NJ, gave an intense  training program presented by Task Force 1, Inc., on Saturday and Sunday. The new program, REAL Truck Company Operations, focused on how a "Real" Truck Company should operate. The intense training left firefighters breathless by the end of Sunday.  The class was made up of firefighters from host Browndale Fire Company,  Duryea Fire Department in Luzerne County, Blakely Hose Company, Clarks Summit and Elmhurst Fire Companies from Lackawanna County. Firefighters from Lower Swatara Fire Department near Harrisburg and Wallington, New Jersey rounded out the roster of nearly thirty firefighters at the training event. First Day Photos  Day two photos

First due fire wrecks dwelling
A box assignment was sent to the Elk Lake area of Clinton Township Sunday evening before 20:00 hours for the working house fire. The structure was fully involved on arrival. An exposure on side D was damaged by radiant heat but was spared. The occupants of the dwelling were home but were not in the structure at the time of the fire. A PSP Fire Marshal will investigate the cause of the fire. Scranton Times

On the assignment: E 43, 42, 41 and 12, Rescues 75 and 59, Ladders 43 and 43, Mini Pumper 94, Tankers 94, 12, 13 and 75, Car 43 and Waymart EMS. Chief 43A had the command.  Photos

Ladder gets work on 28 box
A working fire in a commercial building on Route 371, literally in the shadow of Station 28, drew a response for Ladder 43 just before 02:00 hours on Tuesday .Ladder 43, first arriving ladder, initially took aposition on Side D of  the large "T" shaped structure. 

The truck crew checked the basement reporting a fire in the A/B area. With the fire growing rapidly, Ladder 18 and Ladder 43 were assigned to trench cut the roof in hopes of holding the fire in the main portion of the structure. 

The strategy worked allowing engine crews to hold the fire in  main structure. The ladder was eventually repositioned on B of the structure.Crews worked for about five hours on the stubborn blaze. Ladder 43  was recalled to the scene the blaze around 10:30 hours to assist the  PSP Fire Marshal  with aerial photos of the scene. 
The cause  Wayne Independent    Photos

Ladder at Ops in Large/Complex Structures program
Captain Tony Tricarico, Squad 252 in Brooklyn returned for another weekend of training as Task Force 1, Inc., delivered yet another intense  training program. A Truck crew attended the two day program entitled "Operations in Large /Complex Structures in Old Forge, Lackawanna County.  Captain "Trix" was joined by Battalion Chief Jim Dugan from the District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department. The training was intense as would be expected with Captain "Trix".  Go the the Old Forge Website
Photos here!

Arson fire hits Station 42

A devastating fire tore through a 150' x 30' picnic pavilion, kitchen and storage shed at Vandling Hose Company in the 500 Block of Clinton Street in Vanding. 

The blaze, which hit just after 02:00 hours on Tuesday, presented tense moments  for firefighters when they were greeted by a 500 pound propane tank venting a vertical flame in the midst of the inferno with a second tank being impinged by flames. 

Initial reports from the scene suggest some sort of an "explosion" but that was not confirmed.
Chief Hollis and his crew focused on removing his apparatus for the station, a mere twenty five feet from the structure. The fire station suffered minor damage on Side C from radiant heat. Crews operated  for about 90 minutes before returning to service.  One firefighter was injured but refused medical treatment. A PSP Fire Marshal  determined the fire was  arson.  On the Box:  E 42, 41, 43, 61, 60,  52, R 41, 59, L 43, 58, Car 43, FC and Cottage EMS. Chief Hollis had the Clinton Street Command. WNEP TV

43 responds to Clifford 
A two alarm plus fire tore through a one hundred year old home on Main Street in Clifford. The four occupants of the dwelling safely escaped the blaze as firefighters were greeted by a  wall of fire on side C of the structure. 
Crews operated for nearly 4 hours clearing the scene just before 06:00 hours.  Chief 43A with Car 43 was on the second alarm working with Chief 18 (T.Turner) in command. Photos here!

Truck crew spends  2 days training
Neither cold or snow stopped two days of training. On Saturday and Sunday, March 1 and 2,  a crew and the ladder participated in the "Coordinated Attack" program presented by Task Force 1, Inc. at Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Company (29).  Check out the photos