At 23:32 hrs, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to the 1400 block of Holly Drive in East Rockhill Township for the report of black smoke coming from the second story windows.  Engine 26 responded with Captain 26 (S. Reutlinger) to a two-story residence with smoke showing from the Alpha/Delta corner. Captain 26 provided Dispatch with a full report of conditions and established Perkasie Command, requesting the assignment be filled out for additional apparatus and manpower.  Captain 26 directed the Engine Company to extend a hand line to the second floor and make an aggressive interior attack.  The bulk of the fire was knocked down and contained to the bedroom.  Tower 26 upon arrival was directed by Command to place ground ladders to the windows on Alpha side and to PPV the front door with a box fan to the second floor.  Chief 26 (Worthington) arrived on scene and conferred with Captain 26 about action plan, then assumed Perkasie Command, Captain 26 assumed Operations.  Perkasie Command directed incoming companies to report to Manpower handled by Deputy 27 (Brennan).  Due to the fire containment, the assignment was reduced to Station 26 and 76 apparatus and Tower 27, returning the balance at 00:10 hrs.  The Bucks County Fire Marshal’s office was requested to conduct a cause and origin investigation.  Personnel remained on scene assisting the FM’s office until 03:59 hrs.

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 is pleased to announce that Engine 76 arrived in July.  The 2010 Impel pumper was ordered from Pierce Mfg., Inc., Appleton, WI.  This apparatus features a 2000 gpm single stage pump, 1000 gallons of water with an overall height of 9 ft.-8 in. on a 187 in. wheelbase.   The apparatus also has a 15kW generator, elevated light tower, front suction and 1500 ft. of 5” large diameter hose.  This new apparatus will replace a 1974 Mack CF pumper housed at Station 76 located at the East Rockhill Municipal Complex on N. Ridge Road.   After equipment is mounted by Department personnel and training, Engine 76 is anticipated to be in service to Township residents after Labor Day. 

Members from Engine 76 Apparatus Replacement Committee will be at the Pierce factory in Appleton, WI on June 14^th and 15^th to perform final inspection of the new 2000 GPM pumper.  If all specifications have been met, the vehicle will be paid for and the title will be transferred to the Department.  The apparatus will then be delivered to Glick Fire Equipment, Bird-In-Hand, PA in preparation for delivery late June. 

  
 In the early morning hours on June 2, 2010 at 00:36 hrs, Rescue 26 was automatically dispatched with Station 27 (Sellersville) for a motor vehicle accident on southbound State Route 309 By-Pass south of the Lawn Avenue exit.  It was determined that the single vehicle left the roadway surface and the best access was would be from the 100 block of Almont Road in West Rockhill Twp. Battalion 76 (Wedman) confirmed two (2) patients entrapped in a vehicle suspended by trees .  Engine 27-1 upon arrival initiated lighting, clearing vegetation and started stabilization.  Battalion 27 (McDonald) established Rockhill Command.  Rescue 26 added stabilization struts and proceeded with extrication.  Due to the severity of vehicle damage, Rescue 18 (West End –Quakertown) was added.  Extended extrication time later added Montgomery County Squad 72 (Tylersport) and Squad 75 (Telford) for additional manpower to allow initial response rescue companies to rehab and hydrate in the humid morning weather.  Extrication was complete three (3) hours after dispatch.  Initial response companies remained on scene until 05:16 hrs.

 At 08:10 hrs on May 19th 2010, Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Grand View Hospital Medic 151 with a MVA at the intersection of N.5^th Street & State Route 313.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) upon arrival at a two vehicle accident located two passengers unable to exit.  Rescue 26 personnel went in service to pop the driver’s side passenger door and secure the hazards on both vehicles. 

FF/EMT Erin Kostrubiak was the recipient of the 2010 John D. Cook Scholarship Award presented by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers – Philadelphia-Delaware Valley Chapter. The $1000 Award will be used to support her education.  Erin was also the recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the Bucks County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association.  Erin completed her Junior year at the University of New Haven, CT majoring in Fire Science with concentration in Fire Administration and Arson Investigation.  Congratulations Erin!

Work in progressing on the new Engine 76 at Pierce MFG, Appleton, WI.  The new Impel pumper will feature a 2000 gpm single stage pump, 1000 gallons of water with an overall height of 9 ft.-8 in. on a 187 in. wheelbase.   The contract specifications require installation of a 15kW generator, elevated light tower, front suction and a requirement for 1500 ft. of 5” large diameter hose.  This new apparatus will replace a 1974 Mack CF pumper housed at Station 76 located at the East Rockhill Municipal Complex on N. Ridge Road.  The Apparatus Replacement Committee will be traveling to Wisconsin on June 14^th & 15^th for final inspection and acceptance.
 

On Sunday morning April 25, 2010 at 01:08 hours, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was requested by Boro Police Officers to respond to a vehicle on its side into a building with a collapsed porch, at the intersection of W. Park Avenue and S. 9^th Street.  One minute after this dispatch, the Department was advised of a fire alarm activation at Delbar Industries at S. 7^th Street and W. Spruce Street.  Chief 26 (Worthington) and Engine 26 handled the alarm assignment.  Deputy 26 (Trotter) and Battalion 26 (Boshell) responded to vehicular incident.  Rescue 26 was the first apparatus to arrive on scene and placed temporary shoring to create a safety zone for personnel to work within. Tac 76 responded into the scene with the Technical Rescue trailer from the East Rockhill Township station.  As personnel began to stage equipment and lumber from the trailer, Deputy 26 requested a special response from fellow Bucks County Technical Rescue Task Force member, Rescue 60 (Hilltown Twp FD).  Once relieved from the fire alarm incident, Engine 26 personnel supported activities on scene.  Companies went in service placing permanent columns to support the front section of the porch, and disentangling the fallen porch roof side section from the overturned pick-up truck.  Officer from Fire Police 26 diverted traffic until 03:31 hours when the Department cleared the area.

 On April 24^th & 25^th, BCCC Instructor Dan Hinkle conducted a Pump 2 class at Station 26 - PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 for those aspiring to be Apparatus Operators.  The Saturday session focused primarily on the hydraulic calculations involved with large volume water movement in apparatus, appliances and hose.  The Sunday session applied those principles and confirmed the mathematical calculations.  Once again students from various Departments in upper Bucks County took advantage of the training opportunity. 
 

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 continues to host the PA Department of Health Basic Vehicle Rescue series this spring.  During the weekend of April 17th & 18th, firefighters from Station 26 continued to learn important auto extrication skills under the instruction of BCCC Instructor and Phila. FD Captain Rick Bossert.  The BVR Technician class in the final section of three courses and focused on the use of hydraulic powered tools.  Once again students from various Departments in Bucks County along with six (6) firefighters from S.M. Vauclain Fire Co. in Delaware County took advantage of the training opportunity.  A special word of thanks is offered to Oak Tree Auto Salvage, 1600 block of N. Ridge Road, East Rockhill Twp. for providing the space along with vehicles for training.  All Perkasie firefighters will be taking the DOH evaluation test on Tuesday April 27^th to obtain their State certification.
 

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched on March 26, 2010 at 09:14 hours for a Dwelling Fire in the 300 block of Vine Street in Perkasie Boro.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) was first to arrive on location with heavy fire in the garage area on Sides A, B & C in a 1-story section.  Engine 26 laid 5" LDH from the hydrant at 5^th and Vine Streets into the alleyway adjacent to the fire scene. Firefighters deployed two (2) 2” hand lines and began attack thru a failed garage door opening.  Deputy 26 (Trotter) on arrival assumed Vine Street Command and directed incoming apparatus.  Both initial hand lines darkened the fire and made a quick knockdown.  Engine Companies 27-1 (Sellersville) and 59 (Silverdale) upon arrival went interior to the second floor of the residence and also proceeded to open the roof for venting.   Additional Companies were added for manpower and overhaul/salvage operations.

 Once again PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 participated in Operation 6abc Save A Life smoke detector program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.  Safety Officer A. Kelly and FF/EMT P. Kostrubiak received 84 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 tri-state area Fire Departments.  Present at the distribution were Philadelphia Fire Dept. Commissioner Lloyd Ayers along with 6abc reporters Adam Joseph and Cecily Tynan.  For more information about the free smoke detector program please go to www.6abc.com.

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

 PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 is hosting the PA Department of Health Basic Vehicle Rescue series this spring.  During the weekend of March 20^th - 21^st , new firefighters to Station 26 learned important skills, while experienced members brushed up on latest techniques under the instruction of BCCC Instructor and Phila. FD Captain Rick Bossert.  The BVR Operations class in the second in a series of three courses and focused on the use of common hand tools.  Students from various Departments in Bucks County along with six (6) firefighters from S.M. Vauclain Fire Co. in Delaware County took advantage of the training opportunity.  A special word of thanks is offered to Oak Tree Auto Salvage, 1600 block of N. Ridge Road, East Rockhill Twp. for providing the space along with six (6) vehicles for training.

 At 09:54 hrs, Local Box 26-23 was struck for a bus on fire at the Pennridge School District Transportation Center.  Chief 26 (Worthington) met the Chief Mechanic on scene and confirmed heavy fire in the engine compartment.  District personnel moved an adjacent bus for firefighter access.  Engine 26 led off with a 2” handline knocking the bulk of the fire down.  Upon arrival, the Rescue Company pulled their foam hand line for saturation of rubber products. Battalion 26 (Boshell) directed extinguishment operations between companies. Engine 76 provided additional water to Engine 26.  The fire was contained to the single spare bus.  Bucks County Assistant Fire Marshal FM-201 conducted a cause and determination investigation of the fire. Fire Police 26 controlled traffic into the complex during the incident.  The incident was cleared at 10:55 hrs.

At 21:55 hrs, Rescue Box 26-25 was struck for a traffic accident with fire and entrapment.  Chief 26 (Worthington), Deputy 26 (Trotter) and Battalion 76 (Wedman) arrived on location and initiated engine compartment fire suppression efforts with extinguishers.   Chief 26 confirmed the driver was ejected from the vehicle and requested a medical helicopter be dispatched.  Medic 108 (St. Luke’s) affirmed the release of JeffStat2 to fly. Rescue 26 (Lt. Becker) on arrival continued fire suppression efforts and assisted with medical treatment supporting Medic 151 (Grand View).  Engine 26 (Lt. Golebiewski) established a landing zone on a nearby property.  Upon arrival, Tac 76 supported the rescue detail.  Medics 151 transported the patient to the LZ, assisted by Medic 108 personnel.  Fire Police 26 diverted traffic around the incident while Perkasie Boro PD investigated the accident.  The incident was cleared at 23.33 hrs.

At 18:57 hrs, Tactical Box 26-25 was dispatched for a reported chimney fire.  Battalion 76 (Wedman) arrived on location and directed Tower 26 (Lt. Keeler) to ladder the chimney and initiate exterior roof operations. Engine 26 (Capt. Reutlinger) removed fire box contents from the interior.  Engine 76 utilized a thermal imaging camera to check for interior extension.  The incident was cleared at 19:46 hrs.

Fire Police Captain Ron Dietrich was a member of this Department since 1995. He served as Fire Police Captain since 2000.  He also served as Vice President from 2003 through 2007.  He was instrumental in reviving the Annual Carnival, besides serving on various other committees.  He was the recipient of many awards, including the Burpee Award for Service.  He was also a life member with the Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder Company, Saylorsburg, PA.  Besides, his activities with this Department, he served as a Perkasie Borough Crossing Guard in the area of Patricia Guth Elementary School for many years.  Always friendly with the school children, parents and dogs; he will be missed by many in the community. 
 

Perkasie Fire Company is pleased to announce that a new Pierce Impel pumper has been ordered from Pierce Mfg., Inc., Appleton, WI.  This apparatus will feature a 2000 gpm single stage pump, 1000 gallons of water with an overall height of 9 ft.-8 in. on a 187 in. wheelbase.   The contract specifications require installation of a 15kW generator, elevated light tower, front suction and a requirement for 1500 ft. of 5” large diameter hose.  This new apparatus will replace a 1974 Mack CF pumper housed at Station 76 located at the East Rockhill Municipal Complex on N. Ridge Road.  Delivery is anticipated to be June-July 2010.