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At 08:38 hrs. on Sunday morning November 24, 2013, Tower 26 and Rescue 26 were dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with reported fire on top of a building in the 300 block of S. Main Street in Sellersville Boro. Perkasie Boro PD arrived on scene and confirmed a working fire on Side A with flames and smoke visible. Sellersville Command (Ass’t 27) directed Tower 26 to stage S. Main Street and have company throw ground ladders and report with hooks to Side A. Tower 26 then relocated to Corner C/D and established the platform to the roof. Command directed Rescue 26 to establish a second water supply from a hydrant located at Diamond Street & Grandview Avenue. Rescue 26 laid 1300’ of 5” LDH to Corner B/C of the building. Rescue Company then manned the Tower platform to assist roof operation with opening wall of vestibule tower. Traffic 26 was on-scene diverting traffic around the incident.

This weekend, November 3 and 4th, we will all be setting our clocks to back to Eastern Standard Time. The time change is a good reminder to check your smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 66 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. Smoke alarms must be maintained! A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all, so test your smoke alarm monthly by pushing the “test” button.

Smoke alarms are powered by either a battery or are hardwired into your home’s electrical system. Hardwired smoke alarms are usually equipped with a backup battery. If your smoke alarm is powered by battery, the battery needs to be replaced annually unless it is a long-life battery (check the owner’s manual). All batteries should be maintained and replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s guidance.

Choose an annual date, such as the time change, when you will remember to maintain your smoke alarm in tip top condition. Check the manufacturer’s expiration date on the label, replace the batteries if needed, and clean dust away from the slots so that smoke can enter freely. All smoke alarms, hard-wired and battery powered, should be replaced every ten years. These simple steps will help ensure that you and your family will have the best chance of surviving if fire should strike.

The USFA has a fire safety campaign called Install. Inspect. Protect. which provides information about home smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. Please visit the campaign Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov

Pictured in the photo from left to right are: 2nd VP Jeff Gahman, US Representative Michael Fitzpatrick, 1st VP John Yannaccone, PA State Representative Paul Clymer and Chief J. David Worthington

A prestigious honor was bestowed upon VP John Yannaccone as he was presented with a 2013 Burpee Emergency Services Award on October 27, 2013 at the Spring Mill Manor Country Club. The annual award program is hosted the Central Bucks Chambers of Commerce. VP Yannaccone was recognized for his work in during a long transitional leadership change last year. He was also responsible for undertaking a major revision to our Class A uniforms and the purchase of new Class B uniforms. He was presented individual citations from U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy, PA State Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr., and PA State Representative Paul Clymer recognizing his achievements

On September 25, Aerial Testing Company – Lebanon, PA performed non-destructive testing and inspection of all Department ground ladders, following the guidelines of the NFPA 1932 Standard "Use, Maintenance and Service Testing of Fire Department Ground Ladders". All ground ladders were certified for another year of use.

The aerial device on Tower 26 was also visually inspected, non-destructive testing performed, with operational and functional tests performed also, as it too was also certified in compliance with NFPA 1914 - Standard for Testing Fire Department Aerial Devices.

All certification reports will be forwarded to Perkasie Borough’s insurance carrier in order to maintain the low insurance rates. Chief Engineer Jason Kelly handled moving of apparatus to the test site during the day of testing.

At 20:55 hrs. on Wednesday evening September 11, 2013, Tower 26 and Rescue 26 were dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a working building fire in the area of Maple and Lawn Avenue, Sellersville Boro. Tower 26 was assigned aerial operations at Corner C/D of structure. Rescue 26 provided scene lighting and additional fire suppression. Chief 26 (Worthington) was assigned Water Operation by Sellersville Command. Engine 26 established a tanker fill site in front of Pennridge South Middle School in Perkasie Borough off a Perkasie Regional Authority (PRA) hydrant. The water dump site was set at Temple and Maple Avenues. A total of seventeen (17) tankers were filled during the incident. Due to the nature of the incident, the Fire Police Unit provided security of the property during the cause and determination investigation throughout the night.

At 12:32 hrs. on Tuesday afternoon September 24, 2013, Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Medic 151 (Grand View Hospital) with a standby at a traffic accident in the 700 block of W. Park Avenue. Perkasie PD was on scene and reported no apparent injuries to the single walking driver. The Rescue Company along with the assistance of personnel from Engine 27-1 (Sellersville) secured the walls of the building vestibule and the vehicle. The property was turned back over to Property Maintenance by Battalion Chief 26 (Boshell). Traffic 26 was on-scene diverting traffic around the incident.

On Tuesday evening August 6, 2013, members of the Fire Education unit brought the Kids Safety trailer to Franconia Township’s 17th Annual National Night Out Against Crime activitiesfestivities. Numerous children and adults participated throughout the evening in the fire and home safety tour. Each year The Weimer Group provides activity and color books from Erie Insurance for the Fire Education unit to give to children throughout the year. PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1’s trailer is sponsored by The Weimer Group with offices in Perkasie and Harleysville. Over 40 Public Safety Organizations provided displays and demonstrations in Public Safety, Fire Prevention and Crime Awareness to the over 3,000 attendees.

At 19:53 hrs. on September 8, 2013, Tac 76 was added to Local Box 17-52 to assist Station 17 (Quakertown) with a large pile of hay bales on fire. Chief 87 (Wilhelm) directed Tac 76 to a position in the field to handle field surroundings. Tac Company was in operation for over 17 hours assisting with wetting down bales of hay as they were displaced. Relief personnel from Station 266 replaced the original responding personnel after 10 hours into operation.

At 19:52 hrs. on Thursday evening September 5, 2013, the monthly Department business meeting was interrupted to assist Medic 108 (St. Luke’s – Quakertown) with a Domestic Rescue. Tower 26 and Rescue 26 responded from the Perkasie Boro station and Engine 76 responded from the Township station to assist with 12YO male subject who was leaving the complex on a bicycle and struck a ditch which embedded a brake lever into his thigh, near an artery. Chief 26 (Worthington) held command and Deputy 26 (Trotter) handled rescue operations. Rescue Company utilized various hand tools and equipment to remove handle bars from bicycle without affecting patient’s condition. Tower Company assisted with movement of necessary specialized rescue equipment. On arrival Command directed Engine 76 to enter complex and establish lighting near rescue location. The handle bars were gingerly removed from the bicycle, 32 minutes after arrival on scene. Handlebar and brake lever assembly were packaged with patient and sent via air medical helicopter to nearest Trauma Center. Tower Company handle landing zone duties. Fire Police Officers from Traffic 26 secured Little League Complex during both the rescue operations and the air medical evacuations. Department cleared the scene 1-1/2 hours after dispatch.

On August 17-18, 2013, American Fire Services, LLC - Hatfield, PA unloaded, tested and repacked all 13,000 feet of PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 hose. All hose sections were tested to their service working pressure in accordance with NFPA standards, inspected for failures and recorded. Only 400’ of hose was found to have failed, and was placed out of service with need of replacement. Chief Engineer Jason Kelly handled moving of apparatus to the test site throughout the weekend.

At 06:42 hrs. on August 1, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to report of vehicle in the street on fire in the 500 block of E. Callowhill Street in Perkasie Borough. Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived on scene, reported fire was extinguished in engine compartment of a motorized RV. Rescue 26 was directed to use Thermal Imaging Camera to check for extension, and hand tools to secure vehicle. Department remained on scene until arrival of tow company. Traffic 26 and Fire Police Officers diverted traffic around the incident scene.

At the August meeting, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 welcomed into probationary status, Firefighter Thomas Howells and Fire Police Officer Ian Menzies. FF Howells previously served with Doylestown FD, and will be seeking national FF certification during his 1-year probationary period. FPO Menzies is new to the fire service, and will be undertaking Buck County Fire Police Officer training during his probationary period.

Welcome to Stations 26 & 76!

Congratulations to Jr. FF Leif Pruitt, who received his Bucks Basic Fire Academy and HazMat OP’s certificates at the summer 2013 FF1 Graduation Ceremonies in the BCCC Newtown auditorium. Best wishes to Leif who will be taking his skills testing for accreditation on November 19th.

Pennsylvania’s Yellow Dot Program was created to assist citizens in the “golden hour” of emergency care following a traffic accident when they may not be able to communicate their needs themselves. Placing a yellow dot in your vehicle’s rear window alerts first responders to check your glove compartment for vital information to ensure you receive the medical attention you need.

The program is a cooperative effort among the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Health and Aging; the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and First Responders and local law enforcement.

How does it work?

Participants complete a personal information form, which includes the participant’s name, contact information, emergency contact information, medical history and medications, allergies and the participant's doctors’ names. A photo – showing only the participant’s head and shoulders – is then taped to the front of the completed information sheet.

The yellow dot decal provided in the program kit is placed in the lower left corner of the participant’s vehicle’s rear windshield. The decal should be no higher than 3 inches from the bottom of the windshield. This decal alerts first responders that vital information can be found in the vehicle.

Place the completed information sheet, with the attached picture, into the Yellow Dot folder, and then place the folder into the vehicle’s glove box.

Form How can I participate in Yellow Dot?
Yellow Dot Materials

On Saturday June 15th, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 participated in the 125th Annivesary Celebration of Sellersville Fire Department in Sellersville Borough. The apparatus was judged based upon meeting NFPA equipment requirements, safety and cleanliness by the Delaware Valley Judges Association. Tower 26 was awarded FIRST PLACE for BEST APPEARING & EQUIPPED AERIAL APPARATUS – 2003 or Newer, and Chief 26 won Second Place for Best Appearing & Equipped Chief’s Vehicle.

On Saturday June 8th, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 participated in the 2013 Bucks County Fireman’s Parade held in Wrightstown Township. The Parade was hosted by the Lingohocken Fire Company (Stations 35 & 95), who was celebrating their 100th Anniversary. Firefighters took the weeks leading up to the parade to work on the Tower 26 to make sure everything was looking and working 100%. The apparatus was judged based upon how it was functionally equipped, how it was maintained and on how well the personnel knew the apparatus. Tower 26 was awarded FIRST PLACE for BEST EQUIPPED AERIAL APPARATUS, and Chief 26 won Second Place for Best Equipped Chief’s Vehicle.

Photo by Perkasie FD Photographer Stephanie Ferrara

At 15:37 hrs. on Memorial Day May 27, 2013, Tower 26 and Rescue 26 were dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with reported Building Fire in 100 block of Kittery Court, Sellersville Boro. Perkasie Boro PD reported heavy smoke condition on their arrival and attempted containment with an extinguisher. Chief 26 (Worthington) was first on scene, confirmed medium smoke condition from middle of 2-story apartment style building unit eaves, and then directed Engine 27 to position apparatus on Side A and check for extension. Tower 26 placed platform to roof to remove a vent cover, while a ground ladder was thrown to second floor of fire unit. Rescue 26 stood-by at the hydrant. Battalion 27 (Louden) and Engine 27 confirmed fire was held to second floor exterior wall. Chief 26 reduced assignment to Engine 27, Tower 27 and Tower 26, as those companies ventilated the fire unit and attic space of accumulated smoke.

Traffic 26 was on scene to aid with vehicular traffic diversion around the area. In total, 22 personnel responded to the request for assistance. All apparatus cleared the incident at 16:36 hrs.

Photos by Perkasie FD Photographer James Wielgus
and Trevose FD Photographer Jaime Lee Monreal

On Sunday May 5, 2013, Rescue 26 traveled with the Bucks County Regional Fire Task Force to the Boeing facility in Delaware County to conduct their annual training with the balance of the Southeastern PA Fire Task Force (comprised of apparatus from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties).

Rescue 26, Rescue 4, Engine 17, Tower 18 and Ladder 29 were assigned to report to the PHL International Training Facility to participate in a scenario based upon mid-air collision between two aircraft, relieving Delaware County Station 48 (Tinicum Twp).

Photo by Perkasie FD Photographer Stephanie Ferrara

At 15:33 hrs. on April 21, 2013, Engine 26 was dispatched to assist Station 23 (Dublin) with confirmed fire in multiple storage units at the 313 Self Storage center in Hilltown Township. Dublin Command directed Engine 26 to become the draft Engine from the Porta-Ponds established along RT 313 in front of the fenced facility. Later in the incident, Engine 76 and Rescue 26 were added for additional manpower. Traffic 26 was on scene to aid with vehicular traffic diversion around the area. In total, 27 personnel responded to request for assistance. All apparatus cleared the incident at 19:05 hrs.

Photo by Perkasie FD Photographer Stephanie Ferrara

At 13:27 hrs. on April 9, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched to report of dwelling fire at a residence in the 300 block of Three Mile Run Road in East Rockhill Twp.  Dispatch reported the call was from a child, who said mother ran back inside residence to find baby.  Pennridge Regional PD arrived on scene and reported everyone okay, and knocked fire with an extinguisher.  Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived on scene, reported smoke showing and established Three Mile Run Command.  Command directed Engine 26 to extinguish fire and connect to hydrant across from fire scene.  Command reported fire contained to garage with no extension to residence.  Grand View Hospital EMS stood-by on scene while personnel in garage.  Traffic 26 and Fire Police Officers diverted traffic around the incident scene.

Picture shows from left to right top to bottom: 1st FP Lt. James Cash, FPO James Pruitt, FPO James Fitzpatrick, 2nd FP Lt. Chris Petit Sr. FPO Jennifer Pruitt,
Instructor Jeff Fuerer, FPO Kathy White

On March 16 & 17, 2013, six members of the Perkasie Fire Police successfully completed a sixteen hour Advanced Fire Police training class at the Bucks County Public Safety Training center in Doylestown, PA.The course broadened their skills on all phases of Fire Police operations, providing them additional knowledge to better perform at fire, accident, police situations and community events.

During the month of March, Perkasie Borough Mayor John Hollenbach presented to Chief Worthington and PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1, the gold border decals recognizing the Department as meeting the 100% level in the State Fire Commissioner’s Participating Department Recognition Program. Perkasie FD is the 56th department in Pennsylvania to obtain the highest level of recognition.

The Commonwealth program recognizes emergency responders that have an opportunity to participate in and be recognized as a certified fire professional at various levels in accordance with nationally recognized and sanctioned Professional Qualification standards. The purpose is to recognize those organizations that support, promote, and encourage their emergency response personnel to voluntarily certify within the Commonwealth’s Certification Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

L to R: Life Member Jeff Schoeller, Fire Chief J. David Worthington, Police Chief Gura, and President Roger Jones

L to R: Vice President Leif Loheide and President Roger Jones

L to R: Fire Chief J. David Worthington, William E. Baringer, and President Roger Jones

L to R: Battalion Chief Andrew Wedman, President Roger Jones, and Chief J. David Worthington

The Perkasie Fire Company held it’s annual banquet on Saturday evening March 2nd. The department recognized retiring Chief of the Perkasie Police Department Joseph Gura on his 32 years as a police officer with the Perkasie Borough and 8 years as the Chief of the force. Chief Gura was recognized for his devotion, dedication, and hard work within the Pennridge Community and his assistance with the Perkasie Fire Company. In the first picture above are Life Member and Master of Ceremony Jeff Schoeller, Fire Chief J. David Worthington, Police Chief Gura, and President Roger Jones.

President Roger Jones also recognized Leif Loheide for his service and dedication as Vice President of the Fire Company for the past 4 years. In the second picture above are from left retiring Vice President Leif Loheide and President Roger Jones.

The William E. Baringer Distinguished Service Award was established this year. This is a new award, however long overdue. The award recognizes both past and current talents, with an ongoing commitment over the years to the betterment of the Perkasie Fire Company #1, with notable and numerous accomplishments. This award will be presented annually provided a worthy candidate meets the eligibility requirements. The candidate must be a life member of 15 years or greater and be an active life member. The award is chosen by the current Chief and President of the Perkasie Fire Company #1. Mr. Baringer was chosen for this award because he is the oldest active member, and is the epitome of service and dedication to the department. In the third picture above are Fire Chief J. David Worthington, William E. Baringer, Award recipient and President Roger Jones.

Years of Service Pins were presented to two Life Members this year. In the last picture above are Battalion Chief Andrew Wedman with 25 years of service, President Roger Jones, and Chief J. David Worthington with 25 years of service.

Each year the department also recognizes one of its business partners for ongoing and continued valuable support. This year the fire company recognized American Heritage Federal Credit Union for their ongoing support of the fire company. American Heritage was even gracious enough to present the fire company with a contribution at the function.

Others within the department received activity awards for points during the year. This consisted of golf shirts for those worthy individuals. Other honored guests in attendance were representatives from Perkasie Borough and Perkasie Police Department. As well as the Bucks County Fire Marshall’s Office, Dublin Fire Company, Haycock Fire Company, Quakertown Fire Company, as well the Sellersville Fire Company. The Hilltown Fire Company provided a stand by crew and The West End Fire Company provided table bus service and dishwashers.

At 21:11 hrs. on Tuesday February 19, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPNAY No. 1 was dispatched to report of chimney fire at a dwelling in the 700 block of E. Rockhill Road in East Rockhill Twp. Battalion 76 (Wedman) reported a 3-story 50’ x 20’ single family dwelling with an active chimney fire. Deputy 26 (Trotter) assumed Incident Command, while Chief 26 (Worthington) handled Operations. Command directed Tower 26 to back into driveway and extend platform to center of roof. Battalion 76 requested Engine 76 company to the first floor interior to remove the fireplace insert and associated ductwork. Command directed Engine 26 company to split crew and monitor wall temperatures on 2nd & 3rd floors with extra personnel assisting Engine 76 company. Tanker 72 (Tylersport) stretched a dry 5” hose to Tower 26. After clearing two (2) blockages in chimney temperatures returned to normal levels with no extension to the structure. St. Luke’s – Quakertown EMS stood-by on scene while personnel worked in off ladders. Traffic 26 and Fire Police Officers diverted traffic around the incident scene.

PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 along with 170 other Fire Departments in the Tri-State area participated in this the 21st annual WPVI Operation 6 Save- A-Life Smoke Detector program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. President Roger Jones and FF/EMT Patti Kostrubiak received ten (10) cases of free smoke detectors with 10-year lithium batteries for distribution in the community.

This generous allotment was made possible thru a donation by Channel 6 ABC, Home Depot, Tri-State Toyota and Kidde Corp. who have provided smoke detectors to Tri-State area departments. Over 10,000 smoke detectors were distributed and a half a million detectors have been distributed since Operation 6 Save- A-Life began 21 years ago. Present at the distribution were Philadelphia Deputy Chief Derrick Sawyer along with 6ABC Reporters Karen Rogers and Eva Pilgrim.

For more information about the free smoke detector program please go to www.6abc.com. If you live in within Perkasie Borough or East Rockhill Township and cannot afford a working smoke detector or would like to have a smoke detector installed, please leave a message on our Station voicemail at (215) 453-2166 or e-mail our Public Information Officer at the link above with your request.

In the early moringin hours at 05:28 hrs on Sunday January 27, 2013, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a chimney fire reported by the homeowner in the first block of Blue Rock Drive in East Rockhill Twp. Chief 26 (Worthington) directed Engine 76 to enter residence to clean fire box and move wood stove. Engine 26 was instructed to throw ground ladder to chimney on Delta side and drop chains. Battalion 76 (Wedman) handled fire ground operations between interior and Roof divisions. Tower 26 assisted Engine 76 with floor runners and clearing ash debris. Department cleared the scene in 50 minutes. Traffic 26 secured private vehicle access into scene.

At 09:21 hrs on Thursday January 25, 2013, Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a reported building fire with smoke filled second floor in the 1000 block of Old Bethlehem Pike in West Rockhill Twp. Battalion 26 (Boshell) was first on scene and established Command and directed incoming apparatus. Rescue 26 was instructed to search the 2nd and 3rd floors for occupants. After completion of task, Rescue Company assisted with ventilation of structure from malfunctioning oil-fired heater. Traffic 26 again joined efforts with directing traffic around the area roads during the incident.

At 17:08 hrs on Tuesday January 22, 2013, Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a barn fire reported by neighbors in the 100 block of Haflers Road in West Rockhill Twp. Chief 26 (Worthington) reported a large column of smoke visible one mile out and requested a Tanker Task Force be dispatched. Assistant 27 (McDonald) arrived on scene ahead of Chief 26 and established Sellersville Command. Chief 26 handled fire ground operations. Tower 26 backed onto the property driveway, and after water supply was established utilized elevated master streams. Rescue 26 and Engine 26 were added to the assignment for additional manpower and equipment. Rescue 26 secured electrical service from the residence to the detached building and back-up generator, allowing firefighters to continue suppression on the metal sided wood frame building. Battalion 76 (Wedman) assisted Assistant 27 in the Command Post handling fire ground communications. Traffic 26 joined efforts with directing traffic around the area roads during water relay operations.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 314
Total Number of Training Activities: 48

Year End Summary Statistics: Apparatus and personnel responded to 314 requests; 38 of the incidents (12.10%) were fire related, 1 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.31%), 42 incidents (13.37%) were rescue/EMS related, 41 incidents (13.05%) were related to hazardous conditions, 104 incidents were service calls (33.12%), 48 incidents were good intent related (15.28%), 38 incidents (12.10%) were false alarms, and 2 incidents were special type (0.63%). Perkasie Borough had 127 incidents (40.44%), East Rockhill Township had 67 incidents (21.33%) and Hilltown Township had 8 incidents (2.54%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 26 incidents (8.28%), West Rockhill Township with 25 incidents (7.96%), Quakertown Borough with 17 incidents (5.41%), Richland Township with 7 incidents (2.22%), Silverdale Boro with 3 incidents (0.95%), Tinicum Township with 4 incidents (1.27%), and Dublin Borough with 10 incidents (3.18%). In total, the department staff provided 8,395 man-hours of service in response activity and training.