Current News

Early Saturday morning July 19, 2014 01:31 hrs., Rescue 26 was dispatched for a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) assignment at the Hampton Inn on RT 663, Milford Township. Seven (7) firefighters of the Rescue Company established a base position on Side D while other companies worked on determining origin of smoke condition and possible fire. Department cleared the scene at 02:56 hours.

On Thursday July 17, 2014 at 10:56hrs., Rescue 26 was dispatched for a small plane crash at Pennridge Airport. LT 26-3 (Nyce) arrived on scene with Pennridge Regional PD, and reported to Bucks County Radio of an overturned Bi-Plane on runaway. Pilot has self-extricated and had no injuries. LT 26-3 recalled all incoming apparatus except Rescue 26. Upon arriving on scene Rescue 26 utilized small amount of oil absorbent to contain fluids coming from motor. Department was available at 11:15 hrs.

On Tuesday July 8, 2014 at 11:19 hrs., Rescue 26 was dispatched for an two (2) air medical landings at Guth Elementary School in Perkasie Borough, for two (2) skydivers with life-threatening injuries. Rescue 26 arrived at Fairmont & N. 5th Streets and setup the first landing zone at an open area below the school. Temple Med Flight 1 landed at that location and was wheels up at 11:38 hrs. Engine 26 was directed by Lt. G. Nyce to proceed to the N. 7th Street entrance and setup a second landing zone on the lower side of the school. Perkasie Police Officers had already placed flares at that location. Jeff Stat 2 landed at that second location and was wheels up at 11:45 hours. Rescue 26 and Engine 26 Companies did a final sweep of both landing zones and used water cans to wet down areas where PD had placed flares. All apparatus took up and were available at 11:55 hrs.

Tower 26 and Fire Police were on public display as part of Landis Supermarkets Community Night celebrating 75 years of service. Firefifghters and Fire Police Officers were present to explain the apparatus, equipment and their uses. The Fire Education team handed out coloring books, helmets and fire prevention literature to those present. Scott Landis and Bill Delany from Landis Supermarkets thanked the Department for their participation by contributing 10% of the evenings proceeds to Perkasie FD.

On Sunday July 6, 2014, as part of the Opening Day Ceremonies for Pennridge Community Day, numerous members of Station 26 (PERKASIE) traveled to the Sellersville Memorial Monument in Lenape Park to congratulate Chief Craig Wilhelm on his receiving the 2014 Citizen of the Year award. They were joined by Officers and Members of Station 18 (Quakertown - West End) and Station 58 (Trumbauersville).

Chief Wilhelm was recognized for his many years of community service as Chief of Sellersville FD, Commander of Sellersville American Legion, Trumbauersville Boro Fire Marshal, Perkasie FD Ambulance, Pennridge HS Marching Band, and Delaware Valley Judges Association, along with his 37 years as the Operator for the Sellersville Boro Water System. A celebration party was held at the American Legion after the Opening Ceremony concluded.

Congratulations Chief on this honored achievement!

On Saturday evening July 5, 2014 at 20:35 hrs., Rescue 26 responded to assist Station 17 (Quakertown #1) with a marine rescue at Hansen Quarry, 1200 Quarry road, East Rockhill Twp. Battalion 26 (Eby) after communicating with dispatch and from radio cross traffic, directed Rescue 26 and Tac 76 to respond for an apparent cliff rescue. Battalion 76 (Wedman) and Tac 76 were assigned to meet Station 17/18 apparatus at the Rich Hill Road location. Battalion 26 responded to the Rockhill Road quarry entrance to open a locked gate for Rescue 26 and Battalion 17 (Reinhardt), and then proceeded along an internal quarry access road to the area of the patient. Battalion 26 advised Chief 87 (Wilhelm) that Rescue 26 company had two (2) EMT’s and four (4) Bucks County Technical Rescue Task Force members on-board. Chief 87 assigned cliff operations to Battalion 26 and to Rescue 26 to perform rescue operations. Rescuers took harnesses and rope equipment in Battalion 26 vehicle as far off-road access would allow. They then proceeded to hike to the top of the quarry as darkness suddenly fell to gain access from above the patient. Rescuers were located 60 feet above patient and another 30 feet lay between the patient to the quarry water surface. Rescuers made a rigging system of a main line and belay for Captain 26 (J. Ferrara), also an additional belay for the patient. Captain 26 went over the edge at 21:51 hrs,, down to patient (20 YOF), at 22:04 hrs. placed her in a harness and helmet, performed a pick-off and took her the remain distance to awaiting Marine 63 (Haycock) inflatable water craft at 22:11 hrs.. Patient was then taken across the water to awaiting medical personnel at 22:16 hrs. All personnel and equipment were off the quarry cliff face at 22:43 hrs. Department was available for service at 22:52 hrs.

As graduation is occurring in the area school districts, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 would like to congratulate our own graduates. During the Spring 2014 session, six (6) firefighters completed and obtained National Pro-Board certification in Firefighter 2. They are Captain Jordan Schoeller, FF/EMT Brain Black, FF Brian Irvin, FF Greg McManus, FF John Yannaccone and FF Timothy Yannaccone. Also during the Spring session Probationary FF Leif Pruitt completed and obtained his National Pro-Board certification in Firefighter 1.

We would also like to take this opportunity to graduate our own 2014 graduates from Pennridge High School – Probationary FF Leif Pruitt and Probationary FF Kurt Vaders. Best wishes to both of them as they look to enter the next phase in their life.

At 17:19 hrs. on Saturday evening March 22, 2014, Tower 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a reported fire on outside corner of a dwelling on Augustine Road in West Rockhill Twp. Tower 26 was on the street within two (2) minutes after dispatch. Lt. 27 (Cogossi) arrived first on scene and confirmed fire on the exterior A/D corner. Chief 26 (Worthington) received permission from Lt. 27 for Engine 26 take in assignment, as they were returning from an earlier assignment in Perkasie Boro. Chief 26 (Worthington) was first on scene seven (7) minutes after dispatch, and directed Engine 26 to stage beyond driveway and lead off with 200’ – 2” waterline for extinguishment. As the next arriving apparatus, Montgomery County Tanker 72 (Tylersport) established a 5” transfer line to Engine 26. Chief 26 directed Tower 26 to enter the dwelling and check for extension. Augustine Command then directed Engine 27 to assist Truck Company on interior, while Lt. 27 handled Operations. Fire was knocked and held to exterior of dwelling. After checking interior with thermal imaging camera, Tower 26 established electric positive pressure ventilation practices to the interior rooms. Command requested the response of FM277 (West Rockhill) for investigation. Engine 27 remained on scene for Fire Marshal’s investigation, all other companies returned at 17:59 hrs.

Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 along with 171 other Fire Departments in the Tri-State area participated in the 22nd annual WPVI Operation 6 Save A Life smoke detector program at the Philadelphia Fire Academy. Fire Education Coordinator Patti Kostrubiak and Firefighter Tom Howells received 14 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 the Tri-State area departments. Over 10,000 smoke detectors were distributed. Present at the distribution were Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers along with 6 ABC reporters Karen Rogers 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 a working smoke detector or would like to have one installed, please leave a message on our Station voice mail at (215)453-2166 or e-mail our Public Information Officer at the link above with your request.

At 15:19 hrs. on Tuesday afternoon January 14, 2014, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a reported chimney fire in the 1000 block of N. 7th Street in Perkasie Boro. Twp. Battalion 26 (Boshell) upon arrival met Perkasie PD which confirmed chimney fire had since reduced in volume and intensity. Battalion 26 entered residence with a medium smoke condition on first floor and light smoke in the attic. Tower 26 was directed to ladder chimney and send Firefighters inside to check for possible fire extension. On arrival Engine 26 was directed to establish electric positive pressure ventilation to Side A and check the basement. Engine 23 (Dublin) held the hydrant assignment two doors away from residence. Engine 27-1 (Sellersville) staged behind Tower 26. Lt. 26-1 (Ferrara) took roof sector, Lt. 26 (Bogen) took interior sector. Interior Sector reported no extension and emptied fire box, while Roof Sector reported a clog at the top of the chimney. The weights were dropped to insure the chimney fire was extinguished. Upon confirmation of no fire extension, Engine 23 and Engine 27-1 were released at 15:46 hrs. All apparatus cleared the scene at 15:59 hrs.

At 18:49 hrs. on Monday evening January 6, 2014, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for an overturned vehicle on N. 5th Street, nearest intersection W. Schwenkmill Road in East Rockhill Twp. Deputy 26 (Trotter) arrived on scene with a single overturned Dodge Dakota Pick-Up truck off the roadway. Rescue 26 was directed to stabilize vehicle, prepare airbag lifting equipment and have EMT’s assess patient. Engine 76 was directed to block southbound N. 5th Street traffic, with manpower to assist with extrication. Engine 26 responded with additional manpower. Patient was extricated thru driver’s window, and turned over to Medic 151 (Grand View). Traffic 26 diverted motorists around accident scene. All apparatus cleared scene at 19:36 hrs.

At 12:46 hrs. on Friday afternoon January 3, 2014, PERKASIE FIRE COMPANY No. 1 was dispatched for a reported Dwelling Fire in the 1000 block of N. Ridge Road, Perkasie Boro. Dispatch reported the Property Owner was using a heat gun to thaw frozen pipes in attic who requested his tenants to call FD. Battalion 26 (Boshell) arrived first on scene and reported an attic area with medium smoke condition with no visible fire. Engine 26 Company was directed to access interior attic opening with thermal imaging camera, tools and pressurized water extinguisher. Chief 26 (Worthington) directed Rescue 26 to take hydrant assignment on N. Ridge Road and stand-by. Command directed Tower 27 to establish positive pressure ventilation on Side B, and Engine 59-1 to have manpower to report to front of Engine 26 to assist with overhaul. Due to extreme windy and cold weather conditions, extensive time was spent during overhaul of attic and eave areas. The fire area was wet-down with single PW extinguisher, limiting damage to finished room below. All Companies cleared the scene at 13:53 hrs. Everyone is reminded to test their working smoke detectors monthly, and to hire licensed professional contractors when home maintenance problems occur.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 298
Total Number of Training Activities: 58

Year End Summary Statistics:
Apparatus and personnel responded to 298 requests; 35 of the incidents (11.74%) were fire related, 2 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.67%), 43 incidents (14.42%) were rescue/EMS related, 34 incidents (11.40%) were related to hazardous conditions, 99 incidents were service calls (33.22%), 43 incidents were good intent related (14.42%), 41 incidents (13.75%) were false alarms, and 1 incident was special type (0.33%). Perkasie Borough had 120 incidents (40.26%), East Rockhill Township had 68 incidents (22.81%) and Hilltown Township had 10 incidents (3.35%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 27 incidents (9.06%), West Rockhill Township with 37 incidents (12.41%), Quakertown Borough with 4 incidents (1.34%), Richland Township with 5 incidents (1.67%), Silverdale Boro with 1incidents (0.33%), and Dublin Borough with 4 incidents (1.34%). In total, the department staff provided 10,224 man-hours of service in response activity and training.