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On Saturday afternoon February 22, 2015 at 16:38 hrs., PERKASIE FD was dispatched along with Sellersville’s Tower 27 and Engine 27-1 for a reported smoke condition and alarms sounding in Chalkboard Apartments on S. 3rd Street. Deputy 26 (Boshell) upon entering the structure found burnt food in the stairway and no one answering door of basement apartment. Engine Company 26 forced entry into the apartment and found a heavy smoke condition from burnt food and no one present. Chief 26 (Worthington) reduced the assignment down to Engine 26, Engine 76 and Tower 26. Tower Company 26 established positive pressure ventilation to evacuate smoke from affected hallway and apartment.

Later in that snow covered evening as the date changed to February 23rd, at 00:58 hrs. Rescue 26 was dispatched to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with an Auto Extrication incident at Church and N. Main Streets in Sellersville Boro. Chief 26 (Worthington) was first on scene and found the driver of the involved single vehicle had self-extricated and was speaking with Perkasie PD. Chief 26 turned the scene overt o Engine 27-1 secure the hazards and recalled Rescue 26 at 01:10 hrs.

While returning to the Station, Chief 26 (Worthington) arrived on scene of a single vehicle accident with four (4) occupants that struck a utility pole in front of the Samuel Pierce Library on Arthur Avenue in Perkasie. After checking for injuries, Chief 26 secured the battery in the heavily front end damaged SUV. Chief 26 maintained contact with the occupants until arrival of sector Perkasie PD officers.

Upon clearing the Auto Extrication incident, Bucks County Radio reassigned Rescue 26 to cover Station 49 (Ottsville). While enroute, Rescue 26 was re-assigned to report to 10 Modern Way in Ottsville, to establish a tanker fill site at the local dry hydrant. Rescue 26 moved 38,000 gallons of water into mutual aid tankers working at a Barn Fire on Route 611 in Bedminster Twp. until 04:17 hrs. Upon completion, Rescue 26 returned to Station 49 for the cover assignment, returning to Perkasie Boro at 05:38 hrs. Rescue 26 was back at Station 26 at 6:28 hrs.

On Monday evening February 2, 2015 at 19:47 hrs., PERKASIE FD was dispatched for a reported kitchen fire in the 300 block of E. Walnut Street, Perkasie Boro. Deputy 26 (Boshell) was first on scene and reported smoke coming from Side A front door. Chief 26 (Worthington) arrived and established command on Side B, and reported visible flames thru window in B/C corner. Command directed Engine Company 26 to lead off with 2” hand line thru Side A front door to fire in B/C corner, with a hydrant directly in front of residence. Engine Company 76 was directed to initiate first floor ventilation . Deputy 26 directed First Floor interior attack, Battalion 26 (Eby) with Tower Company 26 went to the second floor for search and ventilation. Rescue Company 26 established a manpower pool in front of Engine 26. The fire was extinguished in 13 minutes with approximately 250 gallons of water. Companies remained on scene to board up kitchen window and perform overhaul duties. All Companies cleared the scene at 21:11 hrs.

Perkasie FD recently received a $14,248 award thru the PA Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service grant for 2015. The funds will be utilized to install an emergency generator at the East Rockhill Twp. – Station 76; and the balance will pay down debt on an apparatus. The Grant monies are available thru State Gambling Funds.

On Monday morning February 2, 2015 at 10:17 hrs., Rescue 26 responded to assist Station 27 (Sellersville) with a fuel spill incident at N. Bethlehem Pike and Green Top Road, West Rockhill Twp. Deputy 26 (Boshell) arrived on scene and reported an accident between a box truck and a passenger vehicle. The passenger vehicle struck the rear wheels of the box truck shifting the wheels over the fuel tank dumping 5 gallons of diesel fuel in the wet road conditions. Deputy 26 directed Rescue 26 to place oil absorbent material and pads in place to collect the leaking fuel, and utilize putty to seal the leak so the truck could be towed. Department was available for service at 11:14 hrs.

Total Number of Incidents for Year: 371
Total Number of Training Activities: 69

Year End Summary Statistics:
Apparatus and personnel responded to 371 requests; 21 of the incidents (5.66%) were fire related, 3 incidents were overpressure/explosion related (0.80%), 62 incidents (16.71%) were rescue/EMS related, 43 incidents (11.59%) were related to hazardous conditions, 91 incidents were service calls (24.52%), 91 incidents were good intent related (24.52%), 59 incidents (15.90%) were false alarms, and 1 incident was special type (0.26%) Perkasie Borough had 129 incidents (34.77%), East Rockhill Township had 69 incidents (18.59%) and Hilltown Township had 32 incidents (8.62%) of the total call volume. Our services were provided to various other municipalities such as Sellersville Borough with 23 incidents (6.19%), West Rockhill Township with 71 incidents (19.13%), Quakertown Borough with 14 incidents (3.77%), Richland Township with 5 incidents (1.34%), Silverdale Boro with 1 incident (0.26%), and Dublin Borough with 8 incidents (.34%). In total, the department staff provided 9,127.11 man-hours of service in response activity and training.

On December 9, 2014, members of the Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 and the Perkasie Police Department delivered two large bins filled with unwrapped toys to the Upper Bucks Toys for Tots Foundation. The toys will be given to some less fortunate children to help them have a memorable holiday season. Thank you to all that donated gifts and for all the volunteers that make this annual program such a success.

Photo Courtesy of Debby High

Perkasie Fire Company No. 1 was privileged to take part in “Honoring our Nation’s Veterans” at Grand View Hospital on November 11, 2014. Together with Sellersville Fire Department and Veterans from several branches of the military, we assisted in retiring an American Flag. Upon conclusion of its retirement, we then assisted with presenting the colors of a new American Flag. We were very honored to take part in this prestigious ceremony.

To the Residents of Perkasie Borough:

On behalf of the entire Perkasie Fire Company, its Executive Board, Officers and members, we’d like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest THANKS for your support of the Tax Referendum. Your favorable vote will now assist the Fire Company in upgrading the Borough’s Fire Station that was built in 1970. It will also help to fund numerous projects that will not only improve the ability of the fire company to provide emergency services during severe storms and other major incidents, but also to improve the energy efficiency, safety and the security of our station and our volunteers.

Your generosity will help us to continue providing you with the most highly trained and professional fire protection, rescue and medical services available. If you have any questions or comments, you are always welcome to contact us at (215) 257-6950. We would also like to warmly welcome you to visit our website, www.perkasiefd.org, for detailed information about the Fire Company, our members and other important information and events. Thank you again for your support!

With Warm Regards,
The Members of the Perkasie Fire Company No. 1

A prestigious honor was bestowed upon Dept. Secretary & Fire Education Coordinator Patti Kostrubiak as she was presented with a 2014 Burpee Emergency Services Award on October 26, 2014 at the Spring Mill Manor Country Club. The annual award program is hosted the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Patti was recognized for her many years in service as Department Secretary and her leadership as Fire Education Coordinator developing Fire Prevention activities. She was presented individual citations from U.S. Representative Michael Fitzpatrick, PA State Senator Charles T. McIlhinney Jr., and PA State Representative Paul Clymer recognizing her achievements.

The Fire Company will be hosting an Open House-type event on Saturday, October 25th from Noon to 3:00 pm to help answer any questions from the public before the election in November. There will be a question on the ballot asking residents if they support an increase in the Fire Tax millage in the amount of 0.5 mil to support capital projects at the Fire Station.

The language on the ballot will be as follows: “Shall Perkasie Borough Council levy an additional real estate tax of 0.5 mills for the purpose of funding fire department services in the Borough? YES or NO”

Plain English Statement: The ballot question asks the voters of Perkasie Borough whether the Borough Council should assess an additional tax of 0.5 mills, bringing the total fire services tax to 1.5 mills for the purpose of funding fire and rescue services within Perkasie Borough.

A vote of YES approves the levying of an additional real estate tax of 0.5 mills for this purpose.

To read a copy of the memorandum that was prepared for the first open house-style meeting, please click below.

PFC – Funding Request

The Fire Tax is currently at 1 mil, with the entire amount dedicated to pay for the ladder truck that was purchased in 2006. The Fire Company is looking to continue that 1 mil to purchase a pumper/ engine in 2015. They are also requesting an additional 0.5 mil in funding to help fund capital projects.

At their September 9, 2014 meeting, the East Rockhill Township Board of Supervisors recognized the actions of firefighters for a rescue on July 5, 2014 at the Hansen Quarry. The Board of Supervisors recognized and commended the firefighters commitment placing themselves in harm's way to rescue a female subject from a cliff: Perkasie FD Battalion Chief 26 Shawn Eby, Perkasie FD Captain 26 Joseph Ferrara, Perkasie FD Firefighter John Yannaccone, Perkasie FD Firefighter Timothy Yannaccone, Haycock FD Deputy Chief 63 Gretchen Francis and Haycock FD Marine Captain Daniel Suszko.

On Saturday evening September 6th , the residents of N. 9th Street were able to view Engine 26 as part of their Annual Block Party festivities. Engineer Jason Kelly provided tours of the apparatus and equipment to the youth present, who then presented him with a banner to display at the Station.

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.