ARCHIVE NEWS - April 04 to July 05
July 2nd, 2005
Company 16 was dispatched on the 2nd alarm to Colwyn for a working fire. Roof
Crew from Ladder 16 (A/C Mike Melazzo and C/E Lyle Kunkle) cut open the roof with
04-12 (Captain Caruso). The remaining crew of Ladder 16 (Captain Mike DiIenno and
FF Lew Epright Jr) vented the D side and opened up the windows in the exposure, and
then went and overhauled the first floor in the fire building. While operating the
main, Chief Jeffries was summoned for an EMS call in Darby Boro, so Lew Epright Sr.
took over operating roles until YC1A (Rufus Stokes) got there. YC1A assisted in the
investigation. Crews were on scene for about 3 hours.
GREAT JOB TO THE FIRST IN
CREW (Booth and Alosi)
Special
Thanks to John Colden of Firegroundaudio for
the pics and
audio.
June 13th - House Fire
16, 19, and 24 were dispatched to 741 Bullock for a building. Upon confirming
the call, 16 was advised of a working building fire. 16-12C (Captain DiIenno) added
03 for the RIT and Company 04 for manpower. Upon arrival 16-12C had a 2.5 story twin
with heavy smoke and fire first floor. Crew from 16-1 and Ladder 19 advanced a 1
3/4" to the second floor. While conducting a search two firefighters from 19
were forced to evacuate the building via a ground ladder due to the fire getting
behind them. Crews safely evacuated. Crews had heavy fire on the first floor. Crews
were there with extensive overhaul for about 3 hours.
Crews on scene: 16, 19,
24, 04, 03, 105, 09, 22 70, 50, and 02 for the 16 house cover
June 12th - House Fire
Companies 16, 19, and 24 were dispatched to 746 Bullock for a building. Upon
arrival of 16-9A (A/C Melazzo) had a two story dwelling with heavy smoke from the
second floor. Crews went in service with an 1 3/4". Crews found heavy fire conditions
in the front bedroom. Crews made a quick knock of the fire and spent a while on overhaul.
Yeadon Car 1 conducted the investigation. Crews on scene: 16, 19, 24, 105, and 22
for the cover
June 6th - Storm
With the quick and hard lightning storm that hit the area, the company became
very busy. It started with wires down on Wycombe Ave. While enroute 16-9 was advised
that the company was also being dispatched to Fairview for a building fire. 16-7
with 16-12C (Captain DiIenno) and 13C (Lieutenant McCarty) handled the wires, which
was in Darby and 04-9A sent them to building. 16-9 (Chief Jeffries) arrived to what
appeared to a house fire with heavy fire showing and wires down out front. After
further investigation he found it was wires and the sidewalk on fire in front of
the house. While crews were awaiting the arrival of PECO, 16-7 went to 600 Wycombe
to due to a power outage. The building was without power and luckily there were no
patients in need of immediate power supply. The whole building assignment was hit
out along with the EMS disaster box. Crews were on scene for about 2 hours, and just
as patients were being accounted for by EMS crews to be transported the electric
came back on. We don't know how PECO did it...BUT WE THANK THEM FOR IT.
June 4th - 5k Run / Walk and PPFC Parade
Both ambulances were in town and on the street for the Yeadon Flag Day 5K Run
/ Walk. Neither unit had any calls during the event. Good Job to all the participants.
Rescue 16, with Chief Engineer Kunkle, Lieutenant Joe McCarty, Firefighter Ray Gallo,
Junior Firefighter Jordan Robinson, Kim McCarty, and Lucky McCarty (dalmation), attended
Prospect Park Fire Company's housing. The crew brought home two 1ST PLACE trophies.
Rescue 16 won Best Appearing Light Rescue and Lucky won Best Appearing Dalmation.
Good Job to everyone who helped prepare for the parade. Looks like we started off
the parade season with a success.
First week of June
Crews will be finishing up getting ready for Prospect Parks parade this week.
Station 08 is housing a new engine on Saturday June 4th. Also back in town, the Flag
Day people have put together another 5K Run / Walk, which both ambulances will be
at to lend a hand where needed.
May 26th - 1947 Mack L85
The fire company, last nite, approved to repurchase the 1947 Mack L85 which we
sold many years ago. The officers and members are very much looking forward to returning
this great piece of history to our house. Pics coming soon!
May 15th - Vehicle into Building
Company and EMS units were dispatched to the 1300 Block of Alfred Drive for a
vehicle into the building. Upon arrival of 16-9 (Chief Jeffries) fireboard was advising
that PD were reporting vehicle into residence, being supported by a couch, and that
there were no injuries. Rescue 16 (A/C Melazzo) arrived and crew began to stabilize
vehicle. 16-9B (A/C Himes : "Rescue Guru" :-) ) arrived and assisted with
stabilization. EMS later was requested by Yeadon Car 1A because the driver then wanted
to go to the hospital.
Photos
Courtesy of Brian Feeney!
April 28th - 1112 Angora , Working Fire
16, 19, and 24 were dispatched to 1112 Angora for the building fire. FB notified
16-1 (A/C Melazzo) that PD were on location advising a working fire. 16-9 (Chief
Jeffries) and 16-1 arrived to find a two and half story dwelling with smoke showing
from second floor and added 03 for the RIT and Medic 105A. Crew of 16-1 (A/C Melazzo
and Eng. B. Spina) lead off with a 1 3/4" while 16-1 Driver (Capt. DiIenno)
and Ladder 19 Driver (Capt. Russell) threw a 35' to the front window and broke out
the other with a hook. Crew made quick work of the fire and had in under control
just over the 20 minute mark.
Units on scene: 16, 24, 19, 04, 105
April 22nd - Auxiliary Comedy Nite
The fire company Auxiliary did an outstanding job preparing the comedy nite.
Everyone had a great time and got some good laughs at the same time. Thanks for attending,
and if you missed it, be sure to make the next one. To the boys from the Hilton,
sorry your stay was shortened.
April 14th - 4 for the day
Crews had four calls for the day. The day started at about 1030 am for a building
fire response. It turned out to be some burnt food. Later in the day the company
responded to Fitz for the alarm bells, and was later called to Aid Millbourne, Sta
22, for alarm bells, though was recalled while enroute. Crews finished the day off
with a trash fire at about 730 pm.
April 2nd - Heavy Rain
Despite the heavy amount of rain in such a short period of time, the crews only
handled two reports of water related problems. Good thing we had some warning of
the storm, and everyone had time to get their pumps in order, or we would have been
out all night as usual.
March 26th - Flashover Simulator
Members took a flashover class on Tuesday, and completed the training by going
to the ESTC to use the "can", The Flashover Simulator. There was a total
of 10 members who participated. The crew would like to thank Daryl and Bob, the instructors,
for a learning filled day.
March 19th - Busy Day
Crews had a busy day today. We ran a total of 12 calls, 5 fires and 7 EMS.
January 25th - Working Building Fire
Companies 16, 19, and 24 were dispatched to 812 Cypress for a building fire.
Upon arrival PD advised it was a working fire. Ladder 19 first on scene advised Asst
Chief Melazzo (16-9A) that is was a working fire second floor after 16-9A requested
a report. Due to low manpower and terrible weather conditions Company 04 was added
for manpower. Company 3 was the RIT. Medic 04 and Medic 105 supplemented the EMS
from 16.
January 22nd and 23rd - Snow Storm
About 15 members and officers manned the station for the weekend's snow events.
Good thing we did, we ended up handling 20 ambulance calls, 18 of which required
an engine assist, and 3 various fire calls. We all stayed dry* and tried to stay
as warm as possible. We drove around town and shoveled some buried hydrants out.
*Station
24 and Chief Mellon did not fair as well as us. HAHA GOOD TIMES GUYS!
January 9th - Multi Town Fuel Spill
At about 1530 Company 04 was dispatched to the "loop" for a fuel spill.
Shortly after 16 was dispatched to assist 04, though while enroute we found the spill
also was in our local. We sent the Rescue to the hospital and the tac and van to
Lansdowne and Providence. Crews remained driving up and down Lansdowne for about
an hour to be sure the roadway was not slippery. We used about 900 pounds of oil
dry. Good Job to all those on scene.
January 8th - 2004 Awards Banquet
Click Here
January 2nd - First 05 Alarm
Company 16 was dispatched to 113 Norma Drive for Alarm Bells. Upon arrival of
16-9A who was right around the corner on Driver Training he advised 16-1, under the
direction of newly appointed Lt. Smith forced entry may need to be made. Crews threw
a 16 foot ladder to the C Side 2nd floor window and made entry. Crews found a pot
of meat on the stove and a heavy smoke condition throughout. Crews from Ladder 16,
under the direction of newly appointed Lt. McCarty, started PPV. Crews from both
trucks cleared out the smoke and returned to quarters within 30 minutes. Good Job
on your first call Lt's!!!!
December 21st - Building Fire on Bell
Companies 16, 19, and 24 were dispatched to 1047 Bell Avenue for the building
fire. Upon arrival of 16 - 9B (Asst. Chief Himes) fireboard was advised of medium
smoke showing. Crews made a quick knock of the fire and returned within 90 minutes.
December 20th - Cover @ 36 with Building Response
Ladder 16 and Engine 04 were relocated to Station 36 while they were on a working
fire in the other end of the township. Shortly after the arrival of the cover assigment
they were hit out for a building fire with entrapment. Engine 04 and the PD both
went on location with smoke showing. The fire was quickly extinguished and crews
went back to the cover within an hour. The EMS crews were busy taking in a total
of 7 runs, 3 being second emergencies.
December 19th - Santa Claus Detail
Crews ran Santa around the boro today. Despite the rather cold and wet weather
we had a good turnout. Thanks to all who came out and helped, and thanks to the residents
for showing your appreciation. Santa said he'll see ya on Christmas.
October 9th 100th Anniversary Parade and Delaware County Fireman's Convention
October 8th Working Building Fire w/ Entrapment
Crews went in service with a fully involved house fire. The resident was rescued
and brought to the hospital. Good Job to the crews on scene.
August 11th Working Building Fire
Companies 16, 19, and 24 dispatched to 816 Arbor for the dwelling. Within seconds
fireboard was advising it was a heavy fire. Chief Jeffries (16-9) went on location
with a 2 story twin heavy fire basement rear. Crews were stood down by the disturbing
sound of gunfire. The homeowner has a large quanity of firearm ammunition in the
basement. Rear crews under the command of Chief Melazzo (16-9A) fought an exterior
attack. The fire had spread up the duct work and we had fire on the first and second
floors. Chief Young (19-9) headed up the first floor operations, using FF's from
19 and 24. Chief Himes (16-9B) had command of the second floor with FF's from 16
and 19. Also on scene were 22, 04, and 03 for the RIT team, 47 for the Canteen, and
Medic 105A. Companies 09 covered Station 16. Special thanks to Boothy, Chiz, and
Potter who helped keep everyone healthy and hydrated on the hot nite. Companies were
in service for a little over 2 hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation,
though it is leaning towards a mini-bike stuffed into a very crowded garage.
August 8th Working Building Fire
Companies 16, 19, 24 dispatched to 800 Block of Fern St. for a building fire.
Police (4627) on location reporting heavy fire from kitchen. Fireboard notified Chief
(16-9) working house fire, and all occupants out of building. Chief Jeffries (16-9)
on location confirming working house fire and all persons accounted for.
Kitchen
fire cause by grease on stove, per owner of house who was getting ready to cook dinner
for the family. Stepped outside to check on daughter who was screaming and then came
back in to find kitchen on fire. The owner then tried to extinguish it, but was unable
to get to a extinguisher. The fire had already had the upper hand. So the occupants
left building and stayed outside until fire was out.
Yeadon firefighters, along with crews from neighboring communities had an
already busy day capped by a fire dispatch at 11:30 pm. on Sunday, July 4. The evaluation
of the information received by the Delaware County 9 1 1 Dispatch Center provided
a modified response of only Yeadon fire apparatus.
With the arrival of Yeadon
Fire Chief Craig Jeffries, his immediate observations resulted in a change in the
responding apparatus. What Jeffries discovered was a dumpster parked adjacent to
the Sav-A-Lot store in the 600 block of Cedar Avenue, Yeadon.
Further description
by Jeffries stated, “It was evident that the roof on the retail establishment was
being worked on. I saw a dumpster filled with pieces of material and this collection
was burning.”
Amplifying what he saw, Yeadon’s Fire Chief added, “The fire
was really involved. The flames were almost as high as the building’s roofline. That
was one threat. The second was the large amount of fire brands landing up onto the
roof.”
The amount of fire and the evident risks resulted in the response of
the remaining Yeadon fire apparatus as well as apparatus and crews from the Darby
Fire Company No. 1, the Darby Fire Patrol No. 2 and East Lansdowne.
The initial
use of large amounts of water was only partially successful. Chief Jeffries explained,
“Every time we had a hint that we had stopped the burning, reality set in. We suspected
that the way these materials were compacted in the dumpster, we would not really
be able to get at all the potential combustible matter. The way the fire flared up
validated this concern.”
The Delaware County 9 1 1 Dispatch was asked to contact
the firm owning the dumpster, Accurate Recycling in nearby Lansdowne. This request
also summoned the Millbourne Fire Company for their fire-blanketing foam capabilities.
The
recycling firm responded with a vehicle that aided in emptying the collected roofing
materials on the parking lot surface. Firefighters, armed with pitchforks, began
the high-energy task of pulling all the collected building materials apart.
While
there was progress in this task, but the amount of materials prompted an estimate
of many hours of this work. The answer to fire ground concerns about the safety and
the endurance of the collected firefighters was found not far away from the burning.
This “find” was a nearby forklift and it was felt that it could be used to help with
the operation.
This supposition proved to be correct. With this collection
of combustible material easily separated and spread on the parking lot surface, the
extinguishing efforts were completed.
The collection of fire crews was released
and they were able to return to their homes at approximately 2:45 a.m. In describing
this operation, Chief Jeffries volunteered, “This operation was successful because
of dedication and creativity of a energetic group of firefighters. This type of operation
far too often goes unnoticed by the communities. These men and women spent a lot
of time and they all worked for free.”
June 3, 2004 Chris Kangas Update
The Department of Justice announced today that it held to its original decision
that FF Chris Kangas from Brookhaven Fire Company (Delco Sta. 52) federal line of
duty benefits will not be issued, and his name will not be added to the Fallen Firefighters
Memorial. This announcement comes months after hundreds of Delco Firefighters, including
several from the 16 house, rallied together at a hearing at Brookhaven Fire Company.
More information can be obtained at www.firehouse.com.
Chris:
WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU!!
Station 52: YOU HAVE OUR SUPPORT!
June 1, 2004 Building Fire & Multi Company Drill
The crew from Yeadon were out on Tuesday Drill for a Hands-On Handline Drill
when we were dispatched to the 800 Block of Bullock for a building fire. Crews dropped
the hose and headed to the call. 16-9B was first on scene reporting light smoke,
with the fire possibly out at the time. Upon further investigation it was found to
be a stove fire extinguished by the home owner. After clearing out the smoke crews
headed back to the drill spot to find crews from 04 and 10 ready to join in. Crews
relocated to Kerr Field and practiced using handlines while having a water fight.
It was a fun learning experience for everyone there. You ask who won the fight? EVERYONE!!
We all learned something. Thanks to everyone who attended. We will do it again soon.
May 20, 2004 Members given Commodations by Borough Council
Fitzgerald Mercy Paramedic Fred Harris, Lt Lyle Kunkle, and FF/EMT Mike DiIenno
were given commodations by Yeadon Borough Council at the General Meeting. They received
these awards for their team effort in saving a family of 7 from CO poisening. The
call was earlier in the month and initially dispatched for 1 sick person. The crew
arrived to find 7 patients and almost immediately realized they were dealing with
a possible CO problem. They checked with a portable CO meter and the numbers were
off the charts. Congrats to the trio and keep up the good work.
