http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on honeybrookfire.org using RSS 2.0 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:28:21 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=347 Honey Brook Fire Company EMS has scheduled an upcoming CPR training class: Class Information: Heartsaver Adult/Child/Infant CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Tuesday, March 6, 2012 6pm-8:30pm Everyone attending must RSVP! - hbaa@honeybrookfire.org More information can be found here: http://www.honeybrookfire.org/content/cpr/ Further information is available on request. E-mail for more information: (Best contact method) hbaa@honeybrookfire.org Call for more information: (610) 273-2539 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:24:12 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=347 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=418 MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACTS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Kori Walter (Gerlach) February 2, 2012 610.594.1415 or 610.223.1767 (cell) Patty Mains,Chester County Department of Emergency Services 610-344-5150 Gerlach announces Chester County volunteer firefighters, EMS will receive $554,157 federal grant to upgrade pager system Exton (PA) – A project to upgrade the regional public safety paging system used by Chester County's volunteer fire departments and emergency medical services personnel will receive a $554,157 federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant, Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) announced Thursday. The grant administered by the Department of Homeland Security was awarded to East Brandywine Fire Department, which worked cooperatively with Chester County Fire Services on the grant proposal. Chester County has agreed to pay $138,539 toward replacement of the regional public safety paging system to comply with the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) narrowband mandate. The project will help ensure reliable coverage and capacity among regional, local, state, and federal first responders. "Enhancing communication capabilities during emergencies is critical to protecting our first responders and the communities they serve," Gerlach said. "Chester County Fire Services and County Emergency Services deserve a huge amount of credit for cooperating on a project that will help our volunteer first responders to continue providing excellent service and will benefit all of the residents and businesses in the County." Chester County's fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) protection is provided by 38 fire departments and 2 non-affiliated EMS organizations serving 73 municipalities. The 2,056 firefighters and EMS personnel, most of whom are volunteers, provide valuable emergency response to the County's 498,894 citizens, protecting their lives and properties. "Every volunteer in Chester County as well as the taxpayers will benefit in some way from this grant, "said East Brandywine Fire Company Chief Joseph Edwards. "East Brandywine Fire Company was very pleased to be asked to sponsor this grant and looks forward to the new paging system being implemented." It is only by this coordination and collaboration through a regional application that compliance and interoperability can be realized to serve and benefit a larger community, while also allowing greater purchasing power. The funding received from AFG will provide a substantial reduction in funds required to attain 100 percent implementation of the integrated countywide emergency communications plan. Specifically, the provided funding will be utilized to purchase pagers and accessories for use by first responders. The Chester County fire departments decided purchasing this communication equipment, so information and services can be exchanged directly and satisfactorily between users enabling them to operate effectively together, addresses both interoperability and compliance issues, and is a highly beneficial use of federal funds. Raymond Stackhouse, President, Chester County Fire Chiefs Association added: "On behalf of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, I would like to thank East Brandywine Fire Company for sponsoring this grant application; and the Chester County Commissioners and the Department of Emergency Services staff, for all of their assistance and support throughout this process. Being a regional project it also took the efforts and cooperation of all Chester County emergency response organizations to make this possible. These funds will be a tremendous help in offsetting the costs of a much needed improvement to the current communications process for all emergency responders in the County." Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:38:55 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=418 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=417 On February 3, 2012 the Honey Brook Fire Company received official notification from FEMA that we were awarded $63,650 through the 2011 Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Program. The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The Honey Brook Fire Company requested in our 2011 AFG application funds to help replace our outdated hydraulic rescue tools and airbag lifting systems. Many of our current hydraulic rescue tools are over 20+ years old and are no longer compatible with our surrounding mutual aid departments. Purchasing new systems will allow our members to have access to the latest technology in the field using more powerful, lighter, and safer hydraulic power tools to help extricate victims from vehicles and machinery. On average we respond to anywhere from 5-10 incidents in and around Honey Brook that require us to utilize the rescue tools. Any given year the Fire Company responds to over 70 accident calls per year. For more information about the Assistance to Firefighter's Grant Program: http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/afggrants/index.shtm Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:14:51 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=417 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=401 Ambulance 33-2 continues to progress through the re-chassis process. Weekly updated pictures are posted below. Once complete, Ambulance 33-2 will be a 2011 Ford E-450/2006 Lifeline Superliner Body. Delivery is scheduled for February 20, 2012, and it should be back on the street in early March! Ambulance 33-2 is being outfitted with: Upgraded LED emergency lighting Upgrade to LED scene lighting Upgrade to LED interior patient area lighting New dual backup/patient area camera, with screen mounted in rear view mirror. Complete re-paint of exterior to match existing fleet. Striping and lettering to match existing fleet. New diamond plate step panels for driver/passenger door, and rear step. New turn signal/brake indicator lights in patient area, for care providers awareness and safety. Late December, 2011: After over 5 years and almost 128,000 miles, Ambulance 33-2 is on schedule to begin it's transformation next week. The ambulance will be "re-chassised" which means the patient compartment of old ambulance is removed and placed on a new truck chassis, essentially making a new ambulance. The entire process should take approximetely eight to ten weeks. Keep checking back for updates to see the new and improved Ambulance 33-2! Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:50:09 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=401 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=416 On behalf of the Officers & Members of the Honey Brook Fire Company, we want to express our sincere condolences to the family of Firefighter Brandon Little. We also send our thoughts and prayers to our Brothers/Sisters at the United Hook and Ladder Company in New Oxford, Adams County. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:28:35 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=416 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=415 At 0930 hours on January 18th the Honey Brook Fire Company was alerted to assist Lancaster Station 4-9 (White Horse) for a dwelling fire in the 500 block of Red Hill Road in Salisbury Township bLancaster County. Within minutes, Engine 33-5, Engine 33-1, Engine 33-2 and Traffic 33 responded with 18 volunteers. Crews arrived to find a 3 story farm house with smoke showing from the chimney and eves. Firefighters from Lancaster Station 4-9 (White Horse), Lancaster Station 3-9 (New Holland) Lancaster Station 3-4 (Caernarvon) Lancaster Station 3-6 (Goodville) and Station 33 (Honey Brook) worked to locate the hidden fire and check for extension. The cause of the fire was a result of a blocked chimney which caused hot smoke and gases to be pushed into the attic igniting nearby walls and floors. The Honey Brook units were released by Command at 1140 hours. At 1235 hours Station 33 was alerted for a reported telephone pole on fire. Brush 33 responded and found a telephone pole that was being replaced due to an accident several days before had caught fire. PP&L Electric was on scene and handled the electrical emergency. Shortly after returning from the wires call a third ambulance call was dispatched for the Honey Brook area. Ambulance 33-1 and Ambulance 33-3 were out handling medical emergencies. Crews responded in Squad 33 to provide first aid and patient care until the arrival of an ambulance. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:23:58 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=415 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=414 On Tuesday, the 17th of January 2012 at 13:31 hours, the Honey Brook Fire Company was dispatched to assist the Twin Valley Fire Department on an industrial building fire in Caernarvon Township Berks County. Engine 33-5, Engine 33-1, Rescue 33 and Traffic 33 responding shortly thereafter with 16 personnel. Engine 69-2 with Deputy 69 (Hostetler) arrived on the east side along with the additional 69 units and 3-4 units to find a large industrial building with the fire reported out with heavy smoke throughout the building. 33 units reported to the west side of the building along with Truck 3-9. 33 units utilized all available exhaust fans to reduce the smoke in the building as Truck 3-9 set up to check the roof for any remaining fire. After ventilating was is place and the smoke cleared and the fire was confirmed to be extinguished all units were released by Command 69. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:59:01 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=414 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=413 Saturday afternoon on January 14, 2012 the Honey Brook Fire Company was dispatched to the Horseshoe Pike east of Cambridge Road in Honey Brook Township for an automobile accident. Chief (Messner) and Deputy (Klinger, Jr.) responded and were advised of one vehicle that left the roadway and hit a utility pole. The 33 Chiefs arrived to find one vehicle that sheared a pole in half with one patient still in the vehicle. A advanced life support unit and a second basic life support ambulance were requested upon patient assessment. Rescue 33 and Ambulance 55-5 arrived and stabilized the vehicle and removed the patient from the vehicle. Traffic 33 closed the Horseshoe Pike down at Cambridge Road and 33-30 (Gaddis) closed the Horseshoe Pike at Birdell Road. Ambulance 89-1 arrived and tended to the second patient. After the patients were in the care of EMS the scene was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police with all 33 fire units returning. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 01:08:18 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=413 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=412 On Tuesday afternoon, January 10, 2012, the Honey Brook Fire Company (33) was dispatched along with the Goodville Fire Company (3-6) and the Twin Valley Fire Company (69) to assist the Caernarvon Fire Company of Churchtown (3-4) on a garage fire on Narvon Road in Caernarvon Township Lancaster County. Deputy 3-4 (Martin) arrived to find a 2 car detached garage with fire throughout the building. 3-4 and 3-6 units arrived and began suppression efforts as Ambulance 33-3 set up for firefighter rehab. Engine 33-5 arrived and sent its manpower to assist with fire suppression and also supplied the scene with water. Ambulance 33-1 arrived as a transport ambulance in case of injuries. Ladder 69 arrived and sent its manpower to assist with overhaul. Engine 33-5 shuttled 3 loads of water (9000 gallons) from the Conestoga River at Pool Forge. Units were released by Command 3-4 a short time later. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:52:30 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=412 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=411 Rose L. Myers, 90 yrs., of Honey Brook, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at her home, while under the loving care of her family and hospice. She was born in Brandamore on Sept. 29, 1921. Rose was the daughter of the late Gioanni and Beatrice (Ferri) Guiseppe. She was the wife of Craig D. Myers, with whom she shared their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 28 of 2011. Rose was a homemaker to her beloved family. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, the Honey Brook Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and the former Honey Brook Grange, were she served as an officer. Rose was known as an avid gardener and for her great family picnics. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane M. Wills, a grandson, Mark Wills, and five brothers and sisters. Rose is survived in addition to her husband by three sons, Donald D. Myers of Honey Brook, Richard G. and his wife Janice Myers of Gap and Simple, (aka) Ronald J. Myers of Birdsboro, a son in law, Richard C. Wills of Honey Brook, a grandson, Richard C. and his wife Michelle Wills of West Chester, a brother, Joseph Guiseppe and a sister, Sue Ford both of Honey Brook. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at 11 a.m. from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 150 Water Street, New Holland, Pa. 17557 with Fr. John D. Schmalhofer as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. A calling hour will be held from 10 to 10:50 a.m. at the church on Wednesday and on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Labs Funeral Home, Inc., 141 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook, Pa. For directions to the church, please visit www.ourlady oflourdesnh.org In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Rose to Brandywine River Valley Home Care & Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, Pa. 19363 or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church to the above address. For additional information and online condolences, please visit www. thelabsfh.com Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:44:15 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=411 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=409 On the evening of January 6th 2012, the Honey Brook Fire Company held its annual Dinner Meeting in the company's banquet hall. The evening started off at 6pm with dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and many other items, all prepared by members and family of members. Between dinner and the meeting a brief video was shown reflecting on incidents the Fire Company had responded to over the past year. The video can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YySThFTofEQ The monthly meeting was then called to order. Topics regarding the fire company were discussed as well as certificates being handed out to members who participated in any training for the past weeks. Chief Messner thanked everyone for their service and support and then announced the his Line Officer's for 2012. They are as follows: Fire Chief: Barry Messner, Jr. Deputy Fire Chief: Robert Klinger, Jr. Assistant Chief- John Robb Captain - Levi E. Stoltzfus Lieutenant- Aaron Stoltzfus Lieutenant - Allan Hertzler Safety Officer - Christopher Eno Chief Engineer- James Groff Fire Police Captain: Dan Gaddis Fire Police Lieutenant: Bill Ford These members were all sworn in before District Justice Cabry as was members for the following elected administrative positions: Administrative: President- Robert Klinger Vice-President- Donald Kline Treasurer- TBA Secretary- Shelly Mellinger Trustee- Reuben E. Stoltzfus Trustee- Aaron King Trustee- Dan Mellinger Membership Secretary- Mary Fors Relief Treasurer - Diane Hertzler Relief Secretary - Joseph Bellon Chaplain- Helen Hertzler Judge Cabry swore in the 2012 Fire Police Officers: FP Capt. - Dan Gaddis FP Lieut. - Bill Ford FP SGT - Robert Klinger Rick Hallman Joe Gable Jim Henry Allen Dove Ray Beiler Dave Kramlich Thank you to all the out going officers for your hard work and congratulations and best of luck to everyone on their new positions! Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:52:29 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=409 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=410 On Wednesday January 4th, 2012 the Honey Brook Fire Company received official notification from the Office of the State Fire Commisioner that they would be receiving $12,297.83 through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The base award amount this year to a Fire Company was $9,500. However, additional funds were granted to Fire Companies who had Nationally Certified firefighters on their roster. For this, we received $2,797.83 in bonus funds for our training levels. We will be using our funds as debt reduction on our recently purchased Web Based Firehouse reporting software. The software will allow the tracking and emergency incidents, training requirements and certifications of each member, equipment inventories as well as statistcal reporting of emergencies answered. This grant program is a great asset to all Fire and Ambulance companies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we would like to thank State Fire Commissioner Mann and his staff for their assistance in providing this program annually to our volunteers. Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:45:43 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=410 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=408 Just after 11:15am, Station 33 was alerted for an auto accident with unknown injuries in the area of Horseshoe Pike (Route 322) & Cupola Road in Honey Brook Township. Ambulance 33-1 & Ambulance 33-3 arrived onscene to find one vehicle in the eastbound lane with moderate damage to the driver side. The driver was able to self-extricate from the vehicle. Rescue 33 & Engine 33-1 arrived onscene and provided traffic control and assisted with scene clean-up. Ambulance 33-3 transported one patient to a local hospital for evaluation. All units cleared shortly before 12:15pm. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:57:53 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=408 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=407 Receiving a Recording when Calling 9-1-1? – Do Not Hang Up Occasionally, usually during severe storms with wide-spread power outages, more 9-1-1 calls are made than can be answered. During these times, after a few rings the caller will receive a recorded message letting the caller know that they have dialed 9-1-1 and all telecommunicators are busy. The recording will instruct the caller to stay on the line, except if they are calling to report a power outage. If this is the case, the caller will be instructed to call their electric provider. Even during these busy times, callers should not hang up once they have dialed 9-1-1. Even with a hang up, we still receive your phone information, and have to call back and verify that you do not need assistance; this COULD DELAY HELP FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO NEEDS IT. If you dial 9-1-1 by error, simply let the call-taker know when they answer the call. The call-taker may ask some questions to verify that the call was dialed in error and that you truly do not need help. If you have questions about calling 9-1-1, feel free to contact us at 610-344-5000 and ask to speak with someone in the 9-1-1 Operations Division or Public Information Officer. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 09:46:24 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=407 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=405 On December 27 & 28, Deputy Chief Klinger completed the course Strategies and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (STICO), hosted by the Philadelphia Fire Academy. Firefighters from around the tri-state area attended including, the Philadelphia Fire Dept, Baltimore County Fire Dept, Bensalem Fire Dept, Wilmington Fire Dept and Delaware County Fire Departments. STICO focuses on Company Level Officers making sound tactical decisions at the onset of an incident and how to begin managing incidents and removing oneself from the actual hands on work and moving into a supervisor role. Students learned how to write SMART (Simple, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) Objectives for the incidents they may be presented with. Students spent most of the class in small groups discussing different tactics used throughout the various departments and, working on developing the objectives, strategies and tactics to multiple scenarios presented to them. The culminating scenarios involved a 3 1/2 story commercial building fire, which consisted of a bank, library and office buildings. Students were placed in the first arriving company officers position and had to manage the incident until a Chief Officer arrived. Students had to manage heavy fire conditions, multiple rescues, fire extension, exposure protection, salvage, overhaul, and ventilation all simultaneously. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:27:42 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=405 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=213 From US Fire Administration: With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to focus on fire safety and prevention. The celebration of the season brings with it increased usage of electric lights, decorations, candles, and the ever popular Christmas tree, all of which can be potential fire hazards. Additionally, cooking fires increase during the holidays as families and friends gather to celebrate. By following general fire safety precautions, potential holiday fires, deaths, and injuries remain preventable. Christmas Trees What's a traditional Christmas morning scene without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person's suggestion – "Keep the tree watered." Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be. http://www.christmastree.org/care.cfm Selecting a Tree for the Holidays Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long and, has probably dried out, and is a fire hazard. Caring for Your Tree Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Disposing of Your Tree Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service. Cooking Thanksgiving Day fires in residential structures cause more property damage and claim more lives than residential structure fires on other days. The increase is troubling as it applies mostly to cooking fires in family homes. In 2005, cooking fires were involved in roughly 1,300 reported home structure fires on Thanksgiving – that's almost three times the daily average. It is easy to get wrapped up in entertaining guests, but it is important to monitor meal preparations since most cooking fires start when cooking is left unattended. Another of the recent culprits for the increase of cooking fires during holidays is the turkey fryer. Turkey fryers use a substantial quantity of cooking oil at high temperatures, and many units currently available for use pose a significant tipping danger. The use of turkey fryers by consumers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries and the destruction of property. http://www.ul.com/consumers/turkeys.html The following safe cooking tips can help to make your holiday dinner safe and enjoyable: Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. Keep anything that can catch fire - potholders, towels or curtains - away from your stovetop. Have a "kid-free zone" of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated. Always keep an oven mitt and lid nearby when you're cooking. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing. Have the oven serviced before you use it again. Holiday Lights Maintain Your Holiday Lights Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!Holiday Decorations Use Only Nonflammable Decorations All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire. Artificial Christmas Trees If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant. Candle Care Avoid Using Lit Candles If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. http://www.candles.org/safety_candles.html Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches. More info and videos at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/holiday.shtm From all the members of the Honey Brook Fire Company to you and your family: Have a Safe and Merry Christmas. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:28:33 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=213 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=404 Honey Brook Borough has been collecting toys over the last few weeks for the "Toys for Tots" program. Over a hundred different items had been collected and needed to be wrapped for their delivery to children in the area. The Honey Brook Fire Company EMS crew was recruited to lend a helping hand. Members from HBFC, borough officials, and police department all took time and wrapped presents to bring some Christmas cheer to local families who have fallen on hard times. The EMS crew wrapped presents for around an hour before being dispatched to a medical emergency. The Honey Brook Fire Company would like to thank all those who donated toys and wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday season! Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:24:52 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=404 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=403 Just after 9:30 this morning, Honey Brook Fire Company was dispatched for an ambulance along with Churchtown Fire Company, Goodville Fire Company and Ephrata Hospital Medic 9 to an auto accident reported with entrapment. The accident was located on S. Churchtown Road in Caernarvon Township, Lancaster County. Ambulances 33-1 and 33-3 responded to the scene and arrived to find a one vehicle accident versus a tree. The occupant of the vehicle was found confined in the vehicle. Crews from Churchtown and Goodville extricated the patient from the vehicle. Patient was treated and transported to a local hospital by Honey Brook Fire Company EMS. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:33:57 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=403 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=402 Over the past week FF D.Mellinger, FF J.Bellon, FF A.Hertzler and Deputy Chief R.Klinger, attended an Advanced Engine Company Operations Course hosted by Chester County Fire Training Academy. Members attended 6 hours of class room instruction over the week reviewing Engine Company tactics and operations and then meet on Saturday and Sunday to complete the hands on portion of the training. An Engine Company is responsible on the fireground for establishing water supplies, stretching hose to the structure involved and using water to extinguish the fire. During course, members reviewed multiple topics to include: -Engine Company duties on the fireground -Riding assignments on apparatus and each persons duties -Calculating the amount of hose needed to go from the fire engine into the involved structure and ensuring enough hose is available to cover the whole structure. -Establishing a water supply -Setting up hose bed loads for rapid deployment by minimal staffing -Extending attack lines -Deploying 2 1/2 inch attack lines and advancing them Members spent the day Saturday review each hose load and working as a team to advance handline through a building. Sunday the class took all the skills they had learned and conducted five simulated structure fires with fires on multiple floors. All photos are courtesy of Bill Ronayne, owner of TPL Photography. To see more photos and videos visit: http://www.facebook.com/#!/TPLPhotographyWC Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:46:11 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=402 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=400 Reposted from www.ccfirechiefs.org The Honolulu Fire Department assisted with multiple blazes after the attack and lost three firefighters. "A date which will live in infamy." That's how President Franklin D. Roosevelt described the Pearl Harbor attack 70 years ago today. The Honolulu Fire Department -- dispatched to Hickam Airfield to assist federal crews with multiple structure fires on Dec. 7, 1941 -- lost three firefighters that day. Firefighters on duty noted their activities in a logbook. "8 a.m. Telephone alarm Hickam Field, #4 Co. responded." In October, for the first time ever, that logbook was on display outside of Hawaii. It was the featured exhibit at the opening of The National Fire Heritage Center in Emmitsburg, Md. Dr. Burt Clark was the person behind making that happen. "The Honolulu Fire Department was most gracious, and agreed to loan us the logbook. We were honored." The entries, penned in longhand, continued: ".Rec'd 25 mattresses from Central. Dead at Hickam field fire were Captains Carriera + Macy, Pang, hoseman. Injured hosemen Kalihbane, P.J. McCabe, J. Gilman, Sol Naavao." In addition to Co. 4, companies 1 and 6 also responded to the attack. A painting hanging in the Honolulu fire museum shows firefighters drafting water from craters created by the bombs. "Broken water mains filled the craters that looked liked ponds," Capt. Terry Seelig said. Seelig said the Honolulu firefighters were called to help federal crews, many of whom lost their lives. Killed in the attack from Honolulu were Captains John Carreira and Thomas S. Macy as well as Hoseman Harry T.L. Pang. The injured firefighters included Lt. Frederick Kealoha, and Hosemen Moses Kalilikame, John A. Gilman, Solomon H. Naavao Jr., Patrick J. McCabe and George Correa. Those firefighters were awarded Purple Hearts, the first civilians to receive the military honor. A fire truck riddled with bullet holes is among memorabilia from that infamous day housed in an old fire station that's on the National Historic Register. While the department doesn't have the personnel to staff the museum daily, tours are available by appointment, Seelig said. The captain added that the department was honored to have shared its history with visitors at the National Fire Heritage Center. After being on display in a glass case for about a week, NFHC Executive Director Wayne Powell gingerly packaged the historic logbook for shipping. He kept track of it until it was safely back in the hands of Honolulu fire officials. "We were so honored that they entrusted us with it. Many visitors spent time reading and taking pictures of the entries. They understood the historical significance." Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:34:50 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=400 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=396 It is with regret that the Honey Brook Fire Company #1 announces the passing of Life Member John H. "Jack" Plank, Jr. Mr. Plank was active in the Honey Brook Fire Company for many years. We extend our condolences to the Plank family in their time of loss. The following is Mr. Plank's obituary from the Lancaster Newspapers: "John H. "Jack" Plank, Jr. John H. "Jack" Plank, Jr., 84 yrs., of Narvon, formerly of Honey Brook, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at his home. He was born in Chester Co. on June 25, 1927. He was the son of the late J. Horace Sr. and Alice (Patton) Plank. He was the husband of Letty (Martin) Plank, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Jack was retired in 1987 as a truck driver, having worked for Lancaster Transportation Company, Leaman Transportation and Pepperidge Farms. He served his country in the US Army during WW II in Japan with the Occupational Forces. Jack attended Honey Brook High School and Cash High School. He was very active in the Honey Brook community, as a lifetime member of the Honey Brook Fire Co., where he served as the firemen's carnival chairman for over 25 yrs., served Honey Brook Borough Council for 30 yrs., as a member of the Honey Brook United Methodist Church, the Howell Lodge #405 of F. & A. M., the former Honey Brook V.F.W. Post #5997, where he served as quartermaster for 40 years and the Charles E. Ludwick V.F.W. Post #7362 of New ­Holland. Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Judith Plank-Lackey; a grandson, James A. Plank, Jr.; 2 brothers, James and Harold Plank; and a sister, Margaret Hartz. He is survived by a son, James A. Sr. and his wife Wanita Plank of Narvon; a daughter, Linda P. and her husband Randy Slabik of Spring City; and 3 grandchildren. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at the Honey Brook Methodist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Jack to the Honey Brook Fire Company, PO Box 408, Honey Brook, PA 19344-0408. Arrangements by The Labs Funeral Home, Inc. of Honey Brook, Pa." Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:09:07 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=396 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=398 On Thanksgiving morning, the Honey Brook Fire Company ambulances made the short drive to Tel Hai Camp and Retreat for the 20th Annual 5K Turkey Bowl. The event consisted of a one mile "Fun Run" for children and then a cross-country style 5K. EMS stoodby by while the 661 participants made their way through the course which wound through the Tel Hai Retreat campus and around Tel Hai Lake. EMS assisted one participant to his car after a minor injury. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:22:04 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=398 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=395 Each year more cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year. Between 2005-2009, grease and cooking-related fires more than doubled on Thanksgiving Day compared to an average day in November. With the popularity of turkey frying increasing, U.S. fire departments are responding to more than 1,000 fires each year in which a deep fryer is involved. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says deep fryer fires cause an average of 5 deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Most turkey fryer fires are preventable. Recognizing common mistakes is a critical step in reducing your risk of a fire or potentially fatal burns. • Too much oil in the fryer pot - If the cooking pot is overfilled, the oil may spill out of the pot when the turkey is lowered in. Oil can hit the burner and cause a fire. Follow the owner's manual to determine the proper amount of oil to use. • Dropping a frozen or partially thawed turkey into oil - Frozen or partially frozen turkeys placed into the fryer can cause a spillover and may result in a fire. Make sure your turkey is properly thawed and slowly lower it into the pot to prevent oil from splashing. • Fryer is too close to structures - More than one-third of fires involving a fryer start in a garage or patio. Cook outdoors and away from flammables; maintain a safe distance from any buildings and keep the fryer off any wooden structures. • Oil and water don't mix - When ice comes into contact with hot oil, the water vaporizes, causing steam bubbles to pop and spray hot oil. Do not use ice or water to cool down oil or extinguish an oil fire. Keep an extinguisher approved for cooking or grease fire nearby and immediately call 911 for help. • Unattended cooking – Frying involves cooking with a combustible medium, namely the cooking oil or grease. Many frying units do not have thermostat controls and if left unwatched, the oil will continue to heat until the point of combustion. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQYTMFCLy5E Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:36:17 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=395 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=394 On Saturday morning, members from Honey Brook, Martin's Corner, Pomeroy and Parkesburg Fire Company's assembled at the West Chester Fire Department Training Center for a day of structural fire training. Crews preped the fire building with the needed skids and hay bales and then assembled for a safety briefing and walk through of the fire building. Crews then broke up into 2 engine company groups and began the evolutions which focused on initial engine company operations at structure fire. Engine companies are responsible for fire extinguishment and confinement on the fire ground. It involves deploying hand lines from a fire engine into the building if needed and using water from the engine or an outside source (hydrant). Throughout the day members trained on scenarios ranging from fires on the first and second floors to basement fires, to conducting a primary and secondary search of the building for victims that may have been trapped. **Special thanks to Goodville Fire Company for standing by in our station for us so we could train. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:49:12 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=394 http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=393 On Nov 12th and 13th, Kyle Kern and Abraham King completed Junior Firefighting training. The 16 hour course covers various fire service topics . The students receive hands-on and in-depth look at the duties allowed by Junior Fire Fighters under the child labor laws of the Commonwealth. They also completed Hazardous Materials Awareness during this training. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:11:13 GMT http://www.honeybrookfire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=393