ANOTHER
CEDAP AWARD FOR 10512/2007-- For the third consecutive year, the Rostraver Central VFC was awarded equipment through the Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). This year, the equipment awarded was the CEDAP Chemical Detection Kit, which includes an MSA Sirius Multi-Gas Detector and Ahura First Defender Handheld Raman Spectrometer. Station 105 is one of just 18 fire departments in Pennsylvania to be awarded this year. A fire company representative will receive training from DHS on the equipment.
12/22/07-- Station 105 was alerted to a bulldozer on fire at Tube City IMS, 891 Mills Lane. County Fire Dispatch activated the 1st Alarm companies due to reports that the dozer was endangering a building. Engine 105 arrived and found a bulldozer with fire in the operator's compartment, not endangering any buildings. The Engine crew stretched a preconnected handline and attacked the fire. The fire was brought under control in approximately 15 minutes.
12/15/07--
The Fire Company
held its annual Christmas Party on December 15th. In addition to
members and their families, several other area departments were
represented. And as always, the kids got to visit with Santa
Claus. At the party, the members of Station 105 honored 3
long-time members for their consistent contributions that ensure the
success and vitality of our department. Brian
Sokol (center),
Tom Beck Sr. (right),
and Michael
Costello Sr. (not
pictured) received
commemorative plaques highlighting their years of service. In
addition, a longtime community supporter, John
DiVirgilio (left),
was presented with an Honorary Lifetime Membership to the Fire
Company. Congratulations Brian, Tom, Mike, and "Johnny
D" for your years of distinguished service to our
organization.
12/14/07-- Just after 6am, The Rescue Truck was dispatched for a Crash with Injuries on Route 51 North near Angel's World of Cycles. Chief 105 arrived first and found 2 patients confined with moderate injuries. Their pickup truck had struck the rear of a northbound tri-axle truck. R-105's crew deployed the Hurst® Jaws of Life and freed the jammed doors. Rostraver/West Newton EMS took over patient care and transported the injured occupants to local hospitals. Fire personnel assisted with cleanup and traffic control, clearing in approximately 90 minutes.
12/6/07-- Station
105 was called to assist on a House Fire in Jacobs Creek, South
Huntingdon Twp. The initial alarm was dispatched to a reported
chimney fire. Units from Station 17 (Smithton) arrived first to
find a working fire on the first floor. Engine 105 was the third
arriving company, established a water supply, and sent a crew to
assist with the interior attack. The Rescue Truck arrived next
and provided manpower. Due to heavy debris inside and uncertain
structural conditions inside, Command withdrew personnel to an
exterior defensive attack. The building suffered heavy damage
but the fire was contained to the initial structure. Units from
105 cleared after approximately 5 hours on scene. Station 107 (Turkeytown)
had command.
11/15/07-- At 3pm, Station 31 was alerted for a rollover MVA on Route 906. Immediate reports indicated possible entrapment, adding Rescue 105 to the alarm. Engine 105 (on the Rescue fill) arrived first, with Monessen Police, and found a male with facial injuries self-extricated. While EMS assessed the patient, the Engine's crew began removing debris from the roadway. After Rescue 31 arrived, the Engine repositioned to the Webster Ballfield LZ to land STAT MedEvac 2. Both scenes were cleared in 1 hour. Township Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
11/9/07-- Station 105 was called to a rollover accident on Route 51 at Darr Road. Rostraver Police arrived and found two cars overturned. All occupants had self-extricated from the vehicles and both lanes of Route 51 were blocked. Engine 105 (filling for the Rescue Truck, which is out for equipment upgrades) arrived and set up the light tower. The Engine's crew also cleared debris from both lanes and controlled some minor fluids leaking. One person was transported by Rostraver EMS.
11/8/07--
Washington Twp VFC
was dispatched for a garage on fire at 252 Brandon Avenue. An
automatic aid alarm brought Engine 105 and Station 80 from
Westmoreland County. E-105 was the first arriving out of county
unit and assisted with fire suppression and overhaul. The garage
was a total loss and had minor exposure to the adjacent house.
105 personnel cleared without incident after approximately 1 hour on
scene. Also working at the scene were Belle Vernon and Fayette
City fire departments.
10/29/07-- The Rescue Truck was dispatched just after 1pm for an MVA with Injuries on Route 51 near the Burger King. Chief 105 arrived to find a "t-bone" type accident at Route 51 South and Pfile Lane, involving a Township Road Department truck. All 3 vehicle occupants were injured and the Township truck driver was trapped behind the jammed door. R105's crew initiated a rapid extrication using the Hurst® cutters and spreaders to remove the door from the truck. The normally routine procedure was complicated a bit by the proximity of the 2nd vehicle to the truck. Firefighters also assisted EMS with removing and packaging the patients. A landing zone was set up at the Rostraver Municipal Complex by Rescue 31. Township police are investigating.
10/19/07-- Station 105 was dispatched to Val's Car Wash and Gas Station on Route 201 for a reported tractor-trailer into the building. On arrival, crews discovered that the truck had not struck the main building, but had become lodged under the gas station canopy. While attempting to turn around in the lot, the driver misjudged the turn and struck the cashier's building, a gas pump, and the canopy supports. The Rescue Truck's crew determined that no gasoline was leaking from the pump and stood by until the truck was removed. The area was cordoned off and all units cleared within 1 hour. No injuries occurred in the accident.
9/26/07-- The Rescue Truck was called to a vehicle crash with entrapment just before 7pm. First arriving units found a 3-car accident with 1 person trapped and multiple injuries. The crew from R-105 used the Hurst® Rescue System to extricate the trapped occupant and also controlled hazards at the scene. Rostraver/West Newton EMS treated the injured patients, taking 4 people to Monongahela Valley Hospital. The most seriously injured person was transferred to Allegheny General Shock Trauma by LifeFlight helicopter, waiting at the Rostraver Airport base nearby. Crews from Webster also assisted at the scene. Rostraver Police are investigating the accident.
9/25/07-- An afternoon accident left a motorcycle rider critically injured on I-70 West near Route 51. The motorcycle entered I-70 from Route 51, failed to stop at the bottom of the on-ramp, and struck the rear of a westbound tractor-trailer. He suffered a lower leg amputation in the crash and was flown to a Level 1 Trauma Center by LifeFlight. State Police are investigating.
9/25/07-- Township departments were alerted just after 2am for a reported structure fire near Station 105 on Fells Church Road. Firemen arriving at the station discovered a working fire at the Healthworx building, 1112 Fells Church. E-105 positioned near a side entrance, bringing a supply line from the fire station. Crews forced entry and stretched a 150-foot preconnect into the building. Fire was discovered in a first floor employee area extending upward and consuming a second floor outside deck. The fire was brought under control in less than 20 minutes. Crews remained on scene for several hours overhauling and dousing hot spots. The PSP Fire Marshal unit was called to investigate, ruling the fire electrical in nature. No injuries were reported.
Click here for more pictures in the Photo Gallery.
9/15/07--
The "Jewel of
the Valley" played host to over 30 pieces of fire apparatus in
the first-ever Sutphen/Precision Super Saturday, sponsored by Jeff
Britt Fire Apparatus Sales. The venue was the Rostraver Ice
Garden complex and it was a beautiful afternoon for the display.
Departments from Westmoreland, Washington, Allegheny, Beaver, Butler,
Greene, and Lawrence Counties in Pennsylvania, the northern West
Virginia panhandle, and eastern Ohio sent trucks to show off.
Thanks to Jeff Britt and his sales team, the Sutphen family, Precision
Fire Apparatus, the Ice Garden management, and all others involved for
helping make this a successful event. The members of RCVFC were
proud to host this one-of-a-kind venture!
Click here for a Photo Gallery of the event!
9/4/07-- Station 105 was dispatched for the house on fire at 111 Birch Drive. Chief 105 arrived first with a working fire on a rear integral porch. Engine 105 arrived and took the yard. A 200-foot preconnect was stretched and the fire was controlled in less than 10 minutes after dispatch. Rescue 105 was the 2nd arriving unit and took special service duties, providing salvage covers, power supply, and lighting. Crews from 103 and 31 arrived next and assisted with overhaul and ventilation. The fire apparently began in a faulty gas grill. No injuries were reported and all units cleared in just over one hour.
8/21/07-- The Rescue Truck visited the City of Monessen for a rescue drill with the guys from Station #1. Everyone got a chance to practice their extrication skills on a few junk vehicles and then took part in a few car fire evolutions. Thanks to "Downtown" for having us!
8/15/07-- A Belle Vernon woman perished in a late-night apartment fire on Main Street. E-140 came on scene with heavy fire in the 1st floor rear of a 3-story apartment complex. Additional assistance was requested from several Westmoreland County companies. Crews from 105 assisted with primary and secondary searches, as well as salvage and overhaul. E-105 was back in service in just over 2 hours. E-147 (Central) covered Station 105 during the fire.
8/14/07--
An afternoon house
fire broke out in Charleroi, Washington County. First arriving
units found heavy fire issuing from a large, older house on a steep
embankment on Lincoln Avenue. Chief 197 (Charleroi) requested a
2nd alarm transmitted, which included Station 105. Engine 105's
crew assisted with ventilation and overhaul. The fire was
determined electrical in nature by the fire marshal.
8/9/07-- A line of strong thunderstorms moved through Rostraver Township in mid-afternoon, leaving basements flooded and downed trees and power lines. The calls began at 3:30pm with a transformer fire on Willowbrook Road and ended with a tree that ripped down power lines just before 11pm. Crews from 105 fanned out over the township to handle weather-related calls and assisted Webster with several calls in Pricedale. In all, Rostraver Central handled 16 incidents by night's end. Other areas of Westmoreland and surrounding counties were also hard hit with storm damage and widespread flooding.
8/5/07-- The Rescue Truck was dispatched to an odd morning accident on Route 51. Initial calls reported a vehicle on a hillside, but Chief 105 and Rostraver Police discovered a car that left Route 51, traveled through a wooded area, and ended up partially suspended in a tree. The vehicle was barely visible from the highway. The patient had removed herself from the vehicle and was evaluated by Rostraver/West Newton paramedics.
7/30/07-- One patient was flown to an area trauma center following a 1-car crash on Fells Church Road. The driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway, shearing a utility pole, and coming to rest over an embankment against a tree. The Rescue Truck's crew assisted EMS and notified Allegheny Power for the downed lines and pole. E-105 handled the landing zone at Station 105. Fells Church Road was closed for over 1 hour following the accident and the fire station operated on emergency power until service was restored.
7/19/07-- A training drill was held at Rostraver Central to hone skills involving vehicle emergencies. An extrication evolution was conducted, followed by a live fire exercise simulating a vehicle fire. The fine automobile used in the training was supplied by Starr Auto Wreckers.
7/13/07-- Engine 105 was one of the highlights of the Sutphen display at the recent Pittsburgh FireRescue & EMS Expo, held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Sutphen area was staffed by personnel from Jeff Britt Fire Apparatus Sales & Service. Also noted was the recent order placed for the new Truck 105, a Sutphen SPH-100 Tower Ladder. Thanks to Jeff and his sales team for giving us a special place at the show!
7/12/07-- Township companies were dispatched for an automatic fire alarm at the Shoppes at Rostraver on Pricedale Road. THE Ladder Truck arrived first and found a sprinkler head flowing in the China 88 Restaurant. L105's crew disconnected electrical service to the business and shut down the sprinkler system. The extinguishing system activated due to an apparent malfunction and flooded the kitchen area. Personnel from 105, Webster, Collinsburg and North Belle Vernon assisted with salvage work inside and checked the rest of the strip mall for further problems. THE Ladder Truck also accessed the roof and checked the HVAC units for possible malfunction. With the recent sale of Ladder 105 to the Moyock, NC Fire Department, could this be the last time she extends into the sky over Rostraver?
7/6/07-- Rescue 105 was alerted for an MVA with Entrapment on Rostraver Road near the Vance DeiCas Highway just after 11:30pm. Assistant 105 arrived to find 1 patient confined in a rolled-over vehicle. The Rescue Truck crew stabilized the vehicle and used the windshield saw to gain access to the occupant. Fire personnel remained for 45 minutes assisting with cleanup, until the cars were removed.
7/6/07-- THE Ladder Truck was called to assist on an afternoon fire on Collinsburg Road in West Newton. Engine 82 had arrived first and discovered smoke coming from the basement and "B" side of the building. It was determined that the fire was between the exterior brick veneer wall and the interior basement wall. Crews from E-11 and THE Ladder Truck used the K-12 saw to cut through the brick and reach the fire. L105 remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes assisting with overhaul and clean-up. Engine 81-1 (Monessen #1) covered 105 during the incident. The State Police Fire Marshal was called to determine the origin of the fire.
6/23/07-- Station 105 was dispatched for an odor of smoke inside the BP Station, 4975 Route 51. THE Ladder Truck and Engine 105 responded and sent crews into the building with 2 Thermal Imagers to check for the source. After checking the 3 separate occupancies in the building, the odor was pinpointed at an overheated motor on an ice machine. The machine was disconnected and maintenance was contacted. E-103 and E-31 assisted at the scene.
6/22/07-- Station 31 was dispatched for a corrosive liquid spill on I-70 East near Exit 41. Chief 31 requested assistance from 105, bringing Rescue and Engine 105 with hazmat supplies. First arriving officers from 105 located a small spill of 15% Hydrochloric Acid from a well drilling company truck as a result of an MVA. The spill was contained to the pavement and soil just off the roadway. Hazard zones were established and crews awaited personnel from the drilling firm to neutralize and clean up the spill. No injuries were reported and crews cleared without incident. Station 31 remained on scene for the PA Dept of Environmental Protection to arrive and assess the environmental impact.
6/22/07-- A car left Route 51 just before 6pm and rolled over down an embankment. Rescue 105, Township EMS and Police were dispatched, finding 1 patient self-extricated. The Rescue Truck's crew checked for hazards and established a traffic pattern. EMS took over care of the driver and fire personnel remained on scene until the car was removed.
6/13/07-- Just before 10am Wednesday morning, Rescue 105 was dispatched to a reported chemical incident at 134 Valley View Drive. Initial reports said the homeowner was mixing pool chemicals which reacted violently, filling the house with a noxious odor. On arrival, EMS began treatment on two patients with respiratory difficulty and the Rescue Truck's crew made entry to the house to secure the area and begin ventilation. Both patients were taken to Jefferson Regional Medical Center for precautionary treatment and fire units remained on the scene for just under one hour completing ventilation to render the building safe.
6/5/07-- Station 105 was dispatched for smoke in a house at 439 West Spring Grove Blvd. Chief 105 arrived first and discovered a railroad tie wall on fire adjacent to the rear of the house with a smoke condition extending to the inside. THE Ladder Truck and Engine arrived shortly after and stretched a bumper line to the rear. The wall was dismantled and the fire extinguished. The mutual aid companies were returned and 105 went back in service in just under an hour.
6/2/07-- The Rescue Truck handled an accident in the 1300 block of Rostraver Road Friday afternoon. Crews found a vehicle that had traveled over the guardrail and come to rest in the adjoining yard. The EMS crew evaluated the occupants and fire units cleared after finding no hazards. Rostraver Police are investigating the cause of the mishap.
6/1/07-- The township companies were dispatched just after 7pm for a smoke condition reported inside the C. Harper Autoplex building at 4431 Route 51. THE Ladder Truck arrived first and sent personnel to investigate. Much like the previous day's call at Staples, the source was traced to a faulty HVAC unit. The system was shut down and maintenance was contacted. All units were back in service inside of one hour.
6/1/07-- Rescue 105 was alerted at 1:33pm for an MVA with entrapment on Route 51 at Finley Road. Chief 105 arrived first and confirmed the pin job, calling for the spreaders. A rapid extrication was initiated by the Rescue's crew and the victim was removed to the care of Rostraver EMS. A landing zone was established next to the nearby GetGo convenience store. STAT MedEvac landed and transported the patient to a Pittsburgh trauma center.
5/31/07-- Thursday afternoon brought two calls for 105. First, just before 1pm, the 1st alarm assignment was sent to Staples in Tri-County Plaza for smoke in the warehouse area. THE Ladder Truck arrived first and sent crews inside and to the roof. The source of the smoke was traced to a faulty HVAC unit and all companies cleared without incident. Second was a vehicle fire on Route 906 south of the village of Webster, received just after 3pm. Engine 105 arrived first, found a working car fire, and stretched a line to extinguish.
5/29/07-- Several people were injured, with one transported via helicopter, in a morning accident on Fellsburg Road. Rescue 105 assisted at the scene with patient care and cleanup while Squad 105 handled traffic control. EMS took one patient who was seriously injured to the Webster Ballfield to meet with LifeFlight. Fellsburg Road was closed for approximately 35 minutes while the wreckage was cleared.
5/28/07-- A motorcycle accident on Fells Church Road injured two riders seriously. The Rescue Truck arrived at the intersection with Chickee Lane with the patients down in the road. Personnel assisted with patient packaging and EMS determined one victim needed air transport. R105 repositioned to Pleasant Valley Blvd for the LZ, LifeFlight's 3rd trip to the township in three days. The second patient was ground transported to a Pittsburgh trauma center.
5/27/07--
The Rescue Truck
was busy this weekend as LifeFlight landed in Rostraver Township twice
in 2 days. The first incident on Saturday involved a male that
fell from a tree on Ridge Road. He suffered multiple injuries in
the fall and LifeFlight was called to the LZ on Pebble Lane (near
A&L Construction). The Sunday's call was for a male that
fell from a ladder, again suffering multiple injuries. Rescue
105 responded to the Gabriel Brothers plaza on Finley Road and
established a safe area for the helicopter.
5/25/07-- The 911 center received a call from a girl in distress at the Monessen Sr. High prom being held at The Willow Room, Plaza Drive, in "The Jewel of the Valley". She had been taking photos of her friends on the outside balcony when her camera slipped free and fell to the 3rd floor roof below. THE Ladder Truck responded and sent a man to the roof to retrieve the lost item. Several minutes later, the Greyhounds' evening had been saved by a Superhero in Black and Red.
5/24/07--
A garage was
damaged by an afternoon fire on West McClain Road. Station 105
was dispatched to 245 West McClain for a shed on fire. First
arriving units found a garage attached to a one-story house with fire
in an outside carport. THE Ladder truck stretched a handline and
knocked down the bulk of the fire. The garage and house were
checked for extension and all companies cleared within 45
minutes. No injuries were reported.Incident pictures are available in the Photo Gallery.
5/15/07-- At the request of Assistant 147, a crew took Ladder 105 to the Elizabeth-Forward Middle School to assist with a Truck Company Operations class being sponsored by Central VFC. The students used Ladder 105 and Tower Ladder 147 to run through the drills.
5/13/07-- Township firefighters assisted with a search for a missing boy on the Yough River Trail. The original call came from the boy's mother on the Elizabeth Twp. section of the trail. The Allegheny County companies involved asked for Westmoreland crews to check their portion of the trail. Teams from 105 and Collinsburg searched the entire length of the trail in Rostraver with no results. The boy was later located off of trail property in good condition.
STRUCTURAL
BURN TRAINING5/12/07-- Firemen from 105 did some training in an acquired structure on Porter-McNutt Lane before assisting the property owner with "demolition".
See the Photo Gallery under Training for pictures from the training session.
5/4/07-- Two accidents over the weekend sent 2 individuals to Pittsburgh trauma centers and made for a busy weekend in Rostraver Twp. Rescue 105 responded to 6 calls including a Friday evening motorcycle accident that left a man with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Route 51 North just before the Rostraver Airport. R/WNES ambulance personnel transported the victim to the LifeFlight base and the Rescue truck assisted Township police with traffic control. Early Sunday morning, a pedestrian was struck on Route 51 near Darr Road. LifeFlight was called to transport the critically injured victim from the scene and Rescue 105 again assisted police and county detectives for 3 hours with lighting and traffic control. In all, Rostraver Central crews responded to 8 calls in the 3 days over the weekend.
GIVES
SAFETY EQUIPMENT4/30/07-- The RCVFC recently received a donation of reflective safety vests from Allegheny Power. The vests will be placed on all apparatus and worn by personnel operating on the roadway during incidents. Thanks to Allegheny Power and their Charleroi Service Center for the vests!
4/27/07-- An elderly female was flown to Allegheny General Shock Trauma Center following a lunchtime accident on Route 51 North. Rescue 105's crew assisted EMS with patient packaging and set up a landing zone at the Township Municipal Complex. LifeFlight 5 flew to the township for the second time in two days and took over patient care. Township Police are completing the report on the cause of the two-car crash.
4/26/07-- While maintaining a crew at Station 139 (Washington Twp), 105 was alerted to an MVA with injuries on Interstate 70 West. Ladder 105 responded from its standby position and arrived first, finding a passenger car, box truck, and two tractor-trailers involved in a chain-reaction accident blocking the passing lane. A quick assessment found 4 injured patients among the multiple vehicles. When Rescue 105 came on scene, its crew controlled minor fluid spills on the road and assisted EMS with patient packaging. EMS determined one patient needed transported to a Level 1 Trauma Center and requested a LifeFlight helicopter. Ladder 105 was sent to the Gabriel Brothers plaza on Finley Road to establish the landing zone. The Rescue Truck assisted with traffic control for nearly 3 hours. State Police in Belle Vernon are investigating.
4/26/07-- Ladder 105 responded to a morning fire at 1344 Fayette Avenue, Washington Twp., Fayette County. Crews from Washington Twp and Fayette City arrived first and made the initial attack while Belle Vernon, North Belle Vernon, and Rostraver Central personnel worked the roof, ventilating and checking for extension. Ladder 105 remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes before returning to standby at Washington Twp.'s station.
DONATES
TO STATION 1054/26/07-- RCVFC would like to thank the Rostraver Wal-Mart Supercenter for its recent generous donation through the Wal-Mart Foundation. The donation will be used for ongoing equipment upgrades and replacement.
UH-OH... THEY DID IT AGAIN...4/25/07-- What's 45 feet long, reaches 100 feet in the air, has 7 digits on the price tag, and is coming to a fire station near you? Yes... that's right. Its the Sutphen SPH-100 Tower Ladder... and its going to be calling Station 105 home. Thanks to your donations and generous support, we're bringing in yet another piece of state-of-the-art equipment to protect The Jewel of the Valley. The best fire protection in the Mon Valley just got a little better. Stay tuned to RostraverCentral.com for details.
4/22/07-- Township EMS and Police responded to the Rostraver Estates Mobile Home Park for a reported gunshot victim. On scene was a female patient with an apparently accidental gunshot wound to the legs. The bullet had entered and exited her right leg, entered the left leg, and become lodged in her lower abdomen. LifeFlight was called to transport to a Pittsburgh trauma center and the Rescue Truck set up the landing zone in the ballfield of the Clair Manor housing development. Fire personnel assisted with loading the patient into the helicopter. Rostraver Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting.
RCVFC GETS CEDAP EQUIPMENT4/07-- Station 105 has received notification of award from the Department of Homeland Security for the FY2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). One of only a handful of Pennsylvania departments to be awarded, Rostraver Central will receive a Bullard T3Max Thermal Imaging Camera. A fire company representative will attend training in June in New Orleans to accept the equipment. The camera will be placed on Rescue 105 and will be the 3rd Bullard TIC in service at Rostraver Central.
4/11/07-- Rescue and Engine 105 responded to a noontime crash on Route 51 North at Airport Road. The Rescue Truck arrived to find a car that had left the roadway and hit head-on into a parked tractor-trailer. Four patients were trapped with severe injuries and a rapid extrication was started. The Rescue staff worked to open and remove the jammed doors and the Engine crew assisted removing the B-post on the drivers side. All four patients were extricated within 10 minutes, stabilized by Rostraver/West Newton EMS, and transported to waiting helicopters at the adjacent Rostraver Airport. Rescue 31 (Webster) handled the LZ coordination with choppers from LifeFlight and STAT MedEvac responding.
4/10/07--
An abandoned truck
was found burning in the woods off of Metz Drive Tuesday
evening. Initial callers reported a brush fire off of Route 51
near the Allegheny County border. Companies from Forward Twp
were dispatched and Chief 192 (Gallatin-Sunnyside) requested Station
105 to check their area. After an off-road search, the truck was
found burning, unattended, after an apparent crash. The fire was
attended to and Rostraver Police are investigating the circumstances.A WINTER BLAST,
BREAKFAST...
...AND A DOOR
POP
4/7/07-- The
morning started with a quick blast of unseasonal winter weather.
105
was dispatched for multiple accidents on Fells Church Road just down
from the fire station. Squad
105 arrived to find cars scattered all over the icy hill, but no
injuries. After the Township salt truck made a few passes,
traffic was cleared and the A.M. crew decided to whip up some
breakfast at the
station. While the bacon and eggs were frying, the Rescue Truck
was alerted for an accident on Vernon Drive. R105 arrived with
EMS and found a female complaining of minor injuries, stuck behind a
jammed door. Quick work with the Hurst® spreaders and the door
was open in under a minute. EMS took the patient to Jefferson
Regional while the firemen returned to the flapjacks.
4/2/07--
On an afternoon
finally free of calls, the guys from 105 took the Engine and Ladder
Truck to the BVA School Campus to do a little water flow
practice. The Ladder Truck was connected to the plug, supplied
the Engine, and flowed from the ladder pipe. Everyone got a
chance to get oriented with the controls on the new Engine and flowed
from the deck gun.4/1/07-- Rescue 105 and its crew responded for an MVA injuries unknown in the 1200 block of Rostraver Road. The accident involved 2 cars and left 1 patient injured and confined in a mini-van. Personnel quickly went to work removing the door to allow EMS access to the patient. The victim was transported with non-life threatening injuries to Jefferson Regional Medical Center after the 3-minute extrication. Rescue and Mini-105 assisted with traffic control and debris cleanup. Township Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
3/31/07--
Shortly before
8pm, township companies were alerted for a house fire at 110 Elks
Place. Police arrived first and confirmed a working fire with
unknown occupancy. Ladder 105 arrived next, discovered a 2-story
house with heavy fire on all levels, and stretched 2 preconnected
lines. As the next units from 31 (Webster) and 80 (North Belle
Vernon) arrived, the owner was located and crews went to work knocking
down the fire. Assisted by personnel from 103 (Collinsburg),
departments worked on scene for approximately 3 hours. No
injuries were reported. Engine 147 covered 105 during the
incident. The cause is being investigated by the State Police
Fire Marshal. Chief 31 had the incident command.
3/13/07-- An afternoon rubbish fire behind the Gabriel Bros. department store on Finley Road was quickly extinguished. The original caller reported a brush fire endangering the store, bringing a full first alarm assignment. The first arriving patrol car reported baled cardboard burning, well removed from the building. The mini-pumper from 105 arrived first and stretched the booster line to knock down the fire. Firemen worked to separate the bales and overhaul the trash. Command held Engines 105 and 80 to assist and returned the other companies.
3/12/07-- The Rescue Truck was alerted for an unknown injuries accident on Route 51 near 422 Home Sales. Just prior to FD arrival, police confirmed one trapped with a severe head injury. Personnel from 105 quickly went to work with the Hurst spreaders and cutters, completing the door removal in 5 minutes, just 10 minutes total time from dispatch. Both lanes of Route 51 were then shut down to set up a landing zone for LifeFlight 6. As the helicopter approached, we got our first look at the new LifeFlight model and paint job. The injured male was loaded into the helicopter and taken to a Level 1 Trauma Center in Pittsburgh. Rescue 31 (Webster) assisted with traffic control. Units cleared in approximately one hour.
2/28/07-- Two people were injured in an afternoon crash on Route 51 South near Harper Drive. The operator of the 2nd vehicle lost control and slammed into the pickup truck in front of them, suffering major damage. The driver and passenger of the 2nd vehicle were transported to local hospitals with minor to moderate injuries. Rescue 105's crew assisted EMS with patient packaging and controlled minor hazards. Rostraver/West Newton EMS handled transport. Rostraver Police are investigating the cause of the accident.
2/13/07-- A late night fire damaged a pizza shop and several other businesses on West Main Street in West Newton. Station 82 and the 1st alarm companies were dispatched to Mama Pepino's Pizza for the building fire. Chief 82 called a working fire and requested a 2nd alarm. Ladder 105 (2nd due truck company) was ordered to lay a supply line into Engine 82 and send personnel to check the adjoining businesses for extension. The 105 crew forced entry, controlled utilities, checked for extension with the TIC, and ventilated the storefront. The State Police Fire Marshal was called to determine the cause. No injuries were reported.
2/11/07-- Assistant 17 called in a working basement fire at 239 Center Street, Smithton, bringing units from 17, 105, and 107. Engine 105 and the Mini-Pumper arrived and assisted with ventilation and checking extension with the TIC.
2/10/07--
Sutphen Corp. paid
a visit to Station 105 this past weekend to demonstrate the new
SPH-100 Tower Ladder. Our members got a chance to inspect the
truck, operate the tower, and take it for a spin around "The
Jewel". Thanks to Jeff Britt, Tom Freeman, and all the guys
from Sutphen for letting us borrow the demo for the day. And who
knows? Maybe there will be one making its home at 105 in the
not-so-distant future...
Pictures of "Sutphen Saturday"
are now posted
2/6/07--
Captain 105-2
witnessed a two-car accident at the entrance to Willowbrook
Plaza. He called for the Rescue Truck to assist EMS with
packaging the patient and cleaning up debris. Fire personnel
also assisted Rostraver Police with traffic control until the accident
was cleared.
2/3/07--
A Vernon Drive
house suffered minimal damage as result of a chimney fire late
Saturday night. Ladder 105 arrived first at 932 Vernon Drive and sent a crew to the
roof to clear debris and deliver dry chemical powder to extinguish the
fire. Crews from Engines 105, 31, and 103 assessed the situation
inside and found no extension beyond the flue. All units cleared
within 1 hour without incident. Chief 105 (Campbell) had the
"Vernon Drive Command".
2/3/07--
Rescue 105
responded to two accidents today that injured 9 people, at least one
seriously. The first crash occurred on Route 51 near Salem
Church Road when two vehicles collided and ended up in the BP Station
property nearby. Local EMS transported 7 patients to local
hospitals for evaluation.
In the second
accident, two cars were involved in
a head-on crash at the intersection of Rostraver Road and Patterson
Lane. Entrapment was initially reported, but access was gained
by the rescue crew without the need for extrication. Two people
were injured including one seriously, who was transported to a landing zone near the
R/WNES base where a LifeFlight helicopter was waiting. Rescue 105
remained on scene for a short time assisting with clean-up and traffic
control.
More pictures of both incidents are available in the Photo Gallery.
1/29/07-- Ladder 105 and crew assisted on an evening house fire in South Huntingdon Twp. Companies were dispatched to 110 Albright Road and discovered a working fire. 105's crew assisted with interior work and overhaul. The Ladder Truck was back in service after just about 2 hours on scene. The fire rekindled the following morning.
1/27/07-- Rescue 105 was dispatched to a multi-car accident on Route 201 near Val's Car Wash. Upon arrival, the crash was located on the Vance DeiCas Highway and Rescue 31 was notified. Rostraver/West Newton EMS treated several patients and called air transport for one victim. Rescue 105 set up a landing zone for LifeFlight adjacent to the scene. Rostraver Police are investigating the incident.
1/22/07-- Township firefighters quickly contained a small garage fire on Lenity School Road Monday morning. Station 31, along with 105 and 103, was dispatched for a reported chimney fire in a detached garage. First arriving officers discovered a small fire in the wall above the flue. Ladder 105, 2nd due on the alarm, arrived next, opened the wall up, and knocked the fire down with a can. Crews checked with the TIC for extension and cleared in approximately 20 minutes.
1/16/07--
A spectacular
tractor trailer accident challenged the rescue crew from 105 late
Tuesday evening. On arrival just after 11:30pm, Captain 105-1
discovered an overturned tractor trailer cab, which had traveled
off the roadway and through two large trees, with the driver very
heavily pinned. The trailer was ripped open and detached, on its
side, and across the eastbound lanes further down the road. With
I-70 East completely blocked on both sides of the scene, Rescue 105
arrived in the westbound lane and 
deployed
3 preconnected Hurst lines over the jersey barrier, as well as a
portable power unit with 2 additional lines. Teams from 105 and
31 immediately went to work carefully dismantling the cab, removing
first seat and floor board, while trying to determine the level of
entanglement on the patient's lower body. Telescoping rams and
the 32A spreaders were used to gain vertical space in the patient
area. This task had to be accomplished delicately, with the
truck's loaded fuel tank just 
above.
After removing the second seat which had been pinning the man's upper
leg, it was determined that the patient's right foot was heavily
entangled in the crushed dashboard and steering column. Careful
disentanglement finally freed the man's foot and he was removed to the
waiting LifeFlight helicopter. Total extrication time was
approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and Chief 105 (Campbell) had the
incident command. Interstate 70 was littered with boxes from the
truck's load of Burger King supplies. The eastbound lanes
remained closed for much of the night. Rescue and Engine 105
remained on scene for nearly 5 hours assisting with lighting and
cleanup. Rescue 147 (Central) filled 105 during the
incident. Troopers from PSP's Belle Vernon barracks, Rostraver
Police, and PennDOT
assisted at the scene with Station 17 (Smithton) handling the LZ.
Pictures are available in the Photo Gallery.
1/3/07--
Crews working on
the new Township sewage system extension ruptured a natural gas line
during excavation work shortly after 1:30pm. The 3" line
was broken along with an 8" water main. Rescue 105
established a safe area and determined no evacuation was
required. Columbia Gas repair technicians responded and cleared
the fire equipment without incident.
1/2/07--
Station 105 was
alerted just after 7:30am for a multi-injury accident on Route 51 at Snyder Lane.
Rescue 105 arrived to find one person confined and went to work on the
jammed door. The extrication went without incident and EMS
transported several patients to local hospitals. The Rescue crew
remained on scene assisting with traffic control and clean-up.
