43 FIREFIGHTER

Dwelling Fire on Deibert Lane in Jackson Township

2008-02-23T07:44:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Troy for the pics

Trying this one more time

2008-02-16T09:25:00.001-05:00

I am going to once again try and post some pics on here. Will try to keep it interesting and get some visitors to the site. Unfortunetly I still cannot post pics of my FD calls but my work has me all over the place and I can sometimes get pics while out and about. Will do my best.

Pittston Township PA Luzerne County Fire

2008-02-16T09:18:00.002-05:00

Was in the area and caught this job. Nothing great but it made the day a little more interesting. Beleive the car caught fire which caused minimal damage to the house.

Jim Thorpe PA Tractor Trailer Accident

2008-02-16T09:13:00.001-05:00

Some pictures I got while driving through Jim Thorpe, PA. Amazingly noone was hurt.

2007-09-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

West End Fire Company Presents:
Deputy Chief Billy Goldfeder
Scared Straight Seminar

Thursday Oct. 4th, 2007

1800 - 2200hrs

Pleasant Valley High School Auditorium
Located off Rt209 in Brodheadsville, Monroe Cnty. Pa

Sponsored by: NEPA Joint Counter Terrorism Task Force

Attendance is limited to 2000 people and will be on a first come first serve basis.
For additional information Phone (570) 992-4121 Donald Zipp or Chief Brian Snyder

Also check out www.firefighterclosecalls.com

I'm Back.. and we have had a busy week.

2007-09-01T06:32:00.000-04:00

SUN VALLEY — Fire marshals are investigating the cause of a fire that brought a home being constructed in Chestnuthill Township down to its foundations late Monday night.
The house was completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene at 1109 Fir Road around 9 p.m.
"There were big booms, it sounded like gas cans exploded," said Terry Frey, who lives across the street from the house and watched the fire. "It was completely in flames, the whole house from end to end."
Assistant Chief John McKeever of the West End Fire Co. said it took firefighters about 15 minutes to knock down the structure and then a short while longer before the flames could be extinguished.
The house was uninhabited at the time and no injuries were reported.McKeever said fire marshals had been called and the cause would be under investigation

Drunk pedestrian hit by vehicle on Toll Road in Chestnuthill Township

'August 29, 2007'
August 29, 2007
CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP — A drunk pedestrian was taken to the hospital Monday night after being hit by a vehicle on Toll Road, north of Lakeside Drive, state police at Fern Ridge said.
At 11:06 p.m., Anthony Scott Donahue, 36, of Effort, and another pedestrian, both of whom were drinking alcoholic beverages, were talking to a PPL driver who had just finished servicing a transformer near where a fire had just occurred, police said.
Donahue and the two others were standing in the road on the driver's side of the PPL truck, which was facing south in the southbound lane with its headlights on.A northbound 2003 Kia Sedona, driven by Stanley Long III, 31, of Kunkletown, slowed down upon approaching the truck due to Long being unable to see because of the truck's headlights. At that point, Donahue stepped out into the northbound lane and was hit by Long.

CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP — Maritza Curtis awoke from a nap at about 11 a.m. Wednesday in her Cedar Lane home in Sherwood Forest and smelled smoke.
Curtis was wondering where the smell was coming from when her daughter Tatiana, 6, came and told her, "Mommy, there's something orange coming out of the room."
Related Stories
Mom, three kids, pet dog, escape fire that destroys home
Tatiana was referring to flames coming from one of the two bedrooms occupied by her and her brothers Christopher, 10, and Xavier, 4.
"I saw the fire and told the kids to get out of the house," Curtis said later, sitting in tears on her neighbor's porch as firefighters trained hoses on the bi-level house she and her family had been renting. "I grabbed the fire extinguisher, but I couldn't maneuver it. So, I left it and called 911 and went to make sure the kids were all out safe."
The fire spread to the attic before firefighters arrived and were able to keep the entire house from burning to the ground.

Curtis' tears were a mix of loss over the house and gratitude that she, her children and their 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier, Dash, escaped unharmed.
"The important thing is you're all OK," neighbor Grigore Rodica told Curtis in a soothing tone with a comforting arm around her. "Property can be replaced. Lives can't."
Rodica was next door, having coffee with her visiting cousin, Julia Minga, when both women heard Curtis screaming.
"We ran next door and saw flames coming through the (bedroom) windows," Rodica said. "Everyone was out of the house. (Curtis) just kept screaming. She didn't know what to do."
Neighbor Dennis Rosadio, who lives across the street, heard the screaming, saw the fire, rushed over with his own fire extinguisher and went into the house as the flames continued to spread.

"I went to the room where the fire was and saw the flames on the floor and the curtains," Rosadio said. "I hit it with the extinguisher, but the room got so smoky I just crouched down and got back out of there."
West End, Jackson Township, Sun Valley and Polk Township firefighters, West End Ambulance and state police were on scene.
"Once we got here, we went inside and began an aggressive attack," West End Fire Chief Brian Snyder said shortly before noon, by which time the fire had been brought under control. "Right now, it's too early to tell how this got started."
Alfredo Curtis later arrived on scene from his job in Lehigh County and hugged his wife and children upon seeing them all safe at the neighbor's. Maritza Curtis has a cousin living in Effort and the Red Cross has been contacted.
The Curtis family moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to the Poconos and began renting the house in December. At the time of the fire, the family was trying to reach the owner in Queens, N.Y.

And thanks to the hail storm that blew through the other day I missed all of this because I was to busy with work.. oh well.

Thanks to the Poconorecord.com for the articles and photos.

Another Fire for Station 43

2007-06-29T16:58:00.000-04:00

Stations 43 and 28 were dispatched to a reported house filling with smoke on Old Stage Coach Rd. 43-1-2 arrived on scene and found a smokecondition int he basement. Additional companies were called in due to low manpower during this day time call. Statiosn 35,39,23 were eventually added to the box. Upon entering the buillding 43-8 located a fire near a bed in the basement. Appears the fire started in that area and burned the bed as well as the wall then appeared to run out of air and was smoldeing upon entry. Crews completed overhaul and checked for extension. Given the heat and the manpower issues this definetly could have been a lot worse.

Article From Pocono Record

2007-06-24T09:17:00.001-04:00

Onlookers free 11-year-old trapped under van
June 23, 2007CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP — An unidentified female was taken to the hospital after being pulled from beneath a vehicle that overturned Thursday on Jonas Road, according to reports.The accident occurred at about 8:40 p.m.As of Friday, state police at Fern Ridge had not released the official details of the accident.A caller told the Pocono Record that several motorists stopped and lifted the van enough so the victim's mother could pull her 11-year-old daughter from under the vehicle.The child's identity and condition were unknown as of Friday night.

Pompton lakes NJ FD 1st Due on Possible Commercial Fire

2007-06-24T09:03:00.000-04:00

Got this picture from my brother. Pompton lakes covering for Riverdale who was at the Fire Academy was first in for a fire in a commercial building. From what I heard a fire started in one of the machines inside. No extension to the rest of the building.

Station 43 Responds to Rol Over with partial Ejection.

2007-06-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

Units were dispatched to Joans Rd. near the Polk Township Line for a reported overturned van. 43-7 arrived on scene with a full size van on its side with a child that had been pinned under the van and pulled out by bystanders. Medevac was grounded due to weather. 43 EMTS stablized the patient for transport due to extended ETA for the ambulance.
The wreck could have been a lot worse given the fact that there were 5 people in a van including two children that only had two seats. People need to think before they drive around with family members bouncing around the back of a panel van.

Horrible Loss in Charleston South Carolina

2007-06-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

9 FF's lost their lives last night fighting a blaze at a Furniture store.
Our thought and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

Identities Released Of Nine Firefighters Killed In West Ashley Fire
From Live 5 News
The Charleston County coroner released the names of nine firefighters killed in a blaze at a furniture store on Savannah Highway in West Ashley. Charleston Coroner Rae Wooten released the names during a 2 p.m. Tuesday press conference. Below is each fireman's name, age, title and years with the fire department:William “Billy” Hutchinson: 48-years-old; Captain; 30 years of serviceMike Benke: 49-years-old; Captain; 29 years of serviceLouis Mulkey: 34-years-old; Captain; 11.5 years of serviceMark Kelsey: 40-years-old; Engineer; 12.5 years of serviceBradford “Brad” Baity: 37-years-old; Engineer; 9 years of serviceMichael French: 27-years-old; Asst. Engineer; 1.5 years of serviceJames “Earl” Drayton: 56-years-old; Fire Fighter; 32 years of serviceBrandon Thompson: 27-years-old; Fire Fighter; 4 years of serviceMelven Champaign: 46-years-old; Fire Fighter; 2 years of serviceAll firemen were employed by the City of Charleston Fire Department.Sofa Super Store owner Herb Goldstein says, “There are no words to express our sorrow. All of us at the Sofa Super Store are devastated and heartbroken by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of these heroic firefighters who lost their lives.”Charleston Mayor Joe Riley, who held a special news conference at 7 a.m. Tuesday, says it's hard to understand the magnitude of the loss. “They lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens,” says Mayor Riley. “To lose anyone is a tragedy. To lose nine is just a tragedy of immense proportions.”Riley says the firefighters were "brave, heroic, courageous'' and died carrying out their duties. Officials say firefighters rushed into the burning sofa superstore Monday night around 7 p.m. Two employees were rescued. Officials say one was rescued quickly and firefighters broke a hole through a wall to. Riley says, “They were in the building to make sure no one else was in there.”But, during their swift actions to save lives, something went horribly wrong. As smoke and flames consumed the building, the same firefighters who rushed in didn’t come out.“They fight fire. They extinguish fire, and they lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens,” says Mayor Riley.As their bodies were recovered, dozens of weary rescue personnel saluted them in tribute. "Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the City of Charleston have perished," says Mayor Riley. “This is a tragic event for our community."Mayor Joe Riley says there is -- no -- indication of arson. State and federal officials are investigating.Governor Mark Sanford has ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff on state buildings. He released this statement, “I'd ask each and every South Carolinian to join me, Jenny and the boys in keeping these nine families in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult weeks and months ahead."

43 with the Quick Knock on Potential Dwelling Fire

2007-06-14T04:38:00.000-04:00

On June12th, a severe line of thunderstorms rolled through the area. Station 43 and 39 were dispatched to an auto alarm in the Sun Valley section of town. while responding to that call 43 was advised of a potential dwelling fire in the Birches III development. Station 39 handled the Auto Alarm with 43 heading to the second call with 27 also added.
43-4-4 with a crew of 3 arrived first with a Station 34 officer that happened to be in the area. Units on scene found a smoke condition inside the residence with smoke coming from the eaves of the home.
43-1-2 arrived on scene and deployed a 2.5" down the 200 foot driveway to the home to a gated wye to a 1 3/4" line
Crews entered the home with the Thermal Came and located a hot spot in the ceiling of the loft area on the second division. The Interior Crew made access to the ceiling area and located a small fire in the insulation with extension to the roof itself. This area was hit with the water can. Another crew made access tot he roof area and found it all clear.
The homeowners were very greatful for our quick action as the loft area contained numerous pieces of art paint by the homeowner.
Appers that a wire in the ceiling either shorted or had a surge through it causing the small fire. Great job by everyone on scene given the heavy downpours we had to work in.

News Report on the Fatal Fire

2007-06-10T18:08:00.001-04:00

http://wfmz.com/view/?id=107867

Article on Fatal Fire

2007-06-09T06:50:00.000-04:00

Man dies in Polk Township house fire
MARTA GOUGER and Eric MarkManaging Editor/Internet and Pocono Record WriterJune 09, 2007JONAS — State police are investigating a fire that claimed a man's life at a home on Dotters Corner Road in Polk Township early Friday afternoon.Bryan Owei, 52, was found dead just inside the front door of the home by Polk Township Volunteer firefighters, according to state police at Lehighton.A state trooper at the scene said a gas can was found in the house, but added the cause of the fire has not been determined.A state police fire marshal is investigating. An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.Owei was alone when the fire started, police said. His wife arrived on the scene later.Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched at 12:20 p.m. and the fire was out in less than an hour. Also on the scene were Sun Valley, West End and Penn Forest Township firefighters, as well as West End EMS, Wind Gap EMS and fire police.A neighbor, Mike Griffith, called in the fire."I came out and smelled smoke. It didn't smell like someone barbecuing," said Griffith, who lives next to the home where Owei died.Griffith said he could see smoke from between the trees that border his property. He headed out to the road and saw smoke coming from the upstairs bedroom, he said."I tried the door and it was locked," Griffith said. "I didn't see flames, just brown smoke. I wish there was more I could have done."Griffith said Owei and his wife lived in Jonas, but worked at a group home near Philadelphia for children with problems. The job required them to stay at the group home but whenever they had time off they came to the home in Jonas, Griffith said.The Oweis were foster parents at one time. Whenever they had picnics former foster children would come back, Griffith said, adding that he and Owei have been neighbors for five years."He was a really good neighbor. He tried to help whenever he could," he said.Griffith said he and his wife referred to Owei as "Snake Charmer" because once he found a tiny snake in the yard, but thought it was dangerous.Once he got over the fear, he would imitate a snake charmer when he saw a snake.Griffith once had a bat fly out of a bush over his head, so his neighbor called him "Batman.""I was Batman. He was snake charmer," Griffith said.

Station 43 Second Due on Fatal Fire

2007-06-08T19:57:00.000-04:00

Just after 1pm Station 43 was dispatched with Station 35 for a reported dwelling fire on Dotters Corner Road. Initial reports came with possible entrapment. With this info Statiosn 39 and Carbon COunty Dist 12 were added to the call. 39-9-7 arrived on scene and confirrmed the entrapment. Crews entered through the front door and removed the home owner who was DOA. Crews made an initial attack on fire on the first floor. The crew from 43-6-1 took a second line to divisions 2 and 3 and completed a search and vented. No other victims were found. A firefighter was injured and transported to a local hospital.

State Police Fire Marshalls were on scene and the investigation continues. I will post more from news reports as I get them as allI can say this was not an ordinary fire.

Coming up On Two years

2007-06-02T14:30:00.000-04:00

Well, I just realized that I have be doing this blog now for two years. Things have certainly changed a lot with the biggest thing being what I am aloud to show you on here. I try to bring some good content from where ever I can and I hope you have been enjoying it. Please feel free to drop me an email with any comments or suggestions. I try to update as much as possible but my work situation has changed so Idont have as much time to do this as I once did.

tburlew2251@yahoo.com

White Haven Dwelling Fire

2007-06-02T14:25:00.000-04:00

This happened about two weeks ago- I was headed to White Haven, PA for work and heard about this fire on the way. i missed all the actual flames but have a few good pictures anyway.

43 Runs Another Pin Job

2007-06-02T09:55:00.000-04:00

Stations 42 and 43 were dispatched for a reported MVA at the intersection of Route 115 and Allegheny Road. 43-4-4 arrived on scene and found one car off the road into a ditch. Due to the location of the vehicle and the drivers injuries it was determined to take the roof. Extrication was a little more difficult with the presence of side curtain air bags. Crews were on scene approx 45 minutes with the Flare Burners staying longer to control traffic.

Station 43 Shirt makes the Paper

2007-05-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

West Endicott Fire Dept., Endwell Fire Dept., West Corners Fire Co. and Endicott Fire Department respond to a fire at a mobile home in West Corners on Wednesday. The fire spread to a second mobile home which also sustained fire damage

Thats Rich Corwin wearing one of our shirts.

2 More Fires for Station 43

2007-05-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

The last two Tuesdays have been quite eventful in the West End. On 5/15/07 Station 43 as dispatched with Station 42 and 39 for a kitchen fire in Indian Mountain Lakes. Crews arrived on scene and were able to keep the fire to the kitchen area. I wasn't at this one so I cant write much more about it.

On 5/22/07 Station 43 was dispatched to a reported fire on Valley View Drive. This call came in as members were cleaning up from a training session at the Fire School. 43-1-2 arrived on scene and the crew began an attack on the room and contents fire. The fire was held to a bed room with some extension into a living room area. There was smoke damage through out the house. Station 39 was added to the box and Station 23 went to set up a fill site. Crews cleared in about two hours.

Busy Weeks For Station 43

2007-05-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

The last few weeks have been quite busy for us. We have run several entrapment calls as well as some working fires. I have some pics of the fires from other sources but unfortunetly cant post the wrecks.

Cudos to FF Emt Gerry Taylor for his save in the Sun Valley Fire- FF taylor entered the home with a FF from Sun Valley FD and rescued the victim who was on the bed. The victim from what I hear is in ICU with extenssive burns but still alive.

Station 43 was called to assist Stations 27 and 34 for a fully envolved fire in a single family dwelling. 43-6-1 arrived on scene and found heavy fire. The Stick was positioned in front of the house and went to work.

Timing, staff shortage hampered Jackson fire scene efforts
By Andrew ScottPocono Record WriterMay 11, 2007REEDERS — A Jackson Township homeowner learned a hard lesson about living in an area where all the fire companies, though dedicated, are volunteer and short-staffed.A Thursday fire gutted Roselle Makitka's ranch-style house on Cays Road in Jackson Township. No one was injured."We're investigating the cause," Jackson Assistant Fire Chief J.R. Bisbing said when the fire had been brought under control by early afternoon. "Right now, we can't say whether or not it's suspicious."The fire reportedly began in the attached garage shortly after 9 a.m. and spread to the rest of the house, destroying most of the roof and interior, as well as a boat in front of the garage. During the next two hours, Pocono Township, Stroud Township, Blue Ridge Hook & Ladder and West End companies, along with Central Pocono Ambulance, arrived on scene.Fire trucks drew their water supply from a nearby pond on Mountain Road.Watching quietly from her lawn with tears in her eyes, Makitka (pronounced "Mitchatka") said her husband was out and she was the only one home when the fire began."I'd just taken a shower and was doing my laundry when I smelled smoke," she said. "I checked the basement, but didn't see anything. I came back upstairs and happened to look out my window and that's when I saw smoke rising from the garage."Makitka said she ran outside while calling 911 and tried to get the boat away from the garage, but was unable to do so in time. As the flames and smoke quickly spread through the rest of the home, she had time to grab only her handbag before fleeing the house."We have everything in that house," she said with a sob.An unidentified man who appeared to be a relative or friend arrived on scene later, parking his car and rushing on foot toward the house to look for Makitka as firefighters continued battling the blaze.Originally from Pittsburgh, the Makitkas bought the house, set back from Cays Road on a 10-acre landscaped lot with trees lining the driveway, 28 years ago.Bisbing said being unable to get to a fire in time, especially in the daytime, is not uncommon in the Poconos, where there are no paid fire departments."None of the municipalities in this area have the budget to support a paid fire department, which means there's no one sitting in the firehouse 24/7," Bisbing said. "Most of the volunteers work during the day, so we have limited manpower."On a daytime call, volunteers who work in the area and can leave their jobs rush to the firehouse and gear up, all of which takes time, he said."Nighttime calls are a little quicker to get to because most of us are off work by then," he said.Bisbing cited a shortage of volunteers, with most of the population commuting to jobs out of the area and not having the time to train to be firefighters."I'm usually home until noon, so I might think about volunteering," said George Lata, who lives across Cays Road from the site of Thursday's fire and became aware of it when he "heard a crackling sound."Cays Road neighbor Ernest Gower said he was a volunteer firefighter for about five years during the 1980s. Gower stopped due to the conflict with his trucking job, which requires him to be out of the area."Everyone around here relies on volunteers to help keep taxes from rising any higher," he said. "But with the growth continuing the way it is, I think they're going to have to consider going to at least a partially paid firefighting service."

Firefighters rescue man from burning home
By Catherine RodriguezPocono Record WriterMay 02, 2007A potentially deadly fire that devastated a Sun Valley home left the homeowners in shock and their son in a helicopter on his way to the hospital.Leonard Smith, Jr, 64, was pulled from the burning house and was airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital’s burn unit with serious burns.Firefighters Jason Labar from the Sun Valley Fire Department and Gerry Taylor from the West End Fire Department pulled Smith from the home through the front door of the residence.“The flames were shooting up through the roof,” said Labar, “and we went in to see if there was anyone at home.”They found Smith in a bedroom at the rear of the house and said that Smith was conscious but was afraid of being grabbed. “We called out to him and he responded to us. We just went and pulled him out.”Smith had burns to his face. Labar said that he was probably in critical condition. A call to the hospital yielded no information.West End, Sun Valley, Polk Township, and Tunkhannock Fire Departments and West End Ambulance responded to the scene, along with State Police from Fern Ridge and Lehighton.

Marshalls Creek Pin Job

2007-03-31T19:45:00.000-04:00

3/31/07- Station 29 reported to an MVA on Reservoir Rd. Units on scene found one car on its side against a tree. Two patients were flow via Medevac and Pennstar.
Thanks to Joe Coddington for the photos.

Wayne NJ Condo Fire

2007-03-31T12:25:00.001-04:00

These are a little old but still good. Think this was last week.
This happened off of Route 23 in Wayne.

The First few are taken by my brother Chris.

The rest of these are taken by Ron Johnson- they tell a little story of the Aerial devise that got too close to the building.

Nice Article on our Chief from the Poconorecord.com

2007-03-29T08:26:00.001-04:00

It's in his blood.
Poconos volunteer firefighter of the week: Brian Snyder

March 20, 2007

Meet the folks who work at regular jobs all day, then get out of bed in the dead of night or dash away from a family meal to keep your house from burning down.

Fire department line officers chiefs, captains and sometimes others designated by the chief are the ones people go to for information. Reporters look for someone wearing a white helmet — or the person with the most radios sticking out of his or her pockets.

Brian Snyder
Age: 32

Family: Married to Lisa for 11 years; sons, Brian Jr., 8, and Brett, 5; parents Willard "Skip," a 45-year member of the company; he just got a plaque commemorating his long service to the community; and Bobbie, a 50-year member of the Ladies' Auxiliary

Job: Chestnuthill Township road department

Company: West End

Honors: Firefighter of the Year twice, Junior Firefighter of the Year

Years as chief: three

Years as firefighter: pretty much all his life; he lived two doors down from the firehouse. He joined as a junior firefighter in 1991 at age 16.

Why: It's "in his blood." He used to run to the firehouse and open the garage doors for the trucks when there was a call.

His story: Snyder is Firefighter I certified, meaning that he has taken the rigorous and physically punishing advanced training offered by the state. He was recently certified as an evaluator for the class and may become certified as an instructor.

His department responds to about 1,000 calls per year, making it one of the busiest in Monroe County. There are 70 active members. He is responsible for them any time the trucks roll.

He remembers a fire at which he and fellow firefighter Eric Huffman were "sounding" a floor in a building — checking to see if the floor could support men and equipment — when Huffman disappeared. It turned out that Huffman had fallen into a sunken living room, but he was not hurt.

"That scared me half to death," Snyder said.

He and Huffman were also caught at the end of a flashover, in which fire blows out over the heads of firefighters. They weren't hurt.

He enjoys being chief and likes working with the department's junior members. He said that he gets respect from them because they're working up through the ranks the same way he did.

His older son is interested in joining the fire company but his younger son isn't sure.

Quote: "I like knowing that I can help people when they need it most; when their life or property is in jeopardy," he said. "I'm well-trained and I know how to help. That's it for me."

How to help: For information on how to volunteer with the West End Fire Company, stop by the firehouse on Route 715 in Brodheadsville any Tuesday night.

-- Catherine Rodriguez

Station 43 Responds to Severe MVA

2007-03-29T07:12:00.000-04:00

From Poconorecord.com

Route 715 crash victim remains critical, both legs severed
March 29, 2007

The young man injured in a gruesome crash Tuesday night remains in critical condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Charles Carr, 22, of Manville, N.J., had both of his legs severed. His car rolled over on top of him Tuesday night when he lost control of his southbound Honda Del Sol on Route 715 in Chestnuthill Township.

According to state police trooper Brian Silliman, who responded to the scene, Carr was thrown from the car as it rolled when he was unable to negotiate a right curve.

The car went across the northbound lane and up an embankment and overturned.

The car then hit a tree and landed back on the road on its roof, pinning Carr underneath. It is not known if reattachment surgery was attempted. Silliman said that speed was a factor in the crash.

Carr was still in intensive care as of Wednesday night.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call state police at Fern Ridge at 570 646-2271.

-- Catherine Rodriguez

Station 43 Responds to a Car into a building

2007-03-25T07:27:00.000-04:00

Station 43 was dispatched to a reported car into the showroom of Pocono Automart. Units on scene found 2 cars in the showroom that should not have been there6. Appears that someone taking a test drive may have hit the wrong pedal and struck another car pushing them both into the showroom.
Picture from poconorecord.com

West End Fire Assists State Police

2007-03-21T17:42:00.000-04:00

Station 43 assisted PA State Police with a CO detector on this call.

from poconorecord.com

Chestnuthill man found dead in home
March 21, 2007

A Chestnuthill Township man was found dead in his home Tuesday afternoon, the victim of what police call smoke and soot inhalation.

State police at Fern Ridge said William Ziegelmeier, 52, was found around 2:45 when his landlord checked his apartment at 2 Rinker Drive. The landlord said he had not heard from Ziegelmeier for six days and that his driveway wasn't plowed.

During a search of the home, Ziegelmeier was found on his basement floor with a build-up of soot around his nose and nostrils. There was also a large amount of soot found around the home, police said.

Police theorized that the oil burner in the home malfunctioned, contributing to the death of Ziegelmeier from smoke and soot inhalation.

The Monroe County Coroner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death. State police are calling the death accidental.

Aftremath of Wayne NJ Fire

2007-03-18T11:22:00.000-04:00

A picture my brother took in Wayne NJ- Dont really know much about this one.

Another MVA on Route 115

2007-03-18T11:10:00.000-04:00

Was in the area again and caught another MVA at the same location as the Fatal at Route 115 and the PA Turnpike. Bear Creek Fire popped the door and 2 patients were transported by ground to local hospitals.

Fatal MVA Luzerne County PA

2007-03-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

I happened to come upon this accident on route 115 near the exit for the PA Turnpike in Bear Creek Township. Later found out the driver of the car that was entrapped did pass on.

Lincoln Park, NJ Condo Fire

2007-03-02T19:22:00.000-05:00

This was a working fire my brother dept responded to as the FAST. Pequannock Township Engine Company 1.

My brother is the 4th from the left in the front.

Multi Alarm Structure Fire

2007-02-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Station 43 was dispatched to a reported fire at the Hilltop Market. First arriving units on scene found heavy smoke. Additional companies and Tankers were requested. Crews started an interior collapse but had to withdraw when the roof in part of the building collapsed. Two tower ladders went into operation. Crews were eventually able to go back inside and kept the fire from extending into the rest of the mall.
Thanks to Brian Evans for the Pictures

We also made it to FireHouse.com

FIREHOUSE ARTICLE

Pequannock Township, NJ Fire

2007-02-16T20:06:00.000-05:00

Some photos my brother sent me- not sure who took them.

I am Back

2007-02-06T06:34:00.000-05:00

Well for those of you who visit often I thank you.
I will try to get on here and update things more frequently.

We have been busy here the last few weeks
Ran a RIT call to Carbon County yesterday and temps were in the single digits.
43RIT arrived on scene to the single family dwelling which had already suffered a roof collapse. Since there were no interior ops- command put 43RIT to work with some exterior hose work and overhaul. Things were made difficlut do to it being a log home.

Here are smoe pics- Com;liments of NIKON on the Carbon Forums
Thanks NIKON

They got my best side- I am the big guy

Wayne NJ MVA

2006-12-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

Some pictures of an MVA in Wayne NJ that my brother took. Overturned auto with entrapment. Now that is a heavy rescue.

New Contest Honors Firefighters for Service to Communities

2006-12-15T16:08:00.001-05:00

New Contest Honors Firefighters for Service to Communities

On Dec. 6, Circuit City ’s new firedog services brand launched a nationwide campaign honoring America ’s firefighters for exceptional service to their communities. “firedog Across America” is an online essay contest asking Americans to describe how their local firehouses have gone above and beyond the call of duty. During the campaign, which runs through May 2007, Circuit City will give away a total of $650,000 to the winning firehouses and the people who write essays about them.

The “firedog Across America” contest launch was held in New York City at the Ladder 3/Battalion 6 firehouse. There, Circuit City donated $100,000 to the National Law Enforcement and Firefighters Children’s Foundation, and gave an additional $100,000 to the FDNY Foundation. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, NYC Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, and NYC Fire Chief Salvatore Cassano were all on hand to kick off the contest.

To help Circuit City recognize the invaluable contributions that the nation’s firefighters make every day, and for the chance to win a $10,000 home “techover”, visit http://web.firedog.com/acrossamerica.

Here's how the contest works:

1.) Tell firedog Your Story
Tell firedog your personal story about how a local firehouse has demonstrated service to your community by March 31, 2007. If your story is chosen as one of 10 finalists, you will receive a $10,000 home “techover” from firedog and your fire station will receive a $20,000 donation.

2.) America Votes
Once the 10 finalist firehouses have been chosen, the stories will be posted on firedog.com and between April 28 and May 13, America will vote for their favorite.

3.) The Best Part, Everyone Wins
All of the finalist firehouses win. For every vote cast for a finalist firehouse, that finalist firehouse will receive a $1.00 donation (total donations based on voting for all 10 firehouses not to exceed $250,000). The station with the most votes will be the national grand-prize winner and receive an additional $100,000 donation!

http://web.firedog.com/acrossamerica

Station 43 on the Kitchen Fire

2006-12-14T16:46:00.000-05:00

Station 43 dispatched with Station 35 Polk Township for a reported working fire in Pleasant valley Estates. 43-1-2 arrived on scene and provided the interior crew for 35-1-1's lines. With Chief Snyder on the line a quick knockdown was made. The fire had a jumpstart and the house does appear to be a total loss.

Kitchen fire guts house in Pleasant Valley Estates
Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writer
December 13, 2006

JONAS — A fast-moving fire in the West End destroyed a home and killed a family pet.

Gregory Williams was cooking dinner in the kitchen of his rental home at 35 Pohopoco Drive in the Pleasant Valley Estates development when he left the room to go to the bathroom. When he returned, the kitchen was in flames.

"I tried to put it out with a blanket but I couldn't," said Williams. "I couldn't find my phone so I just went outside and yelled, 'Fire!'

Neighbor Jessica Drinkwater heard Williams.

"I heard him yelling 'Fire!' and went over to see if I could help," said Drinkwater, who lives across the street. "We tried to put it out with a hose, but it was too short. So I went back home and called 911."

She later came back with a jacket for Williams to wear.

Firefighters tried to salvage what they could: some clothing and a jewelry box, along with some photos. They found Williams' cat in the house after the flames were extinguished.

"The fire department came so fast," said Williams. "They were great, and I thank them."

He was unable to reach his wife Sarah, who had called minutes before the fire broke out to tell her husband that she would be working overtime at her job in Allentown.

"I don't know how to tell her about this," he said. "We've lived here eight years."

The fire is accidental, according to Polk Township Assistant Chief Terry Jacoby.

"It was a grease fire that got away from Mr. Williams," he said. "It traveled up the wall into the bedroom and there was no stopping it. Grease fires travel very fast."

The Red Cross was called to assist with lodging and clothing.

Firefighters from the West End, Sun Valley, and Penn Forest Township in Carbon County assisted at the scene, as well as West End EMS.

Stroudsburg Fire

2006-12-10T10:07:00.000-05:00

Sorry it has taken me a little while to post these photos- they are from the Poconorecord.com site.

Station 43 ran mutual aid to Stroudsburg for a multi alarm fire in a tax payer type structure. In all 3 buildings were lost. 43-61 was able to flow 1400 gpm off the stick with about 500 gpm coming from the over taxed hydrant system and the rest coming from a draft and a large lay of 5 inch from Marshalls Creek FD.

There are a lot more pics but I am posting the ones with 43-6-1 in them. I also have a ton that i Took but cannot post- if you are interested in those send me an email.

Station 43 runs another Pin and Ejection Job

2006-11-25T07:28:00.000-05:00

Around 10 PM on 11/24/2006 Station 43 was dispatched to a reported MVA on Weir Lake Road in the area of Doney Road. The call was actually past Doney and in Ross Township. Station 23 was added to the box. Station 8 ALS and BLS were already enroute with Station 4. Units on scene found a one car MVA with the car on its roof and approx. 25 feet of the road in the woods. One vic. was Class 5 (DOA) with 3 others still in the car and one walking wounded. Station 28 was added to set up the LZ with Station 18 ALS sending two additional trucks. A total of 3 patients were flown via Medevac and Pennstar.
Good job to all of those involved int he extrication process.

43 Works MVA with ejection

2006-11-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

On 11/22/06 units were dispatched to Route 115 in the area of Chestnuthill Motorsports for a reported MVA with ejection. Units arrived on scene and found a total of three victims with one ejected. Medevac 2 was requested and the LZ set up at Heckman's Orchard.

Station 43 Second due into Tunk

2006-11-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

Station 43 was dispatched to assist Station 32 for a working dwelling fire on Whisperhills Court. Units on scene found a single family home with heavy smoke showing. A quick stop was made and the home was saved. There were initial reports of possible entrapment as the homeowner was reentering the house to try and save pets. The house was actually split between the Chestnuthill Township and Tunkhannock Township borders.
41-6-1 and 43-2-5 and 43-4-6 responded.

Station 43 Responds to Pin Job

2006-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

KEITH R. STEVENSON/Pocono Record
Jackson crash injures driver
November 18, 2006

Christina Moran, 18, of Blakeslee was injured when her car struck a stone bridge on Miller Road in Jackson Township on Friday morning.

Firefighters from Jackson Township, Pocono Township and West End fire companies responded and pried open Moran’s 1999 Mercury Mystique to free her. She was treated by Central Pocono Ambulance before being flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital.

State police at Fern Ridge reported Moran was wearing a seat belt and sustained moderate injuries. About seven feet of the bridge was smashed in the crash. Repairs to the bridge had just been completed within the last few weeks following a similar accident.

FF/EMT Brad Mann Cuts while Dep Chief Eric Hoffman looks on

House Explosion

2006-11-17T21:51:00.000-05:00

Station 43 was dispatched to a reported propane explosion with victims. Units on scene found a single family home which apeared to have a large explosion out of the basement area. The foundation on the A and C side was completly blown away from the house. i have never seen so much damage but no fire. The fact that the homeowners were able to walk to a neighbors house is amazing.

Picture taken from poconorecord.com

One-car crash in W. End kills Effort woman

2006-11-12T07:15:00.000-05:00

from www.poconorecord.com

One-car crash in W. End kills Effort woman
November 11, 2006An Effort woman was killed in a one-car crash in the West End on Thursday night, the 28th person to die on Monroe County roads in 2006.Clara James-Hairston, 64, of Effort, died when her 1996 Nissan Altima left the roadway on Sugar Hollow Road near Pine Tree Road in Chestnuthill Township and hit a large tree head-on.It is not known if she was wearing a seat belt.Hairston was transported to Pocono Medical Center and then taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital, where she died during emergency surgery.No other details were released.So far this year, there have been 24 fatal accidents in the county, with five of those, and seven deaths, occurring in the West End.In 2005 in Monroe County, 30 people died in 25 crashes. Of those crashes, 10 were in the West End, causing 13 deaths.What causes most of these accidents?Speed and alcohol, according to Sgt. Rob Castner, commander of the Fern Ridge barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police.In a 2005 interview, Castner said that "if we could just get people to slow down and not drink and drive, we could cut the number of crashes dramatically."Do seat belts really make a difference?Yes, says Nina Woodling, Monroe County Highway Safety Officer."All kinds of things can factor into an accident. And unfortunately, in spite of all the efforts to educate people about the benefits and proper use of seat belts, many people still don't — or won't — wear them," she said in 2005.She cited these statistics:There is an 85 percent chance of being involved in a life-threatening crash in a lifetime. Seventy-four percent of those people will be saved from serious injury or death simply by wearing a seat belt."How can you argue with those numbers?" she asked last December.-- Catherine Rodriguez

Some PIctures from the Carbon COunty Church Fire

2006-11-07T07:43:00.000-05:00

These were found on the Carbon County Pro-Boards Site- Taken by "Nikon"

Bloomingdale, NJ- Glenwild Ave

2006-11-07T07:39:00.000-05:00

11/4/2006- photos taken by my brother Chris of a working fire in NJ. This fire went multiple alarms.

Two More Dwelling Fire Calls

2006-11-07T07:33:00.000-05:00

Statiosn 39 and 43 were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire in the Sun Valley community of Chestnuthill Township. Units on scene found a single wide mobile home with a large additiona built on to it. There was a light smoke condition in the house and the homeowner reported seing flames coming from the area of the hot water heater. Access was made to the hot water heater where it was found that a small fire had started was was out. All units cleared.

Station 43 was dispatched back to Crest Court for reported smoke in the building- this was the scene of a working fire over the weekend. Three thermal cameras were used and nothing was found. It appeared to be residual odor from the weekend fire.

Another Busy Saturday For Station 43

2006-11-05T08:19:00.000-05:00

The mid-morning brought a report of a dwelling fire in Long Mountain Acres. Call reported active fire in the basement. 43-7 added Stations 35 and 39 aznd also requsted Station 34 for RIT. Units on scene found fire in a work area inside the home with heavy fire on the ceiling and adjoining garage area. The fire was quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, however a dog did die in the fire.

Just after midnight, Station 43 was called for a RIT response to Penn Forrest Township in Carbon County on Churh Road off of Route 903. 43-6-1 and 43-4-6 responded. the Carbon Units had heavy fire in a large Church. It appeared the fire may have started toward the rear and worked its way forward in the attic area. Thankfully the RIT team did not have to go to work. I will have some pictures of this job posted in the near future.

PSP Chase ends in Crash and 4 Flys

2006-10-23T10:01:00.000-04:00

Station 43 dispatched to an MVA at Route 209 and Glendale Road. State Police were chasing an SUV for unknown reasons when it struck a mini-van.

4 people were flown from the minivan and the suspect was apprhended after short foot chase.

43 RIT to Split Rock

2006-10-23T09:56:00.000-04:00

Station 43 was dispatched to Carbon County at Split Rock for a RIT assignment. Appears there was a small fire in the kitchen area which created a heavy smoke condition throughout the hotel.

Lt. bob Geyer- gets ready

Another Fire for Station 43

2006-10-21T06:42:00.000-04:00

Station 43 dispatched as second due into Tunkhannock Township to Indian Mountain Lakes Development for a reported working dwelling fire. Carbon County Dist 12 also enroute.

A Busy Friday

2006-10-21T00:25:00.000-04:00

Station 43 had a busy day as it started out with a 2nd due call to Polk Township for a fully involved house fire. Units on scene found a single family home fully involved with fire through the roof. Nultiple handlines were used to put the fire out.
The day wrapped up with a Triple Fatal MVA on Route 115 near Merwinsburg Road. Little is known on this call as I wasnt there and only know what I heard on the radio. Was originally dispatched as an MVA with possible entrapment with fire.
During the MVA Station 43 assisted Station 8 with a Respitory Arrest with CPR in progress off of Long Woods Drive.

Another Fire for Station 43

2006-10-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

Units were dispatched to a house on Sun Valley Mountain Road for a reported working fire. A Station 39 unit went on scene and reported fire through the roof. Station 43 units arrived on scene and found a very small amount of fire coming from the area of the chimney and smoke coming from the roof. Crews opend up and eventually located the fire in between the wall of the house and the chimney. No one was hurt. This one sounded a lot worse on dispatch and from the first size up- it could have been a lot worse.

Another Busy Week

2006-10-08T08:27:00.000-04:00

Station 43 ran two working fires this week. The first at the Country Junction. 43-6-1 was initially requested for the fully involved 3 acre store- the box was upgraded for a full response from Station 43- along with numerous other depts from around the county.

There are more pictures at http://43firefighter.proboards98.com/index.cgi?board=monroephotos&action=display&thread=1159900366

Station 43 then ran a working single wide Mobile Home in Tunkhannock Township. 43-6-1 arrived on scene shortly after station 42 and found a 60% involved Mobile Home. Water supply was an issue while we had to wait for additional tankers. The home was a total loss.

Car Fire with Buildings Involved- Stroudsburg

2006-09-01T17:38:00.000-04:00

While actually working I was in the area of a reported workign car fire with exposures. I took a short ride- swerved to miss some blue lighters and got some pictures. Here are a couple- I will have some more on my forum site.

T-Shirts for Sale

2006-08-27T15:22:00.000-04:00

Station 43 is selling T-Shirts as a fund Rasier.
Here are what the front and back look like.
They are $10.00 each- but will have to add in $2.00 if you need it mailed.
Send me an email if you are interested
tburlew2251@yahoo.com

Busy Day in the West End

2006-08-04T06:30:00.000-04:00

Some severe thunderstorms rolled thru the area on thursday afternoon causing several incidents in th West End. Station 43 along with some help from Stations 35 and 39 handled 3 simultaneous car accidents, two auto alarms, and two seperate buildings struck by lighting- the McDonalds and KFC/Taco Bell.
While celaring from one of the auto alarms, Station 43 was toned out to a reported working barn fire with flames showing. 43-7 was on scene in less then a minute and found an approx 60X200 barn well off. He quickly added Stations 35 and 39 to the response and called for a Tankler Task Force as well as a tanker from Carbon County Dist. 9.
Our two new trucks were used throughout this call and the new CAFS system worked great.

EMS Stations 8 and 18 were on hand to help with rehab as well as the Salvation Army mobile cantee. They all did a great job on this hot day. There were no injuries.

43-6-1 In Service

2006-07-22T11:06:00.000-04:00

Our new Quint finally went in service- while it has run a few calls inculding 2 working which turned out to be not working fires. The pump cherry is still intact.
43-1-2 finally got to pump at a working car fire.

Do you pull a line at MVA's with Entrapment??

2006-07-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

I started a discussion on my message board in regards to this topic. What does your department do on these type of calls?? Do you pull a line, bring an extinguisher or what??
Also what type of PPE do you wear for these types of call??
Feel Free to chime in.

http://43firefighter.proboards98.com/index.cgi?board=safety&action=display&thread=1152923870&page=1#1152923870

This is Interesting

2006-07-12T08:24:00.000-04:00

I am sure there is more to this story then what we are being told.

comment on my message board at http://43firefighter.proboards98.com/index.cgi
From The Morning Call
July 11, 2006
2 Bethlehem Twp. firefighters call suspensions unfair
Pair sprayed fire chief as he sat on tavern balcony.
By Pamela Lehman Of The Morning Call
Two Bethlehem Township firefighters suspended for six months for spraying their fire chief with a blast of water while he sat with friends at a tavern say their punishment is too harsh.

The firefighters said even though they apologized for what they called a practical joke, Fire Chief Dave Stapinski's wounded pride over being doused month ago at the Keystone Pub played a role in their disciplinary action.

''Every fire department in the county thinks it's a huge joke that we got suspended for getting our chief wet,'' said Michael August, 22, of Bethlehem Township, one of the suspended firefighters.

August and Cole Breidinger, 19, said their suspensions and that of three other firefighters at Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company mean the department will struggle to find the manpower to answer critical fire calls.

But Stapinski said the suspensions will not jeopardize the safety of residents and the details of the firefighters' suspension are an internal matter that will remain private.

''They made a poor judgment call and now they're paying for it,'' he said. ''They got their punishment and should just admit they did something stupid, learn a lesson and move on.''

Each Monday night, the fire company has a drill night when volunteers practice techniques and help train new members, August said. On June 12, August said, he and the group of firefighters went to the drill, along with Stapinski.

Around 11 p.m., they learned Stapinski planned to go to the pub to sit on the outdoor balcony with a group of friends, August said.

While the chief was there, the firefighters decided to play a prank on him, according to Breidinger, of Bethlehem.

The group, armed with extinguishers that shoot water, arrived at the bar in the fire company's utility truck. They spotted Stapinski, sprayed him and drove back to the station.

Stapinski said not only was he doused, but other patrons on the balcony got wet as well.

''When someone has to get up from eating dinner to run away from a wall of water shooting at them, that's not funny in my book,'' he said.

Later that night, Stapinski told the men to go home and not return until the department's three-member disciplinary board heard about the matter.

August, who has served with the department since 2001, said he was shocked by Stapinski's reaction. He said most firefighters think of themselves as an extended family and just like siblings, they often play practical jokes on each other.

A few days later, each firefighter was called before the disciplinary board. Both August and Breidinger said they apologized to Stapinski and the board.

Stapinski said he sits on one of the slots on the disciplinary board, but asked fire company President Martin Comer Jr. to take his place in the hearing. The other board members are Donald Lasso and Donald Norder. None could be reached for comment.

The next day, the firefighters were told they would be suspended for six months, and August, a lieutenant, said he was also stripped of his title.

The men violated at least three disciplinary codes, including conduct unbecoming of a member, conduct unbecoming of an officer and misuse of equipment, according to Rick Hasonich, Bethlehem Township deputy fire chief and public relations director.

The firefighters appealed their suspensions before a board of directors, but the suspensions were upheld, Hasonich said.

August said the punishment was particularly harsh when compared to another recent suspension of a firefighter, whom August declined to name. Stapinski verified another firefighter was suspended for seven days after he used an air compressor to shoot hypodermic needles into the walls and ceiling at the fire station.

''Now, that's something that would put people's safety at risk,'' August said. ''But he only gets a week off?''

Breidinger, who began volunteering with the department in March, said he's not sure if he'll be able to return since he was a probationary member.

''This is a company that has about 10 active guys showing up to a call and now five are gone,'' he said. ''How are they going to continue to have enough guys showing up at fires?''

Stapinski said since the men were suspended, the department has made each call for service. On average, about 10 firefighters respond to most calls and he said that number hasn't changed. Other volunteers have stepped forward to fill the vacant slots.

''No one will be in harm's way, because we have enough volunteers to make the calls,'' he said.

He said while all volunteer fire companies struggle to find enough volunteers, he's confident the department will continue to recruit new people.

Both August and Breidinger said they plan to return to the department in December.

August, whose parents were both volunteer firefighters for Steel City, said firefighting is in his blood.

''When you do this your whole life, it's something you don't want to stop,'' he said.

pamela.lehman@mcall.com

610-861-3636
Copyright © 2006, The Morning Call

Whats Going on???

2006-07-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Things have been a little slow around here lately- well we have had a bunch of calls but nothing really serious...which is a good thing. Lots of smells and bells. Since the ban on posting photos has arrived I have not posted as much as I would like to.
I am changing things a little bit on the message board to allow everyone to view most of the content but you will have to register to post a comment- this will stop the spammers. Let me know what you think.

Mourned Monroe disaster director 'impossible to replace'

2006-07-06T06:31:00.000-04:00

Mourned Monroe disaster director 'impossible to replace'

Eric Mark and Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writers
July 06, 2006

Praise poured in Wednesday for Harry Robidoux, Monroe County's emergency services director, who died suddenly of a heart attack while driving on Route 534 in Polk Township Tuesday afternoon.

He was 61.

"In his death, we have found that he was a greater man than any of us knew. It will be impossible to replace him," said Monroe County Fire Association Chaplains Robert and Ruth Vaughan.

The "impossible to replace" sentiment was echoed by dozens of people who shared their memories of Robidoux on Wednesday. Some struggled through tears to express their respect for Robidoux and his tireless efforts to help those in need.

Robidoux, who headed the Monroe County Office of Emergency Services since 1992, was driving west on Route 534 near Kresgeville at about 4 p.m. Tuesday when his Ford Ranger ran off the road into a drainage ditch near the Lower Middle Creek Road intersection, according to state police at Lehighton.

Robidoux was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:12 p.m. The Lehigh County Coroner's Office ruled that Robidoux died from a heart attack of natural causes.

Robidoux, whose life seemed defined by disaster response, also chaired the eight-county Northeast PA Counter-Terrorism Task Force and served with the Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Co.

Robidoux was a constant presence at the scene of fires, floods, blizzards and other disasters throughout the county, including last week's devastating flood, when Robidoux worked nearly round-the-clock.

The news of Robidoux's death hit his many friends and colleagues especially hard because it was so unexpected. Those who worked side-by-side with Robidoux during the response to the recent flood say he seemed his usual self: healthy and fit, though very busy.

Donna Asure, Monroe County commissioner, said Robidoux sounded fine when she talked to him about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.

"He said he was going to take the day and try to relax," she said.

"He seemed to be pretty much himself," said state Rep. John Siptroth, D-189, who spent much of Sunday with Robidoux touring hard-hit areas near the Delaware River. "He may have been fatigued from this latest ordeal."

Robidoux's fellow firefighters seemed especially affected by his sudden death.

"We're going to miss him a lot," said Tunkhannock Fire Department Chief Roger Smith, his voice breaking as he recalled his longtime friend and colleague.

"He was active on lots of committees and was a real help to all of us," Smith said. "No matter what it was, Harry was there, to help and to teach. He shared his knowledge and experience with all of us."

Smith said that he and his officers will do "something special" this week in memory of Robidoux.

Bernie Harrison, chief of the Coolbaugh Township Fire Department, said that Robidoux's death is a "catastrophe."

"No one can say anything bad about him at all," Harrison said. "He loved his job and he loved people. He was very intelligent and shared his knowledge with everyone. ... He was special."

Stroud Township Fire Chief Dave Smalley said that Robidoux "dedicated his life to his work and was always looking out for the people of Monroe County."

Siptroth said he knew Robidoux for many years, since long before Robidoux started to work for Monroe County. Both men are veteran firefighters.

"We had a lot of interaction," Siptroth said. "He certainly told you like it was. He was down to earth and very knowledgeable. He made sure everyone's safety was paramount. ... His knowledge is going to be missed."

Bruce Henry, operations officer at the county safety center and Robidoux's longtime friend and deputy, said he has gotten calls from emergency service directors across Pennsylvania offering to help out and even come to Monroe County if needed.

"Harry expected a lot out of everyone, but it is the best place I ever worked," Henry said. "Harry was great to work with."

"Harry Robidoux's shoes are going to be hard to fill," said Monroe County Commissioner Robert Nothstein. "Obviously we have to go on, and we have good personnel."

"He really cared about emergency services and homeland security," said Commissioner Suzanne McCool. "He developed a lot of expertise in those areas and was well respected around the state."

Robidoux lived in Tunkhannock Township near Blakeslee with two cats.

He was born in 1945 and grew up in Reading. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1965 to 1969, during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a professional with the Boy Scouts of America for 18 years in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. e had also served as a patrol supervisor for Fernwood Public Safety Department for five years.

He was president of the Keystone Emergency Management Association, the professional organization for emergency managers in Pennsylvania.

Pocono Record Writer David Pierce contributed to this report.

Monroe County Getting Flooded

2006-06-29T08:13:00.000-04:00

The area has seen extensive flooding over the past week due to the heavy rains. See my other site for articles and maybe some pictures.

Message Board

43-1-2 in Service

2006-06-21T07:18:00.000-04:00

Well after months of planning our new Pierce engine 43-1-2 went in service last night. This engine is equipped with a CAFS system. We had a chance to train on it last night and I cant believe the difference between the foam and straight water- the weight of the hose is significantly less and the fire suppression is a lot better.

Does your Dept. Still have a Siren???

2006-06-19T07:33:00.000-04:00

This article ran in the local paper today- was wondering how many Volly FD's still have theses types of sirens. I can see both sides of the argument on this one. I am sure if these people's house was on fire they would want that siren blowing and people coming..
Check out my message board and let me know what you think..
Message Board

Fire siren irks Tobyhanna Township man
Eric Mark
Pocono Record Writer
June 19, 2006

POCONO PINES — A local family complains that unbearable noise from the Tobyhanna Township fire siren, about 100 feet from their home, is ruining their quality of life.

The siren — recently repaired after being out of commission for several months — sounds several times per day, sometimes in the middle of the night, they say.

The township fire chief, in response to the family's concerns, has put a timer on the siren so it only goes off during the day.

The township supervisor chairman says he will arrange a meeting with the fire chief and the folks who complained about the siren, to see what else can be done. That meeting had not yet taken place, as of Friday.

The siren is next to Clymer Library, which occupies the building that used to house the township fire company, off Firehouse Road and Old Route 940, in a residential neighborhood in the village of Pocono Pines.

Tom Augustine, who lives with his family in a home off Firehouse Road, next to the fire siren, told township supervisors last week the siren is so loud his family cannot hold a conversation, talk on the phone or watch television, even with the windows shut tight, when the siren goes off.

He said the noise is so bad it causes health problems such as ear infections for him and his family and that the family's former pet dog went deaf because of the siren.

Augustine contended the siren is unnecessary, since all Tobyhanna firefighters now have pagers, beepers or scanners to alert them to fire calls. He said the siren sounds more often than it did in years past, since fire calls have increased along with the township's population, adding that he has spoken with members of the fire company who agree the siren is not needed.

The fire siren in Pocono Pines is atop a pole and set between the public library and a cemetery. (Pocono Record/David Kidwell)

Supervisor Chairman John Kerrick told Augustine he would talk to Troy Counterman, the township's fire chief, and try to find a solution.

On Tuesday, Counterman placed timers on both of the fire company's sirens — one in Blakeslee as well as the one in Pocono Pines near the Augustine home — that prevent the sirens from sounding before 8 a.m. and after 8:30 p.m.

"We did that to accommodate the Augustines," Counterman said. "I'm not sure what else we can do."

The fire sirens play an important role in alerting firefighters to emergencies, since pagers have been known to malfunction, Counterman said. He gave as an example a time he was working in his yard and did not hear his pager go off but did hear the siren.

Counterman disagreed with Augustine's claim that the siren is louder since it was re-installed recently.

"It's the same siren as before," he said.

Workers at Clymer Library shrug off the siren noise.

"It's really not an issue for us," a library employee said Friday.

A similar dispute arose in Stroudsburg in 2002, when residents of the borough's Hill District complained of blaring noise from the Brown Street fire siren.

43 Runs another Pin Job

2006-06-12T16:50:00.000-04:00

Station 43 toned out for a reported MVA with possible entrapment- the job was quickly upgraded to confirmed entrapment X2 and 3 total patients. Medevac was ordered to fly. Rescue 43-4-6 arrived on scene and completed a door removal as well as a partial dash roll to remove the two pinned patients. All three were flown via Medevac 1 and 2.

Happy Birthday

2006-06-09T08:30:00.000-04:00

Today is the First Birthday of my blog. A lot has changed over the year. Hopefully you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed putting it together. Don't forget to visit my other site at http://43firefighter.proboards98.com/index.cgi.
It has lots of information and videos and pictures. Unfortunately I cannot post any more photos from calls I am on- but I will try to put as much information as I can on there.

Station 43 Runs another Pin Job

2006-06-09T08:28:00.000-04:00

Station 43 was dispatched to a reported MVA on Route 209 near Franks Pizza- it was first reported as an MVA with a person with a head injury- FF/EMT Frank Tatusko went on scene and reported it as with entrapment. 43-4-6 arrived on scene and completed the door removal. It appears the car pulled out of the parking lot from Franks Pizza and was T-boned by a van on Route 209.

Chestnuthill Township Burn Ban Lifted

2006-06-08T05:20:00.000-04:00

As of a few days ago the Township wide burn ban has been lifted.

Station 43 runs MVA with Entrapment

2006-06-06T06:56:00.000-04:00

This is the spot where I would normally put a picture or two but you know that story. Station 43 and Station 8 ALS/BLS dispatched to a reported overturned auto with entrapment. I was in the area and went in POV. I found a single car off the road down a small ditch. The driver was still in the seat with her seatbelt holding her in the car. Station 43 did a partial door removal so we could get the door open the rest of the way and the patient was removed.

Spaghetti Supper June 10

2006-06-02T11:40:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Monroe County, PA area, the West End Fire Company Junior Firefighters are sponsoring a Spaghetti Supper on June 10 from 4-7 PM as a fundraiser. It will be at the Firehouse on Route 715 in Brodheadsville.

Adults are $7.00 and kids 3-10 are $3.50- under 3 are free

Includes spaghetti, homemade sauce and meatballs, salad, bread and butter, homemade desserts and beverages.

Come out and support this great cause.

Dont Forget to Check out My New Site

2006-05-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

There is loads of content at 43Firefighter Message Board

Feel free to add your own.

Trooper Stuck in Concrete during Chase

2006-05-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

Trooper Stuck in Concrete during Chase

Wednesday, May 24, 5:55 p.m.By Rosa Yum

A state police car became stuck in wet concrete alont Interstate 380 Wednesday during a chase.
A chase through a construction zone landed a state police cruiser in wet concrete Wednesday afternoon. The van it was chasing crashed farther up the highway and the driver, who fled on foot, was then hit by a tractor-trailer.
It all started with a chase in a construction zone in Monroe County. State Police got a call that a van was threatening the safety of construction workers.
The chase came to an abrupt end when the trooper's car became stuck in the wet concrete along a newly paved Interstate 380 north, just where it splits from Interstate 80 west.
Police said the trooper was trying to stop a van illegally traveling on a closed lane where road crews were working.
"The vehicle was actually able to make a change back onto the roadway and was able to get out and get away," explained Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Joseph Racho.
The trooper chasing the van couldn't change directions in time and ended up in concrete that had been poured just a few hours earlier.
With some help, the trooper was later able to back the car out of the concrete.
The contractors were hoping they could repair the damaged concrete but upon closer inspection, they realized they will have to take out the whole section of road and replace it.The van that was being chased ended up crashing west of the construction zone, along I-80 near Lake Harmony.
"He got out and people were trying to help him. He was trying to steal their car. He couldn't get it out of park so he dove into the road. I later talked to the truck driver. He didn't speak very good English. What I got from him was that he was driving along and the guy just dove into the road and he hit him," said tow truck driver Barry StCyr. He was called in to tow the van. "Traffic was stopped and medivac was on the highway, fire trucks everywhere, cops and also the people who had stopped to help him that he tried to take their vehicle."
Police have not released the name of the driver but said the van had a New York license plate. The driver was flown to Scranton's Community Medical Center.
There is no word on his condition.

Rescue Me Soundtrack

2006-05-23T07:24:00.000-04:00

I was able to obtain a copy of the Rescue Me Soundtrack that will be released on May 30th. This is something you have to pick up.
The songs on it are great for any fan of the show.
Something you might want to consider for a fathers Day gift.

Video of Motorcycle Accident

2006-05-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

Looks like this is from some place in Europe.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v223/slam2251/?action=view&current=motoaccident.flv

Truck Vs. House Fatal in Bay Shore, NY

2006-05-20T09:03:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures- check out 43Firefighter Message Board for the rest of the pictures and the full story.

New Photos Coming Soon

2006-05-19T13:51:00.000-04:00

I have some other things to post on here in the next couple of days.
Please keep on stopping back as this is not the end of my blog.

I have some other irons in the fire as they say.

Will keep you updated.

End of an Era

2006-05-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

Due to a change in my departments policy I will no longer be able to take photographs of calls that I am on. I am not happy with the decision but it is what it is.

I am going to try and continue my blog with more written articles and things I find on the net.

I would like to thank all of my readers over the almost one year I have had this blog.

Feel free to post on the message board.

Thanks for visiting.

Back From Vacation

2006-05-16T06:32:00.000-04:00

I was gone for the last week on vacation. Will try to update the site with the happenings in the West End.

Also dont forget to check out the 43Firefighter Message Board

feel free to post- that is why its there

Check out 43Firefighter Message Board

2006-05-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

I am starting a new message board. That site will cover things in Monroe County as well as NJ and NY, and whatever else we want to talk about. It is an interactive forum that allows members to post messages, pictures or links to other sites. I am trying to keep this site on calls I am on. Check out the new site at 43Firefighter Message Board

You do have to register with a valid email address to gain access.

There is a section for all members of West End Fire Company to communicate- that section is restricted to members only.

Things that make you go hmmmmm...

2006-05-06T18:28:00.000-04:00

Found this on publicsafetytalk.com
I am sure a lot of us have seen both sides of this...

I'LL SHOW YOU A VOLUNTEER

Show me a person who spends endless hours in training without pay, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person where a cry for help brings split-second dispatch, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who is devastated when lives are lost or maimed, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who is graciously welcomed as a next-door neighbor, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who takes ridicule more than compliments, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person whose car is garaged with the grille facing out, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who sacrifices home life, TV... even tender moments, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person visibly moved at the strains of our National Anthem, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who may be asked to give more than just dedication, And, I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a person who is asked to give more... and more... and more, And, I'll show you a volunteer

Show me someone who has no life and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me someone who looks forward to people crashing their cars, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me someone who believes that 120 hours of training is sufficient to provide treatment to critically injured or ill patients, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me a guy with flip flops, shorts, a t-shirt and of course a stethoscope, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me someone who has a $3,000 light bar on a $1.500 1987 Chevette, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me the guy with so many bumperstickers and window decals they can barely see behind them, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Show me an ambulance with so many crew members on board there's barely enough room for the patient, and I'll show you a volunteer ambulance.

Show me three medical calls go through unanswered and 5,000 people come out of the woodwork for a "good trauma", and I'll show you a volunteer system.

Ask me why EMS is so low paid, and I'll show you a volunteer.

Brush Fire- Effort Neola Road

2006-05-05T20:34:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures from the brush fire last week on Effort Neola Road.
Thanks to FF/EMT Chris Dotter

Teens involved in one-car crash

2006-05-05T18:58:00.000-04:00

from www.poconorecord.com

Four teens were involved in a one-car crash on Wednesday evening on Rt. 115 near Merwinsburg Road in Effort.

At 7:20 p.m. the driver of the car, a 17-year old male, lost control and drove off the road and down an embankment. The 1993 Saturn sedan, which was severely damaged, hit a tree.

The driver, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was flown to Lehigh Valley hospital.

Two of the passengers, both 15-year-old males, were also not wearing their seatbelts and were flown to Lehigh Valley hospital.

A third passenger, a 15-year-old male, was wearing his seatbelt and was transported to the Pocono Medical Center by ambulance.

No information on their injuries is available.

State Police were assisted by the West End Fire Department and fire police and West End Ambulance.

The driver will be cited for several traffic violations.

If you have any information regarding this accident, then please contact the State Police at (570) 646-2271.

Another Interesting Video

2006-05-04T16:21:00.000-04:00

Found this on the net of a car fire in San Francisco- makes you remember there are no routine car fire calls.
It is a little long- make sure you have a high speed connection.

Video

Medevac Landing- 5/3/2006

2006-05-04T07:23:00.000-04:00

Medevac 2 landed at the main station for a medical patient.

Car Vs. Tree 5/3/2006

2006-05-04T07:15:00.000-04:00

Around 2AM Station 43 and Station 8 BLS were toned out to a reported MVA on Jonas Road near Starry Lane. Units on scene found a one car MVA with minor damage to the vehicle.

Brush Fires Galore

2006-05-03T07:20:00.000-04:00

The last week or so have produced several brush fires that have kept us busy. It seems like a lot of them are caused by people not following the County Wide Burn Ban.
Thanks to all the Mutual Aid Companies. It seems like we go back and forth between townships each day as to who is haveing the fires.

4/27/2006- Car Vs. Buck/Pole or maybe not

2006-04-28T19:29:00.000-04:00

Station 43 was dispatched to a reported car vs. pole on Bunny Lane near Effort Neola Road. Driver was not injured. Appears this accident was caused by either a 14 point buck, a moose or something in between which caused the car to leave the roadway. The driver received a ride from from the Pennsylvania State Police.
The driver also requested that we shoot all deer that we see so this doesn't happen to anyone else.

4/25/2006-Training

2006-04-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

Station 43 along with Station 39 participated in some training evolutions at the Monroe County Safety Center. These exercises allowed the two departments to get used to working together as Station 39 is being added to more of our calls in Chestnuthill Township.

4/27/06- MVA on Frable Road

2006-04-28T19:15:00.000-04:00

Stations 43 and Stations 8 BLS and ALS were dispatched to this car vs. pole. The pole was not damaged in the wreck.
Thanks to Billy Edinger for the photo.

4/17/2006- Backhoe Fire

2006-04-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

A litle delay in in posting some of these pics.
Here Station 43 and Stion were dispatched to a reported backhoe fire. The fire was quickly extinguished using a 1" 3/4 hand line.

Worth While Cause

2006-04-26T08:41:00.000-04:00

Not sure how many of you heard about the 21 year old volunteer firefighter in NJ that was killed in a fire the other week. Kevin Apuzzio from East Franklin, NJ Fire Department fell through the floor while trying to save a trapped elderly female.
His department is trying to set up a Memorial Fund. Check out their site at East Franklin
They are selling t-shirts and Stickers to raise some money. We all buy FD shirts and the money from these go to a good cause.

Pictures of the New Engine and Quint

2006-04-26T08:16:00.000-04:00

Several members of Station 43 went out to the Pierce Factory in Wisconsin to take a look at our new Engine. Delivery should be made within the next few weeks.

Here are a couple of shots of the new Quint- Delivery on this will be a couple of more months.

Long Island Brush Fire

2006-04-22T11:30:00.000-04:00

This fire makes our little brush fires seems like nothing. I believe there were over 20 departments on scene for this job.
Photos from Brian Welliver

4/20/2006- Car Vs. Pole in Indian Mountain Lakes

2006-04-21T20:09:00.000-04:00

Station 43 dispatched to one car MVA in IML- found car off the road and into a pole. Once again thanks to FF/EMT Chris Dotter.

4/13/06- MVA on Route 209

2006-04-21T20:02:00.000-04:00

Near Meadowbrook Diner
Once again thanks to FF/EMT Chris Dotter

4/3/06 Cottontail Lane MVA

2006-04-21T19:54:00.000-04:00

These were sent to me from FF/EMT Chris Dotter.
Appears the driver swerved to miss a deer and struck a tree.

FF Lonnie Perry showing his pride in Chestnuthill Township

Brush Fire on Shadow Ridge

2006-04-21T08:35:00.000-04:00

Sation 43 and 35 were dispatched to a smoke investigation on Shadw Ridge Drive. Approaching units found a lare smoke column and then located a large brush fire approaching a house. Units deployed lines to protect the exposures. do to limited manpower and the need for tankers, Station 39 Sun Valley, 23 Blue Ridge, 27 Jackson Township and 42 Tunkhannock Township were called out. This fire proved challenging due to the steep hills in the area. DCNR sent a helicopter which completed a few water drops.
No pictures on this one, I though I left my camera at home but it was in my pocket.

Busy Couple of Days in Monroe County

2006-04-20T15:25:00.000-04:00

The last two days have brought a lot of calls to the volly units in the county.
wednesday saw two working structure fires as well as numerous brush and vehicle fires. Thursday has brought us two fatal mva's one on Route 209 in Marshalls Creek and another on Route 80 in Stroudsburg from a motorcycle accident.

Hopefully things will calm down for everyone.

Back to Back Working Jobs

2006-04-19T18:35:00.000-04:00

Station 43 was toned out as Third Due for a reported working fire at Schoch's Sunoco on Route 33. Units on scene found a small storage area on the D side of the building with active fire. I believe units from Station 23 made a quick knockdown on the fire. (we had an extended ride from Effort).

Store had some minor smoke condition.

While enroute home from this job, Station 43 and 35 were toned out for a reported working fire on Switzgable road in Brodheadsville. 43-1-1 went quickly on scene and found fire and smoke coming from the A and B sides. Station 39 was added to the job for water supply, and Station 34 on the road from the last job brought their RIT team. A driveway lay was pulled and entry made thru the front. A quick knockdown was made containing most of the fire to the front room. There was some siding damage on the B side and smoke throughout the house.
A great job was done by all.

FF Frank Porta, FF/EMT John Murray and FF/EMT Frank Tatusko
Frank and frank were two thirds of the initial attack team.