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LATEST INCIDENT: 17 May
- Commerce Blvd. -
vehicle crash |
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Attention Members: iamresponding is back up
and running at the fire station. Please remember
to call in when we have an alarm. If you do not
have a profile set up in the system, see Chief
Chowanec. |
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Saturday, June 2
Noon till sold out
at the fire station - 1 Eagle Lane, Dickson
City |
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Our annual fund drive is currently underway.
Donation requests were sent to residents and
business' in the borough. If you did not receive
a request and would like to donate please
contact the fire station at 383-0923. Thank you
for your support. |
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Mulch fire training? |
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Scouts in Government Day

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April 21 - A group of Scouts from Troops 21
and 322 spent part of their Saturday at the fire
station to participate in the Scouts in
Government Day program. Scouts in
Government Day gives Boy Scouts the opportunity
to visit local Boroughs and see how various
departments operate. The scouts also spent
some time at the Borough Administration
building, the Police Department and Ambulance
Building. Pictured above is Firefighter Len
Chesnaky and Junior Firefighter Eddie Kalinowski
showing the Scouts the equipment that we carry
on the Rescue truck. |
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| April 17
- (06:00) Dickson City firefighters and EMS were
sent to Viewmont Drive near La Z Boy for a
vehicle rollover. The driver was out of the
vehicle upon the arrival of emergency responders
and was transported to Geisinger CMC.
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March 24 - (21:00) Dickson City firefighters
along with EMS, Blakely Engine and Throop Rescue
were dispatched to the 800 block of Throop St.
for a deck on fire. Car 23 arrived on scene to
find the homeowner extinguishing the fire with a
garden hose. Damage was contained to the
exterior wall of the mud room. Command requested
Ladder 23 to the scene to check for extension
while all other companies were put back in
service. Crews were on scene for 30 minutes. The
cause of the fire was ruled accidental.
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Oldest member visits the firehouse |
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Richard Mellow,
a resident of
Elmcroft of Mid
Valley and the
oldest living
member of Eagle
Hose Co.
recently had the
opportunity to
return to the
firehouse and
visit with some
fellow
firefighters. He
was so excited
to be able to
relive his
younger days at
the firehouse.
Richard Mellow
has been a
member since
April of 1944.
The visit was
part of the
Special Days
program at
Elmcroft.
(photo is from
The Valley
Advantage)
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LED
night lights recalled |
LED Night Lights Recalled by AmerTac Due to Fire
and Burn Hazards.
On March 1, 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission announced
a voluntary recall of AmerTac LED night lights sold at
hardware stores,
home centers and lighting showrooms from March 2009
through October 2010
for about $6. An electrical short circuit in the night
light can cause it
to overheat and smolder or melt, posing fire and burn
hazards to
consumers.
Click here
to view the recall notice.
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| March 13
- (11:50) Crews were dispatched to Business
Route 6 for a multi-vehicle pile up. There
were no reports of any life threatening
injuries. |
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Click on the You Tube logo to view Marty Hrinko
Jr.'s video of the Dickson City Fire Dept in
action during 2011. |
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| February 27
- (10:20) Firefighters were dispatched to Dunkin
Donuts on Main St. for a report of smoke in the
building. Ladder 23 arrived on scene and
determined it was a malfunction of the roof top
HVAC unit. All companies cleared the scene
within a half hour. Ladder 23 along with
Blakely Engine 22 were at the scene while Engine
23 staged at the hydrant. |
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January 30 - Lt. Shayne Young and F.F.
Kochanowski receive a burger from Mary Kay
Goddard who was representing the Red Cross at a
commercial structure fire in Justus. DCFD's
Ladder 23 assisted at the scene |
January 31
- The month of January ended with a brush fire
at the rear of the new Borough Building on
Enterprise St. The squirrels must have been
playing with matches again. |
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Several members honored at annual dinner |
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January 14
- The annual combined Installation of
Officers banquet for the members of Eagle
Hose Co. #1, Dickson City Community
Ambulance and Volunteer Hose Co. #3 of
Throop was held at the Eagle Hose Co. #1
banquet hall. The dinner was catered by
Fiorelli's and entertainment was provided by
EJ the DJ. The awards presented for Eagle
Hose Co. were:
50 years
of service award - Jim Slocum Jr.
Firefighter of the Year for 2011 -
Thomas R. Homenchak

Top
Responders - Shayne Young, Matt
Horvath, Chris Kosydar, Jim Slocum III, Joe
"Chooch" Chowanec
Dickson City
Mayor Anthony Zaleski presented citation
medals and bars to the members who were
involved with the "may day" that was
declared at a fire on Frieda St. in April of
2011. A firefighter fell through a floor and
was rescued by fellow firefighters and the
RIT team. The following members received the
awards:
Julie Ann
Chowanec, Frank Mazur, Brent Louryk, Rich
Chowanec and Katie Chowanec.
Honorary
Memberships were presented to Dawn and Joe
Borosky and a plaque of appreciation was
given to Thomas P. Homenchak thanking them
for all of their help at our fundraisers.
Pictured
above is Firefighter of the Year Lt. TR
Homenchak with his family
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2011 has proven
to be the busiest year so far for the
members of the DCFD. We finished the year
with 436 calls. The previous record of 426
calls was set in 2005. |
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Letter thanks first responders and the
community |
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published in the Scranton Times on December
31, 2011 |
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Thankful family
Editor: On Dec. 23 a fire broke out at the
home of our father, Kenneth Pringle, 724
Carmalt St., Dickson City. By the grace of
God our father and his tenants got out
safely.
Our father, who lived there for 10 years,
lost everything he owned. Sherri Branch and
her daughter, who lived in the home for
several weeks, also lost personal items and
their pet cat and parakeet.
Our family would like to thank the brave men
and women of our fire, EMS and police
agencies, who unselfishly risked their lives
to ensure the safety of our father, his
tenants and neighbors. Thanks to the Dickson
City Police Department, fire crews and
personnel from Dickson City, Peckville,
Blakely, Greenwood, Olyphant, Moosic and
Archbald, EMS crews from Dickson City and
Lackawanna Ambulance, and members and
volunteers from the American Red Cross.
Sincere thanks, gratitude and appreciation
to all of our neighbors and friends and all
who thought of us during this devastating
time. The outpouring of support from the
community is amazing. Thanks for the support
and donations.
THE PRINGLE FAMILY
DICKSON CITY
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Fire tears through Carmalt St. home |
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December 23
- (20:45) - A fire ravaged a Carmalt St.
neighborhood for the second time in as many
years. This time it affected a home at 724
Carmalt. Firefighters arrived to face heavy
fire conditions on the first and second
floors. While the bulk of the fire was
quickly knocked down, stubborn hot spots
kept crews busy for a few hours. The cause
of the fire was ruled accidental by the
State Police Fire Marshal. Many neighbors,
strangers and civic groups including the Mid
Valley PTA have come together to help the
affected families during this Christmas
season. If anyone else would like to help,
please contact The American Red Cross of
Lackawanna County who is also offering
assistance to those affected.
Departments on
scene: DC Fire & EMS, E-22, L-20, E-261 (RIT),
R-98, 22-9, EHCO Ladies Aux., American Red
Cross. |
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Crash with entrapment slows shoppers |
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December 22 - (12:10) Rescue and EMS
were sent to Viewmont Drive near Staples for
a two car crash. Personnel arrived on scene
to find one of the vehicles on its side with
the male driver still restrained by his
seatbelt. Rescue crews stabilized the
vehicle, removed the windshield and
partially removed the roof in order to get
the driver out. All injured parties were
transported to CMC in Scranton. |
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Garage fire quickly extinguished |
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December 19
- (00:38) While conducting routine
patrols, Dickson City Police discovered a
garage on fire in the 1100 block of Olga St.
First alarm and SRN companies were
dispatched. Upon arrival of Ladder 23 the
crew split duties and pulled a hand line and
vented during entry. The Ladder crew was
assisted by Engine 23. All other out of town
companies were returned to service by Chief
Chowanec. Rescue 23 provided scene support
and DC EMS was staged on scene. The fire was
ruled accidental by the State Police Fire
Marshal.
Photo is from
www.23ems.com |
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Black
Friday Coin Drop |
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| November 25
- Several members spent a beautiful Black Friday
participating in our annual coin drop. The coin
drop is conducted on property owned by the
Viewmont Mall Corporation. It was another
successful year and we thank the mall for
allowing us to conduct this fundraiser. We also
owe many thanks to the Louryk Family, who cooked
a delicious breakfast for us before we hit the
streets and once again, we thank Texas Roadhouse
who provided a complimentary dinner.
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photo's by John Chmielewski |
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November 21 - (15:45) Firefighters
prepare to extinguish a car fire in the rear of
the 1000 block of Main Street. |
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First Responder Appreciation Night |
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| November 17
- Cub Scouts from St, Mary's Visitation of
Dickson City (Pack 21) honored all borough first
responders while visiting the fire station
Thursday evening. Along with guided tours
of the fire and EMS apparatus, cub scouts were
given fire prevention information and also met
with Dickson City Police Officers who explained
their day to day duties. The evening ended
with the scouts presenting certificates of
appreciation to the first responders thanking
them for their dedicated service. |
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The DCFD
Annual Gun Raffle was a huge success.
Thank You to
everyone who supported this fundraiser.
Click here to
view the winners. |
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| November 3
- (09:00) Ladder 23 transferred to the Avoca
Hose Co. while many Luzerne County departments
operated at a 4 alarm commercial fire in
Pittston Twp. The Ladder returned to
Dickson at noon. |
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SUV
crash on Main Street |
| October 28
- (23:20) Crews were sent to the 1200 block of
Main St. for a vehicle into a house. Initial
reports from the scene indicated an SUV thru a
fence and resting against a house with the
driver unconscious. Fire and EMS crews arrived
on scene, stabilized the vehicle and removed the
patient thru the passenger door. The patient was
transported to the trauma center. Before the SUV
hit the fence, it struck a vehicle at the
intersection of Main and Pancoast. The crash is
under investigation by the DCPD. |
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Crash sends one to the Trauma Center |
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| October 26
- (19:40) Rescue and EMS were sent to the
intersection of Route 6 and Ravine St. for a one
vehicle crash with injuries. Police were on
scene within seconds and were requesting units
to expedite. Ladder 23 went enroute upon
dispatch as they were returning from a natural
gas leak on Carmalt St. Access was gained thru
the vehicles drivers door and the patient was
transported to CMC with moderate injuries. The
Ladder and Rescue Co. remained on scene to
control fluids and clear debris from the
roadway.
~photo by Randy
Kochanowski~ |
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Driver escapes serious injury |
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| October 19
- (19:30) Rescue 23 and EMS were dispatched to
Clairmont Rd. for the report of a vehicle into
the woods. While enroute, the Rescue was advised
that the sole occupant was out of the vehicle
and awaiting EMS at a nearby residence. It was
discovered that the driver experienced a
possible brake malfunction and could not stop
his vehicle on Memo Lane. Once he realized this
dilemma, he decided to jump out of the vehicle
before it descended 60 ft. down an embankment.
The vehicle was eventually stopped by a large
boulder which prevented it from possibly
striking a residence or landing in a swimming
pool. The driver was transported to a local
hospital with non life threatening injuries.
Pictured above is Johnson's Towing removing the
vehicle. |
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photo by Lt. Homenchak |
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Congratulations and Best Wishes |
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Brent &
Kathy Louryk |
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October 8, 2011 |
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October 12 - Lt.
Homenchak and FF Chesnaky visit with the pre-school
class at the Dickson City Civic Center |
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September 14 - Firefighters from Ladder 23 check for
extension while assisting at a basement fire on Main St.
in Peckville. |
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9/11
We Remember |
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September 11 - Several residents of the
community spent their Sunday morning remembering
the lives that were lost in the attacks on
America on 9/11/01. The morning started
with a procession from the former county
building on Enterprise St. to the fire station.
In the procession, all participants helped carry
a large American Flag that was raised by our
ladder truck once we arrived at the station. At
about 08:20, we started reading off all the
names of the people who perished in the attacks.
This roll call lasted until 10:45. All 2976
names were read. It was a very somber memorial
which brought together many people from the
community. There was representation from the
emergency services, police, veterans groups,
religious life, borough administration, right
down to the youngster who read the names while
dressed in his Olyphant Lions football jersey.
The service was a true example that we
will never forget. |
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Hurricane
Irene |
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August 28 - Although Dickson City was spared
from any substantial damage from Hurricane
Irene, the fire station was fully staffed to
handle all emergencies. Crews responded to
many storm related calls throughout the early
morning and afternoon. The station acted
as the Borough's EOC, with representation from
the Police, Fire, and EMS departments on hand.
While personnel handled the calls for
assistance, members of the Eagle Hose Co. #1
Ladies Auxiliary were busy in the kitchen
preparing breakfast and lunch for the first
responders. Many thanks to the Auxiliary,
Police Chief Bilinski, Giant Mart, Smilers,
Quaker Steak and Lube, Texas Roadhouse, Wegman's,
The Olive Garden and Legends Saloon for your
generosity. |
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August 14 -
Ladder 23 and Ambulance 23-8 were on display at
the Bernard Seminski park on Elm St. as part of
the Big Toys for Kids Event. The event,
which benefited the National Inclusion Project
gave kids a chance to see some of their favorite
trucks up close. The National Inclusion
Project provides rightful opportunities to kids
with disabilities. Along with tours of the
apparatus, members of the DCFD also provided
fire safety material to everyone who braved the
wet weather to check us out.
photo by TR
Homenchak (staff photographer) |
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August 2
- Members of the Mid Valley Mutual Aid Association (MVMA)
check out one of COLT's new hybrid buses. The
training session held at the DCFD gave first responders
an opportunity see the construction and features of the
new buses in case of an emergency. The MVMA
thanks COLT's for this great training
opportunity. Departments that participated were:
DC Fire, DC EMS, Blakely Fire and EMS, Jessup Fire
(25,31) and EMS, Eynon Fire, Justus Fire, Jermyn Fire,
Archbald EMS, and Throop Rescue.
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Barn
fire in S. Abington Twp. |
July 24 -
Ladder 23 was sent on a first alarm assignment
for a barn fire in S. Abington Twp. The size of
the structure was approximately 50 X 300 feet.
Ladder 23 arrived as the 1st due truck company
and went to work in the defensive mode with
aerial master stream operations along with the
blitz fire gun. The Ladder was on scene for 5
hours. While the Ladder was dispatched on
the first alarm, Engine 23 relocated to Station
2 when the second alarm was transmitted.
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photo by TR
Homenchak |
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Airport drill and a ball game |
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July 23 - Rescue 23 was dispatched on a 2nd
alarm to assist at the WB/Scr International
Airport crash drill. The drill, which is
mandated to be conducted every three years tests
the response capabilities of the Airport
Firefighters and Mutual Aid Agencies. Upon
arrival the Rescue crew was assigned to
suppression duties, relieving Pittston Twp.
Engine 166 (runway temps were 120°+).
After spending the morning and
early afternoon at the airport, Ladder 23 headed
to PNC Field to participate in Hero's Night
(SWB Yankees 5, Syracuse
2). In between these
two events, the day wouldn't be complete without
the usual DC mulch fire
which occurred at Party City at
3pm. |
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photo's by TR Homenchak |
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July 21 - Members of the DCFD assisted the
PA State Police at this years Camp Cadet held at
Marywood University. Crews conducted a
vehicle rescue demonstration and also allowed
the Cadets to have an up close look at our
aerial apparatus. Also represented
at the camp on Thursday evening were
Elmhurst-Roaring Brook Fire Dept. and Lackawanna
Ambulance. |
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photo's by Bill Bilinski |

pictured above are two familiar Cadets to the
DCFD. TJ Koslowski (grandson of Cathy and
Bill Bilinski) and Billy MacCallum (son of Asst.
Chief Bill and Tracey MacCallum). Great
Job, Guys! |
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Pump
Primers ~ July 9th 2011 ~ Harrisburg PA |
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June 27 - (17:55) Rescue and Engine 23 were
sent to Jackson St. for a two vehicle crash with
one vehicle on its side and the lone occupant
entrapped. The Rescue arrived on scene,
began stabilization and provided a pathway for
the occupant to be removed through the back
cargo area of the vehicle. Personnel from
Engine 23 set up for fire suppression and
assisted the Rescue crew with patient removal.
The patient was transported to a local hospital
by DC EMS and Lackawanna ALS.


photos by Bill Bilinski |
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Photo's of Eagle Hose Co.'s 1952 Dodge (now
owned by member Jim Slocum III) drafting out of
the Lackawanna River, bring back fond memories
to many of our members. These photo's were
taken this past Saturday as Jim Slocum III and
Chris Kosydar make the final preparations for
the Dodge to travel to the Pump Primers Event in
Harrisburg PA. This was the first time
that the Dodge pumped in over ten years.
The Pump Primers will be held on Saturday, July
9th.
Click Here
to visit the PA Pump Primers web page for more
information.

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DCFD crowned
"Ruler of the Ribs"

June 15
- Members of the DCFD defeated members of Wilson Fire
Co. of Peckville with a final score of 81 to 57 bones.
The rib eating contest was sponsored by Texas Roadhouse
and a portion of the nights proceeds were donated to a
local charitable organization. Representing
Dickson City were: Shayne Young, Corey Fabricatore and
Eddie Kalinowski Jr. Representing Wilson Fire
were: Guy Salerno, Danny Willis and Chris Dubas.
Everyone seemed to enjoy a friendly competitive night,
all for a good cause. Will there be a rematch next
year? We'll let the boys digest that one.
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May 12
- (21:20) The Rescue and Engine were sent to the 500
block of Main Street for the report of a vehicle
rollover with entrapment. Upon arrival, all
occupants were out of the vehicle. Crews
controlled the hazards and remained on scene till the
vehicle was removed by Johnson's.
~photo by Bill Bilinski |
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April 23
- (03:22) Ladder 23 responded on a 2nd alarm fatal fire
at 803 Church St. in Jessup. A 56 year old female
died at CMC in Scranton after being removed from the
structure by first alarm companies. The crew from
Ladder 23 was tasked with providing exterior ventilation
to the multi-family home. The ladder was on scene
for approximately 3 hours. The cause of the fire
was ruled arson and is under investigation.

photo from
scrantontimes.com |
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April 13
- (01:05) First alarm companies were dispatched to the
1100 block of Frieda St. for the report of a working
structure fire. EMS 23A Lukasik was the first on
scene and confirmed the working fire requesting the SRN
to be dispatched. Early reports indicated possible
entrapment but it was soon discovered that the homeowner
was on vacation and the structure was unoccupied.
Crews were faced with heavy fire conditions on the first
floor, side A. Companies went to work performing
their assigned duties when a mayday was declared due to
a firefighter partially falling through the first floor
into the basement area. The Rapid Intervention
Team (RIT) was put to work and removed the firefighter
to safety. Along with the RIT team, other
personnel in the immediate area assisted. One
other firefighter was slightly injured while offering
initial assistance. Both injured personnel were
evaluated by EMS, and one was transported to CMC and
released. Departments were on scene till
approximately 03:30. The home did suffer serious
damage and the cause of the fire is under investigation
by the PA State Police Fire Marshal. Chief
Chowanec was the Incident Commander.
On the
scene: DCFD, DC EMS, Rescues 26 (RIT) & 27, Engine 22,
Ladder 20, Blakely and Jessup EMS, The Red Cross and the
DCFD Ladies Auxiliary.
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Fire
on Sunset Drive |
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April 7 -
At 0928 hrs Station 23 along with Rescue 27,
Engine 22 and ambulance 239 were dispatched
to 736 Sunset Dr. for a third party report
of a structure fire, smoke coming from the
structure. Olyphant PD was in the area
and reported a working house fire. 239
arrived on scene with Lt. Homenchak assuming
command and Lt. Young taking operations.
Command reported a working fire and SRN
companies were dispatched to the
scene. Ladder 23 arrived on scene and
advanced a 2 1/2inch handline into the
structure. Rescue 26 arrived on scene
and established a water supply for Ladder
23. Capt. Chowanec reported to
Operations a fire in the basement bathroom
with extension into the first floor wall.
The fire was extinguished by Ladder 23
crews. Rescue 27 and Engine 22
performed ventilation/secondary search,
while Ladder 23 wrapped up overhaul. Ladder
20 staged as RIT. Command requested
the PSP Fire Marshal to the scene. PSP
ruled the fire as "accidental". All
units were placed back in service at approx.
11am and Command was terminated.
Units on scene
were: Ladder 23, Engine 23, Rescue 23,
Ambulance 239, Rescue 27, Rescue 26, Engine
22, Ladder 20, DCPD, OPD, and the American
Red Cross
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Crews battle vehicle fire |

February
19 - (11:00) Crews from Engine 23 prepare to
extinguish a Ford Taurus that caught on fire while
traveling along Commerce Boulevard. |
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CALL
STATS |
|
|
2011 |
2012 |
|
JAN |
27 |
25 |
|
FEB |
31 |
24 |
|
MAR |
30 |
31 |
|
APR |
37 |
30 |
|
MAY |
35 |
12 |
|
JUNE |
36 |
|
|
JULY |
49 |
|
|
AUG |
44 |
|
|
SEPT |
37 |
|
|
OCT |
35 |
|
|
NOV |
37 |
|
|
DEC |
38 |
|
|
TOTAL |
436 |
122 |
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