http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/rss News articles published on lionvillefire.org using RSS 2.0 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:05:04 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=292 On Saturday January 28th the Lionville Fire Company celebrated another year of great accomplishments and achievements. Members and guests got together at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern to recognize the 2011 active membership. Years of Service awards were given to: 5 Years: Mark Hull Ryan Mennor Christian Peta Bryan Rachko 10 Years: Kevin Beans Jim Jarvie Jim Kusnierczyk Michael Melody Scott Welker 15 Years: Brian Garver Barbara Yagle 20 Years: David Herkner 25 Years: Don D'Ginto 25 Years: Scott Trego 55 Years: Richard Ruth The big awards for the evening were the Special Service award & Fire Fighter of the Year. The Special Service Award was earned by Junior Fire Fighter Michael (Pike) Holmes. As a junior member he worked hard to attend as many training, special service events, and work details. Along with making scheduled events he also was one of the top 5 call runners in 2011. Pike is always willing to help out with a work detail or assist a newer member learning where equipment is on the fire trucks. Congrats Pike The Firefighter of the Year Award was Earned by Frederick Schimpf. Rick is the top call runner along with point earner in 2011. He has worked hard in the past year to complete many training courses along with getting qualified on multiple pieces of apparatus. Rick is always willing to help with whatever needs to be done around the fire house or at calls. Congrats Rick The night was also used to thank Chief Michael Holmes for a great 3 terms in office. The Upper Uwchlan Township awarded Mike with a beautiful trophy thanking him with all of his hard work and leadership in the past 30 years, including 6 years as Chief. Also the other 2 Chiefs got together with a local photographer to make a beautiful framed collage of pictures. The active membership wanted to thank Mike, with a presentation helmet with a gold leaf front piece that was custom made for Chief Holmes. Fun was had by all this evening! A special thanks to Martins Corner Fire company for providing 24 hours of coverage during our banquet. And Malvern Fire Company for providing over 16 hours of coverage. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:55:42 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=292 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=290 The members and officers of the Lionville Fire Company would like to thank Chief Michael Holmes for his 6 years of service as Fire Chief. Mike served as Fire Chief from 2006-2011 for the Lionville Fire Company. He has been an intricate part of Lionville Fire Company's great successes and accomplishments in the last 6 years. Mike led the company in countless Fire and Rescue incidents, trainings, and activities. In the past few years Mike has worked hard to allow the company to be progressive, and paved the way for future Fire Chiefs to succeed. During Mike's term as Fire Chief, he was involved in many large projects for the Lionville Fire Company which include; heading up our apparatus committee, project management for the restoration of our antique fire engine (the "REO"), led the company in most training hours recorded in company history, and rang in the 100 year anniversary of the Lionville Fire Company. Mike also is responsible for organizing the annual R.G. Holmes golf tournament. These are just a few of the items that Mike has achieved in his three terms as Fire Chief. He will continue to serve the company in the coming year as the Assistant Chief. Thank You Mike. The company wishes Chief Michael Chapman good luck with his coming term(s). Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:11:09 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=290 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=291 The 2012 officers were announced at the company meeting tonight. They are as follows: 2012 Operations Officers: Fire Chief: Michael Chapman Deputy Fire Chief: Bill Minahan Assistant Fire Chief: Michael Holmes Captain: Pat Boyle Lieutenant: Bryan Rachko Lieutenant A: Bob Edwards Chief Engineer: Rob Norwood Communications Officer: Don D'Ginto Fire Police Captain: Joel Gramling 2012 Financial Officers: President: Steve Edwards Vice President: Chris Drach Treasurer: Lee Ruth Financial Secretary: Jim Kusnierczyk Membership Secretary: Rick Schimpf Recording Secretary: Carlos Martinez Head Trustee: Jim Jarvie Trustee: Scott Trego Trustee: Robert Kagel Trustee: Richard Ruth Trustee: Mike Esterlis Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:33:08 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=291 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=289 At 3:22am, Lionville was alerted to the 1600 block of Oak Hill Lane for a reported house on fire in Kimberton Fire Co. (61) local. Deputy 47(Chapman) arrived first, reporting "fire showing". Engine 47-5(Lt. Rachko) arrived behind Engine 61-2, dropping a supply line down the driveway. The crew stretched a line into the attic, where the fire had extended to. Tower 47 (Capt. Boyle) arrived third, and began throwing portable ground ladders to the upper floors and roof. Fortunately, the home owners had working fire alarms that alerted them in their sleep. Chief 61 (Gable) had Command. Crews operated for 2 hours. Pictures courtesy of Joel Gramling Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:09:15 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=289 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=288 8:30pm: The West Bradford Fire Company, along with mutual aid companies, were alerted to a reported house on fire on the 1600 block of Creagh Knoll Lane. Chief 39 arrived on scene with fire showing from the roof and requested Lionville for the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). At 8:34pm Rescue 47 was alerted to the fire scene. Rescue 47 (Dep. Chief Chapman) arrived shortly after with a crew of six. Upon arrival crews set up their tools on side A, while the officer completed a 360 size up of the structure. Once the fire was placed under control, the crew assisted with overhaul and checking the residence for hot spots. Lionville crews were released from the scene just after 11:00pm. Information to the general public: A Rapid Intervention Team, or a RIT team, is called to the fire scene to act as the "safety" team in the case of a firefighter(s) were to become trapped inside. As the RIT team, it is important to make a full size up of the structure for preparation of the worst. RIT team members make sure all egresses of the structure are open for firefighter safety. Placing ladders to the upper floors allows firefighter to get out as quickly as possible. A video of Rescue 47 arriving can be seen at: http://youtu.be/ApXbs6tOetM Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:15:09 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=288 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=287 Just after 2:00pm, Lionville units were called to assist Uwchlan Ambulance(87) at Route 401 and Walnut Lane for an accident with entrapment. Rescue 47(FF Conowal) arrived on scene, stabilizing the vehicle for extrication. The crew from Rescue 47 had to remove the roof and driver side door to access the patient. The patient was removed in under 20 minutes, and was transported to a local hospital for care. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:07:11 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=287 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=284 Just after the 10:00pm hour, Lionville crews were alerted to assist Uwchlan Ambulance on Ship Road for a vehicle accident, with one person trapped. Rescue 47 (Capt. Boyle) and Engine 47-2 (FF S. Edwards) arrived on scene shortly after. Crews began with stabilization of the vehicle followed by removal of the roof and passenger side doors, while EMS cared for the patient. The patient was safely removed from vehicle, and transported to a local hospital. Engine 47-2 returned available just after 11:00pm, while Rescue 47 remained on scene to assist the Police Department with lighting. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 01:59:16 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=284 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=286 While Tower 47 and Engine 47-5 were operating in Phoenixville, Lionville was alerted to the 600 block of Kimberton Road for a house fire. Engine 47-2 (FF Ora) arrived on scene with a working fire in a 2-story house. Captain 47 (Boyle) assumed "Kimberton Road Command", and began giving orders to the arriving units. Units from East Brandywine and Ludwigs Corner arrived behind Engine 47-2. Crews stretched an attack line to a second floor bedroom that was on fire, and extinguished the same. Quick work was made by the crews inside to extinguish the fire. The fire was placed under control within 15 minutes of the first arriving unit. Command was terminated at 11:09pm Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:03:00 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=286 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=285 At 6:30pm, Phoenixville Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of Bridge Street for "smoke from the building". Chief 65 (Gable) arrived, confirming smoke showing from a large auto parts store. Chief 65 assumed "Bridge Street Command", and request the 2nd alarm plus additional ladder companies. Tower 47 (Lt. Rachko) and Engine 47-5( FF Esterlis) were part of the assignment, and responded with 11 volunteers. Tower 47 arrived set up on side Alpha-Delta of the exposure building. Multiple tasks were needed from arriving units to stop the fire in the exposure. The crew from Tower 47 split into two groups: checking the interior of the exposure, and the other venting the roof. After completing commands orders, the crews from Lionville re grouped with Assistant 65(Meadows) for fire attack. Engine 47-5 dropped a secondary supply line into the scene. The Engine and Tower crew were then sent to the 2nd floor for fire attack. 47 units operated for 3 hours. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:46:30 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=285 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=283 Over the past few weeks six members have been training to become certified Rope Rescue Technicians. These members spent countless hours in the classroom and on the rope to fine tune their skills to take the final certification test. The final test consisted of a written and practical examination to prove their knowledge as a rescuer. Lionville now has 12 Certified Rope Technicians on their Technical Rescue Team. Special thanks to Instructors Eric Smith and Joe Whistler for the training. Congratulations to following members: Deputy Chief Mike Chapman Firefighter Rob Norwood Firefighter Christian Peta Firefighter Sergio Ora Probationary Firefighter Chris Haines Probationary Firefighter Julio Lavin Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:07:43 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=283 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=282 On Thursday, October 13, 2011, the Fire Company welcomed the community to our annual Open House. The Fire Apparatus was on display, along with the highlight of the evening, a live fire demonstration. The Fire Company would like to thank those who attended and we look forward to seeing you again next year. A video of the fire can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I9uDtLGu9M Fri, 14 Oct 2011 02:07:18 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=282 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=281 Shortly after 11am on Saturday, October 1st, the 1935 REO Speedwagon returned home to the Lionville Fire Company. On November 18, 1936, at 11 am, the Hale Fire Pump Company delivered the brand new REO to Lionville. Designated as 47-1, the REO became the third piece of motorized apparatus for the company. It proudly served the community for the next 45 years, finally retiring in the 1980's. For the last three decades, the REO was housed at the station and used for parades and fire prevention. In 2009, Lionville Fire Company contracted with Fire-Craft, a New Jersey based company, to restore the REO to its original glory. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 02:29:08 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=281 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=280 On Saturday September 10th, Cub Scout Pack 216 of Lionville presented the Lionville Fire Company with the "Flag of Heros" in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001. The cub scouts started the ceremony with the "Pledge of Allegiance" followed by the presentation of the flag and concluded with the planting of mums around the base of our flag pole. The Lionville Fire Company is very appreciative to members of Pack 216 for their thoughtfulness and the time spent with us. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:43:36 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=280 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=279 Just before 4:30am, Tower 47 was alerted to Coatesville City, as part of the working fire dispatch. Coatesville units arrived on scene of a 2 story apartment building, with fire showing from the roof. First in units made an aggressive attack on the fire to prevent it from spreading to more units. Tower 47(Lt. B. Edwards) arrived on scene and was assigned to division two of the building to open up. The crew from Tower 47 operated for 2 hours on scene before returning to Lionville. A total of three units were damaged by fire. Photos Courtesy of Westwood Fire Co. www.westwoodfire.com Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:50:21 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=279 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=278 2:45AM: Just as Engine 47-2(Lt. Rachko) was clearing a fire alarm in the first due, fireboard redirected the Engine to relocate Berwyn Fire Company (02), while they were arriving on scene of a working restaurant fire in Radnor Township, Delaware County. Moments after arriving at station 2, Radnor added an additional alarm to the assignment. Engine 47-2 responded as part of the additional alarm at 2:56am. All units were eventually evacuated from the building due to deteriorating fire conditions. Master streams were set up to extinguish the blaze. It took several hours to place the stubborn fire under control. The Engine crew operated for approximately 5 hours. Some photos courtesy of Luke Rafferty Sat, 27 Aug 2011 20:45:54 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=278 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=277 On August 19, 2011, The Lionville Fire Company was dispatched at 18:29 to a reported tree on fire in the 1700 block of Horseshoe Trail Road, just as the area was being hit hard with storms. Engine 47-2 (Lt. B. Edwards) along with Assistant 47(Minahan) quickly made the response. While en route to the tree fire, the Chester County 911 center alerted Assistant 47 that Engine 47-5 was going to be dispatched to assist Station 6 (West Whiteland) with a building possibly on fire after a lighting strike in the 300 block of National Road. Engine 47-5(FF Tolento) made the response shortly after being dispatched. Upon arrival on Engine 47-5 they assisted with water operations, and overhaul of the 2nd floor of the building. Once on location at the tree fire, a front bumper line was deployed from Engine 47-2. Due to the large amount of water that was going to be needed, a tanker from station 61 (Kimberton) was dispatched to supply Engine 47-2 with water. Utility 47 also responded with additional manpower. Crews were on scene for just over an hour before returning available. Less than 5 minutes after returning from the tree fire, Tower 47 (Lt. B. Edwards) was dispatched to assist Station 61 (Kimberton) on a building fire. Tower 47 and Deputy 47(Chapman) made the response as well as Engine 47-5 (FF Tolento) who was clearing from the previous building fire. Crews operated in Kimberton for just over one hour before returning available. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 20:42:15 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=277 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=276 As plans were made to celebrate the Lionville Fire Company's 100th Anniversary Celebration and activities, one of the initiatives the company took on was looking into having one of our first pieces of apparatus refurbished. It was late 1935 when the Lionville Fire Company took delivery on a brand new REO Speedwagon that became the third piece of motorized apparatus in the history of the company. A grand housing was held to celebrate the new truck and it went on to serve the area until the 1980's and to this day still carries the designation of 47-1. The Lionville Fire Company contracted with a New Jersey Company to restore the REO to its original glory and the way it looked when was delivered back in 1935. Recently the company's apparatus committee was informed that the REO will be completed and coming back home sometime around the end of August. With just a few more details to go, we look forward to see its complete transformation upon delivery and something we can share with the community. Check back for pictures of the delivery and completed work. Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:10:07 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=276 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=274 Saturday, August 6th, Lionville Fire company, along with Exton Fire Company, met at the Boot Road Park for a friendly game of softball. The two games that were played were very competitive and showed off all the great all stars each team has to offer. In the end, two volunteer fire companies were able to put the normal grind of fire calls and training aside to have a little fun and in certain cases, some much needed exercise. No major injuries to report, but there were instances of soreness the next day and slow moving players/firemen. Any amateur teams looking for a fun pick up game, please feel free to contact us to set up a game. A special thanks to Laura Marie Imagery for providing photos. http://www.lmimagery.com/ Wed, 10 Aug 2011 23:08:39 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=274 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=272 Just before 12:30, The West Chester Fire Department arrived on scene of a working Apartment Fire in East Bradford Township. The working fire dispatch brought Rescue 47 (Capt. Boyle) for the Rapid Intervention Team. Rescue 47 arrived on scene and set up on side Alpha. The crew began sizing up the building and throwing portable ground ladders to the upper floors for firefighter egress. Command struck the Second Alarm do to deteriorating fire conditions. Master streams were eventually set up to extinguish the stubborn fire. The crew from Rescue 47 assisted with secondary searches and overhaul, after being released as the RIT team. Rescue 47 operated for two and a half hours. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 14:49:39 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=272 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=273 Each and every Thursday, the Lionville Fire Company continues its commitment to be one of the best trained departments in the county. This past Thursday, members in attendance took part in VRT (Vehicle Rescue Training). Aside from traditional fire suppression, another area the Lionville Fire Company works diligently at enhancing knowledge and cadence is Vehicle extrication, which is the process of removing the vehicle from around a person that has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. This training evolution comes into play when conventional means of exit are impossible. A delicate approach is needed to minimize injury to the victim during the extrication. This operation is typically accomplished by utilizing chocks and bracing for stabilization and hydraulic tools, including the Jaws of Life. It's also important, that as a company, we educate ourselves on the additional risks with new technologies in the auto industry, such as airbags, make cutting into a vehicle more complicated: when they are not set off during the accident (e.g. in a vehicle struck from the rear or a rollover), extrication operations may set them off. This can cause additional trauma to the accident victim or to the rescuers. Airbags can remain active anywhere from 5 seconds to 20 minutes after being disconnected from the car's battery. This is one of the reasons rescuers disconnect the vehicle's battery and wait before cutting into a vehicle. New hybrid technologies also include additional high voltage batteries, or batteries located in unusual places. These can expose occupants and rescuers to shock, acid or fire hazards if not dealt with correctly. These are things members have to think about in sizing up and approaching any incident involving a vehicle accident and or fire. The message delivered was to take time to think about what your approach should be in the event such and accident occurs. Check back for my features on our ongoing training programs. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:02:07 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=273 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=270 Just after 11:30pm Lionville Fire Company and Uwchlan Ambulance were dispatched to Route 401 for an auto accident reported serious. Deputy 47 (Chapman) arrived on scene advising a single vehicle accident with entrapment and established "Conestoga Road" command. Rescue 47 (M. Esterlis) arrived shortly after and began stabilization and extraction of the patient. Patient was removed safely and transported for care. Crews operated for about 35 minutes. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:30:48 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=270 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=269 Here are the photos from the June 9th, 2011 David J. Good Memorial 5k Run. There are plenty more, just click the link to see them all! http://gallery.cazillo.com/main.php?g2_itemId=117457 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:29:15 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=269 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=268 Members of the Lionville Fire Company had an action packed day on Saturday July 9th. During the early morning hours members met at the fire house to prepare the station and surrounding neighborhood for the David J. Good Memorial 5K. Dave Good was a fire fighter with the fire company, that paid the ultimate price when he was killed in the line of duty in 1998. The members and community pay their respects by attending and running this annual 5K. Fire Police & members assisted with traffic control and setting up a water station along the route. The race is always a successful event for the fire company, with a solid turn out from the community, along with members running. Later in the day all of the apparatus was relocated to the LYA fields in Lionville for the Uwchlan Township Community Day. The fire company had the apparatus on display, along with a mock house fire, where kids could practice their hose line management skills and extinguish a fire. Along with the apparatus display, fire fighters put on a rappelling demonstration, from Tower 47. Once it was dark out the fire fighters were on stand by during the fire works display. Fun was had by all. Pictures provided by Stu Solomon Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:35:23 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=268 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=267 Here are a few of the great photos taken at the Golf Outing on June 18th at Lancaster Host Golf Club. Can't wait until next year! The rest of the photos can be viewed here: http://gallery.cazillo.com/main.php?g2_itemId=115864 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:04:02 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=267 http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=266 On May 17, 2011 the Lionville Fire Company was awarded the highest certification level under the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's Voluntary Certification Program. The Lionville Fire Company has achieved a 100% Certification Level. Lionville has become just the fourth 100% volunteer fire company in Chester County to achieve this level of certification. The Lionville Fire Company was previously certified at the 50% level until reapplying for 100% this past May. Currently all 42 firefighters with the Lionville Fire Company are certified under the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. While participation in this program is on a voluntary basis, Lionville Firefighters are proud to have put forth the extra effort to be certified under this standard. According to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, "the purpose of this program is to identify and recognize emergency service personnel whose accomplishments in training and education meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards. The NFPA standards for Fire Service Professional Qualifications identify the minimum requirements for a person at a particular level of progression. A person certified to one of the Fire Service Professional levels will have demonstrated competency in the knowledge and skills required to perform at a particular level. The service that can be offered to the citizens, visitors and communities of the Commonwealth will be enhanced by the professional competency attained through this certification process." Training and certification is held to an extremely high degree at the Lionville Fire Company. When a firefighter first joins the company they become a "Probationary Firefighter". Probation Firefighters have 18 months to complete Firefighter I Certification (170 hour course), Hazardous Materials Operations Level (24 hour course), and Vehicle Rescue Technician (48 hour course). That equates to almost 250 hours of training that volunteers must complete just to be considered entry level. Once a probationary member completes their training with the State Fire Academy, they must complete a series of in-house testing to be promoted to "Active Firefighter" status with the fire company. This is only entry level training, as many of our firefighters and fire officers are certified to at least the Firefighter II Level, brining the company total to approximately 50% certified to the Firefighter II level in addition to Firefighter I. We currently have members certified all the way through Fire Officer II as well as Rescue Technician. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 22:09:21 GMT http://www.lionvillefire.org/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=266