At 00:17 hrs on Sunday morning the MVA assignent was dispatched for one car into the trees at the intersection of SR2023 and SR247.  18-10 (Fortuner) arrived on scene correcting the address to SR2023 reporting one vehicle hard into the trees, one self-extricated with servere lacerations.  R-18 would provide lighting, control hazards and assist 18-9 with packaging of the patient.  18-9 and the ALS truck would transport one to the trauma center while R18 remained on scene with PSP until the vehicle was removed.  Crew cleared within 45 minutes.

Crews handle snow and multiple runs during storm As the heavy snows began Thurday morning, crews prepared for worst in hopes of a quiet storm.  Due to the forecasts and discussions with County EMA Officials, a crew was tasked with bunking in for the night to keep the station open and assist with any evacuations if necessary.

Ladder,Rescue on Harford Box On Saturday morning February 20, L18 and the Rescue were part of a first alarm assignment on Orphan School Road, Harford Twp.  L18 arrived and positioned on side A of the building with the crew assisting HE4 checking for extension.  Crews found the fire to be extended into the exterior wall and opened up for extinguishment.  R18 was staged at Orphan School and Creek Rd.  Crews operated for approximately one hour before clearing.  Harford 12 had the Command.

One on its roof in area 24 Early Sunday afternoon the MVA assignment was transmitted thru Lackawanna County for the multi-car crash with rollover at Finch Hill Corners.  E24, R18, 24-9 and 18-9 would respond.  Units arrived to find on car with moderate frontend damage and an SUV on its roof with all occupants self-extricated.  R18 would handle the western traffic detail along with assisting with hazard control.  Units operated for approx 30 minutes.

IST Course held On Monday evening February 1, the IST program kicked off in Clifford.  A great turnout of multiple agencies once again showed the support for maintaining strong fundamentals for both new recruits and veterans.

Rescue goes to work on 36 box On Monday morning at 0045hrs, the SRN was filled out for a working structure fire on Tompkinsville Rd, Scott Township.  R18 would respond as part of the SRN.  Originally tasked with the RIT detail, Command would reassign the crew and  split with Chief 18 handling division 2 operations, Chief 18-2 handling the cascade and the remaining crew assisting with overhaul and other duties. The stubborn fire would require extensive opening up to locate the deep seated areas.  Crews operated for approximately 3hrs before returning to service.

8 run Sunday for the 18 House
The day started early for the volunteers on Sunday.  At approx 0300hrs, the MVA assignment was transmitted at the 211southbound with a car resting on the guardrail.  R18 arrived to find a single car that had taken down approximately 50’ of rail before coming to rest on the guardrail with one occupant self extricated.  R18 handled the scene safety and obtained an EMS refusal for the occupant.  HE4 was assigned the traffic detail and 18-9 stood-by near the interstate.  As units cleared, 18-9 was sent to a medical emergency in the Township. R18 assisted on the run prior to returning. 
 

The afternoon brought another EMS run just prior to foul weather moving back into town.  As evening approached, 18-9 would run the third EMS call of the day.  During the EMS run, L18, R18 and the Tanker would be dispatched on the 24 box on Rt 247.  Units would be returned to service quickly by Command 24.

As 18-9 was returning, a mutli-car crash would be dispatched at mm205.8 southbound.  Lt Price would arrive reporting a two car crash with one confined.  As the initial assignment units were responding, the second multi-car crash would occur in the northbound at mm206.  Chief 18 advised communications to add Harford and 36 to the run with R59 and 59-9 to standby.  18 would handle the southbound crash along with Harford while 24 would handle the northbound with 36.  Units operated for approximately 90 minutes while vehicles were removed and all lanes of traffic reopened.

The final run for the day would be transmitted at approximately 2300hrs.  R18 and 18-9 would respond as part of a first alarm assignment to mm213.8 northbound for a multi-car crash.  18-9 would go direct into the scene while R18 handled the initial blocker and safety zone.  Units returned just after 0000hrs.

5 run day rings in New Year

After two late New Year's eve runs, 2010 continued the steady pace for the volunteers at 18.  The afternoon brought to medical calls for 18-9. At approximately 17:30hrs, Station 18 along with Stations 28 and 52 were dispatched for a one vehicle rollover on Rt374 with possible entrapment with the Communications center not sure of the exact location.  Uniondale 13 arrived on scene confirmin the location as 18's first due and reporting one car on it's roof with three self extricated.  R18 handled the hazards and traffic while 18-9 handled the EMS.  E28-1 handled the traffic on the east side of the incident.

While operating, the smoke investigation in a residence was dispatched.  Chief 18 asked for the structure box to be filled out as it was an unconfirmed source.  18-24(Savino) arrived on scene reporting an overheated boiler with steam venting from the unit.

Command held L18 and returned all companies while the crew assisted with removing the fire from the boiler and ventilation.

Just as crews cleared both the crash and the box, the MVA assignment was transmitted for a one car rollover at 216 on the "I" bringing R18 and 18-9.  R18 provided lighting and the scene block for HE4 while 18-9 was staged at 217.  Units cleared within 40 minutes.

24 box ends four run day

At 2000hrs on December 27, the 24 box was transmitted for a residential structure fire on SR247, Greenfield Township.  L18, T18, R18 and 18-9 were on the assignment.  Units arrived to find a light smoke condition in the structure.

 Command requested L18 take the address and set the ladder for possible deployment. L18 arrived splitting crews with the first assisting crews on division 1 and the second setting the rig awaiting an assignment.  T18 and the Rescue staged on SR247.  A faulty outlet on Division 1 was the apparent cause with no extension into the wall.  Units cleared within 30 minutes.
 

Confinement on Creamery Road At approximately 14:45 hours on Wednesday afternoon, the MVA assignment was transmitted on Creamery Rd, area 24.  The run would bring R18, E24, 18-9, and 24-9.  24 arrived on scene correcting the address placing the crash in 18’s first due. Crews found a one car rollover with the driver still in the vehicle and went work stabilizing and removing the rear door and B-post.  The victim was placed in 18-9 for transport to the trauma center.  Units cleared a short time later.

CO alarm ends day
Around 1730hrs the CO run was dispatched for Old School House Rd, Lenox Township.  R18 and 18-9 would evaluate the residents for any symptomatic issues and meter the residence with negative findings.  Crews returned within 30 minutes

EMS run starts Christmas Eve for the Volunteers
Just before 0500, the EMS assignment would send 18-9 out early on the medical run – continuing the busy week for 18-9.

18 Triple pulls on 17 Box

At approximately 1300hrs on Christmas Eve, the 17 box was transmitted for a working fire on Spedini Hill Rd, Nicholson Twp bringing R18 and T18.  Upon arrival of Company 17, there was heavy fire venting from the rear of the residential structure.  R18’s crew was split with one crew opening up and the second assisting with an attack line.  Chief 18-2 was detailed to water supply operations along with T18.  Crews worked to get a knock on the stubborn fire for approx one hour.  Command 17 special called L18 into the scene to assist in the overhaul.  Units cleared at approx 1700hrs. Our thoughts are with the family of five who lost their home on Christmas Eve. Photos

R18 handles the Santa detail

The annual Children’s Christmas party was held on Saturday afternoon after postponement due to weather last weekend. A great crowd was on hand for face painting and singing with Jo-Jo along with refreshments.  The guest of honor arrived aboard the Rescue to the Children’s delight.  Special thanks to Kevin and Melanie for organizing the successful event.

Early morning rollover  At approximately 0240hrs MVA assignment was transmitted for a one car rollover on Rt106 in the area of the dug-out.  Chief 18-3 marked on scene correcting the address at SR106 and Mud road with one car on it’s roof with no occupants.  R18 arrived and established the safe zone along with lighting.  Crews searched the area with negative findings. R18 and 18-9 remained on scene while PSP investigated and the recovery service removed the vehicle.

Sunday brings triple shot to 18

At 1100 hrs the MVA assignment was transmitted for the crash with ejection on Rt 106 in front of the Clifford Hotel.  Chief 24a marked on scene correcting the address to SR2008 near Horton’s.  Chief 18 arrived establishing the “2008 Command” reporting the one car rollover with three traumas – one serious assumed to be an ejection.  24-9, 41 EMS and an additional ALS truck were requested into the scene. 18-9 and the Rescue arrived and began treatment and triage of the victims.  As this was ongoing, the second crash was dispatched on SR374 for a one car MVA with injury.  E24 and 36-9 were dispatched to handle the incident.  41EMS cleared the 2008 crash and were detailed to assist on crash #2.

 Chief 24A arrived establishing the “374 command” confirming one transport, no entrapment.  Prior to apparatus arriving at the 374 incident, Crash #3 was transmitted at the intersection of Rt106 and Rt374 -  car vs. truck.  With all patients enroute to the hospital from crash #1, the Rescue crew headed to #3 along with E24 clearing the Rt374 run and 36-9.  Minimal services were required at #3 and R18 along with 36-9 would obtain 4 refusals.  Once cleared, E24 and R18 would return to the SR2008 incident to assist with traffic and hazards while PSP completed their investigation. 

With the three crashes being dispatched on top of each other, a true team effort by all involved provided a positive outcome. 

Units operating:
R18, E24 , 18-9, 24-9, 36-9 , 28-3 standby, CH1, LA11

Intro to Safety and Training System class planned
A 6.5 hours Introduction to Safety and the Training System (IST) class  will be sponsored by the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company and presented by Bucks County Community College  on February 1 & 2, 2010, from 6:30 p.m .until 10:00 p. m.  Students in this course will become acquainted with the basic structure of Pennsylvania's fire training system. They will also be introduced to information which will help them protect their health and safety during their fire service career. For additional information or to enroll send an e-mail to Dave Krizauskas.

Confinement with fuel spill at 206

On Thursday evening at approximately 22 30 hourss, the MVA assignment was transmitted for a tractor trailer rollover on the northbound bridges at 206 unknown cargo.  R18, E24, 18-9 and 24-9 were on the response.  While enroute, communications advised that PSP was on scene requesting units expedite due to the driver being injured and confined to the cab. Chief 18-1 marked on scene establishing the “206 Command” reporting one patient confined to the cab and an active fuel leak with exposures.

R18 arrived and split crews with one working the extrication while the second mitigated the spill.  Both operations were completed within 10 minutes of arrival.  E24 closed the interstate per PSP’s request and established a detour route with assistance from Harford Fire Police.  18-9 transported one to the local hospital.  R18 and E24 remained on scene to assist with lighting during the recovery operations.  Units cleared in approximately 3 hours. 
 

Saturday brings 8 runs  The runs began at approximately 04:00 hours on Saturday with a MVA assignment transmitted for a one car MVA on Elkdale Rd, Clifford Township.  Units corrected the address to SR2003 reporting a one car crash with a cold vehicle thru a culvert and into a field with no occupant.  R18 arrived and established lighting with the crew completing a search of the area with negative findings.  Units went back in service shortly after.

At approximately 0630hrs R18 was dispatched along with Stations 28 and 52 for a MVA on SR374 in Herrick Twp.  Communications advised Chief 18 of an incorrect dispatch and placed 18 back in service. Shortly after, Uniondale 11 advised Chief 18 the corrected address was in 18’s district.  They were on scene of a one car crash with no entrapment.  The Chief requested 28 and 52 handle the run.

The third run was dispatched at 0645hrs to assist Harford fire with R18 and the Jitney for a missing person search.  As units assembled for the response the missing person was located.
 

As mid-day snow began to fall for the first time of the year, the Volunteers knew it was only a matter of time.  About an hour into the snow, the MVA assignment was transmitted for a pickup truck rollover at 206.7.  Chief 18 marked on scene establishing the “206 Command” reporting a one vehicle rollover just north of the bridges.  R18 established a safe zone and assisted 18-9 with EMS while E24 was detailed with traffic south of the incident.

While operating in the northbound, a multicar crash surfaced on the southbound bridges temporarily closing the southbound side.  R36, HE4, 36-9 and HA5 were requested to handle that incident.  Chief 18-1 handled the southbound side with the wreckage moving off the bridges to handle paperwork.  Operating units on the southbound stood-by while 18 and 24 operated in the northbound. 

At approximately 0230hrs, a multi-car mva was dispatched at the 210.5 bringing R18, HE4, 18-9 and HA5.  PSP arrived and returned all companies with no EMS required.

As the crews settled in for the night with fingers crossed for quiet, the MVA assignment was once again transmitted for the multi-car at 206 southbound on the bridges.  18-13 arrived moments after dispatch reporting a mini-van on the ramp with moderate damage.  Moments later he transmitted multiple cars crashing on the northend of the bridge also involving a charter bus and tractor trailer.  The assignment was upgraded accordingly to address the exposure.  As units approached, quick thinking PENNDOT drivers had secured the interstate just north of the crossover to allow emergency vehicles passage to the bridge.  R18 arrived with Chief 18 establishing the “206 command”.  The crew went to work establishing lighting and triage along with 18-9.  E24 was directed to access via the southbound off ramp and establishing lighting on the south end with HE4 taking the southbound traffic at mm207.  Crews worked to extricate 5 victims for transport along with multiple refusals.  One vehicles occupants were confined which prompted the crews to remove the door.  Multiple departments worked the incident for approx 2hrs before clearing.  An excellent showing of teamwork brought a successful outcome.

During the 206 incident, a minor MVA occurred at 208 northbound. Chief 24A handled that crash assisted by 36-9.

L18 arrives with the Guest of Honor

On Friday evening, the Village of Clifford held the annual “Christmas Tree Lighting” in the Village.  R18 and 18-9 arrived early to assist in setting up lighting and EMS for the event.  As the crowd grew, and the anxious little ones began to sing, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived in style aboard L18.  The evening was a huge success thanks to all the community agencies working together.

Christmas Care breakfast a success Sunday morning was focused on fundraising for the less fortunate at the annual Christmas Care breakfast. During the event, Ladies Auxiliary President Ellie DeFazio presented Fire Company President Al Fortuner with two donations – the first for $1,000 toward the Christmas Care Fund and the second $1,000 to assist the Fire Company with fuel. The Fire Company would like to express our appreciation of the continued support of our Ladies Auxiliary.   Thank you for all who attended to support the event.  We would also like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary and the local youth group for helping at the breakfast.

Rescue crew handles fuel leak  At approximately 2315hrs on December 2, the fuel spill assignment was dispatched for a residence on Route  374 in Lenox Township.  The caller stated their 275 gallon home heating oil tank had a significant leak.  Chief 18-1 arrived confirming the 275 gallon tank in the basement of the residence with a moderate leak.

 R18 marked on scene with crews going to work establishing a containment pool for the active leak and applying sorbent and pads to capture the spilled product.  County EMA was notified of the situation along with CGE to secure the fuel.  Units operated for approximately 3 hours before clearing.
 

18 ladder goes to work  on United box Just as crews settled in for the night around 2300 hrs, 18 ladder was dispatched as part of the third alarm assignment for a working structure fire on Church Street in the Boro of Montrose. As United crews arrived, the 3 story residential self vented and ignited the side D exposure.

L18 arrived positioning on the B/C corner with the crew splitting – one assisting with overhaul and ventilation, as the remainder of the crew set the truck and established a secondary water supply from a nearby hydrant. The ladder returned to service around 4 am.

Reported basement fire gets 1801 Box

At approximately 1600 hrs on Wednesday afternoon the 1801 box was transmitted for a working basement fire on Church Street, Clifford Township.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene with smoke showing from a two story residential.  L18 arrived on scene positioning at the A/B corner with the tanker right behind. Command updated communications that it appeared to be a fire at the furnace and was knocked down with a heavy smoke condition in all divisions.  First alarm units assisted with overhaul and ventilation with crews confirming negative extension.  Units operated for approximately 45 minutes prior to returning. Units on the box: E24, E41, HE4, L18, R18, R59, SQ59, T18, T24, HT3, 18-9, HA2.

Congratulations Coach Price 
Life member and corner stone of the annual Clifford Picnic, Jan Price, celebrated her 300th career victory in Mountain View Girls volleyball recently.  This milestone is a direct reflection of Jan’s dedication and commitment in her every endeavor.  Great job Coach!
 

Ladies Auxiliary host Halloween party for the kids On Saturday October 31, the Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Halloween party for the area children.  With spooky decorations and costumes to match, the Ladies provided a great afternoon for all.  The kids enjoyed some tasty treats from the from their ghoulish friends.  Thanks Ladies for sponsoring another great event.

Plenty of work for the crew On Monday evening, the rescue crew traveled to Kozlowski’s Towing for a full night of extrication practice.  Susquehanna Fire Equipment brought along the Hurst Demo trailer to allow the crew to train with some new technology offered by Hurst.  Hours of tool time provided an excellent refresher for the seasoned and an eye-opener for the new members.   A special thanks to Ed Kozlowski for providing the resources to make it a successful night.  Photos

Three run Wednesday for 18

Wednesday morning started off early with a medical on 374 with cottage als handling the call. The pace picked up once again around 5:30 with the mva assignment being dispatched for the 1 car mva at the 206 south bound on ramp.  Chief 24B arrived and assumed the command with 3 patients 2 with minor and one with moderate injuries. 18-9 arrived and started patient care with the rescue arriving shortly after handling scene safety and assisting ems. Engine 24 and 24-9 arrived with the engine taking traffic control and 24-9 and 18-9 transporting to CMC.

With Harford Ambulance being request for the third patient, the rescue and Engine 24 remained on scene assisting PSP and the towing service. The third call was dispatched around 7:30 for the assist to Station 24 for a dirt bike accident in the wood area off 106. The rescue was returned to service with 18-9 and additional personnel remaining on scene to assist with the removal of the patient.

18 ends Saturday with a multiple trauma roll-over

On October 10 at 1931 hours, Station 18 was dispatched for the 1-car MVA Rt 106 with ejection and confinement,with 5 patients total. LT18-B requested BLS from Greenfield and both from Harford with the information from the dispatch. Chief 18-3 arrived on scene assuming the 106 with one pick up truck on it wheels with heavy damage with one ejected and one confined. R-18 arrived on scene and went to work with a full deployment and extricated the patient. 18-9 arrived and began triageing patients, eventually transporting 1 to CMC. 24-9, HA2, and HA5 all transported to CMC as well. R-18 remained on scene for lighting and assisting PSP and Kozlowski Towing. All units cleared around 2100 hours. Units operating: R-18, 18-9, 24-9, HA2, HA5.

1802 Box starts Sunday On Sunday October 4, at approx 0345hrs, the 1802 box was transmitted for the out building fire on Cameron Hill Rd.  Chief 18-3 marked on scene within minutes reporting the 24' x 40' out building already collapsed and corrected the address to SR2035.  L18 arrived and stretched (2) 1 3/4" lines to begin the overhaul.  T18 established the initial water supply to the ladder.  After the initial knockdown, the ladder pipe was placed into service being supplied by the tanker shuttle.  The remainder of the box was continued in to assist with overhaul. Units cleared at approx 0640 hours.Units on scene: E24, HE1, L18, R18, R36, R59, T18, T24, HT3, SQ59, 18-9 and 24-9.

L18 supports recruit program at 75 L18 traveled to area 75 on Sunday afternoon to support the FF Recruit program.  L18 along with Texas Tower 4 supplied ground ladders and aerial devices for the ladders portion of the class.  The FF’s were provided explanations on the similarities and differences for both pieces of apparatus.

After orientation was completed, the crews threw ground ladders and became familiar with the aerials devices.  Thanks to Station 75 for hosting the program. Photos
 

Sub-station fire in area 24 On Sunday evening, September 27, at approx 1800hrs, the 24 box was transmitted for a large explosion with fire at the PP&L substation on Rt 106, Greenfield Township.  L18, R18 and the tanker were on the box.  Chief 24 arrived with substantial arching on top of the transformer in the yard.  L18 and T18 were staged on the western side of the incident while R18 was directed to the eastern side to establish the command post.  Command secured the area due to the inherent danger and contacted PP&L with a size up.

A short time after arrival, a significant electrical event  provided a large arc which appeared to sever the energized conductors from the fault area and ceased any obvious arcing in the substation.  PP&L arrived shortly after the event and secured the station.  Command released units prior to 2100hrs.
 

R18, 18-9 and the Jitney  provide EMS for run On Sunday morning, September 13, R18, 18-9 and the Jitney provided EMS and rescue for the Rails-to-trails distance run.  The run started in Forest City, traversed thru Clifford Township, Uniondale Boro and made the return loop in Herrick Township.  FCFD, FCEMS, Station 18, E52, 51 ALS and 28-3 worked the detail.  18 handled a rehab area at the midway point, two mobile treatment quads along with the RUV for transport.  18-9 staged on 171 and was reassigned to assist with start/finish line EMS.  Rescue 18 served as the events command post.  Units returned just prior to 1300hrs.

L18 participates in 9-11 ceremony On Friday evening, September 11, L18 traveled to South Montrose to participate in the 9-11 ceremony at the Danny Crissman memorial Park.  L18 along with United Tower formed the ladder arch which supported our Nations Flag for the ceremony.  The Officers and Members of Clifford Fire were honored to be a part of the ceremony.
 

Rescue and 18-9 on Regional Drill On Saturday August 29, the Rescue and 18-9 headed into Susquehanna County to participate in a Regional Exercise coordinated by Susquehanna/Bradford EMS and hosted by in New Milford’s first due.  The exercise was focused on the Regional MCI plan as well as the Decon task force within the County.

As part of the multi-agency response, Rescue 18 was part of the first alarm assignment detailed as the command post.  As additional resources were summoned, a portion of the rescue crew assisted with Decon task force responsibilities.  18-9 handled EMS and rehab for the task force.  Both R18 and 18-9 are active resources with the Northeast Regional Terrorism Task Force representing Susquehanna County in the 8 county district. Photos

Early morning crash Friday morning started early for the volunteers with a 0515hrs dispatch for the MVA, vehicle rollover, on Church Street, Clifford Township.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene confirming the report and unable to locate a victim.  Upon further size-up, found that the vehicle was cold to the touch and advised the communications center this incident happened some time ago.  The rescue arrived and completed a perimeter search with negative findings.  All units cleared within 30 minutes.

3 vehicle-double entrapment on the “I”
On Sunday morning August 23, at approximately 02:00 hours, Rescue 18 and 18-9 were dispatched on a first alarm MVA assignment at mm217 in Harford’s first due.

Communications transmitted there would be at least three vehicles involved.  Shortly after dispatch, Communications advised Harford 11 (Phelps) there were two passenger vehicles and a tractor trailer involved with two entrapped.  Additional resources were added to the run with the new information.  HE4 would arrive and begin access to the occupants.  Command requested a full deployment off R!8 upon its arrival with the crew from 18-9 assigned one of the trauma patients.  R18 and HE4 would take the roof and the driver’s side to extricate the patients. Once all patients were extricated, R18 remained on scene with lighting for PSP.

During the response, a crash at the 211 was transmitted in 18’s first due.  E24, R36 and 24-9 would be on the move up with nothing found in the area.  Units would head north and find an additional crash in the back-log of the first.  With minimal services required, a vehicle fire was transmitted in the back-log as well and would be handled by the move up units.  R18 returned to service at 05:30hrs.

R18, 18-9 on multiple traumas in area 24 Monday afternoon  August 17, at approx. 1315hrs, Rescue 18 and 18-9 were dispatched on the assist to station 24 for the two car mva van roll over, at the intersection of 106&247. As the rescue went enroute command was requesting additional ALS and BLS units for the multiple adult and pediatric patients with a total of 5 patients on scene.

The rescue arrived and provide a blocker for the scene with the crew assisting with patient care and packaging. Per the EMS command, 18-9 transported 2 pediatric patients with ALS to CMC, along with 24-9. The rescue remained on scene assisting with traffic and the landing zone for life flight.
 

Weekend ends with 1806 Box Early Monday morning the 1806 Box was transmitted for the possible structure fire on Rt92, Gibson Twp.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene establishing the “92 Command” with a 2 ½ story wood frame with nothing from the exterior.  The structure being a converted turn-of-the century schoolhouse would offer its share of challenges.  The homeowner advised of a strong smell on division 1.

 L18 along with the crew from HE4 scanned the residence from basement to attic with no findings.  Thru further discussions, there was strong evidence the smell was from outside the residence.  The assignment with the exception of 18 and Harford was returned with the remaining returning within 30 minutes.
 

18 runs back to back runs Just after returning from a midnight medical assist to Pleasant Mount EMS, Station 18 was dispatched for the 1 car mva on Sr 2029, vehicle into a tree - one patient with a possible broken leg. The rescue and 18-9 went enroute within minutes. Chief 18-1 arrived and established the Sr 2029 command requesting a full deployment from the rescue. Crews removed the rear door and completed a wide body. The patient was extricated from the vehicle and transported to cmc aboard 18-9 along with CH 1. The rescue remained on scene assisting PSP and the towing service for about and an hour. Photos

18 runs rail car hazmat on Rt 11

On Saturday morning, August 8, 2009, R18 was special called to assist Harford Fire with a reported rail car leaking hydrochloric Acid from a tank car.  Reports indicated there was an active leak with plume.  R18 responded with 6 and was directed to Rt11 to support operations and serve as the command post..  The train was located just east of Rt 11 between Kingsley and Hop Bottom in a heavily wooded area containing approx 40 cars with mixed cargo.  18-9 and the Jitney were also requested to the scene along with two additional decon engine companies.  Units evacuated an approximate 3 mile stretch of Rt 11 as a precaution while the decon crews began to establish a decon line.

Squad 59 provided the rehab at the scene.  One victim was deconed after being symptomatic of the release.  Once rail officials deemed the release area secure, Command released all units.  Crews operated for about 3 hours.Photos

Steady weekend continues

Crews headed back out Sunday afternoon for a MVA on Rt 106 Lenox Township.  The initial dispatch sent the Rescue and 18-9 assisting Harford on Rt106 in West Lenox for a one car crash – vehicle into the woods.  Communications corrected the incident location to East of Lenox corners placing the call in 18’s first due.  41A (Daugavelio) advised Chief 18-1 he was on scene with one occupant self extricated with moderate injuries.  HE4 was continued in to assist with traffic while R18 assist with pt care and hazards.  18-9 and CH-2 transported one to the trauma center.  Units cleared in under an hour.

More pumping on Main Street Crews were sent out early Saturday to assist Main Street with additional pumping.  With the water table high, permenant pumps in some residence’s just couldn’t keep up.  Units cleared in just under an hour. Crews handle fireworks detail  T18 and Br18-2 headed to area 41 Saturday evening to enjoy the fireworks at Kennedy Park  that were postponed from Friday night.  Two crews worked the detail with a front row seat!

Heavy rains pound first due
As the rain began to fall Friday morning, crews and residents alike had no idea what was in-store.  Mid morning brought an initial public assist call in Dundaff for a flooded basement.  As units began to mobilize, localized flooding was taking place at multiple locations.  As units cleared the initial run, reports came in that the bridge construction site on Main street was being quickly overrun with high waters.

Chief 18-1 arrived at the location just as the Dundaff Creek broke it’s banks, flooding onto Main Street.  With more rains to come and the business district quickly being flooded, Chief 18 advised Susquehanna Communications that the EOC would be established at Station 18.  Local and County EMA scrambled to get sand bags moved into Clifford to minimize damage and prepare for the worst.

Due to the conditions of the Creek, Penndot closed Rt 106 for fear of the temporary bridge washing out.  With this bridge closed, the other primary route would be SR2050; however, this bridge is closed for replacement as well.  With crews being cut off, HE1 and Harford EMS relocated to the west side of Clifford to stand-by.  18’s crews worked multiple calls in the first due and welfare checks on Main Street.  Company 42 (Vandling) offered assistance and were directed to the sandbagging location to assist. Multiple commercial occupancies were sandbagged along main street with approximately 150- 200 sandbags.  After approx 2hrs, the rain eased and the water receded.  Penndot officials inspected the bridge structure and re-opened Rt106 for traffic. Local business played a key role with heavy equipment assisting in removing a crawler crane from the bridge project.  During the flooding, R18 also ran a MVA assignment on the interstate.  The EOC was terminated at approximately 1700hrs.  Thanks to all involved on a job well done. Photos

Minimal work on 1806 Box
On Thursday afternoon, July 30, at approx 1240 hrs, the 1806 box was transmitted for the working garage fire.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene establishing the “2067 Command” reporting a two story wood frame garage with light smoke showing.  Upon further investigation, Command found the homeowner armed with a garden hose keeping a small trash fire in check within the structure.  L18 and E52 were brought into the scene along with staffing from HE4 with the remainder of the box being staged on SR2067.  Ventilation and minimal overhaul were handled with a check for extension.  All units cleared within 30 minutes.

2009 picnic is history!
The members and officers of Station 18  would like to thank everyone who contributed in anyway to make our 2009 Annual Picnic a success!

Ladder on New Milford Box
At approximately 1945 hours on Tuesday evening, L18 was dispatched as part of the first alarm assignment for a possible structure fire  on Main Street in New Milford Boro.  New Milford 12 established the command with nothing showing. Shortly after it was determined to be a false activation and the Ladder was returned.

Steady week ends with wild ride on Main Street

A steady week for the volunteers at the 18 house ended with an early morning wreck on Saturday sending the lone occupant to the trauma center aboard 18-9.  The MVA was transmitted at approx 0600 for the pickup truck into a pole – occupant lying on the roadway at 17 Main Street in the Village.  Lt Price marked on scene within a minute reporting one occupant on the ground and heavy damage to the vehicle.  18-9 arrived and began patient care while the rescue shutdown main street to protect the scene.  18-9 transported to the trauma center with CH1 on board.  R18 remained on scene assisting PSP with traffic control.  Units cleared within 40 minutes.

Fully involved two story upon arrival

	On Monday June 15, at approx 1130hrs, the 1804 box was transmitted for the working structure fire on Cameron Hill Rd, Lenox Twp.  Susquehanna 14 (Glover) advised he was on scene with flames venting from the roof.  Chief 18-1 checked enroute requesting the second alarm be transmitted.  HE4 arrived and exhausted its tank water with L18 arriving and dropping 1200’ of LDH into the scene and establishing a 2 ½” line and the ladder pipe.  E24 picked up the lay and established the dump site for the tanker shuttle.  Units operated for over three hours before returning.  Thanks to all the mutual aide departments for their assistance on a job well done.
	Our thoughts and Prayers to Trooper Miller’s family and PSP On Friday June 12, L18 along with L2 (Meshoppen) participated in the funeral procession honoring Trooper Miller killed in the line of duty.  The Officers and Members of Clifford offer condolences to Trooper Miller’s family and PSP.

Mutual aid run to Harford At approximately  00:30hrs on Thursday May 28, Station 18 was alerted for a first alarm assignment in Harford’s first due for the activated smoke detector in a residence.  Shortly after dispatch, communications advised Harford 11 that the alarm company was now receiving multiple detectors going off in the residence.  L18 responded with four along with T18.  Harford 31 arrived advising of a moderate smoke condition in the two story residence with a wood burner as the possible cause.  Command continued HE4 and L18 into the scene holding all other units.  L18 arrived and assisted in ventilating the structure with no fire found beyond the wood burner.  Units cleared in approximately 45 minutes.

Cut on the “I” starts the Holiday

On Friday May 22, at approx 1500hrs, the MVA assignment was transmitted at the 205.5s for the SUV vs. tractor trailer – multiple reports of the SUV stuck under the truck.  On the box: R18, E24, 18-9 and 24-9.  18-1 marked on scene reporting an SUV into the back of a dump truck with heavy confinement.  The rescue arrived, stabilized the vehicle, and completed a wide body on the SUV to extricate the victim.  E24 handled the safety zone prior to the scene.  The patient was transported via ground to the hospital.  Units remained on scene assisting with traffic before being released.

Rural water exercise  On Monday evening May 18, T18 and the Rescue traveled to area 60 to participate in a rural water exercise.  Crews established multiple ponds to practice dump site practices along with shuttle operations.  Special thanks to Chief Wahy and the “up valley” crews for inviting 18 to participate.

Double entrapment on SR 171
The volunteers were busy on Wednesday night assisting on multiple crashes.  The first MVA was transmitted at approx 21:30 hrs for a vehicle on its roof on Sandy Banks Road, Greenfield twp.  R18 and 18-9 were returned to service with no patients found.  The second run was transmitted at 22:36 hrs for R18 and 18-9 to assist Belmont with a MVA just north of Uniondale Borough.  Uniondale 13 was on scene confirming two heavily entrapped in a pickup truck requesting additional rescue’s, BLS, ALS and two helicopters.  Stations 28 & 52 arrived on scene and went to work stabilizing the vehicle and beginning extrication efforts.  R18 was assigned to the rescue sector with command requesting a heavy deployment. 

Upon arrival the crews went to work assisting on scene crews with the extrication and establishing (5) additional hydraulic tools, air tools, lighting and ladders. The second patient was removed shortly after 18’s arrival.

The four companies operating on scene: 28, 52, 41 & 18 displayed what true mutual aide is about – four departments working seamlessly  throughout the extrication.  R18 and 18-9 were returned to service after approx 50 minutes.  Excellent job by all.  The third crash was dispatched at approx 0330hrs on Rt 106, Greenfield Twp.  With no patients found, 18 was returned to service.

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