New Ladder 18 in service On Friday December 6, Ladder 18 went  back in service.  It has been a unique ride since April when the body agreed to consolidate our operations and would not have been possible without the support of all involved.  I, as Chief, cannot express my gratitude to both the members of Station 18 and our mutual aid departments who stepped up and were willing to bridge the gap during the transitional months.  The  specs:  2007 ALF Demo Quint      6 person cab    110' Heavy Duty rear mount stick   2000 gpm pump   300   water    (2) 1 3/4" preconnects    (1) 2 1/2" preconnect
	Final respects paid to Jack Tellep  It is with the great sadness, our family at Station 18 said  a final  goodbye to Life-member Jack Tellep.  Jack passed away December 31 after a brief illness.  We offer Jack’s wife Connie our most heart felt condolences and support during this time. Jack held offices in administration and Line Officer duties creating a benchmark of what true dedication is.  Jack was a true example of a great person.  We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all who helped us and Jack's family during this difficult time. Particularly we would like to acknowledge the support received from Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Company and Crystal Fire Company for their help with the funeral service.  While we remained focused on saying goodbye to Jack, our station was filled with apparatus from Harford Fire Company, Forest City FD and Browndale Fire Company.  Finally,  thanks  to all the members of Clifford Township VFC  and Ladies Auxilary for all the sacrifices made this week. Again thank you to all.  Photolink
	Round 2: Weather deals a day of runs  In the early morning hours of Sunday December 16, the strong winds and freezing rains made their plans for the crews at Station 18.  The initial power outages started around 0430hrs in the township. At 05:53hrs the 24 box was dispatched for a working fire in the Newton Lake area.  On the alarm:  E52, E36, R18, R59, T18, T24, T36, L18, 24-9, and 18-9.  24 arrived and reported a working fire in a detached garage.  T24 arrived and stretched the line getting an initial knock on the fire.  L18 arrived and assisted 24 with opening up and overhaul.  The box was scaled back to 24 and 18.  Units remained on scene for about 45mins.
	Overheated boiler gets big response On Friday, January 18, at 1724hrs the 1801 box was transmitted for the basement fire at the Mt View Restaurant and motel complex on Main Street Clifford.  The fire was reported to be in the basement of the main structure.  On the assignment: E24, E24, HE4, L18, R18, T18, T24, HT3, 18-9, 24-9.  24-9 was committed to a previous run bumping HAM2 up.  Lt18c arrived within 1 minute reporting a moderate smoke condition in the basement division, possible furnace issue.  Chief 18 marked on scene at 1727hrs establishing the “106 Command” reporting a single story commercial with evacuations in progress with smoke in the basement.

Two AM runs with Harford Fire On Tuesday, January 29, 2008, the morning turned slick when the rain moved in at 26 degrees.  At 0824hrs R18 was requested as first due rescue for the MVA assignment in Harford Township with confirmed confinement.  Harford 22 marked on scene reporting a pickup truck on its side with one confined.   Harford 13 made the request and R18 responded with a total crew of five.  HE4 arrived and began extrication of the victim with 18-12 (Randall) arriving before the rescue and assisting the engine crew.  The patient was extricated prior to the rescues arrival and placed back in service.

At 1054hrs the Harford box was transmitted on SR2073 for the chimney fire with unknown extension.  L18 went with four.  Harford 25 arrived on scene with no apparent extension and fire in the chimney.  L18 arrived at the A/B corner and placed the main ladder in service to the roof.  An internal scan was completed to confirm no extension, but fire in the chimney.  The ladder crew sent dry chem into the chimney and extinguished the fire.  The area was rescanned with temperatures back in acceptable ranges.  The box returned to service within 35 minutes. 
 

	Bad weather - Multiple runs for 18 At 1416hrs on February 1, the Rescue was dispatched for the MVA at mm218 assisting Harford. Units arrived and found limited services required and placed the Rescue back in service.  Just as units cleared, 18 was again requested to send a BLS rig to 209n on the I for patient evaluation. Per the SOG, R18 was added to the run for protection of 18-9. As the rescue neared the 209, the crew found a four car crash with unknown injuries.  The Rescue took the driving lane establishing a safe zone for the incident.  No EMS was required and refusals weere obtained. The original incident was also handled at the 209.8. Units cleared within 45 minutes.
	Ladder and 18-9  assist 24 Around 2000hrs, the MVA with fire was transmitted for Petrilak Road in 24’s first due.  On the run: E24, R18, T24, 24-9 and 18-9.  PD arrived and found one vehicle hard into a tree and fully involved with the occupant out of the vehicle.  With the scene update, 24 command requested 18 run the Ladder on the call.  L18 arrived and assisted the engine crew opening up and extinguishing the fire.  Units cleared in 30 minutes.
	First due attic fire on cold night On Monday February 11, at 2031hrs, the 1806 Box was transmitted for a structure fire on SR2033 Clifford Townhip.  On the assignment: E24,HE4, E52, L18, R18, T18, T24, T52, 18-9 and 24-9.  L18 responded within minutes with 6 to the location.  Communications update the Chief while enroute that the homeowner stated he had a chimney fire that had progressed into a working attic fire.  With the update, 43 car, R36(RIT) and two additional tankers were added to the box.  Chief 18-1 marked on scene establishing the 2033 command with smoke pushing from around the chimney and no access to the area. L18 arrived taking the A/B corner of the building, splitting crews with one crew heading to division 1 interior to open up and the second crew laddering the structure.

E52's crew stretched a line from L18 while Chief 18-3 set the main ladder for roof operations.  E24 headed for a water source approx one mile away planning for the tanker shuttle.  R36 would arrive and handle the RIT assignment. 

Division 1's crew opened up and knocked the fire while the ladder group assessed the structure from roof.  Due to the new, mostly finished home, extra time was spent to minimize the damage from overhaul as large amounts of blown-in insulation would need to be removed.  The crew took proper steps to breach a bedroom wall to gain access to the rear of the fireplace to remove the insulation.  After approximately 90 minutes, the crews had removed the burnt material and began to pack up.  Car 43 handled the accountability and staging while 18-9 and 24-9 took care of the EMS.Photolink

	Slick roads = multi-vehicle wreck at 206 As the snow moved into the area on Tuesday, February 12, it was just a matter of time.  At 1422hrs the MVA assignment was dispatched at mm206 on the interstate for a SUV that slid thru the median and collided with two tractor trailers headed southbound.  On the response: E24, R18, 18-9 and 24-9. 18-21(B. Price) arrived within minutes updating the crew that a secondary crash had happened in the northbound lanes with unknown injuries involving a tractor trailer and additional passenger vehicles.  18-1 marked on scene establishing the 206 command requesting two additional BLS, one ALS, and HT3 for traffic.  Thankfully, no serious injuries resulted from the violent crash.  Two were transported to local hospitals while R18 handled the hazardous and safety zone.  E24 and HT3 positioned north of the accident to slow traffic. On the response: R18, E24, HT3, 18-9, 24-9, HAM2, 36-9, CH1, MMM  PHOTOLINK
	Fuel truck flip closes Route 92 An early moring crash sent 18 and Harford Fire/EMS to a reported fuel truck rolled over on SR92 Lenox township on February 13, 2007.  Captain 18 marked on scene establishing the 92 command reporting a fuel tanker on its side with one occupant out of the vehicle.  HE4 arrived on scene taking the north end of the incident while R18 came in from the south side. The rig was carrying 1000 gallons of product with no leakage.  Units strectched a line while the recovery service righted the vehicle. The operator was uninjured; however, the fuel truck sustained heavy damage.Units cleared a short time after.
	The Heavy goes to work  On Sunday, August 12, 2007, Harford Fire was dispatched for a one car MVA on the Crick Road.  Units on scene stated they had one vehicle into a pole with one occupant “stuck” but not trapped.  Harford 11 arrived on scene and established the Crick Road command and evaluated. After a quick size up, Rescue 18 was dispatched for the heavy confinement.  Harford Engine 4 went to work and began to remove the roof.  The Rescue arrived and placed rescue struts and additional stabilization on the vehicle and both crews removed the roof and vertically extricated the patient.  The Rescue cleared in approximately 25 minutes.
	Cold weather keeps 18 busy Friday started out early with the 1804 box dispatched for yet another chimney fire.  On the box: E24, NE1, R18, T18, T24, HT3, T63, 18-9, HA2.  Lt 18B (Ransom) arrived on scene reporting visible flame from the chimney.  Chief 181 (W Turner) arrived on scene establishing the “18 Command” reporting visible fire from the Chimney in an addition attached to the structure.  As T18 was arriving, the order was given to stretch a line to the structure and there was extension into the roof and ceiling.  18 stretched the line and got a knock on the fire with E24 establishing lighting and ventilation.  HT3 came into the scene with all other units being staged on Rt106 and SR2067.  Units cleared within 45 minutes. As the crews just finished cleaning up from the job, Harford’s MVA assignment was dispatched at the 218mm bringing R18.  Harford 11 cancelled the rescue, no injuries on the scene.
	Assist to Hop Bottom On Sunday September 9, R-18 was dispatched on the first alarm assignment as the RIT in Hop Bottom for the reported silo fire on Rt167.  On the box:  HBE1, HBE2, UE6, HBT, UT4, UTWR3, R-18, Montrose BLS.  Hop Bottom 13 arrived establishing the "167 Command" reporting smoke showing from the rear silo.  After a discussion with the land owner, the silo had not been used for three years and it was full.  UTWR3 positioned to get a look and scan the structure for heat. Hop Bottom prepared for water supply if nessecary while the crew from the Rescue deployed the RIT equipment per the assignment.  After a scan of the silo and discussion with the land owner on options, the owner opted to contact his insurer and proceed from there.  No immediate danger to the surrounding structures was found.  Hop Bottom cleared all units at approximately 1030 hrs.

18 runs 28 box for early morning house fire
On Saturday December 22 at 0109hrs L18, R18, and the tanker were special called to a first alarm structure box in area 28.  E28, E52,and E41 were operating on a two story residential with heavy smoke showing and fire in the rear. The Ladder arrived on scene as the first due truck and positioned at the A/B corner with the assignment of opening up the roof.  The crew vented the main roof of the structure and then went to work with the crew from 41 on a division 1 flat roof on side C of the structure. 

The fire had traveled from division 1, thru the walls of the balloon construction and made its way into the addition on the rear while following the chimney to the roof.  When all was done, the crews had removed one of two roofs on the addition, opened up the entire side C wall behing the chimney and completed extensive overhaul on the inside.  E43 handled the RIT duties.  A good job by all companies involved.  Units cleared at 0432hrs.  Links to more pictures

Third time the Charm!
For three years running, Clifford Fire has aggressively pursued an apparatus grant thru the Department of Homeland Security Firefighters Assistance Grant program.  On Friday, September 7, Round 7 of the 2007 Grant program was released and Clifford was blessed with a Vehicle acquisition Grant project totaling $250,000.  This allocation will allow us to replace our current 1978/1989 tanker with a new, NFPA compliant tanker that will provide years of protection to our community and surrounding areas. Thanks to all who assisted making this possible.

Earlier: 18 lands Operations and Safety Grant
On Friday, July 27, 2007, Round 1 of the Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program was awarded.  Clifford Fire was awarded a total package of $59,725 for purchasing Personal Protective Equipment for its members.  Clifford Fire is required to contribute 5% or $2,986 toward the project.  PPE are the protective suits that are warn by each member for an array of emergencies such as motor vehicle accidents, car fires and structure fires. The magnitude of this grant in assisting with protecting our members cannot be placed into words. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to DHS for their consideration of our project and their dedication to helping us help others.

The Engine goes to Oregon, L-18 gone South
"The final payment for the engine was received this morning and as of that time the Engine was pulled from service.  In discussions with you previously, we had asked for your support during this transition.  With the engine gone, our alarm assignments will bump the next due automatically on all runs requiring an engine. We have re-structured our in house response to accomplish our mission with your support.  I have attached our SOG on what will be responding to our assignments and in what order.  The quint hunt continues along with exploring the "demo" market.  I will keep everyone up-to-speed on our progress and thank you in advance for your help"  Chief Turner  Ladder 18 was  removed from service on August 15.  The ladder has been purchased by a department in Georgia where it will enjoy warmer weather and less road salt.  As with the engine, we are relying on our neighbors during this transition period into the quint. We will keep everyone up to speed on our progress and continue to provide truck company operations off of Rescue 18.  Our run cards at the communications center will bump up the next due truck for our emergencies.  Read the revised SOG  Read the revised SOG 

I crash draws response At 02:12hrs on Wednesday, September 12, the MVA assignment was transmitted for 208 southbound on the "I", reporting two tractor trailers involved with heavy damage. Chief 18-3 marked on scene establishing the "208 Command" reporting two tractor trailers, one empty, one loaded with unplacarded cargo - extensive damage to the vehicles, fuel leaking and one injury.  R-18 arrived on scene and was assigned lighting and hazard control with 18-9 handling the EMS care. E-24 took the traffic detail and protected the scene.  The patient was transported to the local trauma center aboard 18-9 and the second patient via 24-9.  R-18 contained the hazard as best possible with command notifying EMA of the situation.  Units remained on scene providing lighting and safety to the recovery crew as the handled the wreckage.  Command was terminated just after 05:00hrs. On the box: R-18, E-24, 18-9, 24-9, CLS.

Fire hits Greenfield Twp. business
On July 31, 2007 at 03:28 hours, the 24 box was dispatched for a commercial building fire on Rt. 247.  On the assignment from 18 was L-18, R-18, T-18 and 18-9.  Chief 24 marked on scene reporting a heavily involved building and requested the second alarm. The ladder arrived on scene as the first due truck taking side A of the building and establishing ladder pipe operations and opening up the front. T-18 arrived and deployed the porta-pond and dumped its load to begin shuttle operations. The Rescue arrived and provided lighting and was designated the command post while 18-9 came in to assist with rehab.  E-24 mounted an aggressive exterior attack while the ladder pipe from 18 went to work trying to darken the fire.  As additional units arrived, a large LDH lay was completed and supplied by E-36 along with multiple porta-ponds at the scene.  L-58 positioned at the B side of the structure and also placed into service its ladder pipe.  The incident went to three alarms bringing companies from four counties.  The ladder crew worked along with L-58, R-59, R-25 and E-24 for an extensive overhaul. Units cleared near 1100 hrs. Click here for more photos

3 more FireFighter 1 Certifications at 18
On Sunday, June 24, the Firefighter recruit class had their day on the field at the Bucks County training facility for the FireFigher 1 certification practical.  On behalf of the Officers and Members of 18, we would like to congratulate ALL of the men and women from the group who made the trip – because of folks like you, we have once again raised the benchmark of training in our region.  The newest certifications at 18 are:

• FF Andrew Beaudry
• FF Beatty Price 
• FF Sue Price

Hazmat incident draws response

On Thursday May 4, the hazmat box was transmitted for the Flying J truck plaza in New Milford Fires first due.  On the assignment: NME3, NMT, NMA, EMA1 and R-18.  While enroute command was notified that there was a confirmed product leak of an unknown substance and the van trailer was placarded with multiple hazard classes.  NM14 (McConnell) arrived and established the command confirming the reports.  R-18 arrived and operated as the command post putting the on-board weather station in service and deploying its decon equipment to establish a precautionary line.  The hazmat sector was assigned to Chief 18 (Turner) and a tier II response was requested bring United E6 and Decon 24 to the scene for additional resources in the event of an entry. NM command requested the second alarm assignment for the job which brought the following: R7, T7, HE4, HT3, HAM and fire police units.  Contact was made with the driver and the shipping company confirming the cargo.

While this was taking place an entry team and RIT were established to enter the trailer in level A PPE to determine the leaking product.  Chief 24 (Bales) led the entry team of three with 18-12 handling the RIT duties with a crew from R-18.  Decon 24 and United E6 established a technical decon line.   A drum of non-hazardous material was found leaking in the trailer.  Units began breaking down shortly after the entry and were returned to service.  No injuries were reported.  Command   NM14  McConnell, Chiefs Aide Chief 18-1 W. Turner, Operations H12  Chidister, Hazmat Chief 18 T Turner, Decon  Chief 24A Evans, PIO  Chief 18-2 O’Rourke