Friendship Hook & Ladder Company No. 1

News Archive Page 2

December 29, 2006 - On Friday, December 29, 2006 the Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Company apparatus held its annual Holiday Party. The event was attended by well over 100 firefighters, family and friends. The event included a hot buffet, an awards ceremony, the playing of the year-in-review video and presentation of gifts to all those that attended. This year, two special awards were given out. Rick and Becky Rothenberger were presented with a plaque thanking them for over 20 years of service during the annual Halloween Parade. The Rothenbergers and their family sell food and refreshments to help raise money for the apparatus crew. This year marked their 20th year running the food stand. The other award was presented to Chief Chuck Neubauer in recognition of completing his 20th year as fire chief of the Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Company. A solid bronze, hand-carved fire helmet award was presented to thank Chuck for his 20 years of outstanding service and dedication as Fire Chief. Thanks to all those that attended the great event and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

December 29, 2006 - Today marked a sad day for the Boyertown Fire Department. Former fire chief of Company 16 (Keystone Steam Fire Engine Company) made his final trip in Engine 16-1 today. Paul "Squirrley" Bartman passed away earlier in the week and was laid to rest at St. Paul's Cemetary in Amityville on Friday, December 28, 2006. Firefighters from Company 15 attended both the viewing and funeral and participated in the funeral processing from Station 16 to the cemetary. Ladder 15 along with Ladder 27 (Fairmount of Norristown) created a ladder arch for the processing to pass under near the entrance to the cemetary. Squirrley was an active member of the Keystone Fire Company for the past 55 years including over 20 years as chief of the company. Rest in Peace Squirrley, you will be greatly missed. Thanks to all the Companies that were on stand-by for Boyertown during the services.

December 28, 2006 - At 0909 hours, Company 15 was dispatched to Rt. 73 and Little Getting Rd. in Earl Twp. to assist Company 19 (Earl Twp.) on a Motor Vehicle Accident with injuries. Rescue 15 responded and arrived on location at 0919 hours and assisted with patient car, fluid control and the powering down of the vehicles involved. Company 15 was released and at station at 1013 hours.

December 27, 2006 - At 1512 hours Company 15 was requested to respond to 109 Hanover Dr. in Upper Pottsgrove Twp., Montgomery County to assist Montco. Station 79 (Upper Pottsgrove) on an unknown type fire. Units from Station 79 arrived on location and found a fully-involved trailer with exposure to the surrounding brush. Company 15 was asked to lead with Utility 15 due to tight access to the scene. Utility, Engine and Rescue 15 all responded and assisted with extinguishment and overhaul of the trailer. Company 15 was released and was at station at 1846 hours.

December 11, 2006 - At 1502 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to the intersection of Fifth and Franklin Streets in the Borough for an unknown-injury motor vehicle accident. Rescue 15 responded, while Ladder 15 was responding from an electrical fire on Hilltop Road, with both apparatus arriving on location at 1506 hours. Crews powered down both vehicles and controlled fluids and debris. EMS went available due to negative injuries. After the tow companies secured the vehicles, the companies were available, and Company 15 was at station at 1545 hours.

December 9, 2006 - Engine and Utility 15 reported to Station 3 (Stonersville) to stand-by due to a large woods fire on Neversink Mountain. Crews stayed at the station and did not run any calls while standing-by. Once Company 3 returned to station, crews assisted them with placing their equipment back in service, and the company went available and was at station at 1737 hours.

December 9, 2006 - At 1311 hours, Engine 15 was requested by 3-12 (Rhoads) to stand-by at Station 3 (Stonersville) due to a large woods fire on Neversink Mountain. As Engine and Utility 15 were en route to Stonersville, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched at 1322 hours to a reported brush fire on North Sunrise Lane. Units arrived on location at 1328 hours to an area of brush approximately 30' by 15' that was burning. A crew from Engine 15 knocked down the bulk of the fire with a 300' 1 3/4" line, while a 1" booster line was pulled from Brush 16 to assist. When the fire was deemed under control, the call was turned over to Company 16, and Company 15 went available at 1358 hours and headed to Stonersville.

December 9, 2006 - This morning, Ladder 15 went on a special detail. We escorted Santa Claus from the Douglass Township building on Douglass Drive to the Pine Forge Elementary School on Pine Forge Road. Ladder 15 and Santa arrived to a large group of children eager to meet him. After spending some time at the school, Ladder 15 returned to station.

December 6, 2006 - At 2107 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to the 2100 block of Farmington Avenue for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Rescue, Engine, and Utility 15 went responding, and arrived on location at 2109 hours to a single-vehicle accident into a building with one head injury. Crews split up duties, whic included assisting EMS, stabilizing and powering down the vehicle, and also entering the building to check on structural stability. After determining that the vehicle did not damage any main structural members, and assisting the tow company with securing the vehicle, the Company went available and was at station at 2251 hours.

December 4, 2006 - At 1303 hours, Ladder 15 was requested to assist Company 20 (Bechtelsville) on a possible structure fire at 169 Chestnut Street. Additional was given that there was a sofa on fire in the residence. Units arriving on location reported smoke showing and a working fire throughout the first floor of the residence. Ladder 15 arrived on location at 1313 hours, with crews instructed to ground ladder the second floor and assist with ventilation. One crew from the Ladder began to set up ground ladders, while another crew entered the rear of the structure given a report of a dog still in the residence. The dog escaped, so that crew entered the second floor and assisted with searching the second floor. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes, and crews remained on location for approximately an additional hour for overhaul, and to assist the State Police Fire Marshal with investigation of the cause of the fire. Company 15 was released by Company 20, and was at station at 1503 hours.

November 24, 2006 - Today, the Friendship Hook & Ladder Fire Company received notice from FEMA that we were awarded our very first FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant. the items we applied for and will be receiving are a complete set of Globe G-Xtreme turnout gear, a Scott AV-3000 facepiece with voice amplifier and a LED Survivor light for every single firefighter. We would like to thank FEMA and everyone that helped us in receiving this grant. We look forward to receiving our equipment.

November 10, 2006 - Today, a crew hosted a special education class from Boyertown Senior High School for a fire prevention presentation. Approximately 20 students came to the station, and were taught different things about firefighting and fire safety. Junior Firefighter Ethan Miller had the opportunity to dress up and model his fire gear for his classmates. In addition, the crew doing the presentation showed the students how we climb the Ladder Truck, use radios, and squirt water from the hose. The students then individually had the opportunity to use the fire hose. Today was a fun and unique experience that we'd all love to do again! Thanks to the students for coming out to see us and what we do!

November 8 , 2006 - At 1354 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to Junior High West to assist EMS by establishing a landing zone for Med-Evac. Engine 15 arrived on location at 1400 hours, and set up a landing zone on an athletic field to the rear of the school. Medic 527 was on location with a male who sustained a head injury from playing football. Crews assisted EMS personnel and the flight medics loading the patient into the helicopter, and after breaking down the landing zone, the Company was available and at station at 1437 hours.

November 6 , 2006 - At 1803 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to the intersection of Fourth and Monroe Streets in the Borough for an unknown-injury vehicle accident. Due to Rescue 15 being temporarily out of service, Utility and Engine 15 responded with full crews, and arrived on location at 1806 hours to a minor non-injury MVA. Crews controlled an antifreeze leak and cleaned up some debris on the roadway. Companies were made available, and Company 15 was at station at 1830 hours.

November 4, 2006 - Tonight was a night full of fun for members of the Hooks and their families! The night started off at 1700 hours at the YMCA with an hour and a half of swimming in the pool. Since we pump the pool for the YMCA, they decided to give us the pool for free for us to swim! Then, at 1830 hours, the entire crew was picked up at the YMCA and taken for a hayride all around Boyertown. The ride ended at the station around 1900 hours, where we set up a projector and screen inside the station and watched two movies and ate lots of food! Thanks to all of our members who came out and made the night one to remember! Special thanks to the YMCA for allowing us to use your facilities, and to Wilcox Farms for providing the hayride!

October 30, 2006 - At 0522 hours, Company 15 was dispatched to assist Montgomery County Station 65 (Pennsburg) for another working structure fire. This time, it was at an assisted living facility for mentally handicapped persons. Luckily, all residents were able to escape the building safely. Company 15 arrived on location at 0546 hours, and assisted Companies on-scene after RIT duties were relieved. Crews assisted with extinguishment, roof ventilation, and overhaul. Company 15 went available and was at station at 0844 hours.

October 21, 2006 - At 1545 hours, Company 15 was requested for RIT to assist Montgomery County Station 65 (Pennsburg) on a working dwelling fire. The Company responded with all four trucks, with the Ladder arriving on location at 1559 hours. Upon arrival, Chief 65 requested a second RIT, because Company 15 was to go into service and assist in operations. The crew from Ladder 15 was directed to enter the attached exposure and check for extension. Crews entered the third floor of the exposure side, and encountered zero-visibility and a working fire extending into the adjacent room. Crews extinguished the fire and assisted with ventilation. Additional crews assisted elsewhere in the structure with extensive overhaul. The Company remained on-scene for approximately and hour and a half, and the Company was at station at 1827 hours.

October 14, 2006 - At 0413 hours, Ladder 15 was requested to assist Stations 22 (Barto) and 14 (Bally) on a reported barn fire at Route 100 and Niantic Road. As units went responding, it was advised that it was a working barn fire, and it was in Montgomery County. Upon this report, Montgomery County units were dispatched, as well as additional units for water supply and manpower. Ladder 15 put the main in service, and the Company remained on-scene for several hours to assist with extinguishment and overhaul. Company 15 went available and was at station at 1235 hours.

October 12, 2006 - At 1414 hours, Rescue 15 was special requested by Montgomery County to assist Station 67 (Gilbertsville) on a vehicle rescue on Route 73 in front of Bermont Motors. Rescue and Engine 15 went responding and arrived on location at 1422 hours to a two-vehicle MVA with one roll-over. Crews assisted in fluid control and debris clean-up, as the patient was already extricated by Station 67. After duties were performed, Company 15 went available and at station at 1508 hours.

October 9-14, 2006 - This week was National Fire Prevention Week. Throughout the week, we have visited various places, including Boyertown Elementary, and also hosted several preschools and scout troops from the area to teach them about fire prevention and safety. Thanks to everybody who came out to learn all about fire prevention from us, we are always happy to educate the public about what we do!

October 7, 2006 - Today was the Third Annual Boyertown Fire Department Custom Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show, held at the Boyertown Park. Despite a chilly, cloudy, and breezy day, the show was once again a success. The turnout was about the same as last year, with some new events that took place this year. Included in this year's show was a vehicle rescue demonstration, a PennStar helicopter, and a classic rock cover band named The Hackers. Overall, the day was very fun and eventful, andeveryone got to see some very neat vehicles of all ages, styles, colors. Thanks to everyone who came out to help at this year's show and to this year's sponsors, and we hope everybody had an enjoyable time! Look forward to the Fourth Annual Show to be held sometime early in October, 2007!

Click here to see more pictures of the Third Annual Boyertown Fire Department Custom Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show!

October 1, 2006 - At 1601 hours, Ladder 15 was requested to assist Station 17 (Liberty) and Engine 16-2 (Keystone) on a reported dryer fire inside a residence on Powder Mill Hollow Road. Ladder 15 and Engine 15 went responding with full crews, and while enroute, received a report of the fire extending to the walls and ceiling around the dryer. Ladder 15 arrived on location at 1610 hours with light-medium smoke showing from the residence. A crew from the Ladder entered the structure and encountered a heavy smoke condition, and also confirmed a working fire in and around the dryer. Using 2 pressurized water extinguishers, the fire was knocked down and arriving crews assisted in setting up negative pressure ventilation. The dryer was removed from the residence, and crews from the three companies worked together in opening walls and checking for extension. When the fire was deemed out, crews secured the residence, and companies went available. Company 15 was at station at 1759.

Thanks to Liberty Fire Police Lieutenant Randy Minninger (17-20) for sharing pictures with us!

September 28, 2006 - Rescue 15 was requested at 0951 hours to assist Montgomery Stations 37 (New Hanover) and 68 (Sassamansville) at a vehicle rescue on Route 73 in New Hanover Township. Rescue 15 responded with a crew of 8 and arrived at 1003 hours. Before arrival it was determined to be a fatal accident and a recovery operation. Personnel assisted with setting up large crib boxes and lifted the truck with air bags to access the driver. The “A” and “B” posts were cut and the driver was removed. The company was available and at station at 1113 hours.

August 30-31, 2006 - Company 15 was requested to stand-by for Montgomery County Station 67 (Gilbertsville), due to the passing of their Fire Police Lieutenant, Philip "Bucky" Buckwalter. During the funeral services, Engine and Utility 15 relocated to Station 67, while Ladder 15 and Montgomery County Ladder 65 (Pennsburg) created a ladder arch while Bucky took his last ride on Engine 67 through their station and under the arch. We send our condolences to our fellow firefighters at Gilbertsville and to the Buckwalter family. We are always willing to help you out!

August 17, 2006 - At 1213 hours, Companies 17 (Liberty), 15, and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to a possible structure fire at 1001 Montgomery Avenue, Colebrookdale Township. 17-10 (Wary) arrived on location to a working fire in a large garage with exposure problems to a larger adjacent garage, and a fuel tank. Engine 15 went responding and arrived on location at 1216 hours, followed by Engine 17-2 and Engine 16-2, and crews from the three companies advanced two 1 3/4" lines and one 2 1/2" line to, at the same time, attack the fire and protect the exposures. The fire was brought under control in about an hour, with additional alarms struck for manpower for the overhaul to follow. During the overhaul process, it was found that an electrical malfunction sparked the fire, and losses included a mint-condition antique truck and over $20,000 worth of cherry wood. When the fire was deemed out and overhaul was complete, the companies went available, and Company 15 was at station at 1545 hours.

August 16, 2006 - Tonight, Ladder 15 and Engine 16-2 (Keystone) were at Rita's Water Ice in town for their "Fire Prevention Night." Crews from both companies came out to show members of the community the two pieces of apparatus, inform the people about various aspects of our duties, and show the children all of our tools and things we have on the trucks. Later on that night, Firefighters Ashley Neubauer, Corey Heimbach, and James Thomas put on a repelling demonstration for the public. It was a night of fun and another great opportunity for the firefighters and community to interact and get to know each other! Thanks to all who came out!

August 13 , 2006 - This Sunday, several members of the company were on location at the annual Corvettes For Kids event held at the Washington Elementary School in Barto. We manned the smoke trailer that we bring every year, and we also spread word to participants of the event about our 3rd Annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show. Thanks to those that came out to help, and made Corvettes For Kids a fun and enjoyable time!

August 11-12, 2006 - On Friday night at 2027 hours, Company 15 was dispatched to assist Companies 17 (Liberty) and Montgomery County Company 67 (Gilbertsville) at a building fire at Cabot Corporation. Ladder 15 went responding and arrived on location at 2033 hours. Ladder 15 was instructed to set up the main to the top of a dust collector that was reported to contain burning tantalum. An issue arose during the incident due to the fact that a nearby water source could potentially cause the tantalum to explode. Accountability was heavily stressed, and a "hot zone" and "cold zone" were established. Also, a "hot zone RIT" and a "fire extinguisher team" were established. Crews in the hot zone were required to be in full TOG and SCBA, since a line of argon gas was being utilized to smother the fire, because argon gas is heavier than air. The collector was disassembled by Cabot employees, and firefighters rotated to assist in checking temperature readings and checking for any other signs of fire. When the fire was deemed out, Companies went available, and Company 15 was at station at 0003 hours.

At 0639 hours on Saturday morning, Company 15 was dispatched to assist Company 49 (Amity) for the second alarm assignment on a working structure fire at Jay Lanes Bowling on Route 422, Douglass Township. Ladder and Engine 15 went responding, and arrived on location at 0659 hours. Crews split up and performed several tasks on the fire scene. Some members went to the roof to assist Chester County Company 64 (Norco) with ventilation. Other crews forced entry on sides C and D of the building to assist in locating the fire. One crew from Company 15 accessed the area behind the lanes, and found the fire in the center of the bowling alley. The interior crew deployed a line from Engine 3 (Stonersville) and contained the fire, while crews from other companies on the scene accessed the fire through the front door. After the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews continued working on the roof, because the fire spread to the HVAC units on the roof. Companies remained on-scene for a few hours after the fire was out while the fire marshall investigated the cause of the fire. After the fire marshall completed his duty, Company 15 was released, and was at station at 1356 hours.

Special thanks to Erin Dietterick for sharing pictures of the Jay Lanes fire with us!

August 5, 2006 - At 1608 hours, Ladder 15 was dispatched, along with Company 20 (Bechtelsville), to assist Company 17 (Liberty) on a dryer fire at Route 100 and Township Line Road. Ladder 15 went responding, and arrived on location at 1613, with crews going into service due to a working dryer fire and heavy smoke in the structure. Ladder 15's crew laddered the roof and opened some vents to assist in ventilation. Crews also went inside to open drywall and check for extension. There was some minor extension above the dryer, and when the fire was deemed out and the structure was ventilated, companies were made available, and Company 15 was at station at 1810 hours.

Thanks to Papa John's and Subway for offering food and refreshments for the crews on location!

August 1, 2006 - At 1212 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to the intersection of Fourth and Franklin Streets in the Borough for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Rescue 15 arrived on location at 1218 hours to a two-vehicle MVA, and crews assisted EMS with patient care, powered down the vehicles, and controlled fluids and debris. After the tow company secured the vehicles, Company 15 went available and was at station at 1308 hours.

July 26, 2006 - At 1252 hours, Company 15 was requested to relocate the Engine and Rescue to Station 49, because they were at a multi-alarm house fire in Union Township. Engine 15, Rescue 15, and Utility 15 all reported to Station 49, and stood-by for approximately 45 minutes, then were requested to respond to the scene with manpower at 1358 hours. Crews assited companies on-scene with extinguishing hot spots, and pulling walls and ceilings for overhaul. After working on-scene for approximately 2 hours, Company 15 was released from the scene, and was at station at 1631 hours.

July 21, 2006 - At 1304 hours, Companies 15 and 16 (Keystone) were dispatched to North Reading Avenue and Seventh Street in the Borough for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Rescue 15 responded and arrived on location at 1311 hours to a two-vehicle accident with two injuries. Crews assisted EMS with patient packaging, and also controlled fluids and cleaned up debris. Companies went available, and Company 15 was at station at 1348 hours.