Fearnots News
FEARNOTS INSPECT QUICK ATTACK VEHICLE PRODUCTION
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| On March 22, 2007 members of the Fearnots traveled to Swab Wagon Company of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania to see the progress on the production of its quick attack truck. The truck will soon be receiving a water tank, pump and emergency lighting. Delivery is expected in early June. The Fearnots have already received thousands of dollars of donations in order to equip the truck. The Fearnots expect this piece of apparatus to be equipped with an additional Jaws of Life system and which can serve independently or compliment the current rescue/squirt. | ||
FEARNOTS TO ACQUIRE 4 WHEEL DRIVE ATTACK VEHICLE
The Fearnots are proud to announce the purchase of a new attack truck designed to be used for multiple firefighting purposes. The truck will be purchased in part by a $78,850 firefighter assistance grant obtained though the Department of Homeland Security. The new truck will be manufactured on a Ford Chassis by SWAB Wagon Company of Elizabethville, Pennsylvania. (December 2007)
FEARNOTS TO ACQUIRE ENGINE / LADDER / RESCUE
At a special meeting held on March 25, 2007 it was the unanimous decision of the attending members to purchase a Pierce Saber Squirt. Last week, 5 members of the department traveled to California to view the 1997 Pierce. The apparatus was found in superb condition, limited mileage/hours and had been previously owned by a volunteer California department. That department recently purchased a new 105 foot Pierce ladder due to a land conservation ordinance, which provided for building higher buildings.
The Squirt will provide the department with a 50 foot apparatus mounted ladder, capable of a 500 pound "tip load" and the ability to flow 1000 gallons per minute from a remote controlled nozzle. The ladder is capable of being set up by one firefighter in less than 2 - 3 minutes. The nozzle can be controlled from the ground, or the ladder tip, and can be rotated 90 degrees upward. The Squirt, which is expected to be called "Engine 2", is 2 feet shorter than our current engine and provides for a tight turning radius and ability to get in tight spots, such as alleys and rural driveways, where conventional ladder trucks can't reach.
The current engine, a 1991 Pierce - Engine 49, will be placed on consignment with the company who was selling the squirt. The department had begun to explore the purchase of a new Rescue/Engine when the opportunity to acquire this Pierce Squirt was discovered. Economically, the new truck fits the needs of the department while costing only a fraction of new piece of apparatus. The new apparatus will also be used for rescue and will be equipped with a "Jaws of Life", hydraulic rams, airbags and other rescue equipment.
The purchase will be the first apparatus mounted ladder that the company has owned since it's inception in 1954. The apparatus will provide the unique ability of a single truck that can provide a ladder, rescue equipment and a pumper in one. The unit also has a 1250 gpm pump and a hydraulic ground ladder rack. It will provide almost double the compartment space of the departments currently owned engine/rescue. The ability for apparatus to provide "multiple functions" was important in the decision to purchase. Since the department is volunteer, manpower is an issue, especially during traditional "working" hours. This apparatus is able to perform a variety of functions with limited manpower.
The Squirt will be a great asset to providing the best fire and rescue services to the residents and visitors of Foster Township and surrounding areas. The engine - ladder - rescue will also assist and compliment the firefighting capabilities of surrounding municipalities and will be the only "Squirt" in the lower Luzerne County area.
The
Fearnots Volunteer Fire Department provides primary fire and rescue services to
the 44 square miles of Foster Township. The department operates 24 hours per
day, 365 days per year and is staffed by volunteers. The department was
the second in Pennsylvania to be certified by the State Fire Commissioner has
having 50% of it's active members certified as Firefighter I or above.
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--REMINDER--
The January, February and March monthly meetings will take place on the first Sunday of the month, rather than the first Tuesday. Fire company meetings will be held Sunday at 1 pm, with the Officers meeting starting at 12:30. The regular Tuesday meetings will resume in April.
-- FEARNOTS INSTALLS 2007 OFFICERS --
Release 1/7/2007
The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Department installed it's 2007 Officers at the annual re-organization meeting which was held on January 7, 2006. A listing of current officers can be found on the "Officers" page.
--2005 FUND DRIVE IN PROGRESS--
Release date - May 2005
The Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company is now conducting its Annual Fund Drive for 2005! Residents have been mailed fund drive packets. If you haven't received one please call (570) 636-0347 and leave your name and address or send a donation to the address below.
Through the past generosities our fire company has been able to certify 50% of our active firefighters as Firefighter I or II by the National Board on Fire Services Professional Qualifications and has been able to upgrade the fire fighting equipment and supplies to current levels.
The largest funding source for our Fire Department is this fund drive. It provides us with the funds necessary to purchase firefighting gear and equipment. In the past, your donations have helped us make these purchases, which helps keep your fire insurance premium down. Our members receive NO financial compensation for any firefighting activity and the organization is all volunteer.
Your contribution helps us help you. Our members respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The money that we raise helps purchase equipment and upgrade existing equipment so that we can keep you, your family and your neighbors safe.
Please contribute today to our Annual Fund Drive!
Donations may be sent to:
Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company
301 Cedar Street
Freeland, Pa 18224-2027
Please include your name and NEW address so that we may have a record of your donation.
Checks may be made payable to "Fearnots Volunteer Fire Company"
--PUBLIC INFO--
LIFE SAFETY INFORMATION
PROPER GENERATOR USE
RELEASE: January 9, 2005
Foster Township received a heavy ice storm on January 7-9, 2005. Many of the areas in our coverage area lost power for a substantial amount of time. Due to the power outages, residents are beginning to use portable power generators to run into their household. Foster Township Fire reminds everyone that these portable generators are not to be used in confined areas of the home OR the basement. Neighboring counties are experiencing people being overcome by carbon monoxide and even 2 deaths can be attributed to the improper use of generators. Please use the manufacturer's recommendations when using these devices. Please be aware of this and inform your friends and neighbors who have any gas powered equipment.
--JANUARY 2005--
Foster Township Fire closed out 2004 with 2 calls on the final day of the year. We responded to a coal truck fire on Interstate 80, early in the day and the final call of the year was a response to Butler Township on the assist at a structure fire. In 2004, we responded to 144 calls for service, including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and other service calls. This is a slight increase over last year and one of the highest call volume years that the fire department has had. January 2005 was only 28 hours hold when we received our first call. At 310 am, January 2, 2005 we responded to two people who were overcome during a chemical reaction.
--PUBLIC INFO--
NEW PHONE FOR CHRISTMAS?
RELEASE DATE: December 27, 2004
Did you or a loved one receive a new telephone for Christmas? Foster Township Fire would like to recommend that you are very careful when programming "autodial" features on your phone. Universally, "911" is immediately recognized during an emergency, much more so than an "autodial" feature of your phone. Preprogramming "911" into a one touch dial is prone to misdialing the 911 Center when there is no emergency. These type calls tie up the 911 lines from your exchange and tie up dispatchers who are busy answering emergency calls. We would recommend not programming 911 into the phone and instead, place a "911" type sticker on or near the phone. Chances are, if an emergency would occur, it's easier to dial 911 than figure out the buttons on the phone.
--PRESS RELEASE--
FIRST SNOWFALL
RELEASE DATE: December 19, 2004
Foster Township Fire was called into action late Sunday afternoon on December 19, 2004, following the region's first covering snowfall. A quick moving snow squall and freezing temperatures made traveling slippery as the cold front moved into the area. Several vehicle collided on Interstate 80, near mile marker 269. Firefighters and EMS was called to the scene, however there were only minor injuries. Foster Township Fire urges all motorists traveling during inclement weather to drive safely. Leave plenty of time to reach your destination, maintain a safe distance between vehicles and monitor quickly changing weather conditions through the National Weather Service or your favorite media outlet.
--PRESS RELEASE--
HOLIDAY SAFETY
RELEASE DATE: December 17, 2004
The Fearnots Fire
Department of Foster Township would like to remind everyone of some tips to have
a safe holiday season. Each
year, hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries, such as
falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas
trees. In addition, there are 11,600 candle-related fires each year, resulting
in 150 deaths, 1200 injuries and $173 million in property loss annually.
Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually, resulting in 10
deaths, 30 injuries and an average of more than $10 million in property loss and
damage.
- Make
sure that all your smoke detectors have fresh batteries and test them!
Make an emergency plan to use if a fire
breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to
do. PRACTICE THE PLAN!
- Use
tree lights that bear the Underwriters' Laboratory (U.L.) label, and check
the strings for signs of wear and tear. Do not use lights that are frayed or
operate with missing or broken bulbs.
- Never
use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens and use non-flammable
holders. Keep
candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper. Place
candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.
Make sure that the flame is extinguished prior to going to sleep or
leaving.
- When
purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree will stay green
longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.
- Provide plenty of large, deep ashtrays for guests who smoke and check them frequently. Cigarette butts can smolder in the trash and cause a fire, so completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding. Also, after a party, always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
- Being
a smart party host or guest should include being sensible about alcoholic
drinks. More than half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Use
designated drivers, people who do not drink, to drive other guests home
after a holiday party.
- Keep
matches and lighters up high, out of sight and reach of children (preferably
in a locked cabinet). When smokers visit your home, ask that they keep
smoking materials with them.
- Plan
for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and
eliminate potential danger spots near candles, fireplaces, trees, and/or
electrical connections.
Volunteers comprise our fire department, which was the second fire
department in
NOVEMBER 2004
Fire Department members and officers received a tour of the Citterio USA manufacturing facility located at Hazle and Ridge Streets. Fire Department Officials are working with company management and their insurance carrier to provide better pre-planning and response to incidents at their facility.
Members also assisted the Freeland Water Authority in flushing and testing fire hydrants in the Foster Township and Freeland areas. A few minor hydrant problems have been identified and will be repaired.
November was nomination of Officers at the monthly meeting. Election of officers will be held at the December meeting.
SEPTEMBER 2004
Foster
Township has implemented a standard addressing system in conjunction with
Luzerne County 911. Most, if not all, addresses within the Township have
changed. Township residents are reminded that it is IMPERATIVE that they
properly label their MAILBOXES AND RESIDENCES to assure that a prompt response
can be made in case of an emergency. The Fire Department recommends
numbers be reflective and no less than 3 inches in size be affixed to the
mailboxes and structure. 
SUMMER 2004
Foster Township Fire has received funding from State and Federal sources which have permitted us to expand and upgrade some life saving equipment. Though funding we received, active members were outfitted with nomex brush fire gear and brush fire helmets. This gear is considerably lighter than the standard firefighting gear that had been worn.
Over 10 new portable radios, Motorola HT1250's, were ordered. Some of these radios are mounted in the fire apparatus, so that each firefighter may have communication in an emergency situation. The remainder of the radios will be distributed to Fire Officers. We have upgraded our self-contained breathing apparatus to Scott 50 4.5 airpacks. The existing Scott 50 2.2 airpacks were converted to the 4.5 type. Additionally, spare cylinders were pressure tested and placed in service.
A Scott Eagle Imager 160 and apparatus charger were placed in service on Engine 48. This life saving piece of equipment will help firefighters locate victims and pockets of concealed fire, saving lives and limiting property damage. Several departments surrounding our department have already purchased this type of technology and have had great success with it.
January 2004
There were 137 calls for 2003.
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04/05/2008 05:13 PM