Captain Trix retires A good friend and top shelf instructor, Captain Tony Tricarico, Squad 252 at FDNY and instructor with Task Force 1, Inc. is retiring.  "Trix's" FDNY career spans over 28 years and despite his desire to  stay on the job a knee injury is hastening his retirement.  Tony will continue on the teaching circuit, sharing his experiences. Good luck on your retirement.  More

Good stop at house fire  C. Molinaro Two women and a teenage girl escaped without injury after they awoke Friday morning to find flames and heavy smoke coming from a second-floor bedroom inside their South Main Street home.

Two Boys Rescued from Lackawanna River
Election Day in the fall seems to have something do with water calls for the Old Forge Fire Department.  This is the second time someone was trapped in water but again it had a happy ending.

When dispatched a call was reported that two children were out on a rock in the middle of the Lackawanna River off Moosic Road behind Mariotti Building Products.  The Old Forge Fire Department with its  Rescue Box were dispatched. Some confusion with Lackawanna County Comm. Center happened as the proper box wasn’t hit.  Chief Aulisio had 126 water team dispatched immediately but 21 Swiftwater Team never got on the box.
 

The 93 Engine, 933 Engine, 98 Rescue, SWRT 93 with the Swiftwater Trailer, 112 Rescue, Members of 93 Ladder, and 126 Water Team were all on scene and all did specific tasks to make the operation very successful.

As the team started to arrive communication with the two children was being handled by the Old Forge PD. 

A throw bag was deployed over to the children with a Team member then crossing over to reach them with PFD’s.  From the opposite side of the river a second Team got two guys across the river.  While this happened Boat 2 was put into the water with 2 Team members walking the boat from upstream to the rock area.

Again while this was happening Team members on shore set up a hauling system with a stokes basket ready for the children up the steep embankment near the railroad tracks.  The two boys were put in the boat and taken to shore and then were moved up the embankment.
  The whole operation from Command to the Operations Chief to the firefighters doing their tasks all went well with very few glitches.  The Team kept talking and used several ideas flowing which all had to happen when working on water operations. The operation took less than an hour and was done safely.  The word Team was used a lot and on this article and on purpose people’s names weren’t, trying to drive thru everyone’s head isn’t about one group.  I keep saying it’s all about the Team.  No one Company anywhere in any valley including paid departments can do these tasks by them self. Everyone hopeful took some good lessons from this and I’m sure we have.  Stay safe! 

When we were all crazy
We started going to a training school in Luzerne County back in the earlier 1980’s and they showed us this unique training grounds called Concrete City.

 This place is where we all became firefighters.  We used to haul truckloads of pallets down to these odd looking homes and we would fill the rooms.  We then brought down some diesel fuel and paper and before you knew it we had a good fire going.  For over 10 years this is where we learned how to put out fires, usually 2 trips a year.   It is also where we first started doing the Command System, Accountability, Rehab, and most of all the aggressive attack on fire we do today.  I know for how we did it then we would probably go to jail today for being so crazy, but we had a strong bond back then and trusted each other a lot more than today.
 

We would load up the coolers and the grills and head down and start burning and I mean burn.  When you had a new guy you could tell how nervous they were as they entered the building and attack the first floor fire.  The heat was just beginning.  You then either got to go upstairs or down the basement.   If you went down you had stories to tell for months on how hot it got and how crazy the fire seemed meeting you at the bottom of the steps.  The instructor would not be able to go long down there, it just took a toll on you.

 But that was the goal to get a basement fire.  If you went up you would have 2 bedrooms off.   The attack one would crawl in and hit the base of the fire in the closet usually, and then vent out the window hole that was about twelve inches.  You had to work fast as the heat kept building.  You then past the line to your partner and he went in the next room and did the same.  When you came out you now knew what it was like slaying the dragon.  It was always a great day because everyone had to rely on each other. 
 

I remember when one for the guys coat flashed off and how people went right for him and started to make sure he was ok.  The same things we do today from all the RIT programs we learned but then it was just instinct.  I firmly believe without the use of the CITY we wouldn’t be as good as were are today.

I don’t mean to sound cocky but the rules were not as strict as today and we did take a lot more chances then, but it also made some of the senior firefighter’s a lot more street ready then they are today.  Now people put on the white hats and really never got the training the original white hats got then.  Again don’t think I mean things should be crazier today and not have safety as the number one priority, but it is easier to understand why some guys just picked up better then because it wasn’t about money for the instructors then.  It wasn’t a paycheck, it was teaching your people how to do the job right. It wasn’t about the certificate like some people feel it is today, it was about building teamwork more because your partner would kick you in the ass if you steamed burned him.

It just seemed so much simpler then and a lot more fun .  To all the guys who still have these memories, keep them in your mind because I’m sure there aren’t many of us left. 
God Bess and Stay Safe!

And We Didn’t See It Coming
 It started back in July when at training class in Maryland Captain Stull and myself saw a walk in Rescue that we really felt would fit well with our Swiftwater Team.  As we investigated more the price seemed right, but how to buy it was another story. 

We came home and thought if we both went half this would be ideal for our needs, going down to one vehicle instead of having three vehicles on the road.  Well my company had no problem as I felt that the barriers of the old days were over, but I found out I was wrong.

 The problem today and really this is the problem that the fire service has all over Pennsylvania is that people who are not involved in the day to day operations, or the people who show up maybe once a year still get to have a equal say.  I’m not sure how they get this but it still does happen, not a little but a lot.

So the surprise came when the phone rang to say the deal was off.  I’m not afraid to say, “I was stunned”.  I really thought that we had gone beyond this in Old Forge.  I thought the older members who haven’t done anything on the fire ground in many years would understand that trusting the guys who get out of bed at night or leave work all the time would know what was best.  I do understand and respect that everyone has the right to voice their opinion and should, but when the system lets people who don’t DO THE JOB AT ALL can change the opinions of other, that is the really sad part.

Well our big announcement didn’t happen, but what did was the guys and girls of the Lawrence Hose Company and the Eagle McClure Hose Company that run through the door together or jump in the water together will continue to be there for each other day in and day out.  It’s too bad the others can’t and won’t see the light.   And to the POT STIRRERS who are out there, “Beware”, you can’t destroy progress.  You might slow it down at times, but you will never be successful in stopping the built relationships of the FIREFIGHTERS who do the job.  That I guarantee! 

I’m Captain Jim Williams and I wrote this and if you have a problem see me anytime I’m the one that is there day in and day out.

We just can’t forget

Seven years later and what has really changed.  Do you feel safer in the world we live in?  Maybe it’s hard to answer that but I know that the lives lost that day are something you can’t ever forget. The number 343 in the fire service will always keep a harsh reminder of what was lost on that day and the after effects of more men and women that have given their lives because of the toxic dust and of course the men and women that gave their lives fighting for our country.  God Bless America!

Please take a minute to read the book written by a little girl’s views.  It will touch your heart as it has always let us reflect on the loss of our very good friend Lt. Vic Navarra who develop cancer from the working at ground zero for months to follow that tragic day.

Where there is smoke there is fire!
Photos courtesy of Rescue 95
The Old Forge Fire department was sent for a smoke in the area of Winter St. at 5:30 am.  Little did anyone know yet that a house was burning several blocks away.  The OFPD confirmed the heavy smoke condition, but it wasn’t till Chief Aulisio come upon the house with fire showing on 3 sides.

The 933 Engine arrived at the hydrant and established the water supply, with the 93 Ladder taking the front of the residence.   The 93 Engine pulled in and had their crew pull 2 lines of the 933 Engine and split their crews and joined up with the 933 Engine to handle both lines.   The Ladder Company crew quickly found out that a basement fire was occurring and did their primary search.

Chief Aulisio had the rest of the structure box dispatched will the Old Forge Companies went to work.  Chief 112 established command while Chief Aulisio established Operations.  The 95 Ladder and 112 Rescue did additional truck work while 98 Engine pulled a third line to the second floor.  The 23 Rescue did the fast truck assignment.

A second alarm was banged out bringing in Ladder 4, 95 Rescue, and 96 Ladder.   The total operation lasted about. 3 hours with a good stop on the initial crews arriving.

The building was determined vacant.   Chief Aulisio has contacted PSP to investigate this suspicious fire.  Also give credit to EMS 93 and EMS 112 for supplying water to drink at the scene and the Old Forge Fire Police assisting the PD.

Aggressive stop made on Glenmaura Home

	Photo courtesy of Station 112 Monday afternoon, when the 98 Chief pulled up he had already been given the report of a working garage fire by the PD.  He quickly had the Fast truck dispatched and additional Ladder Company out of Duryea coming.  The fire had extended into the 2nd floor but the 98 Engine and 95 Rescue attacked the bulk of the fire quickly.  The 112 Rescue and the 96 ladder teamed up to handle the truck work.
	A second alarm was transmitted and brought additional manpower in to help stretch several more lines and spell out the crews on the initial attack.  The 933 Engine and the 93 Engine did pull lines and help knocked hot spots in the garage area and second floor.

It was like looking in a mirror -Part 2
I wasn’t surprised seeing grown men going to bed by 9:30 that night and I wasn’t surprised when I saw him coming over the horizon on his quad Sunday morning.  We went over some rope work and different ways to untangle a person that was held under water. 

We then jumped in the water and floated down to the area we were going to work.  We did much rope work starting by throwing bags across the river and getting a rescue person in the water tied off.  We then lowered them down to the victim and grabbed on to them.  With direction we were able to get a person with a foot entanglement out of the middle of the river in a safe manner.  We also locked in the victim with ropes without putting someone in the water and pull out that victim.

We then moved to a section of the course and had to get a victim off a rock in the river.  We did a lot with throw bags and hooked on to the rescuer and maneuvered them down the stream to grab the victim.  We did this over and over changing out crews letting everyone try the different jobs needed to be done.  The confidence levels on this second day were much better.  Walter was like a proud pappy watching us solve problems he would put in the scenarios.  We really were working as a team, 3 different companies working as one. We then used a boat and lowered it down to the victim with the rescuer in it to get the victim off the rock.  We did this for several hours and gained much more knowledge in how to work in class 3 and 4 rapids, something we have never seen before.  It was a major success.

We would like to thank the Archibald Swiftwater Rescue Team from Station 21-1.  They really became part of everything we did and I’m sure they have learned they can trust us as much as we trust them.  The men and women of Eagle McClure other Company in town that has made  the commitment to make this Team be what it is today, without them we wouldn’t have a Team.   Also to Walter for challenging us harder than I ever thought was possible.  You opened our eyes like some other instructor we know.  Boy you two need to meet. 

 We came home with such more confidence and made closer friendships out of this weekend and already booked for next year. Read part 1

Ops in large/complex structures challenges crews

Over 25 firefighters spend weekend with FDNY's Captain Tricarico and BC Dugan  from Washington, DC.  Read Photos here!

Boy Did I Put My Foot In Mouth
It was probably maybe 3 years ago when I heard this really weird siren noise coming form the 98 Engine.  I looked at Chief Molinaro and laughed. I busted him every time we went to lunch for a month. This wasn’t the traditional sounds you heard in this area.  It was sounds you here down in the Maryland area. Not there was anything wrong with that, but it was my chance to bust him with this new weird sirens.

For the next 2 years you see this POWERCALL SIREN popping up all over and I just keep saying NO NO NEVER.  Hey we have the traditional siren on the apparatus already, the BIG Q.

When it happened, a weak moment.  If you know our members, we have a guy that just lives life in the fun lane to speak.  He is the type of guy that is always smiling and always busting someone.  He has been asking me for 2 years and then wham, I gave in.  He was stunned and so was I.  I gave in and now the 93 Engine and the 93 SWRT Vehicle have installed the famous POWERCALL.  I guess it proves anything can happen.  Oh by the way I have to go get Molinaro’s foot out of my a**.
 

	On Tuesday night the proper procedure in pulling the valve with its short hose and hydrant bag off the apparatus to wrapping the hydrant were shown.  Hooking on the steamer connection and the use of the ball valve (facing towards the fire) were shown. Explaining these methods properly and safely were taken by all firefighters in attendance.
	It was shown why you need to keep your hydrant wrench on top of the hydrant and not set down on the ground.  Winter time can be extremely critical when you can lose it in the snow, or even in the summer when weeds might over take the hydrant.
	Most hydrant bags carry the hydrant connection, the ball valve, a 2 ½ to 5 adapter, a hydrant wrench, and a small piece of pipe to add on the wrench for more extension to ease opening a stuck cap. The initial engine had set up flowing its deck gun, a 2 ½ discharge, and its 2” preconnect.

With all 3 lines flowing the 2nd Engine came in and started hooking up to the hydrant assist valve.  This Engine takes short lengths of 5” line and hooks off 2 sections of the valve, one going into the engine discharge and the other to the intake.

Once this has been done the operated can change the handle to the designated turn.  The Companies have all decided to number there valves the same with markings 1 and 2 put were it starts and then turns.  The valve does have a built in lock so it only is suppose to turn one way but you can’t take that for granted that a failure can’t happen so the back up of numbers will give someone more direction to follow. Once you turn the handle the water is now running through the 2nd Engine’s pump which will then give a chance for more water, if its in the system.

The second pump operated will check with the 1sr operator to let him know that he will be raising his rpm’s to 100.  He will than add as requested by the first engine.  This sequence can really help on the fire ground especially when multiply lines are needed.  On this night it helped the first engine by giving them an additional 50 psi on the intake side. 

Practicing this is something all departments should do and not take for granted.  When this part of the fire ground is standard then doing it over and over with practice will make it second nature. 

Blaze Brings Out Many Photo courtesy of  Rescue 95 The early morning blaze at the old Hillcrest Shade Factory brought out a second alarm response in Old Forge on Sunday morning.  The Police quickly notified Comm. Center that a working fire was indeed happening, and this had Chief Aulisio call for the Fast Truck ( 23 ) to be dispatched.

The 93 Ladder arrived first due and gave a size up of the building. There crew then set up ground ladders and along with the 95 Ladder vented out windows and checked the rest of the building for extension.  The 93 Engine arrived at the  hydrant and laid into the Ladder first, to supply the ladder pipe.  The Engine then started flowing their deck gun along with the ladder pipes to knock down the bulk of the fire. A tailboard gun was set up into place to keep the fire from spreading further into the building.

The 933 Engine and the 98 Engine set up a secondary water source laying out 1400 ft. of 5”. The 112 Rescue entered the structure through a section of the unburned part of the building and checked for further extension. With the bulk of the fire knocked down, a change in plans to go more offensive was given.  The deck guns and ladder pipe were closed and a 2” line was taken in to mop up any further fire.  The 933 crew changed places with the 93 Engine crew in the interior to continue knocking down the hot spots inside. 

At this point a another 2” line was taken to the roof by the 98 Engine crew to knocked down a part of the old offices which had collapsed on side A.  A second alarm was transmitted by Command. 

When  the 95 Rescue arrived they jumped on the hydrant assist valve to help boost pressure to the 93 Engine.  The Engine 2 and Ladder 4 were given assignments throughout the incident. Command was handled by Chief Molinaro  (98), Chief Van Luvender (112), and Chief Chownec (23).  Operations was handled by Chief Aulisio (93).

The call lasted  2 hours in all and the State Police Fire Marshal was on scene by 6:30 am. investigating this suspicious blaze.  The following determination was given as arson later that day.
 

Final appeal sent out on Fund Drive The Lawrence Hose Company would like to thank everyone for their donations that have come in, but are asking the remaining residents to please give.  We all understand how hard things are with the economy, but again they are very hard for us to keep up with the rising costs.  The biggest problem is that only 23% of the residents, 17% of the businesses have given.  If everyone could give anything at this point it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping and we are counting on the rest of the Residents and Businesses to help also.  We will always serve you and strive to be the best.

Hose advancements The 93 and 933 Engine Companies spent Tuesday night working on hose advancement into a structure. The Engine Companies did several evolutions in getting ready for the upcoming class in June with Task Force 1, Inc.

They also went inside in the darkest part and did some drills using the new Last Chance Filters.  The Engine Companies have several training units they purchased and did some actually switching out in complete darkness in a simulated situation. It opened the eyes of many on how much more training it will take but also the advantage this new tool gives someone in what is considered your Last Chance to survive. Following the sequence of pictures showing FF Matt Evans switching to the filter in less than 8 seconds.  View the pictures

Assisting with Swiftwater Team in Archbald

Members went to up the Casey Highway to assist the 21 Swiftwater Team in the annual launch of the canoe race down to Scranton. The members were given assignments along the river and were assisting boaters who got into trouble.  In all the morning went quick with several assists given out.  One incident had a kayaker flipped over and was unable to right himself.  Chris Shaffer proceeded in and helped pull the boater to safety.

Hughestown draws Old Forge Response

A second Alarm was transmitted quickly as a structure fire on Rock Street in the Borough of Hughestown came in around 3pm on Tuesday. The 93 Engine and 93 Ladder responded to the scene.  The Ladder Company went to work as soon as they arrived.  The Engine Company stood by till they were assigned to the second floor to help pull ceilings and extinguish some hot spots in the upper rooms. A nice job by the first response companies prevented the homes on both side from any further damage.  The header was seen from several miles away.

98 MVA was a tough one April’s month ended with a tough one, a motor vehicle under a tractor trailer.  The 98 and 112 crews did an outstanding job extricating the victim while the 93 Engine crew had a 2” line pulled standing by. The crews ended up cutting the partial roof that was exposed off to get the victim out. The 95 Rescue was dispatched to assist but the victim was removed upon their arrival.   The 98 crew responded with the reserve Engine as the Rescue was out for service.

Former Ladder 93 Lieutenant Receives Award It’s with great pride to see that former Ladder 93 Lieutenant Bobby Aulisio received the Arlington Chamber Valor award.  Bob, on the right in the photo blewo, who served the Old Forge Fire Department proud for over 10 years before moving on to his current job as a paid Firefighter.  All the members of the department are so proud to see Bob succeed.

On the evening of June 12, 2007 a box alarm was sent to 100 N. Wayne St. reporting an apartment fire.  The first arriving Engine reported heavy fire showing from the second floor.  Firefighter Aulisio arrived with the Rescue Company and proceeded up the interior stairs to the third floor.  After gaining entry into the apartment the occupants were located in a back bedroom.  The 2 man team escorted them thru the heavy smoke and had them removed via ground ladders set by the Truck Company.
On hand to see Bob receive his award was Chief Robert Aulisio, pictured on the left in the above photo. Congrats again from the boys at 93. More
 

Drill goes well When Chief Molinaro was faced with having to put a plan in place for the 81 project now underway, he met with some of his first alarm Companies and developed one.

With putting together a refresher rope class and meeting with the Company Officers, a drill was scheduled to put what they learned on lowering a victim from the project bridges. With a lot of rope work going on up top the 93 Swiftwater Team with the 21 Swiftwater Team provided support from underneath.   The teams put Boat 2 in the water and set up under the victim and waited for the Rescuer to be lowered done and tie into the victim.  The drill went thru 2 evolutions and went extremely well. The Companies involved were the 98 Company, 933 Engine, 93 Engine, 95 Rescue, and the 21-1 Company.  The TEAMWORK displayed was again as usually very good.  It’s a shame some Companies don’t like playing in the same sandbox, but a it shows life goes on without them.  Good job by all.

SWRT Teams adds new boat
When it was decided to start a Swiftwater Rescue Team a list of equipment and training classes were put together.   Well almost 2 years later and over $50,000 spent the Team has grown. The addition of a second boat has made the Team more diversified.  The first boat is a 12 footer and is great for going after someone in the water.  It is also the right size to have a larger motor (15hp) attached which can fight the current in fast moving water. 

The problem with the boat was that you needed 4 people to get it in the water.  The newest boat to the Team is an 8 footer than can be carried by 2 people at half the weight as the first boat.  This gives the Team a chance to get the boat in the water much quicker.  The Team plans on mounting Boat 1 on an open trailer with its motor attached and ready to be deployed quicker.  Boat 2 will be kept in its enclosed trailer that the Team has put together with its various equipment.

Practically all members have taken the entry level class not just once but twice realizing that you never have enough training and are committed to be ready and able to do the job they are trained for.  They are also close to achieving completion of the 4 main courses that are offered in Swiftwater Special Training.  The last class will certify the Team in Boat use and safety. The Team members have worked really hard with extra training and actually are handling double the wok load with keeping up on there firefighting skills.  Keeping with its goal of doing the best job possible is the only way they know how. 
 

4th floor kitchen fire A fire was reported on the 4th floor in 119 North Main St. in Old Forge. The OFPD were first to arrive and reported a heavy smoke condition on the 4th floor and had all people evacuated from the building. The 93 Engine laid in and pulled a 200 ft. 2” line to the 4th floor while 933 Engine pulled a back up line with 98 Engine crew assisted.

The 93 Ladder was on the fire floor first and opened up the ceilings and did the primary.  The fire was found in the kitchen of Apt. 8.  The 112 Rescue took care of utilities and helped with the rest of the search of apts. And the 85 Truck did ground ladder work on the outside of the building. The 98 and 112 Chiefs handled the Command. The 23 Rescue was on scene as the fast team.  In all the call lasted 45 minutes.

Life saving tool can be the difference
About 9 months ago seeing an article about a new filter that can give a firefighter apx. 15 minutes of more time to survive once there air  ran out, seemed very intriguing. With some research done on the matter and with also seeing 2 FDNY Firefighters lose there life when being trapped and running out of air helped speed up the process.

We contacted the Last Chance Air Filter Company and had a demo model brought in with about 30 pages of research.  This device is mounted on your strap of your breathing apparatus.  If a Firefighter has no other option and is completely out of air, you can take this cylinder and mount it on the mask and give the firefighter apx. 15 more minutes to breath.

We also plan to have training filters brought in and used as part of our everyday SOG’s.  The 98 Company along with the 3 Companies from Old Forge won’t stop looking for anyway to help make our job easier or safer.  Hopefully this investment will never have to be used.  Having one more opportunity in this business is all you keep looking for and the  LAST CHANCE AIR FILTER could end up being  priceless!!  Learn more about Last Chance Filters

3 am house fire extinguished quickly An early morning house fire had the 93 Engine Company busy Sunday.  A quick grab was reported by the OFPD as they took a lady who was passed out from the building when they arrived.  The 93 Ladder arrived and did the rest of the primary search and reported fire on the 2nd floor and spread to the attic.

The 93 Engine arrived and pulled a 200ft 2” line and proceeded to the 2nd floor and reported to the 2nd arriving Engine the hydrant location, which was 500 ft. down past the home.  933 Engine grabbed the hydrant and tagged up with the third due Engine (E98)  to get the 2nd preconnect into place.

The 112 Rescue helped out with the truck work when fire was found on the first floor and was quickly knocked down by the second line.  The attic area was opened up and fire had rolled thru the attic space burning several sections of the framing. The utilities controlled with quick response by PPL and PGW.  The Operations Officer was Chief Aulisio with Command being handled by Chief Molinaro and Chief VanLuevender.  The 95 Truck was also used and the 23 Rescue was called on as the Fast Truck Assignment. The call lasted about  2 hours and the State Police Fire Marshal was called in and arrived later Sunday afternoon.