Bonanza A Success

Thanks to all the members and friends of the Longmeadow VFC for selling out our Spring Money Bonanza.  And thanks to all who attended and made the evening such an exciting event.  The hard work of several members in planning and executing the Bonanza have led to our best night yet.  The attitudes, commitment and good spirits of those who worked the event made it one of the funniest yet.  Although we didn't have to replace any $2000 tables this time, we may have to buy a new mop for the Leitersburg VFC Activities Center.

Fluid Spill At Sheetz

At about 11PM, Longmeadow and the Washington County Special Operations Team were dispatched for the large gasoline spill at Sheetz on Longmeadow Rd.  Chief 27, Special Unit 27 and the Rescue-Engine responded along with Utility 20 from Special Ops.  Units found gas free flowing from a malfunctioning pump.  After securing the leak, and assuring Lt. Young from Co. 20 wasn't towing a trailer, crews commenced to cleaning the spill.

         

         

Changes To The North

Sometime after April 1st, Franklin County, PA's new box cards will take effect.  This is good news for Longmeadow as we will be picking up a lot of area where our Truck is closer as well as some new area with the Rescue-Engine.  These changes come as a result of continued work with companies like Greencastle and Waynesboro.  Unfortunately,  some of the changes have been repealed before they could even take effect.  We can't say we're surprised, we'll continue to let our actions on the fire ground speak for themselves.  I'm sure we'll find our way into the Borough of Waynesboro somehow, we always seem to. 

First Due House Fire

At 9:36pm, Longmeadow was dispatched for the kitchen fire on Marsh Pike.  LT Turner and Truck 27 responded immediately and arrived to find a working fire beginning to extend out of the kitchen.  Firefighters Terry Martin, Bill Haines and Justin Mayhue quickly advanced the line and put a good stop on the fire.  Both Co. 27 engines responded on the fire along with apparatus from Maugansville, Leitersburg, CRS and the Washington County Air Unit. 

This was the first fire for LT Turner to have command.  And this was a familiar house for some members of Longmeadow.  After completing overhaul and confirming nobody was upstairs in a rocking chair, Command was terminated.

Pictures from DC. Hopkins

"House Fire" In Leitersburg

At 12:18pm, Longmeadow was dispatched to assist Leitersburg (Co. 9) with the house fire on Herman Myers Road.  Engine 27-1 and Truck 27 responded with a total staffing of 8 firefighters under the direction of Sergeant Matt O'Connell.  Company 27 units arrived first to find smoke showing from a wood pile up against a house along with light smoke in the basement.  Rescue Squad 13 knocked the fire with a can while 27 crews forced entry to ensure no extension.  Sgt. O'Connell reduced the assignment to Company 27 and Engine 9-4 while crews tried to contact the home owner.  Upon his arrival, the home owner advised the crews that they should have utilized psychic powers to ensure there was no fire in the inside, instead of forcing entry.  Another satisfied citizen.

On a related note, Captain Latimer is researching a grant to pay for a Psychic to keep on all our rigs.  Until that comes through, we'll still be forced to go inside and look for the source of smoke.  Keep your fingers crossed!

Transfer To Greencastle

At 1139am, the Engine Company was alerted to transfer to Greencastle while they operated on the chimney fire with extension.  Engine 27-1 responded under the direction of Deputy Chief Hopkins.  Zero calls were handled while there.

Monday Night Training

Monday night training this week was truck operations led by LT Turner and DC Hopkins.  Firefighters cut holes and performed other Truck functions at the training house on Leitersburg Pike.

 

Trailer Fire On Penn. Ave.

At 0036hrs on March 18th, Longmeadow was alerted to assist Maugansville with the trailer fire on Pennsylvania Avenue.  Truck 27 responded with 4 firefighters under the direction of Chief Eckstine.  The Truck arrived as Engine 13-1 was laying out.  The crew assumed normal Truck duties of opening up and confirming no entrapment inside.  Engine 27-1 responded as well as the Rescue-Engine which was alerted to fill the working fire assignment.

Photos courtesy of the Washington County  Photo Team!

Truck 27 Out Of Service

Truck 27 will be out of service for a few days while its in the shop for some routine maintenance and some cosmetic repairs.  Operator Mongan said he's especially sorry to see her gone this week, as he loves to check it out on Thursdays.  Maybe next week, Lester!

 

Dryer Fire In Fountainhead

At about 3:30pm, Longmeadow was dispatched for the Engine and Ladder for the fire reported out in the house.  Rescue-Engine 27-2, Truck 27 and Deputy Chief Hopkins responded immediately with 11 firefighters.  The special Unit responded a few minutes later with 3 additional firefighters.  Crews arrived to find a fire still smoldering in a dryer with a smoke condition through out the house.  The situation was quickly mediated and Longmeadow cleared the scene in about 40 minutes. 

                    

 

                    

Brush Fire From Last Week

At 1245hrs on March 5th, Longmeadow was alerted for the brush fire on Wild Cherry Lane.  The Meadow responded with Rescue Engine 27-2, Engine (tanker)27-1, Special Unit 27, and Deputy Chief Hopkins.  Also responding with the Meadow were Engine and Utility 3 (HFD) and Tanker 9 (Leitersburg).  Units arrived to find approximately two acres of cornfield on fire.  The fire was extinguished utilizing the ground sweeps on the Special Unit and the booster line off of Engine 3.  FM26 (Ed Ernst) responded to investigate the blaze and found it to be intentional in nature, as it was started by illegal fireworks.  Units operated on the scene for a little over one hour.  Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Maryland State Fire Marshals Office.

                    

                     

Story by DC Hopkins.  Pictures from FF Thomas.

Longmeadow Receives Fire Act Grant

Captain Latimer was proud to announce that the "Grant Writing Committee" (comprised mainly of himself) has received $166,250 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP).  This money will be used to purchase new interoperable communications equipment, such as mobile and portable radios, that will enhance Washington County’s emergency communications.  It will also be used for upgrades to the Ladder Truck to include a CAFS system.  Thanks again to John for all his hard work on this and other grant applications.

Truck Run to Greencastle

At 5am, Truck 27 was alerted to fill the Box in Greencastle for the building fire at McDonalds.  Truck 27 responded with 4 under the direction of Captain Latimer.  The Truck crew assisted with overhaul and ventilation.  Crews from Greencastle and Waynesboro worked hard to keep the fire contained to the kitchen area.

Check out Greencastle's website for more info and pictures.

Snowy Day Brings 8 Runs

As snow started to fall in Northern Washington County, the calls started to roll in.  Our calls started with the PIA at 3:50am, then again around 6am.  On the day, The Meadow handled 3 PIA's, 4 medic assists and a "smoke in the house".  Operator Mongan enjoyed his shift, and he wanted to thank the general public for being so patient with him as he maneuvered a 12 ton fire truck around town, especially that kind citizen near the intersection of Fountainhead and Preston Roads.