July 22, 2008 - Motorcycle Accident
This evening just before 7:00, the department was dispatched to a motorcycle accident on High Street near Brown Town Road. Chief 15 (Burkhouse) arrived on scene and found one motorcycle off the roadway and one individual injured. Engine 153 along with Chief 15-10 (Brocius) arrived shortly after and assisted with scene safety and medical. Crews were on scene for approximately 20 mintues.
July 19, 2008 - Members Support Kids Charity
Today Engine 153 gave a ride to some special kids in a parade through Bradford for the Kids with Cancer motorcycle dice run. Assistant Chief Rick Brocius and firefighters Ed Hayden and Shawn Galbraith also participated in the ride on their motorcycles. The Bradford City Fire Department, Derrick City Volunteer Fire Department, and firefighter Jim Long (owner of the old Mack pumper), also assisted in giving rides to over 30 special kids. Hats off to the sponsors, organizers, and all of the riders who supported this great cause!
July 14, 2008 - Well Wishes
Last week our brother and fellow firefighter Rick Jacobs was seriously injured in an oil field accident and was flown by medical helicopter to a trauma center in Erie PA. Our thanks go out to all of the emergency services and personnel who came to the aid of our brother. We ask that you keep Rick and his family in your thoughts and prayers and wish him the best for a speedy recovery.
July 13, 2008 - Firefighter Milestones
This weekend marked significant milestones for two Bradford Township firefighters. Larry Smith completed the last portion of the Del-Mar classes for a total of 166 hours of basic firefighting training and certification. Good job Larry! Congratulations are also in order for member Zach Webster, who has advanced from the department's junior program and was recognized at Sunday nights department meeting as a full active firefighter. Good job Zach!
July 11, 2008 - Another Two Vehicle Accident
This morning crews were dispatched for a two--car MVA at the intersection of Dorothy Lane and Campus Drive. Chief 15 (Burkhouse) and Engines 151 & 153 responded. Engine 151 arrived on scene and FF Rick Grandinetti established command and reported one minor injury. Engine 153 and Chief 15 canceled in enroute, while the 151 engine crew cleaned up some fluids and assisted the Police with traffic. The Bradford City ambulance also responded.
July 3, 2008 - Two Vehicle Accident
Around 9:00 AM this morning crews were dispatched to assist the Bradford Township Police and State Police with traffic control and fluid clean up at the intersection of West Warren Road and Songbird Road for a two car MVA. Chief 15-10 (Brocius), Utility 152, and fire police were on scene for about one hour.
(Photos by Jay Bradish)
July 1, 2008 - One Car Motor Vehicle Accident
Around 9:15 this evening, department personnel were dispatched to a one vehicle accident on Rutherford Run. Chief 15 (Burkhouse) arrived first on scene and reported one car off the roadway and into a creek with no entrapment. Engine 153 remained on scene until the vehicle was removed.
(Photos by Jay Bradish)
July 1, 2008 - Crash with HAZMAT
At 00:34 hours this morning the department was dispatched to a tractor-trailer roll-over just north of Browntown Road. Chief 15 (Burkhouse) was first on scene and confirmed the dispatch and established command. Chief 15 provided an update advising that a tank truck was involved with placard number 1824 (sodium hydroxide solution). Chief 15-10 (Brocius) arrived on Engine 153 and staged North of the incident. Township police then discovered a second vehicle with severe damage that was involved in the collision with the tractor-trailer with the operator still trapped inside. After backing up the road the engine crew completed the extrication by removing the doors and roof. Engine 151 took position on the South side of the tanker, while 153 returned to its original position on the North side. The inital command staff was then established with 15-10 as the Operations Section Chief and 15-79 (Hayden) as the Incident Safety Officer. With cooperation from the carrier heavy tow-trucks, the off-load tanker, and a HAZMAT team were requested. Department personnel were assisted by the County 911 center and EMA, DEP, PENNDOT, Township Police, and mutual aid from Bradford City ALS ambulances, and the Lewis Run, Lafayette, and Corydon Township, Volunteer Fire Departments. Rt. 219 was closed and units were on scene for 14 hours.
(Photos by Jay Bradish)
June 30, 2008 - Two Vehicle Motor Vehicle Accident
This afternoon around 1:20, department personnel responded to a two car motor vehicle accident which involved a passenger car and tractor trailer. The acident was located in the middle of the Rt 219 at the Owens Way exits. Chief 15-10 (Brocius) came onto the scene, confirmed entrapment, and established command as units were being dispatched. Crews arrived to find a car wedged under the trailer of a coal truck. Chief 15 (Burkhouse) arrived with the crew on Engine 153 and assumed operations. Engine 151 arrived to join in the extrication and establish traffic control. The vehicles were stablized and access was made via an enlarged opening on the passengers side of the car. Crews were also assisted at the scene by ALS from Bradford City, Township police, FP 10-70 from the Mt. Jewett VFD, and Clayts towing.
(Photos by Jay Bradish)
June 28, 2008 - Trees Down
Another rash of thunder storms sent crews out this evening for a tree down on the roadway blocking West Corydon Street. Captain 15-53 (Eliason) responded with a crew from engine 155. Firefighters Ed Hayden and larry Smith grabbed the trusty Sthil chainsaw, and made short work of the tree.
(Phtos by Jay Bradish)
June 28, 2008 - Two Car Accident on Mindard Run
Around 10:20 am today, department personnel responded to a two car motor vehicle accident on Mindard Run near Creekside Drive. Once on scene, Chief 15 (Burkhouse) reported two cars off the road way - no entrapment. Engine 153 with Captain 15-52 (Valerius) and Chief 15-10 (Brocius) responded and aided with scene management. Crews were on scene for approximately 25 minutes.
June 25, 2008 - Mutual Aid with Lewis Run - Station 6
This morning around 8:00 AM crews were dispatched to an "Electrical Fire" in a residential structure located on Lafeyette Ave. in Lewis Run. Engine 153 responded along with Chief 15 (Burkhouse) and Chief 15-10 (Brocius). Station 15 crews assisted station 6 personnel utilizing a thermal imaging camera and determined the cause to be related to a lamp. Crews were on scene for approximately 20 minutes. Units on scene: Engine 65 and Engine 153.
June 22, 2008 - Motorcyle Accident
At 5:54 PM today crews were dispatched to a motorcycle accident on Rt 770 West, about half way up the hill. Chief 15-10 (Brocius) arrived with the crew on Engine 153 and established command. Crews did a quick assesment on a patient with a leg fracture and updated the responding ALS unit from Bradford City. The crew assisted with patient packaging and the patient was then flown by Stat Medivac 9. Photos by Jay Bradish.
June 21, 2008 - Jeep Wash
This Saturday members participated in the annual Penns Woods Jeep Jamboree held at the University of Pittsburgh Bradford Campus. Using hose lines from hydrants crews set up three jeep washing stations and cleaned the heavy mud from the Jeep's as they returned from the days ride. During the event, crews assisted U.P.B. police with securing a landing zone for Stat Medivac.
June 19, 2008 - Trail Clean Up
Tonight 15 members participated in a trail clean up detail. As part of the Tuna Valley Trail Association "Adopt-A-Trail" program the department regularly cares for the Richard E. McDowell section of trail that runs through the Pitt Campus to Clarks Lane.
June 16, 2008 - Pole Fire / Tree Fire
At 12:54 this morning, the department was dispatched to a "Pole Fire" in the 200 block of West Corydon Street. Penelec crews arrived on scene around 2:00 am. Minutes after the dispatch for the pole fire, crews were called to lines down and a tree on fire in the 700 block of West Washington Street.
June 10, 2008 - Power Outgage
This morning the department was dispatched for a transformer fire on West Warren Road oppostie the Custer City fire station following a brief thunderstorm. Chief 15-10 (Brocius), and Firefighters Long and Bradish secured the scene and held all apparatus in quarters. The local radio station later reported that about 2,200 residents were without power for about one hour.
June 7, 2008 - Tri-County Convention
Today, members traveled to Ridgeway to attend the annual Tri-County convention and parade. Chief 15 (Burkhouse), Chief 15-20 (Lamielle), Captian 15-53 (Eliason), Engine 151, Firefighters Long, Grandinetti, and junior Elaison, made the trip. Hats off to the Ridgeway fire department for hosting the event, and congratulations to all of the apparatus winners and participants in this years parade.
June 6, 2008 - Best Wishes Class of 2008
The Bradford Township Volunteer Fire Department is proud to congratulate junior firefighter Zach Webster on his High School graduation this evening. In that Zach has turned 18 and now has finished high school above the minimum grade requirements, Zach will advance to "Active" firefighter status and shed his junior title. Best wishes to the entire Bradford Area High School class of 2008!
June 5, 2008 - Fire Reporting Training
This evening the The junior firefighter program hosted a training session on fire incident reporting. The class was instructed by Forrest Nace of Firehouse Software. Members were instructed on the use of the software to submit incident reports as required by County, State, and Federal agencies. Also in attendence was County EMA Coordinator Bruce Manning. (In the picture on the right the instructor can be seen going over things a little slower for the old guys!)
June 2, 2008 - Wild Fire
At 3:19 PM today crews were dispatched to an un-known type fire called in by a resident from West Washington street who reported a large column of smoke on top of the hill above West Corydon Street. Chief 15 (Burkhouse), Engines 151, 153, 155, and Utility 152 provided the initial response. The large engines were staged on the hard road at the top of Niles Hollow, while Utility 152 and multiple 4X4 pick-ups made the two mile drive back dirt roads to the scene. Utility 194 from Corydon Township VFD was added to the response for wildfire equipment and manpower. Additionally, Utility 63 from the Lewis Run VFD, and Utility 115 from Derrick City VFD were requested for their mini-pumpers and manpower. Chief 15 reported that about 10 acres were involved that included part of a power transmission right-of-way. A steep slope made the fire challenging for firefighters. Chief 15 established command and assigned Lt. Hughes as the Logistics & Communications Officer. Chief 19-10 (Matt Cobb) and BT firefighter Larry Smith were assigned as Crew Boss' for the left & right flank on the fire. BT firefighter Jim Long acted as the Staging and Water Supply Officer. An employee of Pennelec was also on scene as power in the lines on the right-of-way was temporarily re-routed during the fire. The fire was reported to be contained at 19:30 hours, out at 21:36 hours, and all prsonnel were finally back in quarters at 22:18 hours. While on the wildfire, Box 1523 was dispatched for an automatic alarm at Bradford Forest Products on High Street. Engines 151 & 153 responded to the second call with back up crews from the Derrick City VFD, along with Engine 1 & Tower 1 from the Bradford City Fire Department. The Lewis Run VFD also maintained stand-by coverage with an engine & crew. Burnt food caused the alarm and no service was needed. Thanks to our neighboring departments and firefighters for the back-up help during this busy time. Special thanks to Jerry Johnson Jr. for making a timely donation & delivery of water and Gatorade.