Newsletter

Collingdale ROCKED by Propane Fire at Scully's Welding Supply

Wednesday, September 1, 2010  On a warm Thursday afternoon at around 12:30, what sounded like the shelling of Normandy on D-Day rocked the borough of Collingdale and the surrounding area. An incident at Scully's Welding Supply triggered a fire that resulted in a huge string of explosions as propane tanks ruptured and exploded sending shrapnel into the surrounding area. Incident command immediately began to stabilize the situation, calling the responding ladders to set up and hit the remaining bulk tanks with a heavy spray to keep them all cool. While the companies set up, the surrounding area was evacuated for about a half mile radius. After the trucks were in place, cooling the propane and liquid oxygen tanks, the responders were pulled back to a safe area to allow the remaining gas to burn off. Firefighters from all over Delaware County made the initial response, and most stayed on scene throughout the day and well into the night. Firefighters then closed in to douse the remaining small fires on the Scully property and the Kaiser Storage property. George Kaiser of Kaiser Storage is also the borough Fire Marshal and he reports he's never seen a fire or conditions as scary as this. George had some 80 patrons who lost all their possessions in the burned out storage facilities, and George himself suffered the loss of several of his antique vehicles including Collingdale No.1's 1948 Mack and the 1970 Hahn Pumper he kept as a memorial to not only the Collingdale firefighters, but to the members of New York's Engine-6 who gave their lives at the World Trade Center.  We have been receiving the thanks of the area residents for a job well done, and they all expressed their appreciation to all the firefighters for coming to their aid. We responders would like to thank all the local businesses for their support to the police, EMT's, medics and firefighters during the day. Their generous donations of water, ice, burgers, snacks and everything was most appreciated by all the responders and helped us to keep going. The best news to be heard all day was that after a catastrophe like this, no firefighter injuries were reported, and only one serious civilian injury was reported to an employee from Scully's; whom we all wish well.

Click the link below for picture of the incident from the Feeney's

http://public.fotki.com/Firefoto3/fires__other_incidents/delco/7th__8th_district_delco/5-alarms-plus-301-w/

Kaiser's Storage

1948 Mack & 1970 Hahn DESTROYED IN FIRE

Wednesday, September 1, 2010  As a result of the Scully Propane Fire, George Kaiser, a life member and Collingdale Borough Fire Marshall lost 1/3 of his business. George also lost numerous antique trucks in the fire.

Two of the trucks were retired trucks from Collingdale #1, a 1948 Mack Pump, and 1970 Hahn Pump. The Hahn was retired in 2003 after 33 years of active duty to the Boroughs of Collingdale and Aldan.

The trucks have since been used by George and his family, as show pieces, and for many community events and parades. The Hahn was also used to deliver the 9/11 memorial to our brothers at Engine 6 in the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). A day that brought great pride to the members of Company 6 (Collingdale) and Engine 6 (FDNY). While many things can and will be rebuilt after this tragedy, the loss of these 2 pieces of apparatus is unfathomable. We here at the fire house remember fondly riding these trucks when there were active and are saddened by this loss. 

Posted are pictures of the Hahn, pictures of the Mack will be posted at a later date. Also is a video of the Artist Robert Girandola, who sculpted the bronze 9/11 FDNY Engine 6 memorial piece. You will see the Hahn in the engine bay of Engine 6, with the memorial on the back draped with an American Flag.

06-2 prior to 9/1	06-2 after 9/1

Future firefighters visit Station 06

Friday, August 27, 2010  Children from the Church of the Nazarene day care in Collingdale paid a visit to 06 on Thursday. These future firefighters and EMTs were given the grand tour beginning with Tom Nardi and Amb. Capt. Joanne Barbine showing off the bus while Tom gave the kids a lesson about what the EMT would do during an emergency ride. The kids were then shown the trucks and all the "toys" the we'd use during a fire. Finally, the kids were given the fire prevention program and lessons on escape using the 06 training trailer. Before returning, all the children and chaperones were given goody bags containing fire prevention materials and a few pointers on how to prepare for an emergency. By the smiles on their faces, we'd say they really enjoyed the visit. Special thanks to our fire prevention / life safety officer Jean Peterson and to everyone who volunteered to assist.

Tom Nardi does the work-up.	Gearing up for the "Big One".

Gone Fishing!

Monday, August 16, 2010  After leaving a duty crew at the station, some of the members of 06 with some of their family members headed for the high seas and a night time fishing expedition. Boarding the Adventurer out of Wildwood, some 44 members with rod and reel set sail to fish for flounder, sea bass, blues and croakers. The weather held off, the seas were calm and the fishing though not fast and furious, was OK. Young Chad Loftus took the pool with a snapper blue and most boaters pulled in some croakers. Nick Marinaro won his own bet by being the first to go "yodeling to the whales"; guess dramamine only works so well. We all owe our thanks to Dan Harold who brought up the idea, did all the collections, made all the reservations, hired the vans and did all the legwork so the members who went had a great time. Looking forward to next year already.
 

That's Our Boat.	Talk about a Motley Crew.

Collingdale Swim Club/Station 06 luau

Monday, August 16, 2010  Firefighters and members of the Collingdale Swim Club held their annual Summer Luau on Saturday evening, August 14th. This year,the event was opened to every resident and we had a fair turn-out. The pool was opened to everyone who attended and all our guests were well fed with fried chicken, pasta sides and snow crab legs for everyone. The evening capped with the 50/50 drawing and the Basket of Cheer raffle. Our appreciation to the winner of the 50/50 who generously donated his winnings back to the Swim Club.The Swim Club and Station 06 have been hosting the annual luau to not only generate some cash, but to raise community interest in the swim club as a safe local family spot to spend the summer, and to let the neighbors know what the firefighters do to help the borough not only as an emergency service, but a community oriented organization. Our thanks to everyone who attended and added their support to the two organizations.

Quick Work in 42's End

Saturday, August 7, 2010  At a little after 3am Saturday morning Collingdale Police Sergeant Ken Felker along with ambulance 04-7B (Darby) came across Triplers Collision Service in the unit block of Roberta Ave with smoke coming from the building. Sergeant Felker soon after called in the working building fire bringing in companies 42, 6, 4 (Darby #1), 21 (Darby #2), 75 (Briarcliffe), Rescue 1 (Folcroft), RIT 19 (Lansdowne), and RIT 3 (Clifton Heights). Engine 04-1 arrived first and picked up the hydrant. 42-1 arrived and assisted 04's crew with forcing entry and starting an attack while 42-9A assumed command. Quint 6 was ordered to ladder the building and begin ventilation. A small fire was found in the rear of the building and was knocked quickly by interior crews. Crews were on scene for about an hour. Units on scene: Q6, 06-1, 42-1, E42, R42, 04-1, 04-2, 21-5, Engine 75, Rescue 1, Medic 06-7

CollingdaleNo.1 at the Rose Tree Antique Fire Apparatus Muster

Sunday, August 1, 2010  Collingdale No.1 was well represented at the Antique Fire Apparatus Muster recently held at Rose Tree Park. Our own Safety Officer George Kaiser was there showing off 06-2 (Retired) and walked away with a second place plaque. Although not an antique, Collingdale No.1 and the 06 fire prevention/life safety trailer took first place in the fire prevention category. Also on display were a 100 year old truck from the Lenox Fire Company as well as crowd favorites like the Darby Ram and the hand pump from Clifton Heights. One of the bigger attractions was the Tiller from Baltimore City made famous in the movie "Ladder 49". Highlighting the afternoon was a special presentation to Charlie Mullen in appreciation of his work over these past 63 years. More than a few of the trucks on display were gold-leafed by Charlie. This year, the rain held off and a great time was had by all the firefighters and visitors in attendance.

John Cleary and the Station 06 Trailer	06-2 (retired)

Building Fire in the Local

Monday, July 19, 2010  At approximately 5:35pm, Companies 06,42, 04, and RIT 44  were dispatched to the 1000 block of Andrews Ave for the dwelling fire reported to be a toaster. Quint 06 quickly hit the street under the Command of 06-9A (Asst. Chief Hanly) and arrived to a 2-story MOR with light smoke showing with 42-9B on location. Quint 06's crew found an oven to be on fire in the kitchen and went in service with a dry chemical extinguisher. The crew assisted by 06-1 and Engine 42's crew checked for extension which turned out to be negative and started ventilation. Crews were on scene for 25 minutes. Units on scene: Quint 06. 06-1, Engine 42, 42-1, 04-1, RIT 44, Medic 06-7, 06-7B

LODD -- Charlie Hornberger

From the Milmont Fire Company Website:  The Milmont Fire Company regrets to announce the LINE OF DUTY DEATH of Charles Hornberger. Charlie passed away on July 12th from complications of a heart attack he had after a call on June 30th 2010. Call #45 came in at 11:32 on June 30, 2010, for a fire alarm at the Target Building on MacDade and Milmont Ave.  After the call, Charlie suffered a severe heart attack, and was rushed to Taylor Hospital.      Charlie was a life member of the Milmont Fire Company, as well as the Vauclain, Holmes and past Rutledge Fire Companies. Charlie held the position of Assistant Engineer, as well as past Deputy Chief of the Milmont Fire Company, and Past Chief of the Vauclain Fire Company. He was also a Dispatcher of 20 years for Ridley Twp. as well as Delaware County. He was an avid fire truck collector, and also enjoyed model railroading. Charlie was also a member of several Delco Organizations, to include the Delaware Valley Chiefs Assoc.., and the Shamrock Judges. Charlie touched a lot of lives throughout the fire service, and will be missed by all.      The Officers and Members of Collingdale Fire Company #1 sends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hornberger.

Heavy Rain brings Heavy Call Volume

Intersection of Oak & Providence Tuesday, July 13, 2010  Early this morning a powerful rain storm hit our region and as last week, caused extensive damage throughout Delaware County.  With the heavy rains, parts of Collingdale and Aldan Boroughs experienced extensive flooding which brought numerous emergencies to attend to.  At approximately 0820 hours, we were dispatched to the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Pitman Avenue for a Water Rescue with a vehicle reported stuck in the flooded intersection.  At approximately 0827 hours, the company was dispatched to the intersection of Oak Ave & Providence Rd for the same.  The Engine quickly hit the street for both incidents and arrived on scene to find the flooded intersections clear of any trapped vehicles.  Engine 06-1 and Utility 06 also ran several service calls within both boroughs pumping out flooded basements of resident’s homes.  Around 1:15PM, Company 04, 06, 21 and 42 were dispatched to 213 N. 7th Street in Darby Borough for a Building Fire with smoke reported in the basement which turned out to be a problem with the heater and the companies were made available.  In total, Collingdale Fire Company #1 ran eight total fire calls  due to the storm.