http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/rss News articles published on bethelfire.com using RSS 2.0 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:36:43 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=156 Jim Graham, born and raised in West Chester, is a 24 year veteran of the Goodwill Fire Company in the West Chester Fire Department. Jimmy was diagnosed recently with pancreatic cancer. As you can imagine this has left Jimmy and his family reeling emotionally and financially. Saturday February 18th at 6pm the Goodwill Fire Co. will be holding a beef and beer fundraiser to help support Jimmy. The event will be held at the Goodwill Fire Co. 522 East Union Street in West Chester. There will be food, refreshments, music, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $30.00 in advance or $35.00 at the door. Please email jimgrahamfund@gmail.com to purchase tickets. If you are unable to attend the beef and beer you can still help Jimmy and his family. An account has been established at TD Bank for Jimmy and his family. You can stop at any TD Bank Branch and donate to "The Jim Graham Fund." You may also mail checks made payable to the fund to the Goodwill Fire Co. 522 East Union Street, West Chester, PA 19380. If you are a Facebook user like "Jimmy G's Community." Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:16:03 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=156 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=155 Wednesday morning December 28th shortly after 0500hrs the company was dispatched as part of the second alarm assignment along with Green Ridge (63), Longwood (CC 25), Edgmont (64), Brookhaven (52) and the Holmes (43) Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to assist Concordville (59) on a working house fire on Twin Creeks Drive in Concord Township. Engine 71 and Engine 59-2 arrived with a 2 ½ single family dwelling with heavy fire on division two. Both Engine 66-1 and Engine 66-3 made the response. Engine 66-1 arrived and was assigned to side D of the building as exterior operations were in place. Bethel units were in service for almost three hours assisting with extinguishment, overhaul and ventilation. Units worked under the command of Concordville Chief Tom Nelling (59-9). Front page photo is courtesy of Concordville Fire Co. (59) Mon, 09 Jan 2012 03:17:23 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=155 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=154 Monday December 19th around 1430hrs the company along with Talleyville (NCC 25), Brandywine Hundred (NCC 11), Boothwyn (40) and Lower Chichester (39) were dispatched to assist Claymont (NCC 13) on a townhouse fire located in the 800 hundred block of West Boxboro Drive in the Ballymeade Development. Claymont units arrived with fire showing from all sides of a three story townhouse. A second and third alarm was struck bringing numerous additional units to assist with exposures. Engine 66-3 with a full crew of six under the command of Assistant Chief Brett Small (66-9A) made the response. Engine 66-3 arrived, picked up the hydrant and supplied Rescue 40. The engine's crew assisted with extinguishment and overhaul. The engine was committed for close to three hours before being released. Units worked under the command of Claymont Deputy Chief Eric Haley. Thank you to Eddystone Fire Co. (12) for covering the Bethel local while the engine was committed in Claymont. Pictures are courtesy of Talleyville Fire Co. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:58:09 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=154 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=152 Thursday evening December 15th at 1830hrs six members boarded Engine 66-1 and headed to Prospect Park Fire Co. (08) for an evening of advanced forcible entry training. Prospect Park conducts both basic and advanced forcible entry training classes utilizing their forcible entry door prop. The basic class covers 1 man forcible entry (spike method), 2 main forcible entry, inward/outward swinging doors and left/right opening doors. The advanced class covers utilizing the Hyrda Ram, wedges, one man halligan/roof hook, halligan/sledge and two man halligans. The evening's advanced class was instructed by Prospect Park Chief Mike Signora and Captain Chuck Huber. Companies who complete the classes receive certificates and a cd containing pictures. Both classes are all hands on, informative and well structured. Any emergency services department wishing to hold a class at the station are encouraged to contact Prospect Park at 610-522-1830. Thank you to Chief Signora and Captain Huber for a great training class. http://www.station08.com/fullstory.php?151642 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:50:28 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=152 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=153 Santa Claus took some time out of his Christmas preparations to visit the residents of Bethel Township. Saturday December 10th the Bethel Township Park and Recreation Board held their annual Lunch with Santa event at the Bethel Springs Elementary School. Company members were on hand to assist both Santa and the Bethel Township Park and Recreation Board. The evenings of Sunday December 11th thru Tuesday December 13th beginning at 1800hrs each night the company escorted Santa around the township. Santa made his way thru each township neighborhood as members distributed candy canes and collected both canned goods and Toys for Tots donations. Thank you to all of the members who were able to come out and lend Santa a hand Saturday thru Tuesday. We thank everyone for supporting the Toys for Tots campaign. With everyone's support and generosity the company was successful in filling all of our supplied boxes with toys. The toys were given to the United States Marine Corps Reserve to be given to needy children in local area communities. Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:22:23 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=153 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=151 Thursday evening December 8th at 1900hrs the company hosted a Water Rescue Awareness For The First Responder training class. Todd Stahl of WhiteCap Water Rescue Training, LLC served as the instructor for the class. Approximately 80 members from Bethel (66), Prospect Park (08), Boothwyn (40), Concordville (59) and Chester Heights (71) attended the class. The program goal was to provide essential water safety information to the first responder. Topics covered included the following: -Types and sources of water emergencies -Terminology -Water Dynamics -Recognizing the need for water search and rescue -Implementing the assessment phase -Identifying the resources necessary to conduct safe and effective water operations -Implementing the emergency response system for water incidents -Implementing site control and scene management -Recognizing general hazards associated with water incidents -Procedures to navigate around hazards within the search and rescue area -Determining rescue versus recovery -Proper Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The class finished up with a short multiple choice test and everyone who attended will receive a certificate meeting the NFPA 1670 Awareness Level (Standards on Operations and Training for Technical Rescue Incidents-Water Search and Rescue). We thank Todd for coming down and conducting the class for everyone. Learn more about WhiteCap Water Rescue Training, LLC and the programs they offer by visiting their website at http://whitecaprescue.com/index.htm Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:49:07 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=151 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=150 With the holiday season upon us, Santa Claus will be making a couple stops in Bethel Township prior to Christmas Day. The Bethel Township Parks and Recreation board have arranged for Santa to be at the Bethel Springs Elementary School Saturday December 10th from 11am until 1pm. Santa will greet township residents at the school which is located at 3280 Foulk Road in Bethel Township. Fire company members will escort Santa around the township Sunday evening December 11th, Monday evening December 12th and Tuesday evening December 13th from 6pm until 9pm each evening. Fire company members will be helping Santa by handing out candy canes. Fire company members will also be collecting new unwrapped toys to be donated to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Santa's schedule for these three evenings is as follows: Sunday December 11th-South of Naamans Creek Road Monday December 12th-Route 322 to Naamans Creek Road Tuesday December 13th-Concord Road to Route 322 In the interest of safety the apparatus will not be stopping on main roads (Naamans Creek Road, Foulk Road, Garnet Mine Road and Route 322). Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:11:19 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=150 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=149 The officers and members regret to announce the passing of Past Chief Thomas Albert McDaniel. Tom was a life member of the company serving faithfully in the positions of Chief (1961-1964), Assistant Chief and Board of Director during his years of service. Tom received the fireman of the year award in 1982 in recognition of his dedicated service. Visitation will be held Tuesday morning November 22nd from 0930hrs until 1100hrs at the Pagano Funeral Home 3711 Foulk Road in Bethel Township. Funeral service will be held at 1100hrs at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Siloam United Methodist Cemetery 3720 Foulk Road in Bethel Township. For more information including placing online condolences please visit www.paganofuneralhome.com Mon, 21 Nov 2011 03:52:36 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=149 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=146 The Bethel Township Hose Co. No.1 is supporting the United States Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys for Tots Program. The company is serving as a drop off location for new, unwrapped donated toys during November and December. The United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program will distribute the donated toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the local area communities. You may stop by the firehouse and drop off new, unwrapped toys or schedule a drop off time by contacting us at info@bethelfire.com. You can learn more about the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation by visiting their website www.toysfortots.org. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:58:58 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=146 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=148 Sunday November 6th at 0800hrs the company headed out to the West Chester Training Center for a day of live burn training. Members participated in numerous scenarios throughout the day rotating between Engine 66-1 and Rescue 66. Each scenario Engine 66-1 would simulate arriving on scene, establish their own water supply and begin attack/search assignments. Rescue 66 would arrive on scene after a short time with the Rescue's crew performing searches and throwing ladders. Our new accountability boards were reviewed and placed into service at today's drill. 18 members were able to attend today's drill and everyone did a great job. Thank you to Concordville Fire Co. (59) for allowing us to try out two of their nozzles as we prepare to switch out our nozzles. The drill wrapped up around 1430hrs and the trucks began heading back. On the way back the company stopped at the Concord Township Veteran's Day ceremony held at the American Heroes Memorial site located on Smithbridge Road. Thank you to all of those who have served or are serving our country as members of the United States Armed Forces. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:58:46 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=148 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=147 Thursday evening November 3rd the company kept busy with members split up attending two different training classes. Starting at 1830hrs nine members staffing Engine 66-3 and 66-8 headed to Concord Towing Service on Wilmington West Chester Pike to participate in a vehicle fire drill with Concordville (59). Approach methods and considerations were reviewed. Engine 66-3 served as the attack truck with Tanker 59 handling water supply. We again thank Concord Towing Service owner Steve Quigley Sr. for setting up the vehicles and allowing us to utilize the facility. Back at the station members from Bethel, Prospect Park (08), Boothwyn (40) and Chester Heights (71) were attending Hazardous Materials Operations. The program started back in mid September first covering Hazardous Materials Awareness and leading right into the operations portion of the program. The program will be wrapping up within the next couple weeks. Hazardous Materials certification is a requirement in the process to obtain Pennsylvania State and National pro board Firefighter certification. Bethel members will take in some more training this weekend with a trip scheduled for Sunday to the West Chester Training Center for live burn training. After Thanksgiving we will finish the year out by hosting a Water Rescue Awareness class December 8th and then head to Prospect Park (08) on December 15th to take their Advanced Forcible Entry class. Some of the pictures are provided courtesy of Concordville Assistant Chief Rob Griffin. Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:47:41 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=147 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=145 Tuesday evening October 11th at the monthly Bethel Township Supervisors meeting on behalf of the company Chief Craig E. Small and Assistant Chief Brett Small presented over 80 smoke detectors to the Hearts to Home organization. Hearts to Home is an organization that provides assistance to families in need in the Garnet Valley community. The company was able to obtain the smoke detectors thru WPVI-TV's Operation 6abc: Save a Life program. Hearts to Home organization members Karen Calabro and Sue Baumes were on hand to accept the smoke detectors. Dr. Tim A. Martin, of Dr. Tim A. Martin & Associates, was in attendance to make a presentation to the fire company. Dr. Tim A. Martin & Associates held a benefit car wash for the fire company on Saturday September 10, 2011 in honor of the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The car wash had been held at their location at 3039 Foulk Road in Bethel Township. Dr. Martin Presented Chief Small with a donation check for over $500. This was the second car wash held by Dr. Tim A. Martin & Associates to benefit the fire company. The officers and members thank Dr. Tim A. Martin & Associates for their continued support. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:12:50 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=145 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=144 A crew of six under the direction of Asst. Chief Dan Brown covered the overnight hours on Friday night as the Eddystone Fire Company celebrated another year of serving their community. The engine crew was very busy engrossed in Wii palooza however there were no emergency calls. The crew wrapped up at 7am and returned to the township. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:14:53 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=144 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=142 On Tuesday October 11th, members of the Bethel Fire Company attended a fire prevention assembly at Bethel Springs Elementary School. Members talked to about 200 first and second graders about the basic essentials of what to do in an emergency. At the conclusion of the talk, the principal of Bethel Springs Mr. Piasecki, dressed in fire gear complete with air pack to show that kids should not be afraid of firefighters if there was a fire at their home. All students received a junior firefighter helmet for being good listeners. Any questions about fire prevention at your home or work place stop by the firehouse or visit our web site links. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:39:10 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=142 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=141 Thursday evening October 6th at 1900hrs the company participated in our monthly three company drill with Concordville (59) and Chester Heights (71). October's drill again focused on vehicle rescue training. Concord Towing Service again allowed us the use of their facilities. This month's drill was more scenario driven. Units staged on Christy Drive across from Concord Towing Service. The drill scenario started with Concordville being "dispatched" for a reported accident involving a school bus. Medic 59-7A arrived advising they had a five vehicle accident with 2 subjects trapped. 59-4 Command (Firefighter Amanda Harley) requested two additional rescues (Rescue 66 and Rescue 71) be added to the assignment. 59-4's crew worked to extricate the driver of the vehicle that was partially under a school bus and van. Rescue 66 arrived and was assigned to a vehicle on a jersey barrier with one subject trapped. Rescue 71's crew was assigned to assist Rescue 66 and 59-4. Rescue 66's crew went to work under the command of Captain Dan Kirkner (66-12A). Rescue 66's crew sized up the scene confirming only one patient and began to stabilize the vehicle utilizing the Junkyard Dog stabilizers and cribbing. A 1 ¾ hose line was deployed while the rescue tools (cutters and spreaders) were setup. The scenario was timed and crews had their victims extricated within 40 minutes. Once the scenario was completed a critique was held reviewing the training incident. Thank you again to Concord Towing (Steve Quigley Sr. and Steve Quigley Jr.) for the second month in a row allowing us to utilize their lot and providing assistance in setting up the vehicles for the drill. Special thanks to Denise Quigley for her participation as a victim in the drill. Pictures are provided courtesy of Concordville Assistant Chief Rob Griffin Jr. (59-9B). Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:25:06 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=141 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=143 Saturday October 1st Firefighter Dave Kirkner and Recording Secretary Kim Husser were married at the Church of the Holy Child in Wilmington, Delaware. Following the ceremony a reception was held at the Kings Mill in Aston. The officers and members congratulate Dave and Kim and wish them well as they begin their lives together. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:50:33 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=143 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=140 Thursday evening September 1st at 1900hrs the monthly Bethel (66), Concordville (59) and Chester Heights (71) three company drill was held at Concord Towing Service located at 1731 Wilmington West Chester Pike. The topic of the evening was Basic Vehicle Rescue with Edgmont (64) joining in for the evening. Four vehicles were setup with crews split up evenly handling different scenarios and tasks at each station. Thank you to Concord Towing Service for setting up and allowing all four companies use of the facility. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:01:37 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=140 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=138 Dr. Tim Martin is hosting a charity car wash in order to raise money for the Bethel Fire Company. The car wash will be held on September 10th from 11:00 - 2:00pm at Dr. Martins located at the corner of Foulk & Brookstone. Come out and support your local fire company. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:33:17 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=138 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=137 Saturday afternoon July 16th at 1600hrs the company got together with the membership of Boothwyn (40) to play a couple softball games. Boothwyn provides both fire and EMS mutual aid service to the Bethel Township community. The games were played at the Bethel Springs Elementary School field located on Foulk Road in Bethel Township. Hurler Mike Heacock pitched Bethel to victory in both games. The offense was led by Steve Pyle, Lew Ogden, Dan Brown, Zack Hathaway and Adam Mills. Ray Stiles, Dan Kirkner, CJ Hurst and Mike Natrin flashed the leather in the field. Rob Powers, Jason Heacock and Travis Harvey led the way for Boothwyn. Thank you to the Garnet Valley School District for allowing both companies to utilize the field. Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:55:17 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=137 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=136 Saturday July 9th a few members dedicated their time to improving some of the landscaping on the company grounds. Thank you to members Mike Natrin ,Steve Pyle, Mike Heacock and Ben Robinson for cleaning out the landscaping beds, removing weeds, planting flowers and mulching. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:59:38 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=136 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=135 Thursday evening July 7th at 1830hrs Bethel (66), Concordville (59) and Chester Heights (71) got together for our monthly three company drill. All three companies met at the Booth's Corner Farmers Market and started the evening off with a barbecue. Members from all three companies chowed down on burgers, hot dogs, pasta salad and cookies for dessert. The drill topic of the evening was supplying and reviewing Tower 59. Rescue 71 and Engine 66-1 rotated supplying Tower 59 before wrapping up at 2130hrs. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 03:19:39 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=135 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=134 Saturday evening July 2nd around 1930hrs Concordville (59), Longwood (CC 25) and Media's (23) Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) were dispatched to Ringfield Road in Chadds Ford Township for a building fire. The incident was confirmed to be a working alarm with an attached garage involved with extension into the residence. Bethel (66) and Chester Heights (71) were added to the assignment. Engine 66-1 with a full staffing of 6 under the command of Assistant Chief Brett Small (66-9A) made the response. Engine 66-1 arrived with Assistant Chief Small assigned as the manpower officer. Chief Engineer Reece Thomas Jr. supplied Engine 71's fold a tanks as a tanker shuttle was established. The remaining 4 crew members assisted with extinguishing both the garage and an exposure residence. Engine 66-3 with a crew of 5 under the command of Captain Dan Kirkner (66-12A) arrived and was assigned to the roof to assist with vertical ventilation. Bethel crews were in service for over 5 hours. Thank you to Eddystone (12) for covering the Bethel Township local while the company was committed on scene. Special thanks to Concordville Deputy Chief Bob Griffin (59-9A) for the use of the pictures. Wed, 06 Jul 2011 01:22:06 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=134 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=133 Saturday evening June 11th just after 1700hrs the company and Medic 66-7 (Crozer EMS) were dispatched to the 1500 block of South Garnet Mine Road for a motor vehicle accident. Rescue 66 and 66-8 both made the response. Chief Craig E. Small (66-9) arrived on scene with a one vehicle accident and fluids on the road. Crews secured the hazards and were available within an hour. Sun, 12 Jun 2011 00:01:58 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=133 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=132 Bethel (66), Concordville (59) and Chester Heights (71) fire companies often work together on various incidents. All three companies have been getting together once a month to drill on various topics. Thursday evening June 2nd at 1900hrs the companies held a rural water supply drill reviewing drafting and water supply operations. There are some areas where we provide mutual aid response that don't always have hydrants available. The drill took place on the grounds of the Booths Corner Farmers Market. Using two port a ponds the companies simulated a tanker shuttle operation. A water supply was maintained to keep 2 hand lines and later 2 deck guns flowing. The setup was as follows: -Two port a ponds were setup with Engine 66-1 drafting from the port a ponds. -Rescue 66 dropped approximately 400 feet of 5 inch supply line from Engine 66-1 to Engine 59-2. -Engine 59-2 setup the deck guns along with two 1 ¾ hand lines. -As Engine 66-1 supplied Engine 59-2 the port a ponds were filled from the hydrant and Tanker 59. The drill enabled drivers in training the opportunity to log valuable pump time and provided younger members the opportunity to work with the hand lines. All three companies will get together next month to go over pump operations with Tower 59. Thank you to Concordville Assistant Chief Rob Griffin (59-9B) for providing some of the pictures and information. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:50:50 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=132 http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=131 Monday May 30th the company continued our long tradition of participating in the Concordville and Bethel Township Memorial Day parades. The Concordville parade began at 0930hrs at the Springwater Plaza located off of Route 202 and ended at the Elam Methodist Church located on Smithbridge Road. The Bethel Township parade began at 1115hrs at the Briggs Auction on Naamans Creek Road and ended at the Siloam Methodist Church on Foulk Road. Memorial Day services followed both parades. Thank you to the Brandywine American Legion Post 811 for inviting us to participate. Tue, 31 May 2011 15:45:11 GMT http://www.bethelfire.com/apps/public/news/newsView.cfm?News_ID=131