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Station 45 News
Attention members: Please E-mail any newsworthy events or accomplishments to Fleetwoodinternet@yahoo.com. (Make sure “FVFC News” is in the subject line)
Year end 2008 Stats below
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October Recap 23 Fire/Rescue calls
10/2 Assisted with the search of a walk away from Grandview Manor. The patient was located.
10/3 MVA with injuries. The 2700 block of 662.
10/3 MVA unk injuries. One car into a pole on Fleetwood Ave.
10/5 Haz Mat Main Street- UGI worker snapped off pipe inside a business. Curb valve was shut and building metered.
10/7 QRS for an unresponsive person at Evans retirement center.
10/10 QRS overdose Fleetwood
10/11 MVA with injuries and entrapment in the area of 662 and Hard Hill Road. Rescue 45 and EMS arrived and began extrication until it was determined the patient was a class 5.
10/11 MVA with entrapment on Golden drive. One car into a building. One patient extricated.
10/15 Fire service standby while a tow company rights an overturned vehicle leaking gas on Fleetwood Ave.
10/15 Misc. fire on Pine street turned out to be a controlled burn with lingering smoke.
10/16 MVA unknown on 662. Found an unoccupied van in the middle of a field.
10/19 AFA Fleetwood High School
10/21 Structure fire in Oley twp. Chimney fire
10/22 MVA with injuries on Oak Haven Road. Double ejection, double fatality in a multiple rollover accident.
10/22 MVA with entrapment on 73 in Oley twp. Car over a guardrail and down an embankment.
10/23 MVA unknown Main st. two vehicles in traffic. 3 signoffs obtained
10/25 Fire service req for a rescue of a kitten from an engine compartment. Kitten saved.
10/25 Structure fire, Lake Shore drive, Maidencreek Twp.
10/25 Structure fire, Golden Drive, Maidencreek Twp.
10/27 Structure fire, Willow Creek rd, Ontalaunee Twp. Roof operations and overhaul.
10/28 AFA 212 Main st. Oley Twp.
10/28 AFA Fleetwood High School. Smoke machine started in hallway.
10/28 Structure fire, W. Washington st. Stove fire with minimal extension
9/15/09: Wedding bells: Fleetwood Fire Co. EMS Paramedic Josh High has married Stephany Petko! The wedding occurred on the  beach in Ocean City, MD on Saturday the 5th of Sept. The wedding included a few other familiar faces from Fleetwood EMS Click on the picture for a few additional photos. Congrats to Josh and Steph!
9/04/09: Recently two couples in the Fleetwood Fire Co. EMS have announced  their engagement. Congrats to EMS Supervisor Paramedic Jesse and Paramedic Tiff (left), and to Paramedic Tyler and EMT Cassie (right). All four people are employed by Fleetwood EMS. We wish them the best of luck in their upcoming weddings!
8/6/09: FVFC regrets to announce the passing of long time member Annabelle Fink. Annabelle was a member of FVFC for 18 years, and during that time served with the
ambulance for 9 years and the fire police for 7 years, in addition to serving on the auxiliary crew.  Annabelle was a fixture at Fleetwood doing everything from Easter flower sales through any fund-raiser FVFC had. She was a major thrust in the FVFC auxiliary and will be deeply missed.
>> Arrangements: Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 117 E. Arch St., Fleetwood. A viewing will be held Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of services in the church. Burial will be in Ziegel's Church Union Cemetery, Breinigsville. Full obituary.
8/6/09: Fire Police Chris B. and wife Leslie had a baby girl born Aug 3, 2009. The newest member of FVFC,  Emma Elizabeth, weighed in at 6 lbs 11 oz and 19” long. Mom and daughter are doing great. George, the captain of the FVFC fire police, is having a tough time finding protective gear for this size person, but we are sure he will find something.
Congratulations!!
07/08/09 1914 hrs Fleetwood QRS was dispatched to Mine Rd. for a QRS call involving a fall in the home. Fleetwood EMS placed another Unit in service and handed the call. Fleetwood first responders went available.
07/09/09 0306 hrs Rescue 45 was dispatched to Rt 73 and Frazer Rd for a vehicle into a tree and on its roof. Arriving units found all occupants out of the vehicle and Rescue 45 was recalled and placed available.
07/09/09 0630 hrs Rescue 45 and Brush 45 responded with 7 members to Rt 222 near the  Berkleigh Country Club for an MVA with injuries. Reports were made that a pickup truck collided with a passenger car head on and that a male occupant was entrapped in the truck. Rescue 45 popped and removed the drivers side door and assisted with the removal of the patient. One patient was flown by Medivac. Fleetwood police had this major artery shut down for hours reconstructing the incident. One other minor accident occurred on Rt 222 possibly due to the build up of traffic in the area. Fleetwood EMS transported one from this accident. The roadway was opened and Fleetwood Fire police were available by 1100 hrs. Additional photos here
Fleetwood Fire gets a Grant
Members recently were advised that they will be receiving a small, but needed grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or “DCNR” for short.
This grant money will provide 50% of the funds needed to purchase 5 Jumpsuits, 5 Wildland jackets, 5 Wildland helmets, Backpacks, Hose, and a Chain saw, which will all be carried on Brush 45. This is the second DCNR grant Fleetwood has received since 2002. This equipment will be used by the 20 members of the Fleetwood department that have taken and passed the PA 130 Wildland / forestry course.
Recently the members of Fleetwood visited and trained with members of the Oley Fire Department. The crews met up on the parking lot of the Kings IGA. Two draft sites were setup and water was sent to multiple hand lines and an elevated master stream. Junior firefighters were shown the proper way of setting up a draft site and also building a dam using a ladder and a tarp. Overall it was a good training session and we thank Chief 5 for hosting the event. We look forward to working more closely with them in the future. Play Ball!!!!
07/06/09 10:28 10 Members responded in the Tower, Engine, and Rescue to assist at a working structure fire in the 300 block of Main St. in the village of Blandon. Crews assisted in suppression, ventilation, and overhaul duties. Fleetwood units were made available at 12:00 noon.
07/05/09 8:03 10 Rescue and Fire police personnel responded to an All-Terrain-Vehicle accident on the 400 block of Mertz Rd. Richmond Twp. Brush 45 arrived along with Fleetwood EMS and assisted in the packaging of the patient who was along the roadway. All other arriving units along with Rescue 45 were made available.
07/03/09 11:25 12 Rescue and Fire police personnel responded to Rt. 222 and Rt. 662 in Richmond Twp. for a three vehicle chain reaction accident involving a Pickup truck, a passenger vehicle, and a commercial truck. Fleetwood EMS and Rescue 45 arrived and rescue personnel took care of a second patient until Fleetwood’s second EMS unit arrived and transported. After Fleetwood police completed their investigation, personnel from Fleetwood and Walnuttown cleared the roadway of debris and the vehicles were removed.
SVRT Class
During the month of February, 10 members of the Fleetwood Fire Company along with 5 members from Topton and Kutztown attended a Department of Health Special Vehicle Rescue class held at Fleetwood and V&M towing. All of the attendees needed to already be classified as a Vehicle Rescue Technician involving 48 hours of training. This 16 hour course, taught by Eric Rickenbach, was geared towards heavy vehicles such as buses, trucks, and other commercial equipment. The Hands-on portion was provided by V&M towing in Ontalaunee Twp. where a bus was donated and subsequently destroyed by the participants. A state test was given and we anticipate all who took it to join the members of these organizations who have already received this well deserved certification through the Department of Health.
Congratulations to all.
John R. Manmiller
Chief FVFC
Maxatawny Twp Fire
2/11/09: Fleetwood was dispatched to assist Co. 46 in a multi-alarm structure fire located along 222 in Maxatawny Twp. (near the Foliage Farm). First arriving units had fire showing from multiple windows and immediately requested a 2nd alarm. A fill site was established near the Foliage Farm and tankers were brought in from surrounding companies to assist. Fleetwood firefighters assisted with extinguishment as well as overhaul.
Photographer’s note: Chief 46 and his officers did a good job in establishing a functional command post (Fire / EMS / Police) very quickly, as well as utilizing a safety officer and an accountability system.
Weekly Call Summary:
Jan. 25th 1914 hrs. 17 members responded to a Motor Vehicle Accident on Walnuttown Rd. in Ruscombmanor Twp. Another call stated the driver was at a residence and was not injured. Rescue 45 was held at station and later released at 1931.
Jan. 26th 0022 hrs. 9 members were on standby for a brush fire in the 300 block of South View Rd. Richmond Twp. A small fire was reported and Fleetwood was released at 0040.
Jan. 28th 0629 hrs. 15 members responded to Link and Basket Rd. in Ruscombmanor twp. for a structure fire. In all 7 companies were dispatched to this call which turned out to be a brush pile burning in the middle of a field. Units were available at 0646.
Jan. 29th 0919 hrs. 7 members responded to Oley twp. for a structure fire with smoke coming from the basement. The call turned out to be a dryer vent with steam. Units were released and were back at station at 0940.
Jan. 29th 1038 hrs. 7 members responded to Cornerstone drive in Maidencreek Twp. for a garage fire attached to a house. The police department arrived on scene and found a recycling bin on fire. Fleetwood units were recalled at 1045 and back at station at 1051.
Jan. 30th 1216 hrs. Members were standing by at station while Officers verified a manual pull station activtion at the Fleetwood High School. Students were evacuated and allowed to return a short time later.
Jan. 31st 1535 hrs. 13 members responded to 222 & 662 for an MVA with unknown injuries. As Rescue 45 was arriving, it was determined that no fire services were needed and all units were released. The call was clear at 1556.
VRSR Certified
Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company and Ambulance crews have their "Rescue" truck recognized to multiple Department of Health standards.
 Recently the Fleetwood Fire Company volunteers were inspected to ensure the borough and neighboring citizens that they have the necessary equipment to perform rescues, and their personnel are up to the task.
Inspectors from the Department of Health gave “Rescue 45” the once over, inspecting more than 190 different items, with more than 500 pieces total. Those items included rope equipment, hydraulic and air tools, fans, saws, small and large hand tools, and medical equipment. Radios were checked, scene lighting and emergency lights were turned on. Personnel training records were checked along with record keeping for equipment including air packs, gas meters, and ropes. A minimum amount of personnel with the right credentials must be on the call every time the rescue company responds.
“The biggest training requirement besides having Essentials of Firefighting or the National standard called Fire Fighter 1 was a Department of Health course called Basic Rescue Practices”, states Chief Manmiller. “With very few instructors in the State able to teach this course, it was difficult to setup and schedule the 40 hour class with volunteers.” Fleetwood had nine of their own and five from neighboring department Topton Fire Company join them for the class that was held in 2007. The class consisted of knot tying, basic and advanced rigging for rescue from low and high angles, confined space and rappelling from heights. Topton is the only other county department that has this recognition.
Manmiller states, “We are pleased it’s over. We have been planning, purchasing, and training for more than two years for this. Now that we have been recognized by the state again, we are held to a higher standard. Just like the QRS (Quick Response Service) license we have had for the past 7 years for two of our trucks, we need to make every effort to maintain the equipment and keep our personnel trained to the required level. This recognition is good for 3 years.
Fleetwood has always been into Rescue. As one of the first three departments with the Hurst “Jaws of Life” in the county back in 1973, the department has grown to over 40 members with Emergency Medical Technician and/or Vehicle Rescue Technician behind their name. Last year the County of Berks requested that all fire companies that designate a truck as a “Rescue” comply with the Department of Health standard for equipment. We were well on our way to complying with the request prior to the County asking this of departments. We are the second. I’m sure there will be more. There are departments out there with very good equipment and progressive members with a lot of training. It won’t take much for others to join in.”
Grants Awarded
The Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company and Ambulance recently received notice of two grants from the Commonwealth of PA Emergency Management Agency. The grants totaling 11,367.68 for the Fire Department and 4,916.86 for the Ambulance division will be used for debit reduction on vehicles.
The 25 million dollar annual grant package allows Fire Departments and EMS squads across the commonwealth to apply for grants and use them for upgrades on equipment, debit reduction, or building expenses.
John R. Manmiller
It’s a girl!
 Congrats to fire policeman Pete L. and his wife,
on the birth of their daughter Emily May born at
0230 hours on 11/16/08.
She weighed in at 8lb 3oz.. Everyone is doing fine.
PA Passes Firefighter Tax Incentive Plan
Thanks to efforts in the PA House and Senate, Pennsylvania now has tax credit incentives for firefighters. This point based system rewards members of volunteer fire companies with up to $100 in PA tax credits as long as certain criteria are met. Details here (external site with links for downloads of official forms). Deputy Chief Manmiller also has a spreadsheet available in PDF format below
Also, Deputy Chief Manmiller asks all to contact your U.S. Senators to vote for SAVES Act to reduce fuel costs for volunteer fire departments. (Info here)
Fleetwood Helps Send off FF to Service
A few members of Station 45 took Tower 45 to Hamburg 9/20/08 to send off Jeremy Emerich, a Sgt in Hamburg’s PA Nation guard, and has been a firefighter and EMT with Fleetwood for several years. Fleetwood was asked to participate in the send off ceremony and readily agreed. The National Guard unit deployment will train for a few months here in the states, then go to Iraq early next year. We wish them all the luck and a speedy return. Pics HERE
Nine Calls in 5 Days Keeps Fleetwood Busy
Station 45 had a busy stretch when they had nine calls in a five days. It started on Thursday 7/31 with a working structure fire in Ruscombmanor (see Pics). As the units were being cleared from that fire, Station 45 was dispatched to a motorcycle accident on 662 near Moselem Springs Golf Course where E-45 landed Med-Evac. Then on 8/1, the station was dispatched to an MVA on Rt. 73 again in Ruscombmanor Township. On 8/3/08, the station was dispatched to: 1 AFA at Tarsus Manor, 1 MVA on Main St. where a car hit several parked cars, also 2 QRS medical responses, and a report of wires down in the borough. The latest call was in the early morning hours on 8/5/08, a serious MVA at Fleetwood Ave. and Arch St in the borough that resulted in the driver being flown via Med-Evac due to his injuries. (see Pics)
Deka Fires
6/21/08: Fleetwood responded to East Penn Manufacturing (Deka Battery) on an initial alarm assignment for a working structure fire in the old smelter building. Multiple alarms were needed for water supply and manpower to assist on this stubborn fire. Tower 45 took a position in the rear of the fire building, while Engine 45 supplied water to aerial 46 in the front of the building. Fleetwood EMS established rehab. No injuries were reported. The very next day, the same companies responded to a reported structure fire in a manufacturing area. Crews found fire inside duct work and disassembled the unit to an effort to extinguish the fire.
Another FF1 in the Ranks.
Assistant 45, Nick Readinger has joined the the most recent group of certified firefighters at Fleetwood. Fleetwood has gained 4 FF1's in the last 6 months.
Nick added to his long list of accomplishments including EMT, Basic Rescue Tech, Vehicle Rescue Tech, and many Forestry Courses during his many years with the department. Nick joined as a junior and has risen through the ranks to his current position as Assistant Chief. Way to go Nick!!!
Fleetwood assists with body recovery from a well.
At 21:10 on April 24th The Ruscombmanor Fire Company (34) along with Fleetwood (45) and Blandon(12) provided initial setups and information gathering prior to the Shillington Fire Co's (67) arrival.
The 3 hour long process involved removal of a two foot high stone wall surrounding a 30+ foot deep hand dug well in which a male had fallen and succumbed to his injuries. Two rescue lines were setup along with haul lines and air monitoring was established. A long line (breathing air) was attached to a rescuer who was lowered into the well in order to conduct the body recovery. Besides the fire departments involved, the Blandon and Fleetwood EMS units were on standby as the PA State Police and the Berks County Coroners Office conducted the investigation. Units were clear about 00:15
Fleetwood trains with Kutztown
In the ongoing effort to cross-train with our mutual aid companies, Kutztown Fire Co. brought ladder 46 and rescue 46 to station 45 fo r mutual training on each others trucks. After reviewing the equipment on the trucks, personnel started reviewing rope rescue techniques and best-practices to learn each others methods. Feedback from personnel from both companies indicated a very favorable training session, and it was decided that more rope rescue training would be held between both companies in the near future. Our thanks to Chief 46 for bringing the trucks and personnel to our station on a night that wasn’t their standard drill night. More pics here
Fleetwood gets three ambulances and two trucks licensed
(3/22/08 by Dep. Chief J. Manmiller)
Three ambulances recently were re-licensed by the State of PA Department of Health to administer basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) services to the community. Rescue 45 was re-certified and now Brush 45 has been certified and licensed to perform a Quick Response Service (QRS) to the community as well. For more information on QRS and its role in Emergency Medical Services, see below.
 QRS is a certificate and license issued by the PA Department of Health which allows a quick response with the necessary equipment to provide life-saving measures and the personnel properly trained to use the equipment.
A Fleetwood QRS unit is staffed by volunteers and responds when a Fleetwood Ambulance wants it to. They are the areas EMS provider (Fleetwood, Ruscombmanor, Richmond and parts of Rockland) and are in control of what units are dispatched and where they are sent.
They specifically dispatch under the following circumstances:
- When the second due unit is more than 10 minutes away from the scene.
- Rescue 45 or Brush 45 is dispatched by the Communications center when Fleetwood ALS units are on other incidents and an ALS call comes in for Fleetwood borough.
- These units along with the home fire company are sent in the same instances, but the ALS call comes in for Ruscombmanor, Richmond, or Rockland townships.
A QRS response will include at least one of the above vehicles. Depending on the severity and location of the incident, other vehicles may respond. All non-essential personnel will remain out of the residence or facility but will be available for lifting if required. Normally only 2-3 personnel are needed for treatment and information gathering.
Members of the QRS unit are at least First Responders. Most are EMTs and Paramedics. These members must fill out the same paperwork as the ambulance crews do. Fleetwood has more than 40 EMT’s and Paramedics as members.
Training needed for the QRS crews include:
- First Responders go through a 56 hour class which covers advanced first aid techniques, oxygen delivery, and airway adjuncts.
- EMTs attain a minimum of 130 hours training in classroom lecture, practical sessions, and ER clinical time. Topics of the EMT class include treating life threatening emergencies, muscular skeletal injuries, common medical emergencies, childbirth, and problems of pediatric patients, lifting and moving patients, environmental emergencies, extrication from automobiles, and responsibilities and operations of the EMS system.
- Paramedics in Pennsylvania go through everything an EMT does PLUS a minimum of 212 didactic and 232 clinical hours of training which include classroom lecture, practical sessions, ride-along preceptorship, and clinical sessions in places such as the hospital ER, operating room, IV team, etc.
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