2008 Run Stats 
The WWHC has seen another year of increased call volume.  To date there has been a combination of 550 EMS, Fire and Rescue calls.  Check out our map to see where we've been in 2008.  MAP 

Madison Ave MVA 

December 27, 2008 – WWHC Rescue and EMS was dispatched at 02:00 hours for a multi-vehicle MVA with airbag deployment on the 700 block of Madison Ave in the Borough of Jermyn.  First arriving units from the JPD reported a single vehicle with one occupant vs. multiple parked cars.  Rescue 59 arrived on scene with Chief 59-3A (Yesalavage) in command, to find a single patient self extricated in the hands of the JPD.  59-8 EMS crews attended to and transported the patient to Marian Community Hospital for evaluation.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes.

Casey Highway roll over
December 23, 2008 – Rescue 59 along with Amb. 59-9 and LA-1 were dispatched for a 1 car MVA roll-over on the Casey Highway in the area of mile marker 12.  Confilcting reports to the Comm Center placed the MVA somewhere in the area between exits 4 and 5 in area 21 (Archbald).  Station 21 Rescue and EMS was added on a dual dispatch.  First arriving units confirmed the incident in area 21 with a single vehicle on its roof blocking the road way with one patient who had fled the area on foot.  Mayfield PD reported finding the suspected driver walking along Main St. in Archbald.  The patient was returned to the scene for evaluation by 59 EMS.  Rescue crews stabilized the vehicle and removed hazards while 59-9 along with LA-1 transported one to the trauma center. 
Units on Scene:  R59, R59-1, R21, E59-2, 59-9, LA-1 

107 MVA
December 18, 2008 – Slick road conditions drew a response from Station 59 Rescue and EMS.  Crews were dispatched to a multiple vehicle MVA on State Route 107 near the intersection with Business Route 6.  Rescue 59 arrived on scene to find 4 vehicles on the side of the road way with 2 into the guard rail.  All patients were self extricated prior to arrival with no injuries.  An icy condition on the road way was the cause.  Crews cleared the scene with in 30 minutes with 5 patient refusals.  Route 107 was reopened after PennDOT cleared the roadway.

Units on Scene:  R59, R51-1, E59-2, Amb. 59-9, Amb. 59-8, 59-2, 58-2, 21-1

Lockheed  Martin EMS Assist
December 16, 2008 – Ambulance 59-9 and 59-8 were dispatched at 09:30 hours to assist Station 21 with a report of shots fired at the Lockheed Martin Plant off of Kennedy Drive in Eynon.  59-8 was enroute with in minutes of dispatch with 59-9 following shortly.  Crews were stated at the main entrance along with 21-8, 25-8, Cottage ALS and Lackawanna ALS.  All EMS crews were released by command.  Crews remained on scene for 20 minutes. Additional Coverage: WNEPScranton Times

Structure fire destroys new home Photo WCFR December 15, 2008 – Rescue 59 was dispatched by Lackawanna Comm. Center to assist Station 60 (Meredith/Whites Crossing) on a confirmed structure fire at 1 Meredith Street just over the Mayfield Borough Line at 00:30 hours. First arriving unites reported a fully involved structure fire.  The wood framed structure that was under construction was quickly destroyed. Read

A.F.A RIT assignment
December 12, 2008 – Rescue 59 was dispatched at assist Company 43 out of Wayne County for an automated fire alarm.  The Rescue responded with a full crew on the RIT Assignment.  The Rescue was canceled en-route on the false trip activation. 

Squad goes off road
December 7, 2008 - Squad 59 was special requested to assist area 25 (Jessup) for an ATV accident with multiple injuries in a wooded area off of Rt. 247 near the Comm. Center.  Squad 59, along with Field Com 29 was dispatched to establish Firefighter Rehab due to the cold and windy conditions.  Stations 21, 25, 26 and 51's off road rescues were used gain access to the remote area.  On arrival one patient was attended to and packaged by 25 and 21 EMS crews along with LA4 Medics, while the second patient was attended to by 26, 51 and LA17 crews.  Both patients were transported to the staging area to rendezvous with 21-9 and 25-9.  MedEvac 4 out of Weatherly was put on stand by at the landing Zone at the Comm. Center. Both patients' were transported by ground to the Trauma Center for evaluation.  Crews returned to service within 90 minutes. 

Units on Scene: R25, R21, R51, R31, E25, S59, FC29, Brush 25, ATV 25, ATV 21, ATV 26, ATV 51, 21-9, 25-5, LA4, LA17   Additional Coverage

Rescue-EMS assist JPD
December 12, 2008 –
Rescue 59, along with Amb. 59-9 and Ladder 58 were dispatched to assist the Jermyn Police Department after a high speed chase resulted in a crash.  Rescue 59 and Ladder 58 were dispatched for the use of their Thermal Imaging Cameras to assist in finding the two suspects who fled into a wooded area off of Dwight Ave.  59-9 was dispatched to the staging area after shots were fired at the suspect's vehicle.  Crews were originally staged on Gibbson Street and later moved to Station 58 Headquarters.  Crews remained on scene for 60 minutes before being release by Command.  More...

Carbondale  Twp. MVA
December 12, 2008 – Ambulance 59-9 was dispatched to assist Station 60 (Whites Crossing/Meredith) with a multiple patient MVA at the intersection of Scranton-Carbondale Highway and School Street in Childs.  Crews transported one to Mercy Hospital for evaluation. 

SAR Live Exercise 
November 9th, 2008 – As 59-8 crews cleared from an early morning medical call in the Borough of Jermyn, Lackawanna County dispatched the Upper Valley Rescue's for a search and rescue drill.  The drill was headed by Jessup Fire and Rescue.  The scenario was for a missing hunter in the large wooded area off of Hill Street in Jessup.  The missing hunter had gone missing the night before after suffering a leg injury and experiencing cardiac symptoms.  The initial dispatch brought Station 25 to the scene.  After a scene size up and evaluation of man power and apparatus Jessup Command requested additional resources bringing in crews from Stations 59, 51, 29, 21, and 33. 

Crews searched the wooded area by foot and with the use of Jessup EMS, Cottage EMS and Archbald EMS's off road rescue units.  Squad 59 was also used for its off road capability searching areas off of old mining roads.  Approximately 60 minutes into the search crew's spotted the downed hunter.  The missing hunter was located off of a power line access road approximately 225 feet down an embankment. 

ALS crews along with Life Flight were put on stand by while crews from each department worked hand in hand to set up a rigging system to bring the hunter up the embankment. 

In all the live exercise took just over 2 hours. 

This was the first time crews from the Upper Valley have trained with this type of scenario.  The drill was a success and crews from the Upper Valley will be conducting more live exercise drills in the future. 

Mayfield Structure Fire
November 7th, 2008 – At 22:17 hours Lackawanna County Communications dispatched Station 59 for a structure fire at Altier's Complex on Route 6 in the Borough.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) arrived on scene for the initial size up.  A light smoke condition was visible from the steel structure that housed a pool supply company and a soon to open winery.  With the arrival of Borough Chief Tomcavage, Chief Hallowich gave his initial report and went to work with Rescue 59 crews who were preparing for an interior attack while Engine 59 and Rescue 59-1 established water supply. Ladder 58 crews went to work venting the steel structure.  Rescue 25 handled the RIT assignment while ambulances 59-9 and 59-8 along with Squad 59 established rehab.  The Lackawanna County Tanker Task force was put on stand by due to limited water supply along Route 6.  21-8 was relocated to WWHC headquarters to provide EMS coverage for the Boroughs. 

Rescue 59 crews made a quick stop confining the fire to a small section at the rear corner of the structure.  Crews remained on scene for 2 hours. 

Units on Scene: R59, R59-1, R25, E59, E59-2, L58, T60, 59-9, 59-8, 24-9, 21-8

Rescue and Engine Run Dumpster Fire

October 31st, 2008 – Rescue 59 and Engine 59 crews were dispatched for a reported dumpster fire at  P.A. Hutchinson on Penn Ave in the Borough.  Smoke was visible as the Rescue went en route.  The fire was confined to a large commercial trash compactor. Chief Hallowich requested Waste Management to the scene to have the dumpster moved away from the commercial building to gain better access to the fire.  Waste Management emptied the contents on the dumpster so crews could get to work extinguishing the fire. Apparently, ashes from a fire earlier in the morning were emptied into the dumpster by employees.

Archbald MVA
October 30th, 2008 – Rescue 59 and Amb. 59-9 assisted Archbald Rescue-EMS with a 2 car MVA at Main and Filbert Streets.  59-9 assisted 21-8 crews with patient evaluations while Rescue crews controlled fluids.  21-8 transported 2 to Mercy Hospital while 59-9 obtained 3 patient refusals. 

Operations Trailer

October 27th, 2008 – WWHC recently placed into service a new Special Operations Trailer.  The trailer was purchased from Well's Cargo and built at the Well's Cargo Plant in Carbondale.  The 18 foot trailer will be used for the storage of equipment for the Lackawanna County Decon Team and the Pa. Dept of Health Region 5 Strike Team. The trailer makes it possible for all equipment to be ready at a moments notice in the even of an incident.

Rescue provides coverage for Susquehanna October 25th, 2008 – Rescue 59 crews traveled to the Susquehanna Fire Department, in Susquehanna County, to provide rescue coverage while their members attended the funeral of a past chief. Crews returned to service around 13:00 hours.

Decker Rd. Structure Fire

October 23rd, 2008 – On Thursday, R59 was dispatched to assist Station 24 on a reported structural fire on Decker Road. Initial reports on scene indicated a smoke condition in the structure. Engine 24 arrived on scene and along with crews from Engine 36 made a quick knockdown on the fire which was located in the AD corner of the structure. All other responding units were returned to service by command. Units remained on scene for about 45 minutes. Units on Scene: E24, E36, L18, R59, T24, T63 and T60

Decon drill a success  October 22nd, 2008 – The Lackawanna County Decon Task Force conducted a live exercise at the Mid Valley High School in Throop.  Units through out the county took part in the exercise.  The County Task Force was evaluated by State (PEMA) and Federal (FEMA) agencies to determine the overall readiness of the Task Force.  The County Task Force evaluation was a success.  Units on Scene: R59, S59, T60, E21-4, E15, E2, Car 24, Car 2, Command 35, Decon 24

2 alarm commercial fire 

October 22nd, 2008 – Chief Hallowich peers out a rear window of the former Pioneer Baptist Church on Gordon Ave. in Carbondale Township.  A 2 alarm blaze destroyed the building in the early morning hours.  The original dispatch by Lackawanna County Communication was received shortly after 01:40 hours.  First arriving units from Cottage EMS and Carbondale City FD reported a heavy fire condition. Chief MacDonald quickly hit a second alarm bringing Rescue 59 in on the RIT assignment.  Squad 59 was utilized for additional man power. Rescue crews were reassigned to an interior attack and overhaul in the rear of the structure.  Crews returned to service around 04:30 hours.  WNEP Video

WWHC Complies With New Rehab Standards
October 21st, 2008 - 2008NFPA 1584 recognizes the leading cause of firefighter deaths: cardiac-related events. Almost half of the on-duty firefighter deaths are from heart attacks. The three leading factors that contribute to firefighter deaths are underlying medical conditions, inadequate physical conditioning and heavy exertion.

According to NFPA, rehab should occur whenever on-scene activities pose the risk of members exceeding a safe level of physical or mental endurance. 

The new standard defines key objectives for rehab including relief from environmental conditions, rest and recovery, cooling and warming, rehydration, and calorie/electrolyte replacement.  Also included is medical monitoring, member accountability and return to duty criteria. 

WWHC has devoted itself to adhering to strict firefighter rehab protocols, even prior to the NFPA 1584 establishment.  The establishment of our firefighter rehab program has is most noted with the recent addition of Squad 59 which was designed specifically for firefighter rehab and carries medical monitoring equipment, relief from the environment, cooling and warming equipment and rehydration/electrolyte replacement.  WWHC is the only department in Lackawanna County to operate a solely designated firefighter rehab unit.

Bulldog Gets Burned
October 21st, 2008 - A Mack tri-axel dump truck refueling at Luk Oil in the Borough of Mayfield came close to posing a major incident.  While the truck driver was filling the vehicle with diesel fuel he splashed fuel onto the exhaust of the running truck. The resulting flash over caused the driver to spill approximately 5 gallons of diesel onto the ground.  Quick thinking by Luk Oil employees prevented a major incident from occurring. 

Football, Fire & Decon
October 14th – WWHC Crews were spread through out the county on incidents and training.  Squad Crews participated in a live exercise at the Elmhurst Sewer Authority as part of the Lackawanna County Decon Team.  WWHC crews along with Station 15 (Elmhurst), Station 7 (Moscow) and Station 24 (Greenfield) participated in the live exercise. 

EMS crews spent the evening at Lakeland Stadium at Chapman Lake providing EMS coverage for the Lakeland Chiefs football team.

While Squad and EMS crews were busy Station 59 was dispatched for a brush fire on Linden Street in the Borough of Mayfield. 

Marathon Coverage
October 12, 2008 - WWHC Rescue and EMS crews spend the morning providing medical coverage for the 13th annual Steamtown Marathon.

The Steamtown Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the United States and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier.  Miles 9.5 – 12.5 fall with in the WWHC coverage area. Crews from Squad 59, Amb. 59-9, Amb 59-8 and Amb. 24-9 provided coverage.

Congratulations to Chief Hallowich who finished the marathon in a time of 4:29:03. 

THANKS TO ALL!
We' like to thank everyone who attended or supported our  first Oktoberfest. We told you it was gonna be GOOD!

Business 6 MVC

October 3rd – Lackawanna County Communication dispatched Rescue 59 along Amb 59-9 at 12:00 hours for a 2 car MVA with injuries on Business Route 6 in the borough of Mayfield.  Rescue crews stabilized both vehicles while 59-9 transported one patient BLS to the Trauma Center and 59-8 transported one patient ALS to Mercy Hospital.  Units on Scene:  Rescue 59, 59-9, 59-8, 59-2, CH1 While returning to the coverage area from the Business 6 MVA EMS crews were dispatched for separate EMS calls.  59-9 was dispatched to assist 21 EMS crews with a medical call in the Borough of Archbald while 59-8 was dispatched for a medical call in the Borough of Jermyn.

2 Car MVA on Business 6
September 29th - Rescue 59, along with Amb. 59-8 was dispatched to a 2 car MVA with injuries at the Rush Brook Street on ramp to business route 6.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) arrived on scene to establish a Rt. 6 command.  Upon arriving, Chief Hallowich found 2 vehicles on the side of the on ramp. Chief Hallowich returned all units to service with one patient refusal.  Units on Scene:  Chief 59-3, 59-8, 59-1

Casey Highway Roll Over
October 1st – Station 59 Fire, Rescue and EMS was dispatched by Lackawanna County Communications to a single vehicle MVA at exit 5 of the Casey Highway in Mayfield at 12:56 hours. First Arriving units found a single patient confined with minor injuries.  59-9 along with Medics from LA6 transported one patient to the Trauma Center. 
Units on Scene: Chief 59-3, R59, R59-1, 59-9, E59-2, 59-1, PSP, LA6

Poplar St. MVA
September 23rd - Rescue 59 along with Amb. 59-9 and 59-9 were dispatched for a single vehicle MVA on the 600 Block of Poplar Street in Mayfield.  59-8 crews arrived on scene quickly to find 2 trauma patients extricated from the vehicle. 

Rescue crews worked to stabilize the vehicle while EMS crews worked to package both patients for transportation to the trauma center.  Crews requested Lackawanna Ambulance medic units for a rendezvous on the Casey Highway inbound to the trauma center. Units on Scene: R59, R59-1, 59-9, 59-8, LA17, LA4

Rescue 59, Squad 59 Operates at Blaze in Honesdale 
Crews from Rescue 59 and Squad 59 were dispatched on a special call assignment to assist the Honesdale Fire Department on a confirmed structure fire. 

Honesdale FD arrived on scene to a fully involved residential fire with extension to the neighboring residence. Rescue crews were assigned to assist with an interior attack on the neighboring residence.  Squad crews were assigned to assist Honesdale EMS with establishment of Firefighter Rehab.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours returning to service before 19:00 hours.  Photo link courtesy of 43 Fire. Wayne Independent WNEP video WNEP story

Busy Weekend for Mayfield Volunteers
Crews started the busy weekend by enduring rainy conditions at Lakeland Stadium on Chapman Lake.  Amb. 59-9 joint EMS crews from 36-9 and 24-9 providing medical coverage for the Lakeland football game. 

Crews from 59-9 and 59-8 began Saturday morning by providing medical coverage for St. Thomas' 150th anniversary walk.  Participants walked 6.5 miles from St. Thomas' Church in Archbald to St. Rose of Lima Church in Carbondale.  Crews covered a 3 mile stretch of the walk through the Boroughs of Jermyn and Mayfield.  No injuries were reported.  Crews handed out band-aids for a few blistered feet. 

Chief 59-3B (Kuzmak) along with President Filbert made the 25 mile trip with Squad 59 to attend the 78th N.E.P.V.F.F Convention in Hughestown.  The Convention was held in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the Hughestown Hose Company. 
 

Sunday began with a mid morning assist to area 21.  Rescue 59, Amb. 59-9 and Amb. 59-8 were dispatched to assist with a 2 car MVA with multiple traumatic injuries.  59 crews worked to extricate the passenger of one of the vehicles.  59-8, 21-9, 21-8 and 25-9 all transported ALS to the Trauma Center.  Units on Scene:  R59, R21, 59-9, 59-8, 21-9, 21-8, 25-9, CH1, LA17

Rollover on Rt. 6
Rescue 59 along with Amb. 59-8 were requested by Captain 21 to assist with a single vehicle MVA on business Route 6 in the Borough of Archabald.  Crews from 59-8 and LA 17 arrived on scene to find a single patient self extricated next to the overturned vehicle.  Crews stabilized and transferred the patient to awaiting 21 EMS crews.  The patient was transported to the Trauma Center by 21-8. Units on Scene: R59, R21, 59-8, 21-8, LA17, CH1

STRIKE TEAM DEACTIVATION
For the second time in two weeks the WWHC Strike Team has been activated, deactivated, activated and deactivated within a few hours. Currently Strike Team members will no longer be deploying to the Gulf Coast region.

43 house fire RIT Assignment

A fully involved house fire brought Rescue 59 crews into Wayne County on a RIT assignment.  The evening fire destroyed the home and caused damage to a near by home.  Crews held the RIT assignment until being release by Elk Lake Command. Photolink courtesy of 43Fire.com   Units on Scene: E43, E42, E12, R75, R59, L43, Mini Pumper 94, T94, T12, T13, T75, Car 43, Waymart 1

STRIKE TEAM ACTIVATION
The Pa Dept. of Health Region 5 STRIKE TEAM received word Thursday evening 8/28/2009, that all teams are to be activated and put on alert for deployment.  Hurricane Gustav is expected to make land fall in the New Orleans, La area on Tuesday September 2nd.   Gustav is expected to be a category 4-5 hurricane by land fall. 

Strike Team Update: 
The WWHC STRIKE TEAM received word on 8/29/2008 to stand down.  At the present time only ALS units are to mobilize.  With Hurricane Gustav strengthening 59-8 and Squad 59 crews are on stand by in the event of deployment. 
Please check back for updates on the deployment of the WWHC STRIKE TEAM.

Rescue on 18 box
Sunday morning Rescue 59 traveled deep into Susquehanna county off Rt.374 in Lenoxville to Assist Station 18 (Clifford) on a structure fire.  The Rescue arrived and were immediately assigned R.I.T. duties.  After being relieved of R.I.T. duties the crew assisted in supression and extensive overhaul of the 1 story wooden frame dwelling.
The crew returned to service near 7:00 am. Photolink courtesy of 43Fire.com

Strike Team Drill

The WWHC Strike Team attended a Resource Drill and Demonstration at Fort Indian Town Gap on August 12th.  The drill and demonstration was conducted in conjunction with the 31st Annual PA EMS Conference.  Strike Team's from through out the Commonwealth converged on Fort Indian Town Gap for the 2 day demonstration.  More than 200 participating Strike Team members attended along with over 50 support vehicles, trailers and ambulances.  The Strike Team is available to assist in the even of any large scale incident.  The Strike Team was last activated 3 years ago this week in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Rescue EMS on Jermyn MVA

At 13:30 hours on July 31st. WWHC Rescue and EMS crews were dispatched to a MVA with a breported vehicle head on into a utility pole in the 100 block of Washington Ave. in the Borough of Jermyn.  Crews arrived on scene to find one occupant still in the vehicle with a sheared utility pole lying over the passenger side of the vehicle. QRV 21 was dispatched to assist.

Rescue crews worked to stabilize the vehicle and clear any hazards while EMS crews worked to extricate the patient. EMS transported one patient to the Trauma Center.  Crews remained on scene for 50 minutes
Units on Scene: Rescue 59, Amb. 59-9 QRV 21, LA-17 

Squad & Rescue Run Wayne County Box
Initial dispatch from Lackawanna County Communications came at 03:20 hours for Squad 59 to assist Forest City EMS with Firefighter Rehab.  A second dispatch followed shortly with Chief 24 out of Lackawanna County requesting Rescue 59 to stand by at their station while they operated on the structure fire. 

Rescue 59 was quickly diverted to the fire grounds as the RIT Team.  Crews remained on the scene until around 06:30 hours before returning to service. WNEP

Squad on Barn Fire
On July 10th Squad 59 was dispatched to assist Susquehanna County Station 18 with a fully involved barn fire on State Route 2012 in Elkdale.  Command 18 assigned Squad crews to assist Clifford EMS by establishing Firefighter Rehab. Rehab posed unusual circumstances.  A fence on the fire grounds had to be removed, allowing Station 28 out of Wayne County to supply water from a near by pond to ladder operations. The fence had been holding back nearly 15 goats.  Crews were on scene for approximately 3 hours.
 WNEP Coverage

Rehab Unit Featured In Scranton Times 

MAYFIELD — Of all the fires that stand out in John Pizzimenti's memory, there are few with both 1,000-degree flames and temperatures 14 degrees below zero.  Five years in the making, William Walker is now the first fire department in Lackawanna County with a full-fledged, dedicated rehab unit.

Mr. Pizzimenti, the company's safety officer, said the addition is a big step toward improving firefighter health and lowering risk.

William Walker's rehab truck — emblazoned with "Squad 59" on the side — rolled into Mayfield on June 18 from Seminary, Miss. Fully stocked, it has tents, chairs, cots, generators, heaters, floodlights, tarps, misting fans, coolers, towels and room for five. But other departments are excited about what William Walker is doing, and some are now talking about doing their own rehab, said Jim Perry, a company member and the county Emergency Management Agency coordinator for Mayfield.

But now that "Squad 59" is up and running and ready to assist, the unit wants to pitch in beyond the Upvalley. William Walker president Bill Filbert said it all comes down to the company slogan: "Small town, big pride."
Read the full article from the Scranton Times

R 59 On second alarm in Simpson 

In the early morning hours on June 20th Rescue was Special Called to assist area 61 on a fully involved structure fire.  Upon arriving Rescue 59's crew of 8, under the command of Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) assumed RIT duties on side A of the structure.  Crews held that assignment for the entire incident.  Crews remained on scene for 4 hours returning to service at 03:00 hours.

Squad Delivered…Makes Immediate Run
On June 18th the Squad completed its voyage from Gulf Coast of Mississippi to the Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.  WWHC purchased a 2003 four door 4x4 F-550 from Deep South Trucks in Seminary, MS.  The new REHAB 59 features a 4 door crew cab with a 9’ walk-in rescue body. The vehicle includes a full light package, scene lights, rear arrow stick, 4 pole lights, and a 7.5 KW generator with 2 electric cord reels. 
 

Squad 59 was only in town a few minutes when a first due alarm was received for a transformer fire in the 500 block of Washington Ave in area 58.  Squad 59, Rescue 59 and Ambulance 59-8 were on scene for 30 minutes before returning to service. Members spent the day transferring equipment and installing the radios.  The unit is in service and fully operational.

WWHC Complimented On Its "Southern Hospitality"
-Excerpt from Deep South Fire Truck's Danny Avera:
 "Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed meeting with ya'll the other night. I hope I can get up there again. Hope everything is going well. Again it was a pleasure and a treat meeting all of ya'll. If you ever get down in this neck of the woods give me a call."

Sincerely and Thanks,
Danny Avera
P.S. Drink one for me at the Corn and Clam Slam.

The Members of WWHC would like to thank Danny and the rest of Deep South Fire Trucks for the great service we received in the purchase of our new Squad. 

MVA WITH CONFINMENT

May 22, 2008 After clearing from the SR 107 – Rushbrook Road MVA, Station 59 Rescue and EMS were dispatched for a 1 vehicle MVA; car vs. guard rail at SR 107 and Bonnie Drive in Jermyn.  Crews arrived on scene to find a four door sedan with the driver side pinned against the guard rail.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) established command.  Crews worked to remove the driver through the passenger side of the vehicle.  Crews remained on scene for approximately 35 minutes. Units on scene: Rescue 59, Amb. 59-9, Amb. 59-9, Cottage 1, EMA 35

2 Alarm Fire Main St. Clifford

At 02:30 hours on Wednesday May 14th, Rescue 59 was dispatched by Lackawanna Communications to assist Station 18 out of Susquehanna County for a 2 alarm residential structure fire on Main Street in Clifford. Crews arrived on scene to find a fully involved structure fire.  Four residents of the home escaped without any injuries.  Rescue 59 was initially assigned suppression duties with the deck gun.  Crews were later reassigned as the RIT Team. Rescue 59 operated on scene for approximately 4 hours.

Rehab draws a response

On Saturday afternoon, Rehab 59 was requested by Command 25 to respond to Mid Valley Dr. in Jessup to set up and operate Rehab along with EMS 25 and EMS 21 while crews from Jessup, Peckville, Archbald and Olyphant operated on a large amount of 55 gallon plastic drums filled with unknown substances on fire. Rehab was provided for approximately 35 to 40 firefighters. Rehab 59 would like to Thank all of the Mutual Aid departments for their help.

Early morning response
A wood burner at a residence on Lackawanna Ave. in the Borough of Mayfield drew an early morning response from Rescue 59 and 59 EMS.  At approximately 04:20 hours on May 13, Lackawanna County Communications Center dispatched stations 59, 58 and 25 for a reported structure fire.  Mayfield Police arrived on scene quickly and reported a heavy smoke condition in the area.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) arrived on scene to assume command and quickly discovered a wood burner at a residence was the source of the smoke.  All units were returned to service.  Units on the box: Rescue 59, Amb. 59-9, Amb. 59-8, Rehab 59, Engine 59 Rescue 59-1, Ladder 58, Rescue 25

Rescue on RIT Assignment
On June 9th at 02:00 hours Rescue 59 was dispatched to assist Wayne County Company 24 (Vandling) with a fully involved structure at Company 42's fire headquarters on Clinton Street in Vandling.  Initial reports stated the building was fully involved with explosions.  First arriving units discovered the department's picnic pavilion and storage area was fully engulfed in flames.  Station 42 received minor damage due to radiant heat.  Companies remained on scene for approximately 90 minutes before returning to service. 
Units on the Box: E42, E41, E43, E61, E60,  E52, R41, R59, L43, L58, Car 43, FC EMS, Cottage EMS 

WWHC RECIEVES FED GRANT May 21, 2008 WWHC received a $62,000 Federal Grant for the purchase of safety equipment.  WWHC purchased 6 new Scott Air Packs and a Scott Pak-Tracker.  The pack tracker can be used by our RIT Team to locate and rescue a firefighter in the event of an emergency.

MVA WITH MULTIPLE INJURIES May 22, 2008 WWHC Rescue and EMS were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries at the intersection of SR 107 and Washington Ave in Jermyn.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) arrived on scene to establish command.  Chief Hallowich alerted Lackawanna County Communications that there were a total of 3 patients and requested an additional BLS and ALS unit.    Units on scene:  Rescue 59, Amb. 59-9, Amb. 59-9, Amb. 51-9, Cottage 1.

	Class of 2008 Congratulations to WWHC members Michael Pane and Ashley Stephens who recently graduated from Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School.  Michael will be attending Penn State University this upcoming fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering while Ashley will be attending King's University entering the Physician's Assistant program.
	Rescue on working blaze in Vandling Rescue  59 got the RIT assignment with Squad 22 on a working house fire at 450 Main Street in Vandling early Monday morning.  The two alarm fire wrecked a vacant home. Crews worked about two hours on the with the stubborn fire before returning to service

House cleared on 21 box
At 10:45 hours on Wednesday night Station 59 Rescue, EMS, and Rehab were dispatched to assist stations 21 and 33 for a reported structure fire at Highway Auto on the Eynon-Jermyn Road in area 21.  Chief 59-3 (Hallowich) was first to arrive confirming a working commercial structure fire.  The Rescue laid 500’ of 5 inch LDH completing a 4300 ft. lay by 59 and 60 units, and yes the Rescue even took part in drafting a sight not normally seen feeding L-58 and E-33.  Ambulance 58-8 provided EMS coverage to the Jermyn side of the fire grounds.  Ambulance 59-9 along with Rehab 59 assisted EMS command 21 with EMS coverage and firefighter rehab on the Eynon side of the fire ground. 

The isolated area of the structure posed water issues.  Tankers from through out Lackawanna County, along with Tankers from Susquehanna County assisted in a massive Tanker Shuttle. Units remained on scene for approximately 5 hours before returning to service: 

Units on scene:  Engines: E21-1, E21-2, E33 E60, E59, E36-4, E26-1, E26-2, E25, E24, E22, E20.  Rescues: Rescue 59, Rescue 59-1, Rescue 21, Rescue 25, Rescue 36.  Ladders: L-58. L-20.  Tankers: T21,T36, T60, T15, T9, T53, T5, T29, T28, T24, T2, T14, T12, T63, T18, T8-1,  EMS: 59-9, 59-8, REHAB 59, 21-9, 21-8.  More on the incident 
 

	Rehab on C'dale Twp.  brush fire On Sunday, March 30th Rehab 59 was dispatched to assist Carbondale Township with a 2 acre brush fire.  Crews rehabbed 25 firefighters, providing EMS, water, Gatorade and shelter to protect firefighters from the cold elements.
	Rescue on 20 Box On Monday, March 31st Rescue 59 was dispatched at 0200 Hours on a second alarm assist to area 20 in Peckville.  The Rescue arrived on scene to find a fully involved structure fire at Fiorelli’s Catering.  Rescue crews were assigned to RIT initially.  Command 20 split 59 crews to assist in overhaul of the large structure.  Units remained on scene for approximately 3 hours before returning to service. This was the second large fire Rescue 59 assisted on at this facility in 4 years.
	Rescue on 2nd alarm in the city At 04:30 hours on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Rescue 59 along with Ambulance 59-9 were dispatched to a working structure fire on Lincoln Ave. in the City of Carbondale.  Rescue 59 was initially advised to standby at the City Headquarters.  Rescue 59 was then assigned to RIT.  Crews finished on the morning overhauling the residence.  Crews remained on scene for three hours.

59 runs car vs. bridge on the LVIH

The busy weekend continued Sunday Morning when  Rescue-59 and EMS-59 and ALS (CH-4) were dispatched to Eastbound on the LVIH for a MVA, car vs.bridge abutment. Chief-59-3 (Hallowich) arrived first and reported one vehicle single occupant who was self extricated. Rescue-59, 59-9, and 59-8 all arrived simultaneously. EMS crews loaded the patient while the crew from the rescue went to work controlling all hazards. 59-9, along with a paramedic from Ch-4, transported the patient to the trauma center. Crews cleared up in about thirty minutes.

New equipment placed in service
The officers of the W.W.H.C. spent much of the week working diligently to place into service new equipment that will enhance the services we offer. On Friday 09-01-06 Rescue 59 returned from K.M.E.'s maintenance facility were a new on board cascade system was installed. The rig now features a Bauer high pressure cascade system, with a fully enclosed cylinder fill station. The unit was bought from Compressed Air Systems with money made available from The federal grant the department received earlier in the year. And on Tuesday 09-05-06 the new "Ambulance 59-8" was placed into service after successful completion of an inspection conducted by EMS offices. The rig which was purchased from the Greenfield Twp. Vol. Fire Dept, went through extensive renovation before being ready for service including a new paint job, new lettering and a brand new LED light bar. Ambulance 59-8 also be the designated rig for the EMS Surge team and will be capable of operating on large incidents for an extended period of time. With the new rig up and running, The old Ambulance 59-8 will be retro fitted and utilized as Rehab 59. Special thanks to all the officers and members who made this all possible. 
  Click on photos to enlarge.

Hot weather keeps Rehab busy
With Temperatures in the 90's the 59 rehab unit has been kept busy this week responding to two working structure fires in 2 days. On Tuesday afternoon the Rehab was requested by Susquehanna County to assist Station 18(Clifford) on a Working Garage Fire with other structures possibly involved. The Rehab arrived onscene and set up for Rehab operations. Visit Clifford's website 
 

Who would  have guessed? Well, anyone who knew these two growing up would have!  This is a picture of two of our members very early in there emergency service careers. Many members recall these two "rugrats" runnning around with the old belt mount face pieces on and a garden hose in hand putting out pretend fires or sitting in the ambulance in the garage on the way to pretend ambulance calls. Both of these men recently moved up from pretend to reality.

James Yesalavage Jr. recently graduated from Lackawanna College Paramedic Program. Jimmy also passed the National Registry Test for Paramedics at the beginning of this month.  Jimmy will now be employed full-time as a Medic with Cottage Ambulance in Carbondale. 

FF/EMT Daniel Hallowich recently completed the Arlington County Fire Academy.  Dan graduated on Fri. June 23rd.  Dan also completed his EMT Certification in VA as a part of the fire academy.  Dan will be assigned to the "103 House" in Arlington effective after graduation.

On behalf of all the members we wish the both of you the best of luck in your careers.  Always remember your beginings, be safe, and know... WE ARE ALL PROUD TO CALL YOU BROTHER.

Fire wrecks business Firefighters encountered heavy fire on arrival at Altier's Auto Sales on Route 6. The two alarm fire brought companies from Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne Counties closing down heavily traveled Route 6. The fire was brought under control within a half hour followed by extensive overhaul. More photos
Check on our ambulance makeover Station 59 gets closer to placing ambulance in service.

43 box draws 59 response
A structure fire in Clinton Township, Station 43's first due, brought Rescue 59 out Monday morning just before 07:00 hours. The Rescue was assigned RIT. A second crew was assigned to the interior to help with overhaul. We returned to service just before 09:00 hours.  Additional photos

Rescue 59 on 41 Box 
Rescue 59 was dispatched to assist station 41 for the confirmed commercial structure fire at Turkey Hill on Main Street in Forest City. More details....
 

Rescue, rehab rig  responds to Greenfield Photo by Joe Sheptak Rescue 59 and the "rehab rig" got out early Saturday morining, responding to a three alarm fire in Greenfield Township. The fire tore through a service station located on Route 106.  The fire took the life of the owner of the business.  Click here to go CliffordFire.com for  more photos and details.

 Earlier news