Tuesday, January 31 - This morning at 07:55, WRFD was alerted with Millcreek Paramedics and Millcreek Township Police to a vehicle accident at the intersection of Zuck Rd and W Grandview Blvd. Initial Reports stated one car into a pole with 1 injury. Fire Police 4602 arrived on location and reported one vehicle with heavy damage with person entrapped. Engine 472 arrived on location and began stabilizing the vehicle to prepare for extrication. Engineb474 arrived and began setting up the hydraulic tools. Crews had to cut the brake pedal to extricate the patient. Both crews assisted MPS with removing the patient from the vehicle. The patient was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. Companies cleared the scene shortly after 9am.

FIRE ALARM TURNS INTO COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE IN WEST LAKE

Friday, January 27 - As crews were clearing a kitchen fire, which turned out to be burnt food, Tower 479 was alerted to assist 48 (West Lake) on a commercial structure fire at 2955 West 17th Street.  48 had been dispatched originally to this location for a fire alarm. As crews were preparing to enter the structure, heavy smoke was observed inside the building. At this time, 48 Command requested the box be filled, bringing Tower 479. Tower 479 arrived on location and took position on the west side of the structure. The crew from 479 forced a man door and was met by heavy smoke conditions. As a result, an attack line was stretched inside the structure and the crew met up with the crew from 489. Interior crews had the fire knocked down very quickly and with assistance from 50, crews from 46 & 48 performed ventilation, setup scene lighting and overhauled of the area. Tower 479 cleared the scene around 75 minutes later.

EARLY MORNING VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH ELECTRICAL HAZARD

Sunday, January 22 – At 01:08am, units responded to the 2200 block West 23^rd street for a vehicle accident with reported entrapment. As units were responding, ECDOPS advised of an utility pole sheared in half with an electrical hazard. As Chief 460 arrived on location, he reported a small fire in the engine compartment. MPS personnel discharged a dry chemical extinguisher and Engine 472 pulled an attack line to extinguish the fire. The situation remained dangerous due to several high tension electrical lines up to 39,000 volts directly overhead hanging precariously with little support. The occupants were extricated through an opening in the windshield and transported by MPS to an Erie hospital . Units were cleared over 2 hours later after Penelec secured the power and the vehicle was removed from the scene.

TOWER 479 PROVIDES COVERAGE TO EAST COUNTY

Monday, January 16 – Today around 9am, Tower 479 headed over to Harborcreek Township to provide coverage to the area. Tower 479 along with Engine 483 (West Lake) and Engine 204 (Fuller) staffed Station 26 today so the membership of the Fairfield FD could attend the funeral service of Airman Bryan Bell. Airman Bell, a Harborcreek native, was serving in the United States Air Force when he lost his life in Afghanistan earlier this month. Airman Bell was an explosive-ordnance disposal technician with the 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron, assigned to Delta Company's 466th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit. Airman Bell also served with the Fairfield Fire Department. As the procession proceeded past Station 26, the crews from 479, 483, 204 along with fellow firefighters from East County Fire Departments came to attention to salute Airman Bell and the 200 vehicles that accompanied the procession. During the coverage assignment, no calls were received.  Tower 479 returned to Millcreek Township in the late afternoon.

FORMER MEMBERS PASS THEIR PROBATIONARY TESTS

Thursday, January 12 - Last year at this time, former members Pat Carne and Jake Stafford departing Erie for Charleston, SC. Both individuals were on their way to achieve a lifetime dream, to become a career Firefighter. Both Pat and Jake completed a 22 week training academy along with having the ability to due ride-a-longs with CFD. Well recently, both Jake and Pat passed their probationary tests as Charleston Firefighters. Congratulations to both Pat and Jake passing their respective tests. We all look forward to seeing you on a run in the future while both of you are in town visiting!!

PHOTOS FROM THE PAST

Tuesday, January 10 - At the 2011 Banquet, a slideshow of pictures from the past 71 years was presented.  Those photos from the past are now viewable in the photo gallery.  Click here to view those photos.

2012 OFFICERS

MEMBERS SKATE UP FOR CHARITY

Saturday, January 7 - This afternoon, local Firefighters & EMS workers laced up the skates against local Police in a charity hockey game.  Today as the 2nd annual Guns & Hoses Charity Hockey game.  The game was held at the Tullio Arena in downtown Erie.  Proceeds from this game benefit a different charity each year.  3 WRFD Firefighters participated in this year's game. They were Andy Kilmer, John Sorge and Rob Laufenberg. The final score was 3-2. Afterwards, those in attendance were able to attend the Erie Otters hockey game. Congratulations to all those who participated.

MID AFTERNOON VEHICLE ACCIDENT:  4000 ZUCK ROAD

Friday, January 6 – This afternoon at 12:54, Engine 474 along with MPS and Fire Police responded to the 4000 block of Zuck Road for a vehicle accident. As companies were responding, ECDOPS reported that Millcreek Township Police were on location and reported 1 of the vehicles possibly on fire. MPS arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate to heavy damage. While MPS was tending to patient care, Engine 474 arrived on location, pulled an attack line and soaked down the engine compartment. There was no visible fire in the engine compartment. Afterwards, the engine crew utilized the hose line to clean the roadway of all of the debris. MPS transported the patients to an Erie hospital for treatment. Fire Police shut down Zuck Road from West 38 Street to West Grandview Blvd. Engine 474 cleared the scene around 45 minutes later and Zuck Road was reopened shortly afterwards.

VOLUNTEERS RESPONDS TO ROUTE 20 VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Thursday, January 5 – Just after midnight, Station 46 was alerted for a vehicle accident at West 26^th Street & Yoder Drive. MPS arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with moderate damage. Engine 474 with 4 Volunteers arrived on location shortly afterwards, assisted with patient care and handled fluids and debris. Engine 472 arrived on location next and the crew assisted 474 with debris clean up. Meanwhile, Fire Police handled traffic control. Crews cleared the scene around 12:30am. Chief 460 had Command.

FIRE CREWS BATTLE CHIMNEY FIRE & COLD TEMPERATURES

Tuesday, January 3 – This evening just after 10pm, Tower 479 was alerted to assist 52 (Fairview), 54 (Girard), 50 (Lake Shore) and 48 RIT (West Lake) on a residential structure fire on Avonia Road. Tower 479 responded fully staffed with 6 Volunteers. The tower arrived on location and reported to manpower staging. Later into the incident, the Tower was tasked to assist interior crews with checking for extension in the attic ladder. Later on, the crew split into 2 teams, 1 team remaining inside while the second team assisted with laddering and checking the chimney. Once on the roof, the tower crew, with assistance from a Fairview firefighter, began to perform a chimney sweep. The roof crew spent around 20 minutes attempting to clear the chimney. Companies on location also had to deal with temperatures in the single digits. Tower 479 cleared the scene around 12:15am. As the tower was returning to Station 46, crews did find out just how cold it was – 5 degrees. Chief 461 had the West Ridge command.

TOWER 479 RUNS SMELL OF SMOKE AT TJ MAXX

Wednesday, December 28 – This evening around 9:30pm, Tower 479 responded as part of a first alarm assignment for the TJ Maxx store on the Millcreek Mall campus. Originally dispatched as a commercial fire, responding companies were provided with updated information that there was a smell of smoke inside the structure. Chief 441 (Kearsarge) arrived on location and reported no visible smoke or fire. Tower 479, full staffed with 6 Volunteers, arrived on location and put the aerial ladder to use. Tower 479 was tasked with checking the roof top HVAC units. Tower 479 was assisted on the roof by Ladder 429 (Perry Hi-Way). After checking the roof top, Tower 479 was then assigned to check a side storage room for any possible locations on where the smell of smoke was coming from. Tower 479 was on location for around 60 minutes. Chief 461 held the Operations sector.

2 FRIDAY EVENING FIRES:  2nd DUE TRUCK TO 48 | 1st DUE CHIMNEY FIRE

Friday, December 23 – This evening at 6:21pm, Tower 479 was dispatched for the 2^nd due truck to 4514 West Lake Road for a reported commercial structure fire. Chief 480 arrived on location and reported smoke showing from a multi business strip mall. First arriving crews gained access to the eastern most business and began to investigate where the smoke was coming from. Tower 479 arrived on location, laddered the building and assisted with operations. Tower 479 cleared the scene around 25 minutes later. Then at 7:49pm, Station 46 was alerted for a chimney fire at 5121 Merilee Drive. As companies were responding, ECDOPS advised that the fire was extinguished. Chief 470 arrived on location and reported nothing visible. Engine 474 arrived on location and went to work clearing out the fire place and checking for extension on Divisions 1 and 2. Meanwhile Tower 479 setup the aerial to inspect the top of the chimney. Companies remained on location at this fire for around 45 minutes.

COMPANY RESPONDS TO MID AFTERNOON VEHICLE ACCIDENT

Thursday, December 22 - At 02:55, companies were alerted to West 26th and Carter Ave for a vehicle accident. Captain 46-C1 arrived on location and reported 2 vehicles with minor to moderate damage. Engine 474 arrived on location and put the rescue tools into service. The passenger door of the Jeep Cherokee had to be popped so crews could extricate the passenger. 2 people were transported to an Erie hospital for treatment. Fire Police handled traffic duties. Millcreek Township Police are investigating.

VOLUNTEERS KEPT BUSY WITH OVEN FIRE, STRUCTURE FIRE & VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Saturday, December 10 - Over the past few weeks, crews have responded to an oven fire, structure fire and a couple vehicle accidents. On November 24th, companies responded to an oven fire on King Arthur Drive. Items stored in a bin under the oven ignited after the oven was left on over night while self cleaning. The fire was quickly extinguished and then removed from the residence. The homeowner was alerted to the fire when the smoke detector began to activate. On December 1st, Engine 472 responded to Lay Road in Washington Twp to assist Edinboro on a residential structure fire. After making the 18 mile trip, crews arrived on location. While on location, Engine 472 assisted with fire suppression operations. Engine 472 was on location for around 2 hours. Then on December 9th, as the snow began to fall, companies responded to 2 vehicle accidents back to back. The first MVA was on Tamarack Road when a single vehicle lost control, struck a tree broadside and came to rest to a house. The driver of that vehicle was transported to an Erie hospital for treatment. As companies were preparing to return, a 2nd MVA was dispatched for Love Rd and Zimmerly Rd. The MVA on Zimmerly Rd at Love Rd was a single car that slid off Zimmerly Rd, and stopped at a steep angle on the bank near the old school house. The 2 occupants were unable to get out themselves. On the arrival of Truck 477, the passenger was assisted from the vehicle. The driver remained in the car, attended to by personnel. The car was stabilized on the slope with struts by the crew from Engine 472, and then the driver was extricated. MPS transported both to an Erie hospital. Fire police closed Zimmerly Rd, and detoured traffic until the car was removed from the slope.

CELEBRATING 71 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING

Friday, November 18 - This evening, members, spouses, friends, invited guests and others gathered at the Bel-Aire Hotel for the annual WRFD Banquet. Everyone began to arrive around 6pm for fellowship. After a wonderful buffet dinner, years of service awards were presented. Receiving those awards were Betty Perkins (5 years), Bobby McCarthy (5 years), Rob Hornaman (10 years), Brian Keinath (20 years), Scott Heidt (30 years), Dan Ouellet (30 years) and Mark Williams (30 years). Harry Love, Jr was honored for his 71 years of service. Jim Jones, Sr accepted the honorary membership plaque for his son Jim Jones, Jr, who was unable to attend. Jerry DeRosa, Shawn Simko, Gary Carver and Mark Kapen, Dan Hesch and John Williams from Kearsarge were honored for their efforts in rescuing people from 2 separate structure fires back in April. Dan Ouellet and Jim Jones, Sr were honored for their efforts in rescuing 2 people from a home that was filled with carbon monoxide. Mike Howard was awarded the Rookie of the Year. Lu Lawson and Jerry DeRosa were honored as Firefighters of the Year. After the awards portion, several door prizes were given out and then the music and dancing began. In all everyone had an excellent time. Special thanks to our mutual aid departments for covering the 46 District.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT:  WEST 26th & YODER DRIVE

Thursday, November 17 – Shortly before 10pm, companies were alerted to a vehicle accident at West 26^th and Yoder Drive.  As companies were responding, Erie County 911 was reporting entrapment.  First arriving crews reported 2 vehicles with moderate damage and a corrected location of the 3200 block of West 26th Street.  Engine 472 arrived on location and began to setup the rescue tools. Just before crews were going to begin extrication operations, crews were able to determine that one of the drivers would be able to be extricated on the passenger side of their vehicle. Fire Police handled traffic while MPS tending to patient care. 

WEST RIDGE ASSISTS ON A BRUSH FIRE ON THE MILLCREEK / SUMMIT BORDER

Sunday, November 13 – This morning at 6:10am, West Ridge was alerted to assist 44 (Kearsarge) on a brush fire behind the Granada apartment complex. Kearsarge was already on location battling the brush fire. While battling the brush fire, crews had to battle winds gusting between 20 – 30 mph. Fire crews from Millcreek, Summit, East County and South County were called in to battle the brush fire. Around 20 acres were scorched and it crews around 5 hours to completely extinguish the flames. While on location, WRFD crews assisted in suppression, removing trees and brush and setting up fire breaks. Several tankers were called in to setup a water dump site on the south side of the brush fire on Ponderosa Drive. Throughout the course of the morning, 44 Command requested manpower, multiple brush trucks, mules and ATVs from 48, 38, 36, 52, 14, 68, 50, 56, 22, 42, 40, 30 and 26. The American Red Cross, WRFD Auxiliary and 68 Rehab were on scene to setup rehab operations. MPS stood by in case EMS was needed. WRFD operated on scene until after 10am. Special thanks to Engine 553 (Girard) for providing coverage to the 46 District.

WEST RIDGE & MPS RESPOND TO CARBON MONOXIDE INCIDENT

Wednesday, November 9 - This evening, companies were alerted to 3560 West 22nd St for a carbon monoxide incident. First arriving crews immediately began rescuing the residents and began patient care.  Engine 472 arrived on location, went on SCBA air and entered the structure to perform a primary search. Once inside, crews had readings ranging from 100 - 500 ppm throughout the entire structure. While inside, interior crews also performed ventilation operations as well. Crews were able to locate and rescue the family dogs as well. 2 patients were transported to an Erie hospital for treatment. Crews remained on location for just over an hour. While on location, Tower 479 was alerted to assist Station 52 (Fairview) for a structure fire at 6621 West Ridge Road. Command on location reported a working fire on a residential trailer. Tower 479 arrived on location and staged. With no need for the truck, the tower returned in service about 10 minutes later.

AFTERNOON BUS FIRE AT WEST 26th & POWELL AVE

Tuesday, November 8 – At 3:38pm, units were dispatched to Route 20 and Powell Ave for a reported bus fire. Fire Prevention 920 arrived on location and reported a working fire in the engine compartment of an EMTA bus. Engine 474 and Engine 472 arrived on location simultaneously and began suppression operations. Engine 474 stretched a hand line while Engine 472’s crew performed a search of the bus, ventilation and checked for extension into the interior of the bus. Crews were able to have the fire knocked down quickly and there was no extension beyond the engine compartment. Fire Police handled traffic and scene safety. Companies cleared the scene at 4:41pm.