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Welcome to the official website of Freeport Volunteer
Fire Department and
Freeport Emergency Medical Service. Please look around our website and learn more about our
department and what we do for the community!.
"LIKE"
FREEPORT VFD & EMS ON
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Announcements
Freeport VFD/EMS is
ALWAYS in need of good volunteers to help the community! Without a strong
volunteer base, the department would not be able to function in the capacity
that it does today. Lack of volunteers means longer response times and inadequate
manpower on scene, which results in increased property damage, worsened
injury, or even loss of life. In the end, a lack of volunteers means the
community suffers. Help keep this necessary organization running the way the
community NEEDS it to run, and join us! See our "Volunteer
Today!" page for more information!
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Recent News
EMS Responds All Three
Units to Christmas Day MVC w/Multiple Patients and Flyout
12/25/12: Just after 2000 hours, Stations 36, 27, and 70 EMS were
alerted for an MVC at Route 356 and Cole Road in Buffalo Township. Medic
70-3 immediately went enroute. Butler advised multiple injuries, and 70 EMS
was alerted for a 2nd unit (volunteer crew) as well as Saxonburg 45 EMS
(volunteer crew) for an additional unit. Ambulance 70-1, Ambulance 45-3, and
Squad 45 (ALS) responded and Medic 273 was dispatched for additional ALS.
Crews would eventually find a total of 6 patients requiring transport, and
70 EMS was alerted for the 3rd unit (2nd volunteer crew), bringing Medic
70-2. Crews from all stations worked hand in hand together to package and
extricate each of the patients. Medic 70-2 requested a helicopter for their
patient, bringing LifeFlight 4 to Freeport High School (Engine and Brush 36
w/the LZ). 70-3, 70-1, and 45-3 transported a total of 5 patients to a local
hospital, with 70-2 transporting one patient to the LZ to be flown to a
Pittsburgh Trauma Center. Once again great job by everyone who responded,
many of whom had to leave Christmas arrangements with family and friends!
Units on Scene: Rescue 36,
Engine 36, Brush 36, Engine 27, Brush 27, Ambulance 70-1, Medic 70-2, Medic
70-3, Ambulance 45-3, Squad 45, Medic 273
EMS Handles 5-Vehicle
MVC in Buffalo Township
12/23/12: At 1243, 70 EMS was requested into Butler County for a 5
vehicle MVC at Route 356 and Bear Creek Road. Ambulances 70-3 and 70-2
(with a volunteer crew) both responded within a minute. Crews arrived
to find Engine 27 attending to one patient. EMS split into multiple
crews, packaging one patient for transport and starting evaluation of
multiple other patients. Rescue 36 shut down traffic at Cole Road
and Brush 27 shut down traffic from the North. 70-3 transported one
patient to a local hospital, and 70-2 returned to service. A total of
6 refusals were obtained in addition to the transported patient.
Please everyone remember to respect the firefighters and fire police
directing traffic. If a road is shut down or blocked off, it is done
for a reason. While it may be an inconvenience, we try to make as
short as possible, and it is done for the safety of the patients as well as
the responders. Please respect them and the directions they give you.
EMS Responds to E1,
Finds High CO Readings
12/23/12: At 0946 hours, 70 EMS was dispatched to an E1 on Sipes Road,
South Buffalo Township. Upon entry of the residence, the mini CO Detector
carried on all of our first-in bags began alerting for high CO readings. The
crew immediately evacuated the building and requested Company 220. Engine
220-1 arrived and made entry with SCBA and the gas meter. Crews
confirmed unsafe readings throughout the structure. EMS transported
the patient for possible CO related illness, and Engine 220-1 ventilated the
structure and controlled the utilities. Great job by all, and once again the
CO Detectors have proven their value!
Company 70 Runs Two
Early Morning MVC's
12/22/12: At around 0100 hours, 70 EMS was requested to evaluate one
patient at an MVC in the area of 3 Riverside Drive in the Borough.
Ambulance 70-3 responded along with 70 Lieutenant 1. Upon arrival, it
was found that the patient was trapped inside the vehicle, which was into a
fence and partially on its side against a building. Lieut. 1 requested
70 Rescue be dispatched to the scene for extrication. Rescue 70,
along with the Chief, Chief 1, and Captain responded for the assist.
Upon the Rescue's arrival, crews stabilized the vehicle and the patient was
extricated to the care of 70-3 and AK Pulsar Medic 273. Crews remained
on scene to assist Gillette's Towing, and 70-3 transported the patient for
evaluation. Company 70 personnel responding: 8. Just after 0800
hours, Companies 220, 70, 169 Rescue, and 70 EMS were alerted for a vehicle
over the hillside on Hill Road in South Buffalo. Rescue 70 and Medic
70-3 responded, and were cancelled with it found to be a prior accident and
no patients found.
Engine Company, Rescue,
EMS Respond to Mutli-Alarm Structure Fire
12/17/12: Just before 2200 hours, Companies 167 (Citizens) 168 (Hilltop) and
169 (Harrison Hills) were alerted for a structure fire at the Heights Plaza,
in the area of J&S Pizza. 167 Engine and 168 Truck quickly arrived to
find a working fire in the roof area, and 167 Chief assumed command.
169 Engine laid into the rear and crews went to work. With a common roof
area and no fire stops in the facade, the fire was able to spread very
quickly down the plaza, and shortly after arrival heavy fire started to show
from the roof. The 2nd alarm was quickly struck, bringing 112 (Pioneer), 280
Truck (Highland), and 281 RIT/Engine (Eureka). Shortly after, 70 was special
requested by command to respond with both engines. Engine 70-1 (with 5),
Engine 70-2 (with 4), Rescue 70 (with 2), and Ambulance 70-1 all responded
to assist. Company 70 was placed at Dunham's and coordinated with 167
Captain (Erb) to stop fire spread to the North. Attack lines were pulled off
of both engines to support the trench cut being made, as well as
investigation of stores for any fire spread. Manpower was also used
throughout the front of the structure to assist with suppression and
overhaul. Numerous crews worked on South end at the UPMC building and the
Subway, and did a good job cutting off the quickly spreading fire there.
Three firefighters were transported from the scene, and all are reported to
be doing well. Great job to all units involved, and our thoughts are with
the business owners and employees that are affected.
Update: After further investigation
of the damage, it has been determined that most of the fire was only
involved in the peaked roof and the facade, with limited damage to the
actual structure and stores. Many businesses have reopened within a
week, and most others plan to be open by the end of the month. Once
again, great job to all involved, with over 30 departments and 300
firefighters reported to be on scene. With many departments working
side by side that don't normally come close to each other, the true meaning
of brotherhood was shown as complete strangers were working side by side.
Congratulations
to our 2013 Officers!
Thank you to our 2012 officers, and congrats to our
new 2013 officers!
Fire/Relief Executive Officers:
President: Tino Bolcato
Vice President: Bill Lindley
Treasurer: Jeff Lowers
Secretary: Lynn Weaver
Sgt. At Arms: Jim Negley
Fire Trustee's (3 year term): Josh Mitchell, Jeff Weaver
Relief Trustee: Josh Mitchell
Fire Operations Officers:
Chief: Bill Lindley
Chief 1: Tom Sweeny Jr.
Chief 2: Brandon Ashbaugh
Captain: Jeff Lowers
Lieutenant: Zack Ayers
Lieutenant 1: Ryan Sweeny
Engineer: Josh Mitchell
Fire Police Captain: Jeff Weaver
Fire Police Lieutenant: Jim Negley
EMS Officers:
President: Scott Jones
Vice President: Tom Sweeny Jr.
Treasurer: Jeff Lowers
Secretary: Lynn Weaver
Employee Operations Committee: Cody Spangler, Ryan Sweeny, Bill Lindley
Engine Co. Runs AFA in
Buffalo Township
11/20/12: At 1522, Company 70 was alerted to assist
Sarver 36 and Buffalo 27 with an active fire alarm at the strip mall on
Mulone Drive, Buffalo Township. Engine 70-1 was enroute in just 3 minutes
with a crew of 4. E70-1 arrived first on scene with nothing showing and
established command. Crews quickly found the alarm to have been accidentally
set off by workers. 36 and 27 as well as an additional crew for Engine 70-2
were cancelled in station, and all 70 units were in service within the hour.
Possible Structure
Fire: 216 Clinton Road, South Buffalo Township
10/20/12: Shortly after 1700 hours Saturday,
Companies 220, 70, 169, and 70 EMS were alerted for a possible structure
fire at 216 Clinton Road, South Buffalo Township. Caller reporting the house
filling up with smoke. Engine 70-1, Rescue 70, Squad 70, and Ambulance 70-3
all responded. Crews from Company 220 arrived to find no active fire. Engine
70-1 was released upon arrival, and all other units were cancelled while
enroute.
Engine, Rescue, Squad
Stands By at 169; 70 EMS Responds to Natrona Fire
10/20/12: At 0237, Company 70 was requested
to standby in Station 169 (Harrison Hills) while they were operating at a
working structure fire. Engine 70-1, Rescue 70, and Squad 70 responded.
Shortly after arriving in 169's station, 70 EMS was requested by command to
send a unit to the scene. With Ambulance 70-3 on another call, Medic 70-1
responded to the scene. 70-1 provided a standby EMS unit for fire crews as
well as performed rehab duties. Shortly after, while 70-3 was restocking
supplies at AVH with AK Pulsar Medic 273, an E1 call was dispatched in
Tarentum Borough. With 281 (Eureka) EMS committed to the fire, 281 Deputy
requested mutual aid to handle the call. 70-3 and 273 advised they were in
the area and handled the call. All 70 units were in station by 0630 hours
with no additional incident.
Passing of a Brother...
9/13/12: It is with deep sadness that we
announce the passing of one of our own. Wes Ballina, firefighter at Harrison
Hills 169 and a former member of Freeport VFD & EMS, passed away today.
Wes was very active during his years at Company 70, and was a former line
officer, including Assistant Chief. He was also the assistant EMA Coordinator
for Freeport Borough. From the members of Company 70, our deepest sympathies
to the family and friends of Wes. You were a great firefighter and friend,
and we know you will be watching over us. Rest in peace brother.
Obituary Courtesy of Redmond
Funeral Home Inc.
Wesley T. Ballina, 42, of Freeport, passed away on Thursday Sept 13th 2012
at 3:59 am as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Wed
evening. Wes was born in Natrona Heights, on January 1, 1970. He was the
beloved youngest son of the late Janet (Merryman) and Albert Ballina. He
worked for Youngblood Paving Co. Wampum, PA. for the past 2 years. He was a
member of St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Freeport. Wes was a
passionate, dedicated firefighter with extraordinary ability. He had worked
with numerous fire companies in the Valley over the years and was currently
a member of Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Company #4. He was a member of the
Armstrong Lodge #239 in Freeport and he was a 1989 graduate of Freeport Area
High School. Wes enjoyed working and hanging out with his friends in his
garage. He also enjoyed muzzleloader hunting on the hill behind his home.
Wes had and infectious smile that will live on in the hearts of those who
knew and loved him. He had a marvelous sense of humor and had an uncountable
number of friends. Wesley is survived by his 2 sons Nicholas & Zachary
Ballina, of Freeport. His sister Jamie S. (Thomas) Phillips, of Buffalo Twp.
2 brothers, Gary A. Ballina of Elizabethtown, PA and Christopher A. (Cathy)
Ballina, of Saxonburg. His companion Dana Chinka and his 5 nephews and 1
niece. Family and friends will be received on Sunday Sept. 16th from 12-3
& 6-9 p.m. in the Redmond Funeral Home Inc. 524 High St. Freeport, PA A
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary, Mother of God
Church, Freeport, PA, at 10:00 am on Monday, September 17th, with Father
Edward Volz officiating. Burial service will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery
in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Harrison Hills Volunteer Fire Company #4 5300 Freeport Rd. Natrona Heights,
PA 15065 Autism Speaks 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250 Los Angeles, CA 90036
Company 70 Assists Able
700 with Traffic Control
11/8/12: At 1209 Company 70 was requested to assist Freeport PD at the
traffic light by the Laneville Bridge for approx. 1-2 feet of water on the
roadway. Squad 70 and Ambulance 70-3 responded and set up traffic control.
Crews used a shovel to clear the plugged storm drain, and the water was
drained from the roadway. Crews were back in at 1240. Company 70 personnel
responding: 9.
MVC w/Multiple
Injuries: Route 356 Near the Laneville Bridge
9/7/12: At 2306 Companies 70, 220, 169 Rescue, and 70 EMS were alerted for
an MVC in the area of the Laneville Bridge, at the traffic light. With two
injuries being reported, Ambulances 70-3 and 70-2 quickly responded along
with Paramedic 70-13 and Medic 273. EMS arrived with Chief 70, Buffalo PD,
and Freeport PD to find two vehicles on the roadway. With no entrapment 169
Rescue and Company 20 were returned. Rescue 70, Engine 70-1, and Chief 70-1
arrived and began controlling hazards. Squad 70 and Fire Police 70 handled
traffic control along with PD. EMS transported two patients from the scene.
Once the vehicles were removed from the roadway all units returned back into
service. Company 70 personnel responding: 17.
Units on Scene: Chief 70, Chief
70-1, Rescue 70, Engine 70-1, Squad 70, Ambulance 70-2, Ambulance 70-3,
Paramedic 70-13, 70 Fire Police, Medic 273, Freeport PD, Buffalo Twp. PD
Rescue 70 Extricates
Trapped Cat from Under Concrete Sidewalk
9/5/12: Shortly after 0100 hours, Company 70 was alerted for a cat stuck
under a concrete sidewalk in the area of 22 Main Street, in Laneville.
Rescue 70 responded and found residents attempting to dig around the slab.
Crews found the cat to be trapped underneath the slab and unable to move.
The hydraulic spreader was placed in service and used to move the slab off
of the cat. The cat was able to escape with no apparent injuries. The slab
was returned and the Rescue was available within the hour.
Company 70 Responds to
Hit-and-Run MVC on High Street
9/3/12: At 1758 Company 70 was dispatched to the area of 304 High
Street in the Borough for a vehicle into a telephone pole. Before
arrival of Chief 70 and Captain 70, the vehicle had fled the scene.
Rescue 70 arrived and contained fluids that were on the road.
Engine, EMS Standby at
Annual Freeport High School Pie Night
8/30/12: Engine 70-1 and Medic 70-1 were on site at the annual Freeport High
School Pie Night. Engine 70-1 provided a standby crew for the ceremonial
bonfire, in preparation for the Yellowjackets' upcoming game against
Kittanning. Congrats to the team for beating Kittanning on Friday, 32-21!
Rescue Company Runs MVC
w/Extrication on Freeport Road
8/29/12: At 1318 Company 70 was requested by Freeport PD to extricate one
patient from a vehicle that was involved in an MVC in the construction area
of Freeport Road, near the Dugout. The vehicle side-swiped a backhoe,
and the uninjured passenger was unable to exit the vehicle due to the
damage. Medic 70-1 and Rescue 70 arrived and used the combi-tool to
pop the passenger side door, freeing the patient, and returned to service.
Rescue, EMS on an MVC
in the Borough
8/27/12: Just before 1500 hours Companies 70, 220, 169 Rescue, and 70 EMS
were dispatched to a two vehicle MVC in the area of 206 High Street.
Chief 70 arrived on scene in less than a minute and held the assignment to
Rescue 70 and 70 EMS for evaluations. Rescue 70 arrived and secured
the scene while Medic 70-1 obtained two refusals. All units were in service
within a half hour.
Engine Company, EMS
Respond to Possible Structure Fire on Sarver Road
8/24/12: At 1938, Companies 220, 70, 169, and 70 EMS were alerted for a
possible structure fire at 1207 Sarver Road, South Buffalo Township.
Caller could smell something burning in the residence. Engine 70-1
(with 5) responded in 3 minutes, followed by Medic 70-1 and Engine 70-2
(with 4). All 70 units were cancelled before arriving on scene with
nothing found by Engine 220-1.
Tractor Trailer Fire:
State Route 28, South Buffalo Twp.
8/8/12: Just after 1600 hours, Companies 220, 70, and 70 EMS were dispatched
onto Route 28 North, just after the Buffalo Creek Bridge for multiple calls
reporting a tractor trailer on fire. Callers advising the brakes of
the trailer on fire, spreading to the flat bed trailer that was hauling
lumber. Medic 70-3 arrived and reported that the rear of the trailer
was fully involved. Engine 70-2 responded and arrived simultaneously
with Engine 220-1. Both crews stretched the front bumper line from
E220-1 and quickly extinguished the fire. After performing overhaul,
Engine 70-2 and Medic 70-3 were released by Chief 220-1.
Units on Scene: Engine 70-2, Medic
70-3, Engine 220-1, Tanker 220-1
Engine Company 70 First
On Scene at Buffalo Twp. Structure Fire
7/27/12: At 1654 hours, Company 70 and 70 EMS were requested to respond on
the 1st alarm for a structure fire at 151 Ralston Road, Buffalo Township
along with Sarver 36, Buffalo 27, and Saxonburg 15. Caller advising smoke in
the structure after it was struck by lightning. Engine 70-1 was enroute in
less than 4 minutes with a crew of 4. With the residence being close to the
borough line, Engine 70-1 and Medic 70-1 arrived on scene first to find
a 2 story residential structure with light smoke showing, passing command.
Ladder 36-2 and Engine 27 arrived moments later. The crews gained entry and
searched the structure to find fire in a 1st floor laundry room. 36 and 70
pulled an attack line from E70-1 as well as a backup line, and E27 laid in
from the hydrant. The fire was quickly knocked down, and crews checked for
extension with the thermal camera. With nothing else found, crews packed up
and were back in service in less than two hours. EMS Supervisor 70 had
incident safety officer, and Chief 27 had Ralston Road Command. Allegheny
Twp. Station 99 provided a standby crew in their station throughout the
incident.
Units on Scene: Engine 70-1, Rescue
70, Medic 70-1, Engine 27, Tanker 27, Brush 27, Ladder 36-2, Engine 36,
Brush 36, Engine 15, Tanker 15.
Heavy Storms Keep
Company 70 Busy
7/26/12: With large storms rolling through the area, Company 70 was kept
busy with multiple calls. At 1608 crews responded to Riverside Drive for a
report of trees down on wires, and notified West Penn Power before returning
to service. Personnel would spend the rest of the evening on numerous
service calls for trees down and wires down. The peak of the night was at
2213. Members were in the engine bay when the entire town lost power for a
couple seconds, followed by a loud explosion. Seconds later, Companies 220,
70, and 169 were dispatched to the area of 120 Community Park Road for wires
down and arching with the woods on fire, endangering a trailer. Engine 70-2
responded immediately followed closely by Engine 220-1, Attack 220, and
Engine 70-1. Crews found wires down in the woods with some fire, however it
was contained because the ground was still wet from the storms. Company 220
was released with the call being in the borough, and crews awaited West Penn
Power. After waiting for almost three hours with no ETA still, the scene was
turned over to the road department. Units on Scene: Engine 70-2, Engine
70-1, Rescue 70, Squad 70, Engine 220-1, Attack 220, Chief 220. Thanks to
the 18 personnel from Company 70 who assisted throughout the evening!
Company 70 Runs
Numerous Calls Throughout the Day.
7/24/12: At 1241, Companies 220, 70, 169 Rescue, and 70 EMS were alerted for
a physical rescue in the Clinton village of South Buffalo Twp., in the area
of Lock 6. Caller reporting dirt bike and rider over a hillside, unknown
injuries. Medic 70-1 and Ambulance 70-2 responded immediately, with Rescue
70 on the road within four minutes. EMS arrived and requested a helicopter
in the air due to the patient's injuries. Crews from 70, 169, and 220
assisted in patient extrication while additional crews from 220 and 70
handled the landing zone. The patient was packaged and airlifted to a
Pittsburgh trauma center. Between 1500 and 1630, 70 EMS handled 3 additional
medical calls, with volunteer personnel assisting the on-duty crew. At 2040,
Company 70 was alerted for wires down on Main Street in the Laneville
Section of Freeport. Chief 70 and Able 700 were flagged down at the
intersection of Main and Old Pike for reports of a wire arching. No wires
were down however a fuse on the pole had been blown, and power was out to
all of Main Street. Crews then responded to 109 Main Street for a report of
a tree and wires down, wires arching. Rescue 70 and Squad 70 were requested
to the scene non-emergency, and secured the area until the arrival of West
Penn Power. Great job by everyone!
Company 70 Stands By
for Freeport International's Fireworks Display
7/21/12: Thank you to everyone who came out last night to assist with
the fireworks display by the Freeport International Baseball Invitational!
Crews from Station 70, South Buffalo VFD, Sarver VFC, Buffalo VFC, and
Allegheny Twp. VFD were all on standby throughout the lower end of town.
Crews patrolled the area around the marina where the fireworks were being
launched from, throughout and after the show, in case any hot embers would
spark a fire. Ladder 36-2 was set up and used to scan the rooftops of
the nearby houses as well. With no incidents from the fireworks, all
units cleared and many joined us at Station 70 for a good meal afterwards.
Units on Scene: Engine 70-1, Engine
70-2, Rescue 70, Fire Police 70, Medic 70-3, Attack 220, Tanker 220-1, Brush
220-1, Ladder 36-2, Rescue 36, Tanker 27, Engine 99-2, Tanker 99
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