The Richland Township Fire Department would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a successful 2009. We would like to thank the residents and businesses of Richland Township for all their support in 2008.

Thank you from the members of the Richland Township Fire Department

On December 24th, the department went out to a report of a motor vehicle accident with one patient entrapped in the Fulmar Road area. All three chiefs went on the air, as well as the Rescue Squad within seconds of the report which was sent over the air by communications. Command was set up and the confirmed report was giving that we had one vehicle on it’s roof with one patient entrapped inside the vehicle. As the Rescue Squad arrived on the scene, a full tool set up was completed with crews splitting up to go to work and secure the vehicle with the air struts. With everyone working together, minutes later the driver’s door was taken and the patient was removed from the vehicle to awaiting EMS (East Hills EMS). Engine 3-1 handled traffic as well as Engine 3-2 worked with the Rescue Squad’s crew to handle debris and fluids. All 3 units where placed into service by the Fulmar Road Command and returned without any further action taken at the incident.

On December 20th, the RTFD had the yearly Christmas banquet for all membership to attend. The start of the program was the introduction and to pass out awards to the Top Run Maker: Battalion Chief Paul Ellsworth, Most Training Hours; Lieut. Chris Meyers, as well as the “100 Club” who made over one hundred incidents (to many to list). As Battalion Ellsworth received his award for top run maker; his name now gets added to the famous “Keyser Cup”. The Keyser Cup award was introduced in memory of our very close friend and family member, but more importantly a brother firefighter; Jeffery Keyser. After the awards program was complete a few unexpected announcements where introduced to everyone. One was the introduction of the new banquet facility addition (The Melvyn Wingard Event and Conference Center) as well as the new addition to the firehouse to expand our needs at 1321. One last surprised announcement was the purchase of a 2009 Sutphen Engine for the department to be added to the fleet at the 1321 house. The Richland Fire Department would like to thank the following who attended the banquet; The Richland Township Supervisors (without this group, alot of our needs could not happen), The Richland Township Police Department (thank you for the partnership we have working together), Anthony’s Restaurant for a well prepared dinner, our Ladies Auxiliary for all the hard work they have done this past year, Jeff Keyser Sr. for the generous donation that was giving to the department and most importantly…all the RTFD members for all their hard work and dedication they put forth to this department. Your hard work and the commit each and everyone of you provide, does not go unnoticed whatsoever….Thank You!

“Pride is our Strength”

On December 19th in the afternoon and into the evening, the township was hit with heavy rains which caused numerous flooding calls through out the 1st due. With the amount of incidents flowing into 1321 as well as the duty chiefs taking on numerous calls, the EOC was set up to handle the call volume. The RTFD handled well over fortyflooding incidents; including one large incident that involved the East Hills complex with numerous businesses being evacuatedbecause of the flooding. The RTFD, with the help of Geistown Fire Department, was well prepared for these incidents with staff levels at their highest (over 30 for the RTFD and 8 for Geistown). All crews handled ever incident in a timely fashion, from flooded basements and roadways to assisting businesses owners on evacuation due to the extreme conditions. A job well done by everyone, including the Geistown Fire Department (Station 8).

Tuesday’s weekly training agenda was review and set up of the plasma cutter,as well as setting up the complete tool system on the Rescue Squad. After review and discussion with the equipment and showing the younger crew on how to set up “old school”. Each individual member was timed setting the complete set up manually by themselves. We would like to congratulate Wagon Driver; Brent “Squirrel” Bicko with having the lowest time. Brent received a $20.00 gift card from Sheetz Convenience Store.

Good Job to everyone who participated