South Newton Twp. Vol. Fire Company #49

The month of August was on the slow side. Company 49 responded to 14 incidents.  8 were medical assist calls and 6 were fire/accident calls. We also had 3 Jr. members start taking Mod training.

Totals for the year - 55 Medical and 90 fire/accident = 145 Year to date total

This weekend 5 members made the trip to Emmitsburg,MD to the National Fire Academy for the PA state training weekend. 4 are attending Incident command for the Fire Officer in Wildland/Urban Interface and 1 is attending Incident Safety Officer. We are Learning, eating lots of food and then relaxation time, off to socialize and meet other people from good ole Pennyslvania. We also attended the memorial service for our 9 brothers who lost their lives last year in PA. After the memorial service we had a chance to get our picture at the Fallen Firefighters Memorial with Commissioner Ed Mann.

Last evening Company 49 dumped the house to attend the annual parade at Path Valley. Special thanks to Bendersville Fire Company (Adams County Engine 7-2) who covered the "Bottom" while we attended the parade. Also special thanks to Deputy Chief Davidson and Jr member John Marsh for taking a day and detailing all the rigs. Company 49 attended the parade with 4 rigs and 14 members. We came home with a trophy for 2nd place Tanker and everyone had a good time.

Last evening Company 49 held its Company Picnic at North Newton Park. This is an informal evening for the company to show its appreciation for all the hard work and dedication that the company members put into fundraising throughout the year.  For August we had a great evening as far as weather and it was a nice evening to relax, play ball, use the play ground and socialize. Of course there was enough food to feed 3 times the amount of people in attendance. We wrapped up the evening by giving out some gift cards for door prizes and a special appreciation award to Cary Murray, owner of Walnut Bottom Signs for all his support for lettering our trucks and making banners for our annual fireman's fairs. He was presented with a New Yorker Helmet.

For July Company 49 responded to 16 fire/accident calls and 1 Medical assist.

Year to date totals are - 47 medical and 84 Fire/Accidents = 131 total

Wednesday evening 5 members made our way to the Shippensburg Fair to help serve food at West End Fire & Rescue's food stand. They sent people to help at our fair and we sent people to help out at there stand at the Shippensburg fair. Thanks for the hospitality and it's great that we can continue to work together not only on the fire ground but also to raise the funds to keep a great service to the community running

The South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company has for sale a concession trailer. It is set up for making french fries and has 3 fryers and a fry cutter included. Asking price is $850. We do not have a current title for this trailer.

Saturday evening Brush 49 made its way over the mountain to Fannetsburg, Franklin County for the annual Fannetsburg Fest parade. The boys came home with the truck just a little fuller with its trophy for first place best appearing Brush Truck.

June run stats - Fire/accident - 7

                         EMS - 7

 Total runs year to date - 114

On sunday Engine 49 was alerted to transfer to Company 38 (Carlisle Barricks) while they operated on a 2 alarm house fire in Middlesex Twp and early Monday morning Engine 49 was alerted to transfer to Franklin County Company 13 (Letterkenny) while they operated on a house fire in the Boro of Chambersburg. No calls were handled while on either transfer 

With the Holiday weekend here be sure to keep safety in mind.  The following is a recent news release.

Pennsylvanians Urged to be Safe, Follow State Laws When Using Fireworks

Harrisburg – Because fireworks are a fun, but potentially dangerous, part of Fourth of July celebrations, state safety and law enforcement officials today reminded residents about laws governing their use and offered tips on how to stay safe.

“Fireworks displays are best left to the professionals,” said State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann. “Anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday with small novelty fireworks should take some simple safety steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

“Fireworks are a highlight of any Independence Day celebration and, when purchased and used legally, can provide great entertainment,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding. “Keep yourself and your family safe by buying fireworks only from reputable in-state dealers.”

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use small “novelty” fireworks, which are ground-based and include sparklers and trick noise makers. These fireworks can be sold by retail establishments with valid permits.

Consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and mortars, are prohibited by state law. These aerial-based fireworks are sold at facilities licensed by the state Department of Agriculture and may be purchased only by out-of-state residents with identification or in-state residents with a municipal permit.

All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display—such as those seen at organized celebrations and sporting events—are prohibited for use by consumers.

“Being smart, aware and safe this July Fourth holiday weekend includes paying particular attention to how you celebrate,” said Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski. “Not only is the use of many types of fireworks illegal, doing so by anyone other than professionals can be extremely dangerous.  Enjoy the fireworks displays sponsored by your local communities.”

Mann shared the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water handy.
• Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter or combine them.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.
• Use common sense. Spectators should stay a safe distance from the igniter and the igniter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing and at least six feet from others while using sparklers.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. 
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time. 
• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out.  Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

For more information on Pennsylvania laws regarding fireworks, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site at www.psp.state.pa.us, and click on “FAQs about Fireworks.”

Friday night the Brush truck made its way to Carlisle Summerfair parade with 3 Junior members and the Chief driving

Saturday evening rounded out our 3 nights of our annual Firemans Fair and Fireworks display. The weather was great all 3 nights as well as the crowds. Thanks to Buchanan Valley Fire Company for covering our rigs saturday night as well as Shippensburg EMS for being on stand-by. Thanks to the local businesses who donated money towards the fireworks display and to all those who came out to support our fair. Last I would like to personally thank all the members and families who helped make this fair possible by their hard work and dedication. Hope to see everyone next year. We have 1 unclaimed holder on a Red,White & Blue bowl - serial # 8040539 holder 011. Check out our gallery section for photos by Denny Clopper.

Yesterday the Brush Truck made a road trip to Cornwall Boro for the Lebanon County Convention Parade. We had a good time and received the Longest Distance Traveled trophy.