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Big
mess at exit 7
| April
1, 2009 - Just after twelve o'clock today Cottage EMS & Rescue were
sent to the reported MVA with injuries at the infamous "Exit 7" on the
Casey Highway. |
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While
en route, units were updated that there was possibly one vehicle rolled
over, with a tractor trailer and a pick-up truck also involved. Chief 62
(MacDonald) arrived, established command, and reporting one entrapped,
two ejected two walking wounded and a large fuel spill from the tractor
trailer. The box was then upgraded bringing Rescue 51-2, Rescue 59
and Waymart EMS to the scene.
Rescue
51 arrived going to work on the overturned vehicle, deploying the Hurst
tools to create an extrication path for the confined patient through the
rear driver's door. Rescue 51-2 and Rescue 59 arrived to begin
defensive operations on the 100+ gallons of diesel fuel leaking from the
tractor trailer's ruptured saddle tank. Engine 60 and Squad
62 provided fire protection.
Cottage
EMS package, treated and transported the two ejected patients while Waymart
EMS with a Cottage medic transported the patient who had been entrapped,
all going to CMC. 59-8 transported a 4th patient to MCH with minor
injuries with the 5th patient (tractor trailer driver) was not injured.
With
the on scene, hazmat supplies quickly used up, command requested additional
resources for the spill. Engines 51 and 61-4, as well as Squad 59
and Rescue 51-1 assisted. Stockpile supplies were used from Station
60, Station 51 Fire HQ, William Walker (R59) HQ, and the Cottage
HQ. Crews remained on scene for over 3 hours while the
hazmat team did the cleanup.
On
the box:
Rescues:
51, 51-2, 59, 75, 51-1 Engines: 60, 51, 61-4 Squads: 62 &
59
Ambulances:
51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, 59-8, Waymart EMS.
Special:
EMA 35, Datom Environmental, PennDot.
Moveup:
Forest City EMS, E24, E42
Photos
from Chief 62, WNEP
link: Scranton
Times
Crash with fire
on Rt. 106
March
15th - Cottage EMS & Rescue were sent along with Station 61 fire for
a reported vehicle roll over, with entrapment and the vehicle on fire.
Upon arrival crews found that the car was on fire, but the victim had been
pulled by two bystanders to safety. The 24 PD (Greenfield Twp.)
had knocked down the bulk of the fire prior the arrival of other units.
E61-4 arrived and controlled the remainder of the fire. The EMS team
packaged the patient and transported her to CMC with serious injuries.
The Rescue crew provided lighting and hazard control. The crews cleared
in just over an hour. On the box: R51, R51-2, 51-9/CH1,
51-8/CH2, E61-4, FP 62, PSP Photos
Heavy fire at
Vandling blaze
 |
Firefighters
had heavy fire showing on arrival on Thursday, March 12, just before 20:00
hours in the 400 block on Main Street in Vandling, Box 4201. Fire was blowing
out into the street from a 2.5 story wood frame structure at 440 with exposures
on the Bravo (444) and Delta Sides (438). With heavy fire involvement
and exposure problems, Command immediately requested a second alarm on
the box. First arriving engine, E-41, mounted a high volume exterior attack
with Ladder 43 on the Alpha side. |
Following
the high volume attack, crews determined that the fire was contained to
the 440 Main Street structure. Command backed down the assignment to the
second alarm, special calling Rescue Co. 51 from the second. Companies
worked for nearly four hours handling extensive overhaul operations. The
investigation to determine the fire's cause is underway by a PSP Fire Marshal.
Photos
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Heavy pin in
Carbondale Twp.
March
11th - Just after 5:00pm the Rescue and EMS were sent along with Stations
60 and 62 for the MVA on Rt. 107 in Carbondale Twp. Initial reports
indicated a head on crash with injuries. Communications then updated
with a head on, with entrapment and one vehicle on fire. The first
arriving PD units knocked down the fire with a dry chem extinguisher. |
Engine
60 was the first to arrive to find one critically injured patient heavily
entrapped and the other patient self extricated. Chief 60 took command
and requested the Rescue deploy the Hurst system upon arrival.
The
Rescue crew went to work on stabilizing the vehicle, removing the driver's
side door and setting up for a dash roll. Squad 62 assisted by removing
the roof. The dash was lifted and the victim was extricated in just
over 20 minutes.
Due
to CMC being on "trauma bypass" a helicopter was requested for patient
transport. Rescue 59 set up a LZ for LifeFlight 3. 51-9/CH1
transported the patient to the LZ who was then flown to Geisinger Wyoming
Valley. 51-8/CH2 transported the second patient to Moses Taylor.
The
Rescue remained on scene while PSP R&I investigated then helped with
cleanup. Crews cleared in about 2 hours. Thanks to all who
assisted on this call, it was a job well done!! Photos
More
Truck into
residence
February
26, 2009 - Just after 4pm, the Rescue and Cottage EMS were sent along with
the city's fire department to Thorn St. for the reported car into a house
with heavy structural damage. Crews arrived to find a pickup
truck that struck a Carbondale Housing Authority multi-family dwelling,
causing significant damage. |
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The occupants
of the apartment were not at home at the time of the accident and the driver
was self extricated. The EMS crew transported the patient to MCH
while Rescue and Fire crews stabilized the structure. Crews remained
on scene for just about 2 hours. Photos
Middle of the
night rescue
January
19 - 0115hrs: Cottage EMS was dispatched to the area of Meredith
St. across from the "park & ride" for the reported sledding accident
on the culm piles. The first ambulance arrived to learn that two
females had been injured after sledding off an embankment. The crew
requested a rescue box be transmitted bringing Rescue 51 with the 51 Jitney,
along with Engine 60, Squad 62 and Rhino 62. Crews traveled approximately
1/2 mile to reach the patients, both of whom had serious injuries.
A 2nd ALS truck from Lackawanna Amb. as well as Squad 59 were also brought
in to assist. Station 21 EMS/Rescue were put on standby with their
ATV unit. Personnel from CTFD and Cottage packaged the patients,
who were removed by the Jitney and Rhino. Both patients were transported
to CMC by Cottage EMS. Crews cleared in about an hour.
Rescue &
Jitney on off road rescue in Area 25
On
Sunday, December 7 in the late afternoon, the Cottage Rescue and Jitney
were requested by Command 25 at the scene of an off road rescue.
Two ATV riders fell from a dam deep into the wooded area. The Rescue
and Jitney arrived with the crew gearing up with rope supplies and an off
road set of ALS gear. Crews from Jessup, Olyphant, Archbald and Cottage
worked very well together in reaching and treating the patients.
Both patients were packaged and removed via ATV's from Archbald and Olyphant.
Rehabs 59 and 29 were also on scene providing rehab for the very cold rescuers
exiting the woods. The Rescue and Jitney cleared in about 2 hours.
More
2008 Incident
Summary
As
Cottage EMS crews handled a record number calls in 2008, the volunteers
of Cottage had another busy year. The Rescue responded to 249 calls
(one more than 2007). The breakdown is as follows:
By
Type:
MVA
- 126
Lifeflight
- 43
Fire
- 25
Other
- 16
EMS
Assist - 8
Rescue
type - 7
Fire
Alarm - 6
Car
Fire - 4
Flood
related - 3
CO
related - 3
Hazmat
- 3
Gas
related - 2
Drill
/ training - 2
MCI
response - 1 |
By
Location:
Carbondale
City - 120
Fell
Twp - 65
Carbondale
Twp. - 51
Vandling
- 5
Other
- 5
Forest
City - 1
Waymart
- 1
Clifford
- 1 |
Busiest
month - December (28)
Slowest
month - May (11)
Average
per month - 21
Average
crew per call - 4
Multiple
call days - 54
Active
responders - 30
Video
Link |
Special thanks
Special
thanks go out to our friends at Station
43 (Browndale) for housing an ambulance for a few days while work was
done at our Canaan St. substation. It is nice to have such helpful
& cooperative neighbors!
Louisiana crew
recognized
On
Tuesday November 25th, the Cottage crew and their families, that were part
of the PA Strike Team deployment to Louisiana for Hurricane Gustav, were
recognized at a dinner hosted by EMS of Northeast PA. The dinner
was held at the Pittston Convention center and recognized all of the Region
5 teams that were deployed. Joseph Schmider, Director of the Bureau
of Emergency Medical Services for the P.A. Department of Health attended
the dinner to personally thank the team members and their families. More....
EMS / Rescue
on city house fire
On
November 12, just after 6pm the Carbondale City structure fire box was
hit for the reported working house fire on 42nd St. in the city. E51 arrived
and reported heavy smoke showing. After confirming the working fire
ommand requested R51 to the scene to assist with rehab. Upon the Rescue's
arrival the crew provided lighting and rehab. 51-9 and 51-8 provided
the EMS standby. Crews cleared in about 2 hours.
On
the box: E51, S51, R51-1, R51, 51-9, 51-8, E60. E24 and R59
on the move up to Station 51.
Members complete
vehicle rescue class
Congratulations
to Cottage volunteers Katrina Gaer and Adam Scotchlas for completing the
Vehicle Rescue class hosted by the Waymart
Fire Dept. Katrina is now certified as a BVR-T and Adam at the
BVR-O level.
Both
are just being introduced to the rescue service and with the new training
will be an important part of the Cottage team.
Two alarm fire
in 1st due
 |
At
01:46 hrs on October 22nd 51-9 was dispatched along with the Carbondale
City FD for the reported working commercial fire on Gordon Ave.
It
was quickly determined that the fire was in area 60 (Carbondale Twp.) leading
to a different 1st alarm assignment which included R51 and R51-2. |
51-9 and
E51 were the first to arrive to report a working fire at the former Pioneer
Baptist Church.
R51-2
was on the road within minutes and upon arrival laid a 5" line to supply
Ladder 58, also supplying hose for a connection between E51 and E60. The
box went to 2 alarms bringing in a host of companies providing support.
Upon
the Rescue's arrival the crew was split, with most participating in fire
activity on "side c" and the remainder providing lighting, cascade and
setting up rehab. Cottage EMS performed the EMS standby
and worked the Rehab sector. 51-9/CH1 transported one firefighter
to MCH early in the incident.
Units
cleared just after 5am. Special thanks to Waymart EMS for standing
by while our crews were tied up. WNEP
Jitney runs
on 18 box
A
two alarm fire in Clifford brought out the "51 Jitney". The fire, which
went two alarms, consumed a barn and ran at will into 20 wooded acres near
Route 106 late Monday afternoon. Due to the rugged terrain and limited
access, the ATV was specialled for the response.
More:
www.CliffordFire.com
51 cuts again
Photo
by C. Melodia
On
Monday July 7th, the crews from Cottage were sent to another roll-over
MVA with entrapment. CFD was also sent, but as the call unfolded
it was determined that the call was just over the Carbondale City / Carbondale
Twp. border. Crews arrived to find a SUV resting on it's passenger
side with a female patient, partially ejected with her legs trapped under
the A post on the passenger side. |
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Some bystanders
had placed a car jack under the truck to relieve the pressure from her
legs. The Rescue arrived with the crew quickly going to work along with
the E51 crew stabilizing the truck with the Junk Yard Dogs and cribbing.
Access to the patient was made through the rear. After removing the
windshield the roof was flapped backward creating an extrication path.Cottage
EMS transported the patient her to Community Medical Center. Photo
Link On the box: R51, 51-9/CH1, 51-8/CH2, E51,
E60, S62
Entrapment on
106 / Casey highway motorcycle crash
On
Wednesday July 2nd in the early evening hours Cottage Rescue and EMS were
sent along with Station 61 fire for the reported vehicle roll over with
entrapment. The 51 Rescue Officer (Baron) was the first to arrive to confirm
an SUV on it's roof with one pinned inside. The Rescue arrived and the
crew quickly went to work stabilizing the truck with the Junk Yard Dogs
and cribbing.
The
crew used the Hurst spreaders to gain access and make an extrication path.
While E61-4 provided fire protection, the Rescue and EMS crews extricated
the patient who was transported to CMC with significant injuries. Just
as the rescue was finished cleaning up they were sent to the Casey Highway
with CTFD units for a motorcycle accident. Cottage also transported this
victim to CMC. The Rescue crew assisted with patient care and packaging.
Pix
New equipment
in service
| We
are happy to announce that we have placed into service a 2009
Kawasaki Teryx. The unit was acquired through a special loaner program
from Rusty Palmer Kawasaki in
Honesdale.
While
we originally requested a different model, the Teryx was immediately available.
In the future should be given a Kawasaki
Mule 4010 which will be more versatile for our needs. This unit
will be used for everything from off road rescues to special events such
as the Steamtown Marathon and Pioneer Nights. Any company with a need for
this type unit, for either emergency or non-emergency, may contact us directly
or have the Lackawanna County Communications Center dispatch us. |
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Fire destroys
Simpson building
Another
early morning two alarm fire for the crews from Cottage today. The
box for a working structure fire came in just after midnight. Rescue 51-2
was the 2nd due engine, laying over 800 feet of 5" hose, eventually supplying
E61-3 and Ladder 51. The crew from R51-2 was assigned to the C/D corner
where they set up defensive operations with the Blitz Fire gun and hand
lines.
The
Rescue provided lighting, cascade, rehab and manpower. Cottage EMS had
the EMS standby with P848 (Whitelavich) assuming EMS Command. Chief
62 had fire command. Crews operated for over 4 hours. Photolink
Photo
link - photos from Chief 62 On the box: R51, R51-2, 51-9,
51-8, 51-7, E61-4, E61-3, L51, L58, E42, E41, S62, E21-4, R59 Scranton
Times
House cleared
on Vandling Box
At
0215hrs on June 16th Rescue 51 and 51-9 were dispatched on the 2nd alarm
house fire in area 42 (Vandling). Rescue 51-2 also rolled with
additional manpower. While en route the Forest City EMS command requested
an additional EMS unit from Cottage. Upon arrival, 51-9 and 51-8
were placed in EMS staging with the crews reporting to the EMS/Rehab area.
Rescue 51 was brought right in to the same area to provide lighting, rehab
and EMS assist. Rescue 51-2 was positioned on Main St. with it's
crew reporting to staging.
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Throughout
the incident Rescue 51 provided lighting, rehab, cascade, EMS assistance
and helped with accountability. The crew from R51-2 was sent to side
C to ladder the house and make an attack. Shortly after they began
they were pulled out by command due to heavy fire in the attic area.
The crew then went defensive from the exterior along with crews from 42
and E60.
Captain
51 was the rehab officer while the 51 Rescue Officer assisted Chief 42
with command functions. Crews remained on scene for almost 4 hours. |
Later
in the day the Rescue was special called back to the scene along with a
Cottage BLS truck for the reported re-kindle. The crew arrived and
split with half assisting crews from 42 and Ladder 58 open up the roof
and hit the hot spots. The other half of the crew provided Rehab
while 51-8 handled the EMS standby. PHOTO
LINK
On
the Box
1st
Alarm : Engine 42, 41, 43, 614, and 52, Rescues 59 and 41, Ladders
43 & 58, Special Unit 42, Forest City EMS
2nd
Alarm : Engines 28-1 and 60, Squad 22, Ladder 18, Rescues 51 &
51-2, Ambulances 51-9 and 51-8 and Rescue 75 to Station 42
Command:
Chief 42 ~ Chief's Aide: Rescue Officer 51 ~ Side A/Division 1: Chief 43A
~ Side C/Basement: Chief 18-2 and Chief 42A ~ RIT Officer: Chief
59-3 ~ EMS Command: J. Allison ~ Rehab: Captain 51
2 alarm fire
on city's east side
At
around 4:15am on April 2, 2008 Cottage EMS and the Carbondale Fire Dept.
were sent to the reported working structure fire on Lincoln Ave in the
City. Crews arrived to find a fully involved fire with heavy fire
showing on all sides and divisions. A 2nd alarm was put out bringing
R51 and 51-8 to the scene. Crews worked for almost 4 hours
on the scene with the Rescue providing manpower, lighting and rehab.
Cottage EMS was assisted by Wm. Walker 59-9 on the EMS standby and covering
calls in the city. On the box: E51, S51, L51, R51-1, R51, 51-9, 51-8,
59-9, R59, E24, E59, L58, CPD Photolink
As
the author (T.Baron) of this article I need to take a moment to thank the
members of CFD for protecting my home. My residence is about 20 feet
or less from this residence that was fully involved. My home received
no damage due to their outstanding response and concern for the adjacent
properties. I also especially would like to thank the staff from
the Marian Community Emergency Dept. who, as I was evacuating my family
from my home, showed up at my front door and took my two small children
to safety in the Emergency
EMS/Rescue on
60 box
Rescue
51 and Cottage EMS were sent at around 2000hrs on Saturday, March 8th for
the reported structure fire on Justina Dr. in Carbondale Twp. 51-9 was
the first to arrive to report a two story residence with nothing showing.
E60
and R51 arrived shortly thereafter to learn from the homeowner that the
chimney was blocked with a possible fire. The crews from E60 and
R51 headed to the basement while the L58 crew worked outside.
R51
provided lighting. Crews cleared in just less than an hour after
only a blocked chimney was found.
Photos
On
the box: R51, E60, S62
Two alarm fire
in on City's west side
| Shortly after returning
to service from the Enterprise Dr. MVA the Rescue and EMS units were sent
along with CFD for the reported house fire on Hospital St. on the city's
west side. E51 and S51 arrived reporting a working fire.
Chief 51 then requested a
second alarm. R51 arrived and was placed across the street.
The crew provided lighting, manpower tools and set up rehab. 51-8
had the EMS standby. Crews operated for about 2 hours.
On the box: R51, 51-8, 51-7,
E51, S51, L51, R51-1, R59, E59, E24, R18, 24-9, 59-9, E60, L58 & CPD |
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|
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Another morning
fire
On April 28th, at about
4:20 am the Carbondale City FD and Cottage EMS were sent to the reported
house fire on Washington St. on the city's east side. CFD arrived
and reported a working fire. The house was unoccupied, with this being
the second fire in less than two years at the same address. CFD called
for assistance from Stations 24, 60, 61 and 62. Cottage EMS arrived
and provided the EMS standby. Rescue 51 was called in just after
5am.
Cottage EMS transported three
firefighters to MCH for medical issues. The Rescue remained on scene
for over 3 hours providing rehab and lighting. |
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On the box: E51,
S51, L51, R51-1, R51, 51-9, 51-8, 51-7, E24, S62, E61-4, CPD (on standby
@ CFD HQ - E60) PHOTO
LINK
EMS on hand
for FF1 burn
| On May 4th a Cottage ALS
unit traveled to the Monroe Co. Public Safety Center for the Fire Fighter
I program's structural burn. The Cottage truck assisted Jessup Hose Co.
#2 EMS with rehab and an EMS standby while the 40+ students and instructors
participated. The paramedic crew spent the day taking vitals signs
and watching for signs of dehydration and/or fatigue.
Four from Cottage, Jim Pettinato,
Steve Fish, Amanda Greer and Nick Racht are participating in the class
and have all passed the FF1 written exam. Next the crew will head out to
Bucks Co. for the practical test at the end of June. Photos |
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Massive fire
at Mermelsteins
Cottage
Fire, Rescue and EMS spent a good portion of Friday evening at a two alarm
fire in Carbondale Township at the Mermelstein building. The building,
located on Business Route 6, housed several businesses under one roof.
The fire drew apparatus from three counties as water woes forced firefighters
to shuttle water and draft from the Lackawanna River besides using the
overtaxed hydrant system. Rescue 51-2 was assigned to the tanker
fill site on near Meredith St. Three EMS crews stood by at the fire scene
and helped out with rehab working side by side with Rehab 59. Crews from
Forest City EMS and Archbald EMS also assisted by covering calls from our
main station. Rescue 51 served as the command post, provided cascade
and scene lighting. Crews remained on the scene until after 02:00 hours
on Saturday. Chief 62 (MacDonald) had command while Chief 60 (Wahy) had
operations. EMS Lt.51 (Bifano) ran the EMS sector.
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A
special thanks to the hard working crew from Rehab 59 for all their help,
as well as the paid staff members who stayed well past the end of their
shifts, both helping at the fire scene and covering other EMS calls. At
0600 hours, the first alarm assignment went out at the same location for
the re-kindle. R51 and R51-2 were the first to arrive to find fire in the
wall on side B. The crews stretched a line and put a knock to the fire.
Ladder 58, Engine 60 and Squad 62 arrived a short time later and all the
hot spots were hit. Crews remained on scene for another 2-3 hours. |
On
the assignment: R51, R51-2, 51-9, 51-8, 51-7
ENGINES
60, 43, 51, 24, 20, 59, 58-3
LADDERS:
51, 58, 20, 43
RESCUES:
59, 36, 25 SQUAD: 62
REHAB:
59 EMS: 59-9
TANKERS:
60, 15, 36, 24, 18, 28, 2, 14, 63 EMA: 35
COMPANIES
MOVED: 61, 26, 75, 22, 5, EMS 21, FC EMS
PhotoslScranton
Times
Rescue/EMS
run Labor Day 2 alarm fire
photo courtesy of 59fire.com
At 0705 hrs the Carbondale
FD and Cottage EMS were sent to Gilbert Street. Fire units to find
the working for a residential fire. A second alarm drew the Rescue
and additional EMS units from Cottage. The Rescue was assigned to
rehab duties while the EMS crew, under the command of 51-90 (Bohlig), provided
the EMS standby. |
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|
|
61 dedicates
memorial,
recognizes
Cottage
On Saturday, September 15th
Station 61 (Grattan Singer) held a silent night parade followed by the
dedication of their Fallen Firefighters Memorial at their station.
The memorial is dedicated
to Fire, Rescue and EMS personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Following the ceremony, awards
were given out, including a special recognition award to Cottage for it's
continuous support to Station 61. |
 |
Lieutenant Joe Unis Jr. stated,
"It was important for us to recognize the members and staff at Cottage
for all their hard work and dedication, including providing training to
and training with our members. We look forward to continuing to work with
you guys." Cottage Captain Jim Pettinato and Rescue Officer were on hand
to receive the awards. Cottage also took home the trophy for "Best Appearing
Company" in the parade awards. We at Cottage sincerely thank the members
and officers at Station 61 for the recognition.
Gordon Avenue
crash
 |
On
August 7th, 51 Rescue, EMS and CFD rran this crash. E51 found a patient
entrapped in a vehicle that struck a tree. As the Rescue arrived the engine
crew was using a halligan bar to try to force the driver's door.
The patient was quickly extricated and handed over to Cottage ALS with
significant injuries. The Rescue crew helped with hazard control and scene
clean up and were clear in about an hour. |
Cottage places
Mass Casualty trailer into service
 |
Cottage
Hose Ambulance is pleased to announce that it has placed into service a
Mass Casualty Incident Response Unit. The unit was purchased by Lackawanna
County's Emergency Management Agency using a Homeland Security grant and
was turned over to Cottage.
It
is now owned and operated by Cottage exclusively. It is only one
of two in Lackawanna County, the other being operated by Blakely Community
Ambulance. |
The trailer
is equipped with supplies to treat up to 50 patients. It also has
a 5000 watt portable generator, two portable tripod lights and incident
command supplies. Cottage has added ALS supplies to the large quanity
of BLS supplies already in the trailer. In total the trailer has over 3000
separate medical supplies. The trailer will service an 8 county region,
but may be called anywhere.
Cottage MCI
trailer called to service
Less
than 2 weeks after placing our new Mass Casualty Incident Response Unit
into service it was requested along with a number of other emergency services
to standby for a possible "airport emergency" at the Scranton / Wilkes
Barre International Airport. Cottage volunteers quickly assembled
and prepared the trailer for the response. Thankfully the airplane,
which has landing gear difficulties, landed safely and all units were returned.
See more from WYOU.
 |
Rescue Engine
51-2 out of service, replaced by new unit
Click on photo
to enlarge
On
Saturday March 3, 2007, the "original" Rescue 51-2 was loaded onto a flat
bed truck to be hauled to sunny Florida. The truck was sold to a
collector a few weeks ago. Over the few years that the 1969
American LaFrance was in-service it was used as a backup to Rescue 51 and
even caught a few working fires. |
Visit
2006 in review...
Earlier
news
COTTAGE
MEMBERS / STAFF COMPLETE ITLS COURSE
Cottage
Rescue / EMS assist Fell Twp. Fire with Fire Prevention Week
New
equipment on Rescue 51, members outfitted with new TOG
Cottage
Paramedics attend seminar, meet JEMS editor
Check
out our video
Copyright
2008 Cottage Hose Ambulance
|