The company responded to 28 emergencies today largely due to the heavy snow conditions caused by the third major snow storm of the season.  At approximately 1:20 p.m. the South Media and Garden City Fire Companies responded to the 200 hundred block of Engle Drive where a fallen tree severed a residential natural gas meter from its supply line presenting an immediate danger of explosion to residents of the home as well as adjacent homes.  Residents were evacuated under the command of Deputy Chief Kline and a prompt response by PECO in shutting off the gas supply to the home quickly resolved the situation without property damage or injury to any persons.
 
Smoke was cleared and the situation placed under control.
 
At  approximately 10:30 p.m. Companies 51, 65 and 45 for RIT were dispatched to the Nether Providence Township Police Station for a report of a building fire.  A smoke condition within the building was attributed to an exterior malfunctioning transformer located adjacent to the building.  The transformer exceeded temperatures in excess of 400 degrees and was observed emitting smoke until PECO crews arrived and cut power supply to the transformer.  The bulk of remaining 14 calls consisted of severed electric lines, transformer problems caused by the collapse of many trees in the Township under the heavy snow. 
 
Job well done by members of South Media and Garden City for their prompt and safe response in the extreme winter conditions.
 

The Officers and Directors of South Media Fire Company wish to welcome new Applicants, Carey Corson (Senior Firefighter Applicant), Samantha Brysiak (Senior Firefighter Applicant), and Kortney Kline (Cadet Firefighter Applicant) to South Media Fire Company.  It appears that the company must now consider purchasing additional gear racks as we are proud to announce that all of our existing gear racks are now filled with turnout gear issued to our active and dedicated members.

On Saturday, January 16, 2010 South Media hosted a Membership Open House for all prospective members.  Invitations were sent out to the community and responses were received.  Members were on hand to answer questions and Chief Kokonos gave everyone a tour of the station and its equipment.  Thanks to all who participated in and attended this event. 

Middletown Township and Delaware County Commissioners each recognized those fire companies and their members for their successful water rescue of a mother and daughter who lost control of their vehicle and plunged into a swift Ridley Creek on December 26, 2009.  We are very proud to announce that Deputy Chief Ed Kline, as well as select members of other area departments, received individual recognition and recommendation for his efforts during the rescue of the 14 year old passenger.  Deputy Chief Kline maintained direct communication with the trapped victim while crews of Companies 51, 52, 65, and Medic 100 transported rescue ropes and rigging, stokes baskets, life preservers and other necessary rescue equipment down an approximately 200 foot snow and ice covered hill to accomplish the rescue.  Deputy Kline successfully extended a rescue rope to the trapped victim and brought her to the shoreline where she was pulled from the icy water with the assistance of Chief John Kokonos.  The victim was then placed on a backboard and lashed to a stokes basket which was then hauled up the steep grade by rescue personnel atop the hill.

Deputy Chief Kline is additionally one of several nominees to receive the Delaware County Fireman's Association's Valor Award for his efforts during the water rescue.

We thank Ed and all participants in the rescue for their exceptional efforts and cooperation in accomplishing a successful rescue under extreme and difficult conditions. 

The rescue was done under the command of Chief Rick Tull who coordinated efforts with the other companies to rescue the driver of the vehicle as well.
 

On Monday, January 11 and January 18 South Media hosted their annual CPR/First Aid Recertification Class.  Thanks goes out to Eugene "Pidgey" Smith for providing us with the most up to date information.

Tonight South Media traveled to the 911 Center for a tabletop drill.  Deputy Chief Ed Kline covered incident command, apparatus placement and personnel resource management.  The Company also got a walk through of the 911 operations center where all the dispatches and calls are received. 

Thanks to Ed for his efforts and a huge thanks to the 911 Center for their hospitality.

Photos provided by Tim Eichelman

Today the South Media Fire Company was dispatched to assist the Middletown Fire Company (Sta. 50) at the intersection of Knowlton and Fox Roads for an accident with entrapment. Upon arrival, 50-9 (Tull) found a single vehicle in Ridley Creek with one female trapped in the vehicle and one female clinging to a branch further down the creek on the Rose Valley side. Crews from South Media and Garden City were able to rescue the young female from the frigid and raging waters on the Rose Valley side, package her in a stokes basket and haul her up a steep wooded hill to a waiting ambulance. Crews from Middletown, Lima, Brookhaven and Media rescued the older female trapped in her vehicle in the raging waters in the middle of the creek using Truck 69 and some ground ladders. Rescue 54 (Lenni Heights) was involved in a single vehicle accident while enroute to the scene and we wish them all the best. This was a tough rescue by all on scene and everyone should be very proud of a job well done.

Companies on scene were: South Media (51), Garden City (65), Middletown (50), Lima (69), Media (23), Brookhaven (52), Lenni Heights (54) and numerous EMS and police units. (Sorry if anyone was missed)

Last night South Media Fire Company held its elections and the results are as follows:

Chief - John Kokonos

Deputy Chief - Ed Kline

Assistant Chief - Tim Eichelman

Captains - Terrance Keene

                    Mike Divirgilis

Engineer - Wayne Borowsky

Administrative:

President - Steve Redmond

Vice President - Tim Eichelman

Treasurer - Max Hopkins

Financial Secretary - Christine Sincavage

Recording Secretary - Lori Wiebel

Board - Steve Redmond

              John Kokonos

              Christine Sincavage

              Terrance Keene

              Max Hopkins

              Paul Quinn

              Wayne Borowsky

Congratulations to all the newly elected officers and thank you to all the members who continue to support the company. 

At 10:27 a.m. South Media was called to an accident on the Blue Route.  Upon 51-9's arrival the assignment was quickly upgraded.  The driver was extricated by a passing motorist and was transported to Crozer with reported minor injuries.  The dump truck was fully involved and presented a haz mat condition as well as a stubborn fire.  Command was established with 65-9B (Safety Officer), 67-9 (Operations) and 23-12-A (Manpower) 44's OIC (Water Supply), 14-9A (South Sector), and Delco Hazmat Response Team (Hazmat).  The fire was extinguished shortly before noon and the Blue Route was reopened at approximately 2:30 p.m. 

Thanks to South Media, Garden City, Woodlyn, Swarthmore, Media, Medic 23, Concordville (water supply), Springfield, Brookhaven, Boeing (foam), Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware County Hazmat for all of their assistance and a job well done.

Hopefully pics to follow.

Viewing will be from 6pm to 9pm on Monday 12/14 at the Rigby, Harting & Hagan Funeral Home located at 15 E 4th Street in Media Borough.

Funeral service will be from 8am to 10am on Tuesday 12/15 at the Rigby, Harting & Hagan Funeral Home for a 2 hour service.  There will then be a 1 hour Catholic mass at Nativity BVM Church on the corner of  Franklin and Monroe in Media Borough. There will be a luncheon at Rose Tree Fire Company at 1pm.