January 31 - At 0601 hours, stations 25 (Ardmore) and 21 (Penn Wynne) were dispatched to 131 Grandview Rd. for a structure fire with entrapment. LMPD arrived on
location and reported heavy smoke showing with possible entrapment on the 2nd or 3rd floor. 25-51 arrived on location and reported a 3
story twin apartments with confirmed entrapment on the 2nd floor. Engine 25 arrived and led off with 2 - 1 3/4" lines, while Engine 21
crews vented and hooked up to the hydrant to provide water supply. 25 Command (Tom Hayden 25-5) then requested the 2nd alarm which brought
Station 26 (Narberth), Tower 28 (Cynwyd) as the FAST team, and Air 24 (Gladwyne). Minutes later, the 3rd alarm was struck, bringing Station
23 (Bryn Mawr). Crews aggressively conducted fire supression measures, and search and rescue operations. Due to the buildings structural
integrity being compromised, the evacuation order was given for fear of collapse. Crews then conducted defensive practices utilizing
master streams and ladder pipes. Shortly thereafter, crews conducted overhaul operations and the victim was located and pronounced at
the scene. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the victim's family and friends. Also, we would like to extend our thanks to
Llanerch Fire Company for providing cover up for our station.
January 23 - At 1021 hours, stations 26 (Narberth) and 21 (Penn Wynne) were dispatched to 79 E. Wynnewood Rd. for an attic fire. LM-591 arrived on location
and reported heavy smoke showing from the top of the house. Engine 26 went on location and stretched 2 - 1 3/4" lines, while at the same
time, Ladder 21 went to the roof and ventilated. Also, a 2 1/2" line was stretched to the back of the building and a 5" supply line was
hand laid to the hydrant. With heavy fire on the third floor and through the roof, the second alarm was dropped, which brought
Station 28 (Cynwyd) to assist, Squad 22 (Belmont Hills) for the FAST team, and Air 24 (Gladwyne) for the air truck. Crews
from Stations 26 and 21, aggressively attacked the fire despite the extreme temperatures faced inside the structure and were able to
contain the fire to the third floor. An excellent effort was done by all on scene in the frigid temperatures and icy conditions
that hampered firefighters efforts at times.
January 20 - The Penn Wynne Fire Company held it's annual meeting to inform the public and it's members on the status of the company. At the meeting, the Fire Company
released it's annual budget report for the 2003 year, the Chief's report, and held elections for the Board of Directors.
Six people were nominated for five available positions on the Board of Directors. John Connolly, Paul Daly, John Derham, and Charles Dorkey
were reelected to the Board, along with newly elected Board Member, David Watrous. The Fire Company would like to thank Robert Neely for
his many years of service as a Board Member. Later on in the evening, Penn Wynne Fire Company officially unveiled it's new website,
Pennwynnefire.org.
FAST TEAM 21
January 20 - Stations 23 (Bryn Mawr) and 25 (Ardmore) were dispatched for smoke in the area of 2059 W. Montgomery Ave. LMPD went on location and reported fire
showing from 2062 Matson Circle. 23-5 went on location and reported heavy fire first and second floors. 23-5 then called for Station 24 (Gladwyne)
for an Engine along with the Air truck. Also added to the card, was Station 21 (Penn Wynne) with Engine 21 as the FAST team. The Fire
Marshall and County Detectives were called to the scene for a report of a suspicious fire. Good job done by all!
3RD FAST TEAM CALL OF THE YEAR
January 17 - Station 23 (Bryn Mawr) was dispatched to 2062 Matson Circle for multiple reports of smoke showing from the residence with possible entrapment.
Lower Merion Police arrived on scene with heavy smoke showing. The assignment was then upgraded, which brought Station 24 (Gladwyne) to assist,
and Engine 21 (Penn Wynne) for the FAST team. Ladder 23 arrived first on scene and found a room and contents fire in the residence. Crews from
Ladder 23 attacked the fire and knocked it down promptly. A small amount of overhaul was done, and companies went available.
ANOTHER FIRE ON HOLLAND AVE
January 11 - At 2349 hours, stations 25 (Ardmore) and 23 (Bryn Mawr) were dispatched to 78 Holland Avenue for a working structure fire. Lower Merion Police
stated the fire was on the 2nd floor and kitchen, and was intentionally set by a female after a domestic dispute, who was in custody.
Engine 25 arrived on location and reported heavy smoke showing from a 3 story twin. 25-5 assumed command and put three handlines into
service with Ladder 25 opening up the roof. Command requested the dispatch of a FAST team (Engine 21 - Penn Wynne), air truck, and
an engine to hit the hydrant (Air 24, Engine 24 - Gladwyne). Crews quickly knocked down the bulk of the first floor fire and advanced
to suppress the fire set on the second floor. An excellent stop was made on the fire by interior and exterior crews, and after
overhaul was completed, companies went available.
HOUSE FIRE IN ARDMORE
January 9 - At 2205 hours, stations 25 (Ardmore) and 23 (Bryn Mawr) were dispatched to 214 Holland Avenue for a structure fire. Police arrived on location and
reported heavy smoke showing from a 3 story dwelling. Once on scene, 25-51 established command and requested for a FAST team (Engine 21 -
Penn Wynne) and the air truck (Air 24 - Gladwyne). An 1 3/4" line was put into service and the fire was quickly knocked down on the
second floor. Extensive overhaul was done following extinguishment and companies went available.
NEW CLUB OFFICERS ELECTED
January 7 - At this month's Penn Wynne Firefighters Club meeting, elections were held for new Club officers. Chris Feder was elected President,
Mark Gilbert was elected Vice President, Eric Norris was elected Treasurer, and Dan Gilbert was elected Secretary. The outgoing officers
did an excellent job in managing the Club and are commended for their superb work.
From left to right: Mark Gilbert, Eric Norris, Dan Gilbert, and Chris Feder
ENGINE 21 OPERATING SESSION
January 7 - Station 21 members attended an operating session hosted by Bob Kaler of Glick Fire Equipment. The informative tour of Engine 21 covered
operations of the truck such as lighting, pump, and hydraulic ladder rack controls. The large turnout of members that attended, increased
their knowledge on the workings of the new Pierce engine, which will provide more efficient and safer responses in emergency situations.
