At the last Township Commissioners meeting the Haverford Township Police Department got approval to formally hire six new officers. With this approval two of the six officers hired are current or former Oakmont firefighters. Congratulations to Thomas McDermott, now a member of the Springfield FD (Co. 44) and Joseph McGibney, current firefighter with Oakmont and member of the armed forces. Good luck in your new position and as always, be safe!
On Saturday, May 30th, just after 330 pm, Company 38 was dispatched to the 100 block of Golf House Road for an automatic fire alarm. On 38-9’s arrival he and the police located smoke inside the very large, unoccupied residence. Engine 35 was added to the assignment and 38-9 established command. After a few nerve racking minutes the source was located in the basement. Due to the equipment’s composition it had produced a large amount of acrid black smoke. Crews found a de-humidifier smoldering the basment,as well as, a few floor joists within reach of the equipment. After ventilating the entire “mansion” the companies returned to service at 445 pm. Photo courtesy of the Oakmont Fire Company.
Burned equipment from basement
Following up our last posting the Oakmont Fire Company mourned the passing of past Assistant Chief Walter “Wally” K. Poole. The funeral services were held on Monday, May 4th , 2009. Aside from the damp conditions, it was a very emotional day for all of the members, as Wally was very active with the fire company. Thirty plus members of the Oakmont Fire Company attended and participated in the services. Engine 38 was used to carry Wally to his final resting place. The engine was operated by Wally’s son-in-law, Lieutenant John Straub, and his officer was Wally’s son, Lieutenant Stephen Poole (Co. 35). All the members stood strong as Wally was taken from the funeral home to the church and finally to Sts. Peter & Paul cemetary in Marple Township. From the Officers and crew of the Oakmont Fire Company a huge thank you to all who helped the Poole, Straub and the Oakmont Fire Company families get through this difficult time. A special thanks to Squad 56 and Tower 34 for covering the station while we laid our brother to rest. In closing, as Wally would say…”see ya’ll a little later.”
#18 Walter K. Poole
Final passing of Station #38
Entering Sts. Peter & Paul cemetary
Final resting place
It is with deep regret that the Oakmont Fire Company announces the passing of past Assistant Chief Walter K. Poole. Wally, as he was known to all, joined the company in February 1960 and has been active ever since. He was a past Assistant Chief and a Life Member of the fire company. Wally will be missed by all that knew him and his catch phrase, “see ya all a little later.” Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Poole and Straub Families. May he rest in peace. Arrangements are unknown at this time.
The Delco Fallen Firefighters/EMS Memorial Committee (www.delcolodd.com), in conjunction with the Delco Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, will be hosting a “buffet and beer” on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 beginning at 2:00 pm at the Springfield Country Club. All that attend will be entered into a raffle for up to $3,000.00. The proceeds from the benefit will go directly to the upkeep of both Memorials located in Rose Tree Park. please help us preserve the memories of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For tickets or more information stop by the station or contact us via e-mail at info@oakmontfire.org. Thank you in advance for your support.
Early Monday morning at 0230 hours Company 38 and Engine Co. 35 were dispatched to the 600 Blk of Lorraine Street for a building fire. 38-9 went responding and inquired about further information. Fireboard advised 38-9 of “one call reporting their house is on fire.” Shortly thereafter Fireboard came back to advise 38-9 of the police report with heavy fire showing from the 2nd floor. 38-9 also discovered another hazard on his arrival, the main electrical service line had burned away from the house and was live in the street still connected to the pole.
Squad 38 went into service with a 2.5 blitz line, followed with 2 additional 1.34 attack lines. Ladder 38 went into ladder company operations with the aerial to the roof. Engine 35 laid a 5″ supply line. Engine 38, foam 35 and Rescue 38 arrived and supplemented the crews already in service. A special call was placed for Rescue 58 for the AIR unit. EMS transported one patient to Crozer Chester Medical Center for treatment. The re-hab unit was also on scene.
The companies returned to service just after 0500 hours. A job well done by all on scene. Photos courtesy of Frank Hand. Audio courtesy of ScanAmerica.us
Fire showing from the 2nd floor
2.5 blitz line in service
Exterior extinguishment still in progress
FF D'Achille hard at work
On Saturday, April 11th, 2009 we made the much anticipated move into our new building. The short, but bittersweet, ceremony consisted of speeches from Chief McGoldrick, Board President Stretch, Father Gallagher (St. Denis Church) and the owner of Cassaccio Architects, Lee Cassacchio followed by three ribbon cuttings. The larger part of the ceremony was the apparatus backing into the station and for a grand finale….all active members carrying their PPE from the tent into their respective gear lockers. The rain could not dampen the spirits of all the members. The tent and trailer will be leaving for a new destination within the next week. A continued THANK YOU to all of the local businesses and residents for their patience during the project. A job well done by ALL parties involved. Thank you for your continued support.
Chief McGoldrick addressing the crowd
Past & Present chiefs ribbon cutting
View of engine bay from observation deck
View of engine bay from 2nd floor front overlook window
Attached are pictures from the construction. As you can see the end is in sight!!!! It is coming together nicely!!
Just after 1800 hours on March 12th Company 38 was dispatched to Eagle Road and Hillcrest Avenue for a brush fire. While enroute we were advised that a transmission line (electrical) had snapped and was down in the brush behind of Brendans Auto Body Center. 38-9 arrived and comfirmed the report and had PeCO respond. Once PeCO arrived and verified the line was de-energized the crews went to work extinguishing the large brush fire. 38-9 had Engine Co. 56 dispatched as a precaution in case of any exposure issues. Units on scene: Engine 38, Squad 38, Engine 56, Squad 56, HT Fire Police, HTPD, Hav Car 1.
On Saturday, February 28th members from all five Township Companies participated in a Township wide drill. The aquired structure, thanks to the generosity of the Merion Country Club, on Ardmore Avenue was used for RIT/ Search & Rescue drills. The members were put through several scenarios throughout the day. The teams were mixed so everyone could get a chance to work with one another. Thank you to Capt. Gary Greenfield (Sta. 56/ employee of Merion Country Club) and the staff of the Merion Country Club for allowing the HTBF to use such a resource to this extent. Thanks to all the members of the HTBF that participated. Keep up the great work!!
