On March 10th, while operating on Township Line at the scene of an accident, Comapany 56 (Manoa) received a second dispatch at 13:24 hours for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of Dill Rd. and N. Drexel Ave. 56-9A (Assistant Chief Kelly) requested a second due dispatch be added to supplement man power adding Rescue and Squad 38(Oakmont) to the assignment at 13:28 hours. Company 56 made quick work of a single door pop to assist EMS crews in extricating the patient who had struck a telephone pole. EMS transported the patient to a nearby hospital. All units cleared at 13:34 hours and normal traffic flow was resumed.

At 11:30 on March 3rd Company 38 (Oakmont) was dispatched along with Company 35 (Brookline) to the 100 block of Haverford Ave. for smoke reportedly in the basement. Engine 38 arrived to report a single family dwelling with smoke showing from the basement. Crews went to work locating the fire which was contained to the heater and surrounding basement area. 38-9 (Chief McGoldrick) placed the incident under control releasing Company 35, while Company 38 stayed on scene for ventilation and clean up. No one was injured and the company went available at 12:27.

Decorating homes and businesses is a long-standing tradition around the holiday season. Unfortunately, these same decorations may increase your chances of fire.

Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights, candles and the ever popular Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.

• – Don’t put your live Christmas tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
• – Place trees away from heat sources, including fireplaces or heat vents. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks.
• – Keep the live tree stand filled with water at all times.
• – Use only nonflammable decorations.
• – Don’t link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it’s safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet.
• – Avoid using lit candles; consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles
• – Ensure that Christmas trees and other holiday decorations don’t block an exit way.

For more tips on how to prevent a holiday fire and what to do in case a fire starts in your home, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s website at www.usfa.fema.gov

Sincerely,

Mark your calendars because Sunday December 16, Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa and his helpers will be riding through the Oakmont neighborhood on board a whole lot more than a one horse open sleigh! Should anyone have questions or a request for a specific stop call the fire house at 610-446-9837 and ask for Captain Thomas Straub.

Saturday November 17, Oakmont Fire Company held its first Turkey Raffle in over a decade. What began as yet another way to celebrate the company’s 100th Anniversary, turned out to also be a great community gathering! The engine bay was filled with friends, family and neighbors testing their luck in winning a frozen turkey for the family. The company raffled off 40 frozen turkeys, along with 9 complete Thanksgiving meals. The 10th frozen meal was donated to Shannon Straub (Daughter of Captain John Straub) and her girl scout troop to be givin to a family in need.  It was a great event in all, and the community continues to show their support for the fire company. During the morning preparation, several members helped get the station ready for the event with the help of  several future members as seen in the picture below.

Monday November 26, Oakmont Fire Company held a Mayday drill at the Normandy botanical garden. The company worked on several scenarios involving the use of the Rapid Intervention Team. This drill was used to strengthen the knowledge and keep the company prepared in case this unfortunate event occurs.

Come and join Oakmont Fire Company for the turkey raffle.  After years of hiatus we are bringing it back for the 100th anniversary. The event will be held Saturday, November 17^th at the firehouse from 7pm to 9pm. Test your luck and see if you can walk away with a 18 to 20 pound turkey. 25 cents for a ticket and the spin of the wheel is all you need.

Monday October 15, Oakmont Fire Company held a mayday drill in station. Instructors from Safety & Survival Training, LLC came into the station to give a lecture and some hands on training. Members heard from the instructors their first hand experiences with calling for maydays at fire scenes. After the lecture the crew went into the engine bay and did hands on training of when to call for a mayday or an urgent message. Below are some pictures from the drill.

Sunday October 14, Oakmont Fire Company participated in a block party held on Woodcroft. Members of the company brought Engine 38 to the event. Children and adult were able to look around the truck as well as spray the hose from the truck. It was a great time for all.