Within the next two weeks FF Kevin Sweeney will be deployed overseas. He is expected to be gone for approximately 3 months. We all wish him well and, as always, be safe. See you when you return Kevin.
FF Kevin Sweeney
On Monday, August 24th three members were selected by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce to receive financial awards towards their education. The members: Christopher Smith, Kevin Sweeney and Domenic J. Marino each were the recipients of $1,000.00. Congratulations to the members and a huge thank you to the Chamber of Commerce for the their continuing assistance in recruitment and retention of new volunteers!
FF Chris Smith and Matt Donahue, The Addis Group
FF Domenic Marino and Matt Donahue, The Addis Group
FF Kevin Sweeney and Matt Donahue, The Addis Group
Just before 3pm on Monday, July 20th the call was received to cover Penn Wynne FC. Most, if not all, of the Lower Merion Fire Department was operating at a fatal high-rise fire in the Bala-Cynwyd section of the Township. Engine 38 stood by until just before 5pm. Photo courtesy of DJ Marino.
Engine 38 in Montco Station 21
Just after 430pm on Tuesday, June 30th, the call was received for Squad 38 to cover at Delco Station 15 (Radnor FC). They were part of the many agencies operating at the tractor trailer accident at I 476/I 76. The Squad returned to service just before 600pm.
On Monday evening, June 29th, the company utilized the search & rescue trailer from the Delaware County Emergency Services Training Center. The members in attendance were given assignments before entering the smoke filled trailer. In teams of two they proceeded in the entrance, through the maze inside and exited via the rear doors of the trailer. Each scenario was changed keeping the members “on their toes.” Thanks to Dave and Earl from the DCESTC for bringing the trailer out to the fire training tower.
Once again the Oakmont Fire Company will hold its annual 4th of July celebration. The parade will kick off at the fire station at 11:00 am. At the conclusion of the parade join your neighbors at the Grasslyn field for food, refreshments and races for the kids. Should you have any questions or comments, do not hesitate to contact us at 610-446-9837 or via e-mail info@oakmontfire.org. Hope to see everyone there!!
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.
