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

Audio from 600 Block of Lorraine Street

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!!

As you may know, or not, the Oakmont Fire Company has three members serving in the armed forces that are currently overseas. Pat Kelly, son of Mike Kelly, is stationed in Afghanistan. Corey and Eric Hatton are currently stationed in Iraq. Please keep them and their families in your prayers. The Board of Directors, Officers and Crew commend them for their service and hope for a speedy return to civilian life. God Bless and be safe!

Attached are some photos taken inside of the new fire house. Completion is rapidly approaching and we all cannot wait to move in to it. Hats off to all that have participated in the process and a huge continued thank you for being patient goes out to the local businesses and residents.

Construction moves forward with the new building. Some pictures are attached to show the progress. The Oakmont Fire Company thanks all of the residents and businesses in the area for their understanding and cooperation during this much needed update to the building. Stay tuned for more details!!!!!