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.
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