On Friday, August 9th, 2024, the remnants of Hurricane Debby passed through central Pennsylvania causing widespread flooding and severe damage throughout out several counties in central PA.

Oakmont members were able to listen to radio transmissions of what was occurring, specifically in Tioga County during the storm. Local resources from Montgomery County were activated to respond into those counties needing help.

As the events unfolded in Tioga County, it was clear that the first responders in that area were in for a long few days of helping the community.  Urgent calls for help were broadcast over Tioga County’s radio system and sadly, the storm and its devastating effects had taken a toll the first responders, their equipment and the roadway’s in and around Tioga County.

With over 4-5 feet of water in most places, travel to and from fire and EMS stations was severely hampered and required assistance from up to 50 miles away to navigate the waters safely and answer the call for help. A true brotherhood, if you will.

A few days after the storm hit, Assistant Chief Larry Howard reached out to the Crary Hose Company of Westfield Borough to see what we could do to help the company. After speaking with Crary Hose Company Chief Bill Goltz, he identified an immediate need of PPE (personal protective equipment) for his members, as the station had been flooded. Chief Goltz went on to say that they lost most of their PPE and all their apparatus was down due to the flooding shorting out their electrical systems. In addition, Chief Goltz stated that most of his volunteers had suffered severe damage to their own homes during the flood, resulting in less volunteers available to staff the station.

By August 16th, 2024, AC Howard had put together a small collection of PPE from the Haverford Township fire companies. AC Howard headed to Crary on August 20th, 2024 to drop off what had been collected. On the way there he also stopped at Walmart and purchased household cleaning supplies for the members of the Crary Hose Company to help in any small way. The donations were well received by the Crary Hose Company.

Once AC Howard had returned and informed all the companies of the outcome, it was suggested that we go one step further with a huge donation to Crary Hose Company. Haverford Township was replacing an engine from the Bon Air Fire Company. It was brought up for a discussion to donate the engine to Crary Hose Company given the current state of their apparatus being out of service.

Permission was granted by the Township manager and approved by the Commissioners that the engine be donated to Crary Hose Company.

This time another round of requests went out to neighboring fire companies, Broomall, Radnor, and Lower Merion for assistance with any equipment they may have that could be donated. All the companies came through without hesitation.

On Saturday, September 28th, 2024, AC Howard, Engineers B. Maguire, and LJ Howard III loaded the engine, as well as another trailer full of equipment, and took them up to Crary Hose Company in Tioga County.  The members were waiting on our arrival and even had the news on scene to document the donation to the Tioga County community. We would like to thank all those people and companies that made this effort possible. A true brotherhood connection has been established forever.

Video link courtesy of WENY News.
https://www.weny.com/story/51521236/northern-tier-volunteer-fire-department-receives-donated-engine-after-flood

Oakmont Fire Company is with Manoa Fire Company – Station 56 and Llanerch Volunteer Fire Company.

Today crews from the HTBF took time from their weekend and participated in a set of drills to refresh and enhance their skills in fire suppression, roof ventilation, and forceable entry. Our success on the fire grounds is a direct result of the time and commitment put in the dedicated volunteers of the township fire companies.

Photo Credit- Sherry Tappan

Tonight members and their families gathered to pay their respects to the 343 firefighters, 8 Paramedics/EMTs, 23 police officers, and 37 port authority officers that paid the ultimate sacrifice on this fateful day 23 years ago.

On this day, we pause to remember the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11, 2001. The tragedy forever changed our nation, but it also showed the world our strength, resilience, and compassion. We honor the memory of those we lost and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders and all who came together in the face of adversity. Let us never forget their courage and the enduring spirit of unity that followed.

Family members gather for the annual 9/11 Memorial and Museum anniversary ceremony in New York, NY on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. Photo by Ben Hider, 9/11 Memorial

At approximately 7 o’clock this morning the Oakmont Fire Company was dispatched to Katz Pharmacy for the accident with entrapment with a vehicle possibly on fire. The assignment was quickly scaled back due to no entrapment, no fire and minor injuries. Crews assisted with securing the property and vehicles. The Ladder & Squad were available a short time later.

We extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to the Llanerch Volunteer Fire Company and the Sauder family during this challenging time. The passing of past Chief Harry Sauder is a profound loss, and our thoughts are with you as you navigate through this difficult period.

Come join Haverford Township Police, Narberth Ambulance, all five Haverford Township fire companies, and many other supporting agencies for National Night Out. NNO is an annual event to raise awareness within the community about the different emergency service organizations in the township. It will be starting at 6pm this upcoming Tuesday, August 6th, in the parking lot of the township building. We  hope to see everyone there!

Link to the post https://fb.watch/tID9qS2K82/

Oakmont Fire Company would once again like to thank Troop 19 Eagle Scout Ian Taylor for his time and dedication in making this flag retirement box. We are proud to announce that it has been placed at the front of our station, between the door and the fallen firefighter memorial.

Recently, Oakmont Fire Company and Brookline Fire Company each received a flag retirement box from Troop 19 Eagle Scout Ian Taylor. These handmade boxes will provide two new locations for members of our community to properly dispose of any worn, torn, or damaged American flags. We thank Ian for his hard work and dedication to the community. The box at our station will be installed in its permanent location very shortly.

Your presence made it a fantastic event. Congratulations to all the participants in the races – you were all amazing and we hope you enjoyed the festivities as much as we did. Looking forward to seeing you next year!