From a most generous donor, Collingdale No.1 now has two (2) motorized chairs to loan. The donor stipulated that these chairs be loaned to any disabled veteran without charge with a combat injured veteran receiving preference. We ask only that you sign a release to accept responsibility for proper use and care, and the chair be returned to the company when the vet acquires a permanent replacement, or no longer has a use for it. These chairs are used and we hope they can help out, at least for while. Please contact the president at scarter@collingdale1.com for more information. Final approval comes from the company membership, but the president will be more than willing to help.

Collingdale No.1 joined Ridley Park Fire Company and others at the Ridley Park Safety Day sponsored by representative Nick Micarelli. Our Fire Prevention training trailer and 06-2 were in attendance with the ladder from Norwood, apparatus from Ridley Park, the Bomb Squad, SWAT and others, showing off their apparatus and educating the public who stopped by. Everyone who attended had an enjoyable afternoon and the firefighters had a chance to network with our fellow firefighters.

 For drill this week, the firefighters from 06 headed for the D.C.E.S.T.C. for some oil fire drills. After the near disaster at the Sunoco refinery this week, our training officer thought oil fire training would be a great refresher while the thoughts of Sunoco were still fresh in everyone's mind. Assistant Chief McCann with instructor George Kaiser ran us through several evolutions using the chemical foam and detailing the hazards of misguided mainstreams. The propane fires went roaring and everyone received some hands on experience in chemical foam fire supression.

The annual journey of the EMS bikers came through Delaware County on Sunday the 17th, and as in years past, Collingdale No.1 invited all of the participants to dinner. For these past 7 years, Station-06 has hosted the bikers on their annual trek from Boston to Roanoke, and as in years past they were welcomed with open arms. One of our members, Don Felker gave his life during an emergency ambulance call, and every year since 2002,Collingdale No.1 with the help of Pat Felker and her children host the riders as they pass through. After dinner, everyone exchanged well wishes and the riders were off for some much needed rest before beginning the next leg of their ride to Wilmington  at 6:00AM

It is with a great deal of sadness that Collingdale No.1 reports the passing of 60 Year Life Member Eugene Gspann. Known as Gene to everyone, Mr. Gspann was a veteran of the Korean War era before joining our company. An ever active member and one of the Grand Marshalls at our Centennial Parade, Mr. Gspann was also a Life Member of the Delaware County Firemen's Association when it required 50 years of active membership and where he served in many elected offices. Noted for his dynamic voice as Master of Ceremonies at our annual banquet, and always with some amusing story of times past in the company,  Gene's absence from our company will be felt by everyone.

Collingdale Fire Co. #1 regrets to announce the passing of 55 Year Life Member Angelo M. La Buono, Sr.  Mr. La Buono was a retired pharmacist and WWII veteran.  He was a member, and past President, of the Southeast Delco School Board.  Many of our members, and Collingdale High School Alumni , recall with fondness La Buono's Pharmacy (and its soda fountain), that Mr. La Buono operated for many years at Clifton Ave. and Mac Dade Blvd.  He was very active in our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. La Buono's family, especially to Angelo Jr., also a Life Member of our Company.

Today, Company 06 (Collingdale Fire Company #1), Company 42 (Collingdale Fire Company #2), Company 04 (Darby Fire Company #1) and Company RIT19 (Lansdowne Fire Company) were dispatched to 232 Hazelwood Ave, Aldan for a Building Fire. Police arrived on location to report a working fire. Chief 42-9 (Moors) redisptached the companies for a working fire. Engine 04-2 and Engine 06-1 arrived on location. Captain 06-9B (Payne) assumed Hazelwood Ave command and reported a 2 1/2 story SFD with smoke showing from the second floor of the residence. Engine 04-2 went in service with an 1 3/4 line as Engine 06-1's crew assisted with water supply. Engine 42-1 arrived on location to assist with ventilation. PECO was requested to respond to secure utilites as was Aldan Car 1 authority Hazelwood Ave Command. Crews found a small fire in the attic and quickly extinguished the fire. Quint 06 arrived to assist with ground ladders and ventilation of the residence. Command placed the fire under control at the first twenty-minute mark. Crews remained on scene shortly after before returning available.

Today, Company 06 (Collingdale Fire Company #1), Company 04 (Darby Fire Co #1), Company 21 (Darby Fire Co #2) and Company 42 (Collingdale Fire Company #2) were the initial dispatch to 218 Whitley Terrace in Darby for what turned into a three alarm working fire. Engine 04-2 arrived first on location and began interior attack. Quint 06 arrived shortly after and assisted with roof ventilation. Crews from Collingdale Fire Company #2 assisted Company 04 with fire suppresion. Engine 06-1 established a water supply to Quint 06 and members assisted with ventilation and fire suppression. The fire began to spread to both exposures as Chief 04-9 (Caruso) hit the second and soon after the third alarm. Crews remained on scene for approximately 3 hours before returning. Special thanks to Company 43 (Holmes Fire Company) and ambulance 44-7 (Springfield Ambulance Corps) for covering the local. 

   The Theodore R. Epright award is presented to an individual or individuals for distinguished service rendered above and beyond the call of duty. This year at their annual banquet, the Delaware County Firemen's Association presented the award to E.J. Blanck and George Boothby of Collingdale #2, and our own Charles Pascale III and Collingdale Police Officer and Firefighter Mark Finley. On March 13th 2008 at a fire on Beechwood Ave. in the borough, These men entered the burning residence and rescued two bedridden female occupants, both of whom were in their 70s,  from a basement living area with the smoke quickly banking down.

Early this morning, shortly after the ball dropped, Companies 19 (Lansdowne Fire Company), Company 03 (Clifton Heights Fire Company) and Company 20 (Garrettford-Drexel Hill Fire Company were dispatched to 76 Ardmore Ave, Lansdowne for a Building Fire. Company 06 was requested to respond on the 2nd Alarm. Stay tuned for more pictures and completion of the story.

Late This Evening, shortly after the Eagles defeated the Dallas Cowboys to push their way into the playoffs Quint 06 was requested to respond to 422 Ellis Avenue for a working fire. Story and more pictures to come shortly.

Tonight, crews remained in station to train in a simulated large area search. The officers turned the Floral Hall into a simulated Wawa and trained on the different techniques and operations while performing a large area search of a business. During crew night, Engine 06-1 responded to a service call on Rively Avenue due to the large amount of rain received in the Delaware Valley. While Engine 06-1 was on the street, the remainder of the crew practiced how to correctly secure a patient to a stokes basket in the event of a large scale rescue. Crews also practiced with rope, freshening up on their knots before the Engine returned.

Today, shortly before 9:00 am Company 06 (Collingdale Fire Company #1) was on the ticket along with Company 16 (Yeadon Fire Company), Company 19 (Lansdowne Fire Company), and Company 24 (East Lansdowne Fire Company) to 414 Holly Rd, Yeadon Borough for a Building Fire. Prior to Quint 06 hitting the street, police were on location reporting a working fire from a three story twin. Quint 06 arrived under the command of 1st Lieutenant Andrew Payne and assisted Company 16 with fire suppression and overhaul of the Building. A 2nd Alarm was soon requested by Asst Chief of Yeadon Fire Company, Michael Melazzo, adding, Company 03 (Clifton Heights Fire Company), Company 09 (Sharon Hill Fire Company), Company 04 (Darby Fire Company #1), Company 22 (Millbourne Fire Company), and Company 34 (Llanerch Fire Company) for Tower 34. Company 43 (Holmes Fire Company) as also added for a second Rapid Interventions Team. Crews remained on scene will performing extensive fire suppression and overhaul returning shortly after 1:00 pm. Special thanks to Company 44 (Springfield Fire Company) and Ladder 48 (Tinicum Township Fire Company) for covering the local during the incident. A special thanks to Captain of the Lansdowne Fire Company, Thomas Fitzpatrick for providing the pictures of the incident.

Collingdale Fire Co. #1 regrets to announce the death of 50 year member Al Hudson on Tuesday November 4th, 2008. Al was a very active member of the company serving in many capacities, including Relief Association delegate, and most recently House Committee chairman. Al was a past member of Collingdale Borough Council, and served several years as the President of Council. Al is survived by his daughter Hazel, a granddaughter, and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral details are as follows:

A viewing will be held on Sunday November 9th, 2008 1900-2100 at the McCausland-Garrity Funeral Home 202 S. Chester Pike Glenolden. A service will be held on Monday November 10th, 2008 1130 at the funeral home, an additional viewing will be held from 1030-1130 on Monday. Interment will be at the Fernwood Cemetery in Upper Darby following the service.

Collingdale Fire Co. No 1 regrets to announce the passing of Life Member James C. Kerns Sr. Jim was a 38 year member of the fire company. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, and 2 sons Jim and Billy, both of whom are active members of the fire company. Jim was a very active member of the company and served in the offices of Captain, Lieutenant, and Chief Engineer. He was also on several committee, most notable the apparatus purchasing committees. A viewing will be held on Wednesday October 22, 2008 at the Cavanaugh's Funeral Home 301 Chester Pike, Norwood, from 8:30am until 10:30am. A funeral mass will follow at the St. Joseph Church 502 Woodlawn Ave, Collingdale at 11am. Burial is Private.