Township of Lower Merion Fire Department. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Albert J. Brown (Ret.) 2012 Annual Report

Transcription

1 Township of Lower Merion Fire Department Deputy Chief Fire Officer Albert J. Brown (Ret.) 2012 Annual Report

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer 2 Fire Department Staff 4 Mission and Creed 5 Building Fire Location Map In Lower Merion Township 6 Building Fires By Alarm Date-In Lower Merion Township 7 Building Fires By Alarm Date-In & Out of Lower Merion Township 8 Thirty Year Statistics 9 Incident Type Summary Chart 10 Incident Type Summary by District All Types 11 Number of Incidents By Alarm Hour Chart 12 Fire Response Breakdown By One Hour Time Frames 13 Incident Responses By Day of Week Chart 14 Incident Responses By Day of Week Year Consolidated Statistical Report 16 Training Information 17 Fire Companies Information and Statistics Photo Highlights 27

3 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer Douglas S. Cleland Township Manager 2 Dear Mr. Cleland, I am pleased to present you with the 2012 Annual Report for the Township of Lower Merion Fire Department. The Fire Department lost a great friend and leader in this Department for over 25 years in September 2012 Deputy Chief Fire Officer Al Brown. It is in his memory that we dedicate this report. The year 2012 was again a challenging one for our fire service, as we responded to several fires and severe weather-related events. In addition, the Fire Department underwent a Public Protection Classification (PPC) inspection by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). ISO collects information about municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States, analyzes the relevant data and assigns a Public Protection Classification to that community. ISO concluded its review of the fire suppression features being provided, and I was pleased to report that Lower Merion Township is now rated at a Public Protection Classification of 3/9. This is the best classification that Lower Merion Township has ever achieved, and we are one of only 22 municipalities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to achieve a Class 3 rating. In October of 2012, Superstorm Sandy slammed into the East Coast and caused widespread damage throughout our Township. Several sections of the Township lost power closing schools, businesses, and leaving residents without heat or electricity for several days. The Fire Department continued to work diligently and responded to 98 calls for assistance during the first three days of this storm. Notable responses during this storm and the week following were two gas leak fires, eight different calls for trees into houses, numerous fire alarms and a house fire that was started when a generator was placed too close to the home (it was the sprinkler system that this homeowner voluntarily installed that helped save this house from being destroyed). In addition, the fire companies opened their doors to the public to use as warming stations and a facility that would allow them to recharge cell phones and other electronics. I am proud of my staff and the volunteer and career staff of our fire companies, as they continued to serve on duty responding in treacherous conditions, and manning the fire stations throughout the storm. Many firefighters left their families to do this and had issues of their own at their homes. Fire calls are once again up in total numbers, as are the amount of structure fires. The seven volunteer fire companies serving our Township, along with the Lower Merion Fire Department office, responded to a total of 2,377 incidents a 10% increase over The breakdown of responses included 1,739 incidents in the Township of Lower Merion, 57 in the Borough of Narberth, 263 in Radnor Township and an additional 66 calls in other municipalities located outside of the Township. Our fire companies responded to 24 building fires, a 25% increase over Firefighters saved $16.28 million in property values, leaving us with a property value loss of $2.66 million (total property value: $18.94 million). Our Deputy Fire Marshals participated in 66 supervised firefighter training sessions with our fire companies, with 621 firefighters in attendance. That is an average of nine firefighters per training session a decrease from Once again, the Department was able to conduct extensive training as a result of the acquisition of four dwellings slated for demolition. The use of these properties enables our fire companies to perform more realistic drills, and participate in multi-company training. With Fire Prevention being the focus of this department, the Fire Department Office continues to work diligently in protecting the citizens of our Township. However, I must note that this becomes more challenging each year that the Deputy Chief Fire Officer position remains vacant. As you are aware, this vacancy has existed since March, 2010, and is creating significant challenges for my office in accomplishing our workload in an effective and efficient manner. It also has significant impacts on our life safety inspection program and the preplanning of target hazards in our Township, as noted below. In 2012, Deputy Fire Marshals conducted 512 building inspections that resulted in 884 violation notices being issued; however, no preplanning of target hazards was completed. The Fire Department Office also conducted 140 plan reviews, attended 25 land development meetings, and participated in 200 code consultations and requests with the Public and the Township s Building and Planning Department. 2

4 A Letter from the Chief Fire Officer 3 The Fire Prevention Trailer continues to be a great asset to our fire prevention program, not only in Township schools, but also with the general public. Fire Department staff presented 169 fire safety programs to over 3,300 students and day campers, and another 81 civilian training classes with 1,598 people in attendance. Training and education continues to be a priority and the members of the Fire Department Office continued their professional training by attending various programs at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, ongoing training with the National Incident Management System, Uniform Construction Code, various code enforcement, fire investigation and arson courses, sprinkler systems, fire alarm and plan review courses, as well as strategy and tactics courses. In addition, I completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course given by the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. I also completed my final year of a four year commitment to the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and look forward to receiving my Executive Fire Officer (EFO) designation in In 2012, I was also awarded the Chief Fire Officer Designation (CFO) from the Commission on Professional Credentialing at the Center for Public Safety Excellence and the MIFireE designation from the Institution of Fire Engineers. The New Township Fire Apparatus Replacement Policy continues to be instrumental in providing our fire service with up-to-date, top-of-the-line fire apparatus. In early 2012, the Belmont Hills Fire Company took delivery of a new Smeal 75 aerial ladder truck, and later that year the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore took delivery of a new Pierce Engine. In keeping up with the Building Conditions Assessment Study of our fire stations, window and door replacements were completed at the Merion Fire Company of Ardmore. The Penn Wynne Fire Company had masonry repairs completed to the exterior of their firehouse, as well as window and door replacements with a security system installed. A new steam boiler and water heater were replaced at the Bryn Mawr Fire Company. Interior floor repairs to the engine room of the Belmont Hills Fire Company were completed, along with the replacement of two water heaters. Exterior improvements were also started to the Belmont Hills Firehouse and will be completed in Lastly, an outdoor collapsed drain and part of the front apparatus apron were replaced at the Union Fire Association. Some other highlights included the ongoing production of the Fire Department s Hometown Heroes on LMTV, as well as a new production called Now You Know, in order to raise awareness of fire safety and, in general, educate the public about our fire service. I am also happy to report that members of my team have performed exemplary on different Township committees such as the Employee Recognition Awards committee, Safety committee, and others. Once again, members of my department were nominated and received awards at the 2012 ERA ceremony. Administrative Assistant Carole Taylor received the Administrative Support award while Deputy Fire Marshal Frank Hand received (for the second straight year) the Township Wellness and Safety Award for his administration of the Fire Departments vehicle child safety seat program. In closing, I am grateful to the staff of the Fire Department Office, the President s and Chief s and the volunteer and career Firefighters of our Fire Companies. They remain committed to providing continued outstanding services to our community. Lastly, I want to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Board of Commissioners, members of Township staff, and to our citizens for their continued support, as well as to you, our Township Manager, for your leadership and commitment to the fire service in Lower Merion. Respectfully submitted, Charles J. McGarvey, Sr., M.S., CFO, MIFireE Chief Fire Officer / Fire Marshal 3

5 Lower Merion Township Fire Department Staff 4 Chief Fire Officer / Fire Marshal Charles J. McGarvey, Sr., MS, CFO, MIFireE Administrative Assistant Carole Taylor Deputy Fire Marshal Frank Hand Deputy Fire Marshal Matthew Maguire Deputy Fire Marshal James McCoy 4

6 Our Mission 5 It is the mission of the Fire Department to provide the highest level of fire protection coordination necessary to minimize life and property losses through stringent regulations, fire prevention and improved suppression capabilities. Our Creed It is our DUTY to train ourselves to be the best we can be in order to protect life and property. It is an HONOR to be able to give back to our communities and to serve you. We understand and accept the SACRIFICE and time constraints we must make in order to perform our duties. 5 1

7 Building Fire Locations (In Lower Merion Township) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31,

8 Building Fires by Alarm Date/Time (In Lower Merion Township) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Incident # Alarm Date Alarm Time Location /02/12 21:29: Harriton Rd. / Bryn Mawr, PA /13/12 13:44: Argyle Rd. / Ardmore, PA /19/12 23:28: Youngsford Rd. /Gladwyne, PA /30/12 05:44: Linwood Ave. / Ardmore, PA /27/12 02:28: S. Woodbine Ave. / Penn Valley, PA /05/12 10:32: Laurel Lane/ Haverford, PA /17/12 20:55: Penbree Circle / Bala Cynwyd, PA /28/12 09:40:33 7 Rolling Rd. / Wynnewood, PA /04/12 04:11:32 58 E. Spring Ave. / Ardmore, PA /30/12 09:21: Greystone Rd. / Merion Station, PA /13/12 15:10: Gerson Drive / Penn Valley, PA /27/12 18:47: Stoneridge Lane / Villanova, PA /04/12 14:18: Kenilworth Rd. / Merion Station, PA /19/12 15:57:43 50 Belmont Ave. / Bala Cynwyd, PA /10/12 23:33: Morton Rd. / Bryn Mawr, Pa /17/12 22:33: Fawn Hill Lane /Penn Valley, PA /21/12 08:42: W. Old Railroad Ave. / Bryn Mawr, PA /17/12 18:07: Grenox Rd. / Wynnewood, PA /29/12 20:22: Mill Creek Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /30/12 13:09: Baintree Rd. / Rosemont, PA /05/12 19:04: Scott Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /15/12 23:31: Fairview rd. / Penn Valley, Pa /21/12 15:27: Spring Mill Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /22/12 16:24: Greythorne Rd. / Wynnewood, PA TOTAL: 24 7 TOTAL PROPERTY AT RISK - $18,944,170 TOTAL ACTUAL LOSSES - $2,658,980 TOTAL PROPERTY SAVED - $16,285,190 7

9 Building Fires by Alarm Date/Time (In & Out of Lower Merion Township ) Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Incident # Alarm Date Alarm Time Location /02/ :29: Harriton Rd. / Bryn Mawr, PA /13/ :44: Argyle Rd. / Ardmore, PA /13/ :06: Haverford Rd. / Ardmore, PA DELCO /19/ :28: Youngsford Rd. /Gladwyne, PA /30/ :44: Linwood Ave. / Ardmore, PA /04/ :00: E. Matsonford Rd. / Swedeland, PA /24/ :55:34 20 Clipper Rd. / West Conshohocken, PA /01/ :47: Lancaster Ave. / Villanova, PA /27/ :28: S. Woodbine Ave. / Penn Valley, PA /04/ :35: S. Ithan Ave. / Villanova, PA /05/ :32: Laurel Lane/ Haverford, PA /12/ :39: S. Ithan Ave. / Villanova, PA /17/ :55: Penbree Circle / Bala Cynwyd, PA /28/ :40:33 7 Rolling Rd. / Wynnewood, PA /04/ :11:32 58 E. Spring Ave. / Ardmore, PA /08/ :59: W. Lancaster Ave. / Radnor, PA /26/ :07: Henderson Rd. / King of Prussia, PA /30/ :21: Greystone Rd. / Merion Station, PA /13/ :10: Gerson Drive / Penn Valley, PA /22/ :15: Devon Park Drive / Berwyn, PA /24/ :13: Mulberry Lane / Newtown Square, PA /27/ :47: Stoneridge Lane / Villanova, PA /04/ :18: Kenilworth Rd. / Merion Station, PA /19/ :57:43 50 Belmont Ave. / Bala Cynwyd, PA /10/ :33: Morton Rd. / Bryn Mawr, Pa /17/ :33: Fawn Hill Lane /Penn Valley, PA /19/ :31: Montgomery Ave. / Narberth, PA /21/ :42: W. Old Railroad Ave. / Bryn Mawr, PA /17/ :07: Grenox Rd. / Wynnewood, PA /29/ :22: Mill Creek Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /30/ :09: Baintree Rd. / Rosemont, PA /05/ :04: Scott Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /15/ :31: Fairview rd. / Penn Valley, Pa /21/ :27: Spring Mill Rd. / Gladwyne, PA /22/ :24: Greythorne Rd. / Wynnewood, PA /23/ :52: Woodside Ave. / Narberth, PA /27/ :11: Sproul Rd. / Villanova, PA TOTAL:

10 Thirty Year Fire Statistics (All Townships) Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss in Thousands Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss in Thousands Type Building Fires Vehicle Fires Total Fires Other Calls Township Calls Out of Town Total Calls Dollar Loss M M M M

11 Incident Type Summary Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, False Alarm Fire Good Intent Hazardous Overpressure, Rescue & Emergency Service Call Severe Weather & Special Incident & False Call Call Condition Rupture, Explosion, Medical Service Natural Disaster Type (No Fire) Overheat ( No Fire) Incident 10

12 Incident Type Summary by District All Types Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 District False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total MC MC MC MC MC DC DC DC DC DC CC Total MC03=Elkins Park Fire Company MC39=George Clay Fire Company, Montgomery County MC44=Harmonville Fire Company MC39 = George Clay Fire Company, Montgomery County MC48 = Swedeland Fire Company, Montgomery County MC49=Swedesburg Fire Company DC15 = Radnor Fire Company, Delaware County DC26=Highland Park Fire Company Delaware County DC37 =Upper Darby Fire Company #1, Delaware county DC38 =Oakmont Fire Company, Delaware County CC02=Berwyn Fire Company 11

13 Number of Incidents by Alarm Hour Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, am am am am am am am am am am am am pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm pm 12

14 Fire Response Breakdown by One Hour Time Frames Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 A.M. P.M. 12 AM - 00: PM - 12: :00-01: :00-13: :00-02: :00-14: :00-03: :00-15: :00-04: :00-16: :00-05: :00-17: :00-06: :00-18: :00-07: :00-19: :00-08: :00-20: :00-09: :00-21: :00-10: :00-22: :00-11: :00-23: TOTAL RUNS CALCULATED:

15 Incident Responses by Day of Week Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 14

16 Incident Responses by Day of the Week Day/Night Alarm Date Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, Day of the Week Total Responses Sunday Day time- 150 Night Time- 118 Monday Day time- 209 Night time- 134 Tuesday Day time- 244 Night time- 151 Wednesday Day time- 214 Night time- 119 Thursday Day time- 238 Night time- 110 Friday Day time- 236 Night time- 149 Saturday Day time- 171 Night time- 135 Total Incidents

17 10 Year Consolidated Statistical Report 16 ITEM Routine Inspections Alarm System Testing/ Follow Up Code Violations Citizen Contact / Complaints Plan Reviews Fire Code Requests/ Consultations Fire Marshal Signs Training Programs Apparatus Testing Revenue Accounts Blasting Supervision Fire Report Requests File Searches Car Seat Inspections $4,230 $4,200 $4,525 $3,850 $3,695 $2,750 $2,025 $3,

18 Training Information STAFF SUPERVISED TRAINING 17 Total Training/Drills 66 Number of Firefighters Attending 621 Average Firefighter per session 9.41 Average Length per Drill 2.13 Hrs. SUPERVISED DRILLS PER COMPANY Station 21 Penn Wynne/Overbrook Hills 11 Station 22 * Belmont Hills 0 Station 23 Bryn Mawr 6 Station 24 Gladwyne 5 Station 25 Merion of Ardmore 5 Station 26 Narberth 5 Station 28 Union Fire Association 14 TYPES OF TRAINING Power/Hand Tools Hose Evolutions Ladders Problem Solving Water Supply Evacuation Drills Driver/Operator SCBA Special Rescue Communications Medical/CPR Special Equipment Thermal Imaging Haz-Mat Refresher Extinguishers Ventilation Search and Rescue Building Construction Tactics and Strategy Fast Teams Forcible Entry Master Streams Vehicle Incidents/Rescue Salvage/Overhaul SOP Review Ropes/Knots Incident Command A.E.D. Training TRAINING DRILLS BY INDIVIDUAL COMPANY Station Station * Station 22 0 * Station 26 0 Station Station Station * - No records in Fire Department Database 17

19 Training Information 18 CIVILIAN TRAINING PROGRAMS 169 Fire Safety Training Classes were presented to the following: Day Care Centers Resident Groups (Condo s) School Staff Scout Groups Nursing & Security Staff at institutions Surgical Centers Approximately 3300 people participated in the training classes. SCHOOL / FIRE SAFETY TRAILER PROGRAMS Fire Department personnel presented over 81 Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Programs to students, Community groups and campers in our Elementary and Middle Schools. Over 1598 students, residents and day campers were present for these presentations. In addition, the fire department office conducted fire drills in schools and medical facilities. At the request of our residents, the fire department office conducted nine (9) Home Safety Inspections. In addition, the department also delivered and installed over thirty (30) smoke detectors to residences in our township and will continue to provide this service. TRAINING PROVIDED BY THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY FIRE ACADEMY AND OTHER OUTSIDE AGENGIES THROUGH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFICE High Rise Operations Firefighter I and 2 Certification Classes Exterior Evolutions Swift Water Rescue-Awareness & Operations Haz-Mat Operations ICS for Operational Responders Fire Investigations and Legal Updates Command & Control Ice Rescue Sprinkler System Training Fire Alarm Training Highway Responder Safety Fire Scene Management Haz-Mat R & I PP & L Interstate Pipeline The Township Fire Department acquired the use of 4 structures in 2012 to be used for specialized training before the homes were demolished. These sites provided us with the opportunity to teach hands-on classes in overhaul, forcible entry, ventilation and search and rescue techniques. During this training our firefighters practiced the proper use of hand tools such as axes, pry bars and ceiling hooks. These tools are commonly used during the overhaul process required at all building fires. 18

20 Training Information 19 LOWER MERION FIRE DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING Fire Alarm Systems Firefighter Safety and Survival Haz-Mat Operations Fire Pattern Certification Arson Investigation Refresher Training Haz-Mat Technician Refresher A.E.D. Training and CPR Training Fire Inspection Plan Review & Inspections Automatic Sprinkler System Residential Sprinkler Systems Fire Investigator Driving Law and Ordinances Water Rescue Awareness Hands on Electrical Fire/Evidence Based Fire Prevention Initiative Accessibility of Residential Areas Fire Officer III National Fire Service Staff and Command Fire Officer IV Emergency Program Manager Arson for Profit EOC Management and Operations Juvenile Fire Setting Principles of Building Construction Fire Marshal Awareness National Child Passenger Safety Program Fire Service Instructor PAAI Annual Seminar-Current Trends & Techniques Introduction to Unified Command for Multi-Agency and Catastrophic Incidents NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY COURSES Executive Fire Officer Executive Analysis of Fire Service Operations in Emergency Management Executive Skills Series: Influencing Command and Control of Fire Department Operations at Target Hazards Fire Officer IV Bucks County CC Fire Instructor II Harrisburg CC Fire and EMS Organizational Theory in Management Fire Inspection Management and Principles IAFF Fire Investigation Technician Certification Exam Incident Command For High-Rise Operations CONFERENCE/SEMINARS 2012 Does Not Include Any Fire Academy or Refresher Training at Fire Stations PAAI Annual Seminar Investigation Training Program Fire Alarm Seminar Montgomery County Chiefs Seminar Emergency Disaster Incident Training Symposium Regional Traffic Incident Management Conference New Fire and Emergency Communications Code Seminar Montgomery County Chief Officers Seminar Fire Protection Coalition 19

21 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 20 Station 21 Penn Wynne Overbrook Hills Fire Company 1440 Manoa Road Wynnewood, PA (610) Chief: John T. Fallon President: John P. Derham Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Heavy Rescue Truck 1 Engine 1 Utility Truck 1 Incident Support Unit Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure 20 Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses = 348

22 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 21 Station 22 Belmont Hills Fire Company 4 S. Washington Avenue Belmont Hills, PA (610) Chief: Patrick P. Fusaro President: Rocco J. Burdo, Jr. Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Heavy Rescue Truck 1 Squad Engine 1 Utility Truck Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses =

23 The Fire Companies of the The Fire Department of Lower Merion Township Lower Merion Township Fire Department 22 Station 23 Bryn Mawr Fire Company 901 Lancaster Avenue Bryn Mawr, PA (610) Chief: Daniel V. Kincade President: Daniel J. Cuff Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Squad Engine 1 Engine 1 Incident Support Unit Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses =

24 The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 23 Station 24 Gladwyne Fire Company 1044Black Rock Road Gladwyne, PA (610) Chief: Blaine W. Leis President: Kevin P. Gallagher Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 2 Engines 1 Utility Truck 1 Air/Light Truck 4 Marine Units Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses =

25 The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 24 Station 25 Merion Fire Company of Ardmore 35 Greenfield Avenue Ardmore, PA (610) Chief: Thomas C. Hayden, Jr. President: H. Brooke McMullen Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 2 Engines 1 Utility Truck Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses =

26 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 25 Station 26 Narberth Fire Company 100 Conway Avenue Narberth, PA (610) Chief: Francis N. Dixon President: William J. Henderson Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 3 Engines 1 SUV Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses =

27 Th The Fire Companies of the Lower Merion Township Fire Department 26 Station 28 Union Fire Association of Lower Merion 149 Montgomery Avenue Bala Cynwyd, PA (610) Chief: James F. Hornung President: Rob Carovillano Apparatus Complement 1 Ladder Truck 1 Engine 1 Utility Truck Incident Type Summary for First Due District In Lower Merion Township Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 False Fire Good Hazard Overpressure 26 Rescue Service Special Weather Total Overall Response Summary Between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 Total Responses = 394

28 2012 Photo Highlights was not without some serious challenges putting our firefighters to the test with several fires, vehicle accidents and severe storms Miraculously, no one was seriously injured in any of these incidents. 27

29 IN MEMORY OF OUR FALLEN BROTHER 28 Deputy Chief Fire Officer Albert J. Brown (Ret.) August 9, September 15, 2012 It is with a heavy heart that the Lower Merion Fire Department announces the passing of Retired Deputy Fire Chief Albert Brown. Al started his career in the fire service in 1956 in the city of Philadelphia where he spent 28 years. He joined the Lower Merion Fire Department in 1984 where he devoted 26 years of service until retiring in Al gave so much during his time to Lower Merion Township; his knowledge, expertise and most importantly his friendship. Rest In Peace our brother and may God watch over your family. 28

30 Lower Merion Fire Department The Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection A badge of honor, its story and tradition is hundreds of years old 29 When a courageous band of Crusaders, known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple, but horrible device of war. It wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters for the cross. The Saracens weapon was fire. As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the Saracens city, glass bombs containing naptha struck them. When they become saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers-in-arms from dying painful fiery deaths. Thus, these men became the first firefighters; and the first of a long list of courageous firefighters and first aiders. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero a badge of honor, a cross similar to the one firefighters wear today. Since the Knights of John lived for close to four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea named Malta, the cross became known as the Maltese Cross. The Maltese Cross is your symbol of protection.. It means the firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down their life for you, just as the Crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago. Maltese Cross, a firefighters badge of honor signifying that he or she works in COURAGE, PRIDE and HONOR a rung away from death. Township of Lower Merion Fire Department 75 E. Lancaster Avenue Ardmore, PA