Tonight's drill consisted of reviewing the basic components on our SCBA.  As we went over and inspected our air packs, we discussed how they worked and the proper way to wear them. We then started an obstacle course which used hose and playground equipment to create a maze.  Unfortunately, the weather put a damper on the playground scene and we continued back at the Fire House where we practice fire fighter survival tactics with our SCBA. Everyone learned something new and it was a great review on such a rainy night. Great Job Guys!

Congrats to Firefighter Bob Endriss and his family as he welcomed his grandson Collin Robert Murray who arrived on June 26, 2008 and weighed in at 8lbs 2ozs and measured 21 inches long.

Congrats to Firefighter Doug Ferguson and his wife Kate as they welcome their som Patrick Joseph Ferguson who was born June 19 at 8:26. He weighed in at 9 lbs., 1 oz.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Swarthmore Fire Chief Cris Hansen passed away this morning after an extended battle with cancer. Throughout his tenure as Chief and as former Paramedic Chief at Taylor Hospital, Cris was a true friend of the Ridley Park Fire Co. Please join us by keeping his family and friends in your prayers. Rest in Peace Swarthmore Fire Chief Cris Hansen 1960-2008

The Ridley Park (Co 07)and Prospect Park Fire (Co 08) Companies were dispatched to the 400 bk of Chester Pike for a "brush fire" with reports of multiple exposures to buildings and vehicles. Deputy Chief Tom Eckenrode (07-9A) added the Eddystone Fire Co (Co 12) for additional assistance as the smoke could be seen as far away as Norwood. DC Eckenrode arrived to find a large mulch pile on fire with a 40 ft storage trailer burning and several others injeopardy. Ladder 7 and Snozzle 8 were directed to go in service with master streams and hand lines while Co 12 provided water supply. The Tinicum Township Fire Co (Co 48) was requested for manpower and Norwood Ambulance was on stand-by. Companies were on location for 4 1/2 hours. There were no reported injuries.

Lieutenant Nicholas Picozzi, Jr. of the Lower Chichester Fire Company tragically lost his life in the line of duty while battling a house fire in Upper Chichester Township. The officers and members of the Ridley Park Fire Co extend our condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters. Please join us by keeping them in your prayers.

Ridley Park Fire Company would like to take a moment to congratulate FF Dennis Leahy, just one of a large group of first responders, who were recently awarded the District Attorney’s Award for Heroic Actions back on February 20th. Leahy received the award for his work as an onsite Paramedic on September 26, 2007 during a building fire at 900 Coates Avenue, Sharon Hill. It was on September 26 that Sharon Hill volunteer FF Michael Regan died in the line of duty and three other fire fighters were injured in a garage collapse. The event was hosted by Delaware County District Attorney G. Michael Green who also recognized 34 other emergency workers and organizations for their efforts with the Sharon Hill and the August, 2007 Parkside fire incidents.

At approximately 0740 hrs, the RPFD was dispatched to 608 Chester Pike for an accident with entrapment. Early reports said that there was a child trapped under the car, upon arrival 07-9 (Chief Ned Donkin) surveyed the scene and observed that there was no entrapment and reduced the speed of the incoming apparatus. 07-1 and 07-6 stayed on location until the vehicle was removed. Other units dispatched were Station 48, Station 08, Ambulance 02-7, Taylor Medics, Ridley Park Police, and Ridley Township Police.

Station 7 was dispatched to assist the Tinicum Township Fire Company with the working house fire at 209 Bartram Avenue in Tinicum Township. First crews on scene found heavy fire and smoke on 2nd floor of a two-story twin house. Ladder 07-5 responded and forced entry to the adjacent home and proceeded to conduct a secondary search. The crew also helped with overhaul and hot spot searches within the original fire building.

On Christmas Eve, Ridley Park Fire Company travelled the streets of Ridley Park, distributing candy canes to Borough children. Riding on the fire truck was by a very special guest, Santa Claus, who made the long journey down from the North Pole, hours before his evening ride around the world. Santa also made special stops to Connor Williams Nursing Home and Taylor Hospice, where residents were visited by Santa, and were treated to cookies, gifts, and Christmas Carols sung by RPFC members.

At this week's drill, members reviewed forcible entry techniques on several doors within the station and brainstormed on different ideas for how to gain entry through those various doors. This was followed by several search and rescue evolutions on the new second floor addition where members donned SCBAs and rescued several "victims," from various hiding spots within obstacles in blackout conditions.

The Ridley Park Fire Department has a very special guest On December 2, 2007 The Ridley Park Business Association hosted its annual Santa Claus visit by train. The visit, which usually takes place at the center of the business district, was moved to the firehouse due to the weather. Here, children had their pictures taken with jolly old St. Nick and were treated to holiday music from a Mummers string band. There were also free hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and hot chocolate. Although the weather was miserable, fun and joy was had by all.

Station 7 assisted the Ridley Park Athletic Club's Homecoming with the lighting and supervision of their annual Bonfire celebration. Over 200 "Parkers", Cheerleaders and Parents were on hand for the bonfire activity. Two children asked RPFD to toss in their old Michael Vick Atlanta Falcons jerseys. Firefighter Joe Carver had the line charged and ready in the event of any accidents.

Electrical work continued this week with the installation of the new generator transfer switch and activation of the new main power distribution panel. Electrical rough-in for the new apparatus room lighting and the office renovations is now complete. The decking for the 2nd floor was installed in the addition and the concrete was poured to create the new 2nd floor. These were huge accomplishments that will allow the addition to continue at a much faster pace.

Progress has slowed just a bit on the physical construction of the addition. The "first floor" walls are complete and we've been waiting for the steel which will support the second floor to be delivered. The steel arrived today so we should see some rapid progress starting after Labor Day. The electrical contractor has been on-site for two weeks and the "rough in" of the electric is in progress. The pad for the new generator was poured this past week and everything is moving along smoothly.