2007 News

2006 News

December 2005: Congratulations to New Officers

The Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department has elected its new officers for the 2006 - 2007 term. The new officers are:

President: Rob Losekamp
Vice President: Jerry Butts
Secretary: Ceil Kitchen
Treasurer: Ed Meyer
Trustees: Don Ziegler, George Fichter, Ed Zombeck

Chief: Gary Sawicki
Assistant Chief: Pete Yohe
Battalion Chief: Dave Martz

The Chief has appointed the Company Officers and Task Officers for 2006. They are:


Congratulations, officers.

December 2005: Check your Carbon Monoxide Alarm batteries, too

Winter is the most dangerous season for Carbon Monoxide (CO). You should make sure that your furnace, fireplace and hot water tank flues are clear of obstructions. If you have a gas dryer, make sure to clean the lint trap after each use, and make sure the dryer is properly vented to the outside of your home, and the area around the vent is clear. Never let your car idle inside the garage. Never use the kitchen range to heat the house. Use kerosene or propane heaters strictly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Finally, equip your home with a Carbon Monoxide Alarm. They can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store or any department store with a hardware or home improvement department. For most homes, a plug-in CO detector is preferable to a battery-powered one. Carbon Monoxide mixes readily in air, unlike smoke and heated gases from fires which rise, and unlike fires, Carbon Monoxide rarely causes the home electrical system to fail. Even AC-powered plug-in CO detectors have a back-up battery. Make sure you change this battery once a year.

December 2005: Congratulations to Reserve Member

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department Reserve Member Ryan Elborne was married to Ms.Toni Jones in Wildwood, NJ on October 22, 2005. Ryan is a paramedic/firefighter with the District of Columbia Fire Department (DCFD) and is  currently assigned to Paramedic Engine 9 of the DCFD. Ryan was hired by the DCFD earlier this year after several years of service with the Chambersburg (PA) Fire Department, and graduated in the top five of his class from the DCFD Training Academy in September. Congratulations, Ryan, and continued best wishes to Ryan and Toni.


December 2005: Thanks to Santa and his helpers

Thanks to Santa Claus for visiting with the boys and girls of the Bower Hill area on December 11th. About 150 children were able to give Santa their Christmas lists and have fun with holiday crafts. Thanks to all parents, friends and relatives who brought the children to this event. We hope to have Santa stop by next year, too.

December 2005: Congratulations to "graduating" Junior Members

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department's active membership roster has increased again, with several junior members graduating to the active roster. We welcome Adam Gnipp (November 2005), Jordan Fascetti (September 2005) and Ryan Neary (August 2005). By year's end, Kimber Rugg and Pat Walther will also graduate to the active roster. While this is great news for the department, it will reduce our Junior Membership ranks to a mere three members. We're looking for students from ages 14 to 17 inclusive who would like to learn about firefighting and emergency services. Chartiers Valley School District awards community service hours for participation in the Junior Fire Brigade. Come and join our team.

December 2005: Santa Claus is coming to town

Because of the rise in fuel costs, we will not be bringing Santa to the neighborhoods on the fire engine this year. Instead, Santa Claus will be stopping at the fire station on Sunday, December 11th. We'll be having breakfast with Santa that day from 10:00 a.m. until noon. There's no admission charge, there are no reservations needed, and we'll have crafts for the kids. Stop by and see Santa. If you have any questions, call the station at 412-221-3497.

November 2005: Energy Costs and Fire Safety

With energy costs at an all-time high, more people will be using wood stoves, fireplaces, petroleum heaters (kerosene, gel fuel, home heating oil and similar fuels), hydrocarbon gas heaters (propane, LNG and similar fuel) and electric space heaters to help save money on home heating bills. These devices are perfectly safe as long as they are installed and used exactly according to the manufacturer's instructions. When they are misused, they can be deadly. Here are some important points to remember:

Always use the correct fuel for the heater. Never put gasoline or other non-kerosene fuel into a kerosene heater. Always use the manufacturer's recommended grade of fuel. Use the correct kind of wood in fireplaces and wood stoves. Most kinds of evergreen wood (spruce, pine, fir, etc.) produce excessive amounts of pitch and are not suitable for use in fireplaces or wood stoves because of the increased risk of flue or chimney fires. Likewise, freshly-cut "green" wood should not be used in fireplaces or wood stoves.

Never refuel the tank of a petroleum-fueled heater indoors, and always extinguish a petroleum-fueled heater and make sure it is sufficiently cool before refueling.

Never store petroleum fuels indoors or around home exits like doors and windows, and never store fuels under exit staircases. Always store fuels in properly labeled approved containers.

Keep flammable materials and ordinary combustible materials (wood, paper, cloth and common plastics, including furniture and draperies) at least three feet away from any heater or fireplace.

Always use fireplace screens or spark arrestors with wood-burning fireplaces and wood stoves.

Always have a UL approved ABC fire extinguisher handy in any room with a petroleum or wood fueled heater, and a UL approved BC fire extinguisher in any room with an electric heater.

Always make sure that the heater is properly vented according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure that chimney flues are clean and intact. Make sure that the room itself is properly ventilated.

Though weatherproofing and insulation are very good ways to maintain a comfortable home, always use proper insulation materials and install them properly.  A word of wisdom from the department's 1929 Fire Prevention Bulletin:
"Do not bank houses in the winter with straw, excelsior or other readily inflammable material. A chimney spark or carelessly thrown match may ignite it."
Though straw and excelsior aren't much seen these days, builders plastic and plastic batting have the same effect. Plastics are made from petroleum, and they can burn like gasoline.

If you have any questions on home fire safety, call the fire station at 412-221-3497.

November 2005: In Memory of Jiggs Eckles, Glendale Hose Co. No. 1

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to our brothers and sisters of Glendale Hose Company No. 1 and to the family of Glendale life member Sylvester "Jiggs" Eckles, who died November 1, 2005 at the age of 82. Jiggs served Scott Township for many years, and his children continue that tradition of service today. He will be missed, and he will be remembered. May he rest in peace.

October 2005: Bower Hill receives equipment from the Fire Grant Program

On September 30, 2005 Bower Hill VFD was awarded $59,400 from the Fire Act Grant program for 2005. This is a program of the U.S. Fire Administration to support local fire departments across the nation. As of October 7, 2005, 4,389 departments in the United States have received a total of $448,121,783. The money from these grants is used to "improve safety, save lives and protect communities," according to USFA Deputy Administrator Charlie Dickinson. Bower Hill has used the money from the Fire Grant to purchase a Thermal Imaging Camera that will enable firefighters to find trapped victims in low visibility conditions and find hidden fires or heat hazards at fire scenes, and for new protective equipment for the department's firefighters including better and safer helmets and turnout gear. This new equipment, long needed, will allow the department to better and more safely serve the community.

October 2005: Congratulations to Fire Prevention Week Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the winners in this year's Bower Hill VFD Fire Prevention Week Raffle. They are:

First Prize:      D. Baird, Pierina Drive
Second Prize:  M. Beck, Salvini Drive
Third Prize:      J. Stein, Jaycee Drive
Fourth Prize:    J. Kerr, Dorsey Street
Fifth Prize:       D. Kean, Penn Hills

In addition, seven young people won prizes in the Children's Prize drawings.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our raffle and in the Open House. Your support of the fire department enables us to be there for you when you need us.

October 2005: Join in congratulating our neighbors

Bower Hill VFD offers congratulations to our neighbors of Upper St.Clair VFD on the completion of their new main fire station at 2001 Washington Road in Upper St. Clair. The Upper St. Clair VFD held their Open House and dedication of the new building on October 15, 2005. Our neighbors at Tri-Community South EMS have also completed a new main station and business office building at 5490 Progress Boulevard in Bethel Park. Tri-Community South EMS held an open house and dedication of the new building on October 25, 2005. Congratulations, neighbors.



October 2005: Benefit Dance at Bower Hill VFD





October 2005: Fire Prevention Week -- Open House, October 16, 2005

The 2005 Annual Open House will be held Sunday, October 16, 2005 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the fire station. This year, we will feature:
Come and visit us, see what we do for you, and have a good time.

Raffle ticket booklets have been delivered to all occupied residences in the area. Please return the tickets to the fire station at 161 Vanadium Road by 4:30 pm, Monday, October 10th.


September 2005: Bower Hill Firefighter Serves in Hurricane Katrina Rescue Effort

Bower Hill VFD firefighter Rob Cain is currently on active duty with the US Coast Guard and is stationed in the Gulf Coast. When Hurricane Katrina passed throught the area, he participated in the rescue of a fishing crew off Clearwater, Florida. See the news story here.


September 2005: New features for Memorial Hall

The department has purchased new, comfortable chairs for use in the Memorial Hall. These chairs have padded seats and backs, and a wider seat and back width than the old folding chairs. See the Hall Rental page for pictures. In addition, the fire and security alarm systems throughout the building, and the fire suppression system in the kitchen have been replaced. The hall seats 280 people, and is available for parties, dances, meetings, receptions and fund-raisers. Call 412-221-9073 for more information.


August 2005: Come to the Firefighter's Fair

Glendale Hose Company No. 1 is holding their annual Fair at Raceway Plaza, Route 50, Scott Township, from August 8th to August 13th, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM each night. The fair features games, amusements and entertainment for the whole family. Come and show your support for our fellow Scott Township firefighters and enjoy a fun evening.

The Raceway Plaza site has a long history as an entertainment spot. It was the site of Heidelberg Raceway, the place where stock car driver Lee Petty, father of the legendary "King" Richard Petty won his first NASCAR race, and the place where the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus played under the "Big Top" (the circus tent) for the very last time.

July 2005: Bower Hill wins at Lancaster Fire Expo

Bower Hill VFD won the drawing sponsored by Akron Brass at the Lancaster County Fire Expo on May 22nd. The department will receive replacements for five hose nozzles of the department's choice. The replacement nozzles will be from Akron's new "Zero Torque" line. We will be replacing some 2-1/2" and 1-1/2" nozzles that came with the 1970 engine and have been in continuous service since then. Representatives from Akron Brass were at the department on July 14th with the company's mobile service trailer to allow the department to see the selections.

July 2005: Congratulations and Thanks to Junior Members

Probationary member Jake Lucas and Junior members Ryan Neary, Kimber Rugg and Pat Walther participated in Chartiers Valley Middle School's 2005 Community Service Day in May, and gave an excellent presentation to the students about careers and volunteer opportunities in emergency services. This is always valuable to the students, and it is also particularly valuable to Bower Hill Fire Department right now, since many current Junior members will be graduating to Active or Associate member status in the department by the end of this year, and the Community Service program at Chartiers Valley is always a good way to recruit new members. Thank you, members.

July 2005: First Parade Trophy of the Year for Engine 255-1

Engine 255-1 was awarded the Best Appearing Heavy Pumper trophy at the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department's parade on July 2, part of McDonald Borough's "McSummerfest" that continued through July 9th. The trophy is the first one earned by a Bower Hill vehicle for the 2005 parade season. Thanks to McDonald VFD for inviting us to participate in their parade.

June 2005: Our Correct e-mail Address

The Spring 2005 Scott Township newsletter had an incorrect e-mail address for Bower Hill VFD. The correct address is: bhvfd255@yahoo.com

May 2005: Welcome New Members

Bower Hill VFD welcomes its newest members: probationary members Jake Lucas (April 2005), Kevin O'Malley (November 2004), John Chaney and Bryan Pritchard (December 2004); and Friend of the Department member Stephen Getsy (April 2005). Thanks for volunteering to serve your community. Bryan Pritchard has completed his Firefighter I training, and graduated first in his class. Congratulations, Bryan. Ami Elo has requested and was granted Life Membership at the April 2005 meeting. Thanks for your continued service, Ami.

April 2005: In Memory of Frank Yarussi, Life Member and Past President

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to the family of Life Member Frank Yarussi, who died April 15, 2005 at the age of 90. Frank served as president of Bower Hill VFD from 1963 through 1965, and again in 1974, during the department's 50th Anniversary celebrations. He was always outspoken in his determination to provide the greatest possible service to the residents of Bower Hill. Viewing was at Bogan-Wolf Funeral Home in Bridgeville on April 16th and 17th, with a firefighters memorial service at the funeral home at 19:00 on April 17th. The Mass of Christian Burial was at Our Lady of Grace Church on April 18th at 10:00 a.m. May he rest in peace.

April 2005: Thanks for Attending the Fish Fry

The 2005 Fish Fry was a great success, and we thank all who attended. We ordered more of everything this time around, so we made it all the way to 7:00 p.m. this year. Your support of this important fund-raiser helps us provide emergency service all year long. We hope to see you next year. In case you're wondering, that'll be Friday, April 14, 2006.

March 2005: In Memory of Vaun L. Hamlin, Honorary Member, Bower Hill VFD

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to the family of Honorary Member Vaun Hamlin, who died March 22, 2005 at the age of 75. Vaun had retired to Sun City, Florida, but was a long-time Bower Hill resident, and served Bower Hill VFD by providing automotive service at his business, Hamlin's Auto Body, in Collier Township. He was granted Honorary Membership in the early 1970s for his outstanding service to the department, and remained a supporter and friend for the rest of his life. We will remember him for his unfailing support of Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department. May he rest in peace.


March 2005: In Memory of William H. Prescott, East Carnegie VFD

Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to our brothers and sisters of East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department and to the family of East Carnegie life member William Prescott, who died March 19, 2005 at the age of 64. Bill was living in Florida, but had formerly served the residents of Scott Township as chief of East Carnegie VFD. We will remember him as a dedicated brother firefighter. May he rest in peace.

February 2005: Congratulations to new parents

Congratulations to Lieutenant Jason Dolence and his wife Kim on the birth of their son Andrew Jason, born February 2, 2005.

Congratulations to Life Member Kevin Maehling and his wife Stacy on the birth of their daughter Kiera Hollis, born February 2, 2005.

Everyone is healthy and doing well

February 2005: New Squad completed

The new Squad 255 was returned to the department on February 1, 2005. It is stocked and in service. It answered its first call on February 2, 2005 at an EMS Assist for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The new squad is configured to aid in firefighter safety during responses to fire calls, and for easier and more effective responses to Carbon Monoxide alarm calls, pumping and flood hazard mitigation incidents and EMS assistance calls.

January 2005: EMS Tax?

In 2004, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a law that permits municipalities to replace the former Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) of $10 with a new tax of up to $52. The name given to this new tax is the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax. Unfortunately, the acronym for this, the "EMS Tax," is confusing, since EMS is the common acronym for Emergency Medical Services.

Every Scott Township resident needs to understand that in most cases throughout Pennsylvania, this tax does not support Emergency Medical Services in any way. In fact, though it seems to include all emergency services, in Scott Township, this tax does not assist either Scott Township EMS or any of the volunteer fire departments in the township in any appreciable way.The revenue generated from the EMS Tax goes into the general operating fund of the township to support all municipal services that have the potential to benefit people working in the township, such as police protection, highway maintenance, snow removal, etc. in exactly the same way that the OPT did before it was superseded. The volunteer fire departments and Scott Township EMS are still receiving the same amount of support from the township as they did before the EMS Tax was enacted, and the $120,000 increase in revenue that the township is seeing from this tax increase has been allocated entirely for road repairs. It is not being used to support fire protection or EMS. The fire departments still need your support in order to fulfill their mission.

January 2005: New Squad Delivered

The new Squad 255, a 2005 Ford F-350 Super Duty 4x4 Pickup was delivered from Woltz & Wind Ford on December 15, 2004. It has been sent to 1st Out Specialty Vehicles and Equipment of Moon Township for installation of emergency equipment and lettering. It is expected to enter service by the end of January 2005. This vehicle replaces a 1995 Chevrolet 4x4 Pickup in service for transportation of personnel and equipment to calls and training details and for general utility work. It will have a pull-out bed tray and side-mounted bed boxes for easier and safer access to heavy equipment. It will be configured for easier use on Carbon Monoxide Alarm calls, which now make up a significant part of the department's wintertime call volume. The old 1995 Chevrolet pickup was sold to a private business in Mt. Lebanon, and was delivered to its new owner on January 6, 2005.

2004 News

Media Coverage and Press Releases