2009 News

2008 News

December 2007: Get-well wishes
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department offers get-well wishes to Firefighter Howard Halle following his recent surgery.

November 2007: Breakfast with Santa (and other events): Mark Your Calendars Now
Santa Claus will be stopping at the fire station on Sunday, December 16th. We'll be having breakfast with Santa that day from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. There's no admission charge, there are no reservations needed, and Santa's Workshop will be open with crafts for the kids. Stop by and see Santa. If you have any questions, call the station at 412-221-3497.

October 2007: 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. Lazor, Bower Hill
Second Prize:  D. Karas, Imperial, PA
Third Prize:      D. Ankron, Bower Hill
Fourth Prize:    T. Bozzo
Fifth Prize:       C. Miller

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.

September 2007: Fire Prevention Week -- Open House, October 14, 2007
The 2007 Annual Open House will be held Sunday, October 14, 2007 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 will delivered to all occupied residences in the area in September. Please return the tickets to the fire station at 161 Vanadium Road by 4:30 pm, Monday, October 8th.

Septemeber 2007: Thanks for attending the Cash Bash
Bower Hill VFD, Glendale Hose Co. No. 1 and East Carnegie VFD want to thank everyone who attended the Cash Bash on September 29th. The turnout was very good indeed. This was an important fund-raiser for the three departments, who each raised a little over $4,800. Thanks to Pennsylvania Representative Matt Smith for taking the time to attend, and for presenting each department with a Declaration of Recognition from the Commonwealth Hose of Representatives.

August 2007: Get Well Wishes
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department offers get-well wishes to Life Member Ron Morris, who is recovering at The Kane Regional Center in Ross Township. Get well soon.

August 2007: Bower Hill VFD Sponsors Cash Bash, September 29, 2007
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department will host a Cash Bash fund raiser for the three Scott Township fire departments in the BHVFD Memorial Hall on Saturday, September 29th beginning at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20 each, and are available at the fire station every Wednesday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the fire station at 161 Vanadium Road, Scott Township. Drawings for $500 will be held every 15 minutes, with a final drawing for $3000 held at 11:00 PM. (Winners need not be present). For more information, call the fire station at 412-221-3497 on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

August 2007: New Ambulance for Scott Township EMS
At the August 1, 2007 meeting, Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department voted to join Glendale Hose Co. No. 1 in replacing the back-up ambulance for Scott Township EMS. The existing Medic 743 was 13 years old with over 220,000 miles in service, and would need mechanical work in the near future. The vehicle chosen to replace it is a used vehicle, 9 years old, with about 100,000 miles, of a similar design to the new (2006) ambulances already in service. The new vehicle was delivered and the old vehicle traded in on August 2, 2007. The new vehicle is currently in service. 

July 2007: Congratulations to "graduating" Junior Member
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department's welcomes Brandon Chaney to active membership with his 18th birthday in July. Brandon now enters his Probationary Membership period. Welcome, Brandon.

July 2007: Condolences to a Life Member
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to Life Member Jerry Butts, his wife Marci, and and his family on the death of his mother, Donna L. Butts, who died July 24, 2007 at the age of 67. Friends were received 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM, Thursday, July 26th and Friday, July 27th at the Warchol Funeral Home in Bridgeville. The funeral service was at the funeral home at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 28th. May she rest in peace.

June 2007: No longer the EMS Tax! (Now the "Local Services Tax")
In October of 2006, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation that changed the name of the deceptively-named Emergency and Municipal Services Tax to the Local Services Tax. The tax, passed in 2004, permits municipalities to replace the former Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) of $10 with a new tax of up to $52. The 2006 amendment would have changed not only the name of the tax, but allowed it to be collected at $1.00 per week instead of  $52.00 from the worker's first paycheck of the year. However, Governor Rendell vetoed the bill, citing hardship to local municipalities that depend upon the tax income early in the year. The legislation was reintroduced for the 2007 session as Senate Bill 218 and included the name change, ending the deceptive attempt to decrease the income of emergency service providers like fire departments and EMS, while at the same time attempting to blame these same providers for a tax increase from which emergency services will see no revenue. SB 218 was signed into law by Governor Rendell on June  21, 2007.

The Local Services Tax does not assist either Scott Township EMS or any of the volunteer fire departments in the township. The volunteer fire departments and Scott Township EMS are grateful for the considerable support they receive from the township, but we still need your support in order to fulfill our mission.

June 2007: Welcome New Members
Bower Hill VFD welcomes its newest members: Friend of the Department members Karen Hudson and Jill Timko, who were accepted at the May 2007 meeting, and Friend of the Department member Mindy Valenson, who was accepted at the March 2007 meeting. Thanks for volunteering to serve your community

May 2007: Congratulations to Junior Member
Congratulations to Junior Member Brandon Chaney on advancement to the rank of Eagle Scout. Brandon is a member of BSA Troop 831.

May 2007: New Engine on Order
Bower Hill VFD has placed an order with Sutphen Corporation of Columbus, Ohio for the purchase of a 2008 Sutphen Monarch 2000 gallon per minute pumper. The vehicle should be delivered in early 2008. It will replace the 30-year-old 1977 American La France Century 1500 gallon per minute pumper that is currently in service as 255 Engine 3. The American La France pumper will be sold sometime after September of 2007 in preparation for the arrival of the new vehicle.

The department evaluated the products of eight different manufacturers. Thanks to each of the sales representatives, dealers and manufacturers for their time and attention. The fire service in the USA is indeed fortunate to have so many reputable builders of excellent custom fire apparatus.

April 2007: In Memory of Fran Giammatteo, Life Member
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its condolences to the family of Life Member Frances Mae Giammatteo, who died April 17, 2007 at the age of 83. Fran was the sister of Life Member Yvonne Koch and the late Dick Choura, who was chief of Bower Hill VFD, and Joe Choura, who was chief of Bridgeville VFD. Fran served as president of the Ladies Auxilliary for many years, and was long the provider of baked goods when the department held Bingo. We will remember her as a dedicated member of the department and the community. Viewing was at Beinhauer Funeral Home in Peters Township on April 19th, with a firefighters memorial service at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial was at Our Lady of Grace Church on April 20th at 10:00 a.m. May she rest in peace.

April 2007: Thanks for Attending the Fish Fry
The 2007 Fish Fry was a great success, and we thank all who attended. Once again, we ordered enough of everything and made it all the way to 7:00 p.m. this year. Special thanks to all of the department members who worked so hard to make the event a success. And thanks to everyone who attended. We hope you enjoyed everything. 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, March 21, 2008.

March 2007: New Command Vehicle Delivered
Bower Hill VFD took delivery of its new command vehicle, a 2007 Ford Explorer XLT, from Woltz & Wind Ford in Scott Township on February 16th. It was sent to Keystone Fire Apparatus in Kennedy Township for installation of the command post conversion on February 19th, and entered service on March 17th. This vehicle replaces the 2000 Ford Explorer in the same service. The old vehicle has been sold to a private owner.

March 2007: Congratulations to new parents
Congratulations to Lieutenant Brad Lynch and his wife Jessica on the birth of their son Brad Thomas Jr, born March 11, 2007.

Everyone is doing well.

March 2007: Fish Fry!
Bower Hill VFD once again presents the annual Good Friday Fish Fry. Advance phone orders will be taken Thursday, April 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday, April 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 412-221-3497. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 6th, and close at 7:00 p.m. or whenever we run out of food, whichever comes first. See the Fish Fry page for the menu and prices. The Junior Fire Brigade will have a bake sale at the fish fry for your dessert. This event is an important fund-raiser for the department, and even more, it's a great community-building event. Come and meet your friends and neighbors for good food and good company.

March 2007: Night at the Races at Bower Hill VFD
East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department is holding a "Night at the Races" fundraiser at Bower Hill on March 31, 2007. Admission is open to those 21 years of age and over. For advance tickets or more information, call East Carnegie VFD at 412-276-7050, or visit East Carnegie VFD at 305 Duncan Way, any Wednesday night between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Support our fellow Scott Township firefighters.

February 2007: In Memory of Jeremy Charles Labella, Washington (PA) Fire Department
Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department extends its sincere condolences to our brothers and sisters in the City of Washington, PA Fire Department and to the family of Washington firefighter Jeremy Charles Labella, who was killed in the line of duty at a fire in Washington on Sunday, February 4th. Firefighter Labella had previously served with the Canton Township Volunteer Fire Department in Washington County for 13 years before his hiring by the City of Washington Fire Department five months ago. We will remember him as we remember all our brothers and sisters who give their lives in the service of others, as one who exemplifies the very best in humanity, and our cherished brother. May he rest in peace.

February 2007: Thanks for attending the Spaghetti Dinner
Bower Hill VFD and the Junior Fire Brigade want to thank everyone who attended the Spaghetti Dinner on February 11th. The turnout was well beyond our hopes. This was an important fund-raiser for the Juniors, but even more, it was a great community event in a great community. Thanks to the Scott Township commissioners for stopping by, and to U.S. Representative Tim Murphy for taking the time to attend. Special thanks to the many businesses who supported this event with donations: A Taste of Chocolate, Pittsburgh Bottle Shop Cafe, Tambellini's Collier Town Center, Moe's, Damon's, Eat-n-Park Kirwan Heights, Pop and Beer 4 Less, Shop-n-Save Raceway Plaza, Cici's Pizza, Burgh's Pizza and Wings, LaBella Bean, Dairy Queen Bridgeville, Hot Tamale Tanning, Vocelli's Pizza, Mad Mex Scott Towne Center, Giant Eagle, National City Bank Mt. Lebanon, Max & Erma's Manor Oak, Panera Bread, Bradley's, K-ROCK, Calabria's, The Pet Salon, Woltz & Wind Ford, Extreme Fitness, Boagie and Bachall Salon, and Iron Horse Hobby Shop. We're glad you're a part of our community and we're proud to serve you.

February 2007: Spaghetti Dinner to benefit BHVFD Junior Firefighters
Note: Time is changed. Now 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Phone for advance ticket sales: 412-969-5456
The Junior Members of Bower Hill VFD will hold a Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 11, 2007 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the fire station. Advance ticket prices: Adult (12 and older) $6.00, Children (4 to 11 years) $4.00, Children (3 and under) Free. At the Door: Adult $7.00, Children (4-11 yrs) $5.00, Children (3 and under) Free. The dinner is: Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and butter, dessert and beverage. There will also be a Chinese Auction. Call 412-969-5456 for more details or advance tickets. Come and support our juniors, and have a good time.

February 2007: Public Meeting at the Fire Department
Bower Hill VFD has applied for a loan to finance the purchase of a new engine, for delivery in 2008. The department will hold a public meeting at the fire department on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. to answer any public questions and to give members of the community an opportunity to comment regarding this loan.

January 2007: Congratulations to new parents
Congratulations to Associate Member Steve Fichter and his wife Ali on the birth of their daughter Sarah Elizabeth, born January 25, 2007.

Everyone is healthy and doing well

January 2007: Scott Township EMS News
Scott Township EMS now serves all residents of the township. In December of 2006, the Scott Township Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance making Scott Township EMS the sole 911 Emergency Medical Service provider for the township, effective January 1, 2007. Bower Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Glendale Hose Company #1 welcome the residents of the East Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department service area to the STEMS community.  STEMS is jointly owned by the departments, and provides full time Advanced Life Support EMS to Scott Township. Your membership subscription to Bower Hill VFD, Glendale Hose Company #1 or East Carnegie VFD  includes your subscription to Scott Township EMS.

January 2007: Congratulations to Reserve Member
Congratulations to Bower Hill Reserve Member Rich Kitchen on his promotion to Lieutenant in the Anne Arundel County, Maryland fire department. Rich undertook his new rank on December 28, 2006. Congratulations and continued best wishes.

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