Life at the GFD

Annual Awards Banquet Held
May 2, 2009

The annual awards banquet was held at the Gettysburg Fire Department on Saturday May 2nd with the following awards presented:

Eugene S. Sickles Memorial Award: Erik Bergdale

Fireman of the Year: Brandon Hiller

President's Award: Andrew Hansen

Chief's Award: Allen Baldwin

David Hutchison EMS Award: Patrick Knierman

Donald Gantz Training Award: Ryan Baldwin

Fire Police Award: Ralph Symmes

Past Chief Junie Kerrigan Dies

It is with regret that the department must announce that Past Chief Charles "Junie" Kerrigan has passed away.

His viewing will occur on Wednesday April 22nd at Monahan's Funeral Home from 1700-2100. Members wishing to attend with the department should gather at the station before hand and move to the funeral home at 1900. A second viewing will occur again at Monahan's on Thursday from 1000-1100 at which time the procession will proceed to St. Francis Xavier Church for the funeral services. Interment will be at the St Frances cemetery off of High Street directly follow the services.
In the photograph above, Chief Kerrigan is the second man from the left next to President Eisenhower. Past Chief Bob "porky" Heflin shown at the far right is the last surviving member of this photo.

Attention All Interior Firefighters: Required Fit Testing

Gettysburg Fire Department fit testing for SCBA will be held at the following times:

Thursday, May 7th 1830-2100
Saturday, May 9th 1000-1500

Fit testing will be held at the station. Please note that all interior firefighters must have a fit test completed this year, even if you have had one previously.

Firefighters should sign up for the session they plan to attend at the station; if you cannot make either of these, please sign up on that portion of the sheet.

Duty Night
March 29, 2009

Members held a duty night on Saturday, with crews enjoying a fine dinner cooked by Ken Shetter and company. The work project for the evening was upgrading Engine 1-1 outlets to 20 amp, which was conducted as part of the standardization process for GFD apparatus.
Crews at the GFD were joined by Kirby Keefer and an Australian guest from the National Fire Academy, who were promptly put to work for the evening. Thanks for coming out guys, and stop back soon!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Gettysburg Fire Department appreciates the thoughts and prayers of the first grade class at St. Francis Xavier school. The class made valentine cards for the station which are displayed proudly in the museum.

New Traffic 1 Details

The new traffic unit is a 2008 Ford F350 extended cab chassis with a triton V-10 Gas engine, 4 wheel drive, a semi-custom Reading service body and a complete LED emergency lighting package with high and low level brightness ability. The unit also features 12V Scene lighting, an opticom traffic pre-empter, motorized Trafcon arrow board, rear pull out tray, rear chevron striping, a class 5 trailering package and a 7.0 Kw Onan vehicle mounted generator that connects to the main fuel tank. The unit has low band and UHF radio capabilities.
The equipment compliment includes fifty 28" traffic cones, four 48" coral advance warning signs, several cases of flares, a box of flags, stop/slow paddles, rechargable flashlights, spare ANSI traffic vests, first aid supplies, fire extinguishers, rehab supplies and assorted signage. The reflective striping and graphics package is partially complete and will be finished soon.

All You Need To Ride Days

On January 17th 22 members attended and completed the "all you need to ride day" at the GFD, with several others wrapping theirs up on January 24th. Members brought their Haz-Mat, CPR/AED and blood-borne pathogens training up to date for the year.

2009-10 Officers Elected

Effective January 1st 2009 the officers elected on December 10, 2008 assumed their duties. They are as follows:

President: Roger Heyser
Vice President: Barry Noel
Recording Secretary: Dawn Six
Membership Secretary: Christine Nemetz
Treasurer: Ralph Symmes

Trustees:
Ken Shetter
David Blocher

Ice Cream Social and Book Signing

On the Sunday before Christmas the department held a public ice cream social and book signing for the recently released "Responding to Gettysburg Addresses Since 1808, A 200 Year History of the Gettysburg Fire Department" by member Gary Frederick. The hardboundooks are available for purchase from the business office during normal hours for $25.00.

Apparatus Updates

Check out the new truck page for photos from the factory, prints, a tour of the unit and related materials. Also in apparatus news, the new traffic unit has been delivered and is in the process having its finish work completed by in house craftsmen.

GFD Attends National Fallen Firefighter's Weekend

Once again the GFD was on hand for the annual National Fallen Firefighters Weekend in Emmittsburg, Maryland.
Departmental members assisted on site with Truck 1.

Gettysburg Hosts State Convention
September 24-27, 2008

Gettysburg once again hosted the FASP Convention, this time marking our bicentennial. The GFD last hosted the convention in 1998. The week was marked with the usual meetings, a memorial service, the Friday night party and of course the parade on Saturday and following festivities. Below are photos from the parade, a list of the winners may be found here. Also be sure to pick up any remaining convention merchandise before it's gone!

Gettysburg Recognizes 9/11

Seven years later, 9/11 remains another day which will live in infamy. At the Gettysburg Fire Department, the members have not forgotten.
Firefighter/EMT Robert "Bob" Demko, a native of the NJ/NYC area, prepared an indoor display as he has for many years, and additionally organized a display at the front of the firehouse, including 343 flags, one for each of our lost brothers.
(These Photos Courtesy of the Gettysburg Times and Photographer Darryl Wheeler)

Gettysburg College Donates $200,000 for Ladder Truck

Gettysburg College recently donated $200,000 to the Gettysburg Fire Department to assist with the cost of the new 104 foot Seagrave Truck. Gettysburg College's Interim President, Janet Morgan Riggs, commented that “It’s really an opportunity to recognize the role the fire department plays in the community. We’re certainly dependent on them to ensure the safety of the college community.”

The new truck is a 2007 Seagrave 104-foot steel aerial ladder with a six-person cab. The college gave the department an initial $100,000, followed by another $10,000 each year for the next 10 years. Gettysburg College's gift represents a commitment to the safety of their students and their leadership in the local community.
On hand for the presentation of an oversized check were officials from both the college and fire department. Pictured are Sandy Waybrant, GFD Membership Secretary (front, left); Timothy Braband, GFD President; Janet Morgan Riggs ’77, Interim President at Gettysburg College; Dan Konstalid, Vice President for Finance & Administration at Gettysburg College; Allen Baldwin, Assistant Chief (rear, left); Bryan Wasylyk, Lieutenant; Roger Heyser, GFD Treasurer; Gary Frederick, Truck Committee Chair; Wesley Heyser, Captain.

Assistant Chief Baldwin Published in Firehouse

Assistant Chief Allen Baldwin was recently published in Firehouse magazine, providing insight to fire service leadership through the lessons of the Civil War.
In his time outside the fire service Allen is heavily involved in Civil War re-enacting, serving as the Federal Commander at the Gettysburg event this year.

Traffic 1 at Berkley Springs
August 1, 2008

The traffic unit, along with the Fire Police Captain and Lieutenant assisted with a pilot program for the Responder Safety Institute on Public Safety Flaggers.
The course was held in Berkley Springs, WV.

Cannon Training
July 2, 2008

Thanks to General (a.k.a. Assistant Chief) Baldwin, the department had the opportunity to do a pre-event inspection tour of the grounds of the 145th Gettysburg battle reenactment. The tour of the encampments, facilities and infrastructure was given by Past Chief Linn, one of the event's organizers.
After the tour was complete, the members were given instruction on safety concerns and firing techniques of Civil War era cannons. On any given weekend during the summer, 4-5 cannons are in Gettysburg; for the re-enactment there are expected to be 100, all complete with their compliment of powder.
After basic instruction, the members were taught their positions on the the gun by the Battery from Ohio and allowed to fire the cannon.

First Place Engine & Truck
June 18, 2008

On Wednesday evening Truck 1 and Engine 1-1 traveled 4 miles down the road to Bonneauville for their carnival and parade.
Engine 1-1 took home first place for best appearing engine, Truck 1 took home first for best appearing aerial truck, and a good time was had by all.

Traffic 1 Replacement

The GFD will soon be home to a new traffic unit, as voted by the membership at the June department meeting. The new unit will sit on a Ford 2008 F350 chassis and will feature a gasoline V10 engine, 4 wheel drive, a modified Reading utility box, LED warning light package and a vehicle mounted generator, in addition to a large cache of traffic control equipment.

Juniors Hold Friendly's Fundraiser
May 22, 2008

On Thursday the juniors held a fundraising night for the department at the local Friendly's Restaurant on Steinwehr Avenue. Friendly's donated a portion of the proceeds from the evening to the department.
Lucky for the guys, there were also balloon artists on hand for those young at heart.

Members make Firehouse Magazine

Firefighter Christopher Folster and Past Chief Larry Weikert were recently recognized in Firehouse Magazine as part of the Heroism and Community Service Awards for actions at a building fire on April 9, 2007.

Bicentennial Banquet
March 15, 2008

With Hanover Fire Commissioner James Roth serving as Master of Ceremonies and National Fire Academy Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal delivering the keynote address, the Gettysburg Fire Department celebrated 200 years at the Wyndham Hotel. Many old memories were recounted throughout the evening, and the following awards were presented:

Eugene S. Sickles Memorial Award: Sandra Waybrant

Fireman of the Year: Robert Demko

President's Award: George M. Gallagher

Chief's Award: Chris Eiker

David Hutchison EMS Award: Robert Kimple

Donald Gantz Training Award: Julie Baldwin

Fire Police Award: Gerald Penor

Additionally, honorary memberships were bestowed upon two close friends of the Gettysburg Fire Department--Dr. Denis Onieal of the National Fire Academy, and Charles Sterner III (posthumously).

Attention Members--Department Training

Attention riding members: the following courses have been set up and do not require preregistration; just show up for the class--if you any questions please contact Training Officer Hiller.

Haz-Mat Operations Refresher

Sat. 3/16 9 am-3 pm @ Bendersville
Sat. 3/22 8 am-2 pm @ Cashtown
Wed. 3/26 6:30-10:30 pm @ Gettysburg
Sat. 4/5 8 am-2 pm @ ACESTF
Wed. 4/23 6:30-11 pm @ Buchanan Valley

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AED/CPR

Wed. 3/19 7 pm @ Gettysburg
Sat. 4/19 10 am @ Gettysburg

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Blood Borne Pathogens

Sat. 4/19 1 pm @ Gettysburg
(more of these courses to be scheduled)

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IS 300 is starting 4/16 @ Cashtown--See Assistant Baldwin for details

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Refresher Ride Test Group Study Sessions
Wed. 3/19 6 pm-8 pm
Wed. 4/2 6 pm-8 pm
Sat. 4/12 10 am-12 pm

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Refresher Ride Testing
Fri. 4/18 5-10 pm
Sat. 4/19 9 am-12 pm
Sat. 4/19 1 pm-5 pm

If you would like to test sooner or schedule a make up time, contact Training Officer Hiller.

Happy 200th Birthday, GFD
February 12, 2008

On February 12, 1808 the organization that is now known as the Gettysburg Fire Department was formed. Over the years the department has seen equipment evolve, occupied nine different firehouses and grown to serve our community over 2700 times a year.

Truck 1 Delivered
January 24, 2008

Just in time for the annual Veteran's Banquet, Truck 1 was delivered to Gettysburg on Thursday, January 24th.
The truck will be remaining in the station for lettering and striping before traveling to Interstate to have the equipment mounted. The truck is expected to go in service in March.

Appointed Positions Announced
January 22, 2008

Effective January 22, the following appointments are in place:

Sergeant(s): TBA, Position being re-evaluated

Engine 1-1 Foreman: Bob Abraham

Quint 1 Foreman: Ed Mizenko

Truck 1 Foreman: Brandon Hiller
Truck 1 Asst. Foreman: John Ferguson

Rescue 1 Foreman: Chris Folster
Rescue 1 Asst. Foreman: Bill McLaughin

Traffic 1 Foreman: Matt Weaver

Service 1 Foreman: Carl Stone

Fire Police Captain: Mark Fruehan
Fire Police 1st Lieutenant: Jerry Penor
Fire Police 2nd Lieutenant: Don Shriner

Training Officer: Brandon Hiller
Training Committee: Steve Hurst, Julie Baldwin, Hurshel Shank, Jason Stiltner

Safety Officer: Gary Frederick

Truck Inspection Photos
January 9, 2008

Fresh off the wire from Clintonville, below are several photos of the new Seagrave ladder truck at final inspection.
The truck will arrive in Gettysburg soon for viewing by the membership before it heads to Interstate for equipment mounting.

2008-09 Officers Elected

Effective January 1st 2008 the officers elected on December 12, 2007 will assume their duties. They are as follows:

Chief: Kenneth Kime, Jr.
Deputy Chief: Al Knerr, Jr.
Assistant Chief: Allen Baldwin
Captain: Wesley Heyser
Lieutenant: Bryan Wasylyk

Trustees:
Erik Bergdale
John Wormley
Richard Shetter