August 26, 2010
From: Chief Allen Baldwin
Effective tonight beginning at 6pm. We will use the following alternate route during the construction times and dates as listed below. ALL CALLS TO CHAMBERSBURG RD. WEST OF REYNOLDS AVE. WILL USE MIDDLE ST. TO REYNOLDS AVE. TO CHAMBERSBURG RD. Responses between the square and Reynolds Ave. will use Chambersburg St. but extreme caution is to be used. See Press Release form PennDot below
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2010
Route 30 night work scheduled west of Lincoln Square in Gettysburg
Harrisburg – PennDOT District 8 announced today that a nighttime curb-to-curb milling operation begins Aug. 26 on a project to resurface Route 30 between Seminary Ridge Road and Lincoln Square in Gettysburg Borough, Adams County.
Construction crews have scheduled night work Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 1-2 & 7, weather permitting, as part of an overall $1,859,348 contract awarded to Valley Quarries, Inc. of Chambersburg, Franklin County. Thursday and Friday (Aug. 26-27) between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. construction crews will conduct a nighttime curb-to-curb milling operation to remove the top layer of asphalt on Route 30 between Lincoln Square and Seminary Ridge Road. Next week, crews plan to work Monday and Tuesday (Aug. 30-31) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to finish the milling and to return to night work Thursday, Sept. 1 - Friday, Sept. 2 and Tuesday, Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. to pave the one-inch bituminous leveling course.
PennDOT reminds motorists traveling Route 30 through Gettysburg that they may encounter shifting traffic patterns and temporary lane restrictions during the next few weeks between as crews remove the top layer of asphalt and resurface Route 30 west of Lincoln Square. This section of Route 30, known locally as Chambersburg Street, averages 11,600 vehicles traveled daily.
August 20, 2010
From: Chief Allen Baldwin
Subject: Engine 1-2 Factory/Delivery Training
The Sutphen Delivery Technician will be at the station on the dates listed below to conduct training on Engine 1-2. All personnel are encouraged to attend and ALL current Engine 1-1 Drivers and Driver Trainers are REQUIRED to attend one of the sessions. Any questions contact the Chief or Drivers Training Officer (FF Dempsey). Please stop in the station and sign up for which session you will be attending. The sign up sheet will be located in the Watch Desk/Radio Room on the information board.
Wednesday August 25, 2010 @ 1900 hrs
Saturday September 4th, 2010 @ 0900 & 1300 hrs
August 16, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BAN ON OPEN BURNING TO BE LIFTED FOR ADAMS COUNTY
GETTYSBURG (August 16, 2010) -- THE ADAMS COUNTY FIRE MARSHAL, GLENN K. HERRING WILL LIFT THE BAN ON OPEN BURNING FOR THE COUNTY OF ADAMS ON AUGUST 17, 2010 AT SUNRISE.
IT ALSO RESTRICTS THAT ALL OPEN BURNING SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A PERSON 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. THAT PERSON SHALL BE PRESENT TO REGULATE AND CONTROL SUCH BURNING FROM THE TIME IT IS IGNITED AND COMMENCED UNTIL IT IS FINALLY EXTINGUISHED. IN ADDITION, MR. HERRING ADVISES, THAT THE PERSON HAVE PRESENT; WATER IN CONTAINERS OR A GARDEN HOSE OR TOOLS TO CONTROL AND CONTAIN THE FIRE TO KEEP IT FROM EXTENDING INTO NEARBY FIELDS OR WOODS. PLEASE DO NOT BURN ON WINDY DAYS. SHOULD YOU NOT DESIRE TO USE THE PROCEDURE FOR OPEN BURNING, YOU MAY BURN IN A BARREL OR LARGE METAL CONTAINER. IF YOU DO THIS, PLACE THE CONTAINER AWAY FROM STRUCTURES AND YOUR NEIGHBOR=S PROPERTY. HAVE AN AREA 10 FEET AROUND THE CONTAINER CLEARED OF ALL VEGETATION. PUT A 3" MESH WIRE ON TOP OF THE CONTAINER TO KEEP SPARKS FROM EMITTING FROM THE CONTAINER AND LANDING IN DRY GRASS AND LEAVES NEARBY AND THEREBY EXTENDING INTO FIELDS AND WOODLANDS. WATCH THE FIRE TO BE SURE THERE IS NO EXTENSION OF FIRE IN THE AREA. OUR VOLUNTEERS WILL APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS.
YOU SHOULD ALSO MAKE NOTE THAT "SOME MUNICIPALITIES, HAVE GREATER RESTRICTIONS CONCERNING OPEN BURNING; SUCH AS, BURNING PERMITS, INSPECTIONS, OR EVEN A TOTAL BAN ON BURNING,@ MR. HERRING SAID. THEREFORE IT IS ALSO JUST AS IMPORTANT TO CHECK WITH THE MUNICIPALITY (BOROUGH OR TOWNSHIP) WHERE YOU LIVE TO FIND OUT THEIR REGULATIONS.
ANY PERSON(S) WISHING TO CONDUCT AN OPEN BURN SHALL FIRST CALL THE ADAMS COUNTY EMERGENCY 9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER VIA THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS (334-8101, 677-8101 AND 624-2101) BEFORE YOU BURN ! "IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR BURNING REGISTERED AND POSTED, ELIMINATING EMERGENCY PERSONNEL AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES BEING DISPATCHED TO A FALSE ALARM. "DUE TO THE UNNECESSARY MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES, MORE FIREFIGHTERS ARE INJURED EACH YEAR GOING TO FALSE ALARMS THAN INJURED DURING ACTUAL FIRES", MR. HERRING SAID.
***END**
August 16, 2010
On Wednesday August 11th , Engine 1-2 was delivered to and accepted by the GFD. In the coming weeks members will begin to install the equipment, hose and radios along with receiving Drivers Training before E1-2 will be placed in service. A schedule for the outfitting of Engine 1-2 with its equipment and components is listed below and all members who are available to attend any of the work details would be greatly appreciated once the specific dates and times are finalized.
Proposed schedule for outfitting of E1-2.
A. Week of 8/16
i. Inspection & paint touch up
ii. Per Lt. Folster this is confirmed for Thursday for L&T to pick up, 1-2 days to complete.
iii. Remove surplus hose bed divider
B. Week of 8/23
i. Install radios
ii. Per Allen, ComPros confirmed to begin @ 8am on Monday 8/23, up to 3 days to complete
iii. Begin preliminary inspection of E1-1 and E1-2 with Wil.
C. Week of 8/30
i. Mounting of equipment with Wil
ii. It was decided that Wil would be responsible for all mounting including PacTrak devices and plywood.
Per Chief Baldwin, ALL drivers will perform training once all other work is completed and the Engine is loaded for service.
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August 5, 2010
Effective as of last Monday, July 26 through the end of October, Mt. Carmel Road is closed in the 0-100 block for bridge replacement. This is just off of Carroll’s Tract Rd. in the village of Orrtanna. The detour route(s) is Hickory Bridge Road or Poplar Springs Road on the Fairfield side and from the Cashtown side is either Poplar Springs Rd. or Scott’s School Rd.
Eric D. Nagle, Chief
Cashtown Community Fire Department
August 1, 2010
On Saturday August 7th, several members of the GFD boarded Engine 1-1 & Truck 1 and headed North to York Springs for the 2010 ACVESA Convention. Co. 9 (York Springs) was the host of this years Convention which included the parade, party & election of the ACVESA President (Congratulations to Chief Jerry Poland from Bonneauville Co. 19).
For more photos of the ACVESA Convention go to 911 Photography.
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August 1, 2010

July 28, 2010
Effective immediately the Gettysburg Inn at 1980 Biglerville Rd. is NO LONGER a DO NOT ENTER structure. The Township has issued a new Occupancy Permit after much remodeling, renovation, etc.
Any Questions please contact me.
Chief Allen Baldwin
June 18, 2010
To: Department Personnel
From: Allen Baldwin
Fire Chief
Date: June 11, 2010
Subject: Hunterstown Rd. Bridge over US Route 15
Effective 07:00hrs on Tuesday June 15th, 2010 the bridge on Hunterstown Rd. over US 15 will be closed til late September 2010. The following response route changes will be in effect.
1. All Company 1 Apparatus responding to incidents above 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. will travel to the area via Route 15 to Route 394 and then South on Old Harrisburg Rd. This route has been chosen as opposed to the PennDot detour due to road conditions and travel time.
2. For all responses on Hunterstown Rd. above 800 Hunterstown Rd. response route will be via York Rd. to Flickinger Rd. and back to Hunterstown Rd. or US 15 North to 394 and back to Hunterstown Rd.
Any questions contact Chief Baldwin.
June 1, 2010
On Sunday April 25th, 2010 several members of the GFD participated in the 10th Annual "Face of America" bike ride that is part of the Wounded Warrior Project. For the past several years Truck 1 is used to fly the American Flag at the entrance to the Seamus Garrahy residence where hundreds of bike riders, including many wounded soldiers would arrive to conclude their ride that began on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Once the riders reached this point there was a short ceremony followed with lunch consisting of steaks and cold beverages.
For additional information on this project and pictures click on the following link: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
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April 1, 2010
Beginning on April 6th, 2010 at 0800 hours through September 24th, 2010 the concrete bridge in the 1900-Blk of Old Harrisburg Road will be repaired/replaced by PennDot who will be closing this section of roadway until the completion of the work.
Effective 07:00hrs on Tuesday April 6th, 2010 the following changes to the Gettysburg Fire Departments responses for the area of 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. shall be in effect until further notice.
1. For all Fire and Rescue Responses above 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. an Engine form Company 25 will be added to the Responses.
2. For all EMS Responses above 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. Special Unit 25 will be added to the Responses.
3. All Company 1 Apparatus responding to incidents above 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. will travel to the area via Hunterstown Rd. to Route 394 and then South on Old Harrisburg Rd. This route has been chosen as opposed to the PennDot detour due to road conditions and travel time.
4. For all responses below 1880 Old Harrisburg Rd. normal running routes and assignments will be used.
The anticipated opening of the bridge is mid September according to PennDot.
Any questions contact Chief Baldwin.
February 27, 2010
On Saturday February 27th several members of the GFD & their significant others attended ACVESA Firefighters Ball that was held at the Gettysburg Hotel. A good time was had by all members who attended and a Thank You to Roger & Ben Heyser, Brandon Hiller & John Ferguson for setting up Engine 1-1 & Truck 1 for the brief display around the Hotel. Also attending this years event were local Municipals Officials from throughout the county that the ACVESA serves, including Gettysburg Borough Council President John Butterfield and his wife Judy, Cumberland Township Board of Supervisors Chairman David Waybright and his wife Bee. Thank you to all officials & family members who took time to spend with the men and women of ACVESA who serve and protect you & your family 24/7 365.
February 24, 2010
Adams County Firefighters Ball Apparatus Detail
Crews are needed for Truck 1 and Engine 1-1 at the Gettysburg Hotel on Saturday February 27th from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for the County Ball for a PR detail. The Truck will be setup in front of the Hotel on the Square and the Engine on Race Horse Alley at the rear Ball room entrance. Apparatus will be in service, with the Truck on a delayed response. Lt. Folster will be coordinating this. Any questions or concerns see the LT. or the Chief. Uniform is to be Class C due to possible weather issues.
February 9, 2010
As if Ol' Man Winter didn't leave enough of the white stuff this past weekend he went ahead and dumped over another foot of snow across the area. The dedicated GFD volunteer once again came out and helped staff Co. 1 & the apparatus. Just like the previous storm this one only produced a few calls , one being the working garage fire in Co. 27's area.
The GFD would like to especially Thank the following for donating their equipment and time to clear the parking lots and apparatus aprons of snow: Past Deputy Chief Al Knerr, Fire Police Officer Ralph Symmes & Sheppards Groundskeeping.
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February 5, 2010
Ol' Man Winter felt that he just wasn't ready to hibernate for the season so he decided that as a gesture of his appreciation he would treat us by dumping over 2 feet of snow across our area and many others along the way.
As the snow fell fast and steady starting around mid-day on Friday February 5th into late Saturday night on February 6th, many dedicated volunteers arrived @ Co. 1 to staff the station and apparatus. During the next 24 to 48 hours only a few calls for service were received thankfully, however the Duty Crews remained busy shoveling snow and keeping the hydrants as clear as possible.
Thank you to all personnel who were able to help in any manner during this significant snow event & a special Thank You to Ralph Symmes, and Al Knerr for donating their time & the use of their tractors to clear the GFD parking lots.
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February 1, 2010
The GFD has placed an order for a 2010 Sutphen Monarch Pumper to replace Quint 1 which was sold back in June 2009. The new pumper (Engine 1-2) will feature a 6 person Monarch cab, Hale Qmax 1500 GPM 6" suction single stage pump, 750gal poly-tank, Onan 8KW HYD generator, Whelen emergency lighting, Roto-Ray, Powercall DX-5100 siren & 24" extended bumper with a front storage well to support a front bumper line & a 5" front suction-electric operated (6"NST). The new pumper completion and delivery expected in late 2010. Check back for further updates.
January 29, 2010
Back in June 2009 Quint 1 (a 1998 HME with a 75ft Smeal ladder, a 1750 gpm pump, and a 500 gal water tank) was sold to the Chicora Fire Dept. from Butler County, Pa after serving the residents of Gettysburg and surrounding communities for over 10 years. The GFD voted to replace the Quint with a 2009 Sutphen Monarch Pumper which will be completed in late 2010.
Below are a few pictures to show the Then & Now of Quint 1.
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January 24, 2010
Training Officer: Brandon Hiller
Safety Officers: Gary Frederick, Bob Abraham & Jack Ferguson
Mechanical Room Foreman: George Gallagher
Engine 1-1 Foreman: Bob Abraham
Engine 1-2 Foreman: Ken Shetter
Rescue 1 Foreman: John Ferguson
Truck 1 Foreman: Brandon Hiller
Duty 1 Foreman: Ryan Baldwin
Service 1 Foreman: Stephen Shetter
Traffic 1 Foreman: Jonathan Hoch
Fire Department Photographer: Gil Sheffer
Sergeant: Joe Temarantz
EMS Captain: Pat Knierman
Junior Advisor: Julie Baldwin
Fire Police Captain: Mark Fruehan
Fire Police Lieutenants: 1st Gerry Penor 2nd Jonathan Hoch
Drivers Training Officer: William Dempsey
Congratulations to all members who have been appointed to these positions. The Fire Board would also like to thank all other members who placed letters of interest.
January 23, 2010
The 2009 GFD Appreciation Banquet was held this past Saturday @ the Pike Restaurant with approximately 150 persons in attendance including several mutual aid companies officers and their families. In attendance as our guest speaker was Dr. Denis Onieal who is the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Thank you to everyone for attending and taking time to help us show our appreciation to the members of the GFD for their hard work and dedication over the last year.
Eugene Sickles Award: Dave Hutchison, posthumously accepted by his wife Betty.
Dave Hutchison EMS Award: Gerald Penor
Donnie Gantz Training Award: Steven Shetter
Chiefs Award: James D. Fox
Fire Police Award: Mark Fruehan
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January 21, 2010
At the end of 2009, Service 1 received its QRS certification from the state after numerous upgrades were completed to meet the state mandated requirements. Service 1 is now the 1st unit out for all QRS calls, followed by Duty 1 and Rescue 1, all of which are QRS certified. Along with the EMS upgrades, Service 1 has had additional items added such as NFPA compliant Chevron striping, intersection lights, remounting of a new siren & siren speaker, a directional arrow stick and a Adams County Med radio.
The GFD would like to especially thank FF's Stephen Shetter, Bill McLaughlin & Fire Police Capt. Mark Fruehan who worked long and hard in getting the Service units upgrades completed along with all the other members who assisted with this project.
January 1, 2010
All current appointed department positions will remain in effect until new appointments are made. Appointments will be made prior to the February meeting.
The Fire Board is accepting letters of interest from personnel who would like to serve in the following appointed positions:
Training Officer
Training Committee
Safety Officer(s)
Mechanical Room Foreman
Engine 1-1 Foreman
Engine 1-2 Foreman
Rescue 1 Foreman
Truck-1 Foreman
Duty 1 Foreman
Service 1 Foreman
Traffic 1 Foreman
Department Photographer
Sergeant(s)
EMS Captain
Junior Advisor
Fire Police Captain
Fire Police Lieutenant(s)
The letter should include why you feel you are qualified for this position, your goals and objectives for this position. Additionally you may submit a resume and copies of any related training documents if applicable. Letters and associated information must be placed in the Chief's mailbox by 5pm on Monday January 12th.
January 1, 2010
The Firehouse reporting system and the EMS trip sheet systems have been reset for 2010. If personnel have any outstanding fire reports from 2009 please see the Chief or Assistant Chief. For EMS trip sheets see the Chief, Captain or EMT Tracey Brown so the report maybe entered under 2009. Please make sure any outstanding fire reports and trip sheets are completed by Monday January, 4th 2010 at 1700 hours.
January 1, 2010
Happy New Year from all of us here at the Gettysburg Fire Department. Please have a safe and happy 2010!
December 23, 2009
The merchandise order has arrived. Any member who ordered items and would like to pick them up can contact Captain Heyser.
December 19, 2009
Beginning early Saturday morning the snow began to fall, with an accumulation in Gettysburg of approximately 14 inches. Crews staffed the station through the night and handled a CO response and several medical calls.
December 11, 2009
A duty night was held on Friday, December 11 beginning at 1800 hours. Crews worked on Service 1 and equipment maintainence followed by a screening of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
December 9, 2009
Effective January 1st 2010 the following officers will assume their duties:
Chief: Allen Baldwin
Deputy Chief: Hurshel Shank
Assistant Chief: Wesley Heyser
Captain: Bryan Wasylyk
Lieutenant: Chris Folster
Trustees: Ken Kime, Erik Bergdale & Richard Shetter
November 28, 2009
On Saturday November, 28th the Gettysburg Fire Department once again made sure that Santa arrived safely to usher in the Holiday Season and light the Town Christmas Tree on the Square. Santa was escorted by department member’s children on a holiday float, Truck – 1, Engine 1-1 and Traffic 1. Santa rode in style this year on a 1972 Open Cab Seagrave Engine courtesy of the Bretzman Family form Mount Holley Springs. Thanks to all that helped!! (Photos of Seagrave courtesy of Darryl Wheeler - Gettysburg Times)
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