CV Ambulance, Iron Lung

The only major incident to occur on this date was a fire in 1996, that incident was posted last year.

The photograph was published in The New Chronicle on February 25, 1947. The following article appeared in The News Chronicle on March 4, 1947.

Inhalator Again Saves
Life Ambulance Crew Uses Lung, Oxygen Unit To Revive Trucker Poisoned by Monoxide

For the second time in less than six years the inhalator, which is held in constant readiness for use in conjunction with the local community ambulance by Cumberland Valley Hose company firemen, has saved a life.

On Saturday morning, William Hatfield and Edgar Hockersmith, who recently received special training in the application of the iron lung purchased last month by the local chapter of the Red Cross, rushed to the Blue Mountain service station of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the community ambulance to render first aid to a truck driver who had been overcome by carbon monoxide gas.

Arnold Repp of Pritchard, Alabama, was found in an unconscious condition by service station attendants who summoned aid here immediately.

Removed From Truck
Upon the arrival of the local men, it was discovered that the afflicted man’s skin already had turned to a dark hue and his breath was very weak and irregular. He was carefully removed from the large truck to the ambulance cot and placed inside the service station.

The automatic iron lung recently purchased by the Red Cross chapter here, was applied to the victim and artificial respiration was started immediately. About that time, Dr. E. R. Disbrow Jr., of Lansing, Michigan, who was traveling toward Pittsburgh, stopped at the service station.

Following a hasty examination of the afflicted trucker, Dr. Disbrow ordered the removal of the iron lung and the application of the inhalator to administer oxygen. The lung had done its work well, Dr. Disbrow said, and the inhalator was the better instrument at that point of the procedure, he advised.

Taken To Hospital
The unconscious man was removed to the Carlisle hospital under Dr. Disbrow’s instructions where he was placed under an oxygen tent for 19 hours.

On Monday morning, hospital attendants reported that Mr. Repp’s condition was fine and that he would be discharged in several days.

Mr. Repp was a driver of one of the large trucks of Midwest Haulers, Inc., of Chicago.

The inhalator was used in the summer of 1940 so save the life of Miss Valida Massaker of Plymouth a girl living at the National Youth Administration hostael, Hosfeldhall, who suffered a cramp while swimming at Big Pond, and collapsed after being rescued from the water.

Incendiary Fire Destroys Stable And Sheds

On February 27, 1877 at 12:30 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for Main Street to the rear of Wynkoop’s Hotel. An arson fire destroyed a stable and numerous cattle sheds along with their contents. Firemen from both hose companies were soon on the scene, the Cumberland Valley boys obtaining water from Febsternmacher’s well and the Vigilant’s from the branch stream. Damages were estimated at $800.

I don’t think anyone out there was counting but this is post number 500 for the Shippensburg Fire Department site. The site is up over 25% compared to the first two months of last year. Thanks for helping to make this a success, now how about a few stories in the comment section from those of you that were on the calls.

Apartment Fire With Entrapment

On February 26, 2004 at 3:54 p.m. firefighters responded to an apartment building fire at 905 Roxbury Road, Southampton Franklin. A candle next to a bed set bedding on fire destroying the second floor bedroom in an occupied 2-½-story apartment building. The apartments two occupants were in bed at the time of the fire. The male occupant managed to get to the balcony and was rescued by firefighters Tyler Sherman (Co. 15) and Dave Irwin (Co. 53) over a ground ladder at 4:01 p.m. Borough fire chief Jamie White, C.V. assistant Chief Mike Weimer and Co. 15 firefighter Larry Hinkle located the trapped female in the bedroom and removed her from the building at 4:03 p.m. The woman later succumbed to her injuries at Chambersburg Hospital. About 70 firefighters had the blaze under control by 4:10 p.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies operated at the scene with assistance from Pleasant Hall.

During the day firefighters also responded to a structure fire at 24 Middle Spring Avenue, a structure fire at 195 Chestnut Grove Road, a local alarm at 601 Brenton Street and an auto accident with entrapment at 452 W. Main Street, Walnut Bottom.

Arson Fire Causes $100,000 in Damages

On February 25, 2002 at 8:28 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a barn fire at 1021 Pine Stump Road, Greene Township. An arson fire destroyed a barn and its contents. Bystanders’ cars clogging the narrow road hampered firefighters. Firefighters from eight companies were on the scene until 12:15 a.m. Water was supplied from a hydrant at Black Gap and Byers roads, 1-½ miles from the scene. Damages were estimated at $100,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Fayetteville, Letterkenny, Franklin's, Mont Alto and Pleasant Hall.

Barn Destroyed, 50 Hogs Killed

On February 24, 1985 at 9:30 p.m. firefighters were dispatched to the West Creek Road, Hopewell Township for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin leveled a barn killing about 50 hogs and destroying the contents. Firefighters from five companies had the blaze under control in about 45 minutes using water from the Conodoquinet Creek and remained on the scene until 1:30 a.m. Firefighters returned the next morning at 10:00 a.m. for a rekindle. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newburg-Hopewell, Pleasant Hall and Newville.

Barn And Contents Destroyed

On February 23, 1928 at 9:00 a.m., firemen responded to Cleversburg for a barn fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a bank barn and its contents. Lost in the blaze were hay, straw, feed, gears and some implements. Firemen were unable to do anything to save the structure and concentrated their efforts on protecting nearby buildings. Damages were estimated at $3,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

Fire Damages Trailer

On February 22, 1996 at 9:30 p.m. firefighters were sent to Route 11 north, Ritner Gardens Lot 8 Southampton Cumberland for a mobile home fire. A fire of undetermined origin damaged a bedroom and bathroom in an occupied mobile home. Heat and smoke caused extensive damage to the rest of the home. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Shippensburg EMS Places New Ambulance In Service

The only major incident to occur on this date in the Shippensburg area was in 2000, that call was posted last year.

On Saturday November 15, 2008 Shippensburg EMS housed a new ambulance. The unit is the first new ambulance purchased by the organization since they separated from the Cumberland Valley Hose Company and also the first to sport the company’s new colors of silver, red and blue.

The ambulance was purchased through VCI, Berlin New Jersey and is a 2008 GMC 4500 custom Horton. The unit was placed into service on January 22, 2009 shortly after noon and is designated Ambulance 473. Later that day the unit ran it’s first call in Shippensburg Township.

I would have been nice to post better photos of the unit but this winter has not cooperated. I will post additional photo of the inside and outside sometime in the future. Also the other image was recently purchased by me (it is the first actual photograph I have found of the unit), I thought this would be a good time to post it. It was the first ambulance Shippensburg operated, a 1931 Studebaker. The unit was featured on this site on November 7, 2008 if you follow this link http://shippensburgfiredepartment.blogspot.com/2008/11/cumberland-valleys-1931-studebaker.html it will explain why this photo was taken in Mechanicsburg.

Buchanan School Gutted

On February 20, 1980 at 2:24 a.m. firefighters were alerted to a fire at the Andrew Buchanan Elementary School East Washington and Seventh Streets, Chambersburg. An arson fire caused heavy damage to the building; this was one of many in a string of arson fires to plaque the Franklin County area in 1980. When firefighters arrived the southeast corner of the building was well involved and flames were spreading through the loft. Approximately 75 firefighters from seven fire companies worked for more than two hours to control the 2-alarm blaze. Damages were estimated at $1 million dollars. The West End Fire and Rescue and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Chambersburg, Franklin, Fayetteville, New Franklin and Waynesboro.

Electric Heater Causes House Fire

This photograph was taken two days after the big fire on King Street so I thought I would post it two days later on here also. I hope you enjoyed the photos and video of the King Street fire, there was many more photos that never made it on here. If anyone else has different photos they want to share from the incident please pass them along. I was hoping to hear a few stories from some of the men that worked the fire but I see the comment section is pretty weak these days. I guess it goes back to the saying "wish in one hand and shit in the other, see witch one fills up first".

On February 19, 2001 at 7:48 a.m. firefighters were alerted for a house fire at 1470 Rowe Road, Southampton Franklin. Firefighters arrived with smoke showing from the eves. A malfunctioning electric heater sparked a blaze that damaged a bathroom and attic in an occupied 1-½ story frame house. Firefighters had the fire under control in minutes. Damages were estimated at $10,000. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from Pleasant Hall and Fayetteville.

Nickles & Stewart Barn Burns

With the size of the fire from yesterday’s post and the amount of photographs taken of the incident I thought I would add a couple more today.

On February 18, 1912 at 9:30 a.m. firemen once again pulled their combination wagons to a fire on Earl Street this time to the Nickles & Stewart’s warehouse. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a barn and its contents. A mule was burned in the fire but survived. Firemen were on the scene quickly but the barn was to far gone for the chemical lines to be of any use, a line was soon ran from a plug on Earl Street and the blaze was quickly controlled. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies answered the alarm.

King Street Block Burns, Firemen Dies

On February 17, 1969 at 3:25 p.m. firemen were alerted to what would be the largest blaze most ever battled. The Shippensburg Civil Defense room sent firemen to East King Street and North Penn Street for a building fire. A fire of suspicious origin destroyed most of a downtown block before being brought under control by approximately 200 firemen manning 19 to 22 units from 14 companies (some news papers say that as many as 500 firefighters battled the blaze). The fire started in the rear of the vacant Varsity Shop and extended quickly. Firemen performed heroically in keeping the blaze, which could be seen for miles, from engulfing the Christ United Methodist Church. The Letterkenny Fire Department was instrumental in keeping the blaze from reaching the church, by using their medallion gun to flow big water. Water was used from numerous hydrants as well as the branch stream to fight the fire.

Richard Fogelsonger, who at the time was having coffee in the Famous Texas Lunch, directly across the street from the Varsity Shop, discovered the fire. He called the Civil Defense Room and reported the fire, suggesting a general alarm be sent. A the same time Ralph Thompson pulled up in front of the Texas Lunch, he quickly raced inside and went through the apartments alerting the occupants to the danger.

The buildings involved were three story brick and frame with businesses on the first floors and apartments on the upper floors. Destroyed in the fire were the Varsity Shop, Handshew’s Shoe Repair, the Pizza House, 15 apartments and Gordon’s Department Store. The American Finance Corporation and the roof of the Methodist Church were damaged by fire. Suffering water damage were Hale’s Real Estate, Gospel Gift Shop and Shippen TV and cable. Buildings suffering smoke damage were the Arrowood Beauty Salon, Glenn Miller auto parts and the Victory Theatre. At about 3:45 p.m. West End firefighter W. Mervin Fogelsanger, 58, suffered a heart attack at the scene and died at Chambersburg Hospital, he would become Shippensburg’s first line of duty death. Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries. Approximately 17 families were left homeless by the blaze. Firemen had the blaze under control by 6:00 p.m. The Shippensburg firemen remained on the scene until late the following day. Damages were set at $310,480, earlier reports estimated that the loss could exceed $1 million.

The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with assistance from the Vigilant’s Station 2, Letterkenny, Newburg-Hopewell, Newville, Fayetteville, Pleasant Hall and the Junior Hook and Ladder, Goodwill, Cumberland Valley, Friendship and Franklins all of Chambersburg. Junior McMullen of the Path Valley Fire Company brought a number of oxygen tanks to the scene. The companies operated under the direction of Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris and his assistant Edward Thrush. This was Shippensburg’s largest fire since the opposite end of the block was destroyed by fire in August 1901.

It was reported that hundreds possible even thousands came out to watch the big fire. I know I was picked up at school and taken directly to the area to watch the fire. Remember is you click on the photos they get larger. An additional photograph can be seen on last years post by following this link, http://shippensburgfiredepartment.blogspot.com/2008/02/lindsey-lot-road-home-gutted.html The video runs about eight and a half minites, it was taken from film to vhs to digital for the site. The quality is not the best but it is better than nothing, I hope you all enjoy it and I really hope to hear a few stories from people that worked the fire.

Dry Conditions Lead To Shed Fire

The photographs with today’s post are a preview of the incident coming tomorrow.

On February 16, 1999 at 1:00 p.m. Franklin County 911 alerted firefighters to a house fire at 3042 Black Gap Road, Greene Township. A controlled burn spread to a one-story block and frame shed destroying the building and its contents; that included a tractor and two trailers. Approximately 20 firefighters from eight companies battled the fire for over two hours. Damages were estimated at $45,000. The West End Fire and Rescue and the Vigilant Hose Company assisted at the scene along with units from Fayetteville, Franklin, Marion, Letterkenny, Mont Alto and New Franklin fire companies.

Firefighters also responded to a reported smoke in the building at 229 E. Garfield Street and a field fire at 86 Long Road, North Newton Township.

Business Destroyed On Roxbury Road

On February 15, 2006 at 12:52 a.m. Franklin County 911 toned out for a building fire at 1461 Roxbury Road, Southampton Franklin. A fire linked to a wood stove caused heavy damage to a tool sharpening business. The building 28 feet square and 1-1/2-stories tall was attached to a larger garage that was also attached to the house. Firefighters from seven companies were able to contain the fire to the workshop in minutes. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm along with units from Pleasant Hall, South Newton, Fayetteville and the Franklin's.

During the day companies also responded to two auto accidents, three automatic fire alarms, a working barn fire and a transfer. With eight runs and two working fires for the day, Shippensburg firefighters were kept very busy.

Greene Township Home Burns

On February 14, 1996 at 5:27 p.m. firefighters were called to a home at 470 Anthony Highway, Greene Township for a fire. An overloaded electrical outlet in a first floor bedroom sparked a blaze that caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story balloon frame house. The fire extended rapidly through the walls to the second floor and attic before being contained by firefighters from eight companies. Firefighters were on the scene until 8:37 p.m. Damages were estimated at $100,000. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene along with units from Fayetteville, Franklin, Mont Alto, New Franklin, Waynesboro, South Mountain, Letterkenny and the Franklin County Air unit.

Cleversburg Road House Damaged

On February 13, 1969 at 2:15 p.m. firemen were dispatched to a house fire on the Cleversburg Road, three miles north of town. An accidental fire caused extensive damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. Before firemen could control the blaze fire destroyed the attic and damaged two-second floor bedrooms. There was heavy water and smoke damage to the whole house. Firemen from four companies were on the scene three hours. Vigilant Hose Chief Charlie Myers suffered a cut from flying glass and was treated at Dr. Freeman’s office. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 and the West End Fire and Rescue Company battled the blaze with assistance from Newburg-Hopewell.

Riggs Store Damaged By Fire

On February 12, 1943 at 11:00 p.m. firemen responded to a fire at Riggs Grocery Store, 103 S. Prince Street. A faulty motor in an ice cream chest was blamed for a fire that destroyed almost the entire stock of the store. Damages were estimated at $2,200. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies controlled the blaze quickly.

Flames Destroy Four Buildings And Damage House

On February 11, 1947 in the morning hours firemen responded to Greenvillage for a building fire. A fire of undetermined origin destroyed a large corn crib; hog pen, implement shed and blacksmith shop and damaged the residence before firemen were able to contain it. When firemen arrived they intense heat and rapid flame spread prohibited them from saving the animals. The trapped animals squealed in agony as the burning structure collapsed and hundreds of bushels of burning corn crashed upon them from overhead. Lost in the fire were 10 registered hogs, eight pigs, and 800 bushels of ear corn, 700 pounds of feed and equipment and machinery. Damages were estimated at $4,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm with assistance from the Franklin’s.

Attic Gutted In Leesburg

On February 10, 1976 at 11:14 p.m. firemen raced to Shippensburg R. D. 2, Leesburg for a house fire. A faulty chimney caused a fire that destroyed and attic and roof of an occupied dwelling. The remainder of the house suffered water damage. A damage estimate was not available and a family of nine was displaced. The Vigilant Hose Company Stations 1 & 2 answered the alarm.

During the day the Cumberland Valley ambulance answered five calls and at 4:28 p.m. the West End Fire and Rescue Company responded to an auto accident on the Orrstown Road.

Faulty Furnace Causes House Fire

On February 9, 1967 at 1:30 p.m. firemen were sent to Shippensburg R. D. 2, Airport Road for a house fire. A faulty furnace sparked a fire that damaged an occupied dwelling. The fire burnt out the floor under the furnace in the first floor before getting in an exterior wall and extending upwards. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Dog Perishes In Dwelling Fire

On February 8, 2006 at 5:38 a.m. firefighters were sent to 68 Courtland Circle, Southampton Franklin for a house fire. A father and his daughter jumped from their bedroom window to escape an early morning blaze. The fire heavily damaged one room in the bi-level home. Smoke, heat and water damaged the remainder of the home leaving a family of three displaced. The family’s pet dog perished despite efforts by firefighters who located the animal and gave it CPR. Crews remained on the scene for two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.

Coal Stove Causes House Fire

On February 7, 1989 at 12:46 p.m. firefighters were alerted to a house fire at 3461 Ritner Highway, West Pennsboro Township. A faulty wood stove caused a fire that did extensive damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame house. The fire extended from the kitchen to a bathroom and washhouse and to a second floor bedroom. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene over two hours. Damages were estimated at $20,000. Firefighters from the Vigilant Hose, South Newton, West End Fire and Rescue, Newville, Newburg-Hopewell, Penn Twp. and West Pennsboro Twp. answered the alarm. The Cumberland Valley Hose transferred to the South Newton Fire Company during the incident.

Wood Stove Causes Fire In Penn Twp. Shop

On February 6, 2006 at 7:08 p.m. firefighters responded to 1876 Walnut Bottom Road, Penn Township for a building fire. A faulty wood stove sparked a fire that destroyed a two-story frame construction shop. Firefighters from nine companies had the blaze under control in 30 minutes and remained on the scene for about two hours. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Penn Twp., South Newton, Friendship Newville, Upper Frankford Twp., West Pennsboro, Mt. Holly and the Union of Carlisle.

Cry Of Fire In Shippensburg

On February 5, 1856 in the evening hours the cry of “Fire” was heard in town. Firemen soon learned the location was the dwelling house of Samuel Harris, Shippensburg. Firemen quickly raced to the scene pulling the button engine and Alert engine behind them. The fire was discovered in a ceiling and floor in an occupied two-story house. The second floor and roof were partly destroyed and the building suffered heavy water damage before the fire was controlled. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant and Alert Fire companies answered the alarm.


UPDATE

Cumberland County LODD

On Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 1:45 a.m. an out of county ambulance was involved in an auto accident on Interstate 81, mile marker 59 in Hampden Township. As a result an addistional BLS unit was dispatched to the location, bringing a unit from Silver Springs EMS Co. 72 to the scene. After picking up there patient the Silver Spring unit was involved in an accident on Interstate 81, the rig left the road and traveled sum 1,000 feet before crashing into a ditch. The driver EMT Barry Nagle, 66 died. It is believed that Barry suffered a heart attack leading to the accident. His partner EMT George Weimer was transported to Hershey Med Center where he is expected to be hospitalized for days.

Funeral services will be held Saturday February 7 at the Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg. A viewing will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday.

Lurgan Twp. House Destroyed

On February 4, 1965 at 11:00 a.m. firemen responded to a house fire in Lurgan. A fire of undetermined origin caused heavy damage to an occupied 2-½-story frame dwelling. A relative was able to remove some of the family possessions before they were destroyed. Firemen were hampered in fighting the blaze because of biting wind and 17 degree temperatures. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose Company assisted the Pleasant Hall Fire Company at the scene.

Leaking Fuel Tank Causes Fire

On February 3, 1983 at 1:53 a.m. a Newville box was dispatched for Shippensburg R. D. 1, Willis Road (Oakville area) for a house fire. A spark ignited leaking propane outside a basement wall causing a fire that damaged an occupied 2-½-story house. Fire extended up the wall and caused the most severe damage to the attic. Firefighters worked in the rain to bring the blaze under control and were on the scene until after 4:00 a.m. A damage estimate was not available. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies assisted at the scene along with units from Newville, South Newton, Penn Twp and Bloserville.

Arson Fire Destroys Two Stables

On February 2, 1907 at 9:09 a.m. the cry of “Fire!” was heard on the streets of Shippensburg. Soon the jingle of the bells could be heard from the hose carriages as they made their way over the icy, slushy streets on there way to the center of town on East King Street for a stable fire. An arson fire destroyed two frame stables and most of the contents. Damages were estimated in excess of $300. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies battled the blaze.

Chambersburg House Burns

On February 1, 1990 at 8:00 p.m. a Company 1 box was alerted for 69-71 S. Franklin Street, Chambersburg for a house fire. A fire of undetermined origin caused extensive damage to the second, third floor and attic of an occupied 3-½-story frame row. Firefighters from seven companies had the blaze under control in 45 minutes and were on the scene almost four hours. Six firefighters suffered minor injuries. Damages were estimated at $50,000. The West End Fire and Rescue Company assisted at the scene along with units from Chambersburg, Letterkenny, Franklins, Fayetteville, New Franklin and Marion.