Charter
Member Vernon Van Fleet July 12, 1929-September 23, 2009
It is with deep regret that we
must announce the passing of one of our charter members Vernon Van Fleet.
Vernon was one of last surviving charter members that helped start the fire
company in 1948. He served as president of the fire company for several
years. The membership of the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company would like
to pass on our deepest sympathy to Vernon’s wife, Delores and the rest of
their family. Thank you for many dedicated years of service to Fleetville
Fire Company and Benton Township.
63 Runs Working Farm Tractor
Fire
 At
approximately 15:30 hours on
September 21, 2009,
Station 63 and Tanker 9 (Factoryville) were alerted to a farm tractor on
fire in the area of the Lakeland Golf Course. Engine 63 arrived on
scene in a field off of Earl Clark Rd. to find a large farm tractor on fire,
still attached to multiple trailers. The crew from Engine 63 stretched
an 1 3/4" line and knocked down the bulk of the fire. Tanker 9
supplied Engine 63. Command also requested Engine 9, Tanker 17-4, and
Brush 17 (Nicholson) into the scene due to the location and manpower
required for overhaul.
Photo:
Courtesy of
Factoryville Fire Co.
Fleetville's New Tanker Chassis
 Early
this year, Fleetville Fire Company began the search to replace our aging
tanker "Puddles". Tanker 63 is 4,250 gallon water tanker that is the primary
source of water for much of Benton Township. The tank currently sits on a
1976 International Chassis which has developed mechanical problems that are
not repairable. After several months of weighing our options, it was decided
that we had to purchase a used chassis and refurbish our existing
tanker. A new tanker of the equivalent was going to put the fire company in
a huge financial risk.
In May, we purchased a 1999 Mack Chassis from a lumber company in New
Jersey. The truck was brought home and went through frame and axle
modifications, and got a new paint job.
For Photos
CLICK HERE
63 Ends
Weekend with 4 Runs and a Community Service
While Squad 63 and
members of the Fleetville Fire Co. were providing traffic control for a
benefit motorcycle ride, the first run of the day was transmitted. At
approx. 12:45 hrs on
September 14, 2009 Squad 63 was dispatched to assist
Lackawanna County on Decker Rd. in North Abington Twp. for a patient thrown
from a horse. The squad operated on scene for approx. 15 minutes
before returning to service. Squad 63 then returned to assist with the
motorcycle ride. A second medical call was dispatched just as Squad 63 was clearing
up from the motorcycle ride. At approximately 13:40 the Squad 63 along with
Ambulance 9 were dispatched for a medical call on Route 438. The third run
came in at approx. 20:00 hrs, when Squad 63 along with Rescue and Ambulance
9 (Factoryville) and Nicholson Engine 2 were dispatched for an MVA on Rt.
107 in Nicholson Twp. The squad responded as Chief 9 (Gow) arrived on scene
establishing command, reporting a two-car motor vehicle accident with no
apparent injuries. Chief 63 (Saxton) arrived on scene verifying that the
accident was in Benton Township and assumed command. Engine 63 was then
requested to the scene. While operating on this incident, Engine 63 and
Tanker 63 were dispatched to assist Station 36 (Scott) on a residential fire
alarm. Chief 36 (Tratthen) arrived on scene confirming a false alarm and
put all units back in service, before the Engine or Tanker were able to
respond. Squad 63 operated on scene of the MVA for approx. 1 hour and 15
minutes before returning to service.
Engine
and Squad Run 1st Due Pin
On
September 2, 2009
at approx. 17:00hrs. Engine and Squad 63 were dispatched to Rt. 407 in the
area of the Lackawanna State Park for a two car motor vehicle accident with
injuries. Engine 5 and Ambulance 5-9 (Dalton) had already been dispatched
by Lackawanna County. Chief 5A (Melnikoff) arrived on scene first
reporting the incident to be at Wallsville Corners, the intersection of Rt.
407 and Rt. 438. He requested Rescue 36 and Ambulance 36-9 (Scott) to the
scene. Chief 63 (Saxton) arrived on scene and assumed the Wallsville
command reporting 4 patients, with 1 trapped in the vehicle, and requested a
Rescue and Ambulance from Station 9 (Factoryville). Engine 63 arrived on
scene and the crew started to make purchase points in the door for the
hydraulic tools. Engine 5 arrived on scene and their crew along with the
crew from 63 extricated the patient who was transported by 5-9. Ambulance
36-9 and 9-9 transported the other patients. Both vehicles were removed
from the roadway and command was terminated. Units operated on scene for
approx. 45 minutes.
Units on the run:
E-63, Sq-63, E-5, 5-9, R-36, 36-9,9-9, PSP Dunmore
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