1ST DUE 3 ALARM BOX ASSIGNMENT BRINGS TRAGEDY TO THE COUNTY.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008

@ 0828 Co. 61 was alerted to Cherry Tree & Moser for tree & wires down. Eng 61 made the response. Less than 5 minutes later Fire Board advised the Engine of a reported house fire in the local on Moser St.

@ 0833 the township box alarm was struck to the area of Moser St & Cherry Tree Rd. The township companies along with Rescue 39, Engine 72 & Medic 66-7 were on the assignment. 71-9B went on location with heavy smoke & fire showing. The assignment was upgraded & Rescue 45 was alerted for the Rapid Intervention Team. Engine 61 arrived 1st dropped the 5” and then went in service with a 1 ¾” handline.

Interior crews found heavy fire conditions in the basement. As interior crews were making their attack, A problem with the hydrant occurred & the interior crew lost their water. The fire intensified & forced the interior crew to back out. As other apparatus started to arrive the Engine got its water back. Several other handlines were put into service.

Interior crews reported 1 firefighter down in the basement. Rescue 45’s Rapid Intervention Team went into service. Rescue 63 & NCC Rescue 13 was alerted for their Rapid Intervention Teams to the scene. The 2nd & 3rd Alarms was struck for manpower.

The firefighter was removed from the building. 3 firefighters were injured in the process of extricating our trapped brother.

The fire was eventually placed under control.

A Special thanks goes out to all of our brothers who responded that day and gave a valiant effort to try to save our fallen comrade.

The trapped firefighter has died in the Line Of Duty. The other 3 firefighters were transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center.

L.O.D.D- 39-13 LT. Nick Picozzi Jr.
Injury- 39-9B Chris Durbano
Injury- 63-9B Ken Dawson
Injury- 63 F/F Thomas Morgan Jr.