| Susquehanna Fire Department dedicates landing pad
By Helen B. Foster - Susquehanna Independent Weekender 12/12/2007 The much needed permanent landing pad for helicopter transfers at Barnes Kasson Hospital was dedicated on Thursday, December 6. When it became apparent recently it would be necessary to find different arrangements for life flights transporting patients from Barnes Kasson Hospital, and accidents scenes, the idea of building a permanent helicopter landing pad was born. According to EMS Captain David Scales, Susquehanna Fire Captain Todd Glover came to him and said if David could get a landing pad funded, he could get it built. With the needed financial assistance provided by Guthrie Medical in Sayre, Pa. and the help of numerous contractors and individuals, a $27,000 project was delivered for just under $6,000. |
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| Chief Steve Glover, Captain Todd Glover, and Ambulance Capt. David Scales Sr. |
Both Scales and Glover credited Marty Delaney, program director for Air Methods/Guthrie Air for providing the funding assistance and the following local contractors for their donations: Blue Ridge Better Builders, Miller Brothers, Masters' Concrete, Smith and Bolles, Eastern Industry Northern Division, C&B Excavating, Precision Power Solutions, G&J Paving, Warren and Jeremy Stone, Susquehanna Borough, Harmony Township and Lanesboro Borough. Susquehanna Community School district has been a good neighbor by allowing the use of the campus, Scales said, but the damage to the school buildings and playground made it necessary to find a different arrangement. The high pressure vortex of air generated by the helicopter when landing and taking off was not only taking its toll on the building and playground equipment at the elementary school when that location was used, but was also creating an expensive manpower situation. The weight of helicopters with wheels flying in and out of Susquehanna had also caused damage to the school's football field. Additionally, the installation of the new fence around the field made access difficult for the helicopter. When contacted by Superintendent Bronson Stone, Chief Steve Glover and Fire Captain Todd Glover went with Stone to look for a solution. They identified a section of the campus that was not in use and did not have any planned use. But it needed work. Once the location was identified, and approved by the SCSD board of directors, plans were set in motion to find funding and donations to build a concrete pad with permanent illumination and a paved road to the pad. Braving a very cold and windy afternoon to see the much needed landing pad dedicated were: Chuck Bement, director of the Bradford/Susquehanna EMS Council; Marty Delaney, Guthrie Air; Superintendent Bronson Stone; Pam Mott, chairman of Bradford/ Susquehanna EMS; Fire Chief Glover; Fire Captain Glover; Sally Iveson, Administrator of Barnes Kasson Hospital; representatives from the various contractors; and the individuals who donated to make the launch pad a reality. All of the speakers praised those responsible for the new much needed facility. The Rev. Albert Leonard, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church, Susquehanna, blessed the new facility and offered prayers for the safety and well being for all who use the landing pad. |
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| EDUCATION & RECRUITMENT PROGRAM AT SCHS |
| On May 19, 2008, the Susquehanna Fire Department and Thompson Hose Company held a Recruitment and Education assembly at Susquehanna Community High School. The main purpose of the program was to educate students in grades 7-12 on the various jobs that Firefighters and Emergency Medical personnel have and to abolish the preconceived notions that many seem to have about the Fire and EMS services such as the images portrayed in movies and on television.
After hearing a brief presentation from Chief Steve Glover – Susquehanna, Chief Chad Wallace – Thompson, Captain Todd Glover – Susquehanna, Swift Water Rescue Captain Steve Frederick – Susquehanna, and Captain Kim Conklin – Thompson on the different jobs and aspects of the Fire Departments, the students were escorted out on to the Tennis courts to have a hands-on perspective of the services. During this time, various personnel from both departments were available to answer questions, help demonstrate equipment and apparatus, and explain membership and training. Present was Thompson Engine, Thompson Ambulance, Susquehanna Engine 1, Susquehanna Rescue Truck, Susquehanna Brush Truck, Susquehanna RTV, Susquehanna Jet Skis, Susquehanna Ambulance, and Guthrie Air helicopter. The crew of Guthrie Air gave the students an up close and personal view of a medical transport helicopter and answered many questions. They also gave the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders a special treat of watching the take off and an amazing fly over of Guthrie Air at full throtal. Just a quick reminder, applications for both departments are available for individuals 16 years and older and there IS a job for everyone who is willing to lend a hand! Volunteerism is at a low and we are asking that if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer to please see a member from either Department. If any students have had a thought of becoming a Firefighter as a career or getting into the medical field we encourage them to become a volunteer. It will give you an insight of the career choice you have made as well as giving you a sense of pride and accomplishment in your community. Thompson Hose Company also has their application online at www.thompsonhoseco.com or can be obtained from any member. Susquehanna Fire Department’s application is available at the station on Wednesday evenings starting at 6:30 pm or also can be obtained from any member. For more information, please visit their website www.susqfiredept.org The Susquehanna Fire Department will be hosting an open house and adult recruitment program at the Susquehanna Borough’s Hometown Days in July! Hope to see you there!! |
| On August 20th Susquehanna Fire and "SPARKY" the Fire Dog met with parents and children during the Susquehanna Elementary Schools orientation/open house held in the gym. For two hours "SPARKY", Chief Steve Glover, Captains Todd Glover, Dave Glidden, and Steve Frederick and President; Pat Frederick showed everyone many aspects of the Fire Department. The children had a chance to shake hands with "SPARKY" and try on some of the gear that the fire personnel wear. With videos and computers slide shows there was some education for all. |
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