INCIDENTS
The Wexford VFC responded to 94 calls in October. 49 calls were fire-based responses, and 45 calls were for QRS responses. Some incidents of note included a vehicle rollover and two possible residential fires which were isolated to malfunctioning appliances. Our average response time for emergency incidents was 9 minutes and 6 seconds, and a total of 28 members responded to incidents this month.
Here is our incident breakdown by major incident category for October:
Fire Alarm – 16
Fire – 1
Good Intent – 24
Hazardous Condition (no fire) – 4
Rescue / QRS – 47
Service Call – 2
TOTAL – 94
TRAINING
October was an incredibly busy month of training for our members. Early in the month, our weekly training was held at an acquired structure, where crews drilled on Engine Co. operations, deploying handlines in a variety of residential fire scenarios, including aggressive 2nd division advancements through the front door and rear window, as well as basement fires.
Later in the month, Chief Ausefski, Captain Hudak, and Lieutenant Nicklas attended Fire Operations at Large Structures (Structure II) at the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy in Lewistown. This five-day class reviews mid- and high-rise structure fire operations including standpipe operations and leader lines, ground ladder deployments, and forcible entry. Wexford members walked away as the 2.5″ Attack Line Champions, achieving the fastest overall times for 2.5″ deployment and water flow to the roof of the mid-rise building, as well as setting a new Academy standard by executing a 2.5″ attack evolution from the standpipe.
In preparation for the arrival of the new Rescue, several members began the Rope Rescue series hosted by Working the Rescue. Crews practiced low- and high-angle rescue techniques and familiarized themselves with our newly-purchased rigging equipment. These members also travelled to Indiana County Fire Academy to test for ProBoard General Rescue Technician. This series will continue with Rope Rescue Technician in November and Confined Space Rescue in December.
STIPEND PROGRAM
This month began a landmark chapter for the Company with the launch of our stipend duty shift program, which was made possible by a generous SAFER grant award earlier in the year. This program aims to increase our NFPA 1720 requirement compliance by providing a nominal stipend to ProBoard-qualified members to incentivize station staffing. We are very excited to introduce this initiative and are always looking for both new and experienced firefighters to assist in its continued success! Click here for more information regarding our membership options!