Franklin VFD regrets to announce passing of lifelong member.

Past Chief and lifelong member Don Martin passed away on February 6th.  Mr. Martin was one of the few remaining charter members left whose dedication and spirit lives on today in our department.  Mr. Martin served as chief of Franklin Community VFD from 1975 until 1983.  Mr. Martin continued to be a lifelong member and friend of the department.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the Martin Family during this time of need. 

Mr. Martin's legacy continues today with his grandson being a member at the department.   

Many members attended services to show our appreciation to the service Mr. Martin gave to his community.

Car Fire at local auto shop 2/6/09

Members were alerted to a vehicle on fire near a structure at Wellsburg Tire and Collision on Washington Pike.  Crews arrived to find no exposure and the fire was contained to the engine compartment in the vehicle.  Crews cleared within 30 minutes.

Franklin members respond to two motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania.  On Monday the 26th around 3pm members were alerted to a school bus verses vehicle accident in West Middletown, PA.  Crews arrived on scene to assist with patient care and also set up a landing zone for incoming helicopter.

Engine 76 and Squad 7 at LZ                        FF Tyler Brown and Capt Harry Myers

2008 Banquet Held

On 1/17/09 members held their annual appreciation dinner for their members and families.  The members and their families were treated to a catered dinner.  This is an annual event that gives members and their families a well deserved thank you for the service they give their community.

Congratulations to 2nd Assistant Chief Terry Stuck - who won the 2008 Fireman of the Year Award. 

Chief Palmer presents award to Stuck

Finishing up another busy year.

Franklin finished up 2008 answering 280 emergency responses.  We wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.  We are excited about our plans to improve our response capabilities and look forward to serving our community in 2009.  Major plans include beginning a research and development team to initiate a business plan on a proposed new station.  Even though we are several years from remodeling or actual ground breaking, we are starting the planning process this year.

Congratulations to Brett Gelder!  The 2008 Polaris Raffle Winner!

Ticket # 8329 brought the early Christmas present to the lucky Brooke County Resident.  Brett received the wonderful phone call from raffle chairman Darin Pizer on Monday night to let him know that he was the winner of this years Polaris Ranger Raffle.  Thanks to everyone that supported our raffle - we appreciate your continued support on our fund-raisers!

Raffle Chairman Darin Pizer and Mike Bolen present the Polaris to the lucky winner!

Proud New Parents!!

Congrats to Sarah and Harry Myers on the birth of their daughter Ivy Madeline Myers.  Both mother and daughter are home doing well after spending the normal time in the hospital over the weekend.  Ivy was born on December 27th weighing (in the blue corner) at 7lb 9oz. 

Holiday Season is busy for Volunteers. 12/23 - 12/25/08

During a three day holiday schedule, Franklin volunteers took time away from their family to answer nine emergency calls.  Just a reminder that our volunteers are dedicated to their community 24/7/365.  Be sure to thank your volunteers in the community and their families for giving their time and expertise selflessly.

Winter Weather brings icy roads 12/11/08

Franklin was toned to a vehicle accident on Cross Creek road.  A full size truck slid off the road and was ready to roll with three people inside.  Squad 7 and Engine 76 arrived on scene and secured the vehicle using the winch off of squad 7.  Once the vehicle was secured the occupants were assisted out of the vehicle.

Squad 78 securing the vehicle                        Engine 76

Structure Fire in Pennsylvania 12/09/08

Franklin was toned for a full response to a structure fire on Route 50 near Avella.  The call came in shortly after 2pm and crews responded Engine 76- Tanker 79 and Squad 78.  Engine 76 arrived on scene of a one story bedroom house with heavy fire showing.  Bethany was toned per chief 70 and responded Engine/Tanker 27 and Ambulance 25.  Hooverson Heights and Wellsburg filled in at Station 7.  

During Fire Knockdown                                        Franklin Crew Ventilating 

Checking for Extension                                    Stuck, Smith, and Gamble rehabing 

Chief Palmer and Sister Korie                     Crews taking a break after knockdown

Welcome Pearson!

Congratulations to Doug and Jen Stewart on the birth of their first child.  Pearson Thomas was born on December 5th at Weirton Hospital.  We wish mom, dad and baby a wonderful welcome home.

Accident with no injuries 12/01/08

Company 7 was toned for a vehicle over the hill on Rabbit Hill Road.  Engine 76 and Squad 7 arrived on scene to find a vehicle over the hill with no injuries or entrapment .  Units stood by to assist with lighting, traffic control and cleared within 30 minutes.  Seven members responded for 7.

Vehicle Fire on the Pike 12/01/08

Station 7 was toned for a vehicle fire on Washington Pike in the area of Genteel Ridge.  Units arrived on scene to find a fully evolved engine compartment fire.  Engine 76 and 77 handled the call with eight members.

Engine 76 and 77                                                Crews controlling fire

11/17/08 Hunter Rescued

On the opening day of hunting season around 10am - Franklin was toned for a hunter stuck in a tree in the cross creek area.  The hunter's tree stand fell out from under him and he was stuck in the tree.  Franklin and Hooverson Heights responded their utility vehicles deep into the woods to rescue the trapped hunter with a ladder.  With the hunter being in the woods and having to haul a ladder on Gator 7, it took about 45 minutes from time of tone to reach the hunter.

11/17/08 Tanker to St Johns Road on Smoke Investigation

Tanker 79 was alerted to respond to a possible structure fire in Hooverson Heights section of St. Johns Road.  St 8 units arrived on scene with light smoke in the residence with a possible electrical fire.  Tanker 79 was staged while an investigation was done finding an appliance had created the smoke.  Tanker 79 cleared within 20 minutes of arriving on scene.

11/17/08  Crews respond to Structure

In the early morning hours (around 3am) Franklin St 7 / Hooverson Heights St 8 and Colliers St 6 were alerted to a structure fire in Virginville.  Assistant Chief Pizer called for the Brooke County Tanker Task Force along with tankers from Jefferson Twp (PA) and Avella (PA) while enroute due to the glow in the sky produced by the fully engulfed structure.  Hooverson Heights Engine 8 arrived on scene advising a fully engulfed abandoned structure.  Engine 76 arrived shortly afterword and crews went to work.  Fire was brought under control and units cleared after several hours of bringing the intense blaze under control.

As crews arrived on scene                           Engine 8 at work

Franklin sends its condolences to Canton VFD and South Strabane Police Department in the passing of Nathan Burnfield.  Nathan was struck by a vehicle while working as a police officer on November 4th, 2008.  Franklin sent crews to standby for Canton VFD company 52 on Saturday and Monday during services.

Franklin Flies Accident Victim 10/12/08

Station 7 volunteers were alerted to assist Bethany VFD in a motorcycle accident on Route 88 near Bethany.  Squad 7 arrived on scene to assist with patient care while Engines 76 and 77 set up for the LZ.

Engine 77 and Bethany Ambulance 25 wait for Stat to touch down.

Pump testing completed on Engines and Tanker

Each year, members have to volunteer there time not only helping people, but making sure their equipment meets strict maintenance guidelines.  Here are a few pictures of Engine 76 at the Ohio River doing its testing.

Vehicle into a structure

Members were alerted to a vehicle that had struck a building on Washington Pike in the area of Brooke Hills Park.  Members responded to assist EMS along with ensure there were no other hazards present.

Burn Season Begins October 1st.

Burn season is once again upon us.  This means one can only burn between the hours of 4pm and 7am.  You can only burn brush and must have a clearance around your burn.  The fire must also be monitored and have a water source available to extinguish.  Please call Brooke County Dispatch at 304-737-3660 prior to conducting any burning.

Franklin Crew on the Roof	Wellsburg first-in crew
A future fireman riding on Engine 76 got a little more than the thrill of the parade - Although he was "ready to go to work!"	Captain Diserio (C-2)  Runs Interior Ops Franklin Fire Department  in the 4th of July Parade

Volunteers show display at local community days event
6/07/08
   
Members took Engine 76 - Squad 7 and Utility 7 to a community days event held by the Nazarene Church located on Washington Pike.  Our department appreciates the church invite to display our equipment and educate children and adults on fire safety.

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Training on the Gator

 
Crew getting ready to go into woods

Last Tuesday, the members took their new gator into the woods for some training in patient recovery and driving skills.  Everything went fine for two hours, but towards the end of the training the gator blew a tire.  Finding that our tires were not strong enough for the elements, we upgraded to a stronger ply tire that will hopefully get us in and out of the woods safely.

Special thanks to Wellsburg Tire and Collision on Washington Pike for getting our new tires installed quickly and allowing the gator to be back in service!!

Wellsburg Tire and Collision
1111 Washington Pike
Wellsburg, WV 26070
304-737-3700

 Members conduct successful fund-raising weekend.   10/03/2008

Many members helped man the booth at the Wellsburg Applefest this weekend to help sell our wonderful fudge and Ranger Raffle tickets.  The department sold a record high number of fudge along with many Ranger raffle tickets.  Thanks to all members and family members who came down to volunteer their time this weekend.

Hurricane Ike sends his love:

On Sunday night, volunteers were out on numerous power line and tree down calls as the remnants of Hurricane Ike brushed by our area.  Crews were out about 3 hours opening roadways and ensuring utility lines were secured.  Many people throughout the county had lost power for several days.

Franklin VFD Captain Harry Myers Graduates from Police Academy

Harry - 4th from left

Harry attended 16 weeks of military style training to become a certified West Virginia Police Officer.  Harry was hired in 2007 by the Follansbee Police Department and is required to attend the academy to become certified.  Congratulations to Harry for enduring a tough 16 weeks - we are proud of him! Several Franklin members attended his graduation ceremony.

Thanks for a quiet brush fire season!

Members want to thank the public for following the strict burning regulations put in place by the State Fire Marshal.  The department had very few brush fires this spring "dry season."  Brush fires take its toll on members and our equipment when they get out of hand and are a real challenge. 

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Franklin Responds to Structure Fire in Avella
5/19/08

At 1452 hours, Franklin was alerted to respond to a structure fire located next to the firehouse in Avella, Pa.  Engines 76 & 77 responded in with 8 personnel.  Engine 77 was first tasked with providing a supply line, which resulted in laying 700 feet of 4 inch. Crews from 76 & 77 then assisted with attack and ventilation.

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Franklin Runs Basement Fire in Second Due Wellsburg Area
5/11/08
      
            Company 7's Crew                           Wellsburg Engine 103 Trailed by Franklin 76

At 2238 hours Wellsburg and Franklin VFDs were alerted to a structure fire in the 1400 Main Street block of Wellsburg.  Franklin Volunteers responded with 13 volunteers.  Engine 76 crews assisted Wellsburg firefighters on the first floor and conducting primary searches on division one and two.  Engine 77's and Squad 78's crew made entry into the basement to knock down the fire.

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Volunteers run assist on Quad Accident in Pennsylvania
5/10/08

 Engine 76 as Allegheny Life flight lifts off

Franklin was toned for a quad accident in an unknown location.  Bystanders were to take Franklin crews to the accident victim.  Once it was found that the accident was located in Washington County, PA - Franklin notified Company 35, Avella, to respond.  Crews from Franklin took their newly purchased John Deere Gator to rescue the victim who was still trapped in the woods.  As crews from Squad 7 provided patient care and transportation with the gator, Engine 76's crew set up an LZ for Allegheny Life flight.


Firefighter Ross Graduates from WVU Nursing School