On The Move
 
By WGFC Volunteers
May 31, 2014
 

Within 24 hours Engine 22 has been traveling from the south to the north. For over the past two weeks members have been at the Station detailing the Engine for upcoming events. The first event is in Fleetwood, PA as the Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company celebrates their 100th Anniversary. The second event is a transfer assignment to the Lansdowne Fire Company as their Company is participating in a parade.

While the crew members were busy detailing the Engine inside and out they also stayed available to handle calls. The first call was received on May 29 at 2027 hours for a carbon monoxide alarm in New London Township. Assistant 22 was first on scene and reported it to be an automatic fire alarm. He spoke with the homeowner that stated everything was OK and that he had burnt some food on the stove. With Rescue's 12 & 22 on the street already, Assistant 22 checked it out to confirm and made the Company available.

Just moments after the alarm as Rescue 22 was backing into Station 22, the tones dropped for a cardiac arrest in the Chesterville section of Franklin Township. Rescue 22 along with Engine 12, Deputy 22 and Assistant 22 all made the response. Rescue 22 arrived first and the crew accessed the interior of the home to find a male victim with a pulse but unresponsive. The crew began first aid care to the patient and updated the incoming Ambulance, 12-1, of the situation. The Ambulance crew along with Medic 194 transported the patient to Jennersville Regional Hospital for further evaluation. The West Grove units then returned to quarters to complete the incident reports and continue detailing Engine 22.

As the Friday sun was setting the crews were still hard at work making the Engine parade ready for Saturday. With a crew at Station 22 they listened to the box alarm be struck for a commercial building fire in Elkton, MD. As detailing continued Command 13 (Elkton) requested a fill in assignment to Station 13. The dispatcher replied to Command 13 that they will be alerting West Grove for that assignment. As the members geared up the tones were sounding. Engine 22 made the response to Station 13. Once at Station 13 the crews listened into the fire as well as played some basketball and had snacks made by the Ladies Auxiliary. Command placed the fire under control later in the night and units slowly became available. Engine 22 assisted the Elkton crews with washing, storing and repacking hose to make their trucks ready for the next incident. The Engine returned back into West Grove just before 0300 hours Saturday morning. No calls were handled while on the transfer assignment.

Within 6 hours of returning from Elkton, the members reconvened back at Station 22 to take the Engine to Fleetwood, PA for the parade. Engine 22 was a big hit during the parade with many spectators in the crowd asking,"Where is West Grove?" The crew also received many claps and "looking good" comments from the large crowds. Unfortunately the Engine did not place first or second in the judging by Tri-State Judges of Lake Harmony, PA for Best Appearing Engine 1994-2004. Congratulations to our brothers to the north, Downingtown, for taking first place for Best Appearing Rescue!

 
Units: Engine's 22 & 12, Rescue's 22 & 12, Deputy 22, Assistant 22, Ambulance 12-1
 
Mutual Aid: Medic 94
 
Hyperlinks: Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Company Web Page