History

Brockwayville was a small community nestled in the Little Toby Valley of Jefferson County, boasting a population near 1200 and growing was the scene of a meeting in the early 1900 of a group of young men interested in forming a Fire Company.

The only equipment for fighting fire available was a two wheel hose cart and 500 feet of hose, purchased by the borough in 1898.

Twenty seven young men met in Heiges Hall to form an organization to fight fire. The hose cart was housed in an addition to the main building that stood between the Railroad and Toby Creek on the south side of Main Street.

The members met on January 16th, 1904 and after the object of the meeting was stated proceeded to perfect an organization by the election of Harry Lindy as temporary chairman and Alex Adams as temporary secretary.

The name Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company was adopted and the officers elected were William P. Harris, President, Harry Kellar, Vice President, Alex Adams, Secretary, TC Bedner, Treasurer, LH Pasualichio, Financial Secretary, Edward J. Durbin, Foreman, Jacob Dillson, Assistant Foreman.

Soon after this, the Borough Council appointed Edward J. Durbin as Chief of the Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company which position he held for 21 years and two months when he resigned.

A Committee was appointed to put on a supper to raise money for the Company and the supper was held at Felt’s Hall on February 22, 1904 and netted the Company $72.16.

The first fire that the Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company worked was at the Heiges Building which housed a macaroni factory and a grocery store and in addition the Hose Company. The building was completely destroyed, making the Hose Company homeless. This was one of the most destructive fires that ever visited this section occurred early Tuesday morning. A total loss of $18,000 on which there was but $6000 insurance. As a result twenty five to thirty people are thrown out of employment and some of the leading industries of this section is put out of commission. The fire was discovered shortly before three o’clock Tuesday morning and apparently started in the basement of the building under the office. The building burned rapidly and within an hour after the alarm had been give the immense four-story building and other smaller adjoining building and all the contents was reduced to a pile of smoldering ruins. The factory was in operation for 2 years and was a paving enterprise. The factory had a reputation of making the best American Macaroni on the market

The alarm of fire was sounded by ringing the church bell and a large gong mounted on a telephone pole outside the telephone central office near the Gillung Pharmacy Store on Main Street. When the battery was full charged the gong could be heard plainly all through the business section.

The first uniform of the Hose Company was a black sateen shirt, white duck trousers, a red tie and white cap which was still in vogue in the 1920’s.

A new meeting place was necessary for the Brockwayville Hose Company and rooms over the Theodore Levis Grocery on then First Street(now 5th Avenue) were secured. The rent was $40.00 a year.

In April of 1919, the company raised enough money to buy a Combination Hose and Chemical Truck mounted on a Model T Ford chassis, the first motorized fire fighting equipment in Brockwayville. The equipment cost $1900 and consisted of a Model T Truck with hard rubber tires with a hose body to carry a 1000 feet of hose, and a 40 gallon chemical tank and 150 feet of chemical hose and axes, bars, ladders and other equipment need for an emergency. This was purchased in Elmira, NY. The drive back was all dirt roads.

Money to pay for this piece of equipment was raised by donation, benefit ball games of which one was a game between the regulars and the old timers at which some fifty dollars was raised. Each Saturday evening during the summer months, pieces of ice cream wrapped individually, was sold on several street corners.

In 1921, a huge Labor Day Celebration was held with the turning on of electricity to serve Brockwayville. This was held near the Little League field and the Swimming Pool area. This was also the first fire works display to Brockway. The fireworks costed nearly $500 and after all expenses were paid the firemen has some $20 profit for the day.

In March of 1925, the first piece of pumping equipment was unloaded in Brockway. The truck was an American LaFrance Fire Engine purchased at a cost of $10,800. It was a six cylinder chain drive, with a 600 gallon rotary gear pump. It also had a 40 gall soda and acid chemical tank and a hose bed capacity of 1200 feet of heavy hose. This was bought by Boro Council. Brockway Fire Department was on the hood with gold letters. This is the first time without the word ville.

As an instance of how prompt they are, one of our doctors told the writer that he was in his office at the time of the alarm on February 14 and timed the boys. From the time of the alarm sounded until the  truck was rounding into Main Street was less than a minute and a quarter. Remember, this was without any of the firemen being closer to the fire house than Main Street when the alarm sounded.

Chief Durbin resigned as Fire Chief after 21 years and 2 months of service as Chief of the Department. His successor was Eugene F. Nagel who served for 2 years. AA Dick Lehner served from 1928 to 1939 and again from 1941 to 1947.

Thomas Devallance was elected Chief for 1940

In 1935 the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company needed an additional pumper protection for the adjourning communities. A Chevrolet chassis was purchased and  the Youngdahl Brothers Garage equipped it with a body, part of which was the tank from the old Ford LaFrance.. This truck was paid for by donations and also movie programs. This was the second truck purchased and owned by the Brockwayville Hose Company.

The most disastrous fire to visit Brockway in more than 20 years destroyed one of the town’s largest industries when at 11:45 on Monday night January 13, 1942. The large factory of the Brockway Macaroni and Supply company burned to the ground entailing a loss estimated at well over $200,000 dollars. This was the third macaroni factory in Brockway to be destroyed by fire since 1905.

In 1941 the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company raised enough money to purchase a 1941 Ford LaFrance Pumper equipped with a 500 gallon per minute pump.  In 1949 a second Ford LaFrance 500 gallon pumper was purchase with a 500 gallon tank for carrying water. The Chevrolet fire engine was sold.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company had a fine record for 1944 considering the fact that there is just a handful of regular firemen left and very few of the auxiliary firemen who were trained in Civilian Defense. During the year, they responded to 19 fire calls. Six of which were grass fires, two were missing persons and one a train wreck fire. 10 of these calls were outside the Boro.

Properties in the Boro valued at approximately $232,000 were involved with an approximate loss of only $50 dollars.

Dick Lehner was elected Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for they year 1945.

In 1947 due to the installation of dial telephones, it was thought necessary to modernize the alarm system and a modern Gamewell Box Alarm system was purchased by the Borough and installed with 23 street boxes and an emergency number. Council contracted the Gamewell Fire Alarm Company for a fire alarm telegraph system which included the 23 street boxes, an air horn and an alarm cabinet with all the electrical equipment. This system was extended and out of town alarms go to the Brockway Glass Plant 1 where a code wheel activates the alarm system. The present siren is still in service

Floyd Hetrick was elected Chief in 1948 and held that position for 1 year. In 1949 Charles Dugan was elected fire Chief for 1 year. Ralph Durbin was elected Chief in 1950. Charles Dugan was elected again Chief for the year 1951. Ralph was re-elected Chief for the years 1953 to 1954 and again in 1968.

In 1939, many of the firefighters of the Brockwayville Hose Company attended the Pennsylvania State Fire School in Lewistown in basic fire fighting. Some of the firefighters took the advanced fire fighting course.

In 1956 the firefighters bought a lot at the rear of the Free Methodist Church and built a cement block building to hours 3 pieces of apparatus, a meeting room and kitchen. Early in 1957, the Hose Company left the Borough Building for their new quarters.

In 1957 they purchased a Dodge Pumper and sold the 1941 Ford Pumper to make room for the new pumper. It had a 750 pump and carried 1000 gallons of water.

In 1963 a need for more up to date equipment prompted the purchase of an American LaFrance 1000 gallon pumper with 750 gallons of water and housing became difficult having to sandwich 4 pieces of equipment into a 3 stall building. In 1968 the 1949 Ford Pumper was sold and in its place a Ford Brush Truck was bought with a 500 gallon front mounted pump and 150 gallons of water. The Ford had 4 wheel drive and carried a lot of grass/brush fire equipment. It had 150 feet of booster line on a reel.

In 1955 Ralph E. Durbin son of Chief Durbin was appointed to serve as the first full time paid instructor of fire fighting at the State Fire School in Lewistown. He served the state for 2 1/2 years as instructor and 6 months of that as as Director of Fire Training for the Commonwealth of PA at the State Fire School in Lewistown, PA.

Leroy Preston was one of the first students to go thru the State Fire School in the late 60’s. Leroy taught a lot of the Brockway Firefighters their basic training and was a well known instructor. He was noted for his oil pit fires at the Tri County Fire School in Smethport, Pa. Devin Trentini has just completed his credits in fire training and now is a PA State Fire Instructor.

In January 1962, a major fire at the Hi-Hat Bowling Alley destroyed the bowling alley,. the Fran-Le Shoe store and the Dairy Bar. Dubois and Brookville Fire Departments were contacted for help and responded with the needed equipment. The buildings that were very close suffered some smoke and heat damage but were not destroyed.

In 1954, C Richard Hynds was elected the 8th Fire Chief and served at Chief for 13 years. He was re-elected Chief again in 1969.

He was involved with the purchase of the 1963 American LaFrance 1000 gallon pumper and the 1969 Ford 4 wheel drive brush truck. During his term as Fire Chief, the Department moved from the 5th Avenue Fire Station to their new Fire Station on Tracy Way.

August Genevro was elected the 9th Fire Chief in 1970 and held that position for 5 years until retiring in 1975.

During those 5 years of Fire Chief, Chief Genevro saw a steady increase of younger men joining the Fire Department to become Fire Fighters. Now he was faced with supplying these men with turn out gear and getting them properly trained. A lot of firefighters attended classes at the Pa State Fire School in Lewistown and Tri County Fire School in Smethport. The Department was very fortunate to have one of it own members who was a PA State Fire Instructor and held numerous fire trainings at the Station in Brockway.

The members also changed their parade uniforms. A red jump suit was purchased by the members to be worn when attending parades. The firefighters won a lot of prizes by marching at local parades in front of their equipment.

In 1970 with the thought that there might be a Hi-Rise built for the elderly and also low-income housing and the local industries, the firefighters realized they were in need of an aerial equipment. After investigation and visitation with other fire companies and checking equipment, it was decided to go all out and purchase a 55 ‘ Snorkel or bucket type truck which was delivered in November of 1974. The aerial was built by Snorkel with the Pierce Manufacturing Company building the body and compartments. It had a 1000 gallon Waterous pump with 350 gallons of water. It was painted the upcoming new color of Lime Yellow. The Committee consisted of Chief Tino Genevro, UJ Desantis, Terry Fustine and George Pendleton. Price of the snorkel was $65,000

The Department won many of prizes and trophies at parades when they would march in front of their 1974 55′ Snorkel.

Again the Fire Department was full and plans to add on or remodel the old fire house became imperative. Bids were solicited from several contractors, but when opened seemed too high. In the meantime, the purchase of additional land was accomplished. A Committee was appointed and a project manager, Tino Genevro, was selected with the idea that the firefighters would do all the work possibile and in April of 1977 the work was started on a four bay building of concrete blocks and steel. The building was 80 by 60 feet. The old truck room was turned into a social room and the old social room was turned into a kitchen area. A lot of dinners, fund raisers and bingos were held at the Station because of the larger rooms. These fund raisers made it possible for the Fire Department to continue to buy and update it equipment.

They solicited funds by selling the blocks to the building for a dollar. It was called a buck a block. The residents and businesses purchased the blocks and with the money the firefighters built the building themselves. They had a lot of help from the Brockway Glass Company, Brockway Pressed Metals, Brockway Clay Company, Shaw Trucking, Frank Varischetti and a lot of other people who were interested in seeing the Company have adequate quarters. The firefighters were able to move their equipment which was kept outside during the construction, into their new building by October of 1977.

The new apparatus room today houses 5 pieces of apparatus.

The Snorkel truck had its first test at a mutual aid call from the City of Dubois. The Hotel Logal on Brady Street was on fire. The Snorkel from Brockway and 3 other pieces of aerial equipment fought the blaze for hours during the September fire. The Snorkel performed without a hitch. The Snorkel has been in Brookville, Dubois, Falls Creek, Horton Township, New Bethlehem, Pine Creek Township, Reynoldsville, Ridgway, Sandy Township, Sykesville and Warsaw Township to help fight fires.

UJ DeSantis was elected the 10th Fire Chief in 1976 and held that position for 2 years  until 1977.

Ben had a lot to do with keeping the men in line and making sure that we finish the building project. Between Ben and Tino’s knowledge, the building was completed and the members are still proud of it today.

Terrance P. Fustine was elected the 11th Fire Chief in 1978 and held that position for 20 years until retiring in 1998.

Fire training was the number 1 goal for Chief Fustine. A 45 hour state approved firefighting class was scheduled to start in February, 1978 with State Instructor Leroy Preston of Brockway. Brockway and Horton Township completed the course with 22 firefighters graduating in April of that year.

On May 30, 1978 a major air line explosion halted the production at Brockway Glass Plant 1. Fire somehow got into the compressed air line leading to the receiving tanks on the outside of the building. The results were an explosion and fire in the compressed air system when three receiving tanks blew. The fire was out in less than a half hour. The fire extended itself to the engine room which also serves as a dispatch center for the  Brockway Fire Department. Chief Fustine had to put a emergency notice to all residents to call Jefferson County Control until the dispatch center was back in service. Dubois Fire Company sent 2 units and manpower and Reynoldsville sent it cascade system to the scene. The Plant Manager stated that the Plant would be down for approximately 3 days.

Brockway Firefighters responded to a summer home fire on 11/27/1979 on Coal Tipple Road. A crew of 5 firefighters was approaching the fire from the front side when the front porch collapsed on top of them. Other firefighters rushed to their air and dug them out. 3 firefighters were taken to the Dubois Hospital with multiple injuries. All were released in a couple of days with small injuries and bruises. The Dubois,Reynoldsville and Warsaw Fire Companies provided mutual aid to Brockway. Fire Chief Terry Fustine stated the air paks strapped to their backs saved the firefighters from serious injuries.

Brockway firefighters continued to attend the area parades and would march in front of their 1974 Snorkel truck. They would win 10 1st place trophies/prizes in the 1979 season.

On June 11, 1980, the Fire Department purchased a small van from C Dungan Ford in Brockway. This unit would carry firefighters, lights, generator, small hand tools and a cascade system.

On June 24, 1980, State Fire Officials spoke to the Jefferson County Volunteer Firemen’s Association Committee. The Committee consisted of Dick Males, Dubois Fire Chief, Mike Paretta, Punxsutawney, Ralph August, Reynoldsville Fire Chief and Terry Fustine Brockway Fire Chief. Attending from the State were, Charles A. Henry, State Fire Commissioner, Robert Grening, State Fire Training Coordinator and Robert Foresman, State Fire Training Supervisor.

In 1980, a new pumper was ordered from Pierce manufacturing. It had a 1000 gallon Waterous  pump and carried 750 gallons of water. It had a Cat diesel engine with an automatic transmission. The Committee consisted of Fire Chief Terry Fustine, Bill Fustine Jr, Jeff Knapp and George Pendleton. The Committee was flown to Appleton, WI to inspect the engine while it was being built at the factory. The 1980 Pierce pumper was delivered in August, 1980 at a price of $78,000.

The Company needed to replace the 1957 Dodge Pumper. A Committee was formed to buy a new tanker  from 4 Guys, Meyersdale, Pa, The 1981 tanker was on a Ford 8000 chassis and had a 500 gallon Hale pump with 2100 gallons stainless steel tank for a price of $100,000. The Dodge Pumper was sold later in that year to an outfit in Texas.

The 1963 American LaFrance and the 1968 Ford Brush truck were sent to 4 Guys, Meyersdale, Pa for refurbishment in 1983. They were also repainted to match the 1974 Snorkel and the 1980 Pierce Pumper with the Lime Yellow paint. The 1963 American LaFrance was built to haul rescue equipment and the Hurst Jaws of Life rescue tools were placed on this truck. The Agriculture Class from the Brockway Area High School purchased the Hurst hydraulic rescue tool for the firefighters at a price of around $10,000 The firefighters had to complete a 40 hour basic rescue tool class before they even put a hand on the Hurst hydraulic tool. We now have 2 hydraulic rescue tools and 1 battery operated rescue tool. The 2 hydraulic tools are located on Engine 1 with the battery operated tool on Truck 1.

The membership again felt the need for another pumper. A Committee was form consisting of Fire Chief Terry Fustine, Ass’t Chief George Pendleton, Captain Greg Castiglione and Lieutenants Bill Fustine Jr. and Jeff Knapp to look at a new Pierce pumper. A new 1989 Pierce Dash pumper with 1250 Waterous pump and 750 gallons of water was delivered in March 1989 of that year. A small group of firefighters drove out to Appleton, Wi to pickup the engine and drive it back home.

The 1963 American LaFrance was sold later that year to Oliver Fire Department in Jefferson County. The Fire Department now consisted of a 1968 Ford Brush truck, a 1974  55′ Snorkel truck, a 1980 Pierce engine, a1980 Rescue van, a 1982 Ford tanker, and a 1989 Pierce pumper. The 1963 American LaFrance pumper was sold to a local resident sometime in the early 90’s.

The 1980 Rescue van was replaced in 1984 with a bigger Ford van from C. Dungan Ford in Brockway. The unit was sent to 4 Guys in Meyersdale to customize it to their needs. It had room for the air cascade system plus more room to hall the firefighters.

The Fire Department was faced with another problem. The Gamewell alarm system was getting old. This system when purchased was the best alarm system you could get at that time. The system was tested every Saturday at noon by Wells Electric. They would go to different boxes through out the town and pull the alarm. The boxes were in good shape but the wires were almost all destroyed by tree branches and age. The boxes were removed from the poles and sold to the firefighters and residents. The horn located on the Boro Building work not work most of the times and the siren was on a low pole behind Brockway Pressed Metals. The siren could not be heard outside of the Boro line.  Chief Terry Fustine approached the Brockway Boro Council and suggested to them to buy a new siren and place it on the Boro building on Main Street. After months of discussion, and looking at all the different sirens and alarm systems, it was agreed upon to replace the existing alarm system with new Motorola minitors. Brockway Boro Council agreed to buy 25 new Motorola 1 minitors for the firefighters. Firefighters would wear the minitors and would be paged with a tone in case of an emergency. Firefighters would know before they arrived at the Station what kind of call they had and where it was located. These were the 1st minitors that in the surrounding areas. The firefighters then took the siren down behind Brockway Pressed Metals and had it rebuilt with the help of the local plants and the knowledge from their maintenance workers.  A higher pole was mounted at the Fire Station and the siren was mounted with the help of the 55 ‘ Snorkel. By placing the siren on a higher pole and placing it at the Station made it more efficient for all of the firefighters. The original siren is still operating as of January 2016. All of the active firefighters now carry a Motorola 6 minitors on UHF high band. The original minitors were low band.

Chief Terry Fustine and Trustee Mark Pisarcik were recipients of the 1st William P. Fustine Sr. Firefighter of the Year Award presented to them at the 1993 Firefighters Banquet.

The Fire Department started to look at replacing it 3 inch hose with 5 inch hose. In 1988, the Fire Department purchase a 1000 feet of 5 inch hose and it was put on the 1980 Pierce Engine. The 1989 Pierce Engine was also supplied with over 1000 ‘ of 5 inch hose when it was placed in service.

In 1995 the firefighters started planning out a bigger rescue unit. This unit was built on a 1995 International chassis with the work being completed by New Lexington Fire Equipment. The cost of this unit was around $150,000. It would carry the Hurst rescue tool, seating for 12 firefighters and the cascade system. It was set up to carry the rescue tools that were mainly used for vehicle wrecks.

The members again decided to change their parade uniforms. The new uniform was a red parade shirt, a black beanie cap and black pants and shoes. Again the Company won numerous prizes and trophies at the local parades that they would attend.

Chief Terry Fustine retired as Fire Chief in 1998 with 20 years as Fire Chief. Chief Edward J. Durbin, the 1st Fire Chief had 21 years before retiring.

David Umbaugh was elected the 12th Fire Chief in 1998. He would serve that position for 9 years.

The firefighters decided to replace the 1974 55′ Snorkel bucket truck with a 2001 E-One 75′ Ladder truck.  The Truck had a 2000 gallon Hale pump with 500 gallons of water. It had a 450 Cummins horsepower engine with an automatic transmission. This was the first firefighting unit in Brockway to have all of the firefighters in an enclosed cab. This was for the firefighters’ safety. The days of riding on the back of a firetruck were coming to an end. This unit carried over 1000 ‘ of 5″ supply line. The cost for the demo ladder truck was around $477,000. The color of the ladder truck was red. The Department decided to go back to the original red color. The 55’ Snorkel bucket truck was sold to a Company in Texas and is now serving it time in Viet Nam.

Rescue 1 was repainted from the original color of Lime yellow to red to match the Ladder truck.

Truck 1 has responded to Mutual Aid alarms  in Jefferson, Clarion, Clearfield and Elk Counties since its purchase in 2001.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company celebrated 100 years of serving the Brockway Area on January 16, 2004. A Banquet was held at the Brockway Depot. All of the Past Chiefs were honored that night.

Cris Benson was elected the 13th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company in 2007. He served that position for 4 years.

During his term of office, the Fire Department purchased a 2010 Brush truck to replace the 1968 Ford Brush truck. The cost of the 2010 Brush truck was around $60,000 dollars. The 1968 Brush truck was sold to a local dealer. The Company also purchased a 2011 International tanker with 500 gallon Hale pump with 2000 gallons of water. 4 Guys from Meyersdale, Pa built the unit for $210,000. This unit was delivered in October, 2011

The 1981 Ford 8000 diesel, 2100 gallon tanker was sold to the Mount Jewett Volunteer Fire Department in Mount Jewett, Pa. .

An increase in emergency responses by the Department was noted. The yearly calls have almost doubled in the last 10 years. A need for new and additional turn out gear was in need for the firefighters. New turn our gear was purchased in 2009.

Gregory Castiglione was elected the 14th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company in 2011. He served that position for 2 years.

Greg introduced to the members the I Am Responding Program. This program notifies all firefighters by cell phone text and emails on emergency alarms. This program can also be used for non emergency functions.

Numerous building improvements were completed during this time.

Jeffrey Fustine was elected the 15th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company  in 2013 and served that position for 4 years.

A Committee was formed to replace the 1989 Pierce Engine with a new 2013 engine. A new 2013 E-One E-Max engine 1500 gallon pump with 780 gallons of water was purchased and delivered in August 2013. The new engine has a  7 man Typhoon chassis with a Cummins 400 horsepower diesel engine, an automatic transmission,  1500 gallon per minute Darley pump, 1575′ of 5 inch hose, Wilburt light tower and carries the Hurst Rescue tool. The unit came with a $435,000 price tag.

The 1989 Pierce Engine was sold to a fire academy in Ohio.

A set of new Hurst Rescue tools were purchased that were battery operated. This unit was placed on Engine 1. A new deluge gun was purchased and installed on Engine 1 in December of 2014. The Engine was sent to Ohio in October 2015 to have the compartments completely redone to hold more of our equipment and everything would be more organized and have its own place.

The Department realized the importance of being able to maintain their emergency operations during bad weather and power outages.

A 100 KW generator was purchased and installed in 2014. This generator has the capacity of running the complete Station and siren in case of a power failure.

The Department had a chance to purchase a piece of ground near the entrance of 7th and Main. This lot with a structure on it was purchase in February of 2015. The building on the lot was torn down in June of 2015. The lot will be used for additional parking when fund raisers are held at the Station. The members also have other plans for this piece of property in case they ever want to expand their present location.

Donut sales that are held monthly on the 1st Sunday of each were sold from this lot during the summer months. The Department have a lot of plans on how to utilize this property.

New Minitors VI were purchased in 2015 for the members. The new alert minitors would let the firefighters listen to different frequencies and would also give them the opportunity of playing back a message that they received.

A Fire Department sign was purchased and placed on the front of the Main Street property in October of 2015. This sign will help out with advertising our fund raising events and also to let the public know what is going on at the Station.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company responded to 3 alarms January 13, 2016 during a snow storm. They responded to a vehicle wreck on 219 North, Washington Township while Falls Creek Fire Department was busy on Interstate 80. They responded to a 2 vehicle wreck on Arch Street Extension which involved a school bus with students. No injuries were reported. The Company final response of the day was an automatic Fire alarm a 1 AHH on Main Street.

Somewhere during the History of the Brockway Fire Department, it was agreed upon to celebrate each year around the 16th of January the forming and founding of the Fire Department. A yearly banquet is held each year to celebrate this event. This year’s banquet will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Station 1.

The Essentials of Basic Firefighting started  on January 23, 2016 at the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company, the first  in nearly 15 years.  In total, 41 recruits were enrolled from 15 fire departments throughout Elk, Jefferson and Clearfield counties.  Over the next three months, students will complete over 180 hours of fire suppression and hazardous material training before graduating as interior firefighters.

Throughout the course, students will progress through four levels:  Introduction to the Fire Service, Fireground Support, Exterior Firefighter and Interior Firefighter. Brockway Assistant Chief and State Fire Instructor, Devin Trentini will be teaching the class along with other instructors from the area.

Two major fires would strike the Boro of Brockway within 3 days of the new year, 2016. This would be the 1st moderate damage loss to any structure in the Boro in the last 4 years. There was a 0 fire loss in the Boro for 2015.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company responded to an automatic fire alarm on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Toby Terrace, Main Street Brockway. Upon arriving, they discovered an apartment in the B building, 2nd floor was on fire. The firefighters made a quick attack of the apartment and contained the fire to that apartment. Firefighters searched the apartment and found an unconscious woman in her bedroom. The woman was removed by 3 firefighters and was transported to Pittsburgh Hospital via helicopter were she remains in stable conditions. Fast work by all emergency responders saved her life. Total damage was estimated at $40,000. Around 20 residents had to be evacuated from the B building and were moved to the Presbyterian Church on Main Street. The American Red Cross helped find shelter for those people. PA State Fire Marshall is investigating the fire.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company responded to an report of smoke coming from the building of Jim’s Custom Collision on Evergreen Street in the Boro. Upon arriving, heavy smoke and fire was coming from the back of the building. Firefighters made a quick attack and save the building. Fire was contained to the office and bathroom area. Total damage was estimated at $50,000. PA State Fire Marshall is investigating the fire.

The Department received new gear grids for all of the firefighters. These grids replace the current method for storing  their turn out gear. The grids were completely installed on February 24, 2016. Each grid was marked with the firefighter’s name.

Engine 1, was sent back to the E-One plant in Hamburg, New York for warranty work on February 2, 2016. Members of the Hose Company brought it back to Brockway in a snow storm on February 26, 2016.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held it annual Gun Bash on March 19, 2016 at Station 1. The weather was mild enough that we did not have to house any of our equipment off site. Again, the Community supported the fire fighters and the department had a successful gun bash. This year the Brockway Firefighters asked the firefighters from Horton Township, Brockport, Pa to help them with this event. Both Departments worked well together and are planning on continuing to share this event in March of 2017. During the event, Horton Township and Brockway Fire Department were toned out for a motor vehicle wreck on Shawmut Road, Horton Township. The wreck was located on Shawmut Road off the south side of State Route 219. Firefighters traveled 9 miles to find a 2 vehicle head on wreck with minor injuries. All units returned to Brockway without any interruptions to the Gun Bash.

The Essentials of Basic Firefighting class was completed at the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company on April 20, 2016.  A total of 44 firefighters from the Tri County area were signed up to take the 180 hours of training.

Today, April 28, 2016 marked one of the busiest days in recent memory for Station 1.  Around the lunch hour, tones were dropped for the E box for an accident with entrapment.  Shortly after crews put apparatus back in service, Engine 1 and Tanker 1 were requested mutual aid assisting Falls Creek with a working structure fire.  After being released from the fire scene, Engine 1 responded to a second accident with entrapment while on standby in Falls Creek.  To close out the day, Rescue and Brush traveled North to assist Horton Township with traffic control.

Thanks to all members for the great turnout for each alarm today!

Truck 1 was sent to a Company near Pittsburgh, Pa  to replace lights on the ladder beam and to put better lighting on the tip of the ladder for safety purposes. The truck work was completed and put back in service on April 21, 2016.

Firefighters from Brockway, Brookville and Horton Township attended a Fire Science Training Class held at Station 1 on May 09, 2016. The Instructor for the class, PA State Police Fire Marshall, Greg Agosti from the Ridgway Barracks, Ridgway, Pa.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company have been discussing the sale of(1995 International) Rescue 1 for quite some time now. They advertised on their website for about 1 year and numerous fire departments and private individuals were interested in buying the unit. On May 09, 2016, a Fire company from Alburgh, Vermont purchased the unit. The Chief and 1 firefighter from that department drove down on Friday and spent the night in Clearfield. They came to Brockway the next day and finalized the purchase of Rescue 1. In 1995 the firefighters started planning out a bigger rescue unit. This unit was built on a 1995 International chassis with the work being completed by New Lexington Fire Equipment. The cost of this unit was around $150,000. It would carry the Hurst rescue tool, seating for 12 firefighters and the cascade system. It was set up to carry the rescue tools that were mainly used for vehicle wrecks. This unit served the Department very well for the last 21 years. A group of firefighters were on hand when the sale of Rescue 1 was completed. A video on our web site shows the Rescue leaving Station 1 for the final time.

Today, May 14, 2016  members from Brockway and Horton Twp. continued their joint training program by participating in live fire evolutions at the DuBois Fire School.  Evolutions were done as  “run-ins” meaning Apparatus were dispatched from the street and went to work as they would for actual emergencies.  In total, over 30 members engaged in scenarios presenting various challenges that required everyone to put their training to use. Crews showed up around 8 am at the fire grounds and were released around 2pm. Clean up of equipment was held at Station 1 and lunch was provided to all of those who attended.

Firefighters from Brockway continued their fire service training by taking the written and practical tests for Firefighter 1 on June 3 and 4th, 2016.

Members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company received good news on June 09, 2016, that a Federal Grant was approved for the purchase of new hose.

A Rural Water Movement class was held at Station 1 on June 25 and 26, 2016. Departments from Brockway, Falls Creek, Horton, Sandy Township, Reynoldsville particiapted in class. Brockway and Horton Township Fire Departments were dispatched twice during the training for vehicle wrecks. On Saturday, June 25, 2016, the Departments were called to a 2 vehicle wreck with entrapment on State Route 219 in Crenshaw. Two medical helicopters were called  the scene for the transportation of 2 patients.  On Sunday, June 26, 2016, both Departments were dispatched to a motor cycle accident in the village of Brockport. 

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the annual 4th of July Celebration held in Brockway. The firefighters sold donuts in the morning, did traffic control for the foot race and bike race,  had open house thru out the day, sponsored an equipment display at Station 1, attended the annual parade at 6pm and stood by for the fireworks. The Department responded to 2 alarms that day, a brush fire and vehicle wreck. Firefighters started that morning at 5 am making donuts and called it a day at 2 am after the last alarm.

The Tri County Gun Bash was held at the Falls Creek Eagles Nest in Warsaw Township on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Fire Departments from Brockway, Falls Creek, Horton Township, Sandy Township and Sykesville and members from the Falls Creek Eagles put on the Gun Bash. This is the 2nd year for the Gun Bash and has been a real success for all departments that were involved.

The Department issued this statement to give everyone an idea of the time invested in training and maintenance by our membership. As of July 26, 2016, members have completed 15 state classes, 6 in-house classes and 7 maintenance nights logging 2010 hrs. Training and equipment upkeep is placed as a top priority within our department and will continue to be so moving forward.

Continuing with our motto of “Never stop learning”, members from Brockway, Horton Township, Falls Creek, West Sandy and Big Run participated in an Aerial Apparatus Practices class here in Brockway on August 13 and 14, 2016  Students of varying experience levels reviewed setup, placement, aerial use and operation of an elevated master stream.

Special thanks to Station 36 for providing their quint for the class as well as Paesanos Pizza for feeding hungry firefighters on Saturday and Sunday.  Brockway is one of the few places where students will have an opportunity to finish course lecture in a pizza shop!

On Thursday, August 18, 2016 Chief 1 Jeffrey W. Fustine became seriously ill and collapsed at his work place,  Phoenix Sintered Metals, LLC, in Brockway. Jeff was transported to Penn Highlands, Dubois by ambulance and then transferred to Allegheny General Hospital by medical helicopter for an unknown type of illness. Chief Fustine was on life support and would spend the next 6 days at Allegheny General Hospital in the Extensive Care Unit. Firefighters from all over the area visited Jeff while he was a patient at the hospital

Chief Fustine was taken off life support and was transported to his home on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 by Brockway Ambulance. All Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Fire Units escorted the ambulance into town from the Hazen exit near I 80 and State Route 28 to Jeff’s home on 9th Avenue.

Firefighters and friends from nearby communities visited Jeff at his home the next 2 days.

On August 26, 2016 at 1800 hours, Fire Chief 1, Jeffrey W. Fustine, the 15th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company passed away at his home among immediate family and firefighters of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and the Jefferson County Department of Emergency Services provided  the following information regarding the Visitation and Funeral Services for Brockway Fire Chief Jeffrey William Fustine.  Chief Fustine passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016 at his residence surrounded by family and friends.

Visitation took place on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at the Carlson-Shugarts Funeral Home located at 1033 4th Avenue in Brockway from 1pm to 8pm.  Visiting Emergency Service organizations paid their respects to Chief Fustine and his family between the hours of 4pm and 8pm.  Emergency Services from all over the Tri County came to the visitation. The support for and respect for Chief 1 was outstanding.

Funeral Services took place on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Saint Tobias Roman Catholic Church, 1135 Hewitt Street, Brockway at 12pm.  Emergency Service agencies attended the funeral services from all over Pennsylvania. State College Fire Department stood by at Station 1 during the time of the funeral.

Following the service, a procession of emergency vehicles proceeded down Main Street to Route 219 past Jeff’s place of work.  They turned on Record Street and onto Broad past Jeff’s childhood home. From Broad Street, the units turned down to 3rd Avenue and back onto Main Street where a final call for Chief Fustine took place near the Fire Station. People lined the streets of Brockway to pay their last respect for Chief Fustine. Over 50 emergency units took part in the procession. The American flag was hung at the corner of Main Street and 7th Avenue from the Kane and Clearfield ladder trucks. The fire siren was sounded for the last time with Jefferson County 911 Center had final call for Chief Fustine. The funeral procession then continued up Main Street to the St. Tobias Cemetery where Brockway Chie 1, Jeffrey W. Fustine was laid to rest.

A gathering at Station 1, Brockway was held immediately following the ceremony at the cemetery. There was not enough room at the Station to place all of the fire equipment, and the equipment had to be parked at the football field parking lot at Taylor Memorial Park.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company would keep Chief 1, Jeffrey W. Fustine as their Chief until the end of 2016. Chief Fustine served as the 15th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for 4 years.

The following statement was posted on the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Facebook:

Today we laid to rest our beloved Fire Chief.  It is honestly the hardest thing most of us have ever had to do.  Jeff was not only our leader, he has been a mentor, an ear to talk to, a pillar to lean on, and above all a true friend and brother.

So many great inspirational, sympathetic, and moving words have been expressed over the last week to his family and brothers.  We are extremely grateful for the love and support that have been expressed by our community, friends, and neighbors.

A huge thank you to all agencies that have assisted us in planning Jeff’s funeral and the stand by companies.  Especially Jefferson Co. EMA directors Tracy Zents and Chris Clark.  We could not have done all of this without you.

There are still some very tough days ahead.  We greatly appreciate all your continued thoughts and prayers, especially for Jeff’s family.

Thank you and we love you all….

Jeff Strong. Until We Meet Again. Rest in Peace Chief Jeff Fustine.

The Department named Deputy 1, Ralph Reed III as Acting Officer in Charge until the end of the year.

On Saturday, October 08, 2016,the members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and the Horton Township Fire Department in conjunction with the American Red Cross distributed smoke detectors free of charge and installation to the Brockway area. This project was started by Chief 1, Jeffrey W. Fustine. He met with the American Red Cross during the summer months and presented it to membership, Brockway Boro Council and Snyder Township Supervisors. The plan was to go house to house in the Brockway area and install a smoke detector on each floor of the resident and 1 in each bedroom. The smoke detector has a 10 year life. The goal of the Americal Red Cross was  130 smoke detectors to be installed that day. A total of 245 smoke detectors were installed on that day, Saturday, October 8, 2016. This is an ongoing project and anyone wanting smoke detectors installed are asked to call the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company.

Sunday, October 09, 2016, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held opened house to honor the start of Fire Prevention Week. An Open House at the Fire Station was held from 11 am to 1 pm with fire prevention material, fire truck rides, hot dogs, drinks and a live vehicle rescue presentation.

During the Fire Prevention Week, members from Brockway and Horton took time to teach fire prevention. Tuesday they spent the morning with kids from Pendleton Child Care, the afternoon they visited the Brockway Nursery School. Wednesday morning they visited the Brockway Nursery school again and that afternoon the 2nd grade class from Brockway stopped by the station. Thursday they visited the kindergarten class at the school. Friday they went to the school to see the head start class.

An Elk County firefighter headed to New York this weekend to climb more than 2,000 steps in memory of his friend and former Fire Chief 1 Jeffrey W. Fustine.

Horton Township firefighter Scott Fleck packed up his equipment Friday and headed to NY and participated in the second annual National Stair Climb for Fallen Firefighters, held at Citi Field in New York City on Saturday.

The members ended the week of Fire Prevention with a small gathering of all members at the Fire Station on October 15, 2016.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Annual Fund Raising Letter Campaign was kick started during the week of Fire Prevention. Each year the Company mails out over 2500 letters to the residents of Brockway asking for a donation so that we continue to operate the Fire Department.

This is one of our biggest fund raiser of the year. The Department is asking each and every resident to help support the Department with a donation of any amount.

The firefighters responded to the Sugar Hill Lumber Company a little after 1am on Tuesday, November 01, 2016 for a reported structure fire. Deputy 1 upon arriving found a fully involved structure fire. Companies from Brockway, Brookville, Dubois, Falls Creek, Horton Township, Sandy Township and Warsaw Township fought the blaze for 4 hours. The building was declared a total loss and was owned by an Amish family. Within 1 week, the building was in the process of being rebuilt.

On Tuesday, November 15, 2016, the members of the Horton Township Fire Department came to Station 1 and presented a Windshield Cutting Tool to be used in vehicle rescued. The Horton Township firefighters wanted to present something to Station 1 in Chief Jeff Fustine’s memory. Both Department were involved in a vehicle rescue training earlier in the year and they noticed how much Jeff was fascinated by the tool. They presented the Windshield Cutting Tool to the Brockway Firefighters in memory of Jeff. This tool would served both Departments and would always be a memory of Jeff.

The regular Brockway Volunteer Hose Company meeting was held on November 15, 2016 with elections for 2017 officers. The following members were elected Officers of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for 2017: Chief, Ralph Reed III, Deputy Chief, Mike Hoskavich, Assistant Chief, Devin Trentini, Captain, Steve Preston, 1st Lieutenant, Darin Strishock, 2nd Lieutenant, Jesse Martinson, President, Terry Fustine, Vice President, Jeff Knapp, Secretary Phil Farwell, Financial Secretary, April London, Treasurer, Brad Gankosky, Trustees, William P. Fustine, Jr. Ron Wingard, Denny Smith and Mark Pisarcik.

Total fire alarms for the year 2016 was 133. 42 in Brockway Boro, 65 in Snyder Township and 26 Mutual Aid calls.

Ralph Reed III was named the 16th Fire Chief of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company for 2017 and is the current Fire Chief.

The Annual Pancake and Sausage Dinner was held at Station 1, Brockway on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Members have been preparing for this event for the last couple of months. The Committee declared another successful dinner for the year 2016. The money earned will go towards the truck fund.

The 2017 Annual Firemen’s Banquet was held on January 14, 2017 at Station 1, Brockway, Pa. Ed Ferraro was the MC for the night’s activities. Chief Ralph Reed gave the Fire Report for 2016 and President Terry Fustine thanked everyone for attending the banquet and gave a special thanks to all of the Officers for 2016. Terry then gave the Department’s Report for 2017. Deputy Chief Mike Hoskavich lite a candle and honored the members who passed away during the year 2016. Assistant Chief Devin Trentini gave a report on all of the Fire Training that was presented and attended during the 2016 year. Treasurer Brad Gankosky gave the Treasurer report and thanked the Varischetti Foundation, Mengal Foundation and the Longwell Foundation for their continuous support throughout the year. These Foundations has helped the Fire Department to remain active and to stay updated with our current equipment. Vice President Jeff Knapp remarked on the year 2016 and finished with a video.

Ed Mann was the guest speaker for the 2017 Banquet.

The Essentials of Basic Firefighting class started in January at the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and finished in May of 2017.  Firefighters from the Tri County area  signed up to take the 180 hours of training.

Upcoming Training classes for 2017 include, National Vehicle Rescue Awareness, National Vehicle Rescue Operations, Pump 1, Advanced Fire Police, Vent practices and EVOC training.

A reported structure fire at Owens-Illinois Plant 19, Crenshaw, Pa brought fire units form 3 counties. The fire was knocked down quickly and the loss was held to a small amount.

Donut sales started again in February and will be held on the 1st Sunday of every month.

A Special Meeting was held on February 7, 2017 to hear the recommendations from the Apparatus Committee. Chairman Mike Hoskavich stated that after more than a year of meetings, the Committee suggestion was to refurbish the Ladder truck. The membership listened to the members of the Committee and why they came to that conclusion. President Terry Fustine called on a roll call vote to refurbish Truck 1 and send it to E-One in Hamburg, New York. A motion was made and approved by the membership to refurb Truck 1. Truck 1 was sent to E-One in Hamburg, New York in March, 2017 with a estimated return date of May, 2017. Estimated cost and limit to the project was $150,000.

Chief Reed reported at the March meeting that the alarm calls are up for this year and we are constantly running our newest engine more than expected. A suggestion was made to look for a good used engine that would take some of the run time away from Engine 1. The Apparatus Committee was reactivated and when looking for a used engine.

Fire alarms are at 49 calls for the year 2017.

The Apparatus Committee found  a 1995 Pierce Dash engine that was in New Jersey at the Berkeley Heights Fire Department. The Committee contacted the New Jersey Fire Department and 3 Committee members, Brad Gankosky, Mike Hoskavich and Devin Trentini made the 4 hour trip to inspect the engine on March 3, 2017

A Special meeting was called to order by President Terry Fustine on March 7, 2017 to discuss the recent visit to New Jersey to inspect the 1995 Pierce Dash engine that is for sale by a broker.

After a lengthy discussion, President Terry Fustine called for a roll call vote on the recommendation of the Committee to buy the 1995 Pierce engine, 1500 GPM, 750 water from the New Jersey Fire Department. A motion was made and approved by the Membership to submit a bid for not to exceed $50,000

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held its annual Gun Bash on March 4, 2017 at Station 1. The weather was mild enough that we did not have to house any of our equipment off site. Again, the Community supported the fire fighters and the department had a successful gun bash. The firefighters from Horton Township, Brockport, Pa  helped them with this event. Both Departments worked well together and are planning on continuing to share this event in March of 2018. The Departments would like to thank all who helped in making this event successful. A special thank you to those who attended and helped support the fire departments.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company agreed to sell Gun Calendars for the year 2018. A Committee met with Ringgold Township, McCalmont Township, Perry Township and Sykesville Boro Fire Departments and the 5 Companies would sell these calendars. The calendars were available for sell in April and will be sold until the end of December 2017. Each company received 2000 calendars.

The Fire Department received notice from E-One that Truck 1 was ahead of schedule and that it was up for 1st inspection by Brockway Firefighters. Terry Fustine, Brad Gankosky, Mike Hoskavich, Ralph Reed and AJ Valentine made the trip to Hamburg, New York to inspect the Ladder Truck on March 24, 2017. the group took pictures and reported back to the Department upon their return.

Truck 1 was delivered back to the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company from Hamburg, NY. the 1st week of May.  The truck was sent to Marine/Fire in Ohio to revamp the compartments and to complete the refurb on the unit.

Truck 1 was returned back to Brockway from Ohio on May 12, 2017 and put back in service the same day.
The Truck was on display that Friday night at the Kicking it in the Park concert at Taylor Memorial Park.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company received word that the Berkeley Heights, New Jersey Fire Department took delivery of their new engine and the 1995 Pierce Dash engine was ready for us to pick up. An agreement was made with both departments and the Engine was delivered to Alpha Fire Department in State College by the broker. The broker was picking up an engine at Alpha Fire Department and they agreed to house the engine overnight so that we could pick the unit up the next day. President Terry and Treasurer Brad Gankosky made the trip to State College to pick up and deliver the engine to Brockway. After a tour of the Alpha Fire Department President Fustine drove the engine back to Brockway on June 29, 2017.

The 1995 Pierce Dash engine would now become Engine 1 and the current 2013 E-One Engine 1 will become Rescue 1.

The Fire Chiefs reported at the last couple of Company meetings that are alarm rate is up considerably higher then other years and thanked the members who have been making the alarms.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held a truck dedication day on Sunday, July 3, 2017. Truck 1 and Engine 1 was blessed by Mon. Kaza and Pastor Baxter. A group of firefighters from Brockway and Horton, Brockway Boro Mayor, Snyder Township Supervisors, Courier Express attended the dedication. Chief Ralph Reed along with Deputy Chief Mike Hoskavich and Assistant Chief Devin Trentini presented a plague in honor of Chief Jeffrey Fustine. The plaque was mounted on Truck 1 near the pump panel. One of Jeff’s goal when he was Fire Chief was to get the Ladder Truck refurbished. They felt it was only fitting to mount the plague on the Truck.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the annual 4th of July Celebration held in Brockway. The firefighters sold donuts, gun bash tickets, gun calendar tickets and T shirts in the morning, did traffic control for the foot race and bike race, had open house thru out the day, sponsored an equipment display at Station 1, had refreshments and food for all and attended the annual parade at 6pm. they finished the day by standing by for the Fire Works and lighting up the intersections in the Boro of Brockway. The activities for the day went on without any major incidents.

The Tri County Gun Bash was held at the Falls Creek Eagles Nest in Warsaw Township on Saturday, July 15,2017. Fire Departments from Brockway, Falls Creek, Horton Township, Sandy Township and Sykesville and members from the Falls Creek Eagles put on the Gun Bash. This is the 3rd year for the Gun Bash and has been a real success for all departments that were involved. The Tri County Gun Bash will be held again in July of 2018

An air compressor/cascade system was purchased by grant money and installed at the Station.  

The Fire Department participated in the 1st Annual Varischetti Family Day in the Park on August 12, 2017. The firefighters sold donuts, steak sandwiches, T shirts, gun calendars  at their booth. Engine 1 and a crew  stood by for the fireworks later that night. This event went over really big for the Brockway area and plans are already in the making for 2018. The firefighters are also making plans to have a booth at the 2018 Family Day in the Park. Members of the Brockway Fire Department met with the Committee of the VSI Family Day in the Park to review the events for 2017 and make plans for 2018.

The membership voted on buying Class A uniforms for all members who were interested in them. Guidelines were set up for the purchasing and paying of the uniforms.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company attended Horton’s Township Fire Department Open House on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Horton Fire Department moved into their new Fire Station on Route 219, Southern Horton Township. A dedication was performed and food and prizes were given to those that attended. Moving the Fire Station to Southern Horton has helped out on the response with Horton Firefighters.

Firefighters fought a structure fire on Pershing Ave in September. The call came in as a couch on fire and when Chief Reed arrived on scene, he reported a working fire. The fire was brought under control within a short period of time. While at that scene, a 2nd call came in for a working structure fire at Bailey’s Garage on Route 28, Snyder Township. Units from Dubois, Falls Creek and Warsaw reported to the scene and the fire was extinguished immediately without any major fire loss. The weather was extremely hot and humid for that time of year. Truck 1 and the recently purchased Pierce engine responded and worked at the fire.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and Horton Township Fire Department held an Open House at Station 1 Brockway on Sunday, October 8, 2017 to help celebrate Fire Prevention Week. Fire truck rides were given and food and drinks were offered to those who attended. The Fire Prevention event was well attended.

Total fire alarms reported at the October meeting for the year was at 127.

The Annual Pancake and Sausage Dinner was held at Station 1, Brockway on Sunday, November 26, 2017. Members have been preparing for this event for the last couple of months. The Committee declared another successful dinner for the year 2017. The money earned will go towards the truck fund. They are in the process of planning next year’s Pancake dinner.

Nominations for 2018 Officers was held on November 14, 2017. The following members were elected to Office.

President, Terry Fustine, Vice President Ron Wingard, Treasurer, Brad Gankosky, Secretary April London, Financial Secretary, Emily Wingard, Trustees, Bennie Bortle, William P. Fustine Jr., Jeff Knapp, Mark Pisarcik and Denny Smith, Chief Ralph Reed, Deputy Chief Mike Hoskavich, Assistant Chief Devin Trentini, Captain Steve Preston, 1st Lieutenant, Jesse Martinson and 2nd Lieutenant, Matt Furlong.

The Varischetti Foundation informed us that our application submitted to them to replace 2 air paks and bottles have been approved.

The Snyder Township Supervisors approved earlier in the year the updating of the Township siren to be used as a weather alert siren and a back up fire siren. Centre Communications completed the work on the siren on November 16, 2017. The siren was tested on 2 different Saturdays so that the general public would know what the siren sounded like in case of severe storm. Jefferson County, Brockway Fire Station Base Radio, Snyder EMA Coordinator Terry Fustine and the Brockway Chiefs have the capability of setting off the alert siren. Future plans are in the process to include the Brockway Schools on the weather alerts.

Total Fire alarms reported at the November meeting  was at 138.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company escorted the Santa Claus sleigh around certain areas of Brockway on December 9, 2017. This event was sponsored by the Brockway Kaimans.

Brockway Firefighters also participated with decorating the Town’s Christmas tree by using their Ladder Truck.

The firefighters from Brockway and Horton Township sponsored a food drive for the local food pantry. Rescue 1 from Brockway and an engine from Horton Township was parked at Martino Bi Lo. People were asked to fill the units with non perishable items or donate money. Both units were filled twice with food and supplies. Emily Wingard, Chairman of the Fill the Fire Trucks stated that this was a big success and will continue next year. The food was taken to Brockway Station 1 and then distributed to the Food Pantries.

The By Laws Committee, Bill Fustine, Terry Fustine, Brad Gankosky and Devin Trentini) met on Tuesday, December 26 to finish the updates on the Company by laws. The by laws were placed at the Fire Station for all members to read and review. The by laws will be presented to the membership at the January 9, 2018 meeting for 1st reading.

The Essentials of Basic Firefighting class will start on January 3, 2018 at Station 1 with Assistant Chief as one of the Instructors.

2018 started out to be busy for the local firefighters. The firefighters responded to 11 alarms in the 1st 2 weeks of the new year. Weather conditions and temperatures were not in their favor. Firefighters had a solid week of bad road conditions and single digit temperatures.

A Hazardous Material Awareness class was held at Station 1 Brockway on January 6, 2018. Brian Miecer was the instructor for the class. Members from Brockway, Horton and Sigel Fire Departments attend the 6 hour course. The class was interrupted when Brockway was dispatched to a vehcile wreck on 219 South by Hugh’s Water with Station 4 Falls Creek. Rescue 1 and Engine 1 responded. Crews were on scene for about an hour in the single digit temperature. Horton Township also was activated for a vehicle wreck on 219 North. Both Companies reported back to Station 1 and Class continued and finished up later in the afternoon.

The 2018 Annual Firefighters Banquet was held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Station 1. The Banquet is held each year on the Saturday nearest to the 16 of January. The Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company was founded on January 16, 1904. This year would mark 114 years that the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company provided emergency service to the Brockway Area.

Around 60 members and guests attended the Banquet. Awards and prizes were given to the members and guests. Officers for 2018 were introduced, completed projects for 2017 were discussed and the 2017 trainings and members who attended were acknowledged.

The food was catered and  snacks and refreshments were provided for all after the program.

Members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company that past away in 2017 were honored and a candle was lit for their memory and continued to burn through out the entire Banquet program.

Guests were introduced and the firefighters thanked all guests for their continued support for the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company.

The Friends of Past Chief Jeffrey Fustine held a fund raiser spagetti dinner at Station 1 on February 18, 2018. The money that was raised was for the Jeff Fustine Fire Fighters  Scholarship Fund that was established by family and friends. Each year, a senior from the Brockway Area High School will be awarded  $500 to help cover the cost of their continuing education. To be eligible for the award, seniors who have expressed an interest in emergency services or who has shown community pride through out their senior year will submit an application to the Scholarship Committee. The Committee will award the scholarship based on information from the applications.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held its annual Gun Bash on March 17, 2018 at Station 1. The Community supported the fire fighters and the department had a successful gun bash. The firefighters from Horton Township, Brockport, Pa helped them with this event. Both Departments worked well together to put on a successful event. The Departments would like to thank all who helped in making this event successful. A special thank you to those who attended and helped support the fire departments.

Floyd Wise from the City of Harrisburg Fire Department conducted a Leadership Class at the Brockway High School on March10, 2018. A great turnout of firefighters from the surrounding fire departments attended the 8 hour class. Brockway, Dubois, Horton Twp. Wilcox, and Pine Creek Twp. were some of the departments that were in attendance.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company decided to update the security system at the Station. The membership voted at the April meeting  to put an electronic key locking system on the entry doors to the Station. The system was installed in June and the members were issued a FOB to replace their current key. This security system will make sure that the Station is locked at all times and will have a log of who and when someone enters the building. This will also eliminate the worries of someone losing a key and then replacing all of the locks.

Derek Bennett and Nathan Knox were the 2018 recipients of the Jeff Fustine Fire Fighters Scholarship held at the Brockway High School Auditorium on May 24, 2018. Both of these Seniors are current members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company.

The Essentials of Basic Firefighting class that started in January finished up in early June. The Fire Department had 3 new members who successfully completed the class and are now active firefighters of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company.

The Terrace Motel that is located in the Boro of Brockway will be torn down in early July. The Fire Department was given permission by the owners to use the facility for training exercises for the next couple of weekends. Firefighters will use the building for pulling lines, forcing doors, throwing ladders, conducting searches, breaching walls and venting roofs. The Fire Department was very thankful to the owners for this training opportunity.

Brockway Firefighters attended parades in Dubois and Brookville during the months of June.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company decided on June 12, 2018  that as technology continues to advance within the fire service, it has become more and more apparent that having IT resources on board our front line apparatus. Engine 1, Truck 1 and Rescue 1 are now equipped with 4G iPad providing responders with detailed mapping and directions, including hydrant locations, alternative water sources and landing zones. Other features now at our finger tips are GPS coordinates, hazardous chemical response guides as well as 24/7 updates of weather conditions.

We are confident that these upgrades will make us more efficient on the Fireground and allow us to do more with less as manpower continues to decrease across the volunteer fire service.

The firefighters were busy the first couple of days before the 4th of July preparing their equipment and getting the Station ready to handle the hundreds of friends who visited the Station that day. That is a very special day for the Department and a lot of friendship and stories are always told.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the annual 4th of July 52nd Celebration held in Brockway. The firefighters sold donuts, water, gun bash tickets, gun calendar tickets and T shirts from 8 am until 2 pm from our Main Street location. The weather was in the 90s. The Fire Department also did traffic control for the foot race and bike race. The Department had open house thru out the day with sloppy joes, baked beans, chips and drinks for anyone who stopped at the Station. They sponsored an equipment display at Station 1 and prizes were awarded during the parade. The parade started at 6pm with the sound of the Brockway fire siren and Snyder Township weather alert siren. The Firefighters finished the day by standing by for the Fire Works and lighting up the intersections and directing traffic in the Boro of Brockway. The activities for the day went on without any major incidents. The firefighters from Brockway gave their time helping out so that the people of Brockway area and the surrounding Communities could enjoy the activities safely. Great job by the volunteers and a big thank you to all visiting fire departments for attending the parade and helping out with the fireworks and traffic control. 

The Brockway firefighters provided mutual aid to a structure fire on Howard Road, Horton Township, Elk County on July10, 2018 around 11 pm. Truck 1, Engine 1 and Tanker 1 responded to the scene. Firefighters remained on scene until 4 am. A fatality was reported in this fire.

The Tri County Gun Bash was held at the Eagles Nest located in Warsaw Township on July 14, 2018. 5 Fire Departments and the Falls Creek Eagles participated in the day’s event. The event ran from 11 am to 6pm on Saturday. Beautiful weather and a good turn out of people helped raise money for Adrian, Brockway, Falls Creeks, Horton and Sykesville Fire Departments. Firefighter Bill Fustine Jr. from the Brockway Fire Department won the grand prize of $30,000 that was drawn at 18:00 hours. The Falls Creek Eagles are responsible for organizing this event with their whole purpose of raising money to help out the volunteer fire departments. 

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the 2nd Annual Varischetti Family Day in the Park on Saturday, August 11, 2018. The firefighters sold T shirts, Gun calendars and their famous Steak sandwiches through out the day. The firefighters ended the day by providing fire protection for the 9 pm fireworks. Firefighters are already making plans for next year’s event.

Open House was held during the 2018 Fire Prevention Week. The firefighters also visited the schools and had students visit the Station. Fire Prevention Material was handed out to all.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Annual Fund Drive letters were mailed out at the beginning of October. The money that they received will go towards the improvement of the training room and kitchen area. The firefighters are asking everyone for their support. No donations are too small. Please help out with this important project and goal. 

The Fire Department held it annual elections on November 13, 2018. The following members were elected officers for the 2019 year: Chief, Ralph Reed III, Deputy Chief Mike Hoskavich, Assistant Chief, Devin Trentini, Captain, Steve Preston, 1st Lieutenant, Jesse Martinson, 2nd Lieutenant Matt Furlong, President, Terry Fustine, Vice President, Jeff Knapp, Treasurer, Brad Gankosky, Financial Secretary, Emily Wingard and Trustee, William P. Fustine Jr.

The Training room and kitchen area was treated to a newly installed furnace. This is an ongoing project that the members are working on to improve the training room and other rooms so that they will be ready in case we need to open an Emergency Operations Center. We installed a generator a couple of years ago that will run the entire building and siren in case of a power failure. The members want to provide the best all volunteer service to the Brockway and Snyder area.

The Brockway Firefighters held their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Station 1. The breakfast/dinner ran from 7am to 1pm. Again, the support from the Community helped us have another successful year. Money that was earned will be used to update the current training room at Station 1.

The Company participated in the area Christmas parades bringing home cash prizes for best appearing fire units.

Members were busy during the month of November and December selling their Gun Calendars. These make perfect gifts for anytime of the year.

The Fire Department helped the Brockway Kaimans with their annual Christmas Hay Rde at Taylor Memorial Park. Rides, gifts and hot chocolate were offered to all attending.

The Chief reported that the Regional AFG Communications grant for new Motorola radios was approved. The firefighters will be receiving new radios in 2019. Each fire fighter will have their own portable radio. The grant was for $970,167 dollars and replace vital communication equipment that was nearly 20 years old. 10 Departments were involved and were able to save their municipalities more than $1 million collectively. The departments participating in the grant application were: Dubois, Sandy Twp., Brady Twp., Penfield, Union Towp., Brockway, Reynoldsville, Sykesville, Horton Twp., and Amserv Dusan Ambulance. The new radios will enable the fire departments in the Tri-County region to have the same radios to communicate with each other.

Chief also reported at our January 11, 2019 meeting a total of 127 fire alarms for the year 2018 with a fire loss of $135,000.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held its annual Firefighters Banquet on January 19, 2019. They celebrated 115 years of a continuous emergency service to the Brockway Boro and Snyder Township. The Banquet was held at the Station with 60 guests and members. A buffet style dinner was provided to all of those who braved the winter storm that hit the area that night. Certificates were handed out to the active members rewarding them for their years of service. Officers for 2019 were introduced. Matt Furlong and Jack Knox received the award for Firefighter of the Year. A plaque was presented to each of them for their time and dedication for the year 2018. A decorated cake with 115 years was enjoyed by all.

The Brockway firefighters were busy since the start of the 2019 year with many different alarms. A high hazard alarm hit the downtown area of Brockway on Tuesday afternoon, February 5, 2019. The fire started in an apartment above the True Value Store on 5th and Main Street. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one apartment. Water and smoke damage was throughout the building with an estimated damage of $100,000 dollars. Companies from Brockway, Horton, Falls Creek, Dubois, Sandy Township fought the blaze The State Police Fire Marshall ruled the fire as accidental. No injuries were reported.

Early Friday morning, February 8, 2019 Station 1 was dispatched to its second commercial building fire of the week.

Truck 1 picked up the hydrant at 2nd/Main laying 1000′ of LDH to the entrance of a Highland View Healthcare. Engine 1 picked up the initial lay with an additional 300′ of LDH while Rescue 1 pumped the hydrant.

Truck crews stretched to the kitchen area and extinguished a small fire that had been held in check by the sprinkler system, reinforcing the known fact that sprinklers save lives and property.

Thank you to mutual aid departments from DuBois, Sandy Twp., Horton Twp., Falls Creek and Warsaw Twp. for assisting, as well as the crews from Brockway Area Ambulance Inc who were instrumental in the evacuation process.

The Brockway Firefighters were busy during the month of March with grass fires. Several fires were reported and extinguished without any property damage. The majority of these fires were caused by people burning trash during the dry time of the day.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company along with the Snyder Emergency Management Agency participated in the State Wide Weather Exercise. This exercise was conducted by the Jefferson County Emergency Services on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 9:15 AM. The weather sirens at Station 1 and at the Snyder Township building were activated. The weather siren at Station 1 was updated so that Jefferson County Control can activate both Snyder Township and Brockway’s sirens at the same time. 

Glick Fire Equipment did pump testing for Brockway Fire and other area Departments at Station 1 on April 22, 2019. This is a requirement every 2 years to make sure pumps are working properly and that the pumps are pumping to their capacity.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in a Mock Vehicle Wreck at the Brockway High School on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Today, members assisted with a mock crash at the Brockway High School. This is conducted every few years to remind students of the “sobering” effects of what poor decisions can bring during Prom and graduation seasons.

The Regional AFG Communications grant new radios were received by the Brockway Firefighters.  The firefighters received new radios for their equipment and each fire fighter was given their own portable radio at the Fire Department Monthly meeting in May. The grant was for $970,167 dollars and replace vital communication equipment that was nearly 20 years old. 10 Departments were involved and were able to save their municipalities more than $1 million collectively. The departments participating in the grant application were: Dubois, Sandy Twp., Brady Twp., Penfield, Union Twp., Brockway, Reynoldsville, Sykesville, Horton Twp., and Amserv Dusan Ambulance. The new radios will enable the fire departments in the Tri-County region to have the same radios to communicate with each other.

The Firefighters from Brockway participated in the Dubois Community Days Parade on June 15, 2019. Brush 1 brought home a 1st place winner of $150.

On Saturday, June 22, 2019, the firefighters headed toward Brookville to attend the Laurel Festival parade. The 1995 Pierce Dash Engine brought home another 1st place winner of $150 dollars. Some of the members also participated in the Battle of the Barrel that was held on Main Street in Brookville. A good time was had by all.

The 53rd 4th of July Celebration was held in Brockway. The Firefighters sold donuts, gun bash tickets, gun calendars tickets and Fire Department T shirts at their Main Street / 7th Avenue property. Firefighters responded to 1alarm that day in the Boro. the Chief held all units in quarters.

The Fire Department also provided traffic control for the Foot Race at 9AM and the Bike Race at 11AM. The members welcome all area firefighters to the Station with food and drinks. An equipment show from area fire departments was held at the Station. The equipment was judged with the winners receiving cash prizes during the parade. The parade was started with the Snyder Township and Station 1 Weather Sirens.

Firefighters staged equipment through out the town for the 4th of July Fireworks at 9:45 PM and then helped with traffic control at the main intersections in the Boro of Brockway.

The Tri County Gun Bash was held on July 13, 2019 at the Eagles Nest off Route 28. A crowd of more than 1000 people attended the all day event. The Tri County Gun Bash Committee stated that it was another successful year and the weather was perfect.

Brockway, Falls Creek, Horton Township, Penfield, Sandy Township and Sykesville Fire Departments along with the Falls Creek Eagles participated in the event. The Committee is already in the process of planning next year’s event.

July 15, 2019 Brockway firefighters responded to a late morning Saw Mill Fire in Snyder Township. The fire had a good start on the firefighters with smoke showing for miles away. Numerous Fire Departments from 3 different Counties fought the blaze for more than 4 hours. 1 building was totally destroyed with the other one sustained major damage. No injuries were reported.

1995 Pierce Engine 1 with a crew attended the Curwensville parade on July 20, 2019 and brought home a 1st Place Award.

The firefighters attended the Ridgway parade on Saturday, July 27, 2019 and was a 1st Place Winner in the Aerial Classification.

Aerial Class was held at Station 1 on Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, 2019. Departments from Brockway, Horton and West Sandy attended the class. John Gardell a retired Chief from the Pittsburgh Fire Bureau was the instructor for the 2 days. Firefighters were busy during the day on Sunday with preplanning different area of Brockway and then flowing water from Toby Creek at the Canoe launch.

Truck 1 with a crew attended the Clearfield Fair Parade on Monday, July 29, 2019 and brought home a 2nd place award in that classification.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the 3rd Annual Varischetti Family Day in the Park on Saturday, August 10, 2019. The firefighters sold T shirts, Gun calendars and their famous Steak sandwiches through out the day. The firefighters ended the day by providing fire protection for the 9 pm fireworks. 

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Annual Fund Drive letters were mailed out at the beginning of October during Fire Prevention Week. The money that they received will go towards the improvement of the training room and kitchen area. The firefighters are asking everyone for their support. No donations are too small. Please help out with this important project and goal.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the 2019 Fire Prevention Week. The firefighters  visited the schools and had students visit the Station. Fire Prevention Material was handed out to all.

The Brockway Firefighters held their annual pancake breakfast on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at Station 1. The breakfast/dinner ran from 7am to noon. This is usually held the day before PA Buck Season but this year the new opening day for Buck was on Saturday, the day before. The weather did not cooperate with the breakfast, as the area witnessed rain and freezing rain. 

The Firefighters participated in the different town’s Christmas parades bringing home cash prizes for best appearing fire units. 

The Fire Department held it annual elections on November 12, 2019. The following members were elected officers for the 2020 year: Chief Mike Hoskavich, Deputy Chief, Devin Trentini, Assistant Chief, Ralph Reed III, Captain, Steve Preston, Rescue Lieutenant, Jesse Martinson, Truck Lieutenant Matt Furlong, President, Terry Fustine, Vice President, Jeff Knapp, Treasurer, Brad Gankosky, and Trustees, Derek Bennett, William P. Fustine, Jr., Jack Knox, Nathan Knox and Mark Pisarcik.

The Annual Pancake Breakfast was held at Station 1 on Sunday,  December 1, 2019 starting at 7AM.  A weather condition of freezing rain and ice plus the opening of the 1st Day of Buck being changed to Saturday still brought out supporters of the pancake breakfast. The Firefighters of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company thanked all people who helped and supported the breakfast and are making  plans for next year’s breakfast.

Firefighters from Brockway and Horton Township spend much of Monday night and Tuesday morning on December 2, 2019 searching for a lost hunter in the 7th Avenue Extension Area and the State Game Lands. PSP, Elkland Search and Rescue, Pine Creek Search and Rescue, Brockway Ambulance were also on scene. The lost hunter was found without any injuries or incidents.

The firefighters of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company at the their December meeting, decided to go ahead and order a much needed 4 x 4 utility side by side piece of equipment. This unit will be a great asset assisting in transporting firefighters to areas where we cannot take our larger equipment, down power lines, down trees, evacuations, snow removal around water sources, 4th of July, Tri County Gun Bash, Family Day in the Park and other events in the area and  traffic control just to name a few. The Department was notified also that night that the VSI Foundation would help with funding the unit. The unit will be delivered sometime late December, early January pending installation of the accessories.

The membership also discussed designing and purchasing an enclosed trailer that they could store and transport the utility side by side. The Department decided to reach out to the Local clubs to see if they could help out with the purchase of this trailer. This trailer would serve numerous functions besides housing and transporting the side by side. The trailer will be ordered in the near future once the plan and design is finalized. 

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company membership was notified by letter that the Brockway Kaimans  donated $5000 toward the purchase of the new trailer. The membership expressed their appreciation in receiving this money.

The Annual Brockway Kaimans Christmas get together was scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2019 at the Taylor Memorial Park. The weather did not participate with the get together and the event was moved inside at Station 1, Brockway, PA. The kids all had a chance to meet Santa Claus and give them their wish list.

The 4th Annual Fill the Engine was held on December 15, 2019 at Martino’s BiLo. Brockway and Horton Township firefighters asked local residents to help fill their fire trucks with food that would be taken to Station 1, sorted, packed and delivered to the Food Pantries in the Brockway Area. The food drive ran from 10 am to 2 pm. Firefighters were late setting up at Martino’s due to any early morning alarm. The firefighters reported that 3 engines were filled with food making it the best year so far. Plans for the 2020 Food Drive is in the making.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company ended the 2019 year without any serious injuries to any of their members. Safety is a priority at the Station.

Brockway Fire Chief Michael Hoskavich responded to his first alarm of the year on Saturday, January 4, 2020. Mike received a report of an unknown substance running down the hillside near the intersections of Route 219, Bond Street Extensions and Steele Town. Upon further investigation, it was determined that about 120 gallons of home heating oil escaped it’s tank and was running down the road. The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company contained the oil and prevented a lot of it from entering the local waterways. The spill had about a half an hour start on the Department.  Helping on the scene were Jefferson County Emergency Services, Snyder Township EMA, Snyder Township Supervisors, Snyder Township Code Enforcement Officer and DEP. Traffic control was handled by the Brockway Fire Police.  Crews were on scene for over 3 hours and were back at the scene on Sunday to make sure everything was in good shape. Sheetz store in Brockway provided the 1st responders with food and coffee.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company President, Terry Fustine received a check on Wednesday, January 8th from the Varischetti Foundation to put toward the cost of the new 4 x 4 side by side utility vehicle. Nick Hoffman from the VSI Foundation presented Terry with the check.

The newly acquired side by side arrived at Station 1, Brockway on Tuesday, January 14, 2019. Firefighters will spend the next couple of weeks preparing it for service and getting to know the unit.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company was notified on January 16, 2020, that the Brockway Kaimans would like to purchase the trailer for storing and hauling the side by side utility unit. The final drawing on the trailer will be completed in the near future and ordered at that time. The trailer will take approximately 16 weeks to build. The Department is planning on having an open house and an appreciation day for everyone who were involved in the purchase of the side by side and trailer once the project goal is completed. Again, the firefighters of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company expressed their appreciation for the support from the VSI Foundation and the Brockway Kaimans toward this project.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held their annual Firefighters Banquet on January 18, 2020 at Station 1, Brockway.. They celebrated 116 years of  continuous emergency service to the Brockway Boro and Snyder Township areas. The Banquet was held at the Station with over 60 guests and members. Again, the weather played games with us all day. A buffet style dinner was provided to all of those who braved the winter storm that hit the area. Certificates were handed out to the active members rewarding them for their years of service. A 20 ounce drinking tumbler with the Fire Department patch was presented to all Brockway Firefighters who attended the Banquet. Officers for 2020 were introduced. Chief Ralph Reed III was honored for his 4 years as Fire Chief. Newly elected Fire Chief Michael Hoskavich and President Terry Fustine presented Ralph with his shield and plaque for his service as Fire Chief. Chief Michael Hoskavich, President Terry Fustine, Deputy Chief Devin Trentini and Vice President Jeff Knapp presented Ralph the award for Firefighter of the Year. A plaque was presented to Ralph and a gift basket was presented to Ralph’s wife in appreciation for his time as Chief.

Chief Ralph Reed III gave his 2019 Fire Report. He reported 133 alarms with over $500,000 fire loss in Brockway Boro and Snyder Township.

Chiefs from Brookville, Dubois, Falls Creek, Horton Township and Warsaw Township attended the Banquet and were thanked for their mutual aid support to the Brockway Area. The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company also thanked all of the guests that attended for their support and encouragement thru out the year. 

The night was filled with reports from the Officers, certificate presentations, excellent food and numerous door prizes.

The Banquet Committee consisted of Derek Bennett, Terry Fustine, William Fustine, Jr., Brad Gankosky, Mike Hoskavich, Jeff Knapp, Jack Knox, Nathan Knox and Emily Wingard.

The Firefighters of the Brockway volunteer Hose company held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Station 1, Brockway.

The firefighters voted to purchase a diesel exhaust system for the truck room. The Exhaust Extraction system reduces the risk of exposure to these unseen  and deadly bi products. After evaluating the aforementioned criteria of the top manufacturers, the members felt that Plymovent is the most effective system that would eliminate these risks and hazards to our personnel. The cost of this project would be $12,225.00 per apparatus, with a grand total of $61,125.00.

With safety of our personnel as the number one priority, it is imperative that we move forward with the purchase of this system to equip each of our apparatus with effective and reliable emission mitigation. Understanding the significant cost of this project, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company is continuing to have fund raisers to help pay for the system.

Over the last year, the Glen and Ruth Mengle Foundation has generously donated $12,225.00 toward this capital project. The members of the Brockway Fire Department have been able to raise $15,406.00, through various fundraisers. These fundraisers were designated toward the purchase of this system, bringing the total amount of funds raised to $27,631.00.

Installation of the system should start as early as April, 2020.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company also made a decision to purchase a 8 ft. by 20 ft. Car*Mate enclosed trailer. This trailer would serve multiple purposes. The trailer will house the side by side utility unit and will be able to transport it to the scene when needed. The trailer was also designed so that the members will be able to use the unit on the 4th of July, National Night Out, Family Day in the Park to serve food, sale t shirts and to hand out Fire Safety Information. The Company will also place this trailer on their man street lot to sale donuts and gun bash tickets etc. 

The unit is also set up so that the firefighters can use this at the scene of an emergency alarm as a Command Center and also as a cooling down warming up unit. The trailer will be delivered sometime in June of this year. The Brockway Kaimans donated $8500 dollars toward the purchase of this project with the Brockway SOI donating $500 dollars. Again, the members of the Fire department will continue to sell the Gun Calendars, the Tri County Gun Bash tickets, hold their monthly donut sales and have other fund raising events to help pay for the unit.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company were informed of the COVID 19 Pandemic that struck the United States.

The Officers of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company met with other Emergency Responders on March 18, 2020 to start preparing a Special Response Guideline and Risk Mitigation Plan.

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, Chief Michael Hoskavich issued a COVID 19 Special Response Guideline and Risk Mitigation Plan to ensure our responders as well as the people we serve are protected as we navigate this ongoing crisis.

The Pandemic Risk Mitigation Plan and COVID-19 Special Response Guideline are in effect as of March 21st, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice.

The Pandemic caused the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company members to cancel their April 14, 2020 Monthly Company and Relief Meeting. The Executive Board had a conference call on that date and approved paying of any utility bills and any bills for items that were approved by the membership.

Donut Sales for April and May have been cancelled with a possible sale on June 7, 2020.

One of the items in the plan was to reduce the amount of firefighters at the Station at one time during non-emergency situations. The Plan asks that all members not to come to the Station unless it is for an emergency alarm or essential business. We also ask that all family members and residents not enter the building at this time until the pandemic has passed.

The firefighters also took precautionary measures to keep members, equipment and items at the Station, sanitized during this Pandemic time. Disinfectants, cleaners and supplies were bought to clean and disinfect all areas of the Stations. Masks, gloves and gowns were also stockpiled.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company was busy on Friday, April 17, 2020 when a fast moving snow storm hit the Brockway Area dumping 4 to 5 inches of snow. The firefighters answered 4 alarms in a 1 hour time limit for vehicle wrecks and trees down.

The Brockway Firefighters met on May 12, 2020 for the first time since the COVID 19 Pandemic hit the area. The meeting room was set up for social distancing and sanitizing wipes were available for all members to use.

The Company’s side by side was placed in service and the new trailer for hauling the side by side was also delivered to the Station.

Special thanks to Curt Brennan and Allegheny Electric Service for upgrading our apparatus bay lighting to LED. It’s a tremendous upgrade in brightness and will also lower utility costs throughout the year

Firefighters from Brockway Station 1 and Horton Township Company 7 participated in training at the Dubois Fire grounds on Saturday and Sunday, May 30 and 31, 2020. Truck 1, Engine 1 and Engine 72 were used during the training with Rescue 1 used as a back up. Brookville Fire Department stood by at Station 1 on Sunday  at Station 1. Hose pulls, hand ladders, air masks, water supply, hose lays, apparatus and aerial placement were practiced during the 2 days at the Training grounds. Over 30 firefighters participated in the 2 day event.

Jefferson Emergency Office of Emergency Services contacted the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and the Snyder Township Emergency Management Agency about testing the weather sirens on a monthly basis.

Both weather sirens at Station 1, Brockway and Snyder Township Building will be tested monthly on the first Monday of each month immediately following the fire siren tests at 7pm starting on July 6, 2020.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held their donuts sale on Saturday, July 4, 2020. We sold donuts from our new trailer on our Main Street site. This was the best donuts sale we had in a long time. We could not keep up to the requests for donuts on a very hot beautiful day.

The 4th of July Patriotic Program was held at Station 1, Brockway at 11 AM on Saturday, July 4, 2020. The Program was held at the Station because of the Covid 19 closing of the park. The program was recorded and can be viewed on the Hose Company website.

Brush 1 and the Utility 1 stood by at Fremer’s Mold Shop for the 4th of July Fireworks. The fireworks were moved to the Route 28 area from the Park area because of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The weather sirens at the Snyder Township Building and Station 1 were tested on Monday, July 6, 2020 immediately following the fire siren/pager test. These sirens will be tested every month on the 1st Monday of the month at around 19:05 hours.

On September 9, 2020 the members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company were informed of the passing of a Brother Firefighter.

It is with an extremely heavy heart that the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company announces the passing of our brother, Fire Police Captain Bennie V. Bortle. With over 20 years of active service, Fire Police Captain Bortle was actively involved in all aspects of our organization and will be greatly missed. Gone but never forgotten.

September 12, 2020 the Brockway Volunteer Hose held a live burn training on Route 28, Snyder Township. The house was donated by David Byler. Agencies from Clearfield, Elk and Jefferson participated in the training. Different scenarios were conducted on the structure before the structure was burnt to the ground. The Brockway Volunteer Hose thanked everyone who was involved with the training.

Sunday, October 4, 2020 was the start of the National Fire Prevention Week. The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company started the day with the sale of their fresh homemade donuts. The donuts were sold from their new trailer on the Main Street Lot starting at 7 AM. These donuts are sold monthly by the firefighters on every 1st Sunday of the month.

Also at noon that day started the dedication of 2 special projects. The Department purchased a Kawasaki mule side by side earlier in the year and a trailer to transport it.

The Ceremony started with the Reverend Vic Baxter blessing both units. He blessed the units and the firefighters and praised them for what they do for the Community.

Chief Michael Hoskavich went into detail about the Kawasaki mule side by side and  how it will benefit our Community not only as an emergency unit by a non emergency unit as well. Deputy Chief Devin Trentini talked about the skid unit that was purchased for the side by side. It will carry 35 gallons of water and 100 feet of hose.

The Fire Department thanked the Frank Varischetti Foundation for their help in funding this project. Chief Hoskavich also thanked the Fire Department Committee for their hard work that they put into this project.

The other project that was completed this year was the purchase of an utility trailer. The trailer can easily and safely transport the Kawasaki, but it also has removable counter tops so the fire department can use it to sell donuts or at events like the Fourth of July. On the day of the dedication, it was the donut kiosk, with an awning on one side for shade if necessary and flip-up windows opened up for people to come up and buy donuts. The trailer has two sets of lights. One set runs on a generator but the other can run with power from the truck attached to it.

Fire Department President Terry Fustine said that the trailer is as versatile to the community as the ATV.

“We did not want something to use for emergency only,” Fustine said. “We hope we’ll use both units for non-emergencies more than emergencies. We can use them in so many different ways.”

A plaque was placed inside of the trailer thanking the Frank Varischetti Foundation for the support of purchasing this side by side unit.

Another plaque went inside the trailer thanking the groups responsible for funding the unit: Brockway Kaimanns, Brockway Sportsman’s Club, Legends Power Sports, Brockway Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Sons and Daughters of Italy, and the Foradori Insurance Company.

Fire Prevention Week started in Brockway on Sunday, and the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company has a busy week planned.

Brockway Fire Chief Mike Hoskavich said that Fire Prevention Week is very important to every community.

“Fires affect thousands of lives and property every year,” he said. “These losses are sometimes insurmountable. Fire prevention should be practiced every day, but Fire Prevention Week is the time of year when an emphasis is placed on awareness of potential fire hazards in the home.”

The fire department in Brockway updated its website with a little Fire Prevention Week History. It started in 1925 when President Calvin Coolidge established the week in response to fires claiming 15,000 Americans the previous year. Hoskavich said that the emphasis on fire prevention and safety has made Fire Safety Week a success.

The fire department had several suggestions for families in its community. They should check the batteries in smoke detectors, review escape routes and meeting places, inspect the house for electrical hazards, and even conduct family fire drills.

“All of this is vital in the effort to save lives in the event of a fire,” Hoskavich concluded.

The fire department will visit Brockway’s daycare centers to do fire safety presentations. They will also stop in at Brockway Area Elementary School’s kindergarten classes. Some activities are not happening this year due to COVID-19. Other fire departments have activities planned during this time. In addition, Brockway’s annual fund drive letter will go out during the week.

“We are here for our community,” Hoskavich said. “Please do not hesitate to call us if the need arises.”

A brand new flag pole was erected on our Main Street property on December 31, 2020. Yard Works donated the flag pole and Holt Drilling placed the pole into the ground. The flag pole was an Eagle Scout project headed up by Soon To Be Eagle Scout Aaron Gankosky of Troop 40.. The flag pole will have a light installed so that the flag can fly 24 hours a day. The Company thanked Yard Works for donating the flag pole and Holt Drilling for donating their time to install the pole.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company held its election for officers for the year 2021.

The following members were elected for 2021:

Michael Hoskavich, Chief, Devin Trentini, Deputy Chief, Ralph Reed III, Assistant Chief, Steve Preston, Captain, Matt Furlong, Truck Lieutenant, Jesse Martinson, Rescue Lieutenant, Terrance Fustine, President, Jeff Knapp, Vice President, Nathan Knox, Secretary, Emily Wingard, Financial Secretary, Bradley Gankosky, Treasurer, Derek Bennett, Trustee, Paul Delio, Trustee, William Fustine Jr., Trustee and Mark Pisarcik, Trustee.

The membership also voted that night to put the Annual Banquet that is held every year around the 16th of January on hold because of the COVID 19 restrictions.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company ended the year 2020 with 138 emergency alarms. 56 in Snyder Township which amounted to over 40% of the alarms.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2021 the membership appointed Denny Smith as Captain of the Fire Police and Jack Knox as Rescue Captain.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company celebrated 117 years of all volunteer service to the Brockway Area on January 16, 2021. The Department is planning a small get together in the Spring if the COVID 19 pandemic is under control.

Fire Chief Michael Hoskavich appointed a Committee to start and gather information on a new Aerial/Quint on January 12, 2021.

The Chief stated that we are in the early process of purchasing a new Aerial and the Committee was very vital in getting all of the information possible and bringing it back to the membership.

The Truck Committee consists of Devin Trentini,(Chairman), Ralph Reed, Brad Gankosky, Terry Fustine, Mark Pisarcik and Jason Winnings.

January 28, 2021-13 members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company received their first  round of COVID 19 vaccine in Brookville, Pa.

January 29, 2021-the Fire Department received the skid unit for Utility 1 thru a 50/50 match from the Department of Forestry.

On Thursday, January 14, 2021, a  5 year ISO Assessment was conducted at Station 1, Brockway. Chief Michael Hoskavich and President Terry Fustine met with the ISO Representative. Chief Hoskavich presented  all of the information that was requested.  ISO will let notify us of our rating for the next 5 years.

The Annual SCBA and Compressor/Air cascade system recerts have been completed for the year 2021 during the January/February trainings.

The Department was notified in January that they will received an award from the Mengle Foundation for purchasing new SCBA.

On Friday February 5, Station 1 was dispatched to Mt. Daniel’s Road in Snyder Twp. for a working residential fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found the residence to be fully involved in fire. The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company was assisted by Dubois, Falls Creek, Horton Twp., Reynoldsville, Sandy Twp. and Warsaw Twp. Fire Departments at the scene. Firefighters were on scene for over 4 hours with extinguishment and investigation. Brockway Ambulance, Brockway Water Department and PA State Police also assisted at the scene.  A special thanks goes out to Sheetz in Brockway for supplying hot coffee, hot chocolate and hot dogs to all who were on scene. No injuries were reported. The weather and conditions were cold and snowy.

On Saturday, February 20, 2021, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Truck 1 assisted in presenting our nation’s colors for Tpr. Monty Mitchell and his family today. Trooper Monty Mitchell passed away earlier in the week.

Monday, February 22, 2021, members from Brockway and Horton Township attended and completed a CPR/1st Aid Course conducted by Dusan Ambulance. 23 firefighters were present for the class.

Installation of our new Plymovent exhaust removal system in the apparatus bays started on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The project is expected to take about a week to complete. Thank you to ACS for their professional service!

Over the last week and a half, representatives from Plymovent have been onsite installing an automated exhaust capturing system for each of our apparatus. This system all but eliminates harmful, cancer causing contaminates from diesel exhaust.
Over two years in the making, this large scale project could not have been completed without the generous support from the Glenn and Ruth Mengle Foundation. We are ever grateful for the ongoing support received from the Mengle Foundation and all other donors who support our agency year in and year out. The system is now in full operations as of Monday, March 1, 2021.

On Saturday February 27, 2021, firefighters completed the Hazmat Operations class at Station 1. The class was offered to all firefighters in the area on Saturday February 20 and 27, 2021. The classes were well attended.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company received from the Brockway Historical Society the first hose cart that was used by the Toby Fire Company in Brockway. The cart was purchased in the late 1800’s and used by the Toby Fire Company until the Company disbanded. The Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company was organized on January 16, 1904 and used this cart until 1919 when they purchase a Ford Chemical and Hose truck. This Hose Cart was rebuilt in 1974.

The hose  cart will proudly be on display at Station 1 in Brockway, Pa.

The Department had all of the apparatus pumps certified by an outside vendor on April 23, 2021. We are good to go for another 2 years.

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Truck 1, Engine 1 and Brockway Firefighters responded to Falls Creek for a structure fire on Main Street. Truck 1 was positioned on the D side of the building and Engine 1 was on the C side of the building. Firefighters fought the blaze for more than 5 hours. Numerous people loss their place to live and their belongings. A total of 18 Fire Departments and over 100 firefighters fought the blaze in cold and rainy conditions.  No injuries were reported to the occupants and to any of the firefighters.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company members raised the flag on their new flag pole on Friday afternoon, May 14, 2021. This was an ongoing Eagle Scout project that started in 2020. Plans are in the making to landscape the area around the flag pole in the near future. The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company would like to thank everyone who donated in anyway and helped with this special project.

Aerial testing was conducted on Truck 1 on May 18, 2021. The truck met certification and is good for another year.

On May 28, 2021, the truck room cleaning and painting was started. The ceiling was air pressure cleaned on Friday. The walls were scraped and any holes or cracks were filled on Saturday. On Monday, the walls received 1st and 2nd coats of paint. The Firefighters agreed on keeping the same colors as previous. The top was a pale gray with the bottom of the walls being a darker gray. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, the painting of the walls and final clean up was completed. With the addition of the new Plymovent Exhaust system and the cleaning of the ceiling and the painting of the walls, the Department made the room a lot safer and healthier.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company members held their monthly meeting on June 8, 2021 at Station 1. The membership discussed the upcoming 4th of July activities. The Fire Department will be involved with the activities and will also be selling donuts on the 3rd of July from their Utility 1 trailer at the Main Street location. On Sunday, July 4, 2021, the Fire Department will be having an Equipment Display at Station 1 starting at 2 PM. All Fire Departments thru out the area will stage at Station 1 before the parade at 1800 hours. The equipment will be judged according to classifications. Judges’ decisions will be final and the awards will be handed out during the parade route at the end of Taylor Way.

The membership also decided to have the outside south and east walls of the building repaired. Some cracks and peeling of the paint have been noticed. The Contractor will install galvanized hat channel/furring on the walls of the building. He will install 3/4 polystyrene insulation between the channels of the south and east walls. He will install 29 GA metal panels on the walls with 29 GA-J channels, bases channels, eave trim and necessary flashing/trims in color to match siding. This work is scheduled to begin in the near future.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the Dubois Community Days Parade held on Saturday, June 12, 2021. The firefighters received 1st Award for Brush Truck.

The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company traveled to Brookville on Saturday, June 19, 2021 to participate in the Laurel Festival parade. Truck 1 won 1st place for Best Appearing Aerial Apparatus.

On Wednesday, June 23, 2021, the members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company placed the original1898 Hose Cart on the loft above the Radio/Office room. This piece of History will be proudly displayed there for everyone to view. It is nice to have it back home.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the annual 4th of July Celebration held in Brockway. On Saturday, July 3, 2021. the firefighters sold donuts, gun bash tickets, gun calendar tickets and T shirts in the morning from their Main Street trailer did traffic control for the foot race. Firefighters sold out on their donuts with a total of 188 dozens donuts sold.

On Sunday, July 4, 2021, The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company  had open house thru out the day, sponsored an equipment display at Station 1, had refreshments and food for all and attended the annual parade at 6pm. They finished the day by standing by for the Fire Works and lighting up the intersections in the Boro of Brockway. The activities for the day went on without any major incidents. Cash awards were given to the Fire Departments that won their respect categories during the parade route.

The Tri County Gun Bash was held at the Falls Creek Eagles Nest in Warsaw Township on Saturday, July 10,2021. Fire Departments from Brockway, Falls Creek, Horton Township, Penfield. Sandy Township and Sykesville and members from the Falls Creek Eagles put on the Gun Bash. This is the 7 th year for the Gun Bash and has been a real success for all departments that were involved. This was the biggest and most successful Gun Bash to date. The Tri County Gun Bash will be held again on July 9 of 2022. The Departments would like to everyone who supported the Gun Bash and to those people who donated their time.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company received a check for $20,000 at the Snyder Township monthly meeting on July 29, 2021. The Snyder Township Supervisors presented the check to Fire Department President Terry Fustine and Deputy Chief Devin Trentini. Both Fustine and Trentini thanked the Supervisors for their generous donation. This money was from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The American Rescue Plan Act has initiated the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds to provide resources to organizations affected by the pandemic. Both Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Officers explained to the Board the project the money was going to be used for that was affected by the loss of revenue due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

On Friday, September 3rd, the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company was awarded a FEMA Assistance to Firefighter grant to update and replace ventilation equipment on our equipment. With some of our current equipment nearing 40 years old, this will provide a much needed update that will serve our community for years to come.
Local, State and Federal Grants, as well as community support play a large part in our ongoing process of equipment and apparatus upgrades which allow us to stay at the cutting edge of fire and rescue technology.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company attended and participated in the September 11th Memorial Concert (A Concert of Remembrance). This special event was held at the St. Tobias Church in Brockway on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 1:30 PM. The Directors and Chairmen of this special memorial, that is in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, 20 years ago, and to the 13 service men who gave their lives recently in Kabul and all the service men who have died in the 20 year war with Afghanistan, wish to thank all of the Community who came to share this sacred date in our nation’s history and to those in the tri-county area who worked to make ths remembrance concert a success. The concert Director and Producer was Barbara Warmblier Whitehouse. Firefighters from the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company and Horton Township Fire Department attended the 2 hour program. Brockway Truck 1, Engine 1 and Company 7 Engine 72 were parked in front of the Church during the 2 hour program.  This was a concert that shared beautiful music, poetry and prayer to honor the victims of September 11, 20 year ago.

BROCKWAY — Fire stations were called out to a working structure fire around 3:30 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2021 in Snyder Township to the “Just for Jesus” Outreach Ministry Center and homeless shelter. Fire was coming out the windows and doors when firefighters arrived. Nobody was in the structure and firefighter when to work to quickly extinguisher the flames. Route 28 was shut down so water could be shuttled via tankers from Keith Pond on Route 28 and a fire hydrant in the Boro of Brockway, 4th Avenue. The fire was knock down quickly but fire got into the many false ceilings and worked it way thru the roof. Firefighters from Jefferson County, Clearfield and Elk County assisted the Brockway Firefighters. Firefighters were on scene for over 5 hours. American Red Cross, Brockway EMS and PA State Police Fire Marshal assisted at the scene. The Church and Office were declared a total loss. No injuries were reported.

Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the National Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, 2021. The theme for Fire Prevention Week, was Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety. An Open House was held at the Station on October 3, 2021 along with our Monthly Donut Sales.

Firefighters attended fire preventions at the schools and also had some of the younger grades come to the Fire Station 1 for show and tell.

Fire Prevention Week ended with a dinner for all members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Station 1. The dinner was well attended.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company participated in the Annual Halloween Trick or Treating on Sunday, October 31, 2021. The members of the Fire Department provided free hot chocolate to all trick or treaters from their trailer at the Main Street location. The Fire Department handed out over 425 cups of hot chocolate in a 2 hour period.

At our 2021 November meeting the 2022 Officers were elected. The results are as follows:               

• Chief: Mike Hoskavich
• Deputy Chief: Devin Trentini
• Assistant Chief: Ralph Reed
• Truck Captain: Matt Furlong
• Rescue Captain: Jack Knox
• Rescue Lieutenant: Jesse Martinson
• President: Terry Fustine
• Vice President: Jeff Knapp
• Secretary: Nathan Knox
• Treasurer: Brad Gankosky
• Trustees: Mark Pisarcik, Paul Delio

The Knox Boxes are now available for all residents and businesses. The Fire Department informed Brockway Boro and Snyder Township Officials about the Knox Box program and how important they are to the Fire Department and business and private owners. Toby Terrace on Main Street was the 1st one to install a Knox Box. It is on  the B Side of the building. This can save the Fire Department a lot of time by not having to wait for a key holder and it offers fast and secure emergency access.  It will eliminate needless, costly forced entry damage that may not be covered by your insurance deductible, assures immediate building entry by firefighters without delay or waiting for building keys, protect inventory, equipment and supplies from unnecessary water damage caused by delayed sprinkler shut-off. Over the last 40 years, Knox Box has been the chosen solution in more that 14,000 communities nationwide. Snyder Township installed a Knox Box on the Township Building A side and the Brockway Historical Museum installed one one the A side of their building.

The Total Calls for service for 2021 were 129 with $445,000 fire loss in Snyder Township and $0 in Brockway Borough. No serious injuries were reported for the year.

A decision was made at the January 11, 2022 meeting, to postpone the 2022 Annual Firefighters Banquet that was scheduled for January 15, 2022. Because of the fluctuations in infection rates in the COVID 19 pandemic, the members were concerned with the welfare of the membership and guests.

A breakfast was held on January 15, 2022 at Station 1 for all members, to celebrate 118 years of all volunteer emergency services to the Brockway/Snyder Township area. The Officers felt that since we postponed the 2022 Annual Banquet we should have a small get together to honor the date of January 16, 1904, when the Brockwayville Volunteer Hose Company was organized. The members were served pancakes and sausage and the breakfast was well attended. The temperature that morning was a cold minus 21 degrees at the Station and all enjoyed the fireplace.

The Truck Committee visited KME in December and reviewed their aerial offerings. The Committee will be evaluating Smeal and Spartan information in the upcoming months. The Committee wants to have a manufacturer selected by early April, 2022.

Training night was held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Station 1. The topic was High Tension electrical wires.

The Membership at the February 8, 2022 meeting voted to reinstate the Junior Firefighter program due to the interest from some younger residents in the Brockway/Snyder Township Area. The Department was very much in favor or this program and getting some new and younger blood into the Department. The Junior Firefighter program policy was reviewed and updated before any Junior Firefighters were admitted for membership.

The Fire Chief reported that five firefighters from Brockway Volunteer Hose Company achieved Fire Fighter II Certification.

Brockway Firefighters attended the yearly Hazmat training that is mandatory in order to respond to any emergency calls. The training was held at Brockway, Station 1 on January 22 and February 19, 2022. Good attendance at both trainings.

The Company approved at the February meeting the following equipment to be ordered: 1200 feet of 5 Inch LDH, 2 Elkhard Ram XD monitors and 2 TFT Ball Value Intakes.

The Boy Scout project was approved by the membership at the February monthly meeting. The 2 bathrooms in the Training room will get painted, install new sinks, cabinets, mirrors and exhaust fans. Boy Scout Troup 40.

The 1st Donut Sale of the year 2022 was held on March 6, 2022 at our Main Street lot from the trailer. All the donuts were sold out by 10:30. Weather was great for the 1st sale of the year.

Training night was held at Station 1 on Monday, March 7, 2022. Training topic was Electric Vehicles. 

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company membership approved the recommendation of the Truck Committee at their April monthly meeting to have KME be the manufacturer for our new 79 foot Aerial Apparatus. The Truck Committee will be meeting on a regular basis so that we can order the truck by the end of summer or early fall.

Yard Works from Brockway, started the first week in April on the 5 year project at our Main Street location where the Fire Department sign is located. The sidewalk was torn up and replaced with new cement on Friday, April 15, 2022. A decorative wall was also installed in front of our sign by the new side walk. More improvements will be coming to that location in the near future. The members of the Brockway Volunteer Hose Company would like to thank Yard Works for donating their time, supplies and expertise for this project.

The 2nd Donut sale of the year was held on April 3, 2022 from our Main Street lot. The cold, rainy, snowy weather did not affect the sale of donuts. We sold out by 11 AM.

Training night was held at Station 1, Brockway on April, 4, 2022. The topic was Natural gas.

The Brockway Volunteer Hose Company hosted a PSP Fire Marshall Training at the Station 1 on April 11, 2022 at 1800 hours for all area Fire Chiefs.

Members of the Department attended the Career Fair at the Brockway Area High School on April 13, 2022.

The Gun/Cash Calendars Committee reported that we sold around 1784 calendars for 2022. This was the best year that we had in calendar sales. The Committee thanked everyone who bought a calendar and all of those members who sold calendars. Plans for the 2023 Gun/Cash calendars will be coming in the near future. The Department is looking for new sponsors for 2023.

The Tri County Gun Bash Committee reported that the sale of tickets for 2022 is going good. The Gun Bash will be at the Eagle Nest Lot on July 9, 2022. Early bird drawing was held on April 23, 2022 at the Falls Creek Eagles. Contact any member for tickets.

The Boy Scout Project updating the 2 bathrooms in the Training room was recently completed. The project consisted of new paint, sinks, cabinets, mirrors and exhaust fans. The membership was totally pleased and thankful for the work that was completed. The work was done by Boy Scout Troop 40.

The 3rd Donut sale of the year was held on Sunday, May 1, 2022. Donut sales were interrupted by an emergency call around noon. Sales were good even with the cold and rainy day.

Training night was held on Monday, May 2, 2022. The Fire Department utilized Rescue 1 and  practiced 1 3/4  and 5 inch hose lays and drafting situations. The new ground monitor was demonstrated to all firefighters who attended the training. Water was drafted from the creek on Sugar Hill Bottom Road.

The 4th Donut sale of the year was held on Sunday, June 5, 2022, The firefighters sold out of donuts by 9:30 AM.

Station 1 and Elk 7 took advantage of a beautiful evening on Monday June 6, 2022 to sharpen our rural water movement operations. Rescue 1 was able to flow 1000gpm utilizing 70′ of hard suction and a floating strainer, while Engine 7 worked from a turbo draft sustaining 500+ gpm. In a rural area such as ours, the ability to draft water from streams and ponds is incredibly important when hydrants aren’t available

On Monday, June 13, 2022, work was started on the south and west outside walls of the Station. The walls will have foam installation installed and covered with metal panels. The work is expected to last a couple of weeks. This project was funded by ARP money from Snyder Township. The walls after 45 years were starting to show a little wear and tear. The insulation and metal panels should help preserve the blocks and help with heat and moisture inside the building.

Work was completed on the exterior walls on June 29, 2022. President Terry Fustine presented the Snyder Township Supervisors with a Completion Project report on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the monthly Township meeting. He thanked the Board of Supervisors for their financial support for the project.

The June meeting was held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Station 1. President Terry Fustine called the meeting to order at 1900 Hours. Chief Michael Hoskavich and Deputy Chief Devin Trentini presented to the membership the proposal for a new 2024 KME 79 Foot Aerial Cat Quint. A power point was presented to the members that explained the truck specs, why we should replace current truck, buildings and businesses in town that require an aerial, ISO insurance rating with an aerial, selling the current truck, financing the new 2024 truck and what the Committee has been doing for the last year. The floor was then opened to questions and comments. After all questions were answered, President Terry Fustine put the 2024 Truck project to the floor for approval. A motion was made to buy the 2024 KME Aerial and properly seconded. The Company approved the motion by a roll call vote.