On Tuesday evening August 19, 2008, the members of the fire department traveled to the Cumberland and Media cemeteries to pay their respects to Firefighters Marion Baker and Morgan Wood, Jr.  Firefighters Baker and Wood are the only 2 members of the Media Fire Company to have died in the line of duty.

        They perished on August 19, 1929, when the pumper upon which they were riding failed to negotiate the left hand turn onto South Middletown Road from Elwyn Road.  The apparatus plunged down the embankment onto what is now the SEPTA R3 line to West Chester.

        After a short memorial service, memorial wreaths were placed by Chief Gibson, III at both gravesites. 

Life Eternal grant unto them Oh Lord,
May Your light perpetual shine upon them,
May they rest in peace.

1) Why are you requesting a donation?

We are a Volunteer Non-profit organization. We do get funding from the state in the form of relief funding. This money can only be used to purchase certain life safety equipment. The relief money is regulated and audited by the state. The state receives this money from out of state insurance carrier fees. We also receive some funding from Media Borough. This money combined is not enough to support our operational needs. This is why we ask for your help.

 

2) What will you use my donation for?

Your donations are used to fill the void in our day to day operational budget. It helps pay for utilities, vehicle repair and maintenance, portable equipment and building maintenance; just to name a few.

 

3) How many times a year are you asking for donations?

We solicit for donations by mail only (we never phone solicit) twice a year once for our Fire fund drive and once for our Ambulance fund drive.

 

4) How does the Fire Company send all that mail? 

We contract with a local agency to design and put our mail piece together and get it to the post office. We pay a per piece price and we supply the mailing agency with the content we would like in our letter and give final approval on the mail piece. The money you donate goes directly into our lock box at the bank and from there into our banking account.  There is no third party involved in receiving your donations. So when you put a little extra in this year the community directly benefits from your generosity.

 

5) How come you do not ask for donations the same time every year every year?

We try very hard to keep things on schedule; however we are volunteers who have family’s, jobs and other obligations here at the fire company. Recently we have revamped our fund raising efforts to try and be as timely as we can. Remember we are always looking for volunteers even if this means you volunteer to help out with just fundraising. 

 

6) Do volunteers get paid? 

No our volunteers do not get paid. They volunteer for many reasons but none are monetary. Some volunteer for the good of the community some because of the feel good sensation and personal satisfaction we get from helping people in need.  The best gift you can give a volunteer is to say thank you and show your support.

7) What goes on at the Fire Station between calls? 

The Fire Company is a place for learning. Our volunteers train here and at professional training institutions. They gain a sense of comradery among other volunteer professionals.  It’s a place for younger and older members to congregate share life lessons and even watch a ball game or a good movie while staying prepared for the any emergency. Our officers are busy planning, teaching and doing the business of the fire company.

 
8) If I do not donate what will happen?

Donors and non-donors alike get the same prompt and professional services you expect and deserve. We don’t discriminate in any way shape or form. We will always come and do our best to protect your life and property.  Remember if you have an emergency dial 911.

 

9) Why don't you demand more money from the state and local government?

We appreciate all of the money we receive from the state and local government. As a non - profit organization and an emergency service provider; we do not want to force higher taxes on our residents as many of us are residents. We fill the budgetary gap through donations that go directly to the operations of the company. Your valuable donations give us the ability to protect our community in an efficient and professional manner.

 

10) How do I join the Media Hook & ladder Fire Company No. 1?

Please contact us either in person or by calling 610-565-3737 extension 30 and an administrator will contact you to set up a time to come by and tour the station and fill out an application for membership.

 

 

 

The Media Fire Company would like to thank all of our past supporters. Without your support, we could not survive. If you are new in the neighborhood, the Fire Company welcomes you. For the residents of Media Borough and its surrounding communities, here are some of the services your 100% volunteer fire department can provide by calling "911":

Fire Protection 
Spill Clean-up
Emergency Medical Assistance 
Vehicle Rescue
C O Monitoring 
Animal Rescue
Emergency Water Removal
Smoke & CO Detector Assistance

The fire company needs the support of the community morally and financially. So, if you see one of the firefighters, please thank them for a job well done, for they willingly give up a good night's sleep, their family dinner, gatherings and much more to help their community when an emergency occurs. Financially, the fire company needs your help. When you receive that fund drive letter, please don't throw it away. Please reach into your pockets and send a donation.

Your Fire Company currently consists of 60 proud men and women. They have completed countless hours of training in the year 2007 and answered over 300 fire emergencies and 1,700 medical emergencies. Training consisted of Medical First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians, Essentials of Firefighting, State and National Certifications and so much more, so that we can continue to give the best emergency service that the community deserves.

If you would be interested in taking the challenge of becoming a firefighter or Emergency Medical Techncian, please call the fire department at 610-565-3738,

Saturday March 22nd 2008. RIT 23 were dispatched to a possible house fire on Kelly Drive, Chadds Ford at approximately 13:30 hours on Saturday. Media initially responded with Snorkel 23 and the assignment was quickly upgraded to a working job after police on the scene reported heavy fire through the roof. Snorkel 23 arrived on location and were put into service pulling shingles and fighting the fire at the rear of the property. Additional manpower was requested and tankers from 59, Chester county 24, 25, 36 and 53 were utilized for water supply. Rescue 23 arrived with additional manpower and RIT support. The fire was contained after approximately 40 minutes and caused significant damage to the roof. Other companies responding include 71, 66 and 52. Good work by all companies. Thanks go to Lima fire company for covering Media.

Company 23 were dispatched to assist Company 73 for a bedroom fire at a residence on the 1000 block of 2nd Avenue, Upper Providence. Upon arrival Squrt 23 was ordered to assist in ventilation operations. Company 73 put a quick knock on the fire and began overhaul. Companies responding: Engine 73 and Quint 73 from Rose Tree, Squrt 23, 23-2, Rescue 23 and ambulance and Medic 23 from Media, Tower 44, RIT and Rescue 53 and ambulance and Medic 104-7D. Good work by all companies.

The following Drager equipment is for sale by the Media Volunteer Fireman's Relief Association (6) Sentinel Pack Frames (6) Radios and chargers (1) Sentinel Command Board (5) PA-80 Pack Frames (1 is a frame only, no regulators on the others) (26) Air Boss Packs (6) Air Boss In-line Pass packs (3) A.L.E. Packs (1) Air Boss Frame only (35) 30 Minute Bottles (34) 45 Minute Bottles (4) 1 Hour Bottles At least 1 mask per pack with many extra ones. 1 Draeger Service Box with parts and reducers for ALE packs No warranty is offered or implied, all devices are for sale to any responsible agency subject to verification. All items are available for inspection at the Firehouse by appointment. Please contact Lou Bellace at 610-565-3737 to make an appointment. Purchaser responsible for all costs of shipping including packaging and permits. May be purchased as a lot or individually.

During the weekly drill, ironically reviewing equipment required for Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) responses, Media Fire Company was dispatched to 194 Kirk Road, Concordville, as the RIT for a residential fire at an unoccupied dwelling. Upon arrival, company 23 quickly went into service, setting up ladders for fire fighters performing interior operations and preparing the relevant equipment for potential use. Company 59 had already knocked a large amount of the fire down when Snorkel 23 arrived and a few members from Media were put to work during overhaul operations. Good work by all companies.

We would like to congratulate Fred Cordova on passing his EMT exam. He is now fully certified and on his way to becoming a crew chief for the fire company. Congratulations & Good Luck Fred !!

Engine 23-2, a 1975 Pierce Oshkosh 1,500 GPM pumper was originally designed as a water supply engine. It was among the first engines in Delaware County capable of moving “big water” to the fireground. It saw service on multiple extra alarms throughout the County such as legendary incidents at the Lester Piano Factory, Springfield High School, Snowdens Department Store, 6th & Welsh and 8th and Welsh Chester City. With 5” LDH and 1,500 GPM pumps becoming standard in the 1990’s, the apparatus was modified several times to provide it with greater versatility as a back-up attack pumper. In August of 2007, after 32 years of active, loyal service to Media Borough and surrounding communities, the engine was donated to the Airville Volunteer Fire Company in York County, Pennsylvania. At Airville, an area with limited hydrant service, it will return to serving one of its original design functions as a water supply pumper where in many cases it will be providing water supply from draft. As a drafting engine, it has supplied over 2,200 GPM in an initial acceptance test. The apparatus has been designated as engine 55-3 and its original yellow paint job has been maintained.

On Monday January 21, 2008, the fire company was pleased to host a contingent of Media Elementary School students that were performing community service as an element of the 13th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King day of service. Although their initial plan was to wash fire apparatus, the 20 degree temperatures of the day prevented that from occurring. As an alternative, they provided diligent effort in sweeping out the apparatus bays and cleaning the stairways to the second floor meeting room facilities. They ended their day with a short fire safety education presentation by Chief Ed Gibson, III that concluded with a practice session of STOP-DROP

Congratulations to Alicia Lombardozzi and Katie McCusker for their recent certifications as PA State EMT-Bs. We would also like to congratulate Ed DiRocco and John Haungs for successfully completing the American Red Cross Emergency Responder course.

This morning at 0919 hours Ambulance 23 was dispatched to E Baltimore Ave and Radnor Street for a Motor Vehicle Accident reported to be one overturned. Upon arrival of 23-7 they were advised by Fireboard that the Police were requesting the Fire Department for an unknown reason and were unsure if there was entrapment. The crew from 23-7 quickly determined there was no entrapment and the fire company was being requested for hazard control and fluids on the highway. After checking both vehicles involved it was determined that there were two injuries and a second ambulance was requested to the scene. At this time Squrt 23 arrived and started to handle the fluids on the highway. After further evaulating the patients it was determined that 23-7 would transport both patients to Riddle. Units on scene were 23-7, Squrt 23, M23.

This morning at 09:11 Companies 73, 23, 41 for Ladder and Ambulance 41 and Ambulance 69 were dispatched to 1243 N Providence Road the Rose Tree Inn Restaurant for a Building Fire. While units were responding the Police went on location reporting a medium smoke condition in the building. Quint 73 went on location followed by Squrt 23 and found the source to be a grease pit. Two fans were set up to remove the smoke from the building. Once it was found that there was no fire the assignment was held to 73 and 23 and 41 and 69 were cancelled. Units on scene were Squrt 23, Quint 73 and 23-7

This morning at approximately 1010am Ambulance 23 and Medic 23 along with Companies 51 (South Media), 65 (Garden City), 67 (Woodlyn) and Medic 102B (Taylor) were dispatched to the Blue Route (Interstate I476) at mile marker 2.6 for an accident with injuries. Ambulance and Medic 23 went responding within minutes and while responding units were advised that there was one subject down on the highway and one trapped in the vehicle. 51-9A arrived just before Ambulance and Medic 23 and advised there was no entrapment and one subject on the highway. A helicopter was requested by the Pennsylvania State Police but was later cancelled due to both patients being transported by ground to Crozer Chester Medical Center.

Ambulance 23 was asked to attend the open house for Garden City Fire Company 65. Ambulance 23-7A attended the event and stood by to show the guests the ambulance and some of the equipment we use. The crew of the ambulance was in attendance for a few hours along with apparatus from Company 51 (South Media), Utility 82 from Chester Fire Department, 45-7A (Parkside) and of course Garden City 65. Some of the features of the night were Chester Fire Departments Fire Safety Trailer and Nether Providence Police Departments K-9 unit. The crew from 23-7A had a great time and would like to Thank Garden City for the invite and the great food afterwards.