Happy New Year and welcome to 2021! The year 2020 has been a challenge for everyone. In order to provide outstanding service to the community the Millersburg Fire Company #1 members had to adapt to changes in operations. As the COVID-19 Pandemic evolved all aspects of operations had to change to provide for the safety of responders and the public we serve. Initially in person training and business meetings were cancelled. As conditions allowed and we adapted, training was brought back online which included on-line courses, and in person training; business meetings were conducted in the apparatus bays to allow for social distancing. Unfortunately we had to cancel some of our public service events like the Cherry Blossom Festival, Riverfront Fireworks, and School Fire Safety Days. The company invested in the safety of our membership by purchasing face coverings, hand sanitizer, cleansing wipes and the procurement of two Ultra-Violet Decontamination lamp assemblies for use in the apparatus and station.
The company made an investment by completing the refurbishment project of Engine 20 to extend the Engine’s service life another 10 years. The refurbishment included corrosion control, mechanical work, replacement of seat belts, installation of new SCBA seats, replacement of compartment doors, installation of LED Lighting and painting of the apparatus.
Last year the company responded to 182 calls. Responses included 43 calls in Millersburg Borough; 103 calls in Upper Paxton Township; and 17 calls for mutual aid to surrounding communities.
Members spent a total of 4498.31 documented man hours expended on calls and training and another 407 man hours spent on monthly business meetings. There are many more undocumented hours spent by our volunteers doing random chores around the firehouse.
The top 15 responders for 2020 were:
1. Douglas Snyder, Fire Chief, 151 calls
2. Sean Grimm, Chief 203, 146 calls
3. Paul Enders, Firefighter, 118 calls
4. Dave Martin, Driver, 112 calls
5. John Moran, Firefighter, 95 calls
6. Mike Sedesse, Fire Police Captain, 95 calls
7. Ty Wrobbel, Junior Firefighter, 91 calls
8. Hannah Myers, Junior Firefighter, 90 calls
9. Daniel Oxenrider, Firefighter, 82 calls
10. Stacey Rickert, Fire Police, 79 calls
11. Ashton Snyder, Chief 202, 78 calls
12. Mark Koppenhaver, Chief 201, 77 calls
13. Clarissa Martin, Firefighter, 77 calls
14. Joe Smey, Lieutenant, 74 calls
15. Todd Etzweiler, Firefighter, 69 calls
The Millersburg Fire Company #1 is all volunteer and is continuously recruiting new members to assist as Firefighters, Drivers, Fire Police and support personnel. Junior Firefighters must be at least 16 years of age. For more information call 717-692-2121 and leave a message or stop by the firehouse.
