Engine 1 was dispatched as part of the "working fire dispatch", assisting Company 66 (Lancaster Township) on the commercial building fire on S. Queen St., just south of the Lancaster City line.  Upon making the response, smoke and the glow from the fire could be seen from New Danville. The former Penn Glass building was found to be heavily involved upon arrival of the first units, and the majority of the suppression was handled by truck companies in aerial operations  We were assigned to lay a 5" line to a hydrant on New Danville Pike, the long lay was completed by Lancaster City engine 64-2.  The 55 crew remained on scene until approx. 0330.  .

The 55 crew held the traditional Easter weekend Boot Drive on the town square on Friday and Saturday.  Thanks to all who gave, your support is appreciated !

Company 55, assisted by units from 60 (West Willow) and 53 (Conestoga), handled a small stovepipe fire across the street from the old firehouse. Units checked for extension and ventilated the residence.

The 55 crew handled a small brush fire to the rear of a farm on the 100 block of Long Lane in the first due.  This fire originated at a pile of ashes that had been removed from a wood burning appliance.  NDFC reminds all to be careful with ashes, as even though they may appear cool, there could still be burning coals present.  Use a metal container with a lid to remove ashes, and allow them to cool for a day or two before dumping them onto dry vegetation.

County communications contacted Chief 55 on Friday evening and advised him that they received a call from a Long Lane resident, requesting assistance with a cat that had fallen into a well.  Several members responded to the address with the Rescue Engine to render assistance.  The cat had fallen into an old cistern along a barn wall, which was accessible through a small opening.  The cat was rescued and was turned over to the homeowner for further care.

Company 55 was requested to assist the Southern Regional Police after it was found that an elderly man had walked away from his home, along Long Lane. 55 units arrived shortly after dispatch, and immediately requested mutual aid to search the area, which included farm fields, wooded areas, and meadows. Numerous area fire companies sent manpower, squads, and ATV's. Red Rose  K9 team, along with numerous other K9 teams and the Middle Creek Search and Rescue team also assisted, along with the LCWC Field Communications Unit.   The area was searched extensively until around 2200, with several units continuing to search until around 0200. The search was resumed on Thursday morning at 0800.  Sadly, the subject of the search was found to be deceased in a field, several hundred yards from his home.

NDFC wishes to express our gratitude to all of the mutual aid companies who assisted, along with the K9 and SAR teams, some of whom responded from a considerable distance.  We also thank numerous area residents who came forward to offer assistance with ground searches, ATV's and food and refreshments for responders. 

NDFC also wishes to express our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Kilheffer.

As a light snowfall covered area roadways, the company responded to back to back vehicle accidents. The first crash was dispatched at 1151, for a report of a vehicle on it's side on the 2200 bl. New Danville Pike. RE 55-1, E 53-1 (Conestoga), EMS 5-3, and SRPD made the response, finding one pickup truck on it's side, with one occupant still in the vehicle. Occupant was found to be uninjured. Vehicle was stablized and folding attic ladders were used to allow the occupant to self extricate. Fire Police from 55 and 53 closed a section of New Danville Pike while units were opeating.  While returning from the New Danville Pike incident, at 1237 hrs. communications alerted units to another vehicle accident on the 400 bl. of Long Lane. RE 55-1, E 53-1, Squad 55-1, SRPD, and Medic 6-12-8 (LEMSA) made the response. RE 55-1 arrived to find a 2 vehicle corner to corner head on crash involving two SUV's, with one injured patient.  Crews assisted with patient care and hazard control, while Fire Police again shut down a section of Long Lane. Units cleared in about an hour.

Photos by Don Shenk, Company 55 photographer

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RE 55-1 responded as part of the first alarm assignment on the 66 (Lancaster Township) dwelling fire on Stockbridge Circle, in the southern end of Lancaster Twp.  D/C 55 happened to be in the area when the call was dispatched, and he arrived quickly, confirming a working fire involving a semi detatched house.  RE 55-1 was the second arriving unit, and the crew was assigned to assist with the primary search, and ventilation. 55 crew was in service about an hour before returning.

Earlier in the day (1045), RE 55-1 was dispatched on a reported house fire on Wilderness Rd. in Lancaster Township.  Upon response to that call, we were immediately redirected to a reported apartment building fire on Chadwick Circle.  Both of these incidents were found to be oven fires that were out upon arrival of first arriving units, and the 55 crew was able to quickly return home to enjoy the Thanksgiving day.

Crews from 55 and 53 (Conestoga) gathered behind Station 55, where younger members from both companies trained on hose line advancement, outside fire attack, and simulated roof ventilation.