On the morning of Jan. 1, members gathered at the fire house to conduct our annual locker assignments, equipment checks, mask test fit, and SCBA review. We would like to thank all who participated and help with all the work.The officers for the year 2010 are as follows:

Chief: Frank Ballek Jr.                                         Deputy Chief: Ray Morris

1st Asst. Chief: Bill Kelly Sr.                               2nd Asst. Chief: Chris Lucas

1st Captain: Joey Moran                                     2nd Captain: Steve Connors

1st Lieutenant: Charlie Carter                           2nd Lieutenant: Brian Lucas

Crewleader: Mike Moriarty                                 Crewleader: Matt Szelestei

Just after dark at 17:25 hrs. Sta. 51 along with Kent County Medic's and Trooper 4 were dispatched to an MVC with rollover and ejection with subject pinned under the vehicle at 259 Judith Rd. Command 51 with Fire Chief Frank Ballek Jr. soon went responding as well as Engine 51-3 under the command of Dep. Chief Ray Morris and a crew of 6 and Amb. A-51. While responding Kent Center advised of a pick-up truck rolled onto its side with a subject pinned under the vehicle. Command 51 went on location and established Judith Rd Command, soon after Rescue 51-6 under the command of Past Chief Jim Fox Jr.  with a crew of 5. Engine 51-3 arrived at 17:33 and was instructed by Command to stabilize the vehicle and remove the glass. The vehicle had come to rest on the driver's side and had pinned the ejected subject under the "B" post. Upon arrival of Rescue 51-6 Command had it's crew assist with using Junkyard Dog Struts to further stabilize and ready the Hurst equipment for extrication. Engine 51-5 under the command of Past Chief Steve Connors with a crew of 4 arrived soon after and assisted crews with extrication. Before extrication on the cab could begin crews utilized high pressure air bags to lift the truck off of the patient, crews used o-cutters and mavericks to completely remove the roof of the truck. Soon after the patient was removed at 17:56 Hrs. and placed on a backboard where KC Medic's pronounced the patient. Crews soon began to pick up equipment and await DSP FAIR Team, Command soon released the A-51, 51-5, and 51-6. 51-3 remained on scene to await the arrival of DEL-DOT. Upon DELDOT's arrival Command turned the scene over to DSP and DELDOT, the last 51 unit cleared at 18:48. 37 members responded to the alarm. Units on scene: 51-3, 51-6, 51-5, A-51, 51 Fire Police, KC Medics, DSP, and DELDOT.

Story By: Mike Moriarty              Pictures By: Frank Ballek Sr.

This Sunday morning our company held a viable high angle rescue drill, our scenario was a hunter with a medical emergency in a tree stand. Members gathered at the firehouse at 08:30 hrs where they were given the scenario and prepare. The drill was simulated to be as if it were a real alarm, the scenario was held at Amb. Capt. and Amb. Lt. Ed and Linda Lewis’s residence. Command 51 with Capt. Brad Gosch responded as well as Brush 51-9 with Lt. Brian Lucas, A-51 with EMT Amanda Maguire, KM 9, And Rescue51-6 with Crew Leader Mike Moriarty. Command 51 arrived on location and established Butter pat Rd Command and reported the patient off the roadway about 100 yards in a tree stand. Units were staged at the residence due to the ground being too soft, 4x4 trucks were utilized to transport equipment manpower. The ambulance crew made patient contact and EMT Billie Fisler stabilized the patient, rescue crews arrived soon after and begun to access the situation. Command placed Lt. Brian Lucas as the extrication officer, Dep. Chief Ray Morris played the role of Kent Center, Chief Ballek as safety officer and Asst. Chief Chris Lucas as accountability officer. It was decided that Firefighter/EMT Amy Morris and Crew Leader Mike Moriarty would be the rescuers, crews worked to assemble a lowering system as well as a safety line in the trees above. The rescue crew put a class 3 harness on the patient as well as a KED (Kendrick Extrication Device) to support his neck and back. Firefighter Mark Maguire, Chief Ballek, and Lt. Brian Lucas worked the main lowering line as well as the two tag lines, while Firefighter Frank Ballek Sr worked the safety line. Crews worked together quickly and efficiently and extricated the patient in 1 hour and 7 minutes. Soon after crew’s packed up equipment and headed to the firehouse for lunch and a critique. Great work done by all, Special thanks to Ed and Linda Lewis for using their property and to our patient Travis Dixon.
 
Story By: Mike Moriarty            Pictures By: Tony Tiparod, Linda lewis, and Frank Ballek Sr.

On Monday September 28, 2009 at 0319hrs Station 51 was dispatched for an unknown MVC on Fords Corner.  Command went responding with Asst. Chief Kelly.  Minutes later E51-3 went responding with Asst. Chief Lucas and a crew of 7.  Kent Center advised command that a patient was going to be located at a residence on Fords Corner Rd. and that the vehicle was going to be on Bear Pond Rd. just off Butterpat Rd.  Command arrived on scene with the patient and E51-3 went onto the scene.  E51-3 arrived on scene to find a single car next to a utility pole with the pole being broke 20ft up and a subject still in the vehicle.  Rescue 51-6 went responding with Captain Moran with a crew of 7.  Crew from E3 began securing the vehicle and patient assessment.  It was found that the driver of the car walked over a mile to call for help while the passenger was thrown from the vehicle crawled back into the car to await help.  E3's officer advised command to start ALS and Aviation.  A51 and C51 arrived on scene and began packaging both patients for transport to hospitals.  R51-6 arrived and crews from E3 and R51 assisted with the loading of the patients.  Due to the extended travel time of KM7 and Trooper 4 A51 started towards KGH to meet ALS.  C51 also requested ALS so KM5 was started as well.  E3 left the scene to set up the LZ in the area of Hourglass Rd. and Halltown Rd.  KM7 met A51 in the area and decided to fly the patient to CER.  Trooper 4 landed and transported 1 patient to CER while C51 transported the other to KGH with half of KM7.  Units on scene Command 51, E51-3, R51-6, A51, C51, KM7, KM5, Trooper 4, and Station 51 Fire Police,

On Sept. 19th the company participated in the 89th annual DVFA conference parade.  We had 30 members attend the parade.  After long hours of hard work and preparation we took home five trophies. 5th best appearing marching unit without music, 3rd best appearing  Rescue, 2nd best appearing pumper 1981-present, best appearing pumper 1951-1980 and best appearing Miss Fire Prevention Queen.  Everyone did a great job and should be proud of what we did!!

More Pictures to follow

On Wednesday September 9, 2009 at 2100hrs the station was requested to assist 45-15 in the parking lot for a lock out.  As station 51 was gathering equipment to perform the rescue 55-15 and 56-15 had situation under control and released 51 units.

 It is with the deepest regret that the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company announces the passing of Past President Clinton “Cubby” Morris. Cubby joined the Fire Company in August of 1978 as an original Jr. Member and worked through the ranks to become President from 2001-2003 and from 2005-2007. Cubby held many positions in the Fire Company, through the years including Chief Engineer, Vice President, served on the board of trustees and was a Life Member. Cubby was an active member of the department until his passing. Services are as follows: Viewing from 1100hrs to 1300hrs on Sunday September 13, 2009 at Station 51.  Funeral services starting at 1300hrs on Sunday September 13, 2009 at Station 51. Cubby will be laid to rest at the Templeville Cemetery following the Funeral. This will be a full fireman’s funeral. Any department wishing to bring apparatus please contact 2nd Assistant Chief Chris Lucas at 302-242-6711.

On the rainy afternoon of June 5th at 13:51 hrs, Sta. 51 along with KC Medic's and Trooper Medic's were dispatched to an MVC with multiple patients with possible entrapment at the intersection of Lockwood Chapel Rd and Arthursville Rd. Engine 51-3 soon responded with a crew of (4) under the command of 51-20 ( Capt. Joey Moran), while responding Kent Center advised a tractor trailer was involved with (3) patients and possible entrapment. Ambulance A-51 arrived before the Engine and began patient care and advised (3) patients, (2) requiring ALS. Engine 51-3 arrived on scene at 14:00 hrs, they found a compact car in a field as well as a tractor trailer, 51- 20 established Arthursville Rd Command. The crew from 51-3 quickly stabilized the car and began extrication, the crew popped the driver's side door as well as the driver's side rear door. Rescue 51-6 with a crew of (7) arrived soon after and assisted the crew's from 51-3 and Ambulance crew's in removing the patients and transporting them to the ambulance. A total of (3) patients were transported to KGH, (2) of which required ALS. Crews remained on scene to close the road down and await the arrival of tow trucks. A tractor was used to remove the tractor trailer from the mud, the crew from 51-6 cleared the roadway of debris and cleared the scene available. 51-3 remained on scene for a few moments and cleared the scene. The last 51 unit to clear the scene was at 15:24 Hrs. Units On Scene: 51-3, 51-6, A-51, C-51 , DSP, KC Medics, and 51 Fire Police.

Story By: Mike Moriarty                  Pictures By: Frank Ballek Jr.

This Memorial Day at 14:20, Sta. 51 along with KC medics and Trooper 2 Heavy for an MVC with rollover at 1475 Sudlersville Rd. Command 51 soon responded under the command of 51-15 ( Chief Frank Ballek Jr.) Engine 51-3 with a crew of (7) under the command of 51-16 (Dep. Chief Ray Morris) responded right behind Command 51. While en-route Kent Center advised of a single vehicle MVC with rollover, (1) patient. Command 51 arrived soon after and established Sudlersville Rd Command, Command had Engine 51-3 block the roadway and had their crew secure the vehicle and start patient care. 51-3's crew made patient contact and began stabilization. A-51 arrived soon after and assisted with patient care. Rescue 51-6 arrived and command advised to secure the vehicle and clear the roadway of debris. Once the patient was stabilized KC Medic's arrived and made the decision to utilized Trooper 2 Heavy. Crews set up and LZ directly behind the scene and await arrival. The patient was flown to Christiana Hospital. Crews remained on scene for a few minutes and cleared the scene available. The last 51 unit to clear the scene was at 15:42. Units on scene: 51-3, 51-6, A-51, Command 51, 51 Fire Police, KC Medics, and DSP.

Story By: Mike Moriarty          Pictures By: Frank Ballek Sr.

On the evening of May 9th at 22:45 hrs, Sta. 51 and Sta. 45 were dispatched to a reported trailer fire at 3611 Sudlersville Rd. Soon after Command 51 with Asst. Chief Bill Kelly went responding, as well as Engine 51-3 under the command of Chief Frank Ballek Jr. While responding Kent Center advised of a trailer fire with all occupants out of the residence. Command 51 arrived at 22:54 and reported smoke showing from a 15' x 50' manufactured home, and established Sudlersville Rd Command. The fire was the upgraded to a working alarm adding QAC Sta. 6 for the RIT assignment. Command advised Engine 51-3 upon arrival to put an 1' 3/4 handline into service through side "A". Quint 45, under the command of  Capt. Lucas arrived a couple minutes behind 51-3 at 22:58 and was assigned the RIT duties until the arrival of QAC Eng. 6-4. Quint 45's crew set up RIT operations on Side "A" and preformed horizontal ventilation. Once the windows were taken heavy fire vented out from the A/B and B/C corners of the home.Tanker 51 with Dep. Chief Ray Morris arrived soon after and supplied E51-3, T-51's crew preformed a primary search of the structure. Due to heavy smoke and heat conditions Command evacuated the structure, to preform an exterior attack. E45-3 with FF Mike Harrington and a crew of (8) arrived and pulled a back up line to the rear of the structure. Once the fire was knocked down crews went interior to knock the remaining fire and check for extension. Engine 6-4 arrived and took over the RIT duties and 45 units assisted with final extinguishment and overhaul. Command 51placed the situation under control and soon released all 45 units at 00:29, Command 51 released all units with the exception of E51-3. The last 51 unit to clear the scene was at 01:52. The home was a extensively damaged, and the Fire Marshal's Office is investigating. We would like to thank Sta. 56 for providing our cover up while at the scene. Great work done by all! Units on scene: E51-3, T-51, E51-5, R51-6, A-51, Q-45, E45-3, QAC 6-4, FM, and 51 Fire Police.

Story By: Mike Moriarty            Pictures By: Frank Ballek Sr.