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MILLVALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
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501 Lincoln Avenue . Millvale, PA 15209
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412-821-1868
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Millvale VFD Application
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| DEPARTMENT HISTORY |
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On May 23, 1873, the owners of Bennett Mills, Misters Graf and Bennet organized the first fire department in Millvale Borough and called it Franklin Fire Company. Graf and Bennett purchased a horse drawn fire engine and horse carriage at their own expense and intended to erect a building to house the equipment. S.H. Johnston was the first president of the Franklin Fire Company with T.W. Lyons serving as the first Captain.
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| In 1906 the company officially changed its' name to the Millvale Volunteer Fire Department (Millvale VFD), in 1907 the Millvale VFD moved to its' current residence on Sedgwick Street. On January 30, 1920, the Millvale VFD purchased their first motorized vehicle a Brockway pumper made by the American La France Company, at this time the horse drawn equipment was retired along with the horse team, which was pastured at the Bauerline farm. |
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| In 1925,the Millvale VFD purchased its first hook and ladder truck from the Stutz Company, the truck was in service until 1948 when a 75 ft. aerial ladder truck was purchased. Then in 1963 an 85 ft. aerial ladder truck, a Ford squad truck and a new pumper truck were purchased. |
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The Franklin Fire Company disbanded in November of 1875 and was reorganized in January of 1888 with H. Hoehl serving as President and Chief. The equipment was housed on Lincoln Avenue next to what was then the first Ward School. In April 1890, the Franklin Fire Company disbanded for a second time in less than 15 years. In 1892, the company was revived again as the Citizen's Fire Company No. 1. James L. Gardner was elected chief leading the company into the new century.
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The Millvale VFD continues to operate as a volunteer based organization raising funds through raffles, solicitations and fund drives. The Millvale VFD strives to prevent fires, protect property and save lives.
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| FIRE SAFETY TIPS |
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| Where is the best place to place the smoke detector? |
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Place smoke detectors in the corridors leading into bedrooms. Mount the detector in the middle of the ceiling or twelve inches down from the ceiling if mounted on a wall.
If you live in a two-story home, place the detector at the top of the stairwell. Never place the detector close to a kitchen or bathroom. If possible, place a smoke detector on every level of the home.
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| Are carbon monoxide detectors really needed? |
| Absolutely! Carbon monoxide is a silent, deadly killer. Potential carbon monoxide sources in the home are clogged or blocked chimneys, portable heaters, gas or wood burning fireplaces, a leaking chimney pipe or flue, gas clothes dryers, and vehicle exhaust. These detectors are well worth the investment. |
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| What do I do when I see an emergency vehicle approaching when I am driving? |
| Always remember to safely pull your vehicle to the right when you see an emergency vehicle approaching. Never stop in the middle of the road or precede though an intersection against the signals. An oncoming vehicle going through the intersection might not see you in time. Always pull to the right whenever possible. |
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| Why does the fire department punch a hole in the roof of a house when it is on fire? |
| When there is a fire in a closed structure, the fire and smoke build up and move upward until it cannot go up any farther. Smoke travels upward until something stops it like a ceiling or a roof. At this time, the smoke mushrooms outward filling the structure. If the firefighters punch a hole in the roof, the smoke is able to escape. If there are victims inside, this could better enable them to breathe and be more easily located by the firefighters. If the firefighters ventilate the structure, the heat will dissipate and the firefighters can more easily locate the fire and extinguish it. |
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| What is the best kind of extinguisher for my house? |
| A multipurpose fire extinguisher is best for the home. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10B, C on the label. This extinguisher can be used on any type of fire commonly found in the home. It will often be labeled A-B-C. |
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