Two heavy rain storms came through the area in just over 24 hours and wreaked havoc. Early Tuesday morning, heavy rain began to pound the area, and shortly after it started, so did the calls. First the Water Rescue assignment was sent to Prospect Park for a vehicle stuck in the water. Shortly before responding the assignment was cancelled due to the subject self extricating from the vehicle. Only a short time later, the Water Rescue assignment was once again dispatched, this time to the Holmes section of the Township for another vehicle stuck in the water. The Engine quickly responded, however was cancelled prior to arrival.
 
The remainder of the day was off and on with rain, but the flooding held off. But once again Wednesday afternoon, another huge system came through the area and dumped lots of rain that quickly caused roads to flood, creeks to rise to dangerous levels, and houses to begin to get water in the basement. In the height of the storm, the service calls, or “pump-outs” began to come in. The Engine hit the street and handled a few service calls, navigated around a few impassable flooded roads, and even found that one local alley way had been turned into a river due to a storm drain clogging up. The result was numerous flooded basements. In between all of the service calls, the first due Water Rescue assignment was dispatched to the area of the Gulf Station for a report of two kids in the water. The Engine arrived and the crew began to don PFD’s and ready the throw bags, but it was soon determined that the water was moving to fast for anyone to stay in one spot to long. Rescue 62 and Chief 70A went to the bridge downstream and soon learned that the kids were somehow able to remove themselves from the water and get safely onto the shore. After ensuring the kids were ok, the assignment was returned and the crews went back to pumping out basements for a few more hours. In all, the company handled 9 calls between the two storms.

On Thursday evening, the Engine and Ambulance were requested by Prospect Park to stand-by at Park Square in Prospect Park while the popular local band Blackthorn performed in the park. Numerous other mutual aid fire and EMS units were also on hand covering the event. Thankfully the event went well with no serious incidents occurring. Thank you to Prospect Park for the invite.

After drilling in the early afternoon in 95 degree temperatures, and than enjoying a fine barbeque, the crew got the Marine Units ready and again took the trip up the Delaware for the second fireworks display of the week at Penn’s Landing. Marine 70 returned in time from the shop and was able to make the trip up this week. The two Units meet up with the rest of the crews from various agencies at Wiggins Park in Camden to discuss the event, and get their assignments. The units were assigned the southern part of the river again, and patrolled the area for any emergencies throughout the evening. Once again the event went off without a hitch, and after everyone cleared out, the Marine Units took the long, and this time around, very bumpy ride back to Ridley Township Marina.

This morning the crews from Leedom, Prospect Park, and Ridley Park conducted our bi-weekly drill. The crew gathered behind Leedom school for some Engine operation training, along with ladders, and an SCBA confidence course thrown in for good measure. The crew was broken down into smaller groups and  the teams worked on the aforementioned disciplines and then rotated. The Engine crew worked on dumpster fires while the ladder crew worked on the 24' carries, ladder throws and raises. The SCBA course was going on simultaneously and the crews worked for 2 1/2 hours. Once drill was completed, the men gathered down at Station 70 for a BBQ!

On Thursday evening, the crews from Leedom, Prospect Park, and Ridley Park met up to do engine company operations training. The three crews were split up and placed on different apparatus. The purpose of the drill was to get the different crews to become familiar with each piece of apparatus, mainly their handlines including the way they are packed, nozzle type, and length. The three pieces of apparatus travelled throughout the three towns and completed multiple evolutions of forward lays, stretching lines, and hydrant hook ups. The crews trained for two and a half hours before wrapping up.

Between June 27th and June 30th, the Company took in four calls for service: three accidents and a building fire. The three accidents were all minor in nature, with only small hazards needing to be controlled, and no serious injuries. The Engine also took in a box assignment in 43’s local just after returning from the accident Monday afternoon. The Engine was on the road fully staffed with 6 volunteers before the dispatch was done, but were recalled just prior to arriving as the assignment was held to 43 and 18 for the investigation. The month of June was the steadiest month of the year so far, as the Fire side was dispatched to 24 calls for service, and held 6 drills. The ambulance side also took in an additional 30 calls. Once again, a big THANK YOU goes out to all of the men and women who helped get the apparatus on the street throughout the month, and so far this year.

Congratulations are in order for two Leedom men. Lieutenant Chris Close successfully completed the PA EMT curriculum just last week, and FF/EMT Pete Haines completed his Fire I Pro Board studies this week as well. Congratulations boys, you have earned it.

For the last few years the Marine Units have been requested to assist in the fireworks display at Penns Landing the week before the 4th of July when the city kicks off its week long celebration, “Welcome America”. This year was no different as both Marine Units were once again requested to attend. Unfortunately, the night before the event as the crew was pulling the boat to fuel it up; the motor began to act up and had to be brought in for maintenance. With Marine 70 being unable to make the trip, the crew from Marine 70A joined together with the crew from Marine 48 and Marine 48A and ventured up to Penns Landing. After assembling at the command post and being given their respective assignments, the Units joined together with multiple agencies including Philly and Camden Fire, Philly Police, and the United States Coast Guard, and patrolled the Delaware River throughout the duration of the event. Thankfully the event went very well, and aside from a few boats trying to enter the safety zone, the Marine Units were quiet. After the show was completed and the Coast Guard gave the OK to collapse the Safety Zone, the Units returned to Delaware County. Both Marine Units have also been requested to assist with the fireworks display on July 3rd, so the crews will be making the trip up once again this year.

On Thursday night, shortly after a serious thunderstorm rolled through the area, the crews from Leedom, Prospect Park, and Ridley Park got together for training once again. This weeks topic focused on Engine Company Operations. The three crews practiced forward lays, standard hook ups, stretching lines, and also worked a little bit with ladders. The crews trained together for two hours before wrapping up.

This morning, the crews from Leedom and Prospect Park conducted an Engine Company operations drill around Prospect Park Borough. The team members mounted up on Engine 70 and toured the borough, stopping at different locations to conduct a basic Engine company function. The crews were integrated and performed vital Engine company skills such as, Hook ups, Stretching and advancing attack lines, deck gun operations, etc.

Later in the day the team was tasked with hosing down the ball field at the Hollow for an upcoming tournament. The crew got a chance to mingle with the residence and show our younger citizens what its like to be a Firefighter. A good time was had by all and the team was happy to help out and clown around with the kids.