Thank you, everyone that made Readingpafire a popular site to visit in 2006. Our writers, photographers, videographers, editors, historians, planners and promoters. You all in your own way have helped make our programmers job easier. Most of all, thank you, to all our many visitors new and old. We hope to see all of you in 2007.
Our brief look back at 2006 reminds us of the high points and low points throughout the year, not only in our fire department but throughout the City of Reading. Our relationship with our Brothers in Blue in the Reading Police Department was strengthened through friendly rivalries during two events, the Battle of the Badges Hockey and Softball games and again as we helped mourn the loss of yet another police officer, Officer Scott Wertz, who played in the softball game.
In January, A planned activity for the Reading Royals Kids Academy was a visit to the Firehouse. The little Royal fans heard the fire marshal talk about fire safety and then took a tour of the "Big House" at 3rd and Court. Slapshot and many of the players were there too. Of course, we took the opportunity to promote the upcoming Battle of the Badges Ice Hockey Game which was scheduled for February 19. We were all hoping that the weather held out and the game wouldn't be cancelled. The weather held and everyone got to see a great match up between the Reading police and firefighters.
By the end of February we were already halfway through the ticket sales for our annual St. Paddy's Day Bash when we got a request to hold several for a group coming from Germany. Yes, our annual bash is that great! Actually, those coming were our friends from Reutlingen, Germany who planned another stop in Reading during their holiday to the states, which luckily fell right before the bash.
After the success of the Battle of the Badges hockey game the Reading Phillies approached the firefighters and police about playing a game at First Energy Stadium after one of the regular games. This time, the weather wasn't too cooperative. The Phillies game was delayed and the threat of more rain put the Battle of the Badges Softball game in jeopardy.
In May, the Ride for Life XIX was held at the East Penn Manufacturing plant near Topton, PA. Members hosted participating firefighters in town for the event and took part in the activities around the County. On Memorial Day, firefighters battled one of the biggest fires of the year at a Lancaster Avenue Auto Dealership.
During City Government Day late in June, citizens got information about their City services and learned about becoming firefighters. A hot meal and a soft bed were all that Don Boehly was looking for when he rode into town on his bicycle. The 911 USA Cyclist stopped in Reading during his trek to ride the USA for 911 charities. Another incident that made the top news story for some time was flooding in Reading after heavy rains passed through the area.
Another visit to a fire station made the news. Exchange students from Spain and France come to the United States to learn the English language and experience American Culture and scheduled the tour as one of their weekly activities. The IAFF Golf Tournament benefits the Burn Foundation and the Reading Firefighters have proudly sponsored the tournament for nine years now. The front nine some say.
New Medic Units Arrived early in August. Then, six days into the month, the tragedy struck. Reading Police Officer Scott A. Wertz was gunned down, across the street from the City Hall, while pursuing a suspect. Many members of the fire department knew Wertz and participated in the services.
Congratulations went out to Firefighter Keith 'Sarge' Eschleman who was honored at a Reading Phillies game. September is Prince George County Maryland month. We were off to the 2006 IAFF MDA Softball Tournament from the 7th to the 10th. From softball uniforms to our dress blues, Monday the 11th everyone assembled in City Park to commemorate the 5th anniversary of September 11.
Fire Prevention Week October 8-14, 2006 focused on kitchen fires and the featured the catchy slogan urging everyone to "Stand by your pan". We continued our request that everyone take this time to check their batteries in their smoke detectors. The Halloween bash was a great success and we busily prepared over 150 photos in a gallery to show on the web site. Many of which had to be removed soon after. We'll try again in 2007.
The first week in November, the New Saint Joseph Medical Center opened and the fire department assisted in the move of patients to the new facility. We mourned the loss of a hospital within the city limits and fire officials soon began to feel the pangs of lost revenue as turn around times were extended by the long transport to the new medical center. By December, we were helping to kick off a new season of giving. At the 2006 MDA Black and Blue Ball, firefighters auctioned off two birthday partys. December also brought with it budget talks and not only were additional personnel once again dropped from next year's allotment, but also threatened this year was the position of our secretary.
Despite the tragedy and triumph of 2006 we managed to survive. Here's hoping you did too. Happy 2007 to all of you, Thank you so much for visiting us. Please join me in thanking all of those people who help bring this web site to you. Thank you all!
By the end of February we were already halfway through the ticket sales for our annual 
Congratulations went out to Firefighter Keith 'Sarge' Eschleman who was 
The first week in November, the