The RFD Hockey team played the Atlantic City Guns & Hoses hockey team in Atlantic City on Sunday Dec 16, 2007 at the Flyers Skate Zone. The A/C team is a combination of police & firefighters from the city. The Guns & Hoses team won the game 7-1 with Stu Bansner scoring our only goal. It was a fun time, even with the A/C team being as dominant as they were.
After the game the two teams met at the Atlantic City Bar & grille for food, drinks, and a few stories. Everyone that went had a good time and we made some new friends with our brothers from Atlantic City.
Children's Christmas Party
After a few years with no Christmas events, Local 1803 decided to once again hold their Children's Christmas Party. The event welcomed children of current and retired members of the local to a party with pizza and a visit with Santa Claus himself.
Thanks to all members who helped with set-up and tear-down. We hope to see you soon Santa! See more photos from the Christmas Party
MCI Trailer
The fire department's EMS Division recently took delivery of a Mass Casualty Incident Trailer. Stocked with various medical supplies, the trailer is designed to be utilized for the care and treatment of multiple patients during mass scale incidents where a large amount of people are injured. The trailer is a result of a venture with Berks County EMA and the East Central Pennsylvania Terrorism Task Force. The unit will be lettered shortly, it will be housed at the EMS station.
Accountability
As part of the ongoing Homeland Security training for all emergency service personnel across the country, the members of the department recently had their photos taken for the first part of the new Total Visibility Accountability & Resource Management System being implemented by the Berks County EMA. As part of the system, new accountability cards will be put in service in 2008 and will eventually link all Berks County emergency personnel together in order to track and manage resources.
The cards will include the subjects name, and certification levels for Firefighting, EMS, and Hazmat. The back of the card features a bar code which can be scanned, featuring the subjects contact and medical info. All public safety organizations under the local EMA will be issued a set of the tags. Training will be held once the cards are completed.
Passing of the Gavel
Members of the Reading Firefighters IAFF Local 1803 voted recently and elected Keith "Sarge" Eschelman as their new president for 2008. Donald Sassaman was voted in as the Vice President.
Current Local 1803 president Jonathan Gowombeck, who retired in 2007, stepped aside after serving 25 years as the leader of the organization.
Reading's new sport venue, The Reading Railers, have expressed an interest to sponsor an exhibition basketball game between the Police and Firefighters. Anyone interested in playing can contact FF K. Miller at the firehouse, 610-655-6154.
Some Members have indicated our Printable Calendar is not printing correctly. Our's prints perfectly on an 8x10 sheet of paper but if you are having issues with this you can contact us for assistance.
Holiday Decorating
Decorating for the holiday makes the season bright. Make sure your Christmas is a safe one by following some simple common sense tips, Read More
Giving Thanks
Happy Thanksgiving to all our members and visitors. We are thankful for our dedicated staff who bring the news of our fire department to you each day. Members working the B Platoon were highlighted on WFMZ tv during their dinner at the McKnight and Spring fire station, See the photos sent to us by FF J. Batz.
New Fire Apparatus
The Department's new KME Combination Rescue vehicle went in service Wednesday evening and hit the streets soon after on it's first call. Despite the recent delivery of the new Rescue 1, the apparatus committee is still busy working with KME on the production of 5 new pumpers, Read More
Hazmat Truck
Hazmat 1 recently returned to the department with a new addition, coffin type compartments were mounted on the roof of the rig to provide necessary extra storage for the multitude of tools needed. Hazmat 1 was placed in service again to assist the team in the event of a hazardous material incident. The apparatus was extensively used at the departments recent Hazmat Technician Class sponsored by the IAFF.
Firefighters honored for MDA work
The 5th Anniversary Berks County Black and Blue Ball was held on November 16th at Classic Harley Davidson in Leesport, PA. During this years event, the Reading Firefighters, IAFF Local 1803, were honored as the recipients of the 2nd Annual MDA Diamond Award for their contribution to helping support charities of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Also at this year's event, the firefighters auctioned off another Kid's Dream Birthday Party at a City fire station.
Sanitization Demonstration
Reading Fire EMS was a test site for a new system designed to sanitize the ems units. With all the recent attention given to MRSA, the system boasts a quick process to completely sanitize the EMS units, Read More
Bomb Squad Training
Apparatus were dispatched to the Alvernia College campus to assist police with a suspicious package recently.
The staged training event for campus personnel was a chance for firefighters and ems personnel to get a feel for the operation, Read More
Haz Mat Training
A new group of firefighters are among twenty-two firefighters and paramedics training for
certification in the response of hazardous materials incidents, Read More
Photos of our 3rd annual Halloween Bash, held Saturday October 20, in our Gallery. Thanks to
all our members and guests for making this another great event.
Apparatus Delivery
The City of Reading took delivery of a new KME heavy duty combination Rescue truck
recently. The apparatus replaces Rescue 1, a 1992 Mack/Saulsbury Heavy Rescue, Read More.
Congratulations Firefighter Lerch
B Platoon firefighters and paramedics congratulated Firefighter Paul Lerch at the 9th and Marion Station earlier this month for 40 years of service to the City of Reading Fire Department. Firefighter Lerch began his career on October 17, 1967. Congratulations Paul! Thanks to Paramedic B. Mack for sending us the photo.
Happy Anniversary Readingpafire.com
Readingpafire has been online since October of 2002 bringing information about the Reading Fire Department to visitors all over the world, Read More.
Cell Phone ban cannot come soon enough
Sometime during the second week of October, people began receiving 'official' looking emails concerning the State banning cell phone use for motorists. Since we have been following the trail of the bills introduced to ban cell phones for drivers closely in our Hang up and Drive page, the news about the ban sounded odd from the start, Read More
E.D.I.T.H. Drill
The Annual E.D.I.T.H. Drill was held during Fire Prevention Week. Residents and Firefighters take part in the exercise for educational purposes and are advised in advance of the drill. It is held in a different city high-rise building each year, Read More.
Welcome Meredith Elaine Batz
We are happy to announce the birth of miss Meredith Elaine Batz. Meredith is the 7 lb, 19 in baby girl of Firefighter Jason Batz and Sherri Batz. Both mom and baby are doing well. Congratulations Jason and Sherri.
We would also like to extend get well wishes to 1st Deputy Chief Michael Moyer who is recuperating from surgery.
Work under way on new City fire Station
Demolition on the former garage that stood on the site of a new fire station began in early October. The new station will house two engine companies and other apparatus. There is no definite timeline for completion as of yet, Read More
IAFF Local 1619 MDA Softball Tournament
Local 1803 members traveled to Prince George County Maryland this past weekend for the Annual IAFF Local 1619 MDA Softball Tournament.
Seeing good friends and playing softball took second stage to raising serious funds to support children afflicted with neuromuscular disease. Click the photo to enlarge, click to view more pictures, NEW photos added!.
IAFF Training
Reading Firefighters recently attended an 8 hour training session about the safe response to buildings that may house the manufacturing of illicit materials. The course was put together by the International Association of Firefighters, Read More
Firefighters rescued a 79 year old female from a house fire. The victim's husband traveled three blocks to the quarters of Engine 14 to alert firefighters, Read More
Change your Clock - Change your Battery
On Sunday November 4, Daylight Savings Time ends. When we change our clocks, it is a good time to change the battery in our smoke detectors.
A Box Alarm 13:30 last week sent probationary firefighters to their first working fire. Reports from the first arriving indicated heavy fire conditions and smoke from the blaze could be seen for miles away, Read More
New Music Video
A new video by FF Batz is on our Media Page. The theme for this one was inspired by firefighter survival training the probationary firefighters took part in. After you view our latest video, check out the video of Michael Israel in concert on our Media Page
Paramedic Testing
The Fire Civil Service Board of the City of Reading, Pennsylvania has announced that applications are being accepted for the position of Paramedic in the Reading Fire Department, Read More.
Scott Wertz Memorial Golf Tournament
Four teams of members took part in the 1st Annual Scott A Wertz Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Scott Wertz Memorial Scholarship Fund.
A beautiful day for the event which included prizes, food and good memories of the Reading Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2006, Read More.
Welcome Joshua Lis
We would like to welcome Joshua Lis into the world. Joshua is the 7 lb 5 oz baby boy of Firefighter Paul Lis and Tracy Lis. Both mom and baby are doing well. Congratulations Paul and Tracy.
Natalie Biancone
Our thoughts and prayers are going out to 16 month old Natalie Biancone and her parents, Firefighter Michael Biancone and his wife Gina. Natalie was recently diagnosed with leukemia. The Mike and Gina are optimistic about Natalie's progress so far and appreciate the well wishes. There is a website to follow Natalie's progress at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/natalieb1.
Fire Prevention Week
“Practice Your Escape Plan!” is the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2007, October 7-13. It's not enough to have a home fire escape plan. To escape from a fire safely, you've got to make sure that everyone in the home has practiced the plan. Practice makes perfect and by planning ahead and practicing what to do in an emergency it helps you react quickly when a crisis occurs.
During Fire Prevention Week, and throughout the month of October, we would like everyone to practice Fire Drills in their homes and prepare themselves in case of a fire or other emergency in the home or workplace.
We will be highlighting our Fire Safety pages throughout Fire Prevention Month with special emphasis on practicing the home fire drill. The Reading Fire Department will be practicing an EDITH (Exit Drill In The Home) Drill on October 11th at a city high rise and giving Fire Safety instruction to children through visits to school and during tours to city fire stations.
Scott Wertz Memorial Golf Tournament
Four teams of members took part in the 1st Annual Scott A Wertz Memorial Golf Tournament to benefit the Scott Wertz Memorial Scholarship Fund.
A beautiful day for the event which included prizes, food and good memories of the Reading Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2006, Read More.
Fire Prevention Week
“Practice Your Escape Plan!” is the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2007, October 7-13. It's not enough to have a home fire escape plan. To escape from a fire safely, you've got to make sure that everyone in the home has practiced the plan. Practice makes perfect and by planning ahead and practicing what to do in an emergency it helps you react quickly when a crisis occurs.
During Fire Prevention Week, and throughout the month of October, we would like everyone to practice Fire Drills in their homes and prepare themselves in case of a fire or other emergency in the home or workplace.
We will be highlighting our Fire Safety pages throughout Fire Prevention Month with special emphasis on practicing the home fire drill. The Reading Fire Department will be practicing an EDITH (Exit Drill In The Home) Drill on October 11th at a city high rise and giving Fire Safety instruction to children through visits to school and during tours to city fire stations.
New Fire Apparatus
A new heavy rescue and five new pumpers are on track for completion this year.
The pumpers are scheduled for delivery in December, the rescue is nearing completion and is expected to be delivered in the next few weeks, Read More
Firefighter Trainees Reach Halfway Point
The Reading Fire Department probationary firefighting class of 2007 is coming up on the halfway point of their 180 day training program. Firefighter J. Batz visited with the 'probies' recently and sent us some photos along with the following information, Read More. Then See our gallery for the photos
Congratulations Reading Firefighter softball team
The Reading Firefighter's softball team crushed the Reading Police team in the second annual Battle of the Badges softball game on Sunday August 5th at FirstEnergy stadium, View the photos
Congratulations Team Sass
Congratulations to the winning team in the 10th Annual IAFF Burn Foundation Golf Tournament at Willow Hollow Golf Course on Friday July 20th. Chairman Don Sassaman's team were the leaders with 16 under par.
Firefighter and Paramedic Testing
The Fire Civil Service Board met early in July to discuss testing for the Fire Department for both positions of firefighter and paramedic. The process for testing for paramedics will begin right away but the firefighter testing may take longer because of a recent court case, Read More
New Firefighter Trainees
On Monday June 25, ten candidates from the firefighter civil service list began working as trainees for the Reading Fire Department. The 'Probies' will spend 180 days training in all aspects of firefighting and apparatus operations. Welcome to the new cadets, Read More
RIF Program Excellence Honors
Earlier this year we highlighted some of our Fire Officers as Literacy Champions. Fire Marshal Iaeger has announced that the local program will be recognized during the RIF Program Excellence Honors event in Washington, D.C. on June 18th, Read More.
The Reading Police Department announced that On Monday August 6th there will be a memorial for Officer Scott Wertz who was killed in the performance of his duties one year ago this date. The memorial for Officer Wertz will begin at 14:00hrs in City Park, at the police officer memorial statue.
The Fire Department and all interested parties are invited and urged to attend this service. On-duty personnel must check with their duty chiefs before attending, class A's are required. Please read the memorandum issued on this topic for more information.
Hot Ticket Sales Expected
A Rivalry is gaining momentum in the Battle of the Badges Softball game as teams talk up their abilities. Ticket sales bragging rights are also up for grabs. Everyone is invited, tell your friends and get your tickets early! Read More
A Day For Remembering
August 5th is a day planned with activities to remember two fallen Reading Police Officers killed in the line of duty. The Battle of the Badges Softball Game between the Reading Police and Reading Firefighters will be held at FirstEnergy Stadium after a Memorial Ride for Officer Scott Wertz,
Read More about these events.
Chief Rehr Dresses the part
While doing research, historian Fire Chief Rehr came across information about a young fireman from the Civil War era who was killed returning from a fire. Chief Rehr donned an antique fireman's outfit to tell the story during a walking tour of Aulenbach’s Cemetery in East Reading, Read More
Charleston Nine Memorial
The firefighters are memorialized in a moving service, see highlights at CNN.com
Firefighter Stand Down is an annual effort to impress on members of the fire service the need for safety and dedication to our jobs. In the early hours of the week long effort, nine firefighters from Charleston, South Carolina lost their lives battling a fire. Reading Firefighters honored the nine in a moment of silence during previously scheduled training sessions, Read more
Dominick F. Barbera EMS Conference
Two members attended the IAFF Emergency Medical Services Conference in houston, Texas June 23 - 27. Entitled, EMS: Under Fire, the conference looks at the changing role of the firefighter and paramedic in fire based EMS, Read More
Progress on Firehouse
At a special meeting of city council, an ordinance was approved to purchase a parcel so a new fire station can be built, Read More.
Firefighter David Witmoyer
Firefighter David Witmoyer, a nineteen year veteran of the department, was laid to rest on Monday. Firefighters from many communities honored Firefighter Witmoyer at services in Mohnton, Pa. You can read and sign our memorial guestbook set up to express our condolences.
Fire Department Gallery
A new gallery (Gallery 9) was added to our 'Around the Department' section recently bringing the number of photos there to just over 1200. Our old 'Activities' section is getting a face lift but you can still view the hundreds of activity pictures that are in there. Many photos of fires and other incidents can be seen in our 'Recent Calls' section. To date, we have more than 15,000 pictures that our members and friends of the department have provided for us.
Members assigned to the B and C Platoons got together to take in an afternoon at the Reading Phillies on May 16. Check out some pictures from the event.
Commendation
Congratulations to Firefighter Keith 'Sarge' Eschleman who received a letter of commendation from the Reading Police Department on May 8, 2007, Read More.
Congratulations
Best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement to FF Richard Kline who retired May 31. Rich was honored at the Riverside Station by the firefighters of the “D” Platoon at the start of his last night shift, Read More
Recognizing Those Who Care
May 20 - 26 was EMS Week, a time to recognize our dedicated EMS Personnel for the Extraordinary job they perform treating the sick and injured of our city, Read More.
Railyard Rumble Heroes Bowl
The Railyard Rumble, a flag-football game between Reading's police and firefighters was held at halftime during a Reading Express arena football game at the Sovereign Center on April 28, Read More *New Photos
Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients
The Michael H Wise II Memorial Foundation awarded two scholarships of $1000.00 each to children of firefighters. Two children of police officers also received awards. The students are the first to receive the awards, Read More
Reaching Out
We're Reaching Out to help a fellow city employee in need, would you please consider giving, Read More
Judge rules in Firehouse land bid
A Berks County Judge rules on the City's request to build a fire station on land deeded to the city for park land, Read More.
Looking Back
10 years ago firefighters were kept busy at two separate incidents, Read More
EMS Division reports more calls and more income for 2006. New equipment coming soon, Read More
Firefighters Celebrate St Patty's Day
Reading Firefighters host the 10th Annual St Patty's Bash at the Goodwill Fire Co. on March 10. Here is a peek at some of the pictures.
Firefighters over Police in Battle of the Badges
Firefighter Stu Bansner scores three goals to help lead his team to a 4 - 2 victory over the Police in the 2nd Annual Battle of the Badges held on Sunday
Sponsors of the event turned over $10,000 to the scholarship fund set up in memory of two fallen Police Officers, Read More about the game and then look at some of the photos from the game (more than 150 photos) and then watch a video of Bansner's third goal.
2006 Fire EMS Run Stats
The Department Fire and EMS statistics for 2006 are in.
EMS calls and Fire loss increase slightly but most other area show decreases. Statistics are a preliminary report prior to the annual report due later in the year. See the statistics.
Looking Back at The Reading Steam Heat Company Fire
In 1958 there was a number of Reading buildings using steam to heat their facilities. With the boilers shut down due to the fire, the downtown area was left out in the cold, Read More.
U.S. Army to Sponsor Battle of the Badges
The Reading Royals have issued a press release announcing that the United States Army will sponsor the 2nd annual Battle of the Badges Hockey game to be held at the Sovereign Center on February 18.
"The U.S. Army is very excited to partner with the Reading Police and Fire Departments for this great event. We are all brothers in uniform," said Gary Vezza, Chief, Advertising and Public Affairs, Harrisburg Army Recruiting Battalion.
Despite seeing a slight decrease in the number of injuries from burns in the last twenty years, the number of annual reported burn injuries are staggering.
Burn Awareness Week provides Emergency Services groups an avenue to make the public aware of the severity of burns and to continue the effort to educate about fire prevention, Read More and then read the Fire and Burn Prevention Checklist.
Three fire chiefs and two lieutenants volunteer to read to city school children as part of Reading is Fundamental program, Read More
Fire Department Announces Promotion
On January 11, the department announced that Firefighter Stephen J. Serba has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. A 19 years veteran of the fire department, he began his career in June of 1988.
Firefighter Serba began his new assignment on the A Platoon, January 27, 2007. The guys had a chance to celebrate Serba's promotion recently and shared some pictures with us.
MDA Auction Highlighted by the IAFF
An auction held during the 2006 Black and Blue Ball is being highlighted on the MDA section of the International Association of Firefighter's website, iaffmda.org. Auctioneer Keith "Sarge" Eschelman took bids on a Dream Birthday Party held at the fire station. The IAFF also plans to include the article in the next issue of it's bi-monthly magazine. Read about it on our site, Black and Blue Ball. Visit the iaffmda site.
Looking Back at 2006
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, Read More
If you don't see what your looking for you can search our site for a keyword
The fire department's EMS Division recently took delivery of a Mass Casualty Incident Trailer. Stocked with various medical supplies, the trailer is designed to be utilized for the care and treatment of multiple patients during mass scale incidents where a large amount of people are injured. The trailer is a result of a venture with Berks County EMA and the East Central Pennsylvania Terrorism Task Force. The unit will be lettered shortly, it will be housed at the EMS station.
As part of the ongoing Homeland Security training for all emergency service personnel across the country, the members of the department recently had their photos taken for the first part of the new Total Visibility Accountability & Resource Management System being implemented by the Berks County EMA. As part of the system, new accountability cards will be put in service in 2008 and will eventually link all Berks County emergency personnel together in order to track and manage resources.
. Meredith is the 7 lb, 19 in baby girl of Firefighter Jason Batz and Sherri Batz. Both mom and baby are doing well. Congratulations Jason and Sherri.
The firefighters are memorialized in a moving service, see highlights at 
On January 11, the department announced that Firefighter Stephen J. Serba has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. A 19 years veteran of the fire department, he began his career in June of 1988.