June 7, 2013 - 2013 ALBERT H. REDLES AWARD WINNER

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers is proud to announce the winner of the 2013 Albert H. Redles Award. This award is given to the field unit that best exemplifies a commitment to community outreach as a key component of the Department’s mission to serve the citizens of Philadelphia. This is the 24th year that the award has been presented. This year’s recipient is Engine 53 and Ladder 27.

Other companies ranking high in the selection process, receiving honorable mention, are Engine 57 and Engine 16.

The “Redles Award” will be presented at the Annual Awards Day Ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 7, 2013.

JUNE 1, 2013 - 5th ANNUAL BADGES OF HONOR 5K RUN and WALK - The Badges of Honor 5K Walk/Run has been established to strengthen the relationship between Philadelphia’s Public Safety employees and the community they serve. The proceeds raised from the run defray the expenses related to the death of an employee that has fallen in the line of duty. For more information, go to www.BadgesofHonor5k.com.

MAY 31, 2013 - 6TH ANNUAL SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING - Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers is pleased to announce that for 2013, members of the Philadelphia Fire Department, as well as surrounding fire service organizations, will be hosting The Sixth Annual Southeastern Pennsylvania Fallen Firefighter Memorial Golf Outing.

The Outing will be held on Friday, May 31, 2013. The event proceeds will benefit the Local 22 IAFF Survivor’s Fund & the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). Both of these organizations are 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organizations.

United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the tax-exempt, nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers. The local events in the previous five years, (five golf events and two Survivor Benefit Concerts) have raised over $85,000 dollars for the NFFF and Local 22 IAFF Survivor’s Fund, and in 2012, all events nationwide raised over $280,000 for the NFFF in support of the families and coworkers of our fallen heroes from across the country. This year’s event is being held at the Bensalem Township Country Club, in Bensalem, PA. Registration and buffet breakfast begin at 9:30 AM, with a shotgun start at 11:00 AM. Golfers, sponsors and volunteers are needed.

All golfers will receive: a finely appointed golf shirt and goody bags, breakfast, golf, cart, beverages, dinner with prizes and awards. There will also be special presentations made to the families of Lt. Neary and FF Sweeney. Participants will be asked to submit their shirt size with their registration and also to indicate their preferred playing partners. Participating golfers should arrive at the course at 9:30 AM for breakfast and registration, and be ready to play no later than 10:45 AM. The outing will be a shotgun start at 11:00 AM with a best ball format. Once again, we plan to have a new automobile(s) for a “Hole-In-One”, (Pro golfers are not eligible).

A new addition in 2012 was the, “BLESSING OF THE HELMETS” which will once again be part of the opening ceremonies for 2013. This is open to any firefighter who wishes to attend. They do not have to be a golfer or volunteer, just bring your helmet.

In addition, golf plan information and registration information may be found at http://www.regonline.com/golf13-philadelphia and http://golf.firehero.org/pa/philadelphia/

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS) WEEK, May 19 to 25, 2013 - The Philadelphia Fire Department recognizes National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 19 to 25, 2013. This year's theme is "EMS: ONE MISSION. ONE TEAM."

On May 20, 2013: An “EMS Appreciation” event will take place on the patio of the Fire Administration Building. Mayor’s EMS Proclamation: Fire Commissioner Ayers will read the EMS Proclamation and recognize the service of Emergency Medical Services to the public. A “CPR Demonstration will highlight the components of Hands Only CPR.

May 17, 2013 - "FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR" - This year’s recipient of the "Fire Service Paramedic of the Year" Award is Fire Service Paramedics Raymond Anderson and Michael Shanks. The Philadelphia Fire Department’s Historical Corporation's Board of Directors sponsors this annual award.

This year's award is presented for dedicated service and superior performance in the line of duty.

May 17, 2013 - "FILL THE BOOT" CAMPAIGN - The Philadelphia Fire Department and Local #22 of the International Association of Firefighters are again sponsoring the Muscular Dystrophy “Fill the Boot” Campaign. This annual drive will be conducted on Friday, May 17, 2013; Friday, June 14, 2013; Friday, July 26, 2013; and Friday, August 23, 2013.

Times for collections during the day are: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The collection sites utilized by companies last year resulted in a huge success for the MDA.

The Philadelphia Fire Department and Local #22 of the International Association of Firefighters have pledged to make the 2013 “Fill the Boot” Campaign the most successful ever.

MAY 5, 2013 (DELAWARE COUNTY), SEPA RTF FULL SCALE EXERCISE - On May 5, 2013, the PFD participated in a full-scale fire suppression exercise sponsored by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force (SEPA RTF) Fire Subcommittee. The SEPA RTF is one of nine regional task forces in Pennsylvania.

Established in 1998, the SEPA RTF is comprised of Philadelphia County, as well as the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery, operating in an area defined as the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

May 1, 2013 – Living Flame Memorial - The Philadelphia Fire Department will participate with the Police Department in a combined Memorial Service in memory of Firefighters and Police Officers who have given their lives in the service of the City.

April 03, 2013 - PROMOTIONS - The Fire Department held a promotion ceremony on Wednesday, April 03, 2013. The Fire Department promoted twenty-three (23) Firefighters to the rank of Fire Lieutenant, six (6) Lieutenants to the rank of Captain, eight (8) Captains to the rank of Battalion Chief, and four (4) Battalion Chiefs to the rank of Deputy Chief.

SPRING FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST begins February 25 - For the B.A.F.F.Y. form, click here.

April 12, 2013 - B.A.F.F.Y. BUNNY SPRING FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST

This contest is open to all children six to twelve years of age who reside in the city of Philadelphia. The entry forms will contain a word scramble puzzle with terms related to fire safety.

Entry forms will be distributed by company officers to all local schools, and will be available at the fire stations for any visitors who qualify. The contest will close on Friday, March 29, 2013.

The official rules for the “B.A.F.F.Y. Bunny Spring Fire Prevention Contest” are as follows:

1. The contest is open to all Philadelphia residents between the ages of 6 and 12.
2. Contestants will be required to correctly complete the “B.A.F.F.Y. 2013 Puzzle.”
3. Entry forms can be mailed directly to the Fire Prevention Division, Fire Administration Building, 240 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 or turned in to the local fire company. All completed entry forms must be received no later than Saturday, April 6, 2013.
4. All entries must contain the child’s name, address, telephone number, age and school with the address.
5. All entries become the property of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
6. The winner will be selected from correct entries on Friday, April 12, 2013 by a random drawing and be awarded a cash prize of $200.00.
7. The winner will be notified by phone.

Memorial Mass on February 16, 2013 at Saint John the Evangelist Church - On Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1000 hours, a Memorial Mass is being held at Saint John the Evangelist Church located at 21 South 13 Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. This mass is being held to honor the memory of four Philadelphia Firefighters that died while battling the great fire in 1899 that destroyed the church and several surrounding buildings. This mass is also being offered to honor all firefighters who have given their lives in the line of duty, including Lt. Robert Neary and FF Daniel Sweeney, and for those who continue to dedicate their lives to protect and serve the citizens of Philadelphia. See flyer for more details.

Nov. 2 - 4, 2012 “Change Your Clock – Change Your Battery” Fall Promotion - In conjunction with the time changes to and back from Eastern Standard time and to publicize the support of the Philadelphia Fire Department for this life-saving program, all fire companies will go door-to-door on a block in their local safety and education district with smoke alarms and fresh 9-volt batteries, offering to install smoke alarms and replace batteries for residents.

October 21, 2012 - Fire Safety Exposition, Muster and Radio Interoperability Seminar - The Fire Safety Exposition, Muster and Radio Interoperability Seminar will be held at the Fire Training Academy on October 21, 2012, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.. 80 -120 Fire Departments, 70-90 Fire trucks, a free kidzone and food provided by Jack's Firehouse Restaurant and Sweet Lucy's Barbecue. more>>

October 12, 2012 – Firefighter of the Year Award - The 2012 “Firefighter of the Year” award will be presented to Firefighter Henry J. Magee, Fire Prevention Division. The Selection Committee from Fireman’s Hall chose Firefighter Henry J. Magee for his valiant efforts and dedication to preserving the rich history of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The Philadelphia Fire Department’s Historical Corporation Board of Directors sponsors this award. Firefighter Magee will receive this award on Friday, October 12, 2012.

October 10, 2012 - CITY WIDE HOME FIRE DRILL - On Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at 1930 hours the annual City Wide Home Fire Drill will be conducted.

October 7, 2012 - OBSERVANCE OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS - Legislation was approved by President George W. Bush in 2001, which stated that U.S. flags are required to be lowered to half-staff on all Federal buildings, as well as buildings in our local communities, to memorialize fallen firefighters annually in conjunction with the observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service (Public Law 107-51).

Therefore, on Sunday, October 7, 2012, when 80 firefighters, who died in the line of duty in 2011, are inducted into the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, all Philadelphia Fire Department station flags are flown at half-staff in conjunction with the Law.

When we lower our flags this year, we will be recognizing all the brave men and women who died protecting their communities and honoring those who continue to carry on the proud tradition.

October 7 - 13, 2012 - Fire Prevention Week, Open House at Fire Stations - During Fire Prevention Week (October 7 through October 13, 2012), there will be open house at all fire stations between 1000 and 1600 hours. At this time, companies will highlight their “Community Based Fire Prevention Activities” by welcoming visitors to their stations and discussing topics of particular interest and significance to that individual, family, or group.

October 5, 2012 - 41st Annual Fire Prevention Dinner Dance The Philadelphia Fire Department and the Citizens for Fire Prevention Committee will hold the 41st Annual Fire Prevention Dinner Dance at the Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 5, 2012.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers will welcome supporters of the Fire Department to this year's event which is highlighted by the presentation of the prestigious T. Seddon Duke Fire Prevention Awards and the Richard A. Bailey Fire Code Officer of the Year Award.

This year's uniformed T. Seddon Duke Award recipient is Firefighter James G. Jones. The citizen recipient is Meagan Ladonne, Human Resource Coordinator, Brown’s Family ShopRite. The Richard A. Bailey Award recipient is Captain Hugh Woodhouse.

Tickets are still available for this black-tie optional affair at a cost of $125.00 per person. Those wishing to purchase tickets can contact the Fire Prevention Division at 215-686-1382.

September 29, 2012 - NATIONAL TAKE-BACK INITIATIVE - On September 29, 2012, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in cooperation with state and local law enforcementagencies will be conducting another national take-back day for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.

Americans that participated in the DEA’s fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28, 2012, turned in more than 276 tons of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the four prior Take Back Days are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 774 tons of medication from circulation.

There will be many collection sites located throughout the city including fire stations that were chosen to provide easy access along with having available parking. Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter medications will be collected. However, sharpies and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

The stations that are being used as collection sites are as follows:

* Denotes stations that will receive Spanish language posters and possibly literature.

September 24, 2012 - ESSAY CONTEST (CITY-WIDE) begins The City-Wide Essay Contest, co-sponsored by Saint Joseph's University, is open to all 6th, 7th,and 8th grade pupils in Philadelphia's public, private, parochial, and charter schools.

Essays are required to be 250 words or less in length. They should be composed around a fire prevention theme, usually provided in the contest rules. Entries will be judged for fire safety thought and content, as well as neatness and originality. The contest will begin on Monday, September 24, 2012.

Teachers of each 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be requested to choose the best essay from their respective classes to submit. They should place them in an envelope with the school's name, grade, and classroom number on it, to be picked up by the local Fire Company at the close of the contest. Each essay should have the name, home address, home phone number, school, and grade of the pupil on the back.

Essays selected by each teacher should be picked up from schools by local companies on Friday, October 26, 2012. Each battalion will pick the three best essays.

Final judging will be completed by a panel of impartial judges from the fire/civilian population at Fire Headquarters. The winners will be announced in January 2013, at the completion of the final judging.

The first place winner will receive a trophy, Certificate of Merit, and $200.00 cash. The winning school will hold the perpetual trophy for one year, with the winner's name engraved. Second place is $150.00. Third place is $100.00, each with a trophy and a Certificate of Merit.

Each of the thirty semi-finalists will receive a small gift and a Certificate of Merit, to be delivered by the local company to their respective schools.

September 22, 2012 - 2012 HERO THRILL SHOW

The 2012 Hero Thrill Show will be held at the Wells Fargo Center, Broad and Pattison, on Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 1200 to 1700 hours.

The Firefighters’ Spectacular and Police Motorcycle Drill Team will be the highlights of the show. The Thrill Show is a family fun day with rides, games, radio and television personalities, sport celebrities and several types of entertainment. There are two types of tickets: 1) an individual ticket which costs $10.00, 2) a family pack ticket which costs $25.00 and covers 2 adults and three children (no more than three children), with children under the age of two being admitted for free.

The Hero Thrill Show was established in order to provide college scholarships for children of Philadelphia Firefighters and Police Officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

September 15, 2012 - “FINDING THE LIGHT WITHIN” MURAL DEDICATION - The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, and the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services are combining resources to combat the tragic social phenomenon of suicide.

As a way of proclaiming that “Our Loved Ones Will Not Be Forgotten” there will be a mural dedication on Saturday, September 15, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Horizon House, 119 S. 31st Street (at Chestnut Street). Led by artist James Burns, the “Finding the Light Within” dedication brings together community based organizations, public and private sector supporters, a community of survivors, those suffering from mood disorders and mental illness and their family and friends.

This mural project was initiated two years ago and has been the work of many artists and individuals from the community consisting of fire department members along with members of families that have lost a loved one to the tragedy of suicide. These individuals dedicated their time by participating in numerous paint days throughout the year. Depicted in the mural are the faces of many that have suffered in silence, including two members from our Fire Department family: Firefighters John Slivinski and David Pannella.

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention can go to their website at www.AFSP.org . Also, individuals interested in the City of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program can go to their website at www.muralarts.org.

June 6, 2012 - MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR CAPTAIN ROBERT NEARY AND LIEUTENANT DANIEL SWEENEY Commissioner Lloyd Ayers announces that the Philadelphia Fire Department, in collaboration with the Office of Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Religious Leaders Council of Greater Philadelphia, will be honoring fallen firefighters, Captain Robert Neary and Lieutenant Daniel Sweeney in an All Faiths Memorial Service on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 18th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The memorial service is themed a “Service of Healing and Hope.”

May 23, 2012 - FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC OF THE YEAR" - This year’s recipient of the "Fire Service Paramedic of the Year" Award is Fire Paramedic Lawrence P. Amaker. The Philadelphia Fire Department’s Historical Corporation's Board of Directors sponsors this annual award. This year's award is presented for dedicated service and superior performance in the line of duty.

May 20 to 26, 2012 - EMS Week - The Philadelphia Fire Department recognizes National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 20 to 26, 2012. This year's theme is “EMS: MORE THAN A JOB. A CALLING.”

On May 21, 2012: An “EMS Appreciation” event will take place on the patio of the Fire Administration Building. Mayor’s EMS Proclamation: Fire Commissioner Ayers will read the EMS Proclamation and recognize the service of Emergency Medical Services to the public. A “Chain of Survival” ceremony will celebrate a life saved, highlighting the components of the EMS Team.

May 18, 2012 - 2012 ALBERT H. REDLES AWARD WINNERS - Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers is proud to announce the winner of the 2012 Albert H. Redles Award. The award is given to the field unit that best exemplifies a commitment to community outreach as a key component of the Department's mission to serve the citizens of Philadelphia. This is the 23rd year that the award has been presented. This year’s recipient is Engine 41, Ladder 24, and Medic Unit 23.

Other companies ranking high in the selection process included Engine 40, Ladder 4, Medic Unit 19 and Engine 50, Ladder 12, and Medic Unit 22. The "Redles Award" is being presented at the Annual Awards Day.

May 18, 2012 - AWARDS DAY CEREMONY - The Twenty-Seventh Annual Awards Day Ceremony features:

Two (2) department members receiving an award for Heroism, three (3) civilians receiving a Heroism Award, two (2) department members receiving a Merit Award, two (2) civilians receiving a Merit Award, and sixty-two (62) units receiving a Unit Citation.

May 16, 2012 - MEMORIAL PLAQUE DEDICATION TO HOSEMAN JOSEPH DUGAN - On Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., a memorial plaque will be dedicated in the memory of Hoseman Joseph Dugan who was assigned to Fireboat 2, Rudolph Blankenburg. Fireboat 2 was located at the foot of Columbia Avenue at Penn Treaty Park. The ceremony will take place at the Local 22, Philadelphia Fire Fighters’ Union Hall, which is located at 415 North 5th Street.

May 2, 2012 - LIVING FLAME MEMORIAL SERVICE - On May 2, 2012, the City of Philadelphia will join with the Police, Park Police, and Fire Department to honor all members of these three departments who have been killed in the line of duty.

April 28, 2012 - NATIONAL TAKE-BACK INITIATIVE - On April 28, 2012, from 10am to 2pm, the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in cooperation with state and local law enforcement agencies will be conducting another national take-back day for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceuticals and other medications to law enforcement officers for proper disposal.

Americans that participated in the DEA’s third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 29, 2011, turned in more than 188.5 tons of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When the results of the of the three prior Take Back Days are combined, the DEA and its state, local and tribal law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 498.5 tons of medication from circulation in the past 13 months.

There will be many collection sites located throughout the city including fire stations that were chosen to provide easy access along with having available parking. Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter medications will be collected. However, sharpies and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

The DEA will have representatives at each location that will coordinate the collection. The stations that are being used as collection sites areas follows:

• Engine 2 Engine 36 Engine 57 Ladder 2
• Engine 7 Engine 43 Engine 60 Ladder 30
• Engine 9 Engine 45 Engine 62
• Engine 19 * Engine 50 Engine 68
• Engine 22 Engine 51 Engine 71
• Engine 33 Engine 54 Engine 73

April 15, 2012, SUBJECT : BATTLE OF THE BADGES - ROUND XXVI BEGINS - Once again, it is time for the Annual Battle of the Badges. The Battle begins on Sunday, April 15, 2012 and ends on Saturday, July 14, 2012. This is the twenty-sixth (XXVI) straight year Weight Watchers of Philadelphia, Inc., has sponsored this thirteen-week competition between the Fire and Police Departments. The Philadelphia Fire Department leads this competitive series with thirteen victories to the Police Departments twelve. The Fire Department has been the Battle of the Badges winner for the past five years and is motivated again as indicated by this year’s slogan, “Every Loss Is A Win For Us.”

Weight Watchers’ Inc., will donate $10,000.00 to the Hero Thrill Show in the name of the winning department who has the highest percentage of weight lost.

The top individual representing each department with the most percentage of weight lost will receive a $100.00 United States Savings Bond. The top individual winner from each department will also receive a Microwave as an additional gift for his or her unit. In addition, the five runners-up from each department who lose the most percentage of weight will also receive a $100.00 U.S. Savings Bond.

April 13, 2012 - B.A.F.F.Y. BUNNY SPRING FIRE PREVENTION CONTEST This contest is open to all children six to twelve years of age who reside in the city of Philadelphia. The entry forms will contain a cryptogram puzzle with terms related to fire safety.

Entry forms will be distributed by company officers to all local schools, and will be available at the fire stations for any visitors who qualify. The contest will close on Friday, March 30, 2012.

All completed entry forms must be received by Saturday, April 7, 2012. The drawing will be random and held on Friday, April 13, 2012. The winner will receive a $200.00 cash prize. Click here for entry form. You may print the form, fill it out and return it to any fire station by Friday, March 30, 2012.

The official rules for the “B.A.F.F.Y. Bunny Spring Fire Prevention Contest” are as follows:

1. The contest is open to all Philadelphia residents between the ages of 6 and 12.
2. Contestants will be required to correctly complete the “B.A.F.F.Y. 2012 Puzzle.”
3. Entry forms can be mailed directly to the Fire Prevention Division, Fire Administration Building, 240 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19123 or turned in to the local fire company. All completed entry forms must be received no later than Saturday, April 7, 2012.
4. All entries must contain the child’s name, address, telephone number, age, and school with the address.
5. All entries become the property of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
6. The winner will be selected from correct entries on Friday, April 13, 2012 by a random drawing and be awarded a cash prize of $200.00.
7. The winner will be notified by phone.

January 25, 2012- 2011 BATTALION YEAR-ROUND FIRE PREVENTION/COMMUNITY OUTREACH BOOK WINNERS

The winners of the 2011 Battalion Year-Round Fire Prevention/Community Outreach Book Competition have been selected.

The result of the judging is as follows:

FIRST PLACE - BATTALION 08
SECOND PLACE - BATTALION 11
THIRD PLACE - BATTALION 09

The Awards Ceremony will take on January 25, 2012

February 1, 2012, GRADUATION OF 30TH FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC CLASS

A graduation ceremony for the 30th Fire Service Paramedic Class will be held February 1, 2012, at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.

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