Over the past few weeks, the members have been lucky enough to partake in some training in an acquired structure in the first due. The topics of the training have varied from hand line advancement, search and rescue, RIT, and roof work. This is a very good opportunity for our newer members to get a chance to learn , and for our senior members to keep their skills sharp. We look forward to continuing to take advantage of this training opportunity.

Early morning severe storms sent Minquas volunteers scrambling. At approx 0800 hrs Minquas fire company was alerted to assist christiana on a house struck by lightning. Engine 235 under command of Lt Hamm and RESCUE23 under command of capt Johnson both responded quickly. Moments after the apparatus responded Minquas wasalerted to several standed motorist in high water calls. Approx 1000 hrs the storms cleared the area and the calls quieted down. The engine rescue and marine units ran a total of 8 calls in two hours.

On the above date at 2357 hours, Engine 23 was alerted to assist station 17 for the reported house fire. Engine 235 responded within minutes with a crew of 6 (Lt. Hamm). Engine 235 pulled onto the block right behind Engine 17 who gave the report of "smoke showing". The crew of 235 stretched the 150' front bumper line, located a small dryer fire in the basement, and extinguished the same. Engine 23 operated for just about an hour before clearing the scene at 0100 hrs.

On the above date at 0023 hours Rescue Company 23 was alerted to respond as the RIT on a 22 box where engine 222 was on the scene with heavy fire showing. The Rescue with a crew of 8 under the command of Lt. Hamm responded within minutes. Crews found fire in the attic and extinguished the same. The Rescue arrived and stood by as the RIT before being released by command at 0055 hrs.

Rescue Company 23 headed down to Hacks Point Maryland for their annual parade. The crew had a great time as always and we look forward to participating again next year.

On the above date while Rescue 23 was arriving at a 12 box, fireboard was dispatching a separate box for a Townhouse on fire in Forest Glen. Rescue 23 staffed with 6, under the command of Lt B.Hamm, and the other units picking up from the original box started to that location. At 1632 hrs, Deputy 10 arrived on the scene of a 2 story middle of the group townhouse with fire showing from the second floor, and extension to both exposures. Rescue 23 arrived at 1638 hours and assumed the 1st due special service responsibilities. The Rescue's crew split and handled multiple tasks including searches, venting, and overhaul. After the fire was under control, command scaled the incident back and Rescue 23 cleared the scene at 1815hrs. While Rescue 23 was operating at the fire, Engine 235, and Engine 236 were operating at a Marsh Fire along I95, Thanks to Green Ridge 63 for filling in while the members were committed to these incidents.

At 0313 on the above date, Station 23, along with Station 22 and NCC Paramedics were alerted to I295 at West Basin Rd for an MVC with entrapment. Chief 23 (Dierolf) arrived on scene at 0320 correcting the location to the off ramp from I295 to 141 and confirmed 1 trapped. Rescue 23 arrived on scene with a crew of 7 under command of Asst. Chief Harvey Jr, and Rescue Engine 226 arrived on scene and immediately went to work stabilizing, and extricating the patient out of the vehicle which rolled over and down an embankment. The extrication was completed and patient transported to the trauma center in less then 20 minutes, units were clear from the scene within the hour.

On the above date at approx 2206 hrs, Stations 14 (Cranston Heights), Engine 16 (Elsmere), Engine & ladder 21 (Millcreek), Engine 23 (Minquas), Rescue 30 (Belvedere) Ladder 17 (Five points), and RIT 28 (Wilmington Manor) were all alerted to 1231 Centre Rd for a reported working building fire. Within three minutes, Engine 235, under command of LT Hamm with a crew of 5, responded. At 2211 hrs, Deputy 14 arrived on scene reporting a 2 story end of the row fully involved. Rescue 23, under command of Deputy Chief Lindell responded with a crew of 4. Upon arrival of Engine 235, crew were ordered to preform a primary and secondary search of the first and second floors. Searches proved negative. Upon arrival of Rescue23, crews were directed to preform vertical ventilation. Due to an aggressive attack of the first handline, the fire was quickly extinguished being held to building of origin. All Minquas Fire apparatus was back in quarters by 2359hrs.

On the above date, a weather system that brought around an inch of snow rolled through the area, thus bringing several minor crashes. Crews operated on 4 separate crashes in the first due. Rescue 23, with a crew of 5, under the command of Lt. Hamm, Fire Chief Dierolf, and Deputy Fire Chief Lindell handled the incidents.

 On Monday, November 5, 2012, the Minquas Fire Company Officers and Members bestowed one of the Company’s highest honors that can be awarded to a member.  Minquas Fire Company bestowed the Emeritus title of “Chaplain Emeritus” to our Company Chaplain, Mr. Millard Widdekind.  Chaplain Emeritus Widdekind is a 50 year ACTIVE member of the Minquas Fire Company.  Mr. Widdekind has served the Company in various offices and committees.  He was President of Minquas from 1965-1969 and again 1972-1973.  Mr. Widdekind has served as the Company’s Chaplain for the past 12 years.  Millard has never been too busy to lend a hand to anyone who asked.  At Minquas, the Company Chaplain carries with him, the honorary title of Deputy Chief.  Mr. Widdekind was joined at this ceremony by members of his family and friends.  He proudly accepted the white Deputy Chief helmet and plaque.  The Minquas Fire Company is both very proud and honored to have such a dedicated and selfless person such as Mr. Widdekind serving as our Chaplain for so many years.  We rejoice in his honor and thank him for what he has done for so many members.

Today, Rescue Co 23 responded under command of Chief Dierolf to a MVC with entrapment in the area of Rte 7 & Stanton Ogletown road. Upon arrival of Rescue 23, crews found a two vehicle accident with one trapped. Rescue 23 quickly stabilized the vehicle and began exercation. Both doors were removed along with the B post. ALS and BLS transported to Christiana. Crews remained on scene for 30 min.

On the above date, Minquas Fire Co, along with USAR 13 (Claymont collapse rescue), and county paramedics were alert to Macarther Dr & W Newport pk for a reported MVC with a vehicle into a residence. Rescue 23 responded under command of Chief Dierolf and a crew of 6. A-23 arrived onscene reporting a single vehicle accident with the car into a house. A-23 also requested a second Ambulance for the injured resident, Rescue 23 arrives and assisted with patient packaging, along with checking the stability of the structure. USAR 13 along with county building inspector checked the structure and determined the residence was structurally sound. Two patients were transported to Christiana ER for further evaluation.

Rescue 23 was on scene for approx 2 hrs.

ON the above date, Minquas Fire Co was alerted to assist stations 2 & 21 on a MVC with subjects trapped. Rescue 23, under command of Chief Dierolf and a crew of 5, responded within minutes. A-21 arrived on scene reporting a 2 vehicle MVC, 1 vehicle rollover, and 1 vehicle with two subjects heavily trapped. Rescue 23 arrived on scene and immediately went to work stabilizing, and exercating the trapped victims. Crews were faced with a tough removal, but successfully removed all doors, the roof, and rolled the dash. Approx 15 minutes after arrival of R-23, both victims were removed from the wreckage and transported to Christiana ER.

Thanks to Firefighter Tim Swanson from Elsmere for the photos.