VFW officers from the state, district and post level were on hand at the August monthly meeting to name Assistant Chief Benny DeArmitt VFW Firefighter of the Year. We are grateful to have one of our own selected for this top honor. Attending the presentation ceremony from the VFW: State Jr. Vice Commander Mills, District 22 Commander Hainley, District 22 Sr. Vice commander Mick, District 22 Jr. Vice commander Myers, Pine Grove Mills Post Commander Billett, Post Sr. Vice Commander Fleeger, Quartermaster Solocumb, and Post Service Officer Thompson.

Not only did the meeting start late due to a call for smoke in a structure, but Chief DeArmitt had little time to savor the moment with the dispatch of a possible hazmat with unconscious patients ending the meeting early. We congratulate Chief DeArmitt on receiving this honor.

Photo: Frank G. Mills, PA State Jr. Vice Commander; Assistant Chief DeArmitt, Donald L. Hainley, PA District 22 Commander

During the past week members attended Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, MD.  During this time members attended classes each day ranging in topics from leadership and recruitment and retention, to hybrid vehicles and thermal imaging.  Classes were taught by leading experts in the fire service, such as John J. Salka (Battalion Chief FDNY), and Ron Moore (McKinney Texas FD, Firehouse's University of Extrication), and Billy Goldfeder (Deputy Fire Chief of the Loveland-Symmes FD Ohio, Firefighterclosecalls.com).

In addition to the classes held at the Baltimore Convention Center, there was a vast display of current fire service products and technology in the basement area of the convention center.