HAMLIN -

Approximately 25 volunteer firefighters took eight hours this past Sunday for on-scene rescue training in Hamlin. The Fire Chief Joe Marconi  said Hamlin Fire & Rescue hosted the event, and were joined by Ledgedale, Lake Ariel and Jefferson Township fire companies.
Scandel Associates let them use the old, empty wooden store building on the northwest corner of Routes 590 and 191. The company plans to eventually  relocate Rite-Aid Pharmacy to the corner, from its present site at Hamlin Village Mall.
Marconi said they had valuable training on rescuing fellow firefighters who might become lost or disoriented in a smoky fire. They used rope, hose line and ladders to get to the victim. A hole was cut in a floor to simulate a fall of a fireman into the basement, who had to be pulled to safety.
Bucks County Community College instructors were on hand, who also provided eight hours of lecture time on another day. Firefighters received certification from the program.
The old store where they trained is long in Hamlin’s history. In addition to the store, the building also housed Luke’s Bar, where Marconi said they salvaged their old fire phone used in the days before they had radios. They also found on the wall an old list of fire company names and phone numbers.
The Chief affirmed Hamlin Fire & Rescue, like other volunteer companies, could use more members. Help is needed for everything from behind-the-scenes office work to front line fire fighting. Their call load grows every year. This year he said they answered 208 fire calls; their ambulance crews have responded over 900 times to emergencies.
Hamlin Fire & Rescue has its own training grounds behind their station on Route 590, where they use a house and a maze set up in a trailer.
Marconi expressed thanks to all who attended. For more information about Hamlin Fire & Rescue, contact their non-emergency line at 689-9193 or see them on-line at www.hamlinfire-rescue.com.