Borough council chambers was filled with a mix of smiles and tears Wednesday as the names of more than 20 alleys were unveiled, one by one.

Bearing the names of people and places that once played an important role in the community, family and friends of those being honored were called forward to pose for photos with their loved one’s street sign.

One previously unnamed alley bears the name of Joseph Czerw, who died fighting a fire in the borough in the early 1980s

Joseph P. Czerw was a member of Taylor Hose and Engine Company No. 1 . At the time of his death he was a foreman at the Hose Company. He was fighting a structure fire on February 27, 1982, and was 28 when he died

A Dedicated Volunteer Fire Fighter and Line Officer who lost his Life in the Line of Duty Protecting the Life and Property of the Citizens of Taylor

Sunday was a busy day for Brush 95 and Tanker 95.  The day started out with a propane tank attached to a gas grill catching fire, at 432 Main St in Taylor.  Chief 952, Rescue 95 and Brush 95, responded to the call.  The fire was put out quickly, Ladder Lt Ray Mochan and safety officer Jim Webb along with the Rescue 95 crew then began ventilating the large building.  The crews were then put back in service within and hour. The next call came in around 22:30 with a fully involved car fire, with the residents as an exposure.  Brush 95, Tanker 95, Engine 95, and Ladder 93 responded to the call on Storr St in Taylor  Brush 95 arrived on scene first, as Safety Officer Jim Webb made quick work of the car fire and protecting the exposure.  Ladder Captain Joe Crosby ran a line into the Brush Truck from the Tanker to help with Water Supply. The Ladder 93 crews assisted by checking the exposure for any extension, no extension was found.  The crews operated for nearly an hour and were put back in service.  The last call at 00:30 with a large tree blocking both lanes on Keyser Ave, Chief 95 and Tanker 95 responded.  Chief John Tigue and Lt Ray Mocan trimmed the branches off the large tree, while Firefighter Osmoila and Firefighter Bonitz, removed the branches from the road way.  With only the large tree's trunk now blocking the road, the crews tied a chain around the tree and attached it to Tanker 95. Tanker 95 then dragged the tree off the road. .After the tree was removed the Tanker 95 crew then assisted the DPW crews with cleanup of the road.  The crews were placed back in service at 01:47

With the 95 Ladder having its cylinder replaced on the boom, the 95 Brush Truck responded, with man power, to a basement fire in the 200 block of Rinaldi Drive in Taylor. Taylor Police Officer and LADDER 95 member Rob Zuby, who was off duty, reported a heavy smoke condition from the basement.  Chief 952 Wes Jones arrived on scene first and called for the RIT team from 112 Rescue and 93 LADDER.   Along with Chief 952 Jones, Engine Capt Nash and firefighter Buffton, arrived in there personal vehicles, and located the fire.  Chief 95, Rescue 95 and Brush 95 arrived on scene.  Chief 95 John Tigue assumed command and Chief 952 Wes Jones assumed operations command. Rescue 95 advanced an attack line and knocked down the fire. Quint 95, Engine 95 and Ladder 93 then arrived on scene. Engine 95 stood by at the Hydrant. Ladder LT Ray Mochan and Safety Officer Jim Webb from 95 Ladder used tools from Quint 95, to control the gas. LT Mochan and Firefighter Wes Jones Jr, then made there way to the basement to shut the electric off to the residents. Walter Chiavaccei, Lt Evans, and Chief Bob Aulisio began ventilating the home, by opening windows and the garage door of the residents. Safety Officer Jim Webb teamed up with the members from Ladder 93 and checked for any further fire extension.  The fire was brought under control within a 1/2 hour. Companies operated for nearly one hour on the call. Chief 95 John Tigue terminated command and put all units back in service. The State Police Fire Marshall, investigated and found that the fire had started from a malfunctioning hot water heater.

Peter Osmolia graduated from Lackawanna College on Sunday May 18 2008 Pete has been a member of Ladder 95 for 2 years. Pete graduated with an associates degree in Business Administration. During his time at Lackawanna College, Pete maintained a 3.62 GPA. Which eared him the honor of being inducted into the CHI Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society. Pete is now exploring other schools in order to pursue his Bachelors Degree

Natalie Bonitz will be graduating from Riverside Jr/Sr High School on Wednesday June, 11. Natalie has been one of the main photographers since she has joined the department. She has made many DVDS and slideshows of the present and past fires and training classes for Ladder 95. She has maintained honors through her years at Riverside. Furthermore dring her career as a senior student she maintained an cumulative GPA of 95.4 through out her senior year. Also during her time at Riverside she was a part of the astronomy club since she was in seventh grade. In her junior year she was treasurer of the club. As a result of her graduation from Riverside she will be attending Luzerne Community College in the fall semester. After completing 2 years of general studies at L.C.C. she will be transferring to Kings to complete her degree in Environmental Sciences.

Ladder 95 Firefighter Kyle Surridge returned home from his deployment from United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates is south of Kuwait. Kyle's been a member of Ladder 95 for 10 years. Kyle's deployment lasted 2 months. Kyle's stay at home will be short, he will be in the area until June 13. Kyle will remain state side after June 13th and will begin training in Texas for 4 months. Kyle and his unit will then be redeployed, for up to a year to United Arab Emirates. Its good to see Kyle back safe and at the Station . The members of Ladder 95 support Kyle and all of our troops. We wish LT Surridge and all of his unit a safe return home after there next deployment, we will be thinking of him daily.

A two-alarm fire broke out at the former Hillcrest Shade factory on East Kohler Avenue early this morning. The alarm at Hillcrest Shades in Old Forge came in just before 3:00 AM. Old Forge Ladder 93 was the first to arrive, reporting heavy fire in the center portion of the building. A second alarm was then called in which brought additional Engines, Rescue and Ladder Companies. Old Forge and Taylor Ladders provided the master streams of water early in the fire. Capt Joe Crosby set up Ladder 95, while Lt Ray Mochan and Firefighter Chris Malvizzi made there way into the bucket of Ladder 95. Chief John Tigue and Firefighter Pete Osmolia set up ground ladders and then made there way on to the roof to assist Ladder 93 Capt Larry Semenza, Lt Mark Tagliterra, and Firefighter Walter Chiavaccei, with ventilation. Engine 93, Engine 933, Rescue 112 and Engine 98 made up the rest of the first alarm team. Engine 93, Engine 933 and Rescue 112, worked in the interior and were able to locate the fire and got control of the blaze. While the 98 Engine made there way to the roof with a hose line and meet up the ladder companies, to extinguish part of the roof that collapsed on side A of the structure. A state police fire marshal has ruled the blaze arson. Crews operated for 3 hours.

Taylor Fire Department Ladder Company 95, wishes to thank the brave men and women of the Armed Forces, and remember those who have lost their lives defending liberty. On Memorial Day we honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces and services personnel who died serving this country. American Legion Post 306, Taylor Borough Council and Mayor, Taylor Fire Department Ladder Company 95, and other local business’s and other community organizations, honored the armed forces with the Annual Memorial Day Parade. The Parade stared at Ladder Company 95 headquarters and ended at the Taylor Community Center. After the Parade was completed, a picnic was held by the Borough at the Community Center. Some pictures have been added to check out this year Memorial Day Parade

The Taylor Fire Department Truck 95 Semi Annual Chicken Barbecue was a huge success. We would like to say THANK YOU to everyone one for supporting our BARBECUE. We sold at the door by 1:30pm. That was 100 doors sales in an hour an a 1/2. This was one of the biggest Semi Annual Chicken Barbecues ever held at the department. 450 dinners were sold when everything was over. Some pictures have been added to check out this years Barbecue. The next Barbecue will be held in October. We hope to see everyone one again.

Ladder 95 attended a Vehicle Operations Rescue class on Sunday morning. This class provided the skills to stabilize a vehicle and executing an entry into a vehicle. Also it broadened the knowledge on the tools used on a vehicle rescue calls. Ladder 95 members once again felt that taking this class would benefit the residents of Taylor and the TAYLOR FIRE DEPARTMENT. The Ladder 95 members are now moving on to the Vehicle Rescue - Technician Class. Visit back to see how the class and company are progressing.

Ladder Companies from over four counties came together for a meeting on Monday May 5 2008. Ladder Companies form Old Forge (Ladder93), Duryea: Excelsior (Ladder 126), Throop (Ladder 27), Jermyn: Crystal (Ladder 58), Clifford (Ladder 18), Peckville: Wilson Fire (Ladder 20), Clark Summit (Ladder 4) and Taylor (Ladder 95), all met for a meeting to discuss setting up a Ladder Company Training Association. This was put together to get familiar with neighboring ladder company’s equipment, operations, SOPS, and Training. The meeting was opened to every ladder company that performs those duties of truck company operations at their fire scene. Truck Company Operations are are fire apparatus carrying a full complement of ground ladders, tools, specialized equipment, and an aerial device. Primarily equipped to perform multiple specialized fire ground operations. Truck company responsibilities include search and rescue; forcible entry; placement of ladders; ventilation; salvage; overhaul; securing of utilities; assisting engine companies in checking for horizontal/vertical fire extension; and putting elevated heavy streams into operation. The companies will get together again within the month and set up a monthly training schedule. The training will consists of refresher courses, to keep the firefighter updated with all Truck Company Operation functions, and more important to have the companies working together and learning for each other. Visit back to see how the Ladder Company Training Association and Ladder 95 are progressing

Residents always ask, what tools do you carry on your truck? Well take a closer look at the tools carried on the 95 TRUCK to perform TRUCK COMPANY OPERATIONS. some of tools listed below are needed for Truck Company Operations. TRUCK 95 -- 1990 Supthen 100’ Mid Mount Platform Seating for 6 (Seat 1- Chauffeur, Seat 2-Officer, Seat 3-OV Man, Seat 4-Forcible Entry, Seat 5-Roof Man, & Seat 6-Can Man) Detroit 892 Allison Automatic Transmission Overall Length - 47’ Overall Height - 10’ 8” GVW - 59,500 Dual Monitors in the Basket 7.5kw Onan Generator 6-500 Watt Vehicle Lighting 2-500 Watt Portable Lighting 1-35’ Extension Ladder 1-30’ Extension Ladder 1-28’ Extension Ladder 1-24' Extension Ladder 1-18’ Roof ladder 1-16’ Roof Ladder 1-14’ Roof Ladder 6 – Stream Light / Light Boxes 40 Pounds of Speedy Dry 1- Sump Pump - Hydra Ram Hydraulic Forcible Entry Tool 1- Hydraulic Porta Power 2-TFT 250 GPM Nozzles 2- 100’ High Rise Packs -100’ Multiple Sizes of Tarps 1-Salavge Kit 1-Saws ALL 1-Hot Stick 1Big Easy, (CAR Door Opening KIT) 2-100’ Rope Bag 2-150’ Rope Bag 2-200’ Rope Bag 1- Stokes Basket 1 - Scott Eagle Imager 160 Thermal Imaging Camera 2- Hot Spotters 6 - Scott Air Packs 6 - Spare Air Pack Bottles 1- Gas RamFam Ventilation Blower 1- Electric RamFam Ventilation Blower 2- Echo Quick Vent Chainsaw 1- Cutters Edge MULTI-CUT Fire Rescue Saw 1- STIHL Cutquik Saw 1-Echo Chainsaw 1- Poulan Chainsaw 2- All Purpose Hooks 2- New Yorker Fiberglass Hooks 2- Arson Trash Hooks 6-Pike Poles / 2-6’, 1- 7’, 2-8’, & 1-10’ 2-K Tools Kits 3- Set of Irons 2-TNT Tools 4- Dry Wall Hooks 2-Maul Axe 3-National Hook 1-National Hook with Gas Shut Off 1-Battering Ram 1 –Partech Biel Tool 2-Sledge Hammers 1-Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher 2-Water Cans 1-Multi-Purpose Chemical Extinguisher 1- Medical Bag Truck 95 also has more compliment of tools than listed above needed for Truck Company Operations. The 95 Truck responds also to Old Forge Borough as a Second Due Truck.

Ladder 95 along with Chief 95, Rescue 95 and Engine 95 responded to a reported structure fire at 920 Williams St. Chief 95 John Tigue arrived first on scene and was told by the resident that there was small fire on the back porch and the he had put it out. Chief Tigue investigated until the other units arrived. Chief Tigue then had members of the 95 Rescue, Engine Lt Dave Graham and Firefighter George Aulisio, check with the thermal imaging camera for any hot spots and extension. The State Police Fire Marshall and the Taylor Police are investigating. Companies operated for nearly 1/2 hour on the call. Chief Tigue terminated command and put all units back in service

The 95 TRUCK members left the 95 Headquarters early Saturday morning (5:00am) to attend Fire College Weekend, in Hughesville. The classes started on Saturday March 15 and ran till Sunday March 16. Chief 95 John Tigue and Ladder Lt Ray Mochan attended Flashover Simulator. This class is a safe and realistic way to experience the actual condition of fire behavior before and during a flashover. Safety Officer Jim Webb, firefighter Trish Henning, Firefighter Chris Malvizzi and Firefighter Pete Osmolia attended Thermal Imaging for the Fire Service, this class discussed how to search a building with a thermal imager, the students also learned how to correctly use this technology inside and out of the fire building, search and rescue situations, overhaul, ventilation, MVA’s and firefighter safety. Ladder Captain Joe Crosby attended Building Construction, the class prepares a firefighter to recognize, locate and read critical information about a building. Firefighter Walter Chiavaccei attended Forcible Entry; in this class the firefighter learned opening techniques and the use of tools. The Classes were Sponsored by Muncy Area Mutual Aid Association, Bucks County Community College and the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

Ladder 95 along with Rescue 95, Engine 95, Chief 95 and 93 EMS were dispatched to a Sunday Evening Kitchen fire at 309 Main Street in the Borough. Rescue 95 arrived first on scene and reported that the residents has extinguished the fire, Rescue Capt Dave Jenkins, Engine Capt Bill Nash and Lt Dave Graham Vented the first floor of the residents. The Ladder 95 Crew, led by Ladder Capt Joe Crosby, Safety Officer Jim Webb and firefighter Chris Malvizzi vented the second floor using the electric Ram Fan from Ladder 95. Chief 95 John Tigue terminated command and put all units back in service. The fire was caused when the resident left sausage cooking on the stove. Damage was contained to the stove area and floor of the kitchen. Crews were on scene for 30 minutes