Official Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department Training Academy

Monday, March 16, 1981 was a very sad day for the Penn Hills Fire Departments. John G. Heidish Jr. lost his life In the Line of Duty during a residential structure fire on Chaske St. John became the first Penn Hills Firefighter LODD. John was only 20 years old, he was a great guy and he loved the fire department and being a fireman. There are some things you just never forget, and John G Heidish Jr. will never be forgotten. This young man gave his life to protect his community, and is a hero in all our eyes. As for the other two firemen that were injured that day you are both heroes in our eyes. Its been over 40 years and still a day does not go by that your brother firefighters don't think of you. Rest In Peace John. Answered his Final Alarm 3/16/1981

January 7, 2008 - LODD
Firefighter Harvey Jordon, 71
Penn Hills #1 Volunteer Fire Department. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Firefighter Jordon responded to the fire station in his personal vehicle to a report of a structure fire. When he arrived at the fire station, he told other firefighters that he was short of breath. Firefighters, including a paramedic, began to assess his condition and provide treatment. Firefighter Jordon became unconscious. Firefighters applied an AED and began CPR. Firefighter Jordon was transported to a local hospital but did not survive. The cause of death was listed as a heart attack.

In April, the Rotary Club of Penn Hills sponsored a spaghetti dinner. Proceeds of that event were donated to the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department’s to be used for improvements (Interior & Exterior LED Lighting) at the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Academy.

After supply chain delays we are happy to report that the lighting project has been completed, within budget, and looks fantastic!

We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Penn Hills for their generous donation. We would also like to thank Penn Hills VFD Station 223 member Mark Zacchia who spent well over 50+ hours installing and wiring this project. Thank you Mark.

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THANK YOU TO ALL THAT WORKED & ATTENDED!!

ITS OUR FOUR (4) YEAR ANNIVERSERY!!!

Physical rescues rarely occur on flat, easily accessible areas. PHVFD members utilize the terrain at the Fire Academy to simulate real life rescue scenarios.

Over the past few months, the Fire Academy has got some major upgrades!!! Last week contractors completed phase 2 of construction, which consisted of a 3-story exterior stair tower and fall restraint railings on all of the exterior platforms. This phase 2 project came in on budget and the majority cost was funded by fundraising and donations. The remaining balance cost was equaled shared by each of the six (6) Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Companies.

We will continue to work towards secure funding for phases 3 (asphalt paving) & 4 (pole building for Fire Academy /Twp reserve pumper). Thank you for everyone that supports us. Remember to LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW for all updates.

Penn Hills VFD Station 221
Penn Hills VFD Station 222
Penn Hills VFD Station 223
Penn Hills 224 - Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Association
Penn Hills VFD Station 225 Thad Stevens VFD
Penn Hills No.7 VFC

Updated guidelines from Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law take effect Tuesday, April 27. Drivers should do the following when approaching a roadway emergency:

*Safely merge into a lane furthest away from the emergency response area.
*Slow down to at least 20 mph less the posted speed limit.
*Use your vehicle’s hazard signal lights as you pass the scene.

Read more here: https://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Move-Over,-Slow-Down.aspx

On Saturday, thirteen (13) members of the Penn Hills Volunteer Fire Department braved chilly water temperatures at McConnell’s Mills State Park to complete their water rescue & emergency response (WRER) training. This process began back in September of 2020, but due to low water levels in the park the practical had to be rescheduled. We would like to thank the Penn Hills School District for allowing us to use the pool at Linton Middle School.

Our Fire Academy training arsenal expands a little more today!! A few months ago we were able to secure this 2,500 gallon drop/drafting tank. After a few minor repairs it is ready for use.

With a municipal hydrant system in place in Penn Hills, drafting is rarely needed. But in the event that drafting is needed, we want our firefighters to have the skills and knowledge to be successful. This training tool was purchased by all six (6) of our volunteer fire departments. It will be housed at the fire academy for all PHVFD’s to be used.
Penn Hills VFD Station 221
Penn Hills VFD Station 222
Penn Hills VFD Station 223
Penn Hills 224 - Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Association
Penn Hills VFD 225 Thad Stevens
Penn Hills No.7 VFC