Welcome to the official site of the Unity Volunteer Fire Department, we are located 15 miles east of Pittsburgh, PA in Plum Borough, Allegheny County. We hope that our website will not only be informative, but also give you an understanding of the pride that we have in our company.       

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The Unity VFD maintains state of the art firefighting apparatus to provide the highest level of protection for the our community. Learn about it...

The Unity VFD is not just a service to the community, it is a part of it. We become involved by providing demonstrations, department tours, fire safety information and by participating in many community events. Learn more...

The Unity VFD's greatest asset is its members. We have more than 30 active members, many of whom are lifetime members. We also have a Ladies Auxiliary that supports the department in many ways.

Officers & Active Members

Past Chiefs & Life Members

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Through your support the Unity VFD is able to provide the very best in fire and rescue protection. Our ability to stay at a high level of readiness depends on you.
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    Emergency Provider

     

                       
                                       Lets Go Pens

Brush Fire

April 6, 2013 - Penn Hills Stations 223,227 dispatched to a possible brush fire on Hulton Rd near Mack Mulch, 223 Engine, 227 Engine on scene stating fire is across RR Tracks in Plum requesting Unity Station 233 be dispatched. 233 Chief to RR Track access trail off of Elicker Rd. established command. 233 Squad with 233 ATV and 233 Engine 2 responded to Elicker Rd access as well. 233 ATV on scene to find a well involved brush fire approximately 1 acre in size across RR Tracks burning up steep hillside. 233 Chief had Penn Hills 223 Mini-Pumper respond, accessed RR at Railroad St gate, also requested Plum 235 Service to respond and access RR off of Morath Ln. 233 Engine 2 staged on Elicker Rd for water supply. 223 Engine, 227 Engine released. Crews arrived on scene worked approximately 1 hour to extinguish fire using tank water, brooms, rakes and shovels. CN Railroad contacted by County 911 to shut down RR traffic during operation. Fire out, all units cleared.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 233 Squad, 233 ATV, 235 Service, 223 MP, 223 Engine, 227 Engine.
Command: 233 Chief (Currie)
Operations: 233 Asst (Imbarlina)

Smoke in a Apartment Bldg, Mutual Aid into Penn Hills

April 4, 2013 - Unity Station 233 was dispatched for mutual aid along with Penn Hills Stations 223,224,222,226,227,225 for a possible commercial structure fire, smoke in apartment building on Garden Dr. 233 Engine 2 on scene smoke condition only no fire, 222 Engine, 224 Engine on scene also assisting. 233 Engine 2 used smoke ejector for ventilation. All units cleared.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 222 Engine, 224 Engine
Command: 223 Capt.

Unity VFD receives Certification Recognition

Mar. 7, 2013 - Unity VFD was recognized as a participating department in the Office of the State Fire Commissioners' Certification Recognition Program. We achieved the 10% level of State Certified Firefighters with 12 members at least at Firefighter I level. Our goal this year to have at least 3 more members get certified which would take us to the 50% level. Thanks to our members committment to training.

Residential Structure Fire in 233 district

Feb. 20, 2013 - Plum Stations 233,234 and 236 were dispatched to a fire in the attic of a residence on Hilltop Ct in the Kellywood II section of Plum. 235 Chief, 233 Asst 1 on scene reporting resident has fire partially out. 233 Asst 1 w/command, 233 Engine, 235 Engine on scene with a hydrant close and crews to attic. 233 Truck on scene side A for lighting and setup aerial to check roof for extension. Extension ladder inside entry way, overhaul to drywall, fire out, burned beams and insulation, overhaul with tubs and salvage covers. 234 Engine on scene assisted with overhaul, 227 Truck staged, later released. Allegheny County Fire Marshall's Office to scene for investigation.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 233 Truck, 235 Engine, 235 Service, 234 Engine, 234 Squad, 227 Truck
Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin)
Operations: 235 Chief (Brenner)
Safety: 235 Asst

Shed/Greenhouse Fire in 233 district

Feb. 12, 2013 - Plum Stations 233,235 and 234 were dispatched to a structure fire on Woodlawn Ave in East Oakmont section of Plum. 233 Asst 1 on scene, fully involved shed/greenhouse with exposure to residence. 233 Engine 2 on scene pulled preconnect and started extinguishment. 235 Engine on scene assisted and provided tank water to 233. 227 Truck, 234 Engine crews assisted with overhaul. No fire extension to any exposures. 235 Tanker on scene also provided water due to no hydrant being close by. Allegheny County Fire Marshall's office requested to scene for investigation.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 235 Engine, 235 Tanker, 234 Engine, 227 Truck
Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin)

Tree fell on residence

Jan. 31, 2013 - Plum Stations 233,234 and 236 were dispatched to a tree that fell on a residence on Jackson Rd in Plum with no reported injuries. 233 Engine 2 on scene large tree down on top of house that went thru the roof. 233 Lieut. with command. 233 Engine crew evacuated residents and shut electric and water. Command requested Duquesne Light, Plum Water Authority and Plum Bldg Inspector. 234 Engine on scene shut off gas to structure, 236 Truck on scene provided lighting and salvage covers. Red Cross contacted to assist residents.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 234 Engine, 236 Truck
Command: 233 Lieut. (Fitzhenry)

Public Service Detail - St Johns School and Church

Jan. 28-29, 2013 - Unity VFD was requested to St Johns School to participate in Catholic Schools Week on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday we showed the Engine and Qrs to the students and teachers, then Tuesday Life Flight helicopter landed for a demonstration.

Units: 233 Engine 2, 233 Qrs

Vehicle Fire

Jan. 21, 2013 - Plum Stations 233 & 235 were dispatched to a vehicle fire at Somma Pizza parking lot on Route 909 in Plum. 233 Asst 2 on scene w/command, SUV fully involved. 235 Engine 1 arrived pulled preconnect, 233 Engine 2 on scene, 235 and 233 crews extinguished fire. No other hazards, units picked up and returned.

Command: 233 Asst 2 (Imbarlina)
Units: 233 Engine 2. 235 Engine 1

1,118 Runs in 2012

Jan. 1st, 2013 - Unity VFD was requested for 1,118 calls in 2013. 698 Medical Qrs calls and 420 fire/rescue calls. Auto accidents tops our fire/rescue calls with 122 in 2012. Thanks to all our volunteer firefighters for another great year providing public safety to our community.

Motor Vehicle Accident with entrapment

Dec.24th, 2012 - Plum Stations 233 & 235 were dispatched to a MVA with entrapment on Rt. 909 @ Longwood. 235 Engine and Plum Ems on scene reporting 1 person entrapped, vehicle into a pole. 233 Rescue and 233 Asst 2 on scene, 233 Asst 2 w/command. 233 Rescue used cutters and spreaders to roll dash off of patients legs & removed door. 235 Engine crew pulled line, 235 Service setup LZ @ Veltri's on Rt. 909. Patient extricated and transported to LZ. Duquesne Light contacted for pole damage.

Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin)
Units: 233 Rescue, 233 Qrs, 235 Engine, 235 Service, Plum Ems

Cover Assignment for Eureka Fire Dept Station 281 (Tarentum)

Dec.18th, 2012 - Unity Station 233 was requested to provide an engine on standby on Station 281 (Eureka VFD) due to a large commercial structure (strip mall) fire in Harrison Twp. Engine 233-2 covered in Station 281 for approx. 4 hrs.

233 Officer: 233 Capt (Kopec Jr)
Units: 233 Engine 2

thanks to 281 Chief for the invite

Dog Rescue

Nov.14th, 2012 - Plum Stations 233 and 235 were dispatched for a dog trapped in a 20ft hole off of Barking Rd near Lock 3 on the Allegheny River. Owner tried for several hours to retrieve him. 233 Rescue, 235 Service and 233 Squad on scene along with Plum PD and Plum Ems who arrived also. 233 and 235 crews used shovels to dig further back above tunnel and dog retrieved from entry hole. Nice story and happy ending for all involved. Good Job to Unity and Logans Ferry crews!

Command: 233 Capt (Kopec Jr)
Units: 233 Rescue, 233 Squad, 235 Service

click below for Channel 4 WTAE story

http://www.wtae.com/news/local/allegheny/Dog-rescued-after-falling-in-hole-near-Allegheny-River/-/10927008/17407580/-/lksvke/-/index.html

                                          Duncan the dog

---

 

Structure Fire -  Mutual Aid into Penn Hills

Nov. 7th, 2012 - Penn Hills Stations 223 and 227 were dispatched to Merry Dr in Penn Hills for a possible structure fire, 1st arriving units found fire extending into the roof. 2nd alarm including Penn Hills 226 and Unity Station 233 requested. 233 Engine 2 on scene assisted supplying tank water, then assigned to receive water from Tankers 195 and 235 to supply 227 Engine. 233 crews worked handlines on sides B and c. Extensive damage to structure, units worked on scene for several hours.

Command: Penn Hills 223 Chief
Units: Penn Hills Engine 223, Engine 227, Engine 226, Engine 233, Tanker 195, Tanker 235

Fire Prevention Week 2012

October 7th thru the 13th - Unity VFD provided (8) Eight Fire Safety/Fire Prevention discussions at Schools and Day Care facilities throughout the Unity fire district of Plum Borough. Some of the sites visited include Center Elementary, Regency Elementary, Pivik Elementary, St. Johns School, Childrens Express Day Care and Bible Baptist Church. Thanks to Lieutenant Joe Kaiser and all the Unity firefighters who made this another succesfull year educating our young ones.

Kindergarten students at the new Pivik Elementary School

Click here for our Community page for more pictures of our fire prevention details

Fire Station renovations

October, 2012 - Unity VFD recently completed renovations on our rec room/training room thanks to a State Fire Grant we obtained in 2011. Also as part of the grant we replaced all the windows with new glass block windows for better efficiency and security. The last few months have been a challenge with all the construction, thanks to all our members for their patience and assistance during the project. We have a few finishing touches left...

A few pictures below highlight some of the work done....

Mud Craw Detail

Oct 7th, 2012 - Unity VFD was requested to provide fire/rescue/qrs services with our Kubota ATV at the annual Michael Crawshaw Memorial Mud Craw in Penn Hills. This was a benefit started last year in honor of fallen Penn Hills Police officer Michael Crawshaw. The event was a success on a cool rainy fall day.

Units: 233 Squad, 233 ATV, Penn Hills 226, 223, 222

August 4, 2012 - On Saturday evening Unity VFD attended Blaine Hill VFC's annual parade. Qrs 233 won the trophy for Best Appearing QRS. Qrs 233 won 3 years in a row that we have attended at Blaine Hill. Great job by the crew looking good and cleaning up the truck!

Vehicle Fire

July 30th, 2012 - Plum Stations 233 & 236 were dispatched to a vehicle fire at the Cash n Carry store on Saltsburg Rd. 233 Asst 1 on scene, main fire knocked down, still smoking/smoldering. 233 Engine 2 on scene pulled preconnect to finish it off. 236 Engine 2 on scene also assisted. Vehicle removed by tow, all units returned.

Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin) 
Units: 233 Engine 2, 236 Engine 2

Motor Vehicle Accident with injuries & hazards

July 26, 2012 - Plum Stations 233 & 236 were dispatched to a MVA with injuries and hazards on Saltsburg Rd at the Gas Station. 233 Rescue on scene with PD and EMS, Vehicle crashed thru a gas pump and struck the building. Plum Ems attended to patient. 236 Engine 1 on scene also. Pumps were shut off by gas station personnel, Vehicle leaked gas and fluids into storm drain and gas station grate. 233 Rescue officer requested Plum Building Inspector and Sewer authority. 233 Chief on scene also. 233 Rescue and 236 Engine crews handled spill cleanup and flushed out grate with water. Gas station to have pump taken care of, Bldg Inspector cleared building, All units returned.

Command: 233 Rescue (Sandusky)
Units: 233 Rescue, 236 Engine 1, 395 Fire Police, Plum Ems, Plum Borough code enforcement.

Stampede in the Park  - Boyce Park Ski Lodge

July 21, 2012 - Unity VFD was requested at the annual Stampede in the Park 5K race at Boyce Park. Engine 233-2 and crew provided a deck gun shower as runners finished the race.

Best Appearing Aerial - Springdale VFD Parade

July 6, 2012 - On Friday evening Unity VFD attended Springdale VFD's annual parade. Truck 233 won the trophy for Best Appearing Aerial. Great job by the crew looking good and cleaning up the truck!

Fireworks detail - Oakmont Country Club

July 4, 2012 - Unity VFD was requested for our annual 4th of July fireworks standby at Oakmont Country Club. A few small spot fires were taken care of on scene, no other incidents. Firefighters enjoyed a great display along with hundreds of folks in the East Oakmont area of Plum to see the show.

Command: 233 Chief (Currie)
Units: 233 Engine 2, 233 Squad, 233ATV (Kubota), 233QRS

Structure Fire - Mulitfamily dwelling

July 1, 2012 - Plum Stations 235, 233, W.C. EN54 and W.C. EN56 were dispatched to a structure fire in a townhouse complex, multiple reports of a working fire. W.C.EN56-2 (New Ken) on scene working fire from rear of complex, pulled 2.1/2" preconnect to attack fire. 235 Engine taking hydrant, 233 Truck to side A. 235 Engine layed supply line to EN56-2, 233 Truck crew to interior checking for extension, ventilated, started pulling walls. 233 Asst 1 on scene assumed command. No further extension to other apartments. Plum Ems setup Rehab. Fire knocked down, ACFM called to scene for investigation. No reported injuries, great job on the stop confining to apartment of origin.

Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin)
Units: 233 Truck, 235 Engine, 235 Squad, Engine 56-2 (New Ken), Rescue 56-2, Engine 54 (Lower Burrell), Plum Ems, ACFM

Plum Borough Emergency Services Drill

June 30, 2012 - On Saturday morning...firefighters, ems and emergency mgmt. came together for an impressive showing of the borough's emergency equipment. All 4 fire departments (Unity, Renton, Logans Ferry and Holiday Park), Plum Ems and Plum Emergency Management had a show and tell of all our equipment as well as practicing the new firefighter "Rehab" policy by Plum Ems. Thanks to all who participated and emergency management coordinator Brian Turpin for setting it up. Everyone enjoyed lunch afterwards and was a good time for all.

Porch Fire

June 28, 2012 - Plum Stations 234, 233, 236 and W.C. 78 were dispatched to Old Leechburg Rd for a residential structure fire. 234 Attack on scene with a porch fire on the rear of a ranch style home. 234 Attack pulled preconnect and extinguished, 233 Truck on scene checked for extension and handled ventilation w/PPV. 236 Engine and 78 crews assisted with overhaul and cleanup. Fire Marshall requested for investigation.

Command: 234 Lieut.
Units: 233 Truck, 234 Attack, 234 Engine, 236 Engine, 78 Engine, Plum Ems, ACFM

Life Flight Safety Program

June 27, 2012 - Unity VFD members attended a Life Flight Safety Program at Plum Municipal Bldg sponsored by Plum Ems. Landing Zone was setup at Plum High School where Life Flight 5 landed and showed us their equipment. Thanks to Plum Ems for the invite!

Motorcycle Accident with injuries, LZ detail

June 24, 2012 - Plum Stations 235 & 233 were dispatched to Greensburg Rd for a motorcycle accident with injuries. 235 Engine, 233 Rescue on scene, 2 critical injuries. 233 Rescue assisted ems with patient care. 2 helicopters requested, 233 Engine 2 setup LZ at ECM Trucking on Greensburg Rd. Patients transported to LZ and taken by both Life Flight helicopters.

Command: 235 Lieut.
Units: 233 Rescue, 233 Engine 2, 235 Engine, Plum Ems, New Ken Ems

Vehicle Accident with rollover & entrapment

June 16, 2012 - Plum Stations 233 & 236 were dispatched to Saltsburg Rd near S&T Bank for a vehicle rollover with entrapment. 233 Chief on scene w/command, 1 vehicle on it's side with driver entrapped inside. 233 Rescue arrived, stabilized vehicle, removed windshield for driver removal. 236 Engine on scene, assisted 233 and Plum Ems with patient packaging. 233 remained on scene until vehicle removed by tow. 395 Fire Police handled traffic control.

Command: 233 Chief (Currie)
Units: 233 Rescue, 236 Engine, Plum Ems, 395 Fire Police

Vehicle Fire - Pennsylvania Turnpike

June 15, 2012 - Plum Station 233 & Monroeville Stations 194 and 195 were dispatched
to a vehicle fire on the Pa Turnpike near milepost 55 Eastbound. 233 Engine 2 on scene
with a SUV fully involved along with hillside on fire. 233 Engine 2 pulled 1.3/4" preconnect
to extinguish vehicle fire, Monroeville Engine 194 on scene, pulled a 2nd line from 233 Engine
to assist with brush fire and also supplied 233 Engine 2 with tank water. Tanker 195 on scene staged, water supply not needed. Fire extinguished, PSP and turnpike to handle roadway cleanup, fire units returned.

Command: 233 Chief (Currie)
Units: 233 Engine 2, 194 Engine, 195 Tanker

Mutual Aid into Penn Hills - Vehicle Accident with entrapment

May 12, 2012 - Station 233 was requested for Mutual Aid for a Motor Vehicle Accident with entrapment on Milltown Rd near Community Market. 233 Rescue arrived on scene, Penn Hills 223 Engine, 222 Rescue starting rescue operations. 2 Vehicles, Tow Truck vs 4 door station wagon, 2 entrapped in the car. 233 Rescue requested to assist with rescue and disentanglement, 233 Crew used Hurst Spreaders, Cutters, Maverick tool to remove passenger side doors and B post, roof removed by 222 Rescue crew. 1 DOA (driver), 2nd patient removed, in critical condition treated by ems and transported to landing zone. Landing Zone at 223 Station handled by 226 and 224 units. 233 Rescue and Engine released by 223 Command and returned.

Command: PH 223 Chief
Rescue Operations: 233 Chief, 222 Asst
Units: 233 Rescue, 233 Engine 2, 222 Rescue, 223 Engine, 226 Engine, 224 Engine, 223 Squad. Penn Hills EMS, Plum Ems.  

Training news

April 28th, 2012 - Congratulations to Matt Mudar and David Fitzhenry who just completed their Essentials of Firefighting - Module 4 (Interior FF). Also another more congrats to Junior Firefighters Eric Lovas and Ken Sebastian who just completed their Essentials of Firefighting - Module 3 (Exterior FF). Great job guys!! 

Vehicle Accident with entrapment

April 15, 2012 - Plum Stations 234 & 233 were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident w/injuries and possible entrapment. 234 Chief on scene w/command, 2 vehicle MVA, 2 entrapped w/injuries. 233 Chief arrived assumed Rescue operations. 234 Attack, 233 Rescue arrived on scene. Both crews assisted with patient care and stabilization. 1st victim entrapped in back seat, door forced by hand, crews removed patient. Used Hurst Maverick tool to remove passenger side door to free 2nd entrapped patient. Both patients transported by ems. 233 Engine 2 on scene also, assisted during extrication, later released. 234 Attack & 233 Rescue remained on scene for several hours for lighting during police investigation.

Command: 234 Chief (Davis)
Rescue Operations: 233 Chief (Currie)
Units: 233 Rescue, 233 Engine 2, 234 Attack, 234 Squad, Plum Ems, New Ken Ems

Residential Structure Fire in 233 district

Mar. 30, 2012 - Plum Stations 233,234 & 236 dispatched to a possible residential structure fire on Deborah Jane Dr. 233 Asst 1 on scene with command, moderate smoke condition in a residence. Damage to outside porch, living room and game room ceiling. 233 Engine 2 on scene, crews used water cans to extinguish embers. 233 Truck on scene side A, crew to check attic and basement, found heavy smoke in basement. 234 Engine to standby at hydrant, 236 Truck to side A area. Fire out, ventilated structure, extensive overhaul to outside structure w/joists burned thru. Allegheny County Fire Marshall to scene for investigation. All fire units returned.

Command: 233 Asst 1 (Turpin)
Operations: 234 Chief (Davis)
Units: 233 Engine 2, 233 Truck, 234 Engine, 236 Truck, 236 Engine

Brush Fire

Mar. 30, 2012 - Plum Stations 236 & 233 were dispatched to a brush fire in area of Bar Harbor drive. 236 Engine 2 on scene with a brush fire in wooded area between Bar Harbor and Catskill Dr. 236 Asst with command. 236 Engine 2 pulled approx. 300 ft 1.3/4" preconnect into wooded area to start extinguishment. 233 Chief on scene assigned operations setting up on Catskill Dr. 233 Engine 2 on scene on Catskill along with 236 Engine 1. 233 Crew took water cans and brush brooms to fire area. 233 Engine 2 and 236 Engine 1 sent by operations to give water tanks to 236 Engine 2 on Bar Harbor. Fire extinguished, fire area was approximately 30 ft x 60 ft on wooded hillside.

Command: 236 Asst (Borgoyne)
Operations: 233 Chief (Currie)
Units: 233 Engine 2, 236 Engine 1, 236 Engine 2

Haz Mat Ops Annual Refresher

Mar. 21, 2012 - Unity VFD Station 233 held our annual refresher this month. Shown below 233 Engine 2 and 234 Engine create a Decon Shower.