Amanda Sergi has agreed to be site editor. Amanda has a degree inElementary Education from Lock Haven University. She is the daughter of Statistical Secretary Eleanor Sergi and Lieutenant / Trustee Tom Sergi. Amanda will be editing site content and writing articles. If you have an idea for an article or need a hand with something you would like to have posted please contact Amanda at asergi@lakewinolafire.com.

   In the early morning hours of September 8th, 2011 a series of miracles saved the life of a man trapped in his car. After extensive rainfall in the area, flooding was everywhere.

The Station 12 Lake Winola Fire Company Swiftwater Rescue Team was dispatched around 5 am to assist Station 1 & Triton Hose Company on Route 92 for a person trapped in their car. Station 12 responded to find Route 92 flooded near Reeves Septic Service. Captain Mike Dziak quickly avoided the flooded area by going through the Reeves parking lot and out their driveway, continuing to respond to the call for help.

Units from Stations 1 and 12 arrived at Route 92 and searched the immediate area but found nothing in the darkness. LWFC  Chief  Bonifanti proceeded to Lane Hill Road and using the lights from his truck, found a victim standing on top of his submerged car waist deep in water. The victim advised the Chief that there was a person trapped in a car in front of him. This car was barely visible in the flooded waters, with only a small section of the car’s roof and the rear window that weren’t under water.

Captains David Wilbur and Mike Dziak waded to the car in chest deep water and made contact with the trapped driver. The water was near the roof inside the car and only a small pocket of air remained. The victim struggled to breathe as the water continued to rise. He anxiously yelled for help as his air supply was quickly disappearing. Wilbur remained with the victim as Dziak went for tools to gain entry into the victim’s car. Firefighter Brandon Rau delivered an axe that Captain Wilbur used to break the rear window.  As water quickly rushed into the car, Wilbur cleared the glass, grabbed the victim and pulled him from the car as it sunk out of site. Captain Dziak and Captain Wilbur brought the victim to the surface, confirmed that he was the only one in the car and carried him to shore.

The victim standing on the car was rescued by Station 1, he was brought to shore in their boat. Both patients were checked by EMS and safely returned to their families.

Lake Winola Fire Company offers the use of its buildings to the public. The pavilion and barbecue pit are available for your next family reunion, wedding reception, graduation or any other special occasion. Individuals or groups interested in renting for their celebrations, need to meet necessary requirements (insurance etc.). For further information, suggested donations, and scheduling, please contact Bill Jones, 570-587-4999 or Tom Sergi, 570-378-2751.

Lake Winola Fire Company is always looking for new recruits. If you are interested in Firefighting, E.M.S, driving, Administrative support, etc. we encourage you to apply! All applicants must be 14 years of age or older. The Lake Winola Fire Company does not discriminate on the basis or race, age, gender, religion, or physical capability. Applications may be downloaded in the FORMS area of this website.

LWFC is offering house number signs. These signs are compliant with recommendations from Exeter, Falls and Overfield Twp. supervisors. LWFC is asking all residents to clearly number their house or business, doing so will aid us in locating you  in the event of an emergency. Please cal 570-237-1988 to order. Suggested donation $12.00

LWFC 1st  Assistant Chief Ed Hawk has constructed and maintained numerous dry hydrants in our coverage area. A dry hydrant is piping and a connection in which to attach a pump, but does not have pressure like a normal fire hydrant. By having these items permanently in place it allows us to obtain water much more quickly in the event of an emergency.  Thank you to Chief Hawk and his helpers, along with the property owners who have allowed us to install dry hydrants on their property.

Our Fire Co. is dispatched by The Wyoming County Communications Center. Dial 911 from any landline or cell phone in the event of an emergency. Non emergency calls, such as notice of controlled burn, basement pumping, and other public service type calls can be placed to the Communications Center on the business line 570-836-6161. Any call not requiring immediate attention may be placed to one of our Stations at 570-378-2000 (St. 12) or 570-388-6543 (St. 12-2).