By Patrick Buchnowski
The Tribune-Democrat
OAKLAND, Pa. — When a house fire breaks out in Stonycreek Township or a truck wrecks on Bedford Street, Dave Thomas is often the first one at the scene wearing a jump suit and reflective vest.
Thomas is captain of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Police.
A member of the fire company since 1965, Thomas and fellow fire police perform traffic and crowd control.
“Our saying is ‘first in and last out,’ ” he said in an interview at the fire station.
“We’re there to protect pedestrians, fire and EMS personnel,” Thomas said.
Fire police are called the face of the volunteer fire company.
The Pennsylvania Fire Police Association outlines the many other duties on its internet site.
- Provide safe clearance for medical helicopters in landing zones.
- Provide a safe path for fire trucks.
- Assist in public evacuation.
- Direct the media at emergency scenes.
Thomas is president of the Somerset-Cambria Fire Police Association and an instructor with the Pennsylvania Fire Academy.
He is married to Dianne Thomas and has a daughter, Chrissy Pile.
Thomas is quick to tell you that danger goes with the job.
Careless drivers are the bane of fire police and public road crews.
“There are so many fire police and road workers getting hit by cars,” he said. “As fire police I’ve been hit three times and been to court twice. By the grace of God I walked away all three times.
“You have to really keep on your toes,” Thomas said.
Reflective vest, orange traffic cones, “Emergency Ahead” and “Road Closed” signs, portable barriers and radios are some of the vital equipment.
The public sometimes has little understanding of the importance of the fire police.
“You hear the old saying ‘you’re a rent a cop, you can’t do anything,’ “ Thomas said. “We can’t physically make an arrest, but we can detain someone within a reasonable time.”
When emergency crews leave the scene, fire police remain to secure a crash site for state or municipal police.
Local fire companies such as the Oakland station support the fire police. Not so with some fire companies in Pennsylvania, he said.
“I teach all over the state,” Thomas said. “You go into some of these fire companies and you’re the red-headed stepchild. But here our guys back us.”
Oakland fire Chief Ronald Helsel said the department relies heavily on Thomas and his fire police.
“They’re kind of like our second-hand guys,” Helsel said.
Crowd control is one of their jobs, he said.
“Vehicles accidents, fires, everybody wants to come see it, and they tend to get in the way,” he said. “They keep the crowds back.”
Closing roads is one of the main duties.
“I say block this road, block that road and it’s done,” Helsel said. “They take care of everything I need done. They’re just as important as the guy with the hose in his hand.”
Copyright 2016 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.)