Chenango-Bridge Fire-Company

08/25/2026

MVA Training

Tonight, members refreshed their skills with auto extrication procedures including: door/ roof removal, dash raises and seat removal

07/07/2026

🚒🪓 TOOL TUESDAY #6: FLAT HEAD AXE 🪓🚒

Simple. Reliable. Essential.

For generations, the Flat Head Axe has been one of the most trusted tools carried by firefighters. While it may look like a basic axe, it’s a versatile tool used for much more than cutting.

🔥 Forcible Entry
🚪 Gaining access through locked doors
🪟 Ventilation operations
🧱 Overhaul and exposing hidden fire
🚑 Rescue operations

One of its most important roles is working alongside the Halligan Tool as “The Irons”—one of the most effective forcible entry tool combinations in the fire service.

💡 Did You Know?
The design of the Flat Head Axe has remained largely unchanged for decades because it continues to be one of the most dependable tools on the fireground.

From the earliest days of firefighting to today’s emergency responses, the Flat Head Axe remains a critical tool that helps firefighters protect lives and property.

07/04/2026

🎆 Happy Independence Day! 🎆
Celebrating 250 years of freedom with our community! 🇺🇸

As you fire up the grills and enjoy the fireworks, remember to stay safe and have fun. 🍔🔥 Here are a few quick tips from the Chenango Bridge Fire Company:

* Grill with care – keep kids & pets at least 3 feet away
* Keep it clean – prevent flare-ups by removing grease
* Check your equipment – propane tanks & hoses before use
* Have water ready – bucket, hose, or extinguisher nearby
* Dispose of ashes safely – soak & store in a metal container

06/30/2026

🚒🔨 TOOL TUESDAY #5: HALLIGAN TOOL 🔨🚒

It may not look like much, but the Halligan Tool is one of the most trusted and versatile tools carried on a fire apparatus.

Used for forcible entry, search and rescue, window operations, and breaching walls, the Halligan helps firefighters gain access when seconds matter most.

Developed in 1948 by FDNY Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan, its design has remained largely unchanged for over 75 years because it simply works.

💡 Did you know? Many firefighters call the Halligan the “Firefighter’s Multi-Tool” because a single tool can:

🚪 Force entry
🪝 Pull and pry
🔨 Strike
🧱 Breach walls
🪟 Remove windows
⚡ Create access during emergencies

When someone needs help behind a locked door, there’s a good chance the Halligan Tool is helping firefighters get there.

06/23/2026

🚒🔊 TOOL TUESDAY #4: PASS DEVICE 🔊🚒

What happens if a firefighter becomes trapped, injured, disoriented, or unable to call for help?

That’s where the PASS Device (Personal Alert Safety System) comes in.

This life-saving piece of equipment is designed to alert nearby crews when a firefighter stops moving or manually activates an emergency alarm. The loud audible signal helps rescuers quickly locate firefighters in distress, even in low visibility, smoke-filled, and high-noise environments.

🚨 When a firefighter can’t call for help, the PASS Device can call for them.

Did you know a modern PASS alarm can exceed 95 decibels? That’s louder than many power tools and helps rescuers locate firefighters when every second counts.

Modern PASS Devices are integrated into firefighter SCBA systems and work alongside emergency radio communications during firefighter MAYDAY situations.

Because on the fireground, safety is always the priority—and every firefighter deserves to go home.

06/21/2026

Brush 39 hit the race track yesterday at the Thunder Mountain Speedway in honor of first responders night.

Thank you to Thunder Mountain Speedway for the invite to be apart of the race!

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from Chenango Bridge Fire Company!

Today, we honor and celebrate all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who lead by example, make sacrifices for their families, and provide strength, guidance, and support every day.

Whether serving their communities, their families, or both, fathers are often the quiet heroes behind the scenes—always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and put others before themselves.

To all the dads in our fire company family and throughout our community, thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and the countless ways you make a difference.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and well-deserved Father’s Day!

— Chenango Bridge Fire Company

06/17/2026

🚒 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙚 39: 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩, 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 🚒

For nearly 30 years, Rescue 39 has proudly served the Chenango Bridge community and neighboring fire districts. Since entering service in 1996, this heavy rescue has responded to countless emergencies, providing specialized rescue capabilities throughout Broome County.

Originally built by Saulsbury Fire Apparatus, Rescue 39 has become a trusted regional asset, often referred to as a “toolbox on wheels.” Equipped with a 25kW generator, cascade air system, Hurst eDraulic rescue tools, lifting airbags, rope rescue equipment, water rescue gear, and low-angle rescue equipment, it is frequently requested by neighboring agencies for complex emergency incidents.

To ensure Rescue 39 continues serving our community for years to come, the Chenango Bridge Fire Company has approved a project to refurbish and remount the existing rescue body onto a new 2026 Freightliner chassis. The apparatus will soon depart for Har-Rob Fire Apparatus in Syracuse, where the refurbishment work will be completed.

This project will save approximately $700,000 compared to purchasing a new heavy rescue truck, which can cost nearly $1.2 million and take years to deliver. This investment allows us to maintain critical rescue capabilities while being responsible stewards of community resources.

While Rescue 39 is away, emergency services will not be impacted. Equipment has been strategically redistributed throughout our fleet to ensure we remain fully capable of providing the high-quality fire and rescue services our community depends on.

06/16/2026

We extend our condolences to the Casterlin family and our brothers and sisters at the Chenango Forks Fire Company during this difficult time. Rest easy Chief.

Our hearts are with the Casterlin family during this difficult time of loss. Chief Ricke passed away Monday night from a very difficult battle. He was a fighter and never gave up!. Always there when you needed him without a doubt! Ricke will be truly missed in the department. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers!. Rest easy Chief the crew has it from here! ♥️🙏

06/16/2026

🚒 TOOL TUESDAY #3: SCBA 🚒

When firefighters enter smoke-filled buildings, they can’t rely on the air around them to breathe.

That’s why they wear an SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)—a portable breathing system that provides clean, breathable air in dangerous environments.

🔥 Protects against toxic smoke
☠️ Carbon monoxide and hazardous gases
🏠 Oxygen-deficient atmospheres
🚨 Dangerous fire conditions

Did you know? A modern SCBA can cost $8,000-$12,000+ and is one of the most important pieces of firefighter safety equipment carried on the fireground.

More than just an air tank, it’s a life-saving tool that allows firefighters to safely operate where others cannot.