Hey Jael,
Hooked on Phonics, you should try it some time.

Hope the FF is doing ok. Thank god the career fire dept got there so fast or it could of been much worse. Good video to Joe.

Wendy ... Someone did get hurt and it was a firefighter .. Whether he or she was a volunteer or a career firefighter they wer hurt trying to do good for this township! That person will now most likely have to spend the next few weeks rehabbing his burns. No firefighter wants or tries to get hurt but a burn is the worse, the possibility of infection, the aches and pains. My sympathy goes out to this firefighter especially during this holiday season!

Joe - keep up the great news reporting the residents and the firefighter of this town appreciate it!

Fred S
President of the Bensalem Twp Association of Fire Companies

Bottom line is that the fire was extinguished and no one died. The police chief bragging that the career firefighters arrived first will only serve to create tension between career and volunteer firefighters. There is only 1 engine in the township during the weekdays that is staffed by career personnel. Fires of this type can not be handled without the volunteers also.

Fred Harran is the Director of Public Safety, not just the Police Chief. He is responsible for the all of the emergency services in Benslaem Twp.

William and Brian B,
Maybe I am missing something here but isn't the mission of firefighters, career or volunteer to save lives and protect property. Why should there be tension between them if they share a common goal. If their reason for joining the fire service is truly to protect the public they serve, maybe they should check their egos at the firehouse door and find a way to work together. It appears their lives may depend on it.

Well said and from what I'm told they all work very well together and I'm sure they will continue to do so.

First of all, hope the injured FF is feeling better soon. Second, good comments here about career and volunteer FFs working together - that is required on a fire as serious as this one. Finally... it's relevant here to point out that the township FFs arrived first to protect life and property. That's what they're paid to do. We could look more closely at the response times and manning of the volunteers (including the first-due company), but let's not go there. Let's just say the system worked and Bensalem taxpayers should know their money is being spent very wisely.

The firefighter wasn't hurt from the fire he touched a railing with his glove off.

I would really love to hear what our girl wendy has to say, since she know's it all.
know matter what she says you all did a great job.
Come on wendy don't let us down your fans are waiting. PS how's ROCKET

Great job to all responding fire companies!! It could have been worse.

Firefighters respond to another fire today...Check it out http://patch.com/A-p1rf

I live in Salem Harbour and think you are all ridiculous for arguing over who responded first. I hope that the apartment complex is helping out those displaced in someway as it appears to have been their fault. Any follow up story on that?

Also any word on donations set up for the families that lost their belongings in the fire? I would love a follow up. The complex hasn't reached out to its residents yet so I didn't even know until today this happened when I finally drove by the building then researched.

Jael - keep us posted on the donations! Thanks for setting something up!

Lisa,I would be very careful who you donate money to. The best way is to have a bank set up a fund. A paypal account could be misused. I think the township has a program in place for people in need.

I just called the rental office and they are going to try and start donations for the families. I'll keep everyone posted.

Rental office is collecting gently used, no longer needed household items and other necessities for the fire victims. Coffee pots, dishes, paper towels, lamps, etc. monetary donations are directed to the local red cross.

@ararref and STOFE: I am working on getting a bank in this area. If you are willing to set aside personal attacks and help, maybe we can get one who is willing? BTW
@thumbsup: My sources are far from wrong, as they include, a homeland security agent, SEVERAL area firefighters, (Who I have confirmed the accuracy of their statements.), and a great deal more. Mutual Aid, has NOTHING to do with an out of town fire marshall/inspector, who has NO juristiction in Bensalem. (That is unless he is now also the fire marshall and no one in this town was told this.) As for Rob's "qualifications", I would not only like to see proof, but I would also LOVE to know if Fred Sponheimer, ever returned that "flower money"??

Hey guys:
Try responding with FACTS, and TRUTH for once, instead of more lies and personal attacks.

Wendy , only a one line response ? why is it you are the only one who feels they are allow to launch personal attacks on people that are filled with falsifications time and time again ? Then when somebody says something to you ,you get defensive. Don't bother with the " I dont name call, I give only facts, I am a Christian" Farce . Those who know what you are about, know the truth , that you are nothing but a mouthpiece for "misfits" (as thumbs ups described them) who use you ( a unstable dimwit) to do their dirty work .
Wow 3 degrees ? LOL , well if that is true ,you obviously dont put them to good use when it comes to what you put out on this site and other places. And by other places I mean your Youtube videos where you are ,fidgeting around the entire time, wierd eye & hand movements , under the influence? or is it that your body movements are giving away the fact that you are a Liar ?

As for Rob Sponheimer, he is a very qualified individual , so your reliable sources arent that reliable or they would have told you that way back when you 1st tried to question his honor ,his integrity & qualifications a few months ago on this site . He is so dedicated at what he does, that if your apartment was on fire and you were trapped in it unable to get out, he wouldn't think twice about rescuing you ,even though time and time again you have bashed him. He and others that you have bashed have saved many lives over the years, including a young boy who drowned , their quick response saved that boys life . You need to stop being so vindictive and full of hate, it is not the Christian way . Those of us who know Rob, know his dedication, his qualifications ,his honor,his integrity and his work ethics, so the question is why would one of your "misfits" have you questioning his qualifications , unless maybe they are jealous or disgruntled ?

Wendy, for someone who says they don't participate in or condone personal attacks , why would you make a comment about Fred S at the end of your post? What does that have to do with anything about this article? except that you didn't like that he let you know that there was a FF who was injured I find it strange with all your contacts & sources that you didn't know that a FF was injured when you 1st made a comment about this article but then again...

YOU are a VINDICTIVE UNSTABLE RAMBLING IDIOTIC NUT who has nothing better to do then sit on her fat butt all day making false accusations and posting garbage on sites like this . YOU NEED TO GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT ! Perhaps you should tell your misfits to give you the correct information before you post things. And while you are at it you should check out your sources more thoroughly,and make sure that your " source" about your comment is of good moral quality instead of a guy who is a womanizing, copper stealing ,arsonist who is also a peeping "tom" or maybe I should use the name peeping "greg" ! .Because with that list of morals, I wouldn't consider him a reliable source for anything about anybody!

@Its Time & thumbsup:: So you both think its OK for the "best township in bucks county" to mooch off of Newtown Township for the past two years?? I state FACTS, and have the evidence to back it up. Show me your evidence. I never said anything about Fred S. that I have not confirmed to be true. From where I stand, YOU BOTH ARE VINDICTIVE individuals who have nothing better to do than making false accusations, attacking my faith, (Do you know what it means to be a Christian??), and my evidence. Just so you know, one of my degrees, is in Counseling (Specializing in Individual and Family Therapy), so think before you speak. Perhaps you should tell your cohorts to give you truthful information before you post things. And while you are at it, make sure that your " sources" about your comments are also of good moral quality, instead of two high ranking police officials, who disrespect women, (Including their own wives!), commit fraud (Haman-Fred: SAFER grant was filled out fraudulently!), and much more!! I have to say, that with that list of morals, I wouldn't consider them a reliable source for anything about anybody! My sources are NOT who you think they are, so try again. As for "PF", the FBI has closed the investigation, and found Union Fire Co. and ALL involved in the Boat Grant COMPLETELY INNOCENT. However, they will be investigating those who made the accusations to begin with.

This is why Radio Shack should require a psychological exam before selling scanners.

I can't believe I'm acknowledging some of this nonsense but here is my stupid opion and the facts as stupid me sees them.

1. There is NO DOUBT that Bensalem needs a paid fire dept. If it were up to me the casino revenues would be used to lessen property taxes and pay for a paid department around the clock.

2. There was bound to be bad blood and bitterness among those who wanted and didn't get the paid fire fighter positions. Stirring the pot and rubbing salt in the wounds won't help the situation. I

3. Bensalem DOES NOT need a fire boat especially since the last time there was a fire along the river that required marine intervention was about 30 - 40 years ago, ask some of the old timer's among the fire service and they will confirm that.

4. The powers that be in Bensalem (Mayor, Fred, etc) are financially irresponsible and spend money on too much fluff. Fred does NOT need a Limited Edition Ford Expedition with leather seats and chrome wheels etc as a police car. A Crown Vic would be far more appropriate, that is my opinion and I am entitled to it. I respect your opinions so please respect mine.

5. The Mayor does NOT need a new luxury SUV every year and it bothers me that he made a big campaign about going green but now he's driving a gas guzzling Expedition, AGAIN.

Wendy, you are the best. you never let me down. You know NOTHING about anything. But i will give you a chance to prove yourself you say that the township but in the 2012 budget the revenue for the boat that your boys got illegally. PLEASE show us via cut and paste from the budget the line in the budget that says that. You can't because it does not appear ANYWHERE. I would also like to see where this safer grant was filled out fraudulently, again cut and paste. You won't because none of what you are saying is ture. But I'm sure you will make up some story. I know why you and PF are both so delusional. Anyway I'm glad your back blogging I was worried about you . I was going to have the police check on you.

Does anybody wonder what Mr. saddler thinks. I guess If I was him I would be glad she was on the computer, leaving me alone. Anyway their is always ROCKET and the oreo's behind in the kichen cabiinet

Wendy , I made no mention of about the Newtown FM helping with a fire investigation because I know the TRUTH of why Mr Don Harris participates but since you included me in your question, let me give you the FACTS. I am not sure if this is covered under Mutual Aid or not but FM's from The surrounding townships, counties etc have a mutual agreement and they have for a long time, before Fred H ,before Rob S, before 222 ,before Don Harris, etc ( and it happened many times when Mr Scanlon and others before him were FM too ) , so its not a new concept or a 2 yr old Mooch as you describe it to work with each other when it comes to a fire investigation,just as with law enforcement , different members come together to solve a crime or any other business that deals with investigating. It has nothing to do with not being qualified , It has to do with working together to solve what sometimes is a complex fire investigation. I for one am glad that they work together , but I could understand that you would have a problem with that, since you seem to have a numerous mental issues that would keep you from understanding such a simple concept not to mention that you are not able to separate fact from fiction.
It seems that a few of your misfits have grudges against the men you are spewing hate & lies about , FYI just because they tell you something , that doesnt make it true that is except in WENDY'S WORLD !

Oh Wendy you made me laugh so hard, I almost peed my pants , LOL, A degree in Conseling Specializing in Individual & Family Therapy, no wonder you cant find a job, once they interview you they be crazy to hire you ,you be a liability to them , because you are the one in need of counseling.

I am crony or a plant ( I know that is coming next , I went and read your old posts) I didnt get my information nor are my sources any high ranking police officials. I have knowledge of what I speak of, unlike you ,who gets your information second hand from those who have a axe to grind with the people you harrass with your lunatic rants.

Wendy and the 3 Wisemen : LT?SGT? P/O? Perry, special agent / pilot
crazy kenny (i think he was demoted too) + splinter the peeper ( he was fired!) Great crew there !!!!! Nothing like getting your information from people with an axe to grind. You should be ashamed of yourself for trying to drive a wedge between the paid officers and the volunteers. You are a reprehensible slob, and you deserve everything you get except for that check from Uncle Sam.

Does anyone else think wendy reminds me of the scene in rocky when he says "cut me mick" it appears to me that she is down and out. I have offered her the oppurtunity to PROVE me wrong, but she won't because she CAN'T.

If you do not like how the township is being operated, then run for a township counsel position or move...
Some of you have so many negative things to say about the paid fire department. How about you stop being a "Monday morning quarterback" and go join one of the vollie companies. Then go through the countless hours of training (not just basic fire school either). Juggle working multiple jobs, family time, training, helping your children with their school work, taking your children to sports, and fire calls at any time of the day. Put another family before your own family. Put your life on the line to save a life, to save a house or building, to save someones property. Once you've done all that, then let me know how you feel about our fire departments/firefighters in the township.
I have been a firefighter in the township for over a decade now and I personally have no problem with a paid fire department during the day. Matter of fact, its a sense of relief knowing that my family will be protected when I am away during the day at work. Knowing that an engine crew will be there within a matter of minutes to help my family. You cant put a price on that. Tax money that I have no problem paying.

All of this bickering is entertaining but the bottom line is that the current system worked. There is no denying that the fire damage would have been much worse had E222 not been on the job. The debate in fire service circles is whether the entire building would have been lost.

The volunteer companies answered the call but due to daytime manpower shortages, there would have been a delay in the firefight - especially when you consider the first-due company (Union E37) was significantly delayed and undermanned. Still, it was good to see the volunteer companies doing a good job and working alongside the career FFs to handle a very challenging job. The career staff couldn't have handled this one alone.

More than anything that's happened before it, this fire demonstrates why Bensalem needs a paid crew during the day. This crew will one day save lives in addition to property. Good job to all. The system worked exactly as it was designed, and makes you look all the more foolish for still criticizing it.

Jael (whoever you are), do you honestly think that Bensalem township is the only township in this county that has an outside fire marshal come in to "assist" with fire investigations? If you do, its time to wake up. It is a very common practice for township, county, and state fire marshals to "assist" each other with investigations. BTW, it does matter who responded first. I would much rather have an engine crew show up at my house with a crew that is qualified and capable of putting out a fire than a crew with very little training and qualifications. Do you honestly think that putting out a fire is just running in with a hose and spraying water?
Didn't mean to offend anyone with my opinions and if I did, oh well get over it...

Who are Haman and Nabal?

Just wondering how the firefighter was recovering, OK I hope. Thoughts and prayers to all those who serve.

I would just like to comment on the reporting of this in Patch, really nice to see this information being put out in this format. Informative as to your content and really conveys what happened both by the writing and the associated videos and pictures. As far as the comments, I think a forensic psychologist could have a picnic, and maybe a career dealing with these personalities.

Steve the firefighter suffered 2nd degree burns to his wrist and upper portion of his hand, he is still sore but getting better each day. He suffered the burns when he was inside the apartment building attempting to extinguish the fire (at the beginning of the fire). Thanks for asking I'm sure him and his family really appreciate it.

I just wanted everyone to know that I have changed my medication and everything is better for now. I'm sorry for everything I have said. You are all great and wonderful people. Wendy