Old-fashioned firefighting display set in Monongahela

By ERIC SEIVERLING
eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Today’s firefighters have access to modern and cutting-edge firefighting technology and equipment that requires hours of training and preparation.
But for those interested in seeing how firefighters extinguished blazes and operated firetrucks from the past, the 36th Annual Tri State Antique Fire Engine Association’s Fire Muster and Firematic Flea Market will be an eye-opening experience.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Monongahela Noble J. Dick Aquatorium.
The rain or shine event will feature the Rob Greenlee Memorial Scholarship committee volunteers grilling hamburgers and hotdogs, food provided by Firehouse Subs, shaved ice by the Kona Ice food truck, as well as booths and demonstrations by Murrysville Medic No. 1, the Mon Valley Jeep Emergency Response Team, Glick Fire Apparatus, 1st Out Specialty Vehicles and Equipment and a kids’ duck pond sponsored by Rostraver Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 (Webster.)
Once an annual event held in Pittsburgh, this year’s event will mark the third year of being held in Monongahela. Regular attendees to the event will notice the muster is now on a Saturday instead of being held on Sunday.
According to TSAFEA president Tom Fronzaglio, the move to Saturday was to attract more people.
“Participation declined when it was in Pittsburgh on a Sunday,” said Fronzaglio, a firefighter with Rostraver Volunteer Fire Department No. 1. “Now, nobody has to rush home on Sunday evening.”
Along with food and games, the event will feature fan favorites like more than 20 vintage local, tri-state and FDNY fire engines, the children’s firefighter challenge and the popular water pumping contest, which will be dedicated to former Finleyville Fire Chief and association lifetime member Tim Kagle, who passed away in May.
“The truck Finleyville has was his first love,” Fronzaglio said. “He built it from top to bottom.”
Trophies handed out during the event will also commemorate former association member Mike Lieb, who passed away in January.
The TSAFEA is a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of preserving and maintaining antique fire apparatus, with a muster being defined as a fire competition and a gathering of the troops.
Preserving an engine usually means fresh paint, rewiring, a new tank and a new pump.
“It’s to try to preserve the history of fire service,” Fronzaglio said. “When they retire trucks, they go to junkyards. This gives the old timers something to do.”
Admission to the muster is free. Visit www.facebook.com/tsafea.