Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department

06/03/2026

This Friday, Pennsylvania begins full enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law, making it illegal to use a handheld phone while driving—even when stopped at a red light.

For emergency responders, this law is about more than avoiding a ticket. Every day, firefighters, EMS providers, and police officers work on roadways where a distracted driver can change lives in an instant. By putting your phone down and focusing on the road, you help protect not only yourself and your passengers, but also the responders working to keep our communities safe.

One glance at a phone can have lifelong consequences. Put the phone away, stay alert, and help make Pennsylvania’s roads safer for everyone.

No text, call, email, or social media notification is worth a life. 🚒🚑🚓

For firefighters, EMS providers, and police officers, this law matters because:

* Fewer preventable crashes means fewer serious injuries and deaths for responders to handle.
* Improved safety at emergency scenes. Drivers distracted by phones are more likely to miss emergency vehicles, traffic control devices, or personnel operating on roadways.
* Reduced risk to responders working on highways and streets. Firefighters, EMS personnel, and police officers are often struck or nearly struck by inattentive drivers while assisting at incidents.
* Faster emergency response. Distracted-driving crashes tie up resources that could be responding to other emergencies.
* Protection of families and communities. The law was created in memory of Paul Miller Jr., who was killed by a distracted driver, with the goal of preventing similar tragedies.

06/02/2026

Rescue 3 is currently assisting Plains Township Fire Department on scene of a working residential structure fire on New St. Group 4 working.

Please avoid the area.

06/01/2026

Today was the perfect day for the Wyoming Seminary Summer Camp to visit the West Side Mutual Aid Smokehouse!

Campers had the opportunity to learn important fire safety lessons, including how to recognize hazards, the importance of working smoke alarms, and what to do if a fire occurs in their home. The hands-on experience allowed them to practice safely navigating a smoke-filled environment and reinforced the importance of having and following a home escape plan.

A big thank you to Group 2 who helped make this educational experience possible. Teaching fire safety at a young age helps build confidence, awareness, and preparedness that can last a lifetime.

05/30/2026

Some Saturday night training for Group 4 focused on VEIS — Vent, Enter, Isolate, Search.

VEIS is a targeted search technique used to quickly locate and remove victims from areas of a structure that may be difficult to access through traditional interior operations. Members practiced venting windows, making entry, isolating rooms, and conducting efficient searches, as well as lowering “victims” to the ground using ground ladders with multiple techniques discussed. Training started in duty uniforms and ended with members in full PPE and SCBA.

Training like this helps ensure our firefighters remain proficient in critical life-saving skills and are prepared when seconds matter most.

05/27/2026

A reminder from the Kingston Municipal Police Department

⚠️ MICROMOBILITY SAFETY & ENFORCEMENT NOTICE ⚠️

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Due to ongoing safety concerns and unsafe operation of electric scooters, mini bikes, e-bikes, and similar devices, we want to remind the public of Pennsylvania laws regarding micromobility vehicles.

❌ Electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric unicycles, and many similar devices are NOT legal to operate on public roadways in Pennsylvania unless they meet PennDOT registration, equipment, and inspection requirements. Most do not qualify and are only permitted on private property.

🚫 These devices are also not permitted to impede traffic, operate recklessly, weave through vehicles, ignore traffic signals/signs, or create hazards for motorists and pedestrians.

✅ Legal e-bikes must:
• Have operable pedals
• Weigh under 100 pounds
• Have a motor no greater than 750 watts
• Not exceed 20 MPH under motor power alone
• Operators must be at least 16 years old

⚠️ Riders are reminded:
• Helmets are strongly encouraged for all riders
• Lights are required when riding between sunset and sunrise
• Riders must obey all traffic laws
• Sidewalk riding may be prohibited in business districts
• Parents can be held responsible for juvenile violations

ENFORCEMENT POLICY EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:

1️⃣ First Offense – Warning issued / Juvenile parents contacted
2️⃣ Second Offense – Citations issued
3️⃣ Third Offense – Citations issued and vehicle/device seized

These laws are in place to protect riders, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

Please ride responsibly and help keep our roads safe for everyone.

For more information, review PennDOT’s PA Micromobility Fact Sheet below.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day, we ask everyone to take a moment to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of those who gave everything to protect them.

From all of us at the Kingston Forty Fort Fire Department, we thank our fallen heroes and the families who carry their legacy every day.

May we never forget. 🇺🇸

05/25/2026

Last night, Group 2 was called to assist Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department as RIT for a second alarm working residential house fire. Quick work by the city kept this fire from extending into the residence.

International Association of Fire Fighters
Luzerne County Firefighters Local 840

05/24/2026

05/23/2026

Today we celebrate the incredible career of “Chief 8,” Len Chesterfield, who officially called it a career on April 30, 2026.

Chief Chet began his fire service career with the Wyoming Fire Company before joining the Columbian Volunteer Fire Department as a firefighter on November 7, 1977.

Throughout his nearly five decades of service, he held numerous leadership positions including:

• Lieutenant: 1980–1981
• Captain: 1982–2007
• Municipal Volunteer Fire Chief: January 2007 – April 30, 2026

For over 19 years as Chief, Chet continued the aggressive in-house fire training program established by his predecessor, Fred Kase, along with many other forward-thinking firefighters. That commitment to training helped earn the Columbian Volunteer Fire Department and the Kingston fire service a reputation as one of the best in the state.

Chief Chet consistently encouraged members to pursue advanced fire and rescue training, whether through state certification programs, the annual CVFD Winter Fire Seminars, or the Luzerne County Fire & Rescue Fire School Weekend. These programs brought nationally recognized instructors and industry fire protection experts to our area and helped shape generations of firefighters.

Beyond emergency response and training, Chet dedicated countless hours serving as a committee chair and officer within both the CVFD and the Dorranceton Fire Relief Association. He was also heavily involved in the West Side Mutual Aid, always working to strengthen cooperation and professionalism throughout the region.

While Chief Chet is officially “retired,” we know he will continue to be a visible and active presence within the department he helped build and lead for so many years.

Thank you, Chief Chesterfield, for your dedication, leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the fire service and the community of Kingston. Congratulations on an extraordinary career.