Wrightsville Firefighters train for ice rescue under real-life conditions

Members of the Wrightsville Fire Department recently sharpened their ice rescue skills amid winter conditions.

ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY TODD STAHL

On Wednesday, January 21, the Wrightsville Fire Department (Station 41) conducted their annual Ice Rescue Training Refresher. This training took place locally on Dark Hollow Road in Hellam Township.

Members reviewed a PowerPoint presentation addressing rescuer safety, rescue tactics, hypothermia, various types of ice, ice rescue equipment, scene size up, and department SOGs. This training was organized by Assistant Fire Chief Tyler Seibert and the following PA State Certified Rescue Instructors conducted and supervised the skill stations; Todd Stahl, Alex Myers, Phil Quinn and Kelly Lemmons.  

With the current conditions we are experiencing, this was a great opportunity for members under a rare night-time environment and present real life conditions while allowing all participants to hone their skills. 

Rescuers utilized Low Risk methods and High Risk tactics while engaging with each other.

Station 41 offers all disciplines of Water Rescue, including but not limited to Ice Rescue, Flood Rescue, Rescue Boat Operations and Swiftwater services to Wrightsville, Hellam Township and surrounding municipalities. Chief Seibert thanks the homeowner for the opportunity to utilize their pond, the ice rescue instructors for their expertise with managing the skills stations and their volunteer members for continuously showing up and being prepared for all and any emergencies they may encounter when the residents and visitors call upon them for their services.

Deeds Recorded—Columbia Borough—January 19, 2026

Jamie Anderson conveyed 328 Walnut St. to Rohrback Elizabeth G, Emery David M. for $319,000.

Detz Jeffrey C, Detz Christine A. conveyed 568 Chestnut St. to Ziegler Jacqueline H, Thomas Nicole P. for $460,000.

Michael R. Young conveyed property on South Fifth Street to JBS Homes LLC for $160,000.

Michael R. Young conveyed 27 S. Fifth St. to JBS Homes, Sinz Emily for $110,000.

Hilltop Investment Group LLC conveyed property on Union Street to Hilltop Holding Group LLC for $1.

About Town—January 18, 2026

This week's photos of Columbia 

Click on photos to see larger, sharper images. 

JOE LINTNER | COLUMBIA SPY 

Many saw this brilliant display Monday afternoon/evening.

The WGAL News 8 Storm Team was at Columbia River Park Tuesday morning, forecasting and standing around.

*****************

More equipment arrived at 750 South 9th Street for a project in which nine single-family attached dwelling units will be built on the 0.55-acre lot.

Valley View Capital LLC bought the lot from the borough for $70,000 in 2023.

*****************

Wednesday morning provided us with this vivid sunrise. 

Columbia under glass at Borough Hall 

The mayor wants council to consider going with a single-hauler for trash pickup, although not necessarily this one.

The bell tower at the former Shawnee Fire Company building on Union Street is looking pretty shabby, but it does have a bell.

The restroom for Makle Park had to be relocated to avoid an underground electrical wire, at a cost of $3,445.00.

Here's the documentation:

We were "blessed" with snow two days in a row...

###