Sharon/Farrell Firefighters IAFF Local 417

01/04/2026

Raffle Drawing, January 3, 2026 at 7pm

07/31/2025

July 2025 Raffle Drawing.

09/16/2024

08/29/2024

Join us in honoring individuals whose names we may not always know, but whose impact we can never forget - first responders - in the September edition of Valley Voices -- on newsstands today!

08/06/2024

08/06/2024

Local 417 firefighters from The City Of Farrell Fire Department assisted.

08/03/2024

07/28/2024

Great job by IAFF Local 417 members!

Hawk Rescued from a Powerline!

Recently, State Game Warden Byron Gibbs got a call about an injured hawk that was hanging around the caller’s backyard, unable to fly.

When the officer arrived, they couldn’t find the hawk where it was last seen. But then things took on a twist! Officer Gibbs spotted a hawk hanging upside down like a bat from a powerline in front of a neighbor’s house. It turned out to be the same hawk.

Realizing he would need some assistance; Officer Gibbs called the Farrell Fire Department. Captain Joe Varga and Firefighter Bill Stiglia arrived on scene, extended their ladder truck, and rescued the young hawk.

The hawk then flew back to the original backyard. Despite its high-wire adventure, the hawk showed no signs of trauma or injury and could walk and fly.

A neighbor pointed out a nearby hawk nest with two other young hawks in the nest. This hawk was likely just fledging from the nest.
A big thank you to the caller for reporting the hawk and to the Farrell Fire Department for rescuing the hawk. 🚒

To report any wildlife concerns, call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

07/02/2024

IAFF Local 417 would like to thank Stephanie at Topcap Truck Accessories for making these memory decals. These decals are for sale and are $5 for the angel wing decal and $7 for the IAFF decal. After talking to the family the proceeds are going to the IAFF Local 417 JT Palovsky Memorial Fund. Per IAFF guidelines and rules, the IAFF decal is only available to current and past IAFF members and their immediate family. To purchase decals please contact Union President and City of Farrell Assistant Chief Jon Laird at the Farrell Fire Department.