1st Responder News New Jersey February Edition by Belsito Communications Inc.

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DAMIEN DANIS PASSAIC, NJ - Local firefighters are far too familiar with major commercial building fires that have struck this city over the years. On a Friday, January 14th evening, with freezing temperatures and high winds covering Northern New Jersey, area firefighters were once again put to the test. -

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Eleven-Alarm Commercial Building Fire Rocks Passaic PASSAIC, NJ - Local fire fighters are far too familiar with major commercial building fires that have struck this city over the years. On a Friday, January 14th evening, with freezing tem peratures and high winds covering Northern New Jersey, area fire fighters were once again put to the test. Engine 2, Ladder 2 and Battal ion Chief John Hayowyk (Battal ion 3) were dispatched for a reported car fire on Route 21 at 8:16 P.M. Dispatch reported re ceiving “multiple calls.” This was followed by dispatch receiving calls for a building fire, but there was no exact address. While responding. Ladder 2 radioed a “large column” visible, followed by a report of an appar ent building fire off of Route 21. The assignment was filled out, followed by another report from Ladder 2 stating there was a fully involved roof fire of a commercial building and the rig had to “loop around” to gain access. While in route. Battalion 3 ordered a sec ond-alarm, which was followed up, upon arrival, with a thirdalarm. The chief reported “heavy fire on the ro o f’ of a mill building and aerial operations would be needed. This was followed by a call for two mutual aid tower lad ders to be sent to the scene. Pas saic Street and Canal Street addresses were used for the com mercial site. The fire was in a complex that contained Majestic Industries and Qualco, Inc. Majestic makes gam ing and hospitality furniture for casinos and bingo halls. Mayor Hector Carlos Lora said. Qualco produces and distributes chemi cals used to treat pools and spas. A county haz-mat team was called to the scene. blames lit up the night sky and a huge column of black smoke rose above the city. It was later re ported that the smoke was spotted on weather radar. On this windy evening, large embers flew over the Passaic River to the Wallington side. Besides dispatching a pumper to Passaic, the rest of the Wallington Lire Department turned-out on ember patrol to pro tect their borough. Mutual aid companies were sent to Route 21 to set up master streams for the fire building and exposure protection, as the high way was shut down to traffic. When fire units gained better ac cess to the structure involved, it was reported that there was fire on the first-floor of the fire building and soon on all floors of a threestory mill building. With the temperature in the 20's, and a wind chill factor, the usual winter hindrances were present, such as ice on the ground and frozen hydrants. Water relay operations were established which involved numerous mutual aid

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pumpers. The main fire was in the Majestic Industries property. As the fire grew larger, a col lapse zone was established and a ladder company was ordered to move back and away from high tension wires, above. Part of the fire building collapsed on the river side, creating an even bigger ball of flames and a mammoth column of smoke. An extensive amount of mu tual aid was called to the scene, and to cover the city, from some five area counties. Last January, a multi pie-alarm fire destroyed a re cycling plant in the same city neighborhood, on another frigid night. Many of the fire companies that responded to the current blaze were familiar with how the fire fighting, water relay, rotating of fire companies, rehab, and other operations would be executed, due to their previous duties in 2021. The fire destroyed the Majes tic Industries structure, with most of it collapsing within itself. A three-hour progress report in cluded eight aerial devices in op eration as well as deck guns, with fire starting to darken down. After five hours, master streams were still operating. As the sun rose on the site, a shell of the building re mained with smoldering fire be neath the rubble. Lire companies from as far as Morris County re ported to the scene for the rotating and relieving of firefighters wet ting down pockets of fire. Overnight, the wind blew smoke over Bergen and Hudson counties, as well as New York City. Lire departments answered smoke and strange odor calls. Jer sey City firefighters seem to have the largest run on these calls overnight, and reported smoke from Passaic. In the morning, the fire department sent a haz-mat unit out to take air samples in the Heights section of that city. The New Jersey D.E.P., called in to test air quality in Passaic, found it to be safe. Mayor Lora said. A lone security guard was on duty at the time of the fire, and he was safe. One firefighter was treated at a local hospital for a face laceration, according to Chief of Department Patrick Trentacost. There were also various “slip and fall” injuries, the chief said. Mayor Lora praised firefight ers and called their actions “heroic". “They are the reason why this fire did not reach the main chemical plant where the highest concentration of chlorine is located,” the mayor added. The fire was called under con trol around 7:30 A.M. the next morning, with fire companies op erating for an extended period of time on the smoldering remains.

RONJEFFERS Part of the fully involved mill building collapsed with balls of fire, a huge column of smoke and embers blowing across the Passaic area on January 14th.

RONJEFFERS City firefighters use Engine 3's deck gun to cool off exposing structures during the 11-alarm blaze.

- RON JEFFERS RONJEFFERS

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

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RONJEFFERS On their way back to quarters after operating at a fire in Hoboken, and near lunch time, members of Jersey City Engine Co. 6 passed and stopped at the Gong Club for some cookies and hot chocolate, December 22nd.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 29 No. 2 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 p ery earb y BelsitoCom m unications, Inc., 1 Ardm ore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmas ter: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 A rd m ore Street, New W indsor, NY 12553. N o financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, o r legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted o r in error. O m issions o r errors m ust be brought to the at tention o f the newspaper during the sam e m onth of publi cation. Printed in Canada. A division of:

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Many times while in the field we may have those certain and un usual buildings in our first due area or within our community that we need to gather more intel on, especially with water supply and fire attack line placement. One day while in my community I saw a gentleman using a “walking wheel” to measure off a piece of property that he was appraising. I thought, why not purchase one and keep it in the back of my chief’s buggy for those moments during pre-planning of an area or a building when you hear “I won der how many lengths” we will need.

RONJEFFERS The most important "tool" of the day, on the morning of January 15th, were bags of calcium chloride pellets during a dwelling fire on 39th Street in Union City. The temperature was 18-degrees with a feel-like temperature of 3-degrees.

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your arrival on scene, establishing a water supply and advancing a fire attack line to the seat of the fire. Having an understanding of how many lengths you will need ahead of time to get to a certain area of a building or a large acces sible area makes you a more effi cient firefighting force and prevents unnecessary hose from being used (spaghetti in the street). PRE-PLANNIG & OVER COMING

No sooner did I purchase this “walking wheel” we do a pre-plan of an unusual building where the fire attack line stretch comes into question and the words "I wonder how many lengths we will need to get to the furthest area" were echoed. With that said, I reached into the back of my chief’s buggy and pulled out this "tool" from my toolbox. I told the officer and his crew to take the wheel and let us get an accurate answer to their question.

The doubt will be removed if you consider purchasing this “walking wheel”, as you have now prepared to overcome and adapt, and you now have gathered the intel of the building or the area that is in question in your first due response district. The most impor tant thing is you do not have to stretch any hose from your hose bed; you can remain in service and stay ready for fire duty.

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This piece of equipment, if purchased, will set you apart from the pack as your engine company will be known as authentic and highly motivated to get the job done. Be safe and know the stretch!

A motivated and disciplined company commander should know “what’s in their backyard” and be ready to work with speed and efficiency to locate, confine and extinguish a fire within their first due area. This all begins with

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- J.C.F. D RET BC CHARLIE LIND, JR.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

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February, 2022

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DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION

California: Matthew Rominger, 48 Rank: Firefighter/Paramedic Incident Date: April 4, 2021 Death Date: May 16, 2021 Fire Department: Mountain Warfare Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter/Paramedic Matthew “Bear” Michael Rominger con tracted COVID-19 while on a medical call from a patient with a known case of the virus. He passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021.

(nich@ 1stnesponder.com)

EDITORIAL STAFF COLUMNISTS ••• Rick Billings (Cartoon) AJ Fusco (Food Blog) Bob Long (Cartoon) John Malecky (Apparatus, Video, Bookshelf) Didymus McHugh (Chaplain’s Corner) Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner) CORRESPONDENTS ••• Keith A ddie • Adam A lberti • Bill Auth • David Burns • John W C arr • Steven C atena • Don Colarusso • Robert Connell • D am ien D anis • Joseph Diehl • Doug Fenichel ‘ Joseph G etsinger ‘ A lan Hoffm an • Todd H ollritt • Richard Huff • Roman

Arizona: Jeff Piechura, 62 Rank: Air Tactical Group Supervisor Incident Date: July 10, 2021 Death Date: July 10, 2021 Fire Department: U.S. Forest Service/Coronado National Forest Initial Summary: On Saturday, July 10, 2021, Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura and Air Attack Pilot Matthew Robert Miller were aboard a Beechcraft King Air C-90 conducting visual reconnais sance and aviation command and control over the Cedar Basin Fire near Wikieup, Ari zona when the aircraft crashed. Both individ uals perished in the accident.

Isaryk Jr. • Bob Krane • Nicholas Lenczyk • Chuck Lowe ‘ Justin M attes • Richard M axwell • Pete M onaco • Judson M oore • Sylvie M ulvaney • M ike Nowacki • M ar tin Pelta • Anthony Razzano • Lucas Richardson • John Rieth • Frank Robinson • EJ Rode • Bob Sherm an J r • Ken Snyder • Conni Spellm an • C harlie Tentas ‘ Bill Tom pkins • C hris Tom pkins • Justin W atrel • Eugene W eber J r • Jam es Wood Sr

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Arizona: Matthew Robert Miller, 48 Rank: Air Attack Pilot Incident Date: July 10, 2021 Death Date: July 10, 2021 Fire Department: Falcon Executive Aviation, Inc. Initial Summary: On Saturday, July 10, 2021, Air Tactical Group Supervisor Jeff Piechura and Air Attack Pilot Matthew Robert Miller were aboard a Beechcraft King Air C-90 conducting visual reconnais sance and aviation command and control over the Cedar Basin Fire near Wikieup, Ari zona when the aircraft crashed. Both individ uals perished in the accident.

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New Mexico: Janet Tracy, 59 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 20, 2021 Death Date: July 20, 2021 Fire Department: Caballo Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, Firefighter Janet Tracy was at the scene of a single vehicle non-injury crash on 1-25 south of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. While providing aid and support to the scene, another firefighter who was repositioning a Caballo fire truck, struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Firefighter Tracy also served as the Secretary for the department.

Pennsylvania: Thomas Royds, 48 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: July 24, 2021 Death Date: July 24, 2021 Fire Department: Lower Merion Fire Department/Belmont Hills Fire Co. Initial Summary: On Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 3:04 a.m., the Belmont Hills Fire Company and Gladwyne Fire Company were dispatched to a vehicle accident with injuries on Interstate 76. At approximately 3:23 a.m., while preparing to leave the scene of the initial incident, another vehicle struck Firefighter Thomas Royds, two other firefighters from Belmont Hills Fire Company, and one Pennsylvania State Trooper. Multi ple EMS units were immediately requested to assist the injured first responders. Fire fighter Royds went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was transported by ground ambu lance to Paoli Hospital where he passed away. The two other firefighters were flown to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where they are currently critical but stable. The Pennsylvania State Trooper was also trans ported by ground to Penn Presbyterian Med ical Center to receive treatment. The driver of the vehicle that struck the first responders was taken into custody at the scene after re portedly drinking and driving. The investiga tion of the incident is ongoing. Texas: Daniel “Danny” Ireton, 60 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: August 4, 2021 Death Date: August 4, 2021 Fire Department: Martin County Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, while Firefighter Daniel “Danny” Ireton and another firefighter were responding to a motor vehicle collision, the fire appara tus Firefighter Ireton was driving struck an other vehicle. Firefighter Ireton was pronounced deceased at the scene. The other firefighter was taken to the hospital and re mains in stable condition. Mississippi: Larry Dean Adams, 65 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: August 6, 2021 Death Date: August 8, 2021 Lire Department: Yazoo County District 3 Volunteer Lire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, August 6 , 2021, Lieutenant Larry Dean Adams suf fered a medical emergency while operating the pump panel at a vehicle fire, causing him to fall unconscious, striking his head on the side board. He was treated on scene by fel

low firefighters and was then flown to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS, where he passed away on Sun day, August 8, 2021, from a brain bleed caused from striking his head. Maryland: Joshua D. Laird, 46 Rank: Captain Incident Date: August 11, 2021 Death Date: August 11, 2021 Lire Department: Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services Initial Summary: On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Captain Joshua D. Laird responded to a residential fire. While working to extin guish the fire, he fell through the first floor into the basement. Rescue efforts were initi ated and fellow emergency responders lo cated and removed him from the structure. He was found to be in cardiac arrest and was immediately rushed to MedStar Washington Hospital Center, via Maryland State Police Aviation, but was unable to be revived from the injuries he sustained. Connecticut: Colin McFadden, 26 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: August 10, 2021 Death Date: August 12, 2021 Lire Department: Burlington Volunteer Lire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Lirefighter/EMT Colin McLadden suf fered a medical emergency while operating at the scene of a large residential structure fire in New Hartford. He was immediately taken to the John Dempsey Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. During treatment, it was discovered that he had leukemia, a previously undiagnosed condi tion, which caused his sudden illness. Firefighter/EMT McLadden passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021. North Carolina: Derek Poole, 33 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: April 15, 2007 Death Date: August 9, 2021 Fire Department: Catawba Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On April 15, 2007, Firefighter Derek Poole was returning to the fire station in his privately owned vehicle, from the scene of an arson fire set in the woods, when he missed a stop sign at the road’s in tersection and crashed into another vehicle. Firefighter Poole was ejected from the car. He passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021, from the injuries he sustained in the acci dent. Firefighter Poole was also a member of the West Iredell Fire Department.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

High Rise Fire Safety-A Priority In Union City

Notes from Ron Jeffers

Horror struck our area when a high-rise apartment fire took the lives of 17 residents in the Bronx on Janu ary 9th. Contents bum in “fire resis tive” buildings, people panic and smoke kills. The Bronx fire was de scribed as, “the greatest loss of life in a New York City high-rise residential skyscraper,” by author and retired F.D.N.Y. Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn. Within the past few years, the Union City Fire Prevention Bureau has expanded under the guidance of Mayor Brian R Stack, Fire Preven tion Coordinator Joseph Isola and Deputy Director of the Fire Preven tion Bureau, Glen Gavin. Personnel has increased along with inspections and fire safety seminars around the city. The city operates its own fire safety trailer and personnel conduct fire prevention seminars in schools and large buildings. Recently, the bureau has produced framed fire safety education and safety tips posters that are being put on display in the main entrance areas of high-rise structures. They are usu ally located in areas where they will be well seen by occupants, such as the elevator or mailbox locations. These posters include topics that include: Main Causes of Fires in High-Rises; Building Information, including fire alarm systems, emer gency lighting, sprinkler and stand pipes, plus pull stations; Fire in Your Apartment and what to do; Fire in the Building and what to do. There is also information concerning carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In addition to these visible posters, fliers have been printed possessing the same valuable information. They have been passed out at safety semi nars and plans call for them to be

placed under the doors of apartment dwellers. The North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue communication center, that covers Union City, also has these fliers to assist dispatchers offering in formation to callers. Educating the public is a key to fire safety with an emphasis on saving lives. DOWNS: As many as four victims were pulled from a burning Eastern Avenue dwelling in Somerville, Dec. 10th, but officials confirmed that a child died in the overnight fire. First responders arrived to find a woman, man and a 9-year-old girl, suffering from burns and cuts. Officials said they jumped from second-floor win dows to escape. Firefighters were told that a second child was still trapped in a second-floor rear bedroom. Despite their efforts, they were unsuccessful in gaining entry due to the fire, ex treme heat and heavy smoke condi tions. Eventually, firefighters were able to gain access to the second-floor to attempt a rescue, but they found the girl unresponsive. UPS: A Jackson family who lost their home and many pets on Nov. 22nd received a visit, on Dec. 11th, from the K9 Valor Christmas Mission, Mr. & Mrs. Claus and the same fire fighters who fought the fire, with their sirens blasting, at the family's tempo rary apartment nearby. The firefight ers brought the family gifts with the hope to change their fortune during the holiday season, according to Newsl2 Staff. DOWNS: While Chatham Bor ough firefighters were operating at the scene of an MVA, they received a call for an “explosion” on River Road, Dec. 7th. They arrived to find a fullyinvolved structure and the roof had al ready collapsed, according to Chief Jeff Fricke. The chief said the explo sions could have been from torches, propane tanks or the like, as the build ing housed plumbing supplies. UPS: Following their 2022 election meeting at West Milford's Macopin Fire Co. 4, members presented the Pink Heals Foundation with a $1,500 donation. This was the proceeds from Company 4's cancer shirt sales. DOWNS: A fire in a multi-unit

RONJEFFERS Fire safety fliers are also being distributed throughout Union City.

HONJEFFERS Members of the Union City Fire Prevention Bureau display a high-rise fire safety information poster, which is one of many that are being set up in tall buildings around the city. (L to R): Inspectors R. Guerra, M. Valdes, Fire Prevention Coordinator J. Isola, office manager Luz Simo, and Inspector L. Mi randa, at a 15-story residential structure on 22nd Street.

home on Glen Avenue in Phillipsburg displaced 22 people, in December. UPS: The Ridgefield Park F.D. con gratulates one of their own. Third gen eration Firefighter A. J. Scheideler has been appointed to the Anne Arundel County, Md., Fire Department and as signed to Station 20. DOWNS: A 64-year-old Jersey City man who was seriously injured in an apartment fire on Dec. 8th died from his injuries on Dec. 13th. Feon Howard was found in his Berry Gar dens apartment and taken to the JCMC for treatment, officials said. UPS: David Klugel has been pro moted to deputy fire chief in South Or ange. DOWNS: Trenton firefighters bat tled a fire in an end row house on Roebling Ave., Dec. 10th. Firefighters worked to prevent the fire from ex tending to adjacent homes, according to MidJersey.News. UPS: On December 13th, Hacken sack firefighters delivered gifts that were purchased for over 100 children that are part of the Youth Consultation Services, located in the city. They range in age from one to 18-years-old, and most have no parents, or they have been taken away from their parents, according to the HFD Facebook page. DOWNS: An elderly couple es caped flames spreading through their Washington Ave. 2 V i story home in Hawthorne, Dec. 15th, and their dog was rescued, according to the Daily Voice. The floors collapsed, requiring heavy equipment to help firefighters extinguish hidden pockets of fire. UPS: Recently, Anthony Amoroso received his Fife Membership award for having served 25-years as an exec utive and line officer of Bound Brook Relief Fire Company 4. Amoroso is also President of Absolute Fire Protec

tion, Inc., and he has also served as a volunteer firefighter for 35-years in South Bound Brook. DOWNS: A used charcoal, that was tossed into a garbage pail, ignited a garage fire on Greenwoods Rd. in Old Tappan and extended to the home, Dec. 21st. Officials learned that the residents used a charcoal grill the night before to cook dinner. The coals were later placed in a plastic bag and put into a garbage pail in the attached garage. A Tesla was destroyed in the fire. UPS: Perth Amboy firefighters used their professionalism rescuing an in jured person behind the Sayre Avenue apartments on Dec. 16th. Due to in juries and uneven terrain, the victim was packaged in a stokes basket and safely raised with a rope system utiliz ing Truck 2's platform as a high angle point, according to a Facebook post. Once at street level, the patient was turned over to EMS and transported to a local hospital. DOWNS: A young woman was killed in a fire that involved the Santo Domingo Invita restaurant on Passaic St., in Passaic, Dec. 22nd. The fire was reported in the rear of the restaurant and quickly spread to the roof of the 1.5 story structure, officials said. UPS: Recently promoted to the rank of fire captain in Perth Amboy were Thomas Macri and Eric Fewis. DOWNS: Atlantic City Firefighter Anthony Carfagno, 58, lost his battle with COVID-19 on Dec.21st. He was assigned to Engine Co. 3, Second Pla toon, and served the city for 23-years. UPS: John Judge has been pro moted to fire chief in Ridgewood. DOWNS: A fire heavily damaged three Harrison Ave. dwellings in Pas saic, Dec. 26th. A resident of one dwelling sustained a fractured ankle

after jumping from the second-floor, and an elderly woman was taken to a local hospital after suffering shortness of breath, Battalion Chief Adam Al berti said. Several firefighters also re ceived “minor” injuries. The Red Cross was providing assistance for 20 people from 6 families. UPS: New firefighters in Hanover Township are Nicholas DiGiacomo and Kyle Cohn. DOWNS: An apparent electrical fire left 174 units of a Regent Street apartment, in Jersey City, without power on Dec, 28th. The fire report edly burned the main electrical feeder in the building, according to a city spokeswoman. The residents were un able to return to their apartments. UPS: On December 14th the North Wildwood Fire Department was offi cially notified that, after extensive evaluation by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the NWFD received a Class 2 rating. According to their Facebook page, only 26 other New Jersey fire departments have this rat ing. The public protection classifica tion (PPC) score is rated on a scale from 1 to 10. The lower the PPC, the better it is for the community. Insur ance companies will use this informa tion to underwrite their policies providing residents with better insur ance premiums. DOWNS: Two pet cats and a dog died in a Funn Ave. dwelling fire in Bergenfield on Dec. 23rd, Fire Chief Edward Kneisler III said. A firefighter was treated for a minor arm injury at a local hospital and the residents were evaluated by the volunteer ambulance corps and checked out okay, according to the chief. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Ups & Downs Continued from Page 8 UPS: Southard and area firefighters used ropes, straps and sheets of ply wood to help rescue a horse that had fallen into a stream behind Echo Lake and couldn't get out, on Jan. 2nd. Units from Freewood Acres Fire Co. 1, Squankum Fire Co. 1 and the How ell Twp. O.E.M. assisted, officials said. A veterinarian was on location supervising the removal of the horse from the mud. DOWNS: Firefighters found the body of a man inside a mobile home on Plainfield Ave., in Edison, as the result of a fire on Dec. 30th. UPS: Recently, the Jersey City Fire Foundation thanked the Port Libertey Homeowners Association, the Wawa foundation and the Firefighters Char itable Foundation for their donation of the Arizona Vortex Kit for Rescue Co. 1. DOWNS: An early morning fire involved stores at the Green Hill Plaza on Parsippany Rd., Parsippany, Jan. 4th. UPS: Firefighter/EMT Matthew Koch has been hired as a full-time member of the Pine Hill Fire Depart ment. DOWNS: Approximately 30 peo ple were displaced due to a 4-alarm fire that raced through Warren Street dwellings in Paterson, Jan. 9th. News 12 New Jersey was told that firefight ers saved a man who was trapped in side one of the burning structures. He was being treated for smoke inhala tion at a local hospital. UPS: On January 9th, Lacey Town ship police and several fire compa nies, including the Forked River and Lanoka Harbor units, were sent to a dwelling fire on Holly Place. A 52year-old disabled woman was located on the floor in the kitchen area, ac cording to reports. Firefighters brought her out to safety along with Lacey police officers who had forced open the back door. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. Two police officers were also brought to the hospital for smoke inhalation. DOWNS: Investigators determined

that a Hackettstown man had fallen asleep while smoking a cigarette and his mattress caught fire in his Sharp St. home, Jan. 4th. The fire displaced several occupants. UPS: As a result of the fatal Bronx fire, the Paterson F.D. is increasing its inspections inside residential build ings. Fire officials plan to visit all of the city's high-rise, mid-rise and multi-level buildings to double-check that all safety systems are working. DOWNS: Two Tatum St. homes in West Deptford Twp. were destroyed by fire, Jan. 13th, and one occupant was killed, officials said. The fire in homes, located off Route45, left four people injured, including a baby. They were transported to area hospitals for treatment. UPS: Newly promoted battalion chiefs in Jersey City are Andy Azize Sr., Bela Vaszlauk, Dwane Taylor and Roberto Robalino. DOWNS: A fire in a three-story OMD on State St., Perth Amboy, dis placed seven families, Jan. 11th. Fire fighters located a fire in a first-floor apartment and stretched hose lines to contain the flames. Rescues were made from the floors above via tower ladder, according to a Facebook re port. Three residents were treated for smoke inhalation, with one trans ported to a local hospital. UPS: Promoted to the rank of fire captain in Jersey City, on Jan. 13th, were Raymond Gracia, Collin Caesar, Daniel Pellegrino and Omell Estrade. DOWNS: A 95-year-old woman died as the result of a dwelling fire in the Country View Village develop ment in White Twp., Jan. 11th. State police said the woman was located by firefighters, and during the transport to the hospital she was pronounced dead. UPS: Ed May is well known in New Jersey for his excellent pin strip ing and gold leaf talents. His work has included many projects from fire ap paratus to a rocking chair, and even a grave marker. He recently announced that he has started his 50th year in the business.

Ed May, of Ed May's Pin Striping, is celebrating his 50th year in the business.

DAMIEN DANIS

Passaic Second-Alarm Damages Three Dwellings PASSAIC, NJ - On December 26th, a multiple-alarm fire ripped through a Passaic home and ex tended to exposures on both sides. At around 9:15 A.M., companies were dispatched to 435 Harrison Street Jump TOFILE# on a reported struc 1221>21104 ture fire. While en route. Battalion m Chief Alberti re ported smoke visi ble in the distance and transmitted a second-alarm. On arrival, he found a heavily in volved dwelling with heavy fire in the rear that was starting to ex tend to the exposure buildings at 433 and 437 Harrison Street. Ex terior and interior hand lines along with master streams from Ladder 1 were placed into opera tion to knock down the heavy fire. Mutual aid responders, either at the scene or in coverage, in cluded firefighters from Carlstadt, Clifton, East Rutherford, Paterson, Wallington and the Hackensack MSU unit. Covering the city were companies Wood land Park, Totowa, Little Falls, Wayne and Garfield. The blaze was declared under control at 11:00 A.M., but compa nies remained on scene to extin guish hot spots and pockets of deep-seated fire that were diffi cult to access due to a partial roof collapse. The occupants of the fire building as well as the 'Delta' ex posure building had to be relo cated due to those structures sustaining severe fire damage. Two residents from the buildings were sent to the hospital, one of which suffered a broken ankle

DAMIEN DANIS

after jumping from the second floor prior to FD's arrival. An injured Passaic firefighter was trans ported to St. M ary’s Hospital for

evaluation and later released. No other injuries were reported, - DAMIEN DANIS

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

JAMES WOOD, SR.

RONJEFFERS

P assaic Woman P erishes

Flames vent out of windows at a courtyard area during a fire that involved a block-long commercial complex at 38 Jackson Street on the morning of December 20th.

in T hree-A larm F ire

M ultiple-Alarm Strikes Hoboken Commercial Complex

PASSAIC, NJ - At 3:30 PM. on December 22, 2021, the city of Pas saic FD was dispatched to 118 Pas saic St. on a report of a working fire from the police. Units arrived to fine heavy smoke coming from the rear of the structure. Firefighters were sent to the rear to do a search when they were told there was a woman inside. They made an aggressive attack two times, but were forced back from heavy fire and heat. At that time Bat talion Chief Alberti requested a sec ond-alarm and then a third-alarm to cover firehouses. Two lines were stretched to the front and to the rear to knock down the stubborn blaze. As the fire con tinued to rip through the building and out of the roof, the chief ordered crews to go to a defensive operation so the bulk of the fire could be knocked down.

to fiie

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39 i * Both aerial ladders from Passaic were set up along with one from Clifton, and multiple hand lines were also put in place. The fire was placed under con trol at 5:05 PM. Wallington, Clifton, Paterson and Hackensack's air unit were sent to the scene, while Garfield, East Rutherford and Rutherford were all sent to cover the Jefferson St. firehouse. The unaccounted for woman was later found deceased. There were no reports of any other injuries. The Passaic County arson squad and the Prosecutor's office were re quested to the scene.

HOBOKEN, NJ - Flames vented out of windows at a court yard area during a long-duration fire that involved a block-long com mercial complex at 38 Jackson Street, Hoboken, on the morning of December 20th. Long hose line stretches and difficulty gaining access to the seat of the fire, in the old complex, ham pered firefighting efforts. Numer ous mutual aid companies from Jersey City and North Hudson op erated at the scene. Jersey City Tower Ladder 6 was utilized on

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39 .! * Jackson Street and North Hudson Tower Ladder 3 flowed water on the Harrison Street side of the com plex. A huge column of black smoke blended in with the dark morning sky, as well as over local streets. With the temperature in the 20's, Hoboken EMS set up a rehab sta tion, with hot coffee and bottled water, on the Jackson Street side.

The Jersey City Gong Club canteen set up on Harrison Street. The complex has been con verted into multiple businesses and artists' space. According to news re ports, two bodies were found inside the warehouse. In addition, there were also reports of an explosion before the fire occurred. The three-alarm fire is being in vestigated by the city police and fire departments, as well as the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force. - RON JEFFERS

- JAMES WOOD, SR.

JAMES LUEBBERMAN

C am den F ire D e p t. U n its B a ttle E a rly -M o rn in g F ire CAMDEN, NJ - Units were dispatched to the 1800 block of Salem for a report of a kitchen fire during the early morning hours of January 4th. Upon arrival units found heavy fire on the first and second floor. Command called for an all-hands, and companies were on scene for several hours operating to get the fire under control.

RONJEFFERS Jersey City Tower Ladder 6 operates on the Jackson Street side of the Hoboken fire.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Second-Alarm Strikes Vacant Funeral Home in Paterson PATERSON, NJ - A two-alarm fire engulfed a former funeral home in Paterson on December 23rd. Around 10:00 P.M., companies were dispatched to the corner of East 23 St. and 19 Ave. First due Battalion Chief AJ Woods re ported heavy fire at what was once Davis & Sons funeral home. A second-alarm was transmitted soon after his arrival for heavy fire throughout the first and second floors, with flames also threatening an exposure building. Fire vented through the roof as master streams from Truck 1 and Ladder 3, and deck guns from sev eral engine companies operated. The fire extended to a single-story brick addition, but was held in check. Shortly after 1:00 A.M., com mand reported that it would be an ex tended operation, with relief companies rotating through the overnight. No injuries were reported. - DAMIEN DANIS

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Tim Sullivan Was a Special Public Servant

State:____ Z ip :_____________

Tim Sullivan, 67, served with the Bergen County Sheriff's Of fice for 30-years. He was also a volunteer firefighter, fire in spector, fire official and EMT. Sullivan recently lost his battle with cancer.

ing award and three unit cita tions. Assistant Chief Cribben pointed out a metal he received after saving an employee from an underground tank accident at the Curtis-Wright Aeronau tics facility in the 1970's.

Sullivan joined the Wood-Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in 1973, and he was active at the time of his death. He was also past captain of the Wood-Ridge Volunteer Emergency Squad, from 1981 to 1983.

As a dedicated sheriff's officer, he was also past president, and a current executive board mem ber, of the state's police honor legion. In addition, Sullivan was a past member of the ASPCA, and he was devoted to his res cue dog, Daine.

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After the 9/11 attacks, Sullivan responded to Ellis Island and Liberty State Park with the am bulance corps to aid World Trade Center victims that were shipped over to those venues. He is believed to have died from cancer that he developed as the result of contact with the dust and debris that covered so many victims that he aided, As sistant Chief Kevin Cribben re ported.

Cribben said that Sullivan was a humorous man who looked after younger crew members, and he was always present at the fire department's Sunday cleaning session. He told it like it was. “He could always be found up here with a mop...and a cigar,” Cribben said. - RON JEFFERS

Sullivan received one life-sav

CHRISTOMPKINS WWW.DTFIREPH0T0S.COM Bergen County Mutual Aid Coordinator John McLoughlin (Mac 12), on scene at a multiple-alarm fire at 78 W. Harwood Terrace in Pal isades Park on 11-28-21.

February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Sacred Trust Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

Many times we do not notice, or truly appreciate, the sacred trust that is given to us. Each person that we encounter gives us a level of trust, be it as an individual or or ganization. If we start with the members of our families or our friends, each person trusts us to a certain level. Children may trust the mother more, on certain topics, than the fa ther and other times may trust dad more than mom and we know that grandparents gets a special trust. I have seen where there may be a parent, who either does not take the child seriously or may abuse the child, that makes it hard for the child to trust the parent or anyone. People may not realize that a child, in the formative years, learns how to trust in their family nucleus. A person may not trust anyone that they come in contact with all de pending on their first encounters with people. Emergency services gets a dif ferent level of trust, many times it is just by seeing the vehicle and/or uniform. Children are taught in case of fires, they are supposed to go to the firefighter, even though the equipment that they wear may seem scary. Children were taught that if they were lost or someone was after them, they were to look for a police officer. In all cases, when someone dials 911, there is an expressed or implied level of trust that is given. Children are also taught to trust the faith leaders, the rabbis, imams, priests, pastors, ministers, etc. These individuals are the ones that people are supposed to feel safe discussing challenges that they go through in life. People come to them with family and work chal lenges, as well as spiritual ques tions and struggles. When people are employed they are supposed to trust their em ployer, or when you join an organi zation, you are supposed to be able to trust leadership. When people face a fire or disaster, they are sup posed to be able to trust the organ ization that responds. But what happens when that trust is broken? I have been on na tional disasters, where a shelter is set up for hundreds and thousands of people. People showed up out of nowhere and a group of people said that they were authorized to receive tithes, the offerings that one would make in church. This is what I would deem as unethical and in ex tremely bad taste, since the people just lost all that they had in a disas ter. Other organizations show up; they are expected to provide help

but do not provide any. There are or ganizations that follow the victims of a disaster and the victim is trying to get assistance but the organization pulls them in for a long religious service and will not let the victim leave until they agree to convert to that religion. This is interesting be cause they see a person in need and they refuse to assist with the needs. If a person is hungry, it is time to feed the person. If a person is cold, then help them get warm. If they have not slept, give them a bed and let them sleep. Matthew 25:40 states that what you have done to the least of these is what you have done for Christ. When someone has a complaint about how they are treated or the or ganizations practices, the person goes to the organization and leader ship to receive a resolution to the problems. There are too many organ izations that overlook the complaint or remove the individual, making the complaint, from the organization, so they lose the trust of the person who is already victimized. I have had people come to me and share something with me be cause they trusted me over other people that were caring for the per son. My job is to not give up the trust. The conversations are confi dential with me and only if the peo ple tell me to share the information with others, will I discuss it. There are people in almost every walk of life, in almost every organi zation that have taken advantage of people and abused the trust of some one, when they are in a vulnerable state. Some have been physically or mentally abused. It is not the fault of the person that was abused but those who have broken the trust. Maybe we should take a better look at those who do not trust peo ple. It may take a long time to re build trust in anyone but we should not toss anyone on a scrap heap. We need to be willing to work slowly with people and take the progress where it comes, as it comes. When we talk to people about working with anyone, we teach them not to make promises, if there is any chance you will not keep the prom ise. If you have the slightest thought that you may not be able to keep the promise for one reason or another, including getting too busy, it is best not to make any promise. It takes a long time to gain someone's trust but only a moment to lose it for a lifetime. Are you worthy of someone's trust? Anyone's trust? Take a moment and think how you felt when someone betrayed you and please do whatever you can to make sure that someone does not get that feeling when dealing with you.

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Tenafly B a ttle s B u ild in g Fire in Junkyard TENAFEY, NJ - Firefighters battled an all-hands fire in cold tem peratures on Monday morning, Jan uary 10th, at a building inside a small junkyard. Firefighters were alerted shortly before 9:00 A.M. of a structure fire at 66 West Railroad Ave. Chief Philpott and Asst. Chief Fredrick responded and reported a black col umn of smoke while en-route. Once on scene. Chief Philpott reported that he had a well involved building

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fire with extension to a vehicle. Engine 1 responded and went into operation with a deck gun to knock down the heavy fire. Engine 2 arrived shortly after, and after es tablishing a water supply went into service with their deck gun. No fire fighters were to enter the property due to small explosions within the

building. Two hand lines were stretched and Tower 2 was set up and put into operation in a lot adja cent to the fire. The fire was knocked down within an hour, and no injuries were reported. Tenafly EMS was called to stand by at the scene, and Tenafly DPW was called for icy conditions. The cause of the fire is under inves tigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS

APPARATUS IN ACTION

I f you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our vebsite www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey @ 1stResponderNews.com.

Stay safe, Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

RON JEFFERS Passaic Engine 3's 2003 Pierce Enforcer 1500-GPM pumper was used to supply water to master streams, and later a deck gun operation, during the 11-alarm commercial building fire along the Passaic River, January 14th.

February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

RON JEFFERS

Hoboken Multiple-Alarm Continues Flaring HOBOKEN, NJ - A multiple-alarm fire that began on the morning of December 20th in a block-long commercial com plex at 38 Jackson Street, Hoboken, was still smoldering and flaring up on the third day of the incident. A large flare up and a column of smoke rose into the sky on the morning of December 22nd. Six Jersey City companies, and chiefs, as sisted at this time. North Hudson companies covered the city and answered numerous alarms. Flames are showing on the second-floor on the Observer Highway side of the building.

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Passaic Firefighter Pete O'Connor operates the department's Quick Attack Vehicle (QAV), a 2004 Ford F-150/National Foam ap paratus, at the llth-alarm commercial building fire along the Pas saic River, January 14th.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

NEW JERSEY GIGS

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I f you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Gigs”feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

I f you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Memories”feature, please upload them to our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RONJEFFERS In Parsippany Fire District 2, Rainbow Lakes Chief Joe Reeber answers alarms in a 2021 Chevy Tahoe.

JOHNA. CAL0ER0NE The Parry Volunteer Fire Company in Cinnaminson used this GMC/Great Eastern pumper.

RONJEFFERS Lodi Chief of Department Nelson Garzon responds to fires in a 2012 Ford Explorer that saw original duty as a local police department staff car.

JOHNA. CAL0ER0NE RONJEFFERS Allendale Chief of Department Rob Policht operates this 2019 Chevy Tahoe.

Another Great Eastern pumper, on a different GMC chassis, was used by the Parry V.F.C. in Cinnamin son.

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RONJEFFERS West Caldwell 709's 2013 Chevy Tahoe is used as a command vehicle.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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Why Choose vci Emergency vehicle Specialists? • We are the experts. We have been in business lor over 43 years. VCI has grown to be one of the largest emergency vehicle dealerships in the country. Our conversion division extends our expertise lor first responder units. Our installers have a minimum of 15 years woiking on emergency vehicles. • We provide a one-stop source from vehicle acquisition to delivery. We do not outsource any of our woik. From the upfit to the graphics, we do everything in-house. This way, your vehicle is road-ready when you take delivery. • We have a quality over quantity mentality. We do not rush through a build to get it out the door. First responder vehicles are designed to last 10-15 years. We build the vehicle to last. We stand behind our work which is why we offer a 10-year labor warranty. All parts carry the manufacturer’s w a r r a n t y . ^ p n ^ ^ H H All wiring is labeled at termination points so it's easy to identify. No more wondering what this wire does... We take the time during the build to ensure programming is exactly how you want it. A lot of shops offer cookie cutter programming. We listen to your ideas and expand upon them. Pin sheets are provided for the build that lists the circuit, color wire, gauge wire, and termination points for every wire in the vehicle. There are no questions.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

MEMORIAL BOARD I f your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature please up load them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

Deputy Chief Gerald V. Keegan Served Jersey City for 43 Years He was twice awarded for valor during his time with the Jersey City Fire Department, and he was a Magnum Cum Laude graduate of Jersey City State College with a degree in Fire Science. To say he loved being a firefighter would be an under statement. Retired Deputy Chief Keegan, 92, passed away on December 31st. He retired from the F.D.J.C. in 1997 as Chief of the First Division. The chief served his country with the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1953. In addition, he was a communicant of St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church, in Sea Girt, where he resided. He was born and raised in his beloved Jersey City.

The chief saw plenty of action during his 43-years in the state's second largest city. As a matter of fact, he was on the cover of many national fire magazines, in command of fire incidents. On a personal note, Chief Kee gan called this writer his “fa vorite photographer". Operating at emergency scenes, firefighters may en counter media photographers, with huge lenses, but they still seem to get close up to opera tions. After seeing himself on some covers, the chief would tell me, “I didn't even know you were there!” I told him, “That's why God invented the zoom lens!” - RON JEFFERS

RONJEFFERS Ridgefield Park Fire Chief John Antola, Jr., right, has his badge pinned on by his father, ex-Chief John Antola, as the chief's son, Luca, looks on, December 14th.

R idgefield Park Sw ears-ln 2022 Fire O fficers RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ - On the evening of December 14th, fire fighters, municipal officials, families and friends gathered at Village Hall for the annual ceremony to swear in new fire department officers that in volved six fire companies. Chief of Department John An tola, Jr., who was later sworn in as chief for 2022, read his annual re port, and recommendations to im prove fire protection, to the Board of Commissioners. The department has experienced advanced training, offi cer development and seven new members have joined. In addition, eight members have completed swift water rescue and boat operation training. The chief added that those firefighters have made several res cues. Chief Antola thanked his out going assistant chiefs.

Jump to file #122121106

m Mayor Anlian thanked the offi cers and firefighters for their service, their efforts, and keeping Ridgefield Park safe. As a new mayor, he be came more aware of how much time and effort volunteer firefighters do nate to the community. He added, not just in training or operating at fires, but also serving Ridgefield Park in general. “It takes a certain kind of per son,” to be a volunteer firefighter. Mayor Anlian said. “The time you take is really impressive.” The mayor also thanked family members for allowing their loved ones to serve in the Ridgefield Park Volunteer Fire Department.

The new chief officers are: John Antola Jr., Chief; William Lynn and John Malool, assistant chiefs. The captains are: Jacob Zardoya, Engine 1; Anthony Galasso, Engine 2; David Zillante, Engine 3; James Caroselli, Engine 4; Brian O'Grady, Ladder 1; Sean Rodriguez, Truck 2. First lieutenants are: Chris San tana, Engine 1; Mike Flynn, Engine 2; Joseph Kvilesz, Engine 3; Richard De Pena, Engine 4; Brian Nevins, Ladder 1; Chris Locarno, Truck 2. Second lieutenants are: Richard Fuchs, Engine 1; Andreas Faciolince. Engine 2; Mike Morrell, En gine 3; Sylvan Mack, Engine 4; Mark Alberque, Ladder 1; Luis Cruz, Truck 2. - RON JEFFERS

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RONJEFFERS This photo of Jersey City Deputy Chief Gerald Keegan, left, with a JCMC EMS supervisor, appeared on the May, 1994 cover of the for mer "Fire Chief" magazine.

BERGENFIELD, NJ - Two dogs and a cat were killed in a two-alarm blaze in Bergenfield on De cember 23rd. The early afternoon fire started on the first floor of a home at 88 Lunn Ave., and was extending out a first floor window up to the second floor and attic as firefighters arrived. A sec ond-alarm was immediately called, bringing units from Englewood, Tenafly, Dumont and New Mil ford to the scene. Lines were stretched through the front door, and the roof was laddered and vented. Companies were able to quickly quell the flames and the fire was placed under control in less than one hour. One firefighter received an arm injury, but the residents all escaped unscathed with the exception of their pets. The cause is under investigation.

February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

W itm e r P u b lic S a fe ty Group A c q u ire s ElizaC o (January 4, 2022) - Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. (WPSG), parent company of The FireStore and the nation’s leading multi-channel distributor of pub lic-safety equipment, supplies, training, and service, is excited to announce their recent acquisition of ElizaCo, Inc. of Hamburg, NY. With this acquisition Witmer Pub lic Safety Group continues to ful fill their motto of Equipping Heroes - by expanding their foot print into New York state. James Witmer, CEO of Wit mer Public Safety Group, Inc., commented, “This most recent ac quisition will expand our capacity to serve Fire, Law Enforcement and EMS customers in Western New York State.” Witmer continued, “I am proud to add this strong and re spected regional business to our family of companies. Similarly, I am pleased to welcome ElizaCo's sales team to the Witmer Public Safety Group family. I’m excited to bring more product options and brands to this experienced group, expanding their ability to serve their customers successfully.” Elizabeth Shoemaker, owner of ElizaCo, announced her retire ment following the acquisition.

LITTLE BIG GUYS I f you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Jump to file #011322100

m Shoemaker said, “Becoming a part of Witmer Public Safety Group will greatly expand our sales team s’ ability to meet and exceed the needs of current cus tomers as well as attract new cus tomers.” About Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. Witmer Public Safety Group, Inc. has proudly served the Fire, Law Enforcement, and EMS mar kets since 1996. Known interna tionally for their vast product assortment and best-of-class ecommerce websites, Witmer Public Safety Group is excited to expand their sales presence to New York. For additional information, please call (610) 857-8070 or visit our corporate site at WPSGInc.com. About ElizaCo, Inc. Since 2002, ElizaCo has proudly served the fire service in Western New York by providing the finest in firefighting equip ment, firefighter's protective clothing and equipment from topquality manufacturers.

Last month we featured Franklinville’s Brush 43-15. As promised, this month we are featuring their Utility 43-17. It is a 2014 Ford F-450 4x4 with a Knapheide body assembled by DeJana. It has a five seat cab. Features and equipment include telescoping floodlights, and other scene lights, rescue tools, hand tools, road flares, irons (axe mated with a Halligan tool), tool boxes, speedy dry, ratchets, hazmat pigs, chainsaw, radios, batteries, tarps a tent, folding chairs and water cooler.

ACTION SHOT JOHN M. MALECKY I f you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Franklinville's Utility 43-17 is a 2014 Ford F-450 4x4 with a Knapheide body assembled by DeJana. It carries support equipment for a variety of applications.

T0DDH0LLRITT Passaic Engine Co. 2 at the 11-alarm fire that broke out around 8:15 P.M., January 14th, at the Majestic Industries warehouse on Passaic Street. Firefighters from three counties worked through the night in freezing temperatures to try and extinguish the blaze.

JOHN M. MALECKY Right/rear view of Franklinville's Utility 43-17.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

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FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews com, email them to Lindsey® IstResponderNews.com or m a il th e m to 1 st R e sp o n d e r N ew s, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 1255.

RON JEFFERS Union City Police Officer Garcia, left, and North Hudson Deputy Chief Anthony Venezia, interview a resident of a 36th Street dwelling that was displaced due to a fire in the building on a 28-degree Jan uary 8th evening.

B ill TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM Passaic Battalion Chief Adam Alberti directs members at a multi pie-alarm fire in the city on December 26th.

EJ RODE Mayor of Bogota Crist Keleman swears-in the new officers of the Rescue Squad for 2022; Wayne Sorge as Chief, Robert Foster as Deputy Chief, Mike Leong as Captain, Danille Fede as Lieutenant, and Rebecca Youla as President.

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BOB SHERMAN JR. Hamilton Fire Division, Station 14, 'D* Platoon, (L to R): Captain Nicola Creo, and Firefighters Henry Roldan and Matthew Sanders, pose with Engine 14, a 2016 Pierce 1500-GPM pumper.

DAMIEN DANIS Passaic Chief of Dept. Patrick Trentacost directing operations on Canal Street, January 14th, at a fire that would grow to 11 alarms.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

APPARATUS IN ACTION

I f you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPH0T0S.COM

TODD HOLLRITT Paterson Ladder Co. 1, the second Pierce Arrow XT model, 95-foot, mid-mount platform aerial into service back in 2018, shown here working at Glover Avenue in the city.

Bergenfield Firefighters Make Good Stop of Garage Fire BERGENFIELD, NJ - The new year didn't stop the Bergen field FD's run of working fires, as they battled another second-alarm on Sunday evening, January 2nd. Shortly before 7:00 P.M., fire fighters were dispatched to Bogert PI. for a reported fire in a garage. Within minutes, PD arrived on scene and advised that they had a working car fire inside a garage. First arriving units confirmed the police reports and requested a sec ond-alarm on arrival at 29 Bogert PL, as the one-story attached garage was well involved. Ladder 1 arrived first on

Jump to file #010222108

£4 scene, made entry into the home and conducted a search of the first and second floors. Engine 1 ar rived on scene seconds later and stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line to the garage and knocked down the heavy fire. Mutual aid companies arrived along with additional Bergenfield units and stretched several more lines into the home and to the garage to knock down any further fire and check for any extension.

Crews opened up and extin guished hot spots in the garage and were able to prevent any major extension to the home. No injuries were reported. The auto was pulled from the garage to extinguish any remaining fire. Mutual aid from Dumont, Tenafly, Englewood and New Milford as sisted on scene. The fire appears to have started in the automobile in the garage, however it is still under investigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS

ACTION SHOT B ill TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

I f you have photos you would like to see in our Action Shotfeature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey @ 1stResponderNews.com.

Passaic Engine 1, a 2017 Spartan Metro Star 1500/700 pumper, sup plies several lines at a blaze involving three dwellings on December 26th.

DAMIEN DANIS Passaic Ladder 3/Acting Ladder 1, a 2002 Pierce Dash tiller that served La Plata, MD, repositions during the 11-alarm fire on Canal St. on a cold January 14th night.

MASSIMO MACERI Heavy fire showing from the three-story commercial chemical factory on Canal Street in Passaic that went to 11+ alarms on 1/14/22.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

PAGE 27

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Three-Alarm Fire Held to Garage in Old Tappan OLD TAPPAN, NJ - On Decem ber 20th, firefighters were dispatched to Greenwoods Rd., in the area of Corrigan Way, for a reported house fire. While en-route. county dispatch advised that there were multiple calls reportJump to file# ing a house fire. First 122921107 arriving units confirmed a working fire at 43 Greenwoods Rd., and transmitted a second-alarm. Engine 64 arrived shortly after and stretched multiple lines to the garage where the main body of fire was. Firefighters, assisted by mutual aid companies, forced entry into the garage to knock the heavy fire down and check for extension on the first and second floors. Crews were able to knock down the fire in the garage and prevent any further extension. A third-alarm was called, bringing ad ditional companies to the scene to as sist with extensive overhaul. The fire was brought under con trol within one hour. Mutual aid from River Vale, Hillsdale, Northvale, Tappan, NY and others assisted on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

PAGE 29

Hawthorne Home Damaged by Early-Morning Blaze HAWTHORNE, NJ - An earlymorning house fire damaged the building, but caused no apparent in juries on December 28th. Around 7:30 A.M., Hawthorne Fire was dispatched to 61 Prescott Ave. for a re ported fire in the ceil ing. First arriving units found heavy fire vent ing out of a window on the second floor on the 'D' side and extending into the eaves. A second-alarm was sounded as members began a search. Fines were stretched inside and much of the visible fire was extin guished, but the flames traveled in the walls and soon vented at the roofline of the 'C-D' corner. They continued to intensify as members worked to open up and extinguish them. The fire con tinued to spread and eventually showed at the front attic window and eaves. Tower 2 was put into operation and soon had the fire knocked down. Companies continued to open up and make progress. As the smoke light ened, the fire was placed under con trol. North Haledon, Prospect Park, Glen Rock and Paterson assisted at the scene. - B IL L TOMPKINS

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February, 2022

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

H ail to th e C h ie f: H asbrouck H e ig h ts W elcom es C h ie f Tim M o o ts The fire service has a long tradi tion of being a ‘family affair’. We read stories about members of the FDNY where the tradition of being a firefighter passes from grandfather to sons to grandsons and nephews. There could be generations of a sin gle family at one big fire in New York City. This tradition in the fire service continues in the suburbs with many families passing from father to son to daughter. We see generations being represented on many mutual aid calls in Bergen County. This as pect of the family tradition continues today as the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department welcomes its new Chief, Tim Moots, a 19-year veteran of the department. The fire department tradition started in Chief Moots family with his great-grandfather, John Moots, joining the Hoboken Fire Depart ment in 1885 when it was still a vol unteer department. At the time he was working at the New Jersey Cas ket Company and when the depart ment went to a paid department in 1889, John was appointed to the de partment. It was also a better paying job at the time. “At the time, my-great grandfa ther worked with horse-drawn lad ders and steamers,” Chief Moots said. When looking at a picture of his great-grandfather with other fire fighters at the time it was com mented that his great-grandfather was clean shaven while other fire men had mustaches. “One of the rea sons you see so many early firemen

with beards and handlebar mus taches is that they used them to filter out the smoke,” Chief Moots said. When John Moots retired in 1921 (he retired after 20 years on the department in 1915), his sons, Hamilton and Louis, Chief Moots’s grandfather and great-uncle, both followed their father as volunteers on the Ridgefield FD. The brothers helped create the town’s first ambu lance squad and were charter mem bers. Hamilton Moots served as Chief of the Ridgefield FD in 19-40 with his brother serving as Captain and Sec retary of the Department. He served the department for 22-years until he passed away in 1946. Hamilton’s son, Charles, Chief Moots' father, joined the Ridgefield FD in 1953 and spent 48-years of active service, and is still a member as of today. Charles (Charlie) Moots served many positions on the department in cluding Lieutenant, Captain, Battal ion Chief, Deputy Chief and then as Chief of the department in 1970 and 1985. Now retired from the depart ment, Charlie Moots still serves on the Retired Fire Chiefs Association, the New Jersey Exempt Firemen’s Association, and is a member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home As sociation. When interviewed for an article on firefighting families in 2006, re tired Chief Charlie Moots and new

Som erville’s 80-Year Old Mack Pumper “ Rescued”

into the firehouse with the Mack underwater until it receded, days later. The veteran rig was pulled out of the building, placed on a flatbed, and transported to a dry barn in Warren County. It was dried out and repaired by Fire fighter Pat Weston and other members of the S.F.D. mainte nance staff, according to Rich O'Neill, curator of the Somerville Fire Museum and

Jump to file #011422106

PROVIDED Chief Moots with his father, Chief Charlie Moots of the Ridgefield FD, in front of their antique truck at the East Rutherford Parade; father passing the torch to his son.

Chief Tim Moots both shared their love of firefighting and the important bonds that come with the fire service. Another thing that grandfather, father and son share is that they all held Number 9 as their shield (no one knew what shield John Moots held). The fire service was not an im mediate calling for Chief Tim Moots, but he knew it was part of the family DNA. Growing up in Ridgefield and

caretaker of the Mack. O'Neill drove that rig to emergencies during its decades of service to the community. The apparatus was driven back to Somerville under its own power in December. It was orig inally assigned as Engine 1. Inhouse restoration work was done on the veteran pumper by mem bers during the 2000's, they said. - RON JEFFERS

SOMERVILLE, NJ - After four months of overhauling the engine and transmission of their 80-year-old Mack pumper, plus other work, the fire department's showpiece apparatus is almost Jump to file #011722101

A 33 ready to return to its ceremonial calls that includes parades and firefighter funerals. Old Engine 5's 1942 Mack 1000-GPM pumper was trapped inside of the East Main Street firehouse, alongside the swollen Peters Brook, at the height of Tropical Storm Ida, last Septem ber. Several feet of water poured

RON JEFFERS Somerville Engine 5's 1942 Mack ceremonial unit, as seen in 2019, has been restored to duty by local firefighters after it was damaged in a recent storm.

a graduate of Ridgefield High School and then Drafting School, Chief Moots embarked in a career working for a development company. Later, he opened a very successful auto repair shop in Little Ferry for six years. With a change in the car industry and a pull into the family profession, he took the civil service exam. He joined the Teaneck FD in 1994. “I pretty much knew I would eventually become a firefighter and when I told my father that I was tak ing the civil service exam, he was pleased. He really wanted me to join the fire department,” Chief Moots said in 2006. While working at the Teaneck FD, he also sold fire trucks for the Sutphen Corporation and ran with partners Heights Saloon for five years selling it in 2004. Another coincidence that the fa ther and son share outside their badge shield is that they both joined their re spective departments on February 6th, 42-years apart. “It’s just one of those things that’s part of our family’s involvement in the fire service,” Chief Moots added. As a father and son team, both men admitted back in 2006 that it is nice to have someone to talk about with firematic issues. “When we need to know something we can act on it, whether it’s how to fight a fire or ad ministration. We depend on each other for advice. It’s nice to know that I can turn to my dad,” Chief Tim Moots said of his father. Chief Char lie Moots. Now retired as a Lieutenant from the Teaneck FD and from the Sut phen Corporation, Chief Moots wants to spend time building up the Hasbrouck Heights FD. Serving on both the Ladder Company and En gine One in the old department struc ture and serving as both Lieutenant and Captain twice gave Chief Moots a perspective on the things that needed to be worked on. “Some of the goals I have for the department is to start building on

what we have to prepare it for the next 125 years (the Hasbrouck Heights FD has celebrated their 125th anniversary, but COVID has dampened much of the planned activ ities). There are changes that we want to make because the fire service keeps changing and we have to adapt to it,” Chief Moots said. “In the era of COVID, we have to use way more protection on calls and have to be more careful on fire and ambulance calls. We have to practice safety first and that comes with more training and the use of safety gear,” Chief Moots said about the current pandemic. “The pandemic has been wearing members of the fire service down both mentally and physically, so we are going to do what we can to keep our members safe.” “The Hasbrouck Heights FD had moved to a ‘One Department’ struc ture three years ago and we are want ing to start new traditions and build on old ones. We want to close the generation gap of our members by bringing in a new way of approach ing the fire service,” Chief Moots said. One very successful tradition that the Hasbrouck Heights FD recently ran for Christmas and part of commu nity outreach is the annual “Santa Around Town”. The department voted to bring back the stops so that Santa could interact with the resi dents. The event was held outdoors on the Sunday before Christmas and the crowds were socially distanced while everyone did their best under pandemic conditions. It is a positive part of the holiday traditions that make Hasbrouck Heights a special place to live and the fire department’s gift to the town that we serve. We wish Chief Tim Moots, First Assistant Chief Kevin Todd and Sec ond Assistant Chief Michael Greco the best of luck in the coming year! - JUSTIN WATREL

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

PAGE 31

FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey®IstResponderNewscom or m a il th e m to 1st R e sp o n d e r N ew s, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,

BOB SHERMAN JR. Hamilton Fire Division, Station 15, 'B' Platoon, (L to R): Captain Lamar Hicks, and Firefighters Robert Ross and Va'Zay Child, pose with Engine 15, a 2007 Sutphen Pumper.

DAMIEN DANIS Passaic Capt. Jacob Hrywniak discusses operations with Battalion Chief Adam Alberti at a second-alarm on Harrison Street, December 26th.

DAMIEN DANIS Members of Engine Co. 2 in Saddle Brook prepare to step off on their annual Santa Ride right before Christmas.

RON JEFFERS Westwood firefighters prepared Truck 14's tower ladder for the annual Bergenfield F.D.'s Holiday Parade on December 19th, in 36-degree weather.

MASSIMO MACERI Wallington Fire Department Chief Christopher Sinisi at a recent working fire in Rutherford on 12/30/21.

February, 2022

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

John Norman, Working w ith Giants ONTHE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

John Norman Working with Giants From Fire Engineering Books & Videos Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street Hudson, MA 01749 1-800-522-8528 E-mail: support@fire-policeems.comn www.hre-police-ems.com Price $39.00 This book is soft cover and measures 6 inches by 9 inches. It has 492 pages in which the mem oirs take up 441 pages comprising 32 chapters. There is an epilogue, glossary, index and story about the author which completes the book. I am writing this review the day after I finished the book. I have no idea of when I started reading the book! It is an exceptional book of memo ries from a man I consider an icon in the fire service. He would dis agree because he is humble. But the man dedicated his life to saving oth ers in many ways, not only by put ting many years in the New York

City Fire Department as well as a volunteer fire department in Long Is land, but also contributing by in structing many and by that means, saved lives in an indirect way by im parting knowledge to them. The du ration reading the book took time because I wanted to completely fin ish it. I studied his textbook back in the 1990’s when it was part of the bibliography for the battalion chief’s exam in New Jersey where I reside. The matter was that the chapters are long in many cases and without breaks where one could put the book down to rest. But perseverance wins in the end! He decided early on to put notes together as the work pro gressed. He writes equally about other members, whether from his crew or superiors and their equal dedication to serving others as well as their expertise in doing their jobs. Many of these giants are now gone. Some perished on 9-11-01 but others died at different fires or from com plications from 9-11. This book sells itself. It would require much more space than I have here to adequately detail much of the tactics that took place at just about any kind of fire or emergency you can imagine. Putting in most of his work in the busiest fire station in maybe the world added to being a part of and later commanding different rescue companies and later the Special Operations Command left little to the imagination about what could be left! So without need ing any more to explain, I would suggest that you order your copy and start reading!

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BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM A Passaic Police Officer takes the hand-off of a pet bird after the feathered resident was removed from the exposure building by firefighters at the scene of a multiple-alarm fire on December 26th.

Extrication and Traffic Accidents - Wildland Firefighting First Responder Operations - Emergency Medical Operations Clean up - Floods and Natural Disasters Confined Space Operations - USAR High-Angle Rescue Investigations ...and much more.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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SHANNONBOCK Patrolman Paonessa, Assistant Chief Bock and Officer Popelka tending to the female victim. B ill TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIBEPHOTOS.COM

Three V ic tim s P ulled from R e sid e n t R escued a t P aterson F o u rth -A la rm Icy Lake M usconetcong PATERSON, NJ - First arriv ther fire spread the fire was placed NET CONG, NJ - On Sunday, January 16th at approximately 4:56 P.M., Netcong Borough PD Officer Paonessa was dispatched to Lake Musconetcong for the re port of a vehicle and person falling through the ice. Upon arrival, there were two or three people on the ice pointing in the direction of where the per son went through, about 300yards away. As Officer Paonessa was directing people to return to shore, a male, later identified as James Best, fell through the ice 40-yards away from Officer Paonessa. As Paonessa made his way to Best, he tried to pull Best from the water. After several failed attempts, Paonessa was able to retrieve a rope from Stanhope Police Officer Robert Popelka and pull Best from the water. A few seconds later, a female fell through the ice, later identi fied as Emma Ike. As Paonessa made his way to Ike, Officer Popelka was within 20-yards. Of ficer Popelka threw a rescue rope to Ike to hold onto. A few mo ments later, Netcong Borough FD Assistant Fire Chief Raymond Bock, Jr. and Stanhope/Netcong First Aid Squad Captain Derek Kuncken were able to assist in pulling Ike from the water and

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Jump to hie #011722108

a brought her to shore. Netcong FD and Stanhope/Netcong First Aid Squad jointly rescued the third victim using Ice Rescue equip ment, including ice rescue suits and a rescue sled. They utilized this equipment to make their way out to the initial victim who had fallen through the ice on his mo torcycle. The victim was approxi mately 300-yards from the shoreline. The Netcong FD and Stanhope/Netcong First Aid Squad were then able to retrieve the victim, later identified as Ro drigo Oborski. Officer Popelka, Officer Paonessa, and several other first responders pulled Oborski from the icy water and brought him to the shore. All three victims were treated at the scene by the Stanhope/Net cong Ambulance Squad, Morris County EMS, and medics from St. Clare’s Hospital. Two victims re fused medical assistance, and the third was transported to a nearby hospital.

ing firefighters at a home at 113 Warren St. were able to quickly rescue a resident that was trapped inside as the structure was becom ing heavily involved. Multiple calls were being re ceived shortly before 8:00 A.M. on January 9th reporting the fire. Police confirmed that the structure had heavy fire showing. First due Engine 5 and Ladder 3 immedi ately made a search and located the occupant and removed him. Flames had already spread to 115 Warren Street and a secondalarm was transmitted. By 8:00 A.M., the fire was spreading

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#011022106

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quickly and a third-alarm was called for. Soon 113, 115, 111, and 117 Warren St. all had varying amounts of fire damage. A fourthalarm was sounded. Three elevated master streams and multiple hand lines were op erating. Flames broke through the roof of 113 and 115 Warren St. Members worked interior on 111 and 117 Warren St. Slowly, the in tensity of the fire diminished as the roofs of the two main fire buildings burned off. With no fur

under control at about 12:30 P.M. Units remained on the scene for an extended time. One firefighter was injured and was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The condition of the resident res cued is unknown. Early reports of an unaccounted resident appears unfounded. Twenty nine residents were left homeless. The Red Cross was assisting. The PFD and Pas saic County Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the cause. - BILL TOMPKINS

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JIM COX Saddle Brook Engine 1 operating at a fatal car fire at the Bergen toll plaza on Nov. 27, 2021.

February, 2022

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

M A R T Y PELTA

Four-Alarm Fire Destroys Home Improvement Company in Paterson PATERSON, NJ - An early-morning fire tore through a large, one-story masonry home improvement company located at 126 Berkshire Ave. on January 5th. A dog was rescued from the premises. There were no reported injuries. Several pieces of fire apparatus became stuck on ice that had formed due to the cold temperatures. The DPW responded to assist at the scene.

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JA M E S WOOD, SR.

Another 3rd-Alarm Struck in Passaic in Four Days PASSAIC, NJ - At 5:10 PM. on December 29th, the fire department was dispatched to 175 Plarrison Ave. on a report of fire in the basement. Battalion Chief Playowyk ar rived on the scene to find heavy smoke coming from the basement and requested a second-alarm. There was a report of someone trapped in the basement, but they were found to be safe and out of the

homes next door suffered minor damage. The fire was placed under con trol at 7:50 PM. There were no in juries, and the fire is under investigation. The fire went to a third and then fourth-alarm. Bergen County and Passaic County depart ments stood by during the incident.

TO FILE #123121100

3# i » house. All occupants were removed from the home and confirmed safe. The structure was an older house with balloon frame construc tion, and the fire had already ad vanced itself into the walls and made its way to the attic. One of the

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PAGE 35

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I f you have photos you would like to see in our Antique Apparatus feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@ lstResponderNews.com.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Driving Tips fo r Hazardous W eather in Any Season According to the U.S. Depart ment of Transportation (USDOT), one in five vehicle crashes happens in what is considered adverse weather. This fact adds up to over 1.2 million auto accidents a year. We may think that these crashes are pri marily due to snow during the winter months, but many other adverse weather conditions can degrade road safety, such as fog, rain, or even wind. Here are three road hazards to watch for during the winter months that don’t include snow:

Rainfall: A recent North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies report shows that fatal traffic accidents are 34% more likely during “precipitation events” and 27% more likely even in light rain. Furthennore, USDOT says that 46% of crashes during adverse weather conditions happen during rainfall, compared with 18% during snowfall. Even a drizzle can increase the likelihood of a collision. Follow these tips for safer driving in the rain: -Keep car maintenance up to date, to whit: Windshield wipers are working correctly, all lights and turn signals are functioning, tire pressure is at recommended levels, and tires are replaced when necessary. -Don’t use cruise control in wet conditions. -Slow down to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. -Avoid turning sharply and brak ing hard. -Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. -Turn headlights on whenever you drive in the rain.

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#011822104

dangerous. Black ice forms when water or moisture freezes into a thin, transparent ice sheet on roads or side walks. Thus, this ice is often indistin guishable from the dark asphalt beneath. Here’s how to respond if you do encounter this wintery hazard: -Prepare your vehicle. Check your tire treads and replace your tires if necessary. Keep your windshield clear of snow, ice, or dirt so you can more easily spot black ice. -Because black ice is most com mon when the snow melts and then refreezes, be especially careful when the temperature is dancing around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. -Keep your headlights on even during the day to better spot the shine of black ice. Drive slowly. -Beware of areas that are more susceptible to black ice, such as bridges and overpasses, inside tun nels, lightly traveled or untreated roads, or shaded areas. -Do not use cruise control. -Increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. -If you do hit a patch of black ice, leave the brakes alone, let up on the accelerator completely, and keep your steering wheel straight. Most patches are less than 20 feet in length. -If your tires start to skid, gently turn your wheel in the same direction that you are skidding. (To continue reading, visit www.lRBN.com and jump to story #011822104)

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February, 2022

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PAGE 38

February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

SPOTSWOOD GETS FIRST AERIAL The Spotswood Volunteer Fire De partment (Middlesex County), was organized in 1898 as the Enterprise Hook & Ladder Company. A search of the available history however does not record them as having a ladder truck. The first apparatus mentioned were pumpers. Their first motorized pumper was a 1921 Model “T” Ford that has been restored and is part of the fire company. This past year they have placed in service their first aerial which runs as a first out piece. It is a Pierce Enforcer 107-foot Ascendant quint in which the compartments have been redesigned to allow for a 650gallon water tank. Its basic responsi bility is as an engine and/or a ladder. Though it has some related tools and equipment, it is not first out on rescue calls. The pump is of the PUC design to allow for more storage space. Going back into history, the tradi tional definition of the name “quint” would not apply to almost all appara tus called “quints” today! A true quint had a full complement of ground lad ders (208-feet), as well as a rated pump, water tank, hose bed and an aerial device. Most quints of today fail the ground ladder footage require ment. It is just a convenience term used for lack of any other designation. Also, the traditional quint back in his tory would require a 10 firefighter crew. Today in many if not most fire departments, a 10 firefighter comple ment could be a full first-alarm re sponse with three apparatus! But let’s get back to the Spotswood truck. They had to extend the middle bay to accommodate the vehicle. It has an 11-foot seven-inch travel height and is powered by a Detroit DD13, 525 horsepower diesel engine. The pump is a Waterous CMU 2000-GPM with (two) 1 3/4-inch and (one) 2 U-inch crosslays and a crosslay of three-inch and 2 U-inch deadlays. The ladder has an Akron Stream Master II ladderpipe. It also has a transverse storage compartment, a Harrison 8 kw hy draulic generator, a 150-foot electric cord reel and both FRC and Whelen lighting. In other photos we are showing two from East Windsor VFC 2. One is a new Spartan ER pumper/tanker on a Gladiator EMFD chassis with 21-inch stainless steel bumper and 10inch raised roof cab. Specs include a Cummins X15, 565 hp diesel engine, Waterous CVSU 1750-GPM pump with (two) two-inch and (one) 2 V iinch crosslays, Akron HiRiser deck gun, 1500-gallon Pro Poly water tank, ROM roll-up compartment doors, a Harrison 8 kw hydraulic generator and Whelen scene lighting. It shares quarters with the next photo, which is a 1994 Pierce Lance 50-foot Telesqurt. It has a 2000-GPM pump and a 750-gallon water tank. Moving to the “Plainfields”, we have Unit H603, a 1994 AmGen High Water Evacuation Unit which is quartered at Engine 3 ’s house in Plainfield (Union County). It was a donation. Next is North Plainfield (Somerset County) with E-502, a 2020 Ferrara Cinder pumper with a 1500-GPM pump, Please send any comments o r news tidbits you m ight have about A p p aratu s o f the M onth to us a t 1st R esponder News, 1 A rdm ore Street. New W indsor, NY 12553. O r you can e-mail them to A pparatus@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

APPARATUS OFTHEMONTH A look at what’s new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

Plainfield H -603,1994 AmGen High Water Evacuation Unit.

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

Spotswood L-71-9, 2020 Pierce Enforcer 2000/650/8 kw and 107foot Ascendant aerial. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

North Plainfield E-502, 2020 Ferrara Cinder 1500/750 with 6 kw generator. It was sold by Firefighter One.

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

East Windsor E-46, 2021 Spartan ER Gladiator 1750/1500 with 8 kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

North Plainfield R-505, 2017 Ford F-450 XLT SD/P.L. Custom Clas sic ambulance. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles.

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

East Windsor T S -46 ,1994 Pierce Lance 2000/750 with 50-foot Telesqurt and 9 kw generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

750-gallon water tank and a 6 kw gen erator. Also riding out of the station is Ambulance R-505, a 2017 Ford F-450 SLT Super Duty/PL. Custom Classic Type 1. Finally from Morris County is Engine 22 of the Rainbow Lakes FC in Parsippany Township. It is a 2020 Sutphen Monarch with a 1500-GPM pump, 1000-gallon water tank and 10 kw generator. In dealer news, New Jersey Emer gency Vehicles has delivered a heavy duty rescue to Toms River Township District 2 (Pleasant Plains, Ocean County). Specs include a Spartan Metro Star LFD chassis with six seat cab, Cummins L9, 380 hp diesel en gine, 18-foot nine-inch aluminum body, 33-foot six-inch overall length, nine-foot overall height and roof top storage, Onan 25 kw PTO generator, Will Burt Night Scan Power Light NS4.5-9000-OPT with six FRC Opti mum 1500 watt light heads, Warn 9,000-pound winch with four Reese

receivers and ROM painted roll-up compartment doors. Elizabeth Fire Department EMS (Union County) re ceived a PL. Custom Classic Type 1 ambulance on a Ford F-550 4x4 chas sis and Asbury Park (Monmouth County) has ordered a PL. Custom Medallion Type III ambulance on a Ford E-450 chassis. VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists reports that Cooper University Health Care (Camden County) took delivery of the first of five AEV T-350 high roof Transit ambulances. Milltown Rescue Squad (Middlesex County) re ceived a Horton 457 on a Ford F-450 4x4 chassis and New Vernon VFAS (Morris County) received a Horton 553 on a Ford E-450 chassis. Blaze Emergency Equipment re ceived an order from the Cheesequake Fire Company in Old Bridge Town ship (Middlesex County) for a heavy duty rescue. Specs include a Sutphen Monarch Extreme Duty chassis with

JOHN M . M ALEC KY

Rainbow Lakes E-22, 2020 Sutphen Monarch 1500/100 with 10 kw generator. It was sold by Blaze Emergency Equipment.

73-inch cab, having six seats and a 10inch raised roof, 22-foot SVI heavy duty rescue body with rear stairs, Oana 25 kw generator, Fire tech scene light ing, Command Light tower, six-ton bumper winch, eight body rope tie offs and an Amkus power unit. Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce orders: the Boro of Rutherford (Bergen County) refurb order for three Arrow XT pumpers, Springfield Township (Union County) ordered a Velocity pumper. Other or ders are for Harrison OEM (Hudson County) a Frontline CRU command vehicle with a Fotokite tethered drone

and for Somerset County a Skeeter high water rescue demo. Pierce deliv eries include a stock Enforcer 107-foot Ascendant quint to Clark (Union County) and an Enforcer heavy duty rescue pumper to Wharton (Morris County). Emergency Equipment Sales & Service has received an order from the Cooper Health System for two custom FR Conversions Type II ALS ambu lances on RAM Promaster chassis. They will be custom outfitted specifi cally for use in Camden. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

February, 2022

I LIVE IT* I RESPECT IT. I PROTECT IT* BrianW allace 25+ years firefighting 19 years in insurance DAMIEN DANIS Passaic Engine 3, a 2004 Pierce Enforcer, operating at an 11-alarm fire on Canal Street, January 14th.

DILL TOMPKINS - WWW.DTFIREPHOTOS.COM Paterson Engine 3, a brand new 2021 Ferrara Cinder 1500/500/100 pumper, puts its deck gun to good use at a two-alarm fire in a va cant funeral home on December 23rd.

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RONJEFFERS Moonachie firefighters prepared their classic 1953 GMC/Ahrens Fox pumper for the Bergenfield Fire Department's annual Holiday Parade on a chilly December 19th evening. Firefighter Cospito said the rig had some 800 lights.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

A pparatus o f th e M onth

MEMORIAL BOARD

Continued from Page 38 Absolute Fire Protection has received the following E-ONE orders: a tag on order of two Typhoon pumpers for Newark (Essex County), bringing the total to four pumpers and one aerial, a VM8 mini pumper for Mantoloking (Ocean County), a Typhoon 1000-gallon 304L stainless steel pumper for Kinnelon (Morris County), a Typhoon pumper and squad pumper for Jersey City (Hudson County), and a Cyclone pumper and HRIOO-foot aerial for Bo gota (Bergen County). Defender Emergency Products has received an order from East Orange (Essex County) for a second Rosenbauer apparatus. This one is a 100-foot Cobra mid-mount tower to join the 78foot Viper quint. It will be a Fast Track Delivery of a custom stock unit. Specs include a Commander chassis with 60-inch cab, 11-inch raised roof and full length cab entry doors. Powered by a Cummins X15,505 hp diesel engine, it has a 3/16 inch aluminum body, Rosenbauer Max Force bumper, hot dipped galvanized frame rails, custom storage, Amdor roll-up doors, Harrison 6 kw generator and Whelen lighting package. It will not have a pump or

water tank. Firefighter One Apparatus reports taking an order from Ocean Township Fire District 1, Oakhurst FC (Mon mouth County) for a 2000-GPM Fer rara Cinder pumper with 500-gallon water tank and a stainless steel body. Ferrara deliveries include a 2000-GPM Cinder pumper to Sea Girt (Monmouth County). Specs include an XD 96-inch wide cab, 210-inch wheelbase, rear FireMaxx air suspension, F-Shield treated frame and gear, Cummins L9, 450 hp diesel engine, stainless steel body, enclosed ladder and suction stor age, Waterous CSU pump, hose reel, deck gun, multiple pre-connected handlines, 1000-gallon water tank, Akron 3126 foam system, Kussmaul inverter system, customized shelving, FF1 cus tom tool mounting and FRC and Fire Tech lighting. Also, Paterson (Passaic County) received a “RAC” unit, a Cin der with walk-around rescue style, ex truded aluminum body (replacing their air truck), and to Somerdale (Camden County) a 2000-GPM Cinder rescue pumper with full depth compartments, low hose bed, 500-gallon water tank and extruded aluminum body.

I f your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

Farewell to a Much Loved Battalion Chief JERSEY CITY, NJ - After work ing a busy 24-hour tour in early December, First Battalion Chief John T. Ruddy went home to rest. At home, he suffered a medical emergency and was rushed to a local hospital where he passed away. According to a release from the U.S. Fire Administration, Chief Ruddy suffered a heart attack after his shift. Chief Ruddy was appointed to the Jersey City Fire Department in 1994, promoted to captain in 2004 and then rose to battalion chief in 2018. His father, John, also served the city as a battal ion chief.

Besides being a dedicated and popular battalion chief, Ruddy was an accomplished artist and well known in the local art com munity. He has several murals on display around the city. In addition, he loved to travel with his family and spoke seven lan guages. On the morning of December 16th, city firefighters and mem bers of area departments as sembled at the firefighters monument in Lincoln Park, where a Celebration of Life me morial service was held with de partment chaplain, Father James Pagnotta. Family mem bers spoke of Ruddy's life and

interests. His sister, Kelli Massaro, said that in 49-years of life, he accomplished more than many would do in three lives. His father said he was proud to be a member of the Jersey City Fire Department's family, and he was proud that his son be came part of the same family. Chief Ruddy is also survived by his wife, Geeta, daughter Asha Grace, brother Stephen Liberto, and mother Grace. Chief Ruddy's sister said, that in life, her brother always saw the glass as half full. - RON JEFFERS

ACTION SHOT I f you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey® 1stResponderNews.com.

RONJEFFERS

Jersey City Fire Department Chaplain, Father James Pagnotta, offered his remarks during a Celebration of Life memorial service at Lincoln Park, December 16th, for Battalion Chief John Ruddy, who passed away after his tour of duty earlier in the month.

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North Hudson Regional FD Ladder 4 Firefighter Degennaro operat ing at a 3rd-alarm fire on 70th Street, November 19th.

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February, 2022

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

NJ EMS Task Force Transports More Than 500,000 Vaccines

WILUAM COUGHLIN

Dunellen F.D. was my mutual aid this Christmas.

Dunellen F.D. Comes to the Rescue DUNELLEN, NJ - As a for mer EMT and current firefighter since 2002, I know that rescues come in many forms. My youngest daughter, whose 24-years-old, re cently contracted Covid (mild case), and had to quarantine during Christmas like so many of us. I made a call to the Dunellen F.D. asking for a favor that they have done for me in the past when I was going through my divorce and spending much time alone during the holidays. On Christmas Eve or even Christmas day, I would call and ask if they had any trees I could have, as I would see my kids either late Christmas day or the day after. I wanted to put a much needed smile on my daughter's face, so now more than 10 years later, I made the same call to the Dunellen F.D. Ex-Chief Billy Scott an swered the phone and before I could even make my request, he said “You want a tree again?”. The department happily fulfilled my

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a* I * request and let me have a small tree to give to my daughter. It seems like just a nice ges ture, but keep in mind that Dunellen F.D. suffered a fire to their own house on October 13, 2021, and lost most of their trucks, gear, radios and equipment, not to mention the significant damage done to the building. So the ques tion is, how do you help out with no trucks or gear? The answer is, with HEART. I was born and raised in Dunellen, and even though I moved away 25 years ago and now reside in the Middlebush section of Franklin, I will always be from Dunellen. The little things in life are forever remembered, and vol unteers really do make a differ ence. -W ILLIA M COUGHLIN

MEMORIAL BOARD I f your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature please up load them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

L ittle Ferry Loses a D edicated P u b lic Servant Mark Loesner, 56, loved the fire service and was proud to be a firefighter. He was a life mem ber and ex-chief of Little Ferry Hose Company 1. Loesner passed away in December. The ex-chief was a life member of the New Jersey-New York Firemen's Association and the

South Bergen Fire Chiefs Asso ciation. He also served his com munity as a foreman for the Little Ferry Department of Pub lic Works. His dedication to serve others will be deeply missed. - RON JEFFERS

The New Jersey EMS Task Force has transported and tracked more than 500,000 vaccine doses since it began the critical process as part of the state of New Jersey’s pro gram to get the right vaccines to the loca tions where they are needed most. The NJ EMS Task Force, which has been part of the state of New Jersey’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020, began the tracking and transfer process on June 1st. Working under strict CDC guide lines, teams of highly trained NJ EMS Task Force members are currently transferring upwards of 15,000 doses each week to loca tions where the demand is highest. The vaccine transfer program is done in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health. “We have been part of the state’s COVID-19 mission since the very beginning,” says Mike Bascom, president of the NJ EMS Task Force. “We are committed to doing everything we can do to assure that vaccines are getting to the places and people that need them most.” “The New Jersey EMS Task Force has played a critical role throughout the pandemic," said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. Indeed, the vaccine transfer process is part of the NJ EMS Task Force’s pandemic response evolution that has gone from working behind the scenes, to supporting testing and vaccination sites, to administering vaccines and more. "This innovative program to responsibly use existing vaccine doses through safe and effective methods of transfer once again shows the importance of state co ordination in close collaboration with our vaccine partners," Com missioner Persichilli said. Since the pandemic began, the NJ EMS Task Force has worked side by side with local, statewide and national health, emergency management and law enforcement partners to assure residents got the best care. The NJ EMS Task Force partnered with the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New Jer sey, the state and others, at re gional vaccination sites. The Task Force also developed mobile vac

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NJ EMS Task Force transports more than 500,000 vaccines since June.

cination programs to bring the much-needed vaccines to people who could not visit traditional vac cination sites. Also, working with the VNACJ, has coordinated staffing at vaccination sites and de ployed a drive-through testing site. Throughout the pandemic, the NJEMSTF has evolved, and grown its mission. Those efforts have been led by the NJEMSTF team of planners - Steven C. Cicala, An thony Gabriel, Henry Cortacans and Frank Intessimoni - who work tirelessly to strategize and develop new ways of preparing EMS oper ations across the state to respond to the evolving threats facing resi dents. Those threats include the on going pandemic, natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and wildfires, and potential man-made incidents at our ports, rail stations, transportation hubs, and anywhere there could be mass gatherings of people. Since being activated, NJEM STF members have handled such missions as deploying Western Shelter tent facilities at 20 hospi tals, placing oxygen generators at various facilities, and coordinating the deployment of its medical am bulance bus fleet to transport COVID-19 positive patients from long term care facilities and hospi

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tals. The team also helped coordi nate the deployment of hundreds of out-of-state FEMA ambulance teams to assist local agencies at the height of the pandemic. “Our team has stepped up at every turn in this pandemic,” says Bascom. “They have responded to every challenge the pandemic has created and found real solutions that have directly improved the health of our residents. Through out, they continue to work on plans for unseen disasters ahead, they continue to provide EMS services in their communities, and they con tinue to maintain their high-level training. I am proud of our re sponse and continuing work with agencies and officials around the state.” The NJ EMS Task Force is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that represents more than 200 ca reer and volunteer EMS providers throughout the state, who are trained in various disciplines of emergency medical services to re spond to large-scale man-made and natural disasters as well as pre planned events. Follow the NJEMSTF on Facebook, on Twitter and online at www. nj em stf.org. - RICHARD HUFF

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