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Wayne, NJ - An elderly resident of a home along the Passaic River and his pet dog died as flames consumed the structure early on April 9th. The fire started shortly before 8:00 A.M. at 338 Riverlawn Terrace.
See Page 61 For Details.
- See full story on page 21
See Page 56 For Details.
JUNE, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
200 Passaic Residents Displaced on Easter Eve Passaic, NJ - As families gathered in this large brick apartment house at 112 Gregory Avenue, cooking and making other preparations for Easter Sunday, a fire tore through the four and five story “U” shaped building, starting around JUMP TO FILE# 1:00 P.M on April 041717103 15th. All escaped the thick smoke and flames, displacing an estimated 200 people in 40 units. Firefighters stretched a line to the fifth-floor, where they located a rear bedroom area fire. Numerous residents were self-evacuating and Battalion Chief Joe Cajzer struck a second-alarm. Interior units radioed to the chief that they had knocked down the main body of fire in the apartment, but believed there was fire above them. Truck company members reported fire in the cockloft. As mutual aid companies began to enter the city to cover local firehouses, B.C. Cajzer ordered them to the scene. Before it was over, Chief of Department Patrick Trentacost would order a sixth-alarm to the scene. Firefighters continued their interior operations as trench cuts were made on the roof. At the scene, firefighters stated that they made cuts, but the rapid moving flames had passed them. Interior crews were ordered to back down to the lower floors and eventually out of the structure. Roof teams made as many cuts as they could before they also had to abandon the roof. A huge column of black smoke was visible for miles as steady sirens from mutual aid companies moved in and set up. Flames broke through the roof and out of top-floor windows. Master streams surrounded the structure, which included ladder pipes from Passaic Ladder's 1 and 2, Totowa Truck 1, Clifton Ladder 3, and tower ladders from East Rutherford Truck 1 and Wayne Tower 3. In addition, deck guns were placed into operation by Passaic Engine Co.'s 1, 2 and 3. From time-to-time, thick smoke would also bank down to sidewalk level. Firefighters battled the fire for over four hours before it was
Heavy smoke rolled over Passaic for the second time in four days. RON JEFFERS
Flames quickly consumed the top-floor and cockloft of 112 Gregory Avenue. RON JEFFERS
considered contained around 5:45 P.M. By that time, the roof had collapsed into the top floor and some bricks had fallen from the “D” side of the upper floor area. The displaced were sent to Passaic High School for accountability and assistance from city officials and the Red Cross. This was one-of-three multiple-alarm fires to hit this city in past weeks. On Tour 4's last shift, these same firefighters and many mutual aid crews, operated at a five-alarm warehouse fire. Chief Trentacost told the media that he estimated 150 fire-
fighters were on the scene. This, plus police, medical and rehab personnel brought the number of emergency responders at the scene to some 200. In addition to the departments already mentioned, units from other fire departments that operated at the scene included Carlstadt, Wallington, Rutherford, Totowa, Prospect Park, Little Falls, Haledon, West Paterson and Paterson. The Moonachie EMS Rehab Unit and Teaneck's Box 54 took care of rehab duties. - RON JEFFERS
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RON JEFFERS
From time to time, smoke would bank down to cover the sidewalk area during the six-alarm fire.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
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Quick Knock Down in Paterson Paterson, NJ - Firefighters made quick work of an attic fire on Saturday night, April 15th, when they arrived to fire and smoke coming from a third-floor window. Shortly after 8:00 P.M., a full assignment was dispatched to East 30th St. for a reported fire. Units arrived to find fire and smoke showing from the third-floor attic area of 325 East 30th Street. Engine 1 stretched a one-and-three-quarter inch line through the front door to the attic in an aggressive interior attack. The fire was knocked down within one-half-hour and crews were able to contain the fire to the top floor. No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.
I remember years ago watching Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy with their crew of comedians. One would also come up where people did some not-sosmart things and he would follow it up by saying, “here’s your sign.” We all do things that we hope never end up on YouTube or get our sign. Well, it was April when I went some place and saw a sign on a homeless person’s back. It said “Kick me.” The first thing that came to my mind was that someone was being cruel, like when we were in grammar school. I was wrong. They put it on their own back. They said that it was an April fool’s joke. They were not happy when someone took it off their back, so they made another sign and put it back on again. Friends and I discussed this. The person was told that they should not do that, even as a joke. Other people would take them up on it and would kick them, just for starters. There are many times where people abuse the less fortunate. Would you do something like that in your area, and/or would you do anything about it? We spoke with the person and told them that they had worth and should think better of themselves. Granted, some of us have been kicked around by people or our
circumstances and feel that we just deserve it and will accept whatever. If we are to love our neighbors as ourselves, we need to first love ourselves. I don’t mean to the point of being all puffed up and full of ourselves. But understand that each of us have our reason for existing. Sometimes we need to remember some very basic truths: 1. God does not make any garbage. (Ok, I am still trying to figure out the platypus.) 2. God made you. (Yeah, the person reading this.) 3. You are not garbage. No matter what you go through, you still are not garbage. 4. God loves you. You may or may not believe in Him, but He believes in you. He created you and is always with you, even when you feel that He is not there. Please, when you see someone who is hard on themselves, don’t help them put themselves down. Come beside them and speak words of worth and encouragement to them. Hebrews 10:24 states “let us also think about how to encourage each other to show love and to do good works.” We are all worth being cared for and respected. We should encourage people and not kick them when they are down. Encourage each other. As we build up one another, we build a strong team and a strong society. Imagine if the sign read “Hug Me”. I believe in you! STAY SAFE, DIDYMUS MCHUGH
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June, 2017
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In memory of those who gave all
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty
Alabama: Christopher Lane Foster, 54 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: March 22, 2017 Death Date: March 23, 2017 Fire Department:Demopolis Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Christopher Lane Foster responded to a MVA with injuries at 0718hrs on March 22, 2017. After his shift, Foster returned to his home where he was found unresponsive at 0220hrs the following morning. Lieutenant Foster was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter having succumbed to an apparent cardiac arrest.
Maryland: Charles "Rick" Gentilcore, 52 Rank: Firefighter III Incident Date: April 7, 2017 Death Date: April 7, 2017 Fire Department: Montgomery County Fire Rescue Services - Burtonsville Volunteer F.D. Initial Summary: While on duty at Burtonsville Fire Station 15, Firefighter Gentilcore succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported. Fellow emergency responders immediately initiated all possible means of emergency care, however, resuscitation efforts were not successful.
Pennsylvania: James H. Yiengst, 72 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 30, 2017 Death Date: April 1, 2017 Fire Department: Keystone Hook and Ladder Co #1 Initial Summary: Firefighter Yiengst responded with his fire department to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) on the evening of March 31, 2017. The next morning, April 1, 2017, emergency medical services were summoned to his residence. Firefighter Yiengst indicated to one of his family members that he began feeling ill while at the MVA the previous evening. Firefighter Yiengst was treated and transported to the hospital where he passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
North Carolina: Michael "Bubba" Eric Pennell, 49 Rank: Captain Incident Date: April 17, 2017 Death Date: April 17, 2017 Fire Department: Central Alexander Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty at the Central Alexander Fire Department, Captain Michael Pennell suffered a medical emergency and collapsed in the bay of the apparatus room as he completed station duties. He was transferred to the Frye Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported.
Massachusetts: Anthony Spano, 47 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: March 29, 2017 Death Date: March 30, 2017 Fire Department: Chicopee Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Spano worked his shift which included one or more emergency response calls, including a “lift assist” call where he complained of back pain. Fewer than 24 hours later and just after coming off of his duty shift, Firefighter Spano passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported when he fell ill while exercising at a gym.
Ohio: James "Jim" Joseph Benken, 65 Rank: District Chief/Medic Incident Date: April 13, 2017 Death Date: April 14, 2017 Fire Department: City of Wyoming Fire and EMS Initial Summary: District Chief/Medic James "Jim" Benken completed a 24-hour shift at 0600hrs on 04/14/2017 which included one emergency response at 1519hrs on 04/13/2017. After completing the shift, District Chief/Medic Benken fell ill at approximately 1400hrs on 04/14/2017 and succumbed to an apparent cardiac arrest.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Fire Safety Knowledge Continues Through NJDFCA’s Annual Seminar UPS & DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers
Another successful safety seminar was held on the morning of April 8th at Washington School in Kearny, thanks to the efforts of the New Jersey Deputy Fire Chief's Association. During his welcome speech, Kearny Chief of Department Steve Dyl welcomed all participants for attending “to further your education.” “That's how we firefighters know how the other towns are doing it,” he said. Safety is a key mission in these annual seminars. Chief Dyl thanked Deputy Chief Robert Osborn for his tireless efforts in making the day a success, as well as the cooperation from the Kearny Board of Education. Jersey City Battalion Chief Charles Lind, Jr., president of the organization, welcomed all who attended to further their education. Chief Lind continued the tradition of asking vendors to give a brief review of their products and other information. In addition, Seton Hall fire survivor Shawn Simons was on hand to provide information and a 50minute documentary DVD to re-enforce fire safety on campus. This year's guest speakers were Jersey City Deputy Chief Michael Terpak and John Jay College Professor Glenn Corbett. These down-to-earth speakers kept the audience's attention with their valuable presentations. Deputy Chief Terpak has served in the fire service for 40-years, with 36years as a member of the F.D.J.C. He is the Group “B” city-wide tour commander. In addition, Terpak holds a degree in fire safety administration, plus he is the F.D.J.C.'s high rise coordinator. His topics included the use of tactical worksheets on the fire ground and other tips. He developed the worksheet after he became a chief officer. Along with the tactical worksheets and how to manage an incident, there were discussions on delegating duties to other chiefs and fire companies, floors and divisions, etc. The key to successful firefighting is “anticipation,” he said. Professor Glenn Corbett holds numerous credentials besides his 10years at John Jay College. This includes being an author, serving as a volunteer deputy fire chief in Waldwick, and he is a technical editor for “Fire Engineering” magazine. His topic covered lightweight construction and the dangers for firefighters. “Know the enemy.” He offered a guide to operating at fires involving lightweight wood-frame multiple occupancy dwellings, which he described as “toothpick towers.” This topic hit home with recent fires in Edgewater and Maplewood involving these types of structures. At the conclusion of the seminar, Chief Lind announced that D.C. Terpak would be retiring from the F.D.J.C., and Chief Terpak received a standing ovation. Again, numerous door prizes were given out to some of the 160 attendees, many supplied by vendors and speakers. B.C. Lind likes to see par-
ticipants receive a token of appreciation for their support. Attendees were then invited to the K.F.D. Exempt Hall for refreshments. All-in-all, it was a valuable day. DOWNS: A fire believed to have started in a garage and spread through a Longleaf Lane home in Woolwich Twp., March 24th, caused extensive damage and left a family homeless. UPS: Trenton Firefighter Naseeb “New” Washington of Ladder Co. 4 and a group of first responder friends spent the firefighter's 30th birthday, April 1st, delivering home-cooked meals to the homeless. Washington decided to give back on his birthday. “It's just my way to celebrate,” he said. Some 200 meals were prepared with the help of Vinnie Mannino of Mannino's Pizzeria in Morrisville, PA. The owner donated time and supplies. DOWNS: One firefighter was treated for a puncture wound to his foot as the result of a 3-alarm fire that displaced two families on Atkins Ave., Neptune Twp., March 27th. UPS: On March 30th, North Hudson Battalion Chief Richard Hess was recognized by the Jeffrey's Crusaders Rutherford Elks Lodge 547 for his “dedicated commitment on behalf of children and adults with special needs.” DOWNS: Four firefighters and an East Leonard St. resident were injured as the result of a fire in the Red Bank home on March 30th. William Sharkey was injured when he jumped from the second-floor to escape the fire, officials said. UPS: A team of Newark first responders teamed up to thwart a suicide when they grabbed a distraught man who was clinging to the ledge of a bridge over the Passaic River, March 29th. ESU Police Officers Joseph Kerik and Willie Winns began speaking to the man. They were aided by city firefighters and University Hospital EMS rescue members. A member of the EMS rescue was lowered off the bridge with a harness and a city fire boat moved in below the incident. P.O. Winns prepared to grab the man as the conversation with police continued. Kerik developed a rapport and gave the man a cigarette. Winns moved closer. “I saw an opening and I went for it, and I grabbed him,” Winns said. The victim initially struggled when grabbed and let go of the bridge, according to officers. The EMS rescuer, who was anchored to an ESU truck, managed to secure the man with a harness on his waist and the victim was then transported to University Hospital for evaluation. There were no injuries. DOWNS: A vote for a bond to build a new firehouse for the small borough of Roosevelt did not pass on March 28th. The Monmouth County municipality has decided to outsource fire services. Officials say the firehouse was shut down after many years of operation because it did not meet safety requirements. UPS: Ridgefield ex-Chief Bryan Sammartino was honored for 52-years of service to the community upon his March retirement. DOWNS: A Cliffside Park woman said her Bluetooth speaker exploded and touched off a fire on a bed, March 29th, forcing an evacuation of her Palisade Ave. home. The woman and her
RON JEFFERS
Participating in the annual NJDFCA seminar were (L to R): Professor Glenn Corbett, President Charles Lind Jr., Jersey City Deputy Chief Mike Terpak and Kearny Chief Steve Dyl.
daughter placed the device into a paper bag and removed it from the home before firefighters arrived. UPS: A team of Madison first responders saved a 22-year-old man's life when he collapsed outside of the Public Safety Building, April 3rd. A passerby alerted police that a man was unconscious, on the ground and bleeding from the face, officials said. The victim was not breathing and went into cardiac arrest. Volunteer ambulance personnel delivered two shocks from the police department's AED, with assistance from Madison firefighters. Paramedics arrived and provided advanced life support while transporting him to Morristown Medical Center. DOWNS: A Campbell Rd. home in Hillsboro was seriously damaged by a two-alarm fire on April 5th. A pet dog did not survive. UPS: A landlord was arrested on April 12th for allegedly violating state fire codes after a 5-year-old girl and her grandmother died of their injuries from a fire in Little Ferry in 2016. It was determined by the Bergen County Arson Squad, Arson Task Force and Bergen County Sheriff's Department of Criminal Investigation that Gary L'Heureux did not make upgrades to the Washington Avenue home. This includes failing to maintain or install hard-wire smoke detectors, providing a secondary egress or fire escape and provide apartment doors on the second and third floors, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office said. DOWNS: A Cliffside Park woman reportedly set her Day Avenue apartment on fire and tried to leave town with her two young children in a cab, April 18th. Authorities arrested her on aggravated arson and child endangerment charges. The building superintendent told police and firefighters that Laila Abualia was attempting to flee with her children in a taxi when the superintendent said he stopped her and questioned her about the fire, Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal said. Investigators found that the fire was deliberately set in two separate areas (the bedroom and living room), "with an outside heat source which ignited
bedding and furniture in those areas,” the prosecutor said. The fire was contained to the apartment. UPS: New firefighters in Roselle are Michael Pinkney, Fred Rittenger and Ryan Sullivan. DOWNS: Two elderly people were killed and their caretaker was critically injured in a Berkeley Heights dwelling fire on April 13th. Firefighters pulled the couple out of the burning home, but they were pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said. UPS: In North Brunswick, Brian Wright has been appointed to the fire department. DOWNS: A man was killed as the result of a fire in his Wayne home on April 9th. His wife escaped the flames. UPS: Newly appointed firefighters in Irvington are: J. Wanamakers, J. Reed, M. Asam, M. DeMicco, Eugene Lennon-Wynn, O. Nazaire, B. Sey, Gerald Craan, D. Richardson, C. Larmony, M. Brandon, Q. Goodman, A. Burke and T. Spencer. DOWNS: A firefighter was momentarily trapped after he fell through a floor into the basement of a burning Georges Rd. home in South Brunswick, April 6th. He was quickly
rescued and returned to duty. A pet dog was found dead on the second floor, officials said. UPS: New firefighters in the city of East Orange are: J. Balkonis, J. Tanis, M. Gibson, Q. Smith, L. Ferrell Jr., D. Fantleroy, L. Johnson, D. Pleasants Jr., M. Salley, O. Stanford, K. Clement, D. John, M. Alston Jr., D. Jenkins, A. Cunningham, M. Gaeta, H. Harvey, M. Jones, A. Stephens and D. Alexander. DOWNS: A 4-alarm fire that started in an abandoned Rose St. dwelling, destroyed three homes and damaged another eight in Paterson on April 14th. Sixteen people were displaced and two firefighters suffered injuries, officials said. Three fires in different parts of the city displaced 41 people on April 17th, according to Deputy Chief Pablo Del Valle. The Red Cross was assisting the fire victims. UPS: At the conclusion of New Jersey Deputy Fire Chief's Association April safety seminar, President Charles Lind informed the assembly that guest speaker, and well respected Jersey City Deputy Chief Mike Terpak, was retiring in May. He received a standing ovation from the 160-plus in the auditorium.
RON JEFFERS
FDJC Deputy Chief Mike Terpak received a standing ovation from the NJDFCA assembly after it was announced that he was retiring.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2017
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM RICH MAXWELL
Large Garage Burns in Englewood Englewood, NJ - A late afternoon fire in Englewood destroyed a large two-and-a-half story, threebay garage on April 15th, prompting a second-alarm response as firefighters worked to contain the flames. At about 5:30 P.M., several calls, including a notification over SPEN, were received for a working fire at 76 James Street. Companies quickly responded and arrived to find heavy smoke and fire issuing from a large unattached garage in the rear of a large dwelling. Lines were stretched and members opened up. Flames quickly took possession of the second-floor and heavy fire vented
JUMP TO FILE #041717107 out from the peak of the roof. There were no close exposures except for a small shed, which was damaged. An initial report of someone possibly inside was proved inaccurate. The heavy fire was knocked down within about 15 minutes, which allowed firefighters to enter for a search and overhaul. The cause is under investigation and no injuries were reported. - BILL TOMPKINS
High Bridge FD and Annandale Hose Company firefighters extinguished a car fire in the driveway of a residence on Patton Street in High Bridge on April 12th.
Fire Crews Extinguish Car Fire in High Bridge High Bridge, NJ – Several Northern Hunterdon County fire departments were dispatched on April 12th at 9:03 P.M. to a Level3 Box Alarm for a reported structure fire on Patton Street in the borough. Upon arrival of the High Bridge Police Department, it was discovered that the fire was actually a working car fire in the driveway alongside the residence, in front of the garage doors. Annandale’s Fire Chief was the first fire unit to arrive on scene, assuming incident command and advising of possible extension into the structure. High Bridge’s Ladder-14 was first up the driveway, followed
JUMP TO FILE #041317106 by their Engine-14. Hand-lines were stretched to fight the fire while crews checked the interior of the residence. A fan was used to ventilate the smoke out of the home. Once it was determined that the fire was contained to the vehicle, several of the responding Level-3 companies were canceled. The fire was quickly snuffed out and overhaul operations of the vehicle were started. The interior of the Toyota Prius was gutted by the fire. No injuries were reported and
all responding units were cleared from the scene by 9:50 P.M. Responding to the fire scene were the High Bridge Police Department (Patrol 14), High Bridge Fire Department (Station 14), Annandale Hose Company (Station 46) and High Bridge Rescue Squad (Rescue 14). Additionally, responding as part of the initial Level-3 Dispatch before being canceled were the Quakertown Fire Department (Station 91), Califon Fire Department (Station 44) and Clinton Fire Department (Station 45). - RICHARD MAXWELL
EMERGENCY AIRCRAFT
If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Aircraft feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RICH MAXWELL
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Clinton Twp., NJ – On April 9th, the New Jersey State Police NorthStar helicopter crew completed a medical evacuation in Clinton Township for a trauma victim. A landing zone was set up at the Foran Ball Fields, located off East Main Street by the High Bridge Fire Department (Station 14) and Annandale Hose Company (Station 46). The High Bridge Rescue Squad (Rescue 14) and Paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center (EMS 2) handled the scene and ground transportation to the landing zone.
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our “Where are they Now?� feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Former Passaic EMS-1's Chevy/1st Priority unit now serves as Passaic Fire Department Rehab 1.
RON JEFFERS
Firefighter Lee's daughter Anna and grandson RJ, listen to Father Pagnotta.
CONNI SPELLMAN
Jersey City Remembers a Fallen Brother
RON JEFFERS
Former Wayne Co. 3's 1972 Mack 75-foot tower ladder now runs as Tower 701 in Saint Clair, PA.
RANDY JENKINS
East Greenwich Twp. Fire and Rescue recently placed Ladder 1916 into service. This 1994 E-One Cyclone ladder truck has a 1500GPM pump, 250-gallon water tank and a 100' aerial ladder. It originally served as Ladder 334 with the Bellmawr Fire Department.
Jersey City, NJ - Thursday, March 30, 2017 marked the 50th Anniversary of the line-of-duty death of Jersey City Firefighter Francis J Lee. The department marked the anniversary with a ceremony at his gravesite in JUMP TO FILE# Holy Name Ceme- 033117116 tery on West Side Avenue. On March 30, 1967, Lee, an aide to Battalion 4, responded to 820 Pavonia Avenue. Due to another fire in the area, Battalion 4 and Firefighter Lee were first to arrive. Hearing reports of people trapped, FF Lee entered the building without protective gear and was overcome. In 1971, the Jersey City Gong Club began giving valor awards to deserving Jersey City firefighters. At the request of Mrs. Lee, the award's name was changed to the "Francis Lee" award in 1972. The name was changed again in 1980 after the passing of Mrs. Lee to the "Francis and Anna Lee" award. On the 50th anniversary, members of the Jersey City Fire Department and the Gong Club, as well as Lee's daughter Anna McAlary and grandson RJ McAlary, gathered at his grave. Chief of Department Steven McGill led the ceremony, introducing FD Chaplain Reverend J Pagotta for an invocation while the FD Honor Guard stood at the headstone. Bagpiper Michael Somma played Amazing Grace and Gong Club member Paul Schaetzle spoke of the history of
The Jersey City Honor Guard stands guard at Firefighter Lee's grave. CONNI SPELLMAN
the valor award. After closing words by Chief McGill, refreshments were served
at the Gong Club canteen.
- CONNI SPELLMAN
JOHN M. MALECKY
This 1980 Mack CF, which formerly served West Long Branch, now serves with the Helmetta Fire Department in Middlesex County as Engine 36-2. In 1991, the two door cab was converted to four door by J.C. Moore. It has a 1000-GPM pump, 600-gallon water tank and a 5.5-KW generator.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
PAGE 11
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Fire Destroys Passaic Business and Displaces Residents Passaic, NJ - A fire that went to five-alarms sent acrid smoke throughout the east side of the city, sent three firefighters to the hospital and displaced approximately 80 area residents on April 11th. City fire companies were dispatched to a JUMP TO FILE# reported fire on First 041217104 Street at 10:13 P.M. Fire Dispatch notified responding units that they were receiving numerous phone calls. Battalion Chief Joe Cajzser followed up with a radio report of smoke in the area. Firefighters found the smoke emerging from behind roll-up security doors of a one-story ordinary commercial structure at the correct address of 88 First Street. The security doors hampered immediate access to the building, which was used as a distribution company and loaded with stock and 55-gallon drums. Battalion Chief Cajzer transmitted a second-alarm for the remaining city companies and he later called in additional alarms. Those alarms dispatched fire companies from several Passaic and Bergen County municipalities to the scene. As the fire grew in intensity, flames broke through the roof and a huge column of smoke rose into the sky. Smoke traveled over numerous municipalities, triggering alarms of fire to be transmitted for smoke conditions. Flames also extended to an OMD behind the fire building, where some 30 residents were displaced. Occupants of other structures were also evacuated. Firefighters were ordered out of the main fire building and off of the roof for a defensive operation. As the flames rose high into the sky, Passaic Ladder Co.'s 1 and 2 set up ladder pipes, along with a tower ladder from East Rutherford on First Street. Clifton Ladder 3 had a ladder pipe operation in the rear. Approximately two hours into the fire, low banking smoke began to cover the street, blurring out the fire building from view. A fire department rehab truck, located in a large parking lot across the street, was re-located. Police were forced to move numerous spectators who had gathered in that lot to observe and record the fire on their cell phones. At 1:13 A.M., firefighters were making some progress with the stubborn fire and several mutual aid companies were released from the scene. City firefighters remained overnight to extinguish deep-seated pockets of fire that would flare up from time to time. Officials said that the firefighters who were taken to the hospital were treated for smoke inhalation and later released. Residents who were evacuated were taken to a recreation center and assisted by local officials and the Red Cross. - RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Firefighters went into a defensive mode with ladder pipes and a tower ladder during the multiple-alarm fire on First Street in Passaic.
RON JEFFERS
A front facade in the process of collapse onto the street as Battalion Chief Cajzer gets a better view of the fire from Ladder 2's turntable.
Full moon over Passaic.
RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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East Greenwich Dispatched to Building Fire…Twice Paulsboro, NJ - On April 7th at 8:02 P.M., East Greenwich Twp. Fire and Rescue was dispatched to a fire alarm at Five Star Auctions, located at 324 Borrelli Boulevard. A crew from Engine 1911, al- JUMP TO FILE# ready out on a 041017104 drilling assignment, responded. While en-route, Gloucester County Communications advised Chief Gould (1901) that police were on location reporting fire on the "B" side of the building and that they were upgrading the call to a building fire. Chief Gould arrived and reported a subdivided warehouse with heavy smoke from a 300’x400’ section, occupied by Custom Pallet & Packaging. He advised County to strike the All-Hands Box. Engine-1911’s crews stretched a two-inch and a oneand-three-quarter inch line to the "B" side, but were momentarily pushed back by an exploding propane cylinder. Ladders 1916 and 2116 laddered the "Alpha" side of the building and an additional line was stretched into the building. Crews extinguished the fire, which was declared under control at 8:58 P.M. The Gloucester County Fire Marshal conducted an investigation while crews finished off hot spots and overhaul. The scene was clear at 8:58 P.M. Also responding were Harrison Twp., Woolwich, Paulsboro, Gibbstown, Gloucester County EMS, RIT units from Woodbury Heights and West Deptford, as well as covers from Woodbury, Logan and Westville. At 1:16 A.M., GC Communications dispatched East Greenwich back to 324 Borrelli Blvd. for a structure fire. Communications reported multiple calls for heavy fire and additional explosions. Chief Gould advised County to dispatch the All-Hands Box. He arrived and reported fire through the roof, with Engine 1911 to lead off with the Blitz Fire ground monitor and supply Ladder 1916. Chief Gould then told County to upgrade to the First-Alarm Box. At 1:44 A.M., Command ordered the building evacuated due to structural integrity loss. Crews went into master stream operations on the "A," "B" and "C" sides. Small water mains in the area were unable to supply the water needed. Command called for the Large Diameter Hose (LDH) Task Force and a Tender Task Force to supply water. Operations on the "A" and "C" sides were supplied by hydrants and tenders. Operations on the "B" side were supplied by a relay of five-inch hose, approximately 4300-feet long, stretching into neighboring Paulsboro. Both water supply operations caused Exit 18 of Rt. 295 to be shut down. About one-third of the build-
ing’s roof near the "A/B" corner collapsed. With a bulk of the fire knocked down, crews were able to get on the "D" side roof for a better look and began cooling hot spots while crews on the ground began overhaul. Command requested the Large Fan Unit from Westmont, Camden County and an Arson Detection K-9 from the GC Sheriffs. Master stream operations were finally completed at 7:30 A.M. and all crews were cleared from the scene at 8:29 A.M. All units from the first call again responded, along with units from National Park, Deptford, Washington Twp., Wenonah, Mantua, Glassboro, Pitman, Harrisonville, Elk Twp., Franklin Twp., Newfield, GC Field Comm. 2, Salem County Sta. 12-5 and Salem County Canteen 6. - EDWARD J. MCMAHON
Master stream operations on the "A" side of the building.
EDWARD J. MCMAHON
PAGE 14
June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
WWW.SVFC29.COM
RICH MAXWELL
First responders at the scene of an injury crash with extrication on Rt. 173 in Greenwich Twp. on April 4th. WWW.SVFC29.COM
Engine crews from Pleasant Plains 3051 and Silverton 2911 operate with two-and-a-half inch hand-lines on Kathleen Court in Toms River Twp.
Pleasant Plains MultiAlarm Structure Fire Pleasant Plains, NJ - At 3:04 P.M. on Friday, March 24th, Silverton and Pleasant Plains were dispatched to a reported fire in the basement of a residence. The Toms River OEM Director was on location within minutes and reported a working fire. Numerous stations responded, including surrounding towns for mutual aid. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
APPARATUS IN ACTION
Driver Extricated from SUV After Crashing into Trees Greenwich Twp., NJ – At 6:25 P.M. on Tuesday, April 4th, police and emergency crews were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on State Highway 173, near Church Road in the Township. Upon arrival, they found that a Ford Escape SUV had left the roadway while going around a curve and crashed into a group of trees. The trees were on an incline alongside the highway. Firefighters used a chainsaw to cut branches from the trees in order to access the driver's side of the vehicle. The driver’s door could not be
JUMP TO FILE #040717101 opened and had to be cut off with the rescue tools. Once the door was removed, crews were able to extricate the female driver, loading her onto a stokes stretcher and moving her down the incline. The driver was transported to a local hospital by the Greenwich Rescue Squad, with non-life-threatening injuries. State Highway 173 was closed in
both directions during the incident and opened back up to traffic around 7:45 P.M., after responding units cleared the scene. Responding to the call were the Greenwich Twp. Police Department (Patrol 98), Greenwich Twp. Rescue Squad (Rescue 98), Stewartsville Fire Department (Station 98) and Paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center (EMS 4). The Greenwich Twp. Police were handling the investigation. - RICHARD MAXWELL
STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RON JEFFERS
Passaic acquired this 2002 Pierce tractor-drawn aerial ladder from La Plata, MD and placed it into service on April 7th. Since then, this unit has operated at several fires, including two multiple-alarm incidents where it's ladder pipe was used.
MIKE NOWACKI
Jackson Mills Fire Company still operates Tanker 5408, a 1981 Mack R/1986 Barbell 500/6000 TractorTrailer Tanker.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
PAGE 15
DAMIEN DANIS
RICH MAXWELL
Hackettstown’s Truck 78-69 crew ventilates the roof of a house fire on Schooleys Mountain Rd. in Washington Twp. (Morris County), in the early morning hours of April 14th.
Fire Companies from Two Counties Battle Early Morning Blaze Washington Twp., NJ– Fire companies form Morris and Warren Counties were dispatched to a structure fire at a residence on Schooleys Mountain Road in the Township at 1:25 A.M. on April 14th. Arriving police patrols advised that there was a working fire with visible smoke coming from the building. The house is set back off the road by the parking lot of a local church. The Schooley Mountain Fire Chief requested an upgrade to the alarm to bring in additional companies after he arrived on scene. Several tankers were also dispatched as part of the upgrade. Schooley Mountain Engine 3-1 was first-in, going up near the front of the building by the left side driveway. They dropped over 600-feet of supply line from a hydrant on the roadway, across the parking lot, and
JUMP TO FILE #041417117 up to the building. Hackettstown’s Truck 78-69 set up in front of the residence, which was followed by Long Valley’s Engine 1-1. Fairmount’s Engine 2-1 set up on the right side yard of the property. The engine companies stretched hand-lines and made interior attacks to locate and extinguish the fire, while Hackettstown’s crew ventilated the roof and searched the upper floors. The occupants were reported to have been home when the fire broke out. No injuries were reported at the time of the fire. Long Valley Rescue Squad set up their REHAB station on the lawn of the neighboring church.
Responding to the fire were the Washington Township Police Department, Schooley’s Mountain Fire Company, Long Valley Fire Company #1, Fairmount Fire Company, Bud Lake Fire Department, Netcong Fire Departments and Chester Fire Department. Responding from Warren County were the Hackettstown Fire Department, Califon Fire Department, Tri County Fire Department, the Allamuchy Fire Department and the Warren County Fire Coordinators. In addition, the Long Valley and Bud Lake Rescue Squads responded. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Washington Township Police Department. - RICHARD MAXWELL
DAMIEN DANIS
Elmwood Park Gas Station Fire Quickly Knocked Down Elmwood Park, NJ - Elmwood Park firefighters battled a gas station fire in the early morning hours of April 20th. Companies were dispatched at 2:20 A.M. for a fire at 88 Route-46 East. Arriving Assistant Chief Mike Sulick reported a working fire and heavy smoke issuing from the building, with fire showing in the office area. Two hand-lines were put into operation to quickly knock down the fire. Mutual aid from Saddle Brook was used on scene for a FAST team, while engine companies from Fair Lawn and Saddle Book covered the town at the Boulevard firehouse.
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On The Liter Side� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
DAMIEN DANIS
Quick Work at Passaic Restaurant Fire
Passaic, NJ - A quick second-alarm was struck for a structure fire in the early morning hours of April 19th. The fire, located at 32 Bergen Street, caused heavy fire damage to "Dona Maria Restaurant and Pub" just before 4:00 A.M. Battalion Chief Sczygiel arrived to find heavy smoke issuing from the building. First-due companies quickly knocked down the fire, which was mainly in the bar area in the front of the building.
What hand-line? What water? Northern Hunterdon County Firefighters responded to a truck fire on State Highway 31, near Foothill Road in Readington Twp., at 11:25 P.M. on April 11th.
RICH MAXWELL
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
PAGE 17
Two Fire Companies from Different Counties Hold Joint Drafting Drill Union Twp., NJ – Two fire departments from two different counties got together to hold a joint drill on Monday evening, April 17th. The Pattenburg Fire Company (Station 25) from Union Township in Hunterdon County and JUMP TO FILE# the Franklin Town- 042117100 ship Fire Department (Station 57) from Warren County, met up behind the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre on State Highway 173 in Union Township at 7:00 P.M. It wasn’t to have dinner and see a show, but rather to hold a drafting drill alongside a pond behind the restaurant. These two companies have worked together over the years, both as mutual aid companies and as two-of-the-five fire departments that provide fire protection services to the Township of Bethlehem. Bethlehem, a 20-squaremile township located at the northern border of Hunterdon County, does not have any fire services within the township. Union Township borders it to the south, while Franklin Township borders it to the north. The main purpose was to see what type of water flow they
RICH MAXWELL
Franklin set up their 100-foot Snorkel, 57-69, in the grass field near the engine at a joint drafting drill behind the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse Dinner Theatre on State Highway 173 in Union Township on April 17th.
could achieve with one engine supplying water to an aerial platform, hand-lines and a master stream. Pattenburg set up their Engine 251 at the water’s edge to draft from the pond with three sections of hard suction attached to a floating
dock strainer. Franklin set up their 100-foot Snorkel, 57-69, in the grass field near the engine. In addition, two hand-lines were stretched out along with a master stream, all aiming back at the pond. The drill was a positive suc-
RICH MAXWELL
Pattenburg Fire (Station 25) from Union Twp. in Hunterdon County and Franklin Township Fire (Station 57) from Warren County held a joint drafting drill in Union Township on April 17th.
cess, with more than enough water and pressure to supply the demand of all the lines. It also provided the opportunity for the firefighters to work together in a learning environment as opposed to the rigors at fire calls. The pond also serves as a
fill site for tanker/tenders during fire operations in the area, as there are no water mains or fire plugs in the surrounding townships. - RICHARD MAXWELL
PAGE 18
June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
FIREFIGHTER PROFILES If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Firefighter Profiles” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Jeff Day started his career as a Firefighter with Murfreesboro Fire Department in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on November 6, 1988. After only two years, he rose through the ranks quickly to the position of Engineer, and just eight years later, he was promoted to Captain/Shift Inspector. In 2009, Day helped the department develop and implement a Special Operations program, providing new technical rescue services to the citizens of Murfreesboro, such as Water Rescue, Confined Space, High Angle/Rope Rescue and Trench Rescue. With the addition of these offerings, the name of the department was changed to “Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department,” to more accurately reflect the technical rescue aspect. Day spent a total of eight years in Special Operations. During his time at MFRD, he also served with the Lascassas (TN) Volunteer Fire Department from 1989 until 2006. As a state-certified Fire Inspector with certifications from both the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and Certified Fire Investigator (CFI), Jeff was active in the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Arson (TACA) and even held the Vice President’s position for two years. Over the years, Day instructed several classes for both paid and
JUMP TO FILE #041917112 volunteer departments, including Firefighter Survival, Special Operations and Hazardous Materials. “I absolutely love teaching and training Firefighters to be the best they can be,” he said. Recently, while assisting the department’s Public Information Officer Ashley McDonald with footage for a Recruitment Video, Day’s unique way of hanging his turnout coat on the engine was captured on film, along with a victory dance. “We would love for this video to go viral,” said McDonald. “Personally, it makes me laugh every time and I could watch it over and over.” McDonald posted the video on the department’s social media accounts and it has since traveled nationwide to many other social media sites, including the 1st Responder News Facebook page. To watch the must-see coat hanging with victory dance, go to Facebook.com/1stResponderNews and click on 'Videos'. It's guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face! Captain Day, with 29 years of service, has no interest in retiring just yet, because he simply loves his job.
MFRD Captain/Shift Inspector, Jeff Day.
- MURFREESBORO FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT
MFRD
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
PAGE 19
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PAGE 20
June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
NEW JERSEY GIGS
NEW JERSEY MEMORIES
If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Gigs” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Newark Battalion 1 used this Chevy station wagon.
If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Memories” feature, please upload them to our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
PROVIDED
PROVIDED
Newark Engine 11 used this Mack "B" model pumper. Company members added blue "lollipop" lights on the roof. The 50th annual NFD Muster & Parade will be held on Sunday, June 4th at Washington Park, 49 Washington Street. For apparatus and vendor information, contact Captain Rich Mackey at shindigrich@gmail.com
Newark Battalion 2 ran with this Chevy wagon.
PROVIDED
RON JEFFERS
Edison Car 3 is a Ford with proper front bumper protection.
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson recall Battalion 5 is a 2005 Ford Explorer that was originally used in the 2nd Battalion.
PROVIDED
Newark Engine Co. 1 operated one-of-two Mack "C" model pumpers to see duty with the NFD.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
PAGE 21
House Fire in Wayne Kills Resident and Pet Dog Wayne, NJ - An elderly resident of a home along the Passaic River and his pet dog died as flames consumed the structure early on April 9th. The fire started shortly before 8:00 A.M. at 338 Riverlawn Terrace. It is be- JUMP TO FILE# lieved that the man 041017118 and his wife had initially made it out of the home, but the man re-entered, possibly to attempt to save his pet, and never re-emerged. The home was heavily involved when the first fire units arrived. Firefighters attempted to make a search, but were driven back by intense smoke and flames. A deck gun, a ground monitor and several hand-lines were operated to attempt to knock down the flames, but the fire gutted all parts of the building and collapsed most of the roof. By about 10:00 A.M., firefighters were finally able to enter the house and the man’s body was located in the basement. No other injuries were reported. Mutual aid from Little Falls, Pequannock and Pompton Lakes covered the empty Wayne firehouses during the incident. - BILL TOMPKINS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
A Close Call for Garfield Firefighters
Garfield, NJ - Two Garfield firefighters have to consider themselves very lucky after falling through the floor while battling a fire on April 14th. At about 6:45 A.M., GFD units were dispatched to 33 Banta Ave. for a report of smoke issuing from a building. The first-due chief confirmed that he had a oneand-a-half story frame dwelling with smoke showing, and for the engines to lay in. A search found the seat of the fire to be in the basement. A hand-line was stretched
JUMP TO FILE #041417112 and to regroup. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid to the scene. The truck company vented the roof while through the front door as the lines re-entered and soon after, the structure was vented. Shortly visible fire was knocked down. after entering, a portion of the Members opened up to hit any hot first-floor collapsed into the base- spots. The fire was placed under ment, taking two firefighters with it. A “Mayday” was immediately control in less than one hour. Intransmitted and brother firefight- juries to the two firefighters were ers were able to quickly locate reported to be minor. No other inand remove the downed mem- juries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation. bers. Command ordered all members to exit the building for a PAR - BILL TOMPKINS
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
DRILLS/TRAINING
To see your Drills in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
ON THE BOOK SHELF
by John Malecky
JOHN M. MALECKY
Old chief cars never die…they get used for drills and training! This 2005 Ford Expedition sits behind the Clinton Rescue Squad building. It started out as their Unit 4455 and was later used for personnel transport. When it became no longer road-worthy, it was and maybe still is used for extrication training and tool evaluation.
Stories of Fire By Paul Hashagen Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail:support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $25.00 This is a soft cover book measuring six-inches by nine-inches, with 246 pages. It is another great work put together by Paul, who is retired from the New York City Fire Department. This is his seventh book and by all means, it is one that is a page turner. It has 30 chapters in addition to an introduction and glossary, and reports on fires starting from the Colonia America era up until 2015. Most of the stories take place in New York, but let’s face it, no matter how spectacular or unusual events can be, they usually happen here. It’s just too large a city with much diversification. But New York is not the only city written about in the book. Incidents in Milwaukee, Kansas and even Scotland are reported on. A number of the chapters focus in on individual firefighters who distinguished themselves with heroism. Many of the
descriptions of the feats of heroism are so unbelievable that it's surprising the victims and firefighters survived the predicaments they were in. All of the incidents however, were not happy endings. A number were very tragic, like the 1960 plane crash where two airliners collided, one landing in Staten Island and the other in Brooklyn; or the Constellation ship fire, also in the Brooklyn Navy Yard that same year! Some historic fires are written about, such as the General Slocum excursion vessel, the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, the Chicago Stockyards and the Normandie to name a few. Some chapters explain about equipment, such as the development of breathing apparatus, scaling ladders and the first rescue rig. A number of these hair-raising rescues involved scaling ladders. They were not much to look at and were constructed differently from standard ladders, but they were however used many times to ascend above the rear of aerial ladders. With their large hooks, they could be used to reach upper floors or even swing horizontally from one window to another. We used them when I was in firefighter training to build confidence. They were also called “Pompier” ladders and were used with a Pompier belt, which secured the firefighter to the ladder if he had to work off of it. There is a four page glossary of terms, which may or may not be familiar to the reader, as some of the terms are New York versions. Also, there are 20 pages of black and white photos of the fires, some of the heroes and the equipment. This book is a must if you like to read about fires that made history and those that didn’t but should have!
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June, 2017
PAGE 23
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PAGE 24
June, 2017
FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
1st Responder News is excited to introduce firehouse food blogger, A.J. Fusco, as our newest columnist! A.J. has been a firefighter for 11 years with the Harrison F.D. (Westchester County, NY), and has a passion for food and cooking. He recently graduated from the International Culinary Center in Manhattan and is currently cooking at "White Gold Butchers" in the Upper West Side. In August of 2016, A.J. competed on the Food Network's "Guy's Grocery Games: Salute to Firefighters" episode, and won! He used some of his winnings to donate a fitness/foodie grant with 555 Fitness to the Williamsport F.D. in Pennsylvania.
“Grilled Sweet Potato Fries”
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
When he started his career in the fire service, A.J. saw the importance of the kitchen in the firehouse, thus spurring the idea for "Fork and Hose Co." He started www.ForkandHoseCo.com back in 2011 as a way to share his own recipes, which has since grown to a worldwide community of firefighters sharing their recipes, kitchen stories and tips. A.J. tries to focus on healthier eating in the firehouse as much as possible because as we all know, the statistics for cardiac related LODD's are staggering. With that said, below is a recipe for “Grilled Sweet Potato Fries,” a healthy and delicious firehouse favorite! Stay tuned to see more of A.J.'s favorite F.D. recipes and photos featured in upcoming editions of 1st Responder News! For a chance to have your own F.D./Squad recipes featured in future issues of 1st Responder News, make sure to follow @Forkandhoseco on Instagram or Facebook and submit a recipe or photo.
Ingredients: 4 small sweet potatoes (or 2 large ones), cut into ½” wedges 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chile powder 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp cilantro
Procedure: 1. Pre-heat your grill to medium heat. In a large bowl, toss the potato wedge with the olive oil, chile powder, and salt. 2. Grill the potato wedges over direct heat until crispy on the outside and tender enough that a fork slides easily into the center, 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer the fries back to the large bowl, drizzle with the syrup, and toss to coat. Top with cilantro and serve. Makes 4 servings.
PROVIDED
Visit us on the web! www.1rbn.com
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Two-Alarm in Paterson on Easter Paterson, NJ - Easter afternoon in Paterson was disrupted as flames tore through the upper floor and attic of a home in Paterson on April 16th. Calls began to come in to Fire Alarm at about 4:00 P.M. for a reported JUMP TO FILE# fire at 348 Paxton 041717124 Street. Heavy fire in the rear, extending up to the attic area of the two-and-a-half story frame and threatening the exposures, greeted the firstdue companies. Companies entered for a search and advanced lines into the fire building as an exposure line was put into operation to try to protect the “B” exposure, a similar dwelling. Members were withdrawn from the fire building as flames took possession of the attic area and the roof started to collapse from the rear. Heavy fire vented out from the front of the attic. A deck gun and multiple hand-lines were put into operation from the front, rear and from a second-floor window of the exposure “B” building. Once Ladder-1’s tower got a water supply, it also went into service. The fire was able to be held to the original fire building, but the exposure “B” dwelling suffered extensive exterior damage. There were no initial reports of injuries, or how many people were displaced. - BILL TOMPKINS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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Silverton Firefighter Rob Leach Named “Citizen of the Year� Toms River, NJ - On Sunday, March 27th, Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1 Firefighter Robert Leach was honored by Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 as "Citizen of the Year." Elks Lodge 1875 Exalted Ruler, Norvella "Pug" Lightbody, presented Firefighter Rob JUMP TO FILE# Leach with this 032717100 honor for his actions during a fatal house fire, where he was injured while attempting to rescue the homeowner. Firefighter Leach received burns and was treated at the Burn Center of Saint Barnabus Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. Incident synopsis: On Tuesday, February 14th, Toms River Fire District #2, Silverton Fire Company (Station 29) and Pleasant Plains Fire Department (Station 30) were dispatched to an address on Fiddlers Run for a reported structure fire with persons trapped inside the home. In an attempt to search for the victim, the Ladder-2905 Search and Rescue crew (Rob Leach, Kris Piccola, Ed Ruhl and Nick McGinley), entered the structure where they were met with an extremely hostile smoke and fire condition. The crew was also without hose-line protection and were forced out due to a flashover occurring. Despite their brave search and rescue efforts, there was one civilian fatality and one dog also perished in the fire. In addition, there was one civilian burn victim and one firefighter burn victim during the incident. - ROBERT SINNOTT JR
Silverton Firefighter Rob Leach (center), named Toms River Elks Lodge 1875 "Citizen of the Year."
The fatal house fire that occurred on February 14th on Fiddlers Run in Toms River.
WWW.SVFC29.COM
WWW.SVFC29.COM
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Two-Alarm House Fire Hits Montclair on Easter Sunday Montclair, NJ - At about 10:00 A.M. on April 16th, as Easter morning services were being held at a church just several doors away, a two-alarm fire broke out at 26 Mission Street, leaving several families displaced. The fire, which initially appears to have started on or near a rear porch, had spread up the outside of the home and entered in on the second-floor and attic as firefighters arrived. With the volume of fire and the closeness of the exposure buildings, a second-alarm was transmitted. Lines were stretched through the front door and to the rear. The
MIKE NOWACKI
JUMP TO FILE #041717123 visible fire was knocked quickly, but members had to open up and hit the hidden pockets of fire. The exposure “D” building suffered exterior damage and had smoke visible from the roof line for a while, but that was dealt with. There was no apparent damage to the “B” exposure. The fire was placed under control within one hour.
Flagtown Fire/Rescue in Hillsborough recently put into service Engine 36, a 2017 KME Predator 2250GPM, 750-GWT and 30-gallon foam tank engine. It was sold by First Priority Emergency Vehicles.
- BILL TOMPKINS
MIKE NOWACKI
Bayville Fire Company in Berkeley Twp. recently put into service Tanker 1768, a new 2016 International Tractor Cab to pull its 1997 S&S Tanker Trailer. Some of the new features on the cab include a 10 speed manual transmission, air ride suspension and LED lighting.
ROBERT DUNNE
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Chief Lou DeRosa of the Madison Fire Department recently put into service this new 2017 Ford Interceptor as Red-1. The rose behind the window signifies "The Rose City," which is on all the other apparatus as well.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Homeowner Arrested for Arson After Destroying His Alexandria Twp. Home Alexandria Twp., NJ – At 2:54 P.M. on Monday, April 3rd, firefighters were dispatched to a Box 41-93, Level-3 alarm at a home in the 200 block of Hickory Corner Road in this rural township. Upon arrival of Milford Fire Department’s Squad 32, the first engine on the scene, firefighters reported over the radio that all “four corners” were fully involved. Crews laid a supply line of over 550-feet up the driveway from the street and requested that the Western Tender Taskforce be activated for this fire, as there are no fire hydrants in the area and the tenders/tankers would be needed to supply water. Two separate fill sites were established to refill the tankers with water and then shuttle it to the scene, where they then
JUMP TO FILE #040517100 dumped the water into portable tanks for the engines to draft from on the street, at the end of the driveway. Firefighters battled the fire with an exterior attack utilizing hand-lines, two-and-a-half inch lines and master streams. Additionally, Clinton Fire Department’s Tower Ladder 45 was set up to drench the fire from above. The house, which is situated about 600-feet from the road in a wooded area, was basically destroyed by the fire. In an April 4th media release, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, Chief of De-
HE HE ER ERO ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
Richard Earl has been a firefighter for 15-years, a paramedic for 7-years and is currently a member with the Compton Fire Department. He got this tattoo done in 2016 and when asked what the inspiration was behind it, he said "The inspiration was from the guys before me, the dedication and hard work that they gave to the department. They inspired me to want to work for this department and also work in the community that I grew up in. It has been an honor to work for this department and that was my ultimate inspiration for this tattoo." Fernando from Corona Tattoo and Piercing in CA is the talented artist who did Richard's full-back tattoo.
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
tectives John J. Kuczynski and New Jersey State Police Kingwood Station Commander, Lieutenant James Heitzman, announced that fire investigators were investigating this house fire. The fire was ruled arson and one individual has been taken into custody. Per Prosecutor Kearns, “The New Jersey State Police Kingwood Station, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Office's Arson Task Force and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor Office's Major Crimes Unit began investigating the fire that same evening and the investigation is ongoing. The structure suffered extensive damage and was unoccupied at the time of the fire.” Prosecutor Kearns added, “The homeowner, Christopher DeFago, 54, of Alexandria Township, was arrested and charged with one count of 2nd Degree Aggravated Arson. Mr. DeFago was lodged at the Somerset County Jail awaiting a first court appearance.” Prosecutor Kearns concluded, “I commend the dedication and commitment of the volunteer firefighters from Hunterdon County for their quick response to this fire. We are very fortunate to have such a fine volunteer system of brave men and women.” Some of the agencies that responded to the fire were the NJ State Police (Kingwood Station), Milford FD (Station 92), Pattenburg FD (Station 25), Quakertown FD (Station 91), Clinton FD (Station 45), Kingwood FD (Station 16), Sergeantsville FD (Station 47), Holland FD (Station 15), Bloomsbury FD (Station 43), Hunterdon County Fire and EMS Coordinators (Station 86), New Jersey State Fire Coordinator, Mil-
RICH MAXWELL
RICH MAXWELL
Firefighters battle a Level-3 Box Alarm on April 3rd at a home on Hickory Corner Road in Alexandria Twp.
ford Rescue Squad (Rescue 92), Clinton Rescue Squad REHAB Unit (Rescue 45), Paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center (EMS 1), Western Tender Task Force (which includes both Hunterdon County and Bucks County,
PA tankers), and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office. Also, several fire departments were called to cover for the ones at the fire scene. - RICHARD MAXWELL
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
DRILLS/TRAINING
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
To see your Drills in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Matawan, NJ - On February 26th, the Matawan Borough Fire Department hosted an area Drill to qualify members in Ice Water Rescue. Since no ice was present, props were built to simulate ice sheets. The following departments participated in the drill: Matawan, Northcenterville, West Keansburg, Robertsville and Spotswood.
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
In Readington Township (Hunterdon County), the Whitehouse Station Fire Company operates Utility 1 mostly for spills and road safety. It is a 1992 Ford F-350 with a Stahl body. The driver thought it was previously owned by Public Service Electric and Gas. It has a Honda portable pump to pump out cellars, suction hose for it, a rear Thieman lift gate, a supply of three-inch hose, absorbent, pigs and PPE for spills and safety cones, horses, “Emergency Scene Ahead” placard, a sawzall and two rear spotlights.
RICHARD MICHITSCH
JOHN M. MALECKY
Whitehouse Station FC Utility 1, a 1992 Ford F-350/Stahl, is used mainly for spills and road safety.
RICHARD MICHITSCH
Info@fireflowservices.com
Mark LaGreco 877.302.6472
Right/rear view of Whitehouse Station Utility 1 shows Thieman lift gate.
JOHN M. MALECKY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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Déjà Vu All Over Again for Firefighters in Orange Orange, NJ - Just over three months after a three-alarm fire struck two buildings in Orange during a steady snowstorm, a three-alarm fire struck those same two buildings as a steady rain fell. Shortly before midnight on March 31st, the O.F.D. was sent to 195 and 197 Chapman JUMP TO FILE# Street, the scene of 040317105 the previous multiple-alarm fire. Once again, heavy fire was involving the rear of the (two) two-and-a-half story dwellings and threatening several others. A second-alarm was transmitted, followed soon after by a thirdalarm, as companies worked to contain the flames. Fire units from East Orange, Montclair, Irvington and Maplewood were able to hold the fire, with extension only to a smaller structure in the rear. One ladder pipe, one deck gun and multiple hand-lines had the fire under control in about one hour. Companies remained on the scene hitting hot spots that were inaccessible because of the condition of the buildings, which kept members operating in an exterior attack. No serious injuries were reported. - BILL TOMPKINS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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EDWARD J. MCMAHON
(L to R): Dep. Chief Eli Hall, Vice President Butch Myers, Capt. Mike Haines, Lt. Keith Wadleigh and Chaplain Chip Snyder keep the kitchen buzzing.
North Hudson Deputy Chief Mike Cranwell assumes command as fire involves the cockloft area of a Union City OMD.
RON JEFFERS
Afternoon Fire in Union City
Members stay busy keeping plates filled and resetting tables.
EDWARD J. MCMAHON
East Greenwich Twp. Fire and Rescue Hosts Annual Breakfast East Greenwich Twp., NJ - On Sunday, April 9th, East Greenwich Twp. Fire and Rescue hosted its annual Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast. This family-style pancake and sausage breakfast goes back well over 50 years. The community looks forward to this event every year, when whole families stop by for a meal. This event was once again well attended and also a great fundraising success.
Union City, NJ - As a full assignment of North Hudson companies responded to a report of an electric fire at 310-42nd Street, an odor of smoke was covering the neighborhood and detected by Fire Control through an open window on 43rd Street, shortly before 4:00 P.M. on April 18th. Second Battalion Chief Moises Valdes radioed in that there was "smoke in the area" as he was enroute to the scene. Upon arrival, he reported a working fire with smoke visible in the cockloft area of the roof. Flames were also visible from the "B-D" corner of the three-story, wood-frame occupied dwelling. A second-alarm was then struck. The building was evacuated with the assistance of city police officers, as residents placed pet dogs into a shopping cart and left the
JUMP TO FILE #041917105 building. Tower Ladder 3 managed to place their outriggers between parked cars on this narrow street to raise their platform and take their tools to the roof. Several hand-lines were placed into operation and a third-alarm was transmitted by Deputy Chief Mike Cranwell for additional manpower. Firefighters began pulling down the top floor ceiling to check for flames, from back to rear of the entire top floor. After about 30 minutes, the fire was declared "probably will hold." City officials were on hand to assist the displaced residents. - RON JEFFERS
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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FUTURE FIRST RESPONDERS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Future 1st Responders” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
Lebanon Boro, NJ – Future Firefighter Blake Harding is at the controls. Well not really, but he will most likely be when he can reach them on his own! While watching a joint drill in the Boro, Blake was trying his hand at the controls of the pump panel on Lebanon’s Ladder-18. Blake is only 16-months-old now, but he really likes the firetrucks that both his dad and granddad run. Blake’s father, Tucker, is Captain of Lebanon Boro’s Fire Department and his grandfather, Kevin Saharic, is the Department’s Chief. So, it looks like Blake has some big boots to fill!
RICH MAXWELL
(L to R): Larry Coyne and his two sons Hayden and Garret, of the Clinton Fire Department in Hunterdon County, NJ. Larry is a Firefighter and the Department’s Chaplin, joining the Company in 2006. Hayden joined in 2013 while Garrett joined in 2015.
Father and Two Sons Proudly Serve the Town of Clinton
Future Firefighter Blake Harding at the controls of the pump panel on Lebanon Boro’s Ladder-18 on April 17th.
RICH MAXWELL
Clinton, NJ – Clinton Fire Department’s family traditions run deep with several of its members. This month, we introduce you to Larry Coyne and his two sons, Hayden and Garret. Larry joined the Company in 2006 and is currently serving as the Department’s Chaplin. He has completed training through the National Fire Academy and several missionaries to faithfully serve the needs of the Clinton Fire Department. Larry continuously has his fellow firefighters in his thoughts and prayers. In 2006, the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders hon-
JUMP TO FILE #041617105 ored Larry with a formal resolution, recognizing his expertise and the assistance he provides to the County Government. As if being the Department’s Chaplin doesn’t carry enough duties, Larry also serves as an active firefighter and is a member of the Department’s newly formed RIT unit. Larry's son Hayden joined the Company in 2013 and serves as an exterior firefighter. His dedication to school and his involvement with the
Civil Air Patrol has not allowed him the time needed to complete the Firefighter 1 Training Program, however he makes himself available for all of the Department’s events. Hayden's brother Garrett is the newest Coyne family member to join the Department. He came onboard in 2015 as part of the Department’s Junior Firefighter Program. The Clinton Fire Department has a very active Junior Firefighter Program, with senior members always looking out for them while mentoring the younger members. - RICHARD MAXWELL
OLD & NEW
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RICH MAXWELL
Future Firefighter Blake Harding with his father Tucker, Captain of Lebanon Boro’s Fire Department, and his mother, Marlaina. Blake’s grandfather, Kevin Saharic, is the Department’s Chief.
Pennington’s new Tower 51, a 2017 Spartan ER 100-foot platform quint, next to its predecessor, a 1991 LTI Olympian 100-foot platform quint.
JOHN M. MALECKY
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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Automatic Fire Alarm or Is It? Part II STAYING SAFE
Chief Henry Campbell
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
I wish to stress to the younger members of the fire service that all AFA’s are not necessarily false alarms; many of the residential alarms are caused by cooking, including smoke from food burning in unattended pots and pans, smoking grease from a previous spill in the oven, or even the proverbial popcorn in the microwave oven to name a few. Unattended cooking, where the occupant has forgotten that they have “something on the stove,” or may have even left the home, all tend to cause activation of the alarm system and bring about a fire department response. Now, what if we didn’t respond on these seemingly minor incidents; there will always exist the possibility of fire and fire extension. It makes the job of firefighting much safer when we respond and nip any fire in the bud, before it can extend. How often have you responded to a full blown kitchen fire that started from unattended cooking? The original AFA system is the automatic fire sprinkler system found in many commercial buildings, dating back to the early 20th century. They also caused the transmission of many unnecessary fire alarms, mostly from a surge in the water supply tripping the valve seat
and causing an alarm. Automatic fire sprinkler systems have been around for a hundred years waiting to do their job by extinguishing an incipient fire before it gets out of control, and for the most part, they have been very successful in doing their job. Today, we have the more elaborate computer based alarm systems standing by, waiting to do their job. Control panels can be fairly simple for a private home and much more complex for multiple residences, high rise buildings, institutional facilities and commercial establishments. The control panels can be programmed to do just about anything once an alarm has been activated. They can be programmed to close doors, to open or close control devices and turn on or off specific items. Manual pull stations can be connected to the system, as can be with water flow in sprinklers systems. The control panels also have fault detectors built in to enable locating problems within the system. Also, in newly constructed buildings or where AFA systems have been installed in older buildings, there is usually a period within the first 2-4 months of operation where the system requires some fine tuning to prevent unnecessary alarm transmissions. Surely there are many alarm transmissions that the firefighter might call nuisance alarms, false alarms, or system malfunctions, but if there is any blame or reason for the alarm transmission, it falls on the owners of the building, not the AFA system which
BOB LONG
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Fire Strikes Midland Park Home
Midland Park, NJ - Firefighters battled a house fire on the rainy Friday morning of March 31st, causing damage to a two-story home. Multiple calls were received reporting a house fire on Busteed Drive just after 8:00 A.M. First arriving units found heavy fire on the "Bravo" side of the house, with extension into the attic. Midland Park's engine arrive on scene and stretched (two) one-and-three-quarter inch lines, one through the front door and the other to the exterior. The fire, which began on the outside, had minor extension to the interior and was brought under control within 30-minutes. Crews from Wyckoff and HoHoKus provided mutual aid at the scene. No injuries were reported.
requires annual maintenance and upkeep. With the annual increase in AFA dispatches, will the fire service change how it will respond to AFA’s? Do we respond or not? No matter how trivial the alarm may seem, it may be far worse if you don’t respond. What do you do when the dispatcher transmits additional information from the alarm company or occupant, reporting that there is no fire and no need for the fire department to respond? What will the future hold in these situations, as more and more occupancies install automatic fire alarm systems. Will there be changes in how fire departments respond to AFA alarms? Will there be a change when additional information is obtained by the department? How will reductions in staffing levels in both career and volunteer departments impact your department's response? What is your present response to AFA’s? A chief’s vehicle? One engine? One engine and a ladder company, or a standard full assignment? It is your call. Do you go full lights and siren? Or in a reduced response mode, such as Code 1, maybe the first-due company goes Code 3 and the remaining assignment goes Code 1, if at all? There may be unnecessary alarms generated by the AFA system, but they certainly generate an equal number of legitimate alarms. Early detection of fire saves lives and property, including the lives of firefighters. Till Next Time, Stay Safe and God Bless!
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RICH MAXWELL
One-of-two fireplugs on SH 57 in Mansfield Twp. were opened as part of repairs to a broken water main in Walmart’s parking lot. The break resulted in putting all hydrants in the area out of service until the repairs are made.
Fireplugs Put Out of Service After Water Main Break in Mansfield Twp. Mansfield Twp., NJ – During the early morning hours on April 1st, a water main in the parking lot of a Walmart store on State Highway 57 sprung a leak. The Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority, who owns the water system, responded and shut off the main. Walmart was responsible for the repairs to the break. Around 9:50 A.M., the Warren County Communications Center made an announcement to fire departments that all the fire hydrants in the area of Walmart would be out of service until at least Sunday (April 2nd) due to the water main break. Later in the morning, there was another break in the 600 block of Washington Street in Hackettstown. Crews closed off the road as they
JUMP TO FILE #040217102 excavated to make temporary repairs to the break. On Sunday, April 2nd, there was a possible water main break reported in the 200 block of Washington Street in Hackettstown at 10:25 A.M. The Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority (HMUA) had posted a notice on their website on March 31st indicating the following: “The HMUA is currently working on a water storage system upgrade project. The project will temporarily increase pressures in the system and cause fluctuations in water pressures at the tap for the duration of the project. This pressure increase may also cause some water
main breaks in weaker areas of the system, requiring emergency shutdown of the water main in your area for repairs. Please understand that we are making every effort to avoid any service interruption and will work diligently to reduce the duration of interruptions. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.” The HMUA is a Water and Sewer Authority that was established in 1965 by the Town of Hackettstown. They provide service to portions of five municipalities, which include Hackettstown, Independence Township and Mansfield Township in Warren County, and Mt. Olive and Washington Townships in Morris County. - RICHARD MAXWELL
RICH MAXWELL
Hackettstown Municipal Utilities Authority workers make repairs to a water main break in the 600 block of Washington St. in Hackettstown on April 1st. The break was one-of-two that day, with another one reported on April 2nd in the HMUA system.
RON JEFFERS
Carlstadt Rescue 705's Spartan/Rescue 1 apparatus had its light tower operating to improve firefighting operations at a multiplealarm fire in Passaic on April 11th.
RON JEFFERS
Carlstadt Firefighter Tom Ondrof operates the pump panel on Engine 2's 2015 Pierce, supplying a Passaic engine during the sixalarm apartment fire on Gregory Ave. in Passaic on April 15th.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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Fatal Crash Closes I-78 Eastbound in Hunterdon County Bloomsbury Boro, NJ - A fatal crash that claimed the life of a Warren County resident closed the eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 at 8:23 A.M. on Monday morning, April 10th. A Ford Focus was traveling eastbound prior to crashing into JUMP TO FILE #041217118 the rear of a tractor-trailer that was parked on the right-hand shoulder of the highway. The crash occurred just before Exit-7 at Mile Post 7.1, and right past the county line that divides Warren and Hunterdon Counties. Initially, the exact location of the crash was not known because the calls into the 911 centers were given different locations which prompted the dispatching of Fire and EMS from both counties. The NJ State Police were the first to arrive on scene and provided the exact location to the dispatch centers and other responding agencies. Once the location of the crash was established, the call was determined to be in the response area of Bloomsbury Fire and Pattenburg EMS, and all other responding fire and EMS agencies were canceled. Additionally, there were reports of the vehicle being on fire during the initial dispatch to the first responders. As the incident progressed, radio dispatch reports indicated that the fire was extinguished by State Troopers as they arrived on the scene. The type of crash involved in this incident was a trailer underride. When the Ford crashed into the back of the trailer, a good portion of the car went underneath the trailer. The driver of the Ford was pronounced at the scene. Eventually, the left two lanes of the highway were opened, but traffic was reported to be backed up for a few miles even after it started to move again. At the location of the crash, there are five lanes that reduce to four, which is about 1000-feet past the exit of the Greenwich Weigh Station. The remaining right lanes were closed so that the NJSP Fatal Accident Investigation Unit could complete their work at the scene. Responding to the scene were the New Jersey State Police (Perryville Station), Pattenburg Rescue Squad (Rescue 25), Bloomsbury Fire Department (Station 43), Paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center, NJ State Police Fatal Accident Unit, NJ State Police Crime Scene Unit and the NJDOT/NJSP Traffic Incident Management Team. The crash is under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. - RICHARD MAXWELL
RICH MAXWELL
First responders check the wreckage of a fatal crash that closed Interstate 78 eastbound just before Exit 7 at 8:23 A.M. on April 10th.
RICH MAXWELL
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Firefighters Battle Early Morning House Fire in Lodi Lodi, NJ - Lodi firefighters made quick work of an early morning house fire on the morning of April 4th. At 5:29 A.M., the fire department was dispatched to 60 Hillcrest Ave. for a reported house fire. First arriving PD units reported that they had a fire JUMP TO FILE# in the rear of the 040417112 home. Assistant Chief Steven Cassielo arrived first, confirmed the working fire and had communications redispatch it as a Working Fire. Heavy fire was already showing from the rear of the one-story home, with flames also starting to vent through the roof. A secondalarm was struck, bringing in mutual aid from Garfield, Rochelle Park, Saddle Brook and Wallington to the scene. A good knock down by firstdue companies kept the fire contained to the rear of the home. Additional resources utilized on scene came from Saddle Brook's EMS fire rehab unit and the Hackensack FD MSU unit. No one was home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported. - DAMIEN DANIS
DAMIEN DANIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
To see your “Faces” in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.
Breaking bread. On Saturday evening, April 1st, the Jersey City Gong Club had a full house for dinner, cooked by Bob Bozewski (standing). This weekend's guests included some retired fire service members, including Camden Fire Chief Joe Marini, FDNY Battalion Chief John A. Calderone and Brooklyn Fire Dispatcher Warren Fuchs. Again, the stories went from horses to tower ladders! You never know who will stop by.
RON JEFFERS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Englewood Deputy Chief Erik Enerson and Hackensack Deputy Chief Pete Danzo at the command post during a second-alarm fire in Englewood on April 15th.
Passaic Battalion Chief Joe Cajzer gears-up on Easter Eve at the multiple-alarm on Gregory Avenue. RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson Captain Ed Connors of Tower Ladder 3 (third from left), with his crew on retirement day, April 3rd. (L to R): Firefighters Duarte, Todd and Wilson. Deputy Chief David Donnarumma described Captain Connors as a highly respected officer who proudly served the residents of Weehawken, where he started his career, and North Hudson. In addition, he worked on the same company for his 25-year career.
RICH MAXWELL
Captain Sean Smith of the High Bridge Fire Department at a recent car fire incident in the borough.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
ACTION SHOTS FROM AROUND THE STATE
To see your action shots in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
PROVIDED
Newark firefighters battle a two-alarm-plus fire on March 23rd that involved a two-story mixed occupancy building at 848 Summer Avenue.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Members of North Hudson Engine Co. 5 stood by during the traditional Passover ceremony at 34th Street and New York Avenue in Union City, on April 10th.
North Hudson firefighters assist an immobile woman out of her burning 29th Street home in Union City on April 21st. The fire occurred just a few doors away from the 29th Street firehouse, where occupants were taken for shelter.
RICH MAXWELL
North Hudson Captain Steve Hagarty of Engine Co. 4 uses a TIC to check for signs of fire in the "D" wall of a Hudson Ave. dwelling in Union City on April 19th. Engine 4 was sent for an outside rubbish can fire and discovered smoke coming from the wall and ordered a full assignment. RON JEFFERS
A Whitehouse firefighter douses a “hot spot” on one of his fellow members at a truck fire on State Highway 31, near Foothill Road in Readington Twp., at 11:25 P.M. on April 11th.
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June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Three-Alarm Commercial Building Fire in Old Tappan Old Tappan, NJ - Heavy black smoke that could be seen for miles filled the sky as Old Tappan firefighters battled a third-alarm fire on the roof of a commercial building on April 9th. JUMP TO FILE #040917110 On a sunny Sunday afternoon, the firefighters battled a stubborn roof fire involving solar panels that sent black smoke high into the blue sky. Just before 2:00 P.M., the Old Tappan Fire Department was dispatched to 200 Old Tappan Road for smoke showing from a large commercial building. OTPD was first on scene and reported that they had smoke from the roof, which was confirmed by Old Tappan's fire chief shortly after. A small column of black smoke began in the rear roof section of the building. Mutual aid from Norwood and River Vale was requested on the Working Fire assignment as Old Tappan units arrived on scene and began dropping supply lines. OT Tower-63 set up on the southwest corner of the building. Command reported that the fire involved solar panels and that the flames were growing. PSEG was requested to the scene to cut power to the building. A secondalarm was transmitted and firefighters advanced lines into the building to check for any interior extension. Later, a third-alarm would be transmitted. A total of two tower ladders and one ladder would be set up to the roof of the building, with multiple hand-lines stretched to the roof. As smoke intensified, firefighters battled to keep the fire in check and prevent any further extension. The electric was cut about one hour after dispatch and the fire was quickly extinguished after. Minor extension to the roof and interior was reported. Two minor injuries to firefighters were also reported. Mutual aid from Nowood, Harrington Park, Woodcliff Lake, River Vale, Hillsdale, Westwood, Tappan, NY and Northvale assisted on the scene and Sparkill, NY provided house coverage. The fire remains under investigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Firefighters Extinguish Dairy Truck Fire in Readington Twp. Readington Twp., NJ – Firefighters from two companies responded to a report of a truck fire on State Highway 31, in the area of Foothill Road, at 11:25 P.M. on April 11th. Upon arrival, police located a refrigerated straight box truck on the shoulder of the northbound side of the highway, just JUMP TO FILE# past Foothill Road. 041217105 They advised responding fire apparatus that the cab of the truck was fully involved and that it was hauling dairy products. Police units had closed off the northbound lanes of SH 31, which allowed the fire apparatus to approach the scene by driving south on the northbound side of the divided highway. Hand-lines were stretched from Whitehouse’s Engine 22-1 and Annandale’s Engine 46-2 to fight the fire, while Annandale’s Tender 46-1 was on scene to supply water. The fire was quickly brought under control and overhaul operations began, dousing hot spots as they were found. A thermal imaging camera was utilized to locate the hot spots and ensure that the fire had been fully extinguished. Clinton First Aid and Rescue Squad responded with their Heavy Rescue 455, BLS units and their REHAB unit. The Heavy Rescue provided lighting for the north side of the scene and also refilled air pack bottles. Whitehouse Rescue Squad responded with their Heavy Rescue 225 and a BLS unit. They provided lighting and support on the south side of the scene. There were no injuries reported during the incident. The highway was opened back up around 12:35 A.M. Readington Township Police are handling the investigation. Responding to this incident were the Readington Township Police Department (Patrol 22), Whitehouse Fire Company #1 (Station 22), Annandale Hose Company #1 (Station 46), Whitehouse Rescue Squad (Rescue 22) and Clinton First Aid & Rescue (Rescue 45). - RICHARD MAXWELL
Northern Hunterdon County Firefighters responded to this truck fire on State Highway 31, near Foothill Road in Readington Twp., at 11:25 P.M. on April 11th. RICH MAXWELL
Whitehouse and Annandale firefighters use a thermal imaging camera to locate hot spots at a truck fire on State Highway 31 in Readington Twp. on April 11th.
RICH MAXWELL
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Firefighters rescused a dog from the fire.
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Paterson Four-Alarm Consumes Three Homes
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Great Stop by Paterson Firefighters Paterson, NJ - On the afternoon of April 17th just before 4:00 P.M., Paterson firefighters responded to 10th Ave. for a reported structure fire. While en-route, a large column of smoke could be seen from a distance. Upon arrival, heavy fire was showing from the top floor of a three-story frame and threatening the "Bravo" exposure. Engine-5 arrive on scene first and after securing a water supply, stretched an interior attack line and used their deck gun to knock down the heavy fire on the "Bravo" side. A second-alarm was transmitted due to the size of the building and fire conditions. Interior crews were able to knock down the remaining fire before any further extension. It took 20 minutes to bring the fire under control. One minor firefighter injury was reported. The fire remains under investigation.
Paterson, NJ - A large column of smoke that could be seen for miles was the result of a fouralarm fire that destroyed three homes and damaged others on the afternoon of Friday, April 14th. At approxi- JUMP TO FILE# mately 2:30 P.M., 041617113 while at another call, a Paterson Battalion Chief noticed a column of black smoke and notified dispatch, advising them of a possible fire. At the same time, multiple calls were coming through reporting a house fire on Rose Street. Companies were dispatched and first arriving units advised that they had heavy fire in the rear of 21 Rose Street, with extension to 23 Rose Street. Incoming units had trouble responding to the fire due to the heavy volume of traffic in the area. A second-alarm was quickly transmitted, as the rear of both homes were well involved and now extending to 25 Rose Street. Engine and Truck companies arrived on scene, maneuvered down the narrow street and set up for exterior operations. A thirdalarm was transmitted as heavy fire consumed the three homes and threatened other homes on the block. Multiple hand-lines and master streams were used to protect the exposures and knock down the heavy fire in the three homes. A fourth-alarm was transmitted as the rear of all three homes eventually collapsed. It took firefighters over two hours to bring the fire under control. Damage to at least four other structures was also reported. A few minor in-
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
juries were reported and one dog was rescued from the fire. The cause of the fire remains under in-
vestigation.
- CHRIS TOMPKINS
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES 800-400-8917
South Plainfield, NJ
www.f-ss.com
If You Can Dream It - We Can Build It
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Rigs From Union and Burlington Counties This month, a random selection of apparatus was taken from Union and Burlington Counties, representing a mixture of brands and manufacturers. Two of the apparatus in Burlington County are unique, at least to our state. One is a small rescue in Beverly City, which has an Alexis body. It was bought used, but the original owner could not be determined. Alexis is a fire apparatus manufacturer located in Alexis, Illinois. They sell in that state and many other states, although they have no dealer located in New Jersey. The other apparatus is a Firovac Power Systems pumper/tanker in Jacksonville. The unit operates on the vacuum/pressure principle. The manufacturer is located in Apple Creek, Ohio. Juliustown, also in Burlington County, has an older one that they purchased new. In dealer news, the ambulance division of First Priority Emergency Vehicles has made the following deliveries: a Demers MXP150 on a Ford F-450 4x4 chassis to Middlesex Hatzolah; a First Priority Emergency Vehicles Renaissance remount of a Braun Chief XL onto a Ford E-450 chassis to Lakewood Hatzolah (Ocean County); two REV Transits and a FPEV Renaissance Remount of a Road Rescue Ultramedic module onto a Chevrolet G4500 chassis to Atlantic Ambulance and a Braun Super Chief on a Freightliner M2 extended cab chassis to the Demarest VAC (Bergen County). Ambulance orders include a Demers Transit Ford E250 chassis for Maple Shade (Burlington County); an FPEV Renaissance Remount of a Road Rescue Promedic module onto a Ford F350 chassis for Union County; a Braun Express on a Ford E-350 chassis for Weehawken (Hudson County), and a Braun Signature on a Ford E-350 chassis for Silver Ridge Park EMS in Toms River (Ocean County). Their apparatus division has made two KME deliveries to the Stillwater Area VFC; for Stillwater Township (Sussex County), an elliptical tanker. Specs include a Mack Granite chassis with two door cab, Mack MP-8, 455-HP diesel engine with engine brake, Allison 4500 EVS transmission, Hale DSD 1250-GPM single-stage pump with side mount panel, five-inch thru-the-bumper front intake, (two) three-inch tank-topump valves with front and rear sump for operations on grades, LDH discharge, (two) one-and-three-quarter inch crosslays above pump, deadlay hose storage above pump for three-inch hose, 3000-gallon poly tank wrapped with a mirror finish stainless steel wrap, (two) three-inch rear direct tank refills, 10-inch square Newton dumps on rear and sides, KME, LX elliptical tanker tandem axle body made of 3CR12 stainless steel, painted hinges, aluminum compartment doors, driver’s side low side compartments with ground ladders mounted above, officer’s side low side compartments with a hinged port-a-tank rack mounted above, rear wheel well storage compartments for two SCBA’s and two spare SCBA cylinders, (two) 15-foot lightweight six-inch hard suction hoses stored in compartments built into the compartment caps and six Whelen M9, 12-volt LED scene lights mounted on the tank. Please send any comments or news tidbits you might have about Apparatus of the Month to us at 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or you can e-mail them to Apparatus@1stResponderNews.com.
APPARATUS OF THE MONTH
A look at what’s new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky
Roselle Engine 1, 2016 Spartan ER Gladiator 1500/500/40 with 6-KW generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.
John M. Malecky
Jacksonville T-2126, 2015 Freightliner M2, 106/Firovac, 1000/3000.
John M. Malecky
Springfield Engine 2, 2016 Pierce Velocity PUC, 1500/700/50 with 10-KW generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services. John M. Malecky
Delanco Engine 1112, 2016 Seagrave Marauder II 2000/750 with 10-KW generator. It was sold by Emergency Equipment Sales & Service.
John M. Malecky
Springfield Ladder 1, 2016 Pierce Velocity 1500/500/100-foot and 10-KW generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
John M. Malecky
John M. Malecky
Medford Lakes Engine 3711, 2010 KME Predator 1500/1000 with 10-KW generator. It was delivered by First Priority Emergency Vehicles. The second is a Panther pumper that went to Old Bridge Township Fire District 3, South Old Bridge FC (Middlesex County). The specs include an LFD chassis with 16-inch raised roof cab and six seats, Cummins ISL 9, 450-HP diesel engine, Allison 3000 EVS transmission, Waterous CSU-C20 1500GPM single-stage pump, front bumper intake and two-and-a-half inch trash line, (two) one-and-a-half inch crosslays, three-inch deck gun discharge, two-and-a-half inch hose bed discharge and one-inch booster reel mounted in a belly pan, 750-gallon poly water tank, 172-inch Flex long body built of C3R12
stainless steel with ROM brushed finished doors, split height low hose bed with four adjustable dividers, driver’s side full height and depth 29-inch deer compartments, officer’s side full height/split depth 29-inch/14-inch deep compartments, driver’s side roof top compartments with electric and hydraulic reels stored in them, ground ladders mounted next to the tank accessed from the rear and a Harrison 12-KW hydraulic PTO generator mounted on the driver’s side above the pump. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 58
John M. Malecky
Beverly City Fire Co. 1, Rescue 1218, 2003 Ford F-550/Alexis with 5-KW generator, air cascade and 4-ton winch.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2017
Fully Involved Garage Fire Spreads to House and Damages Others Lyndhurst, NJ - Just after 4:00 P.M. on April 20th, the Lyndhurst Fire Department responded to 533 Kingsland Avenue for reports of a structure fire. A column of smoke could be JUMP TO FILE# seen as apparatus 042017100 left the firehouse and from as far away as Jersey City. Units arrived on the scene to find that the fire was located in a detached garage in the rear of the property and had already extended to the house. Hand-lines were deployed and an aggressive attack was made. Within five minutes, the bulk of the fire was knocked down. There were reports of some animals inside, so firefighters entered the home and were able to locate both a dog and a cat. Both were brought out to safety and appeared to be fine. The fire had made its way into the back portion of the home, but was knocked down quickly. A few neighbors' homes also suffered some heat damage. - JAMES WOOD, SR.
Chief checking out damage to the home.
JAMES WOOD SR.
Firefighter protecting exposures.
JAMES WOOD SR.
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Firefighters Arrive Just in Time in Saddle Brook Saddle Brook, NJ - Flames were venting out of a first-floor window on the “D” side as SBFD companies pulled up to the scene shortly before 3:30 A.M. on April 11th. The flames were impinging on the second-floor and the eaves of the roof of the large, two-and-ahalf story frame multiple dwelling at 726 Saddle River JUMP TO FILE# Road. A second- 041117121 alarm was transmitted, bringing in Elmwood Park, Fair Lawn and eventually Lodi to the scene to assist. Lines were quickly stretched and the fire was knocked down before any major extension occurred. Companies opened up both inside and out on both floors and the attic to confirm extinguishment. The fire was able to be placed under control in less than one hour. Ten residents from two families were displaced, but not injured, and the Red Cross is assisting them. Unfortunately, a dog and two birds were killed in the blaze. The cause is under investigation, but initial reports suggest an electrical problem. - BILL TOMPKINS
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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June, 2017
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
APPARATUS OF THE MONTH A look at what’s new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky
- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54
On a side note, the Passaic FD, while awaiting the construction of their newly ordered mid-mount platform, suffered the loss of their existing platform that was to be replaced by the new one. They have recently purchased a 2002 Pierce Dash 100foot TDA from LaPlata, MD to bring them back to two trucks. The used truck has seating for eight, a 15-KW generator and automatic tire chains. Although not yet fully re-lettered, it has already seen action in the city. New Jersey Emergency Vehicles has delivered five Classic model P.L. Custom Type 1 ambulances on Ford F-450 chassis. Brick Police EMS (Ocean County) received a Classic 156, while Classic 170’s on 4x4 chassis went to the Carlstadt VAC, Fort Lee Ambulance (two units) both Bergen County, and Freehold FAS (Monmouth County). The Berlin VFD (Camden County) and Collings Lakes VFD, Buena Vista Township (Atlantic County), have made a trade. Berlin sent their 1993 Duplex/LTI 75-foot quint to Collings Lakes in exchange
for their 1994 KME pumper. Fire & Safety Services has received the following Pierce orders: for Hillsborough Fire District 2 in Somerset County, a Velocity 100foot platform, and for the Port Authority of NY & NJ (Essex County), a parking lot mini pumper on a Ford F-550 chassis. Pierce deliveries include a Velocity 100-foot rear mount aluminum platform to Wayne Township (Passaic County). It is the first aluminum platform delivered in NJ. An Enforcer pumper went to Haddonfield (Camden County), an Impel PUC pumper to Parsippany-Troy Hills District 6, and an Impel Ascendant 107-foot ladder to District 5 (Morris County), and to Elizabeth (Union County), an Arrow XT Skyboom pumper. North Brunswick Fire Company 2 (Maple Meade) in Middlesex County has received a Seagrave Apollo 105-foot platform quint on a Marauder II chassis. It has a Waterous 2000-GPM pump, 300-gallon water tank and an 8-KW generator. It was sold by Emergency Equipment Sales & Service. It is their third generation platform.
DRILLS/TRAINING
To see your Drills in the newspaper, upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
The Flemington FD team, led by Deputy Chief Pete Nemec, won the race.
RICH MAXWELL
Firefighters Respond to IHOP for “Great Pancake Eating Relay Race” Raritan Twp., NJ – Firefighters responded to a local restaurant at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 15th, but it wasn’t for a fire. They were there to help celebrate the grand opening of the new IHOP restaurant on Royal Road. Flemington's IHOP owners, Sanjay and Neal Patel of Imperio Groups, hosted the first “Great Pancake Eating Relay Race,” with local firefighters as the culmination of a week-long grand opening celebration of their new IHOP restaurant. This is Hunterdon County’s first IHOP. Participating in the competition were Raritan Township (Station 21) and Flemington (Station 49) Fire Departments. The two teams, led by Raritan Chief Doug Day and Flemington Deputy Chief Pete Nemec, were made up of ten members each. The plates were loaded with three of IHOP’s buttermilk
JUMP TO FILE #041617104 pancakes on each one. The team members ate one at a time and once the first team member was done, a plate of pancakes would be given to the second team member. Once the second member was done, a plate would be given to the third team member and so on, until the last team member was done. There were several different techniques utilized to down the fluffy pancakes, such as to cover them in syrup, roll and dunk the pancake in water, double stack them, tear off pieces and eat them one at a time, or the most common technique; just shove the whole thing in your mouth and chew! The winning department received a trophy and bragging rights until next year. In addition to the
donations made by owners Sanjay and Neal Patel to support both companies, each firefighter that participated in the race received a free IHOP coffee mug and a gift certificate to come back and have some more free pancakes, but at a much more relaxed pace. After the fire department’s competition, the owners held a relay eating race for the IHOP restaurant staff, gals vs. the guys, and the gals won! The owners of the restaurant hope to make this a yearly event, possibly inviting more companies to the race. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that the Flemington Fire Department won the race, finishing off their 30 pancakes just ahead of the Raritan Township crew. A good time was had by all! - RICHARD MAXWELL
ROMAN ISARYK JR
Eagleswood Twp., NJ - On March 25th, fire companies from Ocean County took part in a Tender Drill. Crews set up draft points north and south of where the ponds were set up. Tankers were assigned where to get their water from, and after getting the water, they would come back to the scene to drop the water off in ponds. Three ponds were set up and each of them held 3000-gallons of water. This is done when there are no hydrants in an area where there is a fire. The key is to keep water flowing in the tanks. Fire Companies from Stafford, Eagleswood, Parkertown, West Tuckerton, Tuckerton, Barnaget, Surf City, Cassville, Waretown and Warren Grove took part in the drill.
Firefighters from Raritan Twp. and Flemington competed in the first “Great Pancake Eating Relay Race” at the grand opening of an IHOP restaurant in Flemington on 4/15/17. Flemington won the race. RICH MAXWELL
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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EMS If you have photos you would like to see in our “EMS� feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
All-Hands Structure Fire in Paterson
Paterson, NJ - Paterson firefighters responded to 110 North 8th St. just after 7:00 P.M. on April 17th for a reported fire. Engine-4 arrived on scene to find smoke showing from a large, two-and-a-half story frame. A one-and-three-quarter inch attack line was stretched through the front door and firefighters located the fire in the basement. Additional companies arrived on scene to assist with ventilation and overhaul. The fire was knocked down within 10 minutes and no injuries were reported.
DAMIEN DANIS
The Morris County EMS Task Force in operation at a third-alarm in Parsippany on April 22nd.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Tools of the Trade� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
JAMES WOOD SR.
Carlstadt Council Awards First Responders
RICH MAXWELL
Tom Long of Annandale Hose Company #1 checks out their thermal imaging camera. Firefighters used it to locate hot spots at a truck fire on State Highway 31, near Foothill Road in Readington Twp., at 11:25 P.M. on April 11th.
Carlstadt, NJ - During a Carlstadt Council meeting on April 17th, members of the Carlstadt, Moonachie and Wallington Fire Departments, along with the Carlstadt and East Rutherford Police Departments and a Hackensack ALS unit, were awarded with certificates of recognition for the bravery shown in their life-saving and heroic actions during an incident. The incident occurred on February 22nd when a pallet full of bed frames fell over on a worker at Kickerbocker Bedding Company. The young man was pinned from the waist down and trapped under a large amount of heavy steel. By the use of air pillows, the rescuers were able to slowly lift the weight off of him, enabling them to free him. The young male victim was bleeding heavily and one of his legs was almost completely severed off. The worker was rushed to Hackensack Hospital for treatment. Thanks to the quick actions of these brave first responders, the young man is alive today and was also able to keep his leg.
Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
In April, Parsippany District 5 received a 2017 Pierce Impel 2000-GPM/500-GWT/107-foot quint. This is the first Pierce Ascendent model to see duty in northern New Jersey. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
RON JEFFERS
Elizabeth Engine 1 will be assigned a 2017 Pierce Arrow XT 61-foot Skyboom model with 2000-GPM pump, 700gallon water tank and 50-gallon Class B foam cell. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
RON JEFFERS
North Brunswick Engine & Truck Co. 2 has placed into service a 2016 Seagrave 2000-GPM/300-GWT/105-foot platform with six-man cab. It was sold by Emergency Equipment Sales, LLC.
Haddonfield Engine 14 received a 2017 Pierce Enforcer Parsippany District 5 received a 2017 Pierce Impel Palisades Park Ladder 1 has been assigned a 2016 model 2000-GPM pumper that possesses a 10-KW gen- model 1500-GPM/750-GWT pumper, sold by Fire & Pierce Arrow XT 1500-GPM/300-GWT/105-foot rear erator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Service. Safety Services. mount quint, sold by Fire & Safety Services. RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Multiple Companies Respond to Fire in Senior Housing Duplex Hamilton Twp., NJ - On March 28th at 4:30 P.M., Hamilton Township Fire Companies, White Horse E-16, Rusling Hose T-13, Colonial E-18, Nottingham Tower 17, DeCou E-15 and SS 15, as well as Groveville E-19, Robbinsville Squad 40 and Hamilton JUMP TO FILE# Chiefs were dis- 042517106 patched to Burholme Drive in the Locust Hill Development, for a working fire. Responding Chief 17, John Retalis, advised Chief 16, Richard Kraemer, of a large column of smoke seen from miles away. Upon arrival, Chief Retalis reported heavy fire from a one-and-a-half story, wood-frame duplex on Burholme Drive. Chief Retalis performed a 360-degree visual of the building and found heavy fire, which had vented through the roof and had made its way into the attic space of the house. Hamilton Police advised Chief Retalis that there was a possibility that the homeowner was still home, but the neighbor wasn’t sure. Chief Retalis then assumed command. E16 arrived and stretched a one-andthree-quarter inch hand-line through the front of the structure, but due to the conditions with the smoke, firefighters were ordered out of the building at the recommendation of Chief Kraemer. Evacuation tones were given and crews started defensive operations. Captain 13, Ferdinand
Mather, arrived and assumed the role of accountability officer. Arriving units stretched two more one-and-three-quarter inch handlines to the area of the fire to knock it down from the exterior. A second rapid intervention team was requested due to the first being assigned to fire suppression operations, bringing in E3211 from Bordentown to the scene. Tower 17’s aerial was extended and supplied early in the fire in case defensive operations continued. Primary and secondary searches of both units were found to be negative. A two-and-a-half inch handline was stretched into the front of the structure. Crews pulled ceilings in the fire unit and exposed all fire in the truss areas. Tower 17’s crew performed a very thorough third search of the fire building, which turned up negative for fire victims. One firefighter from Station 17 sustained a minor injury. Chiefs assisting in fire suppression included Chief 12-Christopher Tozzi, Chief 13–Steve Kraemer, Chief 15-Gregory Kirkham and Chief 19-Mark Antozzeski. The fire was declared under control at 4:59 P.M., with crews on location until 7:24 P.M. Units from the Hamilton Township Fire Police directed traffic during the incident. The Hamilton Police, along with the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, Fire Marshal 17-Scott McCormick and Fire Marshal 19-Michael Danbury, performed the fire investigation. - BOB SHERMAN
Hamilton Firefighters at the Locust Hill fire.
BOB SHERMAN JR.
BUDDY SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BOB SHERMAN JR.
(L to R): Hamilton Township Fire Police Lieutenant Kevin Stankus and Chief Richard Klockner.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Members of Paterson Rescue 2 take a break after the fire is knocked down at an All-Hands job in the city on April 24th.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2017
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ