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MASSIVE FIRE DESTROYS PASSAIC PAPER RECYCLING PLANT
DAMIEN DANIS
Passaic, NJ - A massive multiple-alarm blaze destroyed the Atlantic Coast Fiber recycling company in Passaic on the evening of January 29th. At 11:34 P.M., companies were dispatched to the Atlantic Coast Fibers plant located at 101 7th Street on a reported fire in the building. - See full story on page 2
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Massive Fire Destroys Passaic Paper Recycling Plant Passaic, NJ - A massive multiple-alarm blaze destroyed the Atlantic Coast Fiber recycling company in Passaic on the evening of January 29th. At 11:34 P.M., companies were dispatched to the JUMP TO FILE# Atlantic Coast 013121110 Fibers plant located at 101 7th Street on a reported fire in the building. As first due units arrived they found bales of paper and cardboard on fire inside a large one-story commercial building. Ladder 2 arrived first due and confirmed smoke showing on the Lodi Street side of the building. Battalion Chief Bob Munier arrived and transmitted a secondalarm. Numerous two-and-a-half inch hand lines were put into operation to attempt to knock down the fire. A third-alarm was struck, bringing additional mutual aid companies from Paterson, Rutherford, Wallington, East Rutherford and Garfield to the scene. Companies were evacuated from the building to re-group as conditions inside deteriorated. Additional alarms were transmitted by Chief of Dept. Trentacost as conditions worsened. Water supply issues were being reported by incoming engine companies as they found many frozen hydrants in the area. After about one hour heavy fire took total possession of the building. A collapse zone was established as fire vented through the roof, and cracks in the building's walls began to appear. During the operation at least two explosions were reported at the plant, one involving a truck and the other possibly a transformer. A drafting and pumping relay operation was established for additional water supply to the scene with two draft sites ran by engines from Mendam, Ringwood and Parsippany. Master streams from Passaic Ladders 1 and 2, as well as Totowa Truck 1, East Rutherford Truck 1, and Paterson Ladder 1 were put into operation, along with deck guns from engine companies and the Passaic quick attack unit. Crews from more than 25 fire companies continued to rotate in and out of the fire. Mayor Lora said that temperatures in the teens accompanied by wind chills made the weather “punch-you-in-the-face cold,” while turning the surrounding area into an ice skating rink. The combined circumstances “created a perfect storm of dangerous situations for our firefighters,” he said. A firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor injury from a fall. The Passaic County prosecutor’s arson unit responded be-
DAMIEN DANIS
cause of the size and amount of damage caused by the blaze, authorities said. Mutual aid from Passaic, Bergen, Essex, Morris and Somerset counties all converged on the scene or provided coverage during the incident. As of the next day, firefighters were still on scene working on pockets of fire. The State Neptune system was special called along with two tanker shuttle operations with tankers from West Milford, Ringwood, Jefferson, Picatinny Arsenal, Mt. Arlington, Kinnelon, Bernardsville, Mahwah, Upper Saddle River and Fort Lee Engine 3, which is a rare sight in the city. Both tanker shuttle operations were utilizing four Fold-A-Tanks, and all together units supplied 220,000-gallons of water to the scene. As night time fell the fire flared up and mutual aid companies were brought back to the scene to assist. As of the third day of operating, companies still continued to extinguish hidden hot spots. A demolition company was brought to the scene to start to raise the building as a major snowstorm was expected within a day. This incident was the site of a much smaller fire of large newspaper bales back in May of 2015. (Author's note: A special thank you to the PFD for access to the fireground and info for the article.) - DAMIEN DANIS
DAMIEN DANIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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March, 2021
ADVERTISER INDEX
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
MEMORIAL BOARD
Company
Page
Agin Signs
26
Associated Auto
4
Bond Legal
33
Campbell Supply
1,5
Defender Emergency
17
FIRE 2021
27
Fire Flow Services
25
Firehouse Expo
39
Fire & Safety Services
If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Retired North Hudson Firefighter Dominick "Donny" Marino loved being a firefighter and representing firefighters throughout the state. He served as vice president and then president of North Hudson Local 3950 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). That was followed by becoming president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) in 2008. While conducting union business on the phone on April 14th, 2020, his heart stopped. He was second to none in his dedication for improving firefighter's working conditions, and for their families.
In January, Marino posthumously received the 2020 IAFF Local Leadership Award for his dedication and leadership to the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey. "He never backed down until victory was reached," said PFANJ Vice President Steve McConlogue, at the time of his death. - RON JEFFERS
1,40
First Battalion Fire Equipment
After his retirement, Marino continued to serve as PFANJ president. Before becoming a member of the North Hudson regional department, he served with the North Bergen Fire Department.
7
DAMIEN DANIS Mid Atlantic Fire & Air
Garfield House Fire Kills Several Animals
7
Mid Atlantic Rescue Systems
NJ Emergency Vehicles
21
9,23,35
NJ Fire Equipment
7,11
Safe-T
7,37
State Line Fire & Safety
7
Task Force Tips
7
T-Mugs
34
The Fire Store
15
Valtek
Garfield, NJ - A fire broke out on the second floor of a home in Garfield on the afternoon of January 24th. At 1:00 P.M., the Garfield FD was dispatched to 65 Pacific Avenue on a reported structure fire. Arriving Chief of Dept. Kyle Kovacs confirmed a working fire, with fire showing from the second floor. First due companies made a good knock down, and within 20 minutes all fire was knocked down. No injuries were reported. The fire displaced several residents from the two apartments, one of which apparently housed rescued pets. Several of those pets passed away in the fire. Mutual aid from Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook, and Wallington assisted on scene. Stand by companies from Lodi, Wallington, Rochelle Park and Clifton covered at firehouses. Fire officials are trying to determine the cause of the fire.
20,26
VCI
13
VFIS
29
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.
DAVE VELEZ
CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 28 No. 3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada. A division of:
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In January, retired North Hudson Firefighter Dominick "Donny" Marino posthumously received the 2020 IAFF Local Leadership Award.
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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty Mississippi: Joseph "Joe" Gallo, 34 Rank: Captain Incident Date: November 17, 2020 Death Date: November 17, 2020 Fire Department: Blissfield Township Fire Department Initial Summary: While responding with the Blissfield Fire Department to a barn fire, Captain Joseph Gallo was driving a Chevy Impala with emergency lights activated. As he drove on a gravel portion of the road, he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle rolled and Captain Gallo was ejected. He was transported to the Toledo Hospital where, after all attempts at resuscitation were exhausted, Captain Gallo was pronounced deceased from injuries sustained. He was a Paid-on-Call Captain with the Blissfield Township Fire Department and a Part-time Firefighter/EMT with the Madison Township Fire Department.
with a known case of COVID-19. He was hospitalized on November 12, 2020 and passed away from the virus on November 21, 2020.
Mississippi: Michael Buitendorp, 40 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: November 18, 2020 Death Date: November 18, 2020 Fire Department: Grant Township Fire Department Initial Summary: On Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at approximately 2100hrs., Firefighter Michael Buitendorp, driving a fire department tender, was responding to the scene of a camper fire in Otto Township when he lost consciousness. The firefighter who was with him was able to stop the fire apparatus and call for help. Grant Township firefighters and EMS personnel immediately performed life-saving measures. Firefighter Buitendorp was then transported to the Mercy Health Lakeshore Hospital where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The cause of his death is under investigation.
Washington: Alan Dean Basso, 59 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 27, 2020 Death Date: November 27, 2020 Fire Department: Cowlitz County Fire District 5 Initial Summary: On the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Alan Basso responded to two medical emergency calls, the last one dispatched at 0848hrs. Later that day, at 1355hrs, Basso was driving in the downtown area of Kalama when his vehicle collided with several parked vehicles. He was unconscious and not breathing, suffering a cardiac arrest. Citizen CPR was immediately initiated by a nearby off-duty Portland firefighter, 911 was summonsed, and Cowlitz County Fire District 5 resources arrived on-scene. Immediate advance life support measures were administered, and Basso was then transported to PeaceHealth St. Johns Medical Center where, despite all efforts, he was pronounced deceased.
Missouri: Robert "Bobby" Joseph Rocha, 59 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 23, 2020 Death Date: November 21, 2020 Fire Department: Kansas City, MO Fire Department Initial Summary: While on-duty, Captain Robert “Bobby” Rocha contracted COVID-19 from a patient
Indiana: Robert Cree, 72 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: November 22, 2020 Death Date: November 22, 2020 Fire Department: Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: At 1900hrs on Sunday, November 22, 2020, Firefighter/EMT Robert Cree responded to a medical emergency at a residence. Upon returning home, at approximately 2010hrs, Firefighter/EMT Cree collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Crews arrived at his home and immediately performed CPR. Despite all efforts, he could not be resuscitated and passed away.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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A Fire Department Growing with the City UPS & DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers
Redevelopment of the Hudson River waterfront has made Jersey City one of the largest centers of banking and finances in the United States. There are around 200 highrise buildings in this city now, with many more on the drawing board. Currently, nine of the state's tallest buildings are located here, according to Fire Chief Steve McGill. As a city grows, the fire department must keep up. In 2019, the department acquired a new pumper with a 2000, three-stage pump that is rated to pump 500-GPM at 700 psi. Water can reach the upper floors of these structures quicker, as well as assist with operations in the event of a building pump failure. This unit is assigned to Engine Co. 6 in the downtown section. In addition to this apparatus, a former downtown engine company was recently re-activated in this sprawling area. In the local fire service, we have become all too familiar with fire companies being closed and departments conducting “brown outs,” closing one or more fire companies on a particular tour when manpower is low and over time is not an option. On January 8th, Engine Company 1 was reactivated, operating from the Newark Avenue firehouse along with Engine Co. 5, Ladder Co. 2 and the Chief of the 1st Battalion. Engine 1 was disbanded on March 22, 1991, along with Engine 22 (since re-activated) and Truck Co.'s 1 and 5. According to the general order, Liberty Engine 1 was re-established and recognized as a fully equipped reserve engine company. It will be placed in service whenever appropriate staffing is available and/or
during recalls. In addition, this G.O. states that Liberty Engine 1 was established on October 2, 1829, as the department's first engine company. The current Engine 1 has “Liberty Engine One” lettering located above the windshield. Engine 1 has been assigned a 2003 Pierce 2000-GPM pumper that saw original duty with Engine Co. 9. When that company received a new engine, old 9 received upgrades, re-numbered, and it was then assigned to Engine Co. 22, until that company received a new apparatus in 2020. After new firefighters were sworn in on the steps of City Hall on December 8th, the department boast 657 uniformed firefighters and officers. They protect a population described as 300,000 by Mayor Steven Fulop. The influx of new firefighters enables every firehouse to be fully staffed, according to a city statement. With this manning, Engine 1 should be on duty more than it is off. A step in the right direction for a growing city. DOWNS: A Christmas Eve fire consumed all three floors of a Park Place dwelling in Metuchen that killed two pet dogs. Family members were out for the night, reports said. The home was heavily involved when firefighters arrived. Firefighters rescued five pet snakes from the basement. UPS: The new Hamilton municipal fire department went into operation on January 1, replacing eight autonomous tax-levying fire districts that each covered a portion of the township.On January 1, Mayor Jeff Martin swore in the new Chief of Department, Richard Kraemer, and other officers. The 135 member department has a budget of about $28 million, according to NJ.com. The department will consist of four deputy chiefs, five battalion chiefs, with captains in charge of four engine companies, two squad companies and two ladder companies, according to the report. DOWNS: Two Newark firefight-
RON JEFFERS
The original name of the Liberty Engine Co. 1 from 1829 is located on the 2021 version of Engine 1, above the windshield.
RON JEFFERS
The first crew on the re-activated Engine Co. 1 posed with their rig in front of one of the company's former firehouses on Morgan Street, now sandwiched in between tall downtown buildings, and privately owned. The first crew was (L to R): Captain John S. Bellezza and Firefighters Joseph Parreno, Brian J. Mills and Mike Somma.
ers suffered burns at a 2-alarm fire that involved a Leslie St. dwelling on Jan. 1st, officials said. Both firefighters were taken to University Hospital, treated and released. UPS: The Belmar Bureau of Fire Protection has been awarded a $1,663 fire prevention grant from FM Global to acquire a hydrocarbons and accelerants meter, used to help determine fire origins and causes. FM Global is a commercial property insurer. The Belmar bureau also provides fire prevention and investigation services to the municipalities of Lake Como, Spring Lake and Spring Lake heights. DOWNS: Fire raced through a Shamong dwelling and six vehicles, Dec. 26th, consuming half of the 3,800-square-foot building, officials said. Twenty three fire companies responded to the fire according to Indian Mills Vol. Fire Company Chief John Smith. UPS: New firefighters in Teaneck are Max Chazen, Michael DePompeo, Scott Brunner, Bilal Beg, John Notarangelo and Michael Morrell. DOWNS: A 28-year-old Paterson man walked into the Madison Avenue firehouse seeking help after he was shot on Dec. 27th, officials said. Firefighters rendered aid and transported the victim to St. Joseph's UMC for treatment of a wound that was described as non-life-threatening. UPS: New fire captains in Bayonne are Raccys Pozo and Cailin Brodel. DOWNS: A 75-year-old Brick woman was injured due to a 3-alarm fire at the George J. Conway apartment building, Dec. 12th. Firefighters carried the victim out to safety and she was taken to Ocean Medical
Center for treatment, officials said. UPS: In January, the Hunterdon County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved the award of a competitive bid contract of $3.6 million for the construction of a new 5,500square-foot burn building training facility. The new four-story structure will replace a 25-year-old facility in Clinton Twp. The building will be equipped with various simulators, props and obstacles to afford realistic training exercises, officials said. DOWNS: A Passaic ladder company was involved in a MVA at Paulson & Main Avenues while en route to an alarm, Jan. 3rd. Three firefighters were treated for nonlife-threatening injuries, according to the Daily Voice. The driver of the civilian vehicle wasn't seriously injured, police said. That driver was issued summonses for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and improper passing. UPS: Members of Hackensack Rescue 1 and Ladder 1 rescued a construction worker that fell off the top roof and on to a lower roof on State St., Jan. 8th. Firefighters used a stokes basket and an aerial ladder to remove the worker, officials said. The victim was lowered to the ground and transported to Hackensack Meridian Health. His injuries did not appear to be life-threatening. DOWNS: An overnight fire in a row home at Everett & Norris St.'s, Camden, injured four people, Jan. 7th, officials said. Some residents jumped from the house, including a 38-year-old woman who suffered a fractured hip. UPS: Millburn firefighters have been supporting St. John's Church in Newark since 2015 with an annual winter coat drive. This year, the col-
lecting period of donations ended at firehouse #2 on Jan. 9th. Coats were delivered to the parish and distributed to those in need for the winter of 2021. DOWNS: Camden firefighters found a dead resident of a Collings Rd. dwelling on the floor of the burning home on Jan. 7th. Neighbors said the victim used a wheelchair. Neighbors kicked open the door of the building before firefighters arrived to help the resident, but they were held back by heavy smoke, they told authorities. UPS: West New York has acquired a new Freightliner Sprinter 15 passenger emergency van, valued at over $70,000, at no cost to the local taxpayers via the town's participation as a host agency for the New Jersey State EMS Task Force, officials said. DOWNS: A 3-alarm fire at a fourstory OMD on Clinton St., Hoboken, displaced residents of all six apartments on Jan. 12th, officials said. UPS: As a result of receiving the 2020 $5000 Home Depot Foundation Grant, in January, the Wallington FD/EMS received tools and materials to upgrade equipment and buildings. DOWNS: Newark firefighters located an unresponsive man just beyond the front door of a burning Hedden Terrace dwelling on the evening of Jan. 15th. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man was rescued from the building's roof and a firefighter suffered an ankle injury, officers said. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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MEMORIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board” feature please upload them on our website www.1RBN.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
How do you make healthy pancakes taste good? Add bacon! FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
Pancakes are a firehouse breakfast staple. Often cooked on a cast iron pan or griddle that outdates even the most senior members, these flapjacks feed many for cheap. Which is probably why they are so popular for fundraising as well. In firehouses all across the country, “pancake breakfasts” help raise funds for departments in need. They also appeal to us on a more personal note as well. Sunday morning with the family, cup of joe and a stack of pancakes evoke memories of a simpler time.
Or maybe it was the trip to the local IHOP you remember most. The point is, food has a way of engraining itself into our memories and more often than not it is the food we grew up eating. My dad loves a good pancake and now more than ever, enjoys cooking them for my daughter. And believe it or not, this food has been around a lot longer than you and I. Some evidence dates it back to the Stone Age! And in more “recent” times, Thomas Jefferson was a huge fan of the flapjack, even sending a recipe back to his hometown from the White House. So now that we have established the fact that pancakes are not only delicious and hold a sentimental place in our hearts, lets also admit now that they are definitely not the healthiest of foods for us to eat on a regular basis. But
how on earth can we make this somewhat healthy AND delicious at the same time? Well first let’s start with the actual pancake itself. Instead of using your standard All-Purpose flour, this recipe uses almond flour, which is great for the glutenfree and gluten-intolerant folks out there. We also use bananas, not just for flavor, but to add moisture and sweetness as well since almond flour tends to be a little “drier” than conventional flours. And whenever we need to make something taste better, what do we add? BACON!!! If you haven’t tried pancakes topped with real maple syrup and bacon, you are seriously missing out! There is no better combination of flavors than sweet and savory. Stay safe, eat well!
BACON-BANANA-ALMOND FLOUR PANCAKES Makes approximately 8 - 6” Pancakes Ingredients: EJ RODE
The Bogota Fire Department regrets to announce the sad news about the passing of ex-Chief Robert Mulhan on Christmas Eve. Mulhan was a Life Member of Hose 2 and Chief for the year of 2010. May he rest in peace.
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
4 Ripe Bananas 4 Eggs 1 Cup Almond Flour 1 tsp Baking Powder ¼ Cup Maple Syrup Pinch of Salt 4 Slices of Cooked Bacon, crumbled Cooking Spray or Butter for pan Procedure: -Separate the egg yolk from the whites by carefully cracking them in to a large bowl. Using your hands gently scoop out the yolks and place in a medium bowl. AJ FUSCO
-Using a whisk, whip the egg whites until fluffy, set aside. -Combine the maple syrup and bananas in the same bowl as the egg yolk. Mash bananas and stir to incorporate. Add the almond flour, baking powder and salt to the bowl. Stir to combine thoroughly. -Carefully fold in the egg whites to the batter with a rubRON JEFFERS
In Brick, Herbertsville Co. 1 utilizes this 1993 American General M35A3, 6x6 model (ex-military) unit with a 300-GPM pump and 650gallon water tank that was refurbished by Lee's Emergency Equipment in 2018.
ber spatula. -Ladle the batter into a greased preheated non-stick pan, cast iron or griddle over medium heat. Sprinkle each pancake with some crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Cook pancakes untouched until the bottom starts to brown and you see bubbles forming, about 2-3 minutes. Very carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 min-
utes or until fully cooked through. -Garnish with more crumbled bacon! (Note: These pancakes are very tender and delicate compared to traditional so they may need a little extra cooking time and gentle handling!)
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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March, 2021
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Ups & Downs Continued from Page 8 UPS: The Union County Board of Commissioners has given authorization for the former county juvenile detention center to be converted into a new county fire academy, officials said. Fortythree firefighters will begin classroom instructions, soon. DOWNS: Three firefighters were injured battling a 3-alarm fire at the Longhorn Steakhouse on International Drive South in Mount Olive, Jan. 19th. Fire units from Flanders and Budd Lake, in the township, plus mutual aid companies, fought the fire during the early morning hours. The fire appeared to have been gas fed, officials said. UPS: Allenhurst and Asbury Park firefighters assisted Deal police officers in the rescue of a 66year-old man that was in distress in Deal Lake on Jan. 15th, officials said. The man was hanging from a bulkhead with his left leg trapped. The victim was freed and taken to Jersey Shore M.C. for evaluation. DOWNS: One resident was killed as the result of a fire in a South Inman Ave. dwelling in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Twp., Jan. 21st. The fire was knocked down quickly, but the victim was found dead in the basement, officials said. UPS: Nicole Golden was recently appointed as Asbury Park's first female firefighter. She is already a certified NJ fire inspector and Department of Health EMT, as well as a Rutgers University graduate. DOWNS: While Newark firefighters battled a fire in a Rosevelle Ave. dwelling on Jan. 21st., other members made a search and found an “unresponsive” male on the 2nd floor, officials said. The victim died from his injuries. UPS: On Jan. 19th, the Cape May City Council introduced a $5million bond ordinance for the construction of a “new state-ofthe-art” firehouse. The new building is to be constructed on the site of the existing firehouse on Franklin St. DOWNS: Two fires broke out almost simultaneously in Newark on Jan. 24th that displaced 27 res-
idents, officials said. There were no injuries. The fires occurred on Springfield Ave. and Sunset Ave. UPS: Ocean State Job Lot recently donated personal protection equipment to the South Plainfield Fire Department. DOWNS: Six residents of a Pacific Ave. dwelling in Garfield were displaced after a fire raced through the building, Jan. 24th. At least one dog and four cats were rescued from the burning structure, it was reported. One of the two apartments in the house apparently housed rescue pets, responders said. Other animals perished in the fire. UPS: On Jan. 29th, New York's Country 94.7 radio station honored Jersey City Firefighter Paul Tremitiedi, a 25-year veteran of the department. He is the man behind his group's visits to our Wounded Warriors & Armed Forces at Walter Reed National Medical Center. He is also a city Santa during the holidays visiting children in schools. He was honored on First Responder Friday, sponsored by Ramsey Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. DOWNS: A MVA between a pickup truck and a 1956 Chevy Belair, in Galloway Twp. on Jan. 24th, caused the antique car to burst into flames. The truck careened across the street, smashing through the corner of a firehouse. The accident was captured on multiple security cameras and broadcast on NBC News Philadelphia. “It was very hard to get to the firehouse because of the location of the car on fire and where cop cars were,” said Bayview VFC Ass't Chief Louis Miranda. “We had guys park down the street and run to the firehouse to try and come here and help somebody.” UPS: On the morning of January 21st., Closter firefighters responded to a structure fire in the borough. While at the scene, Firefighter Kyu Chay's wife pulled up to the scene and announced that her water broke and needed to go to the hospital. The couple left for the hospital, as the local volunteer firefighters waited for the news. “It's a girl!” Congratulations.
Read more articles from around New Jersey on our website: www.1rbn.com
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Haledon Firefighters Battle Three-Alarm Restaurant Fire Haledon, NJ - Heavy fire consumed a one-story commercial building in Haledon on Monday night, January 18th. The fire went to three alarms and brought in mutual aid from numerous towns. Firefighters were dispatched to 472 Haledon Ave., the Metro View Grill, for an activated fire alarm just after 11:00 P.M. Haledon PD arrived shortly after and reported smoke and visible fire showing within the establishment. Chief Bakker arrived shortly after and confirmed the working fire. Engines 2 and 3 arrived on scene and stretched two lines to the interior. Heavy smoke and fire were located in the rear of the
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building as crews made an aggressive interior attack. Companies reported that they had water on the fire, but after locating heavy fire in the roof area a second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid from Paterson, Wayne, and Prospect Park, as well as a FAST team from Wyckoff. As crews battled the fire, an air conditioning unit on the roof began to sag and all companies were evacuated from the building as conditions began to deteriorate. Within minutes, the air condition-
ing unit collapsed inside and heavy fire began to vent from the roof. Hawthorne was requested to the scene as an additional FAST team as Wyckoff was put to work. Haledon's ladder pipe was put into operation, as well as numerous exterior hand lines to extinguish the fire. It took over two hours to bring the fire under control as crews continued to check for hot spots. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no injuries were reported. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
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.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Auburn's former Engine 2-1, a 1996 HME/3-D Fire Apparatus with 1500-GPM pump, 1000-gallon water tank and 3.7 kw generator, has been moved to the Salem County Fire Academy after being replaced by a new apparatus.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
WORKING FACES 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,
PROVIDED
Shark River Hills First Aid And Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad merge and grow stronger together.
Two NJ Squads Merge to Become Stronger FRANK SAIA
Westmont’s newly promoted Chief of Department, Dan Devitt, at a second-alarm fire at the Haddon Hills Apartments, January 29th.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Wallington Deputy Chief Chris Sinisi, in on mutual aid to Garfield on January 10th, gives instructions as companies begin overhauling at the second-alarm fire.
Neptune Twp., NJ - Two longrunning New Jersey EMS organizations merged on January 1, 2021 to create a stronger operation to serve their communities, it was announced by the leadership of Shark River Hills First Aid Squad, Inc. and Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad. To start 2021, Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad will officially become part of the Shark River Hills First Aid Squad, creating a more sustainable entity to provide volunteer Emergency Medical Services within Neptune Township, NJ, a community of more than 27,000 people overall. “The community will benefit from the strengthening of the volunteer EMS program,” says Michael Bascom, Chief of the Shark River Hills First Aid Squad. “By combining with Shark River Hills, Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad’s members will be teamed with Shark River members to provide expanded coverage to the region.” The merger has been months in the works and is a reflection of the changing demographics, the evolving volunteer EMS workforce and a dedication to the needs of the community by both squads, says Bascom. “To maintain the best possible community service you must change with the times,” says Mike DiLeo, captain of Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad. “Increased call volume and responsibilities, along with changes in the way the community volunteers, require changes to the way we deliver prehospital care. The constant improvements in technology and training provide for better prehospital care and outcomes. These must be combined with the ability to provide timely, quality care.”
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Facing the challenges of meeting the increased call volume, the leadership of the Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad agreed that a merger with Shark River Hills was in the best interest of the community. As of January 1, 2021, all of Hamilton First Aid’s assets, including its building, were transferred to Shark River Hills First Aid. “They recognized the need and came up with a plan to make sure their residents get the coverage they expect when they dial 911 for help,” says Bascom. The merger completes a circle of sorts. Hamilton First Aid was launched on January 1, 1956 as a way to meet the growing needs of the Hamilton section of Neptune Township. The squad launched with help from Neptune First Aid, which loaned Hamilton a 1939 La Salle ambulance. In 1960, Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad bought land on Rt. 33 and built its own headquarters. Then, 50 years ago in 1970, members of Hamilton created the Shark River Hills First Aid Squad. Now, together, Hamilton and Shark River Hills will become one, operating under the Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services umbrella, a career and volunteer operation, which also includes the Ocean Grove First Aid Squad and Neptune First Aid Squad. Neptune Township Emergency Medical Services employees career EMS providers to respond to calls Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 6 PM. Volunteer responders cover the rest of the hours and all day Sunday. “Hamilton First Aid & Rescue
Squad had a strong 65 years of service,” says Bascom. “They have an illustrious history responding to local calls and some of the major disasters that have hit this area, including Superstorm Sandy and participating in the response to 9/11.” Initially, Bascom says Shark River Hills First Aid will provide service to the Hamilton portion of the township by operating a crew out of the Hamilton First Aid building at 3600 State Route 33 in Neptune. Bascom also says the township is early in the process of developing an extensive volunteer recruitment and retention program to enhance the membership of the Neptune Township EMS operation across the board. As for residents of the Hamilton section of town, Bascom says the expectation is the change from Hamilton First Aid & Rescue Squad to Shark River Hills First Aid Squad will be seamless and undetected by most residents. “The merger will ensure the residents continue to get the best emergency medical service provided by highly trained members when they need it, whenever they need it,” says Bascom. “The combination of these two organizations is a good thing for our community, for the membership of these two legendary EMS operations, and for the future of volunteer EMS in New Jersey.” To learn more about how you can become a member of the Shark River Hills First Aid Squad visit www.srhfas.org or follow SHFAS on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SRHF AS/. - RICHARD HUFF
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RON JEFFERS
Jersey City Battalion Chief Connie Zappella, left, and her sister, Francesca, at the probationary firefighter's graduation in City Hall, January 14th, 2020. EJ RODE
On January 23rd, the Bogota Vol. Fire Department answered a call for a working fire at 33 W. Fort Lee Road. They were assisted by Ridgefield Park and Hackensack Fire Departments. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Bogota Fire Chief Kenneth Kalman was in charge of the scene.
JOHN A. CALDERONE
Mountainside and area fire units battled a smoky dwelling fire on Cedar Avenue, January 29th.
N.J. Firefighting Sisters Part of PBS Tribute to First Responders Two members of the Jersey City Fire Department, and sisters, were selected as part of a television tribute to America's first responders. “Lidia Celebrates America: A salute to First Responders,” premiered February 12th at 10 P.M. on PBS. Celebrated chef, author and food ambassador Lidia Bastianich spent time virtually with men and women serving on the front-lines, from medical workers in New York City to firefighters in rural California. She introduced firefighters, paramedics, military personnel, police officers and medical workers to find out what motivates them, and learns what it truly means “to serve.” Among those interviewed are
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Francesca and Connie Zappella, two sisters that are part of the Jersey City Fire Department. Connie became the first city female firefighter in 2003 and has worked her way up the ranks to her current position of battalion chief. Her younger sister, Francesca, was sworn in as a city firefighter on January 14th, 2020, after spending several years as a local police officer. Lidia learned how the sisters both felt a calling to become first responders during her interview. Lidia culminates with her favorite breakfast risotto, which she
makes and delivers to the hospital workers at Holy Name Medical Center. “A salute to First Responders” is a production of WGBH Boston and Tavola Productions. Visit pbs.org/pressroom for updates on programs. “Almost everyone has a story about how they, or someone they know has been helped by a first responder,” said Laurie Donnelly, WGBH Executive Producer. “We are so honored to bring their incredible stories to viewers across the country.” - RON JEFFERS
ART FOR HEROES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Art for Heroes” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Members of Saddle Brook Engine Co. 2 stand by as the FAST Team at a second-alarm fire in Garfield on 1-10-21.
Visit us at www.1RBN.com
RON JEFFERS
In Toms River Fire District 2, a mural of Silverton Tower 29's 2014 Rosenbauer Commander model 2000-GPM/500-GWT/101-foot platform is located on Station 29's firehouse tower.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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Covering all 21 Counties!
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
DAMIEN DANIS
Montclair EMS operates this Polaris ASAP unit which is also part of the New Jersey EMS Task Force.
Elmwood Park Truck Co. 4 has placed into service a 2020 Pierce Velocity 2000GPM/300-GWT/100-foot Ascendant model platform, sold by Fire & Safety Services.
TODD HOLLRITT
RON JEFFERS
Recently delivered support vehicle West Paterson Fire Department UNIT 2, a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado, at Station 2 on McBride Avenue in Woodland Park, NJ.
Jersey City Engine Co. 1 was re-established on January 8th using this 2003 Pierce Dash 2000-GPM/500-GWT pumper that saw previous duty with Engine Co.'s 9 and 22. It received a new paint job by Lembo Auto Body in 2020.
See your NEW truck in this space!
FRANK ELLIS
At the PenJerDel Chapter of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the Fire Sprinkler Demonstration Trailer is a new 8’x16’ Stealth trailer capable of demonstrating the effectiveness of fire sprinklers using LIVE FIRE. It features a live fire burn cell, residential fire pump and tank system, generator, and residential fire alarm. It is available for FREE demonstrations from April through October each year. It was sold by Performance Trailers, Inc.
If your truck is new from a manufacturer or new to you, we want to feature it in our vehicle news section! Email a clear, outdoor, well-lit photo to us at: News@1stResponderNews.com along with a brief description of the vehicle as well as the name of the department.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos for Antique Apparatus please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
March, 2021
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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.
This month we are featuring Brush 21-13 of the Berlin Fire Co. 1 in the Berlin Borough Fire Department in Camden County. It is a 1982 Ford F-350, 4x4 pickup truck. It has a Hale 20FD-B32 pump (230-GPM) and a 350-gallon water tank. It features a ¾-inch booster reel, and a dead load of forestry hose. In the front is a brush guard and a 4.5 ton winch. Other inventory includes rakes, shovels, a chainsaw and bolt cutters. Next month we will feature their utility truck.
FRANK ROBINSON
Blackwood Terrace Fire Department still owns their 1964 Mack C95 1000/1000.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Berlin Borough's Brush 21-13, 1982 Ford F-350 4 x 4 with 230 gpm pump, 350 gallon water tank and 4.5 ton front winch MIKE NOWACKI
Oakhurst Fire Company, located in Ocean Township, still maintains this excellent looking 1955 Ahrens Fox 750/400 engine.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Right/rear view of Berlin Borough's Brush 21-13 show dead load of forestry hose.
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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.
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.
RON JEFFERS
As the tankers line up on a city street, Lincoln Park Chief of Department Joe Fede supervised the water relay area near the Passaic River, during the city's recycling plant fire, with his 2019 Ford Explorer.
JOHN A. CALDERONE
Atlantic Highlands Hose Co. 2 ran with this 1949 Seagrave 1000-GPM sedan cab pumper.
RON JEFFERS
Covered in soot, Passaic Battalion Car 93 at the city's recycle plant multiple-alarm when the sun rose.
JOHN A. CALDERONE
RON JEFFERS
Possessing some soot and ice was a Bergen County fire coordinator's Jeep.
RON JEFFERS
A New Jersey State Fire Marshal fire coordinator Ford Explorer was also at the fire scene.
Atlantic Highlands H & L Co. 1 operated this 1966 American LaFrance 1000-GPM/100-foot mid-mount aerial ladder.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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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.
BOB SHERMAN JR.
Hamilton (Mercer) Fire Department Squad 12 “A” Platoon, (L to R): Captain Joseph Flynn, Firefighters Emmanuel Esperanza, Eric Pullen, and Apparatus Operator Christian Villatoro.
FRANK SAIA
Westmont Lt. John Vernon overhauling at a 2nd alarm fire involving the Haddon Hills Apartments on January 29th.
DAMIEN DANIS
Garfield Assistant Chiefs A. Swistak, M. Colon, E. Morano and A. Tani brief Chief of Department K. Kovacs on the operations of a second-alarm on Harrison Ave., January 10th.
EJ RODE
Bogota Rescue Squad officers sworn in for 2021 are, (L to R): Captain Robert Foster, Deputy Chief Paul Cordero, Chief Wayne Sorge, Lt. Michael Leong, and Pres. Daniele Fede.
RON JEFFERS
Garfield Lt. Mike Marsh, center, on his cell phone, while working the command board during a multiple-alarm fire on Harrison Avenue, January 10th.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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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.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Passaic Quick Attack 1, a 2004 Ford F-150/National Foam with dual monitors mounted in the bed, operates one to hit piles of cardboard in the rear of the fire building at the 10-alarm blaze on January 29th.
RON JEFFERS
Kinnelon Co. 1's 2020 Peterbilt/E-One 1000-GPM/2000-GWT tanker was part of the water relay and tanker shuttle operation in Passaic on the morning of January 30th.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Passaic Engine 1, a 2017 Spartan with a 1500-GPM pump and a 700-gallon tank, prepares to put its deck gun into operation at a 10-alarm fire that consumed a recycling plant on January 29th.
Neptune (NJ) EMS Adds Meds Unit On-Board Disinfecting System Neptune Twp., NJ - Neptune Township EMS is becoming one of the first emergency medical services in the nation to install a new in-vehicle disinfectant spraying system to protect its members and the residents of its community in response to the COVID-19 JUMP TO FILE# pandemic. 012621107 Designed by Frontline Innovations, LLC, the MEDS Unit features an onboard system to disinfect an ambulance in between emergencies and significantly reduces the amount of time it takes crews to prepare for the next call, says Bil Rosen, EMS manager, at Neptune Township EMS. “We are committed, I am committed as the manager here, to keeping my staff safe,” says Rosen. “We’ve done a lot here to keep the staff safe. Decontamination of ambulances and equipment - it’s not just COVID. We know there are bad bugs out there. Now, we have a three-minute spray built into our trucks.” Neptune Township EMS is having the system installed into each of its six ambulances at a cost of about $7,500 each. The MEDS Unit is described as the only fully integrated electrostatic disinfection system of its kind. Installers mount a supply pump and disinfectant container to an outside compartment of the unit that feeds into a spray head mounted inside the patient compartment. The system designers say the patented MaxCharge nozzle delivers the “fastest and widest ranging coverage available.” The system was created by Michael McCabe, a paramedic and vice president of McCabe Ambulance Service and Brian Borow, an EMT for three decades and retired Bayonne Police detective. “As first responders, who have been in the industry for quite some time, there is an awareness that exists of areas that could be improved upon,” says McCabe. “That experience, as well as life during COVID, made it clear to us that the disinfection processes that we employ on a daily basis need to be reassessed. A safe workspace for patient and provider should be available after every call, not just certain ones. Our hope is that the MEDS unit will revolutionize the way we operate moving forward.” Since the pandemic emerged earlier this year, EMS agencies around the country have scrambled to find ways to disinfect their vehicles between patients and specifically between those patients with COVID-19. To date, Neptune Township EMS has relied on UV
RICHARD HUFF
Bil Rosen, manager of EMS at Neptune Township EMS, starts the new MEDS Unit disinfecting system inside one of the organization's ambulances.
RICHARD HUFF
The new MEDS Unit disinfecting system inside one of Neptune Township EMS ambulances.
lights and hand-held sprayers to handle those COVID calls, along with extensive disinfecting by hand. After a COVID call, a vehicle could be out of service for upwards of 30 minutes minimum, Rosen says, resulting in the potential for missed calls. Now, with the MEDS unit, after a call, members close the doors to the patient compartment and operate the sprayer system from the crew cab, Rosen says. “The change in our operations with this is really big in terms of out-of-service time,” Rosen says. “Now we’re back in service in three minutes instead of 30.” Installation on the vehicles takes about a week, Rosen says, and is handled by VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists. “Our EMS squads, led by Bil Rosen, have established itself as an innovator,” says Neptune Township Committeeperson, Carol Rizzo, who oversees EMS in the township. “The squads have protocols established with the hospitals so they can get patient information directly from the hospital to the EMS rigs, saving time and lives! Bil has also
focused on assuring that all our ambulances will have a disinfectant spray system that will protect the public and the members of the squads. Our EMS squads are second to none.” Neptune Township EMS is a combination volunteer and career service providing emergency medical and rescue operations to the nearly 28,000 residents and to nearby communities. The organization is also a host-agency of the New Jersey EMS Task Force, and home to one of the NJEMSTF Medial Ambulance Buses. Neptune Township EMS is the first EMS organization in the country outside of McCabe’s own ambulances to be fitted with the MEDS Unit. “We are committed to the latest technology to maintain our fleet in above standard condition,” says Rosen. “It’s all about health and well-being of our staff and our patients. We have been using electrostatic sprayers for about five years on our HazMat Team so we know it is a proven method.” - RICHARD HUFF
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
March, 2021
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ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All in the Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
RON JEFFERS
A water relay and tanker shuttle system was set up in an 8th Street parking lot, Passaic, to improve water supply during the multiplealarm fire that consumed a block-long recycling business in January.
Tankers in the City Passaic, NJ - In the middle of one of New Jersey's most densely populated cities, a tanker task force operation was established during the multiple-alarm blaze that destroyed the block-long Atlantic Coast Fibers recycling business at 101 Seventh St., January 29th. All employees were safely evacuated as fire companies arrived, shortly before midnight. There were many flammable materials reported to be in the plant. “In the recycling business, people don't throw out the right things,” said Chris Riviello, owner of the business. As the fire rapidly spread, water pressure and water supply from different water mains became an issue. Another issue was a windy night with temperatures in the teens and icy conditions. Relay pumping was utilized using various mutual aid companies. The flames continued to spread, causing burning embers to rain over the city. Several explosions were reported during the height of the fire. Mutual aid fire and medical units came into the city from four counties. Around 2:30 A.M., a water relay and tanker shuttle system was initiated by West Milford Fire Company 4, along with Compa-
JUMP TO FILE #020121111
nies 1 and 6. The set up included using four Fold-a-Tanks for an estimated 220,000-gallons of water used in the firefighting operations, according to firefighters. The Shoprite parking lot, opposite the fire on Eighth Street, was used as the water relay site. A draft site at the Passaic River and a fire hydrant relay system were set up. Fire units that assisted included those from Lincoln Park, Mendham, Ringwood and Mount Tabor. Tanker, or tender, fire apparatus used in the relay came from West Milford, Upper Saddle River, Jefferson Township, Picatinny Arsenal, Mt. Arlington, Kinnelon, Bernardsville, Mahwah and Fort Lee. This operation was terminated around 1:30 P.M., January 30th, as smoldering materials continued to be wet down by area pumpers. Later that evening, pockets of fire lit up and some mutual aid fire companies returned to duty at the scene. Plans for demolitions of the remains of the structure had also begun at this time. - RON JEFFERS
cescott@valtekinc.com
FRANK SAIA
Three generations of William Tessings at a second-alarm fire in Westmont, (L to R): Westmont FD Assistant Chief William Tessing III, Captain William Tessing IV, and Firefighter William Tessing V.
RON JEFFERS
Bergen County Mutual Aid Coordinator Kevin Felton, left, and his son Kevin, Jr., who are both members of the East Rutherford F.D., take a break as Truck 1 wets down smoldering fire at a Passaic multiple-alarm on a cold January 30th morning.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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Fatal Fire at the Haddon Hills Apartments in Westmont Westmont, NJ - At approximately 3:29 P.M. on Thursday, January 28th, the Westmont Fire Company was dispatched to the Haddon Hills Apartments at 210 W. Crystal Lake Avenue for the report of an apartment fire. Squirt 1511 was first due under the command of Chief JUMP TO FILE# Dan Devitt, who re- 020121107 ported heavy fire showing from two floors of a two-story garden style apartment building. There was also a report of a victim trapped. The first due engine initiated an aggressive interior attack. The victim was quickly found on the first floor, but was an obvious fatality. A second-alarm was transmitted within minutes, which brought in companies from Collingswood, Haddonfield, Audubon, West Collingswood Heights, and Bellmawr to assist with fire suppression, searches, laddering, overhaul and other tactical responsibilities. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the local and county authorities. - FRANK SAIA
FRANK SAIA
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Is There Meaning to the Madness? Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana
Well, we find ourselves well into a new year - 2021. Looking back at 2020 we can only hope that this year will be far less challenging and that things will return to what we have always called “normal.” We have faced civil unrest, economic challenges, political confusion and continue coping with a global pandemic. How do we grow through what we go through? The answer - a healthy perspective, focus and faith. Is there meaning to the madness? I would say YES. Philippians 1:12 (GN) I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me have really helped the progress of the gospel. v18 It does not matter! I am happy about it whether from wrong or right motives. and I will continue to be happy. The background of the story today is that Paul for the last four years has been miserable in circumstances. He just spent two years in prison in for a trumped up charge. Then - on a ship to go to Rome to appear before Nero (notorious for his cruelty to Christians) he's shipwrecked, stranded on an island, bitten by a poisonous snake, continues on to Rome, spends another two years in prison awaiting trial to be executed. During this two year period in Rome he is chained to a guard for 24 hours a day. At this point, most people in our society would wonder if life was worth living. Yet in spite of all of these situations, Paul says in "And I will continue to be happy” (Philippians 1:18). What’s Paul's secret? How does he stay positive
in prison, triumphant over troubles and delight in difficulties? How does Paul stay so happy, positive, joyful in spite of the fact that things went wrong in his life? Paul gives us on major reason for joyful living in spite of adverse circumstances The number one reason - a healthy perspective. The truth is, every one of us has been adversity affected by the recent crisis. But the way you look at that problem is much more important than the problem itself. Your perspective makes the all the difference in the world. v12 “I want you to know, my friends, that the things that have happened to me (negatively) have really helped the progress of the gospel.” In other words: I can see the best even in the worst. I can see God at work in the problems and when things don't go my way. If you don't choose your priorities, you'll go around putting out one fire after another, living your life simply from problem to problem and not choosing what's most important. Listen to what Paul said: “It doesn’t matter! I am happy about it, and I will continue to be happy. Was Paul insane? Delirious? No! Paul said he had to set his priorities, his values, not let problems steal his joy. Have a perspective to live from and a priority to live by. Know what is important, and like my wife often tells me - “don’t sweat the small stuff.” Here is the best priority anyone could ever live by: Proverbs 3:6 (LB)"In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Is there meaning to the madness? Yes, as long as you put God first (a priority to live by).
Join the Heroes Team! Becoming part of the Heroes team
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March, 2021
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES
ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shots” 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 “Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RON JEFFERS LARRY CURETON
On December 24, 2020 the members of the NJ Deputy and Battalion Fire Chiefs Association paid a visit to the NJ Fireman's Home in Boonton, NJ to present Christmas gifts to the residents of the facility, courtesy of the association. Pictured (L to R): President Charlie Lind, Jr., Chiefs Bernie Cunningham, Tom Malkinski, Kevin McCarthy, Mike Dowd, Caryn Farrigno (wife), Doug Farrigno, Frank DeAngelis, Billy Higgins, Administrator John Varas, Marty Krupinski and Bob Whitehead. Kneeling is Recreation Director Monica Story, who coordinated this event with BC Cunnighman, Millburn FD and Santa's work shop.
North Bergen police, EMS, and North Hudson firefighters came to the aid of victims of an MVA along Tonnelle Avenue near 83rd St., on the afternoon of January 14th.
Rick Billings FRANK SAIA
Collingswood Lt. Julian D’Alonzo overhauling at a Westmont second-alarm, January 29th.
DAMIEN DANIS
Wallington Assistant Chief Tilt discusses operations with Passaic Chief of Department Patrick Trentacost during the early stages of a multiple-alarm fire on 7th street, January 29th.
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The Unknowns VIDEO REVIEW Video reviews by John Malecky
The Unknowns A Documentary Film About America’s Most Sacred Shrine 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: $20.00 (DVD) This DVD is approximately 84 minutes in length. It details the background of the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is located at Arlington National Cemetery in Fort Myers, Virginia. It is a well organized story about the military volunteers who guard this tomb seven days a week and 365 days a year, regardless of weather. It takes you through the history of the shrine and the painstaking and rigorous training these men and
women are put through who desire to be a part of this guard. Like any other strict training it is a process of elimination which is determined either by the candidates (as they go through their ordeal) or the trainers (when a candidate does not meet the requirements during the training). This video goes through step by step training, routines and behind the scenes such as crew quarters while on duty, reporting, inspections and a vast array of all aspects of guarding the Unknowns. It is precision the likes of which you’ve probably never seen. It’s comforting to know that there are still humans around that are so disciplined. They are also deeply dedicated to their country and to those who gave their lives to defend it. To each who meets the qualifications a badge is presented and stays with that person even after he or she leaves the assignment. However it is pointed out that it can also be revoked at any time if there is reason to believe that the holder is not keeping up to what is expected of them either on or off duty. In short, it is a documentary that is certainly educating and enlightening!
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.
DAMIEN DANIS
Several Families Displaced by Two-Alarm Fire in Garfield Garfield, NJ - A two-alarm fire heavily damaged a Garfield OMD on the afternoon of January 10th. At 2:14 P.M., a S.P.E.N. call to Garfield police reporting a structure fire was received. Companies were dispatched to 52 Harrison Avenue, and as Assistant Chief EJ Morano arrived he had heavy fire showing out of several secondfloor windows and extending into the eaves. A second-alarm was
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quickly struck, bringing out-oftown assistance to the scene. Hand lines were stretched into the fire building and firefighters needed a little over 20 minutes to knock down the heavy fire. The exposure building was kept in check, with fire only damaging the
original building. The fire displaced a few families, who all got out safely. EMS treated a firefighter for a minor injury at the scene. Mutual aid from Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook and Wallington assisted on scene while companies from Wallington, Rochelle Park, Maywood and Lodi covered city firehouses. - DAMIEN DANIS
A. KAHSE
East Brunswick Fire Prevention District #2 recently placed into service this 2020 Ford F-150 to serve as the district's fire investigation unit.
JOHN H. RIETH
Matawan FD Washington Engine Co. has this 2020 E-One Typhon 1500/1030 in service.
DAMIEN DANIS
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Vehicle Crashes into Star of the Sea Church in Cape May Cape May, NJ - An SUV backed into the parish hall of the Star of the Sea Church on the corner of Lafayette and Washington Streets on January 23rd, causing significant structural damage to a room used by the Knights of Columbus as well JUMP TO FILE# as the adjacent gym. 012421105 The driver was shaken, but not seriously injured. Within minutes Chief Alex Coulter activated a second-alarm response, bringing the West Cape May and Coast Guard Fire Departments to the scene, while an engine from Townbank Fire Co. responded to Cape May Fire Headquarters to cover the city during the incident. Wildwood Rescue 3, also known as Cape May County RUST Rescue, was activated to secure the building. The departments worked together flawlessly to remove the vehicle from the building. “Everything worked as it was planned,” Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter said. “We followed our written alarm assignments for a technical rescue.” The building was boarded up and sealed in about 20 minutes after the remaining debris was cleared. - JUSTIN MATTES
JUSTIN MATTES
Firefighters inspect the damage of the Start of the Sea Church parish hall.
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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.
DAMIEN DANIS
Quick Knock at Building Fire in Wallington Wallington, NJ - Firefighters doused a late-night commercial blaze in Wallington on the evening of January 14th. A smoky fire broke out at a scaffolding company shortly before 10:30 P.M. Assistant Chief Brian Batchelor came across heavy smoke issuing from a building at 30 Midland Ave. and radioed the alarm. A quick response made quick work of this fire, as it was declared under control within a half hour by orders of Chief of Dept. Chris Sinisi. Mutual aid from Rutherford, East Rutherford, Garfield and Passaic assisted on scene, while companies from Carlstadt, Lodi and WoodRidge covered at firehouses.
RON JEFFERS
Elmwood Park Truck Co. 4's new Pierce Velocity 2000-GPM/300-GWT/100-foot mid-mount Ascendant model platform responded to its first multiple-alarm fire in nearby Garfield on January 10th.
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Apparatus From Our Southern Half; Firefighter 1 Named Exclusive Road Rescue Dealer For NJ Author’s Note: We regret to report the passing of long time friend, Jack DeRossett, who had in the past been a partner at Evergreen Fire Equipment. Over the years Evergreen sold a number of different makes of fire apparatus, the last of which was Toyne. Jack was always a gentleman and will be missed. Rest in peace my friend! This month we selected apparatus from Ocean, Atlantic, Cumberland and Salem counties. There are still rigs from these areas that we did not have room for, but you will see them eventually! Among the new vehicles is Tuckerton’s Pierce quint. They use this vehicle as a pumper with aerial capabilities. I believe it also carries some rescue tools. I learned that back in the late 1800’s they actually had a hook and ladder truck that was horse-drawn, so this is not their first ladder truck. Ventnor City’s Rosenbauer quint is in the photos. It is replacing a pumper and will have the designation of “Q-11”. This designation kind of coincides with the county numbers I believe. It is quartered in Ventnor Heights in their renovated substation. There are two Pierce rigs featured from Somers Point, a pumper and rear-mount platform. A second new pumper was not available to be photographed. The platform has a full width bucket. None of these units have an on board generator. This is a growing trend since low voltage electrical systems have become more popular. I have found that when an on board generator is on one of these newer deliveries the most common side is six-kw. Other options are portable generators which can be carried a distance from the vehicle if needed, negating the need for long electrical cords. “Suitcase” style generators are also becoming more common. The use of battery operated tools also comes into play. In Galloway Township, Germania’s new Kenworth/Sutphen tender is shown. In last month’s issue in the “Old & New" feature you would have also seen it next to its predecessor, a 1989 International 2674/S & S tender with a smaller tank. Two Spartan ER apparatus wrap up our photo display. Both are pumper/tenders. One is from Laurel Lake in Commercial Township in Cumberland County, and the other in Auburn in Salem County. Auburn also later received a Ford/Danko mini pumper as a replacement for their 1996 HME/3-D pumper and sent the latter to the Salem County Training Academy. In dealer news, the REV Group has named Firefighter 1 as the exclusive Road Rescue ambulance dealer for NJ. FF1 has made the following deliveries: to Paterson (Passaic County) a Cinder pumper for Engine 3. It has a Hale Qtwo 1500GPM pump, 500-gallon water and 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
JOHN M. MALECKY
Somers Point T-45, 2020 Pierce Arrow XT, 2000/300 with 100-foot platform. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Tuckerton, 50-25, 2020 Pierce Enforcer 1500/400/20,107-foot Ascendant with 6 kw generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Galloway Township, Germania FC T-26-29, 2020 Kenworth T880/Sutphen, 1250/3500. It was sold by Blaze Emergency Equipment.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Ventnor City Q-11, 2020 Rosenbauer Warrior 1250/400, 78-foot Raptor aerial. It was sold by Defender Emergency Products.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Laurel Lake T-13, 2019 Spartan ER Gladiator, 2000/3000 with 10 kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Somers Point E-44, 2020 Pierce Enforcer, 1500/750. One-of-two delivered. They were sold by Fire & Safety Services.
100-gallon foam tanks. In Essex County, to Irvington, two Cinder pumpers with Hale Qmax 1500GPM pumps with side mount panels and 500-gallon water and 100-gallon foam tanks. To the City of Orange for Engine3, a Cinder pumper with Hale Qmax 1750-GPM pump plus 500-gallon water tank and 30gallon foam tanks. Still in production for them is another pumper and an aerial. Defender Emergency Products has delivered to Beachwood (Ocean County) a Rosenbauer Viper 78foot quint with a galvaneal aerial. Specs include a Commander chassis with six seat cab, Cummins 450 hp
diesel engine, Smart Aerial Technology, Waterous 1500-GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank and 3/16 inch aluminum body. Campbell Supply Co., LLC has delivered a Spartan ER pumper to Pennington (Mercer County) and is prepping a pumper for the Morganville FD in Marlboro Township (Monmouth County). Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce orders: Andover Township (Sussex County) an Enforcer pumper, in Burlington County, a Ford F-350/Stonewell Bodies command access vehicle for the Endeavor Emergency Squad and a Velocity dryside tanker for Med-
JOHN M. MALECKY
Auburn E-2-1, 2019 Spartan ER Gladiator, 2000/2500 with 10 kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.
ford Township. For Lebanon Township (Hunterdon County) a Ford F350/Stonewell Bodies utility vehicle. For East Hanover (Morris County) a Velocity heavy duty rescue pumper. For Allamuchy (Warren County) a Velocity PUC heavy duty rescue. For Mountainside (Union County) an Enforcer pumper, for Clifton (Passaic County) an Arrow XT 105-foot ladder. For Vineland (Cumberland
County) an Enforcer 75-foot steel ladder and for Sayreville (Middlesex County) an Arrow XT 75-foot steel ladder. Pierce deliveries include an Enforcer top-mount pumper to Washington Township (Bergen County) and an Enforcer PUC pumper to Cedar Grove (Essex County). - CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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Apparatus of the Month Chimney Fire at Cresskill Home Continued from Page 36 VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists has made the following Horton ambulance deliveries in Burlington County: to Moorestown First Aid & Emergency Squad a 603F on a Ford F-550, 4x4 chassis; to Mt. Laurel EMS a 453 stock remount on a Ford E-350 chassis and to the PalmyraCinnaminson-Riverton EMS a 523 remount on a Ford E-450 chassis. Absolute Fire Protection reports that they have received an order from the Hoboken FD (Hudson County) for an E-ONE Metro 110foot ladder on a Typhoon chassis similar to their past ones. The apparatus division of First Priority Emergency Vehicles has received an order from South River (Middlesex County) for a KME topmount pumper. Specs include a Predator Panther LFD chassis with Waterous 2000-GPM pump, front intake, two speedlays, rear booster
reel, 470-gallon poly water tank, KME Challenger 3/16 inch aluminum body with hinged doors, and all 12 volt scene lighting (no generator). They have delivered to Stockton (Hunterdon County) a KME commercial 4x4 pumper on a Navistar HV507 chassis. It has a Hale DSD 1500-GPM pump, with enclosed pump panel, 750-gallon poly water tank and 25-gallon Class “A” foam cell, 136-inch aluminum body with roll up doors, rear LDH discharge and suction, six-ton electric front winch and 12 volt scene lighting (no generator). A reader has informed us that in Burlington County the Cinnaminson Fire Department has acquired a 2014 Pierce 105-foot rear-mount aerial that formerly served in Evesham. It will replace Cinnaminson’s 2005 Pierce 95-foot mid-mount platform, which had been taken out of service.
Read more from all of our columnists at www.1RBN.com
Quickly Contained Cresskill, NJ - Cresskill firefighters made quick work in containing a fire that started in a chimney and spread within the walls of the second floor on January 27th. Firefighters were called to 59 Chestnut St. around 11:30 P.M. for a report of a house fire. JUMP TO FILE# Cresskill PD arrived 012821105 on scene reporting smoke showing from the structure, which was confirmed by Chief Ulshoefer. Dumont Engine 3 was first to arrive on scene and stretched a line through the front door to the second floor. Cresskill Engine 3 arrived shortly after and secured a water supply and stretched a secondary line through the front door. Tenafly Tower 2 arrived as the first due truck and assisted in opening up and ventilation. Interior crews located fire running the walls and quickly extin-
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
guished the flames without any further extension. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and no injuries were reported. Mutual
aid from Dumont, Tenafly, and Demarest assisted on scene. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
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