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DAMIEN DANIS
Garfield, NJ - “Collyer’s Mansion” conditions hampered firefighters as they tore through a Garfield home on March 27th. At 10:32 P.M., Garfield fire companies were dispatched to 25 Cedar Street for the report of a fire. First arriving Assistant Chief Jason Tani confirmed a working fire with fire showing from the rear of the home.
- See full story on page 10
SEE PAGES 36 & 37 FOR DETAILS.
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Nor’easter Winds Fuel North Bergen 5-Alarm Fire North Bergen, NJ - Strong winds didn't help North Hudson firefighters, and mutual aid units, as flames were fanned by a March 2nd nor'easter after a fire broke out in a three-story occupied multiple dwelling at 120026th St., North Bergen. JUMP TO FILE# Shortly before 030518101 noon, firefighters were dispatched to the building for a reported fire. Captain Robert D'Antonio, Jr. of Engine Co. 4, radioed in that there was smoke showing from Kennedy Boulevard, as the company approached the scene. Fire on the second-floor spread fast and extended to the third-floor. All occupants of the building were reported evacuated to safety. A second-alarm was quickly transmitted, followed by a third-alarm. Firefighters made an interior attack and knocked down fire on the second-floor, but flames were already above them on the thirdfloor. Soon, the roof was involved. Firefighters were ordered out of the building for a defensive attack. Later, fire consumed the roof, which collapsed into the top floor. Fourth and fifth alarms were sounded, bringing in additional firefighters from Jersey City, Hoboken and Kearny to the scene. Low-banking smoke covered the area, and alarms of fire were being called in east of the fire scene where the smoke was traveling. Smoke also covered the Kennedy Boulevard side of Union City, one block away, where the high school was evacuated along the Summit Avenue exits. The heavy smoke, visible for miles, was again followed by huge flames as strong wind gusts helped fan the fire. “Winds fueled the fire,” said North Hudson Chief of Department Frank Montagne. “This was an inferno,” he told the media. Firefighters used numerous hand-line streams to quell flames, and most of the fire was reported knocked down at 1:22 P.M. Captain William Shelton of Engine Co. 3, found a small dog running in circles in the building and took him out to safety, and to its family. One firefighter was taken to Palisades Medical Center to be treated for a “minor burn” injury. In addition, the Red Cross and NB CARES personnel were present to assist the dozens of displaced families. The Jersey City Gong Club canteen truck was on hand to furnish weary firefighters with hot soup, water and other refreshments, as the storm continued and firefighters conducted overhaul operations. Chief Montagne also added to the media, referring to the sootcovered firefighters, “They really put their heart and soul to put out this fire.” - RON JEFFERS
Black smoke could be seen for miles.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Strong wind gusts helped fan the flames involving a 26th Street OMD in North Bergen, March 2nd.
RON JEFFERS
Firefighters were able to knock down fire on the second-floor, but it had already spread to the third-floor and roof areas.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Volunteer Firefighter Alliance Now Offering Free Fire Prevention Materials Across the Country
ADVERTISER INDEX Company
Absolute Fire Protection
Page 11
AGIN Signs
34
Associated Auto Body
34
Armor Tuff Flooring Autoland
Campbell Supply
CA Reed Epoxy Floors CET Manufacturing
Defender Emergency Products
30 3
1,5,55
39
7,29 23
Fire Expo 2018
28
First Battalion Fire Equipment
15
Fire Flow Services
43
First Choice Fire Apparatus Fire & Safety Services
Gold Leaf Lettering
11
1,25,60 51
JC Emergency Lighting Kimtek
31 13
Mid Atlantic Fire & Air
15,33
Monmouth University
18
Mid Atlantic Rescue
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Morristown FMBA Locals 43
41
New Jersey Fire Equipment
15,27
New England Fire Rescue PL Custom
Revolutionary F.O.O.L.S. Safe-T
Spectrum Communications
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Apartment Fire in Wyckoff Quickly Knocked
Wyckoff, NJ - Wyckoff firefighters were called to the scene of an apartment fire at 115 Huntington Ct., around 5:50 P.M. on March 6th. On arrival, command found a two-story, Lshaped townhome with smoke and fire showing. Engine 232 arrived on scene and stretched a line through the front door to the second-floor. The fire, located in a rear bedroom, was quickly knocked. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing in mutual aid from Midland Park and Hawthorne. An additional line was stretched to the rear to wet down debris as interior crews overhauled and checked for hot spots. No injuries were reported.
Knoxville, TN - The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is kicking off its Spring Fire Prevention Push, in which free fire prevention materials are offered to groups across the country. The Alliance has free fire prevention activity books available to fire departments, schools and civic organizations. The Alliance hopes that these materials will help raise fire prevention awareness in communities across the nation. Groups can get started by visiting http://www.volunteerfirefighteralliance.org and clicking on the ‘programs’ tab to request materials. Organizations will then receive the materials in the mail. The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is a national non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to assisting volunteer firefighters and their departments through many diverse programs.
JUMP TO FILE #032318106 The Alliance is also dedicated to fire safety education of at-risk groups across the nation. Free fire prevention education books for fire departments, schools, and organizations can be requested at w w w. v o l u n t e e r f i r e f i g h t e r a lliance.org. About Volunteer Firefighter Alliance: The Volunteer Firefighter Alliance is committed to fire safety and prevention through public education. The non-profit organization assists local volunteer fire departments across the country in areas such as recruitment, community outreach, fundraising, and public education. - VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER ALLIANCE
PRIZED POSSESSIONS
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Prized Possessions” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.
57 17
56
15,49
State Line Fire & Safety Tasc Fire Apparatus Task Force Tips T-Mugs Valtek
35
31 45 15 59 20
VCI
47
VFIS
WEH Technologies Zodiac
39 53 50
CORPORATE INFORMATION
1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 25 No. 5 - 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 A division of: s a m e month of publication.
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PROVIDED
Marlboro Vol. Fire Company Holds Annual Awards Dinner
Marlboro, NJ - At its Annual Awards Dinner held on March 3rd, the Marlboro Vol. Fire Company presented Ex-Chief, Life Member and past Fire Commissioner, John Borden, with an award for 45 Years of Active Service. Chief Joeseph Chaplinski presented the award. Evan Levine and Daniel Natale each received Five Year Awards, while Ex-Chief, Life Member and Fire Commissioner, Paul Elkin, received an award for 40 Years of Active Service.
This month's prized possession takes us back to the 1994 debut edition, when the newspaper was known as "Emergency Services News". One name change and 25 years later, we're still going strong, publishing nine editions that cover a total of 20 states!
DAMIEN DANIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
YOUR PARTNER IN THE FIRE AND RESCUE VEHICLE BUSINESS SINCE 1966.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LIVINGSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT ON YOUR NEW SPARTAN STAR PUMPER
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May, 2018
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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
Kansas: John Randle, 67 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 1, 2018 Death Date: January 2, 2018 Fire Department: Wamego City Fire Department Initial Summary: At 0450hrs, January 1, 2018, the Wamego Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire. Upon completion of the call and after returning to the station, Firefighter John Randle sustained a life threatening injury from a fall while returning fire apparatus to service. Firefighter Randle, was air lifted from Wamego Health Center to Stormont Vail Hospital where on January 2, 2018, Firefighter Randle succumbed to his injuries.
Pennsylvania: Matthew LeTourneau, 42 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: January 6, 2018 Death Date: January 6, 2018 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Matthew LeTourneau of Philadelphia Fire Department Engine 45 succumbed to injuries suffered from a structural collapse while fighting a rowhouse fire. Louisiana: Russell Achord, 48 Rank: Deputy Fire Chief Incident Date: January 17, 2018 Death Date: January 17, 2018 Fire Department: West Feliciana Parish Fire Protection District #1 Initial Summary: While at the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a tractor-trailer that had run off the side of a highway due to icy conditions, the driver of a second vehicle, a pickup truck pulling a trailer, lost control and crashed into the scene. Several people were struck and injured, including Deputy Fire Chief Russell Achord, who was pinned under a vehicle. Fellow responders rushed to extract Chief Achord and provided med-
ical aid measures while he was transported to the West Feliciana Hospital where he died from his injuries.
Tennessee: Derrick Ryan Webb, 31 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 17, 2018 Death Date: January 17, 2018 Fire Department: Hardy’s Chapel Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Derrick Ryan Webb fell ill while preparing a training drill at the fire station. Webb was found unresponsive in the apparatus bay beside his turn-out gear and SCBA. The PASS device on the SCBA was still sounding. CPR was initiated but firefighter Webb was pronounced deceased at the hospital from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be reported. Virgin Islands: Dwayne "Yogi" Thomas, 57 Rank: Firefighter/Driver-Operator Incident Date: January 24, 2018 Death Date: January 24, 2018 Fire Department: U.S. Virgin Islands Fire Service Initial Summary: Shortly after driving a tanker to the scene of a structure fire, Firefighter/Driver-Operator Dwayne "Yogi" Thomas assisted with forced entry of the burning building. Firefighter Thomas then returned to his apparatus as other fire engines arrived on scene to set up water supply. Soon thereafter, Firefighter Thomas was found unresponsive by fellow responders. Thomas was attended to immediately, but succumbed to his injury, a reported heart attack, while being transported to the hospital.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
In Wanaque: UFOs and Fire Trucks, Too! UPS & DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers
A reported possible UFO sighting in 1966, the delivery of a new rescue truck, and an artist with an imagination, recently added up to some conversational artwork on Wanaque Rescue 545's new KME piece of apparatus. Actually, two new rigs were recently delivered to Wanaque. The rescue truck and a KME 1750-GPM pumper. Local artist Ed May was hired to do his usual excellent lettering and murals on both units. Besides doing his standard graphics, he sometimes gets inspired to add more, on his own. It might be the weather. He added a winter scene to an aerial tower, years ago, because he was doing his graphics during a snow storm. When he heard the UFO story involving Wanaque, he was again inspired to added some unique art, that May is known for. During the early evening of January 11, 1966, Patrolman Joseph Cisco received a call of a “glowing light, possibly a fire.” The dispatcher then added that, ”People in Oakland, Ringwood, Paterson, Totowa and Butler claim there's a flying saucer over Wanaque.” “There was a light that looked bigger than any of the stars,” Cisco said. It was a pulsating, white stationary light changing to red. It stayed in the air; there was no noise. I was trying to figure out what it was.” Mayor Harry Wolfe and two council members were on their way to oversee the burning of old Christmas trees, when they were made aware of the reports of the bright light, hovering over the Wanaque Reservoir. They
pulled over to meet Officer Cisco and observed a “continuous light that changed from white to red to green and back to white.” Traffic in the area came to a halt as motorists watched. The light sped off to the Southeast and over Houdaille sandpit, in Haskell, where volunteer firemen were burning the Christmas trees. The “UFO” then continued towards Wayne. On January 12, 1966, a police officer reported seeing a “bright white disk” above the dam area. Whatever it was, reappeared on October 10, 1966. One resident reported seeing a saucer-shaped object about the size of an automobile, glowing. Wanaque Reservoir Police Sergeant Ben Thompson said he saw the UFO head toward his patrol car. He pulled over and it went straight over his head and made zig-zag motions. There were explanations of a military helicopter with a powerful beacon that had been on a mission, a weather balloon – all later denied by various agencies. Later on, the Pentagon offered its own scenario that it was nothing more than the planets of Venus and Jupiter in a rare celestial alignment. Whatever it was, inspired Ed May to do his thing on Rescue 545 in 2017. Look closely at his artwork on fire apparatus. You never know what you'll find. You may walk past a rig and there will be little hands and beady eyes staring at you from behind a letter on the front or side of the fire truck. On Rescue 545, look closely for a UFO flying above a tree in the mural on one side of the truck, or flying away from a letter on the opposite side. There is an alien among the trees! Inside a compartment, May left a painted sign which includes a green alien and a UFO “beaming up” a human. He also left a taped on, handwritten note that says: “Watch the sky in Wanaque. Coast to Coast AM George Nory. Strange happenings in North Jersey, Raymond Dam, Wanaque.”
Ed May's painting of a little green man and note about strange happenings over Wanaque, located inside of a compartment of the new rescue truck. RON JEFFERS
A UFO blast off from behind a tree on Wanaque's new rescue truck.
The “Coast to Coast” reference is an overnight nationally syndicated radio program hosted by George Nory, where topics include UFO sightings, aliens from another world, and other odd topics. As a matter of fact, one local firefighter said May was listening to an “odd program” on the radio while he was lettering the rig. May does some of his best work, overnight. Ed May is a nocturnal creature and, maybe someday, he will be “beamed” back home. We may have sightings of a fleet of new UFOs with new pin striping, lettering and murals! DOWNS: One man was killed and another injured, Feb. 28th, as the result of a dwelling fire on Livingston Ave., in Edison. UPS: Effective March 29th, Newark reorganized the First Battalion. The battalion includes Engine Co.'s 6, 7, 11, 26 and Ladder Co.'s 11 and 12. DOWNS: A fire at a Fairmount Ave. dwelling in Newark, Feb. 28th, left 12 people homeless and sent six to the hospital for smoke inhalation, authorities said. UPS: Robert Whitehead has been promoted to deputy fire chief in Morristown. New captains are Nick Prizzi, Greg Bleckicki and Philip Barter. DOWNS: A family of four escaped an early morning fire that destroyed their Windermere Dr. home in Moorestown, Feb. 28th. UPS: In February, Camden honored city firefighters for their acts of bravery. This included: Battalion Chief Frank Sandrock; Captains Chris Baker, Ed Stratton; plus Firefighters Milike Winthers, Michael Mercado, Levaris Perdomo, John Broadwater and Orlando Chandler. Cooper University EMS personnel who went above and beyond the call of duty were also honored. DOWNS: A 26-year-old Linden woman was listed in critical condition after she was severely burned, March 3rd, in a fire in a four-family home on Brunswick Ave., Linden. First responders pulled residents out of the build-
ing, including two victims who were removed through the roof area, according to Linden police. UPS: The Bayonne Fire Department has acquired 24 new thermal imaging cameras, making it the first municipal fire department in the state to supply every on duty member, according to Chief Keith Weaver. Every active firefighter prepared to go into fire conditions will now be equipped with a TIC. DOWNS: Officials are investigating the suspicious death of a man who was burned alive in the back of his SUV in Trenton's East Ward, on March 5th. UPS: Teachers at Wildwood High School will receive training on bleeding control as part of a new initiative from the fire department. This program was developed in response to the rising number of active shooter incidents and mass casualty events. DOWNS: Twelve families were displaced after a 3-alarm fire involved two Wilkerson Ave. dwellings in Jersey City, Feb. 20th. UPS: Satellites orbiting Earth will soon help determine where the biggest forest fire risks are located in the state's 1.1 million-acre Pinelands National Reserve. The Pinelands Commission is working with NASA to study the forest cover. The hope is to spot where fires are likely to start. DOWNS: Three Jersey City families were displaced, Feb. 16th, when a 3-alarm fire involved a Neptune Ave. dwelling. Firefighters had trouble extinguishing the fire in the two-story dwelling due to hoarding conditions, officials said. UPS: Newly appointed firefighters in Morristown are: David Barter, Marshal Babington, John Rickershauser, Jesus Castano, Thomas Dennehy, William Hoferer and Peter Dwyer. DOWNS: Multiple fire companies battled a fire in a Shore Ave. dwelling in Ship Bottom, March 7th, after lightning reportedly struck the house, officials said. UPS: Newly promoted battalion chiefs in Newark are: Steven Ander-
RON JEFFERS
son, Manuel Gonzalez, Donald Meier and Thomas Sablom. DOWNS: A 40-year-old man died after police said he attempted to navigate around cones warning motorists of a downed live wire on Summit Ave., Franklin Lakes, March 8th. The victim died after the vehicle he was in caught fire. UPS: Newly promoted fire captains in Newark are: Michael Bellina, Dionisio Bras, Jose Cintron, Jayson Danker, David Mickel, Carl Pinal Jr., Kyle Richardson and Thomas Shea. DOWNS: A fast-moving fire on Cross St., Lakewood, involved a small business complex, March 7th. UPS: Richard Fretz has been promoted to fire captain in Union. Mike Davitt is the new lieutenant. DOWNS: A woman was killed when a fire raced through a West Greenbush Rd. home in Bass River, on March 10th, state police said. UPS: During the March 7th nor'easter, Bayonne firefighters used a defibrillator to resuscitate a man who collapsed from a heart attack, on Broadway, while shoveling snow, Fire Chief Keith Weaver said. DOWNS: A 3-alarm dwelling fire on Eutaw Ave. in Camden, March 14th, spread to neighboring rowhomes. No injuries were reported. UPS: Bayonne firefighters rescued several people from an East 21st St. home, March 9th, when a small fire blocked the home's exit route, officials said. Two people were rescued from the first-floor of the two-family dwelling and four from the secondfloor, including a child who was brought out of a front window by ladder, Chief Keith Weraver said. Arriving firefighters found smoke and a small fire in the stairway between the first and second-floors that blocked the way out for people inside. Five were taken to BMC for treatment of minor injuries and smoke inhalation, the chief said. - CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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May, 2018
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
RON JEFFERS
Ridgefield Park Fireman Andrew Scheideler, Sr., center, posed with family members on July 4th, 2017. Ex-Chief Scheideler passed away in February at the age of 89. A lifelong resident of the village, he graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in 1946. During the 1945 football season, he was selected as a 1st Team All State Center. He served his country in the U.S. Army and, after his discharge, joined the RPFD with Engine Co. 2. He was employed by Exxon Corp, retiring in 1986. He remained active with his fire company. In 2017, he was selected Grand Marshal of the village's annual Independence Day parade. An honor he enjoyed, in a municipality that takes its Independence day activities seriously.
PROVIDED
Delran F.D. and Fire & Safety Services Team Up for The Burn Foundation David Russell, President of Fire & Safety Services, committed to the Burn Foundation as the sponsor for the eighteenth (18th) year shortly after the 2017 Fireman’s Convention in Wildwood. The artist, Joseph M. Getsinger of Woodbury Heights, NJ, who has created images to support the Burn Foundation for thirty-eight years (38), was ready to go to work on this year’s image. His idea, which hasn’t been released as of yet, would require a rescue vehicle and some volunteers to help him with a photoshoot. It was recommended by an unnamed source that Delran Fire Department had a rescue truck and would probably be glad to help out
JUMP TO FILE #030918104 with the Burn Foundation and artist. Joe contacted Joseph Cunningham Sr.- Deputy Chief of Delran Fire Department, and they were on board to help out. On Saturday, February 24, 2018, Getsinger met with members of the Delran Fire Department, including Kevin Peak – Battalion Chief, Joseph Cunningham, Sr. - Deputy Chief, Joshua Stellwag – Captain, Thomas Mann – Firefighter, Chris Harvey – Firefighter, and Ed Ator – Firefighter. They spent a few hours maneuvering the trucks, gearing up and being
placed in positions to help the artist create the image for this year. Here’s the spoiler, if you’ve read it this far. This image will honor the history of firefighters. The image will be released to the public around July when the raffle tickets get printed, and a press release with the image will be distributed. Many thanks to the sponsor, Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., South Plainfield, NJ www.f-ss.com, members of the Delran Fire Department, and the artist, Joe Getsinger, for the continuing support for the Burn Foundation (www.burnfoundation.org) with his art (www.jgetsingerarts.com). - THE BURN FOUNDATION
OLD & NEW
DEBRA PROMISEL
Brick Twp. Fire Prevention Poster Contest Award Ceremony
Brick, NJ - The Brick Township Fire Prevention Poster Contest Award Ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 21st at Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Station 22 in Brick, New Jersey. Local winners' posters will go on to the Ocean County level for judging. The theme for 2017 was "Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out!". Winners included: Division 1B–Kaylee Lynch, Mackenzie Asfalg and Keira Valeri; Division 2–Joseph Wallace, Jaxon Figueroa and Michaela Smith; Division 3–Abigail Fuchs, Michelle Miller, Jessica Salvia and Abigail Kenney; Division 4-Nicole Wiedeman and Adayla Mendez; Division 6–Eva Rios, Marina Petracca and Yovanet Valera-Made; and Nursery School–Sofia Rayos, Madison Dowd and Taryn Radsniak.
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.
DAMIEN DANIS
Garfield Co. 3 recently received a 2017 Ferrera MVP Rescue pumper (left), replacing a 1998 Simon/LTI rescue pumper.
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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.
RON JEFFERS
Jersey City Gong Club life members Frank Bohrman (left), and Robert Bozewski shared a surprise birthday cake at the club's quarters, March 3rd. Both have birth dates in early March and, like the late comedian Jack Benny, stopped counting at 39!
NJ Forest Fire Service Firefighters Samantha Monaco and Ray Hippeli during a recent prescribed burning project in March of 2018. PETE MONACO, NJFFS
RICH MAXWELL
Three Flemington–Raritan Rescue Squad (Rescue 49) members take time out to pose for a “Buddy Shot” after a house fire on Barley Sheaf Road. (L to R): Rohit Nallamala, Dhwanil Kadakia and Ryan Hodkey.
DAMIEN DANIS
Garfield House Fire Has Its Challenges Garfield, NJ - "Collyer's Mansion" conditions hampered firefighters as they tore through a Garfield home on March 27th. At 10:32 P.M., Garfield fire companies were dispatched to 25 Cedar Street for the report of a fire. First arriving Assistant Chief Jason Tani confirmed a working fire with fire showing from the rear of the home and had a general alarm redispatched with a JUMP TO FILE# request for a FAST 032818107 team. The home was set back behind another house, which is not uncommon in the city. Companies 1, 2 and 4 were directed to the Pierre Avenue side of the fire, while companies 3 and 5 came in from Cedar Street. A second-alarm for coverage was struck by Chief Mike Semancik. As hand lines were stretched into the home, firefighters encountered large amounts of trash stacked inside that were blocking access, forcing them to attack the fire from the outside at times during the early stages. Heavy fire extended to the top floor and eventually vented through the roof. Fire was also also reported in the basement during operations. Due to the interior conditions, firefighters were withdrawn from the home and outside lines went into operation to knock down the heavy fire. Mutual aid from Saddle Brook with an engine and rescue, and Wallington with the FAST team, assisted on the scene while the second-alarm companies from Maywood, Lodi, Rochelle Park,
Elmwood Park and Wallington covered firehouses. The Saddle Brook Ambulance Corps fire rehab unit was special called for rehab. One resident reportedly suffered a minor injury. Two dogs made it safely out of the home, and
DAMIEN DANIS
a cat was treated for smoke inhalation before being taken to Oradell Animal Hospital for further treatment. - DAMIEN DANIS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Autism: The Unexpected Call and What to Expect
RHONDA TRAUT
ROMAN ISARYK JR
Ship Bottom Firefighters Battle Flames and Flooded Streets Ship Bottom, NJ - Just before 2:30 P.M. on March 7th, a structure fire was reported in the 900 block of Shore Avenue in the Ship Bottom section of Long Beach Island. Police arrived on scene and found heavy fire showing from the third-floor. Once Command arrived, a second-alarm was struck. Crews were concerned that the fire would spread to other homes due to high winds. Command requested a third-alarm for manpower. Firefighters had the fire knocked down within 30 minutes, but crews remained on scene for overhaul operations. No one was injured and the fire is under investigation by the Ocean Co. Fire Marshal's Office.
I started training first responders in autism awareness in 2008. It was a hard sell even though the training was free. The autism rate then was 1 out of every 150 children born in the U.S. Now officially it’s 1 out of 68; unofficially it’s more like 1 out of 24 per the large autism groups. Autism is getting to be more prevalent every year. The chances of a call involving an individual with autism are extremely high. You may have already had this interaction and not realized it. We have all been trained to handle emergencies, but not an emergency that involves an individual with autism. In this article, I will try to outline the basics; my hope is that this article will help you better understand the issue and the need for more involved training. Autism is basically a dysfunction of the senses: hearing, vision, touch and smell. In many individuals one or more of these senses are amplified causing confusion and sensory overloads. The first thing you must consider is that individuals with autism are very structured on how they live day to day. Any disruption can create a sense of panic and anxiety. The one common trait is that it will be a confrontation for you, the first responder. Their caregiver should be your go-to person. This could be a parent, teacher or anyone that knows the person. They can answer most questions. Many individuals with autism are nonverbal or have skills far less than their age level. Many use picture boards to communicate. There are free apps you can download for your phone so you have them readily available. When you do attempt to communicate, speak slowly and do not shout. Use simple terms, not slang, as they may take what you say literally. Even if they are not looking directly at you, it doesn’t mean they are not listening. Give them the time they need to sort out what you are asking them. Sometimes rephrasing the question will
JUMP TO FILE #032618125 get you the answers you need. Let’s move on to search and rescue. Elopement is big in the autism community. Individuals with autism are master escape artists and are attracted to water. They have no real sense of dangers, like water currents, temperatures, heights, roads and railroad tracks. They feel comfortable in tight, out of the way places that can be dangerous to access. Approaching them quickly can startle them, putting them in further danger. Our second form of search and rescue is a structure fire. Any action you take will break their routine, thus causing confrontation. You are asking them to leave their “safe” place. Remember, the caregiver will be your go-to for places to look. Once again search tight, out of the way places, under beds and in closets. Subduing the individual will not be easy and will require several people. Individuals with autism have great amounts of strength especially when their adrenaline is flowing. After finding the individual, be ready for more possible confrontation. Things as simple as what door you exit may break their routine. Be prepared in case an alternative exit is needed. Doors and windows can be locked and barred to deter wandering. After any rescue, the individual must be watched or they may attempt to return to the place they were just rescued from! If approaching an accident scene or called to a house or school for an individual with autism, try to keep lights and sirens to a minimum. These can trigger seizures. Even if you are responding to a call at a school or group home and the individual does not have autism, someone there may. Many individuals with autism are subject to regular seizures. Confusion is frustrating for individuals with autism. Simple
things like the diamond plate on the steps of the ambulance or EKG cable wadded up could cause the individual to become uncooperative. Have a caregiver accompany the individual in the ambulance; it will make things easier. Again, if you must restrain the individual, it must be face up and use as many people as possible. The ER environment should be a private quiet room, low lighting and cloth sheets, not paper. One reactive mechanism is a “meltdown”. It’s basically a loss of control of senses. It’s not a temper tantrum. In most case it will play itself out. If the individual is not endangering him or herself and is no danger to you or others, let the meltdown take its course. They will tire and be much more willing to cooperate. In closing, visit an autism group home and set up a fieldtrip with them to your firehouse. It’s a great way for interaction between first responders and the individuals in a non-threatening environment. They get to see the equipment and firefighters in gear and can learn to become more relaxed with it and you. You get the opportunity to see some of the things we discussed in this article first hand and a chance to practice your communication skills. - JOHN SOKOL
John M. Sokol. Ph.D., the author of this article, has been a firefighter for over 10 years and is currently Deputy Fire Chief of Beaverville Fire Protection District in Illinois. You can take his complete training course online @www.prevent-Educate.org for a very small donation. The program is nationally accredited through C.A.P.C.E. and approved for EMT/EMS/Paramedic continuing educations hours in almost every state. You can contact Deputy Chief Sokol if you would like to set up on-site training at PreventEducate@gmail.com.
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South Orange Blaze Claims Life of Tuskegee Airman’s Son South Orange, NJ - A twoalarm fire struck a home in South Orange on March 18th, taking the life of a 61-year-old man that was the son of a member of the famous Tuskegee Airmen from World War 2. The fire was initially reported shortly before 2:30 P.M. at 360 Warwick Avenue. Fire units arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of a large two-and-a-half story frame dwelling, with the report of possible trapped occupants. A second-alarm was transmitted, bringing Maplewood, Orange, West Orange and Irvington to the scene. An unresponsive male was located on the first-floor and removed to EMS. He was transported to Saint
JUMP TO FILE #032218108 Barnabas Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The fire appears to have started on the first-floor and extended up the exterior to the second-floor and attic of the home. Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the "B/C" area of the structure, and the fire was knocked down and placed under control in about one hour. No additional injuries were reported. The fire is under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. - BILL TOMPKINS
PATCH OF THE MONTH
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Wayne P.O.L. Fire Company #2's new patch.
May, 2018
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UPS AND DOWNS - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
DOWNS: A fire that destroyed Bill's Service Center on Route 46, Washington Twp., March 15th, as well as four parked cars, has been labeled “suspicious” by investigators. UPS: Wildwood firefighters helped rescue a man from the bay off Rio Grande Ave., March 15th. A worker was stuck in the waist-deep mud off a dock near the Boathouse Restaurant. Firefighters used dry suits and entered the bay to secure the victim with a rope and dig him out of the mud, Chief Daniel Speigel reported. The man was evaluated by EMS at the scene and no injuries were reported. DOWNS: A fire in a Warwick Ave. dwelling in South Orange, March 18th, took the life of the 61-year-old homeowner, officials said. Firefighters found the man unresponsive on the first-floor. He was later pronounced dead at St. Barnabas Medical Center. UPS: When a Secaucus woman noticed her neighbor had collapsed on the slope of his driveway, after shoveling snow, she spotted a tower ladder parked a block away and ran over for help. Captain Marcial Pivano and Firefighters Stan Rosalsky and Dave Greyer ran over to assist. Gueyer took the rig's defibrillator. They pulled the man onto a dry flat surface under his porch and performed CPR and used the AED. The victim started to breathe on his own. A man driving a pickup truck equipped with a snow plow moved snow for an ambulance to gain access and then took the victim to the hospital, on March 7th. DOWNS: Hamburg and Franklin firefighters responded to a fire involving the cab of a truck that was holding 2,400-gallons of propane, March 20th. The truck was parked at Ferrell Gas on Wallkill Ave., Hamburg. It was in the yard of the propane gas company, about 100-feet from three main tanks that contained propane, officials said. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the cab of the rig. UPS: In Ocean City, Stephen Costantino and Vito Di Marco have been promoted to deputy fire chief. New captains are Patrick Flynn, Bernard Walker, Christopher Vliet, Raymond Clark, John Quigley, Paul Blankley and Richard Bickmore.
Newly appointed firefighters are Sean Kruger, Ryan Stamm, Eric Masters, William Lombard and William Tomlinson. DOWNS: A fire destroyed a home on Maxim Drive in the Byram Cove area of Lake Hopatcong, March 21st. The dwelling was fully involved when firefighters arrived. No one was home. UPS: Springfield firefighters assisted a woman in labor in an auto on Route 78, March 20th. Fire Captain Michael Mastroeni coached the woman through the delivery. When the umbilical cord became wrapped around the baby's neck, he safely helped correct the situation prior to delivery, officials said. With the arrival of the 6-pound girl, Chief Carlo Palumbo clamped and cut the umbilical cord. It was his second emergency delivery. DOWNS: Two families were displaced after a fire broke out in an apartment building on Constantine Pl., Summit, March 22nd. The fire was located in a crawl space in the basement, according to Chief Eric Evers. UPS: Ewing Township, which began building a 24/7 career fire department since late last year, swore in 14 new firefighters in March. That brings the department to 23 career members that operate out of three firehouses. Eric Rowlands was sworn in as captain. DOWNS: A fire caused “substantial damage” to the kitchen area of Domenico's Pizza Place in Rockaway Twp., March 21st. UPS: The Middletown Township Fire Department received a donation of 11 sets of pet oxygen mask kits from Canine Company, on March 14th. The kits will be assigned to all 11 fire companies. DOWNS: A 57-year-old woman died when she raced back into her burning rooming house to save her dog. A displaced resident said the woman had already been outside but ran back inside, on 43rd St., North Bergen, March 22nd. She was found near her dog, who was also dead. UPS: Retired Jersey City Firefighter Mike Conlin received the first Jersey City Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Ira Rubin 23 Honorary Pipe Major Award 2018, at the city's St. Patrick's Day parade.
DID YOU K NOW
RICH MAXWELL
First Responders found a Chevy Suburban on its side, a Ford pickup with front end damage, and a “Ghostbusters II” replica vehicle smashed up on a trailer that was being pulled by the Chevy, when they were dispatched to a crash that occurred on State Highway 57, near Komar Rd.
Who Ya Gonna Call??? When You’re in a Crash... Mansfield Twp., NJ - First Responders were dispatched to a reported head-on crash with a rollover at 10:17 A.M. on Friday, March 23rd, on State Highway 57 near Anderson Road. Units arriving on the scene found a Chevy Suburban on its side, a Ford pickup with front end damage, and a “Ghostbusters II” replica vehicle smashed up on a trailer by the Chevy. The Chevy was traveling eastbound, pulling the "Ghostbusters" vehicle on a trailer as the Ford F150 pickup was traveling westbound on State Highway 57. It was reported that a vehicle turned left in front of the Chevy, which caused the driver to break heavy, making the trailer swerve into the oncoming lane. The trailer (with the "Ghostbusters" vehicle), and the
JUMP TO FILE #032618107 Ford collided into each other, while the Suburban rolled over onto its driver’s side. The turning vehicle was not struck by any of the vehicles. The driver of the Suburban was not injured, but the pickup driver was transported to Hackettstown Medical Center for treatment of injuries by the Mansfield Rescue Squad. The 'Ghostbusters' style vehicle, complete with New York license plate ECTO-1A, was also damaged in the crash, but basically stayed on the trailer. The towing company had to first remove the 'Ghostbusters' style vehicle from
the trailer, and then remove the trailer, before it could upright the Suburban. The highway was closed between Anderson Avenue and Clinton Road until a few minutes before 12:00 P.M. Responding to the crash were the Mansfield Township Police Department (Patrol 28), Mansfield Rescue Squad (Rescue 28), Mansfield Fire Company (Station 28), Tri-County Fire Company (Station 29), Butler Park Fire Company (Station 27), and Mt. Bethel Fire Company (Station 26). All of the fire companies are located in Mansfield Township. Mansfield Township Police are handling the crash investigation. - RICHARD MAXWELL
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The estimated number of firefighters working in the U.S. is 1,134,400. Of that number, 346,150 are career firefighters and 788,250 are volunteers. RICH MAXWELL
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How to Hide Healthy Ingredients in the Firehouse Menu FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco
FF John Warren Jr., seated third from left in front row, received a warm welcome home after suffering a major heart attack while at the scene of a structure fire on Feb. 14th.
HAMMONTON FD
Hammonton Firefighter Receives Warm Welcome Home After Suffering Major Heart Attack Hammonton, NJ - On Monday, March 12th at approximately 7:30 P.M., Firefighter John Warren Jr. (70) was released home from Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation after being transferred to the facility on March 2nd from Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Galloway, where he was receiving treatment and care since being admitted on February 14th. Firefighter Warren and his family received an escort back to the fire station on the White Horse Pike from fellow firefighters of the Hammonton Fire Department, with assistance from the Hammonton Police Department. The members of the fire department, as well as the entire Hammonton community, have expressed their joy that John has returned and triumphed when faced with such a serious and significant event. On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at approximately 7:00 P.M., the Hammonton Fire Department and mutual aid companies responded to a reported structure fire in the 200 block of Union Road in Hammonton. As the first arriving unit was conducting interior fire suppression efforts, John Warren Jr., who was providing water supply assistance to the interior firefighters, suffered a heart attack. Firefighters on the hose line felt a decrease in water pressure, at which time 1st Lieutenant Tim Kelly made his way back to the apparatus and observed Firefighter Warren collapse to the ground from the mid-mount pump panel, unconscious and unresponsive. At that time, other firefighters quickly came together to act as they are trained, including Chief Sean Macri, Captain of Station #2, Jim Day, and Captain of Station #1, AJ Berenato. 1st Lieutenant Kelly took over providing water supply and Macri, Day and Berenato began CPR until care was
I have said it once and I will say it again; getting the crew to eat healthy in the firehouse is not easy. But one thing I have learned over the years is that you have to treat it the way parents do when trying to get their kids to eat vegetables. It’s trickery, mixed with a little culinary creativity and a splash of luck. If you are lucky like me, your crew will trust you enough when it comes to cooking that they won’t ask too many questions. Sometimes after a meal I will get the “What was that thing you put in the pot?” But if I was successful at hiding the healthy stuff, they won’t even know what hit 'em! How to go about doing this is easier than you may think. One of
the first ways I was able to “hide” a healthy ingredient was by swapping in mashed cauliflower for half of the potatoes needed for Shepherd’s Pie. The crew knew something was different, but they just couldn’t figure out what it was, but they loved it! One of my favorite things in the world to cook is pasta, but unfortunately many pasta dishes don’t offer much in the way of nutrition. To get a little more fiber I will use whole wheat pasta if possible. This will fill up the crew a little quicker, resulting in smaller portions and often less calories consumed. Adding more vegetables than meat is also another little “trick” to get more nutrients and vitamins into the meal. For example, with the classic pasta with sausage, broccoli, garlic and oil, I will cut the amount of sausage in half and add more broccoli than say a recipe calls for. When the crew wanted lamb burgers I was able to put some ideas “to the test”. Since lamb is
naturally very lean, it can dry out very easily. So even if you don’t overcook it, it still needs some extra fat to make it more delicious. With the Roasted Pepper Sauce, I used Greek Yogurt instead of the traditional Mayonnaise based. The yogurt offers much more in protein and probiotics. And the best part...they didn’t even know it was yogurt! I also felt the burger needed a little crunch to it, so I decided on a Radicchio Herb Salad to top the burger with. Radicchio is great because it offers a slight bitterness that compliments the gamier lamb flavor. And the herbs and lemon were able to cut through the fat of the feta cheese and sauce. And of course a burger is often served with fries, and while it is a great combo, sometimes I want to eat a little healthier. So for this meal I roasted some potatoes in olive oil with fresh thyme and finished with lemon. Another healthy, delicious firehouse meal!
JUMP TO FILE #031318106 transferred to EMTs from Atlanticare. Ryan Finn, a Hammonton Dispatcher, also assisted with CPR, relieving Chief Macri so that he could continue to manage the fire scene. Firefighter Warren was transported to Atlanticare Mainland in Galloway Township in critical condition. The concept of a brotherhood/sisterhood is routinely espoused within the fire service, and through this challenging event, the strength of the Hammonton Fire Department has shined. Along with his family and friends, members of the Hammonton Fire Department, which includes the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Company (Station 1) and Independent Volunteer Fire Company (Station 2), have been providing daily visits and encouragement to John. John is a senior member of the Hammonton Fire Department with over 40 years of distinguished service. He has served in a variety of department and company leadership positions, currently serving as Treasurer for the Hammonton Independent Volunteer Fire Company, Station 2. The Hammonton Fire Department once again gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance provided by neighboring first responders, as well as the care provided by Atlanticare and Bacharach. We are optimistic that John will make a full recovery and continue to serve the Hammonton Fire Department, the Independent Volunteer Fire Company, Station 2, and the Town of Hammonton proudly. - DR. JOE LIZZA, LT. HAMMONTON FD
“Lamb Burger with Feta, Roasted Pepper Yogurt Sauce & Radicchio Herb Salad” Roasted Pepper Sauce
INGREDIENTS: 3 pcs. Jarred Roasted Red Pepper, drained well 8 oz. Plain Greek Yogurt Zest of ½ Lemon 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice 1 Garlic Clove, diced 2 TBS. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Salt, to taste
PROCEDURE: Combine all ingredients except olive oil in a food processor. Pulse well. With machine running, drizzle in olive oil just until combined. Taste for seasoning. Radicchio Herb Salad
INGREDIENTS: Small Head of Radicchio, first couple of layers peeled ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley, rough chopped ¼ Cup Mint, rough chopped Zest of ½ Lemon 1 TBS. Lemon Juice Extra Virgin Olive Oil, just enough to coat Salt, to taste
PROCEDURE: Cut radicchio into thin strips. Combine in a bowl with herbs, lemon zest and juice and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine, add a drizzle of olive oil. Taste and season as needed.
AJ FUSCO
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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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
RON JEFFERS
Wallington Engine 202's crew is known as the "Hot Shots". They are proud of their company, and their new Seagrave pumper. LED lights were mounted behind the grill that lights up the number "202", as well as the Seagrave nameplate.
RICH MAXWELL
There is no mistaking that the person who owns this mailbox is a firefighter! The custom-made mailbox is topped off with a fire helmet and a shield with the house number (not the station number) and name.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
EMTs from University Hospital in Newark check over a frightened, but grateful feline after it was rescued from a three-alarm fire on March 4th.
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NEW JERSEY GIGS 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.
NEW JERSEY MEMORIES 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.
"Nor'easter" has become a dirty word this winter and early spring. On March 2nd, North Hudson Battalion 1's Ford Explorer was shroud in smoke during a 5-alarm apartment fire on 26th St., North Bergen, during Nor'easter #2. RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Ridgefield Park Truck Co. 2 used this 1967 Pirsch 85-foot mid-mount aerial ladder, seen operating at a 1984 brush fire.
North Hudson Battalion 3's Ford Explorer at the scene of a 4-alarm fire on River Road, North Bergen, covered with snow, in smoke and fog, during Nor'easter #4.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Elizabeth's duty battalion chief Chevy Suburban operating at the scene of an MVA, on a much nicer day!
An Elizabeth Ford F-350 EMS supervisor unit operating at an accident scene. RON JEFFERS
West New York Truck Co. 1 utilized a 1971 Duplex/Howe/100-foot Grove tractor-drawn aerial ladder that was refurbished in 1984. It was later used as a spare truck with the North Hudson Regional F.D.
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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.
RON JEFFERS
NJ Transit Police ESU members utilized their Freightliner/Pierce heavy rescue truck during a Light Rail train derailment drill in North Bergen, March 24th.
BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Three Alarms at Dawn in Newark
RICH MAXWELL
Pattenburg Rescue Squad (Rescue 25) Utility 25-58 was in action during one-of-three nor'easter snowstorms that ripped through the region.
EDAN DAVIS
Port Norris Engine 11-03 on scene of a vacant dwelling fire.
Newark, NJ - Three alarms were transmitted in Newark on March 27th as flames engulfed three dwellings, report- JUMP TO FILE# edly leaving eleven 032718109 people homeless. The fire at 416 S. 9th Street was initially reported at 6:14 A.M., and by the time firefighters arrived, heavy fire had taken possession of (two) two-and-a-half story and (one) three-story frame dwellings in the rear. A second-alarm was sounded, followed by a thirdalarm at about 6:30 A.M., as heavy fire was producing an ember condition that was threatening additional structures. Low water pressure also became an issue as numerous hand lines and master streams were put into operation. The heavy fire began to be knocked down within a half hour, and the flames were able to be contained to the three structures. The fire was placed under control in about one hour. No civilian injuries were initially reported. One firefighter was transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center with reported burns to his neck. The cause is being investigated by the NFD Arson Unit. Many of the firefighters on the scene were hoping they were relieved on time so they could go forward with their plans to attend the funeral of FDNY Lieutenant Mike Davidson later in the morning in Manhattan. - BILL TOMPKINS
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Jersey City Fire Hero Remembered on 25th Anniversary of Sacrifice Jersey City, NJ - The Jersey City Fire Department remembers those who performed the ultimate sacrifice for the city and the department. On the morning of March 20th, 2018, members gathered in front of 411 Palisade Avenue to remember Firefighter Carlos Negron on the JUMP TO FILE# 25th anniversary of 032018108 his sacrifice. Negron loved the fire service and before being appointed to the FDJC in 1981, he joined the local fire buff club in 1973, to assist at fire scenes. When he died, he held the title of deputy chief with the volunteer Gong Club organization. While off duty on that day in 1993, Negron was picking up groceries in his neighborhood and heard shouts of “Fire!”. He ran out to investigate and assist his fellow firefighters. The fire involved an occupied, attached, three-story woodframe dwelling. First-alarm companies stretched a hose line and began to set up ground ladders against the building. Overhead power lines made it impossible to set up an aerial ladder. The members of Truck Co. 7 were placing ground ladders against the front of the structure on slippery snow and ice, along the narrow sidewalk. A ladder brushed against an overhead high voltage power line and Negron and Firefighter Walter Milne were knocked unconscious by the electric shock. The incident commander, Deputy Chief Denis Onieal, transmitted second and third alarms and called for BLS and ALS units to respond to the scene. The injured firefighters were transported to Christ Hospital, located only a few blocks away. Firefighter Milne was revived and spent some 60 days in St. Barnabas Burn Center, in Livingston. He later returned to duty. Firefighter Negron could net be revived. Chief of Department Steve McGill, as well as officers and members of the FDJC, Gong Club, family and friends, gathered for the brief memorial on a cold March morning, before another predicted nor'easter. The corner of Hutton St. & Palisade Ave. is also known as “Carlos Negron Place". The chief and Gong Club Life Member, Paul Schaetzle, spoke about Carlos and his dedication. Negron's son, Carlos, Jr., was on hand and thanked all for their remembrance of his father. Negron, Jr., is a Jersey City Medical Center EMT, currently taking courses to become a paramedic. His sister, Susan Ann, is a Hoboken police dispatcher. FDJC Chaplain, Reverend James Pagnotta, offered prayers and spoke about Negron's love for the fire service. They were friends before Negron became a career firefighter, and would often run into each other at fire scenes - Negron with the Gong Club canteen truck. Reverend Pagnotta described Negron's service to the community as a “passion". He gave his life for that passion. - RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Gong Club member Paul Schaetzle, third from right, points to the overhead power lines that a ground ladder brushed against, shocking Firefighters Negron and Milne, 25 years ago.
Carlos Jr. with Chief of Department Steve McGill.
RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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Congratulations to Villas Volunteer Fire Company on your Rosenbauer Dive/Rescue Unit!
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RICH MAXWELL
Clinton FD's 1926 American LaFrance Pumper "Lulubelle".
RON JEFFERS
Another Nor’easter, Another Fire in North Bergen
Clinton FD members march in the parade.
RICH MAXWELL
NJ State Police Pipes & Drums march in the parade.
RICH MAXWELL
Clinton Holds 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Clinton, NJ - The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Hunterdon County held its Fifth Annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Clinton on Sunday afternoon, March 11th. There were bagpipe bands, high school marching bands, fire trucks, marchers, ambulances, bagpipe bands, girl scouts, antique cars, WW2 Jeeps, bagpipe bands, keltic dancers, Civil War solders, Color Guards, and hundreds of onlookers. Oh, did I say that there were bagpipe bands? Some of the marching units included Clinton FD, Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police, and Clinton Elks Lodge. Bagpipe bands included the Somerset County Police Pipes & Drums, New Jersey State Police Pipes & Drums, The Guard Pipes & Drums from Somerset and Hunterdon Counties, and Saint Ann’s of Hampton Pipes & Drums Hunterdon County. An after-party was held at the Red Mill in Clinton, featuring Irish food and music.
North Bergen, NJ - As the New York City-Northern New Jersey metropolitan area was buckling down for nor'easter #4 to hit the area on March 21st, North Hudson Regional (NJ) Fire & Rescue companies battled JUMP TO FILE# the second major 032118105 fire during a storm in North Bergen. Shortly before 9:00 A.M., a full assignment was dispatched for numerous calls of a fire in the area of 7117 River Road. Snow and fog were already blanketing the area. Captain Leo Calvo of Squad Co. 7 reported heavy smoke in the area-a working fire-but was unable to give a size up due to the low-banking smoke and weather conditions. The apparatus carefully maneuvered around traffic and found the fire at the North Bergen Municipal Utility Authority's Woodcliff Waste-Water Treatment Facility. Visibility was zero as seconddue Squad 10 radioed to Squad 7 to inquire if they needed a feed line, and “We cannot see you,” was part of the radio transmission. Heavy fire within the structure that was under renovation was consuming combustibles inside. A sign in front of the building read, “Plant Upgrades". A township official said workers were using several torches to cut up metal tanks, which possessed plastic linings that were burning, and got out-of-control. A defensive operation began and Deputy Chief Dave Donnarumma transmitted second, third and fourth alarms in rapid succession. Ladder 4's crew gently maneuvered their tiller apparatus into a driveway on the “D” side of the building between the fire and a car wash, through lowbanking smoke, and set up a ladder pipe operation. Tower Ladder 3 backed in behind 4 Truck for their bucket to go into operation.
Fire eventually broke through the roof. A stench was in the air, and North Bergen police were ordering all police, EMS and other support units to come in from the north, away from the smoke. In addition, haz-mat crews from Jersey City and Bayonne reported to the scene. There are numerous high rise buildings in the area, and a hospital. The haz-mat members conducted air quality tests, which proved to be negative of any harmful materials. Numerous hand lines and master streams pounded the building until conditions improved. The fire was declared “Probably will hold,” at 11:21 A.M. Some firefighters were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, and at least one member was taken to Pal-
RON JEFFERS
isades Medical Center for observation. North Bergen DPW crews plowed snow and dropped salt to improve operating conditions on River Road. The Jersey City Gong Club also responded to set up a rehab station, out of the smoke. In addition to their haz-mat unit, Jersey City dispatched two engines, a truck and battalion chief to the fourth-alarm request. Those units were Engine Co.'s 7, 11, Ladder 7 and Battalion 3. On March 2nd, North Hudson firefighters, along with Jersey City, Hoboken and Kearny, operated at a five-alarm fire involving a large apartment building, during nor'easter #2. March is going out like a lion! - RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Fully Involved House Collapses in Ramsey Ramsey, NJ - A home that was under construction burned to the ground early Monday morning, March 5th, at a two-alarm fire on Franklin Tpke. Firefighters were dispatched to Franklin Tpke., in the area of Interstate Shopping Center, for heavy fire showing from a twoand-a-half story frame just before 1:00 A.M. Within minutes, firefighters arrived to find a home under construction, fully involved and threatening exposures. A secondalarm was transmitted as engine companies stretched lines and prepared for an exterior attack while checking for any extension into the exposures.
JUMP TO FILE #030518135 Minutes later, before any mutual aid arrived, the main fire building fully collapsed into a pile of rubble. Minor damage was reported to three other homes. The fire was knocked down under 30 minutes, and the Bergen County Sheriff's Crime Scene Unit was requested due to the fire being possibly suspicious. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid from Mahwah, Wyckoff and Allendale assisted on scene. - ChrIS ToMPKINS
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.
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hoSTed BY LANCASTer CouNTY FIreMeN’S ASSoCIATIoN There were 366 Exhibitors Displaying Products in 488 Booth Spaces and exhibiting 217 Emergency Vehicles Last Year To Provide For Your Needs and Services
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Clinton, NJ - Firefighters try out the old "K-12" saw during a recent extrication class. Pay no attention to the sparks.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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Vehicle News
RON JEFFERS
Garfield Rescue-Engine 3's 2017 Ferrara 2000-GPM rescue-pumper has a new 2018 look. Artist Ed May recently re-did graphics on the rig which includes a memorial to members that have answered their last alarm, and a mural of the company's past three rigs.
RON JEFFERS
Wanaque Engine 541 is a 2017 KME 1750-GPM/750-GWT top-mount pumper with rear-mounted booster reel and low hose bed, plus a six-man cab. It was sold by First Priority Emergency.
RON JEFFERS
Wanaque Rescue 545 is now in service with a 2017 KME Panther apparatus with 18-foot box, portable winch, rollout compartment trays, a 20-kW generator, and many more features. It was sold by First Priority Emergency.
VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists recently delivered Vorhees Twp. Fire Department recently received this VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists recently delivered this 2018 Ford E-450 AEV, VCI Remount to MONOC. 2017 Ford E-450 Horton 553, sold by VCI Emergency Ve- this 2017 Ford F-450 Horton 457 to Monroe Township hicle Specialists. FAS. VCI EMERGENCY VEHICLE SPECIALISTS
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Countdown to Calamity (1971)
APPARATUS IN ACTION
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May, 2018
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CONGRATULATIONS! to the East Windsor Fire Company Station 46 for their 2018 Ford Expedition Max Command Vehicle completely upfitted by us! Contact us today and we will meet your budgets demands!
VIDEO REVIEW
Video reviews by John Malecky
Countdown to Calamity (1971) By Quality Information Publishers Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 e-mail:support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $18.99 (DVD) This DVD is 26 minutes in length. It is narrated coverage of a massive fire from 1970 which started in Oakland, California. Though it seemed to be contained, the high winds which periled that state spread the fire from north to south, spreading the joint firefighting forces so thin that mutual aid had to be called in. This was a very difficult story to review because the scenes changed so fast and in spite of the excellent narration, notes just could not be taken quickly enough to keep up. It was exhausting to even watch this devastation, especially if you thought of the relentless fight that these forces put forth. All of the fire scenes show ruins! There is footage of the operations centers and their dispatching activities. Camp crews were also in abundance. These were the infantry so to speak, whose manual labor helped other ground and air operations to bring this conflagration so to speak, to a halt. It is an exceptional report that viewers can appreciate.
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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,
RICH MAXWELL
Three-Car Crash Blocks Part of SH 31 in Hampton RON JEFFERS
North Hudson Captain Dave Pearce, left, tells a story about his best friend, Firefighter Jack Rizzo, during his firehouse retirement lunch, while Rizzo's family looks on, February 28th. Firefighter Rizzo was described as an "absolute gentleman, family man, honest, excellent chauffeur and a fireman's fireman". He spent 34-years on the job, starting with the former Union City Fire Department.
Hampton, NJ - First responders were dispatched to a multivehicle crash on State Highway 31, by Railroad Avenue, around 5:50 P.M. on March 9th. The crash involved three cars, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a BMW and a Subaru. The crash caused the northbound lanes to be closed, forcing northbound cars to shift over into one of the southbound lanes; southbound was reduced to one lane of the two. All parties involved in the crash were checked at the scene by Hampton Rescue Squad EMTs. Responding to the crash were the NJ State Police Washington Station, Hampton Rescue Squad (Rescue 13), Hampton FD (Station 13), and Glen Gardner FD (Station 12). The NJ State Police handled the investigation.
RICH MAXWELL
Fire Chief Robert Hanley of Kingwood FD (Station 16), left, and Rescue Captain Travis Hoffman of Flemington-Raritan First Aid & Rescue Squad (Rescue 49), looking over operations at a recent twoalarm fire in Raritan Twp.
BOB HALBERSTADT
Brush Fire Threatens Homes in Blairstown
RON JEFFERS
Despite temperatures in the 30's and snow on the ground, Fairview Firefighter Kristian Vera of Truck Co. 2, enjoys a cool cup of water after battling a 2-alarm dwelling fire on Kennedy Drive, March 9th.
Blairstown Twp., NJ - At 4:00 P.M. on March 19th, a brush fire was reported to 9-1-1 by a homeowner who saw it behind her house on Walnut Valley Road, in the area of Beechwood Road. On scene, Blairstown police officers described a 200'x200' brush fire under the power line right of way. Blairstown EMS, Blairstown Hose Company and New Jersey Forest Fire Service 1604 responded to control the spread, with no damage to homes in the area. The Forest Fire Service was transported from one hotspot to another.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
SALES
Tom Quinn 484-650-2092
Anthony Lepone 856-816-2593
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SERVICE
John Heacock 610-301-7717
Brian Gilmore 856-783-0720
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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
Bethlehem Twp., NJ - The five fire departments and two of the EMS Squads that provide fire protection services to this northern Hunterdon County community held their first joint drill for 2018 on March 19th.
Bethlehem Twp. does not have any fire or EMS agencies within their township; they contract with the five surrounding communities to provide emergency services for the 20-square-mile township.
During the drill, the fire companies utilized an old farmhouse that the township owns. The topic of this drill was to practice building searches that would need to be done during a residential fire, and have the companies working together to perform this task. The use of RIC teams was also incorpo-
rated into the drill.
Firefighters were divided up into teams of three or four and then assigned a search task within the building. They were told that there was a “victim” someplace inside the house, and that they had to locate and extricate them to safety outside the “burning” building.
Firefighters had to crawl on their hands and knees as they would in a real fire situation, searching every closet, cabinet and other places a victim might “hide” during a fire. Firefighters also took turns standing by as the RIC teams outside the dwelling, in case they were called into action. Each team successfully located their “victims”, all the while communicating their actions and positions within the
house to Incident Command outside.
These fire companies are in the planning stages for more joint training drills that will be held this year.
The five departments involved in the program are: Glen Gardner FD (Station 12), Hampton FD (Station 13), Pattenburg Fire Co. (Station 25), Bloomsbury FD (Station 43), and Franklin FD (Warren County Station 57). The two EMS squads that participated were Pattenburg Rescue Squad (Rescue 25), and Franklin Twp. FD’s EMS Division (Warren County Rescue 57). Bethlehem Twp. OEM and CERT (Station 42) also participated in the drill. - RICHARD MAXWELL
Flames rise into the sky, consuming the rear of a Kennedy Dr. dwelling in Fairview, March 9th. DAMIEN DANIS
Flames in Fairview Involve Kennedy Dr. Dwelling
RICH MAXWELL
Firefighters simulate a building search during a joint drill involving the five fire companies that provide emergency services to Bethlehem Twp.,on March 19th.
Fairview, NJ - Shortly before 7:00 P.M. on March 9th, flames consumed the rear of a Kennedy Drive residence, displacing residents into the snow-covered street. The fire department was dispatched to a reported working fire and the possibility of trapped occupants. Captain Paul Neville of Engine Co. 3, said he could see flames when his unit left the Walker Street firehouse. Upon arrival, flames were venting out rear windows of the three-story structure that contained living space above a garage level. Cliffside Park Ladder 1 is automatically dispatched to Fairview on a reported fire, to be assigned as the FAST unit. This was followed by a second-alarm for additional East Bergen fire companies. It was reported that all occupants of the building were outside as an interior attack commenced. Hand lines were stretched up a winding staircase, impeding firefighters' rapid efforts to get to the seat of the fire. In addition, members experienced some water pressure problems when they reached the second-floor fire.
JUMP TO FILE #031218107 Fire was being knocked down on that floor, but it was obvious that the fire had already spread to the attic area and had broken through the roof. Members were ordered out of the structure for a defensive attack. This included ladder pipes from Fairview and Cliffside Park's truck companies, both in front of the building. Later, a portion of the rear attic area caved in. A short time later, firefighters were able to re-enter to open up walls and ceilings to extinguish hotspots. Mutual aid companies that operated at the scene included units from Ridgefield, Edgewater, Palisades Park and Leonia. Teaneck's Box 54 Club also set up a rehab station, and local EMTs passed out bottled water to exhausted firefighters. “The firemen did a great job,” Mayor Vincent Bellucci, Jr., said after the fire was placed under control. - RON JEFFERS
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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BUDDY SHOT
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BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Quick Knock Down in Clifton
Clifton, NJ - A rapid response by Clifton firefighters kept a potential serious fire from escalating on March 5th. Firefighters were dispatched to 8 Nash Ave. after receiving multiple reports of a fire. Flames were visible from the rear as companies arrived. The fire originated on the outside, between the garage and the home, and the flames were extending. The first line knocked down the visible fire and companies opened up to hit the areas where the fire extended inside. No injuries were reported. The fire was under control in less than one hour.
BOB SHERMAN JR.
Hamilton Township (Mercer County) Station 12 career firefighters, (L to R): Captain Patrick Sullivan, Dante Fusco, Eric Pullen and Apparatus Operator Matt McElroy, pose with Squad 12, a 2012 KME Rescue/Pumper.
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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.
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Multiple Homes Damaged in Newark Third-Alarm Newark, NJ - Two homes were gutted and several others damaged during a three-alarm fire in the southend of Newark on Sunday, March 4th. Newark fire companies were dispatched to the area of Weequahic Ave. and Clinton Pl. for a house fire around 9:00 A.M. Engine 29 arrived on scene and found a two-and-a-half story frame that was under construction, fully involved and extending to exposures on both sides. A second-alarm was transmitted on arrival as three homes were involved with fire. First arriving units quickly established water supplies and stretched multiple handlines to protect the exposures. Battalion 4 arrived on scene and reported that he had a heavy ember condition and a fire on the roof of a home around the corner on Pomona Avenue. A third-alarm was transmitted minutes later, and command
JUMP TO FILE #030518134 ordered the third-alarm companies to Pomona Ave. for fire and ember control. Less than 15 minutes after FD arrival, the main fire building completely collapsed and the "Delta" exposure was knocked down and held to the exterior. Heavy fire spread through the "Bravo" exposure and firefighters were ordered out of the home twice due to deteriorating conditions. Two ladder pipes, two deck guns and multiple handlines attacked the exposure and were able to knock down the fire in under one hour. A few minor injuries were reported, and the fire remains under investigation. -CHRIS TOMPKINS
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
RON JEFFERS
Jersey City Firefighter Scott Paladino (left), of Engine Co. 7-Group D, and his brother, Captain Brett Paladino, of Engine Co. 7-Group C, worked together for the first time in 16-years on Group D during a mutual aid fire in North Bergen, March 2nd.
RICHARD BILLINGS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
RON JEFFERS
Woman Dies After Running Back Into Burning Home to Save Dog
North Bergen, NJ - A 57-year-old woman died on the afternoon of March 21st after she ran back into her burning rooming house to rescue her missing dog, neighbors said. The fire originated in 1502-43rd St., North Bergen, and quickly spread to 1500 and 1504, and a second-alarm was transmitted. Low-banking smoke and fog hindered operations once again, as this was the second fire of the day for North Hudson firefighters during Nor'easter #4. The fires in the two exposures were quickly knocked down, followed by knocking down flames in the original fire building. The victim was found dead on the secondfloor, near her dog, who was also dead. The first fire went to four-alarms on River Road, North Bergen, earlier in the day.
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CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Cars Catch Fire in Franklin Lakes During Nor’easter Franklin Lakes, NJ - Multiple cars caught fire during a nor'easter that brought blizzard-like conditions on Friday afternoon, March 2nd. Franklin Lakes firefighters were dispatched just before 11:00 A.M. to 1 Becton Drive for multiple cars on fire in a parking deck. Upon arrival, multiple cars were involved in fire on the second-floor of a threestory parking garage. Mutual aid from Oakland and Wyckoff were requested to the scene. Two handlines were stretched and quickly extinguished the fire within 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters on scene of a two-alarm house fire in Rochelle Park.
RPFD - PROVIDED
Rochelle Park Second-Alarm House Fire Rochelle Park, NJ - On March 24th, a homeowner reportedly welding in the bathroom, sparked a two-alarm fire that left the top floor of the home heavily damaged. Rochelle Park firefighters were dispatched to 63 South Drive on a report of a bathroom fire. First arriving police officers reported heavy smoke emanating from a one-and-a-half story woodframe. Maywood Chief Chris Tut-
JUMP TO FILE #032618113 tle responded in to assist and confirmed a working fire. Engine 2 arrived on scene and began searching for the seat of the fire. The fire was extinguished in about 25 minutes, but not before heavily damaging the upstairs. No injuries were reported. The
cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Fire Prevention Bureau. Mutual aid from Hackensack (FAST), Maywood, Saddle Brook and Paramus assisted on scene, while Lodi, Saddle Brook and Elmwood Park provided station coverage. - RPFD
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
Minivan Rolls Over in Franklin Twp., Injuring Driver Franklin Twp., NJ - First responders were dispatched by the Warren County Communications Center to a report of a rollover crash on Bloomsbury Road at 5:57 P.M. on March 4th. A minivan that was traveling north on Bloomsbury Rd. rolled over and landed back on its wheels. The driver received minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital by the EMS Squad. Firefighters stood by with charged handlines until the van could be removed from the scene, as there was a minor gas leak in the van. Bloomsbury Rd. was closed in both directions during the incident. Responding to the crash were the NJ State Police Washington Station, and the Franklin Twp. FD and its EMS Division. The State Police are handling the crash investigation.
RICH MAXWELL
Washington Twp., NJ - Atlantic Air One was detailed to transport a trauma victim from Washington Twp. to Morristown Medical Center a little after noon on Saturday, March 17th. The landing zone was set up by Washington Twp. FD (Station 76) at a field by a shopping center located on State Highway 31., with the help of Washington Twp. police officers (Patrol 76). Washington Rescue Squad (Rescue 83), along with paramedics form Hunterdon Medical Center (EMS 2), transported the victim from a residence in the Township to the landing zone, where they were then loaded onto the helicopter after being prepped by the air medics.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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Allendale Battles Third-Alarm House Fire During Snowstorm Allendale, NJ - Firefighters battled a fire that went to three alarms and caused heavy damage to the home during another nor'easter on Wednesday, March 7th. Allendale firefighters were called to 36 Carteret Road around noon for a re- JUMP TO FILE# ported structure fire. 030818109 On arrival, command reported heavy fire in the rear and transmitted a second-alarm as fire began extending throughout the home. Allendale units arrived as Tower 941 backed into the driveway, while Engines 932 and 935 established water supplies and stretched two lines to the rear of the home and two to the front. An aggressive interior attack was able to knock down the heavy fire and crews prevented any further extension to the home. A third-alarm was transmitted, bringing additional manpower to the scene. Firefighters would remain on scene for awhile performing overhaul as the snowstorm started to drop 1-2 inches of snow per hour. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Mutual Aid from Waldwick, Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Midland Park, HoHoKus, Fair Lawn and Mahwah assisted on the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
RICH MAXWELL
Sergeantsville Fire Co. Holds Annual Fishing Flea Market Delaware Twp., NJ - The Sergeantsville Fire Co., Hunterdon County Station 47, held their annual Fishing Flea Market at the firehouse on Sunday, March 18th. The event opened the doors to buyers at 9:00 A.M. and ran until 3:00 PM. Crowds were there early to try to get the best deals. If it had to do with fishing, it was most likely there. The trucks were pulled out and vendor tables were set up in the bays and the banquet room. If you were hungry, burgers, hot dogs and more were cooked to order by the firefighters in the kitchen. Proceeds from the event are utilized by the fire company to support their annual budget.
RON JEFFERS
Jersey City First Responders assist a pedestrian that was struck by a bus on Columbus Drive, March 3rd.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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A God of Empty Promises Chaplain's Corner
Pastor Fernando Villicana
I recently came across this story: A young man from a wealthy family was about to graduate from high school. It was the custom in that affluent neighborhood for the parents to give the graduate an automobile. "Bill" and his father had spent months looking at cars, and the week before graduation, they found the perfect car. Bill's father told him that he would come through with a promise to purchase the car for him upon his graduation. On the eve of his graduation, his father handed him a gift-wrapped Bible. Bill was so angry that he threw the Bible down and stormed out of the house. He and his father never saw each other again. It was only the news of his father’s death years later that brought Bill home again. As he sat one night going through his father’s possessions that he was to inherit, he came across the Bible his father had given him. He brushed away the dust and opened it to find a cashier’s check, dated the day of his graduation, in the exact amount of the car they had chosen together. As I thought about this story, I couldn’t help but wonder how many people in this world have done the same thing with God. Literally tossed aside a wonderful promise(s), because they didn’t understand it, look into it enough, or believe that it was possible. God reveals His promises to all of
us in the Bible: "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope," (Jeremiah 29:11). In our world, we are taught that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". So many of us have been taken in by “empty promises,” that we are leery of anything or anyone that tells us we can have something for nothing. The world simply doesn’t work that way! But, you know what – God does. God never made a promise that was too good to be true. It is His gift to those who trust in Him: “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid," (John 14:27). The truth of the matter is, the world is full of empty promises. We watch TV and the advertisements tell us that we can be happy, sexy, rich, or famous, if only we purchase a certain product. It doesn’t take long before we discover that the world’s promises are full of emptiness. But, God is different. Instead of promises full of emptiness, he gave us emptiness that is full of promise. For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!", and through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") …(2 Corinthians 1:20a). Jesus said: ”I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:2526 ). What tremendous promises promises that all can embrace with confidence.
DID YOU K NOW
Firefighters on scene of a 2-alarm dwelling fire in Lawrence Twp.
EDAN DAVIS
Heavy Fire Consumes Lawrence Twp. Dwelling Lawrence Twp., NJ - Shortly before 5:00 A.M. on February 28th, Cedarville F.D. Station 17, along with Downe Township Station 39, Fairton Station 16, Millville Station 30, Bridgeton Station 7, and Lawrence Township EMS Squad 38, were dispatched to the area of 24 Can House Road for a reported working dwelling fire. Ladder 17 arrived in the area, reporting fire showing, and the correct address to be in the area of 46 Cedarbrook Lane. As crews arrived at the correct address, com-
JUMP TO FILE #030218101 mand reported a two-story dwelling with heavy fire showing throughout and requested the second-alarm struck. Crews arrived, placing two lines in service and one on exposure protection. Mutual aid units arrived from Rosenhayn Station 29, Upper Deerfield Station 33, Port Norris Station 11, Dividing Creek Station 18, Gouldtown Station 15, and
Hopewell-Stow Creek Station 21. About 20 minutes into the incident, command reported a partial collapse of the structure. As a steady water supply was established, crews placed several lines into service to extinguish the heavy fire. Crews worked well into the morning to bring the fire under control. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. NJSP also assisted at the scene. - EDAN DAVIS
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
?
You might expect EMTs to be relatively safe when dealing with patients -- after all, they are there to help. But in fact, EMTs face a lot of danger in the field, and they do so without the weapons and authority that police officers have. EMTs have been hit with cinder blocks, stabbed by syringes (often still filled with drugs), chased by dogs and shot at on a regular basis. In Boston, for instance, 28 percent of total EMT injuries in 2006 were the result of violent assaults.
RON JEFFERS
Fairview Engine 3's faithful 1988 Mack/Ward 79 top-mount pumper operates several lines during a 2alarm dwelling fire on Kennedy Drive, March 9th.
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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May, 2018
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
Hawthorne, NJ - On Sunday, March 4th, the Hawthorne FD hosted a drill on Sotnick Street with surrounding departments. The 10:00 A.M. drill, ran by department Chief Joe Speranza, simulated a fire in an old yarn warehouse.
The drill was designed to teach firefighters how to stretch lines into the structure, as well as how to vent the roof and do trench cuts, and pull ceilings
and open up walls. Two other houses on the property were also used for the drill. One house was smoked up and used for searches while the other was gutted to show the affects of balloon framing. Wyckoff, Prospect Park, Glen Rock and North Haledon FDs also trained at the two-hour drill. - CHRIS TOMPKINS
BOB HALBERSTADT
Car Crashes Through Storefront of Beauty Salon in Mount Olive
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Mount Olive, NJ - An out of control car jumped a curb and crashed into a storefront next to the Walmart in the International Trade Zone shopping center on March 23rd. The car, which was leaving a parking spot, hit a shopping cart, sped forward, jumped the curb, knocked over a bench and then continued through a snowbank, crashing into the front window of the Entourage Salon. The woman driver and two passengers were uninjured, but were evaluated by EMTs from Atlantic Ambulance. The Mt. Olive PD, Fire Marshal, Mt. Olive/Budd Lake FD and the fire police remained on the scene until the vehicle was removed. The salon was crowded at the time, but no one was near the window when the car came crashing through.
Enjoy taking photographs? Get the most out of your hobby! 1st Responder News compensates correspondents CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
for their article & photograph submissions.
Contact Lindsey TODAY for more information! Lindsey@1strespondernews.com CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
845-534-7500 ext. 212
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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May, 2018
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,
Jersey City Chief of Department Steve McGill, left, with JCMC EMT Carlos Negron, Jr., together after the 25th anniversary memorial of Negron's father's LODD on Palisade Avenue, March 20th.
RON JEFFERS
DAMIEN DANIS
Saddle Brook FF Rich Dickman of Engine Co. 1, ready to put a line into operation at a house fire on Hayes Dr., February 17th.
ALAN HYMAN (RIVERDALE FD)
Officers of Riverdale FD being sworn-in, (L to R): Alexandra Styger (Lt. Squad 33), Jesse Burgos (Lt. 31), Paul Carelli (Mayor), James Regeling (Captain 32), Pat Cleary (Assistant Chief), and James Regeling, Jr. (Chief).
After skipping a generation, the Pullen name returns to Mercerville Fire Co. Eric Pullen is following the Pullen Family firefighter tradition at Mercerville Fire Company. First was his Great-Great Grandfather, David Pullen, who was an early member of Mercerville Chemical Volunteer Fire Company No.1. Eric's Great Grandfather, Leslie Pullen, was Chief for 24 years. Then there was Eric's Grandfather, Royce Pullen Sr., who was Assistant Chief. Followed by a skipped generation, Eric started his firefighting career as a volunteer with Mission Fire Co. of Bordentown for five years. He then became a career firefighter with Bordentown Fire District 2, Derby Fire Co., for five years before transferring to Hamilton Twp. Fire District 2, Mercerville, this year. Pictured is Eric posing with Hamilton Twp., Station 12's 2012 KME Rescue/Pumper. BOB SHERMAN JR.
North Hudson's first female firefighter, Lisa Napier of Engine Co. 13, experienced her first Gong Club "coffee break" after operating at a 4-alarm fire on River Road, North Bergen, March 21st. RON JEFFERS
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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HE HE ER ERO EROES ROES RO OES ES INK INK
1st Responder Newspape er features EMERGENCY SERVICES RELA ATED TATTOOS
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’s Little Big Guy comes from the Hope Hose Fire Company in Beverly (Burlington County). Designated Attack 12, it is a 2014 Ford F-550 chassis with a five-seat cab and Warner Body. It basically responds to brush fries, MVAs and downed wires. It has a Hale HPX 200 B18, 275-GPM pump, 300-gallon water and 10-gallon foam tanks, and has a foam educator. There is a 1 ¾-inch dead load and 900-feet of 2 ½-inch hose. Equipment includes hand extinguishers, hand tools, four SCBAs and Hurst tools. The body has roll-up doors and scene lights on the sides and rear. It is powered by a Power Stroke diesel engine.
JOHN M. MALECKY
Beverly's Attack 12, a 2014 Ford F-550/Warner, 275/300/10, responds to brush fires, downed wires and MVAs.
John Thomas submitted this tattoo, saying "I had it completed in one sitting on March 22, 2018. It took 6 hours to complete. I have been in emergency services since 1981 with a few different departments, and I was also an EMT and Police Officer before going back to fire. I've been a firefighter with the current township for 28 years. This is the only tattoo I will be getting. I returned from Ground Zero from my last shift and wanted to do something for all of my fallen brothers; yes I know it took me a few years to find someone this good. The top has my personal logo that I live by, "No Guts No Glory". If you don't have the guts to do the job, you don't get to see the look on someone's face after you just saved one of their loved ones. The medals don't mean anything to me, I have actually turned down a few over the years. The money means nothing but paying bills. I do this because I love the job. I love to see the looks on people's faces when we come out and the fire is out, and the family is safe."
Would you like your emergency services related tattoo featured here? Contact Lindsey at
Lindsey@1strespondernews.com
Serving g those who seerve us. HeroesMortgagePrograam.com
8777-541-HERO
Right/rear view of Beverly's Attack 12 show rear mounted pump.
JOHN M. MALECKY
WORKING FACES
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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May, 2018
If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
Fire Co. 1 with Frank Corso Jr.
Hose Co. 2 with Lou Franco Sr. JAMES WOOD SR.
Garfield Fire Department Assistant Chief E.J. Morano letting the chief know outside what the fire conditions are on the inside during a two-alarm house fire on March 27th.
DAMIEN DANIS
DAMIEN DANIS
70 Years of Service Honored in Lodi
Lodi, NJ - On January 20th, the Lodi F.D. honored ex-Chiefs Lou Franco Sr., from Hose Company 1, and Frank Corso Jr., from Fire Company 1, for 70 years of service with the Lodi Vol. F.D. Council member Vincent Martin presented the two men with plaques from the borough, and Marc Schreeks presented awards from the office of the Bergen County Executive. These men have unselfishly given the citizens of the Borough of Lodi their time and devotion, never looking for anything in return. Both have served as Chief of the department and have mentored many of the rookie firefighters, guiding them to become part of Lodi's finest.
973-338-3637 862-202-1990 edmaysgold@gmail.com www.facebook.com/EdMaysGoldLeaf
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May, 2018
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
PROVIDED
Fully Involved Vehicle Fire in Manchester Twp.
Manchester Twp., NJ - Firefighters battled a fully involved car fire on March 1st at State Highway 37 Eastbound and Route 37 Place.
JAMES REILLY
Netcong, NJ - On Monday, March 26th, members of Netcong Fire Department played a game of air management dodgeball, designed to evaulate each member's air consumption and help them learn to conserve under the physically taxing conditions. In the event you were hit with the dodgeball, you were to lay down, symbolizing a down firefirefighter. A rescue team of two members would then respond in, package the firefighter on the Fast Board and remove them from the court.
PROMO CODE FH16
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
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Nice Rigs From Here and There
This month it was decided to give you a random selection of some neat vehicles around the state. One is a 2017 Pierce which is Berkeley Heights Squad 2. There was not enough room in the last column which featured Union County photos. This vehicle is in the same county. It is an Enforcer PUC with a 1500-GPM pump, 710-gallon water tank, 40-gallon foam tank and 8-kw generator. Forest Grove in Franklin Township (Gloucester County) has a 2017 KME rescue; Community FC in Franklin Township (Somerset County) has a 2017 Spartan ER pumper to add to their Spartan ER rear mount platform; Ocean City has a 2000 Pierce Saber 4x4 heavy rescue, and the Ridgeway FC in Manchester Township has a 2010 Kenworth/Rosenbauer/Central tanker. Carney’s Point Volunteer Fire & Rescue has a 2017 P.L. Custom medallion ambulance on a Ford E-450 chassis. Also, Newtonville in Buena Vista Township (Atlantic County) has a 2010 HME/AF pumper/tanker. In dealer news, Absolute Fire Protection has delivered a refurbished rescue truck to Little Ferry, and the City of Hackensack has ordered an EONE, Cyclone II rescue truck with 18-foot 304L, 12-gauge non-walk-in rescue body. Specs include a Cummins ISX 12, 500-hp diesel engine, winch points on all four sides, two medical cabinets in the cab and rear wall, three-person bench seat, severe duty interior with Linex, rear ladder rack, custom storage shelving and trays, custom long top roof storage, Holmatro 4 tool PTO system, two CORE reels, two CORE bulkheads, and FRC scene lights, (both Bergen County). Also, Morris Township (Morris County) is refurbishing a pumper to relocate to a different station. Firefighter One Professional Safety Services has sent some additional features to add to the Wildwood Crest Ferrara Cinder MVP reported on last month. This includes a Hale Qmax 1750-GPM pump, 500-gallon water tank, thru-the-tank ladder storage, standard height rear end, rescue style compartments, roll-up doors and an extruded aluminum body. Defender Emergency Products Sales & Service has been awarded a contract from the Villas Fire Company (Cape May County) for a Rosenbauer water rescue truck. Specs include a Dodge 4x4 chassis with diesel engine, bucket seats and a custom console in the cab, heavy duty walk-in aluminum body with six seats and roll-up doors, custom SCUBA mounting with a custom rack, intercom system, back up camera and a roof mounted surf rescue board. Fire & Safety Services has delivered a Pierce Velocity HDR with nonwalk-in body to Wayne Township (Passaic County). Pierce deliveries include an Arrow XT HDR with walk-in body to Toms River Township District 1 (Ocean County), an Enforcer PUC 107-foot Ascendant ladder to Bellmawr in Camden County, and to Medford Township (Burlington County), an Impel pumper and an elliptical tanker on a Peterbilt chassis. 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
Franklin Township, Community FC E-253, 2017 Spartan ER, Metro Star, 2000/750/50 with 6-kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC. John M. Malecky
John M. Malecky
Berkeley Heights Squad-2, 2017 Pierce Enforcer PUC, 1500/710/40 with 8-kw generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
Ridgeway FC, Manchester Township T-3428, 2010 Kenworth T800/Rosenbauer/Central 1250/4000 UPF. It has three Newton dump valves.
John M. Malecky
John M. Malecky
Forest Grove R-58, 2017 KME Severe Service with 25-kw generator and 8.25-ton winch. It was sold by First Priority Emergency Vehicles.
Newtonville T-1263, 2010 HME-Ahrens Fox 1500/2000.
John M. Malecky
PROVIDED
Carney's Point Volunteer Fire & Rescue, 2017 Ford E-450/P.L. Custom Medallion ambulance. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles. Ocean City Heavy Rescue, 2000 Pierce Saber 4x4 with air cascade and 20-kw generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
John M. Malecky
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
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May, 2018
Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Co. Says Goodbye to Beloved Dalmatian Mystic Island, NJ - In the fire service, there is a special kind of bond involving brothers and sisters working together, looking out for each other. But there's one extraspecial part of the JUMP TO FILE# fire service that 031318103 makes us stick out even more, and that's a firehouse dog. The Dalmatian has a long history in the fire service. They were originally used to keep the horses calm as they responded to a fire call back in the day. When the days of using horsedrawn fire apparatus went away, the Dalmatian still stuck around the firehouse, becoming a symbol of the fire service. Firehouse dogs become part of the family. They bring joy and smiles to the faces of everyone who encounters them. They're taken on parades, jobs, and many other activities throughout the community. In the Mystic Island Volunteer Fire Co., we were honored to have three Dalmatians, named Captain Aerial, Lou, and Maddy. Although they belong to Chief Thomas Bonfonti Sr., he's happy to share all three of them, not only with our families, but also with the whole township. Wherever we go, one of the first things people ask is if we have the dogs. They wouldn't care about the trucks or the firemen, it was the Dalmatians they wanted! Sadly, on February 21st of this year, we lost our Captain Aerial due to an illness. It came as a shock to all of us when we got word. Hearts were broken, tears were shed and hugs were given. Aerial may not be with us anymore, but her spirit will live forever with us. I found a poem, written by Terri Haase, that exemplifies just how special Dalmatians are. D is for dashing because Dals love to run; they think running miles with horses is alot of fun! A is for active and that's how they like to be; don't leave one unoccupied with its creativity. L is for loving their precious family; at your heels and by your side is where they want to be. M is for maturing which Dals are slow to do; they are only babies, even when they're two. A is for alert for that's how Dals were bred, to guard the coach and horses while you're safe in bed. T is for trainable 'cuz Dals are smart, you see; motivate and treat, you must be smarter than he. I is for imaginative, oh the games they can play!; it's hard to even believe a dog can be that way. A is for attractive, spotted from toe to head, but for your information, Dals can really SHED! N is for nonpareil, which your Dal will surely be; beauty, brains and brawn, you can ask no more of he. God Speed Captain Aerial. - ROMAN ISARYK
Captain Aerial.
ROMAN ISARYK JR
Aerial's first time on the Engine.
ROMAN ISARYK JR
Stock Spartan Metro-Star Legend Pumper
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May, 2018
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
Firefighters Rescue Cats from Two-Alarm House Fire in Raritan Twp. Raritan Twp., NJ - Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Barley Sheaf Road in the Township around 3:45 P.M. on March 11th. The firefighters rescued two cats JUMP TO FILE# from the house, re- 032418105 uniting them with the homeowner who was home at the time of the fire. The EMS crew checked the cats out to ensure that they were okay. The fire was elevated to a second-alarm. Firefighters utilized handlines to attack the fire along with Raritan Township’s Ladder 21, which had set up in the driveway of the residence. Firefighters had to use tankers to supply water to the engines to fight the fire. A five-inch supply line was stretched from the front of the house to the intersection of Barley Sheaf Road and Madison Avenue, about 500-feet away. The tankers hooked up to the five-inch supply line via a gated valve and pumped water up to the fire engines at the fire scene. There are no fire hydrants in that area, so the Tanker TaskForce was activated to supply water for the firefighting efforts. Arriving tender/tankers connected to a siamese wye adapter that was connected to the end of the five-inch supply line. The wye is equipped with flapper valves, allowing two tenders to alternate hook into the supply line in order to maintain a constant flow of water into the five-inch line. The tankers were filled up from a hydrant on Ewing Drive by an engine from Flemington Fire Department. (This is the same wye adapter discussed last year in Story #102517119, titled “North Hunterdon Fire Alliance Holds Rural Water Supply Drill at Quakertown’s Firehouse”, in the December 2017 issue of 1st Responder Newspaper.) Some of the agencies that responded to this two-alarm fire were the Raritan Township PD (Patrol 21), Raritan Township FD (Station 21), Flemington FD (Station 49), Kingwood FD (Station 16), Amwell Valley FD (Station 48), Quakertown Fire Co. (Station 91), Lebanon Boro FD (Station 18), Hunterdon County Fire and EMS Coordinators (Station 86), Three Bridges Fire Co. (Station 33), Milford FD (Station 92), Stockton FD (Station 23), Sergeantsville Fire Co. (Station 47), West Amwell FD (Station 26), Neshanic Fire Co. (Somerset County Station 48), Eagle Fire Co. (New Hope PA Station 64), Raritan Township Fire Police (Station 21), Flemington Raritan Rescue Squad (Rescue 49), Lamberville-New Hope Rescue Squad's REHAB Unit (Rescue 17), Raritan Township OEM (Station 21), Raritan Township Fire Marshal (Station 21), and Paramedics from the Hunterdon Med-
ical Center (EMS 3). The following fire departments were called up to cover for the ones at the fire scene: Amwell Valley FD (Station 48) and Readington Fire Co. (Station 22) were assigned to cover Raritan Township, while High Bridge FD (Station 14) was assigned to cover for Quakertown Fire Co. in Franklin Township. All fire department units were clear of the scene by 5:05 P.M. The Raritan Township Police Department and the Raritan Township Fire Marshal are handling the investigation. - RICHARD MAXWELL
RICH MAXWELL
One of the two rescued cats is reunited with its owner at a two-alarm fire on Barley Sheaf Rd. in Rartian Twp. on March 11th.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
PAGE 57
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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
RICH MAXWELL
Well, now that the bobsled events for the Olympics are over, we can release the confidential training photos of New Jersey's Harmony Twp. Vol. Fire Company’s Bobsled Team. For fear of upsetting the Olympic trials, the photos were agreed to be held back until the games were over. The firefighters wanted to have a new category added to the bobsled competitions, the twoman-plus race. There is already a two-man and a four-man category, so this would be a totally new one; a first of its kind.
The two-man-plus team would consist of two men and a mascot of the team's choice. In Harmony’s case, it was a simple choice; New Jersey is swarming with white tail deer. So, they decided why not grab one and go for it? The photo shows Firefighters John Latorette and Kyle McKenna making practice
Read more stories on our website! www.1rbn.com
RICH MAXWELL
runs at an undisclosed frozen lake somewhere in Warren County, with the mascot on board. Fire Chief Wes Garrison had high hopes for the men. But in the end, the officials decided not to have this “special” category added to the games. All kidding aside, the above is not really a true story. After all, this IS called “On the Liter Side". And the bobsled isn’t really a bobsled, it’s a john boat.
The photo is from a deer rescue the Fire Company was involved in back on January 11, 2018. It was reported in Story #12718100, titled “Harmony Twp. Firefighters Rescue Deer Stuck on Frozen Pond”.
Passerby Calls in Working House Fire in Mansfield Twp. Mansfield Twp., NJ - A few minutes past 5:00 P.M. on March 3rd, a person that drove by a house on Valley Road called 9-1-1 to report that the roof of the house was on fire. They also told the Warren County dispatcher that they went up the driveway blowing their horn in an attempt to alert the homeowners. The first police officer to arrive on the scene, Sergeant Sillett, rescued a cat and dog from the rear of the residence. He put them in his patrol car until the Township Animal Control Officer responded to secure them. Mount Bethel Fire Chief Paul Sansevere was the first fire officer to arrive on the scene, and reported flames through the roof. He requested a first-alarm, along with a tanker task force assignment. It was ascertained that no one was home at the time of the fire and that there was no power to the
JUMP TO FILE #032418102 home, or the area, as a result of the nor’easter that swept through the region the day before. Firefighters stretched several handlines and made an interior attack on the flames from the front and rear doors of the home. Water to fight the fire was drafted out of the Pohatcong Creek, which runs just across the street from the house, going under Mitchell Road. The tanker task force was staged as a backup water supply. The fire was under control at 6:08 P.M., and firefighters remained on the scene until 8:40 P.M. The fire is being investigated by the Mansfield Twp. PD, Warren County Fire Marshal, and the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. Firefighters were dispatched
back to the scene for a rekindle fire at 10:31 P.M., where they found the left side of the residence fully involved upon their arrival. Responding to the scene were the Mansfield Twp. PD (Patrol 28), Mount Bethel Fire Co. (Station 26), Tri-County Fire Co. (Station 29), Mansfield Fire Co. (Station 28), Butler Park Fire Co. (Station 27), Hackettstown FD (Station 78), Oxford FD (Station 39), Franklin Twp. FD (Station 57), Mountain Lake Fire Co. (Station 72), Independence FD (Station 73), Harmony FD (Station 23), Washington Boro FD (Station 83), Mansfield Rescue Squad (Rescue 28), Oxford Rescue Squad (Rescue 39), Warren County Fire Marshal (Station 33), Warren County Prosecutor's Office (Station 89), and the Warren County Tanker Task Force. - RICHARD MAXWELL
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
May, 2018
DRILLS/TRAINING
PAGE 59
To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com
PROVIDED
Fully Involved Vehicle Fire in Manchester Twp.
Manchester Twp., NJ - Firefighters battled a fully involved car fire on March 1st at State Highway 37 Eastbound and Route 37 Place.
JAMES REILLY
Netcong, NJ - On Monday, March 26th, members of Netcong Fire Department played a game of air management dodgeball, designed to evaulate each member's air consumption and help them learn to conserve under the physically taxing conditions. In the event you were hit with the dodgeball, you were to lay down, symbolizing a down firefirefighter. A rescue team of two members would then respond in, package the firefighter on the Fast Board and remove them from the court.
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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ