Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor 9/11 - 20 Years Later

I still remember driving to work on September 11, 2001. Traffic was your usual Long Island bumper-to-bumper mess. As I listened to the morning news on my favorite radio station, a reporter commented on what was thought to be a private airplane that had crashed into the World Trade Center. I had no idea that all of our lives would change as a result of this incident.

Twenty-years have passed since that terrible day. As I gave thought to this editorial, I wondered what my fire company’s new firefighters knew about 9/11. I did some quick math and realized the majority of my company’s probies were infants at the time of this attack on the United States. What could they know about this horrible day? I sat with five probies one night and realized that, thanks to the yearly memorial services and other yearly activities over the past 20 years, they knew more than I had given them credit for. They had a pretty good idea of what 9/11 was like. Of course, I interjected what my department did on 9/11 and what the atmosphere was like when every member showed up at the firehouse ready to be called into NYC. Our new young members never realized we sent a crew to Alley Pond Park in Queens to stand by in case we were needed at the World Trade Center. I explained there was no hesitation by any member to jump onto the truck and help. My departments rescue truck was called into the South Street Seaport to set up lights. I explained to my audience that once Con Edison was able return electric to the Seaport, our members proudly rode home.

I also noted that if there was anything positive that came out of this attack, it was that our nation pulled together to support the families of the fallen. Firefighters from all over the world offered support for the comfort of the families who did not know what the future held. Is that support still there?

We cannot let our first responders down by walking away from the health problems that developed after 9/11. Exposure to toxins on that day, continue to take away the lives of our responders. We must continue to support all first responders in their time of need. Thanks to the Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, the FealGood Fund and other organizations, our fallen members are remembered. The Johnny Mac Foundation coined the phrase, “Whatever it takes.” Look into and support the organizations that support us.

Every year we remain vigilant on the anniversary of 9/11. I recently heard on the news that this year, we must remain extra vigilant due to the current situation in Afghanistan. President Biden is slowly returning our military to this area, because things have quickly gotten out of hand with the removal of our troops. Until the world is at peace, we must remain vigilant at home. Let’s set the example! It is time to bring the respect and love back between Americans that we had 20 years ago after the attack on our country. - Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, September2021 Cover Story

Trenton All-Hands Blaze

Members of the Trenton Fire Department were called upon to battle a blaze involving two houses on South Logan Avenue in the Wilbursection of the city on July 5, 2021. The initial assignment consisting of Engines 6, 7 and 10, Ladder4, Rescue 1, and the South Battalion, was dispatched about 0805. First-arriving crews encountered heavy fire conditions on the upperfloors of the 2-1/2 story home on South Logan, with flames extending into the attached dwelling. An all-hands was transmitted, sending the balance of the first alarm to the scene —Engine 3, Ladder2, Special Services 1, and the North Battalion. An aggressive attack was initiated, however, interiorconditions rapidly deteriorated and all personnel were pulled from the buildings. Defensive operations utilizing multiple hoselines and Ladder4’s aerial master stream were ultimately used to bring the fire undercontrol. Two small dogs were located and removed by members of Rescue 1, but one of the pets did not survive. - Fire News photos & story by Michael Ratcliffe

Fire in Oakcrest Estates

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne and Laureldale responded to RadnorCourt in the Oakcrest Estates on May 1, 2021, fora dryerfire. Police arrived and reported heavy smoke showing. Cologne Assistant Chief Sciore reported a working fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and requested the first arriving apparatus to wrap in as there was a hydrant at both entrances. Firefighters stretched a 1-3/4 inch line to the front doorand were met by heavy smoke and a kitchen fire. While the kitchen fire was being extinguished, fans were set up at the front doorforventilation while additional firefighters searched the second floor. Also responding were Dorothy EMS, Atlantic City Electric Company, and South Jersey Gas Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Electrical Fire in Wanamassa

On May 20, 2021, the Ocean Township Wanamassa Fire Department Station 37-2 was dispatched to a home on Route 35 northbound fora reported basement fire. Chief 37-2-66 was first to arrive and advised incoming units of a confirmed smoke condition in the basement. Asmall fire was found involving the electrical panel which was quickly extinguished, but smoke had charged the entire house. Engine 2-73 extinguished the fire and Rescue 2-85 set up ventilation fans to evacuate the smoke. Crews operated on scene forapproximately 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Carinto Porch in Asbury Park

On May 17, 2021, the Asbury Park Fire Department responded to a home on 4th Avenue forreports of a vehicle into a house. Companies arrived to find an SUVthat went off the roadway and struck the front porch of the residence. The vehicle was back in the street on arrival and there was no structural damage done to the house. Asbury Park Police conducted a field sobriety test on the scene forthe driver. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Fast Stop in Parsippany

On May 29, 2021, Parsippany Fire Districts 4 and 6 were dispatched to ReservoirDrive fora fire. Engine 662 arrived to a fire in a laundry room and stretched a line. District 4’s Squrt set up to the roof but no vertical ventilation was needed thanks to the quick interiorattack. Boonton Engine 303 responded as the RITbut was quickly returned, as the fire was placed undercontrol within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Farmington, NJ-ANGTrain

Members of the Farmington VolunteerFire Company, along with firefighters from the 177th FighterInterceptorGroup of the New Jersey Air National Guard (the “Jersey Devil”s) Fire Department trained June 15, 2021, at the Farmington station. The training consisted of familiarization of equipment with a PowerPoint presentation of aircraft emergencies and response. Egg HarborTownship abuts the airport. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe