Fire News New Jersey, January 2023

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff at Fire News

See story

- Fire News photo by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC

Upper Saddle River Blaze

A3-1/2 story home is well involved on arrival and goes to five alarms. See story on page 6

Ship Bottom Serves 100 Years

The town celebrates a milestone of service to the community.

Fatality at Mays Landing MVA

Anotorious section of road claims another live in a two-car MVA.

See story on page 10 See story on page 12

Dog Rescued At Cologne Fire

All humans were out safely, and a dog was successfully resuscitated.

See story on page 16

AService for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

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MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY,Vice President National Sales

BRYAN LOPEZ,Editorial Assistant

GREGORYJONES, Graphic Artist

FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS

Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder.

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Teaneck 2-Alarmer

The fire is quickly stopped but the overhaul is a back-breaking job.

See story on page 20

Obituaries

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stories on pages 21 & 22

Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready for2023? From the Editor’s Desk

The year 2022 brought reality to many firefighters with the Line of Duty Deaths of many of our colleagues. Cancer took many of our heroes from their families and co-workers in 2022. To all responders, there are measures that we can take to keep ourselves and our families safe from cancer. You have heard me talk about the things we can do to protect ourselves from this insidious disease. In 2023, please take the advice from the people who are working hard to convince all responders that wearing clean protective gear and SCBAis a good start to keeping yourself safe. The IAFF states that firefighter occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. At the 2022 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, almost 75 percent of the names added to the wall (348 out of 469) were members who had died from occupational cancer. Visit IAFF.org to learn about cancer among firefighters. January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness month. Take some time in 2023 to learn what you can do to be “safer” from this disease. Thank you to the IAFF for making firefighters aware of cancer and what you can do to stay safe and lessen your chances of getting cancer.

For over 30 years, I was an Industrial Arts/Technology teacher. I taught middle school

kids to use tools and machinery which, today, is considered dangerous. Sadly, many of the projects we did are no longer performed in schools. Industry and the fire service is now feeling the effects of not training kids to safely use machinery. The fire service is also noticing that many probationary firefighters are uncomfortable with using cutting tools. Thank you to our chiefs, officers and training committees for teaching our members how to use machinery and tools safely.

I also would like to thank our chiefs, company officers and senior members for setting up an intense program that teaches all members, new and old, to work safely as they battle the flames that greet them at a working fire. It is evident that all departments are doing a great job teaching our firefighters to operate safely. Many of my neighboring departments battled fatal fires in 2022. It was a tough year for many of you. Thank you to the chiefs that set up counseling sessions with the firefighters who experienced death on the fire ground. Thank you to the responders that took the opportunity to be part of these classes. Your professionalism came through by your presence at these sessions.

In 2023, give thought to what you can do to be a better firefighter. Your community needs

you, 24/7! Stay active, train and share your knowledge and experiences with your new members.

As a firefighter dealing with cancer, I appreciated the comradeship that I received in 2022. I am hoping that in 2023 I will be able to get back to what I love to do; that is to assist in training firefighters. In the meantime, have a safe and wonderful News Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Stay strong in 2023! - Dennis

Cover Story Route 80 CarFire

Recently the Budd Lake department was dispatched to Route 80 east at milemarker26 in Budd Lake fora carfire. Cars 50 and 51 and Engine 59 were on the assignment and found a fully involved caron the side of the highway. The fire was quickly knocked down

with Engine 59’s front bumperline. There were no injuries on scene and the crews returned to service within an hour.

- Fire News photo by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC

UpperSaddle River5-Alarmer

At approximately 1640 on October16, 2022, the UpperSaddle River Fire Department was dispatched foran activated fire alarm on Hillsdale Avenue. On arrival, a second alarm was immediately requested by the chief and he reported a well involved, very large 31/2 story frame home. Heavy smoke was visible formiles as companies were en route. With no hydrants in the area and the need fora positive watersupply, command requested a third alarm at 1700, reporting fire on all floors and through the roof of the 10,000-squarefoot mansion. Aladderpipe was set up as well as a towerladderas an engine company prepared to draft from a nearby swimming pool. With the home still well involved, a fourth alarm was transmitted and a tankershuttle was set up on Hillside Avenue. The home was within

North Arlington 3-Alarmer

a few hundred feet of the New York State line and numerous departments from Rockland County (NY) responded to the scene along with multiple departments from the northern end of Bergen County. Within an hourthe entire roof collapsed along with all the floors and portions of the exteriorwalls. At 1925 command reported that the main body of fire was knocked down, howeverheavy pockets of fire remained and all companies continued to operate with the two aerial streams performing hydraulic overhaul. Afifth alarm was requested at 2015 forrelief and additional station coverage. The fire continued to smolderthroughout the night. No injuries were reported and the origin was being investigated by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

On September22, 2022, the North Arlington Fire Department was dispatched to a home underconstruction on Union Avenue fora house fire. Crews followed a large column of smoke to the scene where heavy fire was showing from a large 2-1/2 story wood frame home. Asecond alarm was struck, quickly followed by a third as heavy fire worked its way to the upperfloors. Ladder3’s crew vented the roof where fire began to break out. Due to limited access to the attic space, command ordered the building to be evacuated to switch the operations to a defensive attack. Crews from Kearny, Rutherford and Lyndhurst operated on scene with North Arlington fornearly two hours.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Brick MVA into Building

On October7, 2022, Brick Fire Station 23 and EMS responded to a commercial building on the cornerof Route 88 and Coolidge fora reported vehicle versus a building. EMS and first arriving chiefs found a severely damaged SUVinto a building with the unconscious driverstill inside. Brick Fire’s Technical Rescue Team was requested to the scene to secure the building as Brick EMS transported the driverto OMC with CPR in progress.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Carinto Building in Cardiff

The Cardiff VolunteerFire Company responded to the 7-11 on Tilton Road on November27, 2022, for a report of a carinto the building. Firefighters responded and stood by until the investigatorfrom the township construction office arrived and determined the building was safe.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Ship Bottom Celebrates 100 Years

The Ship Bottom VolunteerFire Company from Ocean County celebrated 100 years of dedicated service to theirs and theirsurrounding communities on October15, 2022, with a gala parade and an apparatus inspection by the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association and with festivities at theirstation. The truck second from thertop on the left is their1937 Ford which fought the Hindenburg airship fire.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Mark Rosetti

Flames Damage Red Roof Inn in Lawrence Township

Afire involving one of the three buildings at the Red Roof Inn in Lawrence Township, MercerCounty, was quickly extinguished before it could cause any serious damage during the early hours of October 13, 2022. It was 0204 when Lawrence Township’s three volunteerfire companies were dispatched, along with Squad 12 and Truck 17 from Hamilton Township. Lawrence Township police arrived to find smoke and flames showing from a second-floorbalcony overthe motel’s office in Building A. Police discharged several dry chemical extinguishers in an effort to check the fire’s spread. Squad 12 then arrived and led off with a 2-1/2-inch hoseline and quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Pleasant Plains MVA

On October4, 2022, Toms RiverStations 29 and 30 were requested by Hatzolah EMS fora MVAwith entrapment on Vermont Avenue in Pleasant Plains. Rescue 3033 and Squad 2913 arrived to a two-car MVArequiring a doorpop. The single extricated occupant was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

1 Fatality at Mays Landing 2-CarMVA

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale, and Richland along with the Township of Hamilton EMS and Police were dispatched on September2, 2022, to Millville and Pittsburgh Avenues at the South River“S” curve fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. This is the site of numerous fatal accidents, with this being no exception. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived and established command fora two-vehicle crash with both vehicles in the roadway and the second vehicle onto the guardrail with the

occupant trapped. Upon the arrival of Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., extrication duties were split between Ma ys Landing Rescue 1816 and Richland Engine 1211. Vehicle 1’s occupant was removed apparently deceased, while Vehicle 2’s occupant was removed and medevac’d to the Atlantic City Trauma Centerin Atlantic City. Also responding was the Southern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office. - Fire

Egg HarborCity Fire

second

News photos by Ken Badger

On November22, 2022, Egg HarborCity and South Egg Harborfire departments were dispatched fora structure fire. Car100 arrived and confirmed a working fire showing from the second floorof a two-story residential structure. Engine 10-1 arrived and stretched a line to the

floor, extinguishing the single-room fire. Ladder10 arrived and positioned forfurtherventilation. South Egg Harborarrived and assisted the first-due units. The fire was quickly placed under control with no reported injuries. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

Up Close & Personal

Atlantic City Fire Department Captain Bill Baumgartel (ret.; center) with retired Atlantic City Fire Department Captain Robert Vandyke (left) and retired City of Pleasantville Fire Department Company 2 Assistant Chief Ken Badger. Bill created the hand-crafted frontispieces forboth Bob and Ken as a token of friendship.

- Fire News photo courtesy Ken Badger

(Left) APaterson firefighterat a commercial twoalarmeron Main Street

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Atlantic County Firefighters Association President Chuck Macintosh, Jr.; Executive Chairman Howard Berchtold, Jr.; and Vice-Chairman OscarDutch, Jr.; at the NeverThere Gun Club spaghetti and crabs dinneron November4, 2022. This is an annual event the E-Board attends. Also in attendance were members Kim Feinstein, and Jaime and Rob Melon.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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InstructorSharpe and Trainee Carmona doing laddertraining on October16, 2022, showing students the difference in height of people when performing different tasks.

Fire News photo courtesy Dennis C. Sharpe

City of Linwood FirefighterJay Sarno at the controls of Ladder5 at a Columbia Avenue job in the City of Pleasantville on November22- 2022.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe and Scullville Chief Vern Cruse arriving at a Weymouth Avenue job on November13, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

on September10, 2022.

Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

LZ for Jumper Transport

On September14, 2022, Silverton EMS and RWJ Paramedics requested an LZ to be set up fora patient who had jumped from the fourth floorof the Ocean County College complex. New Jersey State Police Southstarlanded at the college at the LZ set up by Silverton Fire Station 29. The patient was conscious and transported the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Dog Rescued at Cologne Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Laureldale and Mays Landing responded to Primrose Court on June 20, 2022, at 0600, for the report of a structure fire with all occupants evacuated but with a dog still inside. Cologne Assistant Chief Sanders and firefighters, were greeted by heavy fire from the Aside of the structure with fire

on the ground floorventing out two windows. Two lines were stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. Firefighters quickly found the dog and removed it to the exteriorwhere it was resuscitated by EMS. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger

35 Years and Still on the Job

Originally built in 1987, this apparatus served the Oceanport First Aid Squad. Afterits careeras an ambulance, it was acquired by the Oceanport Fire Department to be used as a Special Services/Fire Police vehicle and Traffic Unit and is still in service today. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Pets Die in Bayview Blaze

The volunteerfire companies of Bayview, Oceanville and Pomona responded to South 2nd Avenue on September28, 2022, fora report of a structure fire. Heavy smoke could be seen from a distance and the structure was located down the end of a long driveway. Bayview Assistant Chief Louis Miranda III established command forheavy fire showing from the garage of a two-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling. Galloway Township Chief John Mooney arrived and assumed operations. Asecond alarm was requested that brought in the remaining Galloway Township companies (Germania and South Egg Harbor), Absecon, Atlantic City Airport, Cardiff and

Farmington from Egg HarborTownship. Bayview Engine 2644, laid in with a LDH that supplied a 2-½ inch line to the rearof the structure. Oceanville’s Quint, Engine 2644, supplied theiraerial which flowed theirladderpipe onto the well involved garage. During an interiorsearch, three dogs were discovered deceased and brought out and covered. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Galloway Township Fire Investigators and Police. Also responding were Galloway EMS, Atlantic City Electric Company, and South Jersey Gas Company, Ladies Auxillary and Galloway Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Society Hill Condo Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Galloway Township were alerted t o respond to Apache Court in Society Hill fora confirmed working fire. Residents went door-to-dooralerting neighbors and getting everyone out. Upon arriving, a second alarm was requested bringing in surrounding companies. Anearby hydrant allowed forthe

use of two aerials and numerous handlines. Firefighters were on the scene all day hitting hot spots and investigating. The cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Welcome to the Family

Congratulations

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Errata

to ourAssistant EditorBryan Lopez and his wife Melinda on the birth of their daughterMakayla Marie on October 16, 2022.

Fire News photo by a proud mom and dad

We mis-captioned this in the November22, 2022, issue. Thanks to Joseph E. Diehl forpointing it out. It should have read: Pine Beach Fire Company7 EMS Lieutenant Kim Mckay. — Ed.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Pleasantville Kitchen Fire Extends

The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to Columbia Avenue around noon on November22, 2022, fora kitchen fire with the callerreporting smoke and fire. Deputy Chief Pete Elias responded, established command and reported a working fire bringing mutual aid from surrounding companies. The fire was contained quickly, but overhaul was extensive as the fire traveled throughout the house including the basement and second floor. The

Teaneck 2-Alarmer

fire was investigated by Pleasantville’s Fire Cause Investigatorand investigators from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. Also responding were: Northfield, Linwood, Atlantic City Airport, West Atlantic City (covered Pleasantville), VentnorCity, Tri-Care EM S, Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas and Pleasantville Poli ce.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

24th Annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference April 17-21, 2023

The 2023 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference will be held back on Atlantic City’s Famous Boardwalk, April 17 to 21, 2023, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

This past year we lost an individual who was instrumental in helping grow the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association, Michael Augustyniak. To honor him and his efforts, a new scholarship has been dedicated in his name, alongside our existing Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship.

Please visit our website www.njepa.org for additional information, following is an overview of the requirements.

The candidate must be a high school senior or presently enrolled in a college or university as a full-time or part-time student. The candidate must be a legal US resident and a resident of the State of New Jersey.

All applications must be received by electronic submission and should include transcripts, SATs, and any other supporting information. Applications must be received no later than March 10, 2023. Any application received after this date will not be considered for a scholarship.

Just before 2030 on October4, 2022, Teaneck Fire received a call forsmoke coming from the roof of a house on Downing Street. BC-4 Chris Robins reported a working fire with flames showing from the C/D cornerof the first floor. Mutual aid from Englewood and Hackensack responded and, shortly after, command requested a second alarm bringing companies from Ridgefield Park and Bogota. The main body of fire was knocked down in under15 minutes, however, fire had already gotten into the walls and extended to the second floor. Afterback breaking overhaul opening the walls and ceiling from both the interiorand exterior, the fire was placed undercontrol without any injuries.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

All applications will be reviewed for eligibility and to ensure that all supporting documentation has been received. Ablind selection process will be employed. Should there be no qualified applicants in any given year the scholarship may not be awarded. Scholarship Awardees will be notified by e-mail and/or telephone prior to the 2023 conference.

Past NJEPAScholarship recipients are NOTeligible to receive another scholarship.

Obituary Absecon’s Edward Vincent

Edward Vincent, former Chief of the Absecon Fire Department, passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2022. He was 81.

After serving his country in the US Army, Chief Vincent joined the South Old Bridge Fire Department in 1976 before moving to Absecon. In 1981, Chief Vincent joined the Absecon Fire Department and quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a Captain in 1984, Assistant Chief in 1986, and Department Chief in 1989. Chief Vincent’s presence in Atlantic County was also prominent and prosperous, serving as the Atlantic County Fire Fighters Association President for six years, Atlantic County Fire Official for 11 years, and an Atlantic County Fire Instructor for 20 years, just a few of his many accomplishments.

Chief Vincent remained an active member of the department and the county until his passing. Anyone who had the honor of knowing Chief Vincent knew he had a strong passion for public service and an extensive knowledge of fire safety. Edward was a friend to many in the community and a mentor to those in the department.

Edward was a loving husband to his wife Mary; a loving brother to his three siblings; a loving father to his two children; a loving stepfather to his five stepchildren; a loving grandfather to his six grandchildren; and a loving great-grandfather to his two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family request all donations be made to the Absecon Fire Department at the listed address.

- Fire News story provided

Obituary LODD: Saddle Brook’s Basil Pizzuto

On November 22, 2022, Captain Basil Pizzuto was conducting Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) refresher training to fellow members of the department. The following morning, November 23, 2022, while at his full-time job, he suffered a heart attack and coded. EMS personnel arrived and were able to revive him. He was then rushed to the hospital where he remained conscious and alert. He later fell ill, was taken into emergency surgery, and passed away a short time later. He was 49, and died the day before his 50th birthday.

Pizzuto was a beloved educator, a 32-year member of the Saddle Brook Volunteer Fire Department, and a passionate musician at St. Philip the Apostle church.

Pizzuto started his career in education as a math teacher at Ridgewood High School in 1997. He started as a junior in the Saddle Brook Fire Department at age 16. He served as an Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, and Assistant Chaplain with the department.

He leaves behind a wife, Adriana Couter Pizzuto and two children, Owen (18) and Aiden (15).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Basil’s love and generosity by making a donation to your favorite charity. Contributions for his family can be made through GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/basil-pizzuto-memorial.

- Fire News photo provided