NJEPAConf. 2023

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 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 EMS, Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas and Pleasantville Police. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Teaneck 2-Alarmer

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

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.

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

Page 22, Fire News, January 2023 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