Fire News New Jersey, October 2023

SUV, Tractor-Trailer MVA in Cardiff

An SUV becomes fully involved after a collision with a tractortrailer.

See story on page 10

Multi-Alarm in Mays Landing

Firefighters are confronted with a fire in a 50- x 300-foot metal and wood commercial structure.

See story on page 13

Rescue in Hamilton Township

Firefighters rescue a handicapped man from a house fire in Mercer County. Oceanville

See story on page 17

3-Alarmer

Firefighters arrive to smoke pouring from a roof on South Wood Lane.

See story on page 25

Musters Around the State

Musters in Jamesburg, Cooper River and Glasstown.

See stories on pages 32, 34 & 35

Obituaries

West Milford’s Edward J. Steines: LODD

Northfield’s Robert Leeds

See stories on page 42

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NEWVENUE FOR NFFF2023 9/11 STAIR CLIMB

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has announced a change in venue forthe 2023 National 9/11 Memorial StairClimb for Fallen Firefighters. This annual event benefits the FDNY Counseling Service Unit and NFFF programs for families of fallen firefighters. The 2023 National Stair Climb will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Louis Armstrong Stadium at the USTABillie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open Championships. More info at www.nationalstairclimb.org.

26TH WILDFIRE AND INCIDENTMANAGEMENT ACADEMYFREE TO LI FFS

The Central Pine Barrens Commission’s Wildfire Task Force will host the 26th annual New York Wildfire and Incident Management Training Academy from October 19 through October 29, 2023, at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Among the courses offered at the Academy will be Wildfire Powersaws and

Storm Debris Removal, Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior and Brush Truck Training.

“Studies of wildland fire risk in New York State have found that the Central Pine Barrens region is the most at-risk area for fires with the potential to impact communities,” said Central Pine Barrens Commission Executive Director Judy Jakobsen. “Because of this, the Academy, in coordination with its partners at the Suffolk County Fire Academy and Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, offers courses that directly relate to the risks Long Island volunteer firefighters face.”

The Academy offers Basic Firefighting and Wildland Fire Behavior along with Fire Operations in the Wildland Urban Interface free of charge to Nassau and Suffolk County volunteerfirefighters. Basic Firefighting and Wildland Fire Behavior is offered as a five-day classroom session or as a two-day field session. Both are recognized by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which governs wildland firefighting standards across the country.

To register, view descriptions of all classes offered or learn more about the Academy, go to www.nywima.com. Class registrations must be received by the close of business on Saturday,

September 30. Registrations received after that date will incur a late registration fee.

E-mail the Academy at nywima@pb. state.ny.us or call directly at 631-218-1195 with any questions.

CAMPUS FIRE FORUM 2023

ACampus Fire Forum will be held in Grapevine, TX, from November6 to 9, 2023 The forum will cover Lithium-Ion batteries, MicroMobility devices, Safety issues on campus (from codes to management issues), Active shooters, Blocked/Locked exits, Crowd Management, Drones and Rockets, Students with Disabilities, the fire aspects of special events on campus and more. For more info: https://www.myccfs.org/forum.

2023 BESTCITIES FOR SURVIVINGA… ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

And the worst cities. Two hundred cities compared based on Vulnerability, Hideouts, Supplies, Protection and Mobility. Go to https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-cities-zombiepreparedness/.

(Continued on page 8)

Lawrence Rubbish Pile Ablaze

Responding to what was initially reported as a brush fire, Lawrence firefighters instead found a large pile of rubbish ablaze on July 2, 2023. Deputy Chief Ray Nagy radioed that he had a column of smoke visible from a rearyard of the home on Princeton Pike. On arrival he found a large pile of junk, including scrap airconditioners and barbecue grills, engulfed in flames. Lawrence firefighters, aided by a mutual aid crew from Princeton, quickly extinguished the blaze using tank water.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Farmington House Fire

Barnegat Light Drills with 2022 EMTof the Year, Bob Selfridge

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded to the area of SandpiperRoad fora report of a structure fire. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived and declared a working fire, established command and requested assistance from Bargaintown and the City of Northfield. Cardiff Engine 1516 arrived and its crew stretched in and began attacking the fire which was impinging on an exposure on the bravo side. Command had Farmington Engine 1543 come in on the next street over, with a line to assist. Bargaintown firefighters covered Cardiff. The fire was investigated by the EHTfire investigator.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Barnegat Light VolunteerFire Company drilled with 2022 EMTof the Year, Bob Selfridge. Selfridge was awarded EMTof the Yearin 2022 forsaving a woman and young child from an overturned boat in the Barnegat Light Inlet. - Fire News photo by Bob Birdsall

SPECIALPACTACT ENROLLMENTPERIOD FOR VETERANS ENDS

IN SEPTEMBER

Post-9/11 combat veterans who served between 2001 and 2013 have until September 30, 2023, to enroll in Department of Veterans Affairs health care. The date will conclude a one-year “special enrollment period” provided by the PACTAct. This provision of the PACTAct took effect in 2022. It gave the potential to receive compensation to millions of veterans or their survivors who were exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals while in uniform, going back to the 1960s.

The VAenrollment period for post-9/11 combat vets is meant to get those veterans deemed to have been exposed to toxins based on their deployments onto the VA’s rolls and into care in which the providers are cognizant of toxic exposures, said Cory Titus, an Army infantry veteran and director with the Military Officers Association of America who led the association’s PACTAct advocacy.

The bill automatically assumes troops who served in certain locations were exposed. Once enrolled, veterans’individual circumstances will dictate how much care they’ll actually be eligible to receive.

INTER-AGENCYFIRE SAFETYGROUPSTARTED DUE TO ENERGYSTORAGE SYSTEM FIRES

New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the creation of a new Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group to ensure the safety and security of energy storage systems across the state, following fire incidents at facilities in Jefferson, Orange, and Suffolk counties this summer. State agencies will begin immediate inspections of energy storage sites, and the Working Group will help prevent fires and ensure emergency responders have the necessary training and information to prepare and deploy resources in the event of such a fire.

“The Working Group will collaborate with first responders and local leaders to identify best practices, address potential risks to public safety, and ensure energy storage sites across New York are

Continued from page 4

safe and effective” said NYGovernor Hochul.

For further info: https://www.governor. ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-convenes-interagency-fire-safety-working-group-followingfires-jefferson.

FUTURE FIREFIGHTING

The University of Maryland Autonomous Micro Air Vehicle (AMAV) student team competed in the First Responder UAS Challenges hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Annual DesignBuild-Vertical Flight Competition hosted by the Vertical Flight Society (VFS). Their AMAV’s Gambit was a low-cost, easy-to-fly drone specifically tailored to operate indoors, while providing full light, low light, and thermal imaging. The drone design, fabrication, assembly, and testing were performed by University of Maryland students. The students won over $150,000 in the national competition.

Thermal, HD, and night-vision cameras were mounted on a remote-controlled gimbal with a 180° range of motion, which enabled the drone to precisely maneuver in constrained environments and positively identify objects of interest in any lighting condition. Theirdrone was based on the DJI Matrice 300 drone, a popularchoice forfirst responders. For more go to https://www.nist.gov/ctl/pscr/amav-umd.

Vacant Houses Burn in Trenton

Trenton firefighters tackled a blaze involving a pairof vacant houses on July 9, 2023. Dispatched around 1650, responding members of B Platoon and crews from Engines 6, 10 and 7, Ladder4 and Rescue 1 were confronted by heavy smoke billowing from the front and flames showing from the rears on Hurley Street. An all-hands signal was immediately ordered by Battalion Chief Ross Dale and the balance of the first alarm, Engine 1, Ladder1 and Special Services 1, were sent to the scene. Fourhoselines were placed i n service and the blaze was ultimately declared undercontrol at 1725. The fire’s cause was being investigated by law enforcement and fire officials. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

SUVvs. TractorTrailer in Cardiff

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded to Washington Avenue on August 1, 2023, foran MVAwith fire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived to one vehicle fully involved and requested a response from Bargaintown. The crash involved an SUVversus a tractortrailerwith the SUVcoming to rest along the shoulderfully involved. Upon the arrival of two Cardiff engines, their crew pulled lines and began attacking the fire with the Farmington engine providing support. The crash caused a large leak of diesel fuel that was stopped before it ran into the storm basin. The electric company was requested as the vehicle fire impinged onto theirpole and wires. Bargaintown firefighters responded with theirwatertender and theircrew assisted with overhaul and cleanup. The cause of the accident was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police. Also responding were EHTEMS.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

August 27, 2023, Budd Lake received a call of a carfire in the 7-11 parking lot on Rt. 46. The 1950-era Mercury was on fire underrearwheels. Engine 59 arrived as the fire extended to the trunk and passengercompartments. Line crews put down the flames, which were extensive, and overhauled the interior. There were no injuries .

- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney, Budd Lake FC 1

Vintage CarFire in Budd Lake

Multi-Alarm Commercial Fire in Mays Landing

The volunteerfire Companies of Laureldale, Cologne and Mays Landing were dispatched at 2131 hours on April 21, 2023, to Holly Street fora report of a structure fire. Almost immediately, Township Fire Official Chris Dibiase called dispatch and requested a se cond alarm and a tankertask force response. The fire involved the South Jersey Lumbermans, a 50- x 300-foot metal-and-wood frame structure that ran deeply into the woodlands with several storage buildings well involved. The fire grew to multiple alarm status bringing

firefighters from throughout Atlantic and surrounding counties. Machinery was brought in to pull the metal siding and roofs apart to fully extinguish the fire and one firefighters was transported to the hospital forevaluation. Command was terminated at 0515 hours on April 22, with the fire being investigated by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Investigations Unit.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Galloway Twp. 2-Alarm House Fire

On August 3, 2023, Galloway Township Fire Departments were called forreported structure fire. En route, units were updated that dispatch was getting multiple calls fora confirmed fire. Car26-301 upgraded the assignment to a second alarm bringing specified units from all departments. Car26-301 arrived to a large amount of fire

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

showing from a two-story wood frame with an exposure on the D side. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the fire buil ding with minorextension to the D-side exposure.

Surroundand-Drown at Toms River 3-Alarmer

In the early morning hours of April 29, 2023, Toms River Stations 28, 29 and 30 were dispatched fora house fire on Whitty Road. In heavy rain, crews arrived to a 2-1/2 story wood frame with heavy fire showing from the rearof the setback property with limited access. Crews had difficulty getting apparatus through tight driveways between the property walls which resulted in long handline and supply line stretches. Units attempted an interiorattack but were forced from the building once heavy fire consumed the entire top floor. Multiple masterstreams were set up fora surround-anddrown attack as crews remained on scene into the afternoon dousing hot spots. Multiple animals were pulled from the home by members of the department in unknown conditions.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Firefighters rescued a handicapped man from his burning home in Hamilton Township, MercerCounty, on April 2, 2023. It was shortly before 1115 when Hamilton Township Fire Department Engines 2, 3 and 4, Squad 1, Trucks 1 and 2, Rescue 1 and Battalion 1, along with several EMS units, were dispatched to Jeremiah Avenue in response to multiple 911 calls. Heavy smoke was showing from the 1-1/2 story home when Engine 2 arrived. An all hands was called, sending Hamilton’s remaining on-duty company, Engine 1, to the scene. Firefighters initiated a primary search in conjunction with an aggressive interiorattack. The trapped resident was quickly located and removed allowing EMS personnel to stabilize his condition priorto transporting him. Heavy fire conditions were encountered in the rearof the dwelli ng but were soon knocked down. The blaze was declared undercontrol at 1134.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Handicapped Man Rescued from Hamilton Twp. Blaze

Pleasantville Promotions and Retirements

The City of Pleasantville Fire Department held a retirement ceremony and a swearing in of new officers on June 5, 2023. Promoted were Captain Eric Moran who was promoted to Battalion Chief, Captain Keven Vanegas was promoted to Battalion Chief and Firefighter Paul Gregory promoted to Captain.

Retirees were: Battalion Chief Chad Warmoth; Battalion Chief Peter Elias; Firefighter Carlo Culotta; Firefighter Patrick Foley; Firefighter Domenick Dipietro; and Firefighter/ Inspector Michael McAvaddy.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Battalion Chief Eric ‘Doc’Moran and family.

Battalion Chief Keven Vanegas has his badge pinned on by his daughter.

Friends, family, and brotherand sisterfirefighters.

Captain Gregory and family.

Pleasantville Firefighters

Been Here, Done That

An abandoned industrial building in the state capital, which has been the scene of numerous fires overthe years, once again burned on EasterSunday, April 9, 2023. Members of Trenton Fire Department’s C Platoon were on duty when the city’s communications centerbegan receiving multiple 911 calls around 1950, reporting a factory fire in the area of Mott Street and South Clinton Avenue. Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder2 and Rescue 1 were dispatched. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from South Clinton Avenue, which had once been part of the John A. Roebling’s Sons Co., a manufacturerof wire rope used in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and others. Knowing the building all too well from the previous fires (including a two-alarmeron December24, 2021 during which a firefighterwas hurt and a Mayday transmitted), firefighters transmitted the all hand signal and Engine 1, Ladder4, and Special Services 1 were sent as the balance of the first alarm. Aftergaining entry to the boarded-up building, firefighters located a large rubbish fire burning on the second floorthat was quickly contained and subsequently extinguished.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Mock DWI Head-on

The Egg HarborTownship Department of Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS) in Atlantic County supported the Egg Harbor Township Board of Education by participating in the annual mock crash on May 30, 2023. The impetus of the mock crash is to educate the high schoolers that will be attending theirproms to not drink oruse drugs and then drive. The scenario was a head-on crash with entrapment and a passengerwith fatal injuries. Amock extrication was performed along with EMS treating the “injured” and transporting them via Medevac with an actual airambulance landing on site. Also participating was the medical examiner removing the “deceased” and police escorting the driveraway in handcuffs. All this dramatized the severity how serious actions will have on others. Thanks to the New Jersey State Medical Examiner’s Office, the Egg HarborTownship Fire, Police, and EMS along with the Southstarcrew and Egg HarborTownship High School staff. - Fire News photos by Ken & Cindy Badger

Atlantic City MVA

The Atlantic City Fire Department (E-2, R-1, BC) responded to Arkansas and Artic Avenues at 0825 on July 5, 2023, fora report of an MVA. Apparatus arrived to find an SUVon its roof with no entrapment. Firefighters stood by until the vehicle was removed. The crash was underinvestigation by the ACPD. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Totowa Road

CarFire

On July 13, 2023, Totowa Fire Department operated at a fully involved carfire on Hydeway Drive nearTotowa Road.

CarFire at Bass Pro Shop

Proving there’s nevera dull moment in Atlantic City, Engine 4, Rescue 1 and Battalion 1 responded to the parking lot of the Bass Pro Shop on August 15, 2023, fora report of a carfire. Firefighters made quick work of the fire with assistance from ACPD who blocked traffic so a nearby hydrant could be used.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Egg HarborTownship

MVAwith Fuel Spill

The Farmington VolunteerFire Company in Egg HarborTownship assisted Police and EMS with an MVAat Fire Road and Black Horse Pike on August 10, 2023. One of the vehicles was smoking and there was a large amount of fuel spilled on the highway. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police.

Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

- Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro

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3-Alarm House Fire in Oceanville

The volunteerfire companies of Bayview and Oceanville from the Galloway Township Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to South Wood Lane on August 20, 2023, at 0502 fora structure fire. Fire Chief John Mooney arrived to find the roof engulfed in smoke and requested a second alarm, bringing Pomona and Bayview to the scene and Absecon forRIT. Crews worked hard to get the fire under control but a third alarm was needed, bringing Atlantic City Airport 24-2, Egg HarborCity, and Bargaintown to the scene with Germania and Port Republic covering. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Galloway Township Fire Investigators and also responding was Galloway Police, EMS, Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas Company.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

New Life for an Old Girl

As almost everybody knows the Mascot for the Hahn was originally built forand served in Manalapan Fire Company 1 assigned to District 2. Now privately owned, it is used for waterand dust control, and serves as an unofficial Fire Brigade fora local farm.

Deal Apparatus Still Truckin’

Updated photos of the Deal Fire Company fleet featuring a 1994 Seagrave, 2011 Spartan, 2002 Spartan, 1983 Mack, 1953 Mack and a 1961 Jeep all which, besides the Mack, are still in frontline service.

Tinton Falls New Rescue Truck

Tinton Falls purchased a new Rescue Truck that was meant to be shipped to South America. Sure hope they don’t mind!

Whitman Square Apparatus

Members of the Whitman Square Fire Company in Washington Township, posed for a picture with theirPierce 107 rearmount truck and an American La France tele-squirt truck which is privately-owned by the fire company.

- Fire News photo Chris ‘Doc’Denton

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharp

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Bargaintown WaterRescue Training

The Bargaintown VolunteerFire Company performed waterrescue tra ining at Lakes Bay in West Atlantic City on July 24, 2023. The training involved removing “victims” from the waterand bringing them to shore, and accountability training forthose entering the water.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Walk Out forWayne’s Boonstra

On May 12, 2023, a walkout ceremony was held to celebrate Wayne Fire Inspector Boonstra’s retirement. Firefighters lined the walkway in front of city hall to commemorate InspectorBoonstra’s last day.

Manchester Brush Fire

On June 9, 2023, ManchesterSquad 76 was dispatched to Route 37 fora reported downed transformer. While en route, a heavy column of smoke could be seen. NJFFS towers reported the smoke as well, while all ManchesterFire Stations, Toms RiverStations 25 and 26, Joint Base 67, and NJFFS were dispatched to the scene. Forest Fire Service B7 was able to get a head of the fire and cut it off before it spread to a nearby housing development. Powerwas secured to the area and Forest Fire Service back burned the area to eliminate the remaining dead brush.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Jamesburg Muster

On June 25, 2023, the Tri Counties Fire Association held their 31st Annual Antique Fire Apparatus show at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Driving Lesson Ends with a Splash

Astudent driverwas practicing his driving skills and made the ultimate wrong turn by running his vehicle into a creek in Lawrence Township on June 19, 2023. The driving lesson had been taking place in the rearparking lot of Lawrence Shopping Centerwhen the accident occurred about 1935. Lawrence Fire arrived to find an SUVmore than halfway submerged in the Shabakunk Creek. The driverand passengers of the vehicle had already selfextricated and were on the shore. They were not injured. Two firefighters entered the waterand confirmed the vehicle was empty and assisted the tow company.

MVAinto Building in Atlantic City

The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to the 200 block of Kentucky Avenue on August 14, 2023, fora report of an MVA. Battalion 1 arrived and requested the Collapse Unit and Rescue 1 to the scene. Once the vehicle was removed, the firefighters reinforced the building.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Musterat CooperRiverPark

The

of Liberty

Association held theirannual musterat CooperRiverPark in Pennsauken. Displayed were vintage and hand-drawn apparatus with participation from South Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and

Cradle

Antique Fire Apparatus

Maryland. The Camden County Fire Police Canteen Unit was on location selling food and various vendors sold T-shirts, patches, used hand tools, nozzles and othermerchandise.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Glasstown Antique Fire Apparatus Association Muster

The Glasstown Antique Fire Apparatus Association held their2023 musteron August 20, 2023, at the Wheaton Arts Pavilion in Millville.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Atlantic City Medal Day

The Atlantic City Fire Department held a Medal Day on June 30, 2023, to honorand award firefighters foracts of valorthat occurred overthe last five years. ACFD Chief Scott Evans welcomed the firefighters and theirfamilies and stated this was a long time coming and thanked the firefighters fortheirefforts.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Hammonton House Fire

The City of Hammonton Fire Department responded to Vine Street on April 25, 2023, at 1224, fora fully involved structure fire. The fire involved half of a side-by-side multi-story duplex with fire showing. Asecond alarm was declared, bringing in Collings Lakes and surrounding companies. Collings Lakes laddered the roof and began ventilation with Hammonton companies doing interiorsuppression. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation, and no injuries were reported. Also responding were Hammonton Police and Atlanticare EMS. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger

ElevatorRescue in Wildwood

On July 30, 2023, North Wildwood and Wildwood fire departments responded to a motel on 18th Street fora reported elevatorentrapment. Squad 3 and Ladder2 responded and removed multiple occupants from the elevatorwithout injury.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti Tinton Falls 911 Memorial

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

PASSINGOFJEAN S. SMOCK, CEO OFP.L. CUSTOM BODYAND EQUIPMENTCO., INC.

Jean S. Smock, (81) of Manasquan passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2023, at her home, with family and close friends at her side, after a long-fought battle with Parkinson’s.

Jean was born in Boston, MA, lived in Westwood, MA, New York City, New Brunswick, and eventually settled in Manasquan. Jean’s career spanned many years, beginning at Time Inc., NYC, from where she retired after 30 years, and continued as the CEO of P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. in Manasquan until her death.

Jean and her late husband Bud were generous and passionate supporters of her Alma Mater, Endicott College (MA) and Rutgers NJ University Ath letics, particularly the women’s crew team. She was past-President of the Endicott Alumni Association, Alumni of the Year awardee and on the Board of Trustees for Endicott College.

The Beta Sigma Phi Sorority played a large part in her life from her early days in NYC, Princeton, and locally here in Brick. An early Westwood High School highlight was her time as a majorette on the twirling squad and a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

Jean had an easy smile and made many lifelong friends that rema in with her today. She took genuine interest in the lives of all she loved. She enjoyed travelling and gardening as well as journaling and list making.

Mrs. Smock was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Evelyn Shanning, and her husband Martin V. Smock (Bud). She is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Milley and her husband Stephen, daughters Deborah Thomson and husband Barry, Candi Smock, Jennifer Smock and Marta Quinn, niece Jennifer Gregor and husband Bill, nephew Ron and wife Anna, grandson William F. Quinn, granddaughter Corey Quinn, great-grandson William F Quinn IV, grand-nephews Chad, Drew and Ross, grand-nieces Tatum and Olivia and family friend Ginger Harmer.

- Fire News photo provided

HUDSON COUNTYMOTORS PROMOTES RONNIE VIOLA

Ronnie Viola is a dedicated and knowledgeable professional who has recently been promoted to the position of Outside Municipal Sales and Service Supervisor at Hudson County Motors. He has over 25 years of experience in fire apparatus and emergency vehicle repair and maintenance, which makes him an invaluable asset to this team.

He is a EVTand ASE Certified Technician as well as a Certified Welder. His primary goal is to establish and maintain relations hips with government customers through parts, sales and service, as well as providing 24/7 availability for fleet maintenance and repair s.

Ronnie also founded Emergency Vehicle Training and Consulting, where he shares his motto that “consistency is crucial” in business and leads the road service division with unparalleled convenience and quick turnaround times. He is a dedicated Firefighter/EMTserving in both the Career and Volunteer capacit y along with performing rolls in training as a Certified Fire Instructor.

With Ronnie’s diligent work ethic, unrivaled expertise and motivational spirit, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to make incredible strides in his career.

BBQ at the NJ State Firemen’s Home

On the afternoon of June 10, 2023, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association sponsored their annual barbecue at the NJ State Firemen’s Home in B oonton. Families were able to join in for the occasion. This annual picnic is paid for the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association with the generosity from fire departments all over Bergen County.

We lucked out with a sunny, warm day and this got residents and their families outside to enjoy the weather and food. The members of the kitchen staff along with our member and grill master, association President Bob Ordway, cooked a wonderful barbecue lunch. The members of the association assisted the kitchen staff and acted as serv ers, and everyone had a great time. This wonderful event could not happen without the help of the staff of the Firemen’s Home, especially the activities and kitchen staff.

It was a great barbecue with another planned in August of this year. We look forward to another wonderful day of food and entertainment.

Thank you to all the members who came out to support this fantastic event that is enjoyed by so many people. - Fire News photo courtesy of Justin Watrel

Canale Scholarships Awarded

The Egg HarborTownship Fire Department presented their annual Anthony ‘Tony’Canale scholarship on June 7, 2023, at the Egg HarborTownship High School’s SeniorAwards Ceremony. This year, two scholarships were awarded and this year’s recipients were Julia Sweeny and James Haroh. Presenting the scholarships were EHTFD Deputy Chief Eugene Sharpe, President and West Atlantic City Chief Wallace Bakely, Jr., and Chief of Department R. Charles Winkler. - Fire News photo courtesy of Wallace Bakely, Jr.

NEWJERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONFERENCE APRIL22-26, 2024

It's that time of year again, schools are open, temperatures ar e starting to drop, leaves are changing color and you need to submit that idea you have for a presentation at the 25th Anniversary Conference at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

Call for Papers is now open, so please go to www.njepa.org and click on "Call for Papers" to submit your ideas.

We offer 75-minute breakout sessions and 4-, 8-, 16-, 24- and 32- hour training sessions. Once fully submitted, proposed sessions will be reviewed by the appropriate committee, and you will be notified after December 1, 2023, if your submission has been accepted for inclusion in the 2024 program.

Vendor registration opens November 1, 2023, and attendee registration opens early January 2024.

Visit our website often to stay abreast of new information being posted regularly.

Scullville LawnmowerFire

The Scullville VolunteerFire Company responded to Ocean Heights Avenue on July 2, 2023, at 1328, fora report of a lawnmoweron fire. Firefighters arrived to find a riding mowerwell involved. The crew of the first arriving engine pulled a single line and made short work of the fire with no extension to the dwelling.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Seen at the Atlantic City AirShow

The Atlantic City AirShow was held August 15-16, 2023, under sunny weatherand with crowds estimated at about 500,000. A crowd that size needs a large contingent of police, fire, EMS and specialized equipment. Crews from throughout New Jersey stood by, patrolled the boards, and intermingled with the crowds giving them information about theirservices.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

RolloverMVAin Lawrence

Arollovercrash occurred directly in front of the municipal comp lex in Lawrence Township, MercerCounty, on July 19, 2023. It was 1746, when Lawrence Fire and EMS responded to the MVAwith possible entrapment. Crews found one vehicle resting on its roof

nearthe main entrance of the municipal complex and anotherauto a short distance away nearthe exit ramp by Interstate 295. Fortunately, there were no entrapments and all injuries were minor.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

LODD: Milford’s Edward Steines

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 1432, Chief Edward ‘Eddie’J. Steines responded to a train fire in Hardyston Township. All units cleared the scene at 1658 and Chief Edward Steines returned home. On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at approximately 0600, Chief Steines collapsed at his home from an apparent heart attack. He was tra nsported to Chilton Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased a t approximately 0730. Chief Steine was 64 years old.

In order to honor Edward’s memory, donations can be made to the West Milford Burn Out Fund at 666 Macopin Road, West Milford, New Jersey 07480, the West Milford Chiefs Association Fund at PO Box 935, Hewitt, New Jersey 07421, or the West Milford First Aid Squad at PO Box 387, West Milford, NJ 07480. - Fire News photo provided

Northfield’s Robert Leeds

It is with deep regret and sorrow we announce the passing of retired Deputy Chief Robert Leeds on August 13, 2023. He was 79 years old.

Deputy Chief Leeds was the first Deputy in Northfield Fire Company and had a long family history, which defined Bob’s hard work and passion in the fire service. DC Leeds is the husband of June Leeds, a life and founding member of NF Volunteer Ladies Auxiliary, father of Lieutenant William Leeds, grandfath er of former Volunteer and now PTFirefighter Cole Leeds, father in-law of Ladies Auxiliary Member Tricia Leeds and grandfather of Auxilia ry Member Katie Leeds.

DC Leeds was an active member for over 50 years, continuing to serve as an active firefighter after retiring as DC. Bob brought a warm energy and his smile everywhere he went and made you feel as you were family from day one. Given a choice, Bob could be found operating trucks, teaching new members, or showing youngsters the trucks. DC Leeds chaired the department’s Christmas committee, taking S anta around town and starting the Santa home visits about 20 years ago. If you or your family have enjoyed Santa coming to town in the last half century, Deputy Chief Leeds was intricately involved.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe