Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 15, NO. 6
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973
NOVEMBER 2020
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by www.FirstDuePhotography.com
‘CARES’ Funds Available for Specialized Laundry Equipment for Responders See page 4.
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Fire News, November 2020, Page 3
In this issue... CARES Act Deadline Near Use this funding for purchasing bestin-class laundry washer and dryer equipment for your department See story on page 4
11 FFs Injured at Passaic Blaze aOne person rescued at a five-alarm house fire, believed to be caused by an electrical issue. See story on page 12
60 Displaced at Paterson Fire Police and fire crews remove over 15 people from a four-alarm fire. See story on page 14
9/11 Remberances A look at some ceremonies around New Jersey. See story on pages 20-21
A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS 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. COPYRIGHT 2020, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Up Close and Personal A closer look at three New Jersey responders. See story on page 23
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Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia Proud Member Of:
Official Publication
Obituary
of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention
Bridgeton’s Sean Peek
See story on page 25
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24
Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, November 2020
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Has Your Department Adapted? As we enter November, I ask, have you and your department adapted to working with the rules that deal with Covid-19? By now, all of realize that this disease turned out to be a very serious disease and from the onset, the fire-rescue and emergency services worked hard to set up guidelines that protect you, the first responder. At the onset of the new rules and procedures, most of you wore your mask, used the hand sanitizer that was placed in numerous locations throughout the firehouse and kept your distance between one another. Recently, I noticed that many are not keeping their distance from one another, and many of you are not donning your facemask when you enter the firehouse. I know your immediate concerns are not to stop and put a mask on when you are running to don your gear and hopping on the truck to get to a call. However, it is important that after you get on the truck in a confined space that you give thought to wearing your facemask. If you have a call where you are going to work, your SCBA will take the place of the surgical mask. But, what should you do when you leave the building and remove your SCBA? Please, reach into your pocket or see your EMS responders to get a surgical mask. I know, you are think-
ing I’ve lost my mind, but when you are standing shoulder-to-shoulder outside of the fire building, you should don your cloth or surgical facemask. My department held a meeting recently in the truck bay. We kept our distance from one another and wore our surgical masks. Everyone from the chiefs to the probationary members, wore their masks. When the meeting was over, everyone washed up or used hand sanitizer and went home. Let face facts. When large groups get together, it is scenario for the spread of Covid-19. Look at what has happened in certain areas of NYC. In my area, a catering hall was heavily fined when 37 people left the party with Covid-19; 28 children and nine adults tested positive for it. As a result of this incident, 300 people were placed under quarantine and eight schools had positive Covid-19 cases. My point is that it is easy to catch this disease and it probably is just as easy to prevent exposure by wearing your mask, keeping your distance from people and washing your hands as soon as possible. All departments must maintain their training schedule and drills. Officers, if you are going to hold a drill, before the drill starts, remind your members of the protocols that they must follow to
be safe from contracting Covid-19. Safety officers — remind your members when you see them standing around discussing the drill to don their mask. This is November. It is a month to give thanks for all that we have. Your family and friends mean a lot to you. Let’s make sure that we all remain healthy so that we can celebrate Thanksgiving together in a creative safe way. Yes, this holiday will be different, but the meaning will be the same. Happy Thanksgiving to all! - Dennis
‘CARES’ Funds Available for Specialized Laundry Equipment for Responders By Elisa Charters On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law. This enabled the creation of a $150 billion emergency fund called the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF). To stop the spread of Covid-19, cities, towns, tribes, local governments and villages in the US can legally utilize these funds to purchase protective equipment (cleaning equipment for the protective equipment falls under the terms and conditions). Most importantly, these funds can only be used to cover expenses that: (a) are necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19); (b) were not accounted for in the budget most recently approved as of March 27, 2020 (the date of enactment of the CARES Act) for the state or government; and (c) were incurred during the period that began on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020. Why is this important to NJ fire departments? Over the next two months through December 30, 2020, you can use this funding to continue protecting your firefighters and personnel, by purchasing and obtaining best-in-class laundry washer and dryer equipment that will clean your protective equipment, helping to maintain health and safety. This funding is already in your administration’s budget, but has to be appropriated for equipment purchases prior to December 30, 2020. An added benefit, is that carcinogenic particulates will also be removed, addressing health concerns in alignment with the NJ Cancer Presumption Bill. So, this is a win-win for your department and for your administration. What do you have to do immediately? Obtain CRF funding appropriation information on your specific municipality, town or tribe. Below is
a list of the nine counties that received funding along with funding amounts. It is important to note that many of these counties have already distributed the funds to the various municipalities and towns, so the budgets are there for you, your municipality or town to explore use for the purchase of new laundry equipment. Bergen: $162,662,060.40; Camden: $88,375,283.90; Essex:$139,414,976.30; Hudson: $117,327,044.40; Middlesex: $143,966,956.60; Monmouth: $107,974, 955.70; Ocean: $105,949,274.70; Passaic: $87,564, 767.20; and Union: $97,077,214.30. Although Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Morris, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties did not qualify for this funding based on a minimum population of 500,000, Governor Phil Murphy allocated $37 million of this aid for these counties to share, $15 million of which can be specifically used for protective equipment and cleaning equipment for that equipment. Elisa Charters, CCIM, is the Principal of EAC Business International LLC. Her consultancy practice specializes in environmental, health and safety; diversity and inclusion; and procurement/public administration. As a survivor of 9/11, Elisa was directly involved with the redevelopment of WTC post 9/11 on behalf of PANYNJ. She recognizes our fallen heroes as an invited guest speaker of the Essex County 9/11 Memorial Service at Eagle Rock Park, annually; and works to support career and volunteer fire departments across New Jersey with their funding and equipment needs.
Page 6, Fire News, November 2020
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Cover Story
Irvington House Fire
At approximately 0120 on September 27, 2020, the Irvington Fire Department was dispatched to Madison Avenue for a structure fire. First companies in found a 2-1/2 story wood frame with heavy fire showing from the top floor. Members searched the occupied home and found no occupants were trapped or injured. - Fire News photos by FireGroundImages.com and www.FirstDuePhotography.com
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Fire Held in Galloway Twp.
On the evening of September 8, 2020, multiple fire departments from Galloway Township were dispatched for a structure fire in a two-story residence. Units were able to contain the fire to the fire building. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
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Fire News, November 2020, Page 9
Entrapment at Egg Harbor MVA
On September 26, 2020, the Egg Harbor City and South Egg Harbor fire departments were dispatched for an MVA with entrapment. Egg Harbor City stabilized the vehicle and removed the driver’s door. South Egg Harbor assisted with manpower. The driver
was extricated and turned over to EMS. Crews remained on scene till both vehicles were removed by a tow company. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
Page 10, Fire News, November 2020
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There’s Gotta’ Be a Better Way to Vent…
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Cologne and the Cardiff Fire Company responded to Township Avenue in Atlantic County at 1847 on August 28, 2020, for a structure fire. The fire involved a clothes dryer exhaust that ran under the home and was on fire with the homeowner keeping the fire in check until the arrival of the fire department. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine
established command and requested Mays Landing Squad 1816 to stretch a 1-¾ inch line to the rear of the structure. The dryer vent exhaust terminated underneath a rear deck with firefighters investigating the extension of the fire. The fire was contained to the point of origin and the home was ventilated by firefighters. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Page 12, Fire News, November 2020
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11 FFs Injured in Passaic 5-Alarm Blaze Eleven Passaic firefighters were injured fighting a house fire on Passaic Street on what was the hottest day of the summer. Companies were dispatched to the scene just around 1400 on July 27, 2020, and arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing from the basement and first floor of the 2-1/2 story frame. A second alarm was requested, followed by third, fourth and eventually a fifth alarm as the fire spread throughout the home, extended into the Bravo exposure — a similar 2-1/2 story frame — and threatened additional homes on the block. One handicapped woman was rescued from the second floor uninjured, and the injuries to the firefighters ranged from mostly heat exhaustion to slips and falls, none life threatening. The fire took several hours to be placed under control and was believed to be electrical in nature. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference Wrapping up 2020 Awards and Prepping for 2021 The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association is pleased to announce that the 2021 Conference will be held May 3 through 8, 2021, at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, but before we get into more detail on that, I would like to wrap up some business from 2020! Even though we could not hold our Conference in 2020, the Association decided that we still wanted to award the Jonathan Young Scholarship and the Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year Awards. So, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Heather Byrne, from Pennsville, New Jersey, was awarded the Young Scholarship. Heather is pursuing her studies in the Emergency Management field at Rowan University and has been an active participant in many volunteer groups including the Salem County (NJ) Medical Reserve Corps. The Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year has been awarded to Arthur Albine, he is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the Manchester Township Police Department. Moving on to the 2021 Conference, we are currently accepting submissions for presentation at the 2021 Conference, go to www.njepa.org and click on “Call for Papers.” Registration for 2021 will open shortly after the new year. Stay safe and be well!
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Car into Marsh in Pleasantville
On September 26, 2020, the Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched to Delilah Road for an MVA. On arrival a single vehicle was found in the marsh area. Engine 1 crew had to use a ground ladder to help the driver to shore. The driver was evaluated by EMS. - Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
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60 Displaced in Tough Paterson 4-Alarm Shortly before 0230 on August 27, 2020, Paterson Dispatch started receiving numerous calls for a building fire on Mill Street. While en route, the chief reported heavy smoke in the area and dispatch advised that police were reporting a fire with numerous people trapped. On arrival, companies encountered heavy fire conditions on all three floors of the three-story frame with a commercial occupant on the first floor and apartments above. A second alarm was requested as searches for trapped occupants commenced. With conditions rapidly deteriorating, command ordered a third alarm and all members to evacuate the building. Companies had to overcome several conditions hampering operations: a very narrow street made apparatus placement difficult, heavy fire conditions on arrival, the fire building was attached on both sides and fire was already extending into the Delta exposure. Reports of people trapped and access to the rear of the fire building was difficult. With heavy fire throughout, the original fire building and in exposure D, command requested a fourth alarm which brought mutual aid to the scene. One occupant was rescued by firefighters after climbing out a second-floor window onto an awning and it was reported that police removed as many as 15 people prior to the fire department arriving. No injuries were reported and companies had all visible fire extinguished in approximately 90 minutes, although the fire was not placed under control until a while later. The main fire building was destroyed and three additional buildings sustained damage. Approximately 60 residents were displaced. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Page 16, Fire News, November 2020
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Irvington 3-Alarmer
On September 20, 2020, the Irvington Fire Department responded to the intersection of Madison and Myrtle for a reported smoke condition in the area with no other reports. The deputy was first to arrive to a two-story corner property, residential-over-commercial, with heavy fire showing from a store on the first floor. Irvington had no truck companies in service at the time of the fire so a second alarm was struck, bringing East Orange and Montclair trucks to the scene along with a Maplewood engine and two engines and a truck from Newark. Heavy fire extended to division 2 and eventually into the cockloft. Crews were able to vertically ventilate and stop the fire spread before it consumed the entire cockloft. A third alarm was eventually struck bringing Bloomfield and Orange and Union to the scene. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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New House for Ventnor Open for business is the new City of Ventnor Fire Station 2 located on Wellington Avenue in the Ventnor Heights section of the city. The old station was razed and the new station was built to Federal Flood Plain requirements. It now features storage for four pieces of apparatus including a TDL. Upstairs there is a watch box, crew quarters, kitchen, day room, coed showers, and a roof top area for training. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Rollover After Head-on
On August 28, 2020, Clifton Engine 5 and 6, Truck 2, and EMS 1 responded to Normandy Road for a reported rollover. EMS 1 arrived to a head-on collision with one car on its side and the victim still inside. EMS 1 advised the truck that the vehicle needed to be stabi-
lized on arrival as it was rocking back and forth. Crews arrived and were quickly able to stabilize the vehicle and remove the victim via the back window. The driver was transported by BLS and ALS to St Joseph’s in Paterson. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Paterson 4-Alarmer On the afternoon of August 3, 2020, Paterson Fire Dispatch transmitted a box for a building fire on Cianci Street. Crews arrived to heavy fire on the second and third floors of the three-story frame, mixed-use building which was attached on both sides. Searches were quickly conducted under severe conditions as firefighters stretched lines to stop the fire’s spread. With the fire moving into both the Bravo and Delta exposures, a second alarm was transmitted, quickly followed by the third and, as conditions deteriorated, all members were withdrawn from the building. Four ladder pipes, two deck guns and multiple exterior handlines were pressed into service to extinguish the fire. A fourth alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene. The fire took a couple of hours to be placed under control and crews remained on the scene into the night. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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HONORING SEPTEMBER 11 The Hammonton Independent Fire Company in Atlantic County commemorated 9-11 by having a celebration of lights and inviting the public to drive through and pay their respects. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department held their 9-11 ceremony at the Bargaintown Fire Station (above and right) with members of the police, fire, and EMS agencies presenting wreaths in memory of their fallen brethren. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
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HONORING SEPTEMBER 11
The Monroe Township Fire Department Squad 51 and Rescue 51 pose in front of the 9/11 Tear Drop Memorial in Bayonne. - Fire News photo by Glenn Duda
9/11 Tribute in Lights taken from the New Jersey side of the Hudson. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com (above); and FireGroundImages.com (below)
Page 22, Fire News, November 2020
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Hoarding Conditions at New Milford Fire
As New Milford Police were investigating a possible smoke condition on the evening of July 23, 2020, they discovered smoke issuing from a house on Henley Avenue. Arriving companies encountered a heavy smoke condition, transmitted a working fire and requested a second alarm. As crews advanced lines into the building, a 2-1/2 story frame, they discovered hoarding conditions, which hampered the fire attack and searches. As conditions on the exterior appeared to be deteriorating crews reported heavy fire extending from the basement in the rear into the first floor. Command ordered all companies out of the building. Crews were able to make a push back into the basement as well as the upper floors and quickly knocked down all visible fire. A third alarm was requested for relief purposes due to the high temperatures and humidity. The fire was placed under control in approximately 90 minutes with no injuries reported. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Up Close & Personal
Egg Harbor Township Deputy Mayor Laura Pfrommer and Farmington Volunteer Fire Company’s Acting President Dana Swartz at EHT’s 9/11 ceremony at the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Cologne’s Assistant Chief Sciore and Chief Gramm at the Township Avenue fire on August 28, 2020. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
An Irvington captain at a working house fire on September 27, 2020. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com
Page 24, Fire News, November 2020
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HAVE CLASS, WILL TRAVEL The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) is known to teach ISO and HSO classes in local jurisdictions if there is enough interest. This year, with the pandemic keeping firefighters and paramedics busy at home, most departments are not allowed to travel. To date, FDSOA has taught one HSO class in San Diego with multiple departments in attendance, and three other ISO courses, in Alpena, Michigan at the Air National Guard Base; Redmond, Washington; and in Chesterfield, Michigan, also with multiple departments in attendance. Chairman Eric Valliere said, “What’s nice about teaching the course in their own jurisdiction is that we can base the curriculum around the way they respond. Each fire department is going to have different priorities for incident safety.” Valliere taught the ISO class in Redmond with FDSOA Board Member Scott Yurczyk. If you are interested in hosting an HSO or ISO class in your district, please contact Executive Director Rich Marinucci at publications@fdsoa.org, or at our website, www.fdsoa.org.
The Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) was established in 1989 as a non-profit association, incorporated in Massachusetts. In 2013, the offices moved to Michigan. Its mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. The association is led by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff to handle the day-to-day operations. The association is dedicated to the issues that affect the critical role of the safety officer in protecting and promoting the safety and health responsibilities of fire departments, communities and first responders. FDSOA works to helps fire departments achieve proficiency and promote the recognition of training, skills and a secure future. In May 2016, FDSOA won the Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award for its work over 28 years, “as an organization fully dedicated to the health and safety of the nation’s firefighters.” FDSOA can be found on the web at www.fdsoa.org. Please follow FDSOA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CAMPBELL SUPPLY CO., LLC ACQUIRES CRUZAN’S FREIGHTLINER Campbell Supply Company, the Northeast’s leader in commercial and emergency vehicle sales and service today announced they purchased Cruzan’s Freightliner, a leading service, sales and parts dealership for Freightliner and Isuzu Trucks. Cruzan’s joins Campbell’s business unit and in recognition of the acquisition will go to market under W. Campbell Supply Company of Atlantic County, LLC. The acquisition is the latest action driven by Campbell’s strategic plan and will result in the achievement of 3 of the plans key goals. Market share growth, increase revenue and geographic expansion by the way of delivering on the promise of increasing the service and the distribution footprint in the northeast region. “This is an exciting day for Campbell” said Scott Campbell, President of Campbell Supply Company.“As we welcome the Cruzan family to the Campbell family and work to grow to combine businesses, we see many opportunities for additional expansion into the emergency vehicle market in the state of New Jersey. Our long term strategy is to further broaden our geographic footprint with increased capabilities for each location to offer a comprehensive suite of products and services in support of fire truck and emergency vehicle sales and service.”
Campbell said. Dale Cruzan, Sr., started his business in the late 1960s as Dale’s Automotive Service and alongside his wife Carol ran a part time shop repairing cars and light trucks. In 1984, Dale’s Automotive Service became a full-service parts and sales source for Mercedes-Benz Trucks. The company was renamed Cruzan’s Truck Service, Inc. Shortly thereafter, Mercedes-Benz Trucks were discontinued in the United States and Cruzan’s became a Freightliner commercial truck dealer for sales, parts and service. Cruzan’s is a family operated business and holds the same values and similar history as Campbell Supply Company. “We look forward to blending both companies’ strengths into one to provide sales and aftermarket support for which both companies are known for,” said Campbell. Campbell Supply Company is family/veteran-owned franchised dealership chain serving New Jersey and New York’s Hudson Valley. With five locations in Montgomery, NY; Lafayette, NJ; Newark, NJ; Woodbidge, NJ; and headquarters in South Brunswick, NJ; Campbell is a leader in the region for commercial truck and emergency vehicle sales and service. The company has been in business since 1967 and represents Daimler Trucks North America’s Freightliner product
line, REV Fire Groups Spartan, Smeal and LTI fire truck line as well as Detroit, Cummins, Alliance Truck Parts and EVI. More information can be obtained on our website: www.campbellsupply.com Cruzan’s Freightliner is a family owned business that started in the 1960’s, originally a Mercedes-Benz truck dealership Cruzan became a Freightliner commercial truck dealership in 1984. In 1998, a second location was opened in Egg Harbor Township outside Atlantic City, NJ, which the company quickly outgrew and relocated in a new facility in Absecon, NJ. In 2010, the Pleasantville location became a parts and service dealership for Isuzu Trucks. Both locations are Cummins Engine dealers and the Bridgeton, NJ location is a Detroit Diesel Engine dealer.
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Obituary
Bridgeton’s Sean Peek Sean Peek, 49, Bridgeton Police Officer, Badge 1027, of Millville ended his watch on September 6, 2020. He had served the Bridgeton Police Department from 2005 until his untimely death. Sean was born in Millville on February 9, 1971, and was the son of Charles F. Peek III of Irvine, Kentucky, and the late Gail Gabiano Peek, who passed away in 2015. He was raised in Millville and graduated from Millville High School in 1989. He also attended Camden County College where he received his emergency medical training. Shortly after high school, Sean began working at Millville Rescue. He served as an EMT through Underwood Memorial Hospital in Woodbury with both Stations 5 and 7 until entering the police academy in 1995. For three years he served with the Buena Vista Township Police Force while continuing as an EMT before joining the Bridgeton Police Department. He served in several capacities with the police department including detective, internal affairs officer, narcotics unit, patrolman and acting sergeant. Patrolman Peek earned seven different awards. Five Unit Citation Medals, awarded for participation of an operating unit in a cited action, one Educational Achievement Medal, awarded for achievement of 65 credits towards a degree at an acknowledged university, one Purple Heart Medal, awarded when an officer is wounded in the line of
duty. He has also been awarded the Medal of Honor (posthumously); presented to the family of a law enforcement officer killed in the performance of his duty. Sean was a member of Local 94 PBA. He and his wife, Megan M. (nee Pavon) Peek lived at the same Millville address for 11 years and lived briefly in Bridgeton prior to moving to Millville. He loved his family trips to Disney World, playing the drums and most of all, spending time with his daughter. Sean was also a history buff and enjoyed reading about the Civil War. In addition to his father and his wife, Megan, he is survived by his beloved eight-year old daughter, Katherine Elizabeth Peek, his sister, Emily J. Dion (fiancĂŠ, Randy Green) of Millville, three nephews, Nathaniel, Matthew and Joshua Dion and his brother-in-law, Kevin Pavon (wife, Kristine Gannotta). - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 26, Fire News, November 2020
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Fire Museum Annual Open House On September 27, 2020, the New Jersey Fire Museum held their annual open house and antique fire truck show. This year, like most events, was very different with social distancing, mask wearing, and temperature checks at the front door but, despite all the Covid restrictions, there was huge turnout in both visitors and apparatus. Throughout the day there were demonstrations and activities for the kids along with 50/50 and raffles along with the usual apparatus displays. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti