In this issue...
Fire in Well-Known Butcher in Trenton
The popular Trenton Meat Farms suffered a late night fire.
See story on page 4
Kitchen Fire Quickly Handled by Ridgefield
Aworking oven fire was quickly brought under control by firefighters.
See story on page 12
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FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS
Car Crashes into Dollar Tree in Toms River
Asingle-car accident in which a driver struck a support column.
Rollover on GSP with Entrapment
At milemarker 37 on the GSP crews responded to a rollover MVA with entrapment.
See story on page 20
Re-Cap of Wildwood 2024
Afew photos of this years Wildwood Convention and Parade.
See story on page 15 See story on pages 22-23
Semi Crashes; Driver Flees
Atractor trailer crashed into a barrier on Brunswick Pike and was partially resting on top of it.
See story on page 30
page 18
page 20
page 24
page 25
page 29
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3-Alarm Fire in Paterson Displaces
Several Families
An evening fire on 7th Street in Paterson turned quickly into a threealarmer. Several families were displaced due to the intense fire.
- Fire News photos by
Ewing FFs Save Trenton ButcherShop
Ewing Township firefighters made a quick knock down of a fire in a well-known Trentonarea butchershop on July 17, 2024. Ewing Township firefighters from the Prospect Heights and West Trenton fire companies were dispatched to Trenton Meat Farms. A passerby reported there was smoke coming from the Princeton Avenue building. It was raining heavily when Prospect Heights Deputy Chief Tom Leese, arrived and confirmed the working fire. Two hoselines were stretched from first-due Squad 30, while Engine 31 laid a supply line to a nearby hydrant. The fire, located in a room at the C/D corner, was quickly extinguished. Additional crews from Tower33 and Tower31 assisted with overhaul and ventilation, while the crew of Hamilton Township’s Truck 10-2 stood by as the RIT. The blaze was quickly brought undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Ronald Bombaro
Resident Rescued From Hackensack Fire
Around 2130 on September8, 2024, Hackensack Fire Dispatch received a call from a passerby reporting smoke coming from the home at Johnson Avenue. E-5 arrived and reported alarms activated and during the investigation found heavy smoke on the second floor. An attack line was stretched and as the crew of E-5 while searching forthe source of the smoke discovered an occupant in dis-
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
tress and quickly removed him from the structure. The fire was located in a bedroom closet on the second floorand extinguished without extension. The occupant was treated by firefighters until arrival of EMS who transported him to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The fire was placed undercontrol in 15 minutes.
Trenton Fire Academy Announces 36 Graduate FFs
The City of Trenton, in cooperation with Ewing Township, held an elaborate graduation ceremony in the Trenton WarMemorial auditorium on July 12, 2024, to honor 36 new firefighters forcompleting the Trenton Fire Department’s Fire Academy. The four-month academy started on February 26, 2024., and was said to be the largest academy class in Trenton’s history. Twenty-nine of the new Trenton firefighters are: EdgarA. Aldea, Joshua Arevalo-Cichocki, Cameron P. Clauser, Rafael ColonSanchez, Edin E. Cruz-Molina, Yelitza S. Delon, Jose Estevez, Julio Estrada, Stephen L. Ettenger, Ryan A. Frank, Jerry E. Garcia, Nicholas A. Kloutis, Jan A. Kozlowski, Justin S. Marcik, Nicholas W. Martin, Andre C. McNair, Dominic J. Migliaccio, Kyle A. Muni, Erving Nazario, Dominic J. Otero, Robert J. Pelc Jr., Anthony Perez, Jaret E. Petersohn, OsmarE. Quinones, Kyree J. Stokes, Anibal A. Vasquez, Michael P. Williams, Sillion J. Willis, and Brandon W. Woolverton. Ewing’s seven new firefighters are: Franklin Armstrong, Elizabeth Budge, William Person III, Nykai Rambharan, Dade Rudzitis, DeAndre Santos and William Sotovando. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Long-Awaited WTC Memorial Dedicated in Keansburg
Thirteen years after acquiring a piece of World Trade Center steel and seven years after breaking ground for their 9/11 EMS memorial, EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) and Keansburg Borough officials dedicated the granite monument September 14, 2024. The EMSCNJ memorial at Baywalk East, 1 Beachway, is the only one of its kind in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to 9/11 EMS workers.
Plagued by delays, the monument honors EMS personnel killed in the Twin Towers attacks and from illnesses caused by exposure to the rubble’s toxins. At least half a dozen participants in the event responded to Manhattan as EMSCNJ volunteers after the attacks. Fifty-four EMTs and paramedics died on September 11, 2001; 11 were from New Jersey.
The 95-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council represents thousands of EMS volunteers affiliated with 200plus EMS agencies throughout the state. In 2011 it was among 1,132 organizations awarded an artifact from the World Trade Center rubble.
More than 400 NJ ambulances responded to either Liberty State Park or the Meadowlands on 9/11. From there, many EMSCNJ member ambu-
lances were sent to Chelsea Pier for standby. Others paired with FDNY EMTs to respond to 911 calls in New York City. For weeks afterward, some volunteers continued assisting efforts at Ground Zero and others helped answer 911 calls in and around NYC. During that time, volunteer EMS crews continued answering calls for help in their own New Jersey municipalities.
New Jersey’s EMS volunteers answer hundreds of thousands of calls annually throughout the state. Many have been volunteering for decades.
- Submitted by Sylvie Mulvaney, BSN, RN, CEN; PR Rep. EMS Council of New Jersey
Egg Harbor
9/11 Ceremony
The Egg HarborTownship Fire Department in Atlantic County held theirannual 9/11 rembrance ceremony at the Bargaintown Fire Station on September11, 2024.
- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe 9/11
At 1800 on September11, 2024, the borough of RiverEdge honored and reflected on those who lost theirlives on 9/11. Officials of the police department, fire department, EMS, the mayor, town council and the Boy Scouts were in attendance. Therevent was at Borough Hall, nearthe Police Department entrance. All the agencies presented wreaths to honorthose who were killed on that tragic day.
- Fire News photos by Chris Denton
2-Alarm Trenton Rowhouses Fire
Atwo-alarm fire damaged three rowhouses in the Chambersburg section of the Capital City on August 24, 2024. The Trenton Fire Department was alerted to the morning blaze and Engines 3, 7 and 10, Ladder2 and Rescue 1 were initially dispatched, but mutual aid was called aftera column of smoke was spotted as firefighters responded. The rearof 200 block of ElmerStreet was found to be well-involved in fire, with flames already spreading to the homes on
eitherside. Multiple hoselines were put in service. Battalion Chief John Soganic struck a second alarm foradditional manpowerafter a bystanderapproached firefighters to report a family might be trapped in one of the homes. Engine 6 and Ladder1 were dispatched on that second alarm. Fortunately, primary and secondary searches of all three structures were completed with no victims found.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Trenton HonorGuard
Members of the Trenton Fire Department’s HonorGuard performed during the ceremony held at the Trenton War Memorial Auditorium on July 12, 2024, recognizing the accomplishments of the 36 new Trenton and Ewing firefighters who graduated from the Trenton Fire Academy. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Kitchen Fire Handled Quickly by Ridgefield
Around noon on September13, 2024, the Ridgefield Fire Department responded to a reported oven fire in an apartment on Shaler Boulevard. Mutual aid companies were automatically assigned due to the beginning of the NJ Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood. Afire prevention inspectorarrived and reported a working kitchen fire. Crews arrived, established a watersupply, stretched two handlines and quickly knocked down all visible fire before it could extend. The fire was placed undercontrol in under30 minutes.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Ridgewood House Fire Turns to 2-Alarmer
On the morning of September10, 2024, the Ridgewood Fire Department was dispatched to Beveridge Road fora report of a house fire. On arrival, command reported heavy smoke pushing from the eaves of the two-story home and requested a second alarm along with a department recall. Heavy fire vented from the roof as companies made an offensive attack, quickly knocking down the main body of fire. The fire was placed undercontrol in just overan hourwith no injuries reported. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Celebrating Excellence in Emergency Preparedness: NJEPAAwards and Scholarships
At the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA), we take immense pride in celebrating the excellence and dedication within the emergency preparedness profession. Each year, our prestigious Awards and Scholarships serve as the cornerstone of our annual conference, where we honor the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in supporting this critical mission.
These awards are more than just accolades, they are a beacon of inspiration for the entire emergency preparedness community. By acknowledging those whose commitment and innovative approaches have significantly impacted the field, we not only celebrate their achievements but also raise the bar for future generations.
This tradition of recognition extends beyond accolades; it fosters a culture of mentorship and encouragement. By honoring these exceptional individuals and groups, we create opportunities for newer professionals to learn from experienced leaders. The knowledge, wisdom and guidance imparted by these honorees are instrumental in shaping the next generation of emergency preparedness leaders.
ACloserLook at NJEPA’s Awards and Scholarships
The Emergency Managerof the YearAward stands as one of the highest honors in our community. This award recognizes an individual or program, whether public or private, that
exemplifies the leadership and values embodied by Emergency Coordinator Kevin H. Tuno during his 33 years of service. The recipient will have demonstrated a long-term commitment to emergency preparedness efforts and made a positive, lasting impact on New Jersey's Emergency Management profession and community.
In addition to this award, NJEPApays tribute to the state’s exemplary Emergency Managers through a series of scholarships named in their honor. These scholarships are awarded to aspiring emergency preparedness professionals and serve to honor the legacies of:
•Captain Jonathan C. Young, former NJEPAPresident and career firefighter and fire officer.
•Michael Augustyniak, a dedicated emergency manager and planner for the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. These awards not only honor their contributions but also empower the next generation to continue advancing emergency preparedness with the same passion and commitment.
As we continue this tradition, we are reminded that the future of emergency preparedness lies in the hands of those we honor and those we guide. Through the NJEPAAwards and Scholarships, we ensure that the legacy of leadership, innovation, and service remains strong for years to come.
Join us in celebrating the achievements by nominating those who have shaped our field and in supporting the leaders of tomorrow.
CarCrashes into Dollar Tree in Toms River
On August 6, 2024, the East Doverand Silverton fire companies were dispatched to the DollarTree on FischerBoulevard fora reported carinto a building. Chief 2800 arrived to a single-vehicle accident where the support column of a covered walkway collapsed. The chief requested the Toms River Technical Rescue Team to respond to shore up the building. One person was transported to Community Medical Center.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Garage Fire with Vehicle Extends to House
At 1310 on September15, 2024, New Milford, Oradell, and River Edge fire departments were dispatched to an alarm at Marion Avenue in New Milford, with a report of a grill fire. On arrival, command reported heavy smoke showing from the home and a working fire in the attached garage. As crews were stretching lines, command reported fire extending to the second floorand requested a second alarm. All visible fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes and the fire was placed undercontrol. One firefightersuffered a minorinjury.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Chris Denton
Toms River House Fire
On September1, 2024, Toms RiverStations 25, 26 and 28 were dispatched to a home on South Gateway fora report from a passerby who saw flames in a window. The captain from Station 26 arrived to fire showing from the second floorand requested a second alarm, bringing all Toms Rivercompanies to the scene. Engine 2671 was first to arrive and quickly entered the structure as fire was showing from multiple second-floorwindows. Engine 2671 was able to knock down the majority of the fire with tank wateras Engine 2501 laid in from the hydrant. East Dover’s truck conducted vertical ventilation and the fire was placed undercontrol 20 minutes afterdispatch. There were no injuries but one cat perished in the fire. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Rolloveron GSP with Entrapment
Farmington and Bargaintown Fire Companies from Egg HarborTownship responded to Milepost 37 on the Garden State Parkway fora report of an MVA with entrapment. Firefighters, EMS and State Police quickly removed the occupant who was in need of CPR. Medics worked on the occupant all the way to the hospital and the cause of the crash is under investigation by the NJSP.
SUVLeaves Road, Hits Utility Pole, Overturns in Toms River
In the early morning hours of September 8, 2024, Toms RiverStation 26 along with Police and EMS responded to 37 East just past Washington fora single vehicle MVA. The SUVleft the roadway hitting a utility pole and overturning. Asmall fire broke out which was knocked down by Police Department with an extinguisher. All parties were able to self-extricate and a medevac was initially called forbut EMS transported patients to HMH Jersey Shore University Medical Center by ground.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
–– WILDWOOD 2024 ––
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti, Joseph Fortunato and Frank C. Trotta
–– WILDWOOD 2024 ––
Scullville Wins Best Tankerat Wildwood
Egg Harbor Township Deputy Chief, Gene Sharpe, with members of the Scullville Fire Company who won the best tankercategory at the 2024 NJ Firefighter Convention in Wildwood.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association
Members of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association pose with the carthat was in the firefighter’s parade in memory of formerChief Judge Rich Jankowski who passed earlierthis year. - Fire News
photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti, Joseph Fortunato and Frank C. Trotta
Up Close & Personal
Members of Dumont Engine Company 4, along with the chief of the department afterbattling and cleaning up a second-alarm house fire on a mutual aid to New Milford in September.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Atlantic City firefighters (left to right): Captain P. Hess, Firefighters J. Scannapieco, J. McMeekin, and A. Mahoud.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Congratulations to Galloway Township Chief John Mooney on being re-appointed Chief of Department.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The Galloway Township Police Explorers at Oceanville’s 100th Anniversary on September7, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
RapidSOS Aquires eDispatches
Move Aims to Provide the Critical Situational Awareness Needed in an Emergency.
RapidSOS, the intelligent safety company, announced the acquisition of eDispatches, an industry leader in providing communication services to emergency responders. This strategic move aims to provide the critical situational awareness needed in an emergency by leveraging RapidSOS’intelligent safety platform and eDispatches’ communications technology to field responders in an emergency.
Through this acquisition, RapidSOS further advances its emergency response ecosystem to provide public safety agencies throughout the US with contextual data that extends to field responders responding to an emergency. The acquisition of eDispatches joins RapidSOS’2022 purchase of IamResponding, expanding the reach of life-saving emergency data to field responders available through RapidSOS. It puts mission-critical information in the hands of the responders who need it the most to make more informed decisions when seconds matter.
The collaboration between RapidSOS and eDispatches marks a significant milestone in the evolution of first-response technology. eDispatches has been dedicated to providing value-driven, secondary notification services to the emergency responder community. By joining forces, RapidSOS and eDispatches are poised to deliver nextgeneration communication solutions that can improve emergency response times and outcomes on a broader scale, benefiting more communities and individuals in need.
For the past decade, thousands of public safety agencies have shaped RapidSOS’technology roadmap. Over a quarter billion dollars in research and development later, those initial insights from public safety now support over 21,000 911 and first responder agencies in six countries with 3.3 billion data payloads.
eDispatches addresses limitations in traditional two-tone paging systems often used by emergency responders, which can be hindered by range or topography.
“One of the critical benefits of this acquisition is the expansion of intelligent safety data to field responders. By providing additional context in an emergency, first responders will have the information they need to facilitate more efficient and effective responses,” said Michael Martin, CEO and co-founder of RapidSOS. “This expanded reach to additional field response agencies ensures that first responders are equipped with the context and information necessary to handle emergencies with greater precision and speed.”
“eDispatches is committed to enhancing emergency response capabilities by providing reliable and efficient secondary notification services. We are thrilled to join forces with RapidSOS and bring our value-driven, customer-focused solutions to a broader audience,” said Tom Stearn, President of eDispatches.
First & Safety Services Completes 2024 Road Rally
Fire & Safety Services’2024 Road Rally was a celebration of community and commitment to fire service in New Jersey.
First & Safety Services proudly announces the successful completion of their 2024 New Jersey Road Rally; three micro-shows that brought together over 500 attendees and showcased more than 40 emergency response apparatus across Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. This year’s rally exemplified the company’s dedication to the fire service community so they can engage with the latest in apparatus design. Fire Safety Services is the exclusive New Jersey dealer for Pierce Manufacturing, Frontline Communications, BME Fire Trucks, Skeeter Emergency Vehicles, and Stonewell Bodies amongst other brands.
hand. Departments had the chance to experience Pierce’s PACCAR engine via local driving routes and aerial operations.
David Russell, President & Owner of First & Safety Services, stated, “Our New Jersey Road Rally is more than just a showcase of apparatus; it’s a testament to our commitment to the communities we serve. We are honored to bring together first responders, families, and municipalities to celebrate the vital role that these emergency vehicles play in our lives.”
The event featured stops at prominent firehouses, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with brand reps, F&SS sales reps, F&SS service management and certified technicians. Each stop was designed to focus on apparatus local to the area so that customers that are shopping for their next apparatus can experience capabilities first-
“Seeing the turnout this year truly highlights the spirit of the fire service and where it is going today as far as how customers want to attend shows to experience the latest in the apparatus we help build,” Russell continued. “We’re grateful for the support of our partners and the enthusiasm of those who attended. The Road Rally would not have happened without the support of our loyal customers all over New Jersey especially Burlington Township Fire Department, Fairfield Fire Department and South Wall Fire & Rescue who were exemplary hosts from the first conversation to the clean up at the end of the night.”
As First & Safety Services continues to look ahead to future, the company remains committed to its mission of providing exceptional service and support to the New Jersey fire service and their communities. The success of the Road Rally reaffirms the importance of continuous engagement and education across New Jersey.
For more information about First & Safety Services and upcoming events, please visit www.f-ss.com or contact sales@f-ss.com.
2 CarAccident in Dumont with Entrapment
On September17, 2024, Dumont police receive multiple phone calls of a two-carMVAwith overturn and entrapment. First arriving police confirmed the location of Howard Avenue and Virginia Avenue, with one caron its side and into the othervehicle. Police requested fire and EMS to the scene. The occupants were removed and transported to a local hospital. Police took statements from witnesses at the scene. Units on scene where Engine 3 and Rescue 3 Engine 4 & Squad1.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Boat Overheats in Barnegat Bay
On September5, 2024, Toms RiverFire Boat and Island Heights were dispatched to the Barnegat Bay fora reported boat fire. Fire Boat 29 from Silverton was first to arrive to a disabled boat with a slight amount of smoke coming from the engine compartment. It was determined to be just an overheated motorand the balance of the assignment was cancelled. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Looking Back
Margate - 1914
Palisades Park 1984
PeterPirsch Pumper
A1984 PeterPirsch pumperserved from 1984 until 2007 forPalisades Park Fire Department. In 2007 it was acquired by the Bergen County Fire Academy and is still known as Engine 2.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Galloway - 1972
The City of Margate Fire Department in 1914.
- Fire News photo submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe
Looking back at the Pleasantville Fire Department at the BeachcomberInn fire in Galloway on EasterSunday 1972.
Fire News submitted by Rich Maxwell
Double Fatal MVA in Paterson
The Paterson Fire Department operated at a double-fatal MVA, with rollover, ejection and multiple entrapments at the intersection of McLean Boulevard (Route 20 south) and 18th Avenue on August 18, 2024, at 0400 hours.
- Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro
Medevac for5 Burn Victims in Hamilton
The Mays Landing Fire Company from the Township of Hamilton in Atlantic County responded on September9, 2024, to assist their EMS in the landing of two Medevacs following an incident that resulted in five people being burned. Two adults were flown by Medevac 2 and Jeff Stat.
- Fire News story submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe; photo courtesy of Sarah Schaeffer
Long Branch
16th Annual CigarDinner
On September5, 2024, the Long Branch FMBAFirefighters Union 68 held their 16th Annual CigarDinnerat Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Semi Crashes; Driver Flees
An unusual MVAinvolving a spill of diesel fuel prompted a response from Lawrence Township firefighters on July 16, 2024. Lawrence police began receiving 911 calls about a wreck in the 2800 block of Brunswick Pike (Route 1), with some callers reporting a tractor-trailerwas possibly overturned. Police arrived to find that a tractor(sans trailer) had crashed into the Jersey barrierand was partially resting atop the barrierfacing north on the southbound side of the highway. Alarge quantity of diesel fuel from the tractor’s damaged saddle tanks had already spilled onto the roadway. The driverhad fled the scene afterthe crash and could not be located by police.
- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
