Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor Getting Ready forWinterDriving

Guess what I was greeted with on October 9, 2022? I was shocked when I entered my vehicle and found that my windshield was covered with frost. After I cleaned off my windshield with windshield washer fluid, I was on my way for morning coffee at the firehouse. The first question I asked was, “Did anyone have frost on their car windows?” It didn’t take long before I realized I was the only one who experienced one of the side effects of fall. I am sure that by the time you read this editorial, you too will experience frosty windows!

Frosty windows aren’t a big deal, but it is a sign that we are in the fall season and must think about driving safely to the firehouse. Falling leaves become wet and slippery. Throw in some adrenalin as you respond to a call and you have the mix for dangerous slippery road conditions.

Company chauffeurs, engineers, MPOs or drivers must change their response techniques. Be sure to get to the firehouse safely. That ride to the firehouse tells you a lot about what you can expect when you drive your rig to a call. Fall and winter are two times of the year that require extra thought. Think about the safety of your crew and community. Go slowly until you are sure the roads haven’t iced up. Even paid crews that are already at the firehouse could be surprised when the overhead doors are raised, and you find weather conditions have changed.

All company chauffeurs need to seriously think about getting to the call safely. But it is equally important that new chauffeurs are versed in the technical operation of their vehicle. As the weather temperature dips below freezing, it is imperative that you fully understand the operation of your pumps and that you understand how cold can affect its operation. Cold can also affect you; dress warmly and wear gloves.

Looking ahead to an early snowstorm, the passengers in the front seat, namely the chauffeur and the officer, need to be aware of hydrant locations and what hydrants might be out of service. I know we have a little time, but is your crew ready to shovel out hydrants? Maybe it’s time to think about shovel placement on the rig and placement of some salt to melt the forming ice around the rig.

Use the fall season to remind your community that you need their help. An early snowstorm could block a hydrant. This is the time of the year to start a campaign that reminds the community to make sure hydrants are not blocked with snow. Get the word out so your community adopts their local hydrant and makes sure it is clear of snow.

My November editorial could be early for some areas (or late for others!), but I remember one year I had to cancel a Thanksgiving gettogether because of six or eight inches of snow that fell.

To our new Fire News editions that are in warmer climates, drive safely and feel free to share your experiences with weather related problems throughout the year. E-mail me at Li@FireNews.com. I’d love to hear from you. - Dennis

Burn CenterWins at Wildwood

(Left to right): Susan Cannon, Burn Foundation Board Member; David Russell, President and CEO, Fire Safety Services; and John McCann, Burn Foundation Administratorconduct the raffle drawing forthe original print by artist Joseph M. Getsingerat the 2022 New Jersey State Firefighters Convention in Wildwood on September17, 2022. This marked the 40th yearthat Getsingerhad produced an original piece of art to be auctioned in support of the Burn Foundation. It is also the 22nd yearthat Mr. Russell and Fire and Safety Services has supported the Burn Foundation’s fundraising in Wildwood. Robert Riley, Brigantine Firefighterpresented a $5000 check to John McCann, Burn Foundation Administrator. Each yearthe Brigantine Professional Firefighters holds a golf tournament, the proceeds of which benefit the Burn Foundation and theirmission of service to the burn centers and theirpatients. - Fire News photos courtesy of the Burn Foundation

Maywood Garage Fire Extends

At approximately 0430 on July 1, 2022, the Maywood Fire Department was dispatched fora garage fire in the rearof a Lenox Avenue address. Rochelle Park Fire also responded on automatic mutual aid. On arrival, companies found a single-story single-cargarage fully involved with extension to a similargarage on the Delta side. Hackensack L-1 responded as the FASTas crews stretched lines to protect the houses which were being threatened. The main garage collapsed soon afterarrival and crews were successful in quickly knocking down the fire in the second garage and protecting the homes. No injuries were reported and the fire was brought undercontrol in 20 minutes. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Cover Story

Montclair3-Alarmer

On September25, 2022, just around 1300, MontclairFire Dispatch started receiving numerous calls fora house fire at the intersection of Norwood and Inwood Avenues. While en route, the chief reported a large column of smoke visible and on arrival reported heavy fire venting out the windows on the first floorof the large threestory multiple dwelling. Companies were able to quickly knock down the main body of fire on the first floorbut, as companies opened up, fire was discovered traveling the walls. Asecond alarm was transmitted about 15 minutes into the fire bringing much needed additional manpowerto assist with opening up as heavy smoke was pushing from the attic. Aftera very aggressive interiorattack with lots of truck work to open up the walls and roof, the fire was placed undercontrol at 1420.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Paterson Commercial 3-Alarmer

Paterson Fire crews responded to a three-alarm fire on Main Street on September10, 2022. Heavy fire was encountered in a commercial structure with extension to the upperfloors. - Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro

Looking Back

Hackensack - 2018

On October24, 2018, the Hackensack Fire Department responded to Main Street fora four-alarm fire. Afternearly three hours the fire was placed undercontrol but crews remained on scene throughout the day. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Mt. Olive - 2014

On November25, 2018, calls came in to the NJ State Police fora trailerfire on Route 80 east. State Police contacted Mt. Olive Police who called forall Mount Olive firefighters to respond. The fire was brought undercontrol within a half hour. - Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney

Colts Neck 2018

On November20, 2018, a fire in a large private home was reported on Willow Brook Road in Colts Neck. One man was laterarrested and charged with fourcounts of first-degree murder, aggravated arson and weapons offenses in connection with the pre-dawn slaying of his brotherand theirtwo young children at theirmillion-dollarestate. - Fire News photo by Steven White

Double LZs in Pleasantville

On September28, 2022, the Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched to establish an LZ fornot one, but two helicopters. Engine crews marked out the landing zone with flares and stood by forthe double landing. Once both copters were on the ground the engine crews assisted loading patients in both. - Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran & Dana Moran

LODD: Keyport’s Chief Timothy R. Pfleger

On July 16, 2022, Chief Timothy R. Pfleger, age 32, of the Keyport Fire Department was involved in an MVAwhile returning from fire department mandated training at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. As Chief Pfleger was driving his Keyport Borough assigned vehicle, it was struck head-on by an oncoming vehicle. Chief Pfleger sustained traumatic injuries and was transported via ambulance to Jersey Shore University Trauma Center. After being stabilized, he underwent surgery to reconstruct his right hip. In the days after his surgery, Chief Pfleger was transported to a long-term facility for further rehabilitation. After approximately one month in the long-term rehab facility, he was able to be transported home to continue further rehab there. On September 30, 2022, Chief Pfleger was transported back to the hospital for a medical emergency and passed away. An autopsy determined that Chief Pfleger’s cause of death was pulmonary failure due to immobility produced by his injuries sustained in the crash.

Born in Red Bank, Timothy was raised in Holmdel. He graduated from Holmdel High School and the Monmouth County Fire Academy in 2008. In 2011, Timothy graduated from Brookdale College. Timothy was a former dispatcher for Holmdel Township and was employed with the Department of Transportation for the State of New Jersey.

Tim became a Cadet with the Keyport Fire Department in 2007, and in 2008 he joined the Fire Patrol and graduated from the Monmouth County Fire Academy. He served as a Lieutenant and Captain, before becoming the 3rd Assistant Chief in 2019 and in 2022 became the Chief of the Keyport Fire Department. Tim also joined the Holmdel Fire and Rescue 2.

Tim's love for fire service began as a four-year old when he would join his father at the firehouse. He had an ambition to become a fire inspector for Holmdel Township and to be a trainer at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. Atrue sports enthusiast, Tim loved Notre Dame football, the NYYankees, the NJ Devils and the NYGiants. He enjoyed participating in both fantasy football and baseball. Tim loved baseball, playing little league, travel and then playing for Holmdel High School. He is survived by his parents Charles and Melanie Pfleger and his sister Angela. - Fire News info provided

FIRSTNETAND 5G: RELIABLY CONNECTINGFIRSTRESPONDERS TO HELPKEEPCOMMUNITIES SAFE

by Stacy Schwartz - Vice President, Public Safety and FirstNet Program at AT&T

Emergencies are unpredictable. During these critical moments, public safety needs reliable, interoperable communications. That’s why our approach to 5G for public safety is unlike anything else.

It’s not the typical approach to 5G you’ve seen in television commercials. That’s because 5G on FirstNet® — America's public safety network — is a one-of-a-kind experience. It gives our nation’s first responders the early benefits of this next-generation connectivity while continuing to use LTE, the current gold standard for reliable mobile broadband, for their mission-critical needs. First responders maintain voice communications with always-on priority and preemption on LTE, while the FirstNet network determines the best route for data traffic, whether that’s 5G or LTE spectrum.

In April 2021, we upgraded the dedicated FirstNet network core to enable reliable 5G connectivity and opened access to AT&Thigh-band 5G+ spectrum. Later that year, we expanded access to the AT&Tlow-band 5G. And now, we’re giving this vital community access to the “sweet spot” of 5G - AT&T mid-band 5G+. All public safety needs to access 5G on FirstNet is a FirstNet Ready® 5G device.

What is 5Gforfirst responders like today?

We’re delivering 5G on FirstNet using AT&Tspectrum bands. Public safety in about 100 markets across the country have access to at least 1 of the 3 flavors of 5G. And we’re continuing to roll out additional 5G connectivity for FirstNet in more communities nationwide:

• High-Band 5G+: Public safety agencies and organizations in parts of more than 45 cities and 45+ venues get super-fast speeds and unprecedented performances in these high traffic areas. This includes places like Los Angeles International Airport and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa where crowds gather for the amazing concerts or major sporting events like the “Big Game” (but what is really a massive public safety event).

• Mid-Band 5G+: Now, this vital community has access to the “sweet spot” of 5G spectrum in more than 40 cities from coast to coast, including Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Seattle and St. Louis. Mid-band 5G+ spectrum fills the gap between our other bands and provides a great combination of ultrafast speeds and wide geographic coverage.

• Low-Band 5G: First responders in more than 30 cities across the United States — including Austin, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona and Knoxville, Tennessee — can connect using low-band 5G spectrum. It can travel farther, as well as penetrate through buildings and infrastructure better than high-band 5G+.

Looking ahead

Many might ask, “why can’t you deploy 5G on FirstNet like it is on commercial networks?” Simply put, when public safety is responding and lives are on the line, reliability is key. And many of the standards that protect public safety’s crucial communications from network congestion have not yet been implemented for 5G by the industry.

So, while we’re bringing this community specialized features and capabilities they’ve never had before, we also have an eye to the future. It isn’t going to happen overnight. But we’re working to develop the necessary standards and vendor support to create a 5G environment that aligns with public safety’s mission.

Our strategy for 5G on FirstNet takes advantage of the true evolution from 4G to 5G. FirstNet will continue to be a fast follower on 5G while driving innovation of and integration in tested and established mission-critical services on 4G for public safety operations today. That means first responders on FirstNet have the assurance that 4G public safety services are keeping them reliably connected for their lifesaving work, while the commercial side addresses initial start-up challenges of 5G. You know, places where viral videos and live-streaming your favorite football team’s games rule the day — not a place where a call can make all the difference in helping save someone.

On FirstNet, 5G connectivity will be ideal for IoTand video intelligence solutions. Imagine being able to deploy cameras during parades and other celebrations to help identify suspicious bags or packages. Or using 5G in an ambulance to transmit patient data back to the emergency room. That’s just a few ways 5G on FirstNet could help public safety achieve their life-saving missions in the future.

The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and AT&Tare committed to advancing FirstNet for all of public safety. And doing it right. We recognize that uniting the unmatched benefits of FirstNet with the future promises of 5G can unlock a whole new world of public safety potential. As new technologies become available, we understand what’s most important is taking a first respondercentric view in their deployment. That applies to 5G, augmented reality, edge computing and others. It’s our job as America’s public safety wireless communications provider.

We’re not building 5G on FirstNet for the bottom line. We’re building it for public safety’s unique mission needs. That means making sound decisions and being good stewards of public safety’s network — all to ensure we do 5G right for public safety.

Individual verified first responders not already on FirstNet can go to https://www.firstnet.com/signup/ or go to the more than 5,000 AT&Tretail stores across the country.

Page 14, Fire News, November2022 Rutherford 3-Alarmer

On September23, 2022, just around 1230, the Rutherford Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on West Newell Avenue. On arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the 2-1/2 story frame dwelling. Asecond alarm was requested which brought mutual aid companies to the scene. As companies were engaged in an offensive attack, fire was discovered in the walls on all floors and several members reported being mildly shocked from the siding in the rear. PSE&Gwas requested with a rush due to some type of electrical issue. With all companies working, command requested a third alarm forcoverage. The fire took about an hourto be placed undercontrol and was investigated by the fire prevention bureau. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

FireNews.com Fire News, November2022, Page 15

Tinton Falls Recycling CenterFire

On August 21, 2022, the Tinton Falls Fire Department responded to the Mazza recycling facility off Shafto Road fora fire. Companies arrived to a deep-seated fire in the trash pile within the large warehouse. Mutual aid ladders from Glendola and Asbury Park were set up with Tinton Falls Ladder36-2-90 to surround and drown the fire. Oakhurst assisted with a waterrelay. Crews battled the fire for nearly three hours as heavy equipment was brought in to break apart the pile. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

2 Die, 1 Injured in South Hackensack Blaze

At approximately 0315, on June 10, 2022, South Hackensack Fire Department was dispatched fora house fire on AgarPlace. On arrival, companies were confronted with heavy fire from an occupied 1-1/2 story frame dwelling with two people reported trapped. Asecond alarm was transmitted bringing mutual aid to the fire. Undersevere conditions, an elderly woman was located in the front first floorof the building and removed in cardiac arrest. As fire broke through the roof, a third alarm was transmitted and members were temporarily withdrawn from the building. As the heavy fire was knocked down, crews re-entered and located a male victim in the rearof the home. He was quickly removed and turned overto EMS in cardiac arrest. The fire was brought undercontrol in about 90 minutes, howevercompanies remained on the scene through the morning while an investigation was conducted by the South Hackensack Fire Prevention Bureau, county arson squad and county prosecutor’s office. One additional female was treated forsmoke inhalation and no firefighters were injured. The home was a total loss and the two rescued people succumbed to their injuries. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

North Arlington 2-Alarmer

On September22, 2022, around 1114, the North Arlington Fire Department was dispatched to Union Avenue fora house fire. Arriving units found heavy fire conditions on the second floor. Lyndhurst Rescue responded as the FAST, and command transmitted a second alarm. Units from Kearny and Rutherford responded and an additional alarm was transmitted forcoverage. - Fire News photos by Michael Saggau, Jr.

Wildwood Restaurant Fire Snuffed

Recently, The Wildwood Fire Department’s Squad 3 (APlatoon) and Ladder2 responded to a local restaurant fora structure fire. Squad 3 arrived and located a small fire inside the rearof the business. The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the area of origin, minimizing damage to the business. The assignment was held to Squad Company 3 and Ladder2. - Fire News photos courtesy of Wildwood FD

Atlantic City AirShow

On August 23 and 24, 2022, fire departments, EMS, and police agencies from across the state gathered along the Atlantic City Boardwalk to standby forthe annual Atlantic City AirShow. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 20, Fire News, November2022

Route 9 CarFire

On August 21, 2022, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department was dispatched to a reported carfire on Route 9. Heavy smoke could be seen while responding and Chief 3000 arrived to a well involved engine compartment fire. Engines 3041, 3051 and Ladder3065 all responded and quickly knocked down the fire with a bumperline off Engine 41. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Best Appearing TankerAward

New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association President Dennis Sharpe presented Green Bank FirefighterJaime and Chief Len Foran theirtrophy for2nd Place forBest Appearing TankerPumper. - Fire News photo by Charles Harlan

Denville Night Out

The Denville Fire Department participated in the National Night Out. The department gave tours of the firetrucks and the ambulance and all the vehicle rescue tools were on display. The children had theirpictures taken on the fire equipment. They also received handouts of coloring books and waterbottles. - Fire News photo by Charles W. Botti

Paterson Wishes Well forOne of Its Own

Paterson firefighters and several others from surrounding communities, lined Getty Avenue to honora brotherfirefighter, Johnathan Roman, as he was being transferred from St. Joseph’s Hospital to University Hospital in Newark after being injured in a motorcycle MVAearly in September. - Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro

Egg HarborTownship 9/11 Ceremony

The Egg HarborTownship 911 ceremony was held at the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company with remarks from local dignitaries and a retired Secret Service agent who spoke of his remembrance of that day. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Saddle Brook Shed Fire Extends

At just afternoon on September24, 2022, the Saddle Brook Fire Department received a call fora fire behind Birk Street. As companies were responding, a large column of black smoke was visible from several miles. On arrival, a large shed was fully involved in the rearof the home extending to a second shed and also to the home. A second alarm was requested, which brought mutual aid companies to the scene, which was on the farend of a long dead-end street. Several handlines were put into service as crews worked on preventing the fire from spreading throughout the home. The fire was placed undercontrol in 30 minutes but not before destroying the shed, damaging the second shed and also heavily damaging the exteriorof the home. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Long Branch FMBA CigarDinner

On September8, 2022, the Long Branch FMBA held theirannual cigardinnerat Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant. Anumberof supporters came out to support the union’s dinnerwhich featured a buffet style dinner, open bar, many raffles and doorprizes, and all attendees were given their own cigars and lighters. All proceeds go to benefiting all charitable work the FMBAdoes forthe city such as theirpart in assisting installing handicap accessible beach access ramps. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

FireNews.com

Fire News, November2022, Page 25 Newark Capt. Injured at Multi-House Fire

On August 15, 2022, the Newark Fire Department responded to a large occupied multiple dwelling on Clinton Avenue fora fire. Crews encountered a heavy column of smoke while responding and heavy fire from the top flooron arrival. Asecond alarm was transmitted. Due to the heavy fire and size of the building a third alarm quickly followed. Early in the fire there was a roof collapse on the top floorseriously injuring a Newark captain. The captain was removed from the building and transported to Saint Barnabas Medical Center. Companies were able to contain the fire to the Bravo/Charlie cornerof the building and prevent any further extension. Crews remained on scene foran extended period of time conducting overhaul. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Lenola 100th Anniversary

The Lenola VolunteerFire Company of Moorestown in Burlington County celebrated their100th anniversary on September10, 2022, with a muster. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe