Fire News New Jersey, December 2022

Car Into Building in Springfield

AService for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

GARYP. JOYCE, Managing Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY,Vice President National Sales

BRYAN LOPEZ,Editorial Assistant

GREGORYJONES, Graphic Artist

FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS

Lodi Commercial

2-Alarmer

Finding the seat of the fire was the first step in dousing this smoky blaze.

Ahouse fire in Kearney displaces three families. See story on page 7 See story on page 10 See story on page 19

Call for Presenters

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness’24th annual conference is calling for papers.

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.

COPYRIGHT2022, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3

Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com Twelve

Long

Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready To Meet The Press? From the Editor’s Desk

As we enter the holiday season, I ask everyone to pause for a moment and say a prayer for our brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty. Take the time to remember the members in your department, who have served and have passed, leaving a void in their department. Experience tells me that the fire service will never forget those members who have passed in 2022.

To our officers, who prepare to lead their companies and departments in 2023; are you ready to make a difference? Ask yourself what you can do differently in the upcoming new year to instill an awareness of safe enthusiasm. I am proud to see my company members coming down to the firehouse on their own to check the rigs, test equipment, and to make sure their gear is in order, so they can quickly and safely respond to calls.

In November, I had the honor to attend the Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo Memorial Foundation fundraiser as a Public Information Officer. No matter how large or small and incident is, you should be following the guidelines of the Incident Command System to make sure that every aspect of your event is safely covered by a qualified and responsible person. My job was to prepare to greet the press that may or may not show up to our event. I prepared a package that gave the history of Black Sunday, and I explained the purpose of the organization and how it has helped fire-

fighters stay safe over the past 10 years. My job was to greet the press and set up a liaison from our group who could take the press around the handson training evolutions and answer any questions that they may have had for us.

As the editor of Fire News, I often receive telephone calls, text messages and emails requesting coverage for a special event at a local fire department. I explain to the person asking for help that I will do whatever I can to help them, but I cannot guarantee that one of our photographers will be able to make the event. I let the departments know that the Fire News photographers are freelance reporters, who typically cover emergency situations in their area. During my conversation, I will often ask, “Do you have a Public Information Officer?” It is my hope that they do.

APIO is the perfect job for a senior member who has good communication skills and knowledge of their department’s events. Today, with the advent of cellphones, word processing skills and email operations, your PIO can get photos and a writeup to all the local press, Fire News included. Your local fire academy often has a class to teach your PIO what to say and what not to say. Yes, sometimes the PIO must explain to citizens why certain situations appear to have gone wrong at a call when in fact nothing went wrong at all. A good PIO is a buffer between the public and the

chief. Achief really cannot say he didn’t know something went wrong. APIO can say, “Let me get back to you on this.”

PIOs should start out slowly. Prepare a few photos and copy, about the event and send the information to Fire News. Now that Fire News has grown to 12 editions, turn to page three to find the email address for your paper.

I look forward to your stories. Have a safe holiday season!

- Dennis

Honoring 2 Firefighters

On October 16, 2022, members of the New Milford Fire Department companies 1 and 2, with the mayor and representatives of the town council held two cere monies to honor two members of the department who were killed in the line of duty back in the early 1940s. The first member to be recognized was Firefighter Thomas Weisenbach from Company 1. Weisenbach responded from his home to the firehouse and proceeded to get on a piece of apparatus while responding to a fire. En route he told another member he did not feel good and the crew was able to get him to a nearby doctor’s home where he passed away on November 7, 1941

The second firefighter being honored was from Company 2 Firefighter Philip Kehr. While responding to fire on a piece of apparatus there was a severe MVAinvolving a commuter bus. Kehr was ejected from the vehicle on impact and was killed when run over by one of the vehicles. This took place at the corner of River Road and Main Stre et on November 28, 1943.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

On

Shamong - 2017

Looking Back

New Milford - 1971

Dunellen Late 1950s

New Jersey Fire Equipment Company of Dunellen. There was a satellite office in Galloway Township where the International Pumperforthe Woolwich Fire Company and the Oren forPleasantville Fire Company 3 were delivered. Alittle history: (The front engine is a 1956 according to theirweb site. I know the rearengine is a 1957.) The Oren was eventually replaced by an International/Great Eastern that is still around today.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

November10, 2017, District 28 units were alerted foran allhands house fire off Atsion Road in Shamong. Atendershuttle was established due to a lack of hydrants. The fire was brought undercontrol with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez

This American La-France LadderTruck served New Milford (NJ) from 1971 until 1989. It was then sold to Hollis (NH), then acquired by Hillsboro (NH), and was in service until late 2017. It is currently owned by a private collector.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Route 9 CarFire

Kearny 5-AlarmerDisplaces 3 Families

Around 1040 on June 26, 2022, the Kearny Fire Department responded to Laurel Avenue fora house fire. On arrival, companies reported a working fire in a large 21/2 story frame dwelling with heavy fire on the first floorin the rear. Asecond alarm was transmitted as companies stretched lines and started searches. Within 10 minutes fire had extended into the Bravo exposure and command pulled everyone out of the original fire building. At 1120 a third alarm was requested followed by the fourth 20 minutes later. With soaring temperatures and high humidity, companies were hard pressed as the fire continued to spread in the bravo exposure. Afifth alarm was sounded at 1210 foradditional manpowerand, soon after, all members were withdrawn from the bravo exposure. Two aerial streams and numerous handlines were put into operation as heavy smoke covered the entire fireground due to the humidity. The fire, which took overthree hours to be extinguished, destroyed both buildings and left three families homeless.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

On August 21, 2022, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department was dispatched to a carfire on Route 9. Heavy smoke could be seen while responding and Chief 3000 arrived to a well involved engine com

partment 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

Multi-Alarm Blaze Destroys Ewing Township Community Gym

Firefighters from several Mercer County municipalities spent the predawn hours of September30, 2022, battling a raging multi-alarm inferno that destroyed the gymnasium of the Ewing Township Seniorand Community Center. It was 0258 when West Trenton Fire (Station 33) volunteers were dispatched fora fire alarm at the centeron LowerFerry Road. Just minutes later, on-duty Ewing Township careerfirefighters (Station 30) and Prospect Heights Volunteer Fire (Station 31) members were alerted. West Trenton Chief Mike Anderson arrived to find the gym, in the centerof the complex of interconnected buildings, fully engulfed. He immediately ordered the second alarm. Squirt 31, already on the road clearing up from an earlierassignment, put theirmaster stream in service. Watersupply problems — low pressure and a leaking hydrant — prompted a third alarm, along with a special call fora tanker task force. Ultimately, fouraerial masterstreams and several handlines were put to work. Afterseveral partial collapses, what was left of the gym roof fully collapsed around 0530. The blaze, which was prevented from spreading to the otherparts of the facility, was declared undercontrol at 0713. Mutual aid came from Lawrence, Trenton, Hamilton, Pennington, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Princeton, Falls (PA) and Washington Crossing (PA).

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Teaneck CarFire on I-80

Just afternoon on September20, 2022, Teaneck and Ridgefield Park fire departments were dispatched to a report of a carfire on I-80 westbound. On arrival of Teaneck, the fire was determined to be in theirjurisdiction. The car was well involved and fire had also extended to the brush on the side of the highway. Two engines from Teaneck went to work on the car fire while an engine from Ridgefield Park and one from Teaneck responded to the local street above the fire to check forextension. An additional engine from Ridgefield Park assisted with the brush fire on the highway and the fire was brought undercontrol in 15 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Carinto Building MVA in Springfield

On September30, 2022, the Springfield Fire Department responded to a commercial building on Springfield Avenue fora vehicle into the building. Crews arrived to a single carMVAoff the roadway into the gas meterof the building which had caught fire. AMillburn engine, Summit engine, and Union Ladderresponded. Units were able to safely evacuate the structure and secure the gas, dowsing the fire and preventing any extension into the buildings. The incident was placed under control a half-hourafterarrival.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

60+ Displaced at Passaic Blaze

Alittle before 0200 on October14, 2022, the Passaic Fire Department responded to a reported building fire at Madison Street and Hamilton Avenue. Ladder2 reported a working fire in a large, three-story, mixed-use building. Asecond alarm was quickly transmitted as companies reported heavy fire on the first-floorrear. Several handlines were put into service as trucks conducted searches and ventilated. With companies reporting fire on the second floor and running the walls command requested a third alarm and the roof ventilated. Conditions continued to deteriorate with fire now in

the cockloft and third floor, forcing command to evacuate the building. Ladderpipes and blitz fires were set up and put into operation as fire vented from the roof and, as the fire continued to spread horizontally across the cockloft, a fourth alarm was transmitted. Four aerial streams, several handlines and blitz fires worked to stop the spread and protect the exposures. Over60 people were left homeless and the building was destroyed; however, there were no injuries and the fire was contained to the original fire building.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Estell Manor House Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Estell Manor, Dorothy Fire & Rescue (Weymouth Township), Milmay (Buena Vista Township), and Mays Landing (Township of Hamilton) in Atlantic County were dispatched on May 3, 2022 to Fifth Avenue in Estell ManorCity fora dwelling fire with a reported entrapment. Estell ManorFire officerNick Bly arrived and reported fire on the A, B, and C sides. Dorothy’s engine pulled in first to attack the fire with a Milmay engine following behind dropping the LDH. Numerous handlines were pulled from both apparatus with a line being taken to the front doorfora interiorattack while additional lines were taken to the rearof the structure. Additional watertenders were called from East Vineland and Minotola which shuttled waterto the scene. The fire was brought undercontrol in several hours and ws underinvestigation by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

2-Alarm Apartment Building Blaze in Florence Twp.

District 40 units were alerted forreports of black smoke in the area of the Florence tollgate plaza on October9, 2022. Engine 4012 confirmed smoke visible from the station and requested all companies be placed in service. Burlington County Central Communications reported an elderly person trapped inside the apartment building. Engine 4012 arrived and requested a second alarm fora fully involved apartment. The victim was located and safe. The fire went to two alarms.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Multiple Extrications Performed at Ewing Township MVA

Several people had to be extricated from the wreckage aftera pickup truck and an SUVcollided in Ewing Township, MercerCounty, on October14, 2022. Among the injured was an infant who was allegedly not riding in a child carseat and was unrestrained when the crash occurred. Ewing Township police, EMS and firefighters, along with Capital Health System paramedics, were dispatched at 2057 forthe collision in front of the Wendy’s restaurant in the 1700 block of North Olden Avenue. When emergency personnel arrived, they found three adults and the infant trapped in the two heavily-damaged autos. Ewing careerfirefighters and volunteers from Prospect Heights and West Trenton fire companies quickly extricated the victims, who were transported to the regional trauma centerby Ewing, Lawrence and Trenton EMS personnel. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

You Gotta’ Get in There First

One of the most basic things a firefighterneeds to know, besides flowing waterand suppression, is forcible entry. You cannot put out the fire orperform a rescue if you cannot get to it. Students at the FirefighterI class at the Atlantic County fire school were taught forcible entry with Instructors Merola and Dougherty looking on.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

NJ Fire Museum Open House

On September25, 2022, the New Jersey Fire Museum held theirannual open house showcasing all of theirmemorabilia along with having all of their apparatus on display. Allentown-UpperFreehold Fire served food and drink while the museum had a few collectibles forpurchase.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Lodi 2-Alarm Commercial Fire

On the morning of September1, 2022, the Lodi Fire Department was alerted fora fire on Union Street. On arrival, command reported a heavy smoke condition from the single-story commercial tire shop and transmitted a second alarm. Crews entered the building searching forthe seat of the fire as trucks ventilated the roof. Two

handlines were put into operation as conditions appeared to be deteriorating, howeverat 1015 the interiorcrew reported wateron the fire and the main body of fire was knocked down. The fire was placed undercontrol in just overan hour. One firefighterwas treated forminor injuries. - Fire

News photos by Peter Danzo

RVFire on Francis Drive

On September26, 2022, the Toms RiverFire Department received multiple calls forsmoke in the area and an RVon fire on Francis Drive. East Dover Fire units arrived to a well involved RVfire on the side of the road. One line was stretched and placed into operation, and it soon became apparent the fuel tank had ruptured as fire began spreading along the street. Foam was placed into service and nearby storm drains were protected to prevent any run off.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association 24th Annual ConferenceCalling all Presenters

The 2023 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference will be held back on Atlantic City's Famous Boardwalk, April 17-21, 2023 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Call for Papers is now open, so DO NOTDELAY! Submit your training and breakout presentations now at www.njepa.org! Deadline for submissions is November 29, 2022. We are accepting proposals for 75-minute breakout sessions, half-day, full-day, two, three- and four-day training sessions. Presenters' notification will take place shortly after the first of the year.

There are numerous Exhibitor and Sponsorship opportunities available for this year's Conference, visit our website at www.njepa.org to explore the appropriate ones for your organiza tion.

Attendee registration will be open shortly after January 1st, 2023, visit our website to review all the training and Networking events!

See you in April!

Smoking HVAC in Clifton

On September21, 2022, the Clifton Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure on Clifton Avenue forreports of smoke in the building. Crews arrived to a slight smoke condition on the top floorand command ordered Ladders 2 and 3 to check the roof top heating units. Aburnt HVAC unit on the roof was found, which was causing the smoke to travel through the building. No fire was found and shortly afterthe building was re-occupied. This was one of the first calls the new Ladder2 was set up foran actual call.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Up Close & Personal

Emily Aldridge, InstructorMLGraham, and Eusenia Carmona at the Atlantic County Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Fire Training Center. Aldridge and Carmona are probationary firefighters from Cologne and Pleasantville.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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At

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Bargaintown

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Atlantic

ers convention.

Fall FirefighterI class at the Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Fire Training Centerin Egg Harbor Township.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

ABeachwood Fire Department memberat a house fire on August 3, 2022.

Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

the annual meeting of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association in Wildwood on September15, 2022, Anthony Correia was sworn in as President.

Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Assistant Chief Will Hancock and Scullville Chief Vern Cruze at a second alarm fire in West Atlantic City on October11, 2022.

Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

County Firefighters Association President Chuck Macintosh, Jr., presents City of Northfield Captain Brian Flaherty trophies forwinning Best Appearing Apparatus and Department from Atlantic County at the 2022 Wildwood firefight-

Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Memories of Wildwood 2022

Memories of Wildwood 2022

- Fire News photos by Joe Fortunato, Bryan Lopez, Artie Osniak and Mark Rosetti

Westwood’s Kevin May

We regret to inform you that Westwood (northern NJ) Firefighter Kevin May, age 29, suffered a cardiac incident after responding with the Westwood Fire Department on October 16, 2022, as part of the mutual aid assignment to a major fire in Upper Saddle River.

Firefighter May awoke the next morning experiencing chest pains and difficulty breathing. He was taken to a local hospital. Aprocedure to insert a stent was performed and he was released from the hospital under a doctor’s care on October 20. On October 25 at approximately 0930 May was found at home unresponsive. CPR was initiated, and Emergency Medical Ser vices was called but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful and he passed away. Kevin has served Westwood Fire Department for 11 years.

Kevin was born on March 1, 1993 to George Jr. and Alison May. He grew up as the oldest loving brother to Dean and James. Kevin was their protector, confidant and best friend. He is cherished by his grandmother Linda Sherikjian. He is predeceased by his grandfather, Joseph Sherikjian, and his grandparents, George Sr. and Marie May. Growing up in Westwood, he actively participated in youth baseball, football, lacrosse and roller hockey. Kevin went on to play ice hockey and graduated from River Dell High School in 2011. Kevin was currently working for FedEx.

He was a passionate firefighter for 11 years. He served as a proud Vice President and softball team coach. He loved acting as Santa Cla us on their annual Santa Runs and loved the holiday parades. The Westwood Fire Department was his second family.

Kevin was an avid fan of the NYMets, Giants and Rangers as well as Nascar. Kevin’s personality was larger than life. His love for his family, friends and community were extraordinary. He will be greatly missed and leaves a great hole in not only his family, but every single life he has touched.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Kevin’s name to the Westwood Fire Department. - Fire News story and headshot provided

Upper Saddle River’s Alex Moss

On October 30, 2022, Firefighter Alex Moss responded to the fire station for a residential fire alarm call. He remained at the station and complained to his fellow firefighters that he wasn’t feeling well and went home. In the early afternoon, his wife found him deceased in bed from an apparent heart attack.

He was born in Manhattan and lived in Upper Saddle River for 43 years. He married the love of his life, Kelli Moss on April 23, 1994. Alex is survived by his loving wife Kelli, his three daughters Nicole, Allison and Jess, his beloved mother Susan, his sister Carolyn, his stepfather Edward and his father Charles.

Alex was a member of the Upper Saddle River Fire Department for 30 years. He was a graduate of Devonshire College Prep School. He owned and operated the Moss Consulting Group, LLC, for 11 years. Alex’s love of the Grateful Dead brought his many friends together as one big family. He enjoyed cars, the beach, fishing, boats and jet skiing. Alex’s motto was “Life is too short to drive boring cars.”

In lieu of flowers, donations in Alex’s memory can be made to the Upper Saddle River Fire Department, 375 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.

- Fire News story and headshot provided