Fire News New Jersey, February 2019 edition

VOLUME 13, NO. 9

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes FEBRUARY 2019

Full story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

LODD: Mizpah’s Natalie Dempsey See Page 30.

– New Jersey Edition –

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Major Blaze in Ocean City A third-floor fire extends to the exposure and then collapses at the rear.

See story on page 8

2 Calls, 2 Addresses, 1 Fire in Montclair Montclair, along with several mutual aid companies, spend a long, snowy night at work.

See story on page 12

Rooftop Rescue in Hamilton Twp. A worker is rescued from the roof of Atlantic Cape Community College.

See story on page 20

EHT 34-Year-Plus Members Honored Five firefighters from Cardiff, Bargaintown, Scullville, Farmington and West Atlantic City are honored.

See story on page 27

Up Close and Personal A close look at the people who keep New Jersey’s fire service running.

See story on page 28

Line of Duty Death Mizpah’s Natalie Dempsey See story on page 30

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 18 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26

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, Michael J. Coppola, 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 2019, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS 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

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Official Publication of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention

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, February 2019

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Do You Wear Your PPE? Recently, many of you saw a video of New York City firefighters being consumed by a cloud of violent smoke and flame at a Sunnyside, Queens (NY) fire. As I watched in horror, my main concern was that no one would be found dead or seriously injured after the incident. Seconds before, I watched firefighters casually walking away from the building. Like a soldier going into battle, I am always impressed that FDNY firefighters typically demonstrate their professionalism on all levels as they don all of their personal protective equipment (PPE) all of the time.

When the explosion occurred, my concern was for the members that were closest to the explosion. I watched the explosion over and over as it consumed several firefighters and their chief. I truly believe that everyone survived this incident because they were properly wearing their PPE. Yes, the chief and his members set the example for all firefighters to follow. Do you need another reason to convince you to wear your PPE? It has always been a pet peeve of mine, when I photograph a fire scene and I see people standing in the doorway of a fire wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt. If you are going to stand in the collapse zone of a structure

that is on fire, you should be in full turnout gear. I know your adrenaline kicks in and, as you stand watching your brothers and sisters stretch lines, you see a kink or a hose line caught in an un-chocked door. Your first thought is to help — they might be short staffed – get their line in place. But you really have to gain control of your emotions and instruct the firefighters in gear and point out the issues and let them handle the situation.

Once a firefighter, always a firefighter; I get it! But, if you get hurt, the first thing the investigators are going to ask is why were you in the collapse zone feeding hose through a door sans PPE. By the way, I understand the person who was hurt the worse in the Sunnyside smoke explosion was a civilian standing in front of the building.

Yes, your personal protective equipment works. Department Safety Officers should visually scan their scene and when they see an individual in close proximity to the scene and not in turnout gear, pull them back to a safe area. I have seen members of departments in suits and ties, golf shirts and sandals, and improperly donned PPE. It is not in anyone’s best interest to be on a fire scene

with no personal protective equipment.

Learn from this recent smoke explosion in Queens. Watch the video over and over. Look at the force of the explosion as it swallowed the surprised firefighters.

They were basically uninjured because they wore their personal protective equipment properly. Set the example in your department. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to your own safety.

-Dennis

ASSOCIATED AUTO BODY & TRUCKS INC.

Specializing in Fire trucks and Medical Vehicles Expert Collision Work

FREE ESTIMATES! 381-405 Raymond Blvd.

Newark, NJ 07105 Tel: (973) 589-9162 Fax: (973) 589-9230 Ask for Jack!

Our work will pass your entire department’s inspection

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 5

Page 6, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Cover Story

Nutley House Fire A second alarm was requested on arrival shortly after 0315 on November 9, 2018, at Glendale Street in Nutley.

Firefighters had heavy fire showing from the second floor of a large 2-1/2 story frame dwelling. After a quick attempted interior attack, command evacuated the building due to the fire rapidly extending into the attic. Several exterior lines were used to knock down the bulk of the fire allowing crews to re-enter, start opening up and hitting hot spots. The fire was placed under control just before 0500. Several mutual aid companies assisted at the scene and provided coverage.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

FireNews.com

East Vineland Extrication The volunteer fire companies of Richland and East Vineland responded to Landis Avenue and Tuckahoe Road on November 23, 2018, for an MVA with rollover and entrapment. Richland Chief Tony Monfredo established command, and confirmed a two-vehicle crash with one entrapped in a vehicle on its roof. Command requested East Vineland Engine 12-21 to pull a length of hose and put it through the front of the vehicle to support the driver who was inverted until his safety belt was removed. Then he was lowered, triaged and transported by EMS to Inspira Hospital in the City of Vineland. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. Also responding were Buena Vista Township EMS, Buena Borough EMS. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Fire News, February 2019, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Major Blaze in Ocean City The Ocean City Fire Department dispatched Engine 3, Engine 2, Truck 1 and Deputy 3A to Central Avenue in the area of 48th Street shortly after 0300 on December 27, 2018, for a report of flames coming from a home. Engine 3 arrived and reported flames showing from a third floor of a residential building with extension into exposure B, followed by an additional report there was a collapse in the rear of exposure B. Deputy 3A advised dispatch of three structures involved and requested a recall of all off-duty personnel. Mutual aid came from Marmora, City of Margate and Strathmere. The fire was under investigation by the city, state, and ATF officals. Also assisting were Ocean City Police and Upper Township EMS. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Robert Macom

Page 10, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Busy Day for Hammonton

The Town of Hammonton Fire Department was dispatched to Washington Street North on October 22, 2018, for a house fire.

Hammonton Engine 98 dropped a supply line to the front of the structure and its crew stretched two one-inch lines. When Hammonton Tower 9 arrived, they extended their main to the B side and a LDH was tied into them for water supply. Upon the arrival of the Collings Lakes apparatus, Assistant Chief Bill Collins was assigned operations and their rescue truck was set up for RIT. Command had Collings Lake set up their straight stick aerial in the rear of the exposure building to overhaul.

Because the water mains in that area were not supplying sufficient pressure, command requested water tenders. Firefighters worked for over an hour to bring the fire under control. This was the first of four calls in Hammonton that day. While firefighters were still on location, mutual aid responded to the 200 block of North Pratt Street for a pot on the stove, a high angle rescue for a roofer who was injured on Marlyn Avenue, and firefighters responded to North Liberty Street for an electrical fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 11

Apartment House Fire in East Orange

On November 15, 2018, just as the first snow of the year began to fall, the East Orange Fire Department responded to Park Avenue. Crews arrived to a moderate smoke condition coming from a garden apartment. As companies attempted to locate the seat of the fire, the fire continued to advance and began to self-vent on the A side. Command

struck a second alarm bringing the second East Orange truck and the last engine in the city, along with engines from Orange and Bloomfield. The heavy fire was doused with a blitz fire from the exterior, as crews re-entered the fire apartments to fully knock down the remaining fire.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 12, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

2 Calls, 2 Addresses, 1 Fire

As heavy snow fell across New Jersey on November 15, 2018, the Montclair Fire Department dispatched a full assignment to Walnut Street for a bedroom fire. While units were navigating the heavy traffic, a second call came in reporting a heavily advanced house fire on Valley Road. Car 4 directed Headquarters to get a second alarm assignment and broke up the Montclair assignment to respond to the two locations. On arrival, the two calls wound up being the same. Truck 2 was first to arrive to heavy fire showing from the C side of a Valley Road address.

Bloomfield, East Orange, Clifton and Cedar Grove responded to assist. Crews attempted an interior attack but the fire had worked its way through all floors and companies were forced to evacuate as the fire started to self-vent through the roof.

Multiple handlines were stretched as Truck 1 set up its ladder pipe. Crews remained in a defensive attack knocking down the fire and remained on the scene throughout the night dousing hot spots and conducting fire watch.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 14, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Quick Stop at Early Morning Paterson Blaze Paterson firefighters had to deal with a dead hydrant and an exposure problem when they responded to a house fire on East Holsman Street at 0100 on November 18, 2018. The 3rd Battalion was dispatched and arrived to heavy fire showing on the delta side of the 2-1/2 story frame, impinging on the exposure. The first hydrant was found to be inoperable. An aggressive interior attack with several 1-3/4 inch lines quickly had the main body of fire knocked down, however the fire was in the walls and extended into the attic. Due to structural instability an attempt to vent the roof was abandoned and a 2-1/2 inch line was used to quickly knock down the fire in the attic. At 0145 Deputy 1 reported all visible fire knocked down with extensive overhaul required. No injuries were reported and two dogs were rescued from the building.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

FireNews.com

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association Emergency Manager of the Year Award

DEADLINE: March 15, 2019 The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association is soliciting nominations to recognize and give honor to an individual or program — public or private — that embodies the values and leadership displayed by Emergency Coordinator Kevin H. Tuno during his 33 years of service to the Emergency Management Community in New Jersey.

The recipient will be an individual or program who, through their long-term commitment to emergency preparedness efforts, have clearly influenced the Emergency Management profession in New Jersey, in a positive and insightful manner.

ELIGIBILITY and RULES Any individual or overall program active in emergency management activities in New Jersey is eligible. The award is intended to recognize the successful leadership of public or private preparedness and emergency management individuals or programs that have demonstrated leadership, ingenuity and selflessness.

Individual nominees may be involved in public or private emergency management, preparedness, response or recovery efforts anywhere in the State. This award is not limited to emergency management personnel — it is open to all who work in the field including NJVOAD member and partner staff and volunteers, planners, contractors, PIOs, first responders, etc.

All applications must be received as one file or package no later than March 15, 2019. Any application received after this date will not be considered.

SELECTION PROCESS Award selections will be based solely on the information presented in the award nomination. Nominations need to be clear, descriptive and provide specific examples that demonstrate that the person/project/program meets the selection criteria. Self-nominations are not accepted for this honor.

CFSI Accepting Applications for Fire Service-Based EMS Award Fire departments that have implemented innovations in emergency medical services should consider applying for the CFSI/Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award. Established in 2010, the award recognizes fire departments in the career and the volunteer & combination categories.

Fire departments across the country are developing new and innovative approaches to delivering emergency medical care. Both CFSI and Masimo want to recognize these departments and share their innovations with other departments seeking new solutions for delivering emergency medical services in their own communities.

Click here for information about the award. This is a department award - individuals are not eligible.

CFSI and Masimo will honor the recipients at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25th in Washington, DC. Approximately 1,500 fire and emergency services officials across the nation are expected to attend the annual program that recognizes the one million men and women of our nation's fire and emergency services. In addition, CFSI and Masimo will conduct separate presentations for the recipients at a later date in their respective communities to recognize all individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of the programs.

The deadline for applying is February 1, 2019. Please contact CFSI at 202-371-1277 if you have any questions. Also, please provide detailed responses to the questions.

Fire News, February 2019, Page 15

Page 16, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Fatality at Sea Isle City Blaze On November 29, 2018, Sea Isle Dispatch received multiple calls reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a home on 54th Street and Landis Avenue with possible entrapment. Command arrived to heavy flames and smoke with one unit fully involved.

Mutual aid was requested. Crews worked for hours trying to extinguishing the blaze that had spread to the two units on each side of the origin structure. Attempts to locate an 89-year-old woman were unsuccessful throughout the defensive mode of operation, so a search and recovery operation was initiated. Two others were injured during the fire and the next day, the body of the missing woman was located. Responding units were Sea Isle City Fire and Rescue, Strathmere, Avalon, Oceanview, Dennisville, Seaville, Marmora, Upper Township Belleplain, Sea Isle City Police, Cape May County Fire Marshall’s Office, Atlantic Electric, and SJ Gas. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom; aerial photo by Denis Burcaw

Chester Commercial Fire

Late on December 20, 2018, calls started coming into the Morris County Communications Center of a barn fire on Parker Road in Chester Township. Chester Ladder 9 and Engine 62 were first to arrive and reported a well-involved maintenance shop and laid a supply line in from a hydrant. A second alarm was struck bringing in Washington Township and other mutual aid departments, as well as a Tender Task Force. Ladders were set up in the driveway and

the street and started putting water on the fire while several deck guns and master streams were deployed. The fire was brought under control several hours later but crews remained on scene well into the evening. There were no reported injuries. The fire was under investigation by the Chester Police and other County and State Agencies.

- Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 17

Page 18, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Firehouse Kitchen

FDNY Cook Off

By Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney This month I thought I would write about another cook-off. Yes, I know you’re saying, “Another cook-off?" But this one was hosted by the FDNY Fire Museum. The museum is located in downtown Manhattan. This particular cook-off only included FDNY firefighters.

One can only imagine the laughs and banter occurring about which fire company was the best. The head judge was supposed to be Amy Freeze, from ABC News. I was only going as a side judge. Something unforeseen happened and Amy was not able to attend. Therefore, I became the celebrity judge! Hey, I'll take it anyway I can get it!

The companies involved were as follows: Peter Acton, Engine 79 — his dish, Thanksgiving Tacos; Neil Ayupov, Engine 321 -— his dish, Potato Perogie with Braised Brisket; Joseph Chiodi, Engine 262 — Famous Chicken Italiano with Roasted Asparagus; Jose Cruz, Ladder 36 — Southeast Asian Glazed Salmon Medallions w/Coconut Jasmine Rice; Myron Henry, Engine 94 — Fruithouse Bites; Alex McLoughlin, Engine 309 — Momma’s Pepper Meat Sauce with Ravioli; Robert Walsh, EMS ST10 — Pulled Pork Empanada; Bobby Wolmart, Ladder 47 — Mushroom Arancini with Mint Chutney and Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce.

If you notice that one of the names is Joseph Chiodi, it is because he was the calendar boy I wrote an article on about a year ago. He is a chef and owns his own meatball company. Besides the chicken dish he made, he brought trays of his famous meatballs. Hence the name of his company, The Famous Meatballers. These meatballs disappeared in minutes and so did his first-place winning, Chicken Italiano. Yes, Engine 262 took first place! A close second, was Ladder 36 and third place was Ladder 47.

If this article comes across a little short and somber, it’s because I am writing shortly after hearing about the passing of a young, fellow

FDNY fireman. I know my articles are usually upbeat and all about food, but I only felt it right and fitting to give a nod and mention to FDNY, Ladder 170, Firefighter Steven Pollard (30). If you didn’t hear, he lost is life responding to a car accident on the Belt Parkway. In a freak accident, Firefighter Pollard fell more than 50 feet through a gap between the two roadways. It is with a heavy heart that we honor him today and pray for his family. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

I’ve said it on my show many times — being a part of the FDNY was and always will be one of the greatest moments of my life. When the fire department is good, it is good, but when it’s bad, it’s very bad. This is one of those bad moments. Rest in peace, Firefighter Steven Pollard.

For info go to www.firehousekitchenshow.com; or call 631-5145859; or e-mail me at ray@firehousekitchenshow.com.

Page 20, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Rooftop Rescue in Hamilton Township The Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched on December 8, 2018, to Atlantic Cape Community College to assist the Township of Hamilton EMS with removing a patient who suffered a medical emergency on the roof of one of the buildings while doing repairs.

Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and ordered Mays Landing Ladder 1815 to raise its main with a Stoke’s rescue basket to where Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., had roof ops. The patient was packaged and lowered to the ground and transferred by a BLS unit to the hospital.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

FireNews.com

3 Trapped in Glen Ridge On December 18, 2018, while on patrol, a Glen Ridge Police Officer rolled up on a two-car MVA at the intersection of Ridgewood and Bay Avenues with one vehicle on its side and three occupants trapped. Montclair Engine 1 and 3, Truck 1 and Car 4 responded to the scene and extricated the trapped and stabilized the vehicles. The injured were transported to St. Joseph’s in Paterson.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Fire News, February 2019, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Nice Save in East Hanover

On November 16, 2018, the East Hanover Police and Fire Department were dispatched to McKinley Avenue for a reported house fire. On arrival, heavy smoke was showing and there were reports of someone still inside. Police officers were able to force the door and remove one occupant. Fire crews encountered heavy fire

CLASSIFIEDAds GET RESULTS. TO ADVERTISE, CALL 631-776-0500 EXT. 3

HELP WANTED For Advertising (631) 776-0500

EXT.

220

SEEKING HIGHLY MOTIVATED SALESPEOPLE / REPS for fire service equipment distributor/service center to telemarket, demo, cold call and grow fire and EMS accounts in: Bergen, Essex, Sussex, Hudson, Union, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Flexible day, evening and weekend hours, salary based on commission. Please e-mail resume to Sales@coastalfiresystems.com.

Help Wanted!

Looking for Experienced Road Technician with Diesel, Air Brakes and Hydraulic Experience.

Cranes, Bucket Trucks and Emergency Vehicle Experience highly desired. Service Truck Provided to service customers in New Jersey and New York which will be a take home vehicle. ASE and EVT Certified Preferred.

Training and Certification provided. CDL Class B is a must 3 months after employment.

81 Route 59, Spring Valley, NY 10977

845.352.2586 Open 8 AM to 12 AM Mon-Fri and 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday & Sunday

24-7 EMERGENCY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE

showing from division 2 and a second alarm was struck, bringing Livingston and Whippany to the scene. Companies had the fire knocked down within 15 minutes and conducted extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 23

Page 24, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

EMSCNJ Honors Quakertown, Kingwood with Call of the Year Award The EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) bestowed its 2018 Outstanding Rescue/ Call of the Year Award on four emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from two volunteer squads for their attempts to save an exsanguinating (bleeding) patient.

On December 20, 2017, Laurie Luster, Brian Turner and Chief Kenneth Weinberg of Quakertown Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, and Kingwood Township First Aid and Rescue Squad President Wilfrid W. Wong answered a call for a laceration. Luster and Turner responded in Rescue 57, a weekdays-only joint venture between the squads, with shared personnel, equipment and housing. Rescue 57 enables EMS coverage for both rural communities while allowing the organizations to remain staffed by volunteers during difficult-to-cover shifts. Weinberg and Wong responded directly to the scene.

At the apartment, the EMTs found a pale, unconscious elderly female sprawled across a bed, with pools of blood in multiple rooms and sprays of blood on the walls. The patient, her nightgown saturated with blood.

The crew soon realized the blood was surging from what appeared to be an open, damaged dialysis shunt in the patient’s left arm.

The EMTs immediately applied pressure to the hemorrhage area, followed quickly by a tourniquet. As his partners transferred the patient to a stretcher, Turner applied supplemental oxygen.

While the group moved swiftly to the ambulance, Luster, who had been unable to find medical information on the patient during a brief scan of the apartment, noticed a piece of mail with a woman's name on it by the door. She shoved the letter in her pocket, hoping it would help the hospital staff identify the patient.

With the closest paramedic unit 17 minutes away — in the other direction — the crew departed for Hunterdon

Medical Center, nearly 20 miles away.

During transport, the patient went into respiratory arrest. While the others assisted the patient with ventilations, one of the crew called ahead to alert the ER staff. By the time the ambulance arrived at the hospital, the patient was again breathing on her own.

The letter Luster grabbed from the apartment proved useful in identifying the patient and enabled the hospital staff to contact her daughter.

The ER charge nurse and a physician commended the EMTs for their quick thinking and invaluable care, which they said prolonged the patient’s life and allowed her family to be at bedside when the woman passed away hours later.

The EMS Council of New Jersey honored volunteer EMTs (left to right) Laurie Luster, Brian Turner, Wilfrid W. Wong and Kenneth Weinberg with the 2018 Outstanding Rescue/Call of the Year Award.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 25

Alllll Aboard!

The Seashore Rail Line, an excursion train that runs between of Egg Harbor Township. Members of the township’s emergency Richland in Atlantic County and Tuckahoe in Cape May County, services and their families enjoyed a nice train ride while Santa runs a Santa Train every weekend during holiday time and offers handed out presents to the children.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe civic organizations the opportunity to sponsor a rail car. One of those organizations was the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company

Page 26, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Atlantic Highlands Santa Runs Foodrive

Members of The Atlantic Highlands First Aid and Safety Squad, along with some friends of Santa, delivered an ambulance full of non-perishable food items to the food pantry at the United Methodist Church in Atlantic Highlands. The delivery was the culmination of the Squad’s 20th annual Santa Runs and the tenth food run. On December 15, 2018, Chief Pandolfo, Lieutenant Richard

Huff, life member Walter Curry, along with Santa’s special helpers Councilmen Lou Fligor and Roy Dellosso and resident Gordon Saunders, delivered the food to longtime volunteer Helen Marchetti at the Food Pantry for the Area Association of Community Churches, which is housed at the United Methodist Church.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Richard Huff

TWO ORGANIZATIONS SELECTED CO-RECIPIENTS OF THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) selected the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative and the Denver Fire Department as the co-recipients of the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award.

The award will be presented at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, in Washington, DC. Named after retired-Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland, the award recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to firefighter health and safety. State Farm Insurance and VFIS serve as the corporate supporters.

Established in 2016 as a nonprofit organization, the Florida Firefighters Safety and Health Collaborative brings together members of the fire service and health and safety advocates in the state of Florida to share information and best practices on firefighter health and safety.

The Denver Fire Department is being recognized for its development of a comprehensive health and safety program.

The Denver Fire Department Safety and Training program incorporates fitness, nutrition and behavioral health that can be tailored to the needs of each individual firefighter. The elements are integrated with the department’s safety and training program, beginning with the recruit level and continuing well into each firefighter’s career.

Award. The presentation will take place at the 31st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 25, 2019, at the Washington Hilton, in Washington, DC. Chief Sanders has been a member of the fire and emergency services since 1967. For over 27 years, he served as a member of the Louisville (KY) Fire Department, including nine years as chief of the department. Among his achievements as chief, Sanders worked with city officials and the public to pass legislation mandating that all unsprinklered high-rise buildings in the city be retrofitted with automatic sprinkler protection.

Throughout his distinguished career, Sanders has held leadership positions in numerous national and international organizations and committees, including Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association and the Director of Central Field Operations for the National Fire Protection Association.

On the international level, he serves as the President of the United States Delegation to the Comite Technique Internationale de Prevention and d ’Extinction de Feu. He also is the NFPA representative to the European Fire Service, the National Fire Chiefs Council of the United Kingdom, the Institution of Fire Engineers, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council and the Global Fire Service Leadership Alliance.

“He has made significant contributions in the areas of public safety and prevention, research, codes and standards, and leadership. Like the Chief Russ Sanders To Be Recognized At The 31st Lankford, he has dedicated his career to building a stronger Annual National Fire And Emergency Services Dinner late-Mason The Congressional Fire Services Institute’s Board of Directors and safer profession for all who serve. The CFSI Board of Directors selected Chief Russ Sanders as the recipient of the 2019 congratulates him and looks forward to honoring him on April 25, CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership 2019,” said Dr. William F. Jenaway, CFSI President.

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 27

2 Injured in Budd Lake MVA, Fire

On December 4, 2018, Budd Lake Fire and EMS responded to exit 25 on Route 80 for a car fire with two patients on the ground. The car was off the highway 50 feet and into a tree and was fully involved. Engine 59 arrived and extinguished the fire and the patients were treated by EMS. NJ State Police were investigating.

- Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney

EHT 35-Year-Plus Members Honored On November 28, 2018, at the township’s Community Center, the Egg Harbor Township Committee in Atlantic County honored the firefighters of Egg Harbor Township by enshrining the names of those who served for 35 years or more on five separate plaques representing the township’s volunteer fire companies: Cardiff, Bargaintown, Scullville, Farmington, and West Atlantic City. The plaques were the culmination of a project inspired by Egg Harbor Township Administrator Peter J. Miller and past EHTFD Chief Bill Danz, Jr. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

New Apparatus for Nutley In the last week of November 2018, the Nutley Fire Department placed their 2018 Pierce Arrow XT 107-foot Ascendant Heavy-Duty Ladder into service. This apparatus was the first Pierce apparatus to feature their new black-over-red paint scheme. This is the township’s first ladder since their old E-One was severely damaged in an accident in June 2016.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 28, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal Farmington Life Member Howard Willetts, Jr., with his grandson at breakfast with Santa on December 8, 2018. We can’t tell who’s having more trouble figuring out the balloon figure, Howard or his grandson.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

The Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary handing out hot beverages in 23-degree weather on December 9, 2018, at a two-alarm Howard Johnson Motel fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Donnelly Gets Surprise Happy 50th

The Egg Harbor Township Police, Fire and EMS supported the Mainland PBA of Atlantic County with their Shop with a Cop program. Members of the Farmington, West Atlantic City, Bargaintown, and Pleasantville pose after the parade, while I pose with Santa.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Dennis C. Sharpe

West Atlantic City Fire Company Chief Wally Bakely with his new Chief’s vehicle.

- Fire News photo

by Dennis C. Sharpe

A surprise 50th birthday party for Collings Lakes Fire Chief Bill Donnelly was held at the Hammonton Fire Company 2 on November 30, 2018, with 130 in attendance. Bill was presented with his new “chiefs vehicle” for the fire company, a walker that was painted black-over-red equipped with red lights, back up alarm, microphone, a drip torch, and lettered 12-300, Bill’s radio designation.

- Fire News photo

by Ken Badger

The EMS Council of New Jersey was well represented during the November 2018 New Jersey State League of Municipalities Annual Conference in Atlantic City. Staffing the EMSCNJ’s booth were: (left to right) Central Area Vice-President John Butterweck of Morganville; President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr., of Neptune; Southern Area Vice-President Phil Wien of Maple Shade; and Executive Director Edward Burdzy of Holland Township. - Fire News photo courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney

FireNews.com

Fire News, February 2019, Page 29

Ho-Ho-Kus Open House

The Ho-Ho-Kus Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary hosted its annual Open House on October 14, 2018, for National Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters demonstrated advanced firefighting and life saving techniques through a series of instructive demonstrations and a simulated building fire with a firefighter roof rescue. Hands-on activities for children included simulated smoke egress and live firehose target practice. “Sparky,� the Ho-

Ho-Kus Fire Department mascot, handed out fire safety booklets, autographs and photos. Coloring books and toy fire helmets were distributed to the children. Free smoke alarms were distributed through the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety/WABC7 Operation 7: Save A Life Campaign giveaway program. Cider, donuts and popcorn was enjoyed by all.

- Fire News photos by Dane Policastro

Page 30, Fire News, February 2019

FireNews.com

Obituary

Mizpah’s Natalie Dempsey Firefighters and first responders from all over the Northeast lined the entrance to Absegami High School as they saluted farewell to Natalie Dempsey, 21, a member of Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company, who died in an accident on Christmas Day while responding to a fire call. Natalie, born on December 2, 1997, died in a single-vehicle crash on Landis Avenue in Mays Landing. She had been a volunteer firefighter for three years and was pursuing a career in law enforcement. She also worked as a supervisor at the Humane Society of Atlantic County. Natalie was given a full Line of Duty Death service, which was held at the Absegami High School in Galloway Township, and culminated with a procession of fire apparatus and emergency responders from throughout New Jersey and the Northeast.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe