NEW JERSEY February 2024
Volume 18, No. 9
See story on page 8. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Single Car Wedged Between Trees See Story on Page 12.
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 3
In this issue... House Fire in Roxbury Heavy fire and sagging floors force out searchers. See story on page 6
House and Car Go in Galloway Twp. Bayview and Oceanville firefighters take on a house fire with a car fire included. See story on page 10
Island Heights Kitchen Fire The kitchen fire is extinguished as firefighters check the second floor for extension. See story on page 16
Burn Foundation Raffle Wrap Up Another successful Burn Foundation raffle at Wildwood for Joseph Getsinger’s artwork titled “Last Run.” See story on page 19
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus
FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2024, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
Head-on MVA in Toms River Two people are injured and transported from a collision on Bay Avenue and Cedar Grove Road. See story on page 20
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
Official Publication
of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention
Looking Back Featuring Sommerdale, Dorothy and River Edge ... back in the day. See story on page 26
PLUS: Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 15 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 23 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25
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 2024
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U-Haul Storage Facility Goes Up in Flames
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded on October 19, 2023, to the UHaul Storage facility on Black Horse Pike, for a report of a structure fire. Responding units were met with a large column of smoke, and upon arrival of Cardiff Chief, Gil Zonge, called a second alarm and a special request for the Atlantic City Airport Fire Department. Ground units pulled lines as numerous storage units were ablaze. Forcible entry was needed to access the units to extinguish the fire. Mutual aid companies from throughout the county assisted in extinguishment and relief of exhausted firefighters. The fire was brought under control in several hours with all units clearing the scene by 1630. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Investigator(s). - Fire News photos by Kenneth Badger
Page 6, Fire News, February 2024
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Roxbury Battles House Fire
On the afternoon of December 19, 2023, the Roxbury Fire Department responded for a report of a house fire with entrapment on Mooney Road. First arriving units were faced with heavy fire conditions in a front room and attempted to push in and search for a victim but were forced out due to heavy fire and a sagging floor. One person was found outside with burns and was airlifted to the burn center. The fire was under investigation by the Roxbury Police and fire official's office. - Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Hmm ... A Hot Seat?
The volunteer Fire Companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Jefferson Avenue on November 16, 2023, for a report of a structure fire. A Cardiff firefighter on location reported a working fire and upon entry into the structure, discovered a chair on fire. It was quickly removed to the exterior and extinguished and the interior was ventilated. The fire was investigated by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Investigator. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Vehicle Fire in Cardiff
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Dogwood Avenue on November 4, 2023 for a report of a vehicle fire. Cardiff Assistant Chief Bill Danz, reported a working vehicle fire in the rear of the property, amid other vehicles in close proximity. Upon the arrival of Cardiff Engine 1512, had its crew begin working on the fire vehicle. The attached trailer was searched and crews found fire and quickly extinguished it. The fire was investigated by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Investigator. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Cover Story
Home Collapse in Camden Fire On November 3, 2023, Camden Fire companies responded to North 26th Street for a reported house fire. Heavy smoke could be seen for miles as units arrived to a fully involved 2-1/2 story home with exposure on the B side. A second alarm was immediately called as crews began a defensive fire attack. Heavy fire consumed both buildings as the main fire building completely collapsed shortly after arrival. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, February 2024, Page 9
Landscaper’s Truck Fully Involved
The Budd Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire on Route 46 east at the top of Hackettstown Mountain. Crews arrived to a fully involved landscaping truck with its bed full of mulch. Engine 59 quickly extinguished the fire. Tender 57 later arrived to feed Engine 59 water. Budd Lake Fire was assisted by Flanders Rescue 97 and the Mount Olive Fire Marshalls Office. Morris County Haz-Mat was also on scene. Route 46 remained closed for an extensive time due to a fuel spill. - Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Page 10, Fire News, February 2024
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Bayview and Oceanville Battle House and Car Fire The volunteer fire companies of Bayview and Oceanville responded to Great Creek Road on December 24, 2023, for a report of a structure fire. Bayview Chief Kolbe Rundio established command and reported smoke showing from a single-story dwelling with two vehicles in the driveway and one on fire. The crew searched for victims, but it was discovered the occupants had escaped and were at their neighbors. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Galloway Township Fire Investigators. Also responding were Galloway Police, EMS and OEM. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Single Car Wedged Between Trees
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale, and Cologne, along with Hamilton Township EMS and police, responded on December 12, 2023, to Harding Highway and Walmart Drive for an MVA with a confirmed entrapment. Fire and EMS units arrived to find a single vehicle off the road wedged between trees on its side with one person trapped. Initially, firefighters had to remove several trees to access the vehicle. Once that was accomplished, firefighters did a partial roof removal and pushed the remaining roof back with a ram. Rescuers brought out the trapped person on a longboard, where EMTs packaged and transported the person to a waiting medevac across the street at the Hamilton Mall. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police. Also responding were the Cardiff Fire Company who assisted at the LZ. - Fire News photos by Cindy Badger
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South Amboy 6th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting On December 8, 2023, members of South Amboy Fire Department (SAFD) Protection Engine Company 6 held their 6th Annual Memorial Christmas Tree Lighting honoring firefighters that died in the line of duty in 2023. The tree was adorned with red lights and ornaments with names of the fallen firefighters. A total of 81 firefighters from around the country died in the line of duty in 2023, with seven from New Jersey. Father Stanley Gromadzki, the SAFD Chaplain, blessed the tree. A special thanks to Jess Honimar for making the ornaments. - Fire News photos by Jamie Norek
Single-Car MVA in Weymouth
The volunteer fire companies of Estell Manor City and the Dorothy Fire and Rescue from Weymouth Township responded to Cumberland Avenue and Honest John Road on November 5, 2023, at 1513, for a report of an MVA. First responders arrived and found a single-vehicle crash off the roadway into a utility pole and through a wire fence with one person and a young child trapped in the car. Firefighters and EMS quickly removed them and BLS transported them. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Surrounding Departments Cover During LODD Ceremony
On November 3, 2023, while covering the City of Baltimore mutual aid companies responded to Gutman Avenue for a fire on the roof of an occupied dwelling. Crews located and quickly extinguished a small fire on the roof. Mutual aid was covering the city to allow all Baltimore firefighters to attend the funeral services of Firefighter Rodney Pitts, and Lieutenant Dillon Rinaldo who were killed in the Line Of Duty. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 16, Fire News, February 2024
Island Heights Kitchen Fire
November 4, 2023, the Island Heights Fire Department responded to a home on Vansant Avenue for a reported fire in the kitchen. Smoke was showing and the assignment was updated to a working fire. Mutual aid from East Dover and Toms River Station 26 responded as well. The kitchen fire was extinguished while crews checked the second floor for extension. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association 25th Anniversary Registration is Open Make sure you visit our website www.njepa.org to register for the 2024 Annual NJEPA Conference. Register now so you may attend the Training classes of interest to you and save $50 if you register before March 1, 2024. Classes fill up quickly so don’t delay. Additional training classes may be added so check back frequently. This Conference marks our 25th year of providing training and networking opportunities for our first responders, response and recovery, public health and many more personnel that attend every year. Visit our website to nominate a deserving individual or organization for the Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year or to apply for the numerous scholarships that are available. To celebrate, we have many additional Anniversary events planned, make sure to include these in your registration selection when you register.
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Page 18, Fire News, February 2024
Santa Visits Farmington
It was that time of year again as Santa was escorted around Farmington. -Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Burn Foundation Artist Aided by Fire & Safety Services For the 43rd year of his partnership with the Burn Foundation and its annual fundraiser at the New Jersey State Firefighters’ Convention in Wildwood, artist Joseph M. Getsinger created unique final painting titled, “Last Run.” The 2023 painting will be in honor to those who served and are, or will be, retiring. This year’s painting was created in the honor of friend and longtime firefighter Donald ‘Pops’ Ley, Sr. Through his dedication of 60 years to the Woodbury Heights Fire Department. His grandson Jarryd Ley, a talented artist in his own right, posed in his grandfather’s gear. With the aid of Chief Bill Kramer, Jr., and members of the Cinnaminson Fire Department the photo shoot was completed on their Pierce fire truck. This yearly art project continues to be sponsored in full by David Russell, President, Fire & Safety Services of South Plainfield. Sponsor for the fourth year in a row was First Harvest Credit Union. Vice President Kenneth Barnshaw was proud to sponsor the collector pins.
John McCann, Administrator for the Burn Foundation reported that over $14,800 was raised with the donation raffle of the “Last Run” Giclee canvas and 24 signed and numbered limited-edition prints. Brigantine firefighters raised $5,000 from their golf event on July 20, 2023, and a check was presented to Administrator John McCann at the Wildwood convention by Bob Riley. Choice Marketing (www.choicemarketing. net) has sponsored cards of the artist’s work for over 20 years. A special thanks to the owner Chip Lillie, lifelong Firefighter, Fire Chief, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and Captain. Fort Nassau Graphics (www.fortnassaugraphics.com ) of West Deptford, is the exclusive printer of Getsinger and have printed top-quality limited-edition prints, note cards and raffle tickets for the Burn Foundation. Special thanks to President Brian Francis and his staff. Premier Art & Frames of Pitman’s owner Will Edwards, donated the custom frame for the #1 “Last Run” Giclee’ canvas print which is the first
prize from the raffle. VanGogh Again Galleries’ President John Cortese of Upper Darby (PA) printed and donated the #1 Giclee’ canvas print of “Last Run” raffled off at the Burn Foundation booth in Wildwood. The top prize winner of the ($1,500 value) signed #1 “Last Run” framed Giclee’ canvas was Francene Carrol of Oceanport. The Burn Foundation, can be reached at 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, Pa. 19103. You can donate online at: www.burnfoundation.or or call 215-45-3816.
Page 20, Fire News, February 2024
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Firefighter 1 Live Burn Training Cape May County, Fire Academy Firefighter 1 conducted a live burn with EMS assistance from Middle Township Rescue Squad. - Fire News photos by Robert Newkirk
Head-On Collision in Toms River Toms River Stations, PD and EMS responded to the intersection of Bay Avenue and Cedar Grove Road for a head-on collision. No entrapment reported but fire crews assisted with lighting and fluid clean up. Two patients were transported to Community Medical Center by EMS. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Car Hits Pole, Pole Strikes Passing Car Station 26 was dispatched to Bay Avenue for a reported pole down and fire. Units arrived to a utility pole that was taken down by a reported intoxicated driver. Once the pole had fallen, it was then struck by a passing car that ended up on top of the pole. Subsequently, a minor fire sparked on a pole. There was no entrapment and Engine 2671 remained on scene to await the arrival of JCP&L. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Shop with Local Heroes Members of the Atlantic County Law Enforcement community, Egg Harbor and Pleasantville fire departments, along with Wal-Mart, sponsored Shop with a Hero 2023, on December 2, 2023. After a gala parade to the Wal Mart in Hamilton Township, underprivileged children were able to shop with their local heroes. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire Academy Conducts Heavy Rescue Training
Cape May County Fire Academy conducted heavy rescue training recently. This class is for heavy rescue dash removal and extraction of patients. This real-time training is necessary to handle accidents along the Garden State Parkway and all roadways. - Fire News photos by Robert Newkirk
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South Amboy Members Honored
On December 9, 2023, a dinner ceremony was held at the South Amboy Knights of Columbus honoring members of Protection Engine Company 6 of the South Amboy Fire Department (SAFD). Members David Szatkowski, Christopher Norek, and Sarah O'Connor, were honored for 15 years of service and members Larry Parsons and Thomas Szatkowski were honored for an outstanding 50 years of service to SAFD Protection Engine Co. 6. Firefighters, family, friends, and state and local officials attended. Pictured is State Assembly Speaker Graig Coughlin presenting NJ State Legislators resolutions to Firefighters Parsons and Szatkowski. Five honored firefighters David Szatkowski, Christopher Norek, Sarah O'Connor, Larry Parsons, Thomas Szatkowski and MC Sean O'Connor. - Fire News photos by Jamie Norek
Fire News, February 2024, Page 23
Farmington MVA Car into Pole
The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township responded to Delancey and Steelman Avenues on December 10, 2023, to assist the police department with lighting after a single-car MVA severed a utility pole. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 24, Fire News, February 2024
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The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association The Christmas spirit greeted us as we entered the NJ State Firemen’s Home on December 3, 2023, with the festive Christmas tree at the entrance of the home. Signs of the season were everywhere as the home was decorated to the hilt for the holiday season. This was our last event of the season as the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association held its Annual December meeting and entertainment afternoon at the home in Boonton. We even got a chance to bond again with the resident dog of the NJ State Firemen’s Home, Wells, who was a former seeing eye dog that has now found a home here keeping our retired firefighters comforted and engaged. We had several entertainers the afternoon of the party; Dana, and Daddy O, with a selection of Christmas songs. Member Jerry Naylis asked his
daughter and grandchildren to perform again (Jerry was away at a conference). Daughter Stephanie Naylis-Quirk and her daughters, Regan, and Riley Quirk, played the piano and sang to the residents. The children sang lively Christmas songs and led the room in a sing along with favorites “Jingle Bells” and Regan’s solo, “Silent Night” and Riley’s solo, “I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.” While members were handing out gifts, other members were serving desserts and other refreshments to the residents. Everyone had a delicious treat that afternoon after they had their lunch. The home provided delectable cupcakes both regular and sugar free to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. We hope you had a Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year! - Fire News photos courtesy of Justin Watrel
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THE LANCASTER COUNTY FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION FIRE EXPO RETURNS IN MAY The Lancaster County Firemen’s Association (LCFA) will host the 52nd Annual FIRE EXPO on Friday, May 17, 2024, and Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA. FIRE EXPO will showcase more than 500 emergency service exhibits featuring the world’s leading manufacturers of fire, emergency medical services (EMS), rescue, and public safety equipment. Building on last year, the show will offer speakers, presentations, live demos, and con-ed eligible training and educational opportunities. FIRE EXPO will welcome STATMedEvac, to conduct a con-ed eligible Landing Zone class. If weather permits, the helicopter will land on Saturday, May 18, 2024. In addition, Ed Mann of Provident
Agency Inc. will have Fire Service Cancer Risk Reduction Good-Better-Best Practices and First Responder Suicide and Post Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Classes. There will be many more live demos, train-
Dairymen’s Association milkshakes. Tickets for the LCFA Fire Expo can be purchased at the door or online at www.lcfa.com/fire-expo starting in February 2024. A one-day pass is $10. Children nine-and-under are free. Please come out and help support a great cause! For questions and more information about the expo, contact expo@lcfa.com or call 717-581-5469 option 3. - Lancaster County Firemen’s Association
ing and educational opportunities available throughout both days. Attendees will have a chance to win $100 gift cards each day and satisfy their appetite with a variety of concessions, including the famous PA
THE CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICES INSTITUTE (CFSI) HAS CHANGE OF DATE The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) has changed the date of the 34th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner. Originally scheduled for April 24-25, 2024, the program has been rescheduled for April 29-30, 2024. CFSI changed the date so we could conduct our program while Congress is in session. While CFSI selects the dates for the program five years out due to the demand for venues in the spring months, Congress releases the congressional calendar shortly before the start of a new legislative session. Unfortunately, the schedule recently released for 2024 has Congress out of session the week of our program. Each year, we aim to make the trip to Washington, DC a positive experience for all our guests. The date change presents other opportunities for us to enhance the program. Whereas in the past, the Dinner took place on Day 2, it will now take place on the first day (April 29), as will the seminar program. We will focus Day 2 (April 30) on Capitol Hill activities to maximize the fire service presence in Washington, DC, and send a strong message to our federal legislators about the political force of our nation’s fire and emergency services. We will open registration on our website on January 5, 2024. If you have any questions, you can contact us at update@cfsi.org. We hope to see you in April! Sincerely, Bill Webb Executive Director
Page 26, Fire News, February 2024
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Looking Back Somerdale F.D. - 1940s
Dorothy Fire Station - 1930s
The Somerdale Fire Department in Camden County late 1940’s. - Fire News photo from archives of Dennis C. Sharpe
The original Dorothy Fire and Rescue station in Weymouth Township in Atlantic County. It was added onto in the 1990s and now is used for housing their EMS division. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
River Edge Circa 70s-80s Rocking it old school. Some of the members of the River Edge Ladder 1 Company. Photo taken late 1970s early 1980s - Fire News photo by D.Barry/Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Somerdale FD 1960s Looking Back at the Somerdale Fire Department in Camden County in the 1960s. -Fire News photo from Dennis C. Sharpe’s archive collection.