Fire News New Jersey 2-2025

Page 1


Classifieds

12 Displaced in Hackensack Fire

Top Floor of a 2 1/2 story home engulfed in flames.

See story on page 4

Two Youth Sport Champions

Two sports championships in two different age brackets.

See story on page 10

Outlet Fire on Hedge St. in Toms River

Crews returning from Fire Prevention detail called to outlet fire.

See story on page 18

Mt. Olive House Fire a Total Loss

Afully involved house fire required portable pools due to no hydrants.

See story on page 20

River Edge Conducts Rescue Training

An extrication drill with a two-car MVAand entrapment.

See story on page 26

Tragic Fire for Animals Trapped in House

Acanine deceased and several animals rescued from fire.

See story on page 28

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

GARYP. JOYCE, Editor

MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFFCHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales

SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager

BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant

GREG JONES, Graphic Artist

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS

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.

COPYRIGHT2025, 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

Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions

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 NJState Firemen’s Convention

page 26

page 28 Up Close &Personal

page 29

page 32

page 31

12 Displaced in Hackensack Fire

Aworking fire displaced 12 residents of a rooming house in Hackensack on December2, 2024. Hackensack companies were dispatched to the 60th block of Euclid Avenue fora reported fire. On Arrival E-5 reported fire showing from the roof of the 2-1/2 story frame. ATeaneck engine and laddertruck responded, with a recall of off-duty members and mutual aid to headquarters forcover. The majority of the fire appeared to be in a void space of the attic on the A/B cornerand was quickly knocked down with limited extension. An additional engine was requested to the scene formanpowerand the fire was placed undercontrol in approximately 30 minutes with no injuries reported.

Toms River Blaze on Coolidge Avenue

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

On November10, 2024, East Dover, Island Heights and Toms Riverwere dispatched to a home on Coolidge Avenue fora house fire. Police arrived to smoke showing from a single-story home. The fire began to self-vent from the Bravo side window as crews made entry to attempt to contain the fire with a watercan priorto the arrival of the first-due engine. Crews stretched lines quickly knocking down the fire which was held to the room of origin. The fire was being investigated by Toms River Fire Prevention.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Basement Fire

Quickly Handled in New Milford

Service Bays

Ignite

in Farmington

New Milford 911 received multiple calls of a smoke condition and something burning in a home on the 100 block of Grand Street in New Milford on November29, 2024. The smoke was visible as was the smell of smoke coming from the basement. Deputy Chief Dave Stormerrequested additional resources forcoverage. First arriving companies quickly extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the New Milford Fire Prevention Bureau. There were no injuries.

- Fire News photos by Chris Denton

The volunteerfire companies of Farmington, Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to the Lukoil station at Fire Road and Route 322 on October14, 2024, fora report of a structure fire. New Jersey Forest Fire Service C-37, was in the area and arrived first and began suppression. Farmington Engine 1543 arrived and laid in with an LDH. Farmington Chief Harry Goodman IVestablished command, and had firefighters pull two lines off of 1543 and finish suppression. Firefighters grabbed a ladderoff of 1543 and laddered the roof forventilation which proved difficult as the roof was comprised of taroverplywood overmetal. The fire was quickly contained and resulted in two vehicles in the service bays being damaged. The Egg HarborTownship Fire Official investigated the cause of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

3-Alarm House Fire in Franklin Lakes

On December7, 2024, the Franklin Lakes Fire Department responded to Arapaho Trail fora house fire. Companies arrived to a working fire in a very large 2-1/2 story frame dwelling with fire showing from the bravo side. Crews advanced into the home with handlines and discovered the fire had extended from the ground level up into the attic space and a second alarm was requested. As crews knocked down visible fire on the first and second floors, crews on the second floor reported heavy fire running the attic and also venting through the roof. Command had all interiorcrews exit the building. Athird alarm was transmitted and Wyckoff’s towerladderwent into operation knocking down all visible fire. Crews re-entered the building and with extensive opening up were able to get to the seat of the fire in the attic and extinguish it. An additional engine and ladderwere requested to the scene formanpowerand the fire was brought undercontrol in under 90 minutes with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Galloway Abandoned House Burns

Galloway Township firefighters along with firefighters from the Atlantic City Airport plus EMS and police responded to Odessa Avenue on December31, 2024, fora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from an abandoned two-story wood frame dwelling. Pomona firefighters sup-

Garbage Truck Fire

The Bargaintown VolunteerFire Company was dispatched on October17, 2024, to Mill Road, and the Egg HarborTownship Public Works fora report of trash on fire in a garbage truck. Bargaintown Rescue 1527 was at the fuel pumps when an employee came up to Safety OfficerKen Badgernotified Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock, who had the truck taken to the rear of the building and emptied of some of its load. Rescue 1527 stretched its front bumperline, and a front-end loaderspread the contents so it could be wetted down.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

plied lines that fed theiraerial and one engine which enabled them to deploy numerous handlines and a masterstream to bring the fire quickly undercontrol. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Cover Story

Massive House Fire in Loveladies

Early on December 23, 2024, at 0418, the Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to a structure fire in Loveladies, with reports of smoke and flames on the third floor and the roof. Crews arrrived to the bay front residential structure fully engulfed in flames. Quickly upgraded to a fourth alarm, bringing in additional first responders and other county resources. The residence was a vacant seasonal home with no one inside. Extension to neighboring properties was prevented. One firefighter sustained a head injury, and was medevac’d to a trauma center. Around 1400 a rekindle call had crews back on scene. The unofficial cause was electrical. Members started at 0418 and finished around 2000, for a long day! Other units responding came from Barnegat Light first Aid Squad; Surf City and EMS; High Point, Ship Bottom, Beach Haven, Stafford Township, Parkertown, Forked River and Waretown; and the Harvey Cedars and Long Beach Township police departments.

Aspecial thanks to all who helped with this incident. Thank you to our fire police for handling all apparatus and personnel coming to and leaving the scene. Thank you to our auxillary for providing refreshments.

- Submitted by Reporter: Nicholle Barcalow, Firefighter Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company; Photo Credit: Bob Birdsall, Fire Police, Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Company.

Two Youth Sport Champions from EHT

The Egg HarborTownship Youth Organization won two sports championships in two different age brackets on November30, 2024, and were escorted home by the fire department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

New Jersey State Firemen’s Association Update

JOSEPH THANKINS Vice President 1711 Routh 34 South Wall Township NJ 07727

Phone 732-798-8137

Email: JosephH@njsfa.com

As Vice President of the NJSFAI am grateful to Fire News for allowing us space in their publication to update our over 52,000 members, as well as those firefighters who have put off membership for whatever reason.

I encourage every firefighter to contact their Local Relief Secretary, President, or Chief and verify your Line number as it appears on their master list. As importantly cut out the flyer to the right and hang it in the firehouse for everyone to see.

Atlantic County Hosts Shop with a Cop

The Atlantic County Emergency Services sponsored Shop with a Cop on December7, 2024. The parade went from the PALbuilding in Egg HarborTownship to the Walmart in Hamilton Township where the kids had a chance to shop with a cop.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

NJ Fire Museum Open House and Parade

Oakcrest High School Lawn MowerFire

On September29, 2024, the New Jersey Fire Museum held their annual open house. New this year, was the day being kicked off with a lights-and-sirens parade through Allentown and returning to the museum. The museum apparatus was on display, including some privately owned trucks. Throughout the museum property there were many activities forboth children and adults.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Neptune Responds to Fire on West Bangs Avenue

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne and Laureldale were dispatched on November8, 2024, to Oakcrest High School fora report of a tractoron fire. Firefighters arrived to find a lawnmoweron fire. The high school maintenance employees tried extinguishing the fire using extinguishers, but upon the arrival of fire apparatus, a foam line was used to complete extinguishment.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

On November16, 2024, the Neptune Fire Department was dispatched to a home on West Bangs Avenue foran exterior fire against the house. Units arrived to an electrical fire in the A-side wall. Trucks from Asbury Park and Glendola along with RITfrom Tinton Falls responded. Once the powerwas secured the fire was quickly knocked down and extensive overhaul was conducted.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Outlet Fire on Hedge Street in Toms River

While returning from a fire prevention detail on October15, 2024, Engine 2671 was right around the cornerfrom Hedge Street when an outlet fire was dispatched. Engine 71 located a fire burning up the wall from an electrical outlet. Construction was ongoing on the block limiting access to the home. Thanks to the crew’s quick response units held the fire to the area of origin with no extension.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Rowhouse Blaze

Doused by Trenton Firefighters

Aquick response by Trenton firefighters prevented a small fire from growing and spreading to neighboring rowhouses on October24, 2024. Crews were alerted to the blaze in the Chambersburg section of the city about 0410. When first-due firefighters arrived, they found fire showing from the front porch of a structure on Adeline Street, the middle home in a row of three. Flames on the front porch were quickly knocked down but heavy smoke was found in the interiorand additional fire was located in the basement. As a precaution, Battalion Chief Kevin Rice, called forthe balance of the full first alarm. As it turned out, the remaining fire was contained and easily extinguished and the extra help was not needed.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

2025 Women’s Weekend at the NFA

The United States Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Academy (NFA), in partnership with Women in Fire, is pleased to announce the 2025 Women’s Weekend at the NFA!

Women’s Weekend (May 17 to 18, 2025) at the NFAis not limited to women, all are welcomed to attend. You will see the 2025 schedule has more two-day classes than ever and several new offerings from the NFA, U.S. Forest Service, First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE), and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).

What: Women’s Weekend at the NFA

When: May 17-18, 2025

Where: National Fire Academy / Emmitsburg, Maryland

Cost: Free of chargeattendees must purchase a meal card on campus

Lodging: Free of charge provided on campus

Other: Charter bus transportation to/from NFA from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore International Airport (BWI) free of charge

Register: National Fire Academy National Training Weekend Program (https://www.usfa.fema.gov/about/usfa-events/2024-06-15womens-weekend/)

Classes being offered:

• Building Resilience in Leadership: Strategies for Growth and Confidence (W0952)

• Command and Control for Company-Level Operations (W0296)

• Decision-Making for Initial Company Operations (W0457)

• EMS Functions in ICS (W0166)

• Executive Skills Series: Exercising Leadership Through Difficult Conversations (W0522)

• Followership to Leadership (W0905)

• Fostering Belonging in the Fire and Emergency Services (W0851)

• Incident Safety Officer (W0729)

• Leadership in Supervision: Creating Environments for Professional Growth (W0646)

• Optimizing Performance in Female Fire Fighters (W0955)

• Safety for Hazardous Materials Incidents (W0256)

• Shaping the Future (W0602)

• Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations (W0455)

• Supervising Emergency Medical Services (SEMS) (W0146)

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Annual Christmas Entertainment a Huge Success

We could not believe that it was time for a visit from Santa but on December 1, 2024, the Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met again for their Annual Christmas Party for the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home. It is always a fun and festive afternoon for everyone.

The day started out with a wonderful buffet lunch that our organization hosted that was shared by all the members of the organization and their guests and the hard-working staff at the home who always help us and take such good care of the residents throughout the year.

Chef Prince of the NJ Firemen’s Home did a wonderful job with the menu and we had a deli-

cious meal of chicken picada, baked ziti, deli sandwiches and salads, assorted breads, and a chocolate cake from Rockland Bakery for dessert.

During lunch it was nice to catch up with other members on their holiday plans. We all had such a nice and relaxing lunch. Then it was time to join the residents for the afternoon entertainment. The afternoon entertainment with BCFHAmember John McLoghlin and Jerry Naylis’s granddaughters who both have been entertaining us for the last few years.

It was a wonderful afternoon for all of the members, residents and guests enjoying the concert and the wonderful food. It was a nice way to start the holiday season!

Mt. Olive House a Total Loss

Calls came in to the dispatch centerfora possible house fire on Flanders Drakstown Road in the Flanders section of Mount Olive. Chief 91 arrived and reported a fully involved house. Engine 53 and 95 and Tower96 arrived and started a defensive attack. Due to no hydrants in the area, a tankertask force was called and portable

pools were set up and a watersource was set up. The fire required a second alarm, as well as a full tendertask force. There were no injuries at the fire and the homeowners were out of the home before firefighters arrived.

- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney

Santa Visits Farmington

It's that time of yearwhen the fire companies take the man in the red suit around town. Farmington firefighters gave the big guy a ride on December17, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bergenfield Annual Holiday Light Parade

On December22, 2024, the Bergenfield VolunteerFire Department along with the VolunteerAmbulance Corps hosted theirannual holiday light parade. The parade started nearthe Prospect firehouse, went through a strategic route through the borough and ended back at the firehouse. Various departments and ambulance corps participated along with 60 emergency vehicles, some privately-owned businesses with theirvehicles and the Department of Public Works transporting special guests Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Afterwards trophies were given out and also holiday treats forall who attended.

- Fire News photo by Chris Denton

Get Ready forthe 2025 NJEPAConference!

The 2025 NJEPAConference is just around the corner, and this year promises to be one of the most dynamic and enriching events yet. Scheduled for April 7 to 11, 2025, at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ, this gathering is the perfect opportunity for emergency management professionals, first responders, and public health and safety experts to come together, learn, and grow. With a packed agenda and plenty of opportunities to connect, this conference is not to be missed.

Early Bird Registration is now open, offering a discounted rate of just $200 if you submit your PO or payment by February 15, 2025. This special offer is an incredible value, providing access to a wide range of sessions, events, and perks. Don’t delay-secure your spot today and save big.

The conference kicks off with an Awards and Networking Reception on Tuesday evening, a special event costing just $25. This is your chance to celebrate the achievements of your peers while forging meaningful connections with professionals from across the field. Throughout the week, attendees will enjoy complimentary daily breakfast, coffee and refreshment breaks, and access to the Vendor Reception on Wednesday. Thursday will feature the always-popular conference luncheon and an exciting evening networking event, both included with registration. These gatherings are opportunities to engage with colleagues and industry leaders while enjoying great food and hospitality.

For those traveling to the conference, discounted hotel rates are available at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, putting you right in the heart of the action. These special rates make it both convenient and affordable to fully immerse yourself in everything the NJEPA Conference has to offer. Be sure to book early to take advantage of this opportunity.

One of the many highlights of this year’s conference is the chance to recognize excellence in emergency management through awards and challenges. Applications for the prestigious 2025 Awards opened on January 1, 2025. Categories include the Kevin H. Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year Award, the Captain Jonathan C. Young &

Michael Augustyniak Memorial Scholarships. Additionally, NJEPAis proud to partner with the New Jersey Emergency Management Association (NJEMA) to support the professional development of municipal emergency managers and staff by offering scholarships to offset the cost of obtaining New Jersey Certified Emergency Manager (NJCEM) certification. This program aims to alleviate financial challenges for local emergency management offices, enabling them to focus resources on other critical community objectives while ensuring their teams are well-trained and equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

Another key feature of the conference is the Exhibit Hall, where vendors and organizations will display the latest tools, technologies, and resources designed to support emergency management professionals. The Vendor Reception on Wednesday offers an informal and engaging environment to connect with industry leaders, learn about cutting-edge solutions, and enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Of course, the NJEPAConference is about more than just education and training-it’s about building lasting relationships. From daily networking breaks to the highly anticipated Thursday Night Networking Event, there are countless opportunities to exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect with others who share your commitment to emergency management and public safety. These events, paired with excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere, make the NJEPAConference a unique and invaluable experience.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this premier event. Register today to take advantage of Early Bird pricing and secure your spot at the 2025 NJEPAConference. For more information and to sign up, visit: www.njepa.org. Let’s make this year’s conference the best one yet-we can’t wait to see you in Atlantic City!

Residents Evacuated from 100-Year-Old Home

On Christmas 2024 morning, a Ridgefield Park Police Officeron patrol came upon a working house fire on Edison Street. The officeralerted residents and evacuated two from the home who were unaware of the raging fire on the second floorof theirhome. On arrival of the fire department, heavy fire was venting from the B/C corneron the second floorand quickly extending into the attic. Several handlines were put into operation, quickly knocking down the fire on the second floor, which had extended into the hallway and additional rooms. However, access into the attic was hampered due to the stairs being burned away. Second and third alarms brought mutual aid to the scene from Bogota, Hackensack, Teaneck and Englewood, with additional mutual aid companies covering the town. Companies re-entered and afterchased pockets of fire in various locations of the 100-plus-yearold home The fire was brought undercontrol in about two hours. No injuries were reported and the cause was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

2-Day Rescue Training in Deal

On November9 and 10, 2024, the Central Jersey Compliance Company held theirRescue Weekend in Deal. The MotorVehicle Extrication Operations and Technician certificates were earned by students who completed various rescue scenarios throughout the weekend.

- Fire News photos by

RiverEdge Conducts Rescue Training

The RiverEdge Fire Department along with RiverEdge EMS participated in an extrication drill which was a two-carMVAwith occupants trapped and one car on its side. The drill was a great way to hone theirskills in extrication and patient care.

- Fire News photos by

Mark Rosetti
Chris Denton

Linwood Back Porch Destroyed by Fire

Firefighters from the City of Linwood Fire Department were dispatched to Oak and Monroe avenues on December28, 2024, aftera passerby discovered a fire at the rearof the home and alerted the occupants. Linwood Chief Martin Walley arrived and established command and grabbed a line off the first-due engine while its crew

established a watersupply and set up Ladder5. Once relieved, command requested mutual aid from Pleasantville, Northfield, Somers Point and Margate; Bargaintown covered. Agood stop was made and the cause of the fire was investigated by the NJ Division of Fire Safety. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

3 Injured in Egg HarborMVA

The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were dispatched to Blackman Road on December16, 2024, foran MVA with entrapment. Firefighters and EMS extracted one person and a total of three victims were taken to the hospital. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police.

- Fire News photo by Heather Berchtold

DriverTrapped After Laureldale MVA

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale, along with EMS and police, responded to Harding Highway and Babcock Road on October19, 2024, fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley arrived to an overturned vehicle off the roadway and into the woods. Laureldale firefighters were able to remove the trapped occupant who was then turned overto EMS forexamination and transport. The cause of the crash was investigated by the Township of Hamilton police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Tragic Fire forAnimals Trapped in House

Mays Landing, Laureldale, and Cologne responded to Pennington Avenue in Mays Landing on December11, 2024, fora structure fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command on arrival. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and handled operations. Upon entering the home, firefighters found a deceased canine and additional animals that were brought out and turned overto Hamilton Township EMS who administered oxygen to the animals. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire and Animal Control transported the animals to an emergency veterinary hospital. The fire was investigated by the Township of Hamilton Fire Investigators. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Up Close & Personal

Well … at Least They’re Clean!

Members of the N.J. State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association who withstood a “snowstorm” of soap suds afterthe machine jammed during the Blackwood Christmas Parade.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Bargaintown Lieutenant Mike O’Hagen at a fatal MVAon Blackman Road on December16, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Heather Berchtold
Ken Badger, Sr., and Joe Landy (‘T-Mugs’) at the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Christmas party on December18, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Margate firefighterDanielle Loyle, chauffeurforQuint 24, at an Oak Avenue fire in Linwood on December28, 2024.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Smoky Two Alarm Fire Damages FairLawn Residence

On October 23, 2024, a two-alarm fire damaged a Fair Lawn residence this afternoon. The Fair Lawn Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of a home located on the 35 block of Lindwood Road at approximately 1440.

Upon arrival, Assistant Fire Chief Ralph Rinaldo reported smoke and fire located at the rear of the house and requested a general alarm response. Asecond alarm was transmitted, bringing mutual aid from Paterson, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park and Paramus. “The members did a great job knocking down the fire quicky preventing additional

damage to the residence,” said Chief Rinaldo.

The fire was placed under control approximately 20 minutes later. There was one minor firefighter injury requiring transport to Hackensack University Medical Center. The fire was under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau.

- Fire News photos by Boyd A. Loving

Truck Fire at Home Depot

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Route 322 in front of the Home Depot on September17, 2024, fora report of a vehicle fire. Cardiff, supplied by an engine crew, pulled a line and theirengine supplied its tank water. Bargaintown crews assisted with overhaul. The cause of the fire was investigated by the Egg HarborTownship Fire Official.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

FAMAand FEMSAAre Deeply Saddened to Report the Passing of William (Bill) Foster

Bill Foster (previously of Spartan Emergency Response) passed away on January 1, 2025, at the age of 83, after a long-fought battle with cancer. Known and loved by many, Bill was considered a mainstay in the fire industry. His passion for firetrucks and commitment to training firefighters and mechanics remains evident today.

In roughly 1976, Bill and three others started Spartan Motors in Charlotte, MI. For more than 30 years, Bill worked to build Spartan to the successful business it is today. Bill served as VPand on the Board of Directors.

After 27 years, Bill retired from active service on the Delta Township Fire Department holding many ranks including Assistant Chief. Bill was also dedicated to his family. He and his wife of 57 years, Joan, had two sons, James and Philip. Over the years, Bill and Joan’s family has grown to include seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church Restoration Fund. 917 West Jefferson Boulevard, Fort Wayne, IN 46802

2-CarCrash at Tilton Road

The Cardiff VolunteerFire Company was dispatched to the airport interchange at Tilton Road on December17, 2024, fora report of a vehicle fire following an MVA. Crews responded to find a two-vehicle crash with one vehicle smoking. Firefighters used a foam extinguisherand cleaned up a large debris field. EHTEMS and Tri Care Ambulance treated and transported three individuals. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

SuperVac Founder Erv WeinmeisterPasses

Super Vacuum Manufacturing Founder Erv Weinmeister passed away in the early morning hours on December 27, 2024, at UC Health Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado.

Erv Weinmeister was an inventor and wellloved entrepreneur, who devoted 24 years as a firefighter and seven decades to fire equipment manufacturing. Many in the industry called him “a visionary who pushed the fire industry forward.”

Weinmeister dedicated 24 years to the Loveland Volunteer Fire Department. He served as Chief od the Loveland VFC during the Big Thompson Flood of 1976, leading the recovery effort. In 1971, the company built its firstever fire truck. Today, Super Vac’s fire truck division is now known as SVI Trucks.

In the end, Weinmeister never stopped working. He drove to work, walked the floors, put in his office time, then made the lunch hour bell before leaving for the day to start it all over again - up until the very end. “That’s what he instilled in all of us,” his family said. “To work hard for something good. That’s the legacy Erv left us.” The Weinmeister family asks that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at rmhc.org/donate at rmhc.org/donate.

Route 80 CarFire

Firefighters responded to a carfire on Route 80 West nearthe 24 milemarker. Cars 50 and 52 along with the Byram chief arrived to a fully involved caron the shoulder. Byram Tender1 and Engine 59

arrived and stretched a line on the fire, which was quickly put down. There were no injuries and both companies cleared within a half hour.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney

Day AfterChristmas House Fire in Northfield

The City of Northfield Fire Department was dispatched on December26, 2024, to Ridgewood Drive fora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a three-story dwelling with fire showing and numerous electrical wires on the ground arcing. Fire raced up the Delta side of the building and into the upperfloors. Command called formutual aid, bringing firefighters from Pleasantville, Linwood,and three stations from Egg Harbor Township formanpower. The fire attack consisted of five handlines off of Northfield’s engine and Linwood’s ladder. Bargaintown laid an LDH supply line from a nearby hydrant, and additional mutual aid arrived from the City of Somers Point. The fire eventually vented out the rearbefore being brought under control. The fire was underinvestigation by the State of New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

Arson Suspected in House Fire NearTrenton Firehouse

Arson investigators were called out aftera suspicious fire damaged a home located just doors away from a Trenton firehouse on November14, 2024. It was shortly before 0730 when the blaze on Stuyvesant Avenue was reported. Firefighters from Engine 8, stationed one block away, quickly arrived to find fire showing from the front of the house. Also responding were Engines 9, 10, 1 and 3, Ladders 1 and 4, and Rescue 1. Thanks to an aggressive attack, the flames were quickly knocked down and the blaze was declared undercontrol at 1900.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Fire News photo by Dennis C.

ATLANTIC COUNTYMVAS

Two-CarMVA Results in Injuries

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Laureldale and Mays Landing responded to Route 322 and Woodland Drive on September29, 2024, fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Township Fire InspectorBill Sorshek II arrived and established command fora two-carMVAwith a large debris field and fuel spill. Command requested a sand truck from the NJ DOT. Township of Hamilton EMS treated and transported the injured to a local trauma center. The Township of Hamilton Police were investigating the cause. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Cardiff Handles MVA

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched on December7, 2024, foran MVA. Cardiff Chief William Danz III, reported a two-carcrash with one vehicle on its side and no entrapment. Firefighters spread oil dry and disconnected the vehicles' batteries. The injured were transported to area hospitals by EHTEMS and the cause of the crash was investigated by the EHTPolice. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing and Laureldale, along with police and EMS, responded to West Jersey Avenue, just west of Cates Road on November27, 2024, fora report of an MVAinvolving an automobile and a tractor-trailer. Firefighters arrived to find a two-vehicle crash with no entrapment but a large debris field. Firefighters used theirhydraulic spreader to open the hood of the auto and disconnect the battery. EMS examined the injured occupants and transported them to Atlanticare Medical Center. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Man’s Leg Trapped UnderCar

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing and Laureldale, along with EMS and police, were dispatched to French Court fora man with his legs stuck underthe tire of a vehicle. Personnel arrived to find the man who was working on the vehicle when it fell off the jack. Firefighters used spreaders to raise the vehicle and the man was transported to the Atlantic City Medical Center.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.