Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 14, NO. 11
See story on page ?. - Fire News photo by ??????????
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 APRIL 2020
Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney Story on page 6
Are You Proactive? See Page 4.
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 3
In this issue... 20 Displaced by Clifton Blaze Crews are withdrawn twice from a house fire that eventually went to three alarms. See story on page 10
Collingswood Combined FD & PD Headquarters The town breaks ground for a new combined fire and police HQ. See story on page 16
Midnight Fire in Flanders Flanders and mutual aid make a quick knockdown of a early morning two-alarmer. See story on page 18
Warehouse Fire in Hackensack Firefighters stop a warehouse fire that quickly went to three-alarms. See story on page 24
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, 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 2020, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Bogota House Fire Stopped Police pinpoint a house fire that was called in as heavy smoke in the area. See story on page 29
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
Eight Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Virginia Proud Member Of:
Obituary Weekstown VFD of Mullica Township’s Chief Robert ‘Bob’ Cirillo. See story on page 33
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 32
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, April 2020
FireNews.com
From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Proactive? Last month, my Fire News editorial addressed my concerns about Covid-19, the Corona Virus. Almost at the same time, the numerous first responder departments in conjunction with health departments have also addressed it. As cases are increasing, many organizations are cancelling events such as parades and sporting events. Should games be cancelled? Should games be played with no spectators? In order to be proactive about Covid-19, everything is on the table to hinder the spread of the virus. However, being proactive isn’t just about health emergencies or Covid-19. A proactive leader recognizes potential problems and focuses on preventing them before they arise. Reactive management deals with problems after they arise or happen, without planning for the future. Flying by the seat of your pants can be dangerous and have devasting results to responders. Can you think of a few people in your department who have set the example of being proactive? I give thanks to people like Deputy Chief Vincent Dunn (retired FDNY), who, for as long as I can remember, has addressed issues that can negatively effect firefighters. His numerous books on a variety of topics, along with his YouTube videos,
have addressed issues that could have detrimental effects on all responders. My editorial is not about Chief Dunn, however, although I do think you should review his books and videos. It is about the mindset of thinking ahead and asking “what if.” I recently attended a Fire Bell Club of NY meeting. The club’s guest speaker, FDNY Assistant Chief Joseph Jardin, spoke about the numerous areas that the Bureau of Fire Prevention is addressing to be proactive in the City of New York. When the class was over, I gave thought to what other departments are doing to be proactive in the firerescue and emergency services. My hometown is growing in leaps and bounds. It seems that every piece of vacant land is being built upon. Lightweight truss construction creates concerns for all firefighters. Have you inspected the new construction in your area? Have you talked with fire marshals regarding the issues of new construction? Have you looked at seasonal construction, such as Halloween horror houses and “fright walks?” Many use materials that are flammable to create partitions that block or divert the walking path of visitors. Chief Jardin pointed out some of the issues and concerns with escape rooms, ones in
which a team of players cooperatively discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in one or more rooms in order to progress and accomplish a timed specific goal. It is definitely a fun event, but many times alterations are made to the rooms that could have a potentially dangerous outcome if something was to go wrong. If you have these forms of entertainment in your district, it is your best interest to be proactive and inspect the facility for possible safety issues. I encourage everyone to take a look at their fire districts proactively in order to prevent situations where you have to react without the knowledge of changes made that might be dangerous to the public and to firefighters. Be Safe, Dennis
Announcements 4TH ANNUAL REPAUPO FIRE MUSEUM SPRING MUSTER The Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association (the Penn-Jer-Del Chapter of SPAAMFAA) will hold its 4th Annual Repaupo Fire Museum Spring BBQ & Muster on May 31, 2020, from noon to 1600, at 7 Repaupo Station Road, Logan Township, New Jersey. Tickets for adults (13 and over) are $20, children six to 12 are $10 and children under five are free. BBQ buffet includes chicken, hamburgers, ho dogs, macaroni and cheese, macaroni salad and soft drinks Companies and apparatus owners are welcome to static display apparatus. For tickets, call 856-241-0182 or e-mail jnevjr93@gmail.com.
2020 NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONFERENCE Two months and counting, at this writing, until we’re all back together again as the 2020 NJEPA Conference kickoffs! If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to register as an attendee or sign-up as a
Sponsor/Exhibitor. To view the opportunities available, visit our website at www.njepa.org An update from last month, we will be offering 44 Training sessions and 47 Breakouts during the May 4 to 8, 2020 Conference. Our popular Young Professionals Event will take place on Tuesday afternoon, you must be preregistered to attend. Just a reminder if you have attended before, we will be located at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, Atlantic City. A special room rate of $69 will be available until April 12, so don’t delay. There is still time to apply for the Jonathan Young Scholarship and the Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year Award, details and requirements are on the website, www.njepa.org .
NORTHVALE VFD TO HOLD SEMINAR The Northvale Volunteer Fire Department will be holding a seminar on Overcoming Common Engine Company Mistakes and Fireground Problems on May 3, 2020, starting at 0900 in the Northvale Public School Gymnasium, 441 Tappan Road, Northvale. The seminar is taught by Jason Rivera of Northeast Squad Concepts. The fee is $25 in advance and $30 at the door (cash or check). Pay before by calling Chris
Smithson at 201-54-8031 or via PayPal to nvfd262@gmail.com.
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.
DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at nj@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help.
Page 6, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Cover Story
Allamuchy Barn Fire
On February 29, 2020, calls came into the Warren County Communications center for a barn fire on Long Bridge Road in Allamuchy Township. Units arrived to a large barn half involved. The first-in engine deployed a 2-1/2 inch line and started knocking down the fire. The barn was next to corn fields and that started to burn as well and NJ State Forest Fire responded. The chief called for a first-alarm assignment bringing Hope, Hackettstown, Green Township, Independence and Budd Lake to the scene. The fire was knocked down quickly but crews remained on scene for a couple of hours hitting hot spots and cleaning up a fuel spill. There were no injuries and the fire was under investigation by the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s office, NJ State Police and the Warren County Fire Marshal’s office. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney, AC, Budd Lake FC
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 7
Fairfield 3-Alarmer
No animals or employees were injured when a fire broke out just after 2100 at the Fairfield Animal Hospital on Fairfield Road on January 4, 2020. Crews arrived to fire already through the roof and immediately requested mutual aid to the scene and for cover. Several handlines were stretched into the structure as the trucks went to the roof for ventilation. With the fire continuing to spread
in the cockloft, command requested a third alarm, bringing additional mutual aid to the scene. After a very labor-intensive attack pulling ceilings from below and opening up the roof, the fire was placed under control at approximately 2305. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Page 8, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Hasbrouck Hts. Blaze On February 3, 2020, at 1313, members of the Hasbrouck Heights 2nd Platoon responded to Clinton Avenue for a house fire. Deputy 2 arrived to smoke showing from the house. Engines 5 and 2 stretched the initial hose line to the first floor. Ladder 1 and Rescue 1 began searches and started laddering and ventilating. It was found that fire had extended to the second floor and the interior stairs were burnt away. Ladder 1 searched the second floor via ground ladder, while Engines 4 and 1 stretched a hose up a ground ladder to the rear of the house through a window to extinguish fire on the second floor. Companies brought the fire under control in 25 minutes and remained on scene for extensive overhaul. Englewood and Teaneck assisted. The fire was under investigation by Hackensack Fire Prevention. - Fire News photo by Justin Derevyanik
Car Fire in East Rutherford On February 11, 2020, the East Rutherford Fire Department was dispatched to the Route 3 North Service Road for MetLife Stadium for a vehicle fire. Chief 12-10 reported while responding they had a large column of smoke in the area and arrived to a four-door sedan fully involved. Engine 3 stretched a 1-3/4 inch line and the fire was quickly knocked down and the roadway reopened. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 9
Lucky Residents, Good Job by Long Branch
On February 8, 2020, shortly before 2000, the Long Branch Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of 3rd and Broadway for a structure fire. Engine 74 and Truck 91 were on scene in less than a minute of dispatch. As crews made entry, they found multiple residents were still in the building and requested mutual aid and a second alarm simultaneously. Despite having a malfunction of their radio system, crews were able to evacuate all residents with no injuries and knock down the heavy fire that had begun to self-vent on the second floor. Along with the Long Branch volunteers and a full municipal recall, units from Asbury Park, Monmouth Beach, Sea Bright, Neptune, Deal and Tinton Falls assisted. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 10, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
20 Displaced by Clifton Blaze On February 20, 2020, the Clifton Fire Department was dispatched to Lexington Avenue for an apartment fire. Police arrived and advised of heavy fire showing from the top floor with victims hanging out of the rear of the structure. Engine 5 utilized the deck gun to knock down heavy fire that had already spread to the Delta exposure. Ladder 3 made a successful rescue in the rear of the structure via a ground ladder. Eventually, the fire reached three alarms and companies from Passaic, Bloomfield, Belleville, Montclair, Elmwood Park, West Paterson, Paterson and Teaneck responded. Crews attempted an offensive attack twice, but command sounded the evacuation tones both times as heavy fire consumed the top floor. A dog and a cat were found dead at the fire and over 20 people were displaced. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 12, Fire News, April 2020
MVA in Egg Harbor Township
FireNews.com
Fast Stop in Rutherford
On February 26, 2020, the Rutherford Fire Department was dispatched to Newell Avenue for an attic fire. The first arriving chief reported a light smoke condition showing from the A/D corner of the top floor. Crews quickly located and extinguished the fire on the top floor and contained it to the room of origin. A mutual aid FAST from Wallington responded to the scene but was quickly released upon arrival. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Pleasantville Structure Fire On February 14, 2020, the Egg Harbor Township EMS and Police responded to Delilah Road and Canale Drive for an MVA. Two civilians were transported by the squad and the police were investigating the incident. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
On March 1, 2020, just before 0300, the Pleasantville Fire Department was called to the north side of the city for a structure fire. On arrival, fire was visible from the first and second floors. Mutual aid and off-duty firefighters were requested to assist at the scene and cover. Mutual aid came from Atlantic City, Atlantic City International Airport, Ventnor, Absecon and Farmington. Tricare EMS and Pleasantville Police assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
FireNews.com
Structure Fire in Mays Landing On February 4, 2020, just before 0900, Mays Landing and Mizpah Fire Departments were dispatched to Millville Avenue for a structure fire. On arrival 18-10 requested additional units from Laureldale, Estelle Manor and Richland. Tankers were utilized to establish a water supply and the fire was quickly brought under control. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
Fire News, April 2020, Page 13
Page 14, Fire News, April 2020
Maywood Electrical Fire
FireNews.com
Just before 1700 on January 24, 2020, the Maywood Fire Department responded for reports of a house fire on Spring Valley Road. On arrival, Chief John Gargagliano reported fire in the attic space of the 1-1/2 story Cape Cod. Mutual aid was requested from Rochelle Park and Hackensack to the scene. Two lines were stretched and put into operation as the truck went to the roof to open up. The main body of fire was knocked down in 20 minutes and the fire was placed under control shortly after. No injuries were reported and the fire appeared to have been electrical in nature. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Collingswood Breaks Ground for Combined FD and PD HQs On January 9, 2020, Collingswood broke ground on their new three-story 28,000-square foot building, which will be the new home for the fire and police departments. The new Public Safety Building is scheduled to open in early 2021. The new building will replace both the outdated police and fire buildings in the Borough. “It’s been a lot of work getting to this day and there is still a long way until we open the doors, but it means so much to symbolically push this project to the next phase,” Collingswood Mayor James Maley said. “We have worked extremely closely as a municipal team to build something that will keep our community safe, give our first responders the tools they need and fit within the fabric of Collingswood.” - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
Page 18, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Midnight Fire in Flanders Just after midnight on February 17, 2020, Mount Olive Fire units were called to Bartley Road in the Flanders section for a house fire. Police arrived and reported fire out two windows on the second floor. Car 91 arrived and requested a second alarm bringing Netcong, Chester and Hackettstown to the scene. Flanders Engine 95 took the driveway as Budd Lakes Engine 59 took water supply and crews stretched a line to the second floor. Engine 59’s crew went to the roof and opened up. The fire was knocked down within five minutes. - Fire News photo by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC
Page 20, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Pennsauken All-Hands
On February 19, 2020, multiple calls were received for a kitchen fire on the 1500 block of Springfield Avenue in Pennsauken. Pennsauken companies arrived to fire showing from the first floor. Chief 1101 struck the all-hands box for heavy fire on the first floor extending to the second. Crews placed three lines in operation and opened the roof. Searches were negative. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 21
Page 22, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 23
Belleville House Fire
Around 0600 on February 18, 2020, the Belleville Fire Department responded to Cedar Hill Avenue for a house fire. Crews arrived to a 21/2 story wood frame with a below grade garage and heavy fire showing from division 1 on the bravo side. Engines from Bloomfield and Nutley responded as well. Belleville initiated the interior attack as the rear of the structure was heavily involved and extending to the second floor. Crews raised ground ladders to the roof and ventilated, which only resulted in minor smoke with little to no extension into the attic. The fire was placed under control within an hour and crews cleared the scene around 0830. Coverage was provided by Kearny, Montclair and East Orange. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 24, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Hackensack Warehouse Fire
On February 7, 2020, at 1815, Hackensack received a fire alarm for Wysocki Place. The first arriving company reported fire out the windows on the bravo side of the building. Crews went to work attacking the fire and ventilating the building. Deputy 2 transmitted a second alarm and then a third within five minutes due to heavy fire conditions in the warehouse. The fire was brought under
control within an hour, but companies remained on scene for extensive overhaul. Additional companies assisting at the scene were from Englewood, Teaneck, Ridgefield Park, Bogota, Bergen County Fire coordinators, Hackensack Building Department and Hackensack Volunteer BLS. - Fire News photo by Justin Derevyanik
Mizpah Shed Fire Snuffed
On February 11, 2020, Mizpah, Weymouth, Mays Landing, Laureldale and Richland Fire Departments were dispatched to the Mizpah section of Hamilton Township for a structure fire. Crews extinguished the fire quickly without incident. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
FireNews.com
Truck Rollover in Clifton
On February 4, 2020, while out on the road, a Clifton fire inspector was traveling on Route 46 and reported a box truck had rolled over at the Paulison Avenue exit ramp, and requested the fire department to respond as the fuel tank was compromised. The driver was able to self-extricate and was uninjured and notified responders he was carrying food and drink and the contents were not hazardous. Engines 1, 5 and 6, Truck 2, and Hazmat 1 responded to assist with the cleanup of spilled fuel and await the arrival of the tow company. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Fire News, April 2020, Page 25
Page 26, Fire News, April 2020
Looking Back
FireNews.com
- Fire News photos by Bob Bartosz
A two-alarm fire, at the Colony Inn in Maple Shade on January 24, 1963.
Cherry Hill firefighters at a two-alarm fire at Route 70, Marlton Pike on November 27, 1966.
Cherry Hill crews at a three-alarm fire at the Markton Manor Restaurant on January 24, 1963
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 27
Farmington Installation and Awards
The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company 4 had its annual dinner at their Charles Maxwell Hall on January 11, 2020. Officers are Harry Goodman IV, Chief; Dennis C. Sharpe, Assistant Chief; Michael Parlapiano and William McFarland, Captains; James Garth Sr., President; Dana Swartz, Vice President; William McFarland, Secretary; William Ritchie, Treasurer; and William Sorshek, Assistant Treasurer. Charles Harlan, William Link, and
James Garth, Sr., were appointed as Fire Police and William Sorshek was appointed Safety Officer. Awards were given for service and most notably were William Ritchie for 55 years of service (above, right), Tyrell Edwards for his actions after a gunfight erupted at a high school football game he was attending (center), and to William Sorshek (left) for his managerial work for the fire company. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 28, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
ACFA Annual Meeting The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their 96th Annual Reorganization and Memorial Service January 15, 2020, at the Egg Harbor City Fire Department. The meeting was called to order by Association President Charles ‘Chick’ Kisby with remarks given by Executive Chairman Howard Berchtold, Jr., and several invited guests. The honor roll was read by Association Secretary Robert Mellon and the swearing in of the officers was done by Atlantic County Freeholder John Risley. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 29
Bogota House Fire
Late on January 9, 2020, the Bogota Fire Department was dispatched for a fire on Queen Anne Road. Police reported heavy smoke in the area, which was confirmed by Chief Ken Kalman on arrival. The exact location of the fire was not known until a police officer saw smoke coming from a house at the corner of Chestnut Avenue and Queen Anne Road. A second alarm was requested
which brought companies from Ridgefield Park to the scene and covering units from Teaneck and Hackensack. Two handlines were quickly stretched into the unoccupied home and the fire was knocked down in under 10 minutes with companies remaining on the scene for about an hour overhauling. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Page 30, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
New Milford Stove Fire New Milford Fire Department responded to a stove fire on the 500 block of James Street. First-arriving Engine 34 was able to knock down the fire and disconnect the appliance and bring it outside and finish the extinguishment. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Fairfield Structure Fire On January 4, 2020, the Fairfield Fire Department was dispatched to Fairfield Road for a building fire. The first arriving chief reported heavy fire showing from the roof area and immediately requested mutual aid. Crews encountered fire on the first floor along with the entirety of the roof. Mutual aid came from North Caldwell, West Caldwell, Pine Brook, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove and Lincoln Park. Crews chased hot spots in the roofing material once the heavy fire was knocked down. No animals or people were in the structure at the time, and the interior of the structure was severely damaged. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
NYSAFC ANNOUNCES CHIEF BRUCE HEBERER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Chief Bruce E. Heberer as chief executive officer of the association, effective January 1, 2020. In this role, Heberer will serve in a parttime capacity overseeing the association’s four staff members at NYSAFC headquarters and will be responsible for operations of the not-for-profit organization. The chief executive officer position replaces the previous executive director position. The position name was changed to bring the title back in line with the NYSAFC Constitution and ByLaws; however, the duties of the office shall remain the same. Heberer served as a member of the association’s board of directors from September 2016 to December 2019, and along with pastPresident John Sroka, was an interim executive director from September 2018 to December 2019. A career member of the City of Johnstown Fire Department in Fulton County since 1987, Heberer has been serving as Chief of Department since 2006. He was also the
municipal training officer from 1998-2006. Additionally, Heberer has been a member of the Berkshire Fire District since 1986, where he is currently a line Captain and Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. Heberer
has served as a Deputy Emergency Management Officer/Fire Coordinator for Fulton County since 1996 and as a New York State
Fire Instructor assigned to Fulton County since 1990. He is an adjunct to the New York State Academy of Fire Science and is a primary instructor with the New York State Career Recruit Firefighter Training Program. Heberer is also a New York State-certified police officer and served as a part-time Road Patrol Deputy with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He previously served in the US Navy as a damage control man from 1982-1986. Heberer has been a member of NYSAFC since 1988 and has served as an association Hands-On Training Instructor for many years. He is active with numerous state and national firematic organizations, including the Career Fire Chiefs of New York State, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Code Council, National Fire Protection Association, and International Association of Arson Investigators. Bruce’s father, Edward Heberer, served as Chief of the City of Johnstown Fire Department from 19831996 and was president of NYSAFC from 1995-1996.
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2020, Page 31
Bergenfield House Fire
On January 27, 2020, around 1715, the Bergenfield Fire Department and the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps were dispatched to a structure fire on Spring Street. Chief of Department Chris Nayils requested a second alarm for mutual aid on arrival. The chief reported fire on the D side of the structure behind the garage with extension into the attic area. Crews immediately went
to work and performed primary and secondary searches and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. Mutual aid came from New Milford, Dumont and Englewood with Tenafly and Teaneck covering. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Bergenfield Fire Prevention Bureau. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 32, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
ACFCA 2020 Atlantic County Firefighters Association Executive Chairman Howard Berchtold, Jr., swore in the 2020 officers of the Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association at their January meeting at the Absecon Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Company Donates Free Roof to First Responder Congratulations to Bargaintown firefighter Frank Kearns, Sr., who was selected by East Coast Roofing and Siding to receive a free roof. Every year East Coast Roofing and Siding picks an active or retired first responder to receive a free roof. This year’s recipient is a retired member of the fire company and the EHT Police Department, a former member of the township school board, a volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and a former teacher at the Egg Harbor Township High School. Other sponsors included Cornelius Wilson, owner of Clean Lines Painting and Powerwashing; ABC Supply; Apex Gutters; and Chick-fil-A. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
FireNews.com
Obituary
Weekstown’s Robert Cirillo
It is with deep regret the Weekstown Volunteer Fire Company of Mullica Township in Atlantic County announced the passing of Chief Robert ‘Bob’ Cirillo, a 48 year member. Bob was a member of the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and a retired firefighter from the Atlantic City Airport Fire Department. Our sincerest condolences to his family and his brother and sister firefighters. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Fire News, April 2020, Page 33
Page 34, Fire News, April 2020
FireNews.com
Up Close & Personal
Demarest Fire Chief Richard Motta III at a Palisades Parkway four-alarmer on New Year’s Day. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
City of Northfield Firefighter Adam T. Gitsas with friends and family following his graduation on January 27, 2020. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Firefighters from the Bloomingdale Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez (Photo left) Captain Andy Hilvert, Firefighter Brian Cassidy, and Lieutenant Mark Demberger of the Villas Volunteer Fire Company with their newest acquisition. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe (Photo right) Auburn Volunteer Fire Company Chief Melody Reese at the wheel of their new pumper-tanker. Auburn is located in Oldmans Township in Salem County. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Northvale Fire Chief C. J. Amorosso and Battalion Chief Gerald Smitson, Sr., at a Palisades Parkway fouralarmer on New Year’s Day. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton