In this issue...
Train Derailment Near Kean University
Firefighters responded to the tracks in the rear of Kean University for a train derailment.
See story on page 4
Residents Jump From Paterson Building
Athird-alarm fire in the rear of building caused occupants to jump out the second-floor windows.
See story on page 6
Fence, Shed & Vehicle Catch Fire In Pleasantville
The Pleasantville FD were dispatched for a fence on fire which spread to a vehicle and shed.
See story on page 12
Car Slams Through Signs, Hits House
The Westwood Fire Department was dispatched for a report of a vehicle into a house.
See story on page 19
Two Tractor Trailers On Fire in Netcong
The Netcong Fire Company was dispatched for two tractor trailers burning.
See story on page 20
House Ablaze In Lincoln Park
The Lincoln Park Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a two-story wood frame house fire.
See story on page 23
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Train Derailment by Kean University
Budd Lake Brush Fire Involves Trailer
Chief 50 arrived to a brush fire on Drakestown Road in the Budd Lake section of town that was around 200- x 200-feet and spreading. Flanders Fire was called fortheirbrush truck and Engine 53 arrived and stretched the boosterline forthe grass fire and a 1- ¾ inch line fora small trailerthat was also on fire. Engines 59 and 97 and a tenderfrom Fairmont Fire assisted with water. Brush 97 came in and hit otherfires and helped mop up the scene. NJ State Forest Fire went to an adjacent field and cut the fire off and it was brought undercontrol within an hour. The fire was caused by the ownertrying to burn trash in windy conditions.
- Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney
On February 18, 2025, the Union Fire Department, along with Union County Hazmat and New Jersey Transit Police, responded to the tracks in the rearof Kean University fora train derailment. Units arrived to approximately 30 cars which had been derailed, but there were no injuries. Union County Hazmat surveyed the cars and deemed there were no hazardous materials involved.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
2nd FloorResidents
Jump
from Paterson Building
Paterson and West Paterson fire departments operated at a thirdalarm fire on McBride Avenue on March 14, 2025. They encountered heavy fire in the rearof building on arrival, with occupants jumping out the second-floorwindows. AMayday was called fora battalion chief injured when a rearstairway collapsed. Evacuation tones sounded forexteriordefensive attack . - Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
Shed a Total Loss in Lawrence Fire
Fire Companies Pull Togetherto Handle Structure and Ground Fire
Heavy fire conditions were encountered by firefighters who turned out fora blaze involving a small storage building on the grounds of a tree service company in MercerCounty on March 5, 2025. It was 1800 when Lawrence Township firefighters were dispatched for what was at first reported to be a brush fire on Bakers Basin Road. Chief Dave Terzian of Princeton Junction Fire Company in neighboring West Windsorwas in the area at the time and arrived to find the fire actually involved a shed-like structure that was reportedly filled with powertools, gasoline containers, lithium-ion batteries and otherequipment. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
The volunteerfire companies of Oceanville and Port Republic responded to Hastings Avenue in Smithville on March 9, 2025, fora report of a structure fire. Oceanville Assistant Chief Chuck Uhl reported a large column of smoke from a distance. Chief Uhl also advised of a structure well off and requested a response of two more stations; Bayview and Pomona were dispatched. Command transmitted a request fora general alarm, bringing the remaining Galloway Township companies and mutual aid to coverthe vacant stations. The radiant heat from the fire ignited a grass fire that extended into the woodlands at the rearof the property, necessitating a response from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. The original fire building collapsed, and command had an excavatorbrought in to demolish the structure for total extinguishment. Responding were Oceanville, Germania, Pomona, Bayview, South Egg Harbor, Galloway EMS, Galloway Police, Galloway OEM, Port Republic, New Jersey Forest Fire Service, New Gretna (covered Port Republic), Absecon (covered Oceanville), Egg HarborCity (covered Pomona).
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
On March 3, 2025, Paterson Fire Department operated at a third-alarm fire in a commercial building, with heavy fire through the roof on arrival on East Railway Avenue.
- Fire News
Fire Showing Through the Roof in Paterson
photos by Ronald Bombaro
In the early morning of February 9, 2025, Berkeley Township Fire Stations 17, 18 and 20 responded to Santo Domingo Drive fora reported house fire. Chief 1800 arrived to a fully involved singlestory home. Engine 1811 was requested to stretch a 2-1/2 inch line while 1835 set up theiraerial formasterstream operations. Toms RiverStation 26 responded to the scene as RIT. The fire was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Holiday City Home a Total Loss
Brush Fire Moves Through Atlantic City Cemetery
The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff from the Egg HarborTownship Fire Department responded on March 13, 2025, to the Atlantic City Cemetery at Black Horse Pike fora report of a brush fire. Firefighters arrived to find a fast-moving brush fire in the cemetery and, with assistance from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, brought the fire undercontrol in one hour. - Fire News photo by Brandon Parker
Fence, Shed & Vehicle Catch Fire in Pleasantville
On March 13, 2025, the Pleasantville Fire Department responded to the second fire of theirshift. Units were dispatched fora fence on fire which spread to a vehicle and shed. Crews arrived and immediately went to work containing the fire to its location. The fire is currently underinvestigation and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
Visiting the Salem Fire Museum in Salem
During the Christmas holiday season, I visited the Salem Fire Museum at 166 East Broadway in Salem, NJ. This unique and historical museum is open at certain times of the year and manned by members of the Salem Fire Department. The building was constructed in 1869 and houses the immense collection of firefighting artifacts on the two floors of the firehouse.
The first floor of the firehouse houses all the old fire equipment used to fight fires through the years. There is all sorts of pumpers and hose equipment that have been used in the past and show how the fire service has modernized but not changed so much over the last 150 years.
Along the walls of the firehouse are all sorts of equipment dealing with the fire service from search and rescue to different equipment to put out the fire to the daily life of what a firefighter does in a day at work. When I visited during the holidays, there was a festive Christmas tree in the equipment bay and a roaring fire in the fireplace in the back of the firehouse.
The second floor of the museum was set up for the office and operation base. The displays are set up with fire operations in mind as well as where the firefighters were living when on duty. There were also all sorts of pictures from the past at different stages of the Salem Fire Department.
The Salem Fire Department has created a very engaging and inviting museum that tells the story of not just the Salem Fire Department but of firefighting through the years in New Jersey and urban compared to rural firefighting. It is a great museum for all of those who are interested in learning the history of the fire service in New Jersey.
The History of the Salem Fire Museum: (from the museum website)
Union Steam Engine Company first formed in 1749 and operated from a modest firehouse at the corner of Market Street and Broadway. The Old Court House currently occupies that site. The Salem Fire Museum is in the fire company’s second fire station, built in 1869, and serving actively until 1992 when the Union Steam Engine Company 1 moved into a commodious engine house on Walnut Street.
The front of the firehouse was altered in the early 1930s to accommodate the 1935 Ahrens Fox pumper, which would not fit in the narrowarched truck door. In the mid-1970s, a concrete foundation was poured to hold the weight of the 1978 Mack pumper. Size of modern fire apparatus was the motivating factor that drove the fire company out of this firehouse in 1992. The dignified old fire station sat vacant until 2002 when a group of volunteers began the restoration efforts. They were met with a staunch task of crumbling walls, no heat, no electric, no water, and little money.
Since the project started, the volunteers have restored the front façade to its original three-arched-door configuration, replaced the frieze, installed HVAC, replaced the electric and water service, and collected, organized for display artifacts from over 200 years of fire service in Salem City and surrounding communities.
You can view items like the 1847 John Agnew Columbian Hand Pumper, the ornate boiler exhaust from the 1878 Silsby Steamer, old helmets, uniforms, speaking trumpets, nozzles, and the like.
- Submitted by Justin Watrel
Abandoned Building 2-Alarmerin Pleasantville
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to Old Turnpike on March 13, 2025, fora report of smoke in the area. The on-duty chief tracked the smoke to an abandoned building that formerly housed a fuel oil company. Upon his arrival, the fire was through the roof with no exposure problems. Asecond alarm was requested bringing ladders from Linwood and Northfield which were supplied by engines from Absecon and the Atlantic City Airport. Pleasantville Tower7 set up on the bravo side and was supplied by a Pleasantville engine. The fire took several hours to extinguish and the cause was underinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Eric ‘Doc’Moran
RearYard Fire Too Close to Home
On February 24, 2025, Toms RiverStations 28 and 29 were dispatched to an outside fire on Shadow Oak Drive. Chief 2800 observed a heavy column of smoke and arrived to a large debris field in the rearyard with close exposure to the home. An additional engine from Station 53 responded forfire spreading to the neighbor’s yard. Two lines were stretched and the fire was contained to the rearyard without involving any structures.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Fire Destroys Shed and Contents in Hamilton
The volunteerfire companies of Laureldale, Mays Landing and Cologne from the Township of Hamilton Fire Department were dispatched to Birch Street fora report of a structure fire on March 22, 2025, at 1712. Upon the arrival of Laureldale firefighters, they discovered a shed on fire at the rearof the property. Firefighters stretched a preconnect and began extinguishing the fire while New Jersey Forest Fire crews extinguished a pile of debris nearby. Upon theirarrival, Mays Landing and Cologne firefighters helped with overhaul; Mays Landing and Laureldale’s watertenders supplied the scene.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Thank You forMaking the 2025 NJEPAConference a Success!
On behalf of the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association, we extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the 2025 NJEPA Conference!
This year’s event brought together just under 1,200 dedicated emergency management professionals from across the region. Together, we participated in impactful training sessions and engaging breakout sessions, making this one of our most robust educational programs to date. We are also proud to have had the support of more than 75 sponsors and exhibitors, whose participation helped make this event possible.
Aspecial moment during the conference was the presentation of scholarships honoring esteemed leaders in the field of emergency management. We were proud to recognize the legacy of:
•Kevin H. Tuno Emergency Coordinator Scholarship: To Wayne Comegno, Camden County Department of Public Safety
•Captain Jonathan C. Young Scholarship, honoring the former NJEPAPresident to:
Emilia Matti, High Point Regional High School; Christopher Steppat, Millersville University; Nicholas James Gandolfo, Pennsylvania State University; Sophia Labazzo, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School;
•Michael Augustyniak Scholarship, honoring a career to: Emergency Manager and Planner for NJOEM:
Alexa Foukarakis, Point Pleasant Beach High School; Shreyaa Sanjay, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North; Jamie Popek, Manchester Township High School; •2025 Atlantic City Electric Merit of Excellence Award to: New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
These honors reflect the commitment and excellence these individuals and organizations brought to our field, and we are grateful to celebrate their impact.
We also want to remind all attendees and readers to stay tuned for next month’s newsletter, where we will share additional insights and statistics from the conference, including details on CEUs earned and other metrics.
And finally, mark your calendar now for the 2026 NJEPA Conference, returning to Atlantic City from April 20 to 24, 2026. We look forward to seeing you there for another incredible week of learning, networking, and collaboration.
Thank you once again for being part of this year’s unforgettable conference experience!
CarSlams Through Signs, Hits House
Shortly after1500 on March 10, 2025, the Westwood Fire Department was dispatched fora report of a vehicle into a house and possibly smoking. Arriving command found a vehicle that had run through a sign, a safety bollard, a fence. stopping only when it had hit the occupied home. Asmoke condition resulted from radiatordamage and coolant discharge. Upon arrival, Rescue 1 was tasked with securing powerin the vehicle and the affected area of the home. Engine 1 stood fast in case a hoseline was needed. The scene was turned overto WPD once the vehicle was removed.
- Submitted by Westwood FD; photos by Nick Ariemma
Two TractorTrailers on Fire in Netcong
Recently the Netcong Fire Company was dispatched to Love Lane behind the Atlantic AirOne headquarters fora carfire. Netcong Chief Bock arrived and confirmed two tractortrailers were burning. Netcong Engine 1 arrived and stretched lines on the fire followed by Engine 6 who supplied water. The fire was brought under control within a half hourand Morris County Hazmat was called fora fuel spill. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation by the Netcong Fire Official and Police. - Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Fire & Safety Services, Ltd. Sponsors Burn Foundation 25+ Years
This year we are celebrating 25-plus years of FIRE & SAFETYSERVICES, Ltd., of South Plainfield, NJ, as the very proud sponsor of the Burn Foundation and the artistry of Joseph M. Getsinger. F&SS Principal and President, David Russell, has consistently supported the Burn Foundation and Joe, plus printing of each year’s raffle tickets for the annual NJ State Firefighters Convention in Wildwood. In 2024 Dave also sponsored the collector pins that contain the fundraising image. These have become very popular and are very much in demand.
This year we are also celebrating the second anniversary of artist Jarryd Ley of West Deptford, NJ, who has joined forces with Getsinger to create a unique 3-D fundraising image of Getsinger’s artwork for this convention. The title for this year’s image will be: “Let me Help.”
On January 25, 2025, Joe, his son, Thomas, and his grandson Max, along with Jarryd traveled to Cinnaminson Fire Department to do this year’s photoshoot. With the support of Cinnaminson’s Fire Chief, Philip Drangula, and his crew, Getsinger and his group, envisioned a rescue scene utilizing Joe's grandson who was the perfect age for this year's Burn Foundation image. Before the photoshoot, members of the Cinnaminson Fire Department gave young Max a tour of the fire station, apparatus and even gave him a fire helmet to take home. Firefighter Joe Vazquez who gave Max the tour also geared up for the photoshoot. Members who assisted at the photoshoot were: C.J. Ricciuti, Matt Deeney, Chris O’Leary, Dennis Staples and Chance Brittain. Thanks for your service and support.
Jarryd Ley assisted in the coordination of the poses while Joe did a 360-degree photoshoot to aid Jarryd with the image for the 3-D model of the art he will produce. The two will develop the final image to be used for the print that will be displayed at the convention and utilized as the fundraiser for the Burn Foundation. The 3-D model will also be on display at Burn Foundation's table on stage at the fire equipment expo. Copies of the artwork and 3-D image will be available to see at the convention. The number one framed Giclee' canvas print of ‘LET ME HELP” will be the top prize at the raffle along with 24 limited edition prints signed by both Joe Getsinger and Jarryd Ley.
Burn Foundation is located at 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, Pa. 19082. Its mission supports the burn patient and burn care communities in the tristate area. You can donate online at: www.burnfoundation.org or call (215) 545-3816.
The Lincoln Park Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire on Randolph Street. First arriving units found a two-story wood frame with the rearof the house fully involved. Atransitional attack was initiated to knock down the fire in the rearwhile attempting an interiorattack. Units were eventually evacuated from the building to transition to a defensive attack. Mutual aid from Pequonock, Wayne Company 2, and Boonton responded to assist. Once the heavy fire was knocked down from the exteriorcrews re-entered the building to finish extinguishing the last pockets of fire.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
House Ablaze in Lincoln Park
Pleasantville Recognition Ceremony
The Pleasantville Fire Department held its first everrecognition ceremony. AUnit Citation was issued to Shift 1 fora technical rescue of a person who sustained an injury eight feet in the airwhile cutting a tree branch, which shifted pinning the man. Crews created a high point with rope rescue equipment to take the weight off of the victim, who was then transported to city trauma center. Asecond Unit Citation was issued to Shift 2 forassisting in the delivery of a baby. Crews were alerted when a vehicle arrived with mother and newly delivered baby in the back seat. Crews assisted in patient care to both motherand baby, prepping them fortransport by EMS. All members were recognized fortheirhard work, dedication and the years of service they have been with the department. Most notable is Battalion Chief Crawford with 30 years of service and Mrs. Monica Hunterthe department’s secretary who has 25 years of service.
- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
Opening Ceremony for Lakewood’s Renovated Station
Anotherhistoric day in Lakewood as the Lakewood Fire Department continued theirforward progression in the fire service. Headed by Chief Yahr, on January 23, 2025, they opened theirthird careerfire company, Engine 1. Engine 1 will be housed with Ladder5 in a newly renovated Monmouth Avenue firehouse. On this day, six new firefighters were hired and fourfirefighters were promoted to help fill out the new company’s ranks.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
New to Them
The New Jersey Fire Museum and Firefighters Memorial recently acquired additions to theircollection. The beautiful 1965 Seagrave Pumperthousand gallon perminute pump 300-gallon watertank. This served Hackettstown New Jersey in Warren County. When it was in service it was known as 78-86 and the Keyport Pierce Pumper with the American flag mural on the driver’s side. Along with a solid red pumperthat previously served Eatontown. Pictured are two pierced Pumpers with three volunteers from the museum and the 1965 Seagrave Pumper - Submitted by Chris ‘Doc’Denton
Errata: NJ April Edition
On page 36 of the April 2025 edition of Fire News, we inadvertently mislabelled these three pictures, which were taken by PeterDanzo. Ourapologies to Mr. Danzo. - Gary P. Joyce; Ed.
Galloway Garage and Debris Fire Spreads to Forest
The South Egg Harborand Egg HarborCity fire departments responded on March 1, 2025, to the 500 block of Roosevelt Avenue in Galloway Township fora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a garage and debris fire stoking a fast-moving forest fire. The structure fire required a response from the Germania Fire Company fortheirtankerand additional manpower. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to battle the forest fire which took several hours to extinguish.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Vehicle Overturned in Culvert in Egg Harbor
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched at 0047 on March 7, 2025, to West Jersey and English Creek avenues fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock reported the location of the incident was on West Jersey and Ivans Avenue, one mile east of the reported location. Hancock also reported the vehicle was overturned into a drainage culvert and there was no entrapment. Firefighters stood by until the vehicle was removed and EHTEMS treated and transported the driver. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by Egg HarborTownship Police.
- Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
Resident Injured in Tenafly House Fire
On February 27, 2025, Tenafly Police received a call reporting a house on Cameron Road on fire. While en route, the chief reported a large column of smoke and heavy fire visible from the front of the home. Due to the volume of fire, the first-due engine was advised to go to deck gun operations. Mutual aid was also requested bringing a ladderfrom Englewood and a rescue unit from Dumont. The lone female occupant was able to escape, suffering burns and smoke
inhalation. She was transported to the hospital. The main body of fire was knocked down in approximately 30 minutes. However, crews continued to chase hot spots and pockets forseveral more hours. The home was heavily damaged and the fire was underinvestigationby the Bergen CountyArson Squad.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
3 Hurt in 2-CarMVA in Egg Harbor
2 Fatalities in Mansfield 3-Alarmer
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Dogwood and Pine avenues at 1525 on March 18, 2025, forthe report of an MVAwith a vehicle on its side. Egg HarborTownship Police and EMS arrived to find two vehicles that crashed in the intersection and came to rest on a lawn with one vehicle on its roof and multiple injuries. Upon the arrival of the fire department, Baragintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock established command. Egg Harbor Township EMS treated and transported three persons. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by Egg HarborTownship Police.
Two lives were lost in a three-alarm blaze that destroyed two homes in the Homestead at a Mansfield active adult community in Burlington County on February 19, 2025. Franklin Fire Company and mutual aid were dispatched at 1332. Firefighters arrived to a the home on Wagon Wheel Circle fully-engulfed, with wind-driven flames having spread to the Side B exposure. Asecond alarm was ordered, followed by a third. With temperatures hovering around 15 degrees and a strong wind fanning the flames, firefighters operated defensively. Several otheradjacent dwellings were evacuated as a precaution. Two homes were destroyed. During overhaul, the bodies of the two victims were located in the original fire building. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
Up Close & Personal
Dennisville FirefighterLori Repici with Dennisville’s “new” aerial that was recently purchased. Lori is also the newest New Jersey Forest Fire Service member.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Bayview Chief Kolbe Rundio at an Oceanville fire on March 9, 2025, taking a breather.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Laureldale Firefighter Eric ‘Doc’Moran at the controls of Laureldale’s engine at the Birch Street fire on March 22, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Tabernacle Firefighters Aaron Maxwell and Hank Wylupek with Tabernacle’s new pumper-tanker.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Oceanville firefighters John Mooney, Sr., and Bob Broskey at a general alarm fire in Oceanville on March 9, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
TRAINING
Monmouth Multi-Agency TankerTask Force/Strike Team Drill
Recently, the Monmouth TankerTask Force/Strike Team held an extensive multi-agency drill in Millstone, designed to test watersupply and distribution strategies forlarge-scale fire operations. The drill featured two separate dump sites, each equipped to supply waterto two aerial masterstreams. The exercise utilized two distinct fill sites to provide waterto the tankers that were responsible fordelivering and distributing it to the respective locations. The operation began with the first site receiving waterfollowed by the second site. Waterflow rates were maintained between 500 and 600 gallons perminute, ensuring that the tankers could effectively deliverwaterto the aerial units. Overthe course of the 2-1/2-hourdrill, a total of 140,000 gallons of waterwas deployed, demonstrating the capability and coordination of the involved agencies in managing
such a high-demand operation. The drill’s composition included a robust team of responders: two aerial units, 13 tankers, five engines, a rehab unit and personnel from the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. This collaborative effort emphasized the critical need forseamless coordination between agencies when responding to large-scale fires and highlighted the ongoing commitment to ensuring the readiness and efficiency of emergency response teams in the region. Units from the following participated: Millstone, Manalapan, Hope Fire, Freehold Township Independent Fire Company, Southard Fire, Morganville , Glendola, Marlboro, Colts Neck, Adelphia, Freehold, Squankum, Gordons Corner, West Long Branch, Neptune City, Jamesburg and the Monmouth County Fire Marshal - Fire News photos by Craig Haas Photography
1STANNUALNEWJERSEY9/11 MEMORIALSTAIR CLIMB: HONORINGAND SUPPORTINGHEROES IN SUPPORTOFTHE NFFF
The New Jersey community is coming together to honor the brave heroes of September 11, 2001, with the inaugural New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. This heartfelt event will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Participants and observers alike are invited to join in this unique tribute, with all proceeds benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF).
The NFFF’s mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives, and work within the Fire Service Community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.
The stair climb is more than just a physical challenge; it is a moving remembrance of those who selflessly served on
that fateful day. Participants will ascend the equivalent of 110 stories, symbolizing the height of the World Trade Center, while paying homage to the firefighters and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.
David Russell, President and Principal of Fire & Safety Services, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment of our firefighters and first responders. It’s our duty to honor their legacy, and through this event, we not only remember them but also support the families left behind.”
Together, we can ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Obituary Somers Point’s Michael Weierbach, Sr.
Somers Point Fire Company 1 announced the untimely passing of active member Michael ‘Wires’Weierbach, Sr., at the age of 61.
Wires was a dedicated member of the fire company since 2019, following many years of service with the Northfield Volunteer Fire Company. He proudly served as Safety Officer, a role he carried out with the utmost care and commitment.
Outside of his service, he had a deep passion for his boat and his love for the San Francisco 49ers. Above all, Mike cherished his family, and his devotion to them was evident in everything he did.
- Submitted by Dennis Sharpe and Ken Badger; posted by Somers Point FC
Commercial Building Fire 3-Alarmer
On March 2, 2025, companies of Paterson 1st Battalion responded to East Railway Avenue forreports of a building fire. On arrival of Battalion 1 Chief Kiefer, he reported a single-story commercial building with heavy fire through the centerof the roof. Asecond alarm was transmitted as companies set up fora defensive attack as the roof collapsed. Athird alarm was requested by Deputy 2. Handlines quickly knocked down the main body of fire and kept it from spreading into the businesses on eitherside. One firefighter suffered minorinjuries due to a slip and fall and was transported to the hospital. The fire was undercontrol in about two hours with extensive overhaul. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Atlantic City House Fire Quickly Handled
The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to the 2100 block of North Riverside Drive on February 21, 2025, fora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing in a twostory wood frame dwelling and declared a working fire. The fire was brought undercontrol quickly and the cause was underinvestigation. - Fire News photo by William McFarland
