Editorial

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor AnotherYearDown…Just Around the Corner

As I was reading the April Long Island Fire News at my firehouse, I took note of our emblem that says, “Fire News 49th Anniversary.” I found it hard to believe that Fire News’ 50th Anniversary is around the corner.

I finished being a Captain in the Terryville Fire Department in 2000. My company knew that in a previous life, I buffed fire calls in NYC as a young kid. I’d ride my bicycle to calls. Eventually, I acquired an inexpensive camera and took photos of the members of Engine 291 and Ladder 140. My childhood heroes loved the photos. Sadly, I never made copies for myself. But I can say the many dinners I had with the members was my reward for taking the photos. Eventually my dad’s chauffer took me under his wing and introduced me to photography. Richie Kubler had a family photo business, and my first paid job was picking up the undeveloped film and bringing it back developed the next day. Whoever thought this job would open the door to working at Fire News as a photographer? In 2000, I gained a reputation as being a photographer who had one goal in mind. My goal was to honor the volunteer fire service with photographs of the members of the Fire-Rescue and Emergency Services in a positive light. Yes, I still have many of my first photos because I was part of the digital age.

Eventually Fire News decided to expand and started a New Jersey edition, the Wildwood edition, which highlighted the NJ Firemen’s Convention, and a New York State edition, which included the emergency services throughout NYS and New York City. How did this happen? Our early expansion happened because of the support from Publisher Frank Trotta, Executive Editor Tim Edwards, Advertising Specialist Barbara Connolly, an art staff which included Cliff Chiesa, Lynn Sedler and Greg Jones. The man who brought our production of 12 editions that reach 15 states is Gary Joyce. Gary is the guy you never see, but his work is seen by everyone. Since Fire News is all digital, our stories come into the paper via email. It is a monumental job to keep the stories sorted. Bryan Lopez spends hours downloading and filing our stories, so that our staff can prepare the photos for print.

Our 12 editions would not be possible without the support of our dedicated advertisers. Their products are highlighted in their ads, in the Fire News Special Features page and in our Industry News section. Yes, Fire News is now more that stories. Our advertisers work hard to bring you new products on a regular basis.

Finally, Fire News has a dedicated staff of recognized photographers, who go out in all kinds of weather to cover events happening all over the states that they cover. Thank you to our photographers who cover fires, motor vehicle accidents, training, dedications and so many other areas that make all of us better firefighters.

In a few months, our 49 Years of Excellence will read 50 Years of Excellence! I am proud to be part of this great paper that was started by Jeb Ladouceur. Sadly, Jeb recently passed away. He will never be forgotten as he guides my pen when I write my monthly editorial. In closing, I say thank you to the Fire Service for enjoying Fire News. There is more to come!

- Dennis

Medford Township Working Fire

On February 2, 2022, Taskforce 25 units were alerted fora fully involved structure fire in a local camp. Chief Farnsworth arrived and confirmed the report. With no threat to life orexposures, units were slowed down due to snow conditions on the trail back to the fire. Chief Dovi held the fire to Engine 3712, Brush 2517, and two tenders. The fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Cover Story Bargaintown House Fire

The volunteerFire Companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to SuperiorRoad on February 1, 2022, at 1736, fora report of a structure fire with flames showing. Bargaintown Safety OfficerKen Badgersaw smoke from about a mile from the scene and requested a FASTfrom the City of Somers Point. When he arrived, the fire was coming out of the window on the D side. While donning his gear, the front of the house lit up and S/O Badgercontacted EHT Dispatch to strike out a second alarm. At this time, the 2-½ story structure was fully involved. Bargaintown Engine 1522 arrived and pulled a LDH line to a hydrant in front of the structure while a Scullville ladderput theirmain into service and was supplied by Engine 1522 whose crew pulled a Blitz Fire nozzle to the Aside and set up a masterstream into the front of the fire. Two 1-¾ inch lines were pulled to opposite sides of the structure to protect the exposures. Once Scullville’s ladderbegan flowing water, the fire was able to be darkened down. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock assumed operations and S/O Badgerwas left in command. Second alarm companies from the remaining EHTcompanies along with Mays Landing were put to work upon theirarrival overhauling and performing furthersuppression while Somers Point firefighters stayed as RITwith Farmington Utility 1546 filling empty SCBAbottles. Refreshments were served by the Cardiff, Bargaintown and Scullville Auxiliaries who did an outstanding job. The fire was underinvestigation. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Paterson Abandoned Structure Goes

Shortly before 1130 on February 17, 2022, Paterson Fire Dispatch transmitted the box in the 1st Battalion fora possible structure fire in the area of Washington and Plum Streets. BC-1, E-6 and R-2, normally 1st due from theirfirehouse almost around the corner, were tied up conducting a search in the Passaic River fora missing person. E-3 reported a working fire in an abandoned two-story frame on Plum Street. All hands went to work in an offensive attack with fire on the second floor. Deputy 1 arrived and assumed command. Afterreceiving reports of holes in the floors, a possible collapse and the fact that the building was badly dilapidated and with fire on the second floor and attic, all companies were withdrawn and switched to a defensive attack. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Looking Back

Merchantville 2017

On October25, 2017, a late afternoon fire destroyed a large single-family dwelling on Woodlawn Avenue in the boro of Merchantville, (Camden County). - Fire News photo by John Axford

Shamong 2017

On November10, 2017, District 28 units were alerted to a house fire off Atsion Road in Shamong. Atendershuttle was established due to a lack of hydrants. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez

Whippany 2017

On November27, 2017, the Whippany Fire Department received multiple calls for smoke showing from decades old Billy and Madeline’s Red Room Tavern. Quick moving bystanders were able to get the owners out of second floorwindows. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

FireNews.com

Fire News, May 2022, Page 13 Quick Knock Down at Hamilton Township Blaze

Firefighters in Hamilton Township quickly knocked down a blaze involving one half of a 2-1/2 story duplex on January 17, 2022. It was about 1607 when Squad 12, Truck 13, Engines 14 and 15, and Deputy 10 were dispatched to Woodlawn Avenue. The assignment was immediately upgraded to a full first alarm as additional 911 calls were received. Smoke was showing from the top flooron the left side of the duplex when Engine 14 arrived. As Engine 14 stretched an attack line, Truck 13 members raised theiraerial and vented the roof. The fire was contained to the area of origin and declared undercontrol about 1628. Additional units that responded included Squad 16, Truck 17, Engine 18, Special Services 18, Engine 19, and Battalion 10, as well as Rescue 1 from Trenton. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Quick Stop on Wisteria Road

On February 24, 2022, the Atlantic City Fire Department responded to a fire in a row home on Wisteria Road. An exteriorfire was found on the alpha side of the home which had extended to the front. The fire was quickly knocked down with an exteriorline while crews went interiorto open up the walls to extinguish some minorextension. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Bargaintown 2-CarMVA

The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Fire Road in front of the Joe Canal’s LiquorStore on January 19, 2022, at 0753, fora report of an MVAwith fluids on the highway. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock arrived and established command, recalled Cardiff, and had the crew of Bargaintown Rescue 1527 put oil dry on the highway and cut the battery cables to both vehicles. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Tabernacle All-Hands

On March 17, 2022, Taskforce 43 was dispatched fora fully involved vacant structure. Chief Zane arrived to a two-story, single-family dwelling that was well off with no carin the driveway. Chief Zane also requested the NJ Forest Fire Service due to embers from the dwelling. Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, a tenderstrike team was alerted. The homeowner’s vehicle was in the garage, which prompted command and the NJ State Police to attempt to locate them. The homeownerwas located in a nearby town. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

All Hands in Medford

On March 13, 2022, District 25 units were alerted for a house fire on the northern end of town. Evesham Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Zane reported a column of smoke from overa mile out and ordered all companies in service. Upon his arrival, he reported fire conditions on all foursides of the structure and no vehicles in the driveway. Due to a lack of hydrants, he requested a tenderstrike team. He also noted ammunition exploding and ordered the first-in engine company to set up at least 75 feet from the home. Engine Company 2511 arrived and went in service with a deck gun and 2-1/2 inch handline. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Farmington Trains with Coast Guard

The members of the Farmington VolunteerFire Company in Egg HarborTownship visited the United States Coast Guard Station Atlantic City on March 15, 2022, to train with them on rescue operations, as this facility is in Farmington’s response area. Firefighters trained on hoisting operations and to familiarize the mselves with the operation of the Dolphin rescue helicopters. The members would like to thank the USCGfortheirtime and support. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

CarFire on Black Horse Pike

The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Black Horse Pike on March 18, 2022, at 1641 fora report of a vehicle fire. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived and established command fora passengervehicle with fire showing from the engine compartment. One line was pulled from the firstdue engine and foam was needed to fully extinguish the fire. Also responding were Egg HarborTownship Police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Fire News, May 2022, Page 21 New Chiefs in Bergenfield

Past Chief of the Bergenfield Fire Department Edward Kneislerlll wanted to thank the department forits support while being Chief of the Department in 2021 and 1st Deputy Chief in 2020, and 2nd Assistant Chief in 2019. Edward received his ex-Chiefs badge that was pinned on him by his wife Amy. Edward followed in his family’s footsteps of his grandfatherand his fatherboth who went through the ranks in the department and eventually served as Chief of the Department, and his youngerbrother Alex who was recently sworn in as 2nd Deputy Chief. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Long Fight in Newark

On January 24, 2022, the Newark Fire Department responded to a scrap yard on Calcutta Street in the port fora fire. Adeepseated fire was found within the large piles of metal and multiple watersupplies were established to supply masterstreams and ladder pipes. Asurround-and-drown attack was initiated as workers from the yard picked apart the large debris piles with heavy machinery. Newark companies rotated forover24 hours turning overthe pile and dousing the flames. Smoke could be seen formiles into the next day while the extended operations continued forthe next two days. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Truck Fire on I-80

The Budd Lake Fire Department was dispatched fora truck fire on Interstate 80 east at milemarker24.5. Upon arrival the tractorwas found disconnected from the trailerand the rearhalf of the trailer was on fire. Engine 59 arrived and started to attack the fire, followed by Tender57 supplying water. Byram Township was called fortwo additional tenders to assist with watersupply. Flanders Engine 95 and Budd Lake Engine 53 was called to help with overhaul. - Fire News photos by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC

Extrication at Farmington MVA

The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff, along with Egg HarborTownship Police, EMS, and Atlanticare Paramedics, responded to the 6500 block of Washington Avenue foran MVA. The crash was the result of a high-speed impact between a Humvee and a pickup, trapping the driverin the pickup. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived and established command. Arriving shortly afterwas Township Chief Rob Winkler. Upon the arrival of apparatus, firefighters removed both doors and B post and assisted EMS with patient removal. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Possible Arson in CedarGrove

On February 18, 2022, the CedarGrove Fire Department responded to a home on Winding Way fora fire. Truck 74 had heavy fire on the Alpha/Bravo cornershowing on arrival. Amutual aid engine from Verona and truck from Montclairresponded as the main body of fire in the room of origin was knocked down with moderate extension to the adjoining rooms. The fire was placed undercontrol approximately 40 minutes afterarrival. Essex County Prosecutor’s Office was requested to the scene forsuspected arson. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti