Fire News New Jersey, June, 2023

Little Egg Harbor Forest Fire

NJFFS, and Ocean and Atlantic county crews fight a 450-acre forest fire.

See story on page 8

ACFAAnnual Awards Ceremony

Valor awards and 11 50-years service awards are presented, including one first ever.

See story on page 14

Firefighter Marc Raymond makes Battalion Chief.

See story on page 17

First responders from around the state.

See story on page 23

New Milford

2-Alarmer

Aroof collapse and exposure concerns make for a long fight in New Milford.

See story on page 25

Obituary

LODD: Deptford’s Jeff Pfeiffer

See story on page 26

AService for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

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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.

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Dennis Whittam, Editor

ADay of Remembrance From the Editor’s Desk

To many Star Wars buffs, May 4 has meaning. In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 Star Wars Day to commemorate the opening of Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge — a Star Wars theme park. But, what does this day have to do with the May 4 I prefer to think about? The answer is nothing.

I prefer to remember May 4 as St. Florian’s Day and International Firefighter’s Day. International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian (the patron saint of all firefighters). Today, many firefighters wear a religious medal of St. Florian. St. Florian was the commander of a firefighting unit in the Roman Empire. He lost his life, with his unit while protecting life and property, just as firefighters all over the world do today. His feast day is May 4. St. Florian is remembered in many parts of central Europe. Many miracles of healing are attributed to his intercession, and he is remembered as a powerful protector to those in danger from fire or water. Take the time to read about St. Florian.

International Firefighters Day came about after a tragedy occurred in Australia. On December 2, 1998, firefighters in Australia were fighting a large wildfire and needed assistance. Their urgent call for help brought in firefighters from all over the area. Not knowing what was in

store for them, a crew formed a five-man strike team and responded. As the five headed out from the fire to refill their tanker with water, a sudden violent wind change hit the area, engulfing the truck in flames, and killing all five members.

J.J. Edmondson, a volunteer Lieutenant and firefighter in Victoria, Australia, was moved by this tragedy and wanted to start a movement to remember the firefighters killed in this tragedy and other tragedies throughout the world. Her New Years resolution in 1999 was to organize an internationally recognized symbol of support and respect for all firefighters and a date for which this could be coordinated worldwide. The date chosen for International Firefighters’Day was linked to the feast day of St. Florian. The International Firefighter Day ribbons are linked to the colors symbolic of the main element’s firefighters work with. The ribbon is similar to the pink breast cancer awareness pin, the firefighter’s ribbon is red for fire and blue for water.

On May 7, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation marked International Firefighters Day by encouraging everyone to Shine Your Light for Firefighters. Buildings and homes were lit in red as a remembrance of International Firefighters Day. In many areas, memorial services were held to remember our fallen brothers and sisters.

In conclusions, I leave you with Lt. J.J. Edmondson’s quote from 1999:

“The role of a firefighter in today’s society be it urban, rural, natural environment, volunteer, career, industrial, defense force, aviation, motor sport, or other is one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice, no matter what country we reside and work in. In the fire service we fight together against one common enemy fire no matter what country we come from, what uniform we wear or what language we speak.”

- Dennis

Cardiff Restaurant Blaze

On April 3, 2023, units were dispatched to The Touch of Italy Restaurant in the Cardiff section of Egg HarborTownship fora structure fire. On arrival, command was established and a second alarm was requested bringing all five Egg HarborTownship companies and the Northfield Fire Department forRIT. The fire was brought undercontrol in about an hourand was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

Union City and Weehawken

5 and

6

Alarmers

Around 2240 hours on April 12, 2023, North Hudson Fire Control transmitted a full assignment fora reported fire on 9th Street in Union City stating they were receiving numerous calls. Minutes latera second-alarm assignment was dispatched on a modified response fora report of smoke on Dodd Street in Weehawken. Engine 1 arrived on 9th Street and reported a working fire on 8th Street, and a second alarm was quickly transmitted. Meanwhile companies arriving on Dodd Street in Weehawken reported the fire was actually on Jane Street and requested a second alarm due to fire involving two 2-1/2 story frames. Due to the fire in Union City, the companies working in Weehawken had no assistance forover 20 minutes. Two Jane Street structures became fully involved and both eventually collapsed and two others sustained heavy damage in the rearof both homes. Several otherhomes sustained heat damage. The fire went to six alarms and the Union City fire went to five alarms bringing mutual aid companies from Hudson, Essex, Union, Passaic and Bergen counties. Both fires were declared undercontrol at around 0400 and were underinvestigation by local police departments and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Brick CarFire Extends to Home

On April 2, 2023, all Brick Fire companies were dispatched to Garden Avenue fora carfire in close proximity of a residence. O n arrival, the fire had already extended to the structure and into the attic. Asecond alarm was transmitted bringing Point Pleasant RIT to the scene. Crews worked lines on the interiorand exteriorof the home, knocking down fire in the home, garage and the car. Units operated on scene fornearly two hours mopping up.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

450-Acre Forest Fire

Small Fire in Oradell

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

On March 7, 2023, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service spotted a smoke column in Little Egg Harborand responded to find a large, rapidly growing forest fire. Multiple NJFFS units and surrounding local fire departments were called in to assist. Many stations from Ocean and Atlantic counties responded with watersupply and set up structural protection task forces. Crews battled the fire into the evening as the fire burned through more than 450 acres in the Pine Barrens.

On April 10, 2023, the Oradell Fire Department responded fora small fire in the backyard of a single-family dwelling on the 1 00 block of Pyle Street. Chief 20 returned all units with the exce ption of Engine 24 and Truck 21.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Woodland Fire in Cardiff

The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Milepost 10.7 on the Atlantic City Expressway foran unknown type of fire at 0130 on April 22, 2023. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe, who lives nearby, arrived to find heavy fire showing and advised Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge to respond his apparatus off of Delilah Road in the Fox Run housing development. The fire involved woods and otherstructures in the rearof the property. AC Sharpe radioed dispatch to respond the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and had Farmington Engine 1543 respond onto the Expressway and Chief Zonge had Cardiff Engine 1517 respond to the front of the property. Handlines were stretched and the fire was contained to the immediate area, with the forest fire service doing mop up. Bargaintown provided support with theirTender1528, as they were returning from an assignment out of town with theircrew assisting with overhauling.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Flanders Garage Fire

On April 30, 2023, just afterdinner, calls came in fora garage fire on Corey Road in the Flanders section of town. Car91 arrived and reported smoke from the garage. Engine 95 arrived and stretched a line into the house and down the hall to the garage and quickly put out a small fire on the floorof the garage. Engine 59 laid a supply line to a nearby hydrant and assisted with overhaul and venting. Second alarm companies assisted with venting and searches as well as rapid interventio n and station coverage. The fire was underinvestigation by the Mt. Olive Police and Fire Marshal’s office.

- Fire News photos by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC

Rushing the Season: Pool HeaterMalfunction

On April 19, 2023, the Rivervale Fire Department responded to reported structure fire on the 300 block of High Road. Rivervale requested additional resources to the scene and Old Tappan, Westwood Old Tappan, EMS and Hillsdale EMS responded. First arriving companies made an aggressive attack and were able to quickly extinguish the fire. The fire turned out to be an outdoor pool heaterunit that malfunctioned.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

50 YearAward to Winnie Adams a First

The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held theirannual valor awards and 50 years of service ceremony on April 19, 2023. An award formeritorious service, two unit citations were awarded and 11 50-year awards were presented including one to Winnie Adams who was the first female memberto receive a 50-yearaward.

2023 Spring Class

Brigantine’s New Ladder1

Afterreading to the students, Brigantine firefighters said goodbye to theirold Ladder1 (on the left) and said hello to the new Ladder1. The old Ladder1 is heading to a new home in Alabama.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

The 2023 Spring Firefighter1 training class at the Atlantic County Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Fire Training Center.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Cardiff Car Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to the intersection of English Creek Road and Scarborough Drive fora report of a vehicle fire on February 3, 2023. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge established command and had the crew of Cardiff Engine 1512 stretch two lines fora fire in the engine compartment. The fire was quickly brought undercontrol.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

New Chief forPleasantville

Forcible Entry Training

Pleasantville FirefighterMarc Raymond was promoted to Battalion Chief on April 17, 2023, with his family in attendance, and was sworn in by Pleasantville MayorJudy Ward.

Forcible entry is one of the most basic things a firefighterneeds to accomplish in an emergency. The spring Firefighter1 class at the Atlantic County Fire Academy went through theirbasics on April 6, 2023, underthe tutelage of InstructorCasey Hunt and Senior InstructorBill Merola. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

- Fire News photo by Chief Scott Trythall, Pleasantville FD

Fire News photographerKen Badgerand Farmington Ambulance Crew

Woodland Fire in LowerBank

On April 18, 2023, multiple units from multiple counties were dispatched to the LowerBank section of Burlington County fora significant woods fire. Responding apparatus were strategically placed to provide structural protection and also provide watersupply to the units working the fire. Apparatus remained on location fora few hours. Division of Forestry remained on location through the night ensuring the fire was contained.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran

Harding Hwy. MVA

MVAwith Entrapment in Scullville

The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing and Laureldale were dispatched along with the Township of Hamilton EMS and Police to Harding Highway and Joe Nickles Boulevard on February 4, 2023, at 2240 forthe report of an MVAwith entrapment. Patrol arrived and advised all units to use caution as there was a pole down and the vehicle was on its side with a person trapped. Firefighters stabilized the vehicle and used a cordles s spreaderto extricate the occupant who was transported to the nearby trauma center. The cause of the crash was investigated by Township of Hamilton police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

The volunteerfire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown were dispatched to Somers Point Road on February 1, 2023, at 1343 for a report of an MVAwith entrapment in front of Green Tree Golf Course. Firefighters were needed to extricate the driverof a pi ckup truck, which struck several trees and came to rest off the roadway against anothertree, trapping him in the vehicle. Firefighters extricated the driverand he was immediately transported to a nearby hospital. The cause of the crash was investigated by Egg HarborTownship Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Cliffside Park Commercial Fire

On March 25, 2023, the Cliffside Park Fire Department responded to a single-story commercial on Anderson Avenue fora fire. On arrival of the first chief, the second alarm was transmitted forheavy smoke showing. Fire was found in the roof area and had extended to the front facade of the building. The fire was quickly knocked down but extensive overhaul was conducted to extinguish the extension to the front of the building.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Seaside Heights St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Betterlate than never, the annual Seaside Heights Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was held on April 1, 2023, due to being cancelled in early March due to rain. As luck would have it, heavy rains came throughout the re-scheduled parade. Despite the poorconditions there was a great turn out of spectators and participants.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

On March 5, 2023, the Township of Belmarheld their annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade down Main Street.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association 2023

is in the Books!

Thank you for making this year’s Conference a huge success! You, our attendees are the reason we put this Conference together and we could not do this if it weren’t for the help of our dedicated volunteers, THANK YOU!

We had nearly 1100 attendees take advantage of the many special events, 30 training sessions, 40 breakout sessions and 75 vendor exhibits in the Etess Arena.

Now it’s time to look towards next year. At the 2024 Conference we will be celebrating 25 years of holding this great event.

Mark your calendars now for April 22 to 26, 2024. We will again be at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for this special event. Keep an eye on your email towards the end of summer so that you get all the details on presentation submissions, exhibitor opportunities and registration.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you next April!

Up Close & Personal

Atlantic City FirefighterKaren Rios who chauffeured Engine 2 on April 14, 2023.

Pleasantville FirefighterKristen Cortes with her mom Stephanie who was a firefighterin Hamilton Township.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Dumont Deputy Chief Terance Bairwalterat a structure fire in New Milford on April 22, 2023.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

NATIONALFALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION AND FIRSTRESPONDER CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE SELECTNEW CHIEFEXECUTIVE OFFICER

Following the recent retirement announcement of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and First Responder Center for Excellence (FRCE) Executive Director Chief Ron Siarnicki, the NFFF and FRCE Board of Directors began a nationwide search for a replacement. Utilizing the services of Vetted Solutions, a Washington DC-based executive search firm specializing in non-profit work, the Board-established search committee has selected NFFF Managing Director Victor Stagnaro to lead the organization after Chief Siarnicki finishes his term in December of 2023.

Victor Stagnaro joined the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation staff in 2010 and serves as the Managing Director, overseeing NFFF’s Family and Fire Service Programs, Marketing, and Business Management. Prior to that, he served for 25 years with the Prince George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department and retired as the Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Operations in early 2010. His involvement with the Foundation dates back to 1998, when he served as the Incident Commander for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend for several years; he also served as a member of the initial Ne w York Response Team on 9/11 for the Foundation.

“We are delighted to have Victor take the reins of our organization as he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and commitment to the mission of both the NFFF and FRCE since joining our team. It was an exhaustive process, and he clearly exhibited the capabilities to take over this leadership role. We look forward to what he will do to move both organizations forward,” said Troy Markel, Chairman of the NFFF Board of Directors.

“I have known Victor back to the days when he served with the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department and his level of professionalism and commitment to excellence has been his mainstay in all that he has been involved with. I know he will take the FRCE to new levels as it continues to service our Public Safety Partners,” said Chief Ernie Mitchell, Chairman of the FRCE Board of Directors.

NAVRAEXTRICATION TRAINING

MAY24-26, 2023 ATSUBARU PARK, CHESTER, PA

The North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) will present Patient-Centered Extrication Training, taking place at Subaru Park, in Chester, PA, on May 24 to May 26, 2023. The training features a two-day workshop on skills and tactics as well as a Q&A with technical, medical, and command assessors. This will be followe d by a one-day mini rescue challenge. This will be the first time NAVRA training will take place in the Northeast, providing an opportunity for emergency responders up and down the East Coast to get involved in this impactful and fun event.

Subaru of America, Inc., ESI Equipment, Inc., Turtle Plastics and Fire News are proud to sponsor NAVRA’s Patient-Centered Extrication Training at Subaru Park. Extrication Teams involved in the training play a vital role in the operational objective and function as their agency’s liaison with the vast networking opportunities associated with these extrication challenges.

NAVRA’s experienced industry expert members work tirelessly to train all of our emergency responders with innovative techniques, advanced equipment, and authentic competitions — all of which are based on the NFPA1670 guidelines and exceed the State of Florida for Fire Service Instructors standards. Fortunately, we’re able to do this by integrating corporate support into public service and subsidizing training costs.

This is a free event for all. You can participate in the traini ng and competition or just be an observer. This training seminar is focused on the Team Challenge Concept, and is ideal for potential extricat ion teams and departments that are interested in forming teams to l earn new skills and techniques from leaders in the field. What is le arned can be brought back and shared with their departments to improve skills and decreases rescue times.

Teams will consist of six to eight people: a captain, medical t eam, and a technical team. All scenarios are run with live patients in the vehicles. The training will be three days, split as follows:

-Day 1: Educate participants on extrication options through multivehicle scenario using current model Subaru vehicles. An instructor and an assessor for each discipline will be with the team guidi ng and coaching. At the close of day one, the team will work a multivehicle scenario through completion.

-Day 2: Using learnings and scenarios from day one, teams will perform a live scenario without stops while the Instructor Team evaluates performance. The instructor team will hold a debrief with the team and cover important learning points in incident command, technical rescue and medical treatment.

-Day 3: The culmination of the event will be the Rescue Challenge. Each Team will perform a live scenario under Rescue Challenge conditions, without stops, while the instructor team evaluates performance. Multi-vehicle scenarios utilizing current model Subaru vehicles will provide top-level training that teams can bring back to their departments.

Day 3 spectators are welcome to watch the challenge activities and enjoy food trucks, music and other local attractions. To sign up for this event or to lean more visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navra-training-seminar-tickets568671591037.

NAVRAis a non-profit organization committed to preparing today’s rescuers for tomorrow.

For more information on North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) visit www.navraus.org.

New Milford 2-Alarmer

Just after1815 on April 22, 2023, Central Communications dispatched the New Milford Fire Department to Holly Street for a fire on the side of the home. On arrival, Chief 302 reported heavy fire on the Delta side of a large two-story frame private dwelling extending into the attic. As companies arrived, searches were conducted and lines were stretched to protect the Delta exposure which sustained heat damage to its exterior. With heavy fire through-out the attic, a second alarm was requested and, with a minorroof collapse, command ordered the building evacuated. Two ladder towers were set up and, along with several exteriorhandlines, the main body of fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. Crews remained on the scene forseveral hours, no injuries were reported and the origin was underinvestigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Obituary LODD: Deptford’s Jeff Pfeiffer

Amember and past-Chief with the Deptford Fire Department, Jeff M. Pfeiffer passed away on March 24, 2023, after suffering a sudden heart attack while returning to the fire station from a smoke investigation call in the Township of Deptford. He was 66.

Jeff dedicated 50 years to the Deptford Fire Department and to the residents of the Township of Deptford. He was a Chief for 17 of those

years. He also served as Fire Chief in the Almonesson Lake Fire Company and retired as a Battalion Chief in January 2022. He became Commander of the Gloucester County FOAM Task Force, as well as Deputy Chief of the Delaware Valley Judges Association.

Not only did Jeff dedicate his life to the fire company, he was also an astounding drummer

for many bands, a studio drummer in Nashville and a lover of country music.

Born to the late Charles and Marilyn (nee Stedman) on May 20, 1956. He was beloved brother to Chris (Kim) Pfeiffer of Deptford, loving uncle to Louie, chosen brother to Michael (Jackie) Gallagher and their daughter Megan, cherished friend of Louis (Robin) Pasquino.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe