Fire News New Jersey, July 2024

News photo by Mark Rosetti

2-Alarm

House Fire

Shortly after Northvale arrived, a second alarm for mutual aid is called.

See story on page 7

Dog Rescue at Galloway Blaze

Galloway Twp. Ambulance Squad

EMTs administer oxygen to a family dog with smoke inhalation.

See story on page 14

NJ EMS Task Force

Annual Meeting

Pushing the boundaries of what is possible for the future.

See story on pages 18 & 19

Truck Teeters on Guardrail.

Budd Lake crews respond to the top of a mountain by Paragon Village for a truck MVA.

See story on page 22

Pine Hill House Fire

Task Force 6 was dispatched to the area of Valley Drive and Turnersville Road for a reported house fire.

See story on page 25

Obituary

Cardiff’s Gilbert Zonge

See story on page 30

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Artists Combine Talents forthe Burn Foundation 2024

For the 44th Year of his partnership with the Burn Foundation and its annual fundraiser at the NJ State Firefighters’Convention in Wildwood, artist Joseph M. Getsinger (semi-retired) has teamed up with very talented 3D Artist, Jarryd Ley. They are creating something very unique for this year’s Burn Foundation fundraiser at the September Fireman’s Convention in Wildwood. Over the years Joe’s work has depicted many aspects of emergency response featuring firefighters and their equipment, their history, and various evolutions of the first responder experience. The 2024 painting will be a combination of young and more seasoned art talent. Jarryd Ley posed for last year’s painting, “Last Run” in his grandfather’s gear to honor him. His grandfather was Donald ‘Pops’Ley, Sr., who was a lifetime

member of the Woodbury Heights Fire Department, Mayor, Councilman, Vice President of First Fidelity Bank and Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant. Sadly, his grandfather passed last year.

This year’s art project “Slaying the Beast” is sponsored in full by David Russell, President, Fire & Safety Services of South Plainfield, and Pierce Manufacturing. David Russell and his father William Russell have supported the Burn Foundation and the artist for over 25 years. David Russell has also financed the printing of the raffle tickets.

With the aid of Fire Chief William Kramer, Jr. (ret.), Fire Chief Philip Drangula and members of the Cinnaminson Fire Department the photo shoot was completed with a Pierce aerial fire truck. This photoshoot was aided by drone photographer and Deputy Chief Ira Schonfeld and Firefighter Amanda Mahler who was on the top of the aerial fire truck during the photoshoot which was attended and directed by Joe Getsinger.

The Burn Foundation was established in 1973 to provide fundraising for the emerging specialty for the treatment of burn injuries. The foundation was formed with the mission to aid burn patients, their families and the institutions that treat them. Over the years, the four regional Burn Centers at Crozer Chester Medical Center, St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Temple University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, their patients, families, and staff, have all benefited from contributions raised at various events. But none is more important than the annual NJ

BurgerKing Up in Flames

State Firefighters’Convention in Wildwood. Joe Getsinger’s art has been a major influence in the foundation’s successful fundraising efforts in Wildwood since 1980.

This year’s sponsor for the Collector Pins is First Harvest Credit Union. Vice President Kenneth Barnshaw who was proud to sponsor the collector pin for the fifth year to support the work of the Burn Foundation. From its original roots in Camden County as South Jersey Federal Credit Union, it has expanded its presence all the way to the Jersey Shore. Ten fullservice locations in New Jersey include the corporate office in Deptford, New Jersey with branches in Camden, Glassboro, Pleasantville, Voorhees, Mt. Laurel and Vineland. In addition, they serve their members in Philadelphia and Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

John McCann, Administrator for the Burn Foundation reported that last year over $14,800 was raised with the donation raffle of the “Last Run” Giclee canvas and 24 signed and numbered limited-edition prints.

Burn Foundation ,8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, PA19103, supports the greater Delaware Valley through education and support of five regional Burn Centers. You can donate online at: www.burnfoundation.or or call 215-545-3816. Special thanks to Administrator John McCann for his support and dedication through the years.

Robertsville VolunteerFire Company of the Marlboro Fire District 2, was dispatched to the BurgerKing on Route 9 South, fora mulch fire. The first unit arrived to heavy smoke coming from under the siding and immediately requested a box alarm. All occupants were evacuated without incident, but there were three minorfirefighterinjuries. Mutual aid came from Marlboro Fire Department District 1, Morganville Fire Department Marlboro Fire District 2, Gordons CornerFire, Monroe Fire District 3, South Old Bridge, Morganville First Aid and Rescue Squad - MFARS, Quality Medical Transport, Marlboro Township Police Department, Monmouth County Fire Marshals Office, Marlboro Township Fire Prevention Bureau and NJ DOT. - Fire News photos by Keith Badler, AC/Robertsville VFC 1

Smoky 2-Alarmer Damages Fair Lawn Residence

On May 6, 2024, a two-alarm fire heavily damaged a FairLawn residence. Upon arrival, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Salvini reported smoke and fire coming from the basement. The fire quickly escalated to a second alarm and mutual aid came from Paterson, Saddle Brook, Elmwood Park and Paramus. The fire was placed undercontrol in underan hour. The house was severely damaged and was declared uninhabitable. There were no injuries to residents orfirefighters. The fire was underinvestigation by the FairLawn Fire Prevention Bureau.

- Fire News photos by Priscila Krischer; story by Douglas Sadowski

The Westwood Fire Department was dispatched on April 29, 2024, at 1741, fora house on fire in the area of Addicks Road and Sealy Street. Additional reports from the area resulted in the downgrade to a fully involved truck fire. Engines 1 and 1-2 quickly established waterflow and attacked the fire. Truck 1 and Rescue joined the call foroverhaul and manpower support. No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Nick Ariemma

Truck in Flames in Westwood

2-Alarm House Fire

On the evening on April 21, 2024, the Northvale Fire Department was dispatched to reported smoke coming from a structure on Walnut Street. Crews reported heavy smoke on the second floor. Command requested an all hands and EMS. Shortly after, command requested a second alarm formutual aid from Rockland County (NY). Crews made a very aggressive attack on the fire and were able to extinguish it. The cause and origin of the fire was undetermined. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

CarStrikes House

Causing House and CarFire

In Patterson a carhit a pole with live wires, struck a house and ruptured a gas meter, which started fires in the carand house. A second-alarm was called and crews worked to knock down the fires.

- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro

Flames Overtake Van on the GSP

Station 30 of Pleasant Plains was dispatched to the Garden State Parkway fora vehicle fire on April 8, 2024. Crews arrived to a fully involved van on the shoulder. Crews worked quickly to bring the fire undercontrol.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Island Heights Missing Person Found

In the early morning hours of April 22, 2024, the Island Heights Fire Company was requested to help Island Heights Police search fora missing person, whose carwas found in Toms River. The call forassistance reached marine units from Toms RiverStations 25, 26 and 28, Ocean Gate Fire, Seaside Heights Fire and aviation units from the US Coast Guard. Crews searched throughout the day and found nothing. On April 23, 2024, the Bayville Fire Company was alerted to respond to Toms Riverwhere a body was recovered. It was lateridentified to be the missing person. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Massive House Fire in Lakewood

On May 2, 2024, Lakewood Fire was dispatched to a reported fire on Picardy Court. Engine 5 was first to arrive to a well involved single-story wood frame ranch. Crews attempted an interior attack, but were overrun by heavy fire and soon afterevacuated the building. Ladder5’s aerial was set up fora defensive attack which knocked down the majority of the fire which had burned through the roof. Mutual aid came from Toms RiverStations 26 and 30, along with Brick Station 23.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Rubbish Fire Extends to Garage in Trenton

Arubbish fire that extended into an adjacent garage was quickly extinguished by Trenton firefighters on April 27, 2024. Initially, the blaze was reported to be in the rearof 500 block of Centre Street, a property which has burned several times in recent years. Crews reported smoke in the airas they were responding. Engine 3, Ladder4 and Special Services 1 were dispatched. Firefighters arrived to find a large pile of rubbish ablaze behind Cass Street, nearthe cornerof Centre Street. The fire had already spread into a small garage. Part of the garage roof had to be opened to access and extinguish the flames. As crews were clearing up from this incident, anotherfire, which would eventually grow to two alarms and involve fourhouses, was reported a few blocks away on Hills Place.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

West Long Branch Responds to Smoke at Shopping Center

On April 21, 2024, West Long Branch and Oakhurst were dispatched to a shopping complex along Route 36 fora reported smoke condition. Units arrived to a heavy burning odorand a light haze throughout multiple businesses. Crews checked the roof top heating units and each store forthe smoke’s source. Apiece of electrical equipment was found burning in a closed business and no extension was found. The fire marshal was requested to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

East DoverStation 28 along with police and EMS responded to FischerBoulevard and Route 37 in Toms Riverforan MVA. Crews arrived to a twocarMVAwith one vehicle overturned. All parties had self-extricated and crew remained on scene until tow companies arrived.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Family Dog Rescued from House Fire in Galloway

Ambulance Squad EMTs administeroxygen to a family dog with smoke inhalation, rescued from a house fire on Hobart Avenue. Firefighters from Absecon and Galloway Township rescued the dog. - Fire News photo by Ronald

Galloway Township

Bombaro

4 Rowhouses Burned in 2-Alarm Fire in Trenton

As Trenton Fire Department companies were in the process of clearing up from an earliergarage fire off Cass Street, they were alerted to anotherblaze just a few blocks away. It was at 1340 on April 27, 2024 that the fire was reported on Hills Place, an alley-like street of old rowhomes and garages, including many vacant structures. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from a vacant rowhome on Hills Place, with flames already spreading to three adjacent houses (some of which were occupied). An aggressive interiorattack was initiated, the laddercrew was sent to vent the roof, and a second alarm was transmitted. Deteriorating interiorcondi-

tions and confirmation that the fire was raging throughout prompted an evacuation and a switch to defensive operations. The firewhich was fought by Engines 1, 3, 6, 9 and 7, Ladders 2, 4 and 1, Rescue 1, and Special Services 1 - was finally placed undercontrol at 1641. Several crews from Trenton Emergency Medical Service, a mutual aid cascade unit from Hamilton Township, and Signal 22 (the city’s volunteerfire and police canteen unit) were supporting operations. The Red Cross reported it was assisting eight displaced residents from two families with temporary shelter, clothing and food.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

NJ EMS Task Force Challenged to ‘Push the Boundaries of What Is Possible’

Michael Bascom, president of the New Jersey EMS Task Force, challenged team members to, “Embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in emergency medical services,” during the organization's annual meeting on May 13, 2024.

The meeting at the Hamilton Fire House in Neptune, kicked off the organization's 20thanniversary celebration.

“In 2024,” Bascom said, “we will focus efforts on team building, preparing for the future by building depth and future leaders, by replacing aging equipment, strengthening and expanding our capabilities, developing our new members, and rebuilding the physician module with a focus on more expansive collaboration between our physicians, planners, leaders, and team members.”

The annual event featured speeches by NJ Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston and Assistant Commissioner Dana Johnson, NJ State Senator Declan O’Scanlon. Jr., and an inspiring presentation on a systematic EMS change by Dr. Rachel Haroz of Cooper University Health Care.

Dr. Baston recalled an incident in 2023

when the NJ EMS Task Force responded to evacuate a long-term care facility. She called near the end of the incident to thank the team.

“I said thank you so much,” Baston said. “The response was, ‘Okay, ma’am, this is what we do. This is just what we do. We’re here for you.’And the energy, and the ‘that’s what we do’on the other line, I will never forget that moment … Those are heroes’words. Those are the words you hear when you're just doing your daily job. And that daily job is saving people, and saving lives, and helping me sleep at night knowing you are all out there.”

In 2023, Bascom noted that NJ EMS Task Force members dedicated more than 10,000 hours and responded to 111 emergency incidents statewide. The organization’s roster returned to 250-plus members, and the state-

supported it with more than $1.8 million.

“We want you to know we value everything you do, and we're with you in this endeavor,” said Dana Johnson, assistant commissioner of the NJ Department of Health. “The Task Force has aided coalition members and partners by supporting evacuations, patient transfers, and providing incident management for many, many disasters. Overall, the NJ Department of Health is so grateful for the EMS Task Force’s invaluable support that helps us bolster the State’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Thank you for making us successful in New Jersey.”

“[Last year] was a pivotal year for our team,” Bascom said. “We’ve faced challenges head-on. We’ve adapted and transformed the (Continued on next page)

NJ EMS Task Force Challenged...Continued

way we respond, the way we work, and the way we serve our world.”

“Our knowledge base is second to none. Together, we responded to wildfires, medical facility evacuations, and ransomware attacks on healthcare facilities, supported major events, and deployed assets to support the United National General Assembly,” he said. “I can assure you that responding to ransomware attacks was not discussed in any of the founder’s meetings. But I’m honored to say that when a hospital chain in the area was hit with a ransomware attack, they turned to us for help.”

Bascom said the most important part of the organization is its people. He said the focus of 2024 is training future leaders through educational opportunities and training sessions to give people with limited experience time in leadership roles.

“Behind every successful mission, there are countless individuals whose dedication and sacrifice make it possible,” Bascom said. “To the men and women of the NJEMSTF, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your selflessness and courage inspire us all, and your unwavering commitment to saving lives is a testament to the noblest ideals of our profession.”

Dr. Baston also noted the ongoing changes in the field of pre-hospital care.

“It’s a field that needs new ideas infused

into the workforce; it needs career pathing. It needs longevity. It needs new ways to invigorate you,” she said.

She noted the changing types of emergencies EMS providers face every day, including mental health, substance use disorders or addiction, and people suffering alone all too often.

“It’s not just medical information and preparedness we all have to have every day to be prepared for the field. It’s emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with someone who is in mental crisis,” Baston said. “And an ability to deescalate a situation that’s escalating. It’s all these new skills that we have to hone together in order to really still be that safety net for our neighbors who are depending on it. We have to be there when it’s their kid who is in crisis. It’s their nephew who just overdosed. It’s your neighbor’s daughter struggling out there in the field. That’s what we have to be ready for. And I’ll tell you, if we think outside the box enough, we can get the next generation ready. And we can all be there to get them ready to serve, not just the big emergencies coming our way, but the day-to-

day things that people are struggling with.” Bascom said the NJ EMS Task Force members faced an ever-changing EMS landscape. “Looking ahead, we must remain vigilant in the face of emerging threats and evolving challenges,” Bascom said.

- Submitted by Richard Huff

Sunny Saturday CarFire

On a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, calls came in fora car fire on the interstate. Car52, 51, 50 and Engine 59 responded. First arriving chiefs found a well-involved caron the fast lane shoulder. New Jersey State Police shut down the highway to allow units to access the fire. Engine 59 stretched theirbumperline on the fire and quickly put down the flames. There were no injuries reported. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney

Sanitation Truck Goes Up in Flames

Fairfield Fire Department responded to a sanitation truck on fire on Passaic Avenue.

- Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro

Fired Up in Toms River

On April 25, 2024, Toms RiverStations 25 and 26 were dispatched to the IHop on Route 37 fora reported vehicle fire. Engine 2671 was first to arrive to a vehicle with an engine compartment fire. The bumperline was stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down by the Engine 71 crew. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Unique Rescue PumperDedicated to FormerCaptain Noble

On April 26, 2024, the New Jersey Transit Police Department (NJTPD) Emergency Service Unit and South Amboy Fire Department dedicated NJTPD’s new Pierce High Rail Rescue PumperESU 7 in honorof NJTPD InspectorRobert Noble, Jr., at the Protection Engine Company firehouse. Noble, a memberand formerCaptain of SAFD Protection Engine 6, who passed away this past November, was the commanderof the elite ESU and designed and developed this new rescue pumperwith unique ability to ride on railroad tracks to allow forquickerresponse to emergencies. This rescue pumperis one of only three vehicles with this capability within the United States. NJTPD Chief Trucillo and SAFD Chief Timothy Gay were masters of ceremony as family, friends and colleagues along with state and local officials gathered as Fire Department Chaplin FratherStanley Gromadzki offered blessings, and the NJTPD and Col. D.B. Kelly pipe and drum bands played. Noble’s daughters thanked the gathered guests and unveiled a plaque of dedication on the side of the rescue pumper. - Fire News photos by Jessica Honimar and story by Jamie Norek

2024 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference

What a great week we had to celebrate 25-plus years of providing training, networking and recognition to our Conference attendees.

The week started off with recognizing our long-term volunteers, who were awarded service pins for volunteering with us for a minimum of five years.

Tuesday at our Awards Gala we recognized the 2024 Memorial Scholarship recipients, Jordyn Ricciotti, Michael Ciongoli, Nicholas Manza, Alexis Gable, Bailey Mann, and Jessica Smith. The Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year was awarded to Richard Kozub and Atlantic City Electric presented their Merit of Excellence Award to the Wildwood Fire Department.

Over 50 training sessions and 50 breakouts were offered to attendees. The exhibit hall boasted over 75 exhibits and several large vehicles.

But now it’s time to plan for next year! The Conference will again be held at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, April 7-11, 2025.

Keep an eye out for the Call for Training and Breakout Submissions in early September!

3 Trenton Firefighters Burned During 3-Alarm Fire

Several Trenton firefighters had to bail out a secondfloorwindow to escape a flashover that occurred as they battled a multi-alarm blaze involving three rowhouses before dawn on Mother's Day, May 12, 2024.

Three of the firefighters were badly burned and transported to the hospital. The fire, reported at 0430, originated in the supposedly vacant two-story end-of-the-row home on South Cook Avenue. First-due companies arrived to find heavy fire and smoke showing from both floors, with flames already extending into the middle and opposite end homes, both of which were occupied. Asecond alarm was quickly transmitted. As firefighters were advancing to the second floorof the middle home to try to halt the fire's advance and conduct a primary search, a flashoverof the first floorand stairwell occurred, burning through theirhoseline and forcing them to bail out the rearwindows. Athird alarm was ordered at that time. Crews from all on-duty Trenton companies - seven engines, three ladders and Rescue 1 - fought the blaze, which was officially placed undercontrol at 0647. by Deputy Chief Gus Tackacs. The injured firefighters - having suffered serious hand, neck and back burns - were rushed to the regional trauma centerin Trenton, then transferred to the burn unit at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Centerin Livingston. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Farmington Holds Bingo Nights

The Farmington VolunteerFire Company in Egg HarborTownship held a pocketbook bingo on May 18, 2024, at theirCharles Maxwell Hall. Forfuture pocketbook bingo dates contact Donna Goodman at goodmalt@comcast.net.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bring YourKid to Work Day at Egg HarborFDs

Truck Teeters on Guard Rail in Budd Lake

Recently, Budd Lake Fire Cars 50 and 52, and Rescue 55 were responding to the top of a mountain by Paragon Village where a truck was reported hanging overthe guard rail. Rescue 55 used chains to secure the truck to the guardrail, to allow the driverto exit the vehicle. The Budd Lake EMS crew transported the person to Morristown Hospital with non-life threating injuries. Apowerpole was taken down by the accident and the highway was closed forseveral hours while the powercompany worked.

- Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown from the Egg HarborTownship Fire Department in Atlantic County participated in Bring YourKids to Work Day on April 25, 2024, at the Atlanticare complex on English Creek Avenue. Employees of the complex brought theirchildren to work with them and allow them to explore opportunities in healthcare.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Paterson Fire Departments tackled two heavily involved row house fires on East 18th Street on April 16, 2024. The row house was heavily damaged.

- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro

4-Alarm Row House Fire in Paterson

Egg HarborDriverTrapped in MVA

The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Hingston Avenue fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe was informed the accident was in the parking lot and the vehicle was on its side with the drivertrapped. Chief Sharpe established command and had the crews do a roof flap. The lone occupant was extracted quickly and transported from the scene by EHTAmbulance. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the EHTpolice.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Pine Hill Single Family Home Fire

On the evening of April 16, 2024, Task Force 6 was dispatched to the area of Valley Drive and Turnersville Road fora reported house fire. Battalion 6 arrived and reported fire showing from the D side of a single-story, single-family home with a vehicle involved, and fire extending into the house. An all-hands was requested. TowerLadderand Engine 6 arrived simultaneously, with Engine 6 taking a hydrant and stretching 150-feet of 1-3/4 inch preconnect to begin an aggressive fire attack. TowerLadder6 began a primary search. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the local and county fire investigators. - Fire News photos by John Duvall

Up Close & Personal

Farmington Firefighter Angel Nambo taking pictures forthe people who are posing in front of Farmington Engine 1544 at the ACUA’s Earth Day event..

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Cardiff Fire Company Captain Craig Thompson at an EHTlive burn on May 9, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Trenton Fire Department Engine 10 Captain Brian Roberts takes a break after all personnel were evacuated from the interiorand switched to defensive exterior operations during a two-alarm fire on April 27, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Scullville Fire Company Kelly Sidway at Gil Zonge’s funeral on May 18, 2024.

-Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Absecon Chief Talley operated at a fire on Hobart Avenue on April 28, 2024.

- Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro

Shared Services Between Pine Hill Fire District and GloucesterTownship

We are excited to announce a new Shared Services agreement between Pine Hill Fire District 1 and GloucesterTownship Fire District 5 that was signed on May 7, 2024. This new agreement will ensure two staffed apparatus responding to calls forservice 24/7, 365 days. Not only does this agreement improve the services the residents receive, but it will tighten the close working relationship between the two companies that has been on-going foryears. This

and

Ocean Beach Gets New Ladder

The Toms RiverOcean Beach Fire Company recently placed a 2023 Pierce Enforcer107-foot ladderinto service replacing a 2000 American LaFrance 75-footer.

- Fire News photo by

new agreement will provide shared training, equipment,

personnel between Pine Hill Fire District and GloucesterTownship Fire District #5.

- Fire News photo by John Duvall

Mark Rosetti

FUELINGINNOVATION AND UNITY: INSIDE THE EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO

The premier gathering for First Responders, the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo, established in 2014, is held annually in Connecticut. This annual event serves as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, drawing first responders from across the nation to share knowledge, discover cutting-edge technologies, and forge lasting connections.

At the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo, attendees immerse themselves in a dynamic environment where learning is paramount and camaraderie thrives. From informative workshops and interactive demonstrations to engaging networking sessions, every aspect of the expo is meticulously curated to enrich the attendee experience.

One of the standout features of the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo is its diverse lineup of speakers and presenters. Renowned experts in the field share insights into the latest trends, techniques, and best practices, empowering attendees to enhance their skills and stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s an enlightening keynote address or a hands-on workshop led by seasoned professionals, each session offers invaluable opportunities for learning and growth.

exhibit hall filled with leading vendors showcasing state-of-the-art equipment, innovative technologies, and essential resources for EMS and fire departments. Attendees have the chance to explore the latest products, engage with industry experts, and discover solutions to enhance their operations.

But the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo is more than just a trade show-it’s a community. Attendees come together to share stories, celebrate successes, and support one another in their shared mission to serve and protect their communities. The sense of camaraderie and unity that permeates the event is palpable, creating an environment where lasting connections are forged and lifelong friendships are made.

Beyond the educational offerings, the expo boasts a bustling

As the largest and fastest-growing EMS & FIRE Expo on the East Coast, the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo is a must-attend event for anyone in the emergency services industry. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to stay at the forefront of your field or a newcomer eager to learn from the best, the EMS & FIRE PRO Expo offers something for everyone. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will ignite your passion, inspire your work, and propel you to new heights in your bailiwick.

Live Burn Exercise forEgg Harbor

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff, Bargaintown, and Farmington held a live burn exercise on May 9, 2024, at the Atlantic County Anthony ‘Tony’Canale Fire Training Center. Fourevolutions were accomplished that included search and rescue, hoseline usage, ventilation and fire suppression.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Obituary Cardiff’s Gilbert Zonge

Gilbert P. Zonge, Jr., of Egg Harbor Township, passed away in Galloway on May 11, 2024. He was 62-years old.

Born in Elmer, Gil graduated from Williamstown High School. He worked at the Sands Casino as a security supervisor, where he met his wife Stacey in 1990. They were married in May of 1992. Gil was a loving and devoted husband and father. He and Stacey had three biological children and fostered many children over the course of 15 years, eventually adopting three of those children.

Zinge was Chief of the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company. Prior to his service with Cardiff, he was also a member of the Tuckerton and Cecil fire companies and was Roads Division Supervisor for the EHTPublic Works Department. He was a Level II Fire Instructor at the Canale Training Center, where he taught and mentored countless firefighters. He was a fire investigator with Egg Harbor and a member of the Atlantic County and Egg Harbor

Township Technical Rescue Teams. He was an Atlantic County Fire Coordinator as well as the Township Fire Training Officer.

Gil was also a coach for EHTYO/PALfootball programs, where he coached his sons Brandon and Tyler, as well as a coaching for EHTRecreation baseball.

Highly respected, Gil will be greatly missed by so many. He was a kind, loving, and compassionate soul. If you needed something, Gil was there without hesitation. He did so much for his community, and dedicated his life to being the best Chief he could be. He spent quality time with his wife and children, and always made time for date nights and special occasions. He enjoyed shooting trips with his older boys and family vacations, as well as visiting fire expos across the country.

Gil is survived by his wife Stacey, his daughters Ashley and Kira, sons Brandon (Ali) Matthew (Grace) Tyler and Kameron. Rest easy Chief we love you. You will always be in

our hearts and thoughts. When that fire tone rings, we know you will be watching over your men and women as they battle the next blaze or help the next individual in need.

Donations may be sent to Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company 1, 6609 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Paterson Fire Department responded to a carfire on JasperStreet in Paterson. The carwas a total loss.

- Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro