Fire News New Jersey, August 2019

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 14, NO. 3

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W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 AUGUST 2019

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti Story on page 7

Get Ready for the NJ Firemen’s Convention September 13-14, 2019 See Page 7

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Hamburg 3-Alarmer Firefighters are forced to go defensive at a multi-condo fire.

See story on page 8

Pleasantville Holds Training the Trainer Course Several departments attend IAFF Fire Ground Safety and Survival Course.

See story on page 18

Hasbrouck Heights Donates Gear Seventeen full sets of turnout gear go to a Dominican Republic department.

See story on page 20

Underwater Recovery Team Gets Ready The Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit gears up for another summer.

See story on page 26

A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder.

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Newark 2-Alarmer Crews battle a garage fire that extends to two three-story multi-dwellings.

See story on page 32

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Bargaintown’s Gerald B. Johnson See story on page 34

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Page 4, Fire News, August 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Thank You to the John Feal Foundation Whenever I met Ray Pfeifer, I’d ask him how he was doing. He always responded to me by saying, “Not bad for a guy with Stage 4 cancer.”

I never knew if I should laugh, smile or cry as we compared notes about our cancers. After a short conversation, Ray would give me what I coined the Ray Pfeifer Smile and I would snap his photograph. I learned about Ray’s passion for all 9/11 responders when I talked with him and followed him leaving the quarters of Engine 311 and Ladder 158 in Queens with the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, to bring a piece of cherished WTC steel to Colorado. Yes, Ray was certainly in his element. I could feel the angels that tagged along with us as we headed to the George Washington Bridge.

When Ray passed, I attended his funeral and briefly shared a handshake with John Feal. I offered him my thanks for his dedication and commitment to all responders from September 11, 2001. From his handshake, I knew John Feal, like Ray, was a passionate individual who was going to continue to protect the first responders who were stricken with various cancers as a result of doing their job, searching for the victims of the World Trade Center tragedy.

Over the past few weeks, I intently watched a devoted team of first responders walk the halls in

Washington, DC, to fight so that all responders stricken with 9/11 cancers are taken care of. I watched Detective Lou Alvarez speak with Congress and urge his listeners not to abandon the Victims Compensation Fund. I only hope that Lou’s voice haunts Capitol Hill and everyone can hear clearly as Detective Alvarez reminds our political leaders to, “Do the right thing!”

At Detective Alvarez’s funeral NYPD Police Commissioner said it best, “I’ll tell you this. We can thank God for Lou Alvarez, who stepped forward to make that demand on behalf of every citizen and resident of our country.”

Recently, my eyes popped out of my head when our future Presidential candidates quickly and unanimously raised their hands in support of giving health insurance to individuals who are not legally in the United States. Trust me, I am a caring person who believes in humaneness.

However, I strongly believe that we must help the people that live in this country and work hard. Our citizens are the people who continue to make the United States a great place to live. Our 9/11 responders are the people who — without question — need the unanimous support of our political leaders. Responders who have given their all, deserve the unconditional support of Capitol Hill.

Announcements NFFF NATIONAL MEMORIAL WEEKEND Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year.

This year’s Memorial Weekend will be held October 5 and 6, 2019, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend includes specialized activities for family members and culminates with a Memorial Service on Sunday morning. Thousands attend the programs and services each year.

On Saturday evening, October 5, the families of the fallen gather for a Candlelight Service while landmarks across the country participate in “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters.” This nation-wide landmark lighting event honors firefighters who died in the line of duty. Last year, some of the most iconic buildings and bridges, as well as over 100 fire departments across the country, participated in honoring our fallen. They included: One World Trade Center in New York City, the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas, the Mercedes Benz Superdome in New Orleans, and the Willis Tower in Chicago.

Lightings of buildings and fire department in red during the Candlelight Service on October 5, or any time during that week, would be an additional symbol of support and comfort to the families whose loved ones are being remembered.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, please contact Donna Clark at dclark@firehero.org.

I thank John Feal, Jon Stewart, Kenny Specht, Mike O'Connell, Rob Serra — to name a few — for their relentless push down the hallway to make sure no one forgets those who responded to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

To quote John Feal, “Friends — Change is coming! Legacies will be cemented! And tens of thousands will be helped one more time! For you Ray and Lou! Stay tuned!”

Update: On July 12, 2019, the House of Representatives voted to reauthorize a fund that compensates victims of 9/11 and their families.

Thank you to all who supported this bill.

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, August 2019

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Ridgefield 2-Alarmer At 0415 on June 22, 2019, Ridgefield Police received a call from a neighbor reporting a house on fire behind hers.

As the fire department was dispatched, arriving police officers located the house on Elm Avenue and reported heavy fire in the rear. The first chief ordered a second alarm bringing mutual aid to the scene. The home was 1-1/2 story frame and, as lines were stretched through the front door, the crews were hampered by hoarding conditions. The truck went to the roof to ventilate and, soon after completing the vent, heavy fire started blowing through the vent hole and heavy black smoke was pushing from the gable vents. With conditions deteriorating, command ordered all members out. Ladder 1 put their ladder pipe into operation along with several exterior handlines. After approximately 20 minutes the heavy fire was knocked down and lines were stretched back in to complete extinguishment and overhaul. The home suffered heavy damage and the cause was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 7

Cover Story

Not Your Everyday Overturn Call

On May 19, 2019, the New Jersey State Police received calls of a rollover on the Garden State Parkway northbound with three passengers possibly trapped. Clifton Fire Department dispatched Engines 5 and 6, Truck 2 and EMS-1. Crews were advised one vehicle rolled down an embankment, landing on top of a soft-top temporary structure housing rock salt, upside-down with all parties trapped. Command requested an additional engine, truck, and the remaining two EMS units to respond to the parkway maintenance

yard on Route 46. Crews on the parkway roped tools down to the vehicle, while the crews in the maintenance yard set up the tower ladder. The crews of Truck 2 and Engine 2 cut the roofing material for access and were able to remove the trapped out the windows of the SUV. All three were transported with ALS to St. Joseph’s Trauma Center in Paterson. Had the vehicle landed 10 feet one way or the other, it would have suffered another 30-foot fall.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 8, Fire News, August 2019

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Hamburg 3-Alarm Condo Fire Hamburg firefighters and mutual aid battled a large three-alarm fire that consumed multiple condo units on Sugar Maple Lane on May 18, 2019. Crews made a hard initial attack but were forced to go defensive due to a heavy fire load.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Page 10, Fire News, August 2019

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Long Morning at Bargaintown Blaze The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Leap Street at 0046 for a report of a structure fire.

Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe established command and had Assistant Chief Will Hancock take operations. Bargaintown Tender 1528 pulled up to the front of the structure and pulled two lines into the front door to the second floor and to the fire pushing out of the garage. The structure was a two-story wood frame with an attached garage underneath that was used to store furniture.

Scullville Ladder 1535 laddered the A/B corner and ventilated the roof. Bargaintown Rescue 1527 supplied Tender 1528. A FAST from the City of Somers Point extended a ladder as a precuationary escape route for the crews working the second floor. Command requested an addition engine from the Cardiff as extra manpower.

The fire was under investigation. Also responding were Scullville Ladies Auxiliary, who provided refreshments; Atlantic City Electric; Egg Harbor Township Police.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 12, Fire News, August 2019

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Rescue Practice…

‘Cause You Know It’ll Happen Again On June 7, 2019, the North Wildwood and Wildwood Fire Departments held a joint training at the seawall to practice rope rescues and rescuing victims who have fallen or have become injured on the water-side of the wall. There have been numerous occasions over the past few years where civilians have fallen off the wall or needed assistance off the rocks below, so to stay on top of their skills both departments practice packaging victims along with hoisting the victim with a Stokes basket and rope/pully system off one of their aerials.

- Fire News photos

by Mark Rosetti

FireNews.com

Pedestrian Struck in Stone Harbor On June 5, 2019, while responding on a separate assignment, the Stone Harbor Fire Department arrived to an accident involving a pedestrian stuck on 2nd Avenue. A medical helicopter was immediately requested as the pedestrian who was struck had a severe head injury. Units from Station 13 who were not on the other assignment responded to the 80th Street ball field to secure the LZ. Midatlantic Medevac 4 landed and transported the patient to a local trauma center.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Fire News, August 2019, Page 13

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Old Friends Past-Pleasantville Firefighter and retired Atlantic City Captain William Baumgartel at the final resting place of Pleasantville’s and Atlantic City’s Pirsch ladders that he served on as a volunteer and then career firefighter in Pleasantville, and as a career Captain with ACFD. Bill started as a volunteer in Pleasantville in 1960, then was hired by the ACFD December 10, 1973 and retired December 1, 1994.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Page 16, Fire News, August 2019

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Jamesburg Muster On June 23, 2019, over 50 fire apparatus took part in the annual TriCounties Fire Association’s Fire Truck Parade and Show at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. The day started off with each apparatus being photographed followed by a lights-and-sirens parade through the park. After the parade, the owners were invited to draft from the lake while the rest of trucks were put on display. Vendors lined the show and members of the Jamesburg Fire Department served food and drinks for all. Best in Show was won by Lanoka Harbor’s 1957 Ford F/ Great Eastern 500/500 pumper (below).

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 17

Lawn Mower Fire The Volunteer Fire Companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Tremont Avenue on May 27, 2019, for a lawn mower fire. Bargaintown Rescue 1527 backed in and stretched a line onto the fire. Firefighters also utilized a dry powder extinguisher to complete extinguishment.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Fairfield MVA On June 16, 2019, the Fairfield Fire Department along with the West Essex First Aid Squad and New Jersey State Police responded to Route 280 West in the area of milemarker 50 for an MVA with entrapment. Units arrived to a single car in the median which had struck the guard rail head on. No extrication was required and West Essex First Aid handled the injuries while Fairfield fire stood by to secure the vehicle till the tow truck arrived.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 18, Fire News, August 2019

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Training the Trainers Pleasantville, Atlantic City, Atlantic City International Airport, Linwood, Ventnor and Brigantine fire departments attended the IAFF Fire Ground Safety and Survival Train the Trainer class recently. The class was put on by the Pleasantville Fire Department which received a FEMA grant for the program, which included various props and a training trailer. The class taught attendees SCBA competency, low/reduced profile, entanglement hazards, ladder bailout, and Mayday training. The instructors for the program came from all over the country, ranging from Los Angeles County in California to Massachusetts, and one instructor was from Toronto, Canada. The training took four days to complete, with the final evolution being a competency course. This training will allow those who attended to bring the life-saving training back to their respective departments. For more information log on to www.IAFF.org.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, August 2019

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Hasbrouck Heights Donates Turnout Gear to Dominican Republic Department The Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department has been inspecting its equipment as it prepares to update and buy new turnout gear. While old turnout gear had to be decommissioned, some of the gear was still in good shape. Seventeen full sets of turnout gear were washed, dried and folded by the department as it looked for another department that could utilize it.

Third year member of the department, Miguel Gonzalez, who is originally from the City of Santiago in the Dominican Republic, working with Second Assistant Chief Tim Moots, inquired about sending it down to their fire department. An agreement was reached and on March 22, 2019, while attending a conference in New York City, Mayor of Santiago Abel Martinez, his personal Secretary Felix Rodriquez, and the Director of Public Relations Jose Ferreras visited Hasbrouck Heights and stopped by the department to accept the gift.

While these dignitaries were visiting, they were given a tour of the firehouse by firefighter Gonzalez, looked over our equipment and were given a demonstration of their hydraulic tools by members of the department. Mayor Martinez was presented with a personalized department shirt by Fire Commissioner and Councilman Ron Kistner and Second Assistant Chief Tim Moots.

The donation was greatly appreciated by the Santiago Fire Department as they do not have enough turnout gear for every member. A great thanks to Firefighter Gonzalez and Second Assistant Chief Tim Moots for spearheading this donation and showing what true brotherhood is in the fire service.

- Fire News photos and story by Justin Watrell

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 21

East Windsor Wetdown On June 23 the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 1 held a wetdown ceremony for its new ladder.

- Fire News photos

by Amy Batista

Page 22, Fire News, August 2019

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Up Close & Personal Members of the Atlantic City Blackjacks Football Team hanging out at Chick-Fil-A in Egg Harbor Township with Farmington Fire Company Engine 1543.

- Fire News photo

by William McFarland

East Windsor Fire Company 2 Chief Mario Batista on the line at a fire on Sloane Court on May 11, 2019.

- Fire News photo

by Amy Batista

An Elizabeth firefighter pulls line off an engine as crews stretch more lines during a third-alarm fire involving multiple dwellings on Franklin Street.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

An Elizabeth firefighter communicates with members on the ground during a third-alarm fire on Franklin Street.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

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Washington Engine Celebrates 150 Years

On June 22, 2019, fire companies from across central Jersey and beyond participated in a parade in Matawan celebrating the 150th anniversary of Washington Engine Company. After the parade everyone was invited back to the Jackson Street fire house for a celebration and food, as trophies were handed out for participating fire departments.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Fire News, August 2019, Page 23

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Quick Knockdown of Car Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Aberdeen Circle on April 15, 2019, for a vehicle fire.

Bargaintown Tender 1528 arrived with Safety Officer Ken Badger

establishing command. Firefighters stretch a one-inch line with a Scullville engine supplying 1528 with its tank water. Firefighters quickly knocked down the fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

FireNews.com

Fire News, August 2019, Page 25

Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Barbecue

On the afternoon of June 9, 2019, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in partnership with the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, sponsored its annual barbecue, which is run each June for residents and their families.

The weather cooperated and members of the kitchen staff cooked a wonderful barbecue lunch that included chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, potato and cole slaw salads, corn on the cob, baked beans and fresh watermelon for dessert. One of the member’s wife even baked special brownies and cakes for an extra treat for dessert.

The Bergen County Firemen’s Pipe and Drum opened the entertainment, volunteering their performance, which was followed by an afternoon concert from The Dixieland Gents group, playing traditional march and show tunes.

The afternoon was enjoyed by the residents of the Firemen’s Home, who always relish an afternoon out.

This wonderful event could not happen without the help of the staff of the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, especially the Activities and Kitchen staff, who do such a great job cooking the food and providing the set up and getting the residents outside. The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, a group of dedicated firefighters and retired firefighters from the various departments in Bergen County, did a great job serving all the residents and their families.

The barbecue is paid for by donations made to the Bergen Country Firemen’s Association Fund, which is generously funded by fire company donations from all over Bergen County.

- Fire News photos and story by Justin Watrell

Page 26, Fire News, August 2019

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NJ Underwater Recovery Team Stands Ready In his 20 years as a member of the allvolunteer Garden State Underwater Recovery Unit (GSURU), Captain Frank Nester has never found a drowning victim who was wearing a life jacket.

“The allure of the water is large, but the danger of drowning is underplayed,” Nester said recently, as his team geared up for warmer weather and the start of swimming and boating season. “We don’t teach our kids to respect the water as we should.”

Since 1960, the all-volunteer water rescue and dive recovery team has responded to hundreds of water-related emergencies, rescued trapped flood victims from homes and cars, recovered drowning victims, assisted law enforcement agencies with underwater evidence searches, and provided water safety assistance at numerous community events. Team members teach water and ice rescue and boating classes to the general public and other public safety agencies, and offer instruction on water safety to local schools upon request.

Based in Hunterdon County, the GSURU’s approximately two dozen members, including a handful of women, are responsible for obtaining their own SCUBA training and gear, and receive no compensation for their efforts. The GSURU does not bill for services and receives no government funding; it relies strictly on support from the community. The GSURU’s annual Seafood Festival is 1300 to 1800. Saturday, July 20.

2019, at the Clinton Elks Picnic Grove, 211 Sidney Road, Pittstown, NJ 08867. The unit's members use the event as a fundraiser, as well as an opportunity to mingle with and thank community members for their support. For more information on the GSURU and the Seafood Festival, visit www.gsuru.us.

- Fire News story by Sylvie Mulvaney, photos by the GSURU

FireNews.com

Fire News, August 2019, Page 27

Pleasantville 20th Field Day

On June 6, 2019, the Pleasantville Fire Department held its annual field day for the city’s elementary schools. Schools competed in various events. This was the 20th anniversary.

Those who attended were treated to burgers provided by the fire department and a great time was had by all. In the BBQ Pit (left) is retired-Firefighter Adrian Mobley and Captain Stan Kolbe.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

Page 28, Fire News, August 2019

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HANNOVER FAIRS USA TO LAUNCH INTERSCHUTZ USA FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY EVENT TO DEBUT IN PHILADELPHIA Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the US subsidiary of Hannover, Germany’s Deutsche Messe - one of the world’s largest and most active organizers of capital goods trade shows - announced that it will debut INTERSCHUTZ USA focused on the North American firefighting equipment and safety industry. INTERSCHUTZ USA will take place October 13 to 17, 2020, in the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. INTERSCHUTZ is the world’s largest trade show for fire and rescue services, taking place every five years in Hannover, Germany.

The new five-day event will incorporate a global view of firefighting equipment and tactics.

INTERSCHUTZ USA will respect the traditions of the US fire service and will demonstrate firefighter safety solutions that incorporate current and emerging strategies and technologies in the US, as well as introduce what other industry experts and visionaries are doing globally.

“The US fire service has tremendous respect for the INTERSCHUTZ brand and its size and scope.

Many of the industry representatives we have been meeting with are incredibly enthusiastic about the launch of the show in America,” said Larry Turner, president and CEO of HFUSA. INTERSCHUTZ USA will meet the needs of a 21st century fire service, highlighting the latest in technology, strategy and operations, and firefighter safety and effectiveness. “We have a great opportunity with INTERSCHUTZ USA, not to modernize an existing event with the challenges that brings - but to build an event for current and future firefighting leadership,” added Turner.

INTERSCHUTZ USA will target US-based fire and EMS personnel and will offer the industry a new experience complete with social events, family events and participation from the Philadelphia Fire

Department. Members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and exhibitors will showcase the advances and leadership in fire service technology and tactics from Philadelphia, across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

“The members of the Philadelphia Fire Department couldn’t be more excited to welcome the world to Philadelphia by hosting INTERSCHUTZ USA with our partners in the region, allowing us to showcase the city and the field of emergency response. Since 1736, the Philadelphia Fire Department has been dedicated to safety, innovation and best practices, and we look forward to INTERSCHUTZ USA and all it has to offer in October 2020,” said Adam Thiel, fire commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department and director of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

“Local 22 IAFF is ecstatic to have such a renowned event like INTERSCHUTZ with its diverse exhibitors come to Philadelphia with INTERSCHUTZ USA. Philadelphia is the city where the fire fighting traditions were established over 275 years ago,” said Mike Bresnan, president of Local 22 IAFF, Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union.

“Philadelphia has a proud history of firefighting innovation led by Ben Franklin who organized the country’s first Union Fire Company in 1736,” said Kavin Schieferdecker, senior vice president of the convention division at Philadelphia’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We are so pleased and honored that INTERSCHUTZ has selected Philadelphia to host their first US-based trade show and look forward to building long-term relationships with Hannover Fairs USA.” For further information, please contact Ed Nichols at enichols@interschutzusa.com or 773-796-4250.

RESCUE 1 SALES’ MIKE MARQUIS RETIRES May 31, 2019, marked the last day for Mike Marquis, Vice President of Rescue 1 Sales, here at P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. (PLCB) and the beginning of a well-deserved retirement.

Mike is capping off a 36-year successful career here in Manasquan. Over the years, Mike grew with the company, working first as an electrician, followed by developing our graphics department, then as a contract coordinator, and finally as the driving force behind our Rescue 1 division.

Initially sold as PL Custom Emergency Vehicles Rescue Trucks, Mike and Bud Smock developed the rescue division into what is now known as Rescue 1.

Formalized with that name in 1985, Mike became synonymous with the Rescue 1 Extreme Duty brand of rescues, command centers, haz-mat, and other specialty purposed emergency vehicles produced under the Rescue 1 moniker.

Under his watch, Rescue 1 has grown to enjoy a solid reputation as a custom manufacturer of Extreme Duty rescue trucks. Mike became intimately involved with each unit that was built here, developing strong relationships with our customers. In

discussing his retirement date, Mike said, “I have seen Rescue 1, and by extension, PL Custom, expand into new markets. The Rescue 1 brand has made tremendous strides and I look forward to watching the continued growth. Now I am looking forward to focusing on family and fishing. I have met and worked with many great people over these past three-plus decades, from customers, sales reps, vendors, and fellow employees. It has been a great career and I know that our past will shape our future.”

Today’s fire and emergency vehicle manufacturing industry is filled with daily personnel changes and company acquisitions. Just as PLCB remains a privately held, family-owned company today, Mike’s continuity with our Rescue 1 division is in stark contrast to the prevailing industry trend.

We look forward to hearing stories from Mike of his well-deserved retirement and know that he looks forward to spending time with his wife, Irene, his two sons, Michael and Matthew, and his dogs, Bro and Dude. On behalf of all of us here in Manasquan, we wish you all the best!

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 29

Firehouse Kitchen

Cooking for Life with Ray Cooney

(This article first appeared in Fire News in 2015) great in life.

As I was going through my mail, I came upon a letter from a teacher To find out more about in Rocky Point (NY). It stated how her class was a big fan of the show, Firehouse Kitchen, or how to Firehouse Kitchen. Upon reading this I thought, “What would be better become a sponsor, visit firethan for Firefighter Ray to give her class a visit.” I contacted the teacher housekitchenshow.com. and told her my idea. She was excited and we set the date!

So began my trip to the northeast shore of Long Island. As one drives out that way, you cannot miss the feeling that you are in another place. The landscape goes from the suburbs to a more rural landscaping and is breath taking. For a moment, I forgot I was only 30 minutes from home! The class I was visiting, was a life skills class. The main objective in the class is to get the kids ready for the real world. What is more neces3 pounds of chicken sary in the real world than to know how to cook? Therefore, I Onions showed them how to cook a meal.

Green peppers When I got there, they made me feel like a movie star. They Grape tomatoes were besides themselves with the presence of Firefighter Ray — woo hoo!! We went through a little Q-and-A and then got Skewer sticks right to work. I thought chicken skewers would be perfect. I Teriyaki sauce did most of the cutting and they did most of the skewering.

Greek yogurt When the skewers were cooking in the oven, they thought Directions it would be fun to watch an episode of Firehouse Kitchen.

Cube up chicken and soak in teriyaki sauce. Cube up They chose to watch the one when I cooked with my wife, onions and green peppers. Skewer piece of chicken, green Lori. They thought it was funny how she was “busting my chops.” Lovely! When the episode was over and the teasing pepper, onion and tomato and continue in order until skewstopped, we had a delicious meal accompanied by many ers are full. Put in oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Let smiles. This life skills class is an important class and brings so slightly cool before eating. Dip in yogurt sauce and enjoy! much joy to the students involved. A very special thanks to Kyle, Kathleen, Valerie, Joey and Nikki. They are going to do

Ray’s Chicken Skewers

Page 30, Fire News, August 2019

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Farmington Handles Fuel Spill The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company responded to the intersection of Fire and Doughty Roads on April 20, 2019, for a report of a fuel spill. After investigating, firefighters discovered fuel leaking from a vehicle at a nearby repair facility. Firefighters mitigated the hazard and the Atlantic County Highway Department sanded the roadway.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Monmouth Academy Supplies Smoke Detectors East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 Chief Mario Batista picking up state-supplied smoke detectors at the Monmouth Fire Academy for their Operation 7 SaveA-Life on June 11, 2019. Several departments were on scene.

- Fire News photo by Amy Batista

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Fire News, August 2019, Page 31

Well, That Could Have Been Worse

The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to Harding Highway on May 18, 2019, for a report of a vehicle fire at the fuel pumps. Firefighters stretched a line and removed debris that was on fire in the bed of a pickup truck and extinguished the fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Next Time Try the Down Position

The volunteer fire companies of Newtonville and Collings Lakes responded to Route 54 and 6th Road on June 6, 2019, for a commercial MVA. Newtonville Chief Gene Sykes arrived at the site which involved a commercial dump truck whose dump body became raised and entangled in overhead lines and pulled them down along with the utility poles. Firefighters stood by while telephone company and tow company personnel removed the vehicle.

Also responding were BVT EMS and New Jersey State Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 32, Fire News, August 2019

FireNews.com

Newark 2-Alarmer On June 8, 2019, the Newark Fire Department responded to Homestead Park for a garage fire.

Companies arrived to a fully involved detached garage with extension to two large three-story multi-family dwellings. A second alarm was quickly struck, as heavy fire travelled through the cockloft. All searches were negative and additional manpower was requested due to the high ambient temperatures and the large size of the buildings.

Ladder 12 also handled embers which had landed on a nearby abandoned structure and caught the roof on fire. Engine 29’s apparatus also began to overheat at the scene due to the temperature.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 34, Fire News, August 2019

FireNews.com

Obituary

Bargaintown’s Gerald B. Johnson

Past-Bargaintown Assistant Chief Jerry Johnson answered his final alarm June 1, 2019, and was given full department honors. Gerald B ‘Jerry’ Johnson was 57.

Jerry was a past member of Local 33, a member of the NJSFF, and past-Chief and

Lifetime Member of the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company.

He was predeceased by his mother Lois Pettit and sister Pennie Pettit He is survived by his wife Faith Johnson, daughters Linsey Johnson (Tim), Jenn Myers, and Melody

Blisard (Brian); granddaughters Breanna, Hannah and Ashley; brother Jimmy Johnson; sisters Patty Twesten (Bill), Robin Dixon and Susan Pettit.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe