Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 16, NO. 3
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 AUGUST 2021
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Coming in September NJ Fire Expo – Two Days of Exhibits in Wildwood See Page 4.
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 3
In this issue... Heavy Problem in Denville Rollover The40,000 pound filled mixer drum of a cement truck detaches after the truck rolls over. See story on page 8
Fire News Looking Back A 2014 double fatality in Paterson, a 2015 collapse in Rutherford and an apartment fire in Camden in 2015. See story on page 11
Delran Township 2-Alarmer Delran firefighters rescue seven people at a condominium fire, including a mother and child. See story on page 20
Electrical Fire in Wanamassa An small basement fire is quickly stopped but fills a home with smoke. See story on page 26
Florence Fatal All-Hands Blaze A victim is found after the bulk of fire is knocked down in a three-story residence. See story on page 30
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, Managing Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Advertising Sales BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREGORY JONES, Graphic Artist 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. COPYRIGHT 2021, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Official Publication
of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, August 2021
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The Call That Tests Your Skills During the month of July, my department was faced with a difficult call. A worker had fallen 15 feet into a trench and was seriously injured. The chief in charge of the operation was experienced and immediately assessed the situation and realized the operation fell under the guidelines of a trench rescue. While members were working to secure the worker, the chief immediately called upon our town’s (Brookhaven) Technical Rescue Team for guidance and assistance with the call. Thankfully, the call went well, in large part to an experienced chief who utilized the assets available to him to make the call go smoothly. Yes, life was on the line and there was no room for error when removing the injured worker. Well done Terryville Chief of Department Frank Russo! I thought it was interesting that after the call, the members involved realized that they needed to brush up on skills required for this type operation. I’ve been talking about rope skills for quite some time. Rope skills are learned in probie school, but how many of you can be put into a trying situation and, without thinking, secure a ladder or even a
victim with webbing or a rope? I know you have the skills to perform the operation, but the skills need to be practiced and engrained into your memory so that they are second nature. Basic everyday rescue skills cannot be learned at a drill once a year! You must take it upon yourself to practice everyday skills on your own. If you feel unsure of yourself, you must work with a member who knows the skills and can guide you on the proper procedures needed to quickly and safely save a life. Everyone possesses basic ladder skills. However, in a technical rescue, ladders may be used as tools to remove a victim. You can only become creative with a tool when you know that tool’s capabilities. All firefighters and EMS personnel should know the dangers of a trench rescue. Do you know how close you can get to the trench or pile of dirt without creating a danger to the people working in the trench? Think about it, this rescue was a new experience for the responders who arrived on scene first. It is imperative that you realize this and do one of two things to prepare you for the future.
After such a call, you should meet with the Technical Rescue Team and discuss the operation. Ask questions! Share your thoughts with the team and ask what you could have done differently should this happen again. It is very difficult to stand around thinking about what you can safely do to rescue a victim in any situation. The last thing you want to do is put yourself and your members at risk because you are not certified to handle that type of operation. Keep in mind you may make things worse than they already are. The members of the Brookhaven Technical Rescue Team and the Terryville Fire Department did an outstanding job rescuing a seriously injured worker. Look ahead to the next call and be prepared for it by meeting with your town or county technical rescue team. - Dennis
Page 6, Fire News, August 2021
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Cover Story
Paterson 2-Alarm Totals 1 Home
At just around 0030 on April 25, 2021, both Paterson Police and Fire Dispatch received numerous calls for a reported building fire in the area of 12th Avenue and East 23rd Street. Patrol units arrived and confirmed a working fire and began assisting residents from the fire building as well as the exposures. Battalion 2 arrived and reported a fully-involved frame dwelling with extension into the B exposure, a threestory frame, multi-dwelling and requested a second alarm. On arrival of Deputy Chief Calamita, he concurred with Battalion 2’s report and reported heavy fire in the attic of the B exposure and several additional buildings threatened and requested a third alarm. The fire building on a narrow street making apparatus placement difficult. With multiple handlines and two elevated streams in operation, the main body of fire was knocked down within 45 minutes allowing crews to re-enter the B exposure and begin overhaul. The main fire building was a 1-1/2 story frame dwelling and the entire roof collapsed along with sections of the exterior walls. Two other buildings sustained exterior damage due to radiant heat. Companies remained on the scene until morning. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation by the Paterson Fire Department Arson unit along with the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 7
Lakewood Pumper Gets Around
This 1995 Pierce Pumper served Lakewood Fire Department. It sported a 2000-gpm 750-gallon tank and was assigned to Junior Hose Company 3 as Engine 6661. This pumper was recently on 30day loan to the Levittown (New York) Fire Department as Engine
627 while Levittown’s 627 was getting some preventive maintenance and warranty work. After their 627 came back to Levittown the Lakewood pumper went to a pre-owned fire apparatus dealer for resale. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 8, Fire News, August 2021
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A Heavy Problem in Denville The Denville Fire Department was dispatched to a hazardous material incident involving an overturned cement mixer. Upon arrival, Chief Crothers found the chassis of the truck on its wheels, but the loaded mixing barrel had separated from the chassis and caused a hydraulic oil spill and a punctured the diesel fuel tank. The chief had drying agent applied to the spill and contained it. A wrecker crew pumped out the remaining fuel and towed the chassis away. It took three hours to obtain a large crane to lift the mixer drum, loaded with cement and weighing about 40,000 pounds, on to a flatbed trailer to be transported. - Fire News photos by Charles Botti
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 9
No Hydrants at Upper Deerfield 2-Alarmer The volunteer fire companies of Upper Deerfield Township in Cumberland County responded to Concord Court on June 17, 2021, at 1545, for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find fire through the roof of a two-story, wood frame, singlefamily dwelling. As there were no hydrants in the area a second alarm was struck for a water tender task force that included tenders from Salem County. Firefighters made an aggressive attack and the fire was brought under control in about an hour. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Good Stop in Egg Harbor Twp. The Scullville and Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Companies responded to the Red Rose Body Shop on June 24, 2021, at approximately 1430, for a structure fire. Scullville Chief Steve Prisamet arrived to find a fire on the roof and requested an engine from Cardiff and RIT from the City of Somers Point. Chief Prisamet had Ladder 1535 set up its main and Bargaintown Rescue 1527 drop a supply LDH to feed the ladder. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Also responding were the EHT Police and EMS. During the incident one call for assistance was received, a fire alarm at the high school, which was handled by the Farmington Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Josh Treat
Scullville Farmers Market Back The Scullville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliariy in Egg Harbor Township resumed their Sunday farmers market at their Station 1 on Mays Landing Road. It ran until June 27, 2021. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 10, Fire News, August 2021
Weymouth Brush Fire
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The volunteer fire companies of Weymouth and Laureldale responded at 1452 on April 23, 2021, to Weymouth Road for a brush fire. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley arrived and established command for a well involved fire of wildlands and a mix of auto parts and tires that were stored inside the urban interface. Command requested a water tender from Town of Hammonton. With assistance from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, firefighters stretched lines to extinguish the motor vehicle parts and a pile of tires burning, while the Forest Fire Service extinguished the wildland fire by plowing a line around the perimeter of the brush. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Ocean Township Brush Fire
On May 18, 2021, during a dry stretch for the area, Ocean Township’s Wanamassa Fire Department was dispatched to Route 35 southbound for a brush fire. Chief 2-66 arrived to a large area of brush burning and requested first-due Engine 2-73 to hit a hydrant on the way in. Two engines from Oakhurst Fire Department along with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to the scene. The fire was placed under control 20 minutes after arrival. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 11
Looking Back Paterson - 2014
Rutherford - 2015
Paterson firefighters at a double-fatality 2-alarmer on Union Avenue on November 23, 2014. - Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro
On January 14, 2015, the Rutherford Fire Department responded to an automatic fire alarm in a two-story building housing a cafe on the first floor and offices above. With heavy fire on both floors in the rear, the fire made its way into the cockloft and broke through the roof, which eventually collapsed. The fire went to three alarms. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Camden City - 2015 On January 11, 2015, Camden Squad 7 responded to an apartment fire on Ferry Road in Camden City at a two-story garden apartment. The fire went to two alarms before being brought under control. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Page 12, Fire News, August 2021
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Entrapment at Farmington MVA The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township Atlantic County responded at 2305 hours on June 22, 2021, to Delilah Road and Westcoatt Road for an MVA with entrapment. Assist Chief Dennis Sharpe responded and was advised by EMS the accident involved a U-Haul truck versus a utility pole with heavy entrapment. Assistant Chief Sharpe requested additional responses from the Cardiff and from the Atlantic City Airport. Upon arrival of the
Cardiff, Cardiff Chief Zonge took over operations and crews utilized numerous tools from both Farmington Rescue 1547 and Cardiff Rescue 1517 with assistance from the ACY-IAP firefighters. The occupant of the truck was removed by firefighters and EMS and transported to the Atlanticare Medical Center, Atlantic City Division. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 14, Fire News, August 2021
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Cologne Car-Bus MVA
The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Laureldale, and Mays Landing responded to the Black Horse Pike at Wrangleboro Road on April 22, 2021, at 0816, for an MVA with entrapment. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley established command for the crash that involved a car and a New Jersey Transit bus with the car partially under the bus with the impact so great the engine of the car was dislodged.
Command advised dispatch the driver of the car self-extricated. The cause of the crash was under investigation by Township of Hamilton Police and New Jersey Transit Authorities. Also responding were Township of Hamilton and Galloway Township EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 15
Checking Out the Aerial
Lakewood Fire Department Chief Jonathan Yaar and 1st Assistant Chief Steven Mulholland with Todd Fell at the controls as they try out an Aerialscope on June 18, 2021. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Clifton Avenue MVA
On June 15, 2021, Clifton Engine 6, Truck 2 and EMS-1 responded to Clifton Avenue for a MVA with rollover. On arrival all occupants had self-extricated and were ambulatory. Engine 6 cleaned up a moderate fluid spill while EMS-1 attended to one patient from the head-on collision. All occupants were RMA. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 16, Fire News, August 2021
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Car and Wildlands Fire
The Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company responded to Ocean Heights Avenue at 1344 on May 22, 2021, for a vehicle fire in the driveway of a private residence. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived, established command and reported a fully involved vehicle with fire extending into the wildlands. Engine 1812 stretched a line, and New Jersey Forest Fire Service went to work on the wildlands fire. Tender 1819 supplied Engine 1812, and firefighters brought the fire under control quickly despite magnesium in the vehicle. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Well, That Coulda’ Been Worse On May 13, 2021, the Secaucus Fire Department was dispatched to Meadowlands Parkway for a car fire in close proximity to a structure. Companies arrived to an engine compartment fire in a minivan up against an occupied hotel. Two lines were stretched to knock down the fire and companies checked the overhang for extension with a thermal imaging camera; it suffered heat damage but no extension was found. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Third Floor Kitchen Fire On May 29, 2021, the Passaic Fire Department responded to the corner of Spring and Elliot for a house fire. Companies arrived to a large three-story residential structure with a fire on the top floor. A second alarm was struck brining all Passaic companies to the scene. The fire was located in the center of the structure and was quickly knocked down. Units conducted extensive overhaul and the fire was contained to the contents of a third-floor kitchen; an investigator was requested to the scene. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 19
Getting Back in the Swing of Things
The Tri-Counties Fire Association, the Mid-Jersey Chapter of SPAAMFAA, held its first post-Covid muster at Jamesburg Park on June 27, 2021, which was attended by apparatus from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 20, Fire News, August 2021
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2nd Alarm Apartment Fire with 7 Rescues On May 27, 2021, Taskforce 23 units were alerted for an apartment fire with victims trapped. Chief 2300 (Peak) arrived to find a three-story end-of-the-row, with fire showing from all floors on the Alpha side and multiple people trapped on balconies. A mother and child were rescued via ground ladder from the third-floor balcony on side Alpha, and five more victims were rescued from side Charlie. The fire was brought under control in less than an hour. No lifethreatening injuries were reported. The Delran and Burlington County Fire Marshal’s office was investigating. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 21
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Farmington Fundraiser
Farmington volunteer firefighters from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department prepared chicken for their box lunch fundraiser held May 29, 2021, at their firehouse. The orders were taken in
advance and then picked up at a drive-through at the station in order to comply with Covid regulations. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference 2021 New Jersey is open and the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference September 19th-22nd at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center will be at 100 percent! With this good news, we are able to provide additional training classes and breakout sessions. If you have already registered, you may go to our website www.njepa.org and use the email that you registered with to modify your schedule. If you haven’t already done so, you can still register for the conference and sign up for classes, receptions, lunch and special presentations. Please be aware that our schedule for this year is a bit different than years past. We will be starting training on Sunday, September 19. Our Networking and Awards Reception will be Sunday evening in the pre-function area, the Exhibit Hall will open Monday with the vendor reception and run through Tuesday afternoon. In addition to the exhibit hall, there will be a large vehicle display outside, adjacent to the exhibit hall. On Tuesday, continental breakfast will be available in the Exhibit Hall and lunch will be served adjacent to the exhibit hall on Tuesday. On Wednesday, we will have a follow-up to the 2019 presentation by representatives of Coral Springs, Florida, on the devastating mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Pre-registration is required for this event. We look forward to seeing everyone face to face in midSeptember! Stay safe and be well!
Extrication on Black Horse Pike The volunteer fire companies of West Atlantic City and Farmington, along with the City of Pleasantville Fire Department, EHT EMS and Police, responded to Black Horse Pike on June 4, 2021, at 0635, for an MVA with entrapment. Rescuers arrived to find a van on its side with a severed utility pole and the driver trapped. Farmington’s spreaders were used to slightly lift the van and Pleasantville’s struts were used to stabilize it. The occupant was extricated and turned over to EMS. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 23
1 Burned at Bergenfield Fire The Bergenfield Fire Department responded to a fire on West Church Street in a take-out-only restaurant with a reported burn victim. EMS responded and transported the burn victim. The fire was quickly extinguished but additional resources from surrounding communities were brought in to overhaul and cover. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Belmar Shed Fire Snuffed On May 6, 2021, the Belmar Fire Department was dispatched to 9th Avenue for a reported shed fire. Companies found a shed in the rear of the address on fire with no exposure issues. The fire was quickly knocked down and the assignment was held to Belmar units only. The fire was located just two addresses down from Belmar’s Union Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 24, Fire News, August 2021
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Irvington Structure Fire
On May 10, 2021, the Irvington Fire Department responded to Auvergne Terrace for a fire. Engine 44 arrived to heavy fire showing from the rear of the structure and an offensive attack was made. Upon entry, fire was found running the walls from the basement to the top floor and a second alarm was struck. Newark, Orange, Maplewood, West Orange and East Orange responded. Ladder 41 went to the roof to ventilate as crews continued to open up on all floors to extinguish remaining fire. All searches proved negative and the fire was placed under control a half-hour after the arrival of the first apparatus. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 25
Sprinkler System Pump Out-of-Service
Good Samaritan Helps FFs in Lake Hopatcong
The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Laureldale, and Mays Landing responded to Black Horse Pike and the Red Lobster Restaurant, for a structure fire at 1825 hours on May 25, 2021, after a Township of Hamilton firefighter reported heavy black smoke coming from the restaurant. Upon investigating, the smoke was issuing from the pump house which housed a diesel fire pump that supplied the sprinkler system for the mall. When firefighters arrived, they had to force entry to the building and shut down the pump. Because of the malfunction, it caused the sprinkler system of the property to be out of service and required the local fire companies do an emergency standby at the mall until the pump was placed back in service. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Shortly before 0630 on May 18, 2021, Jefferson Fire Company 2, Milton Fire Company 1 and the Jefferson Rescue Squad were dispatched for a fire in the area of Sandy Point Drive in the Sandy Point Trailer Park in the Lake Hopatcong section of town. A chief arrived and reported a fully involved trailer home. Engine 720 and three members quickly deployed a 1-3/4 inch handline. Engine 718 arrived with its driver only and requested help stretching five-inch line from his engine to supply the first due — a local resident helped him stretch over 400 feet of five inch to a fire boat, which supplied the scene from a nearby dock. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within 30 minutes. - Fire News photo by Tom Finnegan
Page 26, Fire News, August 2021
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Electrical Fire in Wanamassa
On May 20, 2021, the Ocean Township Wanamassa Fire Department Station 37-2 was dispatched to a home on Route 35 northbound for a reported basement fire. Chief 37-2-66 was first to arrive and advised incoming units of a confirmed smoke condition in the basement. A small fire was found involving the electrical
panel which was quickly extinguished, but smoke had charged the entire house. Engine 2-73 extinguished the fire and Rescue 2-85 set up ventilation fans to evacuate the smoke. Crews operated on scene for approximately 30 minutes. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 27
New Apparatus for Wayne
What Goes Around, Comes Around
Recently, the Essex Fells Fire Department placed a 2020 Ferrara 1750-gpm 1000-gallon Engine 1 into service, and Wayne Fire Company 2 placed a 2020 Spartan/Toyne 1500/750/50 Engine into service as their Engine 2-1. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
New Apparatus for Rio Grande
Recently the Middle Township’s Rio Grande Fire Company placed into service a new 2021 Pierce Enforcer with TAK-4 Suspension, a Cummins L9 450-hp engine, a 750-gallon water tank, and a 1500GPM single-stage pump. This unit is replacing a 2007 Pierce Quantum Rescue Engine. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
In 1981 American LaFrance Pumper with a 1500-gpm pump and 500 gallon tank with a Tele Squrt. It was delivered to Whitman Square Fire Company 1 of Washington Township, District 1 of Gloucester County and served as Engine 1021 until 1996 as a frontline piece when it was replaced with a 75-foot LTI straight ladder. The unit was sold to a broker who stripped the original blue paint off the pumper and painted it white with a red stripe. Shortly after its refurb it was purchased and placed in service with the Charlestown (MO) Fire Department. The pumper was up for sale again in 2016. Member of the Whitman Square noticed it was for sale and decided to buy it and restore it to her original glory. Members and family and friends and other contributors were able to raise the funds to bring her home and start the restoration project in 2017. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 28, Fire News, August 2021
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Labor Intensive Rescue in Bargaintown
The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Ocean Heights Avenue at 0756 on May 3, 2021, for an MVA in which a vehicle came off of the Garden State Parkway and overturned into the rear of a property. EHT Police arrived and reported heavy entrapment. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe established command for a bucket truck on its side against a tree with the driver partially ejected and pinned under the vehicle. Command requested a response from the EHTFD Technical Rescue Team, bringing heavy rescue apparatus additionally from Cardiff (Rescue 1517) and Farmington (Utility 1546) plus a response from the City of Somers Point for their Squad 43. Additional EMS from Egg Harbor Township and a medevac were brought to the scene as well. Rescuers then worked to remove the roof of the vehicle and disentangle the occupant and thus began a lengthy extrication with the driver safely removed and flown from the scene and eventually making a complete recovery. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Mays Landing Gas Leak
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to Mill Street at the Cotton Mill Bridge on May 3, 2021, at 1111, for a reported gas leak after a contractor working on a bridge reconstruction project hit a twoinch gas line. This allowed natural gas to flow freely until South Jersey Gas Company arrived and controlled the leak. Mays Landing and Laureldale stood by with charged lines until the leak was controlled. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 29
Camden All-Hands
Battalion Chief 2 (Leary) arrived at a North 25th and Federal Streets address to find a burning pile of rubbish with extension to the charlie side of a bodega at the corner on May 13, 2021. Engine 9 went to work extinguishing the fire while Tower Ladder 3 opened up and checked the building for extension. Battalion 2 held the fire with the initial units on the box. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
Page 30, Fire News, August 2021
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Florence Fatal All Hands
On May 28, 2021, Taskforce 40 units were dispatched for a report- ing from divisions 2 and 3. A victim was found after the bulk of the ed dwelling fire on Broad Street. While en route Chief 4000, placed fire was knocked down. No firefighter injuries were reported, and all companies in service based on reports of fire showing. Chief 4000 the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez arrived to find a three-story, single-family dwelling with fire show-
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The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Barbecue On the afternoon of June 13, 2021, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in partnership with the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, sponsored their annual barbecue. It was the first time since February 2020 that the association had been at the home. The residents had been through a lot during the Covid pandemic and we wanted to cheer them up. The 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 cakes for an extra treat for dessert. A member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Pipe and Drum opened the entertainment festivities, volunteering his time to entertain our fellow brothers with traditional songs on the bagpipes. Their performance was followed by an afternoon concert from BCFMA member, DJ Johnny Mac aka John McLoughlin from the Demarest Fire Department. 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. The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, a group of dedicated firefighters and retired fire firefighters from the various firehouses in Bergen County, did a great job serving all the residents and their families. The barbecue is paid for from donations made to the Bergen Country Firemen’s Association Fund that is generously funded by fire company donations from all over Bergen County. - Fire News photos courtesy of Justin Watrel
NJ State Firemen’s Association and Chef Robert Ordway helping prepare lunch
Page 32, Fire News, August 2021
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SUTPHEN CORPORATION TO BUILD NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN URBANA, OHIO WILL RETAIN EXISTING WORKFORCE AND ADD JOBS Sutphen Corporation, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated fire apparatus manufacturer with headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, announced plans to combine its three Urbana manufacturing and service sites in a new 160,000-square-foot facility to be constructed at State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue in Urbana. With this plan, Sutphen will retain the three Urbana facilities’ 160 existing jobs and add 20 to 25 more positions at the new site. “We are extremely proud to continue our growth as a business while remaining in Ohio and specifically in Urbana,” said Sutphen Corporation President Drew Sutphen, a fourth-generation family member. “Having worked with the Urbana community for many years, we are confident that Urbana is the ideal place to facilitate expansion. Between its hardworking people and its business-friendly environment, we look forward to continuing our growth in Urbana for years to come.” Todd Winnenberg, general manager of the three Urbana operations, said, “It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of Sutphen Corporation. This move emphasizes the Sutphen family’s commitment to its employees by staying local and providing a great opportunity for area jobs.” The Champaign Economic Partnership (CEP), Sutphen leaders, and local, regional and state partners worked together to enable Sutphen to maintain and expand its operations and workforce in Champaign County, CEP Director Marcia Bailey said. Sutphen also considered a site in Pennsylvania and other locations in Ohio. “I am grateful for everything our partners have done to help make this project come together and allow Sutphen to continue serving our community, now and well into the future, with a tradition of quality manufacturing, rewarding employment opportunities, and strong prospects for continued growth,” Bailey said. Julie Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Regional Development for the Dayton Development Coalition, said, “We and our partners at JobsOhio welcome Sutphen’s plans to expand their manufacturing operations in Urbana. An Ohio company in its fifth generation of family leadership, the fire apparatus they make here take a piece of this state’s compassionate spirit to first responders across the country, making sure critical life-saving equipment is safely produced in the U.S.” The new building will be built northeast of the intersection of State Route 55 and Edgewood Avenue, on 55 acres of land that will provide Sutphen ample room for further expansion in the future.
Julie Sutphen Phelps, a fourth-generation family member, vice president of Sutphen Corporation and president of Sutphen’s Hilliard, Ohio, facility, said, “This expansion allows our familyowned business to continue to grow and expand within Urbana and the fire industry as a whole. While we continue to grow, we know that our apparatus quality, our individualized customer experience and our dedication to our mission and values will not falter.” The new building is being designed to optimize workflow of fire apparatus manufacturing, from start to finish, and will combine the operations of Sutphen’s three current Urbana facilities - the Sutphen Service & Technical Division, 49 N. Ludlow Rd. Urbana; the Sutphen Urbana Chassis Division, 1701 W. County Line Rd., Urbana; and the Sutphen Urbana Pumper Division, 1653 W. County Line Rd., Urbana. Ground will be broken in August or September and Sutphen officials anticipate moving into the new building in the fall of 2022. Urbana FD Awaiting New Sutphen Pumper Truck In addition to gaining a new Sutphen manufacturing facility, the local community will soon be served by a new Sutphen heavy duty pumper truck, purchased by the City of Urbana to replace a nearly 20-year-old pumper that the Urbana Fire Department will keep for backup service. Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb said, “The quality of the Sutphen truck and the warranty and service agreement that Sutphen offered made it an easy decision. To be honest, no one came close to offering us what they did. And we are pleased to support local.” He said the truck will be delivered in August. Harry Sutphen, a fifth-generation family member and owner of Heritage Fire Equipment, the Urbana-area Sutphen fire apparatus dealer, said, “My dad, Dan Sutphen, has worked with Urbana-area fire departments since the 1990s. Today, he and I work together throughout the community and are excited to see how Sutphen’s new growth benefits the area.”
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Fire News, August 2021, Page 33
Green Wins Best Restored Apparatus
Congratulations to Arthur Green of Neptune Hose Company 1, the home of Engine 75 in the city of Long Branch, on winning the Burner Award for the Best Restored Apparatus with his historic Hose Wagon at the Jamesburg Fire Muster. Green’s family has
served in the Long Branch Fire Department for numerous generations and he’s also the department Historian and Chief Engineer at Engine 75. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 34, Fire News, August 2021
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Obituary
LODD: Kingston’s Dennis B. Shennard On June 26, 2021, Firefighter Dennis B. Shennard died at live burn training at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. He was 70-years old. Shennard was a member of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company 1 of Kingston. Firefighter Shennard received immediate treatment at the scene by fellow firefighters and the Kendall Park First Aid Squad. Shennard was then transported to Raritan Bay Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased shortly after his arrival. Shennard joined the fire company on January 6, 1969, and during his years of active membership he served as a line officer, executive officer, and was currently serving as a Trustee. A procession of fire apparatus including Kingston and mutual aid fire companies traveled from the MJ Murphy Funeral Home in Monmouth Junction along New Road, Route 522, Promenade Boulevard, Route 27 to Kingston and then to the cemetery. Predeceased by his parents Kenneth William and Elizabeth Marie (Bentley) Shennard; he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Patti Kay (Bleacher) Shennard; son and daughter-inlaw Dennis Bruce and Louise Shennard II; grandchildren Mickey M. and Joe Shennard; brother and sister-in-law Howard (Pete) Breese and his wife Kathy; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company 1, PO Box 222, Kingston, NJ 08528. - Fire News photo courtesy Kingston VFC