Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 17, 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 2022
See story on page 8. - Fire News photo by Michael Saggau, Jr.
Lightning Strike House Fire See Story on page 24.
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 3
In this issue... Atlantic City 3-Alarmer Firefighters have a 5-1/2 hour fight to quell a commercial blaze. See story on page 7
2 Burned at Paterson Fire Crews arrive to heavy fire extending into an attic. See story on page 12
Fire News’ Looking Back 2017 Fires in Somers Point, Wildwood Crest and Paramus See story on page 16
Cedar Grove 5-Alarmer Minutes after crews are pulled the ceiling and roof collapse. See story on page 18
A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer 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 2022, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com
Ventnor City 2-Alarmer Crews fight a second-floor fire on Ventnor Avenue. See story on page 21
Twelve Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
Been Around and Still Trucking This 1991 Mac/Salisbury has led a multi-utility life and is still in service. See story on page 22
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 25 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26
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 2022
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Where Does Experience Come From? I became a firefighter in 1992. As a probationary firefighter and for the next few years, I constantly found myself challenged to be the best at what I was doing. After a few months, I felt like a seasoned firefighter. Fortunately, one or two of the old-timers kept me in line and made sure my ego wasn't going to get me in trouble. Searching for a theme for this month's Fire News editorial, I gave thought to my career as I mow start my 30th year in the fire service. One of the thoughts that came to mind was the summer of 1995. Throughout that summer, Long Island had an unusual amount of brush fires. Upon our return to the firehouse, one of our senior members always asked how the fire went. It seemed that every time he asked about the fire, the flames were hotter, and the size of the fire increased exponentially. Fast forward to July 2022. Last week my department battled a fatal fire that challenged our members. I know everyone can look back and recall a fire that not only challenged your skills, but also left a scar on your memory. The memory of a fatal fire doesn't go away. You are left with a haunting mark that will always come back to you in some way. Kudos to
my department for making sure our members understood that they did their best to save life and property. I applaud the members of my department who did their best to save the victims of this fire. Now, back to 1995. The Long Island Wildfires of August 1995 started in July of 1995. Yes, throughout the summer of 1995, brush fires were breaking out throughout Terryville, Rocky Point and eventually moved south to the Long Island Pine Barrens. As a firefighter, what goes through your mind as you are responding to a fire and see a dark violent cloud of smoke in the direction that you are traveling? Responding to my first major wildfire, I had no idea what to expect. Thankfully, the crew of experienced firefighters knew what we were in for that day and kept a watchful eye out for one another as the flames exploded around us. I believe 12 departments worked feverishly to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, due to the hot and dry conditions, the flames seem to pop out all over Long Island and eventually led to the Long Island Wildfire of 1995. This fire burned approximately 5000 acres. I urge all new firefighters to research this fire. Ask yourself would you be ready to go to work
to bring a major wildfire under control? Keep in mind that every call is a learning experience. Drills help us direct our thoughts and prepare you for dealing with a thought process to battle fires that may cross your path. Experience is what is needed to safely get you through a tough situation. I recommend that on nights you are sitting at the firehouse, take a moment to share some of the difficult fires you have had with your newer members. Talk about the scenario so that your members are aware of how they can stay safe during difficult calls. Be prepared for the return of the unexpected call. -Dennis
NJ Chiefs Wildwood Seminar The New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Association proudly presents Chief Anthony Avillo as their seminar presenter at Wildwood. The seminar will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 0830 in the Wildwood Convention Center. There is no charge for the membership, and there is a $20 fee for non-members. CEUs have been applied for from the NJ Division of Fire Safety. For more information and to pre-register and or pre-pay contact: www.njchiefs.com. We look forward to seeing you in Wildwood! Anthony Avillo, M.S. retired in March 2015 after a 30-year career in the fire service. Avillo was a Deputy Chief in the North Hudson (NJ) Regional Fire and Rescue, assigned as 1st Platoon Regional Tour Commander. Fire Officer Excellence This Full Contact Leadership / Fireground Strategies-based presentation will seek to challenge both current and prospective fire officers regarding preparation, attitude, philosophical approach, and operational and organizational skill both in the hard environment (on the fireground) and in the soft environment (the areas and time when you are preparing yourself and your subordinates for the fireground). This course will address officer and departmental responsibility as it relates to the Full Contact Leadership mantra: “Allow NOTHING to interfere with your ability to maintain the ready and in-service status of your command.”
Page 6, Fire News, August 2022
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Cologne Fire Stopped
The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Laureldale and Mays Landing, along with Tower 15 from Cardiff, responded to the Woodlands Complex in Cologne on June 20, 2022, at 0615, for a report of a structure fire. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken
Badger, Jr., arrived and reported an active fire. Cologne’s assistant chief assumed command and the fire was contained to the rear section of the unit but necessitated firefighters to open up. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Fire & Safety Services Hits 21 Years with the Burn Foundation President David Russell of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., of South Plainfield and Pierce Manufacturing, have committed to another year in support of the Burn Foundation. His dedication and support of the Burn Foundation has helped the burn care and burn patient communities going back to the new millennium. Artist Joseph Getsinger will again be presenting an original, limited-edition Burn Foundation image for 2022 at the Wildwood Firemen's Convention on September 16 and 17, 2022. It is the Burn Foundation’s most important fundraiser. And Joe Getsinger’s art has been a major influence in the foundation’s successful fundraising efforts in Wildwood for 42 years. - Fire News photo provided
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Atlantic City 3-Alarmer The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to St. James Place and the Boardwalk on June 24, 2022, at 0900, for a structure fire. The fire went to three alarms before being brought under control with the last apparatus leaving the scene at 1430. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Cover Story
Kearny 5-Alarmer Kearny firefighters responded to Laurel Avenue at approximately 1030 on June 26, 2022, for a residential fire. Crews arrived to heavy fire in the rear of the home with extension issues. Ambient temperature was at 100 degrees. The fire jumped the neighboring house and eventually went to five alarms. Mutual aid came from North Arlington, Belleville, Jersey City, Bayonne, Harrison, and North Hudson. - Fire News photos by Michael Saggau, Jr.
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South Egg Harbor Decon Unit The South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company from Galloway Township responded Decon 5 to a third-alarm fire in Atlantic City on June 24, 2022, to do a rapid decon of firefighters. This was the brainchild of pastChief Scott Feldman (top, second from left) and Chief John Kolb (on the far right). - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Clifton House Fire
On May 5, 2022, all Clifton Fire Companies were dispatched to Joyce Lane for a house fire. Engine 5 and Truck 2 simultaneously arrived to a 1-1/2 story wood frame with smoke and fire showing from the Alpha side. Engine 5’s crew quickly deployed a 1-3/4 inch line through the front door to knock down the bulk of the fire. A backup line was stretched as crews worked on the second floor. Ladder 3 came through the parking lot on the Bravo Charlie corner to ladder the rear of the home. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes and mutual aid coverage was provided by Passaic, Paterson, Bloomfield, Montclair, and Nutley. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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2 Burned at Paterson 3-Alarmer
Paterson crews responded to Madison Avenue on June 26, 2022, for what would become a three-alarm fire. Units arrived to heavy fire on the second floor extending to the attic and exposure problems. Paterson EMS was called to the scene urgently for two burn victims. - Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
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1 Dead at Fire, MC Crash The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Delilah Road for a report of a vehicle fire on June 25, 2022. Firefighters arrived to find a motorcycle crash with fire involving grasslands and the motorcycle. Upon investigation firefighters found the driver several yards away apparently deceased. The scene was turned over to the police along with Investigators from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
AC Expressway MVA The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff, along with firefighters from the Atlantic City Airport Fire Department, responded to the Atlantic City Expressway on July 3, 2022, at 1650 for an MVA with rollover and entrapment. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived and reported no entrapment and returned the Egg Harbor Township apparatus. The ACY-IAP Squad 24 arrived and command was turned over to them and all occupants were examined by EMS from the Egg Harbor Township Ambulance Squad. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, August 2022
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Looking Back Paramus - 2017
Somers Point - 2017
On March 13, 2017, the Paramus Fire Department responded to Denny Wiggers Garden Center on Paramus Road. Upon arrival, companies discovered a working fire in a 1-1/2 story stone building, which was loaded with firewood being dried. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
The City of Somers Point Volunteer Fire Department responded to West Dawes Avenue on June 25, 2017, for a structure fire. Firefighters found fire in the basement and worked to bring the fire under control with an enormous amount of effort. Firefighters were on location for several hours. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
Wildwood Crest 2017 On June 25, 2017, the Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched for a report of a structure fire with two building involved and a large column of heavy black smoke showing from two threestory single-family homes. - Fire News photo by Ron Harwood
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 17
Scholarship Winners
Women Power in West Milford
On behalf of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department, President Wallace Bakely recently presented $500 scholarships to (left to right) Charles Jones and Jonathan Cimino of the Egg Harbor Township High School. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Women Power in the fire service; four firefighters from the West Milford Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 18, Fire News, August 2022
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Cedar Grove 5-Alarm Blaze On June 27, 2022, at 2247, the Cedar Grove Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Tiffany Court. Upon arrival, heavy fire was reported on the Charlie/Delta side, and fire coming through the roof. Occupants were reported out of the building. Several attack lines were stretched as well as several 2-1/2 inch lines to the door. During the course of a primary search, a few domesticated birds and a cat were removed. Interior crews were unable to make significant progress with the fire and an evacuation was ordered. Minutes after all members were clear, a collapse of the ceiling and roof occurred. The fire was placed under control around 0330, and the fire reached five alarms. Mutual aid came from North Caldwell, Verona, Montclair, Fairfield, West Caldwell, Essex Fells, Roseland, Little Falls and a Bloomfield Cascade unit. Station coverage was provided by West Orange, Bloomfield and Nutley. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chris Donlon, DC, Cedar Grove FD
Harrington Park Engine Crew Members of Harrington Park Engine 561 pose for a group picture after a wetdown for Ramsey Rescue 8. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Wetdown of New Apparatus Members of Harrington Park Fire Department pose for a group picture before the dedication and wetdown of their new Pierce Ladder 569 and Pierce Ford Pumper 563. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 20, Fire News, August 2022
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Where Are They Now?
In North Myrtle Beach, Ray Volosin, formerly of Wallington. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Doug Alpers, Lake Hopatcong. is now with Horry County FD, SC. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Chris Tillotson ex-Hillsborough now Horry County, SC. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 21
Ventnor City 2-Alarmer
Ventnor City firefighters responded to Ventnor Avenue for a fire on June 18, 2022. The fire was located in an upstairs room and eventually went to two alarms before being brought under control. Three
aerials were used to control the fire with mutual aid from Atlantic City, Margate and Longport. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 22, Fire News, August 2022
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It’s Been Around
Originally built and served as Gordon’s Corner Fire Company in Manalapan, it was then acquired by the Englishtown Fire Department, and then sold to its current owner and is Western
Monmouth Utilities Special Operations Confined Space Unit. This image of the 1991 Mac/Salisbury was taken at a 9/11 remembrance service. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 23
EHT Scholarship Winner
New Firefighter for Pleasantville
Egg Harbor Township Fire Department President Wallace Bakely and Chief of Department Rob Winkler recently presented a $500 scholarship to Elizabeth Alford of the Atlantic Christian School. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Pleasantville acting Fire Chief Scott Trythall presented Firefighter Norman Dennis III his firefighter’s shield and badge number. Firefighter Dennis has completed his one-year probation and is assigned to Shift 3. Congratulations! - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
Page 24, Fire News, August 2022
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West Milford Engine 5 Wetdown
- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
NJEPA Announces 2023 Conference Dates
Lightning Strike House Fire
Mark Your Calendars Now! The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association has announced that the 2023 Annual Conference will be held April 1721, 2023, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. This change in venue will bring the Conference back to Atlantic City’s World-Famous Boardwalk where we spent our first 22 years and afford our attendees the opportunity to take advantage of everything it has to offer, including restaurants, shopping, night life and of course a stroll on the boardwalk or beach. Our Exhibit Hall will be showcased in the Mark G. Etess Arena and will include the opportunity for large vehicles to be displayed inside along with our exhibitors and vendors while enjoying the vendor reception and our Annual Luncheon. Hard Rock offers various dining and entertainment locations, with live music playing every evening. Additional information regarding presentation opportunities, sponsor and exhibitor information, Conference and hotel rates will be available soon, visit our website at www.njepa.org for updates.
On May 22, 2022, at 1947, the Cedar Grove Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire on Cedar Street. Upon arrival, heavy smoke and fire were discovered on the Delta side of the house. An aggressive interior attack was made and the fire was held to the attic (third floor) area. The house sustained fire, smoke and water damage. The cause of that fire was determined to be a lightning strike. Mutual aid came from Montclair, Little Falls and Verona. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chris Donlon, DC, Cedar Grove FD
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Fire News, August 2022, Page 25
NATIONAL REMEMBRANCE OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MOVES TO MAY STARTING IN 2023 MEMORIAL WEEKEND 2022 WILL BE LAST ONE HELD IN OCTOBER As we prepare for Memorial Weekend 2022 in October we’re looking ahead to next year and the start of a new National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) tradition. Beginning in 2023 Memorial Weekend moves to May. A combination of weather uncertainties and the frequent threat of an October federal government shutdown is behind the move of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend from its traditional October date. NFFF Board chairman Troy Markel said, “As with everything NFFF does, the priority is making sure we do right by the families of the firefighters we’re honoring.” This move does not impact this year’s ceremony. The 2022 Memorial Weekend is still scheduled for October 8 and 9. The change means 2023 Memorial Weekend will be May 6 and 7. While the time of year for the Candlelight and
Memorial Services changes, our other four decades long traditions will continue. Chairman Markel said, “Removing some of the uncertainties we've faced with the October date will help avoid distractions as we focus on honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.” As always, the public can help support these heroes, their families, and the Memorial Weekend events. Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate. Our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes, provide resources to assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and work within the fire service community to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. More at https://www.firehero.org.
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