VOLUME 8, NO. 9
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes FEBRUARY 2014
See more coverage on page 6. - Fire News photo by Michael Coppola
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Fire News, February 2014, Page 3
In this issue... Byram Township 2-Alarmer An early morning house fire draws units from seven companies. See story on page 11
Quick Work in Hackensack The 4th Platoon battles a well-involved garage fire. See story on page 18
Three-Vehicle MVA in Cardiff Accident draws several units because of numerous “walking wounded.” See story on page 21
All in the Family Rockaway Borough Fire Department has several firefighting families. See story on page 24
Hoboken EMS Wins Outstanding Call Award Escobar, Grant, Miangolarra and Huggins recognized for Sandy save. See story on page 30
LODD: Lt. David Lidke Hightstown Engine Company 1 Fire Police Lt. David Lidke passes. See story on page 38
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 4 and 5 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 31 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 32 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 36
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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, Michael J. Coppola, 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, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, 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, Gary W. Wasylyk, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2014, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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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, February 2014
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The Two Sides of Social Media Whether or nor you like it, social media is here to stay. For those who may not know it, social media sites are where people interact with one another freely, share and discuss information about each other and their lives using a mix of personal words, pictures, videos and audio. There are lots of well-known sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and many others. I use Facebook to share my photos, let my friends know about important events and to let them know what is coming up in the next edition of Fire News. The Fire News Facebook page is “liked” by over 40,000 fans. Our purpose is to remind our readers of events that are happening in the fire service. We share photos and brief stories that we will be covering at length in our next paper. We thank the people who are working hard to make their department look good. What can be bad with this? Social media is a wonderful tool, but it needs to be continuously monitored for inappropriate posts. Unfortunately, the risk of misinterpretation presents problems. Occasionally, someone will twist a post or misinterpret a photograph and offer negative comments that provokes a firestorm of comments that occasionally get out of hand. You must remember that what you write could be viewed as a slanderous comment if you make a comment or statement that is not true. The answer to preventing this from happening is simple. Send a private message to the person who makes a statement you do not agree with and offer your feelings. Posting controversial or antagonistic statements creates problems for everyone. This is why departments, and even your jobs, are creating social media policies that could result in termination if your posts are deemed inappropriate. A new job interview question that comes up from time to time refers to your social media sites. Can you open your social media page and share it with the person who is interviewing you? Don’t put yourself in a bad situation. Keep things positive and use social media properly and intelligently. And remember, even if you delete a post, it is still floating in cyberspace and can come back to haunt you at a future date. As for Fire News, we enjoy utilizing this tool. It is an extension of our purpose, which is to promote the fire, rescue and emergency services in a positive light. Keep up the good work and offer positive comments that make all responders proud of the job they work so hard at to keep our communities safe. - Dennis
PORT NORRIS ANNUAL SPRING OYSTER AND HAM DINNER The Port Norris Fire Company will be sponsoring their Annual Spring Oyster and Ham Dinner at the firehouse on Sunday, March 30, 2014. The dinner will be served family style from noon until 1800. The menu includes golden brown fried oysters, country ham, baked beans, string beans, macaroni salad, pepper cabbage, beverages, rolls and home-baked desserts. Cost is $19 for adults and $9 for children under 12. For more information contact any firefighter or call 856-7852562. Advance reservations are encouraged.
ANNOUNCEMENTS NFFF SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR R.I. ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS When the Rhode Island legislators passed a bill exempting emergency vehicle drivers from wearing seatbelts, the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIFCA) stood up for safety, telling the governor the bill would make driving an emergency vehicle much more dangerous for firefighters, EMS workers and police. RIFCA’s efforts convinced the governor to veto the bill. In recognition of their work, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation presented the association with the Seal of Excellence Award at their business meeting on December 19, 2013. (From left, below): Chief Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director, NFFF; Chief Richard Susi, executive director, RIFCA; Chief Brian Jackvony, president, RIFCA; Victor Stagnaro, director of Fire Service Programs, NFFF; and Rick Mason, training and education coordinator, NFFF.
NISIVOCCIA NAMED PRESIDENT OF ORGANIZATION SUPPORTING PUBLIC SAFETY A local businessman and long-time member of the 200 Club of Morris County, a non-profit organization that supports area public safety personnel, has been elected president of the group. The new president is Randolph resident Lou Nisivoccia, founder and managing director of Nisivoccia Consulting. He has been a member of the 200 Club for many years, most recently as senior vice president. “We owe so much to local police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who protect us every day,” said Nisivoccia. “Membership dues allow us to offer death benefits to survivors and scholarships to the children of local heroes. Joining the 200 Club is a great opportunity to say thank you and we’ll be looking for new members and new opportunities to serve our protectors.” He succeeds Jack Van Orden, owner of Morristown Tire, who is now the chairman of the board. Other officers elected included John Corigliano, senior vice president; Bill Lockwood, senior vice president; Betsy Fila, vice president; Joe Marts, vice president; Peter Kenny, treasurer; Robert Skeele, assistant treasurer; and Ronald Barnett, secretary. Trustees include Chairman of the Board Jack Van Orden, James Gannon, John Mania, Dennis Patrick, Michelle Patrick, Lori Patrick, Janet Rapisardi, James Rizzo, Joyce Stager, and Laverne Wolfanger. Since its inception in 1971, the 200 Club of Morris County has distributed more than $4 million in survivor benefits and scholarships to families who have lost a spouse who was a police officer, state trooper, firefighter, or an emergency medical services provider in the line of duty. Information about membership in the 200 Club and its various programs is available by calling 732-2794258 or by clicking on http://www.200clubofmorriscounty.com.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR VFDS AND ER ORGANIZATIONS New Jersey American Water announced its 2014 grant program for volunteer fire departments and emergency responders (e.g., ambulance and first aid squads) located in the company’s service areas. Grants will be awarded to cover the costs associated with purchasing personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training and related activities/materials that will be used to support their operations. The maximum grant amount is $1,000. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2014. Details may be found at http://www.amwater.com/njaw/about-us/community-involvement/ programs.html. To apply, organizations must send a letter of application, complete with the following information: -Contact information, including name and phone number; -Description of the organization(s) seeking support, including: name, address, and county in which it is located; -Overview of the specific project to be funded; -Grant amount requested; -Problem/challenges that the project will address; -Timeframe for implementation of the project; -Summary of other sources being approached for support of the project; -Project budget. Applications should be mailed to: New Jersey American Water, 1025 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, NJ 08043; Attn: Mildred Acevedo.
Looking Back The Streets Nursing Home Fire Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Streets Nursing Home fire in the City of Pleasantville. The fire was started in a closet of the structure and took the lives of 10 residents. At the time, Pleasantville was served by three fire companies and all responded on the initial alarm, along with neighboring City of Absecon, Farmington, and City of Northfield firefighters. - Harold “Whitey” Swartz photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe collection
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Page 6, Fire News, February 2014
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Two Homes Destroyed in Haledon Blaze
On New Year’s Eve, 2013, the Haledon Fire Department was dispatched to Morrissee Avenue for a reported fire. Companies arrived to find heavy fire consuming the rear of a vacant dwelling and spreading throughout. Mutual aid was requested as the first arriving engine company became disabled. Fire quickly spread to the adjoining homes and began to damage several others. As companies continued to
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arrive, the fire progressed through all floors of all three buildings. The original fire building collapsed in a short amount of time. The roof collapsed on a second home rendering both homes destroyed. Prospect Park, North Haledon, Paterson, Wayne, Hawthorne, Woodland Park, Little Falls and Totowa also responded. Ten people were displaced by the blaze. - Fire News photo by Michael J. Coppola
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Hackettstown Responds to Chimney Fire
During a snow storm on January 2, 2014, Hackettstown firefighters responded to Valentine and Monroe Street for a reported house fire. Units made a quick knock down of a fire that was confined to the outside of the chimney but had started to extend to the first floor Budd Lake and Washington fire companies were assigned RIT crews and the Tri County (Station 29) Fire company assisted with man power. There were no injuries at the scene. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
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Recently, calls came in to the Morris County Communications center for a report of a house fire on Shenandoah Court in the Fairmont section of the township. The Fairmont chief was the first to arrive and found a large, two-story home heavily involved and requested a second alarm as well as a full Tender Task Force due to the lack of hydrants. The roof was heavily involved and collapsed quickly, so large handlines and ladder pipes were deployed. Units were hampered by heavy snow and a tight dead end street. There were no injuries and the fire is under investigation by Washington Township Police and Morris County Prosecutors Office. Fire and first aid squads assisting at the scene were Budd Lake, Flanders, Chester, Califon, Oldwick, County Tender Task Force, County Rehab bus and the County Mutual Coordinators. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
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Mobile Home Fire in Cologne
House Fire in Germania
The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing, and Laureldale responded to Black Horse Pike, and the Inland Estates Mobile Park on November 9, 2013, for a mobile home fire. Cologne Captain Mark Sciore and Hamilton police arrived to confirm the fire. Mays Landing Engine 1819 arrived first and deployed two 13/4 inch handlines and began the attack. Cologne’s engine, stretched a third line to protect the exposures. Several cylinders in the home (propane, oxygen, air conditioning) ruptured but caused no injuries. Cardiff was brought in as a FAST unit, and Laureldale Engine 1833 pumped into the Cologne engine. The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes. Also responding was the Hamilton Township Ambulance Squad. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
The volunteer fire companies of Germania and South Egg Harbor responded on November 23, 2013, to the corner of Cologne Avenue and Aloe Street for a report of a structure fire. Galloway Police arrived first and confirmed smoke showing which prompted the dispatch of the Pomona Volunteer Fire Company as RIT. The fire was brought under control quickly with fire damage to the interior and exterior of the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Responding were Germania (Station 26-2), South Egg Harbor (Station 26-5), Pomona (Station 26-3), Galloway EMS, Galloway PD, Galloway Township Fire Investigator, Atlantic City Electric. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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2-Alarmer Destroys Byram Twp. Home
Just after midnight on November 30, 2013, Sparta Dispatch received a call for a structure fire on Richmond Avenue in Byram Township. On arrival crews stretched a line in and started to knock down fire as a second alarm was dispatched. A tender task force was also requested due to the lack of hydrants. Crews encountered a lot of clutter in the home and could not get to the stairs before the fire made its way up and across the roof. The fire was brought under control within 90 minutes. The occupants were able to escape the blaze but suffered minor burns and were treated at a local hospital. Crews remained on the scene till early morning. Mutual aid units from Stanhope, Budd Lake, Andover, Newton, Hackettstown and Hopatcong assisted at the scene or in station coverage. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
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Civilian Injured in Pennsauken Blaze
Recently, a fire heavily damaged the interior of a 1-1/2 story duplex located on Drexel Avenue, in Pennsauken. An adult male was forced to jump from a rear bedroom window after the fire was discovered. First-due companies had heavy smoke showing on arrival and immediately went to the aid of the injured resident. The fire was knocked down in short order, The injured resident was taken to Cooper Hospital by Pennsauken EMS and then transferred to
Crozer Chester Burn Center where he was treated for substantial burns to the upper part of his body. Chief of Department Joe Palumbo placed the fire under control in 30 minutes. Firefighters were hampered by high winds and falling temperatures. Re-Hab 13 from the Deer Park Fire Company was called to the scene to assist and Squad 16 from Collingswood responded as the FAST unit. - Fire News photo by John Axford
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A Haddon Heights family was routed from their two-story home on 3rd Avenue on December 9, 2013, when fire broke out in the rear of the dwelling. First-due companies arrived to find fire showing from both the B and C sides. The companies made an aggressive interior attack with two 1-3/4 inch handlines. The fire traveled through the walls to the second floor causing serious damage to the home. Fire companies from Haddon Heights, Barrington, Audubon, Haddonfield and Bellmawr
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fought the blaze for 45 minutes before bringing the fire under control. ReHab 13 from the Deer Park Fire Company in Cherry Hill was called in to assist the firefighters with hot and cold drinks and shelter. Firefighting efforts were hampered due to the extremely heavy snowfall that occurred one day earlier. The family was rendered homeless. BLS Units from Haddon Heights, Barrington and Haddonfield stoodby at the scene. - Fire News photo by John Axford
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3-Day Fire in Jefferson Twp.
On December 28, 2013, around 1900, calls came in to the Jefferson Police for a brush fire in the area of School House Road. Units arrived but found cars burning in Sar’s Auto Wreckers Company. Mutual aid was called in as the yard became an inferno of hundreds of burning cars and piles of tires. Very quickly it was decided that a foam attack was needed and the Morris County foam task force was dispatched as well as a tender task force due to the lack of hydrants. Jefferson’s tower ladder was brought in along with a foam unit from Riverdale to work the main part of the fire, along with several handlines. The back side of the fire was covered by Budd Lake’s foam pumper and a foam tender from Picatinny Arsenal along with Parsippany’s foam tender. Crews continued to pour water and foam on the fire for the next 12 hours, then were replaced with fresh companies. Tankers and apparatus from 23 different municipalities responded to assist in fighting the fire and the township’s Office of Emergency Management as well as the county OEM were on scene. Morris County Haz-Mat was on scene to monitor air quality in the area. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
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Two Dead in Dorothy Vehicle Fire The Dorothy Volunteer Fire & Rescue Squad along with the City of Estell Manor Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to 10th and Cape May Avenues in Dorothy on December 31, 2013, for a report of a commercial motor vehicle fire with possible entrapment. Firefighters arrived on location to find a travel trailer on fire with one male on the ground being given CPR and a report of a second still inside. Dorothy EMTs quickly transported the male to Inspira Hospital in Vineland where he was pronounced DOA. Firefighters fought their way into the trailer and found the second victim, reported to be a woman. The New Jersey State Police and investigators from the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office are investigating the cause of the fire. The Milmay Volunteer Fire Company also responded with two engines. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Quick Work at Pequannock Blaze On the evening of December 25, 2013, the Pequannock Fire Department was sent to a fire in a home on West Parkway. The first-due company got into the house and extinguished a fire in the basement. The chief also requested EMS to the scene and a FAST unit from Pompton Lakes. There were no injuries and all units were cleared within the hour. - Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Page 16, Fire News, February 2014
2-Alarm All Hands in New Market
On December 16, 2013, New Market Fire Co. #1 was dispatched to Grandview Avenue for a fire in a two-car garage with attached structure. Upon arrival, Chief Lemire observed heavy fire bellowing from the garage and side A of the structure and requested an all-hands along with a second alarm. He also confirmed that all occupants were accounted for. Engine-1 was tasked with dropping the five-inch supply line from 500-feet away. Arbor, River Road and North Stelton arrived which allowed firefighters to attack the fire from sides A, B and D. Deputy Chief Bellina acted as Operations and Assistant Chief Previtera acted as Staging and Safety Officer. The fire broke through the fire wall on the second floor and traveled to a window on side-C. Conditions on the second floor deteriorated rapidly with heavy grey smoke pushing out and the OIC requested all interior crews to evacuate. After a short time, crews were able to bring the fire under control. Five companies, three rescue squads and 60 personnel responded; these included Arbor Hose Co. 1, Arbor Rescue, North Stelton, South Plainfield, North Stelton Rescue, Piscataway OEM, River Road, the Piscataway Fire Marshal’s Office and Police Department and Dunellen Rescue. - Fire News photos courtesy of Bill Lemire
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Pleasantville Wildlands Fire
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched to the area of the Pleasantville High School on December 1, 2013, for a report of a wildlands fire. Captain Scott Trythall and Engine 1 arrived to find a fire in an unoccupied double-wide. Capt. Trythall requested a full box assignment, a recall of all off-duty Pleasantville firefighters and mutual aid to the scene bringing firefighters from Farmington, Absecon, and Northfield. The double wide was packed with cardboard boxes and storage cabinets, posing a challenge for firefighters and creating a lengthy overhaul. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Responding were City of Pleasantville Fire Police and OEM, City of Absecon Fire Department (Station 8), Farmington (Station 15-4), City of Northfield Fire Department (Station 6), Atlantic City Airport Fire Department (Station 24-1), City of Ventnor Fire Department (Station 1-1), Atlanticare EMS. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
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Quick Work in Hackensack
On January 3, 2014, at 1149, members of the Hackensack 4th Platoon responded to Haynes Street on a telephone alarm. A full box assignment was dispatched. Deputy 4 reported smoke in the area and confirmed a well-involved garage fire detached from the house. Arriving companies attacked quickly bringing the fire under con-
trol within 15 minutes with no extension to exposures. Engines 1, 2, 4, and 5, Ladder 1 and Rescue 1 operated at the scene. No injuries were reported. Hackensack Fire Prevention handled the investigation. - Fire News photo by Brett M. Dzadik
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Rear-Ender in South EH Recently, South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Department unit 26-5 mitigated the scene and cleaned up the fluids from this rear-ender MVA. Three people were transported to Atlantic City Mainland Hospita in Gallowayl. - Fire News photos by Alan Dumoff
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MVA in Somers Point The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded on October 30, 2013, to the intersection of Route 9 and Groveland Avenue for a two-car motor vehicle crash. The drivers of the vehicles were transported to Shore Medical Center by SMC Medics after being treated on the scene. SPFD firefighters assisted the police by removing fluids from the roadway. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
Multi-Vehicle MVA in Cardiff The Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company responded to the intersection of Ridge and West Jersey Avenues on November 20, 2013, for a multi-vehicle crash with reported entrapment. All occupants self extricated but numerous BLS units responded to the scene as the crash involved three vehicles and numerous “walking wounded.� Firefighters stood by and mitigated the hazards, and the incident is under investigation by Egg Harbor Township Police. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Page 22, Fire News, February 2014
Carlstadt Fire Prevention Week On October 4, 2013, the Carlstadt Fire Department visited the Carlstadt Public School as part of the department’s Fire Prevention Week Activities. During this visit, children in the grades Pre-K through eighth were presented various fire safety tips. Carlstadt Fire Captain Henry Riveros led the presentation with a video, many fire safety tips were discussed, and students were given the opportunity to practice Stop, Drop and Roll, and Stay-Low and Go techniques. Every student was encouraged to bring these valuable tips to their home and discuss them with their families. - Fire News photos by Dan Eckert
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All In The Family
Rockaway Borough Fire Department has a long line of family history and lineage in the membership over the past 116 years, and still continues to this day with four active families in the department. (Left) Firefighter John D. Clark and his son, Firefighter Anthony D'Amico. First Assistant Chief Ron Hamman, Jr., his daughter Probationary Firefighter Tiffani Hamman, and son Firefighter Ron Hamman III. - Fire News photos by John D. Clark
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Camden IAFF Donates Food On December 5, 2013, members of the Camden County IAFF Local 3249 headed over the bridge to participate in the 93.3 Preston and Steve Campout for Hunger Event in South Philly. Funds provided by the union were used to purchase 10 bags of food for donation at the event. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Collingswood Swears in Mitten On December 2, 2013, Firefighter Harold Mitten was sworn into the Collingswood Fire Department. Firefighter Mitten fills the 17th position and is hired under the SAFER grant awarded to the department. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
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Page 26, Fire News, February 2014
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AC Electric Donates Smoke Alarms The Atlantic City Electric Company recently donated 200 smoke detectors to Atlantic County to be distributed to residents whose homes do not have them. Accepting for Atlantic County are City of Linwood Deputy Chief David Busby, Atlantic County Fire Marshal Harold “Whitey” Swartz, Mr. Ken Mosca making the presentation on behalf of Atlantic City Electric, and Bayview Volunteer Fire Company Chief Charles Macintosh. - Fire News photo by Harold Swartz
Operation Warm in Camden On December 18, 2013 members of the Camden County IAFF Local 3249 teamed up to participate in “Operation Warm,” a program that provides kids in need with a brand new winter coat. To date Operation Warm has provided over 1 million USmade coats to kids. The firefighters met at the Voorhees firehouse to separate and write a card for for each child. The coats were later delivered to a town in Camden County. Funds for the event were donated from the IAFF Local 3249 charities fund. More information about Operation Warm can be found at www.Operationwarm.org. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Demarest Tours FDNY Fireboat 343
Recently, members of the Demarest Fire Department were granted access to FDNY Fireboat 343, and their station. Special thanks to the FDNY Marine Division and the commissioner’s office. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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Fire News, February 2014, Page 27
Arbor, Possumtown Hold Engine Drill
The Arbor Hose Company #1 and the Possumtown Fire Companies Possumtown in District t#2 in Piscataway. Both companies run attended a recent engine company operations training drill at the mutual aid together. Arbor Engine 642 was used for pumping oper- Fire News photo by Anthony Fritz Piscataway Fire Training Grounds. Arbor is in District #3, and ations.
Page 28, Fire News, February 2014
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Guadagno Attends Council Banquet
Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, center, poses with NJSFAC President Howard Meyer and his wife, Sue Meyer, who serves as the organization's membership secretary.
(Left to right) NJSFAC Convention Committee Chair Dick Krane; Northern Area Vice President Cyndy Reardon; Treasurer Ken Weinberg; President Howard Meyer, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno; Central Area Vice President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr.; Executive Director Edward Jan Burdzy; and Southern Area Vice President Bryan Platt.
Moorestown’s Great Fire Escape Winner Moorestown's “Great Fire Escape Contest Winner,” is Owen Hang. The Moorestown Division of Fire Prevention contest is run annually and designed specifically for the second graders. This contest teaches the children how to be prepared, how to escape their home in case of a fire emergency, and where to go. All second graders are asked to submit preplanned Home Fire Escape drawings. With five elementary schools, each school has one winner, and one of the five is chosen as the grand prize winner, who is awarded a $200 savings bond and a ride on a fire truck in the Annual Moorestown Lions Club Christmas Parade that runs on the first Saturday in December. - Fire News photo by Robert J. Worrell
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Ladies Auxiliary Pictured right are the ladies from the Cardiff and Bargaintown Ladies Auxiliary of Egg Harbor Township Fire Department as they provide lunch and refreshments for firefighters training in the Heavy Vehicle Extrication Course on November 9, 2013. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
HVAC EMS Volunteers Win Outstanding Call Award
The New Jersey State First Aid Council (NJSFAC) recently awarded its Outstanding Rescue/Call of the Year Award to four members of the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps (HVAC) for their heroic efforts to save a
Valentina Miangolarra, Tyrone Huggins and crew chief Brandon Escobar — for braving the pelting rain, hurricane winds and treacherous, swift water that engulfed their ambulance in the darkness that night to save their patient. “At any given time they could have fallen through an open manhole, become tangled in live power lines that were down everywhere around them, struck by flying debris from the wind, or they could have drowned in the fastmoving water,” Molta said. “Yet they kept their composure in impossible conditions, and not only safely delivered their patient, but escaped their ordeal without injury. “These young volunteer EMTs demonstrated unusual courage and determination, and we shouldn’t allow their heroism to be overcardiac patient after their ambulance was looked,” Molta said. “They are a terrific examswamped during the height of Superstorm ple of their generation’s promise, and the value Sandy’s fury last year. of New Jersey’s volunteer EMS corps.” HVAC President Thomas F. Molta nominated the EMS crew members — Darmar Grant,
170 Years of Combined Service On December 8, 2013, the Garwood Fire Department held their Annual Christmas party at The Westwood. Three members were recognized for their many years of service to the Borough of Garwood and the Garwood Fire Department. William Severage, Jr., with 55 years; Arthur Schweitzer with 51 years; and Pat DiFabio with 64 years; for a total of 170 years of service. (Left to right) Chief Michael Tharaldesen; William Severage, Jr.; Pat Di Fabio; and Arthur Schweitzer.
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FISCAL YEAR 2014 OMNIBUS FUNDING BILL RELEASED; INCLUDES FUNDING FOR FIRE SERVICE PROGRAMS On Wednesday, January 15, 2014, the House approved H.R. 3547, the “Fiscal Year 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill.” The $1.1 trillion spending package funds the federal government through the end of the fiscal year. Included in the bill are funds for several programs of importance to the nation’s fire and emergency services. The Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program are each funded at $340 million in the bill. This is an increase of $2.5 million for each program over the Fiscal Year 2013 level. The bill also funds the United States Fire Administration (USFA) at $44 million, the same level as in Fiscal Year 2013, and rejects a proposal by the Administration to transfer the State Fire Training Assistance Grant from USFA to the Rescue System is funded at $35.18 million in FIRE Grant Program. The Urban Search and the spending measure, also the same amount the program received in Fiscal Year 2013.
19 SHOWS
WITH BONUS DISTRIBUTION JANUARY Issue
FDSOA - Lake Buena Vista, FL
FEBRUARY Issue
Lt. Andy Fredericks Memorial Seminar - Tarrytown, NY
MARCH Issue
LI Fire & EMS Mega Show - Uniondale, NY EMS Today - Washington, DC
MAY Issue
FDIC - Indianapolis, IN West Patterson Fire Show - Paterson, NJ CFSI Annual Dinner, DC
JUNE Issue
Harrisburg Fire Expo - Harrisburg, PA
JULY Issue
NYS Fire Chiefs - Turning Stone, NY Maryland State Firemen’s Convention - Ocean City, MD Delaware Fire Chiefs Expo New England Fire Chiefs - Springfield, MA
AUGUST Issue
FireHouse Expo - Baltimore, MD
SEPTEMBER Issue
IAFC - Chicago, IL FASNY - Albany, NY Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Conference - Dover, DE
OCTOBER Issue
NJ State Firemen’s Convention - Wildwood, NJ
NOVEMBER Issue
NYS Fire Districts - Ellenville, NY International Conference for Fire & Rescue Executives Boston, MA
* Trade Show Calendar Subject to Change
“The willingness of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to maintain funding for these important programs, and in the case of FIRE and SAFER grants increase funding, shows the commitment of our Congressional allies to America's firefighter,” said Bill Webb, CFSI’s Executive Director. “Because of the collective efforts of the nation’s fire and emergency services organizations, these programs continue to be successful and provide our first responders with the resources they need.” Currently the federal government is operating on a continuing resolution (CR) which funds the government through January 18, 2014. The omnibus spending bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to be approved before the CR expires. CFSI will continue to provide updates throughout the budget process.
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Up Close & Personal
Dorothy Fire & Rescue’s Bill Dayton, Sr., at the controls of Dorothy’s water tender during a fire that claimed two lives on New Year’s Eve day, 2013. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Pequannock Engine Co. 1 Firefighter Katey Young. - Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Lakota Harbor FF Rizzo at a January 7, 2014, fire. - Fire News photo by Michael Glenn
Weymouth Volunteer Firefighter Brenda Sharpe behind the wheel of Engine 1844, “her” engine, according to Chief John Carrigan. Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Robertsville Makes Upgrades to Santa Run
Bayview a Real Star The annual live Nativity scene at the Assumption School. The Bayview Volunteer Fire Department 26-4 company delivered the Star of Bethlehem to the crèche. - Fire News photo by Alan Dumoff
Santa Claus had fancy new transportation arrangements when he visited the residents of Robertsville Fire District #2 in Marlboro Township this year. Members of the Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company #1 took their Santa Run to a whole new level. Traditionally, they always enjoyed focusing Santa on a sleigh mounted on a trailer and pulled by their utility truck. Last year several members met and talked about how they could do it bigger and better. When all was said and done they had a brand new sleigh for Santa, complete with his very own recycled and functioning light bar. The sleigh features a bench for Santa to rest in and plenty of room for candy cane storage. Firefighters Chris D’Appuzzo and Kevin Tormey, with assistance, completed an incredible new set of reindeer with Rudolph leading the way - Fire News photo by Matt Spadaro
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One Good Turn … Santa, portrayed by Captain Carl Dye, Jr., could be seen on top of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #1 ladder truck making rounds through various neighborhoods and making a special stop in Cranbury Manor for a special girl. Meghan Lynch, 11, of East Windsor donated her Santa piggy bank which was filled with a little over $27 to the department when they were doing its annual fund drive in October. Santa stopped by her house to return the piggy bank and a few special gifts on December 15, 2013. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
Richland Sponsors Santa Express On December 17, 2013, the Richland Volunteer Fire Company, Station 12-1, sponsored 16 children and 16 adults to enjoy the Santa Starlight Express which is operated by the Cape May Seashore Lines Railroad. The children started out at the firehouse with a Christmas party and gifts and were then fastened into Richland’s fire engines for a trip to the train station at Richland Village. There, the children, their parents and firefighters boarded the train bound for Tuckahoe, accompanied by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves and a choir. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Richland Chief Anthony Monfredo gives out stockings with toys to the children.
Santa and Mrs. Santa talking with the children.
Children enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies at Richland’s fire station before the train ride.
Carolers singing Christmas Carols.
Santa and a family
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Santa - and the Marines - Come to Flanders Santa and the U.S. Marines arrived in Flanders to pick up toys from the Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad. - Fire News photo by Doug Fenichel
Collingswood FFs Provide Christmas for 25 On Christmas Eve, 2013, firefighters from Collingswood set out with Santa to deliver Christmas gifts to families in need. The department hosted its Third Annual Toy Drive which again proved to be a huge success. Funds were also provided by the Collingswood Volunteer Fire Company and the Camden County IAFF Local 3249. This year firefighters were able to provide gifts for 25 children. Santa was escorted on the decorated engine and placed the gifts under each tree along the way. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
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Breakfast with Santa The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company #4 of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County sponsored their annual Breakfast with Santa Claus and everybody stopped by to bring their wish list for new equipment for the upcoming year. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Talk About a Long Shift! The Garwood Fire Department once again escorted Santa through the borough. Santa’s lap was occupied for 10 hours so all could relay their Christmas lists! - Courtesy of the Garwood Fire Department
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Santa Comes to Flanders With sirens wailing to alert neighborhood children, Flanders Fire Company #1 apparatus drove Santa Claus up and down local streets, where he stopped to chat with children, pose for photographs and collect toys for the US Marines’ Toys for Tots program. The long-standing tradition netted lots of good photos and smiles along with 500 additional toys for the Toys for Tots program, bringing to about 1,100 the number of toys given to the program this year by Flanders firefighters and emergency medical technicians. - Fire News photo by Doug Fenichel
Santa Claus Comes to East Windsor The East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. #2 Santa, portrayed by David “Escko” Ortiz, stopped by its station to pay a special visit to the East Windsor Area Girl Scouts who were at the station participating in their EWAGS Winter Wonderland on December 21, 2013. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
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Obituary LODD: Hightstown Fire Police Lt. David Lidke Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 Fire Police Lt. David Lidke answered his final call on December 23, 2013. The funeral services were held at the firehouse where Lt. Lidke then took his final journey aboard a truck provided by Independent Fire Company #1 of Burlington Township as the department walked alongside through downtown Hightstown and past his home before reaching his final resting place at Cedar Hill Cemetery on December 31, 2013. Lt. Lidke is the latest name added to the US Fire Administration (USFA) website, making him the 100th firefighter who has fallen in the line of duty this year. - Fire News photos by Amy Batista
Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 Chief Larry Van Kirk presents the American Flag which draped Fire Police Lt. David Lidke’s coffin to his mother Susan Lidke and the Lidke family during the funeral service at Cedar Hill Cemetery. (Left to right: brother Mark Lidke, mother Susan Lidke, sister and Fire Officer Terri Lidke, and the Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary President Brenda Snook.)
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