VOLUME 8, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes OCTOBER 2013
Photo by Ted Aurig, story on page 6.
Never Forget, Always Remember September 11, 2001 – New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 3
In this issue... Grenade Found at Bergenfield Blaze A man and a woman die in a heavy Luke Street blaze. See story on page 13
Family Saved in Mays Landing Six people self extricated thanks to in-house alarms. See story on page 16
AC Expressway Fire Cardiff and Farmingville Departments respond to a car fire on the Atlantic City Expressway. See story on page 25
America’s 9-11 Ride Hightstown firefighters participate in the annual DC-to-WTC ride.
See story on page 41
Monmouth Firefighter Competition Monmouth County departments compete — and four departments vie in the Ladies Bucket Brigade. See story on page 51
Obits: Burdett, Henning, Morris Verona’s Merle W. Burdett, Pequannack’s Harry F. Henning and Demarest’s Richard “Ric” Morris pass. See story on pages 52, 53, 54
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 4, 5 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pages 34-38 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 44 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 51 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 52 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 54
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 2013, 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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Always Use Caution By the time you read this editorial, the anniversary of 9/11 will have passed. Many of you remember this horrible day first hand. Close your eyes and think of the horrific images that come to mind. I know I often stare at images of two majestic structures that were reduced to a pile of crushed concrete and twisted steel. When I talk to people who were part of the recovery effort, many remember something else, they remember the toxic smell. Yes, they remember the odor of the dust cloud that enveloped the World Trade Center site, which contained a lot of nasty substances. They have names such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), dioxins and asbestos. There were also manmade fibers, volatile organic compounds, silica, pulverized glass shards, alkaline concrete dust, lead, mercury and other heavy metals in the dust cloud over Ground Zero. These chemicals have one thing in common, they can all cause cancer. To date, this dust cloud continues to claim the lives of responders who worked in “The Pit.” The recent use of outlawed toxins in Syria, which killed a reported 1,500 civilians, including over 426 children, reminded me of my first Haz-Mat training class. During my class, it was drilled into me that chemicals can kill. In the case of the WTC attack, the chemical exposure keeps killing. During this class it was drilled into me that chemical attacks could be the wave of the future. The future is here. You must be cautious whenever you respond to calls. We must wake up and realize that all calls to which we respond have the potential risk of a chemical attack on first responders. Use caution when you respond to strange calls where multiple animals might have been found dead, strange odors prevail, and where things just don't look or feel right. Be sure to utilize your SCBA, especially during overhaul. Be sure to have your turnout gear cleaned by a professional company to make sure it stays free of toxins. Think about the kids who come to your firehouse on Fire Prevention Education Day and try on your gear. Are they being exposed to toxins from the last car fire you put out? Take all exposures to chemicals seriously. It doesn’t take much to keep your gear clean. Are you disinfecting your mask after each use? Learn from the responders who have lost their life after 9/11. Use caution when you are battling the modern day fire. …Dennis
ANNOUNCEMENTS 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Company announced that it will host a party and parade in honor of the organization’s 100th anniversary. The all-day event is scheduled for October 5, 2013, at the firehouse property on Sherman and Sheridan Avenues, 1100 1700. Interested vendors and collectors of antique fire trucks and apparatus are encouraged to visit the Fire Company’s website for more information and registration forms; www.shfd44.com, or contact Christopher J. Vaz, Parade Committee at christopherjvaz@aol.com or 732-604-9056, or Anthony E. Vaz, President, at aev47@aol.com or 732-236-5748.
WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER September 11, 2001
Fire News asks our readers to remember all of the heroes who perished and the many responders who saved countless lives on September 11, 2001. We would like to make sure that everyone who perished on that day is recognized and is in our prayers and thoughts. We also remember the 246 victims on the four planes, 2,606 victims in the towers and on the ground, and 125 victims at the Pentagon of which 55 were military personnel. We also pray for those that continue to fall as a result of that fateful day. Please continue to support those who gave all and continue to give all as a result of the most tragic day in America’s history.
ANNOUNCEMENTS ‘FIRE PARADE’ IS THE FIRE AND SAFETY SERVICE'S GIFT TO THE BURN FOUNDATION This year’s Burn Foundation’s Fundraiser at the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention is an image by nationally award-winning artist Joseph M. Getsinger titled, “Fire Parade.” The raffle tickets, only one dollar each, will be devoted to support the mission of the Burn Foundation to aid burn survivors in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The winners, who will be announced September 14 at 1300, have a chance at being one of the 25 winners who will receive a signed and numbered limited edition print or the one top prize — a large framed Giclee’ canvas print #1 signed by the artist and valued at $1,500. This image was five years in the making by the artist. Every year he would go to some point in the Fire Parade after the convention hoping to photograph that one image that would inspire him to create a painting. That inspiration didn't come until last year's parade where he chose to do a photo shoot at the end of the parade, and met Roy Burnham of Wildwood Fire Police (FP-3) working Fire-Police and directing the trucks, which finished the parade and had been judged. While the Fire-Policeman was standing in the roadway a young boy approached him, and Burnham put his arm on his shoulder and a “Rockwell,” moment occurred. The young boy had a “Never Forget” shirt on, an added touch, and they watched the parade with “Sparky” in the background. One of the trucks that approached at the time of this photo shoot was a 1986 Ford C-Series Suburban Pierce fire truck from Farmington Volunteer Fire Company out of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. It looked like a bright, clean and shiny red fire truck — one of many perfect for theme of the painting the artist wanted to create. Once the artist printed out the photographs and started laying out the design he wanted, he then contacted David Russell, President of Fire and Safety Services, Ltd., of South Plainfield, NJ. Fire and Safety Services, Ltd., and Pierce have been sponsors to the Burn Foundation and the artist since 2001, making this the 13th lucky year to have such a great sponsor. We hope that this can be a banner year for fundraising for the Burn Foundation since contributions are down and victims of burns are still occurring. We need to support the Burn Foundation and burn survivors, because, “There by the grace of God, go I.” We hope that it never happens to us or anyone we know, but the reality is, it does, and we are all in the type of business that it occurs more often and thus we need to support the Burn Foundation. Stop at the Burn Foundation booth at the convention and make a contribution for burn survivors. Meet the artist, Joseph Getsinger, who created “Fire Parade” and many other images to aid the Burn Foundation and burn survivors. SPECIAL FIRST TIME DEAL: Place a print order at the show, make your payment, get free shipping, and the artist will donate 50-percent of all sales for Friday and Saturday to the Burn Foundation.
MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN Upper Township Rescue will be holding a Motorcycle Poker Run on Saturday, September 28, 2013, to benefit the Upper Township Rescue Squad. Rain date is September 29. Registration is from 0930 to 1100 at Seaville Fire Hall, 36 Route 50 in Seaville. Riders are $15 and passengers $10. There will be a BBQ and Beer event at Seaville Fire Hall from 1400 to 1800 after the ride. There will be food, drinks, music and door prizes ($15 for BBQ only; $10 for kids six to 12 years old; children under six, free). Pre-register at www.UpperRescue.com.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS WTES FIRE & LIFE SAFETY OPEN HOUSE The WTES Fire & Life Safety Open House will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2013, and this year there will be a few new additions to the event. First, from 1500-1700 there will be a special Open House portion for the Senior Citizens in Westampton and other surrounding communities. Virtua Health will be on location with information on various health topics. Home Depot will also be there and will bring an array of safety products intended to help make senior’s homes safer from every type of hazard. From 1800-2100 the general public Open House for the residents of Westampton, Eastampton and other surrounding communities will take place. This year our theme will be “Through The Years II,” with fire apparatus dating back to the late 1800s to present day’s equipment. During the event children and parents will have the opportunity to learn about fire safety. The Kids Firefighter Challenge course, borrowed from the North Wildwood Fire Department will also be on hand. It includes a miniature pumping fire engine with a hoseline for the kids to use. Home Depot’s Kids Workshop will be at the event once again to help children build wooden fire trucks. The night will finish off with a fireworks display that will start at approximately 2110!
FALL FESTIVAL AND MOTORCYCLE POKER RUN & ANTIQUE FIRE TRUCK SHOW The Silverton Volunteer Fire Company will hold its 6th Annual Fall Festival/Motorcycle Poker Run and Antique Fire Truck Show on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The day begins with a 60 to 90-mile motorcycle/classic car Poker Run. Registration for the run is from 0900 to 1100 at the firehouse (15 Kettle Creek Road, Toms River). Donations are $20 per motorcycle, $10 for an additional passenger, and $20 per classic car or hot rod. Prizes will be awarded for the three best poker hands. A community festival will be held from 1100 to 1800, featuring music by local bands; all-day free inflatable children’s rides; food, beer and wine for sale; fire equipment displays; police canine and motorcycle unit demos; craft and community vendors; and a 2013 Harley Davidson Street Glide will be raffled off. Tickets for the drawing are $100 and only 300 will be sold. The raffle winner will be announced at 1700. For raffle call 732-255-3244 or e-mail station29@trfire.org. If you wish to be a community vendor, please contact me via e-mail at mcocco@trfire.org to secure your spot! Vendors are limited to space availability and business type. If you wish to make a donation for a door prize or other donation and for all other inquiries, please send them to station29@trfire.org. For more information visit www.svfc29.com
LAUREL LAKE OPEN HOUSE Laurel Lake Regional Fire Alliance will be holding their 1st. Annual Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at Lindenwold Memorial Park, 1000 United States Ave., Lindenwold. Rain date for the Open House will be Sunday, October 13, 2013. Hours are 1000 to 1300. Come meet your firefighters, play on the moon bounces, watch the Fire Is Fast video, learn about fire safety. Light refreshments will be served. There will be homework passes for attending and plenty of fun for the entire family. For more information or directions contact 856-346-0935 or visit www.lindenwoldfire.com.
TOWN BANK FD ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST Town Bank’s annual Oktoberfest will be held at the Cape May Airport (Erma, New Jersey) during the weekend of October 18-20, 2013, rain or shine starting at 1200 on Friday, October 18. There will be a DJ inside the tent along with many festive foods, drinks, souvenir mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts and a host of other themed vendors. At 1830, Fuzzy Bone will be playing live on stage until 2130. Saturday, October 19 will be the official start of the festival, with the area and tent open from 0900 to 2200. Saturday will include the delightful sounds of the Shannon Vail Duo, Duffy String Band and Get Down Daddy inside the tent, as well as the intertwined sounds of our DJ. Any questions call 609-780-5242.
TIN HELMETS AND IRON MEN Bob Bartosz was the official photographer of Camden County since 1954. And his book, Tin Helmets and Iron Men, will delight fire buffs and is a must for any fire history collector’s shelf. The son of Carl and Ethel Bartosz, Bob’s early years were spent in East Camden. He was already shooting pictures for area newspapers when he graduated from Camden County Vocational School in Pennsauken in 1954. Bob Bartoz, Bob Dolan, and a several other men interested in the fire service in Camden founded the South Jersey Fire Buffs in the mid-1950s. The group aided Rev. William Gwynne of the Volunteers of America in operating a mobile canteen to assist Camden fire fighters. Bob Bartosz married his wife Pat on February 15, 1958, and Bob Dolan was his best man. Bob Bartosz worked as a photographer for the Philadelphia Bulletin, and from 1959 until his retirement in 1982, for the Camden Courier-Post. He worked as a Camden County Park Police Officer for 10 years in the 1960s. Besides his over 50 years of service as the official fire photographer for Camden County, he has over 40 years of service to Camden itself, having been appointed official fire photographer for the Camden City Fire Department in 1964. He is an honorary battalion chief for Camden City Fire Department, and also assisted in getting the Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund launched. Bob, now 76, retired from shooting and moved to South Carolina, but some of the images he took have been collected in his book, Tin Helmets and Iron Men: Philadelphia Fires from the 50s, 60s and 70s. If you're a fire and history buff then you'll want this book. Bob is offering a special show price of $28.95 for the books. Send a check or money order (you can also pay via PayPal) Bob Bartosz, 599 Wendover Lane, Battleboro, NC 27809. He may also be contacted at 252-446-1962; e-mail: civilwasbnp@gmail.com.
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@firenews.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.
LIGHTS YOU CAN SEE, LIGHTS YOU CAN AFFORD
93RD ANNUAL SUSSEX FIREMEN'S PARADE The Franklin Fire Department of Sussex Co., will be hosting the 93rd Annual Sussex County Firemen's Association Inspection Day and Parade on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 1300. This celebrates 100 years — 1913-2013 — as Franklin Borough, Inc. Festivities end at the Firemen's Memorial Park where refreshments will be available. If you have any questions, contact Joe Limon 973-262-1516.
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Page 6, Fire News, October 2013
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All-Hands Blaze in Bellmawr
On August 12, 2013, Bellmawr crews were called to a blaze at a Walnut Avenue address. Companies arrived and made an aggressive interior attack with two 1-3/4 inch lines bringing the fire under control in 20 minutes. The fire displaced three residents who were being assisted by the Red Cross. The preliminary cause of the fire appeared to be an improperly used extension cord. On-scene mutual aid came from Runnemede, Gloucester City and Mt Ephraim. - Fire News photos (left, top and bottom) by Ted Aurig, photo top right courtesy Jim Burleigh, Sr.
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Early Morning Blaze in Merchantville Early on August 23, 2013, the Camden County Alarm Room received calls reporting a fire in an upstairs apartment located on South Center Street in downtown Merchantville. An early arriving fire officer reported visible fire showing from the second floor of a two-story taxpayer with apartments above, and transmitted an all-hands, bringing Pennsauken Station's 11-1, 11-3, Air Cascade 11-4 and a RIT Team from neighboring Maple Shade. First-due apparatus from Sta. 12-9 deployed a blitz line and knocked down a good portion of the fire. As searches began for occupants in other apartments on the second floor, follow-up hose teams knocked down the remaining fire. All fire was extinguished within 15 minutes but extensive overhaul was needed. One Merchantville firefighter received a minor injury and four civilians were displaced (Red Cross assisted). ReHab 13-8 from Deer Park Fire Company. was also called to the scene. Pennsauken EMS and Virtua MICU also assisted at the scene. - Fire News photos by John Axford
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Four-Alarmer in Irvington
On August 18, 2013, Irvington Fire Department received multiple calls for a fire in a one-story commercial building on Coit Street. Second and third alarms were sounded for heavy fire throughout the interior. Companies set up for a defensive attack using four ladder pipes, four deck guns and multiple ground monitors and handlines. A fourth alarm was requested for manpower as the fire took over three hours to get under control. Firefighters were hampered by the large amount of plastic stored in the building. At least one FF was injured (non-life threatening) and units remained on the scene through the night and following day. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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Lightning Strikes in Landisville
The volunteer fire companies of Landisville and Minotola along with the Forest Grove Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to South Laurel Street in Landisville on August 1, 2013, for a house that was struck by lightning. The lightning initially struck two trees in the rear, then jumped to a glass top patio table blowing the glass out, then traveled down a lawn chair which had a dog leash tied to it. The lightning then traveled across the leash to the home, up to the dryer vent, into the dryer, then into the electrical system, blowing the outside lamp off the back of the house with an ensuing fire. The fire was brought under control quickly with smoke damage to the home. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Lightning Striking Again ‌
Recently crews from Collingswood, Westmont, Camden City and Gloucester City companies arrived at a three-story Victorian with a hole in the roof from a lightning strike. The attic was checked for extension with negative results. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
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Boat Fire in Bargaintown Driveway
Quick Work in Palmyra
The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company responded to 1 Old Zion Road on August 5, 2013, for a report of a boat explosion. Assistant Bargaintown Chief William Hancock arrived and assumed command and due to the amount of fire in the boat and garage he requested a response by the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company. Command had first-due Bargaintown Engine 1522's crew pull the front bumper discharge for the foam educator. The fire was knocked down quickly. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the EHTFD Fire Official and the Major Crimes Investigator from the EHT Police Department. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
On August 13, 2013, crews were called to Highland Avenue in Palmyra. Unit 8091 arrived to heavy smoke from the rear of a 11/2 story, single-family dwelling. Engine 2021 arrived, stretched a 1-3/4 inch handline and Ladder 2415 started with ventilation. Command placed the fire under control at approximately the 30minute mark. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photo by Robert Chester
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Car Fire Doused Before Two Dead - and Grenades Found - in Bergenfield Propane Goes Off
The Cologne Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched for a vehicle fire on July 3, 2013, to Harding Highway in the Cologne section of the township. Cologne Chief Shawn Vallauri, arrived at the Pleasant Valley Farm to find a 16-foot box truck fully involved and parked next to a large barn with propane tanks. Station 18-1 Mays Landing and Station 18-3 Laureldale were called to the scene. Cologne Assistant Chief Paul Gramm arrived and staged at the end of the long narrow drive. Mays Landing Tender 1819 arrived and stretched a 1-3/4 line to extinguish the truck fire while other units checked for extension to the exposures. None was found. Hamilton Township Police and Hamilton Township Rescue Squad assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
On the morning of June 2, 2013, Bergenfield Fire Department responded to a reported house fire with possible entrapment on Luke Street. On arrival heavy fire was showing from front windows and a second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. Companies immediately started an aggressive attack and search, and removed an elderly woman from the home; she succumbed from her injuries at the hospital. During the secondary search the woman’s adult son was found dead inside the home. During overhaul, old grenades were located inside, and a third alarm was requested for relief and for the Bergen County Bomb Squad. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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Cardiff House Fire On July 17, 2013, the volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington were dispatched to Patriot Walk for a reported structure fire. EHT Police arrived first and reported smoke showing from the second-floor window of a twostory, wood frame, single-family dwelling. Assistant Cardiff Chief Steven Sear established command. Cardiff Engine 1516’s crew stretched a handline to the second floor where the crew found a small fire in a bedroom that was quickly extinguished. Due to the high humidity of the day and the need for extensive overhaul, command rotated firefighters frequently. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Possible Arson at Fire Station #1 Blaze On August 5, 2013, the volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Black Horse Pike — next to Station 1 — for a structure fire. The cook at the restaurant next door noticed smoke coming from the station. A Cardiff firefighter working across the street started pulling out apparatus and radioed in a working fire. Additional firefighters arrived and extinguished a fire in the kitchen. Command requested the EHTFD Fire Official, and EHT Police Major Crimes Unit. A possible subject was reported leaving the scene on a bicycle. No damage was sustained to apparatus, but the building had extensive smoke damage. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Family Saved in Mays Landing Fire Recently, the volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Cologne were initially dispatched to a Chancellor Park Drive address for a structure fire. Car 1810, Mays Landing Chief John Sauerwald, was advised by dispatch of multiple calls and was also dispatching the Laureldale Volunteer Fire Company. Car 1810 arrived to find a two-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling with fire through the roof. Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company was requested for RIT. There were six occupants in the structure who escaped
after being alerted by the home’s smoke detectors. While exiting, a six-year old boy suffered a broken arm and was transported to the hospital by the Mays Landing Rescue Squad. Hamilton Township Police cleared the buildings on the Bravo and Delta exposures, which were suffering exterior heat damage. After an aggressive exterior attack, the fire was knocked down and placed under control within one hour. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Two People Self-Rescue in East Camden Blaze
On August 6, 2013, at around 2145, a fire broke out in an occupied building in East Camden. Two people were in the building but jumped to safety and were both transported to the hospital. The fire was placed under control at approximately 1050. - Fire News photos by Robert Macom
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Major Blaze in Port Republic
The City of Port Republic Volunteer Fire Department in Atlantic County, along with the Oceanville Volunteer Fire Company from Galloway Township, were dispatched on August 5, 2013, to Old New York Road in Port Republic for a structure fire in a two-story wood frame dwelling with attached two-car garage fully involved. Port Republic Chief John Yochim immediately requested Atlantic County Water Tender Task Force A, bringing apparatus from throughout Atlantic, Burlington, Ocean and Cape May counties. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the structure was lost. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Five Injured in Buena Vista MVA The volunteer fire companies of Newtonville and Collings Lakes along with Buena Vista EMS were dispatched at approximately 1145 hours on July 30, 2013, to Route 54 in the area of Leghorn Road for a reported motor vehicle crash. Collings Lake Ambulance and Collings Lakes Engine 12-31 arrived to find a vehicle overturned off the highway with five occupants involved and one ejected. Due to the number of patients, mutual aid ambulances were requested, as well as an Air Ambulance. Four patients were transported by ground, with one flown to the Atlantic City Trauma Center. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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MVA Takes Down Wires in Somers Point
The City of Somers Point Volunteer Fire Department responded to the intersection of Shore Road and Maryland Avenue on August 4, 2013, for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Firefighters arrived to find a single-vehicle crash with the person trapped inside and the car ensnared in downed live wires and a live transformer. Command requested Atlantic City Electric to the scene with an expedited response, and had to wait until the electric company cut the power before beginning a rescue. The lone occupant was removed from the vehicle and transported by Shore Medical Center EMS to the nearby Shore Medical Center. The crash is under investigation by Somers Point Police. - Fire News photos by Carl Crossman
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Trailer Fire Knocked Out Quickly
At 1155 on August 7, 2013, the Cherry Hill Fire Department was called out for a fire at a single-wide mobile home on Farreell Avenue. The mobile home park had narrow single-lane access. Two 1-3/4 inch lines were placed in service and the members entered the mobile home and began a primary search. The bulk of the fire was knocked down quickly and ventilation begun. The fire was placed under control by Battalion Chief Montrel Haldeman within 15 minutes. There were no injuries but the family was displaced. - Fire News photos by John Axford
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AC Expressway Fire Doused
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington respond- highway which was quickly contained by Cardiff Engine 1516. New ed to Milepost 8 westbound on the Atlantic City Expressway at Jersey State Police investigated the cause of the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe approximately 1715 on August 19, 2013, for a report of a vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a car on fire on the shoulder of the
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Route 22 Car Fire On July 3, 2013, the North Branch and Green Knoll fire departments were dispatched to the area of Route 22 West by Milltown Road in Bridgewater for a reported car fire with possible injuries. Upon arrival of North Branch Chief Hickson, an SUV was found fully involved with two people on the side of the road who had escaped the vehicle without injury. North Branch engine 49-108 arrived with a full crew and quickly knocked down the blaze. The entire incident took less than 20 minutes and had very little impact on traffic. - Fire News photo by David Hickson
Bargaintown Handles GSP MVA/Fire The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company responded on July 14, 2013, to a reported MVA and fire on the Garden State Parkway at mile marker 33.8 north. Initial tone out advised that there was heavy fire in the engine compartment. Egg Harbor Township Police arrived first and advised an alternate response direction because of the location. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Hancock was the first unit to arrive confirming a fully involved Jeep. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe was next on scene, followed by Engines 1523 and 1522, Tanker 1528 and Engine 1526. All vehicles cleared the scene at 12:29. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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When a Bus is Not a Bus Recently, an accident initially reported as overturned bus, had firefighters concerned about a mass casualty incident. The reported bus was a smaller Mercedes bus that was on the Garden State Parkway at mile marker 25.9 northbound when it went into a 200 foot slide before coming to a rest on its side. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Tools Ready to Go But Not Needed The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff were dispatched for their hydraulic tools on August 8, 2013, for a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Mill Road. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe was notified the person in the car had self extricated, as he responded. Firefighters stood by until the vehicle was uprighted and removed from the scene. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Ambulance Involved in MVA The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company responded at 0042 on July 11, 2013, to the intersection of Tilton and Delilah Roads for a MVA with entrapment. Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arrived first and advised responding Chief Leonard Tilley the crash involved a civilian vehicle with an Atlanticare Ambulance and the paramedics were requesting a double door and B-post removal. Chief Tilley arrived and assumed command and radioed responding Rescue 1547 to put into service a spreader and a cutter. The civilian was extricated quickly and was transported by Absecon EMS to the trauma center. The cause of the crash is under investigation by EHT Police. Assisting at the scene: Absecon EMS, Galloway EMS, Egg Harbor Township EMS, Atlanticare Paramedics. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Absecon MVA The City of Absecon Emergency Services was dispatched to the intersection of Woodland and Chelsea Avenues on June 17, 2013, for a report of a motor vehicle crash with entrapment. Units arrived to find a vehicle on its side. Its occupants were transported by Absecon EMS to the Atlanticare Trauma Center. Absecon Police investigated the cause of the crash. - Fire News photo by James Logan
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Up Close & Personal
Members of Surf City Engine 4941 after a pump drill. - Fire News photo by Kate Young
Have Hose, Will Travel! Members of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company #4 stood by at the quarters of the Bayview Volunteer Fire Company in Galloway Township while they assisted their brother and sister firefighters on a working fire in Oceanville on August 17, 2013. This was the same crew that went to Port Republic on August 5, 2013. While on standby they responded to a reported structure fire for which they were first in. Their motto: "Anytime, Baby!" - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 35
Up Close & Personal
Closter Fire Department Firefighters Myron Radowych (left) and Sean Foley man a handline defending their new tower ladder at their wetdown in June 2013. - Fire News photo by Joseph Fortunato
Members of the Township of Hamilton, Atlantic County, Underwater Rescue and Recovery Unit. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Up Close & Personal
Members of the Wayne Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Members of West Milford Fire Department with Tanker 5 at a wetdown. - Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Wayne Fire Department Company 1 member John Smedile sets up Tower Ladder 1 for an overhead attack at the Wayne Fire Co. 2 and Wayne Township FAS wetdown. - Fire News photo by Joseph Fortunato
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Up Close & Personal On August 5, 2013, Robert Fox was promoted to Captain of the Collingswood Fire Department. The mayor swore in the new captain at the town meeting in front of department members, friends and family. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
The Wrecking Crew! Members of The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company #4 of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department take a well deserved break during the all hands in Port Republic on August 5, 2013, after tearing down the garage wall in an effort to open up. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Vernon Wetdown Recently, the Vernon Fire Company held a wetdown for two new pieces of apparatus. The first, a KME pumper and the second a Pierce Rescue truck. Surrounding towns came by and christened the new trucks and a great time was had by all. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
Flanders Decon Drill Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad firefighters and EMTs at a decontamination drill, in which members of Cub Scout Pack 47played victim. Drill. Above: FF Tyler Wargo and EMS Lt. Mayra Garcia don special protective suits and breathing apparatus before entering the “hot zone” to “rescue” the children. Right: Lt. Garcia uses a hose to wash Jared Welsch, 6. - Fire News photos by Doug Fenichel
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Lakehurst 100th
The Lakehurst Fire Department recently celebrated their 100th anniversary by holding a parade and celebration at the firehouse. A dozen departments participated in the parade that went through downtown Lakehurst and concluded at the department’s firehouse. Judging was held on the apparatus and trophies were given including Chief’s Choice and Mayor's Choice of best appearing truck.
There was also a “bouncy house” for the kids, live entertainment, a beer garden and food truck vendors that provided different styles of cuisine. Congratulations to the Lakehurst Fire Department on 100 years of service and for the many more to come. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
Wetdown in Wayne
On August 24, 2013, Wayne Fire Company #2 and Wayne Memorial First Aid and Rescue Squad held a wetdown for their new ambulances and Engine 2-2. Wayne EMS dedicated three new ambulances — an Asap six-wheel-drive all-terrain ambulance, a high-capacity vehicle for rehab and mass evacuations (part of the NJ EMS Truck Force) and an International ambulance. Surrounding towns came by and christened the vehicles and the highlight was the water assault by the other Wayne fire companies. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 41
America’s 9/11 Ride
America's 9/11 Ride made its way from D.C. to the World Trade Center through Hightstown and under the flag draped from Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1 and East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 on August 17, 2013, during the annual ride to pay tribute to those lost on 9/11. Departments from all over the East Coast from Maine to Georgia rode. It was estimated more than 600 riders participated this year. - Fire News photos by Amy Batista
Hightstown Engine Co. No.1 color guard.
Left to right, front: Captain Steve Kadir, FF Victor Raczka, FF Richard Mastriano and FF Chuck Pietzsch. Left to right, back: Chief Larry Van Kirk, FF Matt Screws and Fire Police Marlin Mortimer in the background.
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Lanoka Harbor Drill
The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department recently held a drill on a structure that was donated to them by the homeowner, before tear down. Members of the department practiced their ventilation skills on the roof and practiced gaining entry to a structure and interior searches for victims. Participating in the drill along with Lanoka Harbor was Lanoka Harbor First Aid and Lacey Township Underwater Rescue Recovery Team. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 43
Foam=Fun at Closter Wetdown
The Closter Fire Department held a wetdown for their new Tower Ladder 769 and Engine 761 on June 30, 2013. Surrounding communities came by to christen the new apparatus. One of the day’s highlights was Oradell Fire Department’s foam unit. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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Guns and Hoses in Egg Harbor
In support of National Night Out on August 6, 2013, the Egg Harbor After the game, both the firefighters and policeman gave demonTownship Fire Department challenged the Egg Harbor Township strations and handed out safety messages. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe Police Department to a softball game titled “Guns vs. Hoses.� The game went into extra innings with the Guns prevailing in the end.
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Two Alarmer in Oradell
On August 2, 2013, the Oradell Fire Department responded to a working house fire on Elm Street. Heavy smoke was showing on arrival of the first officer and a second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene. "Coliers Mansion" conditions hindered the fire attack but aggressive firefighting quickly had the fire knocked down in under 20 minutes. (Photo left) New Milford Lt. John Stormer post operations. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 47
ACFA Competition
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their annual firefighters competition on August 10, 2013, at the Atlantic County 4-H Fairgrounds. The competition involved hose rolling, “Midnight Alarm,� donning SCBA, connecting hose lines, stretcher carry, and a water rocket fight that was won by the Laureldale Volunteer Company who went 5-0! The overall winner was the Germania VFC (again!) with second place going to the Laureldale firefighters. After the events, the trophies were presented by ACFFA 1st Vice President Ellsworth Ott. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Atlantic County 4-H Fair
Several emergency service organizations came out in support of the Atlantic County 4-H Youth Association and posted displays at the annual Atlantic County 4-H Fair August 8-10, 2013. The Atlantic County Firefighters Association sponsored a display in conjunction with the NFPA's 2013 Fire Prevention Week theme targeting cooking fires in the home. And, since all kids love fire trucks, plenty were on hand! The Township of Hamilton's Underwater Recovery Team sponsored a booth to display their equipment and apparatus. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Collingswood Night Out
On August 6, 2013, the Collingswood Fire and Police Departments hosted the 2nd Annual Night Out. Firefighters from Collingswood, Westmont, and Pennsauken participated in the event with exhibits, demonstrations and giveaways. The event, as it did last year, brought a large number of residents from the borough out for the night. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 51
Monmouth Firefighter Comp
Firefighters from departments throughout Monmouth County once again met in Colts Neck for the annual Monmouth County Firefighter Competition. Teams competed in a variety of events such as Hose Laying, Hose and Ladder, Busted Hose and Water Polo. Every now and then an occasional water fight broke out between the teams. Four departments had teams competing in the Ladies Bucket Brigade. (Photo left) Brian Haas, 4th generation firefighter, is stretching the replacement line in the Broken Hose event. - Fire News photos by Craig Haas
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Obituary
Last Call for Beloved Verona Chief
Ex-Chief Merle W. Burdett of Verona passed away in on July 23, 2013. Merle joined the Verona Fire Department in August 1948 after serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Pine Island in the Pacific during WWII. He served as Engine Company 1 lieutenant and captain in the 1950s before being elected the department assistant chief from 1957 to 1958. He was elected as chief for 1959-1960. Merle retired from regular membership and became a Life Member in 2007. He was a Life Member of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association and New Jersey Exempt Firemen's Association. Merle also was a member of the Verona Rescue Squad for 45 years. Merle was a true asset to the town of Verona through his many years of dedicated service to the community and that sense of volunteering has been passed down to his son, Larry, a two time ex-chief with over 35 years on the department. You will be missed, Merle. - Fire News photos by Tina Caridad
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FIRE RESEARCH CORP. ANNOUNCES ERIC DOTY AS NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER Fire Research Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of Eric Doty as Northeast Regional Sales Manager. Based in Elmira, New York, Eric will be working with distributors and OEMs from Maine to Virginia. Eric served four years in the Air Force and has a bachelors degree in engineering from Northern Arizona University. He has 26 years experience working with customers as a field engineer, technical trainer, sales representative and regional sales manager. For nine years Eric worked in the fire service industry and looks forward to reconnecting with all the customers and friends that he has made over the years. When Eric is not working he enjoys spending time with family and participating in outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, four wheeling, hunting and fishing.
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Fire News, October 2013, Page 53
Obituary
Ex-Chief Henning Passes
The Pequannack Township. Fire Company 1 mourned the passing throughout the community. Harry will never be forgotten. Thank of ex-Chief Harry F. Henning. Henning had served as a member of you for your many years of loyal service, Harry. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton the fire department for over 73 years and was one of the founding members of the department. He was well known and respected
Page 54, Fire News, October 2013
Obituary
Demarest’s Richard Morris Passes Recently, the Demarest Fire Department said a sad farewell to one of its members — Richard “Ric” Morris, a 40plus year member who rose from a junior fireman through the ranks to chief in 1987-88. He was a life member and past president of the fire association. On August 19, 2013, fire department personnel held their memorial service at the funeral home for Ric. More than 150 fellow firefighters attended the wake. He was interred on August 20, 2013, answering his final alarm with his fellow firefighters in a procession that passed his childhood home, present home and the firehouse. Ric was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing. Donations in Ric’s name can be made to the John Theurer Cancer Center, 92 2nd Street, Hackensack, NJ 07921. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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