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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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Tenafly Firefighters B attle Heavily Involved House Fire

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Intense Fifth-Alarm in Paterson PATERSON, NJ - On Sunday, February 23rd, a raging fire tore through three multi-family homes in Paterson, leaving about 45 resi dents homeless, but causing no se rious injuries. Just before 5:00 P.M., a full re sponse was sent to 491 Totowa Ave. A “smoke in the area” transmission was quickly updated to “transmit the second and third alarms” as the Battalion arrived. Flames were showing from the rear of three two and three-story frame stmctures, with residents still exiting and pos sibly some trapped. Crews made a push inside to make a search. Everyone was confirmed out and accounted for. A heavy ember prob lem was starting small fires across the street and threatening additional exposures. Multiple lines were stretched and two tower ladders were set up. Conditions continued to deteriorate and by 5:15 PM ., all members were

TENAFLY, NJ - Firefighters battled a heavily involved house fire that severely damaged the home and sent one resident to the hospital around noon on February 27th. At 11:44 A.M., multiple calls were received for a house fire at 12 Cameron Rd. While enroute. Chief 510 reported a column of smoke and requested the working fire as signment to be filled out. Once on scene, command reported a twoand-a-half-story frame with heavy fire showing from the front of the house. Command advised the first due engine to hit the hydrant and go into service with their deck gun. Engine 2 arrived shortly after and

Jump t o f il e #022725103

went into service with their deck gun, knocking down a bunch of the fire. Firefighters reported water problems from the hydrant and had to stretch additional lines to secure a water supply. During this time, the rear of the house became heav ily involved and spread to the sec ond-floor and attic. Englewood Truck and Dumont Rescue arrived on scene to assist with fire suppres sion. (Three) one-and-three-quarter-inch hand lines were stretched

to the rear and front of the house to knock down the heavy fire condi tions. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down, crews entered the home for an interior attack. Fire fighters chased pockets of fire throughout the house for an hour before the fire was placed under control. One resident was trans ported to the hospital with smoke inhalation and bums. No additional injuries were reported. The arson investigator was requested to the scene, and the cause is under inves tigation.

- CHRIS TOMPKINS

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withdrawn and operations went de fensive. The two tower ladders went into operation on the “A” side along with multiple lines in both the front and the rear yards. A fourth-alarm was sounded to assist with water supply at 5:30 P.M. Conditions stabilized as the flames were held to the three stmc tures. A fifth-alarm for manpower was called as crews were rotated. Fire crews remained at the scene throughout the night as many hot spots continued to bum. The Red Cross was on the scene to assist those displaced. One firefighter was transported to Saint Joe’s for a bum injury. No serious injuries were re ported. The cause is under investi gation.

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 32 No. 3 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $48 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmas ter: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ard more Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except o f reprinting that part o f the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the at tention o f the newspaper during the same month o f publi cation. Printed in Canada. A d iv is io n of:

MASON CAMPBELL

(Lto R): PJ Farrell-Campbell Supply Service Director, Ryan BaileyCampbell Supply Sales Manager, Clinch Valley VFD Chief David Strong-Clinch Valley VFD Assistant Chief Jason Hagreen, Mike Sassi-Old Bridge Fire District 3 Commissioner, Bob Verney-Old Bridge Fire District 3 Chief Administrator, Scott Campbell-Campbell Supply President, John Craft-Campbell Supply Vice President & CFO, Nick Raymond-Campbell Supply Service Manager for Emergency Equipment.

New Life for an Old Engine Engine 322, known fondly as "22," had a distinguished 32 years of service in South Old Bridge and the surrounding towns. Pur chased in 1992 by the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire Dis trict #3 in Old Bridge, it became a trusted workhorse for the local fire service. However, in 2024, after three decades of service, it was time for 322 to retire and make way for a new engine. A 2025 Spartan fire engine, 322. But as the old engine made its way out, a new chapter was being written for 322. After the devasta tion caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024 in North Car olina and Tennessee, the Board of Fire Commissioners felt a deep sense of compassion and looked into the possibility of donating 322 to a fire department in need in those affected regions. Though 322 had seen better days, it still had potential, albeit requiring some tender loving care and minor repairs. With the help of the M iddle sex County OEM Director Jack Kramer, Old Bridge Fire District 3 was able to get in touch with Bill Killen of the America’s First Responders Foundation. Bill was able to get the two organizations together on conference calls and the arrangements were finalized. This is where Scott Campbell, President of the Campbell Supply Company, came into the scenario. Campbell Supply, a family-owned business in South Brunswick, New Jersey, is a premier dealer-

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ship for commercial and emer gency vehicles. The Board of Fire Commissioners and Campbell Supply got together and came to an agreement to get the necessary repairs done to Engine 322 so it could continue its mission in the storm-ravaged areas of Tennessee. With repairs completed by Campbell Supply, Chief David Strong and Assistant Chief Jason Hagreen of the Clinch Valley Vol unteer Fire Department in Eidson, Tennessee, traveled to Campbell Supply in South Brunswick to pick up their "new" fire engine and drive it back to Tennessee. This collaboration ensured that the old 322 would carry on serv ing a community, though in a dif ferent state, continuing its legacy. Congratulations to the Clinch Valley Volunteers! A special thanks go to the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #3 in Old Bridge for their thoughtful donation, and a heartfelt acknowl edgment to Scott Campbell and the entire team at Campbell Sup ply for their professionalism, gen erosity, and philanthropy in making this possible. Through this donation, 322 has found new life, showing that even in retirement, a piece of equipment can continue to serve communities and save lives.

MARTY PELTA

The Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corps held its annual instal lation dinner at Season's Restaurant in Washington Township on January 11,2025. The following members were elected to serve on the Executive Board for the year 2025, from left, Trustee Dara Mul lens, Trustee Gilda Linden, Corresponding Secretary Katrina Szeto, Treasurer Kathleen Prestigiacomo, Recording Secretary Baruch Murkoff, Vice President/Assistant Chief Steve Buskiewicz and returning President/Chief Dave Epstein.

ACTION SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

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Paterson Deputy Chief Andrew Ricciardi commands the scene of a five-alarm blaze on February 23rd.

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emergency responders lost in the line of duty

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California: Timothy Hall, 59 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: September 23, 2024 Death Date: September 23, 2024 Fire Department: West Sacramento Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, September 23, 2024, Fire Engineer Timothy Hall suffered a medical emer gency during a fire department training exercise. He was immediately transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Fire Engineer Hall was also a vol unteer member of the Clarksburg Fire Protection Dis trict. Georgia: Leon Davis, 69 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27, 2024 Fire Department: Blackshear Fire Department Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, As sistant Chief Leon Davis responded to the scene of a downed powerline that was on fire. When he was leav ing the incident a tree fell on the cab of his fire depart ment pickup truck, killing him instantly.

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South Carolina: Chad Satcher, 53 Rank: Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27, 2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Chief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hurri cane Helene when a tree fell on the cab of their fire ap paratus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. South Carolina: Cale Bodie, 18 Rank: Probationary Firefighter Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27, 2024 Fire Department: Saluda County Fire Service Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Chief Chad Satcher and Probationary Firefighter Cale

Bodie were responding to a structure fire during Hur ricane Helene when a tree fell on the cab o f their fire apparatus. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Massachusetts: Jason Gould, 46 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: June 19, 2016 Death Date: September 8,2024 Fire Department: Brockton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Sunday, June 19, 2016, Fire fighter Jason Gould was rescuing a woman from an apartment fire when his mask was knocked off. When his mask became dislodged, he took in a large amount of smoke and suffered lung damage. After his retirement in 2023, Firefighter Gould received two lung transplants. On Sunday, September 8,2024, he passed away due to complications from another lung procedure, directly re lated to the incident that occurred in June of 2016. North Carolina: Tony Ray Garrison, 51 Rank: Battalion Chief Incident Date: September 27, 2024 Death Date: September 27,2024 Fire Department: Fairview Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. Initial Summary: On Friday, September 27, 2024, Bat talion Chief Tony Ray Garrison was assisting in the res cue of victims of a landslide during the response to Hurricane Helene, when a second landslide occurred. He passed away from the injuries sustained in this incident. Battalion Chief Garrison also served with the Garren Creek Fire Department.

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

HOLIDAYS ARE REGULAR DAYS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS UPS &

DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers

Holidays are no different than any other day for volunteer and ca reer first responders. Volunteers leave their homes and families at all times of the day and night to answer calls. Career firefighters leave their homes and families in the early morning hours to report to the fire house for a 24-hour tour. They spend holidays with their “second family,” at “the house.” On Christmas morning, volunteer and career firefighters joined forces to battle a dwelling fire in Ridge field Park. Overheard comments in cluded: “My kid is going crazy.” “I was just getting the food out.” “I'm getting too old for this!” More recently, volunteer and ca reer firefighters responded to a fire racing through a Bogota apartment building on Super Bowl Sunday. Not an official holiday, but many people prepare plans for parties while watching the biggest sporting event of the year. Firehouse parties included. Four alarms of fire companies operated at this incident plus EMS, OEM and volunteer rehab person nel. The fire was declared under control at 5:05 p.m., before the game started, but many plans were altered. Local firefighters posted a fire watch at the building and fire companies reported back to the scene for a flare up of flames during game time. On St. Valentine's Day, plans were again altered for many volun teer and career firefighters. Two townhouses were quickly con sumed by flames on a cold and windy morning in Leonia. As master streams started to knock down visible flames, fire also traveled through open spaces in the structures. A collapse zone was established and portions of the roof and walls did come down. Firefighters operated at the scene until the early evening hours and a demolition crew showed up to take the remains of the structures down. A few ladies got their flowers late on St. Valentine's Day! Of course, the victims of these fires were devastated. They lost all of their belongings. Folks and organizations in those communities have gotten together collecting donations for the victims. That included such items as cloth ing, gift cards and pet food. The American Red Cross has also as sisted the displaced residents from the Ridgefield Park dwelling, some 60 displaced Bogota residents and ten displaced families in Leonia. DOWNS: Four dogs perished as the result of a fire in a shed that they were living in, according to

RON JEFFERS

Volunteer and career firefighters teamed up to battle a stubborn dwelling fire in Ridgefield Park on Christmas Day.

On Super Bowl Sunday, local volunteer firefighters and career mem bers again joined forces to battle an apartment house fire in Bogota.

Egg Harbor police. Two of the six dogs living in the shed survived the fire, officials said. The shed was lo cated in a backyard of a home at Tremont & Bates Avenues. Fire fighters responded to the fire from Bargaintown and Cardiff. UPS: While walking his daughter to school in January, off duty Teaneck Fire Captain Christopher Con nolly heard “the sound of someone falling through ice,” according to a department Facebook post. He saw a child “almost fully submerged” hanging onto ice, with friends un successfully attempting to pull the victim out of the Bergen County creek. After ensuring that there were no additional victims, the cap tain removed the child from the water. He called 911 and provided first aid while waiting for EMS to arrive. DOWNS: A car carrier and sev eral vehicles were involved in fire on the NJ Turnpike north of Inter change 18W, in Carlstadt, Feb. 4th. Borough and East Rutherford fire fighters contained the fire, accord ing to NorthJersey.com. UPS: A West Long Branch police officer rescued an 11-year-old boy who fell through ice after he wan dered some 75-yards across the frozen Franklin Lake, Feb. 3rd. Po lice body-cam footage captured PO. Dave Brosonski jumping into the lake and pulling the boy out to safety. DOWNS: A fire consumed an

killed in a snowmobile crash in Feb ruary. Fernandez volunteered many years with the village ambulance corps and fire department, officials said. In addition, he was a registered nurse and Eagle Scout. He was re cently assigned to the detective bu reau. UPS: Probationary firefighters in Teaneck are Mark Castano, Emilio Vasquez and Gary Greulich. DOWNS: A 3-alarm fire involved a large three-story building on Washington St., Paterson, on Feb. 17th. The building, which houses George the Butcher, a popular area business, was heavily damaged. Due to deep-seated fire in the basement, the Oradell F.D. Hi Expansion Foam Unit was called to the scene. Hi Ex pansion foam is a specialized fire fighting tool designed for confined space fires. UPS: In Newark, Battalion Chiefs Mark Furka and James Lyones have been escalated to the provisional deputy chief rank. DOWNS: Two women were killed and one man injured as the re sult of a boat fire in Newark, Feb. 21st. The boat was parked in an al leyway near Pershing av. Two boats were heavily involved in fire when units arrived on the scene. The man was reported in stable condition at CoopennanBarnabas M.C., accord ing to the Daily Voice. UPS: On the morning of Feb. 23rd, three off duty police officers teamed up to remove guests from a

East Main St. dwelling in Flemington, Feb. 8th. UPS: A Ridgefield police officer and an off duty volunteer firefighter teamed up to help save an unrespon sive man that was involved in a MVA on Feb. 5th. Fire Lt. Matthew Bonaguaro was on his way home from work when he approached a MVA on Grand av. The lieutenant noticed Ridgefield Police Officer Faith Karabiyik assisting an unre sponsive man who had been pulled from one of the vehicles. Lt. Bonaguaro retrieved a medical kit and AED from the police officer's radio car. Together, they rendered life-saving care, according to the Daily Voice. The man had no pulse and was not breathing. Lt. Bonagaro and PO. Karabiyik began adminis tering CPR while waiting for EMS to arrive. The victim was turned over to EMS personnel and trans ported to a local hospital. “Lt. Bonaguaro's quick thinking and teamwork with Officer Karabiyik are credited with directly saving the man's life,” the Daily Voice re ported. DOWNS: One person died as the result of a fire in a Union av. dwelling in Clifton, Feb. 6th. UPS: Jordan Papietro Zales was promoted to fire captain in Ridge wood. David Kelly was promoted to lieutenant. Matthew Biagi is the vil lage's new probationary firefighter. DOWNS: Ridgefield Park Police Officer Steven Fernandez, 39, was

burning motel in Point Pleasant Beach before fire units arrived, ac cording to the Daily Voice. The trio were passing by the Broadway motel when they saw smoke and flames coming from the building. They immediately began evacuating guests. Ocean Fire Company and Point Pleasant Co. 2 fire units ar rived and extinguished the flames, authorities said. DOWNS: First responders in Tenafly were greeted with heavy fire involving a one-family dwelling on Cameron Rd., on Feb. 27th. A woman managed to escape before help had arrived, but she suffered smoke inhalation and severe bums, officials said. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Arson Squad was called in to investigate the cause. UPS: The Hackettstown Fire De partment has donated their 1965 Seagrave pumper to the New Jersey Fire Museum. DOWNS: A fire damaged multi ple units at a Burleigh Storage on Skunpike Rd. in Cape May Court House, on Feb. 19th. Middle Town ship police said more than 50 units were damaged and one person was taken to a local hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Strong winds helped fan the flames.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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March, 2025

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ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

North Hudson firefighters battled a smoky fire involving a Bergen Turnpike dwelling in North Bergen, February 17th. Several fire fighters were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An O.E.M. official said eight people were displaced.

RON JEFFERS

Master streams were set up to battle flames, fueled by high wind gusts, that involved two townhouse structures on Grand Ave., Leonia, on St. Valentine's Day.

Fast-M oving Townhouse Fire in Leonia DAMIEN DANIS

A power line snapped off a pole and landed on the front lawn of a Saddle Brook home on March 1st. Just after 3:00 P.M., firefighters responded to 516 Fair Lawn Parkway on a reported fire. As police officers arrived, they found the front lawn of a home on fire as a result of a power line down. The line came into contact with a fence, which became energized. A quick response from PSE&G cut power and firefighters were able to extinguish the lawn fire and check the home for any fire extension, which proved to be negative.

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LEONIA, NJ - With wind gusts reported as strong as 32 m.p.h., flames rapidly extended throughout two townhouse structures on Febru ary 14th, displacing over 30 resi dents. Around 8:30 A.M., borough vol unteer firefighters were toned out for a fire at the Grand Ave. complex. The dispatcher also reported to incoming units that calls were received report ing people trapped. Firefighters were greeted by heavy fire and smoke upon arrival, and mutual aid fire companies were called to the scene. Later, Chief of Department John Dunn informed the media that the fire appeared to have started in a ground floor garage. An interior door was left open, allowing the fire to extend to apartments. In addition, a car parked outside of a garage was fully involved in flames. Firefighters began an interior attack and search of the building. It was later discovered that the report of people trapped was unfounded. With the heavy volume of fire and high winds, flames ignited the

Jump t o f il e #021825119

townhouse on the other side of a courtyard shared by both buildings, officials said. As fire was consuming both structures, an evacuation order was transmitted. In addition, a col lapse zone was established. Firefighters began a defensive attack. This would include three lad der pipes and two tower ladders around the complex. The tower lad ders came from Teaneck and Engle wood Cliffs. Teaneck carefully guided their apparatus down a nar row housing driveway and into a rear parking lot to set up their platform. Tmck companies from Leonia, Fort Lee and Cliffside Park supplied the ladder pipe operations. Fire burned through the roof, and there were sev eral sections of the buildings that col lapsed. With the temperature around 30degrees, the local DPW personnel covered the streets with rock salt to prevent slip and fall injuries to first

responders. Fire victims were taken to a local center and assisted by borough offi cials and the Red Cross. Firefighters recovered several pet birds in their cage and took took them out to safety. The fire was placed under con trol around noon; however, firefight ers remained at the scene locating hot spots until the early evening. At 6:55 P.M., the incident was terminated and a demolition crew were on the scene ready to take down the remains of the structures. During the cold and windy day, rehab stations were set up by the Tea neck Box 54 Club and the County Wide Emergency Response Team. Mutual aid fire companies that operated at the multiple-alarm fire came from Teaneck, Englewood, Fort Lee, Cliffside Park, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Edgewater, Engle wood Cliffs and Hackensack.

- RON JEFFERS

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March, 2025

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

UPS & DOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 UPS: In February, members of the Passaic Fire Department assembled at the N.T Firemen's Home in Boonton to celebrate retired Captain Thomas Reno's 100th birthday, which was in December. He served on the P.F.D. for 36-years. Captain Reno was presented with a ceremo nial bugle from the department and a proclamation from Mayor Lora. DOWNS: A 3-story mixed occu pancy building on Hall av., Perth Amboy, experienced a gas explo sion on Feb. 20th, officials reported. Firefighters found a small amount of fire in a first-floor restaurant. UPS: In February, Saddle Brook ex-Chief Howie Mulden was recog nized for his 60-plus years of dedi cated service to the department, as well as his service with the Library Board. DOWNS: Due to a bird strike over Newark, a Fed Ex Boeing 767 engine caught fire on March 1st. The plane was on its way to Indi anapolis, but declared an emergency moments after takeoff from Newark International Airport. Flames ig nited in the number two engine. The aircraft climbed to 2000-feet before aborting. Port Authority emergency crews extinguished the flames. There were no injuries among the crew of three. UPS: In February, the Bogota F.D. celebrated the retirement of Fire Marshal Lou Kern. He served as fire marshal and fire official for over 30-years. He is also a member

of Engine Co. 3 for over 50-years and a former chief of department. DOWNS: Heavy fire involved a metal recycling yard on South Front St. in Camden, Feb. 21st, sending a large column of smoke into the sky. UPS: Newly appointed firefight ers in Ewing Township are Ryan Brenner, Jesse Collins and Michael Verzicco. DOWNS: Flames involved three occupied dwellings on Woodside av. in Newark on the morning of March 2nd, displacing over 50 people, ac cording to News 12. Strong winds, below-freezing temperatures and water pressure problems hampered firefighter's efforts. UPS: The Bergen County Emer gency Medical Services is celebrat ing its second-year anniversary serving the county's one million res idents. In two years, the unit has re sponded to over 12,500 runs and has answered calls in 70 municipalities, according to a county Facebook post. The squad has grown to 16 full-time employees and 33 per diem, with nine ambulances and one supervisor. There are two more am bulances and one supervisor car on order. The county EMS unit was or ganized to fill a void left by short ages of volunteers on the local municipal level. The services are funded by insurance reimburse ments and the Corona Virus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, County Executive James Tedesco said.

RILL TOMPKINS - WWW.OTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Downtown Paterson Building Blaze Takes Hours to Control PATERSON, NJ - Paterson fire fighters had to contend with frigid temperatures, very gusty winds, and a well-packed basement as they bat tled a three-alarm fire on February 16th. The blaze was first reported by police as heavy smoke issued from “George the Butcher” at 64 Wash ington Street at about 11:40 P.M. The three-story building was deter mined to be unoccupied. Crews ad vanced lines inside and located a well-advanced fire. A second-alarm was requested. Multiple lines were put into operation, but with little progress being made, all operations

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went defensive and a third-alarm was transmitted. Strong winds fanned the deepseated fire as two tower ladders and multiple two-and-a-half-inch lines worked. Members opened up the ceiling of the first-floor and ac cessed the basement. This posture went on for several hours as the smoke condition would lighten only to intensify. At about 2:15 A.M., a request to Ora dell for their Hi-Ex Foam Unit

was made. The foam helped, but did not fully extinguish the flames. Members returned to using hand lines. Conditions slowly began to improve as the sun rose. Thirdalarm companies were released around 7:00 A.M. Units remained on the scene for most of Monday hitting hot spots. One firefighter was transported, treated, and released. Sixteen resi dents of the building across Wash ington St. were evacuated due to the stability of the fire building. The cause is being investigated.

- BILL TOMPKINS

WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

RON JEFFERS

A Bergen County ambulance stands by at a multiple-alarm apart ment house fire in Bogota, Feb. 9th. The county unit was organized two years ago to fill a void left by shortages of volunteers on the local municipal level.

RILL TOMPKINS - WWW.RTFIREPH0T0S.COM

Edgewater Chief of Department Thomas Quinton Sr. (R), and Deputy Chief Thomas Quinton Jr. (C), confer with members of Engine 5 at the scene of the Leonia multiple-alarm on Valentine's Day.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2025

PAGE 13

DRILLS/TRAINING If you have photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

Leadership in the Fire Service There are literally dozens of roles within the fire service. There are firefighters, line offi cers, civil officers and instruc tors to name a few. One title that will likely never be found is “leader” and that is because leadership cannot be contained and defined in a label. There is no NFPAstandard. Further, lead ership might be a long-lasting concept such as an officer that has to consistently design and implement drills or it could be momentary on the fireground when any firefighter regardless of rank can take the lead in knocking down the flames. In French “je ne sais quoi” translated literally means “I don’t know what” but is used to portray an indescribable, spe cial distinguishing feature. Leadership can be thought of in these terms due to often being intangible. Also that any fire fighter can inspire other fire fighters to follow his/her lead. Leadership may also come in a more tangible and indeed ad ministrative form such as lobby ing for safer firefighting tactics and equipment, changing an employment policy to allow leave for firefighter to respond to calls or ensuring that instruc tors have the necessary gear to teach with or pursuing legal remedies such as the volunteer firefighter benefit law (VFBL). Not to complicate this topic even more but being a leader is sometimes natural but can also be developed. There are some firefighters that simply give off an aura that compels others to follow them into a burning build ing while other leaders in the fire service over the years put in the time, energy and effort to learn their craft and as a result as cended the ranks to leadership positions. A good example of developed leadership would be the perfection of radio commu nications since this skill typi cally must be practiced consistently. How leadership is attained is ir

relevant when considering one of the common roots i.e. knowl edge of necessary skills. Fire fighters won’t simply follow a title and are far more likely to fol low someone that has intimate knowledge of firefighting and firefighting tactics to the point they make quick, decisive choices when necessary. One other intangible quality that defines leadership is confi dence. On the fireground that translates to having the confi dence to trust the firefighters around you and under your command. When comparing those officers/chiefs that trust their blackhats to do the job ex pertly, effectively and safely ver sus those that feel that they must control every aspect of the firehouse from the fire scene to rolling hose in the apparatus bay and you’ll find the most effi cient and successful is the for mer model. What then is the role of a fire service instructor relative to leadership? First and foremost, instructors are typically leaders themselves that consistently display leadership whether it’s in the classroom facilitating a discussion or demonstrating motor skills. Instructors are the first line in recognizing natural leaders (one could argue it takes one to know one) and certainly in developing others. In most cases, leaders display those skills consistently which from an omnipotent standpoint is easily recognizable. There are times when an instructor will have to have a simple conversa tion with a potential leader be cause that firefighter may not recognize their own potential. What then can an instructor do to beyond recognition. That an swer is also simple. Provide op portunities to shine. Provide opportunities to lead and in struct other firefighters within the class such as designating that firefighter as team manager. This is not to say that an instruc tor should ignore potential lead ership abilities in other

firefighters. Rather focus on the most promising students - real istically, there are only so many opportunities in a given class. Since leadership also involves having a more intimate knowl edge of the fire service Instruc tors can also recommend firematic books such as Seven Fires by Peter Charles Hotter. As an aside this is an excellent book about seven historical fires that shaped the current fire serv ice. Displaying leadership may also involve having the authority to discipline other firefighters under your charge. In this regard there is a time, place and method to do so. Generally, it is wise to be critical but not criti cize. Remember that leadership involves improving the perform ance of those around you. Being critical as a form of evaluation aimed at improving firefighter skill sets is essential. Criticism on the other hand is typically un necessarily negative and has the opposite effect breeding con tempt and resentment - two properties that any fire company can do without. In the quest to develop leaders and leadership there are defi nitely impediments. If ever there was an enemy of leadership it would be bureaucracy and com placency. Standing tall based on principle is a necessity even it means having to endure some backlash. For example, not being complacent with current, unsafe practices or possibly fol lowing the chain of command above and beyond the first level bringing awareness to an ongo ing safety concern. Displays of leadership can be described in this regard as the “Courage to be Safe”. Fire Learning Net work’s online class in this re gard can be accessed here: https://www.fireherolearningnetwork.com/training_programs/co u rage_to_be_saf e.aspx To summarize: Brendan Boyle, a civil officer for a capital region (NY) volunteer fire company, in a recent speech

commemorating the installment of officers remarked the follow ing in reference to leadership:

tone, foster teamwork, and en sure that we are well prepared to meet the challenges ahead.

The role of an officer is one that requires selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. The well being of each other. It’s a calling that goes far beyond just wear ing a uniform—it's about show ing up when it matters most... and serving with integrity and pride. It’s about abandoning your ego and putting your com mitments before all else.

Leadership is a privilege. As we move forward, let’s continue to work together to ensure that we remain a beacon of resilience, committed to readiness and service to our community.

Leadership is the greatest honor. To our outgoing officers, we ex tend our sincere gratitude. Your hard work, dedication, and vi sion have shaped the direction of this department, and we owe Leadership is a sacrifice. It is. To much of our success to your those stepping into leadership leadership. Your contributions roles, you’re not just officers— will be felt for years to come. you are the leaders of our com munity, the exemplar who set the - JOSEPH CEA

DAMIEN DANIS

Maywood Warehouse Fire Held by Sprinklers MAYWOOD, NJ - Sprinklers are credited for knocking down a fire in a warehouse on Howcroft Ave. in Maywood on the evening of February 27th. Just after 6:00 P.M., companies were dispatched to an alarm activation at 27 West Howcroft Ave. Upon arrival, Truck 17 confirmed a smoke condition and then transmitted a working fire. As firefighters entered the building, they reported that the fire was already being kept in check by the sprinkler system. Hand lines were stretched to make final extinguishment through a bay door. Mutual aid companies from Rochelle Park, Hackensack and Paramus arrived to assist. After the fire was knocked down, it was dis covered that an unknown amount of chemicals and solvents were involved, so a decon operation was set up. Bergen county Haz-Mat was called to the scene while a notification was made to DEP. The fire was under control in about 20 minutes, and no injuries were reported. Mutual aid covering at Maywood's firehouse came from Fair Lawn, Saddle Brook, Lodi and River Edge.

PAGE 14

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Bogota Residents Displaced on Super Bowl Sunday BOGOTA, NJ - Some 60 res idents of a three-story apartment building on Palisade av. were dis placed as the result of a 4-alarm fire that raced through the struc ture's cockloft, Feb ruary 9th. Around 2 p.m., local volunteer fire companies were dispatched to the apartment house for a report of a fire in Apartment 9, Fire Chief Alex Breuss told News 12 NJ. Engine com pany members stretched a line to the top floor as residents evacu ated the structure. “An aggressive effort was made for nearly an hour by all Bogota fire companies and our mutual aid partners,” according to a department Facebook post. It became evident that the fire was rapidly racing through the structure's cockloft. As conditions worsened, an evacuation order was given. Fire broke through the roof and a partial roof collapse was experienced. Defensive operations in cluded two ladder pipe operations from Bogota Ladder 1 and Flackensack Ladder 2, plus a deck gun from Bogota Engine 3 on the Pal isade av. side of the fire. Leonia Ladder Co. 1 backed into a pri vate home's driveway, on the north side of the building, maneu vered the aerial ladder around overhead power lines, and also set up a ladder pipe operation. As heavy smoke traveled over the neighborhood, including nearby Interstate 80, additional mutual aid fire units were called to the scene along with EMS per sonnel. First responders set up a drone and observed roof condi tions at the command post. Additional mutual aid fire units that operated at the scene came from Ridgefield Park, Teaneck, Englewood, Little Ferry, Fort Lee, River Edge, Bergenfield, Flasbrouck Fleights and South Flackensack. The Teaneck Box 54 Club set up their canteen truck for rehab purposes during the fire, in a 33-degree tempera ture. The fire was declared under control at 5:05 p.m. It was re ported that one resident was transported to a local hospital. Fire victims were assisted by the Bogota Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Red Cross. The cause of the fire was being investigated by the Bogota Fire Prevention Bureau with as sistance from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

- RON JEFFERS

DAMIEN DANIS

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

RESCUESQUAD, The origins of Rescue Co. 1, FDof the City of New York, 1915-1925 ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky

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www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $19.99 This book is soft cover and measures six inches by nine inches, with 292 pages which in cludes a glossary. It includes the first 10 years of operations of Res cue 1, which was the first rescue squad established in the country. It was organized in 1915 for the pur pose of rescuing firefighters. As time went on, its duties expanded. It is written by a firefighter who retired from the FDNY with 25 years of service, 20 of which were spent assigned to Rescue 1. He has written two other books about Res cue 1. His writing is truly a labor of love. In this book with the help of many and what I would per ceive as countless hours of re search, he chronologically writes about the many operations of Res cue 1 laid out in individual chap ters of each year. Each chapter also is reported on chronologically month by month. They are laid out in great detail, plus there are indi vidual names of each member from beginning to end. Since res piratory protection was non-exis tent for other fire companies for the most part, firefighters were hampered by smoke and other gases which resulted in prolonged fire extinguishment, injuries and death. The rescue company was equipped with specialized smoke helmets, which allowed them to get through dangerous conditions to rescue firefighters and others. They were equipped with a pulmotor (an early form of a resuscitator) for reviving those who stopped breathing. The truck had other specialized tools and equip ment. Their crew members were also specialists in the trade (elec trical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.), which increased the effectiveness of the company. And as with all firefighters, they were fully enthu siastic in their work. They per formed heroics and made unbelievable rescues. This book, which is all taken from records, shows the miraculous ways that the squad saved many. Unfortu nately, there was death of firefight ers and civilians recorded in the book, but it is another writing by a retiree who loved his work and his assignment.

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March, 2025

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PAGE 18

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website w w w .lstResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@l stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street New Windsor, NY 12553.

RON JEFFERS

(L to R): Bergen County Executive, and ex-Chief of the Paramus F.D., Jim Tedesco, Cliffside Park twin brothers, Firefighter Anthony Lupica, left, and Lt. Carl Lupica, with Bergen County Mutual Aid Coordinators Joe Alvarez and Kevin Felten at the take a blow during a multiple-alarm fire that involved two townhouses in Leonia, 4-alarm apartment house fire in Bogota on Super Bowl Sunday. February 14th.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Members of Jersey City Engine 18 stand by their new E-ONE pumper. (L to R): FF Members of Jersey City Engine 2 stand by their new E-ONE pumper. (L to R): FF Jan Lek Tauthong, Capt. Pat Healy and FFs Dennis Vincent and John Tomkowski. Dayleg, Capt. Cormac Quinn and FFs Mike Lithgow and Chantae Ahamefule.

RON JEFFERS

After an apartment fire was knocked down in a Union City housing building on The Cliffside Park Fire Department's new officers were sworn in at Borough Hall on Kennedy Blvd., North Hudson Deputy Chief Anthony Venezia and 2nd Battalion Chief January 21st. (L to R): Chief of Department Brian Martone, Deputy Chief Charles Mike Giacumbo assembled the first arriving company members for a meeting in front Diaz, Battalion Chief Enes Hoti, Captains Teddy Tarabokiaj, Dan Baxter, and of the building, on February 21st. Review the operation while the incident is still Jonathan Stern, and Lieutenants Carl Lupica and Pete O'Connor. fresh in everyone's mind, and the fire scene is still available to examine. How many old timers have said, “This is how we do it in the street, kid!”

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

NAVIGATINGTHROUGHCRISIS Seasonal Changes Chaplain’s Corner Pastor Fernando Villicana

The circumstance may be out of your control, but how you transition is optional (your choice, your atti tude). The old saying: “Attitude de termines Altitude” is so true. Each of us will face situations which brings us to a place of transition. Transition is the process or a period of changing from one state or con dition to another. How can we thrive in times of change and crisis? CRISIS = a time of intense dif ficulty, trouble, or danger: Another definition of a crisis is an an unexpected change or event over which we have no control over. Sound familiar? We have all been in situations where we had lit tle or no control over it. Life is all about seasonal changes. And the truth is, our success many times de pend upon our ability to navigate through storms and personal con flict. THE BENEFITS OF SEA SONS. 1. Nothing is permanent Ex cept God and His promises. Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time fo r every purpose under heaven: God is saying: Everything has a season, nothing is permanent. Everything we go through is only for a time, it won’t last. And one thing you can count on is that God never changes. God and His prom ises are permanent and can be de pended upon. 2. Seasons guarantee change. Seasons of your life (good or bad) will introduce change. Change is inevitable. So, no matter how cold it gets in the winter, summer is coming. One of the keys to living a victori ous life is knowing how to outlast

the season. If you can stay warm long enough to survive winter, sum mer is coming. When winter comes you don’t throw away your swim trunks and t-shirts. You don’t drop them off at the Goodwill. You store them in a drawer. Why? Because you know that winter is temporary (a season). Every crisis offers an opportu nity. I know this may sound as through I am trivializing someone else’s pain or suffering, but the truth is that we can grow thought what we go through. There are positive les sons to be learned in every season of difficulty. One thing we know about storms - they’re always moving. We STAND, til it MOVES past us. That is why we should never respond per manently to a temporary problem. The Bible says: “Weeping may last fo r a night but joy cometh in the morning” In other words; there will be things in life that cause you to weep - but don’t worry, the season of laughter will return again. Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. ” 3. God’s blessing comes in every season. You may find yourself in the cold right now -God’s message to you: warmth is on it’s way. Some of you are in darkness right now - Daytime is coming. Ezekiel 34:261 will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in seasons; there will be showers o f blessing. Your shower is coming. Even God’s blessings come in seasons. So, let’s have faith that “this too shall pass”. Whenever you experi ence something that in your mind comes under the category of a crisis (a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger) I want you to think and say - Opportunity. Always remember - what lies behind us and what lies before us is nothing compared to what lies within us.

March, 2025

PAGE 19

LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

In Camden County, Belmawr’s Quick Attack 2 is a 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty with a Knapheide body. It has a Williams deck gun, and carries 200-gallons of Class “B” foam water nozzles. Other equipment includes five-inch hose, fittings, hose donuts, siphons pumps, SCBA, a Stihl saw, flathead axe and ratchet straps.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Bellmawr Quick Attack 2, 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty/Knapheide. It has a Williams deck gun and carries 200-gallons of Class "B" foam.

Pastor Fernando Villicana Fire Service Chaplain

Read more a rtic le s from a ll o f our colum nists on our w e b site ! V is it 1st Responder News a t w w w .1 R B N .co m

JOHN M. MALECKY

Right/rear of Bellmawr's Quick Attack 2.

PAGE 20

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

NEW JERSEY GIGS If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Gigs” feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

NEW JERSEY MEMORIES If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Memories” feature, please upload them to our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

Jackson Mills District 4 uses this 2018 Chevy Tahoe.

RON JEFFERS

The New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighter's Memorial collection includes former Eatontown's 1985 Pierce Dash 1250-gpm/500-gwt pumper.

RON JEFFERS

Leonia Chief of Department John Dunn's Ford FI50 was covered with soot during its duty as the command post at a multiple-alarm fire on cold and windy February 14th.

RON JEFFERS

Englewood Deputy Chief Car 2's black Chevy appears to identify as a “red car!”

RON JEFFERS

Also part of the New Jersey museum's collection is this former Atlantic Highlands 1985 Spartan/Grumman 1500-gpm/200-gwt/100-foot platform.

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RON JEFFERS

Another "bury the car" scene. In the congested city streets of New Jersey, chiefs need to park their vehicle where it will not interfere with the operations of fire apparatus. North Hudson Division I's Ford is up on the sidewalk and away from operating pumpers dur ing a fire in a Union City housing building, February 21st.

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March, 2025

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Vehicle News

RON JEFFERS

East Brunswick Fire District 1 has placed into service a 2024 Pierce Enforcer 2000- The Cheesequake Fire District has placed into service a 2024 Sutphen walk-around res gpm/750-gwt pumper. Features include coffin compartments, two rear discharge cue truck. The six-seat cab has a light tower mounted on the cab's roof, an extended gates, scene lights, extended bumper with discharge and intake, 6 kW generator, front bumper compartment holds extrication equipment, coffin-style compartments, deck gun, plus ground ladders stored in a hose bed compartment. In addition, it car scene lights, spare bottle storage, transverse compartments, roll-out tool trays and an ries extrication tools, cribbing, saws, a RIT pack and a light tower mounted on the Onan generator. There is a permanent front-mounted winch, plus there is a portable cab's roof. It also possesses a booster reel on the officer's side of the apparatus. It winch with four receivers. The rear steps leading up to the box roof have two storage compartments. It carries ground ladders and has wheel well storage space. was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

EMERGENCY

RON JEFFERS

South Old Bridge Engine 22 has been assigned a 2024 Spartan MetroStar 1500- In Woodbridge Township, Iselin Fire District 11 has taken delivery of a 2024 Pierce gpm/750-gwt pumper. The extended bumper has a "bumper discharge," intake and Enforcer PUC model 1500-gpm/750-gwt pumper. There is a light tower mounted on hose basket. There is a deck gun, scene lights, back up camera, a rear booster reel the cab's roof, scene lights, coffin-style compartments, a Harrison 10 kW generator, under the hose bed and two hard suction hoses mounted on the chauffeur's side. In three cross-lay beds, and a booster reel located in a compartment under the hose addition, the rig carries fans, a Little Giant ladder, saws and absorbent material. It bed. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services. was sold by Campbell Supply Co.

RON JEFFERS

Middlesex County received a 2025 Freightliner 114SD Plus/Spartan 3000-gallon tanker with a 1500-gpm pump, designated Tanker 1. There are three dump valves, two rear direct fill tank inlets, hydraulic rack with pool, two hard suction hoses in compartments on each side of the rig, three cross-lay beds and scene lights. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co.

The Middlesex County Fire Academy has placed into service a 2024 Spartan 2000gpm/500-gwt pumper. Features include two cross-lay beds, two rear discharge gates, deck gun, rear transverse compartment, and a Honda generator stored in a rear com partment on a roll-out tray. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2025

PAGE 23

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the Emergency Services feature, please upload them on our website, www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RILL TOMPKINS - WWW.RTFIREPHOTOS.COM

RON JEFFERS

A sign of winter firefighting. Leonia DPW employees Englewood Captain Jason Bertero and Chief of Depart First responders utilized a drone, at the command post, spread rock salt on sidewalks and streets to protect ment Jeff Kaplan discuss operations at the Leonia mul to examine the burned roof of a Palisade av. apartment first responders from slip and fall injuries during a tiple-alarm on February 14th. house where firefighters had to resort to a defensive multiple-alarm fire along Grand Ave., on a cold and operation due to fire consuming the cockloft area and causing a partial collapse, Feb. 9th. windy February 14th.

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PAGE 24

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Vehicle News

ON THE LITER SIDE If you have photos you would like to see in our “On the Liter Side” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

RON JEFFERS

Ridgefield Engine Co. 2 received a 2025 E-One Typhoon 2000gpm/750-gwt/30-gft pumper. The raised roof cab has six seats. The extended front bumper features include a discharge gate for a "jump line," with hose basket. It has a low rear hose bed, one rear discharge gate, three cross lay beds, plus scene lights. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

RON JEFFERS

Not today! It was to move fast operating at a multiple-alarm fire in a Bogota apartment house on Palisade av., Feb. 9th.

Rick Billings C he colp harp troth... RON JEFFERS

Oldwick Tender 24 is a new Kenworth/Pierce 1250-gpm/3000-gwt unit. It has a front bumper discharge gate and hose basket, three dump valves, two cross lay hose beds, roll-out tool tray and hy draulic water pool rack. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

RON JEFFERS

Hammonton Tower 9 is a 2025 Pierce Enforcer 2000-gpm/100-foot platform. The cab has six seats, there are two cross lay hose beds, transverse compartment and an extended front bumper compart ment. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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PAGE 26

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2025

PAGE 27

STILL IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our “Still in Service” feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

JAMES WOOD

Passaic FD Receives Donation BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Fort Lee Truck 2, a 1994 Simon Duplex/LT1102' tower, prepares to set up on the "A/B" corner to be the fourth elevated stream at the 4th alarm in Bogota on 2-9-25.

PASSAIC, NJ - On February 28th, the Passaic Fire Department was presented with a check for $9,000 by the Robert E Orr and Smith Foundation which will be used to purchase a new roof simulator. This will help train the guys on how to do proper ventilation when opening a roof. Robert was also presented with a plaque by Chief Patrick Trentacost.

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PAGE 28

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Occupied SUV Struck by Commuter Train in Netcong NETCONG, NJ - On Febru ary 18th just after 4:00 P.M., Net cong Fire, Netcong PD and Stanhope-Netcong EMS were re quested to respond to 83 Main St., Net cong Train Station, for a car vs. train in cident. On arrival, units found a NJ Transit commuter train at a halt, with a severely damaged white Chevrolet Tahoe pushed through the safety fence of the railroad crossing. Contact was made with two patients inside the vehicle and it was determined they sustained minor injuries. Once out of the vehicle, both pa tients were assessed and trans ported to Dover General Elospital by Stanhope-Netcong Ambulance Corps. Crews remained on scene cleaning up debris and for precau tion as the vehicle was removed from the platform.

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March, 2025

PAGE 29

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

APPARATUS IN ACTION To see your Apparatus in Action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com, email them to Lindseyft? lstResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,

RON JEFFERS

Leonia Engine 2's 2019 KME 2000-gpm/750-gwt pumper was one of the first arriving The members of Teaneck Tower 2 carefully took their rig down a narrow driveway and units at the scene of a townhouse fire on Valentine's Day. into a rear apartment parking lot to set up their platform in the rear of two burning townhouses in Leonia, February 14th. Two tower ladders and three ladder pipes were utilized at this mutual aid fire.

RON JEFFERS

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Ridgefield Park Engine I's 2010 Seagrave 2000-gpm/500-gwt pumper was one of the Cliffside Park Ladder 1, a 2011 Pierce 100' tiller, sets up for ladder pipe operations first arriving companies for a fire involving an Emerson St. dwelling on Christmas Day. at a multiple alarm fire in Leonia on 2-14-25.

RON JEFFERS

Bogota Engine 3's 2007 Pierce Impel 1500-gpm/500-gwt pumper operated at a mul- Englewood Engine 2's 2008 E-One 2000-gpm/750-gwt pumper was a water supply tiple alarm fire involving an apartment house on Palisade av., Super Bowl Sunday, unit at the Leonia multiple alarm involving two townhouse structures, february 14th. Firefighters used this rig's deck gun to attack the heavy volume of fire.

PAGE 31

March, 2025

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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PAGE 32

March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Working Garage Fire Extends to House in Clifton CLIFTON, NJ - On February 3rd, a blaze that started in an attached garage below a split-level home spread up, causing extensive damage. At approximately 9:00 P.M., Clifton units were sent to 138 Huemmer Terrace for the reported fire. Units traveled the long culde-sac to reach the home. Heavy fire was venting from the garage and extending up Hie “A” side to the living area above. Additional en gines were requested. Several lines were stretched to knock down Hie garage fire and through the front door to the room above. Ladder 3 accessed the roof. The visible fire in both the garage and the living room above were extinguished quickly. Flames extended to the attic area above and vented from an attic vent. That was also quelled. Heavy smoke continued as over haul commenced. The fire was able to be placed imder control in just over one hour with no injuries reported. - BILL TOMPKINS B ILL T O MPKINS - W W W.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

APPARATUS IN ACTION To see your Apparatus in Action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com or m ail th em to 1st R esp o n der N ew s, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Car Fire Damages Rochelle Park Home RON JEFFERS

A ladder pipe operation was utilized by Bogota Ladder I's 2024 E-One Cyclone model 100-foot rear-mount model during a multiple-alarm fire involving a Palisade av. apartment building on Super Bowl Sunday.

ROCHELLE PARK, N J - A car fire in the driveway o f a Rochelle Park residence spread to a second vehicle, the home itself, and dam aged an unattached garage and a fence on January 29th. Rochelle Park and M aywood units were dispatched at about 9:30 A.M. to 134 Becker Ave. for m ultiple reports o f a fire. A col umn of black smoke rose from the driveway, which is directly behind a Route 17 south restaurant. Flames had taken possession of the “C/D’ corner of the home. Rochelle Park Engine 1 and Truck 1 advanced down the drive way and through the front door

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and knocked down the flames quickly. M aywood Truck 17 set up behind the restaurant and mem bers vented the roof. The flames were halted before they made it to the m ain part of the home. The garage received exterior damage only. H ackensack and G arfield as sisted w ith extinguishm ent and overhaul. The fire was placed under control w ithin one hour with no injuries reported.

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

S tro n g er to g e th e r. Our communities thrive when we all work together. That's why we PROVIDED

New Jersey EMS Task Force members worked throughout the night and into the early morning to assist local resources to evacuate the Montgomeryville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Montgomeryville, PA.

New Jersey EMS Task Force Helps Evacuate Pennsylvania Skilled Nursing Facility N ew Jersey EMS Task Force members worked throughout the night and into early Saturday morning to assist local resources to evacuate the M ontgomeryville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Montgomeryville, Penn sylvania. The NJEMSTF deployed four M edical Ambulance Buses, sup port staff, and planners to the facil ity shortly after 1:30 A M . Saturday, January 25, 2025. The Montgomeryville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center was forced to evacuate after a water main broke, flooding the facility. The Montgomery County EMS coordinator requested help from the NJEMSTF. The facility needed to move 144 patients to regional skilled nursing and hospital locations, so it requested the N J EMS Task Force’s fleet of M edical Ambu lance Buses, which can transport and care for multiple patients in wheelchairs simultaneously. NJ EMS Task Force MABs stationed in Keyport, AtlantiCare, North Brunswick, and Ewing responded to the incident. Additional units in the NJEMSTF MAB response were available if needed. The NJ EMS Task Force M edical Ambu lance Buses transported 29 people to five facilities. “We’re glad that we were able to help our colleagues in Pennsyl vania,” said Lou Sasso, N J EMS Task Force Leader. “We’re also proud of our team that rose to the challenge to respond in the bitter cold to help those in need. Our teams came from throughout New Jersey to help. Our MABs are a

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it 3 I true force multiplier, allowing for the care of many patients at once. This is why they are essential parts o f every emergency plan in New Jersey.” The N J EMS Task Force is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that has oper ated for over two decades. The NJ EMS Task Force unites more than 200 career and volunteer emer gency medical professionals across New Jersey to respond to regional crises ranging from wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and major events such as the Super Bowl. Today, through partnerships with local agencies, the N J EMS Task Force has specialized equipment and EMS providers strategically stationed throughout the state and ready to respond to any emergency. The N J EMS Task Force is respon sible for developing all statewide pre-hospital emergency prepared ness plans for such events as hurri canes, floods, incidents on our rail lines, ferries, cruise lines, and more. The N J EMS Task Force is vital in acting as a surge capacity for local EMS host agencies re sponding to emergencies, disasters, and public health crises. The NJ EMS Task Force, which operates on grants and donations, also pro vides critical medical services and community support through its partnerships with the New Jersey Department of Elealth, the New Jersey Office of Emergency M an agement, and other state agencies.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

PAGE 37

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March, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

SOME RIGS FROM ATLANTIC COUNTY The apparatus featured this month include some Atlantic City vehicles and some from their neighbors, namely Brigantine, Ventnor City and Margate. There will be more Atlantic City apparatus in a future column. At lantic City has been purchasing Rosenbauer apparatus lately similar to the way Paterson purchased Ferrara pumpers. Though Paterson does not have any Ferrara ladder trucks, At lantic City has a Rosenbauer platform and by the time this column goes to hard copy, they may have their Rosen bauer TDA. So, the present Ladder 2’s Pierce TDA is being featured this month along with Ladder 1, a Rosen bauer mid-mount platform. Engine 1 and Engine 6 are included. Going back to when I first started photo graphing fire apparatus in 1974, At lantic City was one of my early stops. At that time, they were running 9 en gine and 4 ladder companies. Engine 11 was the highest numbered unit, but there was no Engines’ 2 or 5. The pumper fleet had mostly Great Eastern custom apparatus and just about all if my memory serves me right, each had a second section which was a Great Eastern pumper with a commercial chassis and small pump and tank. These were used for boardwalk oper ations because they were lighter. Great Eastern is a name for Ernie Day, who owned New Jersey Fire Equipment. Fie was permitted to use his own plate, however the pumpers were actually built by Oren F ire Apparatus, a cousin to Flowe. There was no rescue com pany at that time, though there is today. Today there are six engines and two ladder companies. There are no two section pumpers, but a mini pumper is presently on order for boardwalk responses. There is a hazmat truck quartered at Engine 1 and manned by personnel from there. Some time ago, engines were renum bered up to 7. At present there is no Engine 4 unless manpower permits. Regarding the other departments. Brigantine’s Pierce platform is fea tured, Ventnor’s Rosenbauer pumper is featured, as well as Margate City’s Spartan ER and ERV pumpers. In apparatus news, Carney’s Point Fire & Rescue (Salem County) has or dered a Weis brush truck on a Ford F550 chassis. Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce orders: for the GouldstownFC in Fairfield Township (Cumberland County), a Saber dry side tanker; for Monroe Fire District 2 (Middlesex County) an Enforcer 100foot mid-mount tower, and for Engle wood Cliffs (Bergen County) a Velocity 100-foot mid-mount tower. Pierce deliveries include to Woodbridge Township Fire District 1, a Ve locity 100-foot mid-mount tower, as well as to the Iselin FC an Enforcer PUC pumper and to Monmouth Junc tion FC in South Brunswick Township a Velocity 100-foot mid-mount tower (all Middlesex County); to Tabernacle Fire District, Medford Farms (Burlington County) an Enforcer pumper/tanker; to the Star Cross FC in Franklin Township Fire District 5 (Gloucester County), an Enforcer pumper. The City of Plainfield Police Please send any comments or news tidbits you might have about Apparatus of the Month to us at 1st Responder News, 1 Ard more Street. New Windsor, NY 12553. Or you can e-mail them to Apparatus@lstResponderNews.com.

AAPPARATUS OF THE M ONTI1 A look at what's new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky

3 JOHN M . MALECKY

Atlantic City E-6, 2024 Rosenbauer Commander 1500/500. It was sold by Defender Emergency Products.

JOHN M . MALECKY

Atlantic City L-1, 2019 Rosenbauer Commander 100-foot and 8 kw generator. It was sold by Defender Emergency Products.

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Brigantine Truck-1,2022 Pierce Enforcer Ascendant 2000/300 and 100-foot platform. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

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Atlantic City L-2, 2009 Pierce Arrow XT, 100-foot and 10 kw gen erator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services. JOHN M . MALECKY

Ventnor City E-11, 2022 Rosenbauer Warrior 1250/500. It was sold by Defender Emergency Products.

JOHN M . MALECKY

Atlantic City E-1,2020 Rosenbauer Commander 1500/500. It was sold by Defender Emergency Products. (Union County) received a frontline stock Ford Transit Critical Response Unit(CRU). Firefighter 1 has received two Fer rara orders from Monmouth County. One is from Hazlet Township District 1 for an FID 100-foot mid-mount plat form on an Inferno chassis, and the other is from Monmouth Beach for a squad pumper on an Igniter chassis. Campbell Supply Co., LLC has de livered the Spartan ER pumper/tanker to the Middlesex County Fire Mar shal’s Office. Specs include a Freightliner 114SD Plus chassis, 263-inch wheelbase, Cummins X 12, 500 hp diesel engine, stainless steel body, Waterous CSU, single-stage 1500-gpm pump, 3000-gallon water tank, three 10-inch dump valves, Zico portable tank rack with 3500-gallon portable tank, two lengths of hard suction hose and a hose bed for five-inch hose. They have received the following Spartan ER orders: for Bayonne (Hudson County), a Metro Star pumper with 10-inch raised roof cab.

Waterous CMU two-stage 1500-gpm pump, 750-gallon water tank, extreme duty bumper and low hose bed. Also for Bayonne, a rear-mount UT 100foot aerial ladder. Specs include a Spartan Gladiator LFD chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab, Cummins X 12, 500 hp diesel engine, 18-inch front bumper extension and Harrison 6 kw generator. It will have a 40-foot sixinch overall length and 10-foot 10inch overall height. For the River Plaza FC in Middletown Township (Monmouth County), an S-180 pumper on a Metro Star LFD chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab. It will have a Cummins L 9, 450 hp diesel engine. Hale DSD single-stage 1500gpm pump, 750-gallon water and 25gallon foam tanks. For Livingston (Essex County), a 75-foot rear-mount aerial quint with Metro Star MFD chassis, 10-inch raised roof cab, Cum mins X 10, 500 hp diesel engine, Wa terous CSU 1500-gpm pump, 500-gallon water tank and 6 kw Smart Power generator. Lastly, for Breton

JOHN M . MALECKY

Margate City E-21, 2025 Spartan ERV, Metro Star 1500/750 and 6 kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.

JOHN M . MALECKY

Margate City E-22, 2023 Spartan ER, Metro Star, S-180,1500/750. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC. Woods FC in Brick Township (Ocean County), a pumper with Metro Star EMFF) chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab. Hale Qmax 1500-gpm sin

gle-stage pump with top-mount panel, 500-gallon water tank, and 30-gallon foam tanks.lance on a Ford E-450 chassis.

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PROMOTIONAL • ENTRY LEVEL 8cDEPARTMENTAL CLASSES Finally, have the knowledge and confidence to pass your exam!

Captain/Lieutenant and Battalion Chief Book Breakdown Classes We break down every book on the reading list and more to help you get through the books with great understanding

Mock Written Exam Classes Set up to mimic the actual exam - This is the place to test yourself **In All of Our Written Classes, You will receive Study Guides, Outlines, and Multiple Take Home Tests** Instructors: DC Paul Drennan, COD Stephan Drennan & BC William Raleigh JCFD CLASSES FILL FAST GO TO THE WEBSITE TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASSES Classes led by DC Paul Drennan JCFD

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Visit our website for more information or to reserve a seat in one of our upcoming classes.

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