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SEPTEMBER, 2025

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

THIS OLD HOUSE If you have photos you would like to see in our “This Old House”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

CITY OF WILDWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT

FRANK ROBINSON

Hightstown Fire Department still runs out of this old fire house.

Wildwood Firefighters Knock Down Dwelling Fire on Glenwood Avenue WILDWOOD, NJ - Firefight ers quickly brought a house fire under control Wednesday morning, August 13, 2025, after flames broke out in an occupied home on the 300 West block o f G lenw ood Avenue, officials said. The first alarm was dispatched at 10:19 a.m. C hief 3, Daniel Troiano, arrived to find smoke showing from a one-story private dwelling. Squad Company 3 (D Platoon) made an aggressive inte rior attack while North W ildwood Ladder Company 2 searched the home, according to the depart ment. The occupant had escaped be-

JUMPTO FILE #082225110

fore fire crews arrived and was treated on scene by W ildwood Crest EM S for smoke inhalation. No other residents were inside, and no injuries to firefighters were re ported. The fire was knocked down within 15 minutes and declared under control shortly after. Crews remained on scene for about two hours conducting overhaul and in vestigation. Assisting companies included Quint Company 3, Rescue C om

pany 3, Tower 4 from W ildwood Crest, and Squad 72 from Rio Grande. Additional coverage was provided by Stone Harbor Fire D e partment, Anglesea Fire Company, and North W ildw ood Volunteer Fire Company. M iddle Township Ambulance Corps handled fire fighter rehab. The cause o f the fire is under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal’ s Office. The W ildwood Police Department as sisted with traffic and crowd con trol.

- COURTESY OF CITY OF WILDWOOD FIRE DEPT.

MARTY PELTA

P aterson H andles

FLASHBACK If you have photos you would like to see in our "‘ FLASH BACK" feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey® lstResponderNews.com

2nd A larm D uring C ity w id e W ate r C risis PATERSON, NJ - On August 8, 2025 at approximately 11:15 A.M., with the city of Paterson in a citywide water crisis due to a broken 30-inch water main, the PFD made a great stop at 325 Park Ave. in a large three-story multi-family dwelling. Due to the problems with the major water main break, the city had called for mutual aid tankers to assist. The tankers, from West Milford and Picatinny Arsenal, were on scene to assist with water supply. Due to the excessive heat, the PFD rehab unit, as well as the Passaic County Rehab unit were on scene providing refreshments and rehab for the men as they came out of the fire building. Mutual Aid companies were also on scene and covering city firehouses during the fire. The water problem in the city was expected to be repaired within 24 hours according to local TV news stations. RICH WOLFSON COLLECTOR

In 1994 on Super Bowl Sunday, East Rutherford firefighters along with several mutual aid towns fought this fire on Carlton Ave., across from the Co.2 firehouse.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

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September, 2025

ADVERTISER INDEX

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

IN SERVICE

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st R esponder N ew s (ISSN 1525-1683) - N ew Jersey edition - Vol. 32 No. 9 - is published monthly, 12 tim es a year for $48 per year by B elsito Com m unications, Inc., 1Ardm ore Street, N ew Windsor, N Y 12553. Periodicals P ostage Paid at Newburgh, N Y and additional m ailing offices. Postmas ter: Sen d address ch anges to 1st R espond er N ew s, 1 Ard m or e Street, N ew W indsor, N Y 12553. N o financial responsibility is assum ed by this new spaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors ex cep t o f reprinting that part o f the ad w hich w as om itted o r in error. O m ission s or errors m ust b e brought to the at tention o f the new spaper during the sam e month o f publi cation. Printed in Canada. A division of:

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attic area. The cause o f the fire appears to be electrical, though the official in vestigation is ongoing. The dis placed residents are being assisted by Bayonne’ s Office o f Emergency Management and the Red Cross. “I want to thank our firefighters and the Bayonne Fire Canteen for their support at the scene,”Weaver said.

- COURTESY OF BAYONNE OEM

WORKING FACES

3 1 ,5 8

S ta te L in e F ire & S a fe ty

BAYONNE, NJ - A one-alarm fire in a three-story, multi-family home on Avenue C displaced four residents Saturday morning, August 9th, and sent one firefighter to the hospital with a heat-related injury, officials said. The Bayonne Fire Department was dispatched at 10:18 a.m. to 180 Avenue C after reports o f smoke. Crews arrived to find smoke com ing from the third-floor and used two hand lines to extinguish flames in the attic, according to Fire C hief Keith Weaver. A ll occupants had evacuated before firefighters arrived. The blaze was brought under control within minutes and contained to the

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

4-Alarm Fire Spans Across 3 Homes in South Amboy SOUTH AMBOY, NJ - A 4-alarm fire in South Amboy drew a multi-agency response, July 29th, on the 100 block of Au gusta Street. Mutual aid on scene included South River FD, Cheesequake FD, Laurence Harbor FD, Perth Amboy FD, and Sayreville FD. East Brunswick FD provided the town with coverage while stationed at Independence Fire Station. Middlesex HAZMAT also responded for reports of multiple propane tanks in the yard, as well as the Middlesex Fire Marshall, New Jersey State Fire Marshall, Middlesex OEM and South Amboy First Aid Squad, which helped provide rehab for all on the scene, ensuring vitals and hydration levels were all up to par; this is all while temperatures soared to well over 100-degrees again as crews battled heavy smoke and flames. DAMIEN DANIS

Garfield Chief of Dept. Mike Colon monitors the radio while on mutual aid to Passaic for a multiple-alarm fire on Main Ave.

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September, 2025

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

2 -Responder Newspaper

In memory of those who gave all

1 Aidm ore Street •New Windsor, NY 12553 845-534-7500 •(Fax) 845-534-0055 •N e w s @ 1 s t R e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m

EXECUTIVE STAFF

PUBLISHER

JOC BelsitO (Joe@1stResponderNews.com) GENERAL MANAGER

Kathy Ronsilli (Kathy@ 1stResponderNews.com) MANAGING EDITOR

Lindsey Palmer (Undsey@1stResponderNews.com)

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Ashley Ramos (Ashley@1 stResponderNews.com)

emergency responders lost in the line of duty

NEW JERSEY EDITOR

Ron Jeffers

EDITORIAL STAFF

Louisiana: Michael Windsay, 51 Rank: Acting Chief Incident Date: March 3, 2025 Death Date: March 3,2025 Fire Department: New Orleans Fire Department Initial Summary: While on duty at New Orleans Fire

COLUMNISTS

Department's Fifth District Headquarters, Acting Chief

OPERATIONAL MANAGER

Nicholas BelsitO (Nicholas@1stResponderNews.com) DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@ 1stResponder.com)

R ick Billings (Cartoon) B ob Long (Cartoon)

Michael Windsay was found unresponsive. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pro

John M alecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf)

nounced deceased. The cause o f death has yet to be de

Didymus M cHugh (Chaplain’s Corner)

termined.

Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)

CORRESPONDENTS Keith Addie •Adam Alberti •Bill Auth •Shannon Bock •David Bums •John W Carr •Steven Catena •Don Colam sso •Robert Connell •Damien Danis •Joseph Diehl •Doug Fenichel •Joseph Getsinger •Alan Hoffman •Todd Hollritt •Richard Huff •Roman Isaryk Jr. •Bob Krane •Nicholas Lenczyk •Chuck Lowe •Justin Mattes •Richard Maxwell •Pete Monaco •Judson Moore •Sylvie Mulvaney • Mike Nowacki •Martin Pelta •Anthony Razzano •Lucas Richardson •John Rieth • Frank Robinson •EJ Rode •Frank Saia •Bob Sherman Jr. •Ken Snyder •Conni Spellman •Charlie Tentas •Bill Tompkins •Chris Tompkins •Justin Watrel •Eu gene Weber Jr. •James Wood Sr.

__________EDITORIAL INFORMATION__________ Join our team o f correspondents or columnists! 1st R esponder N ewspaper w elcom es subm issions b y our readers. Send stories and photos to us at 1 Ardm ore Street, N ew Windsor, NY 12553. Or, g iv e us a call or send us an e-mail. I f using the mail, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for all subm issions you wash to have returned. Publisher resem es the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.

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Missouri: Vernon Collett, 60 Rank: Captain Incident Date: March 8, 2025 Death Date: March 8,2025 Fire Department: Boiling Springs Fire and Rescue, Inc. Initial Summary: Captain Vernon Collett collapsed

1st Responder N ew s’ graphics team wall work with you on your adver tisement free o f charge. A ddition ally, w e offer a com plete marketing department for all o f your printed communications, Inc. needs. Whether they are posters, or single sheet handouts, full color or black and white, n o one else deliv ers the high quality work at our com petitive prices. A s a newspaper in the Belsito Com m unications Inc. family, 1st Responder N ew s has a state-of-the-art production facility which utilizes the latest scan ning techn ology available. Materials are processed using Power Macintosh G4s. Output is handled on our HP C olor LaserJet 8500 to produce this highest quality black and white or color prints on the market.

BELSITO

845-534-7500 ext. 214 • (fax) 845-534-0055 lnfo@ Belsito.com

tant C hief Kammerich's home address. Upon their arrival, firefighters found Assistant Chief Kammerich in distress and began CPR. Despite the lifesaving ef forts, Assistant Chief Kammerich was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Wisconsin: Lori A. Boelkes, 56 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: Feb. 14,2025 Death Date: Feb. 27,2025 Fire Department: Warrens Area Fire District Initial Summary: Firefighter Lori Boelkes responded to a motor vehicle crash on February 14, 2025, at 1:36 p.m. as the driver o f Tender 1. Firefighter Boelkes cleared the scene at 1:47 p.m. and returned to the station. While driving home from the station, Firefighter Boelkes be

while fighting a natural cover fire. Despite nearly an hour o f lifesaving efforts, Captain Collett was pro

came ill. Her husband took her to Tomah Hospital where

nounced deceased at the scene.

was transferred to Marshfield Medical Center where she passed away on February 27, 2025.

Indiana: Don "Hev" Caylor, 66 Rank: Assistant Fire Chief Incident Date: March 9, 2025 Death Date: March 9,2025 Fire Department: Ridgeville Volunteer Fire

it was determined she had a stroke. Firefighter Boelkes

Department

Indiana: Roy A. Smith, 60 Rank: Firefighter/EMT Incident Date: April 5, 2025 Death Date: April 5, 2025 Fire Department: Posey Township Clay County

Initial Summary: While preparing to respond to a

Volunteer Fire Department

structure fire, Assistant Fire Chief Don Caylor collapsed on the station floor. Other Ridgeville Volunteer Fire De

Initial Summary: Shortly after midnight on April 5,

partment firefighters found Assistant Fire Chief Caylor upon their return to the station after the fire and pro nounced him deceased.

2025, the Posey Township Clay County Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to motorists (including two children) who became stranded in high water due to heavy storms. While responding to the call in his per sonal vehicle, Firefighter/EMT Roy Smith lost control o f

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few hours later at 9:00 p.m., the Pilot Grove Fire Pro tection District received an emergency call to A ssis

Missouri: Donald Kammerich, 64 Rank: Assistant Chief Incident Date: March 10, 2025 Death Date: March 10,2025 Fire Department: Pilot Grove Fire Protection District Initial Summary: At 2:00 p.m. on March 10, 2025, Assistant Chief Donald Kammerich responded to a grass fire where he strenuously fought the fire for ap proximately 2 hours. After the emergency response, Assistant Chief Kammerich returned home. Only a

the vehicle on the slippery roadway. The vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Fire and rescue personnel found Firefighter/EMT Smith pinned in the vehicle and extri cated him from the wreckage. They administered life saving measures to Firefighter/EMT Smith at the scene and during transport to a local hospital. Despite these ef forts, Firefighter/EMT Smith passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.

1^ Responder Newspaper - NJ

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September, 2025

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

New Jersey’s O ffic ia l 9/11 M em orial “ Empty Sky” ; D edicated 14 Years Ago, S till Incom plete & F irst Responders Forgotten

Notes from R on Jeffers

(Editor's note: September is here again. It marks the beginning o f many things, ie., back to school, football, cooler weather, etc. It is also a painful reminder for many First Responders o f what happened in September o f 2001, that took and changed many lives. I have given this space to retired Jersey City Deputy C hief Robert Cobb in refer ence to the state's official 9/11 M e morial, "Empty Sky," located at Liberty State Park, and the lack o f recognition o f NJ First Responders that have succumbed to 9/11 related illnesses since the 2001 attack.) First responders o f all ages re flect on the events o f September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center in Manhattan, New York, was at tacked. The incident resulted in the loss o f 2,753 lives, including 343 members o f the FDNY, 23 NYPD officers, 36 officers from the

NY/NJ Port Authority Police D e partment, 8 EMTs/Paramedics, and 1 Jersey City Fire Department member. Additionally, 766 resi dents o f New Jersey were among those killed. Since September 11, 2001, more than 4,500 survivors and first responders have also died due to diseases and cancer linked to the toxic dust and debris released at ground zero. Several o f those. New Jersey first responders. The O fficial New Jersey 9/11 Memorial, known as EMPTY SKY, is located at Liberty State Park in Jersey City and serves as a signifi cant public artwork. D esigned by Jessica Jamroz and Frederick Schwartz, Empty Sky was selected unanimously by a committee o f 9/11 families and survivors from more than 320 national and interna tional submissions. The memorial was dedicated on September 10, 2011, to commemorate New Jersey residents who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks. It’ s unimag inable, but the Empty Sky M em o rial remains incomplete and in need o f maintenance, 14 years after its dedication. It has been ignored by NJ leadership and Liberty State Park officials. While there were 766

JESSICA JAMR0Z/PR0VIDED RY R0RERT C0RR

Rendering of a completed NJ 9/11 Memorial Empty Sky with in scription "NEVER FORGET" on wall.

PROVIDED RY R0RERT C0RR

Existing conditions; weeds growing inside lighting fixtures.

RON JEFFERS New Jersey residents who perished on 9/11, only 749 names are presently inscribed on the wall. The leadership o f NJ has failed the fam ilies o f the 18 forgotten souls mur dered on 9/11. Also forgotten are the names o f first responders who have died in the line o f duty (LODD) since 9/1 land have not been added to the memorial wall. I ’ ve made re peated requests for First Responder LODD’ s to be added, but again ig nored. These New Jersey first re sponders, firefighters, local and state police and EMS are also vic tims o f the World Trade Center at tack and merit recognition and honor for their sacrifices. Why are they not honored? The original de sign reportedly included plans for a space dedicated to first responders and victims, though this feature has yet to be established. New Jersey first responders promptly provided critical support on September 11, working exten sively along the Jersey City water front, at various locations, and at ground zero. At 0934, just after the second tower was struck, Jersey City Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request for its Mask Service Unit (MSU), which sup plied numerous spare air bottles and packs and had the capability to refill depleted bottles for operations at the World Trade Center site. Following the collapse o f the Twin Towers, de bris rendered all roads near ground zero impassable, making the Hud son River crossing to New Jersey— just half a mile away— the most viable evacuation route for sur vivors. M ore than 5,000 injured civilians, as well as FDNY, police, and EMS personnel, were trans ported by boat across the Hudson River to a triage area established by Jersey City EMS, police, and fire fighters. Subsequently, EMS profes sionals and ambulances from throughout New Jersey arrived at the Hudson River staging areas to assist with the transportation and

care o f survivors. The mutual aid extended by New Jersey first re sponders to the thousands affected by the events o f 9/11 was instru mental in providing medical assis tance and saving lives. I visited the 9/11 Memorial many times, most recently in May o f this year. I observed that the memorial still remains incomplete and in poor condition. The exterior o f the 30foot-high walls is still unfinished, with exposed raw concrete that shows signs o f staining and wear. The installation o f the planned stainless-steel cladding, as well as the in scriptions "Never Forget" and "Always in our Hearts," has not yet occurred (refer to rendering). Fur thermore, the specialized lighting at the base o f the walls— which was designed to honor and memorialize each victim— requires restoration. Much o f the original illumination has been replaced with less effi cient, lower-quality lighting, and the directory kiosks are currently nonoperational. M ost o f the foliage around the h ollow ed grounds has died. (The M emorial is under the management o f the New Jersey D e partment o f Environmental Protection/Liberty State Park). To date, the majority o f my emails to New Jersey leadership have not received responses, and no action appears to have been taken on these requests. It is concerning that the leadership o f the State o f New Jersey has permitted this sym bolic memorial— representing significant human loss within our communi ties— to remain in a state o f disre pair for nearly fourteen years. Moreover, it appears to me they have ignored recognizing first re sponders from New Jersey who suc cumbed to illnesses (LODD) related to their courageous response to the World Trade Center attacks in New York City. These individuals merit acknowledgment at the state's offi cial memorial. Empty Sky, with a dedicated tribute area and names in

scribed on the Memorial Wall. Lib erty State Park receives more than 4 million visitors each year; however, few are aware o f its historical sig nificance or the commendable ef forts o f New Jersey's first responders. The phrase "Never Forget" should indeed reflect its true meaning o f “ Never Forget.” Respectfully, Robert “Butch”Cobb Deputy Chief (Ret) Jersey City Fire Department Past C hief Dumont Vol. FD & West M ilford Township Vol. FD (ChiefCo#4) U.S. Army - Vietnam Veteran Former National Director, Verisk/ISO Firehouse© Magazine 2022 Hall o f Fame Inductee resqboss@hotinail.com DOWNS: A fire broke out under a PATH train at the Newport station in Jersey City, August 4th, that caused at least 13 passengers to be treated by medical personnel. Nine o f those passengers were hospital ized after smoke filled their cars and caused commuter chaos, according to the NY Post. UPS: H oboken firefighters and police officers teamed up to rescue a kitten that fell into a sewer on River St., Aug. 2nd. After getting a clean bill o f health from the Veteri nary Emergency Group, the kitten was adopted by a city Police Officer William Vera. His name is Hudson, after the Hudson River and River St., where he was found, according to “The Hoboken Girl.” DOWNS: A large water main break caused low water pressure in Fair Lawn on Aug. 24th. Mutual aid water tankers were called into the borough to stand by.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Linds ey@ l stResponderNews.com.

RILL TOMPKINS - WWW.OTFIREPHOTOS.COM RON JEFFERS

His last 3rd alarm? North Hudson 1st Battalion Chief Al Salvesen prepares to "take up" from a 3-alarm fire on Bergenline av., West New York, on the morning of August 5th. His retirement date is at the end of August. He was working a "mutual" in the 2nd Battalion on this date.

DAMIEN DANIS

Elmwood Park Chief Edward Mierzejewski with the members of the EPFD Ladies Auxiliary at a recent garage fire.

NICHOLAS KNIPPLE

Seaside Heights Ocean rescue team was successful in 33 rescues, mostly victims stuck in rip currents on unguarded beaches.

M assive Fire Destroys R utherford Synagogue RUTHERFORD, NJ -A fouralarm fire totally consum ed the Beth El Chabad Synagogue in Rutherford, almost trapping the Rabbi and his family in the early morning hours o f August 8th. At about 2:45 A.M., 911 calls were received for a fire at 185 M on trose Ave. The first due police unit ra dioed “ have the FD step it up, the fire is spreading fast”. First due fire units found the 100+ year-old three-story frame dw elling with additions in the rear heavily involved. The Rabbi and his family narrowly escaped the rapidly advancing flames. A second-alarm was immediately requested and the first due engine was instructed to go to deck gun on arrival. The structure soon b e came fully involved. A thirdalarm was sounded for response to the scene and a fourth-alarm to stand by at the Am es Ave. Fire house. Members worked in a rear gymnasium to attempt to halt the spread. A heavy ember condition was threatening nearby exposures as the fourth-alarm companies were m oved up to the scene to assist with long stretches. The front o f the structure began to collapse and all members were withdrawn from the rear. A fifth-alarm was transmitted for coverage to the firehouse. Three elevated master streams operated on the fire building, along with numerous hand lines. By 4:00 A.M., the structure had com pletely c o l lapsed and the intensity o f the flames slowly diminished. Oper ations continued to well after day light as mutual aid began to be

released. Torah Scrolls and other religious items were lost. There were no reported injuries. In 2012, the synagogue was firebom bed and damaged, but an initial investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’ s O ffice Arson Squad, Bergen County Sheriff’ s

Department Bureau o f Criminal Investigation Unit, Bureau o f A l cohol and Firearms, and Police Detectives determined this fire was not intentionally set, but the investigation continues.

- BILL TOMPKINS

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 11

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

UPS & DOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 UPS: In August, a ceremony was held in Montclair where local offi cials received $200,000 in state funding to assist in the repair for Fire Station 3. The house was closed in 2023 due to lack o f funding for repairs to the building, in the South End, according to a Montclair Fire Foundation Facebook post. DOWNS: Homes in the area o f Irongate & Nottingham roads, in Evesham, were evacuated on Aug. 4thafter a construction crew rup tured a gas line that burned two con struction vehicles, officials said. There were no injuries. A “signifi cant”gas leak occurred and the gas ignited, causing the fire. UPS: Firefighter Kyle Asbrand has been promoted to captain in Bordentown. DOWNS: In early August, a mas sive underground water main leak behind Hinchliffe Stadium, in Pater son, affected some 200,000 Passaic County residents. Through mutual aid, at least 37 fire departments from ten counties sent water tenders and draft engines to Paterson, ac cording to the Paterson Press. Nearby Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon were also effected. UPS: In August, Jersey City O.E.M. member Tim Lawrence was recognized by the Puerto Rican Her itage, Culture & Arts as the Hon orary Puerto Rican Man o f the Year. “This award means so much to menot only as a celebration o f my com

mitment to keeping the city safe during storms, emergencies and major events-but also as a reflection o f the deep connection I feel to the community I serve,”Lawrence said. DOWNS: Due to a 63-mph wind gust in July, an old World War II air raid siren was knocked o ff o f its perch atop a pole at Linden St. & Avenue A, Bayonne. The city DPW and FD worked to remove the haz ard, according to an OEM Facebook post. UPS: Newly appointed firefight ers in Bordentown are Albert Mor rissey and Patrick McCloskey. DOWNS: On July " 26th, Moonachie firefighters responded to a mobile home fire. They arrived to find two mobile homes well in volved. Due to the heat, a total o f 3alarms were transmitted bringing in numerous mutual aid companies to the scene. UPS: Perth Amboy is receiving $1 million in the fiscal 2026 state budget to acquire land for a new Fire Station 2. According to My Central Jersey, the funding comes in addition to $500,000 the city re ceived in the previous state budget. The new firehouse, in the eastern section o f the city, will be staffed 24/7 with 8 firefighters assigned to Engine Co. 2 and Truck Co. 2. It will also be the base for the fire fighters who staff the city's fire boat, according to Chief o f Department Edward Muller.

DOWNS: Multiple cars burned at a Route 46 auto dealership in Little Ferry, Aug. 15th. Flames extended to a structure, but that fire was quickly knocked down. UPS: Atlantic City is receiving $1.5 million from a grant funding project to received “ a much-needed face lift to complement an ongoing exterior restoration,”for Fire House 2, according to The Press o f At lantic City.”O f the $1.5 million, $750,000 is coming from the New Jersey Historic Trust, while the other half was provided by the Na tional Park Service's African Amer ican Civil Rights grant. The firehouse, at Indiana and Baltic av.'s was open in the horse-drawn days. DOWNS: A fiery crash involving four vehicles shut down part o f the NJ Turnpike in East Rutherford for hours, Aug. 19th. It occurred on the northbound side o f the western spur near milepost 112, according to State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan. The crash involved a tractor-trailer, two autos and an ice cream truck. The tractor-trailer and ice cream truck caught fire. No injuries were reported. UPS: A new firehouse opened in Somerville on March 1st. This building consolidated four fire houses and put all fire companies under one roof, along with EMS units. The Somerville Emergency Services Facility is located at N. Gaston av. & E. C liff St.

UNDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Linden Fire Department Welcomes Am erica’s 9/11 Foundation Scholarship Run Saturday, 16 August 2025 - Chief William Hasko extended a warm welcome to the America’s 9/11 Foundation Scholarship Run as it made its final stop in Linden before heading into New York City. The annual motorcycle run honors the mem ory of those lost on September 11, 2001, while also raising scholarship funds for the children of first responders. Riders were greeted in Linden with support and appreciation before continuing toward their last leg into Manhattan. The event re flects the strong connection between local fire departments and the broader first responder community, highlighting both remembrance and the commitment to future generations.

PITMAN FIRE COMPANY #1

P itm an fire fig h te rs a s s is t a t H arrison Tow nship fire RON JEFFERS

Somerville has consolidated four firehouses into one modern Somerville Emergency Services Facility at N. Gaston av. & E. Cliff St.

Pitman Fire Company crews assisted at a building fire Friday evening in Harrison Township, officials said. The call came in around 7 p.m. for a reported house fire. Chief 23 arrived to find a fire inside the township water treatment office. Pit man’s Ladder 28 was assigned rapid intervention team duties and stood by until released by command. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

In Somerset County, the Community Fire Company in Warren Township has in service Utility 613. It is a 2022 Chevrolet 4x4 chassis with a five seat cab and DuraMag body assembled by A & K Equipment, Inc. The inventory includes cables, pads, tyvek hazmat suits, road flares, hand fire ex tinguishers, safety cones, a sump pump, two life jackets, an electric measuring stick, SCBA and a spare cylinder and stream lights. FRANK SAIA

Evesham FF Ken Peyre-Ferry sets the main at this working fire at 34 Dorchester Circle, Evesham, NJ on August 20, 2025.

Burlington County Staying Busy with Fire Duty This Summer EVESHAMTWP., NJ - OnAugust 20, 2025, just after 2:30 P.M., a box was transmitted for the Eve sham Fire Department for the re port o f a dwelling fire at 34 Dorchester Circle in the Kings Grant development o f Evesham Township. First arriving units initially had nothing showing from the end unit o f a row o f two-story frame townhouse dwellings. Seconds later, crews reported smoke showing from the roof area in Division “ C ”. The “all companies working”sig nal was transmitted, which brought in additional resources beyond the first alarm assigned units.

Jump t o f il e #082125105

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Evesham firefighters quickly stretched and operated a 1 3/4”han dline to the second-floor to extin guish the fire and made a good knock, which stopped the fire from running the row. Crews from M ed ford, M edford Lakes, Mt. Laurel, and Voorhees assisted with fireground duties and overhaul. No in juries were reported and the fire was placed under control in less than 30 minutes.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Warren Township, Community Fire Co., Utility 61-3, 2022 Chevrolet/DuraMag with A & K assembly.

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FRANK SAIA

Evesham EMS Rachel Yates gives a hand stretching line at this all companies working fire at 34 Dorchester Circle, Evesham, NJ on August 20, 2025.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Right/rear view of Community Fire Co. Utility 61-3.

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

RON JEFFERS

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP POUCE

Passaic Ladder 1’s 2017/2023 (refurb) Spartan 93-foot platform operates at the multiple-alarm commercial building fire in Totowa, August 2nd.

Fire Damages Large Detached Garage in Dlackwood BLACKWOOD, NJ - Firefight ers battled heavy flames in a de tached garage Monday evening, July 28th, working for hours in sti fling heat and humidity before de claring the fire out, officials said. Station 82 was dispatched at 6:46 p.m. for a reported outer build ing fire. Chief 82 arrived within minutes along with Squad 88, Tower Ladder 82, Engine 82 and Rescue 82, and found advanced fire

TO f i l e #082225105

conditions in a large garage, ac cording to the department. Chief 82 upgraded the call to an “all hands” response as crews mounted an aggressive attack. The fire was brought under control soon after, but firefighters remained on scene until about 1 a.m. performing

overhaul and full extinguishment. Officials thanked mutual aid partners for their support during what they described as a challeng ing operation in oppressive weather. No injuries were reported, and the cause o f the fire is under inves tigation.

- COURTESY OF CHEWS LANDING FIRE DEPT.

__________ DRILLS/TRAINING__________ To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

DAMIEN DANIS

Haledon Ladder 1, a 1999 E-One Cyclone, in operation alongside Woodland Park Engine 3, a 2010 Pierce Arrow XT, while on mutual aid to Totowa on August 2nd for a fire at Sun Belt Rentals on Riverside Dr.

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September, 2025

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Celebrating 45 Years of Artistic Partnership; 2025 Artwork Title: “A HERO’S REACH” In honor o f the 45th year o f his partnership with the Bum Foundation and its annual fundraiser at the New Jersey State Firefighters’Convention in Wild wood, NJ, celebrated artist Joseph M. Getsinger has once again joined creative forces with 3D artist Jarryd Ley to produce the 2025 commemorative artwork, ti tled A HERO’S REACH. This year’ s image is a testa ment to the strength, compassion, and braveiy o f first responders. Building on the success o f their previous collaboration, the piece reflects a fusion o f traditional il lustration and digital 3D artistry. Joe’ s decades o f experience and storytelling are enriched by Jarly d ’ s dynamic visual style and technical precision— resulting in a scene that is as emotionally res onant as it is visually impactful. “A H E R O E ’ S REACH”cap tures a defining moment o f res cue, symbolizing the courage that drives firefighters into danger and the lives touched by their selfless ness. The collaboration not only showcases artistic synergy across generations and mediums but also strengthens the ongoing mission o f supporting bum survivors and raising awareness through power ful visual storytelling. Together, Joe and Jarryd have created a piece that honors the past, reflects the present, and in spires continued appreciation for the heroes among us. This year’ s art project “A H ER O ’ S REACH ”is sponsored in full by David Russell, Presi dent, FIRE & SAFETY SERV ICES Ltd., South Plainfield, N.J. ,and Pierce Manufacturing. David Russell and his father William Russell have supported the Bum Foundation and the Artist for over 25 years. David Russell has not only financed the printing o f the limited-edition prints, the raffle tickets and again this year the lim ited edition “Collector Pin.” With the aid o f the Cinnaminson Fire Department (retired) Fire Chief William Kramer, Jr., current Fire Chief Philip Drangula and other members the photo shoot was completed. A special thanks to Cinnaminson Firefighter Joe Vazquez , Artist’ s son Thomas Getsinger and grandson Maxwell Getsinger who posed with Joe Vasquez for this image. The Bum Foundation was es tablished in 1973 to provide fundraising for the emerging spe cialty for the treatment o f bum in juries. The foundation was formed with the mission to aid bum pa-

JUMPTO FILE #082725101

m tients, their families and the insti tutions that treat them. Over the years the four (4) regional Bum Centers at Crozer Chester M ed ical Center, St. Christopher’ s H os pital for Children, Temple University Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, their patients, families, and staff, have all benefited from contribu tions raised at various events throughout the years. But none is more important than the annual NJ State Firefighters’Convention in Wildwood, NJ. Joe Getsinger’ s art has been a major influence in the foundation’ s successful fundraising efforts in W ildwood since 1980.

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Premier Art and Frames owner Wil Edwards sponsored the fine art framing o f the number one G iclee’ canvas print which will be the number one raffle prize for the Bum Foundation fundraiser. They are located at 162 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. Email: premierartsLSlgmail.com Quality framing at veiy reasonable prices. Burn Foundation 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, Pa. 19103 supports the greater Delaware Valley through education and support o f five re gional Bum Centers. You can do nate online at: www.bumfoundation.or or call (215) 545-3816. Special thanks to Administrator John McCann for his support and dedication through the years. Other firefighter prints avail able at: jgetsingerarts.com You can get the “ A H ER O ’ S REACH”Raffle Tickets and C ol lector Pins at the gates o f the Con vention tents, or at the Bum Foundation booth on stage. You’ ll have a chance to win the 1st Prize framed and signed G iclee’ Canvas o f “A H E R O ’ S REACH ”or one o f 24 signed and numbered lim ited edition prints.

JOSEPH M. GETSINGER & JARRYD LEY

Stay on to p o f th e news th a t m a tte rs to New Jersey Em ergency Responders w ith a d a ily v is it to : w w w .1strespondernew s.com

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PAGE 20

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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

NEW JERSEY M EM ORIES 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 .

1917 electric powered apparatus (made by Commercial Truck Company of Philadelphia). Each wheel had its own individual motor.

RON JEFFERS

Totowa chief unit 970's Chevy Tahoe operating at the multiplealarm fire that involved a commercial building on Riverview Drive, August 2nd.

THOMAS DAYSPRING COLLECTION/NY EDISON CO. CIRCA 1917

Paterson Engine Company exiting Headquarters in 1921. The cab with solid rubber tires is electric powered, but the rear is an attached 1903 Metropolitan Steam pumper. RON JEFFERS

Totowa Assistant Chief 21's Dodge Durango at the fire.

THOMAS DAYSPRING COLLECTION/NY EDISON CO. CIRCA 1917

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Paterson Truck Company 2, a tillered electric powered aerial with solid rubber tires, exiting Head quarters (note the large life net on the side of trailor and with firefighters on the running board).

Totowa Assistant Chief unit 24's Ford sedan at the scene.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

MEMORIAL BOARD If you have photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

EAST RUTHERFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT DAMIEN DANIS

Elmwood Park Engine 1 's new Seagrave engine is dedicated to Captain Ken Adamo who was L.O.D.D on December 28 2010 . Ken was captain of the company when he passed.

Trucks Catch Fire in M ulti-Vehicle Crash on New Jersey Turnpike RUTHERFORD, NJ - Two com m ercial trucks caught fire Tuesday afternoon, August 19th, after a multi-vehicle crash on the N ew Jersey Turnpike northbound near Interchange 16W, authorities said. The East Rutherford Fire D e partment responded around 3:26 p.m. to find both trucks burning. Fire crew s attacked the flames while mutual aid com panies from Rutherford, Carlstadt and Wallington helped secure water supply

J u m p to file # 0 8 2 1 2 5 1 1 1

lines, officials said. Engines from Passaic and a ladder company from Rutherford covered local fire stations during the incident, according to the d e partment. N o information on injuries or the cause o f the crash was im m edi ately available. State police were investigating.

East Rutherford officials said they were grateful for the assis tance o f neighboring fire depart ments. “Our mutual aid partners played a critical role in containing this fire,”the department said in a statement. Turnpike traffic was disrupted in the area for several hours as crews w orked to extinguish the blaze and clear the scene.

- COURTESY OF EAST RUTHERFORD FIRE DEPT.

EMERGENCY WATERCRAFT If you have photos you would like to see in our Emergency Watercraft feature, please upload them on our website www. 1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

FRANK SAIA

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE RUFFS

Mt. Laurel EMS Brooklyn Carpenter and crew gives some much appreciated cold refreshments and towels to the firefighters who battled a second alarm fire on a humid 90+ degree weather day.

port Reading (Woodbridge Twp., NJ) Marine 2-3-8 is this 22' Tideman flat bottom boat with a 95-GPM pump. It is slated to be replaced in 2026 with a state-of-the-art 30' Lake Assault fireboat with a 1500GPM pump.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

PAGE 23

September, 2025

The Dog Days of Summer Hit South Jersey; 1 1njured in Second Alarm M t. Laurel House Fire MT. LAUREL, NJ - It has been a busy summer for fire activ ity in the three South Jersey coun ties o f Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 added another to the tally for Burlington County. At 12:30 RM. on July 29th, with temperatures in the 90s and with high humidity, the Mt. Laurel Fire Department was d is patched to 106 Dorchester Road for a reported dwelling fire and re ported people trapped. MLFD BC Chris Santone ar rived and reported smoke showing from the eves o f a single-family, split-level dwelling. He confirmed that victims had exited the dwelling and were accounted for. BC Santone placed all companies in service and gave orders for the incoming units. Units stretched hose lines to

t o f i l e #073025110

39 i • *

the interior to attack the fire that appeared to have originated in the basement and spread to the firstfloor. The fire building was well laddered and ventilated. A secondalarm was transmitted to bring in additional crews for relief as a precaution due to the high temper ature. The fire was knocked quickly and the second-alarm units were able to go available shortly after. There was one reported injury. Mount Laurel EM S was on loca tion and distributed much appreci ated cold drinks and towels. The fire was placed under control in about 20 minutes.

- FRANK SAIA

_________________ FRANK SAIA

Mt. Laurel mains are raised to the roof at this second-alarm fire at 106 Dorchester Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ on July 29, 2025.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

APPARATUS IN ACTION I f y o u h a v e p h o to s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in ou r A p p a ra tus in A c tio n fea tu re p le a s e u p loa d them on ou r w e b s it e w w w . ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s .c o m or em a il them to L in d s e y @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m .

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M a laga F ire fig h te rs A s s is t a t Barn F ire in Salem C ounty RON JEFFERS

Totowa Engine 971 's 2003 Pierce Saber 1250-gpm pumper was well used at the multiple-alarm fire involving a power and HVAC equipment rental business on Riverview Dr., August 2nd. The “Working Company” graphics above the windshield certainly ap plied on Saturday afternoon.

PILESGROVE, NJ - Malaga Fire Company crews assisted Thursday afternoon, August 7th, at a large barn fire in the Reliance Fire Company’s service area, officials said. Engine 43-4 was dispatched at 1:33 p.m. and, upon arrival, was assigned to water supply operations. The engine was used both as a supply and attack engine during the incident, according to the department. The fire was placed under control, and Engine 43-4 units were later released and returned to town. No injuries were reported.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

All Hands Job Destroys Gloucester Twp. Garage

FRANK SAIA

GLOUCESTER TWP., NJ - At about 6:45 P.M. on July 28, 2025, Gloucester Twp. fire companies were dispatched after a neighbor on Downs Avenue reported a fire to the rear o f their home. Gloucester Twp. units arrived and amended the address to 76 Kelly Driver Lane and reported a c o m m e r c ia l- s iz e d garage to be heavily involved in fire. The garage sat to the rear o f the prop erty and access was limited for FD apparatus. The main residence on the property and another garage were immediately threatened by the fire. First arriving units stretched handlines to attack the fire from the Division A side and to protect the exposures. Runnemede Quint 7 po sitioned toward the C-D corner to attack the fire from an elevated p o sition and to protect the main resi dence. The fire was brought under control in about 35 minutes. Units from Runnemede, Somerdale, Bellmawr, Deptford, Magnolia, and Pennsauken Fire D e partments were among some o f the units that assisted the Gloucester Twp. units o f Chews Landing, Blackwood, and Erial.

- FRANK SAIA

Firefighters work to extinguish hot spots after a fire destroyed this garage at 76 Kelly Driver Lane, Gloucester Twp., on July 28th.

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HILLSIDE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The Hillside Fire Department proudly congratulated Firefighter Gregory Donofrio (Line #142) as he retired after 25 years of ded icated service to the Township of Hillside and its residents. Donofrio began his firefighting career on June 6, 2000, and over the years became known not only as a steady and dependable firefighter, but also as a mentor, teammate, and true friend. Col leagues described him as humble, respected, and a brother in every sense of the word, someone who led by example both in the firehouse and on the fireground. His final assignment was as Motor Pump Operator (MPO)/chauffeur of Truck 1 at Station 1 on Tour #4, where his calm leadership and years of experience made a daily impact. “Greg is one of those rare people who leaves a mark not just be cause of what he did, but because of who he is,” the department said in its statement. “We will miss his presence but remain grateful for the years, memories, and example he set for those who follow.” The Hillside Fire Department extended heartfelt thanks to Fire fighter Donofrio for 25 years of courage, dedication, and service, wishing him health and happiness in retirement.

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DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “ Departmnt Profile”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

The Meadowlands Fire Depart ment (East Rutherford, Bergen County, NJ) is operated by the New Jersey Sports & Enter tainment Authority. The depart ment is stationed at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and is tasked with protecting MetLife Stadium, which is home of the New York Jets and Giants NFL teams, the Mead owlands Racetrack, American Dream Mall, and the Meadow lands Arena. They are a career department with around 65 firefighters. The Sports Com plex houses the Meadowlands Fire Departmant and Emer gency Medical Services, and the Internet Technology, Engi neering and Site Operations Departments. The NJSEA is also responsible for the Com plex’s New Jersey Transit Rail Station operations and mainte nance. The department runs out of a single fire station lo cated at 50 Route 120, East Rutherford NJ.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE DUFFS

Meadowlands Fire Department

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE RUFFS

Meadowlands Fire Department Patch

The fleet consists of: ■ Engine 1, a 2015 Ford F-550 / Rosenbauer 500/300/12F ■ Ladder 1, a 2008 E-One Ty phoon 1500/500/75' rear-mount ■ Squad 1, a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 5500HD / Reading / Cliffside Body walk-in ■ TAC 1, a 2018 Polaris Ranger 4x4 ATV / Kimtek Fi re nte 65/90/5F ■ EMS 1, a 2015 Ford / Medix ambulance ■ Car 1 (Chief Of Department), a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe ■ Engine 2, a 1997 E-One 1250/750 that formerly served the Essex Fells NJ Fire Depart ment ■ TAC 2, a 2014 Club Car Car ryall 550 Electric ■ EMS 2, a 2017 Ford E-350 / Type III Medix ambulance ■ Car 2, a 2024 Ram 1500 ■ NJ EMS TaskForce Mass Care Response Unit, a Car Mate trailer ■ NJ EMS Task Force Logis tics Unit, a United trailer ■ The department also has 2 new units on order. ■ Ladder 1’s replacement, an E-One Typhoon HR 100 Quint 1500/470 ■ Engine 2’s replacement, an E-One Typhoon Metro Series pumper 1500/780

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE RUFFS

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September, 2025

PAGE 29

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

West Orange reserve Engine 5's 2002 Pierce Lance 2000-gpm pumper saw original duty with the West Paterson Fire Department.

FRANK RORINSON

Pennsville Fire once ran this 1983 Mack CF/LTI 1250/200/106' Ladder. The unit also served Merrionette Park, IL.

DAMIEN DANIS

F o rt Lee A u to Shop D estroyed in Blaze FORT LEE, NJ - An auto re pair shop was engulfed in flames shortly before 4:30 RM. on July 31 st. A spen call to Palisades Park reporting a fire on Bergen Blvd. was reported. As Palisades Park FD units re sponded, it was discovered that the fire was in Fort Lee at 1440 Bergen Blvd., on the border o f both towns at Smile Auto Services. The building was fully involved as companies arrived and a secondalarm was transmitted, bringing mutual aid units to the scene. Fleavy fire totally engulfed the entire building and also incinerated several vehicles, including an old ambulance which was used by the business. Early into the operation, a firefighter sustained an injury

Jump t o f il e #080225100 i t

and was transported to the hospi tal. An outside operation was or dered as master streams went into operation, along with exposure protection as the siding o f the apartment building next door started to melt from the heat. Fluge plumes o f black smoke could be seen from a distance over eastern Bergen County. A firefighter sus tained injuries that weren't consid ered life-threatening, according to Bergen County Prosecutor's Deputy C hief o f Detectives Jeff Angermeyer. Mutual aid operating at the fire

scene included Palisades Park, Leonia, Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Englew ood Cliffs, Teaneck BOX54 For rehab. Ft. Lee Ambulance squad, and several Bergen County Mutual Aid Coordinators. C over ing the borough on standby were companies from Englewood, Fairview and Ridgefield Park. The business had been at the top o f Bergen Boulevard in Fort Lee for 75 years. The building is a total loss, according to borough o f ficials. The prosecutor's Arson Task Force was activated because o f the firefighter injury, and they are investigating the cause o f the fire along with Fort Lee authori ties.

- DAMIEN DANIS

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September, 2025

PAGE 31

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Crews Knock Down Dum ont House F ire; Two Pets Rescued

DUMONT, N.T - Dumont fire fighters were dispatched to 171 Lafayette Ave. aroimd 2:27 PM. on July 30th, for reported smoke in the residence. Chief Abdulla arrived on scene to smoke showing from the front o f Hie home and transmitted a working fire. Engine 4 arrived first on scene, estab lished a supply line, and stretched an attack line through the front door. Engine 3, Res cue 3 and Elaworth Truck arrived shortly after and assisted with primary searches, laddering the home and with an interior attack on the fire. Interior crews reported heavy fire on Hie first-floor with extension to the second-floor. Command transmitted Hie second alarm, bringing Bergenfield, Cresskill and Tenafly to the scene. Interior crews reported fire on Hie first-floor was knocked down, as a second line was stretched to the sec ond-floor. Bergenfield firefighters took to Hie roof and cut a vent hole while other firefighters vented windows on Hie second-floor. It took crews 30 min utes to extinguish the fire and check for further extension. No injuries were reported, however two animals were rescued from the home. The cause of Hie fire is imder investigation.

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PAGE 39

DAMIEN DANIS

Trailer Homes Destroyed in Moonachie Noontime Blaze GLASSBORO FIRE DEPARTMENT

In August, Glassboro firefighters assisted at a house fire in the Williamstown section of Monroe Township.

M OONACHIE, NJ - Several trailer homes were destroyed and several others damaged by a noon time fire right behind Teterboro Airport. On July 26th at 11:35 am, the M oonachie Fire Department was dispatched to a reported fire in a mobile home in the Metropolitan Reserve M obile Home Park at 22 Adult Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with two mobile homes wellinvolved. As chiefs arrived, heavy fire was consuming one trailer home and spreading to others. A

t o f i l e #072913106

working fire assignment and 2nd alarm were quickly requested, bringing additional companies to the scene. One trailer was down to the ground quickly as heavy fire damaged others. The 3rd alarm companies were requested to the scene due to the high temperatures for overhaul op erations. All occupants were ac counted for. The cause o f fire is

under investigation, and no serious injuries were reported. Mutual aid at the scene or in coverage included Carlstadt, Has bro uck Heights, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, M aywood, Ridgefield Park, Rutherford, South Hacken sack and Wood-Ridge. The County Wide Emergency Response Team provided canteen services, along with the M oonachie Rescue Squad.

- DAMIEN DANIS

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 .

CITY OF WILDWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT

Wildwood firefighters brought a house fire under control, August 13th, on the 300 West block of Glenwood Ave.

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GALLOWAYTOWNSHIP AMBULANCE SQUAD

In July, the Galloway Twp. Ambulance Squad completed its summer intern program.

DAMIEN DANIS

During Jefferson Milton Fire Co.'s wet down of their new Pierce Mid-Mount tower, the company paid respect to their former 1991 E-ONE tower, which has been retired.

PAGE 40

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

DRILLS/TRAINING To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

INDEPENDENT FIRE COMPANY #1

On August 14th, Independent Fire Company #1 held pump training under the best possible circumstances — a hot summer day where the drill doubled as a community event. Firefighters practiced crit ical pump operations and water flow management while children from the neighborhood enjoyed the spray, turning the training into an impromptu water day.

RON JEFFERS

Heavy fire and smoke consumed the roof of Sunbelt Rentals on Riverview Dr., in Totowa, as West Paterson Engine 3 and Haledon Truck 501 use master streams on the flames, August 2nd.

Fire Destroys Totowa Business

EAST GREENWICH TOWNSHIP FIRE & RESCUE

In August, East Greenwich Twp. Fire & Rescue members spent time training on rural water operations. Crews deployed a port-a-pond from the water tender and conducted a simulated water shuttle op eration by refilling the pond. The engine company drafted water from the pond to supply hand lines during suppression exercises.

TOTOWA, N.J. - Fire con sumed a power and HVAC equip ment business on August 2nd, summonsing a large amount o f mutual aid to the scene. Around 1:30 p.m., local fire fighters were dispatched to an alarm o f fire at the Sunbelt Rentals business on Riverview Dr. When they arrived, they found electrical wires in front o f the building burning and called for Public Service Electric & Gas to report to the scene. Smoke also began to show from a garage door. A ccess to the property was a problem, with firefighters snap ping locks on gates and utilizing saws to cut through roll down garage doors. Later, they used saws to open gated windows. A fork lift and propane were some o f the items observed inside the structure, along with a heavy v o l ume o f smoke. A 2.5-inch hand line was ordered into the building. Shortly thereafter, a radio trans m ission reported fire through the roof. A truck company had already been special called from the West Paterson Fire Department. A heavy column o f black smoke rose

t o f i l e #080525100

af into the sky as additional mutual aid fire companies were called in. Due to the conditions, a defen sive operation was established. Passaic Ladder l's tower entered the property and set up. Because o f the building's location, just off o f Route 46, there were many long lines o f LDF1 hose stretched to reach fire hydrants. This included a hydrant on Route 46. Two chief vehicles were used as blockers to protect Wayne Engine 1-1, hooked up to that hydrant. As members utilized saws on the rear roll up doors, one o f the company's fork lifts was utilized to push in and open the doors for quicker access, and for heavy v ol umes o f smoke to escape. At times, the area was covered with low-banking smoke, with only emergency flashing lights visible. Eland lines were used in the rear to knock down visible fire without entering the building. There were concerns over a com prom ised 1,000-gallon fuel tank at the rear.

Foam units were called in from Passaic and Parsippany District 5 as a precaution. A collapse zone was estab lished. B esides the Passiac plat form, tower ladder operations were also performed by West Pa terson and Wayne. In addition, there was a ladder pipe operation by Flaledon and a West Paterson deck gun. Fleavy fire vented out o f the roof, sending burning embers rain ing down on the area. Radiant heat could also be felt. The fire caused a Saturday afternoon traffic night mare in the area o f Route 46. After 5 p.m., the r o o f was gone and there were many hot spots to locate and extinguish fire, into the evening hours. No serious injuries were reported. The North Jersey Fire Canteen Support Unit, which serves the Passaic County area, was on the scene to provide bottled water and fo od for the weary firefighters. Mutual aid fire units, not al ready mentioned, came from Pa terson, Little Falls and Clifton.

- RON JEFFERS

S u bm ittin g p h o t o s and p r e s s r e l e a s e s is EASY! R e g is te r a t w w w .1 rbn.com t o b e g in p o s t in g d irectly. On August 21st, the Mount Bethel Vol. Fire Co. #1 in Warren Township held a specialized training session focusing on Paratech air lifting bags, tools used for rapid victim removal in rescue situations. Firefighters practiced handling shifting weight loads and reinforced critical stabilization techniques to ensure safe and effective operations in real emergencies.

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PAGE 41

Heat Takes its Toll at Maywood M ultiple MAYWOOD, NJ - On July 25th, with temperatures at about 100-degrees, a blaze possibly started by an exploding propane tank heavily damaged a M aywood home. Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 2:30 PM to 37 Terrace Ave. Fieavy fire was consuming a rear deck and extending into the second-floor and attic o f the dwelling, putting up a large column o f smoke. A second-alarm was quickly called as companies con firmed all residents were out and started their attack. The heat soon became a serious problem as one firefighter went down. All members were withdrawn, but soon re-en tered. Again a member collapsed and companies were again evacu ated. EMS treated those in need as others once again went interior.

Jump t o f il e #073025106

All fire was knocked down and extensive overhaul commenced. At least five firefighters were trans ported to Hackensack University Medical Center with heat injuries. One was reported to have been struck by a falling air conditioner. None o f the injuries were consid ered serious. The cause is under in vestigation, but may be connected to the propane tank. Mutual aid from Rochelle Park, Hackensack, Paramus, Garfield, Saddle Brook, River Edge, Elm w ood Park, Lodi, and Hasbrouck Heights assisted at the scene.

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M antua fire fig h te rs a s s is t a t W oodbury C ity d w e llin g fire WOODBURY, NJ - Mantua Township firefighters assisted at a working dwelling fire in Woodbury City Friday evening, August 8th, officials said. Rescue 22 arrived on scene, established a water supply and supported interior crews with fire suppres sion and overhaul operations, according to the department. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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PAGE 42

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

DEPARTMENT PROFILE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “ Departmnt Profile”feature, please upload them on our website, mvw.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com

The Lower Bank Volunteer Fire Company, nestled in the heart of Egg Harbor City, NJ (Burlington County), stands as a beacon of safety and community service.

cated and highly trained fire fighters here work tirelessly to protect and serve the local resi dents, making them true home town heroes.

This fire station on Firehouse Lane, sits behind a church and is a vital hub of emergency re sponse in the area. From bat tling roaring flames, to aiding in medical emergencies, the dedi

The fire company's fleet of spe cialized vehicles includes three units; one pumper-tanker, one engine and a utility unit, all painted in the company's white color.

EVESHAM FIRE-RESCUE

Evesham Firefighters B attle Early-M orning Condo & Vehicle Fires

DAMIEN DANIS

Engine 4522 - 2023 International HV607/Pierce (1500/1000/30).

EVESHAM, NJ - Evesham fire fighters and mutual aid crews re sponded to two separate fires early Monday, August 4th, including a blaze in a condominium building and a natural gas-fed fire involving construction vehicles, officials said. The first call came around 3 a.m. on the unit block o f Sequoia Court, where firefighters found flames in a three-story residential condominium building. Crews

quickly contained the fire to a single third-floor unit, according to the de partment. A few hours later, units were dispatched to the Willow Ridge sec tion o f the township for a natural gas-fed fire involving three con struction vehicles. Firefighters spent

more than two hours on scene pro tecting nearby homes while utility workers secured the leak. Officials said the fire damaged the vehicles and caused minor heat damage to the exterior of one residence. No injuries were reported in ei ther incident. The Evesham Fire Marshal is investigating the causes.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Fire Scene Discipline ON THE BOOK SHELF by John M alecky

Fire Scene Discipline By Danny Sheridan Available from: FSP Books & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, MA 01749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $49.00 This is a soft cover book measuring six inches by nine inches, with 123 pages. The book was written in 2024 and the au thor is a battalion chief with the New York City FD. This is a Fire Engineering Magazine publica tion and the author is a contribu tor. Besides the introduction and brief glossary, there are 11 chap ters and an epilogue. As part o f the introduction, the author states, “ It is not critical to each o f these stories as to what names are used or where they happened; the im portant message is to convey a lesson learned that can be passed onto another firefighter.” That

about sums up what this book is about. It centers around different crew members, both “ probies”and seasoned firefighters and officers in different boroughs. The com pany numbers are fictitious in each o f these stories. The focus o f these incidents is to bring the firefighter home to his family when the shift is over. The book is loaded with black and white photos to help il lustrate the scenarios with regard to the stories. At the back o f the book are two chapters, one on Hur ricane Katrina in New Orleans and the part that members o f the FDNY volunteered their time to assist the NOFD, and the other is about the attack on the World trade Center in 2001. This book is an easy read, but one in which lessons learned can be a lifesaver.

OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RONJEFFERS Elmwood Park Engine Co. 1's 2002 Seagrave 2000-gpm/750-gwt pumper, right, has been replaced by a 2025 Seagrave Marauder 2000-gpm/750-gwt/25-gft model.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

APPARATUS IN ACTION

FIRE COMPANY LOGOS

If you have photos you would like to see in our Apparatus in Action feature please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Fire Company L ogos “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .

JOHN M. MALECKY DAMIEN DANIS

South Hackensack Engine 403, a 2021 Spartan, operating first due at a house fire at #4 7th street during the summer.

The Eagleswood Fire Company in West Creek Township (Ocean County), sports this patriotic mural on their new Spartan ER pumper. It was reportedly done by the father of one of its members.

JOHN M. MALECKY

This Bass River Township logo appears on the back of the New Gretna Fire Company’s S & S elliptical tanker.

RON JEFFERS

Fort Lee Engine 4's 2024 Seagrave Marauder model 2000-gpm/750-gwt pumper was a water supply unit during 3-alarm fire involving a Bergen Blvd. auto repair shop on July 31st.

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September, 2025

PAGE 47

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

JOHNNETH Laurelton Fire Co. in Brick, NJ operates this 2025 Pierce Enforcer 2000/600.

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Resident Suffers Burns in Clifton Second-Alarm CLIFTON, NJ - One resident received serious burns as a two-alarm fire struck a private dwelling on August 16th. Flames were venting out of a second-story window on the “D” side as fire fighters arrived at 43 Sade St. at 9:00 P M . A second alarm was sounded as a line was stretched up the stairs to the second-floor and ground ladders and a stick were raised. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control in 15 minutes. No other injuries were reported.

ON THE LITER SIDE I f you have photos you w ould like to see in our "‘ O n The Liter S ide" feature, please upload them on our website,

JOHNRIETH

Tabernacle Township Fire Dept, operates this 2025 Kenworth T0880/Fouts 1500/4000 Tender-pumper.

w ww.lstR esponderN ew s.com or email them to Lindseyw! lstResponderNews.com .

DAMIENDANIS The Milton Fire Co. in Jefferson had to keep the water flowing at the wet down for their new Pierce tower by setting up a drafting pool with a tanker operation to keep hand lines charged.

PAGE 48

September, 2025

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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

FRANK SAIA

Bellmawr FF Aidan Monroe stretches a line to hit some hot spots after fire destroyed a garage at 76 Kelly Driver Lane in Gloucester Twp., July 28th.

FRANK SAIA

Voorhees Battalion Chief George Read confers with the Evesham Incident Commander, Capt. Ryan Brinker, at an all companies working fire at 34 Dorchester Circle in Evesham, August 20th.

SENIOR FIREFIGHTER BADER

"Send Central" from Monroe Township Fire District #3.

RON JEFFERS

Members of Linden Ladder Co. 1 with their new Pierce Enforcer 100-foot Ascendant model platform. (L to R): Lt. James Massaro, and Firefighters Brianna Bornstat, Brian Paster and Matthew Mikolajczyk.

JUSTIN MATTES

Cape May Firefighter Jackson Pyle assists a girl with a firehose during Cape May's National Night Out, August 6th.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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PAGE 50

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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@lstResponderN ews.com.

The Fire Service and W ork/Life Balance The title begs the question “Is it really possible to have a work/life balance as a volun teer firefighter”? In fact, many readers will likely chuckle at the mere prospect of achieving a work/life balance when con sidering the many roles and hats worn by the typical “Vollie”. There are several factors to consider in order to achieve a balance between the volun teer fire service and a personal life. Make no mistake though achieving a work/life balance in the fire service is no easy task. There are two major reasons for this. The fact that being a firefighter is a rigorous, timeconsuming profession relative to training and being on the fireground. Also, in the past few decades there are more and more personal demands than ever but still only 24 hours in a day. Understand that the term “bal ance” is relative for each fire fighter. For some balance is literally 50/50 while others it’s a 90/10. This is all dependent on the life circumstances of a particular firefighter. The term imbalance as used here is sim ply defined as a circumstance that changes a firefighter’s current participation in the fire service for the foreseeable fu ture and does not necessarily imply something negative. An imbalance could either be from the fire service side such as a change in department policy and/or new leadership or the personal life side such as hav ing children or a divorce. Re gardless, it is important to have the ability to identify what is or could potentially cause an imbalance. The last significant factor would be to come to terms with the fact that there are ebbs and flows to finding a happy medium and that there isn’t a specific time frame that those ebbs and flows will take place. Some firefighters are more active during the sum mer than winter or on weeknights as opposed to Sundays. Still, those waves may take

years to develop; the vast ma jority of firefighter careers and volunteer service see signifi cant participation in the younger years but as those same firefighters age and take on relationships and family the personal side takes more of a precedence but then shifts back (albeit a potentially differ ent role) later on in life, when as an example, excursions to various little league sporting events begins to wind down. The difficult part is how to quantify an imbalance. It’s one thing to “feel” that something is off; realistically it is a bad sign when a firefighter (even a Chief) thinks the department will fall apart without them. That said, is there some tangi ble metric to show an imbal ance? In fact, there is. Every department has minimums for attending calls, drills and meetings. Every firefighter should be keeping tabs on their participation in these cat egories and if the numbers show a drop off then there is a good chance there is a poten tial imbalance that requires at tention. It is important to note here that when analyzing participation numbers that while it is impor tant to know company totals firefighters really should try to focus more on comparisons to themselves. For example, ask yourself “How many calls had I attended at this time last year”? Focusing on a required minimum percentage of com pany totals only puts undo self-induced pressure on fire fighters which in the end will only result in lower participa tion. Ok so once an imbalance is identified, how can a firefighter resolve that issue relative to their participation in the fire house. The first thing is to un derstand how the system works in your respective de partment. If, as a firefighter or in life are starting to feel over whelmed and the result is not being able to get to the neces sary number of calls then con sult an officer/Chief about

what the options are and how the department can assist. Considering the recruitment and retention issue in the fire service across the country it is imperative that Chiefs know these options to properly ad vise firefighters to keep them in the game. One relatively common solution is to change your status from active to so cial membership or apply for a leave of absence. This typi cally results in calls during a specific time frame to not be counted in the total call vol ume for that firefighter. This will allow a firefighter to re solve whatever imbalance is present (personal/professional/fire service) and not get “dinged” for calls not at tended. Department assistance can range from employee assis tance programs for mental health issues through simply helping a firefighter around the house with a couple of proj ects so they can get back to re sponding to calls and going to meetings. It has been said that the only firefighters that worry about their participation numbers are those that aren’t getting to any calls. This is typically said in a

negative connotation as if to say “get off your butt and get to some calls”. Whereas that has some validity consider an other angle. What if you over heard another firefighter concerned about call or meet ing attendance? Instead of being critical wouldn’t it be better to ask yourself “What can I do to help another fire fighter get back on the appara tus?” Firefighters help each other; not just criticize. That’s what we do on and off the fireground so get off your butt and see how you can help another firefighter get back that work/life balance and respond ing to calls. The other aspect of knowing how the system works is un derstanding Length of Service Awards Program or LOSAP. Because LOSAP is compre hensive it is a discussion for another day but in a nutshell (Using New York State as an example): 1) Firefighters must accumu late 50 points annually 2) The categories are Drills, Calls and Meetings (there are some miscellaneous activities that can be included for points such as fire classes, writing fire service ar ticles etc..) 3) In most cases the call vol ume for each firefighter is 10% 4) Points are not prorated - it’s

all or nothing so 9% of calls gives you no points at all 5) Each category point value is capped (going to more meet ings and drills in lieu of calls will not result in more points for a given category) Knowing the parameters is es sential to achieving a work/life balance in the fire service. Once a firefighter knows what the options are a balance is achievable. When your life as a firefighter and as an individual conflict just remember to take a step back, take a deep breath and prioritize what is important at that moment, talk to your Chief, talk to other firefighters and design a solution. To reiterate, it is ESSENTIAL for firefighters (Chiefs and Of ficers especially) to not only be able to recognize when a col league may be in trouble but also know and apply the solu tions your department offers. Lastly, in spite of the recruit ment and retention issues al ways remember that the firehouse is not going to fall apart without you. In the long run firefighters attend more calls and meetings when a work/life balance is in place so there is no shame if you have to take a step back for a time. - JOSEPH CEA

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails? Email your press release and photos directly to Lindsey@1 strespondernews.com

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 51

Vehicle News

DAMIEN DANIS

RON JEFFERS

Elmwood Park Engine Co. 1 took delivery of this 2025 Seagrave Marauder pumper. The new engine has a 2000-gpm pump/750 GWT/25 GFT (B). It was sold by Hudson Valley Fire.

Acquired this year by the Linden Fire Department is this 2001 International 4000/Rescue 1 model rescue truck assigned as Rescue 1. Features include a light tower and winch. This unit saw previous duty in Matamoras, Pa.

RON JEFFERS

Elizabeth Engine Co. 3 has been assigned a 2025 Pierce Arrow XT 2000-gpm/700gwt/50-gft apparatus. The raised roof cab has six seats and there is a transverse compartment behind the read cab doors. The extended front bumper has intake and discharge gates, a hose basket and intersection warning lights. It has three crosslay beds and several rear-end discharge gates, plus two hard suction hoses are mounted on the chauffeur's side of the rig. Additional features include roll-out tool tray, scene lights and rear vision camera. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

Elizabeth Ladder Co. 1 received a 2025 Pierce Arrow XT model 100-foot rear-mount aerial ladder. The cab has six seats and a storage cabinet, plus there is a transverse cab compartment behind the rear doors. In addition, it has scene lights, side and rear cameras, roll-out tool trays and wheel well storage space. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

RON JEFFERS

Clifton Engine Co. 4 has been assigned a 2025 Pierce Enforcer 1500-gpm/750-gwt pumper. The flat roof cab has five seats and storage space. The extended bumper has inlet and discharge gates and intersection warning lights. In addition, there are two cross-lay beds and a deck gun. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

Linden Ladder Co. 1 has been assigned a 2025 Pierce Enforcer Ascendant model 2000-gpm/300-gwt/100-foot quint. The cab has six seats and storage space. It has wheel well storage space and torque box ground ladder storage, plus scene lights and a stokes basket is mounted on the aerial ladder on the chauffeur's side of the apparatus. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

PAGE 52

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Vehicle News

RON JEFFERS

Hackettstown has received a 2025 Pierce Saber 1500-gpm/725-gwt/25-gft pumper. The raised roof cab has six seats. Features include three cross-lay beds, scene lights, deck gun, rear vision camera, low rear hose bed, ground ladder hose bed storage space, rear discharge and roll-out tool trays. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

Montvale received a 2025 Pierce Enforcer PUC model 2000-gpm/700-gwy/50-gft pumper. The raised roof cab has seven seats. The extended front bumper possesses a Fire Fix monitor. In addition, it has coffin-style compartments, scene lights, roll out tool trays, rear booster reel and hose bed ground ladder storage. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City Ladder Co. 3 received a 2025 E-One Typhoon 110-foot tractor-drawn (TDA) aerial ladder. The center mounted tunnel carries 207-feet of ground ladders; and the apparatus possesses a narrow inner-city TDA body. It has two "H" type out riggers with a 16-foot spread and short jack capability. It was sold by Absolute Fire Equipment Co.

Demarest has placed into service a rescue-pumper, designated Squad 9. The apparatus is a Pierce Enforcer 1750-gpm/750-gwt model. The raised roof cab has six seats with a transverse compartment behind the rear doors. The extended bumper has a discharge gate and hose basket, low cross-lay beds and two hard suction hoses are mounted on the officer's side of the rig. Squad 9 carries an assortment of rescue company tools. It replaced an engine and a rescue truck. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City Engine Co. 1 has been assigned a 2025 E-One Typhoon 2000-gpm/530gwt pumper. The raised roof cab has six seats and storage cabinet space. A storage compartment is located between the cab doors on the chauffeur's side. The extended front bumper has an inlet, outlet and hose basket. At the rear are three outlets, with one being an LDH discharge, plus ladder storage on the officer's side of the hose bed. Three hard suction hoses are mounted on the officer's side. Additional features include scene lights, roll-out tool trays, wheel well storage, and a monitor mounted above the pump. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

In Woodbridge Township, Colonia Fire District 12 has placed into service a 2025 E-One Cyclone 2000-gpm/750-gwt/30-gft unit, designated as Engine 12-3. The extended cab roof has six seats and a medical cabinet, plus there is a light tower mounted on the roof. The extended front bumper has an inlet, discharge and hose basket possessing a front "jump line." There are two speed-lay beds, one cross-lay bed, and two rear dis charge gates. There is a hard suction hose mounted on each side of the apparatus. Additional features include a rear camera, wheel well storage, hydraulic generator, hose bed ladder storage space, deck gun, "FAST Board," scene lighting and it carries 1000feet of 5-inch LDH. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

September, 2025

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

What is a true Brother? Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh There are many people who call you a brother. They are refer ring to the brotherhood o f an organ ization that you obtain by just joining an organization. There are others that are a Brother where it never has to be spoken. These are the people that you never have to worry about. The brothers are out for them selves and have a hidden agendas and are looking out for how they can advance. A Brother is out there looking to help others and if he ad vances, it is just a byproduct o f car ing for others, as well as the organization. I have had people that I fought side by side with but look out when that was over because they were just full o f mean. The Brothers are those who are standing up for you, that you may never know about. They may work in the shadows to help others, unlike the others who are hiding in the shadows schem ing. They ones helping others are his Brother's keeper. I recently was having a tough day and voiced it on social media and as soon as it was posted, my phone rang. It was a good friend that we haven't seen or heard from each other in over two decades. When we spoke, it was like home. We spoke for what was getting close to be an hour and spoke about a lot o f things and I felt better when we hung up. A while back, I fell out o f touch with my partner that I used to ride EMS with. We fell out o f touch but after 9/11, I was by the place that he worked at. I asked someone how I could get in touch with him and the individual dialed the phone number and let me talk to him. It took only minutes, and we were caught up. We have not seen each other for some time but I still con

sider us to be Brothers. I know that I walk a different path than I used to walk but I still have my Brothers. They know that I am now handling other types o f emergencies, but I am here when they call. We still have each other’ s back. It feels good when I go into a meeting or class or show up to a re sponse and am greeted with a hug versus a handshake because the bond that is there. Some o f my friends may see something on the news or hear about an event and they know that I am ei ther there or supporting and they check in with me to see how I am doing. I think back when my daughter was having physical challenges. I called the police desk for an ambu lance and Paulie answered the phone. When he dispatched, I had more people show up than could fit in the apartment. I had a Brother stand by my bed in the hospital as doctors were sav ing my life. A Brother put me up in his house as I recovered. A Brother catches your vision for a new project and supports and encourages and even becom es part o f the team to make it happen. The brothers should pray that they develop Brothers and Sisters like I have. How many people will stop everything they are doing, just to pick up the phone when you call? There was an individual that kept saying that he had my back and would always be there for me, but he was just a clanging cymbal. Since he rode the ambulance, I called him when my doctor said I had to get to the hospital immediately. He made excuse after excuse to not be o f as sistance, which is a brother by organ ization and not a Brother. I will admit that I am not perfect, but I try to be the type o f Brother that I would like to have.

PAGE 53

Vehicle News

RON JEFFERS

Somerville Engine 571 is a 2025 E-One Typhoon 1750-gpm top-mount pumper. The raised roof cab has eight seats with hand tools mounted on the walls, plus a transverse pike pole compartment behind the rear cab doors. It has two speed-lay beds, two rear discharge gates and a booster reel located under the rear hose bed. A pre-connect Blitz-Fire monitor is mounted at the rear, plus ground ladder storage at the rear officer's side of the apparatus. Additional features include scene lights, swing-out tool board, roll-out tool trays, deck gun and rear and officer's side cameras. It carries extrication equipment, saws, cribbing and fans. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

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RON JEFFERS

In Bernards Township, the Basking Ridge Fire Company has placed into service a 2025 E-One Typhoon 2000-gpm/400-gwt/100-foot quint. The raised roof cab has six seats. The extended front bumper pos sesses a hose basket with discharge for the front "jump line." There are also three cross-lay hose beds. Aerial ladder controls are located at the turntable, pump panel and at the aerial ladder tip. Addi tional features include roll-out tool trays, wheel well storage space, torque box ladder storage and cameras located at the rear and officer's side of the apparatus. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

PAGE 54

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

ALL IN THE FAM ILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

OCEAN CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

Ocean City Firefighters Battle Late-Night Blaze on Atlantic Ave. O C EA N CITY, NJ - Firefight ers brought a two-alarm blaze under control late Friday, August 8th, after flames broke out in a structure near 1st Street and At lantic Avenue, officials said. The fire was reported around 10:50 p.m. A-Platoon crew s and Ocean City police responded, with Battalion 1 C hief J. Quigley Jr. es tablishing command and striking a working fire dispatch that recalled off-duty personnel. A second alarm was later transmitted to bring in ad ditional resources. Engine 1 arrived moments later, secured a water supply and advanced a line to the rear o f the building, where heavy fire was showing on side C. Firefighters knocked down much o f the blaze

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Moorestown FF Tommy Constantine was with his sister, Jessica Constantine, a recent Burlington County Fire Academy FF I graduate, and nozzle man (woman) on the second due engine at a second-alarm fire at 106 Dorchester Road in Mt. Laurel, NJ on July 29, 2025. Brother Tommy was on hand to work with his Probie sister at their first working fire together.

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

FPG ACQUIRES P.L.; BERGEN COUNTY RIGS It came as a surprise to many, in cluding myself, but First Priority Group has acquired P.L. Custom, which includes Rescue 1and New Jer sey Emergency Vehicles. All will re main as independent companies. It will not affect Toyne Fire Apparatus, of which NJEV is a dealer. I feel this is also an ideal time to straighten out that P.L. stands for "Pompton Lakes," which is where the ambulance builder started out. Almost all of the individu als I have come across have referred to it as “P & L”Custom, only because they were unaware of what the letters stood for. P.L. Custom and Rescue 1as we know are manufacturers, whereas First Priority Group sells more than one ambulance brand, and at times pur chases and mounts utility type bodies. For more information, refer to websites or social media sites for each company. We are also featuring vehicles from Bergen County. In the photos, one is of the Horton ambulance from the Edgewater EMS. The striking blue color is referred to as "Metallic Cheryl Blue" after one of their members who was in strumental in picking this color. Next is one o f the three Fort Lee Seagrave top mount pumpers painted black with a bright orange belt. It is said to be the color of Fort Lee. We will feature the other two at a later time. Hackensack Engine 2 is next, which is a Pierce pumper, followed by Englewood En gine 1, a Seagrave Marauder pumper. Then comes Bogota's Ladder 1, an EONE rear-mount ladder. Lastly are Ridgefield's Engine 2 and Teaneck's Squad 24, both E-ONE pumpers. In apparatus news, Firefighter 1 re ports that they have delivered to the Tabernacle Township FD (Burlington County), a Fouts 4000-gallon tanker. Specs include a Kenworth T-880 twodoor chassis, Cummins X15, 565 hp diesel engine, Hale Qmax 1500-gpm pump, poly water tank, two rear tank fills, (two) three-inch tank-to-pump valves, Newton 10-inch rear dump valve with swivel chute, 150-feet of one-inch booster reel, right side LDH discharge, 4000-gallon portable pond stored between the tank and the officer side compartments, hard suction stor age in hose bed and between the tank and driver side compartments and 360degree scene lighting. They have an order from the Franklin FD in Franklin Township (Sussex County) for a Fouts FOUR quick attack unit. Specs include a Ford F-550 4x4, four-door chassis, 6.7L PowerStroke 300 hp diesel en gine, Ford 10 speed transmission, Hale DSD 1500-gpm pump, 300-gallon poly water tank, right side LDH discharge and 100-foot one-inch booster reel. They have four other apparatus that are awaiting delivery. In Burlington County, the Woodland Township Volunteer Fire & EMS has received a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 UTV, 4x4 Qtac. Also, Medford Lakes has ordered an E-ONE Typhoon 2000/1030 pumper. The Jersey City FD (Hudson County) has received an E-ONE Ty phoon pumper, which will be assigned to Engine 1. Campbell Supply Co., LLC reports that they are prepping the following Please send any com m ents or news tidbits you m ight have about A pparatus o f the M onth to us at 1st R espon d er News, 1 A rd m ore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553. O r you can e-mail them to A pparatu s@ lstR esponderN ew s.com .

APPARATUS OF THE MONTI\ A look at what's new with apparatus around the state with John M alecky

Hackensack E-2, 2024 Pierce Arrow XT 2000/750. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Edgewater EMS, EWA-5, 2024 Ford E-450/Horton 553, sold by VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Englewood E-1, 2024 Seagrave Marauder 1750/750.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Ft. Lee E-2, 2024 Seagrave Marauder, 2000/750.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Ridgefield E-2, 2025 E-ONE Typhoon 2000/750/30.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Bogota L-1, 2024 E-ONE Cyclone 100-foot and 6 kw generator. two apparatus: for Millbum (Essex County), a Spartan ER/LTC mid-mount platform. Specs include a Gladiator MFD chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab, Hale 2000-gpm pump, 300-gallon water tank, and 93-foot platform with a 1,000-pound dry tip load and a 500pound wet tip load. Also for the Willow Grove Fire Company in Pittsgrove Township (Salem County), a KME res cue pumper. Specs include a Predator LFD chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab, Cummins L9, 450 hp diesel en gine, Waterous 1500-gpm pump, 750gallon water and 50-gallon foam tanks and Waterous Pneumax CAFS Plat inum 200P. They have delivered the following: to the New Egypt Fire Com pany in Plum stead Township (Ocean County), a Spartan ER tanker with Metro Star EMFD chassis. It has a 10inch raised roof cab, Hale Qmax 2000gpm pump and 3000-gallon water tank. It replaces a 2001 Intemational/KME tanker which formerly served Folsom (Atlantic County). Also delivered is the second Fairview pumper. This is a

Spartan ER NXT rescue pumper on a Metro Star MFD chassis. It has a Wa terous CMU 1500-gpm pump and 500gallon water tank. This is for the Grandview FC 1. The other pumper in service at Engine 3 still is not fully let tered. Finally, the City o f Bayonne (Hudson County) received a Spartan/Smeal UT-100 rear-mount aer ial. Specs include a Gladiator chassis with 10-inch raised roof which has a 16-inch trench, Cummins X-12, 500 hp diesel engine, 100-foot steel aerial with 500-pound tip load while flowing 1250-gpm, a TFT Flex ladder monitor and Harrison 8 kw generator. It has an overall height o f 10-feet 8-inches, a wheelbase of237-inches and an overall length of 40-feet six-inches. They have received an order from Paramus FC 2 (Bergen County) for a Spartan ER Metro Star pumper. Specs include an ELFD cab with 10-inch raised roof, Cummins X-12 525 hp diesel engine, Star Pumper design and Hale 2000gpm pump with SAM system. Fire & Safety Services reports the

JOHN M. MALECKY

Teaneck Squad 24, 2020 E-ONE Typhoon 1500/780. following Pierce orders: for Chatham Borough (Morris County), an Enforcer 100-foot mid-mount tower; for Alpine (Bergen County), an Enforcer pumper and for Washington District 1/Washington VFD (Warren County), a Saber pumper. Pierce deliveries include to East Franklin FC, Franklin Township (Somerset County), a stock Enforcer PUC pumper; to Scotch Plains, a Saber pumper and City of Elizabeth an Arrow XT 105 RM' ladder (both Union County); to Flemington (Hunterdon County), an Enforcer mid-mount tower; to Burlington Fire District 1 (Burling ton County), a Velocity mid-mount

tower and to Lindenwold Fire District 1 an Enforcer 100-foot mid-mount tower and Haddon Township Fire Dis trict, Westmont FC an Enforcer 100foot mid-mount tower (both Camden County). Fair Lawn (Bergen County) received a Rosenbauer Cobra 100-foot mid mount tower on a Commander chassis with an EXT body. New Jersey Emergency Vehicles has delivered two P.L. Custom ambulances to the Clifton FD (Passaic County). One is a Medallion 170 Type III on a Ford F-450 chassis, and the other is a Classic 170 Type 1 on a Ford F-550 chassis.

^Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 57

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Rick Billings

BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

T J ne fast and the furriest ... 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.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

FRANK SAIA c 2025 by Rick Billings @jampony452

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Mt. Laurel Acting Lt. Joe Bennett sheds some gear and cools down following a second alarm fire at 106 Dorchester Road in Mt. Laurel, NJ on July 29, 2025.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

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Serious Crash on Tuckahoe Rd in Milmay Prompts Landing Zone Setup MILMAY, NJ - On the after noon o f August 12th around 1:42 PM, station 12-4 was deployed to Estelle Manor for a landing zone assignment following a motor ve hicle crash with serious injuries on Tuckahoe Road. Engine 1241 ar rived on scene and, under the direction o f Assistant Chief 12401, established a landing zone for medical evacuation. Once the heli copter operations were completed. En gine 1241 was reassigned to assist with traffic control, remaining on location for roughly an hour before returning to quarters.

- COURTESY OF MILMAY VOL. FIRE CO.

MILMAY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Bayonne Police O fficer A lerts Residents to Roof Fire on Broadway BAYONNE, NJ - An alert p o lice officer spotted heavy smoke from a Broadway building on Au gust 11th, prompting evacuations before firefighters quickly extin guished a r o o f fire, officials said. The fire was re ported at 7:17 p.m. at 957 Broadway, where a Bayonne of ficer on patrol saw Jump to fiie# smoke from the 082225129 roof, called in the I alarm and activated m fire alarms to alert residents, according to Fire C h ief Keith Weaver. Arriving fire crews found a small blaze on the roof and used a hand line to extinguish flames con tained to a planter box and part o f the r o o f structure. The building’ s occupants and an on-site restaurant were evacuated until the fire was declared under control at 7:34 p.m. N o injuries were reported. Damage was limited to a small sec tion o f the r o o f deck. Investigators said the fire appeared to be acci dental in nature.

■& %

- COURTESY OF BAYONNE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

BAYONNE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Tesla Reignites After Initial Fire in Jacobstown, Officials Say JACOBSTOWN, NJ - A Tesla that caught fire in early August reignited more than a day later after being moved to a secure location, keeping local volunteer firefighters busy for two straight days, officials said. The first fire was reported just before 1 p.m. on Monday, Au gust 4th, behind a business on George town Road. Respond ing crews were told the burning vehicle was a Tesla and called for additional assistance. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, though it was unclear whether the battery pack had been involved. The car was later towed from the scene. Roughly 27 hours later, a second vehicle fire was dispatched at the se cure lot where the Tesla had been re located. Fire officials said this time the battery pack was involved. Crews knocked back the flames, then allowed the battery to bum down while controlling the spread. The vehicle was later flipped into a dumpster and covered with moist sand to contain the fire, ac cording to the department. No injuries were reported.

- COURTESY OF JACOBSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

JACOBSTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 61

Brivado Cigars: Where First Responders Unwind in Style Tucked away in the vibrant city o f Orange, N ew Jersey, Brivado Cigars isn ’ t just another cigar lounge - it’ s a sanctuary, a celebration, and a second home for heroes. Owned by Deputy Fire C hief Brian Agnew o f the Holmes Marshall Fire Company in Piscataway, Brivado Cigars is a place where first responders can kick back, relax, and enjoy the finer things in life - all while being hon ored for their service. Located at 14 N. Center Street, Orange, NJ, Brivado C i gars stretches across a generous 6,000-square-feet, offering the perfect blend o f luxury, leisure, and community. From the moment you step through the door, it’ s clear that this isn ’ t your average cigar spot. The vibe is elevated yet w el coming, the energy is electric, and the amenities? Next level. To show appreciation for those who protect and serve, every

Tuesday is First Responder Ap preciation Day, with half-price day passes offered exclusively for firefighters, police officers, EMS personnel, and other first respon ders. It’ s Brian A gnew ’ s personal way o f giving back to the brother hood and sisterhood he knows so well, serving for over 19 years. “ Brivado is more than cigars,” says Agnew. “It’ s about creating a space for camaraderie, reflection, and celebration. As a firefighter, I know how important it is to de-

JUMPTO FILE #070125101

compress and connect with people who understand the weight o f the work we do.” And connect, they do. Brivado Cigars boasts one o f

New Jersey’s largest walk-in hu midors, stocked with premium, hand-rolled cigars for every palate. Add to that its BYOB status, 15 high-definition TVs broadcasting every major network game, an in

sanely efficient, hospital-grade ventilation system, and the com fort o f plush leather seating, and it’ s easy to see why this has b e com e a go-to destination for cigar lovers and public servants alike. But it’ s not just about the smoke. Brivado also features a

private, non-smoking banquet space that accom m odates up to 100 guests, ideal for hosting birthday celebrations, bachelor and bachelorette parties, promo tion ceremonies, union meetings, fundraisers, car and bike rallies, and more. Whether it’ s a night out with the crew or a full-blown event, Brivado delivers a tailored experience with class and flair. What truly sets Brivado apart is its mobile cigar operation ready to roll into your firehouse or fundraiser and bring the Brivado experience on-site. Whether it’ s a department event, wedding, or

community celebration, the team provides top-tier service and even offers custom-labeled cigars for

wet-downs, weddings, birth an nouncements, promotions, re tirements, and charitable events - a personal touch that adds a nice touch to any occasion. Agnew, a lover o f cigars, scotch, and bourbon, founded Brivado Cigars with a simple phi losophy: cherish the moment. That vision echoes throughout the space - from the curated accessories and private cigar lockers to the laugh ter and memories shared nightly among its guests. So if y ou ’ re a first responder looking for a spot that honors your commitment and caters to your lifestyle, make your way to Brivado. Because when the shift ends, you deserve a place that un derstands what it means to serve and celebrates you for it.

Brivado Cigars 14 N. Center St., Orange, NJ 732-366-3044 www.b rivadocigars. com brivadocigars@gmail.com

PROVIDED

Deputy Fire Chief Brian Agnew

First Responder Tuesdays 4 P M - 10 PM Half-Price Day Passes Brivado Cigars Smoke. Sip. Celebrate. - ASHLEY POLLARD

PROVIDED

Brian Agnew and Francisco Almonte, owner of DBL Cigars

PROVIDED

PAGE 62

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

ACTION SHOTS FROM ABOUND THE STATE To see your Drills in the newspaper upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

North Hudson firefighters battled a fire in an irregular shaped three-story dwelling on Boulevard East, West New York, Aug.17th. The labor-intensive job involved fire from the ground floor, up walls, to the attic. Three alarms were transmitted for resources, and the Gong Club canteen provided a rehab station during the early-morning fire.

North Hudson firefighters remove an appliance that caused a fire in a 44th Street apartment in Union City, Aug. 3rd.

RON JEFFERS

MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE BUFFS

A labor-intensive fire was encountered by North Hud son firefighters on the morning of August 5th that in volved a three-story, mixed occupancy building on Bergenline av., West New York. The fire was located be tween the ceiling of the ground floor eye care business and the second-floor apartments. A tin ceiling created a lot of "opening up" work to reach the seat of the fire, which went to 3-alarms.

Members from Scotch Plains Tower 1632 cutting a vent hole after splitting the crew at a working residential structure fire on the 2000 block of Portland Ave.

Woodbridge Twp. Battalion Chief Hines runs incident command at a 2nd alarm house fire on Allison Place.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 63

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

HADDON FIRE COMPANY NO. 1

MILLTOWN RESCUE SQUAD

FRANK ROBINSON

Milltown Rescue Squad still operates a 1984 Peterbuilt/Saulsbury Rescue.

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Haddonfield Firefighters & EMTs Honored fo r Saving a Life HADDONFIELD, NJ - The Haddonfield Commissioners proudly recognized several firefighters and EMTs during the borough meeting for their remarkable actions in July. When a resident suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, these dedicated first responders acted swiftly, delivering lifesaving care that ultimately saved the individual’s life. Their courage, training, and commitment to protecting the community were on full display, and Haddonfield Fire Co. couldn’t be more proud of their outstanding service!

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

BILLTOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Englew ood Car F ire T h re a te n e s B u ild in g ENGLEWOOD, NJ - A car fire in a parking area underneath an auto dealership prompted a second alarm response as flames reached the ceiling of the lower area. Units were sent to 227 N. Dean St. at about 6:40 PM. A car was well involved in a parking lot covered by the dealership, but with open walls to outside. A line was quickly stretched and had the fire knocked down before any extension to the building occurred. Autos next to the involved car were also damaged. Fire units from Teaneck, Tenafly, Hackensack, and Fort Lee assisted at the scene. One firefighter received a hand injury.

DAMIEN DANIS

Lodi Rescue 611 still operates this 1990 Ford/Marion heavy rescue.

ELECT BRIAN E. MARTONE “ SECRETARY” New Jersey S tate Firem en’s R e lie f A sso cia tio n Served as 1st & 2nd Assistant Secretary Cliffside Park Fire Department •Member o f the Cliffside Park Volunteer Fire Department since 1998 •Served as Department Chief for four years •Currently holds the rank o f Department Chief and Department Treasurer

Education and fram ing •Completed a Bachelors o f Arts Degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University •Masters o f Administrative Science Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University

Cliffside Park Police Department •Retired Detective Lieutenant 2024 •Served 25 years

Brian E. Martone (201) 370-3833 • bm artone15 @ gm ail.com

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 65

MEMORIAL BOARD If you have photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.

PEMRERTON TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE

L ittle Lambs Students Learn Fire Safety from Local Heroes

CHATHAM TOWHSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

PEMBERTON, NJ - Recently, Pemberton Township Volunteer Fire had the pleasure o f visiting Lit tle Lambs Day Care in Browns Mills to spend time with students and staff while sharing important fire safety lessons. Firefighters talked with the children about safety basics such as Stop, Drop, and Roll, how to safely escape their home in the event o f a fire, and the importance o f having a

Jump t o f il e #082725105

ft 3P family fire safety plan. Students also learned other valuable tips that can help keep them safe in an emer gency. In addition, the children had the chance to see some o f our apparatus up close and watch a firefighter put on full protective gear— helping

them understand what firefighters look like when responding to a real emergency. The PTVFD would like to thank Little Lambs for the invi tation and the warm welcome. We are proud to partner with our com munity to teach the next generation about fire safety.

- COURTESY OF PEMBERTON TWP. VOL. FIRE

The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) an nounced with deep sadness the passing of Life Member Eric W. Drews, a dedicated firefighter and friend whose service spanned more than four decades. Eric joined the department in 1981 and quickly earned respect for his aggressive, hands-on approach to firefighting. He often en couraged his fellow firefighters to always be ready to work when responding to calls, setting an example of preparedness and de termination. Beyond the fireground, Eric played a vital role in the department’s annual Christmas tree sale fundraiser. He designed, built, and maintained most of the tree lot components still in use to d a y contributions he made humbly, often behind the scenes, but with lasting impact. “Eric’s service and dedication helped shape our department, both on calls and in the community,” the department shared. “We thank him for his commitment, and we will miss him dearly as a brother and friend.” Rest in peace, Eric. Your legacy lives on at CTVFD.

PEMRERTON TOWNSHIP VOLUNTEER FIRE

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighters and community members at the Washington Township FD groundbreaking event.

Washington Twp. Fire Department Breaks Ground on Washburn Ave. Expansion W ASHINGTON TWP., NJ Tuesday, 12 August 2025 - After years o f planning, the Washington Township Fire Department (WTFD) in Warren County, offi cially broke ground on an addition to its Washburn Avenue Fire Sta tion. The expansion w ill feature two new truck bays large enough to house modern fire engines and dedicated training space, ensuring firefighters have the resources needed to meet today’ s emergency response demands. The department expressed deep gratitude to Tim Terry Land scaping for their generous assis tance with the project, noting it w ould not have been possible

Jump t o f il e #082225114

*4 3^ without their support. Community members who w ould like to contribute can d o nate to the WTFD Building Fund through the PayPal Q R link shared in the department’ s an nouncement photos. This project represents a major investment in public safety and strengthens the fire depart m ent’ s ability to serve residents across Washington Township and Warren County.

- COURTESY OF WASH INGTON TWP. FIRE DEPT.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

PAGE 67

CINNAMINSON FIRE DEPARTMENT

Trash C o m p a cto r F ire

\F\kVE. VVU.U1

C o n ta in e d a t D e lra n B u ild in g DELRAN, NJ - Fire crews quickly contained a blaze that broke out in a trash compactor attached to a building in Delran on Friday morning, August 8th, officials said. The call came in around 9:25 a.m., and the Clifton Fire Department responded on the initial dispatch as mutual aid. Firefighters arriving on scene found the compactor burning, but were able to keep the flames from spreading into the building, according to the department. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remained under investigation.

FRANK RORINSON

Cecil Fire Department still operates this 1965 Chevy Fire Police vehicle.

Auto Body & Trucks Inc. FOUNDED 1948

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381Newark, NJ 07105 Em ail: assocauto@ aol.com Lassociatedautobodvandtrucks.c

Bob Hahn Tel: (973) 589-9162 Fax: (973) 589-9230

PAGE 68

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

ANTIQUE APPARATUS I f y o u h a v e p h o t o s y o u w o u ld lik e to s e e in o u r “A n tiq u e A ppa ratu s”feature, p le a s e u p lo a d th em o n o u r w ebsite, w w w . ls t R e sp o n d e r N e w s . c o m o r em a il th em to L in d s e y @ ls t R e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m

CLINTON FIRE DEPARTM ENT

C lin to n F ire fig h te rs E x tin g u is h V e h ic le F ire

FRANK ROBINSON

CLINTON, NJ - On Sunday, July 13th, firefighters in Clinton quickly brought a vehicle fire under control with help from a neighboring departm ent, officials said. Clinton Fire Depart m ent’s Squad 45 stretched a line to attack the blaze w hile Squad 51 from Station 18 provided assistance at the scene. The fire was extinguished, and all units cleared w ithin an hour. No injuries were reported.

Cape May once ran this 1951 Mack MVIaxim 75' Ladder. It also saw service in West Cape May.

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

SOUTH HACKENSACK FIRE DEFT

Mutual Aid Called for Intense L ittle Ferry Fire SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ - At approximately 2:08 P.M. on August 15th, Car 400 and Engine 401 were dispatched on mu tual aid into Little Ferry for multiple vehicles on fire with ex tension to a nearby exposure building along Route 46 West. Engine 401 quickly secured a nearby water source and de ployed an attack line to knock down the fire, also assisting with overhaul operations. By 4:10 P.M., all units had cleared the scene and were placed back in service. FRANK ROBINSON

Ringwood Fire Company operates a 2007 American LaFrance 1750/2500 Tanker.

Riverside House Fire Sends Three to the Hospital RIVERSIDE, NJ - At approxi mately 4:00 A.M. on August 9,2025, the Riverside Fire Company and mu tual aid departments were dispatched to 515 Greenwood Avenue for the re port o f a dwelling fire. Riverside Chief 7000, Simon Santos, and Delran Deputy Chief 2301, were among the first to arrive and reported a large volume o f fire showing from the rear o f the two-story, single-family dwelling with exten sion to Hie attic space. A s crews arrived, three hand lines were quickly deployed to knock the fire. Ladder companies went to the roof and performed ventilation. The second-alarm was transmitted to bring in additional personnel to assist with fireground duties and extensive overhaul. Three occupants o f the house re portedly self-evacuated and were transported to the hospital for fire re lated injuries, with one being trans ported to Hie local trauma center. The fire was declared under control within an hour, and is imder investi gation by the local and county fire marshal’ s offices.

- FRANK SAIA

FRANK SAIA

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS ON THEIR RECENT DELIVERIES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS & SUPPORT!

ENGINE 23 INCLUDES: •ENFORCER 7010 CAB •CUMMINS L9, 450 HP •TAK-4 INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION •ALLISON 3000 EVS P AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION •650 GALLON TANK •WATEROUS CSU, 2000 CPM SINGLE STAGE PUMP •SEATING CAPACITY: 6 •JOB #39248 •SALES REP: JONH O’ KEEFE

-LAURELTON

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BRICKTOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT # 2 LAURELTON FIRE COMPANY NO. 1 PIERCE ENFORCER PUMPER

VENGEANT APPARATUS

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MPER

RESCUE 11 INCLUDES: •ENFORCER 8410 CAB •CUMMINS L9, 450 HP ^ TAK-4 INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION •ALLISON 3000 EVS P AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION •800 GALLON TANK •PIERCE PUC, 1500 CPM SINGLE STAGE PUMP •SEATING CAPACITY: 7 \ JOB #38838 •SALES REP: SAM SQUIRE CHECK OUT ALL NEW DELIVERIES, NEW ORDERS & PIERCES IN-PRODUCTION AT F-SS.COM <1* 800 - 400 - 8017 f-ss.com

KEEP UP WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

PAGE 36

September, 2025

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

September, 2025

B .R .A .T.

' 7

Br u sh R a pid A tta ck 1

FIRE TRUCKS

FOTOKITE

FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES THANKS DELEGATES & LIFETIME M EM DERS FOR TRAVELING TO WILDWOOD, WE'RE WISHING EVERYONE A GREAT WEEKEND! WE ARE PROUDLY SPONSORING EVENTS FOR THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION AND THE OURN FOUNDATION AT THE 2 0 2 5 NEW JERESY FIRE EXPO. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR GREAT CAUSES. Fire Hero

held in conjunction with

B oots at the B each Country M usic Festival AT NJ FIRE EXPO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 from 4:00 -11:00 PM

B U R N F O U N D A T IO N

2025 raffle

W ild w o o d F irem an's C on v en tion

PROUDLY S P O N SO R E D BY

1st Prize: Canvas Print #1 - Framed

2ud thru 25th Prizes - Signed Prints - Value: S59.00 ^

^ i

Net p roceed s to be devoted to support the mission o f the Burn Foundation lo aid burn survivors iu N.J., PA. and Delaware. No substitution o f the offered priie may be made and no cash will be given lieu tbe priie

B U R N F O U N D A T IO N 8600 WestChester Pike Suite 202 Upper Darby, Pa. 19082-2629 PH: (215) 545-3816 Draw ing ■Saturday, S ep tem ber 13, 2025 at 1:00pm