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FRANK SAIA
AUDUBON, NJ - At 5:31 P.M. on May 10th, the Audubon Task Force was dispatched to 202 Walnut Street for the report of a dwelling fire. One of thefirstto arrive, Bellmawr Battalion 3, Tom Fowler, reported fire and smoke showing from a three-story twin frame dwelling that was rapidly spreading. -
S ee full story on p a ge 2
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PAGE 2
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
NJEMS TASK FORCE
NJ EMS Task Force members responded to support St. Clare’s Denville Hospital when a power outage knocked out key HVAC systems.
New Jersey EMS Task Force Responds to St. Clare’s Denville Hospital Power Outage When St. Clare’ s Denville Hospital experienced a power out age on Monday, May 12, officials at the Morris County, New Jersey, facility turned to the NJ EMS Task Force for assistance. The NJ EM S Task Force im mediately activated its Incident Advance Team to assess the emer gency, evaluate the risk o f escala tion, and determine what personnel and equipment were needed to mit igate the challenges faced by St. Clare’ s Denville Hospital. Nineteen team members were deployed, along with GateK eeperl— a specialty response ve hicle equipped with HVAC systems to provide coolin g for areas o f the hospital— and a tworoom mobile medical tent structure in case patient evacuations became necessary. “This was another glaring ex ample o f just how valuable the NJ EMS Task Force is to this state and beyond,”saidNJ EMS Task Force Leader Michael McCabe. “The
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versatility o f this group cannot be overstated. I am honored to serve alongside such an incredible team. Whether it’ s mass care or support ing healthcare facilities with portable HVAC equipment and lo gistical support, the team steps up and gets it done— always.” The response at St. Clare’ s Denville Hospital came just days after NJ EM S Task Force c o founder and president Michael J. B ascom told team members that the organization needs a sustain able form o f funding to continue providing these critical services to the state. “Future emergency responses will be contingent upon available funding to maintain our capability to provide this support,”B ascom said.
- RICHARD HUFF
1N SERVICE If your department has photos you would like to see in our “In Service”feature please upload them on our website www.lRiBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
MIKE NOWACKI
Neptune City Fire Department recently put into service Engine 35-75, a 2024 Seagrave Marauder 2000/750 engine. It replaced a 1995 HME/Southern Coach Engine.
FRANK SAIA
Collingswood FF Brian Beswick and FF Dillon Applegate assist the family dog after it was rescued from the fire building.
Several Towns Assist Audubon in Battling Working Dwelling Fire AUDUBON, NJ - At 5:31 P.M. on May 10th, the Audubon Task Force was dispatched to 202 Walnut Street for the report o f a dw elling fire. One o f the first to arrive, Bellmawr Battalion 3, Tom Fowler, re ported fire and smoke showing from a three-story twin frame dw elling that was rapidly spreading. Audubon Squad Co. 1 arrived and stretched a 2 1/2”attack line to knock down the heavy volume o f fire. The fire quickly spread to all three floors o f the fire build ing. Units stretched multiple hand lines to the interior, including the attached B exposure to extinguish any fire that communicated over. Bellmawr Quint 3 positioned on the B side and raised their aerial to the rear o f the building. West mont Ladder Co. 15 arrived soon after and popped the top with roof cuts, giving the companies oper ating on the interior a bit o f relief from the rather heavy smoke con dition throughout. One o f the initial attack lines was damaged in the fire fight and shut down, but an additional line was stretched in its place. The family pets, a dog and a cat, were rescued from the fire. Several surrounding towns assisted Audubon with this fire. No in juries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.
- FRANK SAIA
FRANK SAIA
Crews work to advance attack line through the front door at the working fire at 202 Walnut Street, Audubon, NJ, May 10, 2025.
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June, 2025
ADVERTISER INDEX
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
VEHICLE NEWS
C om D anv
Paae
A g in S ig n s
34
A r m o r T u ff F lo o rin g
21
ELIZABETH
34
A s s o c ia t e d A u to
A u to la n d
3
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1 ,5
E m e r g e n c y E q u ip m e n t S a le s
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F ire & S a f e t y S e r v ic e s
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RON JEFFERS
Elizabeth Rescue Co. 1 has been assigned a 2024 Pierce Arrow XT model walk-in unit with a two-door, flat roof cab. It has a 19-inch extended front bumper with a storage compartment and a fixed front-end 12,000-lb winch. In addition, it possesses a 9,000-lb portable receiving-style winch. Other features include a tool box, air bag and air bottle storage, transverse compartments, numer ous tool trays and tool boards, adjustable shelves, tilt-out trays, roof anchor points, rear vision camera and ground ladder and pike pole storage space. There is a Harrison 20kW generator stored in a body top-front position-compartment. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
Elizabeth Rescue 2 is a 2024 Pierce Arrow walk-in rescue with a 4-door raised roof cab, which has seating for six and storage space. The 19-inch extended front bumper has a fixed 12,000-lb Warn winch. The overall length is 37' 8." It has numerous ad justable shelves and slide-out trays, rear vision camera, trans verse compartments, tool boards, rope anchor points, tool box and air bag storage space. There is a 10 kW Harrison hydraulic generator stored in a body roof top-front position- compartment. This apparatus replaced a UASI rig that suffered storm damage. Rescue 2 was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
m
7
M id A tla n tic R e s c u e S y s te m s
N J E m e rg e n c y V e h ic le s
RON JEFFERS 17
B la z e E m e r g e n c y E q u ip m e n t
9 ,2 3
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
Elizabeth Special Operations Tactical 1 has been placed into serv ice with a 2024 Freightliner M2-106 model 4-door chassis/Pierce specialized piece of apparatus. It has a front mounted winch, transverse compartment space, roll-out tool trays, scene lights, rear vision camera and trailer hitch. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
Elizabeth Special Operations has also placed into service a 2024 Pierce Arrow XT 6x6 model with a 4-door raised roof cab. The chassis has tandem wheels and there is a walk-in style rear rescue box assembly. It has a PTO driven air compressor, scene lights, bumper head lights, and a Harrison 10 kW generator. This unit is designed for trench collapse incidents and other operations. It can respond to special calls that involve UASI incidents. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
1st R esponder N ew s (ISSN 1525-1683) - N ew Jersey edition - Vol. 32 No. 6 - 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 changes 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 a ssum ed by this new spaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad o r for typographical errors
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
2 -R e s p o n d e r
In memory of those who gave all
N ew spaper 1 Aidm ore Street •New Windsor, NY 12553
845-534-7500 • (Fax) 845-534-0055 • News@1stResponderNews.com
EXECUTIVE STAFF
PUBLISHER
JOCBelsitO (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 OPERATIONAL MANAGER
Nicholas BelsitO (Nicholas@1stResponderNews.com) DISPATCHER RECRUITMENT & RETENTION (Rich@ 1stResponder.com)
EDITORIAL STAFF
COLUMNISTS
Tennessee: Joseph Lynn Murphy, 62 Rank: Chief Incident Date: D ecem ber 17, 2024 Death Date: Decem ber 20,2024 Fire Department: Henderson County Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, Decem ber 17, 2024, C hief Joseph Lynn Murphy responded to a residential
Fire Department: M ontgomery County Fire and Rescue Services
Initial Summary: On Saturday, January 11, 2025, the M on tgom ery County Fire and R escue Services re spon ded to a mutual aid call to a fire at a residence. M aster Firefighter Christopher H iggin s w as the driver o f the first ladder truck on the scene. W hile perform
alarm. He then returned home. Later in the day, Chief
ing em ergen cy operations on the exterior o f the struc
Murphy suffered a cardiac event and was immediately
ture, he experienced a m edical emergency. First
Didymus M cHugh (Chaplain’s Corner)
transported to the hospital where he passed away on Fri
responders im m ediately initiated C P R and he was
Fernando Villicana (Chaplain’s Corner)
day, Decem ber 20, 2024.
then transported to the hospital where he passed
Massachusetts: Jeffrey W. Albanese, 49 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: D ecem ber 9, 2024 Death Date: Decem ber 21,2024 Fire Department: Brockton Fire Department Initial Summary: On Monday, Decem ber 9, 2024, Fire
mined.
R ick Billings (Cartoon) B ob Long (Cartoon) John M alecky (Apparatus, Bookshelf)
away. The cause o f his death has yet to be deter CORRESPONDENTS Keith Addie •Adam Alberti •Bill Auth •David Burns •John W Carr •Steven Catena •Don Colarusso •Robert Connell •Damien Danis •Joseph Diehl •Doug
__________EDITORIAL INFORMATION__________
alarm when he suffered a cardiovascular event. He was
Indiana: Adam "Pugsley" J. Kuspa, 41 Rank: Captain Incident Date: October 26, 2024 Death Date: January 6, 2025 Fire Department: Elkhart Fire Department Initial Summary: On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Cap
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
immediately transported to Signature Brockton Hospital.
tain Adam "Pugsley”J. Kuspa was performing training
He was later transferred to Beth Israel D eaconess in
at a m ovie theatre that was getting tom down. He
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 •Mar tin Pelta •Anthony Razzano •Lucas Richardson •John Rieth •Frank Robinson •EJ Rode •Bob Sherman Jr. •Ken Snyder •Conni Spellman •Charlie Tentas •Bill Tompkins •Chris Tompkins •Justin Watrel •Eugene Weber Jr. •James Wood Sr.
reserves the right to refuse any editorial or advertising material submitted.
845-534-7500 ext. 212 •(fax) 845-534-0055
fighter Jeffrey W. Albanese was responding to a still
Boston where he passed away on Saturday, Decem ber
stepped out o f the ladder bucket and hurt his knee. He
21,2024.
had surgery in D ecem ber 2024 and was recuperating at home and attending physical therapy. On Monday, Janu
N e w s@ 1 s tR e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m
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GRAPHIC DESIGN/MARKETING 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.
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California: Kevin Skinner, 56 Rank: Fire Apparatus Engineer Incident Date: January 5, 2025 Death Date: January 5, 2025 Fire Department: Orange County Fire Authority Initial Summary: On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Fire A p
ary 6,2025, a blood clot broke lose in his leg and he suf fered a massive pulmonary em bolism and passed away.
o f a residential fire. While searching for possible v ic
Missouri: William "Bill" Nix, 72 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: January 16, 2025 Death Date: January 16, 2025 Fire Department: Thomasville Volunteer Fire
tims, he told his colleagues that he wasn't feeling well.
Department
Fellow firefighters helped him from the hom e when
Initial Summary: On Thursday, January 16, 2025,
paratus Engineer Kevin Skinner responded to the scene
shortly after he collapsed. He was immediately trans
Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department personnel were
ported to the Providence M ission Hospital where he was
responding to a residential fire. Firefighter William
pronounced deceased. The cause o f his death has yet to
"B ill”N ix was riding in the front seat o f an engine,
be determined.
when it ran o ff the right side o f the roadway and over
Maryland: Christopher Higgins, 46 Rank: Master Firefighter Incident Date: January 11, 2025 Death Date: January 11, 2025
way, striking a ditch and overturning. Firefighter Nix
corrected before traveling o ff the left side o f the road was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver was transported to a Memphis hospital with serious injuries.
PAGE 7
June, 2025
1^ Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
GONG CLUB NEIGHBOR IS “ THE SQUEEGEE MAN” HERO UPS
&
DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers
Yes, it is a small world. That was proven again, on a windy Saturday morning in Jersey City. Gong Club member John “Rince” Rinciari stepped out o f the organization's quarters at Summit and St. Paul's av enues to collect the blown away garbage containers. A local resident helped him collect the containers and a new friendship was immedi ately formed. Rince introduced him self to the neighbor. “My name is John.” Reply: “ My name is John (he spells it “Jan.”“I'm 72.”Reply: “ I'm 72.” Rince explained that he was a re tired Yonkers Emergency Service Unit police officer. His neighbor, Jan Demczur, said he was a retired maintenance worker for the Port Au thority o f NY & NJ. Rince said he responded to the World Trade C enter on 9-11 with his ESU members. Jan replied, “I'm the Squeegee Man.” Rince had heard o f this man's heroic actions on 9-11. He asked Demczur if he had gotten sick from the terrorist attack. He answered by saying he had throat cancer. The re tired cop showed his new friend the scar on his throat from 9-11 throat cancer. An instant bond was formed between the two. Rinciari has survived five differ ent cancers since 9-11. Rinciari and his ESU members responded to the WTC, arriving after the twin towers had collapsed. His crew was as signed a rescue/recovery mission by the NYPD. Jan Demczur planned on cleaning windows that morning. At 8:47 a.m., Demczur, along with five other men, were in a north tower elevator when the building was struck by a passen ger plane. When the plane hit, the el evator, that was close to the 70th floor, swung like a pendulum and began to fall until someone hit the emergency button. For ten minutes the men waited, 500-feet above ground, until a crackly voice announced over the in tercom that there had been an acci dent. Smoke then began to pour into the shaft and the intercom went dead. There was still power provid ing the elevator with light, however. Demczur and the other men forced open the elevator doors and held them open with a six-foot pole, used by the maintenance worker. Demczur took the rubber piece off o f the window washing cross bar and began using it like a knife to scrape the sheet rock that was in front o f the occupants. He scraped through four sets o f one-inch thick sheet rock. Demczur said his hand turned numb and the squeegee fell into the space between
RON JEFFERS
The “Squeegee Man,” Jan Demczur, left, and retired Yonkers Detective and Gong Club member John Rinciari in front of the organization’s Summit av. quarters in Jersey City. the wall and the elevator, and down the shaft. He then used the hand-held piece o f the squeegee to continue to scrape, as smoke and dust continued to enter the elevator. A hole was gouged that was about 12-inches x 18-inches. It was enough for the thin man o f the group to crawl through. But it wasn't that easy. They now had encountered a layer o f white tiles. The men joined in punching a hole through the tiles that led to a bathroom. They sent the “skinny guy” through the hole to summons help. He made it over a sink and out to the floor. He came back with a fire fighter, Firefighter Louie Cacchioli, who assisted the men out through the hole they had made. They were still unaware o f exactly what had happened. The men joined the line o f people going down the stairway. When they reached the 15th floor, they heard the sound o f the south tower collaps ing. At 10:23 a.m., they ran into the street, to safety. About five minutes later, the north tower fell. Jan Demczur was a hero, and he received many awards and recogni tion for his life-saving actions. Recognition from the International Window Cleaning Association to President George and Laura Bush. Demczur attends the 9-11 m emo rial every year. But, like many, he doesn't care to discuss the events o f that tragic day.
Demczur occupies his retirement time with a flea market o f assorted items that he acquires from his garage, around the com er from the Gong Club quarters, on St. Paul's av. He now has a new friend in John Rinciari and the members o f the Gong Club. Retired Detective Rinciari has been a fire buff for most o f his life, growing up in the Bronx and hanging out at the busiest firehouses during what was known as “The War Years,”when the Bronx (and many other cities) were burning. The Westchester County native found out about the Gong Club or ganization through a friend and member that he grew up with. He is the club's newest member. A 72-yearold “ rookie”! “ My life started hanging out in a Bronx firehouse when I was in the second grade," he said. "Now, in my later years. I'm at peace knowing it will end in the firehouse!” DOWNS: A fire at a Boudinot St. dwelling in Trenton injured several residents, April 30th. At least one person suffered facial bums. Four others were taken to a local hospital, according to 6 ABC Philadelphia. Residents o f nearby homes were evacuated due to the fire. UPS: In May, East Rutherford En gine Co. 1 celebrated 131-years o f service to the Borough. In addition. Chief Harold Tilt was presented with a 50-years o f service badge.
DOWNS: In Piscataway, the New Market Fire District was dispatched to a reported garage fire on Royal Dr., May 3rd. The fire quickly ex tended to a row o f “ multiple garage units,”bringing remaining township companies to the scene, according to a district Facebook post. UPS: In May, Englewood FF Don De Vera was promoted to lieutenant. Fire Inspector Zach Butcher has been sworn in as a city firefighter. DOWNS: The bodies o f a man and a woman were recovered from the scene o f an explosion and dwelling fire on May 11th. The home on Tran quility Way in Washington Twp. (Gloucester County) was fully in volved when first responders arrived. “We do not believe that the incident was accidental in nature,” said Gloucester County Prosecutor's O f fice Chief o f Detectives Tom Gilbert. A follow up report stated that a male victim, believe to be a tenant, was found in the living room with a hand gun nearby after the fire was extin guished, according to the prosecutor's office. His death was ruled a suicide caused by the fire. A female victim was located in a bed room, and her death was rued a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head, officials said. The investi gation revealed that the home's natu ral gas line had been tampered with and an accelerant was present, indi cating the fire had been intentionally set.
UPS: New firefighters in Wild w ood are Ryan Bannon and Domenico Troiano. DOWNS: A fire involved an elec trical substation in Vernon Twp., May 13th. The substation was heav ily involved in fire with close to 20,000-gallons o f oil involved, ac cording to reports. UASI foam units were called to the scene. UPS: In New Brunswick, Michael Dillon was promoted to deputy fire chief. Rusty Litterer was promoted to captain and Brett DeMarco is the new lieutenant. DOWNS: A pilot was killed when his Chinook Plus 2 crashed in Alexandria Twp., Hunterdon County, May 16th. The pilot was the only one on board according to the FAA. The plane crashed in a heavily wooded area near Airport Rd., according to reports. UPS: In May, personnel represent ing the NJ Fire Museum picked up Englewood's 1911 American La France Type-5 pumper. This was the city's first motorized piece o f appa ratus. It was generously donated back to the EFD by the Fuller Family o f Tenafly. The classic rig was turned over to the museum where personnel will be able to repair and restore the engine and give it a proper home, ac cording to a department Facebook post.
- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
RESCUE 2: A Century of Service ON THE BOOK SHELF by John Malecky
RESCU E 2: A Century o f Service Contributors: Jum Sandas, Michael M eyer and Glenn Usdin Available from: FSP B ooks & Videos 433 Main Street, Suite 2A Hudson, M AO 1749 1-800-522-8528 Email: support@fire-policeems.com www. fire-police-ems. com Price: $70.00 This is a heavy, hard covered b ook measuring 9 inches by 12 inches, with 223 pages o f “ m ag nificence.”To review this book it was evident that it was a labor o f love. In the credits are listed a vast number o f those who con tributed otherwise. The inside front and back covers and the first and last pages have the names o f everyone who served on this company. There is an introduction follow ed by the present captain’ s introduction. Rescue 2 was estab lished in the B orough o f B rook
lyn, N ew York in 1925, ten years after Rescue 1 was established in Manhattan by the same fire chief. The chapters, include Establishing Rescue 2, C h ief o f Department (three o f their members became chief). Rescue Company 2 Cap tains, Current O fficers and M em bers, Company History 1, M ission o f Rescue Company 2, Unit Cita tion M eritorious Acts, C h ief Ray Downey, A L egend From Rescue 2, Rescue Company 2 Medal Win ners, Company History II, M em bers Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice, September 11, 2001, Rescue Company No. 2 Rigs, Tools and Equipment, Company History III, Firehouses Past and Present and Rescue 2; The “ Busiest”Rescue Company in the City o f N ew York. The b ook is filled with photos o f all kinds, most without captions, but never theless associated with each chap ter. There were also a Searchlight Unit and a Water Tower who were assigned to the company that were manned by the personnel when special called. The names o f each chapter dusts o ff vast, detailed in formation within them. It goes without saying that this is a book that anyone with an interest in the N ew York City Fire Department, or history for that matter, should consider purchasing. Compared to the contents, the price is very rea sonable.
PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch o f the month “feature please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
Four Alarms Struck in Upper Saddle River UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ No hydrants in the area posed major issues as flames spread throughout the second-floor and attic o f a large home in Upper Saddle River on May 16th. Heavy flames were across the second-floor as units pulled up to 19 Lake Road at 2:30 in the afternoon. The first due engine was instructed to lead off with their deck gun. Sec ond, third and fourth alarms were
.
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struck as fire spread to the attic and then through the roof. A tanker shut tle was set up with engines from the east side and a drafting operation by Allendale from a stream on the west side, supplying Ramsey and Waldwick tower ladders, as well as sev eral hand lines.
The roof collapsed in less than one half hour. After that, the inten sity o f the fire diminished. By 4:30 P.M., the blaze was able to be placed under control. One firefighter was reported to have suffered a non-lifethreatening injury. There were no reported injuries to any residents. Investigator's preliminary cause is believed to be accidental.
- BILL TOMPKINS
EUGENE WEBER JR. BILL TOMPKINS - WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
UPS & DOWNS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 DOWNS: Flames consumed a dwelling at Columbia Blvd. & N. 2nd St. in National Park, April 9th. Hoarding conditions were reported in the home, according to reports. UPS: Jersey City firefighters and ESU police officers teamed up to rescue a man stranded underneath the Pulaski Skyway, Mat 18th. A c cording to information supplied, firefighters set up a twin tension rope rescue system through the Ari zona Vortex Artificial High D irec tional Device over the side o f the skyway to rescue the victim approx imately 100-feet down on a bridge support. After the man was pack aged into a victim harness and at tached to the rescuer, they were lowered down to an extended aerial ladder. The victim was assisted down the ladder and then treated by EMS. DOWNS: Flames raced through a large home on Lake Rd. in Upper Saddle River, May 16th. Due to a lack o f fire hydrants in the area, nu
merous fire department tankers were called in from several departments to set up a draft site, according to The Daily Voice. Fire companies from Bergen and Rockland counties were called to the scene. UPS: In May, representatives from Amboy Bank presented the Freehold FD a grant in the amount o f $5000. The funds will be used for the purchase o f automated external defibrillators (AED) for every front line piece o f apparatus. DOWNS: Fire consumed a S. 10th St. dwelling in South Plainfield on May 4th. Central communica tions received a report o f an explo sion at the address. The Middlesex County HazMat unit was called in due to propane tanks involved, ac cording to a department Facebook post. UPS: In Hackensack, Peter Greco has been promoted to deputy fire chief. Mike Martinelli was pro moted to captain and Shaun Tucker is the new lieutenant.
RON JEFFERS
Newly promoted fire officers in Hackensack with Chief of Depart ment Anthony Riehl (2nd from left) are, L-R: Lieutenant Shaun Tucker, Deputy Chief Peter Greco and Captain Michael Martinelli.
Read more a rtic le s from around New Jersey on our w ebsite! V is it 1st Responder News
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FRANK SAIA
Rescuers work to stabilize the house to be able to remove the driver of the dump truck that crashed into the dwelling at 941 Woodbury Glassboro Road, Woodbury Heights on May 20, 2025.
D u m p T ru c k C ra s h e s In to W o o d b u ry H e ig h ts H o u s e WOODBURY HEIGHTS, NJ On May 20th at approximately 1:34 P.M., a dump truck carrying a load o f construction sand drove off o f the roadway and crashed into a house, trapping the driver and injuring an occu pant in the house. Heading north on Woodbury Glass boro Road in Wood bury Heights, the driver o f the dump truck drove off the road, careened through a utility pole, across the front yards o f several houses and crashed into a house at 941 Woodbury Glassboro Road, knocking the house off o f its foun dation, and coming to rest in the basement o f the house. The crash collapsed portions of the house, injuring the occupant of the house, and left the driver o f the dump truck trapped in his truck until rescuers could shore up the house and extricate him from the rubble. Both the occupant o f the house and the driver are believed to not have sustained life-threatening injuries. It is reported that the driver o f the truck may have experienced a med ical emergency while driving. Multiple fire, EMS, and police resources were dispatched to the in cident. First-in units confirmed the report that a dump truck crashed into the dwelling, knocking it off its foundation and collapsing much of the dwelling. As a result of the crash, there was an active natural gas leak. Utility crews immediately re sponded to secure the gas and elec trical service to the house. After assessing the scene, the IC requested the Camden County C ol lapse Rescue Task Force to respond. Member units from Cherry Hill,
Camden, Winslow Twp, and Voorhees responded with personnel and equipment to assist with stabiliz ing the collapsed structure and to re move the victim. It took over two hours to secure the structure and re move the victim. Multiple fire departments from Gloucester County assisted with water supply, hose deployment, air monitoring, debris removal, equip
ment set up, victim removal and var ious other essential duties on scene. The teamwork that all departments displayed was remarkable, especially with such a complex incident. Cranes and special equipment were used to remove the dump truck from the house before the house could be prepared to be demolished.
- FRANK SAIA
FRANK SAIA
Cherry Hill FF and Rescue/USAR 13 member Ryan Hallquist uses the transit to monitor any movement in the structure while crews work to shore the building and remove the driver.
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2025
SBFD PHOTO
Late Afternoon Blaze Destroys Saddle Brook Home SADDLE BROOK, NJ - On April 28th at 4:22 P.M., Saddle B rook fire com panies were d is patched for a report o f patio furni ture on fire at 306 John Ochs Drive. Assistant C h ief Eierman Wenzel arrived on scene and con firmed the fire, which had ex tended into the home and attic. C hief o f Department Dave Mielincki arrived shortly after and assumed command. Engine 1 was first due and stretched handlines to knock down the exterior fire. As addi tional companies arrived, an inte rior push was made. Due to heavy fire conditions in the attic and sec ond floor, command ordered the evacuation o f all personnel from the building. Eieavy fire began venting through the roof and out the sec ond floor. An exterior attack was initiated, with Ladder 3operating their aerial device and several handlines deployed from the exte-
JUSTIN WATREL
Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home & Association Hold April M eeting
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a
rior to knock down the flames. Mutual aid com panies from Fair Lawn, R ochelle Park, and Wallington responded and assisted on scene. The roof eventually collapsed, and the heavy fire was brought under control. Prior to fire department ar rival, Saddle B rook P olice O ffi cers rem oved two d ogs from the home. The Saddle B rook Volun teer Ambulance Corps operated on scene, along with county-wide firefighter rehab services. Saddle Brook OEM also responded to as sist with operations. The cause o f the fire is under investigation by the Saddle Brook Fire Prevention Office. No in juries were reported.
It was another successful day at the NJ State Firemen’ s Eiome A sso ciation. Our fundraising efforts have been going wonderfully, and we are ahead o f our goals as we prepare for our summer barbecues. We want to thank all the fire companies in Bergen County who donated to our organization— your generosity has greatly helped us in this effort. We are currently planning our June and August barbecues and have also begun preparations for our Christmas party for the residents. There’ s a lot coming up in the next several months, between summer activities and the holiday season
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f t 30 (Christmas is only nine months away!). After our meeting, we gathered in the main room to greet the resi dents. We had a special afternoon planned, featuring entertainment from singer Gigi, who is very pop ular with everyone at the home. We shared our greetings and well wishes with the residents and informed them about the upcoming summer barbecues. Then the enter tainment began. It was a great con
cert, and everyone had a wonderful time. It was another fantastic after noon with the Bergen County Fire men’ s Eiome Association. We are always looking for new members. Any member o f a Bergen County firehouse who would like to help support our retired brothers in the fire service residing at the NJ State Firemen’ s Eiome in Boonton, NJ, is welcom e to join us. It’ s a great Brotherhood, and we benefit just as much from these visits as our fellow brothers at the Firemen’ s Eiome.
- JUSTIN WATREL
OLD & NEW
- DAMIEN DANIS 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.
OUR CALENDAR IS EXPANDING We Need Your Help! Post an event in your area at www.1rbn.com K e e p an e y e o u t fo r N a tio n a l E v e n ts to o !
O u r r e a d e r s m a k e a l l t h e d iS S e r e n c e ! MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE BUFFS
Iselin Fire Department District 11's old and new Engine 11-1. New Engine 11-1 is a 2024 Pierce Enforcer PUC (1500/750). Old Engine 11-1 is a 2001 Pierce Enforcer 6710 pumper (1500/750).
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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
M EM O RIAL BOARD If your department has photos you would like to see in our “Memorial Board”feature please upload them on our website www.lRBN.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson Chief of Department Donald Donnarumma, right, swears in 18 new firefighters to the department on May 6th.
RON JEFFERS
On May 18th, firefighters, families and friends gathered at the Bergen County Public Safety Institute, in Mahwah, for the New Jersey & New York Volunteer Firemen's Association's annual memorial. Volunteer and career firefighters from Bergen County and Rockland County, N.Y., that have answered their last alarm in 2024, were recognized and remembered. Master of Ceremony John Malool stated that in 2024 there were no line of duty deaths. At the conclusion of the ceremony, all participants were given a red rose and they walked past the monument that lists those fire fighters that gave their lives in the line of duty. Uniformed mem bers offered a salute.
Promotions and New Firefighters Added in North Hudson N ORTH BERGEN, NJ - On May 6th, firefighters, local offi cials, fam ilies and friends assem bled at the Waterside Restaurant for the prom otion o f two fire captains and the swearing in o f 18 new fire fighters that have com pleted their training. The new captains were sworn in by C h ief o f Department D avid Donnarumma. They are Christo pher Delplato and Edward Leao.
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N ew firefighters are: Kevin Abreu, John Restrepo, Xavier Rosa, Gianni Notaro, G eorge Cedeno, K yle Trabucco, D avid Marcin, Luis Brito Jr., Adrian Inhulsen, Johnathon Rosario, Osvaldo Toledo Negroni, Clayton Castellanos, Andrew Grossi, Jason
Castellanos, Louis Westervelt, Jotham McRae, G erson Bonilla Ventura and D avid Nunez. The probationary firefighters w ill be assigned to com panies in the five municipalities that make up the regional department; Union City, North Bergen, West N ew York, Weehawken and Guttenberg.
- RON JEFFERS
Bob Long
JOHN M . MALECKY
In Bergen County, the Edgewater EMS remembers those lost to Covid 19 with this logo at the front of their ambulance module, which says “In memory of those we have lost”.
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“ At Saturday’ s wedding, som eon e yelled, ‘ All married people please stand next to the one person that made your life worth living.' The bartender was almost crushed to death!”
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
Hugs Chaplain’s Corner Didymus McHugh When I was teaching a class with a friend, he would always teach the students that we need 8 12 hugs a day. I am currently read ing the book “The Blessing”, by John Trent and Gary Smalley”, and it reminded me o f that. The book talks about how important touch is. Children need the nurturing touch from their fathers. It also refers to a UCLA study that it helps maintain emotional and physical health. I know that we teach everyone not to touch and that translates to
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many people who can benefit from a hug never receive them. H ow many o f our children, or older people are yearning for a hug. What about those who live alone or are going through tough times? I have told people that if they want they could cry on my shoulders because I was there to help them and they could tell me what they wanted. I had a large gentleman, the size o f a football player, tell me things from his childhood and he broke down crying on my shoulder. He needed a hug and encouragement that he never received growing up. Many o f us may have grown up with parents who were distant. Some people in certain cultures are more “cold”where affection is not shown, but they are the ones missing out. When I was growing up, there was nothing like getting a hug from a grandmother or one o f the last thing that my father did before he died was give me a hug. Dad did not hug, that is the way that he was raised. Some o f the benefits o f hugging is that it lowers the blood pressure, heart rate, the release o f cortisol (the stress hormone), and anxiety. It in creases oxytocin (which makes us happier), strengthen the immune sys tem, and brings comfort. Well, sometimes you may not have someone around but you have your dog around. You should be able to get the same benefit from the dog. You can also hug a cow, yes a cow, that is called cow cuddling. There are plenty o f people that need a hug, maybe you are one o f them. You can never have too many hugs. You can always give a hug back. Stay safe Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com
FRANK SAIA
Westville firefighters direct hose lines in the rear of the dwellings. The fire spread up the exterior wall and into the attic space.
All Hands Fire on N. Delaware Street in Paulsboro PAULSBORO, NJ - On April 27th at approximately 1:20 P.M., the Paulsboro and Gibbstown Fire Departments were dispatched to W. Jefferson and N. Delaware Streets in Paulsboro for a brush fire. Shortly after dispatch, the G loucester County fire dispatcher upgraded the assignment to a dw elling fire at 1004 North Delaware Street. G ibbstow n Fire Chief, Bryan Nastase, was first to arrive with sm oke showing from twin, attached, two-story woodframe dwellings. He immediately
Jump to file #042925101 m transmitted the all hands signal which brought in additional fire re sources. C h ief Nastase assigned first due, Gibbstown Ladder 2116, to the front o f the building where they were to initiate the fire attack. Two lines were stretched and operated on the C D corner o f the dwelling, but the fire quickly spread up the w oo d exterior in to the interior and
to the attic space. Westville Ladder Co. 736 was special called to utilize their ladder pipe in the attic space. Additional units were also called to assist with water supply, fire suppression, roof ventilation, overhaul, and RIT du ties. The fire involved vacant dwellings at 1004 and 1006 N. Delaware Street. N o injuries were reported and the fire was placed under control at 3:10 PM.
- FRANK SAIA
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Westville crew, FF Robert Gibison, Chief Eric Farley, and FF Emmanuel Nieves work to ventilate the roof at this All Hands fire at 1004 N. Delaware Street, Paulsboro on April 27, 2025.
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
PAGE 17
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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
APPARATUS IN ACTION 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 .
FRANK SAIA
Camden County Fire Coordinator Dan DiRenzo and Waterford Twp. Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Stoddart confer with each other at this 4th Alarm fire. BOB SHERMAN, JR.
Trenton Fire Department's Engine 1 operating at a three-alarm fire involving 4 homes on Brown Street, May 12th. Firefighters rescued three people and a dog, and 24 people were displaced. Battalion Chief Brian Butler had command. Responding were Engines 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10, along with Ladders 1, 2 & 4.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY FIRE BUFFS
Woodbridge Truck 1 operates at the first fire of its career on Maple Hill Terrace. Truck 1 is a 2024 Pierce Velocity 100' Ascendant mid mount platform with a 2000/300.
Read m ore a rtic le s fro m a ro u n d New Je rse y on o u r w e b s ite ! w w w .1 R B N .c o m
4 A la rm e r H its W a te rfo rd T w p . S a lv a g e a n d M u lc h Y a rd WATERFORD, NJ - At ap proxim ately 4:22 P.M. on April 27th, the Waterford Twp. Fire D e partment was dispatched to a sal vage and m ulch yard at 225 Jackson Road. First arriving units found large w o o d piles and sal vage parts on fire and spreading from the 15-acre salvage yard toward resi dential homes. W inds helped the fire spread from the m ulch yard to a field adjacent to the res idential homes. Fire resources were placed to protect the hom es from the fast-moving fire. Due to the amount o f fire and the size o f the yard, large volum es o f water w ou ld be required to bring this fire under control. M any additional resources were called, including a large d i ameter hose task force to deliver a large amount o f water to the fire scene. Units from Camden, Burlington, and Gloucester C oun ties set up relay pum ping through thousands o f feet o f 5”hose from alm ost a m ile away to deliver ad equate water to the fire ground. Brush trucks and quick attack v e hicles were used to fight the fire inside the yard. Fadder trucks were used from the perimeter. It w ou ld take a significant amount o f time to dismantle the large piles o f w o o d to extinguish them and the sm oldering mulch. Fire department resources antici pated being on the fire ground for approximately tw o days. In all, four counties and dozens o f apparatus were utilized to bring this fire under control. N o injuries were reported.
- FRANK SAIA
FRANK SAIA
Bellmawr FF Shawn Fanslau directs the quick attack stream over the piles of wood and mulch as Berlin Fire Company directs an aerial assault.
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
PAGE 19
ACTION SHOTS If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
RICHARD HUFF
NJ EMS Task Force co-founder and president, Michael J. Bascom.
NJ EMS Task Force President Says the Organization is Searching fo r Sustainable Funding NJ EMS Task Force co-founder and president Michael J. Bascom told members o f the groundbreaking statewide emergency medical serv ices organization that it is fighting for long-term survival and is pressing state officials for sustainable fund ing. At the organization’ s annual meeting held May 6 at the Elamilton Fire Company in Neptune, New Jer sey, Bascom said there was “ no way that New Jersey could be considered prepared without our resources and our structure.” The organization, founded in the wake o f the 9/11 ter rorist attacks, consists o f more than 200 career and volunteer EMS providers from 60 host agencies across the state who respond to large-scale disasters statewide. Since its founding, the NJEMSTF has been funded by donations, grants, and the New Jersey Department o f Flealth. The NJEMSTF launched as a mass casualty response team 21 years ago but rapidly expanded into developing statewide plans for evac uating healthcare facilities, support ing the NJ Forest Fire Service, coordinating EMS for the Super Bowl and a papal visit, distributing vaccines and tests during the COVIE) pandemic, and preparing for upcom ing FIFA World Cup tournaments. During 2024, Bascom said the team contributed more than 11,000 people hours across 420 critical re sponses and over 200 deployments. The team added over 50 new mem bers, certified more than 260 Mental Health Resilience Officers, and rolled out Farge Scale Incident Awareness training. He also said the NJEMSTF added 15 new physicians to the team and updated port security, passenger rail, and staging manage ment plans. “ But despite the success, we are, quite frankly, fighting to survive,” Bascom told attendees. “ The enemy? Not a person or a group, but the everslippery concept o f sustainable fund ing. There’ s plenty o f support from the Department o f Health and our legislators, but turning that support into long-term dollars? That’ s where things have been tricky.”Bascom said federal cuts are making the sit-
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uation even more complex discus sion to navigate. He said the NJEM STF board, module managers, and a consultant are working hard to find funding. “ What we do know is this: We remain the national model program,” Bascom said. “ Other states are tak ing notes and working off our model to secure funding. This gives us hope for the future.”The dinner meeting included presentations by New Jer sey State Police Col. Patrick J. Calla han, Dana Johnson, assistant commissioner at the NJ Department o f Health, NJEM STF Vice President Jennifer M c Carthy, and NJEMSTF board members Dr. David Adinaro and Dr. James Pmden. Callahan praised the NJ EMS Task Force, saying it stands for re newal and hope. “You know what people do around the country? They look to NJ, they look to the EMS Task Force, they look to OEM, they look to women and men, who put others be fore themselves,”Callahan said. “ If tomorrow, the most atro cious tragedy happens in the state of New Jersey, or around the world, you know who is going to raise their hand? Every single one o f you in this room, including me,”Callahan said. “ For the sustainability o f this Task Force, personally and professionally, I will back that until I no longer have a breath to do that, and I trust that 30 years from now, w e’ ll be at this din ner, touting what w e’ ve done in the last 30 years because o f you - and the women and men you pass that torch onto.”Bascom told the team they were the best o f the best. “You are tested, tmsted, and to tally unflappable,” Bascom said. “You come from all different back grounds, but share core traits - pro fessionalism, dedication, loyalty, and an uncanny ability to be where you’ re needed most, exactly when you’ re needed.”
- RICHARD HUFF
DAMIEN DANIS
Several trucks were destroyed at Allison Atlantic Detroit Diesel at 180 Rt Route 17 south shortly after 2:00 P.M. on May 9th. Atlantic Detroit Diesel sells and services diesel trucks. Mutual aid responders included firefighters from Garfield, Saddle Brook, and Wallington. Lodi's Fire Prevention Bureau is investigating the cause. No injuries were reported.
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson firefighters battled a 2-alarm fire in a large Polk Street dwelling, in West New York, April 28th. An outside fire quickly traveled up all three floors on the Delta side of the home and into the attic and through the roof. Passing by EMS units and police officers evacuated numerous occupants before the arrival of fire units. Two police officers and a firefighter were taken to a local hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
PAGE 20
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
NEW JE R S E Y 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 JE R S E Y M E M O R IE S If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Memories”feature, please upload them to our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
RON JEFFERS
In Franklin Township, Community Fire Company Chief Vincent Inzano answers alarms with a 2022 Chevy Tahoe.
RON JEFFERS
This Jamesburg 1919 Ford Model T/American LaFrance 40-gallon chemical tank apparatus was part of the New Jersey Fire Museum's photo shoot in October. This apparatus once provided protection for the Jamesburg School for Boys.
RON JEFFERS
Tinton Falls 36-188 is a 2010 Chevy Tahoe station utility vehicle. It originally served as a chief's car.
RON JEFFERS RON JEFFERS
This Ford sedan is used as a Fire Prevention unit in Montville.
Former Hope 8295's 1990 Mack/4 Guys 1000-gpm/3500-gallon tanker was donated to the NJ Fire Museum by the Morganville Fire Company of Marlboro Fire District 3.
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RON JEFFERS
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June, 2025
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.RTFIREPH0T0S.COM
FRANK SAIA
Pennsauken and Cherry Hill firefighters work to stretch lines and perform vertical ventilation at this all hands fire at 5525 Magnolia Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ on May 6, 2025.
W orking Fire in Pennsauken PENNSAUKEN, NJ -At 10:51 A.M. on May 6th, a Pennsauken Fire Department Task Force box was struck for the report o f a dwelling fire at 5525 Magnolia Av enue. Pennsauken Engine Company 1132 was first to arrive, whose quarters are located just a few blocks away, got a quick jump on the fire and reported heavy smoke showing from a one-story, single family, frame dwelling. Pennsauken Battalion 11, Norm Figueroa, arrived shortly after and transmitted the working fire signal which brought in an additional en-
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gine and truck. Engine 1132 hooked to the nearby hydrant and stretched a 1 3/4”handline for the interior at tack where they experienced Collyer’ s Mansion conditions. Cherry Elill and Collingsw ood engine companies stretched and op erated additional handlines to sup port the interior attack. The fire was able to quickly make its way to the attic area, so Battalion 11 ordered crews to the roof to perform vertical ventilation to halt the horizontal
spread o f fire. Pennsauken, Merchantville, and Cherry Elill crews went to the roof and cut several holes. An exotic bird in its cage was safely removed, but otherwise, pri mary and secondary searches were negative. Eladdonfield and West mont fire departments covered for the committed companies. Over haul was performed and the fire was placed under control at 11:16 A.M. The fire is under investigation by the Pennsauken Fire Marshal’ s O f fice.
- FRANK SAIA
CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.RTFIREPH0T0S.COM
Car Fire Extends to Home in Bergenfield
FRANK SAIA
Pennsauken FF Mark Mohlin checks on the well being of the exotic bird that was safely removed from the fire.
BERGENFIELD, NJ - Shortly before 7:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 10th, the Bergenfield Fire Depart ment was dispatched to 33 Cleve land St. for a reported car fire that was extending to a house. First arriving officers reported a fully involved car fire on the Delta side with extension to all 3 floors, and transmitted a 2nd alarm. As ap paratus arrived, (two) E75" hand lines were stretched, one to knock down the car fire and another through the front door. Crews were able to knock down
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the heavy fire on the exterior and ve hicle, however interior crews chased pockets o f fire in the walls on all three floors. It took firefighters over 30 minutes to extinguish the laborintensive fire. Mutual aid from Englewood, Dumont, and New Milford assisted on scene. No injuries were reported.
- CHRIS TOMPKINS
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
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June, 2025
BROTHERS & SISTERS OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICES I f y o u have ph otos y o u w ou ld like to s ee in our “Brothers & Sisters o f the E m ergency Services”feature, please upload them on our w ebsite, www. 1stR esponderN ew s.com o r em ail them to L in d s e y @ l stR esponderN ew s.com .
FRANK SAIA
RON JEFFERS
Haddon Heights FF John Ellis stretches an additional line at this working fire at 202 Walnut Street, Audubon, NJ on May 10, 2025.
A South Hackensack firefighter was examined by local EMS personnel after a mutual aid fire was knocked down that involved a Fourth av. dwelling, May 31st.
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PAGE 24
June, 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.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson Chief of Department Donald Donnarumma swears in Firefighter Ed ward Leao to the rank of fire captain, May 6th.
North Hudson Chief of Department Donald Donnarumma swears in Firefighter Christopher Delplato to the rank of captain, May 6th.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
North Hudson Captain Nick Mitarotonda, of Squad Co.2, addresses a line up of fellow firefighters, family and friends that assembled at the 16th Street firehouse, in Union City, for his retirement walk-out on May 16th. He served the community for 25-years.
North Hudson firefighters take a blow after battling a labor-intensive fire in a large Polk Street dwelling in West New York on a warm April 28th evening.
RON JEFFERS
RON JEFFERS
On the morning of April 30th, North Hudson firefighters, along with family and friends, assembled at the 43rd Street firehouse in Union City for Captain Eugene D'Alessandro's retirement walkout. The street was closed off as firefighters lined up in front of Squad I's quarters to congratulate Captain D'Alessandro's (fourth from left) on his 26-plus years of service, starting with the former Union City Fire Department.
On April 28th, the apparatus floor of the Marin Boulevard firehouse, in Jersey City, was filled with firefighters, family and friends of Deputy Chief Bill McClintock for his retirement after 37-years of dedicated duty. His love for the job was second to none. Chief McClintock's hard work and dedication were evident when he authored the FDJC's 150th anniversary yearbook. A labor of love and something for city firefight ers to be proud. Never forget those who came before them.
PAGE 25
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
IN SERVICE I f y o u have p h otos y o u w ou ld like to s ee in our “Still in Service”feature, please u pload them on our website, w w w .lstR espon derN ew s.com or em ail them to L indsey @1 stR esponderN ew s.com
JOHN RIETH
US Forest Service at Silas Little Experimental Forest in Pemberton Township, NJ is a 2020 Ford F-350 4x4/Kimtec 100/160/10A Type 7x Engine.
JOHN RIETH
Brevent Park Fire Co. of Middletown, NJ's 2025 Stuphen Monarch 2000/750.
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PAGE 26
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
WORKING FACES If you have photos you would like to see in our “Working Faces”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com
MASSIMO MACERI
Q u ic k E x tin g u is h m e n t in M a y w o o d
FRANK SAIA
Mt. Ephraim Fire Chief Matt Frankowski (R) and Camden County Fire Coordinator Chris Brown (L) work the command post at this working fire at 202 Walnut Street, Audubon, NJ, May 10, 2025. Companies from several nearby towns assisted the Audubon Fire Department with handling this fire. No injuries were reported and a family dog and cat were rescued from the fire building.
Maywood, NJ - On May 12th at approximately 01:36 am, Maywood Fire Department received multiple calls for a structure fire at 120 Prospect Ave. First arriving Chief confirmed visible smoke and fire from the B/C side of the 2 Vi story private dwelling and requested a working fire assignment. Maywood Truck 17 was tasked with forcing entry to the home and perform primary searches while Maywood Engine 18 established a water supply and deployed hose lines to the fire. Working fire assignment brought in Hackensack Ladder 1 for a fast team, Engine and Res cue from Rochelle Park. Truck 17 reported a fire in the living room of the home, two lines stretched and one operating. Primary and secondary searches were negative. Fire was soon deemed under control within minutes. Mutual aid coverage was provided by River Edge, Saddle Brook, and Paramus.
ACTION SHOT If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shot”feature, please upload them on our website, www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com.
DAMIEN DANIS
Lodi Ass't Chief Justin Swank and Saddle Brook Ass't Chief Herman Wenzel discuss operations at a fire involving several trucks on Rt 17 on May 9th.
JAMES WOOD
Brandon Trentacoste of the Elmwood Park Fire Department worked at a fully involved garage fire on April 27th.
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 L indsey@ l stResponderNews.com.
June, 2025
PAGE 27
LITTLE BIG GUYS If you have photos you would like to see in our Little Big Guys feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
In Somerset County, the Martinsville Fire Company in Bridgewater Township operates Attack 43, a 2016 Pierce mini pumper on a Ford F-550, 4x4 chassis. Features and equipment include a four-seat cab, Hale 1000-gpm pump, 300-gallon water tank, (two) 1 %-inch pre-connected crosslays, forestry hose, nozzles, fittings, Indian tanks, a chainsaw, hand tools, hand fire extinguishers, a carbon monox ide meter, two Honda 3 kw portable generators, two telescoping floodlights, tool boxes, two SCBA and spare cylinders and a BLS kit.
ATTACK W l
JOHN M . MALECKY
In Bergen County, members of the Edgewater EMS stand by their new ambulance. From L to R: EMTs Cheryl Reynolds and Kareem Hassan. JOHN M . MALECKY
Bridgewater Township, Martinsville Attack 43, 2016 Ford F-550/Pierce 1000/300. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.
RON JEFFERS
After serving the city of Jersey City for 42-years, 2nd Battalion Chief Pete Griese retired on May 28th. Chief Griese is well-known in the fire service around the country, participating in many life saving projects. At the quarters of Engine 19 and Ladder 8, the ap paratus floor was filled with well wishers. That included active and retired firefighters, family, and friends. In addition, there were fire fighters representing Worcester, Ma., FDNY and Arizona. Numer ous congratulations calls were received from as far as Los Angeles. A large group of volunteer firefighters were also present from the Long Valley Fire Company, where Griese has served as chief, in the past.
JOHN M . MALECKY
Right/rear view of Martinsville Attack 43.
PAGE 28
June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
D R ILLS /TR A IN IN G T o see y o u r D rills in the new spaper u pload them on our w ebsite w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com or email them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s.co m
On Sunday, May 18th, departments from across the state of New Jersey participated in a full scale water supply drill. “Building the Water Supply Inf rastruc-
ture”, was ran through JCK Academy and the Suburban Chiefs Association of Mercer, Middlesex & Monmouth Counties. In the prior 3 weeks,
dozens of firefighters from the state gained critical skills for establishing water supply in areas without hydrants; or when the hydrant system becomes over-
whelmed or fails. During Sunday's full-scale exercise, they successfully sustained nearly 3,000-gallons-per-minute using just tankers.The drill included
over 30 departments from over 6 counties.
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PAGE 29
June, 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
On Monday, May 26th, members of Garfield Fire Department Co. 3 attended 3 ceremonies to honor members who passed away. Members of Rescue Engine #3 hosted a memorial ceremony hon oring the 2005 Line of Duty Death of Chief Engineer Angelo Petta. Rescue Engine #3 renamed the hall of their firehouse to "Angelo Petta Memorial Hall". Members also officially announced Angelo Petta as an Honorary Chief of Garfield Fire Rescue Engine Co. 3.
DAMIEN DANIS
Afternoon Fire Damages South Hackensack Home DAMIEN DANIS
SOUTH HACKENSACK, NJ A fire that apparently started on the rear deck damaged a South Hack ensack home on the afternoon o f May 31st. At approximately 3:04 P.M., dispatch was given to firefighters for 7 4th Ave. on a reported work ing fire. First arriving engine com pany 403 was met with heavy smoke and fire from the rear side of the structure o f a two-story home and transmitted a 2nd alarm. An en gine and ladder from Hackensack arrived quickly and went to work. Hackensack Deputy Chief
Jump to file #060125104 o?P Justin Derevyanik arrived and as sumed command until the arrival o f South Hackensack C hief o f Dept. Maceri. Fire made its way into the attic o f the duplex home. After fire fighters vented the roof, fire began to vent through it. Interior compa nies got hand lines in place to knock down the fire in the attic area. The heavy fire was knocked down quickly after, and all fire was fully extinguished in about one
hour. Mutual aid from Carlstadt, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Little Ferry, Moonachie and WoodRidge assisted on the scene, along with Bergen County EMS, the Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad's fire rehab unit and County Wide Emergency Response Team. Mutual aid covering at the firehouse included Wallington and Maywood. No injuries were reported. The cause is still being investigated.
- DAMIEN DANIS
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.
DAMIEN DANIS
V is it us online fo r more news around New Jersey. w w w .1rbn.com
MIKE NOWACKI
Parkertown Fire Company recently put into service Rescue 7003, a 2003 Kenworth/Rescue 1 rescue truck that originally served with Tuckerton Fire Department.
PAGE 30
Ju n e ,2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
DRILLS/TRAINING Ify ou h av e photos you would like to see in our Drills feature, please upload them on our website www.lstResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@lstResponderNews.com .
The Front Seat for Non-Line Officers In spite of our best recruitm ent/retainm ent efforts the volunteer fire service is still experiencing shortages. That’s why more and more the “front seat” typically occu pied by an officer will be oc cupied by a non-line officer or “black hat”. Sadly, in spite of these circum stances many volunteer com panies do not provide enough opportunities for non-line officers to step into that role when called upon. This could have drastic effects not only for the com munities we serve but also the future of volunteer com panies when firefighters do not get the opportunities to advance themselves. The bottom line is all volunteer firefighters must be prepared to take on the role of officer and the responsibilities of the front seat. The first step is to ensure you have an adequate crew in accordance with de partmental SOPs. Typically, volunteer departments must minimally have a driver, officer and at least one interior fire fighter. The term adequate is also in reference to experience i.e. probationary firefighters. Yes, they can assist on scene but acting officers need to re alize the limitations of inexpe rienced crew members. Always remember that as an officer YOU are responsible for the safety of your crew! Non-line officers may feel overwhelmed with all that is going on even to less complex calls. It is an obvious advan tage then for a non-line officer to have an experienced driver as that position has several re sponsibilities (including but not limited to directions to a scene, pump operation and PAR) that the officer will then not have to concern them selves with full-well knowing it is in capable hands. Still, it is the officer who must turn the siren on, use the airhorn to clear intersections and assist the driver with lane traffic and all while getting ready! Lastly, it is the officer who must either assign a crew or designate a firefighter in the rear to estab lish crews. This includes en suring that each crew member has at least one tool, specific
to their assignment in their hands when they exit the appa ratus. On that note limiting basic mis takes is key to being a suc cessful officer. It is still the officer’s responsibility to prop erly place the apparatus and informing the driver where to start operations assuming you are the first piece in and not being directed by an estab lished 1C. Expecting a fire at every scene helps to establish the necessary mentality and so properly placing an engine leaving room for truck opera tions will go a long way. An en gine will typically have at least 1000 ft of LDH and can easily make room for a truck in front of a structure making it easier to start operations including forcible entry and ladders for ventilation. Officers also have to take into account apparatus positioning from the stand point of hydrant availability and running lines across roads. En route it is the officer who must pay the most attention to radio communications. This el ement is likely going to be the most challenging fo ra non-line officer to be successful at and only because the opportunities to practice and polish the skill of talking on the radio is just not available. Make sure all
firefighters on the rig are on the correct channel. From there follow two simple rules when communicating on the radio. First, listen, listen, listen BEFORE talking! This will en sure you don’t tie up air time for other critical information coming in such as updates on victim searches. The second rule is BE CONCISE. This will also free up air time while not stepping on other crews as they communicate their own operations. One last note on radio commu nications would be to repeat any orders received back to the 1C. This will ensure any or ders have been acknowledged and understood. Assuming no orders have been received it is up to officer to establish com mand or be the ONLY fire fighter to report to the 1C for any orders in accordance with the unity of command. Arguably, the second most challenging responsibility is size-up and again this is due to lack of opportunities. Under stand though as a firefighter in the rear seat you should be conducting your own size-up, the only difference being hav ing to communicate that sizeup to command. The nuances of a CAN (conditions, actions, needs) report will be a follow up to this article for now just
note that it is the officer who will provide dispatch with what the existing conditions are for a given fire call, what actions are being taken by the crew and what resources also need to be obtained or downgraded. Lastly, is the concept of leader ship. Once on scene an officer must keep their crew together and maintain accountability. Lead by setting the example not by finger pointing. Be ready to work and set the tone and expectation that your crew be ready to work behind you. Remember to stick to your as signment and DO NOT FREE LANCE! The worst decision an officer can make is not making a decision. As mentioned, opportunities are crucial for non-line officers to be successful. The non-line officer is going to be over whelmed at first and unfortu nately there really isn’t much chance for a learning curve considering the potential stakes. The good news is set tling in to the role of an officer really doesn’t take long espe cially with opportunities to drill and/or hone the necessary skills prior to. All firefighters should really in sist on having the chance to be an officer. In many cases when live fire drills are conducted driving in to a tower or other simulated fire scene it is easy enough to designate a non-of
ficer in charge with an officer or chief providing feedback after the fact. This would not only provide practice and a confidence booster for the non-officer but would also ben efit the officer/chief honing their own skills from a different perspective that of an instruc tor. Next would be taking the skills developed in drill and having non-line officers occupy the front seat for “smells and bells” calls such as fire alarm drops or traffic control for an MVA. Remember, being an offi cer isn’t for everyone; your de cisions will affect not only your crew but possibly the entire operation. If you’ re not com fortable in the front seat or if you think you need more train ing then don’t sit there. On the flip side, if you’re a chief/officer and for whatever reason don’t provide opportu nities for your firefighters to grow and advance into the front seat then you should re sign. Leaders train their suc cessors. It is necessary on the local level and vital for the sur vival of the volunteer fire serv ice. *This article is based on the ex perience and drill presentation from Asst. Chief Chris Van Buskirk. -JOSEPH CEA
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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
PAGE 31
June, 2025
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June, 2025
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
cILD & NEW I f y o u have ph otos y o u w ou ld like to se e in ou r O ld & N ew feature please upload them on our w ebsite w w w .lstR esp on derN ew s.com or em ail them to L in d sey @ lstR esp on d erN ew s com.
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Second Alarm Damages Teaneck Home TEANECK, NJ - An early-morning garage fire caused signifi cant damage to a Teaneck residence, but caused no apparent injuries. At approximately 1:00 A.M. on May 10th, Teaneck FD units responded to 104 Van Arsdale Place. Heavy fire was showing from a first-floor garage and was extending to the second-floor of the home. All residents were confirmed safely evacuated. A second alarm was transmitted as flames en tered the second-floor and into the attic. The roof was vented as crews worked to knock down the fire. With assistance from Hackensack and Englewood firefighters, the main body of fire was knocked down in about 30 minutes. Other mutual aid companies covered the township firehouses. The cause is under investigation.
RON JEFFERS
Oceanport's 1991 KME 1250-gpm/750-gwt top-mount pumper, left, has been replaced with a 2024 E-One Typhoon model 2000-gpm/780-gwt apparatus.
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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
ON THE LITER SIDE
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 .
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.
I^832SBESb s 3 DOVERTCP. FIRE DISTRICT2
____N MIKE NOWACKI
The Pleasant Plains Fire Department recently put into service Ladder 3055, a 2000 American LaFrance/LTI 2000/500/20 75'ft ladder truck that will respond from the department's station on Warner Street. It formerly served with Ocean Beach Fire Company in Toms River.
RON JEFFERS
Fourth down and no more years to go! This is a scene that is reminiscence from the last episode of the popular "Mary Tyler Moore Show," in 1979. For those of you that are too young to re member, the news crew got into a huddle and walked out of the news room door for the last time, sideways. On the morning of his April retirement walk-out from Squad Co. 1's Union City quar ters, Captain Eugene D'Alessandro got into a huddle with his crew to say, "Goodbye."
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In Monmouth County, Eatontown’s former rescue now serves with the Port-A-Peck Fire Company in Oceanport. It is a 1995 Freightliner FL-70/Hesse with a 10 kw generator and a 6-ton front winch.
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PAGE 35
THREE PLAINFIELDS; THREE COUNTIES In the Raritan Valley Region there are three Plainfields. The first is the City o f Plainfield, which is in Union County. It is nicknamed the “ Queen City", serving as both the regional hub for Central New Jersey and a bed room suburb of the New York Metro politan area. The other two are boroughs, namely North Plainfield, which is in Somerset County and South Plainfield, which is in Middle sex County. Plainfield has always been the busiest in fire activity and operates three stations. They are a ca reer department. North Plainfield is a career department and operates out of a single station. It provides EMS to the borough and to Greenbrook. Their EMTs are not firefighters in the bor ough, although some are volunteer firefighters where they reside. South Plainfield is fully volunteer, operating out o f one station. This month's pho tos feature Plainfield's Truck 1, a 2023 E-ONE Typhoon 95-foot plat form, North Plainfield's Truck 501, a 2023 E-ONE Typhoon quint and Res cue 502, a 2024 Ford/Demers, MXP150 Type 1 ambulance and South Plainfield's Engine 4, a 2023 E-ONE Cyclone pumper with 50-foot boom. Other photos this month in clude Merck Labs Unit 3, a 2022 Ford/Utilimaster gear van, which transports firefighting gear to an emergency scene while the members o f the fire brigade (Merck employees) respond from their work places Hill side's R-2, a 2024 Dodge Ram/PL. Custom Classic ambulance and Rah way Emergency Squad's A-874, a 2024 Chevrolet G4500/P.L. Custom Type III Medallion ambulance. In apparatus news, the Aura VFC in Elk Township (Gloucester County) has ordered a mini pumper built by Marco Equipment Sales. Features in clude a Ford F-550, 4x4, four-door chassis, 750-gpm Waterous PTO pump with rear-mount panel, 300-gallon water tank and enclosed suction hose and ground ladders. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles. The NJ Sports & Exposition Au thority has ordered an E-ONE Ty phoon HP 100 quint for The Meadowlands (Bergen County). It will have al500-gpm pump and 470gallon water tank. Also on order is a Typhoon pumper 1500/780 with Cummins X 12, 455 hp diesel engine. In Ocean County, Seaside Park has or dered an E-ONE Typhoon HR 100 quint with 1500-gpm pump and 470gallon water tank. Mt. Tabor in Parsippany (Morris County) has received an E-ONE Typhoon pumper. Kearny (Hudson County) has ordered an EONE Typhoon Metro 100 aerial lad der. In Salem County, Salem City has given their former Engine 6-1, a 1999 E-ONE Cyclone 1250/500 to Elsinboro, replacing a 1987 Duplex/Grumman which Elsinboro had purchased from Runnemede (Camden County). Jersey City (Hudson County) has purchased a 1993 Seagrave pumper formerly o f Oakland (Bergen County) to use as a spare engine and is in the process o f purchasing a Pierce P le a se sen d any c o m m e n ts o r n e w s tid b its y o u m ig h t h ave a b o u t A p p a ra tu s o f th e M on th to us at 1st R e s p o n d e r N ew s, 1 A r d m o r e Street. N ew W in dsor, N Y 12553. O r y o u can e-m ail th em to A p p a r a tu s @ ls tR e s p o n d e r N e w s . c o m .
APPARATUS OF THE MONTH A look at what's new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky
JOHNM. MALECKY South Plainfield E-4, 2023 E-ONE Cyclone 2000/780 with 50-foot Boom.
JOHNM. MALECKY Plainfield Truck-1, 2023 E-ONE Typhoon 95-foot with 6 kw gener ator.
JOHNM. MALECKY Merck Labs Unit 3, 2022 Ford F59/Utilimaster, PI 00 gear truck.
JOHNM. MALECKY North Plainfield T-501,2023 E-ONE Typhoon 1750/490/10 and 100foot. It has a 6 kw generator.
JOHNM. MALECKY Hillside R-2, 2024 Dodge Ram/P.L. Custom Classic. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles.
JOHNM. MALECKY North Plainfield R-502,2024 Ford F-450/Demers MXP150. It was sold by the First Priority Group. pumper from Iselin Chemical FC in Woodbridge Township (Middlesex County), also to use as a spare engine. This pumper is white and will be re painted red for Jersey City. A reader reports that three Acela Montero flood trucks have been or dered. One is for Camden and the oth ers for Ocean City (Cape May County). Campbell Supply Co., LLC has de livered to Fairview (Bergen County) a Spartan ER Star pumper to FC .3. Specs include a Metro Star MFD
chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab, Waterous CMU 1500-gpm pump and 500-gallon water tank. Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce Orders: in Bergen County, an Enforcer heavy duty res cue pumper for Maywood and an En forcer 100-foot aerial ladder (no pump or tank) for Englewood; for Hopewell District 1(Mercer County), an Enforcer Ascendant 107-foot aerial ladder; for Clark (Union County), an Enforcer 100-foot Ascendant mid mount tower and for Bemards/Liberty
JOHNM. MALECKY Rahway Emergency Squad A-874,2024 Chevrolet G4500/P.L. Custom Medallion. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles. Corner (Somerset County), an En forcer pumper. Pierce deliveries in clude in Morris County, a stock International 3000-gallon tanker to Kinnelon and a Velocity 100-foot As cendant mid-mount tower to Montville District 2 (Towaco). Brick Fire District 2/Laurelton received an Enforcer pumper (Ocean County) and Wall Township Fire District 2/Glendola received an Enforcer pumper (Monmouth County). Defender Emergency Products re
ports that they have delivered a Rosenbauer FX heavy rescue on a Freightliner M2, two-door chassis to the Bound Brook FD (Somerset County). Mid Atlantic Fire Apparatus and Roster Group reports that the Willow Grove VFC in Pittsgrove Township (Salem County) is making a final in spection o f their KME Panther 1500/750/50 rescue pumper, which will be heading to the dealers by the end o f the month.
PAGE 36
1st Responder Newspaper - NJ
June, 2025
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