1st Responder News New Jersey December Edition

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PASSAIC THIRD-ALARM DAMAGES SEVERAL BUILDINGS

DAMIEN DANIS

Passaic, NJ - An off-duty firefighter along with a Garfield firefighter alerted residents to a blaze that ravaged three homes in Passaic on the morning of September 26th.

Shortly after 8:00 A.M., companies were dispatched to 270 Oak St. on a reported structure fire. As Battalion Chief Kevin Burgos pulled out of quaters he had a column of smoke visible.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Four Alarms Struck in Kenilworth

Kenilworth, NJ - A large commercial building housing the “Blue Blade Steel” metal fabricating company was struck by a four-alarm fire on the night of October 25th, causing damage to the manufacturing part of the building, but causing no injuries. Fire companies were dispatched at approximately 1:00 A.M. to 123 N. 8th St. A second-alarm was transmitted on arrival for heavy fire showing from the 'C' side of the large twoand-a-half story structure. A third-alarm was called for within minutes as flames broke through the roof. Crews entered the structure, but were quickly withdrawn when a member reported propane tanks venting inside the building. Flames traveled across the roof and dropped down to floor level. A fourth-alarm was sounded at about 1:40 A.M. Four elevated master streams were put into operation as well as several hand lines from the 'B' side and from a lower roof on the 'D' side.

Companies made slow progress and the fire was placed under control at about 3:00 A.M. The cause is being investigated.

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

RON JEFFERS

Retired Garfield Company 1 firefighter, and founder of the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association, Rich Wolfson, visited his old company in October and checked out their new Pierce pumper.

New Apparatus Brings a Firehouse Reunion Garfield, NJ - On an October Sunday morning, members of Engine Co. 1 assembled at their quarters for training and to go over their newly delivered Pierce top-mount pumper. Along with active members, retired company firefighter Rich Wolfson also stopped by to see his old-time friends, younger members and the new rig. He became the center of a conversation concerning a recent “job.” This firehouse has a lot of memories for Wolfson, and many others that were not officially company members, but still became part of the firehouse.

Wolfson became a volunteer firefighter with Company 1 in 1974.

He retired from the department in 2010, and is currently employed as

JUMP TO FILE #101920103 a senior fire investigator. Wolfson loves his job, which is evident with his many conversations on investigation procedures. He has also been a life-long fire scene photographer.

In the mid-1980's, Wolfson decided to assemble a small group of photographers, at Company 1's firehouse, that shared his interest of fire scene photography. His purpose was to promote the fire service, especially in New Jersey, and to utilize photography for investigation purposes, training, fund raising and to document the brotherhood of the fire service.

This group of photographers met one Sunday afternoon, when Company 1 housed a white Hahn quad apparatus and, in 1985, the New Jersey Metro Fire Photographers Association was formed, with 12 members.

Garfield Company 1 is part of the photo organization's history and part of Wolfson's life. Younger members of the company may not know this part of their firehouse history.

Many of the club's regular and committee meetings were held here.

Photo night rehearsals were also part of the back room club activities. In addition, many good times, bonding, and a lot of laughs.

- RON JEFFERS

Vehicle News

RON JEFFERS

A NJ Transit bus, coming from the Port Authority bus terminal, changed from an express to a local when it ran into North Hudson fire apparatus that were operating at a high rise fire on Boulevard East in West New York, Oct. 8th.

RON JEFFERS

Bound Brook Co. 4, Tower 23, placed into service a 2020 E-One 2000-GPM/300-GWT/100-foot platform with eight-man cab, three crosslay hose beds, torque box ladder storage and roll-out tool trays. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

ADVERTISER INDEX Company

Page

Agin Signs

21

Air Purifiers

17

Associated Auto

30

Backstop USA

28

Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers

32

Blaze Emergency Equipment

13

Campbell Supply

1,5

Fire Flow Services

3

Firehouse Expo

29

Fire & Safety Services

1,40

First Battalion Fire Equipment

7

Mid Atlantic Fire & Air

7

Mid Atlantic Rescue Systems NJ Emergency Vehicles

11 9,23,35

NJ Fire Equipment

7,27

Safe-T

7,37

State Line Fire & Safety

7

Task Force Tips

7

Team Equipment, Inc.

39

T-Mugs

34

The Fire Store

15

Valtek

MIGUEL GONZALEZ

The Appeal Letter Committee in the kitchen: Justin Watrel, Lieutenant Bernie Valente, Eddie Diaz, Nick Lorenzo, Chairman Kevin Todd and Ryan Shute.

Hasbrouck Heights Annual Appeal Letter Breakfast

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ - On the morning of September 27th, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department’s Appeal Letter Committee prepared breakfast for the department members.

The Breakfast is a department tradition before all the members ‘walk the town’ dropping off the Annual Appeal Letter, the department’s biggest fundraiser, to residents of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. The preparations were led by Appeal Letter Chairman, former Chief Kevin Todd and Lieutenant Bernie Valente, who along with the rest of the committee prepared french toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice. It was a hearty breakfast for a group of firefighters with a long day of walking ahead of them.

RON JEFFERS

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@1stResponderNews.com.

20,30

VCI

31

VFIS

33

CORPORATE INFORMATION

1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 27 No. 12 - is published monthly, 12 times a year for $36 per year by Belsito Communications, Inc., 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. Periodicals Postage Paid at Newburgh, NY and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street, New Windsor, NY 12553. No financial responsibility is assumed by this newspaper to publish a display, classified, or legal ad or for typographical errors except of reprinting that part of the ad which was omitted or in error. Omissions or errors must be brought to the attention of the newspaper during the same month of publication. Printed in Canada.

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JUSTIN MATTES

A few weeks ago, the Townbank Fire Company Marine 61 assisted in the Cape-to-Cape Paddleout which starts in Cape May, NJ and ends in Cape Henlopen, DE. Marine 61 is a 36-foot all aluminum boat with twin Diesel engines and Twin fire pumps capable of putting out up to 4000-GPM, two deck monitors, full electronics including Night Vision and a variety of firefighting and EMS equipment. The boat is ported at Utschs Marina in Cape May and stays in the water year round, with the exception of two maintenance periods. The Cape-to-Cape Paddle Event benefits the DeSatnick Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed to help those living with Spinal Cord Injury in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Ocean, and Monmouth Counties in New Jersey.

A scary fire? A smoky Halloween season fire kept firefighters busy on the afternoon of October 8th in the center of Secaucus.

Smoky Fire Clears Out Secaucus Restaurant Secaucus, NJ - As patrons dined at the Noches De Colombia Restaurant on Paterson Plank Road in Secaucus, a fire erupted in the rear of the business, on October 8th.

At around 4:30 P.M.,the fire department was dispatched for a reported fire in the rear kitchen; however, it appeared that the fire was in a rear wall area. Firefighters searched for the source as patrons were ordered to leave. In addition, firefighters asked the police to assist in evacuating patrons that were still dining in an outside tent area as fire apparatus were still arriving and hose lines began to drop.

Thermal imaging cameras were used to locate the concealed fire in the walls, as smoke began to thicken. Flames then broke out in the rear.

At this point, three alarms were transmitted by Fire Chief Carl Leppin. This brought units to the scene from Jersey City, East

JUMP TO FILE #100920108 Rutherford, Lyndhurst and Rutherford. Units from Kearny and North Arlington re-located to the Plaza Center firehouse, on the opposite side of Paterson Plank Road, to cover the town.

Firefighters opened up walls and ceilings to expose the flames, and they succeeded in extinguishing them. Pockets of fire kept them busy for quite some time.

One firefighter was treated by EMS at the scene for a non-lifethreatening injury.

In addition, the Jersey City Gong Club canteen unit set up a rehab area on Paterson Plank Road for firefighters to grab a bottle of water, coffee, and other items after the fire was knocked down.

- RON JEFFERS

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December, 2020

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December, 2020

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In memory of those who gave all

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty

California: Peter Hein, 61 Rank: Fire Engineer Incident Date: August 11, 2020 Death Date: August 11, 2020 Fire Department: Big Pine Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: On August 11, 2020, Fire Engineer Peter Hein was working with the U.S. Forest Service at the Stagecoach Wildfire in Kern County. He suffered a medical emergency and was immediately transported to the hospital where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

California: Jose M. Perez, 44 Rank: Firefighter III/Paramedic Incident Date: July 22, 2020 Death Date: July 25, 2020 Fire Department: Los Angeles City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter III/Paramedic Jose M. Perez contracted COVID-19 as a result of numerous exposures from positive COVID-19 patients during the course of his official duty for the Los Angeles City Fire Department. He subsequently passed away on July 25, 2020, from the virus.

Montana: Thomas Duffy, 40 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 24, 2020 Death Date: August 24, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 24, 2020, Pilot Thomas Duffy, flying a Type 1 Kmax helicopter, was conducting bucket drops while battling the White River Fire in Mount Hood National Forest, when his helicopter crashed. He worked for Central Copters, Inc., a private family run company out of Belgrade, Montana, as a wildland-contract pilot for the U.S. Forest Service. The official cause of the crash is under investigation.

Pennsylvania: David Closs Sr., 67 Rank: Volunteer Incident Date: August 17, 2020 Death Date: August 23, 2020 Fire Department: Avis Fire Company #1

Initial Summary: On August 17, 2020, Firefighter David Closs and other firefighters from the Avis Fire Company #1, responded to a residential structure fire.

Firefighter Closs was working scene safety a short distance away from the actual structure fire when he suffered a medical emergency and was immediately taken to the local hospital. He passed away on August 23, 2020 from an apparent heart attack.

Oregon: Diane Jones, 63 Rank: Wildland Contract Incident Date: August 31, 2020 Death Date: August 31, 2020 Fire Department: N/A Initial Summary: On Monday, August 31, 2020, Firefighter Diane Jones, who worked for a private company during the wildland fire season, KL Farms/Fire LLC, was battling the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest in California, when she was involved in a vehicle crash, along with two other firefighters. Firefighter Jones was repositioning the engine when it backed over an embankment and into a fire. She passed away from the injuries she sustained in the accident. One of the two other firefighters is being treated for injuries sustained in the crash, while the third firefighter was uninjured. Firefighter Diane Jones was a volunteer firefighter for the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department in Cresson, Texas.

Her son, Captain Ian Shelly, also a member of the Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, was fighting the wildfires in the Mendocino National Forest as well.

Texas: Thomas Searcy, 45 Rank: Career Incident Date: July 27, 2020 Death Date: September 8, 2020 Fire Department: Houston Fire Department Initial Summary: On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Captain Thomas Searcy was battling COVID-19 when he passed away in the Intensive Care Unit at the Memorial Hermann Hospital. He had been hospitalized for a month fighting the virus. Captain Searcy contracted COVID-19 from exposure in the workplace from numerous fire and EMS calls he responded to where individuals had been diagnosed with the disease.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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Never Off Duty When It Comes To Life Saving Efforts UPS & DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers

While traveling on Route 80, at the beginning of rush hour in the Elmwood Park area, October 6th, off duty Hackensack Deputy Fire Chief John Taylor came across a motor vehicle collision in the left lane. He decided to stop and assist.

Taylor observed the driver of a pickup truck still in the vehicle. He broke the back window and, with the help of two other motorists, removed the unresponsive victim from the truck and on to the road. Chief Taylor and a woman motorist began CPR on the 63-year-old man until the arrival of state police. The police utilized an automatic external defibrillator (AED) to shock the victim.

DC Taylor, the woman and a state trooper continued CPR for approximately 15-minutes until the arrival of EMS, who took over patient care.

The victim was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, according to officials.

Deputy Chief Taylor is an example of the many dedicated first responders that not only have been trained to help others, but it's in their blood.

DOWNS: Roxbury mourns for Bunker, 14, the local fire prevention K-9. Bunker's duties included lifting spirits throughout the community to serious fire prevention expertise including the detection of fire accelerants, according to the fire department. He was known for his friendly demeanor. “Some people say it's just a dog, but it is NEVER just a dog!,” said a Facebook page shared by the Roxbury police and fire departments. “It is a pet, a friend or maybe even a co-worker...Bunker was all of those every day.”

UPS: Newly promoted fire captains in Perth Amboy are Brian Bonilla, Derek Kraese, James Garrison and David Ramos. Chief of Department Edward Mullen said the additional captain positions were added to increase supervision staffing levels.

DOWNS: Eleven residents were displaced as the result of a 2-alarm fire involving a three-story attached dwelling on Hutton St., Jersey City, Sept. 29th. Firefighters found fire and heavy smoke on the secondfloor. A woman was spotted in a third-floor window, trapped above the fire, a city spokesperson said. A 35-foot ladder was used by firefighters to rescue the victim. She later refused medical attention.

UPS: On September 27th, members of Wayne's Packanack Lake Co. 5 led a procession down Sunset Terr. to wish Firefighter William “Butts” Butler a happy 90th birthday. The company's oldest active member

still goes to the firehouse every day.

“He gives us guidance,” said Company 5 Chief Tim Maher. “He's got a wealth of information to teach our guys, both our young members and veteran members as well.”

DOWNS: A fire that raced through a Mullshire Lane dwelling in Willingboro, Sept. 30th, resulted in the death of one of three occupants, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office. A 66year-old man was rescued and taken to Virtua Willigboro Hospital, but he later died, the office reported. Two other residents escaped unharmed.

UPS: New fire captains in Millburn are Augustin Muresan and Theodore Beady.

DOWNS: The man killed in a hoarder house on Southard St., Trenton, Sept. 22nd, was identified as Severn Drew, 65. He died of carbon monoxide asphyxiation, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office.

UPS: A 6,400-square-foot addition is being planned for the Avalon firehouse. The plans call for a twostory addition to expand footage for equipment, new staff quarters and renovation of the current space.

DOWNS: On October 1st, a construction worker was struck with a steel I beam in the lower extremities, at a construction site on Atlantic St., Hackensack. Engine 2, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Deputy 3 and Car 2 responded along with Hackensack University Medical Center BLS and ALS. Construction workers assisted in patient removal from the 4th floor via crane. Firefighters and EMS personnel packaged the patient for removal and he was transported to HUMC. UPS: New firefighters in Perth Amboy are Jermaine Clark, Michael Delfosse and Piotr Matusewicz.

DOWNS: The “Diamond Jim Brady” house on River Road, in Hillsborough, was destroyed by fire, Oct. 2nd. Built in the 19th Century, it was known as the lavish country retreat of the legendary New York man-about-town. The building was unoccupied, officials said. The Somerset County's Arson Task Force was the lead in the investigation into the cause of the fire.

UPS: The Pine Hill Fire Department has been awarded $347,550 in SAFER funds. The grant will fund the hiring of two full time firefighters.

DOWNS: Newark firefighters battled a fire in a Ferry St. mixed use building on Oct. 3rd. The fire involved an electronics store on the ground floor and caused six families to evacuate.

UPS: On October 3rd, over 80 Mount Arlington residents came out to honor Roger Rousch, Sr., 89, for his 65-years of service to the community as a volunteer firefighter.

Rousch also served with the U.S. Marines during the Korean War and he worked as a milkman and truck driver. During a ceremony, Rousch was honored with a street sign dedication, with “Rousch Way” affixed

above the street sign for Rogerene Way-a street that loops around Lake Rogerene.

DOWNS: Four people are dead after a 5-alarm fire tore through a mixed occupancy building on Elizabeth Ave., in Elizabeth, Oct. 5th. The dead ranged in age from 40-yearsold to 11, 10 and 8. It was believed that the younger girls are sisters and that their 36-year-old mother is in critical condition at a local hospital.

It was also believed that the fire started inside of a soda machine.

Mayor Christian Bollwage said that store employees tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher. When that didn't work, they called the fire department. Victims tried to escape the burning building but were impeded by a metal cage that blocked their escape through a back door, officials said. The American Red Cross was helping 24 people from 8 families who were displaced by the fire.

UPS: In October, Avenel firefighters were dispatched to Avenel St. in reference to a pet parrot that was on the roof of a business. Firefighters ascended a ladder to the roof to attempt to catch the bird in a net provided by the owner. As firefighters moved in, the parrot flew off and right into the open rear window of Truck 5-2-5. It landed in the cab and firefighters and owners were able to secure it and place it safely into its cage.

DOWNS: Service along the NJ Transit's River Line was suspended on Oct. 7th due to a train fire in Pennsauken. Officials said the fire broke out in one of the cars. All 17 passengers on board were safely evacuated.

UPS: A plaque in memory of Paterson Firefighter John Nicosia, of Engine Co. 4, was stolen from its downtown location about a year ago.

He died battling the Meyers Brothers conflagration of 1991. A new plaque dedicated in his memory was revealed at the department's annual memorial service, in October, and it will replace the missing plaque.

DOWNS: A 59-year-old contractor fell from one level of the roof to another level at a Woodland Park Drive home in Tenafly, Oct. 6th.

Firefighters climbed up and lowered the victim down to the ground in a stokes basket, assisted by police, Police Chief Robert Chamberlain said.

The contractor was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment.

UPS: Holmdel officials participated in a ground breaking ceremony, Oct. 6th, for a new three-bay firehouse on Crawfords Corner Rd. DOWNS: An 85-year-old man died as the result of an apartment fire on Evelyn Pl. in Bloomfield, Oct. 9th. First arriving police officers helped occupants out of the 14-unit building by the fire escapes, officials said. Firefighters “worked diligently” to reach the trapped occupant and take him out of the building. The local EMS unit performed CPR on the man, according to Fire Chief Louis Venezia, but de-

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Deputy Chief John Taylor, the incident commander, at a multiple-alarm fire in May.

spite the life-saving efforts the man died.

UPS: Due to a difficulty maintaining sufficient personnel levels due to “individuals not being able to afford to reside in the borough,” the Stone Harbor Borough Council introduced an ordinance, Oct. 6th, that would allow for the creation of paid firefighter positions to “supplement the volunteer squad.” The ordinance does not specify the number of such positions, according to the Cape May Herald.

DOWNS: A fire in a Myrtle Ave. home in Nutley, Oct. 10th, claimed the life of a 74-year-old man. His wife was listed in critical condition at Clara Maass Medical Center with serious injuries, officials said.

UPS: On October 13th, Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin officially signed off on the consolidation of the township's nine fire districts to create one combined Hamilton Township Fire Department. The career department, which will officially start on January 1, 2021, will be led by Fire Chief Rich Kraemer.

DOWNS: The Elizabeth mother who was critically injured in a 5alarm fire that took the lives of her two young daughters and two others, died from her injuries, according to city spokeswoman Kelly Martins announcement of Oct. 13th.

UPS: The Paterson FD is issuing new COVID EMS gear to every

EMT, according to a fire department Facebook page. The Fire Dex EMS gear is described as being quickly and easily decontaminated and more breathable than haz-mat suits. In addition, members have double eye protection, P-100 respirators and double nitrile gloves, taped sealed.

Also included are barrier gloves for protection from blood and bodily fluids.

DOWNS: A fire damaged the kitchen of Masago Japanese Cuisine restaurant on Washington St. in Morristown, Oct. 13th. There were no injuries, said Fire Chief Robert Flanagan.

UPS: With a $380,000 project by the U.S. Department of Defense, more wildfire protection will be coming to the Roosevelt City section of Whiting. The project will build a five-mile long firebreak, or stretch of land cleared of vegetation, in the forest between the Roosevelt City neighborhood and Joint base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith.

DOWNS: An 80-year-old man died as the result of a 3-alarm fire at a Danforth Ave. senior citizens high rise apartment building in Jersey City, Oct. 16th. The fire involved a second-floor apartment with hoarding conditions, Fire Chief Steve McGill said.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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

2020...A little sweet and a little sour, just like these brussels sprouts FORK & HOSE CO. a Food Blog by A.J. Fusco

The Alphabet Battalion.

RON JEFFERS

Notes from the Fireground ON THE BOOK SHELF

by John Malecky

Notes from the Fireground Memoir of a New York Firefighter

By Thomas Dunne Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, Suite #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-522-8528 E-Mail: support@fire-policeems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $29.95

This is a soft cover book measuring 6” by 9”, with 198 pages.

There are 35 chapters, all of which are very interesting. The author is a retired deputy chief who served 33 years on the job. I also served 33 years in the fire department I was in, and I think we both feel the same about the job…that it was the best job in the world. He comes from a firefighting family and his writing reflects both on the job and family memoirs. Each chapter deals with a single subject so to speak, and for me it was an enjoyable book to read because even though our departments were vastly different in size, there were many common routines and experiences that are similar.

I would say for the most part the book is about when he was a deputy, but there are also chapters that deal from when he was the “new man” up through the com-

pany officer ranks. There are stories dealing with tragedy, which of course are not enjoyable especially when serious injury is involved and life is lost, but the reader, if “on the job”, will go through this book and be able to empathize with the experiences.

There are a number of fires written about both when he was a company officer and chief, including getting into the thick of it as a lieutenant and captain. One chapter is devoted to “buffs” in which there is a slight error with an explanation from me. He stated that buffs were not firefighters. While that is true to distinguish them on the fireground, many firefighters are fire buffs when they are off duty. I figure that in his experience he never ran into any buffs that were also firefighters, career or volunteer, so he was being honest.

While many buffs held menial jobs, many were professionals who earned much more money than firefighters did.

In addition there are memoirs dealing with personalities that he worked with of both good and indifferent natures. Some of the incidents he writes about I remember from the past and he explains them exactly as I remembered being reported, including the Happy Land Social Club arson fire which resulted in the deaths of many young people. He served in many different neighborhoods in busy and not so busy districts, so he was a well rounded firefighter.

There are a number of black and white photos in the book, most of which are of the fireground, including some which were taken by one of 1st Responder News’ correspondents. All in all it is an interesting book to read!

To say 2020 has been a trip, would certainly be an understatement. Between a global pandemic, one of the most important Presidential elections of all time and everything in between, this year has had its fair share of ups and downs. I have found myself over the course of this past year watching my daughter grow up into a happy and healthy two-year-old, while also watching friends grieve over the loss of loved ones due to Covid-19. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, not just for myself but everyone around me and beyond. With that being said, I do try to keep optimistic for what 2021 has to offer. But for now, let’s pay homage to 2020 with a dish that can describe it no better...Sweet and Sour Brussels

Sprouts!

Growing up I absolutely hated them. They were always served well beyond over cooked, mushy and pale green. Brussels Sprouts belong to the Brassica family, along with broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They all contain high amounts of compounds, that when exposed to heat, produce hydrogen sulfide, hence the smelly characteristics of these vegetables. But for some reason I feel like brussels sprouts get a worse rap than the rest of them. Maybe it's because so many home cooks just toss them in boiling water, cook them for way too long and then expect all the kiddies to run to the Thanksgiving table asking for seconds. When your first encounter with them includes said stinky boiling situation, you are no doubt setting yourself up to not like them as you get older. But like so many others before me, I gave brussels sprouts the chance to redeem themselves.

Enter the roasted brussels sprout…

Roasting them with high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, creating texture and a slight bitterness

that balances out the sweetness. It also helps preserve their bright green color, which is much more appealing than the over-boiled stuff you might be used to. And while brussels sprouts, roasted with some EVOO and salt are perfectly delicious, they pair really well with the sweet and sour flavor profile. There are many different ways to accomplish this, but my favorite is definitely using apple cider vinegar for our sour aspect and either honey or maple syrup for the sweet component. The cider vinegar packs just enough sweetness and bite, without being overbearing. The addition of chili flake, while certainly optional, adds yet another dimension of flavor via heat. And the chopped pecans add texture, something that can be lacking in brussels sprouts, enticing our palate to want more.

This recipe is perfect alongside a holiday roast, grilled steak or some pan seared pork chops. They will certainly turn a non-believer into a believer that brussels sprouts can actually taste good!

Stay safe, eat well!

SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS Serves 4 as a side Ingredients:

16 oz. Brussels Sprouts ¼ Cup Honey 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1 tsp. Chili Flakes 1 Tbsp. Butter ¼ Cup Toasted Pecans, chopped for garnish Salt, to taste EVOO Procedure:

-Preheat oven to 450° F. Place ½ sheet pan in the oven to preheat as well.

-Trim the brussels and cut in half. Toss in a bowl with a pinch of salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Carefully remove the preheated sheet pan with an oven mitt. Add the brussels sprouts in a single layer and place back in the oven.

-Roast the brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until charred and tender.

-While the brussels sprouts cook, place the honey in a small saucepan over mediumlow heat. Stir until the honey

starts to bubble, carefully add the vinegar. Simmer until slightly reduced. Add the chili flakes and a pinch of salt, stir to combine.

-Add the butter and remove the pan from the heat. Stir to

combine, set aside.

AJ FUSCO

-Place roasted brussels sprouts in a serving dish, drizzle with honey-vinegar glaze.

Garnish with chopped pecans.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Ups & Downs Continued from Page 8

UPS: Paterson firefighters allowed the owner of a parrot to accompany them to retrieve it from the top of City Hall on Oct. 20th.

The large blue and yellow macaw was believed to be frightened in place, but easily hopped onto its owner once he approached in Ladder 2's bucket. “The bird just jumped on him and was visibly relieved,” said Fire Chief McDermott.

DOWNS: Two people suffered critical injuries as the result of a fire at the Thunderbird Motel in Seaside Heights on Oct. 18th, officials said. The fire reportedly started from a mattress.

UPS: In October, Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian unveiled plans for a new $35 million public safety building that would combine the city's police, fire, OEM and municipal court operations in one complex.

DOWNS: A homeless man was charged with first-degree felony murder for intentionally setting fire to a Cramer St. dwelling in Camden on Oct. 25th, according to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. The fire left two people dead and nine others injured. When firefighters arrived they observed visible flames and a person jumping from the third-floor. Forty-five people were assisted by the Red Cross. One firefighter suffered a shoulder injury, Fire Chief Michael Harper said.

UPS: The National Volunteer Fire Council has named Donald Cieiuch, of the Secaucus Fire Department, as the 2020 NVFC Junior Firefighter of the Year. The award is sponsored by California

Causality and honors a cadet or explorer that has exhibited dedication, commitment and achievement. Cieiuch was nominated by ex-Chief George Heflich, Sr. Through his efforts, Cieiuch has recruited 25 junior firefighters in Secaucus.

DOWNS: A man was found dead after first responders entered a condo in Manalapan, Oct. 28th.

The fire at the Covered Bridge complex was described as “self-extinguished,” by fire officials.

UPS: New firefighters in Lakewood are: Mathew Bassini, Rob Santiago, Christopher Hansson, Travis Veth and Michael Kaspar.

DOWNS: A 3-alarm fire spread to five row houses on Tyler st. in Trenton, Oct. 26th. Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital, officials said. One for a burn and the other for a minor injury.

UPS: Newly promoted battalion chiefs in Bayonne are Tim Fitzsimmons and Bryan Stanisiawski.

DOWNS: East Greenwich first responders answered a call of an explosion on Weatherby Ave., Oct. 28th, and found a home fully involved in fire, officials said. After the fire was extinguished the bodies of an elderly man and woman were located in the building.

UPS: New fire captains in Bayonne are Ed Ratyniak and Chris Stanul.

DOWNS: On Oct. 30th fire destroyed three businesses and several apartments on North Beverwyck Rd. in Parsippany. Fire units responded from Lake Hiawatha and Parsippany-Troy Hills fire districts, along with a RIC unit from Boonton.

NEW JERSEY

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sciences, KIMTEK Corporation manufactures and markets a full line of FIRELITE and MEDLITE Transport skid units for emergency service UTVs and pick-up trucks. The introduction of the new LEOLITE Transport rounds out KIMTEK’s already full line of UTV-based skid units with a new category specifically for Law Enforcement Officers. For more information, please contact KIMTEK at 888-546-8358 or visit www.kimtekresearch.com and www.brushtruckskids.com.

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OLD & NEW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Old & New” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

North Hudson Squad Co. 1 changed over from their 2018 Ferrara 1500-GPM unit, left, to their 2020 Ferrara 1500-GPM rescue-pumper at their 43rd Street, Union City quarters, on August 12th. The former Squad 1 has been re-assigned to Squad 2 in lower Union City.

KIMTEK

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 13

Congratulations to Lower Alloways Creek Fire Company on the Delivery of their Sutphen Custom Engine

Features Include:

• Monarch Custom 73” with 10” raise Cab & Chassis • Seating for EIGHT – 7 SCBA Seats • Cummins ISL 9 – 450 HP Engine • Waterous 2 Stage – 2000 GPM Pump • 1000 Gallon Poly Water Tank • Accuride Aluminum Wheels • 24” Extended front bumper • 6” Front Suction • Four (4) Preconnects

• Pre-piped deck gun with Extend-a-gun • Two Rear Discharges • Two 4” LDH Discharges one officers side and one rear • 200 foot booster reel • Onan 6KW Hydraulic Generator • One (1) Hannay Electric reel • Nine (9) Spectra LED Scene lights

Blaze Emergency Equipment Company 102 Firehouse Rd. Browns Mills, NJ 08015

Phone: 609-893-3600 • info@blazeemergency.com

www.blazeemergency.com

PAGE 14

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

BUDDY SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Buddy Shots� feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Ladder 1 deployed a ladder pipe operation into the first floor to hit flames during the multiple-alarm fire on Elizabeth St., Oct. 11th.

Smoky Fire on a Dead End Street in Hackensack MIKE VILLANOVA

Ok follow along; pictured are two firefighters (and friends), one from MA (Damian Drella) and one from NJ (Damien Danis). Both have the same first name, but spelled differently, and both have the same initials, DD. Damian and Damien always seem to unexpectedly reunite. One time they were together in Cambridge Mass for a 10-alarm fire, last year they were in Hasbrouck Heights NJ for a garage fire, and this time they were reunited on September 26th for a 3-alarm fire in Passaic NJ.

Clinton firemen Pyle, Hockin, Querry & Moe stop for a photo after making quick work of a truck fire on Interstate 78. Also responding on the box was Pattenburg Fire Co., Station 25.

Hackensack, NJ - Fire tore through a large one-story, light weight truss roof, commercial building housing Newman's Fish Food, Inc., on the afternoon of October 11th.

First-alarm companies were dispatched to a reported building fire in the area of Hobart Street at 12:39 P.M. Engine Co. 1 turned out from their Hudson Street quarters and reported a smoke condition in the area. Companies leaving fire headquarters also spotted a column of smoke in the sky.

Units arrived and located the fire on the dead end of Elizabeth Street, off of Hobart. As firefighters entered the structure, flames were observed running along the

JUMP TO FILE #101220109 roof line. A second-alarm was transmitted by Deputy Chief Ingallanera.

Heavy fire and smoke dominated the structure. In addition, there were water supply issues with long stretches of LDH along several streets that led to the dead end streets in the front and rear of the fire building. Numerous hand lines were put into operation and, due to unstable roof conditions, an evacuation order was issued. Master streams were established that included ladder pipe operations by Ladder 1 in the front of the building and Ladder 2, on the rear

street. A third-alarm was struck for additional resources.

Mutual aid companies that operated at the scene included units from South Hackensack, Teaneck, Englewood, and Little Ferry. Teaneck's Box 54 Club set up a rehab site at the fire scene.

As hose lines and master streams penetrated the fire, large amounts of water rolled down Elizabeth Street, along with fish from the business floating along the hose lines.

The fire was declared under control at 2:53 P.M. by Car 2, Deputy Chief John Niland. It was reported that one firefighter suffered a minor injury.

- RON JEFFERS

CLINTON FIRE

RON JEFFERS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 15

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

Passaic Third-Alarm Damages Several Buildings Passaic, NJ - An off-duty firefighter along with a Garfield firefighter alerted residents to a blaze that ravaged three homes in Passaic on the morning of September 26th.

Shortly after 8:00 A.M., companies were dispatched to 270 Oak St. on a reported JUMP TO FILE# structure fire. As 092720104 Battalion Chief Kevin Burgos pulled out of quaters he had a column of smoke visible. A second-alarm was struck while en route. As he arrived he had fire involving a three-story OMD extending to a two-story dwelling with heavy fire conditions.

Hand lines were stretched to knock down the heavy fire in the alleyway between the homes. Interior crews reported fire on all floors of the original fire building. Command eventually pulled all members from the building.

Heavy smoke and fire in the exposure also made members withdraw from the building and all operations went exterior.

A third-alarm was struck, bringing mutual aid to the scene.

With fire now taking possession of both buildings master streams from Ladder 1's tower, Ladder 2's ladder pipe and East Rutherford's tower all went into operation, along with numerous outside lines. The fire was held in check on the third exposure building. A fourth-alarm was transmitted for companies to cover at East and West side firehouses.

Mutual aid from Carlstadt, Clifton, East Rutherford, Haledon, Little Falls, Paterson, Woodland Park, Rutherford, Totowa and Wallington assisted on scene while companies from Hawthorne, Montclair, Ringwood and others covered the city. More than 120 firefighters responded to the four-alarm blaze.

"There was a tremendous amount of fire through [two of] the buildings, with a partial collapse," Trentacost said. Everyone got out safely and no injuries were reported. Trentacost said the initial number was 35 residents, but may be more. The cause wasn't immediately determined.

DAMIEN DANIS

- DAMIEN DANIS

DAMIEN DANIS

DAMIEN DANIS

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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PAGE 17

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December, 2020

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@1stResponderNews.com.

This month’s little big guy is from the Nutley Emergency & Rescue Squad in Essex County. It is Rescue 47, a water rescue unit made from a used 2002 Ford E-350 Econoline van that was never a vehicle used in emergency services. On the roof is carried a Zodiac boat which is used in shallow water rescues and is launched by hand. They have a larger boat on a trailer which is used for deeper water incidents. The Passaic River is the major body of water near Nutley. Some inventory includes wet and dry suits, PFD’s, rope bags, a boogy board, throwing devices, a spine board and helmets.

CONNI SPELLMAN

4-year-old Patrick Borga awaits his birthday surprise.

Carteret Fire Department Makes Boy's Birthday Special Carteret, NJ - On Saturday, October 10th, members of the Carteret Fire Department made the day of a 4-year-old local resident by doing a drive by for his birthday. The child, Patrick Borga, had a traumatic birth, and due to a lack of oxygen, has cerebral palsy.

This doesn't stop him from loving fire trucks and being a fire buff.

Patrick has even been to Wildwood for Firemen's weekend for the last three years!

His aunt, Kathy Gajewski, trying to think of a birthday present for Patrick, decided to contact the Carteret Fire Department. Captain Mark Hruska said there would be no problem in making a little boy's day. They arranged for a time and everything was set.

When the day came, Patrick,

JUMP TO FILE #101420100 along with his parents, grandparents and several aunts, waited patiently for the fire trucks to come.

They watched as they lined up down the block, and when the ladder came driving past, lights on and sirens blasting, little Patrick could hardly contain his excitement! A Fire Prevention vehicle, Engine 2, and the FD Ambulance rounded out the line up. Everyone cheered as the fire department drove past.

What a way to celebrate Patrick's birthday!

JOHN M. MALECKY

Nutley Emergency & Rescue Squad's Rescue 47 is a 2002 Ford Econoline van used for water rescues.

It carries a Zodiac boat for shallow water rescues and has a larger boat for deeper incidents.

- CONNI SPELLMAN

Carteret Ladder 1 during the drive by for little Patrick's birthday.

CONNI SPELLMAN

Right/rear view of Nutley Emergency & Rescue Squad's Rescue 47.

JOHN M. MALECKY

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 19

IN SERVICE If you have photos you would like to see in our In Service feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN RIETH

Gordons Corner Fire Co. #1 in Manalapan, NJ recently received this 2020 Pierce Arrow XT #33557 2000/300/100-ft.

PROVIDED

The New Jersey EMS Task Force has been awarded a $500 grant from the Investors Foundation to be used for the organization’s continuing statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ EMS Task Force Awarded Grant from Investors Foundation JOHN RIETH

Washington Township (Warren County), NJ recently received this 2020 Freightliner/Pierce 1000/3000 Dry side tender-pumper.

FRANK ROBINSON

Clinton Fire Department operates this 2016 Pierce Arrow XT 2000/1000.

FRANK ROBINSON

Morganville Fire District #3 operates this 2014 International/KME 4x4 1250/750/30F.

The New Jersey EMS Task Force has been awarded a $500 grant from the Investors Foundation to be used for the organization’s continuing statewide response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are grateful to the support from the Investors Foundation and Investors Bank,” said Michael Bascom, president of the New Jersey EMS Task Force. “These funds will immediately assist our operations on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The NJEMSTF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that represents more than 200 career and volunteer EMS providers throughout the state, who are trained in various disciplines of emergency medical services to respond to large-scale man-made and natural disasters as well as pre-planned events.

The organization was activated in March at the start of the pandemic. Working side-by-side with local, state, and national health, law enforcement and office of emergency management teams, NJEMSTF members have handled such missions as providing administrative and logistics support at mobile COVID-19 testing sites, deployed Western Shelter tent facilities at 20 hospitals, placed oxygen generators at various

JUMP TO FILE #103020101 facilities, and coordinated the deployment of its medical ambulance bus fleet to transport COVID-19 positive patients from long term care facilities and hospitals. The team also helped coordinate the deployment of out-of-state FEMA ambulance teams. The organization on an ongoing basis assists with coordination of state EMS needs.

About the NJEMSTF The NJEMSTF was formed after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks as a way to better prepare New Jersey’s preparations and responses to large-scale events.

Today, through partnerships with local agencies, the NJEMSTF has specialized equipment and EMS providers strategically stationed throughout the state and ready to respond to any emergency. The NJEMSTF has been critical in the response to such events as Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, the hurricanes that hit the US Virgin Islands, wildfires, flooding in Bound Brook, a fire on the Seaside Heights boardwalk, and the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River.

About Investors Bank Investors Bank, headquartered

in Short Hills, New Jersey, is a full-service commercial bank that has been serving customers since 1926. With over $27 billion in assets and a network of more than 150 retail branches, Investors Bank delivers personalized services and products tailored to the needs of its customers. Investors Bank’s services include complete deposit, loan and treasury management products for consumers and businesses. Investors Bank.

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

About the Investors Foundation Investors Bank created the Investors Foundation in 2005 to support the communities Investors Bank serves. Investors Foundation supports initiatives in the arts, youth development, health and human services, education and affordable housing. The Investors Foundation works to improve the lives of its neighbors and communities across the bank’s footprint.

For more information, please visit https://www.myinvestorsbank.co m/Community/Investors-Foundation Follow the NJEMSTF on Facebook, on Twitter and online at www.njemstf.org..

- RICHARD HUFF

PAGE 20

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

NEW JERSEY GIGS

NEW JERSEY MEMORIES

If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Gigs” feature, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our “NJ Memories” feature, please upload them to our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

To this day, some cities call their chief vehicles "buggies."Here is a real horse and buggy assigned to the Third Battalion Chief in Jersey City, parked in front of the quarters of Engine Co. 14, on Irving St. Note the large bell warning device.

PROVIDED

JOE GRAHAM DRAWING

Joe Graham, of Wood-Ridge, loves fire apparatus. He has been drawing them for some three decades.

His work is on Facebook page "Fire Apparatus Art," for all to enjoy. Newark Rescue 1 had this 1945 American LaFrance 600 Series unit with the body built by Adam Black, of Jersey City. Later in life, the NFD shops added a roof over the cab and body, and it was assigned to Salvage 2.

RON JEFFERS

Hillsborough Car 37 is a 2015 Ford Expedition used by Assistant Chief Bill Shaffer.

RON JEFFERS

In Brick Township, the Herbertsville Fire Company uses this 2019 Chevy Tahoe as a duty car.

In Middle Township, Goshen Fire Company Car 74 is a 2019 Ford Explorer w/ "ghost lettering."

DAMIEN DANIS

JOE GRAHAM DRAWING

Newark Rescue 1 was assigned an E-One heavy rescue apparatus in 1994, during the lime colored days.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

Fourteen weather disasters hit America in 2019, each topping $1 billion in damages.

ROBERT DUNNE

Madison Crews Battle Two Structure Fires 7 Hours Apart Madison, NJ - Madison firefighters fought two structure fires within seven hours on September 18th and 19th.

The first structure fire was a two-alarm garage fire that was dispatched at 8:00 P.M. Units were on scene within two minutes and were able to control the fire without extension into the house.

The second fire occurred on the morning of September 19th at 3:00 A.M. Residents were woken by the sound of their smoke alarms going off. Once the residents made it down the stairs, they noticed smoke coming up the stairs from the basement. They evacuated and called the fire department.

First arriving units found the

JUMP TO FILE #100820100 heavy smoke condition and automatically called for a secondalarm. Fire quickly moved throughout the house and at one point there was fire showing on every floor of the balloon frame constructed house. The main body of fire was knocked down within one hour. Units were on scene for four hours, with most of the time being used for overhaul. Mutual aid was received from seven other towns, along with two others for station coverage.

- ROBERT DUNNE

PAGE 21

PROVIDED

Is There Justice for Victims of Climate Change?

Climate Change Could Cost Trillions, While Injuring and Displacing Millions Americans are witnessing an unprecedented number of weather and climate disasters this year up close and personal. Wildfires continue to incinerate millions of acres of land and thousands of homes in the West.

Droughts, floods and even a derecho decimated farmland in the Midwest.

Hurricanes and rising sea levels are flooding out thousands of residents along southern and eastern coastal areas.

And it will get worse … a lot worse, according to scientists who pin the blame squarely on man-made climate change. In a staggering report by The New York Times on how climate migration will reshape America, experts predict that these swelling disasters will negatively affect 162 million Americans in the coming years and force millions of people from their homes.

Americans Increasingly Ask, “Who’s to Blame?”

Seeing this devastation with their “own two eyes,” a rapidly growing majority of Americans have become convinced that man-made climate

JUMP TO FILE #101520105 change is real. As the bills come due for trillions in economic losses and human suffering, many people are also asking who’s to blame for putting all of us at risk in the first place.

While personal responsibility is an important part of this discussion, the Carbon Majors Report shows that 71 percent of all global emissions are produced by just 100 companies. At the bullseye is the fossil fuel industry, which – according to internal company documents – knew about the risks of climate change decades ago but covered it up with slick PR campaigns and fat contributions to members of Congress.

As the federal government has backed away from addressing this mushrooming crisis, several states, counties, cities and even a group of American children have turned to the courts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable. These groups allege that the fossil fuel giants intentionally misled the public and refused to support measures to address the issue of climate change by filing dozens of

public nuisance lawsuits. Some of this litigation has already been struck down by the courts, but many more actions have been filed, some destined for review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Is There Anything You Can Do? We know the news about climate change can seem overwhelming and depressing, but there are actions all of us can take to help in this fight for our planet and the future of our children. Here is an article from The Washington Post that features 11 ways you can support measures to stop climate change, including: -Setting local emissions goals -Adopting a carbon tax -Opening electric markets to competition -And more!

Acting sooner than later is critical in holding off the worst consequences of climate change. And once again, it may require the threat of a day in court to force those with vested financial interests to do what is right for the sake of all Americans.

- BAGOLIE FRIEDMAN INJURY LAWYERS

PAGE 22

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553,

BOB SHERMAN JR.

Hamilton Twp. (Mercer County) Fire District 6 - Engine Co. 16 Captain Mike Balog, and Firefighters Kelly Montesano, Chris Cavalucci and Nick Skwara, pose with Engine 16, a 2018 Pierce 1500-GPM pumper.

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Deputy Chief John Niland, left, and Bergen County Mutual Aid Coordinator Joe Alverez, at the command post, during a 3-alarm fire in October.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Members of the Perth Amboy Fire Department stand by their new Ferrara foam tender. (L to R): Battalion Chief M. Zylka, FF’s D. Krushinski, L. Gonzalez and D. Psenechnuk, Captain D. Kraese, FF B. Walling, Captain D. Arroyo, FF J. Fazio, Captain K. Febles and FF's J. Clark and P. Matusewicz.

DAMIEN DANIS

Passaic Battalion Chief Kevin Burgos and Rutherford Ass't. Chief Moshe Stareshefsky discuss operations during a multiple-alarm in Passaic on Oak St., September 26th.

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Firefighter Mike Greco, of Ladder Co. 1, working the 3-alarm commercial building fire on Elizabeth St., Oct. 11th.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

JOHN A. CALDERONE

NJ Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighters Museum Holds Muster Allentown, NJ - The 5th annual open house and antique fire apparatus muster was held at the New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighter's Museum at their Monmouth County facility, September 27th.

Due to the times, all participants filled out a COVID questionnaire and had their temperature taken before entering the muster area. More pieces of firefighting apparatus were in attendance than in past years. Some 60 rigs were on display which included museum pieces, privately owned apparatus and some in-service units, all spread out over the property.

The American LaFrance tractor of Red Bank's former tiller apparatus was revealed for all to see. It has been refurbished by Lee's Emergency Equipment. For a small donation, attendees could vote on

JUMP TO FILE #092920101 which rig should be restored next by the museum. The choice of three included the Red Bank tiller section.

Food and beverages were available as well as fire safety demonstrations. The Fallen Firefighter Memorial service took place at 1:00 P.M., which included a bagpipe band and taps.

It was a great “mental therapy” day for people to get out and enjoy the day, surrounded by current and past fire service apparatus veteran apparatus.

The museum group looks forward to an even better event next year.

- RON JEFFERS

BILL TOMPKINS – WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Electrical Fire Damages Ramsey Home Ramsey, NJ - An electrical problem apparently caused a blaze that damaged a home under renovation in Ramsey on September 25th.

Ramsey fire units responded to 178 Prospect Street at approximately 8:30 A.M. for a report of a smoke condition. On arrival, moderate smoke was showing from an attached garage, and light smoke from the one-and-a-half story frame dwelling. Construction supplies outside indicated the work being done to the structure.

Mutual aid was quickly called

JUMP TO FILE #092720110 as lines were stretched and members searched for the source of the smoke. Electrical arcing and flames were discovered inside the garage behind the meter. PSE&G was summoned. Firefighters had to stand by due to the service still energized. The smoke condition continued to intensify from the garage doors and the attic vents.

PSE&G arrived quickly and

soon had the electrical service disconnected. Members were then able to open up behind the meter and above to expose the flames. One line was operated to knock down the fire. Members checked for further extension to the garage attic and home. No extension was found and companies vented the structure.

The fire was placed under control with no injuries being reported.

Wyckoff, Allendale, and Mahwah assisted at the scene.

- BILL TOMPKINS

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

ATFD

Allamuchy Tackles Vehicle Fire Over Embankment

Allamuchy, NJ - At around 9:00 P.M. on September 26th, Allamuchy firefighters were alerted for an MVA with fire on Rt. 80 west, at milepost 20.4. Fire Chief 91-60 arrived on location first, confirming that a vehicle went off the scenic overlook and was fully involved. Both occupants of the vehicle managed to escape moments before their van ignited. Engine 9161 arrived, stretching (two) one-and-three-quarter inch hand-lines to attack the vehicle and the wood line. Tanker 91-71 arrived shortly after to supply water as needed. 95 Rescue also arrived to assist with patient care and transport.

Due to the location of the burned vehicle, a heavy wrecker rotator from Washington Collision was requested to assist in removing it from the cliff side. All members were clear of the scene by 11:00 P.M.

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Ladder 1's 2015 Pierce Arrow XT 105-foot rear-mount with a ladder pipe operation during a smoky 3-alarm fire on Elizabeth St., Oct. 11th.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

PAGE 25

Vehicle News

RON JEFFERS

Keansburg Engine 48 has been assigned a 2020 Pierce Impel model 1500-GPM/750GWT pumper, sold by Fire & Safety Services.

The Middlesex County Fire Academy operates this Spartan 2000-GPM pumper featuring a clear-view pump panel for training purposes.

RON JEFFERS

Berkeley Heights Tower 1 now sports a 2020 Pierce Velocity 100-foot Ascendant model platform. It has a Cummins 600-hp motor, 265-inch wheelbase, turntable lighting and a 10 kW generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

RON JEFFERS

On September 29th, North Hudson Rescue Co. 1 placed into service a 2020 Ferrara walk-through unit at the 43rd Street firehouse in Union City. It has six cab seats, 9000lb. portable winch, roll-out tool trays and toll boards, 20 kW generator, "check around" vision cameras and monitor, assorted rescue equipment and active shooter gear.

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

Perth Amboy has placed a foam tender into service with the acquisition of this 2020 International/Ferrara apparatus with a 4000-gallon Class "A" foam tank. It carries 1800-feet of 6-inch LDH hose.

RON JEFFERS

Westfield Engine 5 is a 2020 Pierce Enforcer 1750-GPM/750-GWT pumper with fourman cab, roll-out tool trays and a Harrison generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

Vehicle News

To see your Faces in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com, email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com or mail them to 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street. New Windsor, NY 12553.

RON JEFFERS

In Lawrence Twp., Slackwood Rescue 21 received a 2020 E-One Typhoon model 2000-GPM/530-GWT rescue-pumper with six-man cab and two storage cabinets, light tower and 10 kW generator.

JOHN A. CALDERONE

Members of Jersey City Squad Co. 4 with their "new-old" 2003 Pierce Dash 2000-GPM pumper that was assigned to the unit in October. Their American LaFrance rescue-pumper has been retired. Pictured (L-R): Matt Finnerty, Captain Anthony Klocko, Matt Weisman (kneeling), John Calderone, and Chris Erwin.

DAMIEN DANIS

Members of Garfield Engine Co. 1 with their new 2020 Pierce Velocity model 2000-GPM pumper.

RON JEFFERS

In Lawrence Twp., Lawrence Road Rescue 22 is a 2020 E-One 2000-GPM/530-GWT rescue-pumper possessing a light tower, 10 kW generator and a low rear hose bed. It was sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

BOB SHERMAN JR.

Hamilton Twp. (Mercer County) Station 14 Engine Company 14 "B" Platoon. (L-R): Captain Harold Summers Jr., Firefighters Chris Headley, Justin Kaplan and Clint Cavallo, pose with Engine 14, a 2016 Pierce 1500-GPM pumper.

RON JEFFERS

Kinnelon Tanker 1 is a new Peterbilt/E-One 1000-GPM/2000-GWT pumper-tanker, sold by Absolute Fire Protection Co.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

Multiple Crews Sent to Heavily Involved Garage Fire in Haworth Haworth, NJ - Haworth and Demarest firefighters were called to a structure fire late Thursday night, October 22nd, that would bring mutual aid to the scene to help battle the blaze.

Shortly before 9:00 P.M., Haworth and Demarest Fire Departments were JUMP TO FILE# dispatched to Val- 102220110 ley Rd. and Haworth Ave. for a reported structure fire called in by an EMT returning from a drill. Haworth PD and Chief arrived on scene to find a detached garage heavily involved behind the home at 165 Valley Rd. A working fire was transmitted as well as a FAST Team from Dumont. Two hand lines were stretched to the rear of the home and saws opened the garage door to access the fire. Crews quickly extinguished the fire and remained on scene hitting hot spots.

No injures were reported and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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December, 2020

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ACTION SHOTS

If you have photos you would like to see in our Where are they Now? feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

If you have photos you would like to see in our “Action Shots” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

Police officers, BLS and ALS units and North Hudson firefighters responded to a MVA involving a Union City police car and an overturned auto at 31st St. & Summit Ave., on the morning of Oct. 11th.

The driver of the overturned auto was extricated by police before the arrival of fire units. That driver and the police officer involved were transported to a local hospital via city ambulances.

RON JEFFERS JOHN M. MALECKY

Tuckerton’s Engine 50-21, a 1994 Pierce Dash pumper with 1250-GPM pump, 875-gallon water and 20-gallon foam tank, formerly saw service with the Volunteer Fire Co. 1 of Middle Township in Cape May Courthouse. It also has a 7.5 kw generator.

Bob Long

RON JEFFERS

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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December, 2020

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Two Injured in Elmwood Park Garage Collapse Elmwood Park, NJ - Two workers were injured, one seriously, when the roof of five connected garages under construction at an Elmwood Park housing complex collapsed on October 24th, authorities said.

One worker was taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical JUMP TO FILE# Center in Paterson 102520107 in serious condition, and a coworker was also taken to St. Joe's with less serious injuries.

The late-morning collapse occured at the Elmwood Village Apartments on Mola Boulevard.

Firefighters and Little Falls Ambulance operated on scene. The Elmwood Park building department and OSHA were notified to respond to the scene.

- DAMIEN DANIS

DAMIEN DANIS

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

DAMIEN DANIS

Downed Power Line Ignites Gas Leak in Lodi Lodi, NJ - At 8:32 A.M. on November 1st, Lodi Fire and Lodi PD were dispatched to 36 John Street for a telephone pole on fire. Upon arrival, FD units found a power line that landed in the street and set a gas line on fire in front of a home, causing a hazard. Fire command requested a second-alarm to standby in Lodi Fire headquarters as all Lodi companies were committed to the scene. As a precaution for residents, FD personnel began evacuating neighboring homes. PSEG arrived and cut the power to the active power line, then a road crew arrived to dig up the street and shut the gas line. After gas and power was secured, firefighters extinguished the small pockets of fire. All units were available again at 11:50 A.M.

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

JOHN M. MALECKY

Brush 2009 of the Parkertown Fire Company in Little Egg Harbor Township (Ocean County) is this 1993 Stewart & Stevenson M1078 that was once an army cargo truck in Fort Dix. Repainted and converted by the fire company, it has a 300-GPM pump, a 300-gallon water tank and a 7 kw generator. It is also used for high water emergencies.

December, 2020

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Little things make big changes Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

These are interesting times that we are in. Many times people do not realize how something small will have a major impact on our lives and society.

A major fire may start because of just one spark.

A drop of water on a rock means nothing but if we continually drop water on the same spot of the rock, we will form a hole or possibly split the boulder in two just by using a little water.

Something small can have great impact.

If we catch a medical challenge early enough, we can remove the impact. What would happen if we were able to remove cancerous cells early enough? Or heart disease, diabetes, or other diseases early enough?

We may have a small accident that may impact our lives forever.

We have recently been introduced to how something as small as a germ can effect the entire world.

We may take that germ for granted but how much of an effect has that had on our lives.

Many people have been thrust into becoming more technologically dependent. How many of us have been forced into isolation? It may feel like we were given a prison sentence, especially for those who lived by themselves before the start of this. How many meetings, these days, are now by looking at a computer? People now visit people by viewing them as if they were watching a television program. People are seeing people that they know through closed windows and birthdays are being celebrated by cars driving by and honking their horns.

People say this is the new normal. Many times after a critical incident, we hear some people say that we need to get accustomed to the new normal. I would say that "normal" is fluid. Life is not stagnant. We do not wear the same size clothes all our life. We do not have the same type of transportation as we did. Do to advances in technology and medicine, the way that we do our job has changed. Firefighters have different advantages and just look at the advances that EMT's, paramedics and the medical field have. Life is ever changing and we need to realize and change with it but also to hold onto the things that are just, right and true.

Over two thousand years ago the world was changed. A little

baby was born. He was born in a manger. So many people knew about the prophecy of His life.

Granted many people questioned the miracles that He did and also if He truly was the Son of God. How many people have seen miracles done in His name? How many people had their physical and/or spiritual lives saved because of this baby?

There are many people who call to Him in times of trials. During an illness, after a death, or during a disaster, we may call out to Jesus or God for strength and understanding. This little baby is where so many people draw strength from. The Lord came to us in a way that was not intimating to people. Can you imagine how the people would have reacted if He came down from Heaven on a cloud? People would probably have passed out. They would have been overcome with His presence.

Let us not just dismiss something that is small and, to us, unimportant. It may not be what it is right now but the potential, the unwrapped gift that it truly may be.

Stay safe,

Didymus McHugh didymus-mchugh.com

JAMES BESSEMER

Allamuchy Firefighters Extricate One from Early Morning MVA

Allamuchy, NJ - Shortly after midnight on October 24th, Allamuchy Fire and Allamuchy-Green Rescue were dispatched to Route 80, near exit 19, for a motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival of Chief 91-60, the assignment was upgraded to an entrapment with injury. Heavy Rescue 91-75 went responding within minutes of dispatch, arriving shortly after 91-60. Firefighters quickly pulled the tools and were able to successfully extricate the patient from the passenger side, turning them over to the squad. All units were clear of the scene by 2:00 A.M.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

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

RON JEFFERS

Hackensack Engine 1's 2001 Pierce Dash 1500-GPM apparatus pumping at a 3-alarm commercial building fire on Elizabeth Street, Oct. 11th.

December, 2020

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PATCH OF THE MONTH If you have photos you would like to see in our “Patch of the Month” feature please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Lindsey@1stResponderNews.com.

EUGENE WEBER JR.

This patch belongs to the East Orange Fire Department, located in Essex County, NJ.

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1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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Sussex County Neighbors; New Aerial Model for Spartan ER

This month we travel to Sussex County to feature apparatus from the McAfee Fire Company in Vernon Township and the Borough of Hamburg. These two areas are rather close with a section of Hardyston Township passing between them. Hamburg is rather small while Vernon Township is very large with McAfee being one of the four fire companies within it.

Hamburg is noted for the Gingerbread Castle, a 90-year-old kid’s attraction and theme park which had been closed for many years but is now in the process of restoration. I remember my parents taking me there once when I was very young. Hamburg is a very small borough in which the borough hall is part of the building which houses the fire station. Up till now the last time I was able to photograph one of their apparatus was when they had an open cab 1965 Seagrave pumper.

Back then the term “open cab” meant that there was no roof. Another term is semi cab. Today, since the advent of four door cabs, the term could also mean that it is a two door cab with open rear jump seat section. One may ask why have no roof. My late uncle was a Jersey City firefighter and I asked him why their apparatus had no roofs when I was a teenager. He told me that the chiefs wanted the drivers to be able to see all around themselves. In addition, aerial ladder trucks had no roofs in order to make it easier to spot the turntable for lining up a window. Anyway, Hamburg has three apparatus featured here. The newest is a short wheelbased Sutphen pumper with a right side pump panel behind a roll up door. It has a Command Light and an Akron deck gun. They also have a 1998 Sutphen pumper with top-mount pump panel. This pumper, in spite of its age, looks immaculate.

Their other unit is a Spartan/Rescue 1 rescue truck with a 14.5-foot nonwalk-in body. It has a large generator and an air cascade unit. As for McAfee, I first visited McAfee in 1977 when I heard about them having a black American LaFrance pumper with a Playboy Bunny logo on the doors. The story was as I heard it, the Playboy Club, which at the time was located at Great Gorge in McAfee, donated this 1948 ALF pumper with the agreement that it would be painted black and have the logo on it. When I finally got to McAfee, the black pumper was there but without the logo on it. The firefighter who was at the station played down the story that the pumper belonged to them but did not expand on the story I had heard. No big deal! However what was also at the station was a new Diamond Reo tilt cab/Thibault pumper with all rear discharges and a 900-gallon water tank. It was yellow. It was a rare find for apparatus photographers. In the station as well was a 500 Series American LaFrance service aerial, another rare find, however the tires were off of the rear axle and the truck therefore could not be photographed outside.

Current apparatus featured includes a Please send any comments or news tidbits you might have about Apparatus of the Month to us at 1st Responder News, 1 Ardmore Street.

New Windsor, NY 12553.

Or you can e-mail them to Apparatus@1stResponderNews.com.

APPARATUS OF THE MONTH A look at what’s new with apparatus around the state with John Malecky

McAfee Truck 2, 2019 Spartan Gladiator/Smeal 2000/300 with 100-foot platform and 10 kw generator. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co., LLC.

JOHN M. MALECKY

Hamburg E-2, 2019 Sutphen Monarch 1500/500. It has a right side pump panel behind a roll-up compartment door.

JOHN M. MALECKY

McAfee E-1, 2009 KME Severe Service 1500/1000.

JOHN M. MALECKY

JOHN M. MALECKY

Hamburg E-3, 1998 Sutphen Monarch 1250/750 with top-mount pump panel.

McAfee Fire Rescue 3, 2000 Freightliner FL-70/Hackney with 25 kw generator, air cascade unit, Will Burt Night Scan and 4 ton winch.

JOHN M. MALECKY

JOHN M. MALECKY

Hamburg R-1, 2004 Spartan Advantage/Rescue 1 with 325 kw generator and air cascade unit. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles.

new Spartan/Smeal 100-foot midmount platform. It replaces a 1988 rear-mount aerial quint. Specs include a Gladiator MFD chassis, Cummins ISX 15, 600 hp diesel engine, Waterous CC100PL, 2000-GPM pump, UPF 300-gallon water tank, Harrison 10 kw generator, HiViz lighting, TFT Monsoon RC monitor and two 1 ¾inch crosslays. Their other apparatus includes a 2009 KME Severe Service pumper, a 2000 Freightliner/Hackney rescue and a 1998 Freightliner/S & S tanker.

In dealer news, VCI Emergency Vehicle Specialists has made the following ambulance deliveries: a Horton 553 on a Ford E-450 chassis to the Wall Township Police EMS (Monmouth County), a Horton 553 stock remount on a Ford E-450 chassis to the Spotswood EMS (Middlesex County), and a Horton 453 remount onto a Ford E-450 chassis to the Blue Ridge Rescue Squad (Sussex County).

Campbell Supply Co., LLC has delivered a Spartan ER 93-foot platform to the Edison Division of Fire (Middlesex County). Specs include a Gladiator MFD chassis with five-inch raised roof cab, Cummins ISX, 565 hp diesel engine, and Harrison 10 kw generator. The platform has a 1000-pound dry payload and 500-pound when flowing 2,000-GPM unrestricted. Also delivered was a Danko mini pumper to Auburn in Oldmans Township, Salem County. Specs include a Ford F-550 4x4 crew cab chassis, 102-inch aluminum flat- bed body, Hale DSD 1000-GPM pump and 400-gallon water tank. East Windsor FC 2 (Mercer County) has ordered a Spartan ER Star pumper. Specs include a Gladiator EMFD chassis with 10-inch raised roof cab, Cummins ISX 15, 565 hp diesel engine, Waterous CSU, 1750GPM pump, 1500-gallon water tank and Harrison 8 kw generator. Spartan ER has introduced the NXT 110 aerial

McAfee T-2, 1998 Freightliner FL112/S & S 1250/3000 with two 12-inch and one 18-inch dumps.

JOHN M. MALECKY

ladder which has a dual rear axle chassis that competes with those of single axles as to cramp angle and turning radius. It also has a short outrigger spread. Contact the dealer for more information.

Absolute Fire Protection reports that they have inspected Plainsboro’s refurbed E-ONE squad pumper (Middlesex County) and Ramsey Rescue Squad’s E-ONE heavy rescue (Bergen County) which formerly served Teaneck. They will be receiving them shortly.

Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce orders: for Willingboro Township (Burlington County) a Velocity mid-mount tower; for Morristown (Morris County) a Saber pumper; for Ocean City (Cape May County) an Enforcer pumper as well as one for Scotch Plains (Union County). Pierce deliveries include an Arrow XT 100-

foot mid-mount tower to Jersey City (Hudson County), an Enforcer pumper to Verona, an Arrow XT pumper to Nutley (both Essex County); an Enforcer pumper to the Neptune Fire District, Hamilton; an Impel pumper to the Keansburg FC.1 (both Monmouth County); an Arrow XT rear-mount platform to Somers Point (Atlantic County); and a Saber pumper to Upper Greenwood Lake Fire Co. 5 in West Milford (Passaic County).

New Jersey Emergency Vehicles has made the following P.L. Custom ambulance deliveries: a Classic Type 1 on a Ford F-550 chassis to the Haworth VAC (Bergen County) and two Medallions on Ford F-450 chassis in Monmouth County. One went to the Fairview FAS in Middletown Township and the other to the Township of Millstone Fire District 1.

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

December, 2020

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