1st Responder NJ March Edition

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RON JEFFERS

On the afternoon of January 21, 2015, the Edgewater Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working fire around 4:30 p.m. at 102 Russell Avenue. Firefighters found fire involving a first floor apartment in the huge complex.

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

CIRONE PHOTOS

Fire vents out rear windows as Ladder Co. 4 sets up on Second Street.

RON JEFFERS

Another row house fire strikes Union City block Union City, NJ. It was deja vu all over again when a multiplealarm fire erupted in row houses on the 200-block of New York Avenue, the morning of January 10th.

On May 6, 2014, a five alarm fire destroyed six attached wood-frame buildings directly across the street.

Shortly before 3 a.m. North Hudson fire companies were dispatched to a report of a mattress fire at 208 New York Avenue.

Units arrived to find smoke showing from the first and second floors of a two-story middle row house, opposite a fenced-in vacant lot where six buildings burned down months earlier.

As companies advanced lines, in the 20-degree weather, residents were scooped up by city police and transported to a local recreation center for shelter. There was heavy

JUMP TO FILE #011215111

fire in the basement, extending up the walls to the upper floors, and a second-alarm was transmitted.

As North Hudson companies converged on the scene, fire units in Hoboken, below the hill from New York Avenue, and in Jersey City, one-block south, received reports of smoke in buildings and sent full assignments to their reported addresses.

As the flames rose to the topfloor and cockloft, a third alarm was sounded by Deputy Chief Charles Thomas. Fire was venting out the rear-upper windows of 208, and fire had extended into 206 and 210.

Members opened up walls and

ceilings and used thermal imaging cameras during this labor intensive battle.

A fourth-alarm was struck for additional manpower, which included North Hudson Engine 13 and Jersey City Engines 8, 17, Ladder 12 and Battalion 2.

Firefighters finally got the upper hand and kept the fire from spreading throughout the row.

D.C. Thomas placed the fire under control at 5:23 a.m. and the Jersey City companies were released.

Officials reported 19 residents were displaced and one firefighter was injured after slipping on ice covered stairs. Fire companies rotated duty at the scene into the afternoon monitoring for hot spots.

Blairstown fire and ice structure fire Just after midnight on January 3rd, the Blairstown Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 39 Hope Road. While enroute, the glow could be seen. Due to no water supply in the area, a water tender strike team was called as well as mutual aid. On arrival, the house was almost fully involved with the wood in the rear also on fire. All occupants escaped unharmed. As firefighters pulled the first lines, the house began to collapse. At this time, a defensive attack was taken. Draft sites and dump sites were set up. The house was up a long steep driveway off Hope Road, which began to freeze up as did the dump site area, which also hampered operations. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

- RON JEFFERS

APPARATUS IN ACTION If you have photos for Apparatus in Action please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com

CIRONE PHOTOS

Morning rollover for Netcong KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

South Old Bridge Engine 21 operating at a three-alarm fire on Spring Valley Rd. in Old Bridge.

Netcong Fire and EMS were dispatched to a one car rollover on Route 46 “King Town Mountain” this morning, January 15, 2015. On arrival, a car was on it’s roof with one person inside and unable to get out. EMS and fire personnel carefully took the driver out.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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Fords battles the snow and intense flames at house fire

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CORPORATE INFORMATION 1st Responder News (ISSN 1525-1683) - New Jersey edition - Vol. 22 No. 3 - 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 A division of: s a m e month of publication.

Fords, NJ. Blizzard-like conditions challenged firefighters on the morning of January 9, 2015 as they battled a stubborn fire that completely gutted a two family home, resulting in a total loss.

Fords firefighters were dispatched at 6:10 a.m. to 821 King Georges Rd. JUMP TO FILE# for a report of 011115112 smoke coming from the front of a house.

While responding, smoke could be seen travelling down the block towards the firehouse.

Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the front door of a large two-and-a-half-story wood-frame dwelling. Heavy fire started to show out of the front door as firefighters began to stretch a hand line.

The suppression crew entered through the front door to make an interior attack, but were forced to retreat when they reached the kitchen as the ceiling started to collapse. Firefighters backed out and then made a second attempt at an interior attack, but were forced to evacuate once again as conditions started to deteriorate rapidly.

The flames broke through on the Charlie/Delta corner of the home and quickly spread to the second floor and attic. The balloon-frame type of construction allowed the fire to travel the void spaces and consume the entire home.

Defensive operations were set

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Heavy fire shows from the second floor on the Delta side of the two-family home.

up due to heavy fire conditions on all floors. Several hand lines, a deck gun and a tower ladder were placed in service to extinguish the heavy volume of fire from the exterior.

Water continued to flow for an extended period of time until all visible flames were darkened. The fire was declared under control around 9:30 a.m., but firefighters continued to operate well beyond that conducting extensive overhaul

and wrapping up frozen equipment.

Two of the occupants received minor injuries, one sustained burns to hands and feet, and the other suffered minor smoke inhalation.

Both patients were transported to the hospital and later released.

There were no firefighter injuries reported at the scene.

Mutual aid fire departments from Hopelawn, Keasbey and Avenel responded to the scene to

assist, while Carteret and Colonia covered the town. Carteret was later released to respond to a working fire back in their own town on Union St. and was replaced by Metuchen.

Fords Fire Official Frank DellaPietro handled the investigation and found that an overloaded extension cord with a space heater sparked the blaze.

- KEITH ADDIE

Quick knock for Englewood firefighters Englewood firefighters started off the New Year with their first working fire when they were dispatched to 227 1st Street just after noon.

The first arriving unit found an outside fire in the rear of the two and a half story frame UMP TO FILE# and extending into J010115112 the structure.

A second alarm was quickly struck bringing in mutual aid from Teaneck, Hackensack, and Tenafly.

The fire was quickly knocked down with only minor extension to the house.

No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

- CHRIS TOMPKINS

845-534-7500 • (fax) 845-534-0055 Info@belsito.net

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Firefighters overhauling

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March, 2015

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March, 2015

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In memory of those who gave all 1st Responder Newspaper honors and remembers emergency responders lost in the line of duty South Carolina: John Burns, 50 Rank: Lieutenant Incident Date: December 3, 2014 Death Date: December 3, 2014 Fire Department: Myrtle Beach Fire Department Initial Summary: Lieutenant Burns was discovered by other firefighters unresponsive in his bed at the fire station early in the morning where he was pronounced deceased from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined.

In addition to other duties, Lieutenant Burns had responded to one or more emergency alarms earlier during his shift.

Pennsylvania: Joyce Craig-Lewis, 36 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 9, 2014 Death Date: December 9, 2014 Fire Department: Philadelphia Fire Department Initial Summary: At approximately 0249hrs, Firefighter Craig-Lewis was one of several firefighters that were first to respond to a residential fire in the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. Upon arrival at 0253hrs, the firefighters advanced a hose into the basement of the house to fight the fire. As reinforcement arrived, a change in tactics was ordered and the first group of firefighters started to withdraw from the basement. During this time, Firefighter CraigLewis became trapped. She was rescued by fellow firefighters and, with no vital signs, was transported to Albert Einstein Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at approximately 0400hrs. Investigation into the incident and cause of death continues. Firefighter Craig-Lewis is Philadelphia's first female firefighter to die while on duty.

Tennessee: Gus Losleben, 69 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 9, 2014 Death Date: December 9, 2014 Fire Department: Hardin County Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Losleben died from injuries received when the fire department tanker he was operating in

response to a working structure fire collided head-on with a loaded logging truck. The driver of the logging truck was also killed in the accident, the cause which remains under investigation by authorities.

North Carolina: Ricky Wooten Doub, 61 Rank: Fire chief Incident Date: December 16, 2014 Death Date: December 16, 2014 Fire Department: Forbush Volunteer Fire Department Initial Summary: Fire Chief Doub responded to an EMS and a fire call during the day on December 16 and was later found deceased at home by his wife around 1700hrs that evening. A nature and cause of fatal injury for Chief Doub is still to be determined.

New York: Joseph “Junior” Sanford Jr., 43 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 19, 2014 Death Date: December 23, 2014 Fire Department: Inwood Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Sanford succumbed to injuries sustained several days after being rescued from the basement of a burning residence in Woodmere, New York, revived by fellow responders and transported to the hospital. Sanford, a former assistant fire chief with the Inwood Fire Department, was reported to have been one of the first firefighters on the scene when he became separated from others and fell through the first floor of the home into the basement. Investigation into the fatal fire incident continues by authorities.

New Jersey: James Woods, 44 Rank: Firefighter Incident Date: December 25, 2014 Death Date: December 26, 2014 Fire Department: Jersey City Fire Department Initial Summary: Firefighter Woods passed away from a nature and cause of fatal injury still to be determined within 24 hours of responding to an emergency response call.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2015

UPS & DOWNS Notes from Ron Jeffers

The New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs Association was formed in Essex County many years ago with the initial goal of improving and providing quicker mutual aid responses within the various municipalities. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to safety, training and education for the New Jersey Fire Service.

On Saturday, April 11th, the NJDFCA will host their second annual training seminar at Washington School, 80 Belgrove Dr., Kearny, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The scheduled guest speakers are retired Captain Tony Tricarico, FDNY Squad Co. 252; retired Captain Mike Dugan, FDNY Ladder Co. 123; and FDNY Lt. Mickey Conboy, Rescue Co. 3.

Their topics will cover engine company operations, ladder company operations and rescue company operations respectively. Additional guests may make a less formal appearance.

There will be limited vendors present that stress safety products. In addition, refreshments will be provided by the Newark Bell & Siren Club and the Jersey City Gong Club.

After 25-years as president of the organization, retired Belleville Deputy Chief Chuck Aughenbaugh, Jr., stepped down after his 2014 term.

“Our goal is to save lives,” Aughenbaugh said. “This may happen to me,” he added. He stressed, there is no such thing as a routine fire. A reorganization meeting was held in January with the new president, Jersey City Battalion Chief Charles Lind, Jr. Other officers for 2015 include Rufus Jackson, Executive Vice President; Don Schwerdt, Treasuer; and Frank DeAngeles, Secretary. There are also six six regional vice president positions that cover the state.

The organization is proud of its accomplishments in the fields of incident command, personal accountability on the fire ground and safety officer personnel. In addition, the NJDFA has provided scholarships, participate in war memorial activities and assisted a Seton Hall student burn victim.

President Lind has dedicated this year's training seminar to the memory of Westfield Chief of Department Daniel Kelly, 54, who passed away in February after a long battle with cancer.

Simply put, President Lind's goal is “to keep the troops safe in the street.”

For more information on the seminar, go to clindnjdfca@gmail.com DOWNS: A Cliffside Park ambulance was involved in an MVA at East Brinkerhoff and Glen Ave.'s, Palisades Park, January 9th, while transporting a patient.

UPS: After 56-years in the fire service, Harold “Whitey” Swartz retired. He spent 30-years with the Pleasantville Fire Department, making his way through the ranks until he retired as a deputy chief in 1989. He then moved onto the Atlantic County Fire Marshal's office where he has worked since 1990. In 1991, he was

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

NJDFCA to hold second annual training seminar with firefighter safety in mind named the county's fire marshal. His retirement was effective December 31st. Swartz plans to spend a lot of time in his personal fire museumknown as Firefighters Museum of Southern New Jersey-in a huge garage next to his home.

DOWNS: Businesses along a portion of Broad St. in Red Bank were evacuated on January 4th after multiple underground explosions, police said. JC P&L spokesman Ron Moran said that equipment housed in an underground area failed or dislodged, which can make a noise and create a smoke condition.

UPS: Millville firefighters first call of 2015 was coming to the rescue of an eight-year-old basset hound that got her head stuck in a porch railing at an East Main St. home. Firefighters found “Betty” with her head stuck and cut her out to freedom using power tools.

DOWNS: A fast-moving fire gutted a portion of the iconic Circle Motor Lodge on Victory Plaza, Sayreville, leaving about 25 people displaced on January 7th. Shortly after the motel fire started, a second fire broke out at a Dolan St. dwelling, keeping area firefighters very busy.

The motel fire went to four alarms.

UPS: Starting in January, volunteers from the Red Cross, East Orange Fire Department and Community Response Emergency Team began knocking on doors to install free smoke detectors into city homes. In the past two and a half years, the Red Cross says it has provided emergency assistance to 116 city families displaced by fire. That, combined with the rate of fire-related fatalities and injuries suffered by residents over the past five years has prompted the Red Cross to designate the city as a “high fire-risk zip code,” a spokeswoman said.

DOWNS: A fire broke out at the President's House of the Centenary College in Hackettstown on January 7th. Area firefighters spent hours battling the fire in near zero weather.

UPS: New firefighters in Maplewood are Alberto Sanchez and Matthew Antolino.

DOWNS: School 4 in Garfield was closed for several days after an early morning fire on January 7th. The state must inspect the kitchen before cooking can resume because firefighters used dry chemical extinguishers, according to Fire Chief Mike Colon.

UPS: New firefighters in Belleville are Chase Hamilton and Joseph Rnna.

DOWNS: A woman was found dead following a fire that ripped through a one-story home on Encinitas Dr. in Berkeley Twp., January 10th.

UPS: Matthew Long has been appointed to the Wildwood Fire Department.

DOWNS: A fire in a Hollywood Ave. OMD in East Orange, January 10th, injured three residents and left more than a dozen people homeless.

Firefighters helped several residents exit the building, including a bedridden woman and five children who

RON JEFFERS

new officers in the new Jersey deputy Fire chiefs association for 2015 include L-R: Rufus Jackson, executive Vice president; Frank de angeles, Secretary; and charles Lind, Jr., president.

were living on the first-floor, Fire Chief Charles Salley said.

UPS: New firefighters in New Brunswick are Nestor Valdez, Oneill Martinez, Stephen Bonura Jr. and Donald Salzmann Jr. DOWNS: A High Bridge firefighter suffered a broken foot battling a fire in a mixed occupancy structure on W. Main St., January 14th. The building, which contained a restaurant and apartments was destroyed.

UPS: New firefighters in Clifton are Mike Andrade, Rolon Boudaher and Mike Jallad.

DOWNS: During the rain and ice storm of January 18th, a Bellmawr engine was struck by a car that slid on the ice on Route 24. The rig was blocking the road to protect workers at the scene of a one-car accident. The car was totaled and the apparatus received extensive damage, Fire Chief Jim Burleigh said. A firefighter in the cab of the rig and the driver of the car were taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. Ten minutes after the car hit the pumper, another car slid into Burleigh's car, which was parked behind the engine. Fifteen minutes later, another car slid and hit the chief's car. “It ended up being 12 vehicles involved over a 30-minute period that slid into each other,” Burleigh said.

UPS: New Jersey's EMS Task Force went to New York City's rescue when the city was deluged with emergency medical calls due to the freezing rain storm of January 18th. The black-ice conditions started around 7 a.m. across the region, keeping New Jersey first responders on this side of the Hudson busy as well. New York City had nearly 700 calls on hold due to the icy weather, officials said. BLS units responded from Westwood, Moonachie, Wallington, Hackensack, McCabe, North Bergen, Meadwolands, Mountainside and Summit.

DOWNS: A tanker truck filled with liquified tar to seal an asphalt roadway at Global Terminal in Bayonne, January 17th, “apparently overheated” and caused a fire that engulfed the truck and sent a huge column of smoke into the sky, authorities said. The 2000gallon tanker was fully involved when

firefighters arrived.

UPS: Seven firefighters were inside a burning W. Main St. building in High Bridge when their colleagues outside noticed that the smoke was changing color from gray to rich black. Chief Jeff Smith, a firefighter for 33-years, knew his members were in danger and the evacuation tones were sounded. Within minutes of their exit, the second floor collapsed, the roof collapsed, and firefighters began a defensive operation. About 45-minutes into the fire, conditions changed for the worse. Division officers on each side outside overseeing operations noticed the dangerous condition and sounded the alarm.

DOWNS: A two alarm fire on Gould Ave., Paterson, took the life of one resident on January 18th.

UPS: The City of Trenton held a graduation ceremony for 12 firefighters at City Hall on January 26th. The new members will bring the department up to a total of 224.

DOWNS: Bayonne firefighters located a woman in a lifeless condition in her burning Kennedy Blvd. home during a two-alarm fire on January 22nd. The woman had died in a natural manner from heart disease, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced after an autopsy. Also during a search, firefighters rescued a small dog that “miraculously” managed to survive, according to Fire Chief Greg Rogers.

UPS: New firefighters in Harrison are Brian Alicia and Ray Tremen.

DOWNS: A multiple-alarm fire, with loud explosions, consumed part of the Edison D.P.W. complex off New Durham Rd., January 29th. The fire, which started around 10 p.m., was brought under control around midnight. Authorities were having a difficult time shutting off a gas valve, so a pocket of flames persisted into the next morning. Fire Chief Brian Latham said the fire was through the roof when units arrived. The fire destroyed a building used to hold tires, vehicles and other equipment. According to officials, the fire destroyed 11 public works salt spreaders with attached snow plows, three street

sweepers, three repaving vehicles, a road maintenance truck and E.F.D. Engine 6's pumper that was awaiting repairs. In the meantime, Woodbridge Twp. is letting Edison borrow its equipment, a spokesman for Edison stated.

UPS: On January 16th Newark graduated 41 new firefighter recruits from the fire academy. Included were Cesar Garay and Veronica Garay, the first husband and wife couple to be named Newark firefighters.

DOWNS: A man was hospitalized with burns and smoke inhalation after he was pulled from a burning twostory house on Pennington Ave., Trenton, on January 27th. A neighbor, Doshaneck McMeil, said the man kept his house boarded up and gated, giving a false indication that the house was abandoned.

UPS: On January 19th the Newark Fire Department reorganized Engine Co. 16 on Ferry St. using a spare pumper.

DOWNS: A kitchen fire at the Chambers Bridge residence apartment complex in Brick displaced nine people, January 26th. One first-floor evacuee suffered a heart attack and died, said Kevin Batzel, bureau chief of Brick Twp. Fire Safety.

UPS: A three-day event of video game tournaments with 1,000 games, were terminated, January 30th, when Secaucus fire marshals found fire code violations at the host hotel. A fire alarm went off in the morning when tournament plays were to begin, causing an evacuation. As firefighters investigated the fire alarm, which was a false alarm, they found that fire code violations existed. Mayor Mike Gonnelli, also a volunteer firefighter, said multiple vehicles were parked in the fire lanes in front of the hotel; and also that the hotel failed to take out a special permit that is required for any event in which more than 500 people attend. Organizers said in Twitter posts that the tournament would begin on January 31st at the Garden State Convention Center in Somerset.

- continued on page 12

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Repeated Edgewater inferno lights up night sky

JOHN HOPPER

RON JEFFERS

Due to radiant heat and flying embers, dwellings across the street were wet down by firefighters.

Edgewater, N.J. In August of 2000, a large housing complex under construction lit up the summer sky and burned to the ground on Russell Avenue. On the afternoon of January 21st, a fire at the same location, known as Avalon at Edgewater, raced through the block-long wood-frame mid-rise complex containing over 400 apartments, displacing an estimated 350 to 400 residents.

The Edgewater Fire Department was dispatched to a reported working fire around 4:30 p.m. at 102 Russell Avenue. Firefighters found fire involving a first floor apartment in the huge complex. A second-alarm was transmitted sending in units from Cliffside Park, Fairview, Ridgefield and Fort Lee to the scene. A hand line went into operation, followed by a second line. Firefighters also worked on the second-floor above the fire. Conditions began to deteriorate and that area was evacuated by firefighters. A third-alarm was also sounded. The fire was spreading vertically and horizontally through voids in the walls and floors.

Smoke vented out of secondfloor windows; but, in no time smoke was visible and racing across upper floors. Additional hand lines and master streams were put into place. The lightweight construction and truss roof helped the rapid extension of fire, officials said. Fire raced up into the cockloft and spread throughout the huge complex. A defensive operation was established.

Some residents escaped the fire with only the clothes on their backs. Others had time to remove some belongings and watch the fire spread to their apartments from the street.

Additional alarms and special calls were ordered bringing in fire companies from all parts of Bergen County and North Hudson.

JUMP TO FILE #012215106

Later, the Neptune System from Union County and FDNY Marine 1 and Jersey City Marine 1 were called to the scene. The FDNY boat went into operation delivering big water from the nearby Hudson River through large diameter hose lines.

Flames lit up the evening sky as New York City TV stations showed the fire from their studio windows. Some local reporters said it was one of the biggest fires they had ever covered. During the fire, explosive pops were heard and blue flames were visible in areas. Gas was reported shut off to the building in the early stages, but the blue flames could have been a result of pockets of gas left in pipes, officials said.

In the 2000 fire, embers set fires to occupied homes across the street. On this January night, firefighters evacuated homes across the street from the blaze and hand lines and master streams were used to wet down those homes.

At the height of the blaze, mater streams that surrounded the complex included tower ladders from Edgewater Fort Lee, Tenafly, Hillsdale and Woodcliff Lake. Ladder pipes were placed into operation by Cliffside Park, Fairview, Hackensack, North Hudson and East Rutherford as well as Edgewater Engine 2's squirt. Other fire companies that operated at the height of the fire included units from Ridgefield, Ridgefield Park, Palisades Park, Leonia, Bogota, Maywood and Hasbrouck Heights.

Fire companies from throughout Bergen County were called in overnight to relieve crews and work the fire, plus cover area firehouses. An estimated 300 firefighters were used.

O.E.M reported that all occupants of the complex were accounted for and most of the pets.

Shelter for residents was set up at a local school and a nearby Comfort Inn also assisted their neighbors. The Teaneck Box 54 Club set up a rehab area providing firefighters with food and water during operations. Electric power was cut in the area, which included the school where residents were taken to during the blaze.

As the sun rose over Edgewater, a huge column of smoke was blowing across the Hudson River and into Manhattan as fire companies continued to wet down the large area of fire, now sporting piles of lumber, where there stood handsome apartments just hours earlier. Mayor Michael Partland declared a local state of emergency, closing schools and shutting down main roads leading into the borough.

In all, no serious injuries were reported. In addition, temperatures above freezing during the height of the fire prevented the huge volumes of water from freezing.

United Water representatives were on the scene making sure water pressure in the area was increased to assist firefighting efforts.

New York Yankees radio playby-play announcer John Sterling lived at Avalon and he told the media that he lost everything. He took refuge in a nearby hotel.

For the older generations, the residential complex is located on the site of the former Alcoa Aluminum plant that produced aluminum cans and other products.

The facility was closed in 1967. It was demolished in the 1990's, and a project to clean up PCB's was completed that had contaminated the land.

- RON JEFFERS

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

RON JEFFERS

Edgewater Tower 1's master streams work on two ends of the fire.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2015

Page 11

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March, 2015

1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ

UPS AND DOWNS CoNTiNuEd FRoM PAGE 8

DOWNS: A fire severely damaged the Cigar Lounge in the Belford section of Middletown Twp., January 19th.

UPS: New fire captains in Millburn are Bruce Pollock and Adam Brenner.

DOWNS: Twenty five people were displaced as a result of a fire that severely damaged businesses and apartments above at Elm and Morris St.'s in Morristown on January 30th. Firefighters were hampered by gusts and frigid temperatures as the fire spread.

UPS: In the aftermath of the huge fire at the Avalon at Edgewater complex, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto said he plans to work with the state Department of Community Affairs to develop legislation concerning the issues raised by the fire. This will cover building codes and standards in multifamily dwellings, focusing on strengthening fire safety regulations. “...the reports about how the building's materials and design may have contributed to the spread of the fire are deeply troubling,” said Prieto, a construction code officials by profession.

“Builders and developers must behold to strict safety standards to protect residents and prevent horrible events like this, and I am now in the process of thoroughly reviewing the relevant building codes to find areas that may need to be strengthened.”

Edgewater Fire Chief Tom Jacobson said the building's light weight, wooded construction allowed the

flames to spread rapidly. “If it was made of concrete and cinder block, we wouldn't have this sort of problem,” he said. The light weight wood construction in multi-story buildings has been an issue with the fire service-a cheaper, faster and legal style of building.

“The problem with light weight wood trusses is it allows fire to spread very quickly through the entire floor, the entire roof and, of course, spread up the walls as well,” said Glenn Corbett, an associate professor of fire science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

According to “The Record,” Assemblyman Scott Rumana said he is working on legislation that will put a moratorium of up to two years on the approval and construction of multifamily housing developments until the state's building code is revised.

“The goal is to not have any New Jersey residents' lives at stake. But equally as important, it's to not put our first responders into these dwellings, which I call fire traps,” he said.

Assemblyman John Wisniewski, who also serves as chairman of the state Fire Safety Commission, also supports a moratorium on construction.

“The Edgewater inferno makes it clear that we need new and improved standards in New Jersey in order to protect residents and first responders,” he said.

Lets hope that these state official's efforts are not in vain.

Michael Feigin, Avalon's chief construction officer, said in a statement that the complex was built in accor-

dance with the applicable fire safety codes of the time.

“The purpose of those codes is not to prevent the building from burning down, but rather to ensure that there is sufficient time and opportunity for all occupants to exit safely in the event of a fire,” Feigin said.

“Sufficient time” to escape the fire and smoke, but leave all of your possessions-your life-behind, as well as pets. Opportunity to exit safely?

This fire occurred during rush hour, when many occupants were not at home. Would this be the same scenario at 3 a.m.? And what about the fire-

fighters entering the building?

It was heart breaking to see residents along Russell Avenue watching the fire race down the block to their apartments, while standing with some of their possessions that they took out, and asking firefighters questions.

Anything for a quick buck.

RON JEFFERS

State officials are looking into new and improved building construction standards as a result of the Edgewater inferno.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 13

PAGE 14

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

CIRONE PHOTOS

Old time truck fire in Budd Lake As lunch rolled around on January 19th, Mt. Olive Emergency Services were dispatched to a car fire on one of the back roads in the township. On arrival, the chief found an antique Chevy El Camino well involved and close to a house. Units used CAFS lines to douse this old restored antique. A fuel line melted away causing a stream of burning fuel, which was quickly put out with dry chem. The owner of the vehicle was transported to the hospital as a precaution.

JUSTIN DEREVYANIK, HFD

MVA for Hackensack On January 7, 2015 at 10:09 a.m., Hackensack Engine 1, Rescue 1, D/C 1 and Hackensack UMC BLS responded to Hudson and Kansas Streets for a two car MVA involving a mini bus. Companies applied speedy dry to a large fluid spill and assisted in aiding three people. Two were transported on backboards to Hackensack UMC with non-life threatening injuries. One refused aid. The accident in being investigated by Hackensack Police.

RON JEFFERS

Heavy smoke rolled out of the second-floor windows of 512-Fourth St.

Fire threatens exposures in Union City Union City, N.J. Heavy fire ripped out the rear of a one-story extension to a one-family dwelling that melted the sidings on a rear house and a dwelling on the “D” side of the structure on January 29th.

North Hudson Fire Control dis- JUMP TO FILE# patched a full as- 013015104 signment to 512 Fourth St., Union City, around 1:15 p.m. and followed up with a radio report to responding units that they were receiving numerous calls.

First due Engine 1 arrived and Captain Adrian Prunes reported a working fire. Flames were showing out the rear of the one and a half to one story dwelling with smoke pushing out the front.

Deputy Chief Charles Thomas arrived, assessed the situation, and transmitted a second-alarm.

Hand lines went into operation quickly and the only serious damage damage to the rear home and Exposure “D” were melted sidings.

One man exited the fire building with two pet dogs. The two exposure buildings were also evacuated.

The heavy fire in the rear was knocked down, but fire and heavy smoke consumed the upper floor and attic area. Heavy smoke rolled out the front windows and a third-alarm was struck for additional manpower.

The fire was declared under control at 2:03 p.m. A few firefighters were examined at the scene by city EMT's, and Captain Prunes received oxygen, but there were no serious injuries.

An O.E.M. member was on the scene to assist the occupant of the building, which sustained heavy damage.

RON JEFFERS

North Hudson firefighters line in to 512-Fourth St.

Gong Club members Pat Spellman and Mike Phillips arrived with the canteen truck to serve firefighters a hot drink before they “took up.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

- RON JEFFERS

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

RON JEFFERS

Exposure protection was a priority.

Fire consumes Harrison business Harrison, N.J. A fire consumed a large one-story brick and cinder block warehouse covering the neighborhood with low banking smoke, huge columns of black smoke visible for miles, and flames rising 30-feet into the air on the afternoon of January 11th.

A police lieutenant on patrol was stopped by a motorist who said there was a fire in the building on South Second Street, known as Plaque Art Creations, Inc. The officer looked into a window and saw what appeared to be a small fire, and called it in. In moments, the lieutenant observed the fire light up the entire section where he was looking.

Harrison's engine and ladder company were dispatched to a reported working fire. Firefighters went to work dropping hose lines and beginning forcible entry, which included roll-down bay doors. Mutual aid was called, dispatching an engine and truck from East Newark

JUMP TO FILE #011215117

and Kearny Engine 1 and Tower 2.

The low-banking smoke covered the streets making visibility zero at times. Flames broke through the roof threatening two-story homes on Bergen Street. They were evacuated by police and hand-lines and the Kearny tower set up on this street. Additional mutual aid, consisting of a task force from North Hudson went to the scene. This included Engine's 1, 9, Ladder 4, Battalion 4 and Safety 1. Engine 9 was used to supply additional water to East Newark Engine 701, which had numerous hose lines in operation. Secaucus Tower 2, supplied by Secaucus Engine 1, was set up on South Second Street behind Harrison Ladder 1's ladder pipe operation.

Huge, impressive columns of black smoke and rolling flames rose

above the structure for extended periods of time, as the roof caved in.

Numerous cracks in the building's walls could be seen, and a collapse zone was established. Electricity was also shut down in the neighborhood as darkness arrived.

The business, some say as old as 50 years in town, manufactures plastic and plaster moldings. It was unoccupied at the time of the fire on what would normally be a quiet Sunday afternoon for the neighborhood.

One good thing for firefighters was above freezing temperatures and no wind, contrary to conditions during fires fought in area municipalities such as Jersey City, Union City, Passaic, Clifton and East Orange in the days preceding this Sunday. The Gong Club canteen set up on Bergen Street and provided firefighters with refreshments during the long duration three alarm fire.

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- RON JEFFERS PROVIDED

Firefighters inspect the vehicle and cut the battery connection

Mercedes versus pole in Sayreville

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTIFIREPHOTOS.COM

On January 6, 2015 around 2 p.m., a silver Mercedes plowed through a telephone pole on Main Street. Sayreville Engine Co. 1 responded with Engine 7 and TAC 7 to find the vehicle had run right through the pole cutting it down at the base and knocking out power to several homes.

Sayreville Police shut down Main Street and detoured traffic through the White Oaks development. School buses ran late causing parents to worry about their children. Thanks to social media and the police posting on NIXEL, many parents were notified of the delay and minimized the panic, word of the accident was relayed to the school as well.

The driver sustained minimal injuries and was treated by the

JUMP TO FILE #010815121

Sayreville Emergency Squad.

OEM acted quickly to find shelter for several residents, who were without heat and utilities because of the situation. JCP&L responded quickly as well and cut the power and cleared the roadway of wires.

The road was opened after about an hour and several hours later Verizon replaced the pole with some traffic delays.

Private electricians and plumbers responded the next day to make repairs to the damaged utilities.

- FRANK TERZINO

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

One rescued, two firefighters injured in Passaic third alarm

AVFD

Allendale Fire donates to Toys for Tots The Allendale Volunteer Fire Department collected 1,732 toys this year as part of our annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots Drive. We would like thank everyone who donated. We would also like to specifically thank the sisters from Theta Phi Alpha Sorority from Ramapo College, Mahwah Fire Company 4, Terrie O'Connor Realtors, Waldwick Lions Club, the Holiday Observers, and Bill Scharf.

Firefighters in Passaic, had their hands full as they battled cold temperatures and frozen hydrants while battling of a three alarm fire on Lafayette Avenue on January 10th.

The fire broke out just after 2 p.m. as companies were disptached to 386 Lafayette Ave with phones ringing off the hook in the dispatch room.

Arriving compa- JUMP TO FILE# nies found a working 011115107 fire in the attic area of a private dwelling.

As lines were streached to begin operations, engine companies were reporting the first hydrant they tagged as frozen. A second alarm was quickly transmitted.

Firefighters made a rescue of a occupant from the second floor.

Heavy fire was now taking full posession of the attic as lines were stretched into the exposure building to hit the fire from the second floor windows. Additional mutual aid from Paterson, Carlstadt, Wallington with engine companies and Lyndhurst for a rescue assisted at the scene.

The entire attic was involved as companies were evacuated from the building. Truck 1's tower ladder went into operation with their master stream. Heavy fire conditions caused the roof to partially collapse at the back of the house while the exposure was still a concern.

Clifton Truck 2 was called to the scene and also went into operation in front of the building. The master streams knocked down the majority of the fire as the entire top floor collapsed.

Two firefighters were injured during the three alarm blaze, but the

DAMIEN DANIS

injuries were not life threatening.

The fire was declared under control by 4:30 pm.

Mutual aid companies covering at Passaic firehouses included, Lodi, East Rutherford, Hasbrouck Heights,

Little Falls, West Paterson and Totowa.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause ofblaze.

- DAMIEN DANIS

ALL IN THE FAMILY If you have photos you would like to see in our “All In The Family” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

AVFD

Engine 932 responds to Edgewater Chief 930 and Engine 932 responded into Edgewater to assist at a multi-alarm apartment complex fire. The engine crew worked alongside Wyckoff's engine crew on the Charlie side of the complex. In addition to operating multiple lines; Engine 932 relay pumped from Wyckoff Engine 234 to Upper Saddle River Engine 1231 who was supplying Ramsey Tower 442.

MIKE ARMSTRONG

(L-R) Ex-chief Matt Kane, Ex-chief Bill Kane, 2015 Chief Charles Wells, Ex-chief Rebecca Kane, Chief Charlie Wells FDNY-EMS (RET).

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PAGE 20

March, 2015

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 Heather@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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

R.F.D. PHOTO.

In 1963, Rahway Deputy Chief Harold Schweitzer posed with the Bureau of Combustibles Plymouth Valiant station wagon.

RON JEFFERS

Yes, it's still around. This Series 700 American La France 1000-gpm pumper that served Secaucus is part of the Andy Leider collection in Orange County, N.Y.

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City O.E.M and Homeland Security Director Greg Kierce operates a 2014 Ford Explorer.

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

Hasbrouck Heights Fire Official and 2nd Assistant Chief Rob Knobloch conducts business with this 2001 Ford sedan.

RON JEFFERS

Another unmarked vehicle, North Plainfield Fire Chief William Eaton operates a 2011 Chevy SUV known as Car 501.

This rig is also still around. East Paterson (now known as Elmwood Park) Defender Co. 4's Seagrave Anniversary Series junior aerial ladder is also part of the Andy Leider collection.

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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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Hawthorne Fire Department saves homes Quick and aggressive work by Hawthorne firefighters kept a fully involved garage fire from causing nothing more than exterior damage to several structures on January 7th.

By the time firefighters arrived at 123 Seventh Ave. shortly after 1:00 a.m., the two car garage in the rear was venting flames over 30’ in the air and two homes and two garages nearby were severely threatened.

A second alarm was transmit-

JUMP TO FILE #010715124

ted bringing mutual aid to the scene. Several lines were stretched down the driveway to the garage and one line went into each of the exposed homes. A BLEVE was reported from the garage, so initially firefighters operated at a safe distance. Two cars outside the garage were also involved.

Within a hour, all visible fire

was knocked down. The garage and all the materials inside were consumed, as well as the two automobiles. The home directly in front of the garage suffered damage to the exterior and to the rear deck.

The home on the “B” side had most of the siding melted off the side of the house. Two other garages in the rear received fire damage. No serious injuries were reported.

- BILL TOMPKINS

Irvington Ladder 42 operating at a fire in a taxpayer on Springfield Ave.

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

DAMIEN DANIS

Grease fire at Hasbrouck Heights McDonalds DAMIEN DANIS

A grease fire was quickly extingushied in a McDonalds in Hasbrouck Heights on the evening of January 27. At 8:21 p.m., units were dispatched to 329 Route 17 South on a reported grease fire. Arriving Assistant Chief Rob Knobloch reported a "really good smoke condition" within the building. As a precaution, Chief of Department Pat Hayes struck the second alarm. One handline was stretched to knock down the fire to hold it to the kitchen area. Mutual aid on the second alarm assigment came from Wood-Ridge, Lodi and Wallington.

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN O'BRIEN

In action at the Laurence Harbor fire on December 11th

Rutherford battles flames and ice Rutherford firefighters had to contend with single digit wind chill factors as well as the flames as a three alarm fire consumed a downtown restaurant on JUMP TO FILE# January 14th.

At about 3:00 011415101 a.m., the Rutherford Fire Department was toned out for an activated fire alarm for 19 Park Ave., Eros Café.

The first arriving police officer reported a small fire inside the restaurant.

Shortly thereafter, what was described as an explosion occurred and the flames quickly intensified.

By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, heavy fire was venting out the rear of the structure and extending above the roof line.

A second alarm was transmitted, followed shortly by a third.

East Rutherford’s tower was set up in front of the structure and Rutherford’s ladder was positioned in the rear.

Multiple handlines were also operated. Heavy smoke pushed out the second floor and roof and eventually fire broke through the roof and slowly worked forward.

The outside streams were able to hold the fire to the original fire building with only some smoke damage to the exposures.

Ice covered streets, sidewalks, rigs, and equipment, and in spite of several slips and falls, no serious injuries were reported.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating.

- BILL TOMPKINS

EDAN DAVIS

Gloucester County tanker task force drill was held in Forest Grove

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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Blairstown Hose Company celebrates their 125th Anniversary A crowd of 700 to 900 attendees were expected at the 125th anniversary of the Blairstown Hose Company. That did not materialize.

The rain that fell kept most of them away. But 300 to 400 did show and they were not disappointed.

Equipment from Warren, Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon Counties in New Jersey and Portland, Pennsylvania entered their vehicles for trophy judging. Food, games and free gifts kept the visitors busy.

The rain was an unwelcome guest, but it did not dampen the spirits of those who did come.

It’s not often you get to be 125 years old, but the Blairstown Hose Co #1 did it this year.

In order to protect the community and reduce the insurance rates in the built-up area of the town, a group of businessmen gathered in the home of Dr. Amanda Schubert, a dentist on Douglas Street to discuss the matter. That was 1889.

Millionaires Walter Wilson and John I. Blair donated land and a building on Carhardt Street and what is now Route 94 to house the fire company.

Mrs. Emma Strickland Pettingrell, donated the first bell that was paid for from her earnings as a music teacher. The bell was placed in the belfry of the firehouse tower

JUMP TO FILE #010115102

with a rope that hung down to a box with a glass front. If the alarm had to be sounded, the glass was broken and the rope pulled. Before the bell, a large steel ring hung outside of the firehouse and an iron hammer was banged against the sides to sound the alarm and alert the fireman.

The first call was in the winter of 1892. The local hotel’s shed had caught fire. The fire was put out with a couple of buckets of water by the time the fireman arrived.

However, the people of the town were impressed and reassured by the way the fireman responded to the first sound of the alarm, grabbed the hand drawn truck and were at the scene in less then five minutes.

The Blairstown Hose Company had its first major fire in June of 1893. The wooden structure of the Craig Store was almost destroyed, but the quick response of the firemen saved it and possibly the rest of the town as well.

The first motorized fire truck was purchased in 1924. In 1930, the bell in the firehouse was replaced with a siren so that firemen living outside of town could hear the

alarm and respond.

The 1950s were a real test for the firemen. Major fires, near the entrance of the Blair Academy, the Methodist Church on the hill overlooking Main Street, and the Blairstown Inn, proved and established their place in the town.

The record flood in 1955 had the men of the Hose Company rescuing people from the inundated areas.

During the 1950s, the fire company purchased land on Mohican Road and built a new firehouse hall, but it was not allowed to house the fire trucks. The original bell stands outside of it today.

Eventually they moved into the combined municipal, police department and firehouse on Stillwater Road until that burned down on Christmas Eve in 2000.

Their vehicles were kept temporarily in the Blair Academy garage on Main Street while their new headquarters was built on the site of the fire years later.

Steel rings and hammers, bells, sirens, plectrons and now pagers keep these firemen of the Blairstown hose Company # 1 at the ready to continue responding for another 125 years.

- BOB HALBERSTADT

Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 25

PAGE 26

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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

EDAN DAVIS

The Weymouth Fire Co. (Atlantic County) still runs this 1983 Ford L-9000/Trailmobile, 1100/10,000, as Tender 18-49.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

East Orange rescues five children

EDAN DAVIS

The Liberty Fire Co. (Penns Grove) of Salem County still runs this 1979 Ford F350 Custom 250/300, as Brush 4-4.

Eight people, including five children were rescued by arriving East Orange firefighters as flames were quickly spreading through a throughout their home on January 10th.

The fire started at about 7:50 at 116 Hollywood Ave. Flames were spreading up the rear of the structure and had an adult with burns at the front door. Firefighters immediately commenced a primary search and found five children and two additional adults trapped inside. All were safely removed.

JUMP TO FILE #011215129

Lines were stretched to the first and second floors as a push on the fire was made, but the flames had too much of a hold on the structure and members were pulled out.

One ladder pipe and one Squrt plus several handlines were put into operation to hold the fire to the original building. The heavy fire was knocked down within one hour, but companies remained at

the scene for several more hitting hot spots. Ice soon built up making movements difficult.

All family members were transported to the hospital. All were reported to be in satisfactory condition with the exception of the person that was located by the front door. That resident was reported to suffer second and third degree burns.

No other serious injuries were reported and the homes on both sides received no serious damage.

- BILL TOMPKINS

EDAN DAVIS

The Lower Alloways Creek Fire Co. of Salem County still runs this 1982 Chevy Step Van as Utility 18-7. This unit first saw service with the Reliance Fire Co. of Woodstown.

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Christmas scare in Glen Rock Glen Rock and mutual aid firefighters made quick work of a small fire in a Boulevard home on Christmas night before any serious structural damage could be done.

Shortly after 9:00 p.m. on December 25th, a report of a fire was transmitted for 400 Boulevard. The first arriving police officer reported a working fire in the living room of a one and a half story frame home with heavy smoke showing.

JUMP TO FILE #122914119

Based on that report and a NJ Transit train temporarily blocking the fire department’s response, a second alarm was transmitted.

When units arrived, a fire on a mantle in the living room was producing a heavy smoke condition out the front door and throughout the

house. A supply line and a handline were stretched, but not charged as the flames were knocked down with a can and garden hose.

Mutual aid units from Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Hawthorne assisted in clearing the smoke and checking for any extension. None was found and units were soon released.

- BILL TOMPKINS

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 27

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PAGE 28

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

SEAN FOOTE DAMIEN DANIS

Fast moving blaze injures one in Belleville

CIRONE PHOTOS

Belleville firefighters battled a mid-morning fire in the northern end of the township on January 25, bringing firefighters from area departments to assist controlling the blaze.

911 calls were received at 10:06 a.m., reporting smoke coming from the building at 27 King Street. Engine 2 and Battalion 2 arrived within two minutes and reported smoke coming from the second floor of a two story brick apartment building.

Firefighters found Belleville police officers attempting to assist a tenant of the second floor in the stairwell, with fire spreading over their heads. Together, the police officers and firefighters guided the man to the street. They assessed his condition, and discovered he suffered burns, and requested an ambulance to respond.

Engine 3 firefighters stretched a hose line to the second floor, and attempted to push the fire back and entered the upper apartment.

By then the front windows failed, and vented heavy fire and smoke. A 35 foot ground ladder was raised and Truck 1 personnel cut holes in the roof to vent the fire, which had spread across the whole top floor. Battalion Chief Monahan,

JUMP TO FILE #012615100

B/C 2, transmitted the working fire, calling for Nutley and Bloomfield to respond directly to the scene.

Companies advanced several hose lines into the building, but had to switch to defensive tactics as conditions worsened. An evacuation tone was sounded and firefighters repositioned outside, directing hose streams from the exterior into the windows and roof.

The fire was contained to the building of origin, preventing spread to any other structures.

Neighborhood residents lined the street as smoke banked down heavily throughout the neighborhood.

The first alarm response from Belleville was Engine 2, Engine 3, Truck 1, EMS 1, and Battalion Chief 2. A second alarm was transmitted shortly after arrival at 10:12 a.m., bringing Nutley Truck 1, and Bloomfield Engine 2 to the scene.

Requiring more manpower, North Arlington Truck 1 and Belleville Reserve Engine 1 responded. Additionally, mutual aid companies from West Orange, East Orange provided backup coverage to the township while firefighters battled

the blaze.

The fire was declared under control at 11:15 a.m., and completely extinguished by 1:00 p.m.

After the fire was brought under control, the mutual aid fire departments were released from assignment and back to their own towns.

One male civilian was injured and transported to St. Barnabas Hospital. He was treated and released later that afternoon. No firefighters were injured as a result of the fire.

The structure sustained severe fire damage to the top floor, and water and smoke damage to the first floor and basement. It was declared unsafe for occupancy by the building department. Residents gathered up whatever belongings they could salvage, and reported to be staying temporarily with family and friends.

The fire is currently under investigation by members of the Belleville Fire Investigation Bureau and the Essex County Prosecutors Office Arson Task Force. The origin of the fire was determined to be on the second floor.

The cause of the fire is undermined at this time.

- SCOTT WENTWORTH

Four alarm fire in historic Hackettstown structure Shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, January 7th, the coolest day of the year so far, firefighters not only battled the fire in this historic house owned by Centenary College, but also battled the sub-zero temperatures and high winds.

This house, with balloon frame construction and a maze of rooms in the basement, helped the fire quickly spread with a little help from the wind. The interior of the structure was compromised and firefighters went to an exterior attack.

Water froze on contact with whatever it came in contact with, which made working around the structure hazardous.

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March, 2015

1sT Responder Newspaper - NJ

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Chaplain's Corner Didymus McHugh

JUSTIN DEREVYANIK

Truck fire in Carlstadt On Thursday, January 29th at 6:06 p.m., members of the Carlstadt Fire Department were dispatched to 447 Gotham Parkway for a truck fire. While companies were en route, police confirmed a well involved tractor attached to a trailer. First arriving Engine 703 placed two hand lines in service, quickly knocking down the fire. Engine 702 and Truck 1 assisted with overhaul. Companies remained on scene for about an hour.

No injuries were reported.

Emergency services, especially firefighting is a family business. We are a Brotherhood, which is used for both sexes.

Throughout history, the son would follow in the father's footsteps and work alongside the father. Just look around you. How many fathers and sons are on departments together? I know that in some towns you may have an entire company that is made up of fathers, sons, uncles and cousins. When I joined, my father was my lieutenant and we have three father and son teams just on our one fire company, and the sons all grew up together. The times that I remember the best were going into burning buildings with my dad as my partner.

When I was was serving with my dad, out of respect I would call the men mister and their last name. I was told by one of them, "if I was good enough to change your diapers, you call me uncle or you're not coming out of the next fire alive." No this was not a threat by affection of how close we become with one another and how we become so involved with our families and those in our department.

I cannot believe it, when I am up at the academy and I see a family name on someone's turn out coat and I know the father or grandfather, that I

The family business served with. Wow kids really grow up fast.

By having a family on the department, either a family by blood or a family by smoke, we learned so many lessons. We learned how to care for each other and protect one another. If someone has a challenge in a fire, we risk more to save a brother. We learned how to take care of anyone, who wears a maltese cross. We know to take care of the widows and orphans. We are there for our fellow man in their time of need.

We start scholarships to help families of departed brothers.

I needed to go to a conference and I checked with a brother from another department. A brother from another state said that he would be glad to put me up for two nights. This was arranged through a mutual friend, who knew I wore a maltese cross and helped me.

So many times you may see people walk passed someone who is hurt and injured, but we are the first people to offer help, no matter who the person is. I remember the story of how the Good Samaritan Law started, on the basis of the Samaritan helping someone who he did not know, but the group was his enemy.

The old question comes around "Am I to be my brother's keeper?"

Well, you are. Look at the business you are in.

A very good friend was a carpenter, and learned from his father. It is

so amazing how this man loved people. He made sure that the widows and orphans were taken care of. He helped people, who were infirmed and disabled. He and I got so close that his dad considers me to be one of his kids. I learned from them what truly taking care of people is all about. They even tought me about search and rescue. Unfortunately, the son died at an early age, before he turned 35.

What a place like the fire department! Think about the phone commercial, that shows how the world would run if it were run by firefighters. Just think how the world would be if we kept up the attitude of our brothers before us and truly take care of people.

I heard a deputy xhief from a major department, who was concerned about the people who served under him. He was so concerned about his people that he made sure that they were out of undo harm, even before the union called to inquire.

Yes, we are our brothers keeper and we are to serve our neighbor. Just remember, who is our neighbor? If we follow our property to the center of the Earth, where all the property would meet, if it was not magma, all the property would connect. You would see that every man is our neighbor.

Stay safe my Brother, or Sister and I will see you when we come together again.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

DAMIEN DANIS

Kearny Tower 2, a 2004 American LaFrance/LTI 93' mid-mount tower ladde,r operated at a third alarm in Harrison on January 11th.

JOHN W. CARR

Millville blaze destroys vacant dwelling KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Monroe Ladder 51-1 operating at a three alarm fire on Spring Valley Road in Old Bridge.

Millville, NJ. At 10:58 p.m., on January 12th, Millville firefighters were dispatched to a dwelling fire at north 3rd and D Streets. The Cumberland County 911 Center reported receiving multiple calls and upgraded the alarm to a working fire.

Engine 34, with Captain Doug Hallquist and crew, was first-in and found a two and a half story woodframe vacant dwelling with heavy fire showing from the first floor and heavy smoke throughout and blanketing the street.

E-34’s crew went defensive and led off with a one and three quarter inch line and a blitzfire to protect the

JUMP TO FILE #011315112

B exposure.

Crews tore plywood from the boarded up windows and doors and surrounded the structure with three additional hand-lines and placed a ladder pipe in service. Two-five inch lines supplied Engine 34 and onefive inch line supplied Ladder 35.

Chief Kurt Hess declared the fire under control at 1:47 with crews remaining on the scene until 3:14 a.m.

The structure is a total loss and will be demolished.

Thirty one firefighters responded with two engines, two ladders and a rescue and four support vehicles along with an ambulance and crew from the Millville Rescue Squad and personnel from the Cumberland County Fire Police.

The blaze appears to have originated in the area of the A/B corner of the first floor. The cause is currently under investigation by the Millville Police and Fire Departments and the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office.

No injuries were reported.

- JOHN CARR

RON JEFFERS

Ridgefield Park Engine 1's 2010 Seagrave 2000-gpm pumper operates its deck gun in the heat of battle and radiant heat during the Avalon at Edgewater multiple-alarm fire in January.

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Fords Engine 7-1 operating in the driving snow at a house fire on King Georges Rd. in Fords

JOHN W. CARR

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Stubborn basement fire damages Carteret home Carteret, NJ. Arcing wires and light-weight construction were some of the challenges Carteret firefighters were faced with on January 12, 2015 while battling a stubborn basement fire that caused significant damage to the home.

The Carteret Fire Department was dispatched around 7:20 p.m. to 24 Pennsylvania Ave. for the reported fire in the basement. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was showing from a two-story wood-frame dwelling. A water supply was established and a hand line was advanced through the front door to the basement, where fire was found in the ceiling of a finished basement.

The bulk of the fire was darkened quickly, but as crews started to pull the sheetrock, there was evidence of fire still traveling the horizontal void spaces and extending to the first floor. While operating in the basement, the interior crews noticed the floor beams starting to sag and were forced to evacuate the building due to a collapse hazard. Once all personnel were removed from the building, entry was made on the

JUMP TO FILE #011615119

Charlie side of the home where the floor beams were still intact.

A hole was cut in the floor of the kitchen and a Bresnan nozzle was placed in operation to attack the stubborn fire from the first floor. Additional hand lines were placed in service and directed through basement windows in an effort to hit hard to reach fire that was towards the center of the home.

A second evacuation of the building was ordered at one point when fire started to show through the floor, causing the floor to weaken further.

All visible fire was darkened throughout in approximately 90 minutes. Extensive overhaul was needed in several areas to ensure all hot spots were extinguished. Firefighters were able to enter the basement via stairs that were accessible through the attached garage, so that overhaul could be conducted in the basement. The floor beams suffered

the most damage on the Delta side of the home and was kept clear of by firefighters operating in the basement.

At one point, arcing occurred in the power lines that ran from the pole to the weather head, causing a concern to emergency personnel until PSE&G was able to cut power.

The fire was declared under control around 9:00 p.m., but crews remained on scene for a while continuing overhaul and wrapping up equipment.

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported at the scene.

Mutual aid fire departments from Avenel, Colonia, Hopelawn and Woodbridge responded to the scene to assist, while other neighboring fire departments covered the town during the incident.

The Carteret Fire Prevention Bureau and the Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire, but it does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

ERIC MURPHY

Far Hills-Bedminster handles third extrication of 2015 On Sunday, January 11, 2015 at 12:01 p.m., the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department handled it’s third extrication of 2015.

The dispatch was provided as a rollover accident with entrapment at the intersection of Lamington Road and Route 206.

Engine 29-101 arrived on scene first and confirmed a two vehicle motor vehicle accident with one vehicle on it’s roof. Chief Eric Murphy arrived, established command and confirmed one patient trapped in the overturned vehicle.

Assistant Chief Tom Lynch arrived on scene, and commanded the extrication operation.

Engine 29-101’s crew stabilized the vehicle and cut a portion of the

JUMP TO FILE #011215142

driver’s door to free the trapped occupant.

Once the occupant was freed, the fire department assisted the Far Hills Bedminster First Aid Squad with patient packaging so transport to the hospital could be completed.

The Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department responded with Engine 29-101, Command Vehicle 29 and Rescue 29. The Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad responded with Ambulances 29-BLS-52 and 29BLS-53.

- ERIC MURPHY

- KEITH ADDIE

Second alarm fire in Paterson

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Fire venting through the roof

Paterson firefighters battled a second alarm fire in frigid temperatures early Wednesday morning, January 14th. Around 6 a.m., the Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to the 800 block of Madison Ave for a reported structure fire.

Only a block from fire headquarters, Engine 1 arrived on scene to find a vacant two and a half story frame with smoke showing from the attic area.

A working fire was transmitted and crews entered the building and made their way to the attic area with an one and three quarter inch handline. Tower 1 vented the roof as heavy smoke started to

JUMP TO FILE #011815108

push from the vent hole.

Crews were pushed back to the second floor as fire began to vent though the roof. With fire venting, engine companies advanced lines into the attic to knock down the bulk of the fire.

A second alarm was transmitted for man power as companies began to make good progress.

The fire was knocked down within 30 minutes. No injuries were reported.

- CHRIS TOMPKINS

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Laugh your way to the bank with a stand-up comedy fund-raiser

WESTAMPTON TOWNSHIP EMERGENCY SERVICES

Who needs to laugh more than the Fire Companies ---the first responders who deal with dangerous circumstances each and every day?

There’s an innovative concept for fund-raising developed by Joey Novick, who is a stand-up comedian and the Fire Commissioner in his hometown: Stand-up comedy shows.

Fire companies can get much-needed laughs and profit financially as well.

Novick's company, ComedyWorks, provides all-star headline comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime, Last Comic Standing, and the Tonight Show.

Novick’s been producing comedy shows since 1977, and has experience producing shows with such comedians as Jerry Seinfeld, Rosie O’Donnell, Larry The Cable Guy, and Tim Allen.

"The comedians were very funny, and very professional," wrote Mark Bruhmuller, Fire Chief of the Churchtown Fire Company of New York. “Joey Novick did an excellent job. Everybody loves to laugh, and it's a great deal of fun."

ComedyWorks produces more than 300 shows a year, almost 150 of those for emergency service organizations. The money these shows can

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raise varies, depending on things like the number of tickets sold, how they're priced, the amount spent on promotion and whether food and drink are available.

"Mostly companies produce shows in their own facilities, which may hold 300–400 people," says Novick.

"We'll put together a show for them that will bring in comedians from major comedy clubs, with a headliner from HBO, Comedy Central, or the Tonight Show. The feature performer will be someone who's headlined the comedy circuit: Catch a Rising Star, the Improv, the Comedy Store. The host of the show will be a comedian who's very high-energy, like a gameshow host, to get the audience warmed up. A triple headliner show!”

The Somerset Fire Company of New Jersey produces two fundraisers a year through ComedyWorks.

"We've done about ten shows so far, and it's been great," says Mike Rein-

beck, who coordinates the shows for the 65-member volunteer department.

"A friend of mine who had used Joey told me, 'This guy books really good acts.' So, we did the first show, everything was great, and we've been doing shows with Joey ever since."

"I find their people to be very funny," agrees Adam Hubney, chief of the Atlantic Highlands Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey, which books comedians through ComedyWorks for its annual dinner.

"We have a professional comedy club in our county, and the quality is just as good."

Comedy Works provides a 30-page ‘How-To’ guide that assists organizations through the comedy show production and warns of mistakes to avoid. "We make sure they follow everything in the guide," says Novick. "If a company has never done this before, it gives you everything from you need to know. We make sure that things get done right.

Clients who follow the guide always do very well and tend to make money.”

For information on Comedy Works, call 1 (888) 782-4589, go to www.comedyworks.org or e-mail joeynovick@earthlink.net.

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Fourth alarm in Mount Holly Township Mount Holly Township, Burlington County, NJ. On January 1, 2015 at 3:00 a.m. a fire broke out in the Arrow Safety Device building in Mount Holly. Exposures and several vehicles caught fire during the blaze. Firefighters spent over twelve hours on the scene of the blaze. The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation by local officials.

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March, 2015

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March, 2015

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

South Amboy makes a stop

RON JEFFERS

A fire that appeared to heading to a major blaze was knocked before it got out of hand in South Amboy on January 6th. Firefighters were dispatched to the C Town Supermarket at 611 Bordentown Rd. at about 11:00 p.m. Smoke and flames were visible from the roof of the large one and two story structure. Second and third alarms were transmitted in short order as companies tried to reach the seat of the fire. At one point, the flames appeared to be advancing rapidly and all members were withdrawn from the roof and then the interior crews were withdrawn. This proved successful and the fire was able to be contained and then extinguished in about one hour before any major structural damage was done.

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

LITTLE BIG GUYS

VIDEO REVIEW

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

Video reviews by John Malecky

JOHN M. MALECKY

The Little Big Guy this month is National Park’s E-815. It is a 1983 GMC Sierra 3500/RSI (Rescue Systems Inc.) mini pumper. It has a 350 hp gas engine and four-wheel-drive. The pump is a Darley Model HM, 350 gpm with a forestry reel a ¾ inch reel, Akron deck gun and two rear 1 ¾-inch preconnects.

It has a foam eductor nozzle and 15 gallons of foam. The water tank is 300 gallons. It also has an inverter, two extendable floodlights and an electric cord reel. Other inventory includes a smoke ejector, chain saw, oil dry absorbent, hand tools, forcible entry tools, long handle brooms and shovels, hand extinguishers and a first aid kit,

JOHN M. MALECKY

Right/rear view of National Park's E-815.

Burn is a film by Tom Putnam and Brenna Sanchez, Produced by Denis Leary Available from: FSP Books & Videos 188 Central Street, #4 Hudson, MA 01749-1330 1-800-5228 5 2 8 E-mail:support@fire-police-ems.com www.fire-police-ems.com Price: $24.99 (DVD) This DVD is 86 minutes in length and is an award winning film about Detroit, Michigan, what it once was, a bustling city of factories, industrial and commercial occupancies and attractive homes with a population of nearly two million to what it is now...anything but!

The once beautiful city is now infested with run down vacant buildings of all types, vacant lots where homes once stood and boarded up homes next to them.

The major focus is on the fire department and how difficult it has been to keep up with the continuous production line of fires in this decaying city.

It is unusual to get a legitimate fire as the vast majority are arson. It may surprise some, but the firefighters still perform in a valiant and relentless fashion in spite of the workload.

To many it is still home and they reminisce about what it once was and long to see it rejuvenated again!

The film follows two firefighters in particular, one is about to retire after 30 plus years. He is a pump operator and lives on a street, where at least eight buildings are burned out or vacant.

The other is a firefighter who put 12 years on the job and was caught on a collapse of a brick wall at a multiple alarm fire. His injuries resulted in his being paralyzed from the waist down and his road to recovery is part of the movie.

Burn Then, there is a captain, who gets promoted to battalion chief and he explains the differences in his duties. For the rest of the fire department, money is not there and as a result, salaries are not being raised, apparatus and equipment are not being fixed or replaced and buildings are not being kept in shape.

After all of this, you may want to ask yourself what the leaders have to say. Well, we do eventually hear from a newly appointed fire commissioner, who has relocated from Los Angeles, California.

We hear about his good intentions and frustrations in what seems to be one step forward and two steps back in some cases as he tries to better the department.

Of course we need to address dumb things such as parking a $700,000 ladder truck on the railroad tracks and yes it gets struck by a train.

Another is trying to run an apparatus under a low underpass and tearing off the roof! This type of carelessness pushes the department into more of a deficit.

Another head scratcher is the issue of a new mini pumper that has a pump and water tank, but is only being used as a manpower transport because I understand there was a dispute between the fire department and the manufacturer over the certification of the pump, so an order was given that it not be used. That very order may have cost a young child her life as you will see.

I could go on and on about this movie, but it is something you have to see for yourself.

The story of the blight of this city is told in a very candid way. It ends with the last shift of the retiree and his final response in service to Detroit!

Proceeds from the sale of this DVD go to Denis Leary's foundation, which supports buying equipment for firefighters.

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DAMIEN DANIS

Mike Pressler (center) became the 2015 chief of department in Elmwood Park. Mike’s father and Uncle Ken are also ex-chiefs of the department.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 43

PAGE 44

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Firefighter safety, is everyone getting the message?

STAYING SAFE Chief Henry Campbell

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Fire and smoke visible inside the partially collapsed commercial building.

Intense blaze guts Old Bridge business Old Bridge, NJ. Firefighters battled the bitter cold and a threealarm fire on the morning of January 3, 2015 after a local tree-trimming business went up in flames, resulting in a collapse of the commercial building.

The South Old Bridge Fire Department responded at 5:42 a.m. to Better Tree Service located at 285 Spring Valley JUMP TO FILE# Road for the re- 010315105 ported structure fire, after a passerby noticed flames coming from the building.

Firefighters arrived on scene and encountered heavy fire conditions throughout a one-story steel-frame building with gas cylinders exploding inside.

Flames were showing from the front bay doors and shooting into the night sky creating a glow that could be seen from a distance.

A water supply was established and hand lines along with a deck gun and a ladder pipe from Monroe were placed into service to set up a defensive operation.

Firefighting efforts were hampered due to limited access to the building and a live wire down near the entrance of the property.

Once JCP&L arrived on scene and cut power to the building, an additional water supply was established and a second ladder pipe was placed into service from East Brunswick Independent Fire Company.

The bulk of the flames were darkened within an hour and placed under control around 7:30 a.m.

Firefighters remained on

EDDIE PFEIFER

scene for several hours trying to conduct overhaul operations, but were hindered by the structural stability of the building.

The roof suffered a complete collapse and the metal walls were bowed out posing a risk for crews operating.

Middlesex County Hazardous Materials unit was requested to the scene to examine the building due to the contents involved.

The building was a total loss, including classic cars that were being stored inside.

In addition, a vehicle on the

outside of the building was lost during the blaze.

There were no employees inside at the time of the fire. No injuries were reported at the scene.

Monroe and East Brunswick Fire Departments were summoned to the scene to assist, while additional surrounding fire departments covered the town during the incident.

The cause and origin of the fire is being investigated by Old Bridge Township fire officials.

- KEITH ADDIE

I have been writing this column on firefighter safety for quite a few years now and when I peruse the internet, fire journals, newspaper, and view local and national news I am overwhelmed with what occurs in the field relative to firefighter safety.

Regularly, I read of apparatus involved in accidents while responding to emergencies and apparatus rollover accidents where only the apparatus is involved, and half the firefighters involved in these incidents are not wearing seat belts; thereby, compounding their chance for injury or death.

Last year, 2014, there were 87 line of duty deaths and half of these reported deaths are still caused by stress and heart attacks, the leading killer of firefighters annually.

I wonder if the heart attack rate amongst fire service personnel is greater than for the civilian population, for sure the stresses are greater.

Over the past ten years, firefighter deaths have ranged somewhere between 85 and 105, one year up, the next down.

Maybe we have hit a stone wall, gone as far as we can go in reducing firefighter deaths, or is there still plenty we can do in the area of firefighter safety?

Is it possible that there are still plenty of firefighters and officers out there who are not getting the message?

Maybe not everyone is seriously listening, or at least putting into practice the information on firefighter safety that is disbursed on a regular basis from fire service organizations.

There are many firefighters, who diligently take the time to think before acting, to plan for the worse case scenario, and who do their best to stay out of harms way while performing their duties as aggressive firefighters.

Safety begins with proper attitude and requires strong individual discipline and accountability for ones personal safety.

So then, who is this column directed at?

It is directed at those of you who practice firefighter safety techniques and participate and comply with your department’s policies, SOP’s, and training programs.

Hopefully, this column acts as a constant reminder and refresher, and more importantly, a means of encouragement.

It is also directed at those

who apparently are not getting the Firefighter Safety message, or those who are not interested in what they see and hear, and lastly those who feel nothing will happen to them and just disregard the message, and in doing so, their own personal safety.

Maybe they view safety in a different light as safety can be more of a subjective topic than a clear cut objective topic to them.

It is time for all safety conscious firefighters to do more to encourage your fellow firefighters who may be a little lax in following safety recommendations, department policy and training procedures relative to creating and maintaining a safe working environment.

The unsafe actions, or inactions, of one member can have an influence on other members and the overall operations of the department, career or volunteer.

If it is only the non-safety conscious firefighter who is injured, the short or long term loss of said individual has an effect on other members as they will have to pick up the extra work load.

In doing so, you increase the risks and dangers you are exposed to while in the performance of your duties.

When a fellow firefighter drives in an unsafe manner, does something foolish, takes an unneeded risk, or performs and unsafe act speak up.

Let that firefighter know you are not happy with his/her unsafe and dangerous act and if they don’t begin to correct them you will refuse to work with him/her.

If that doesn’t bring about an improvement in their attitude, go to your company officer and report their actions.

I know, you will feel like your “ratting out” your friend and no one takes pleasure in wearing that label.

Remember the drinking advertisement slogan that goes, “Friends don’t let friends drink and drive!”

If you look at it from that perspective it doesn’t look so bad anymore, does it?

Seems maybe we need a similar slogan in the fire service, “Friends stop friends from performing unsafe acts!”

Or maybe Friends stop friends from acting careless, stupid, dangerous, or whatever modifier that fits the statement!

You can probably come up with something better.

Whatever you choose and it motivates the firefighter safety conscious members within your department to encourage the not so firefighter safety conscious members, it is a positive action.

To be continued.

Till next time, Stay Safe and God Bless!

Visit us at www.1rbn.com

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Page 45

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PAGE 46

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

MUTUAL AID Gordon Wren

Have you noticed how law enforcement has adopted and are increasing the use of dash cams and related devices?

They even have television shows, showing the dumb things that people do.

For whatever reasons, the fire service has been very slow to wrap their arms around this new technology.

In fact, a friend recently sent me an article where an Australian firefighter got in trouble with the bosses in his department for capturing eight minutes of "GoPro" helmet camera footage at a serious fire.

It sounds like he may have gotten in trouble for uploading the footage to YouTube, where thousands of viewers could observe first hand the dangers of firefighting.

I am aware of some departments, who purchase these miniature cameras and then use them afterwards for training and afteraction reviews.

Seeing actual footage of the fire certainly adds to the quality of a training session or an AAR. Recently, one of our young, aggressive interior firefighters/officers purchased one of these units at his own expense and turned it on as he and a team of firefighters entered a condominium complex that was well involved in a working fire.

It shows the firefighters' advancing up to the second floor, discovering heavy fire above them,

and then records a very loud bang that sounded like a pistol shot.

Afterward, when the smoke had cleared, they discovered that the firefighters in question had made it through a near miss.

The camera actually recorded a small explosion and a projectile, passing near the firefighters.

When they looked at the area, they discovered that the collapsible stairs to the attic did not have the usual springs, but had pressurized struts, similar to what you find installed on the hatchback door of a vehicle.

When it exploded, a metal rod a few inches long went across the hallway and through the sheetrock of the wall.

There are, of course, concerns about liability and sharing footage outside your own department.

In the case of our local firefighter, the footage was used as part of a discussion of emergencies for the month at our local Rockland County Fire Chiefs' Association Meeting.

One of our Deputy Fire Coordinators was part of the interior team and co-authored an article on this event for Fire Engineering Magazine, where the information was shared all over the world.

This new technology, which is really not that new, can be a tremendous aid if it is handled properly.

Hopefully, we will catch up with law enforcement in the years to come.

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Metal rod discovered after a recent near-miss during a structure fire.

Additional columns

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 47

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PAGE 48

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

WEST LONG BRANCH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Chief Victor Huhn Jr, (accompanied by his son Tyler Huhn), is sworn in by his father, Ex-Chief Victor Huhn Sr.

DAMIEN DANIS

Belleville second alarm on Floyd Street A fire broke out in a Floyd Street home in Belleville in the early evening hours of January 11th.

The fire began just before 6:30 p.m., which caused extensive damage to the attic on the second floor at 141 Floyd street. The fire was located on the top floor when units arrived.

Companies stretched lines to the second floor to attack the fire.

As conditions worsend, a second

JUMP TO FILE #011215139

alarm was transmitted.

Additional units from Montclair, Bloomfield, Nutley and North Arlington were called to the scene to assist.

Companies were withdrawn from the fire building as outside lines went into operation to knock down the fire.

Master streams from Belleville Truck 1's ladder pipe went into operation along with a deck gun from Engine 3 to hit the fire in the attic area.

Firefighters were hampered by weather conditions as low temperatures hit the area for the weekend.

The fire's origin appeared to be electrical; however, it was still under investigation.

- DAMIEN DANIS

West Long Branch welcomes new chief It is with great honor that the West Long Branch Borough Chemical and Truck Company #1 welcome Victor Huhn, Jr. in as their chief in 2015.

Victor Huhn Jr. carries on the family tradition as he is sworn in as the fourth generation of Huhn’s and the fifth generation in his family to become chief of the department.

Victor’s father Victor Huhn, Sr. (pictured) served as Chief in 1981, his grandfather Ralph Huhn Sr. served as Chief in 1957, his great grandfather Louis Huhn served as Chief in 1937 and his great-great grandfather William Poole served as Chief in 1919, but the tradition doesn’t stop there.

When tracing Victor’s ancestry back, you will find a total of 15 past fire chiefs in the West Long Branch Borough Chemical and

JUMP TO FILE #010715135

Truck Company #1 with available records only dating back to 1909 and several other family members who were firefighters and chiefs in the surrounding districts.

That makes Victor Huhn, Jr the 16th member of his family to have the honor of serving as fire chief of the department and his son Tyler Huhn (pictured), a junior member and mascot in the department now, is hoping to be the 17th.

Victor Huhn, Jr has also been a career firefighter with the Department of Defense for over fifteen years and is currently serving as a fire captain at the Earle Naval Weapon Station.

- MIKE NOWACKI

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

DAMIEN DANIS

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTIFIREPHOTOS.COM

Wallington Engine 202 was ice covered while operating on mutual aid in Rutherford on January 14th. The fire was fought in single digit temperatures.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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Page 49

PAGE 50

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

DAMIEN DANIS

Heavy fire on arrival for Fair Lawn firefighters The New Year did not start off the way Fair Lawn firefighters would have liked when just before 3 p.m., multiple calls were made for a reported fire in the area of 5th St. and Lambert Rd. A large black column of smoke could be seen over the west side of town as units re- JUMP TO FILE # sponded to the 010315101 scene.

As firefighters arrived on scene, heavy fire consumed the rear of 12-47 5th St, a two and a half story home.

Crews stretched lines and entered the home in an attempt to make an interior attack only to be pushed back by heavy fire conditions.

A second alarm was transmitted as conditions started to deteriorate and spread to the attic area.

One firefighter had to be helped from the first floor as crews were evacuating and exterior operations were put into place.

A tower ladder from Glen Rock was requested to the scene and set up on the delta side of the home.

As crews established additional water supplies, heavy fire vented though the roof and out windows on each side of the attic.

A tower and ladder pipe were put into operation along with multiple handlines to knock down the fire.

It took firefighters just over an hour to put the fire under control.

Some minor injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 51

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Another multiple in Paterson Paterson firefighters battled another multiple alarm fire on Sunday, January 25th, that sent smoke thoughout the streets of the east side of town.

Shortly before noon, the Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to the area of 10th Ave JUMP TO FILE# and East 24th St for 012915122 a reported house fire.

Battalion 3 arrived on scene to find smoke and fire showing from the first floor. A working fire was transmitted as units began to arrive on scene.

Multiple handlines were stretched to the rear of the building in attempt to knock down the fire.

An aggressive interior attack was attempted; however, all members were evacuated from the building and a second alarm was transmitted. Tower 1 was set up and put into operation along with multiple outside handlines and a deck gun.

Heavy smoke and fire vented though the roof as crews knocked down the heavy fire and engine companies could make another interior attack.

It took firefighters just over an hour to place the fire under control.

No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.

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PAGE 52

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

New ambulance and quint in Belleville In Essex County, the Belleville Fire Department has two new vehicles in service, which were delivered in the middle of last year.

Truck 1 is a 2014 E-ONE Cyclone II 100 foot rear mount quint. It has a Cummins ISX, 500 hp diesel engine, a Hale Qmax, single-stage 2,.000 gpm pump, UPF 500 gallon water tank and a 10 kw generator. They also placed in service a 2014 Freightliner M2/P.L. Custom Titan, medium duty ambulance as EMS-1. It was sold by New Jersey Emergency Vehicles.

We are also featuring a photo of one of the back-up ambulances in Belleville, which is a little unique. Actually there are two of them, both McCoy Miller Type 1’s. One is a 2003 and the other a 1999. The unique feature is a raised cab roof.

Many would think that there is a storage compartment in the raised roof void, but actually it is hollowed out for added headroom making it easier for the driver to access the patient compartment without the need to exit the vehicle.

New Jersey Emergency Vehicles delivered a P.L. Custom, Medallion, Type III ambulance to the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad in Morris County. They will deliver within this month a 20 foot rescue unit to the Paramus Rescue Squad, (Bergen County.)

The City of Newark (Essex County) has received an E-ONE Typhoon pumper with 1500 gpm pump and 780 gallon water tank.

Garden State Apparatus reports that they finalized their contract with the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company in Parsippany Township (Morris County) for a custom Sutphen pumper.

Manasquan in Monmouth County received a Toyne pumper. Specs include a Spartan Metro Star MFD chassis with seven seat cab, stainless steel body, Cummins ISL, 300 hp diesel engine, Hale 1500 gpm single-stage pump, 500 gallon water tank and an 8 kw hydraulic generator.

Campbell Supply Co., LLC reports two Spartan ERV orders. The first is for the Edison Division of Fire (Middlesex County) and will be a 1500 gpm pump, having a 500 gallon water tank mounted on a Freightliner M2, 12 chassis with four-door cab.

Also, Surf City in Ocean County ordered a Boomer pumper. Specs include a Spartan ERV Gladiator LLFD chassis with 10 inch raised roof cab, Waterous 2,000 gpm pump, 500 gallon water tank, 30 gallon foam tank and 28 foot Boomer waterway. It will be the second Boomer pumper in the state and has similar specs to the first one which is in Union Township (Union County.)

Some of these include a Cummins ISX 15, 500 hp diesel, seating for eight with Occupancy Rollover Protection, Safety Vision boom camera system, Akron 1000 gpm boom monitor, 1,000 pound lifting anchor and a Harrison 10 kw generator.

First Priority Emergency Vehicles’ Ambulance Division delivered a Renaissance Remount of a Road Rescue module onto a Ford E-450 chassis to the Union County EMS. They received an order for two RenPlease 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

John M. Malecky

Jacobstown T-4616, '12 Freightliner 114SD/'13 Sutphen 1250/3500.

It had been sold by Emergency Equipment Sales & Service.

John M. Malecky

Belleville EMS-1, 2014 Freightliner M2/P.L. Custom Titan medium duty ambulance. It was sold by NJ Emergency Vehicles.

John M. Malecky

Kingwood Township T-16-2, 2013 Freightliner M2,112/KME 1250/3300. It was sold by First Priority Emergency Vehicles.

John M. Malecky

Belleville T-1, 2014 -ONE Cyclone II 2000/500/100 foot with 10 kw generator.

John M. Malecky

John M. Malecky

City of Newark Mobile Lab, 2012 Freightliner M2/Pierce with 25 kw generator. It was sold by Fire & Safety Services.

Belleville X-EMS-2, 2003 Ford F-350/McCoy Miller with hollowed out cab roof for additional headroom to access the patient compartment from the driver's seat. aissance Remounts of two P.L. Custom modules onto Ford E-450 chassis for the Wall Township First Aid & Rescue Squad in Monmouth County.

The Apparatus Division received an order from Pennsville Fire & Rescue Co. (Salem County) for a KME “Wet Rescue.” It will have a Predator XLFD chassis with 22 inch raised roof cab, and seven Bostrom seats. Other specs include a KME T.O.P. roll-over protection system, four front/frontal air bag protection, Cummins ISL 9, 450 hp diesel engine, Allison 3000 EVS transmission, Class 1 Es-Key multi-plexed electrical system, Hale DSD 1500 gpm singlestage pump, heavy duty rescue body of 3/16 inch aluminum, recessed rear stair-

way with storage area, R.O.M. doors, Onan 25 kw pto/hydraulic generator, FRC Spectra scene lighting and a Will Burt vertical light tower.

Fire & Safety Services reports the following Pierce activity. A Velocity pumper was ordered by Freehold Township Fire District 1 (Monmouth County).

Two Saber pumpers were ordered by Ocean City and a Quantum pumper/tanker was ordered by Rio Grande in Middle Township (both Cape May County). A Velocity pumper was ordered by Union Township (Union County.)

The Borough of Sayreville (Middlesex County) received an International 7400, 4 x 4 wildland interface pumper.

John M. Malecky

Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps., A-296,2014 Chevrolet/Wheeled Coach. It was sold by Campbell Supply Co. LLC.

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Page 55

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PAGE 56

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

SHOTS FROM AROUND THe STATe To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City 3rd Battalion Chief Henry Diguilo, left, goes over operations with Deputy Chief Gregory Lallo after a two alarm fire was knocked down in a Kennedy Blvd. dwelling on January 20th.

RON JEFFERS

An ice covered Captain Robert Jaeger, of Jersey City Ladder Co. 9, checks on his ladder pipe operation during a Kearny fourth alarm in January.

CONNIE SPELLMAN

It was Old Timer's Day on January 31st during a four alarm fire in South Kearny. Jersey City Gong Club Life Members showed up and served ice covered firefighters, from seven towns, hot drinks. LR: Ron Jeffers (45-years), Frank Bohrman (51-years), Jim Carey (38-years) and chauffeur and club Deputy Chief Pat Spellman (33-years). The photo was taken by club chief, Connie Spellman, who becomes a Life Member this year.

CIRONE PHOTOS

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Jamie Taylor Asst. Chief Hackettstown Fire Dept and Tim Weiss with the Division of Fire Safety at a four alarm in Hackettstown on a bitter cold night.

Irvington Lieutenant Craig Spirko observes operations on the ground from a second floor window.

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Page 57

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PAGE 58

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

FACES OF NEW JERSEY’S EMERGENCY SERVICES To see your action shots in the newspaper upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City Captain Jay Boyle, left, of Engine Co. 7, with his crew before he retired in January after 30-years of service. L-R: Firefighters Steve Bryan, Danny Butler and Kevin Ebert.

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Secaucus Battalion Chief Frank Prezioso directs incoming units at a multiple alarm fire in Harrison on January 11th.

DAMIEN DANIS

Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department Chiefs Pat Hayes chief of department and Rob Kbobloch Assistant chief discuss operations

MICHAEL FLORES

RICHARD WOLFSON

Chief Geoff Barger, President Eric Batykefer, Engineer Roy Voss, Secretary Sarah Grant, Assistant Chief Chico Alicia, Lieutenant/Treasurer Chris Larsen at the Ocean Gate Fire Co installation

Mike Colon became the 2015 Chief of Department in the City of Garfield. Mike is a member of Engine Company 1.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Fire venting from the roof

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Sayreville motel ravaged by wind-driven flames Sayreville, NJ. Firefighters battled the weather and a fast moving fire on January 7, 2015 that ravaged a section of a long existing motel near Route 9, forcing occupants to flee their rooms into the frigid cold with just the clothes on their back.

JUMP TO FILE# The Sayreville 010815122 Fire Department was dispatched at 10:58 a.m. for a reported fire at the Circle Motor Lodge located at 1 Victory Plaza, after a police officer patrolling the area spotted heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. The fire was called in and the officer began banging on doors to evacuate the residents.

Firefighters arrived on scene and found two rooms of a onestory motel engulfed in flames and rapidly spreading into a third and fourth room. The fire was through the roof and travelling horizontally through the open wooden truss constructed roof.

A water supply was established in front of the building and several hand lines were deployed in an attempt to stop the fire spread, but the wind-driven flames quickly consumed the roof and additional rooms. Several rooms were involved in fire and finally stopped where a trench cut was made in the roof. Hand lines were stretched to the rooms below the cut where the flames were halted before travelling further through the rest of the building.

The bulk of the flames were extinguished within 90 minutes, but pockets of fire remained in various locations throughout the building. Hand lines and two elevated master streams continued to flow until all visible fire was extinguished.

The fire was battled for several hours and able to be brought

Fatal second alarm fire in Paterson Paterson firefighters were dispatched around 8:30 p.m. to 103 Gould Ave for a possible house fire.

Battalion 1 arrived on scene and reported he had smoke showing from the attic area of a two and a half story frame.

A working fire was transmitted and crews stretched lines to the top floor, where they were met with heavy fire conditions.

One victim was located and removed in serious condition during the primary search. Crews continued to knock down the fire as the ladder company vented the roof.

Heavy fire started to show from the bravo and delta sides and crews were ordered to back down to the second floor so exterior lines could

JUMP TO FILE #011915101

hit the fire. Two lines protected each exposure as well as knock down the bulk of the fire from the exterior as interior crews made their way back to the attic to knock down the remaining fire.

Once the main body of fire was knocked, a second victim was located in the attic area. The fire was knocked down within an hour. No additional injuries were reported.

The prosecutors office was called to the scene and the fire remains under investigation.

- CHRIS TOMPKINS

F. TERZINO SR.

under control around 2:15 p.m., but firefighters remained on scene for an extended period of time conducting extensive overhaul and wrapping up frozen equipment.

This was one of two fires handled by firefighters simultaneously in the borough. Approximately 15 minutes after the motel fire call was received, another fire was reported at 60 Dolan St. Mutual aid fire departments responded and found a small bedroom fire, which was quickly extinguished, while the motel continued to burn for several more hours. The second fire is believed to have started with an accidentally discarded cigarette.

There were approximately 20 people displaced, but all were evacuated safely with no injuries.

Some of the occupants residing at the motel were victims of Hurricane Sandy back in 2012 and now have lost everything twice in two years.

Arrangements are being made for some of the residents to stay at the nearby Knights Inn, which is

owned by the same company as the Circle Motor Lodge. Other residents are being assisted by the Middlesex County Department of Health & Human Services.

One firefighter from Woodbridge suffered a minor neck and back injury after a portion of the roof collapsed on him.

Mutual aid fire departments from Perth Amboy, New Brunswick, Hopelawn, Keasbey, Woodbridge and Fords were summoned to the scene to assist, while several other surrounding fire departments covered the borough and responded to additional calls. Several first aid squads were on scene to provide medical evaluations and rehabilitation for the firefighters that were exposed to the frigid temperatures.

The fire is being investigated by the Sayreville Fire Prevention Bureau, but it appears the cause of the fire was due to an overloaded extension cord and a power strip.

- KEITH ADDIE

ROMAN ISARYK JR

West Tuckerton on the job with a car fire Just after 12 p.m. on January 5th, a call came in to the police department of a car fire in front of a residence on Cederbrook Ln. LEHPD arrived to a working car fire in the street. Station 71 was dispatched and 7101 crews pulled a one and three quarter inch line, making quick work of the car fire. All units were clear of the scene within 30 minutes.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

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March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

MICHAEL FLORES

Larry Murray receives his plaque for his almost 40 years of dedicated service.

Ocean Gate holds installation Ocean Gate, NJ. On Sunday, January 18, 2015, the Ocean Gate Fire Company held its annual installation of officers and awards dinner. Elected to the Administration were President Eric Batykefer, Vice President John Serpica, Treasurer Chris Larsen, and Secretary Sarah Grant. The firematic officers are: for his 4th term-Chief Geoff Barger, Assistant Chief Chico Alicia, Lieutenant Chris Larsen.

Awards were presented to the outgoing Chief Larry Murray. He received his gold Past Chief badge and a decorated fire axe plaque for his almost 40 years of dedicated

JUMP TO FILE #011915121

service to the fire company.

The Fireman of the Year Award was given to Chico Alicia. Chico dedicates himself to the fire company, not only as a fireman, but as a mentor, teacher, and friend. He has spends many hours volunteering to help the company move forward.

Chico has worked his way through the line serving as Lieutenant, Captain, and now Assistant Chief.

- MICHAEL FLORES

BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Quick knock of electrical fire in Cliffside Park A fire that apparently started in the electrical panel of a home at 576 St. Paul Ave. in Cliffside Park was quickly controlled by firefighters shortly after dawn on New Year’s Day. One resident was treated for minor smoke inhalation, but all other occupants and pets escaped safely. Firefighters from Fairview and Ridgefield were called to the scene to assist, but were soon returned.

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

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March, 2015

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Vehicle News

FRANK TERZINO

RON JEFFERS

RON JEFFERS

The New Year starts out in the Sayreville Fire Depart- Jersey City Engine Co. 7 has been assigned a 2014 Jersey City O.E.M. and Homeland Security has placed into ment with the new addition of Engine 4 at Melrose Pierce Saber 1500-gpm/500-gwt pumper sold by Fire & service a 2014 Ford F550-4WD/Stahl/Cliffside Body logisHouse-Station 3, a 2014 Pierce International pumper Safety Services. tics support unit to assist in public safety operations.

JOHN RIETH

JOHN RIETH

RON JEFFERS

New Jersey Forest Fire Service has a new engine, B2. It New Jersey Forest Fire Service has a new engine, B10. Ridgefield Park Engine Co. 4 placed into service a 2014 is a 2012 Dodge 3500s 4x4 with Knaphide bodies 250 It is a 2012 Dodge 3500s 4x4 with Knaphide bodies 250 Sutphen 2250-gpm/750-gwt pumper with an eight-man gpm pump and 250 gallon tanks. gpm pump and 250 gallon tanks. cab and back step possessing large diameter appliances. It was sold by Tim Moots.

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Call us for your small equipment needs.

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1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

PAge 65

PATCHES If you have photos you would like to see in our Patches feature please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

JOHN W. CARR

Port Elizabeth battles dwelling fire Port Elizabeth, NJ. On January 11th, at about 1:45 p.m., Port Elizabeth firefighters were dispatched to a dwelling fire, on Quaker Street, that left a family of four homeless in this small, rural Cumberland County community.

Upon arrival, JUMP TO FILE# firefighters found 011215143 heavy fire and smoke issuing from an old, two story, wood-frame dwelling.

Chief Brandon Nelson called for a second alarm.

Firefighters and apparatus from Leesburg, Heislerville, Port Norris, Millville, Vineland, Cumberland and Mauricetown assisted Port Elizabeth with tenders and ladder trucks. The Millville Rescue Squad also responded to the scene.

Firefighters opened walls, ceilings and the roof, of this balloon construction house, to get to the flames.

The Red Cross responded to the scene and provided assistance to the family.

The Salvation Army Canteen was on hand to provide refreshments to the firefighters.

The cause of the fire, which originated in the basement and caused major damage, is under investigation by the Maurice River Twp. fire official.

- JOHN CARR

JAY DAVENPORT

Mizpah Fire Department 18-2

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March, 2015

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 Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

RON JEFFERS

At the end of the rainbow is Kearny Engine 3's 1990 E-One 1500gpm pumper.

KEITH ADDIE - NJFIREGROUNDPHOTOS.COM

Avenel Fire Department 2015 line and executive board ofďŹ cers.

Avenel Fire Department swears in 2015 officers

RON JEFFERS

The deck gun is in operation on Kearny Engine 4's Sutphen topmount pumper during a four alarm fire on January 31st.

Avenel, NJ. The Avenel Fire Department held a ceremony on January 3, 2015 at their firehouse to swear in the 2015 line and executive board officers.

2014 Chief Dan Mizak was presented with his ex-chief's plaque, while 2015 Chief Frank D.

JUMP TO FILE #010315107

Boyle addressed his new line officers and wished them the best for the upcoming year.

2014 President Chris Neroda

addressed his new executive board and will be serving as president again in 2015.

All officers were sworn in by Board of Fire Commissioners President Dean Manente.

- KEITH ADDIE

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

PAgE 67

CIRONE PHOTOS

CHRIS TOMPKINS WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM

Tricky ramp in Roxbury

Vacant house fire in Paterson As the snow began to fall, Paterson firefighters were called to the corner of Auburn and Fair Streets for a reported structure fire in a large three story vacant home.

Multiples calls were received reporting the fire as command reported a working fire at 84 Auburn St, the scene of a previous fire back in March.

Heavy fire was showing from the second floor and already ex-

JUMP TO FILE #010415100

tending into the attic area. Firefighters attempted an interior attack, however due to the stability of the structure and fire conditions, the evacuation of the building was ordered and defensive operations set up.

Two elevated master streams

and numerous handlines doused the house knocking down the fire within 30 minutes.

Firefighters then shut down exterior lines and made an interior attack to hit remaining hot spots and check for any further extension.

No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.

Exit 27A off Route 80 is the scene of many rollovers and today, January 21st, was no exception. The driver of this rig received minor hand injuries and was transported to the hospital. The truck was full, carrying an unknown cargo. Firefighters contained motor oil leaking from the engine.

- CHRIS TOMPKINS

Seagrave has been building quality custom hand built apparatus since 1881 AND STILL GOING STRONG! Seagrave is stable, strong and ready to build your next custom apparatus.

Warranty Coverage Expanded on Custom Apparatus Seagrave is extending/expanding warranty coverage on custom fire apparatus as a testament to the safety, durability and longevity of Seagrave-manufactured custom fire apparatus: • LIMITED LIABILITY PARTS AND LABOR has been extended to TWO years.

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To schedule an orientation on the Seagrave product or an overview of Seagrave, contact:

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SALES, LLC. 4 Youngs Road • Trenton, NJ 08619

PHONE: 877-337-8885 • SALES@EESSLLC.COM NEW JERSEY STATE CONTRACT

WWW.EESSLLC.COM

HGAC

PAGe 68

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

New Jersey

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

PL Custom announces promotion of Deborah Smock Thomson to President of corporation Jean S. Smock, CEO and Owner of P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Deborah Smock Thomson to President of the corporation, effective January 1, 2015.

Thomson joined the company in 1978 and learned the business by moving up through the ranks under the guidance of her father and industry icon, the late Martin V. “Bud” Smock.

Thomson’s promotion to President reinforces the long-range commitment the Smock family has to the ownership and future leadership of the company.

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As President, Thomson’s energy and passion for the customer and the PL product will move the company forward and ensure that it remains committed to Bud Smock’s vision.

Thomson has unrivaled experience and product knowledge within the PL Custom company and in the emergency vehicle industry.

Jean S. Smock will continue her active roll in the company as CEO. P.L. Custom Body and Equipment Co., Inc. has been in business

since 1946, and owned by the Smock family since 1970.

The company employs 200 people at their Manasquan, NJ plant and sells through a network of 14 independent dealers covering 27 states and the District of Columbia.

PL Custom Emergency Vehicle and Rescue 1 are the manufacturing divisions of the corporation and are proud to maintain a strong reputation as a customer focused designer and manufacturer of high quality custom ambulances and rescue vehicles.

- Pl CUSTOM

Additional Vendor Spotlights can be found at www.1rbn.com

MONOC awarded 911 FF1 Professional Safety Services EMS contract for the now offering apparatus service Township of Irvington

Sparta, NJ. On January 9, 2015, FF1 Professional Safety Services announced the expansion into Apparatus Service.

“The new Sparta headquarters was purchased with apparatus service in mind,” said Jonathon Van Norman, Owner and President at FF1 Professional Safety Services “our customers have been asking for it and we are excited to start off the year with this new service!”

“We have a dedicated team of EVT certified individuals that have already worked on some smaller projects”, said Jason Van Norman, Vice President and Service Division Supervisor, “we get a few calls everyday inquiring about apparatus service so this was an easy decision to make.”

FF1 is the authorized Ferrara Dealer for the State of New Jersey, but their apparatus service will cater to all makes and models of trucks.

To make it easier on the cus-

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tomer, FF1 will offer pick up and drop off service and can handle smaller preventative maintenance projects to large scale upgrades and repairs.

To get more information or request a quote, visit www.FF1.com/services/apparatusservice/.

About FF1 Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2015, FF1 Professional Safety Services is a premier provider for Fire, EMS & Police supplies across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The company offers a wide range of products and services including MSA, Fire-Dex, Mustang Survival, Zodiac Milpro, 5.11 Tactical, All American Hose, Bauer Compres-

sors and MUCH MORE! FF1 also offers a fully staffed Service Division certified to handle gas meter calibrations, flow testing, small engine repairs, hydrostatic testing and the list goes on!

We also have a Training Division filled with dozens of experienced firefighters and certified instructors.

Founded by an experienced firefighter and chief, we serve the First Responder community with unprecedented levels of experience and efficiency.

At FF1 Professional Safety Services, you’ll also discover knowledgeable service from a sales team of former firefighters, police and EMS professionals.

We have stood in your boots, we know what you need.

- FF1 PrOFeSSIONAl SAFeTy ServICeS

Wall, NJ. January 5, 2015.

MONOC is proud to announce that it has just been awarded a one year contract to provide 911 EMS services to the Township of Irvington.

The contract will run from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. At a recent meeting, the town council voted unanimously to award MONOC the contract.

MONOC has provided EMS services to Irvington since 2004 and receives almost 10,000 requests for EMS service per year. Jeff Behm, MONOC’s Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President said, “We appreciate the continued confidence that the Township of Irvington places in MONOC.” MONOC Mobile Health Services is a non-profit hospital cooperative consisting of 15 acute care hospitals located throughout New Jersey.

Formed in 1978 MONOC’s mission is to improve healthcare and reduce costs. MONOC employs over 730

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employees and operates a fleet of over 100 ambulances. Together this shared services consortium acts as a healthcare cooperative for these acute care hospitals and over 2.8 million residents that they serve living in more than 1,800 square miles of the Garden State.

Among its numerous service lines, MONOC operates MICU Paramedic Services, Helicopter interfacility and 911 services, Mobile Critical Care Services and Basic Life Support interfacility and 911 services. Additionally, MONOC operates the State’s largest EMS education department and a 24/7 state of the art 9-1-1 dispatch center which handled over 156,000 requests for service in 2013.

Are you a current advertiser? Submitting photos and press releases is EASY! Register at www.1rbn.com to begin posting directly. Prefer emails?

Email your press release and photos directly to heather@1strespondernews.com

- SCOTT MATIN

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

March, 2015

Page 69

PAGE 70

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Kearny fire blacks out Pulaski Skyway

RON JEFFERS

Jersey City firefighters advance a hand line in the west end of the complex as Engine 4's deck gun attacks the heavy volume of fire.

Kearny, NJ. A huge column of smoke visible for miles covered and blocked out the Pulaski Skyway from view, which connects Newark, Kearny and Jersey City, causing traffic to be temporarily halted, on the afternoon of January 31st.

Around 2 p.m. the Kearny police communications received a call of tires on fire at 23 Second St., in the South Kearny industrial section of town. When Engine Co. 4 arrived, they found a fire that involved a onestory, peaked roof trucking repair business.

Deputy Chief Robert Osborn later told reporters that the structure contained trucks, auto parts, tires, welding compressors and other materials. Second and third alarms were transmitted bringing in mutual aid fire companies to the fire .

A thick column of black smoke quickly rose above the building and blocked out the skyway directly above. Explosions could also be heard from fuel tanks inside the structure.

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Employees evacuated the building while firefighters set up a defensive operation, as the fire consumed two areas of truck bays with what appeared to be office space in between.

Large diameter hose lines were stretched to fire hydrants for water to supply Tower 2, and ladder pipes from Jersey City Ladder 9 and East Newark Ladder 2. Engine 4 used their deck gun in front of the building, and Engine 3's deck gun was in operation on the east side of the fire.

As thick smoke continued to rise, a fourth alarm was struck for additional resources.

Mutual aid companies that operated, besides the ones already mentioned, included Harrison Engine 3; Jersey City Engine's 15, 31, M.C.R.U., and the 4th Battalion; Bayonne Engine 6 and Ladder 3; North Hudson Engine's 1 and 9, Ladder 4, Safety 1 and the 1st Battalion;

Hoboken Engine 2 and North Arlington Rescue 5.

Hand lines and master streams pounded the structure as a partial roof collapse occurred. As the sun started to set, progress was being made on the fire.

One firefighter suffered a minor injury when a door fell on his shoulder, according to Fire Chief Steve Dyl. He was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center for treatment. Despite the cold and slippery conditions, that was the only injury during the height of the blaze.

The Gong Club canteen provided warm refreshments to ice covered firefighters during the ordeal.

The building is slated for demolition.

Several trucks inside the structure were also destroyed.

A representative from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety was on the scene to assist with the investigation into the cause of the multiplealarm blaze.

- RON JEFFERS

THEN AND NOW If you have photos you would like to see in our “Then and Now” feature, please upload them on our website, www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com.

AppArAtus For sAle CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR USED VEHICLES ONLINE! VISIT WWW.1RBN.COM

RON JEFFERS

Former Toms River Ocean Beach Co. 3's 1992 HME/Grumman 1500-gpm pumper pulls in to the North Hudson shops, on September 29th, to have its lettering removed and modifications made before it got its new assignment as North Hudson Reserve Engine 14.

RON JEFFERS

North Hudson Engine 14, acting as Engine 3, hooked up to a hydrant at New York Avenue & Second St., Union City, during a 4-alarm on January 10th. The short-wheelbase rig has proven to be very effective responding through the congested streets.

AND CLICK ON “VEHICLES”

For Sale First Priority Renaissance Wheeled Coach Type 1 Ambulance on a 2014 Chevrolet K3500 4x4 Diesel Chassis. This unit was completely refurbished. Some upgrades include new FPEV RCT Electrical System, hoseline 12v Heater/AC Unit, new LonPlate Mica Grey Floor, Interior LED Lighting. $115,000 For additional information or photos, email vsales@emergencyvehiclecenter.com or call 800-247-7725.

1996 Seagrave 100 foot Rear Mount Fire Apparatus.

Sale is subject to a mandatory referendum. Accepting sealed bids until 4:00 p.m. on October 20, 2014. The minimum accepted bid for the vehicle is Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($85,000.00). For more specific information, contact the District Secretary, Joyce L. Nolan at (516) 481-8411 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday ONLY.

1995 Ford E350-Horton Ambulance 37000 miles, 7.3 turbo diesel Automatic Transmission, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Power Windows, Power Locks, Rear view camera, Air conditioning, front and rear Ready for immediate use.

Ready for immediate sale, Asking $11,000.00 Call Vincent Sorrentino, District Mechanic 516-931-3546, extension 211

March, 2015

1St Responder Newspaper - NJ

Page 71

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PAGE 72

March, 2015

1st Responder Newspaper - NJ

Pierce Saber Encore Rescue • 69” Chassis with 12” Raised Roof (Seats 7) • Cummins ISL9 400 hp Diesel Engine • Allison EVS3000 P Automatic Transmission • Onan 25kW Generator • Darley HH-250 Hydraulic Driven Pump • 200 Gallon Poly Tank • Job #27801

Congratulations Borough of Point Pleasant Beach

• Delivered in December 2014 • Sold by, John O’Keefe

Pierce Velocity PUC Pumper • 84” Chassis with 10” Raised Roof (Seats 7) • Detroit Diesel DD13 500 hp Engine • Pierce 1500 GPM Single Stage Pump • Allison EVS4000 P Automatic Transmission • Husky 12 Single Agent Foam System • 700 Gallon Poly Tank • Job #27641 • Delivered in November 2014 • Sold by, John O’Keefe

phone: 800-400-8017

Congratulations Tinton Falls Fire District #2

FIRE & SAFETY SERVICES South Plainfield, NJ

web: www.f-ss.com