PAGE 16
October, 2015
1ST Responder Newspaper - NJ
ROMAN ISARYK
Muster organizer Steve Jason with his collection of model firefighting apparatus on display during the show. RON JEFFERS
Real and model apparatus muster as success Mine Hill, NJ. Swarms of model fire and emergency vehicles, plus the real thing, assembled at the Route 46 firehouse on the morning of August 29th for a successful gathering. Public safety model builders and collectors filled a meeting room with miniature vehicles, as the real ones assembled in a field outside. The event was run by the Revolutionary Fraternal Order of Leather Heads of Northern New Jersey, with an accent on miniature apparatus. Mother Nature was kind to organizers with a sunny day and low humidity in between the Dog Days of August. Apparatus enthusiasts had the opportunity to photograph firefighting apparatus, both antique and modern, separately and in groups of favorites, that kept the Mack buffs happy. Tables in the meeting room were filled with models of old and new firefighting apparatus, EMS and police vehicles. It reminded old timers of the many model apparatus meetings that were held back in the 1980's and 90's after a model club called the Fire Apparatus Models Builders Association (FAMBA) was organized in an Exempt firehouse in Union City, and spread across the country. In those days, toy manufactures did not welcome producing miniature fire trucks, but times have sure changed since then. With modern technology, your personal fire truck can be made through 3-D print designers. Those versions of model apparatus were also on display. Long-time model builder Tim McCue traveled up from Virginia to fill tables with his creations. McCue authors the “In Scale” column in Fire Apparatus Journal, and is a former New Jersey resident and fire officer. Event organizer, Millburn
JUMP TO FILE #090115103 Firefighter Steve Jason, had several tables filled with his collection of beautifully accurate fire apparatus models. In addition to the model show and apparatus on the grounds, vendors were on hand offering fire apparatus themed publications, tee shirts and models. Artist Ed May was also on hand with numerous photos of his art work on fire apparatus that he has done over the years. A food vendor was also present for refreshments. Thanks to members of the New Jersey Fire Museum, Mine Hill's former 1974 PemFab/Pierce pumper, all shined up, was in attendance. Earlier in the month, this rig was transported back to New Jersey from its storage location in Circleville, N.Y., and re-located to a storage facility in Monmouth County, as progress moves on for the state museum.
At the conclusion of the day, awards were given out to to fire departments or private apparatus owners in various categories. This included: Best Modern Apparatus to Randolph Co. 2, Antique Engine to Chester, Antique Brush to Hopatcong, Special Service Unit to Chester Ambulance, Oldest in Show to Dover 1885 steamer, Judges Choice to Richard Braint's 1924 Ford “TT” hose wagon, and Best in Show to Dover's American LaFrance pumper. Organizers and participants seemed to be very satisfied with the event and have plans for an even better time next year. Organizers, including Steve Jason, Rich Mackey and their committee, plus Mine Hill Chief of Department Phil Wick and the officers and members of the MHFD deserve a lot of credit for their hard work. In addition, their appreciation was extended to the many fire departments and owners of privately owned apparatus that showed up to display their pride and joy rigs.
Vehicle in the woods with entrapment Just after 300 p.m. on August 9th, West Tuckerton and Parkertown Fire Departments were dispatched to the Garden State Parkway for a motor vehicle collision with entrapment at milemarker 60.0 northbound. Units arrived on scene and had one person still in the vehicle. NJSP shutdown the parkway, so a medevac, MONOC 1, could land. The patient was removed from the vehicle in about 20 minutes and was transported to a nearby trauma center. The cause of the accident is under investigation by NJSP.
ANTIQUE APPARATUS If you have photos you would like to see in our features, please upload them on our website www.1stResponderNews.com or email them to Heather@1stResponderNews.com
- RON JEFFERS
BILL TOMPKINS, WWW.BTFIREPHOTOS.COM
RON JEFFERS
Photographers lined up apparatus for photos in a field next to the firehouse
The pride of the Maywood Fire Department, Their immaculate 1938 Ahrens Fox pumper (Formally Hackensack Engine 4) makes its annual appearance in the Maywood 4th of July Parade driven by Maywood Firefighter Roy DeYoung.