Fire News New Jersey, January 2024

NEW JERSEY Volume 18, No. 8

January 2024

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff of Fire News

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 3

In this issue...

Fatality at Wyckoff Fire The lone victim was in cardiac arrest when pulled from the house.

See story on page 4

Person Trapped in Paterson Fire Quick work by Paterson crews saves one victim See story on page 10

3-Alarm Fire in Voorhees Firefighters from throughout Camden County answer fire in a multi-dwelling.

See story on page 14

City of Cape May Opens New House Station 51 – a $5 million project – has its grand opening See story on page 19

Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus

FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder.

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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions

Asbury Park Breaks Ground for HQ The old HQ will give way to a state-of-the-art firehouse.

See story on page 23

Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:

Official Publication

Obituaries Farmington’s Tyrell Edwards Closter’s Frank Benz, Jr. Farmington’s James Denney See stories on pages 24 to 26

PLUS: Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26

of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, January 2024

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Fatality at Wyckoff House Fire

Where There’s Smoke …

There’s Burning Trash

On November 5, 2023, the Wyckoff Fire Department was dispatched to Meer Avenue for a house fire. On arrival companies encountered heavy fire in the rear of the two-story frame dwelling with entrapment. A second alarm was requested. The lone female occupant was quickly located and removed from the building in cardiac arrest and was transported to the hospital. As conditions deteriorated, command transmitted a third alarm and briefly pulled all members out of the building. After a quick transitional attack crews re-entered the building and quickly knocked down the main body of fire. The fire was placed under control in just over an hour, sadly the occupant passed away at the hospital due to her injuries. The fire is under investigation by the Bergen County Arson Squad, Wyckoff Fire Prevention and Police Dept.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Trenton firefighters, trying to locate the source of a smoky haze in the area, discovered a fire in a Trenton Public Works Department building on November 1, 2023. The crew discovered the smoke was coming from a large warehouse on the grounds of the city’s Streets Division facility. The all-hands signal was transmitted and Engines 10, 1, 6 and 7, Ladders 4 and 1, and Special Services 1 were dispatched to assist. Firefighters forced entry to the building, and found the smoke was coming from a burning garbage truck. With aid of a public works employee, firefighters moved the truck outside to an empty area of the property. Damage to the truck made it impossible to open the hopper. The firefighters had to cut their way into the hopper to fully extinguish the burning trash.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Hope Everyone Enjoys the Holidays and has a Happy New Year from the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association As we look forward to the new year, it means there is another NJEPA Conference to register for. It is very exciting that this year, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of the organization.

Visit our website at www.njepa.org to register and view training and breakout opportunities along with the many special events to commemorate this significant milestone.

Please share our website with your colleagues and encourage them to submit nominations for the Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year Award. For those up-and-coming future emergency response and support personnel, we have several scholarships available. These are for students pursuing studies in the fields of emergency response, first responders, public health, etc. They may review qualifications and submit their applications on our website.www.njepa.org/awards.

If you would like to be a sponsor or exhibitor at this year’s conference, please visit our website to view your available options at www.njepa.org/sponsors.

Register early for the Special Anniversary events as space is limited. Registration opens January 1, 2024.

1 Person Dead in Bogota House Fire

On the morning of November 18, 2023, the Bogota Fire Department was dispatched to River Road for a reported house fire. Upon arrival, they were advised of a person still trapped in the home. The crews entered the building the victim was quickly located under heavy fire conditions and removed and CPR was initiated. A second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene from Hackensack, Ridgefield Park and Teaneck. A third alarm was requested, which brought an engine from Englewood to the scene for additional aid. The fire was placed under control at 0800 but sadly the victim passed away at the hospital and one other occupant was transported with minor injuries. The fire was under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, Bogota Police and the Bogota Fire Prevention Bureau. Our condolences to the victim’s family.

- Fire News photo by Pete Danzo

Page 6, Fire News, January 2024

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Cover Story

Paterson 2-Alarm Vacant House Fire

Paterson firefighters had a busy evening on October 23, 2023. The 1st Battalion responded to a second alarm fire in a commercial building on Getty Avenue. After returning to their quarters, they received a mutual aid call to Prospect Park, just down the street from the firehouse. BC-2 arrived moments later and reported heavy fire on the second floor of a vacant 2-1/2 story frame building. A second alarm was quickly requested as companies forced their way into the boarded-up home to conduct searches and attack the fire. As conditions deteriorated, all companies were evacuated and went into a defensive mode. The fire was placed under control in under two hours with no injuries reported.

- Fire News photos by Pete Danzo

House Fire in Ventnor

The City of Ventnor Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to the 100 block of Troy Avenue for a working structure fire on November 8, 2023. Firefighters arrived to find a fire in the rear of the building.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by William McFarland

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Resorts Casino Facade Fire Quickly Extinguished The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to Pennsylvania Avenue and the Boardwalk on November 15, 2023, for a report of a structure fire and smoke coming from underneath the boardwalk.

The chief radioed there was smoke and flames impinged on the front of the Resort Casino façade and requested additional engines for the evacuation of the casino.

Firefighters used a boardwalk hydrant for water supply with two handlines with additional handlines being stretched from engines on North Carolina Avenue. A quick stop by firefighters kept flames from entering the casino with extensive overhaul needed to extinguish all of the fire.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 8, Fire News, January 2024

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Blaze at Ewing Waste Facility

Firefighters in Ewing Township, Mercer County, were called out to extinguish a blaze in a waste transfer facility on October 2, 2023.

Ewing Station 30, Prospect Heights Station 31 and West Trenton Station 33 were dispatched to Stokes Avenue at 1835 for what was reported to be a dwelling fire. Firefighters arrived to find a large trash pile ablaze inside the Interstate Waste Services building. Lines were placed in service, and a front-end loader was used to break apart the trash pile. Trenton Fire Department’s Ladder 4 also responded and stood by as the RIT until after the blaze was declared under control.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

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Page 10, Fire News, January 2024

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House Fire with Person Trapped on 1st Floor

Paterson’s 2nd Battalion was dispatched to Van Houten Street for a house fire. Dispatch advised they were receiving numerous calls with a possible entrapment. On arrival, heavy smoke was visible from the rear of a vacant 2-1/2 story building. The chief confirmed a victim was trapped on the first floor. A second alarm was quickly transmitted, as crews forced entry into the building and worked on removing the victim who was quickly rescued and transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Command reported the fire knocked down in about 20 minutes with extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Pete Danzo

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Page 12, Fire News, January 2024

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3-Story House Fire in North Hudson

At just after 1000 on October 24, 2023, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue dispatchers started receiving multiple calls reporting a building fire on 91st Street and Columbia Avenue. Units responding saw a large column of smoke in the area. They arrived to a three-story dwelling which was well involved and had exposure problems. A second alarm was requested. The home was located on a narrow dead-end street which made apparatus placement difficult. Due to heavy fire, command requested all to evacuate and go defensive. Once the main body of fire was knocked down, the crew reentered the building to hit hot spots and start overhaul. No injuries were reported. The fire was placed under control in about two hours by Deputy Chief Platts.

- Fire News photos by Pete Danzo

Motorhome Fire Spreads to Home

Saturday, November 18, 2023, calls came into the Sussex County dispatch center for a house fire on Brookwood Drive in Byram Township. The first arriving chief reported a heavy fire condition around the garage area with a motor home well involved. Byram Engine 1 arrived and stretched lines onto the fire. As a precaution, the Tender Task Force was called as a backup water supply. The fire went to a second alarm. The fire was under brought under control within two hours. One person was taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation and a head laceration. The fire was being investigated by the Sussex County Fire Marshal and the Byram Twp. Police.

-Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney

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SUV Up in Flames The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded to a call on the Atlantic City Expressway at milepost 10.5 on November 15, 2023, at 1746, for a report of a vehicle fire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge, and Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe, arrived to a well involved SUV. Upon the arrival of the engines two attack lines were pulled by the crews knocking down the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

3 Alarm Multi-Dwelling Fire in Voorhees Firefighters from throughout Camden County responded to 1600 Building on Roberts Way on November 16, 2023, for a report of a multi-dwelling structure fire in Voorhees. The fire went to three alarms before being brought under control.

- Fire News photo by Billy Barkoff

Page 16, Fire News, January 2024

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Ewing Crews Respond to Rollover and Snapped Utility Pole Fire and EMS personnel in Ewing Township, were mobilized after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole and flipped over on November 19, 2023. The accident occurred on Grand Avenue about 1235. Ewing EMS and Fire, West Trenton, and Prospect Heights, arrived to find the vehicle resting on its roof and the adjacent utility pole snapped at its base and severed portion of the pole dangling from overhead wires. The driver, had crawled from the wreckage prior to the arrival of emergency crews, and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Firefighters stood by while a towing contractor removed the wreckage and utility personnel secured the damaged pole.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Multi-Alarmer at Egg Harbor Storage Facility

Somerdale Decorating Engine for the Holidays

On October 19, 2023, Egg Harbor Township fire departments responded to a fire at a storage facility. On arrival, Car 15-10 established command and confirmed a working fire in multiple storage units. A second alarm was called. Due to the complexity of the storage unit layout and how many units were engulfed, the command upgraded the fire to a general alarm. Multiple mutual aid units responded to the scene to assist with manpower, and others were placed for cover ups for the township. The incident was placed under control after approximately three hours. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

Getting ready for Christmas are members of the Somerdale Fire Department decorating their engine - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 17

Farmington ‘Trunk or Treat’ Hosted by Scullville

Apartment Fire Contained

Farmington firefighters Brandon Parker and Dana Swartz participated in the Scullville Fire Company ‘Trunk or Treat’ on October 22, 2023.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Brandon Parker

The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to on James Place on the morning of November 3, 2023, for the report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the fourth floor of an apartment building. The fire was contained to one room on the fourth floor by one engine, a ladder and rescue. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 18, Fire News, January 2024

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Pleasant Plains Called to a Vehicle Fire On October 8, 2023, the Pleasant Plains Station 30 responded to a vehicle fire in a parking lot on Route 571. Engine 3051 arrived to the vehicle engine compartment on fire. The fire was quickly knocked down.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Rollover Vehicle on Deliliah Road

The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company responded to Delilah Road for an MVA. Firefighters arrived to find an overturned vehicle with no entrapment. Firefighters put down absorbents and stood by until the vehicle was removed. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 19

City of Cape May Open House at New Fire Station Cape May firefighters, elected officials, and residents gathered for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Fire Station 51 at sunset on November 29, 2023. The new $5 million facility replaced a pole barn structure that shook in high winds and had inadequate sleeping facilities and ventilation. The building may be the finest firehouse in the history of a city that values its fire department following devastating fires in 1869 and 1878. Chief Alex Coulter (standing at podium) said, “The new fire station represented nine years of hard work and seven years before ground was broken.” He commented that city administration and residents realized conditions in the old firehouse and the need for a safe and state-of-the-art fire station.

- Fire News photos by Robert Newkirk, story by Jack Fichter

Page 20, Fire News, January 2024

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Up Close & Personal

Fire Chief Keating in action at a third alarm fire.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Toms River Captain Weingroff and Firedog Halligan - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Somerdale Chief Brian Barkoff at the Voorhees extra on November 16, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Billy Barkoff

Borough of Seaside Park Mayor John Peterson, Jr., and President Val Varga with their new apparatus.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Farmington Captain Mike Parlapiano filling bottles at the general alarm fire in Egg Harbor Township on October 19, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 21

Bergen County Firemen’s Home Assoc. Events Annual October Meeting

On October 15, 2023, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met for their Annual October meeting. It was another successful meeting. We got the ideas for the entertainment for the party with the Nayles family headlining again. We had ideas of also getting a DJ for the afternoon so that will be investigated as well. The gifts have been chosen by the Executive Board and will be given out the day of the party..

We want to thank the members of the Bergen County Firemen's Home Association and the staff at the NJ State Firemen's Home for the ongoing partnership and dedication to our fellow fire fighters at the home. We all have done so much to make our fellow fire fighters feel remembered and respected. - Fire News photo by Vice President of BCFHA Justin Watrel

Annual Breakfast Meeting

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home met for their Annual Breakfast Meeting at the Wyckoff Fire Department in Wyckoff, on November 19, 2023. After our flag salute and Fireman’s Prayer, we sat down to true tradition in the fire service, a fireman’s breakfast.

The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department very generously cooked a wonderful breakfast for our members that included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, steak, hash browns and rolls. We really appreciate these members who come in early to host us.

The organization looks forward to the upcoming holiday party and bringing some Christmas cheer to our fellow firefighters.

- Fire News photos by Vice President of BCFHA, Justin Watrel

Page 22, Fire News, January 2024

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Wildfire Training at Dorothy Vol. Fire and Rescue

Dorothy Volunteer Fire and Rescue, in conjunction with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, held a spring wildfire WIF training for Atlantic County firefighters on April 23, 2023, with staging at the Weymouth School on 11th Avenue. The exercise began in the morning with Dorothy Chief Jess Hand briefing the firefighters with a layout of the township and handing out assignments.

Several drafting sites were established to refill water tenders with engines being assigned structural protection around the area. At the completion of the exercise, a recap was given at the Dorothy Fire Station with refreshments provided by the Dorothy Fire and Rescue’s Ladies Auxiliary.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 23

Ground Breaking New Fire House in Asbury Park

After many years of operating out of a historic fire house on Main Street, the Asbury Park Fire Headquarters had become in desperate need of a new home. The ground-breaking ceremony on the new home was on Memorial Drive.

The new building will be a state-ofthe-art multi-bay fire headquarters.

Surrounding area fire companies attended the ground breaking ceremony to show their support.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 24, Fire News, January 2024

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Obituary

Farmington’s Tyrell Edwards This one hurts. It is with deep regret the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company 4 of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department regrets to announce the passing of Lieutenant Tyrell Edwards who answered his final alarm on October 28, 2023.

Edwards was born on December 3, 1987 in Atlantic City and was the son of Francetta Watson and Jeffrey Perche and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 2006. He was employed by the City of Pleasantville as a custodian for the Pleasantville School District and the Pleasantville Recreation Center. Tyrell was a reminder of the best qualities that humanity has to offer. He exhibited a strong sense of responsibility, putting the welfare of others before himself in every aspect of his life.

Lt. Edwards is survived by his mother Franetta, stepfather Kimmom Watson of Pleasantville, second parents Debbie and DeHart Washington, God-children DeHart Washington IV and Aisyan Irizarry, sister Bonita Edwards of Absecon, brothers Keith Faulkner of Absecon, David Watson of Pleasantville, DeHart Washington of Egg Harbor Township, Vance Brock of

Absecon Harry Goodman of Egg Harbor Township, Aunt Lenora Faulkner of Atlantic City, Uncle, Sidney Faulkner of Pleasantville, fur niece Mrs. Buttons, and a host of family and friends.

Homegoing services were held September 11 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, on S. New Road in Pleasantville where an honor guard of firefighters stood at his casket. He was laid to rest at the Atlantic City Cemetery on Washington Avenue in Pleasantville where he was escorted to the cemetery atop Farmington Engine 1544 led by the Red Knights, and followed by fire apparatus from several communities, family and friends.

While on the way, firefighters along the procession route had aerial apparatus fly flags and stood at attention while it passed. Following the interment, a repass was held at the Pleasantville High School.

The family would like to say thank you to everyone for all of your acts of kindness, thoughts and prayers during this time of bereavement.

Rest in peace brother, we’ll take it from here!

- Photo provided

Farmington Awards the Late Lt. Edwards Family a Check The members of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township presented a repast check to the sister of Lieutenant Tyrell Edwards who passed away recently.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

FIRE & SAFETY CELEBRATES ERIC TREVENA’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY We’re proud to share the news that Eric Trevena recently celebrated his 30th anniversary at Fire & Safety Services.

Eric started his tenure in 1989 with Fire & Safety as a driver, handling Pierce deliveries from Wisconsin to New Jersey. His role evolved to a Sales Representative in 1992 with his territory covering Morris, Hunterdon, Warren and parts of Passaic counties, in addition to other key accounts.

Eric also assists with Law Enforcement accounts. In addition to Fire & Safety, Eric has completed a career as a police officer, as well as over 20-year experience as a volunteer firefighter.

We thank Eric for his dedication and service to Fire & Safety! We’re looking forward to the future with Eric on our team.

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Fire News, January 2024, Page 25

Obituary

Closter’s Frank ‘Buddy’ Benz, Jr.

On October 11, 2023, members of the Closter Fire Department, Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Squad, along with fellow first responders, surrounding departments and community attended a memorial service for Frank Benz, Jr., who passed away on September 30, 2023. He was 89-years old.

Some knew him as, Mr. Benz, while others knew him as Buddy but he was considered the unofficial Mayor of Closter. Buddy served the borough of Closter for over 65 years as a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Closter Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Squad. He went through the ranks of both organizations and was well loved and highly respected.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Page 26, Fire News, January 2024

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Obituary

Farmington’s James Denney

Halloween Night Dive for Trenton Marine Task Force

The great chief of the firehouse in the sky has called home our friend, son, brother and father James T. Denney, past Chief of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company 4 of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County. Jim was also a dispatcher for the City of Linwood Police Department, and a member of the New Jersey State Firefighters Relief Association. A private service was held on November 25, 2023, at Boakes Funeral Home in Mays Landing followed by internment at the Head of the River Cemetery in Corbin City.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Trenton Fire Department’s Marine Task Force responded to Lawrence Township on Halloween night to help recover a car submerged in a large pond. Lawrence Township fire companies were dispatched after police received a report that a gray car was sinking in the pond alongside Maple Leaf Drive in the Artisan Apartments complex. Lawrence police and firefighters arrived to find the car almost entirely submerged. It was unclear how the car ended up in the pond but the owner was quickly located ... not in the car. A towing contractor was called for removal. It was cold and rainy as the two divers geared up, entered the water and hooked up the vehicle.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe