The Cranford FD was dispatched for a reported abandoned ATV fire.
See story on page 7
Fire in Vacant Building in Camden
Camden companies arrived at Chestnut Street to heavy fire in a vacant building.
See story on page 8
Egg Harbor
Sushi Restaurant Saved
Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to the UMI Sushi and Seafood Buffet for the report of fire.
See story on page 10
Clifton Auto Repair Station Gutted
Crews worked on controlling a fire at the Auto Repair Station in Clifton.
See story on page 12
Member Honored at
Colts
Neck FD Golf Tournament
The Colts Neck Fire Dept. held their Annual Golf Tournament at Pebble Creek Golf Club.
See story on page 14
5-Alarmer Takes Out Businesses and House
A five-alarm fire tore through a row of businesses on Maple Avenue in Hillside.
See story on page 22
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.
COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3
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 of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention
page 18
page 20
page 28
page 30
Family of 5 Perish in Paterson House Fire
High winds on Halloween night fueled a fast-moving fire that took the lives of five family members, including three children in Paterson. Seven other family members were able to escape the home, including a special needs young girl. Two firefighters were also transported to St. Josephs Regional Medical Center by Paterson Fire Department EMS. The Paterson Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this devastating incident. We also wish to thank all responding members and our mutual aid partners for their dedication and continued support during this tragic event.
- Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Worker Calls 911 to Report Fire in Egg Harbor
Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Tilton Road and Hingston Avenue on November 7, 2025, for a report of a structure fire. A worker, arriving to do blacktop work, noticed smoke and called 911. Police arrived and reported a working fire and Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and requested RIT from the City of Northfield and an additional company from Scullville. Upon the arrival, the Bargaintown crew made a quick knock on the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Over 40 Units Destroyed in Gloucester Blaze
In Gloucester Township, a massive response from local companies battled a blaze in the Autumn Ridge Apartments. The fire broke out sometime after 0200 hours on November 1, 2025, on the 1500 block of Little Gloucester Road in Building C of the Autumn Ridge Apartments. When crews arrived, they experienced heavy smoke and flames coming from the third floor of the building. Multiple units were called to help control the fire. Multiple rescues were made, one person being medevac, a firefighter sent to the hospital. In total five residents were hospitalized, one with serious injuries, over 100 residents displaced. One woman died days later in a hospital. - Fire News photos by Frank Saia
Abandoned ATV on Fire in Cranford
On October 18, 2025, the Cranford Fire Department was dispatched to Commerce Drive for a reported vehicle fire. Units encountered a large column of smoke while responding and arrived to a fully involved abandoned ATV fire in the roadway. The fire was quickly knocked down with the bumper line while police searched the area for the driver.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Fire in Vacant Building in Camden
Fair Lawn FFs Rescue Elderly Man
On November 17, 2025, two Fair Lawn firefighters rescued an elderly non-ambulatory man at a general alarm house fire.
The Fair Lawn Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a house fire on the threeblock of 28th Street at approximately 1630 hours. Upon arrival, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Salvini and Deputy Fire Chief Marc Palmieri reported a heavy smoke condition and requested a general alarm assignment for the fire. Chief Salvini and Chief Palmieri entered the building and located the elderly man on the second floor of the dwelling. Both chiefs removed the victim to safety. All four Fair Lawn Fire Companies responded to the alarm bringing a total of 25 firefighters to the scene. The fire was located in a firstfloor bedroom and was contained to the room. Two residents were injured and transported to Valley Hospital. One firefighter was treated on scene and did not require hospitalization. The Fair Lawn Rescue Squad, the Fair Lawn Volunteer Ambulance Corp, the Fair Lawn Police Department, and the Fair Lawn Office of Emergency Management also assisted on the scene. The fire is under investigation by the Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau.
- Courtesy of Fair Lawn Fire Department, photos by Martin Pelt
Camden companies arrived at Chestnut Street to heavy fire in the rear first and second floor of a vacant building. Crews brought it under control within 20 minutes.
- Fire News photos by Ed Hutchinson
Middletown Brush Fire
Egg Harbor Sushi Restaurant Saved
- Submitted by Middletown FD
The Middletown Township Fire Department responded to a brush fire recently on the Brookdale Community College campus in the Lincroft section of Middletown. The Lincroft Fire Company, River Plaza Fire Company, and Middletown Township Fire Company #1 were initially dispatched and responded along with Second Assistant Chief Jacob Lawrence. Upon arrival, Chief Lawrence confirmed a one-acre brush fire in a wooded area of the campus. To support water operations, Belford Engine Fire Company, which was just leaving a fire alarm on Highway 36, was redirected to assist. The fire was swiftly contained, and there were no reported injuries.
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Black Horse Pike to the UMI Sushi and Seafood Buffet for the report of fire with workers repairing the roof. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and requested Ladder 1535 from Scullville to the scene. Firefighters laddered the roof and began removing sections of the roof to find any hidden pockets of fire.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Clifton Auto Repair Station
Gutted
NJ Career Fire Chiefs Assoc. Announces Board Members
New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association (NJCFCA) Board selected by its members at their October meeting in East Brunswick (left to right): Chief Edward Mullen (Perth Amboy); Chief (ret.) Nelson W Wiest (Atlantic City International Airport); Chief Anthony Vecchio (West Orange); Chief Antonio Gary (Irvington) (First Vice President); Chief Robert Echavarria (Millburn); Chief William Eaton (North Plainfield) (President); Chief Alex Coulter (Cape May) (Second Vice President); and Chief Jonathan Yahr (Lakewood). - Submitted by Kelly Gabliks
Crews worked on controlling a fire at the Auto Repair Station in Clifton. The structure was consumed by fire and the building was destroyed.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Long Time Member Honored at Colts Neck Fire Dept. Golf Tournament
The Colts Neck Fire Dept. held their Annual Golf Tournament at Pebble Creek Golf Club. This year’s tournament dedicated the first tee to Keith Bailey, life member, X-Chaplin, and Secretary of the Freehold Fire Dept. In addition, to being a proud member of the West Keansburg Fire Company. Keith played in this tournament for 20 years. Bob Black and Mike Romano co-chairmen of the event said; “Keith played in our tournament for 20 years and was certainly a good friend of the Colts Neck Fire Dept.”.
Silverton Fall Festival in Toms River
On October 4, 2025, the Silverton Fall Festival returned with its an annual event held by the Silverton Fire Company in Toms River. The community enjoyed many vendors, a poker run, a 5k run, petting zoo, kids rides, and many more family activities.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Car Crashes into Visionworks in Totowa
Totowa Fire Department operated at a vehicle-into-structure
MVA at Visionworks on 256 Route 46 West on November 16, 2025.
- Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Mayor and Council Members
Welcome 6 New River Edge FFs
October 23, 2025, the Mayor and council members welcome six new members to the River Edge Fire Department. Congratulations to Probationary Firefighters; Duque, Garofalo, Knopf, Morquecho, Miller and Ortiz-Peralta! The new members will attend the fire academy starting in early 2026. Other announcements at the meeting, held on November 12, 2025, were that River Edge will have four firefighters graduating making it six in total who graduated in 2025 from Bergan County Fire Academy. Chief Robert Schlossberg has been chosen as Keynote Speaker at Bergen County Fire Graduation at Paramus Catholic High School. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
Aerial Training at Canale Training Center
The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department held aerial training on October 2025, at the Canale Training Center to familiarize its members in the set up and operation of aerial ladders. The department operates three telescopic aerials; a 107 foot, a 55 foot and a platform. Because the township has numerous housing developments with cul-de-sacs, more frequent training is needed.
- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Up Close & Personal
Cardiff Firefighter Ray Michelliti at a Garden State Parkway MVA on September 7, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Scullville
Lieutenant Drew Cancelosi at an aerial drill on October 22, 2025. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Dorothy Chief Jess Hand at the Tuckahoe Road fire in Milmay.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Harrison Township (Gloucester County) firefighters Joey Iaccio, Mike Datz and Mason Buckalew out training on October 25, 2025.
-
Rollover MVA on Black Horse Pike
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington were dispatched to Black Horse Pike east of Spruce Avenue for a report of an MVA with rollover. Firefighters, police and EMS arrived to find a single vehicle on its roof with no entrapment. EMS tended to the injured and Cardiff firefighters stood by until the vehicle was up righted and removed. The cause of the crash was under investigation by EHT Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Paterson Ladder 3 Crew
- Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Middletown Home Gutted by Fire
In the early morning hours, the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to the 200 block of Everett Road in the Lincroft section of Middletown for a reported structure fire. The resident reported being awakened by smoke alarms sounding and was able to alert her family and safely evacuate the home. Firefighters from the Lincroft Fire Company and River Plaza Fire Company responded, along with Chief of Department Anthony Fulciniti, Deputy Chief Daniel Kelly, and Assistant Chiefs Kevin Morrissey, Jacob Lawrence, and James Abbes. Upon arrival, crews immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack using hose lines. Chief Fulciniti requested a second-alarm, but due to deteriorating interior conditions and the volume of fire, operations transitioned to a defensive strategy utilizing a tower ladder to apply large volumes of water and bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office under the direction of Edward “Buddy” Skelly. - Submitted by Middletown FD
NJS Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Assoc. Announces New President
The New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association held their fall meeting at the Hope Hose Humane Fire Station in Bordentown on November 14, 2025. Incoming President Harry Watkins accepted the gavel from outgoing President Dennis Sharpe. The association would like to thank Hope Hose Humane for hosting our meeting. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
5-Alarmer Takes Out Businesses and House in Hillside
On October 14, 2025, a five-alarm fire tore through a row of businesses on Maple Avenue in Hillside. When companies arrived, they found heavy fire in an auto repair shop. Numerous explosions were heard in the building as fire broke through the roof and a second alarm was transmitted. The fire quickly spread to an attached row of stores which contained a food market, barbershop and a vacant store. All companies were evacuated from the building and transitioned to a defensive operation. The fire spread to the C exposure, a large 2-1/2 story frame dwelling which sustained heavy fire damage to the exterior and attic. A total of five alarms were transmitted bringing mutual aid from both Union and Essex counties to the scene. A Mayday was declared when a section of the front wall of the market collapsed and injured two firefighters, who were treated by EMS at the scene and did not require hospitalization. The fire burned throughout the night. Union County HazMat conducted air monitoring and the cause of the fire was under investigation by the ATF, Union County Arson Squad and Hillside Police. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Kick Off 2026 by Securing Your Spot!
The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) is excited to welcome attendees back to Atlantic City for the 27th Annual NJEPA Conference, taking place April 20–24, 2026 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
As we enter the new year, planning is in full swing and we’re thrilled to announce that attendee and hotel registration is now open! Attendees can book their rooms at njepa.org/hotels to secure the discounted conference rate. Booking early is strongly encouraged!
This year’s conference will once again feature:
• TRAINING: Professionals from across the emergency management community will lead specialized hands-on training courses designed to strengthen preparedness and
response capabilities at every level.
• BREAKOUTS: Subject-matter experts from local, state, federal, nonprofit, academic, and private-sector partners will deliver a diverse selection of breakout sessions, offering fresh insights and practical tools for today’s evolving emergency management landscape.
• EXHIBIT HALL: Explore a wide range of vendors, emerging technologies, and solution partners who support the mission of emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation across New Jersey and beyond.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a long-time supporter, the NJEPA Conference provides unparalleled opportunities for training, networking, and professional development.
A Message from the NJEPA President & Association:
On behalf of the entire New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association, we wish everyone a safe, healthy, and productive start to the new year. Our team has been hard at work preparing an engaging, informative, and community-focused conference experience for 2026 and we truly look forward to welcoming you back to Atlantic City this April. We can’t wait to see everyone at the 27th Annual NJEPA Conference!
Commercial Building Fire in Wayne
On October 29, 2025, the Wayne Fire Department operated at a two-alarm fire on Burgess Place. Heavy black smoke was pushing from the roof on arrival, and crews had to perform a forcible entry with a saw.
- Fire News photos by Ron
Fully Involved Car Fire in Camden
Garage Destroyed in Collings Lake
The volunteer fire companies of Collings Lakes and Newtonville, from the Buena Vista Township Fire Department, responded to Cains Mill Road in Collings Lakes on October 24, 2025, for a report of a structure fire. Collings Lakes Assistant Chief Bill Collins arrived, established command, and found a working garage fire with infringement onto a second storage building and radiant heat starting to melt the vinyl siding of a nearby home. Command requested mutual aid from the neighboring Cecil Fire along with a water tender and Tower 9 from Hammonton. The fire was placed under control in about 45 minutes. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Ceiling Fan Cause of Fire in Elizabeth
On October 24, 2025, Elizabeth Fire Companies responded to Melrose Terrace for a reported fire in a home. Engine 7 arrived to smoke showing from a residence and transmitted the working fire. A fire was located in a bathroom ceiling fan that had extended into the ceiling and lower roof area. Crews stretched multiple lines and conducted extensive overhaul, bringing the fire under control 20 minutes after arrival.
Bombaro
Crew of Engine 8 arrived at Ferry Avenue and Jackson Street to a fully involved car fire. Crews quickly took down the fire.
- Fire News photos by Ed Hutchinson
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Car Lands on Side Off Atlantic City Expwy.
Cardiff and Farmington from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department responded to milepost 9.3 eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway on November 17, 2025, for a report of an MVA. EMS reported the crash and firefighters, upon their arrival secured the vehicle and turned the incident over to the State Police. One occupant was in the vehicle and had self-extricated prior to the arrival of first responders. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
Looking Back
2018
Back in 2018, the Stanhope Hose Co. acquired a utility/special services unit. It was originally built and served in Wayne. - Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Meeting and Entertainment
The membership of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association arrived at the NJ State Firemen’s Home for its October meeting and afternoon of entertainment for the guests to find the home decorated for the upcoming Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. It seemed like yesterday we were up here for our Summer Barbecues. The leaves changed from green to golden yellows, reds, and oranges as fall has arrived.
We had a lot to talk about at our October meeting with the Annual Convention in Wildwood behind us. There were conversations on the Home and the upcoming holiday season. It was one of the best meetings we had in a long time and extremely productive.
Our fundraising has been coming along really well and we have exceeded our drive from last year. We are spreading the word on Social Media on what we do and it has been a huge help. We not only want to show Bergen County fire companies how their donations were being used in a productive way that benefits our retired firefighters, who make this their home.
We discussed also our upcoming reorganization breakfast at the Wyckoff Fire Department in November and the Annual Christmas party in December. Our Secretary, Tom Simpson discussed the gift this year to the residents from our organization and the planned entertainment. Everything is underway for a great holiday season.
After the meeting was over, we joined the residents in the main meeting room where refreshments were being served and the entertainment had started. Our entertainer, Gigi, welcomed everyone with a performance of popular songs and pop hits. After ending her performance with ‘God Bless America,’ we got up and introduced ourselves to the residents.
It really was a wonderful afternoon and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. This is our gift to our fellow firefighters. We want to thank all Bergen County Fire companies for their continued support of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.
Please check out our blog by Googling “Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association”.
- Submitted by Justin Watrel
Police Involved in Crash During Pursuit
Car Crashes Off GSP Driver Trapped
Farmington and Cardiff Departments in Egg Harbor Township, and EHT Ambulance, responded to Milepost 37.1 southbound on the Garden State Parkway for the report of an MVA with entrapment. EMS arrived first and reported a vehicle down the hill with entrapment, resulting in Bargaintown being added to the call. Upon their arrival, Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe established command, and Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock was assigned operations. Firefighters then grabbed extrication tools and Bargaintown firefighters set up belay lines for firefighters to safely reach the wreck. After a quick extrication the victim was packaged into a Stokes basket and brought up the hill, then packaged and transported by EMS. The cause of the wreck was under investigation by the New Jersey State Police, Parkway Division.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Clifton Fire Department operated at an MVA involving a Saddle Brook Police car, and a civilian car, during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle near Barkley Avenue and 5th Street.
- Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Motorcycle Driver Medevac’d to Trauma Center
Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to set up an LZ for the Southstar Medevac to transport a victim of an MVA that occurred at English Creek and Glenn Avenue. The crash involved a motorcycle striking a pickup truck, with the driver of the motorcycle suffering life-threatening injuries. The LZ was established at the nearby Alder Avenue Middle School's ballfield. Upon its arrival, firefighters, EMS, and the crew of the medevac assisted in loading the patient into the helicopter, who was flown to the trauma center.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger and Dennis C. Sharpe
Looking Back Aircraft Fire Rescue Truck Donated to Hasbrouck Heights
Walter’s (Walter Motor Truck Company) aircraft fire rescue unit truck originally built and served Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, until the airport was turned over to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The picture was taken shortly after Hasbrouck Heights placed it in service after it was donated to them, to assist with calls to back the airport. The truck also was used as mutual aid foam unit for the South Bergen area. After many years of service, it was taken out of service because of mechanical issues and was eventually sold at auction.
- Fire News photo submitted by Chris Denton
3-Car Crash with Entrapment in Egg Harbor
ALLENTOWN SPRING MELT FIRE MARKETPLACE & AUCTION
Agri-Plex at Allentown Fairgrounds
Sponsored by the Union Historical Fire Society April 18 & 19, 2026
The UHFS is preparing for the upcoming annual Allentown Spring Melt Marketplace and 37th Annual Fire Memorabilia Antique Auction. This is the largest fire memorabilia marketplace in the country. There are other musters and shows but this is the biggest. Attendees and dealers come from all over the United States and Canada. Anything fire department related can be found gathered in one place, which means there is something for everyone. On Saturday, April 18th the Marketplace set-up begins at 3 p.m. for vendors. Early Buyer passes are offered if you want first crack at the most desirable items. These can be purchased online or at the door. Go to: www.unionhistoricalfiresociety.com, click on the Spring Melt tab for details.
The auction is presented by The Eastmere Fireman. Auctioneer Brian Enterline always has exceptional items. You can preview the items in person on Friday April 17th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. The auction starts promptly at 8 a.m. You can also view the items on the auction website: https://eastmerefireman.com/. Contact Brian directly by phone: 717-648-4458 or email: brian@eastmerefireman.com with questions or to inquire about consigning items to the auction.
Admission is a $5.00 donation for the Auction and $10.00 for the Marketplace. Children under 12 are admitted free. Refreshments are available all weekend and there is no charge for parking. This is an indoor show, so the weather is never a problem, and the hall is ADA compliant. Keep in mind the show is limited to fire related items ONLY. New vendors are welcome. This is a great outlet for fire companies around the area to sell their old and surplus equipment. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, visit our website at www.unionhistoricatfiresociety.com or contact Tom & Cheryl D’Arcangelo at 631-348-3787 or email: springmelt.uhfs@gmail.com with your questions. Online vendor registration is available as well as mailin registration forms. We are happy to partner with Fire News to promote the show. Look for the advertisements with all the information in upcoming Fire News issues.
The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff along with EMS and police were dispatched to the intersection of Fernwood Avenue and Mill Road for the report of an MVA with entrapment. Police, EMS and fire arrived to find a three-vehicle crash with one occupant entrapped in one vehicle. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe established command and had the crew of Bargaintown Rescue 1527 perform the extrication while other firefighters stabilized a vehicle that was on the hood of the second vehicle. The injured were turned over to EMS for treatment and transportation. The cause of the crash was investigated by EHT Police.
- Fire News photos by Ken & Cindy Badger
NFFF AWARDS OVER $500,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) has awarded 56 scholarships totaling $535,109 to the spouses, children and stepchildren of fallen firefighters for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Since 1997, the NFFF Scholarship Program has provided more than $7.39 million in tuition assistance to 1,765 students across the country. This year’s recipients include 38 returning scholars and 18 first-time recipients. NFFF awards scholarships based on applicants’ financial need and academic performance, with a special consideration for those working toward degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), and public safety fields.
“These scholarships reflect the NFFF’s ongoing commitment to the families of our nation’s fallen firefighters,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation CEO Victor Stagnaro. “Stepping up to cover all or some of their tuition is the least we can do, and I know our generous partners feel the same.”
Since 2005, Motorola Solutions Foundation has funded the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Scholarship program, named in honor of U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland, a longtime advocate for firefighters and fire safety who played a crucial role in the establishment of NFFF.
“For 20 years, our partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has been an unbreakable bond, rooted in our deep commitment to honor the enduring legacy of these national heroes,” said Wesley Barden Touhy, Executive Director, Motorola Solutions Foundation.
In addition to the support of the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the NFFF Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of the following: Alan Patrick Sondej Scholarship Fund; Kenneth M. Hedrick Memorial Scholarship Fund; Sander Cohen Memorial Scholarship Fund; Mission Square Retirement; National Association of State Fire Marshals;B urton A. Zipser and Sandra D. Zipser Foundation; Global Health & Safety; Steel Family’s Fire Engine 5 Charitable Foundation; Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation; Chief Elwood Banister Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information visit www.firehero.org.
