Fire News New Jersey, November 2018 edition

VOLUME 13, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes NOVEMBER 2018

Full story on page 6 - Fire News photo

by Peter Danzo

Fire News Welcomes all to Firehouse Expo October 18-20 Booth 338 – New Jersey Edition –

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Fire News, November 2018, Page 3

In this issue...

Orange 2-Alarmer Firefighters arrive to heavy fire on the second and third floors.

A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

See story on page 12

Extrication Practice Bargaintown and City of Northfield hold a joint training session.

See story on page 21

Egg Harbor Twp. 9/11 Ceremony Politicians, dignitaries, fire departments and a large crowd were in attendance.

See story on page 22

First Call for 1026 Whitman Square’s Ladder 1026 makes its first run.

See story on page 25

Smokey the Bear and Tom Champion Since 1980, Tom Champion has been part of this annual Labor Day event.

See story on page 29

Up Close and Personal A closer look at some of the state’s personalities.

See story on page 30

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES 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, Michael J. Coppola, 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 2018, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com

Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Official Publication 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.

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 28

Page 4, Fire News, November 2018

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Document What You Do! Several years ago, I attended a seminar that was given by one of the insurance companies that insure fire districts. The company did a reenactment of an actual fatal scenario that happened in a small department. In the end, the department was found at fault for the death of civilian. What was the deciding factor? The department could not provide paperwork proving that their trucks’ equipment was in operating order before the call. It was possible that the extrication pump needed to save someone worked fine before the call. However, with no documentation of any recent truck and tool maintenance, a jury blamed the department for the delay in patient removal from the vehicle because the hydraulic pump was previously damaged and there were no records that the pump worked before the call.

If you ask firefighters how often they do truck maintenance and equipment checks, you will get a variety of responses. Some departments check their equipment every day. In other departments, it is common to get different answers when maintenance and inspections were performed. Weekly inspections are commonplace in many departments. However, if the truck and equipment was used for a call, everything should be immediately checked for proper operation.

How does an officer know that the compa-

ny’s equipment was inspected and is ready for action? It is called paperwork! When an inspection is performed, a written checklist should be followed. It is up to the members to actually follow the inspection list. Start saws, and thoroughly check all SCBAs. Do your radios work? Truck maintenance is not opening a compartment to see if a tool is in place.

Remove equipment and actually check its functionality. Simply put, make sure the tool works. Halligans, hooks and hand tools all should be looked at for any damage, cleanliness and proper markings.

I could go on and on about equipment checks. It is important that the responders take ownership of the tools of their trade, including their personal PPE. It is imperative that every inspection is documented. I can’t tell you how many times I found an issue with a piece of equipment when it was my time to do truck maintenance. With written and signed sheets, I was able to go back to the previous person who inspected the truck and point out any oversights.

Make sure your department has written Polices and Best Practices that members can easily access to review safety concerns for vehicles, use of SCBA, use of PPE along with other safety concerns. Many departments post this information on their website in a

“Members” section. Make sure members are constantly reminded to review their Best Practices.

To sum it up, don’t neglect your equipment.

It is the key to your survival. Know your equipment inside and out, so you will know when something is wrong. What is imperative for every inspection is documentation. Should something go wrong at a call because your equipment failed, you must be able to prove that it was recently inspected and worked as expected at the firehouse. Inspect and document your equipment frequently!

-Dennis

Announcements CLIFTON FMBA 19 ANNUAL COAT DRIVE Clifton FMBA Local 21 will have our 10th annual Coat Drive this year during the month of October. Coats will be collected in any of the six Clifton firehouses listed below.

FMBA 21 would like to thank its members and the community for coming together to support the drive.

Station 1, 69 1st Street Station 2, 7 Dumont Avenue; Station 3, 180 Mahar Avenue; Station 4, 144 Main Avenue; Station 5, 51 Brighton Avenue; Station 6, 1202 Van Houten Avenue.

EMSCNJ PLANS “M*A*S*H BASH” DURING OCTOBER CONVENTION Registration continues for the EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ) /New Jersey State First Aid Council's October 12-14, 2018, symposium and trade show at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel, 199 Smith Road, Parsippany. The event will include nearly 50 EMT education-credit seminars with renowned, nationally recognized speakers, 40plus trade show exhibits and vendors with the latest medical and rescue equipment, a Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Unit extrication demonstration, an antique ambulance display and contest, EMS-related merchandise booths, a Tricky Tray auction and 50/50 raffles, Friday night “M*A*S*H Bash” dinner and

Saturday banquet with live entertainment both nights, and more.

Friday's dinner will be a replication of the M*A*S*H 4077th dining experience at the Sheraton Mess Hall. Activities include: a M*A*S*H costume contest, individual or group. Participants are encouraged to wear Army apparel — extra points for Korean War era — surgical scrubs or come dressed as their favorite character; Trivia contest and more.

In conjunction with the U.S Marine Corps Reserve and the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines at Picatinny Arsenal, the EMSCNJ encourages convention attendees to bring new, unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots Program.

More than 300 toys were donated last year.

Collection boxes will be placed in the trade show area.

For more information, or to register for symposium classes and the trade show, or to book a hotel room, visit www.njsfac.org.

EMTs and groups not affiliated with the EMSCNJ are welcome.

PORT NORRIS ANNUAL FALL CRAFTS FAIR The Port Norris Fire Department will hold its annual Fall Crafts Fair on November 10, 2018, at the Port Norris Fire House, 6858 Brown Street in Port Norris.

There will be crafts for sale, raffles and a soup and sub sale, Donation at the door is $1.

To rent a table or for more information, please call Barbara at 856-785-2006 or Rita at 856-7850338.

WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS? We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper.

Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us.

Please send two to four photos per incident.

Also, include a brief write-up of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.”

We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.

- Ed.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department, and contact information. E-mail us at li@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help. - Ed.

Page 6, Fire News, November 2018

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Cover Story

Not a Bad Stop After a 40-Minute Wait

Late on August 7, 2018, following a line of severe thunderstorms that rolled through the area, Saddle Brook firefighters were dispatched to the area of Saddle River Road and Birk Street for a tree which had fallen, taking down electrical wires and a pole with transformers on it. The falling high tension wires draped across Saddle River Road landing on a pickup truck and igniting it. The flames then spread to a detached 1-1/2 story two-car garage as firefighters were forced to wait for the power to be shut off. Power was finally cut after about 40 minutes and crews immediately started extinguishment with several handlines. A second alarm was requested which brought several neighboring departments to the scene and for cover. The firefighters were successful in protecting two homes which were in close proximity, but both a garage and the pickup were destroyed.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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On September 6, 2018, all Irvington fire companies responded to Nye Avenue and 21st Street for a reported fire. After reporting smoke in the area, Deputy 3 arrived at a large three-story residential-over-commercial with the Charlie side exterior fully involved.

Lines were stretched into the interior as companies also worked from the exterior. The fire was contained to the exterior but exten-

Fire News, November 2018, Page 7

sion was found on all three divisions as well as the cockloft. Ladder 42 laddered the Bravo side and located the fire in the cockloft and coordinated with the engine crews to stop any further extension. A Signal 9 from Newark responded directly to the scene as did Maplewood Engine 32.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 8, Fire News, November 2018

Rutherford House Fire

On September 3, 2018, the Rutherford Fire Department responded to an unoccupied 2-1/2 story house on Barrows Avenue for a fire. On arrival, a smoke condition was seen coming from the attic and a FAST from Wallington was requested. As crews stretched lines into the interior, a second alarm was struck, bringing coverage, as well as a Lyndhurst engine to the scene. Crews were able to locate and knock down the fire within 15 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Page 10, Fire News, November 2018

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Marmora Handles Early Morning Rollover

At 0310 on September 12, 2018, Marmora first responders arrived at an MVA in the area of South Route 9 in the Marmora section. Upon arrival, Marmora Fire Rescue Chief Jay Newman confirmed a fully involved overturned vehicle off the roadway. The fire was quickly extinguished and no occupants were in the burned-out car, the driver apparently having fled the scene. Responding units were Marmora Volunteer Fire Rescue, Upper Township Rescue, Atlantic are Medics, New Jersey State Police and Atlantic City Electric.

- Fire News photos by Robert Macom

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Scullville Extrication The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded on July 26, 2018, to Somers PointMays Landing Road for an MVA with entrapment. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament established command for a single-vehicle crash into a tree with the driver entrapped. Scullville Rescue 1537 removed the driver’s side door and assisted EMS with the removal of the driver, who was transported to the hospital by EHT Ambulance. Also assisting were Atlanticare Paramedics.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Orange Second Alarm Just before 2300 on August 14, 2018, the Orange Fire Department received numerous calls for a building fire in the area of Taylor and Hickory Street. On arrival, companies found a threestory frame with heavy fire on the second and third floors with reports of people trapped. A second alarm was sounded bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. Several lines were put into service and the main body of fire was knocked down in just over 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Page 14, Fire News, November 2018

On September 5, 2018, Camden County (West) Zone companies were dispatched to 3rd Avenue off Devon for a house fire; additionally, a report was given of victims trapped. First-due companies encountered a medium sized, 2-1/2 story, single-family occupied dwelling heavily involved in the rear. An adult male was injured after jumping from a second-floor porch roof. Otherwise, no one else in the house at the time was injured. Bellmawr Chief Burleigh

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called an all-hands and additional companies were special called to supplement manpower. Bellmawr’s new Pierce ladder went in to service at the front of the dwelling, as did Runnemede’s and, eventually, both went into play-pipe operation to extinguish visible fire.

It took over 30 minutes to get the incident under control. Due to temps in the mid 90s many of the firefighters had to be checked for heat exhaustion.

- Fire News photo by John Axford

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Hackensack House Fire On June 22, 2018, the Hackensack Fire Department received calls of a working house fire on Mercer Street near Union Street. Deputy Chief Steve Kalman reported fire involving the front porch of a 2-1/2 story occupied frame dwelling.

Engine 4 secured a hydrant and stretched a handline and quickly knocked down the fire as Ladder 1 and Rescue 1 performed searches. The fire was contained to the exterior of the home with no further extension.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Cardiff Basement Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Winnepeg Avenue on September 3, 2018, at 0139 for a report of a dwelling fire. Police reported smoke showing with a fire in the basement of a single-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Will Hancock followed by Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge requested Cardiff Engine 1512 to lay in and have its crew to pull lines and attack the fire in the basement.

Cardiff Engine 1516 supplied 1512. Bargaintown responded with a water tender and one engine and assisted with knockdown and overhaul. The fire was confined to the basement. Also assisting were EHT Police and Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

A Working Farewell for Roseland

On September 12, 2018, the Roseland Fire Department responded to Passaic Avenue for a house fire. Crews located a well involved kitchen fire but quick work by the first-due engine kept the fire contained there. Engines from Livingston and East Hanover responded directly to the scene to assist with overhaul. This fire is more than likely going to be the last fire for 665, the department’s 1985 Pierce Tower Ladder, as the department is conducting final inspection on their new Pierce in Wisconsin.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 18, Fire News, November 2018

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There’s a New Sheriff…um…K9 in Town

The Township of Hamilton Police Department introduced their newest K-9, Argos, and his handler Officer Cory Silvio, at a demonstration held on June 30, 2018, to showcase Argos’ abilities in assisting in the apprehension of suspected felons. Argos replaced K-9 Hunter who retired last August and was handled by K-9 Officer Nicole Nelson. Argos has been on the street for approximately one year.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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NJ Emergency Preparedness Assoc.

Accepting Papers for 2019 Conference The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association is currently accepting proposals for 75-minute Breakout Sessions and 2-, 4-, 8-, 16- and 24-hour Training Classes, for inclusion in the 2019 Conference, scheduled for April 29 to May 3, 2019, at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The 21st Annual Conference promises to be an excellent opportunity for attendees, as NJEPA partners with the New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management in offering The Advanced Professional Series (APS) certification over the next three years. By attending the NJEPA Conference and following the “road map,� attendees may complete the five required and five of 16 elective courses to receive the Emergency Management Institute APS Certificate of Completion.

Additionally, training in the areas of response and recovery, policy and planning, weather, all-hazards and health will be offered to round out this week of training and networking.

Anyone interested in presenting at the Conference should go to www.njepa.org or to this link: www.cvent.com/c/abstracts/ fd4c06a1-3eff-4b73-8f87-acea88eb8c83 Deadline for submissions is November 15, 2018.

General registration will open the first week of January, 2019.

Keep an eye on our website www.njepa.org for additional information and detailed descriptions of training and breakout offerings.

Fire News, November 2018, Page 19

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Cardiff Car Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown highway. Command had the crew of Cardiff Engine 1512 pull two responded to English Creek and West Jersey Avenues on August 3, lines to attack the fire. The fire was quickly contained. Also 2018, for a report of a vehicle fire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived responding were EHT Police and Ambulance.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger and established command for a single vehicle fully involved on the

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Fire News, November 2018, Page 21

Bargaintown, Northfield Extrication Training

The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company, along with firefighters from the City of Northfield Fire Department, trained in vehicle extrication practices on July 23, 2018, in the use of spreaders, O Cutters, airbags, cribbing, and Rescue 42 Struts.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 22, Fire News, November 2018

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EHT 911 Ceremony Egg Harbor Township held their annual 911 ceremony at the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company on Mill Road with a very large crowd in attendance. The ceremony was held indoors due to inclement weather, the first time since the observation begun several years ago.

The guest speaker was EHTEMS Chief William Higbee, who worked for numerous days at Ground Zero as part of New Jersey Task Force 1.

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by members of the EHT Police and Fire Departments, welcomes from Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe and Master of Ceremonies Bargaintown President Dennis Hoffmann, with the Invocation given by Pastor Janet Gasbarro.

Comments were given by the Egg Harbor Township Committee, then Chief Higbee recounted “That Day.� Following the ceremonial comments, three wreaths were laid at the memorial by members of the EHT Ambulance Squad, the EHT Fire Department, and the EHT Police of which one of the officers was retired NYPD officer Joe Butera (on right). The 911 Monument at the Bargaintown fire station is in honor of all those who died that day, all those who have died since 911, and all those who continue to suffer.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 24, Fire News, November 2018

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Denville 911 Tribute The Denville Volunteer Fire Department honored and remembered the brave first responders who searched for 911 survivors and recovered victims’ remains at Ground Zero at a service on September 11, 2018.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Charles W. Bott

Montclair 2-Car MVA

On August 30, 2018, Montclair Engine 1 was requested by Glen Ridge Police to respond to the intersection of Ridgewood and Baldwin for a reported two-car MVA, which took out an elevated gas lamp. While en route, Montclair Fire upgraded the assignment as one party was trapped in the vehicle which had overturned.

Engine 3, Truck 1 and Car 4 also responded. Both driver’s side doors were removed and a precautionary line was stretched. The single occupant was removed and handed over to Glen Ridge EMS and transported to a local hospital while Montclair’s ambulance unit transported the driver of the other vehicle. Engine 3 also handled a moderate fluid leak with absorbent.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

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Fire News, November 2018, Page 25

Dinner’s Ready The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing, and Laureldale responded to Red Bank Avenue in the Victoria Crossing Development on September 3, 2018, for a report of a stove on fire.

Cologne Chief Shawn Vallauri established command and reported a two-story, middle-of-therow with smoke showing from the C side.

Command had Mays Landing stretch a line off of Tender 1819 into the A side and stood by at the front door while other firefighters removed the stove and ventilated the structure. Before removing the stove, firefighters turned off the gas and, after removing the stove, discovered food in the bottom tray. Also responding were Township of Hamilton Police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

1st Call for 1026 The Whitman Square Fire Company of the Washington Township Fire Department responded to an alarm for a structure fire on Egg Harbor Road on September 16, 2018. The alarm also included the stations from Grenloch and Hurffville and, when units arrived, they found a vehicle fire next to a structure. Ladder 1026 pulled a line and made quick work of the fire with minimal damage to the structure. This was 1026’s first call.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 26, Fire News, November 2018

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Bargaintown Hosts Tour de Force Cyclists

On September 9, 2018, a cool rainy day, the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company 2 opened its station as a rest stop for the Tour de Force cyclists, a group of 250 cyclists and 20 support vehicles. The group is a not-for-profit charity which rides to raise funds for 911 victims and police officer’s families killed in the line of duty.

The officers riding came from 48 states, and two from Canada. The group was travelling from West Point, New York, to Annapolis, Maryland. Many friendships were made this day that will last a lifetime.

- Fire News photos

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Fire News, November 2018, Page 27

NC Fire House Destroyed Along with all Apparatus (Bob Bartosz was one of New Jersey Fire News’ original photographers and is now the Nash County [NC] Fire Photographer. We thought our readers would be interested in this piece. - Ed.) North Carolina first responders had a busy week between dodging hurricane, tornadoes, fires and water rescues. Many of the roads in North Carolina were still closed due to flooding, including portions of Interstate-95. On September 16, 2018, Fire Chief Teddy Stamatis had just left his home to go shopping when a fire call came in for a working fire at his Macclesfield Fire Station. On arrival he found heavy fire showing. He was able to get one of the apparatus bay doors open and remove one of his tankers. He tried to get back in, but the building was heavily involved. Four fire engines were totally destroyed, as was all the interior contents of the station. Ten departments from two counties responded: South Edgecombe, Pinetops, Conetoe, Baker Town East Nash, Tosinot, Bethel, Speed, Sharp Point, Fountian and Sharpsburg.

The town of Macclesfield is a small town in Edgecombe County (NC) and is one of the few towns in the area that was still dry.

- Fire News photos by Bob Bartosz

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Page 28, Fire News, November 2018

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Ask Not for Whom the Bell Tolls A well-traveled bell was placed in its third home on September 22, 2018, as the Egg Harbor Township Historical Society dedicated a bell that was used to alert firefighters from the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company back in the 1930s and 40s. The bell originally hung in the old Farmington School until it was acquired by the fire company in the 1930s. Up until that time, an old tire rim was used to alert the firefighters when they were needed to respond to calls.

In 1991 it was erected in front of the “new” fire station when it was built and dedicated to Robert Eccles and Fred Slunt, Sr., who were chiefs of the fire company and grandfather and father, respectively, to Mrs..

Donna Nelson, a past president of the Farmington Ladies Auxiliary, who is pictured with her husband Claude, a past Assistant Chief and Life Member of the company.

The bell remained in front of the fire station until the arrival of the 911 steel use to erect a monument where the bell once stood. The bell was put into storage for several years until it was donated to the historical society, and it was placed on its pedestal through a project completed by the Egg Harbor Township Boy Scouts, spearheaded by Danny

Rodriguez.

On a side note, the Eccles/Slunt family has always been involved in the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company. Robert Eccles was the first chief of the fire company. His daughter, Erna Slunt (widow of Fred Sr.) lived around the corner from the fire company.

Upon the advent of telephones, originally an alarm of fire was routed to the City of Pleasantville Fire Department and they would call Mrs. Slunt’s house and she would blow the siren. The bell will stand as reminder of times gone by.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

EDITORIAL CHANGES PREPARE FIREHOUSE FOR THE FUTURE

Firehouse is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Matthews to conference director and acting editor-in-chief of Firehouse, and the promotion of Janelle Foskett to editorial director of Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com.

“The positive response to these moves, both internally at Firehouse, and among our many speakers, contributors and instructors, has been incredible,” said Greg Toritto, vice president/group publisher, public safety, Endeavor Business Media. “Both Peter and Janelle possess the necessary tools and leadership skills to ensure Firehouse’s continued growth and success, and to accomplish its mission to best serve our audience, customers, and partners. The fire service has always been about teamwork, and we are excited to name two true team players to these important Firehouse posts.”

Matthews started with Firehouse in 1999 and has served in multiple leadership and management roles throughout his career, making him truly ‘homegrown’ to the Firehouse brand. He has served as the executive editor and editor-in-chief of Firehouse.com, leading a team responsible for Firehouse’s 365-day-a-year digital operation providing news and education to the fire service community. Matthews has also been responsible for Firehouse’s events portfolio, supporting conference development, association partnerships and working with exhibitors to help them with their product and public relations efforts. In addition to his roles at Firehouse, Matthews has worked as a photo editor and photographer at the New York Post.

Matthews was introduced to the fire service by his father, a 59year volunteer firefighter. He volunteered with fire departments in New York and Maryland, holding the rank of lieutenant, and served as photographer for the St. Paul (MN) Fire Department.

Foskett joined the Firehouse team as executive editor in 2015, running the print operations for Firehouse Magazine, including special projects and custom supplements, and working closely with the web team and conference group to build the Firehouse brand. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, Foskett worked in fire service publishing for nearly a decade, managing the print and web operations at FireRescue magazine. She has nearly 20 years of experience in publishing and communications, and has worked as a reporter, writer, communications and social media specialist, and editor.

Matthews and Foskett have been responsible for the day-to-day editorial operations of Firehouse’s publishing franchise for several years. They will continue to lead a team that truly understands that its responsibility to serve our readers, the industry, and our contributors, is first and foremost.

Matthews and Foskett will assume their new roles immediately. Timothy E. Sendelbach, who had served as Firehouse’s editor-in-chief and conference director, has resigned. Firehouse would like to thank Tim for his contributions as a member of the Firehouse team, and wish him luck in his future endeavors.

In addition to the leadership changes above, Firehouse has also announced the following appointments and promotions: Steven Shaw has been promoted to senior editor, Firehouse.

Steven will take on an expanded role focused on magazine production and special projects.

John Kosik has been named senior editor, Firehouse. In addition to his prior responsibilities as an associate editor, John will oversee the day-to-day operations for Firehouse.com.

Associate editor Ed Ballam’s role will expand to include additional digital and print assignments, as well as special projects.

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Fire News, November 2018, Page 29

Smokey the Bear’s Birthday and Tom Champion Since 1980, the Smokey Bear Birthday Party has been held on Labor Day weekend at Belleplain State Forest. It is a day-long event complete with a coloring contest, a space to create T-shirts, and of course a chance to meet and take pictures with Smokey Bear (who arrives via helicopter!) Throughout the celebration, fire prevention is the focus; and by days end, all participants enjoy birthday cake and ice cream.

Since the beginning of this program, Tom Champion has been part of it. He has planned and organized this event with help from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service each year, acquiring donations from local businesses and fire departments, making purchases for the celebration (including prizes from Woodland Enterprises), and working with the state staff to develop a schedule of events.

With this long-term program, Tom has helped decrease the number of human-caused fire starts in the area and managed to keep visitors coming back year after year. Many of the “kids� that once attended with their families

long ago are now bringing their own children to celebrate Smokey Bear. Tom has truly developed an endearing, fun program that tells the story of fire prevention and teaches its importance.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 30, Fire News, November 2018

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Up Close & Personal

Ken Badger and Chuck Brady stuffing editions of the Fire News for distribution at the Wildwood 2018 firefighter’s convention.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

EMS Council Scholarship Winners

Atlantic County Executive Committeewoman Cindy Badger, who was re-elected to her third term for the Atlantic County Firefighters Relief Association, at their annual caucus on August 18, 2018, at the Egg Harbor City Fire Department with outgoing New Jersey President Frank Gunson III who decided not to run for re-election this year.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

(Left to right): Patricia Buckridee of the Scotch Plain Rescue Squad accepting the Gail Lawrence Memorial Scholarship award on behalf of her daughter, Karolyn Buckridee; recipient Elena Andreou of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps; and EMSCNJ Treasurer and Gail Lawrence Scholarship Committee Chair Ken Weinberg. - Fire News photo courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney