Fire News New Jersey, November 2019 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 14, NO. 6

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973

NOVEMBER 2019

See story on page 6.

- Fire News photo

by Dave Hernandez

It’s Your Turn; Are You Ready?

See Editorial on Page 4.

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Pinned in Mays Landing Mays Landing and Laureldale handle an extrication on Black Horse Pike.

See story on page 7

Camden City Honors 1914 and 1920 LODDs The stories behind the LODDs of Chief Charles Worthington and Captain Martin Carrigan See story on page 14

Carrying On A Family Tradition John ‘Jack’ Henry II definitely inherited the Fireman gene from his father and grandfather.

See story on page 16

Nice Stop in Egg Harbor City Firefighters handle a structure fire on Arago Street.

See story on page 19

A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 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, 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 2019, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Montclair Laundromat Fire Fast work stops a laundromat fire from extending.

See story on page 21

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Hasbrouk Height’s Chief Roccamo Retires Badge 39 calls it a career ... after 39 years.

See story on page 23

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 18 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26

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.

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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, November 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s Your Turn; Are You Ready?

Many years ago, two senior members in my company looked at me as I walked into the ready room. I had the feeling they were up to something. As I sat down, one of the ex-chiefs leaned over and asked me if I was running for lieutenant. I looked at him and said no! By the time I finished my coffee, I was a candidate for my company elections. Was I ready to do the job? I really couldn’t say. The short version of my story is that over the next few weeks, the senior members tested me at county drills and company drills. I must have past their secret criteria because I was elected to the position of lieutenant in my company.

I am sure your company and department have rules and requirements for upcoming officers. My department has a list of requirements for upcoming officers. They are good requirements, but my experience has shown that there is more to being a good officer than having a few extra classes. If you were responsible for sanctioning a new officer, what would you require?

Can you communicate? I am not talking about transmitting on a radio. I am talking about speaking professionally to a homeowner

- Announcement -

who has a question for you. Do you know how to speak with a member who isn’t doing their job? Even now, I see members who can’t tie a basic knot to tie up a hose line so it can be pulled to the roof. I see members who have difficulty starting saws, using a rabbit tool or even talking on the radio to relay messages to their officer. When you are an officer, you set the example for others to follow. Yes, unfortunately you must know everything that you expect your members to do. For the experienced officers; how many of you have ever wanted to rip a tool out of the hands of an individual who had no idea what they were doing? Many of us have been there. A good officer has patience and knows how to instruct and motivate their members to learn the proper techniques when using tools and how to train to stay fluent with its operation.

Most new officers I have seen are good firefighters. However, as an officer, your job changes and now you are responsible for the safety of your crew as well as making sure they are doing a specific job correctly. Now that you are an officer, you are responsible for keeping company records. You now must learn to docu-

ment training records, tool maintenance records, along with other computer and writing skills. When PESH visits a department, they ask for your documentation and records. Give this some thought.

My advice to new officers is to ask for guidance from the people whose footsteps you are following. Good luck to our upcoming officers.

Riding the front seat is not as easy as it looks, especially when you pull up on a working fire with occupants within. Are you ready for the job? Only you can answer this question.

- Dennis

MVA with Fire on Harding Highway

Clifton 11th Annual Coat Drive Clifton FMBA Local 21 will hold its 11th annual Coat Drive in 2019. The Coat Drive will run the month of October. Coats will be collected in any of Clifton’s six firehouses. FMBA 21 would like to thank its members and the community for coming together to support this drive. Collection points are as follows: 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

The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to Harding Highway and Old Egg Harbor Road on September 15, 2019, for an MVA with fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine reported a vehicle fully involved, but unoccupied, and requested Mays Landing apparatus Engine 1812 to stretch a 1-¾ inch line and Tender 1819 to feed Engine 1812. Mays Landing EMS responded to treat three civilians for varying degrees of injuries and all were transported to medical centers. The incident was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

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Cover Story

Mount Laurel 3-Alarmer On August 27, 2019, Taskforce 36 units were dispatched to a building on fire in the Larchmont section of town. Ladder Company 3615 advised Burlington County Central Communications of a visible column of smoke. Battalion Chief Fox requested all companies in service based on the report. Ladder 3615 arrived to a three-story apartment building with heavy fire on all three floors. Battalion 3603 held the fire at the third alarm. Two dogs were rescued, and one firefighter sustained minor injuries. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 7

One Pinned in Mays Landing 2-Car The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale along with EMS and police were dispatched at 1655 hours on August 1, 2019, to Black Horse Pike for a report of an MVA with entrapment. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and reported the driver of a pickup truck was pinned. Firefighters worked together using rams and spreaders to free the vehicle occupant, with occupants from the other vehicle self-extricating. All of the injured were treated by EMS for their injuries and were transported to various medical centers.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 8, Fire News, November 2019

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Paterson Fire Goes to 5 Alarms

Paterson firefighters from Tour 1 faced numerous challenges on the morning of August 24, 2019. Just before 1100, a fire was reported on Straight Street at the Straight and Narrow halfway house. Upon arrival, Battalion 2 reported heavy smoke showing from the roof of the three-story converted mill. Deputy Chief A.J. Ricciard reported heavy fire throughout, transmitted a second alarm and advised dispatch to be prepared for additional alarms. Due to the heavy fire conditions a defensive attack was set up as 55-gallon drums exploded, one literally blowing off a portion of the roof and skyrocketing a couple of hundred feet into the air in flames. In less than 15 minutes of arrival, a third alarm was transmitted bringing all on-duty companies, as major collapses were already also being reported. At approximately 1115, Chief of Department McDermott arrived and transmitted the fourth alarm. Multiple master streams were set up around the building including two ladder pipes, two tower ladders, numerous ground monitors, large diameter handlines and several deck guns. All exposures were covered although several residential buildings across the street suffered some radiant heat damage. A fifth alarm was transmitted at 1150 with companies requested to stage and await orders. At the height of the fire, the smoke condition could be seen over 30 miles away. Several vehicles parked along the building on the Delta side were damaged or destroyed due to collapsing walls. The main body of fire was knocked down by approximately 1430, although companies remained on scene through the night and what remained standing of the building was required to be razed. There were reports of at least 30 residents being displaced.

The cause was under investigation by the Paterson Fire Department Arson Unit and the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Page 10, Fire News, November 2019

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Hasbrouck Hts. Garage Fire

On September 1, 2019, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department responded to Columbus Avenue for a house fire. The first-due units were met with a fully involved 1-1/2 story two-car garage. A deck gun was placed into service from the first-due engine to knock down the bulk of the fire, as the first-in hydrant was out of service. The assignment was eventually upgraded to a second alarm, bringing coverage from Moonachie, South Hackensack, Little Ferry, and Wood-Ridge. Companies remained on scene for over an hour conducting extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Jersey City Electrical Fire

On August 17, 2019, Jersey City firefighters responded to an electrical fire on 8th Street.

- Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, CT Fire Photographers Association

Fire News, November 2019, Page 11

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Garage Collapses in Bargaintown The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Emerald Drive on August 23, 2019, at 2134, for a report of a vehicle on fire inside a garage. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Will Hancock established command and reported a two-story residence with heavy fire on the A side. Command then requested mutual aid from the City of Somers Point, Egg Harbor Township, the City of Linwood and Cardiff. Bargaintown Engine 1522 hand laid a line to a hydrant and Bargaintown Engine 1527 took a 1200foot lay to a hydrant with Bargaintown Tender 1528 hooking to the hydrant and supplying Engine 1527.

Scullville Ladder 1535 set up their ladder pipe and also stretched a two-inch handline and, once Engine 1527 got set up, they led off with their Blitz Fire line and protected the exposure. Two minutes after the arrival of command the garage collapsed. Covering were Cardiff and Marmora. The fire was brought under control in one hour. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the EHTFD Fire Official and EHT Police.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 14, Fire News, November 2019

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Camden City Ceremony Honoring 1914 and 1922 LODDs On September 17, 2019, the Camden Fire Department honored two members who were killed in the line of duty long ago with they unveiling of new gravestones at Arlington Park Cemetery in Pennsauken. A crowd of nearly 60 current and retired firefighters, guests and dignitaries honored Chief of Department Charles Worthington and Captain Martin B. Carrigan.

Chief Worthington was killed on May 8, 1914, when he fell 25 feet from a roof while directing members at a two-alarm fire at the Camden Electro Heating Company on George Street. The chief had stepped back to avoid a skylight on the roof in heavy smoke and fire conditions. He was rushed to the hospital but died en route suffering a fractured skull and a severe laceration to his neck.

On January 18, 1922, Captain Carrigan was critically injured as he and the crew of Engine Company 2 directed two hose streams onto the burning multi-story Economy Store on Kaighns Avenue from the roof of a single-story exposure. The store wall collapsed onto the firemen crushing the single-story exposure. Police and fire personnel rescued the injured firemen who were rushed to the hospital. Captain Carrigan was severely burned and had fractured his skull. He succumbed to his injuries the next morning.

While doing research for the Camden Fire Department’s 125th anniversary book, Lee Ryan discovered that neither of the fire officers’ graves were marked and that they were buried in the same cemetery. In meeting with cemetery staff, he was informed that Chief Worthington’s family had requested that his grave not be marked and required a letter from a family member granting permission for a gravestone. Ryan contacted Phil Cohen who tracked down a granddaughter of Chief Worthington who resided in Florida. She supplied the written permission to the cemetery.

At the Camden Fire Department reunion dinner held in September 2018, he approached reunion organizer, Ron Angemi, about raising funds for the project.

Angemi agreed to pass a hat at the dinner. Those generous donations enabled Ryan to approach IAFF Local 2578 president Sam Munoz and IAFF Local 788 vice president Pete Perez requesting assistance for the project. The unions set up a GoFundMe page and solicited donations along with Ryan. Enough money was raised and the gravestones were ordered by Local 2578.

Thanks to Arlington Park Cemetery staff and management, and the owner of New Jersey Marble and Granite in Pennsauken who both provided discounts for the foundations and gravestones. And thanks to Emerald Society Piper, Camden Captain David Dilks (ret.), Camden Fire Department Chaplin Firefighter Geraldo Medina and Camden City Mayor Frank Moran for their help. This year is the 150th anniversary of the paid department in Camden. Lee Ryan has served as the historian of the Camden Fire Department.

- Fire News story by Lee Ryan, Camden FD; photos by Bob Bartosz, Camden FD photographer (ret.)

Page 16, Fire News, November 2019

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Carrying on a Family Tradition John ‘Jack’ Henry II is the son of Verlee Henry and the late John Henry. He was born with Spina Bifida which confines him to a wheelchair and limits his ability to get around. His grandfather, Edward Henry, helped start the Green Creek Fire Company.

Jack’s father John was an active member of the Green Creek Fire Company and was a member for 58 years before passing on November 29, 2018. Jack has been a social member of the Green Creek Fire Company for the last 22 years. He is always wanting to know if there were fire calls and looks forward to the fire parade every year. He hasn’t missed a parade in his entire life and definitely inherited the fireman gene from his father and grandfather.

- Fire News photos courtesy Green Creek FC

Page 18, Fire News, November 2019

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Egg Harbor Twp. 9/11 Ceremony The Egg Harbor Township 911 ceremony was hosted by the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company and was attended by all of the emergency services and township committee members with remarks given by Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe and Mayor Paul Hodson. The ceremony also featured an all-female Honor and Color Guard consisting of Farmington firefighters and EHT Police.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Nice Stop at Arago Street On September 11, 2019, just after 0200, Egg Harbor City and South Egg Harbor Fire Departments were dispatched to the 800 block of Arago Street for a structure fire. Car 100 established command. Fire crews worked both the interior and exterior of the structure extinguishing pockets of fire. At one point the ladder pipe from Ladder 10 went in service to darken down trapped fire in the roof area. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

Fire News, November 2019, Page 19

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Passaic 4-Alarmer

At around 1730 on a very hot and humid July 20, 2019, the Passaic Fire Department responded to Howard Avenue for a house fire. Crews arrived to a large 2-1/2 story frame dwelling with heavy fire on the second-floor rear, extending into the attic.

Handlines were stretched but with conditions deteriorating, Battalion Chief Kevin Colavitti requested a second alarm. Access to the roof was made difficult by uneven terrain on the C and D sides, as well as tree in the front. Before the roof could be opened, heavy fire broke through. With the temperature at around 99 and the real-feel temp of 110, a third alarm was requested, along with a rehab unit from Moonachie. All members were withdrawn from the building as heavy fire was visible on the second-floor rear and through the roof and no headway was being made. Several times companies attempted to go offensive, but hidden fire continued to break out all over the attic, forcing command to switch back to an exterior attack each time. A fourth alarm was requested for relief purposes and the fire was finally placed under control at 2015, with companies continuing to hit hot spots. Despite the grueling temperature which took a toll on the members, no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Announcement

A 9/11 POEM: THE BRAVE FDNY It’s that time of year when I post the poem I wrote after 9/11. I was lost for words and couldn’t believe what my eyes had seen, and this is what I came up with 18 years ago.

- Ryan Klambara, Clifton Heights (PA) FC The Brave FDNY There’s a group of brave men that reside in black That’ve seen the worst, but still take no slack They are the brothers from FDNY, New York’s bravest spirit's will never die.

September 11th was the exact date When so many of these men met their fate.

They entered the towers like they have always done, With a 100 pounds of equipment that felt like a ton.

They sprung into action to reach the fire And to save innocent lives, their never-ending desire As they were climbing, the worst took place For the first time they had fear on their face The towers came down with magnificent power This was FDNY’s most tragic hour.

This disaster just made them much more stronger And made them want this job much longer They are the bravest and will always be Watch the news and TV it’s easy to see.

Please don’t sob, And take your loved one’s hand and remember these brave men and UNITED WE STAND.

Fast Stop, Lots of Overhaul in Bridgeton

The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to Lincoln Street on August 28, 2019, for a structure fire. The resident heard his dog barking and, upon investigating, discovered his neighbor’s garage on fire. Chief Todd Bowen established command and reported smoke showing. The fire was controlled with one line, but needed extensive overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 21

Laundromat Fire in Montclair

On September 20, 2019, the Montclair Fire Department responded to Maple Avenue for a report of a fire in a laundromat. Car 4 arrived to a visible fire and smoke condition in the structure and requested a RIT from Bloomfield. Montclair Engine 1 quickly

knocked down the fire, containing it to a single dryer as Truck 1 assisted with ventilation. The fire was placed under control within 20 minutes and mutual aid coverage was provided by East Orange, West Orange and Clifton.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 22, Fire News, November 2019

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NOMINATION PERIOD OPEN FOR ANNUAL EVT AWARD Chief officers are encouraged to submit an emergency vehicle technician for Firehouse’s annual EVT award for service that goes above and beyond.

The job of an EVT is technical, complicated and dangerous as they work to keep vehicles on the road to respond to the next emergency. Walk through the apparatus maintenance shop today and you’ll find an assortment of digital equipment, electronic diagnostics gear and computers alongside traditional mechanical tools that EVTs use on emergency vehicles.

In 1988, the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification program was introduced to elevate the standards of emergency vehicle maintenance and the personnel performing the work. To nationally recognize the EVTs’ dedication, the Emergency Vehicle Technician of the Year Award was created in 2003 to raise awareness of the vital role these individuals play in fire and emergency services.

“Over the past 15 years, we have heard many stories of EVTs studying and earning EVT and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications on their personal time,” EVT of the Year Coordinator Janet Wilmoth said. “Continued training and education through local EVT associations, national conferences and manufacturers’ programs is critical to EVTs and the evolving technology in fire and emergency apparatus today.”

The selection criteria are focused on leadership, professional development, integrity and a commitment to the safe operation of emergency vehicles for responders and the community. The nomination letter should emphasize a nominee’s implementation of safe procedures, advanced education in the field and service above and beyond.

Anyone can nominate an EVT that meets the following criteria: • Be a member in good standing of a state or local EVT association as of Jan. 1, 2019.

• Have at least five (5) years full-time employment in the maintenance of emergency vehicles.

• Be working toward or passed any of the

Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission tests.

• Be working toward or passed any of the Automotive Service Excellence tests.

• Foster professionalism through participation in a local, state or provincial mainte-

nance/emergency vehicle technician association.

• Adhere to the education of safety practices and procedures in his/her profession.

“Without us, the pride don’t ride” was the mantra of fire apparatus mechanics in the

early 1990s. As more electronic components appear on fire apparatus and demand new skills, coupled with the legal liability of unsafe apparatus and unknown carcinogens lurking inside apparatus and ambulances, emergency vehicle technicians do their job so you can do yours. Show your appreciation for their commitment and nominate your EVT. The 2019 EVT of the Year Award is sponsored by Spartan Motors and will be presented at the FDSOA’s Fire Apparatus, Safety and Maintenance Conference, Jan. 1315 in Scottsdale, AZ. Nomination procedures A letter nominating the EVT and explaining why he or she is nominated for this award, as well as any supporting information, should be emailed to Janet@Firehouse.com by Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. Please include the nominee’s email and mailing address.

A nominee previously submitted can be entered again.

The nominee will be advised that they have been nominated for an award and will be asked to provide the following information: name; department; phone number; email address and permit of the use of their photo and name for promotion purposes.

A select panel of judges will review all nominations and jointly select the winners. The winner will be notified by Dec. 16. All nominees will be notified by e-mail of the results.

Previous Winners • 2014: David Cottingham, Chesterfield County, VA • 2015: Michael Adams, South Metro Fire, Parker, CO • 2016: Robert Corsi, Cranston, RI • 2017: Corey Lane, Loveland, CO • 2018: Al Hasenfratz, Sylvania Township, OH

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 23

Hasbrouck Heights’ Chief Angelo Roccamo Retires After an illustrious career on the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department and a three year stint the second time around as the Chief of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Chief Angelo Roccamo has decided to retire his badge 39 after 39 years in the department.

Chief Roccamo is the son of Joseph and the late Theresa Roccamo of Hasbrouck Heights, who have lived in the town for over 50 years. Originally born in South Philly, the family moved to New Jersey to be closer to his mother's relatives. The Chief is a Hasbrouck Heights HS alumnus ’77 and is the father to Angelo Jr., and Alyssa.

In the time that Chief Roccamo has served in the fire service, he has held many positions. He has been Lieutenant and Mechanic of the Ambulance, Lieutenant and Captain of the Hook and Ladder, Department Treasurer, Fire Inspector and Second, First and then Chief of the Department (twice).

Some of the goals that the Chief had for the Department were keeping up morale and unifying the Department. “The Community has to understand that this is a volunteer department. The economy has done a number on all volunteer departments. People are working two or three jobs and don't have the time to volunteer like they used to before. The time factor is something people can’t fit into their lives. Our members have to be available 24/7 and during all the holidays. We have to stop what we’re doing in our lives and help members of the community and the surrounding areas as well.”

The department wants to thank Chief Angelo Roccamo for his 39 years of dedication, life and love that he has given to his family, his community and town and the members of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department family, his second home.

- Fire News photos by Justin Watrel

Page 24, Fire News, November 2019

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Roseland Wetdown The Roseland Volunteer Fire Department welcomed their new Pierce Ascendant, a 108-foot aerial ladder, at a wetdown on September 14, 2019. The new apparatus, Ladder 665, replaced a 1985 Pierce 100-foot tower ladder. The day was celebrated with companies from Essex, Morris and Bergen Counties. The over 800 attendees were treated to hot roast beef subs, hot dogs, and cold beverages from the Cloverleaf Tavern. Guests were entertained by the Sizzling Sounds DJs. The Roseland Fire Department celebrated its 106th anniversary in 2019.

- Fire News photos by Barry Bachenheimer

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 25

3-Deck Collapse in Wildwood

On September 14, 2019, the Wildwood and North Wildwood Fire Departments were dispatched to East Baker Avenue for a structural collapse.

Multiple calls were received reporting a large threestory deck collapsed, trapping multiple people.

Squad 3 and Rescue 3 quickly arrived to a pancakestyle collapse of three decks of a seven-unit dwelling with multiple occupants trapped. A second alarm was struck along with a request for the Cape May County RUST team to respond. Multiple ambulances from the Cape May County EMS Task Force responded along with a helicopter from Atlanticare to transport the most critically injured. Over 20 people, including children, were transported, but thankfully there were no fatalities. This took place during the Wildwood State Firemen’s Convention and firefighters and their families were staying on all three floors of the home.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 26, Fire News, November 2019

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Up Close & Personal

The East Rutherford EMS Squad as they wait for the start of the 125th Anniversary parade saluting their fire department.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Parkertown Firefighter Matthew R. Gilmore with his family following his graduation from the Atlantic County Fire Academy FF1 program on July 29, 2019. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Northfield Firefighters William and Cole Leeds (holding diplomas) with their family following their graduation from the Atlantic County Fire Academy FF1 program on July 29, 2019. They come from a long line of firefighters with Cole being a burgeoning photographer.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe