Fire News New Jersey, December 2021 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

VOLUME 16, NO. 7

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

DECEMBER 2021

Story on page 26 - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe See story

Happy Holidays from the Staff at Fire News

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Fire News, December 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Occupational Cancer Seminars The day-long seminar is scheduled for January 29, 2022 in Milburn.

See story on page 6

Dorothy Motorcycle vs.

Car MVA Crews find a motorcyclist unconcious and call for a Medevac.

See story on page 12

Up Close and Personal A closer look at first responders from around the state.

See story on pages 18 & 20

Atlantic County Firefighters Graduate The ACFA graduates its Spring 2022 and Fall FF 1 classes.

See story on page 21

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

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Obituary Dorothy’s Robert James Gibney, Sr. See story on page 23

Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:

Still Serving After All These Years A 1972 Hahn originally built for Kinnelon is still a workhorse.

See story on page 24

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 20 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24

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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, December 2021

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are You Ready To Lead?

As I write my December editorial, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I sincerely hope you “remember the reason for all seasons,” and give thanks that you are part of one of the greatest organizations, namely, the Fire Service!

Over the next few weeks, our departments will be holding their elections of new officers.

I know some of you hold elections of new officers later in 2022. Regardless, whenever you hold elections, my thoughts for new officers are the same. Sitting in the front seat is only a small part of your job. Are you ready to lead by example?

A few weeks ago, I attended a Lieutenant Joseph P. Dibernardo Seminar. If you were not there, especially as an upcoming officer, you missed a terrific three-day seminar that challenged the skills of everyone who attended. As I photographed the firefighters utilizing the search maze, I realized my place is behind the lens. Wow! Were the participants challenged! I spoke with a few members who finished the course. Their comments were similar and concluded that they were out of shape and needed to get back to the gym. As a new officer, or even an officer who is in a second year of the position, are you ready for the challenging

call? I urge you to look into the mirror and evaluate yourself. We live in troubled times.

Can you handle the serious or unconventional call that you are presented with when you get off the truck?

As a new officer, it is your job to motivate your crew. Is your crew serious about doing truck maintenance? If you weren’t serious about this as a firefighter, chances are your crew will follow in your footsteps. The last thing you need as an officer is to ask for a piece of equipment and it does not work.

Guess what? You as the officer could be liable for not following through and checking what your crews did during truck maintenance.

Remember, when your members speak to you, listen completely! Don’t just evaluate your members, evaluate yourself first. Lead by example. If you want your team to get up at 0300, you better be there with them.

As we enter the holiday season and hold Santa parades, breakfasts with Santa, and toy drives, remember to set the example and exude professionalism and goodwill toward the people you serve.

According the US Fire Administration, the fire service has lost 118 active firefighters in the Line of Duty. As a new officer, visit the US

Fire Administration online at https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/. Click on a few of the names of our fallen members and look at the causes of the fatalities. As a new officer, maybe you can make a difference by understanding how our firefighter family members died. Make a difference by remembering those who were taken from their families doing a job that they loved.

Prepare to enter 2022 to make a difference and shine as a new leader in your department.

Merry Christmas to all!

- Dennis

Page 6, Fire News, December 2021

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GSP Car Fire The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Bargaintown responded to Milepost 38.6 northbound on the Garden State Parkway on October 3, 2021, for a vehicle fire. Assistant Chief Sharpe established command upon arrival and advised Bargaintown Tender 1528 and Farmington Rescue 1547 to pull off the highway onto the shoulder behind the fully involved vehicle. One line was stretched from 1528 and knocked down the fire.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Lyndhurst Car Fire Snuffed On September 2, 2021, Lyndhurst Station 32 was dispatched to Valley Brook Avenue for a vehicle fire in close proximity to a building. Engine 1 arrived to an engine compartment fire in between two brick buildings. One line was stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down with no exposure to either of the homes.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Fire Service Occupational Cancer Regional Seminars AGENDA 0800 - 0815 Overview Welcome from Host Department/Agency 0815 - 1000 How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?

An overview of research studies to date, including a discussion of underrepresented groups and research needs. This session will also provide an overview of dermal and inhalation carcinogen exposures to firefighters.

1000 - 1015 Break 1015 - 1200 Modifiable Risk Factors and Healthy Lifestyle This session will address reducing risk, increasing protective factors, and building resilience through a healthy lifestyle. Wellness best practices regarding diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and sleep, as well as successful programs.

1200 - 1300 Lunch 1300 - 1445 Exposure Reduction and Implementation Strategies TRAINING DATE: Saturday, January 29, 2022 This session will look at procedures that can be implemented by departLOCATION: Millburn High School ments and personnel to reduce exposure at the fire scene, in apparatus ADDRESS: 462 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, NJ 07041 and at the fire station. This session will also discuss current advances in TIME: 0800 - 1630 PPE development to reduce exposure as well as best practices for fire REGISTER: Regional Cancer Seminar 1.29.2022 or fighter decontamination processes. https://www.firstrespondercenter.org/training/ 1445 - 1500 Break Regional Cancer Seminar Topics Include: 1500 - 1600 Support After the Cancer Diagnosis An overview of research studies to date, including a discussion of This session will provide an overview of the FCSN tool kit and key underrepresented groups and research needs; steps in the cancer treatment process.

Modifiable Risk Factors and Healthy Lifestyle; 1600 - 1630 Concluding Remarks Exposure Reduction and Implementation Strategies; Final remarks will touch on presumptive legislation as well as how an Support After the Cancer Diagnosis. organizations overall culture fits in with implementing change.

The dramatic increase in the incidence of occupational cancers is one of the most important problems facing the fire service today. The First Responder Center coordinates the activities of the Fire Service Occupational Cancer Alliance, a collaborative effort among all fire service constituencies to educate personnel about cancer prevention, provide resources for those who have been diagnosed with an occupational cancer and support research to address the disease.

In September 2017, the FSOCA hosted a national symposium focusing solely on fire service occupational cancers, the first event of its kind.

Over two days, presentations and workshops covered current research, prevention strategies, presumptive legislation, benefits, and other relevant topics. Based upon the overwhelming positive feedback we are taking the show on the road and conducting regional one day seminars based upon some of the key topics from the symposium.

Page 8, Fire News, December 2021

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Hackensack Office Building Fire

On the evening of October 9, 2021, Hackensack Fire and Police dispatchers started receiving calls of smoke coming from a house in the area of Main Street and Coles Avenue in the Fairmount section of the city. Engine 5, stationed nearby, arrived and reported heavy smoke from a large 2-1/2 story frame building used as offices. Two handlines were placed into service as Ladder 1 worked on ventilation and Deputy 4 requested a second alarm. Visible fire was quickly knocked down, however, fire was in the structure and rapidly spreading in all directions. Visible fire started lighting up on the second floor on the Delta side and moments later a major ceiling collapse occurred on the first floor, which provided the oxygen the fire

needed and the fire quickly intensified. Command ordered all companies to evacuate, requested a third alarm and switched to a defensive attack as heavy fire now blew out windows on the Bravo side endangering a multiple dwelling and also shot 15 to 20 feet out the front-attic window. All heavy fire was knocked down in approximately 30 minutes, allowing all outside streams to be shut down and the intensive job of overhaul to begin. The fire was placed under control at around 0130 and all companies cleared the scene at 0230.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Capt. Justin Derevyanik, HFD PIO

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Oft Overlooked

Firefighters at the Atlantic County Fire Training Center were taught recently one of the most basic and fundamentals of firefighting; packing hose. If done incorrectly it may look like it was loaded with a forklift.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Fire News, December 2021, Page 9

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RV Fire in Germania

The volunteer Fire Companies of Germania and Pomona from the Galloway Township Fire Department responded to West White Horse Pike on August 11, 2021, and the White Horse RV Center for a report of four campers on fire. Germania Chief Dave Simpkins arrived, established command and reported one camper, a towbehind, on fire with one camper on the C side as an exposure with the

fire radiating onto it. Command had the Germania engine crew pull two lines; one onto the fire and one onto the exposure which helped extinguish fire on the C side. Upon the arrival of the Pomona engine, they supplied Germania with water and its crew assisted with overhaul and mop up.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference 2022 Just Around the Corner

We’ve wrapped up the 2021 Conference so it’s time to start planning the 2022 Conference!

Our Call for Papers has opened. If you are interested in presenting at the 2022 Conference, either a Training class or a Breakout session, the week of May 2-6, please visit our website at www.njepa.org.

Sponsor and Exhibitor opportunities are also available; get all the information you need on the website.

Attendee registration will open the first week in January, watch your email for more information.

The Conference will again be held at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center which affords us the opportunity to have Training, Breakouts, Exhibits and Receptions all in one area. Adjacent to the Conference Center we will be offering a large vehicle display.

All of us at NJEPA wish you and yours a healthy and safe Holiday Season and a Very Happy New Year!

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Fire News, December 2021, Page 11

Looking Back Magnolia - May 2015 Paterson - June 2015

On May 31, 2015, a two-alarm fire heavily damaged a 2-1/2 story occupied dwelling on Ashland Avenue in Magnolia Boro, Camden County. The home was destroyed and the family displaced.

- Fire News photo by John Axford

On June 30, 2015, the Paterson Fire Department responded for a fire on Hamilton Avenue. The fire eventually went to four alarms with mutual aid companies covering the city and assisting at the scene. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

North Brunswick July 2015 On July 22, 2015, a five-alarm fire broke out inside the DCH Collision Center on Livingston Avenue in North Brunswick.

The fire burned for days and caused many local residents to be evacuated.

- Fire News photo by Ken Ternlund

Page 12, Fire News, December 2021

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Dorothy Motorcycle vs Car MVA

The volunteer fire companies of Dorothy (Fire & Rescue), Milmay, and Estell Manor responded to an MVA at Boulevard Avenue and Lafayette Street on September 2, 2021, at 1452. The crash involved a car versus motorcycle with a male on the ground, conscious. Dorothy firefighters, responding from a fire in Mays Landing, arrived quickly with Dorothy Assistant Chief Kevin Seelman establishing command. Upon assessment of the injured biker, EMS requested a medevac from JeffSTAT and an LZ was established in the rear of the Belcoville School. The patient was flown to Atlantic City Trauma Center, City Division. The cause of the crash was investigated by the New Jersey State Police.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Page 14, Fire News, December 2021

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‘Forest Fire Service’ Was Big Hit for the Burn Foundation at Wildwood Burn Foundation Administrator John McCann was elated how well received the “Forest Fire Service” print raffle and collector pin donations went during the Wildwood Fireman’s Convention for 2021. The crowd donated over $14,500 to take a chance at one of 30 signed and numbered prints by artist Joseph M. Getsinger, or a framed signed number one giclee canvas print of that image. David Russell, President of Fire and Safety Services, who sponsored the prints and raffle tickets, helped John McCann pick out the winners. Artist Joseph Getsinger was present; this was his 41st year creating art to benefit the Burn Foundation. Collector pins, which sold out for the first time, were sponsored by First Harvest Credit Union through Senior Vice-President Kenneth Barnshaw, who was present at the Burn Foundation booth with the artist. Many thanks go out to the Burn Foundation volunteers who stood at the gates collecting donations, etc.

Other sponsors that contributed to the Burn Foundation fundraiser were: Wil Edwards of Premier Art and Frames,. John Cortese of VanGoghAgain Galleries, Chip Lillie of CHOICE Custom cards, President Bill Eachus, Jr., of B.C.& B. Graphics, who printed the full color raffle tickets and the full sized prints.

The Burn Foundation Raffle Winners for the "Forest Fire Service" signed and numbered prints at the 2021 Wildwood Firemen's Convention were: Maxfield, Michelle Davis - Maywood, NJ, Joe Hartman Egg Harbor, NJ, John Paul Jones - Kansas City, KA, Ed Beck - Dennis Township, NJ, Dave Walter, Emily Magno, Helmetta, NJ, Larry Olphant - Manhawkin, NJ, Michelle Arancio - Middlesex, NJ, Ed Fleming - Flemington, NJ, Rick Woods - Cottage Place, PA, Kristina Imboden - Nazereth, PA, John Nunn, NJ, Adam Hartsoush - Carney's Point, NJ, Kevin Berry, PA, John Hebble - Stanhope, NJ, Dave Michael, Aitor Ostolaza - Landing, NJ, Brian Tierney - South Amboy, NJ, Fred Porsicano - Mickleton, NJ, Dayton Kenney - Barnegat, NJ, Jeff Shaw, Eileen Buccino - Westfield, NJ, Casey Agliano - Barto, Pa., C. Sawboda - Tuckerton, NJ, Jerry Sheord - Budd Lake, NJ, John D. Clark, Roy Hollahan Levittown, PA, and Lee Smith - Wanaque, NJ The Grand Prize Winner for the #1 giclee canvas of “Forest Fire Service” was Nikki Winkles of Sewell, NJ. - Fire News photos by Bryan Lopez

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Fire News, December 2021, Page 15

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NJ FFs Museum Open House and Memorial Srvice On September 28, 2021, the New Jersey Firefighters Museum held their annual open house with many antique fire apparatus on display and family activities throughout the property. At 1300 the memorial service was held for the fallen firefighters from across New Jersey lost since the last service. Many family members of lost members were in attendance along with representatives from their departments.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 18, Fire News, December 2021

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Up Close & Personal

(Above) Egg Harbor Township Scouts at the 9/11 event at the Farmington Fire Company.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Captain Ed Budzinski of Lawrence Township’s Slackwood Fire Company (Station 21) at the scene of a first-alarm fire at Mercer County’s trash transfer station on August 26, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

(Right) Gordon Gross operating Leesburg’s tender at a job on High Street on September 28, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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NFFF Memorial Service

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service was held October 2, 2021, in Emmittsburg, Maryland.

- Fire News photos by Josh Treat

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Up Close & Personal Enya, Finn and Tara Mellon whose mom and dad are Rob and Jaime Mellon, the Secretary and Treasurer of the Atlantic County Firefighters Association, at the Absecon Tower 8 dedication on October 23, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock and Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge at the Ivins Avenue job in Egg Harbor Township on September 18, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger Riveredge Firefighter Nicole Greco.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Atlantic City FA FF1 Graduation Awards Spring and Fall 2020 The Atlantic County Firefighters Association(ACFA) had its graduation for the Spring 2020 Firefighter 1 Class at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center (top, right). The ACFA held its graduation ceremony for the Fall Firefighter 1 Class as well (bottom, right).

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Fire News, December 2021, Page 21

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FIRSTNET AND WILDFIRE RESPONSE OPERATIONS: 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW Since the launch of FirstNet in 2018, the network has become an important tool in the toolbox for wildland firefighters.

At the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority), our goal is to support public safety in operationalizing their network, FirstNet, and ensure it continues to evolve to meet public safety’s communications needs. As part of our engagement efforts, we spoke to several wildland firefighters and agencies about lessons learned of using public safety broadband for combating wildfires. Here are their takeaways and key things to keep in mind when it comes to using FirstNet to support the frontlines: 1. Know how to request FirstNet’s deployable assets for a Wildland Fire Incident When disaster strikes, the FirstNet fleet of dedicated public safety deployables assets provides users with the ability to add FirstNet coverage and capacity where they need it most.

The fleet is made up of more than 100 deployable assets, like SatCOLTS, Compact Rapid Deployables, and Communications Vehicles, which are available to FirstNet subscribers 24/7 by request and at no extra charge. These mobile cell sites link to FirstNet via satellite, provide access to FirstNet’s Band 14 public safety spectrum, do not rely on commercial power availability, and provide similar capabilities and connectivity as a cell tower.

FirstNet has a dedicated team of customer service representatives available around the clock. If at all possible, fire teams are strongly encouraged to fill out a FirstNet Deployable Request form for an incident to ensure all operational requirements are clearly detailed.

Requests can be submitted via email to the AT&T FirstNet Help Desk(link sends e-mail) and by calling FirstNet Customer Service at 1-800-574-7000. Be prepared and have your FirstNet Agency Number (FAN) on hand. For more tips, read our deployable factsheet.

2. Incorporate FirstNet in your agency’s SOPs For example, fire teams can outline the process for requesting a FirstNet deployable asset and other FirstNet support in advance of an incident to prevent communication delays during a fire.

Here at the FirstNet Authority, we work together with public safety across the country to help them get the most benefit from their network. Fire agencies and personnel can take advantage of a series of opportunities offered by the FirstNet Authority to engage with us prior to wildland fire incidents to ensure teams are adequately supported. Contact your FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor to learn more.

3. Pre-configure, update, and maintain devices Whenever possible, public safety users are encouraged to pre-configure, update, and maintain devices prior to incidents to avoid challenges experienced on the fire scene. When firefighters enter austere or rural areas, devices can be difficult to remedy in a fast-paced inci-

dent response environment.

Keeping devices updated can help you leverage area hotspots for data connectivity to applications, situational awareness tools, video conferencing, and printing.

4. Consider hotspots and train your team on using your cache of FirstNet devices, applications in advance Agencies also told us FirstNet data solutions, such as hotspots, were important to operations. In addition to routine operations, hot spots have been used to support virtual briefings for command staff from remote locations and to enable medical updates from spike camps.

FirstNet subscribers have access to a list of applications dedicated to public safety in the FirstNet App Catalog. If you download and/or purchase applications to meet your team’s specific needs, plan to integrate them in your cache of FirstNet devices prior to an incident to prevent potential tech related delays during a fire. Pre-incident preparedness should also include a staff training on the applications selected for use. Also, teams should make sure all applications are updated.

5. Know when and how to rely on FirstNet Central to extend priority access to supporting entities or gain situational awareness on network status It’s important to know how to access FirstNet Central, a centralized dashboard for FirstNet customers to manage their dedicated FirstNet services. This portal provides important tools for situational awareness and operations. Your access to FirstNet Central is provided by your agency. When an agency is assigned a FirstNet Account Number, an agency employee is also identified as an administrator for the account.

A FirstNet user who has been provided with access to FirstNet Central by his or her agency administrator can then go into the portal and access tools, such as the Network Status Tool, which allows users to view current network outages and to set alerts for notification of unplanned network outages. For wildfire response, knowing where communications might be a challenge in the incident area ahead of time can provide the additional situational awareness.

FirstNet Central also provides tools for local control. During a wildfire, communications between first responders and Extended Primary partners, like utilities or public works, is critical. To learn more about this, the FirstNet Uplift Request Tool, check out the video.

We are here to support you.

– Billy Freeman; Senior Public Safety Advisor, First Responder Network Authority

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Fire News, December 2021, Page 23

Obituary

Dorothy’s Robert James Gibney, Sr. Robert James Gibney, Sr., of Dorothy, passed away on October 17, 2021, after a brief illness. He was 71.

Bob ‘The Gibber’ was born in Philadelphia and moved to Dorothy at a young age. A graduate of Vineland High School, Bob worked at Wheaton Plastics for 35 years until it closed. While there, he was actively involved in the union and served as Vice President.

Bob lived a simple life and was a hard worker, devoted to his family and his community and spent most of his life giving back by volunteering. At the age of 15, he joined the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company, accumulating 56 years of service. Over the years, he served various roles, eventually becoming Chief. He retired as Chief in 2016. Throughout the years, he also served as a member of the Dorothy Rescue Squad, Mays Landing Rescue Squad, NJ State Forest Fire Service as District Fire Warden Section C5, Life member of the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company, Emergency Management Coordinator for the Township of Weymouth, Life member of the Milmay Gunning Club along with many other community affiliations.

Bob was predeceased by his mother, Emily Miller Hudson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carla (Simmers), son Robert Gibney, Jr. (Desiree), of Williamstown, and Beth (Jonathan), of Mays Landing, and the lights of his life, grandsons, Andrew and Robert III, plus extended family and friends.

His favorite place to be, if he wasn’t at the firehouse, was Winding River Campground where he was known as “Gibber by the River,” You could usually find him by the fire or on his golf cart with his sidekick, Pippin. He loved to cook and is known widely for his food concoctions.

A viewing was held October 23 with a service immediately following. Burial was at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s honor to the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 227 Dorothy, NJ 08317.

- Fire News story courtesy ACFFA

Page 24, Fire News, December 2021

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Vintage 1972 Truck Still Serving

The above 1972 Hahn was originally built and served in Kinnelon, New Jersey, as an engine in 1995. It was converted into Rescue 5 by Super Vac and served back in Kinnelon where it ran until 2010, when it was replaced by a Pierce rescue. It was then sold off to a private owner who used it as a mobile fleet service truck and the recovery truck for his business. The truck was eventually donated to the

Sussex County Fire Academy, a division of the Sussex County Community College. The rescue was given the radio ID number 722. In the near future the light bars are going to be changed out with red and white lenses or replaced with something that will draw less amperage.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Fire News, December 2021, Page 25

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Cover Story

3-Alarm Fire Levels Commercial Building in Trenton Firefighters in the state capital were kept busy battling a three-alarm fire in a large commercial building that, after being discovered just before midnight on October 13, 2021, raged out of control for several hours until most of the structure collapsed during the early morning of October 14. Members of Trenton’s Engine 3, stationed with Ladder 2, heard an audible fire alarm sounding from somewhere nearby and spotted a haze of smoke in the street in front of their firehouse on South Broad Street. It was 2357 when the all-hands signal for a first alarm was transmitted.

The building was occupied by a discount store on the first floor, with large amounts of merchandise and other stored items packed into the floors above. Firefighters stretched lines in an effort to locate the fire on the second floor, but high heat, dense smoke, and the mazelike conditions created by the stockpiled materials forced them to evacuate the structure. The second alarm was struck about 15 minutes into the incident and crews set up for defensive operations. Additional companies were later special-called, elevating the incident to a third alarm.

Fueled by all the flammable materials stored inside, flames rapidly spread throughout the second and third floors and burned through the roof.

At one point, Battalion Chief Ross Dale, radioed he had nine 2-1/2 inch hoselines and ground monitors in service, as well as two aerial master streams. Collapse zones were established early and several minor collapses eventually took place. Finally, around 0310, a major collapse occurred that reduced three-quarters of the building to a mountain of smoldering rubble. The blaze was finally declared under control at 0346. All seven Trenton engine companies, Ladders 2 and 4, and Rescue 1 fought the fire. Two mutual aid companies — Pennington’s Engine 51 and Ewing’s Ladder Tower 31 — were also called along with the Signal 22 Canteen Unit. Ladder 1, which was committed to another incident, was the only Trenton company not on scene. Interestingly, the same building, back when it was used as a department store, was the scene of another major multi-alarm fire on February 11, 1928.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe