Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes VOLUME 10, NO. 9
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
FEBRUARY 2016
Full story on page 5. - Fire News photo by Mike Hernandez
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Fire News, February 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Heavy Fire in Belleville A two-story brick building goes up drawing mutual aid companies from around the area. See story on page 8
Mt. Laurel FD Stays Busy Mt. Laurel firefighters respond to two fires on one shift on just after Christmas. See story on page 14
All Hands Blaze in Runnemede... Task Force 7 handles a single-story residence fire. The family dog alerted residents. See story on page 23
Mays Landing MVA Mays Landing crews respond to another accident in an all-too familiar location.
See story on page 24
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Santa, Santa Everywhere Coverage of the jolly big man’s visits all around the area. See stories on pages 34-35
Saying ‘Thank You’ in Bargaintown A local pastor comes up with a unique idea for an equipment donation. See story on page 38
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 32 & 36 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 36
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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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Winter: Time to A Good Time to Refamiliarize Change Up and down the Atlantic Coats, we have been lucky with the weather -so far - this winter, but keep in mind that at any moment, the weather is likely to change for the worst. Are you ready to deal with frosted windows, slippery roadways and the need to be cautious while responding to calls? For the new members, remember that frostbite is a serious issue, especially after the fire is knocked down and you are soaking wet. Most EMTs are aware that the cold can complicate patient care at an accident scene. Stop and give thought to working in the cold. I would like to take a moment to thank our readers who have reached out to Fire News through Facebook. In case you have not done so, visit Fire News and FDNY Fire News on Facebook and like the page. Become one of the 450,000 visitors who have liked a post, offered comment and shared posts. I recently came across a post on Facebook that actually made me stop and rethink about my commitment to the fire service. The post was a photograph of FDNY Rescue 2's firehouse door. On
the photo the following was superimposed: Check the rig. Check the tools. Mentor the probie. Learn from the senior man. Leave the department better than you found it. Wow! Those few sentences are so true and should make you stop and think. As a senior member of my department, I find myself coming to the firehouse for coffee and while the coffee is brewing, I frequently review the pump panel of my truck. It has been awhile since I pumped a ripping fire. I want to make sure that I am not embarrassed when I am the guy responsible to get water to the nozzle crew in a speedy fashion. Recently, when I entered the firehouse for morning coffee, all of the doors on my station's fire police truck were open. I stopped and paused and noticed one of my breakfast partners going through the truck making sure everything was where it was supposed to be. Did he have to do this? No, he most certainly did not, since the truck had been inspected a few days ago. I asked him what was up. He said, "Nothing, I just wanted to check a few things that were used the other
night." I have always learned from the best. The people who care are the people who reach out above and beyond what they are expected to do. Are you in this group? To all members -not just probationary members - remember that being part of the fire-rescue and emergency services is a privilege and a lifestyle. Winter is a great time to go down to the firehouse to study your rig, refamiliarize yourself with the equipment placement on the truck and, while you are at it, ask yourself, "Are you leaving a positive mark on the department?" Stay warm and be safe! Dennis
Eratum In the January issue of Fire News on page 8, at the bottom, there is a Department and mutual aid came from the Long Branch Fire picture of a strip mall fire which mis-identified the companies and per- Department. Thanks to Brian Hagerman, ex-Chief of West Long Branch sonnel involved. The fire occurred in the Boro of West Long Branch. Fire Department for pointing out our error. We apologize for the error. - Ed. The blaze was handled by the firefighters of the West Long Branch Fire
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Cover Story
Evesham 2-Alarmer
Twenty minutes into January 1, 2016, Taskforce 221 was dispatched box before requesting the full second alarm after switching to exteto Plymouth Drive in Evesham Township for a dwelling fire. The rior ops. The fire was placed under control in a little over an hour. original report was for a fire on a deck extending to the dwelling. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez CP22 requested an additional engine and ladder above the initial
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Belleville Structure Fire
On the evening of December 5, 2015, the Belleville Fire Department got a call from Belleville PD for reported structure fire on the corner of Heckel and Lawrence. The first car on scene requested RIT from Bloomfield and a Newark Task Force. Companies were faced with heavy fire upon arrival and attempted an interior attack but were forced out of the building, after which the fire fully engulfed the upper floors. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Something’s Fishy at Stockton University
On December 1, 2015, the Pomona Fire Department was dispatched to Stockton University for a general fire alarm in Wing F. Wings B-J were evacuated and, upon arrival of responders, school emergency management and police directed them to room F-001 where the alarm was triggered. Upon entry they found smoky conditions and quickly located the seat of the fire ‌ a large aquarium had caught fire. Concerned about contaminants, Atlantic County Hazmat units were dispatched. The fire was quickly extinguished and the scene was cleared and students returned within two hours. Responding were units from Pomona, Germania, and Bayview, and Stockton Emergency Management Team and Police, Galloway Township Rescue Squad, Galloway Police, Atlantic County Fire Marshal, and Atlantic County HazMat Team. - Fire News photos by Robert Macom
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Heavy Blaze in Belleville
Recently, a heavy fire was fought in a two-story, mixed occupancy brick building in Belleville. Units from Belleville, Newark, Montclair, West Orange, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove and North Arlington among others responded. - Fire News photos by Sean M. Freiman and Glen Duda
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Quick Work in Northfield
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On December 12, 2015, a call was received by the Northfield Fire Communications for a house fire in the unit block of Mt. Vernon Avenue. The City of Northfield Fire Department dispatched and, while en route, were updated that heavy smoke and flames were showing in a single bedroom of the single-family ranch. Deputy Chief Scott Goodman arrived and established command. Crews reported a heavy smoke condition in the interior and two occupants had safely evacuated prior to units’ arrival. Crews extinguished the fire within five minutes and the occupants reported a missing feline. After an exhaustive primary search, the feline was found and uninjured. Assisting were the Pleasantville, Somers Point and TriCare EMS. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Despite Best Efforts
The volunteer fire companies of East Vineland, Richland and BVT EMS were dispatched on December 22, 2015, to the 300 Block of Vine Road in Buena Vista Township for a report of a structure fire. East Vineland arrived to find a single-story, wood frame farm home with fire showing from the rear. East Vineland Chief Marc Corsiglia established command and requested a second alarm bringing firefighters from Milmay, Dorothy, Minotola, Landisville, Newtonville, City of Vineland, and Forest Grove. Firefighters hit the fire hard but the house suffered intense smoke and heat damage - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Bloomfield Dryer Fire
On December 6, 2015, the Bloomfield Fire Department responded to Bloomfield Avenue for a reported structure fire. Engine 2 arrived and reported a heavy smoke condition coming from the structure. Upon entry firefighters located a dryer on fire. Fans were set up at all entrances to dissipate the smoke. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Pennsauken 4-Alarmer
On December 9, 2015, fire broke out in a service bay of Performance Plus Automotive Repair located on Haddonfield Road in Pennsauken Township. Both Pennsauken Deputy Chiefs – Hertline and DiSanti – responded and reported heavy smoke showing, with heavy fire reported from Divisions A and B. Additional companies were requested for water supply. There was a twostory occupied apartment over the fire store and it was unclear if the occupants had made it out. A second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene. A strong wind picked up and caused the fire to extend and the building became heavily involved. Additional alarms were requested. Squrts from East Pennsauken and Cherry Hill Station 5 were put into service. Pennsauken’s Ladder Tower 1124 was also put in service in the rear of the fire building. The fire traveled up the interior wall in the second floor apartment and extended throughout, eventually going into the cockloft and through the roof. It took firefighters 90 minutes to knock down and place the blaze under control. Over 20 companies were involved. Special thanks to Re-Hab 13 from the Deer Park Fire Company for their services to personnel at the scene. - Fire News photos by John Axford
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Mt. Laurel Stays Busy
The Mount Laurel Fire Department responded to its second working fire of the shift early on December 27, 2015, on Brookwood Court. First arriving units found a single-family dwelling with heavy fire conditions throughout. This home was reported to be vacant. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid came from Moorestown, Evesham, Maple Shade and Lumberton. - Fire News photos by David Hernandez
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Scullville Chair Fire On December 1, 2015, the volunteer fire companies of Scullville and line was pulled from the first-due Scullville engine for a fire in a Bargaintown responded to Lees Lane in the Scullville section of the chair on the front porch with minimum extension to the structure. township for a report of a structure fire. Command was established Also responding were Egg Harbor Township EMS and EHT Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger by Scullville Captain Patrick Flynn, who reported smoke showing from the front porch of a single-family wood frame dwelling. One
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Santa Lends a Helping Hand The volunteer fire companies of Mizpah and Mays Landing responded to Harding Highway on December 19, 2015, for a report of a structure fire. Mizpah Assistant Chief Eric Davenport, Car 1821, arrived and established command for a fire in a chimney of a singlestory single-family dwelling. Mays Landing firefighters, who were on a Santa detail, arrived and assisted Mizpah firefighters who laddered the roof and dropped a chimney sweep down and cleaned soot and build up, while other firefighters on the outside cleared the cleanout of the chimney debris. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
2-Alarm Attic Fire On December 4, 2015, a box alarm was dispatched for Smith Street for smoke coming from an attic. Deputy 1 requested a second alarm upon arrival. Heavy fire vented through the C side of the attic. Companies had the fire placed under control in about 40 minutes. Belleville and East Orange assisted at the scene. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Basement Smoker in Bloomfield On Christmas Day the Bloomfield Fire Department responded to multiple calls of black smoke coming from windows of a structure on Ruckers Place. Engine 4 arrived to a basement fire. The family dog succumbed to the smoke. Mutual aid came from Belleville, Nutley and East Orange. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Breaking Ground The day we had all been waiting for finally came! The groundbreaking, for the Islip Town Fire Museum took place on January 9, 2016. Wait, let me back up a little. On December 27, 2015, I received a phone call from David June, one of the museum’s main organizers, informing me that the groundbreaking — 26 years in the making — was finally happening. Dave asked if I could have some of the sponsors from my show, Firehouse Kitchen, donate some refreshments for the event. I answered, “I’m on it!” This is the reply I always give Dave when he asks me to handle a task. The first sponsor that came to mind was Best Market. They have three locations in the area and are BIG supporters of the volunteer fire departments. Without hesitation, they accepted. Not only did they bring great food and drink, but the CFO, Jeff Yonkers, came with his three sons to help serve the food. On to the ceremony. All the bigwigs came out from the Town of Islip, even Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Councilwoman Trish Bergen. The ceremony was very moving. You could feel all the speeches were from the heart, especially the one from Nick Campson. Nick spoke about how the museum started and how he’s been waiting for this day. What made Nick’s speech so special was how he thanked all the supporters. It was a long list, but Nick made sure he acknowledged what each supporter did. It was comical and warm at the same time. The Islip Town Fire Museum is going to be located right next to the Atlantic League of Professional Basbeall’s Duck’s Stadium, in Central Islip, New York. It will be a venue were Suffolk County fire departments can show off their antique fire equipment and share their histories. It will also be a learning center to teach young minds about fire prevention and fire safety — just like the safety tips on my show. The Islip Town Fire Museum has been a great friend to Firehouse Kitchen. I will always support it and do what I can to make it great. Special thanks to Ray Reily, Bill Johnson, Ed Tulley, Rick Gimbal, David June, Warren Holtje, Nick Campson, Laura Johnson and the rest of the building committee. Lastly, don’t forget about the Fire/EMS Mega Show at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood, New York on February 20 and 21. It will be a great event — you can even bring the family down. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, go to firehousekitchenshow.com and like us on Facebook.
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Electrical Fire Snuffed
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Cologne responded to Flintshire Court in the Oakcrest Estates on December 5, 2015, for a structure fire. Car 1850, Cologne Chief Shawn Valluri arrived on location and established command and reported light smoke showing and requested the response of Atlantic City Electric. Command requested the first-due engine to stretch a line into the apartment for a electrical fire in a utility closet. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., was operations and had firefighters open up the walls around an electric panel and extinguished a fire caused by a short circuit. Mays Landing firefighters laddered the second floor to check for extension. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Cardiff MVA The Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company, along with EHT EMS, EHT Police, and Atlanticare Paramedics responded on November 16, 2015, to Atlas Road near Cates Road for an MVA with entrapment. The crash involved an SUV, which struck a utility pole, overturned, and trapped one person. Emergency personnel worked for approximately 20 minutes to free the person, who was taken by EMS to the hospital. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
2 Truck MVA in Bargaintown The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Mill Road on December 3, 2015, for an MVA with entrapment. Bargaintown Safety Officer Ken Badger arrived and established command with command being turned over to Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe upon his arrival. The crash involved two vehicles, both pickups, both coming to rest off the road with one driver trapped in the vehicle. Firefighters removed both doors along with the B posts on the trapped occupant’s vehicle’s driver side and the trapped driver was removed by firefighters and EMS. A Medevac was requested but recalled and the patient was taken by ground to the Atlanticare Trauma Center’s Atlantic City Campus by EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Montclair MVA On December 6, 2015, the Montclair Fire Department was dispatched to Valley Edge and Mt. Hebron Roads for a two-car MVA with a possible fire. Engine 2 and Truck 2 were held on scene and Car 4 and Engine 1 returned as there was no fire. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
3-Car MVA on Roosevelt Blvd. Central Dispatch received a call on December 2, 2015, of an MVA involving two cars with unknown injuries. Marmora Volunteer Fire/Rescue and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched. Upon arrival, Marmora Chief Jay Newman, reported a three-car MVA with two injuries and the vehicles still in the roadway. The vehicles were secured and the injured transported to a nearby hospital. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
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All-Hands in Runnemede
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Recently, Task Force 7 was dispatched to S. Read Avenue for a reported basement fire. Chief Moriarty (701) arrived on location to smoke showing from a single-story, frame, single-family dwelling. Quint 75 attempted to darken down the fire on the first floor while trying to find basement access. Deputy Chief Loverdi assumed fire operations. Squad 32 advanced a handline to the basement from the C side. Ladder 32 and Quint 91 searched, ventilated and assisted with the fire attack. Squad 75 provided lighting to the scene. Rescue 82 and Quint 51 acted as the RIT. Due to rapidly changing conditions and a compromised first floor B side, the companies were ordered out. The bulk of the fire was knocked down from the exterior and placed under control in about 40 minutes. Special thanks to Utility 81 for providing the cascade services, and Squrt 21 for providing coverage. There were no working smoke detectors in the dwelling. The homeowner was alerted by the family dog. - Fire News photos by Anthony Dolce
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Hmmmm, This Looks Familiar On December 24, 2015, the Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company responded to a report of an two-car MVA at Pittsburgh Avenue and Bears Head Road. The crash was actually located on the top of the South River Bridge, which contains an S curve and is the sight of numerous crashes. Mays Landing Chief Robert Hamilton arrived and established command. One car crashed head-on into the guard rail, and the second crashed into the side of the first vehicle. Hamilton Township EMS treated and transported the drivers of both vehicle to the local trauma centers. Also responding were Hamilton Township EMS, Hamilton Township Police and Atlanticare Paramedics. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Electricity Complicates Harding Lake Fire The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Mizpah responded on Christmas morning at to Phillips Avenue in the Harding Lakes section of the township for a report of a structure fire. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked down firefighters went in and performed extensive overhaul pulling ceilings and checking for extension. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Overturn on Route 9 Shortly after midnight on December 18, 2015, Central received a call reporting an MVA with an overturned vehicle on Route 9 South. Seaville Fire Department and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched and, upon arrival, Seaville Chief Rich Stevens reported an overturned vehicle in the middle of the roadway with wires down. The driver lost control of his car, veered off of the roadway, struck a utility pole causing it to break and dislodged the wires from it and then proceeded to flip over coming to rest in the middle of the southbound lane. The single occupant was found walking around and refused treatment. Responding units were Seaville Fire Company, Upper Township Rescue, New Jersey State Police and Atlantic City Electric. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Northfield House Fire The City of Northfield Fire Department responded on December 11, 2015, to Mount Vernon Avenue for a report of a structure fire. Police arrived to find an active fire in a bedroom and firefighters were quickly able to contain it. Firefighters from the cities of Pleasantville and Somers Point (for RIT) responded to the scene. EMS treated the homeowners for minor smoke inhalation. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Secaucus Chem Release
On December 20, 2015, the Secaucus Fire Department responded to the Mill Creek Shopping Plaza for a report of a chemical release with multiple parties feeling ill. A special request was put out to Jersey City Haz-mat as well as multiple area EMS units. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Northfield Brick Memorial
On November 29, 2015, the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company #1 dedicated a Brick Memorial, which honors the deceased charter members, chiefs, assistant chiefs, and life members. The site was blessed by Pastor Thomas Stark, the company Chaplain. Family members present for the dedication were given a red carnation, which was placed upon their relative’s brick at which time a memorial bell was tolled. The family members were also
presented with the first edition of the History of the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company, which celebrates the fire company’s 90 years of service. The history was researched and written by past-Assistant Chief and Life Member Lee Lichtenberger. Memorial Committee Chairman and retired Deputy Chief Edward Hackett was the Master of Ceremonies. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY TO HOLD OPEN HOUSE Interested in earning a Bachelor's degree in Fire Science? NJCU will be holding their spring semester Open House on the main campus in Jersey City, New Jersey on Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 0900 to 1300 and on the Communiversity Campus at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey on Sunday, April 24, beginning at 1200. Come, meet the professors
and staff and learn what a degree in Fire Science at NJCU is all about. For more information please go the University's website at www.njcu.edu or contact Prof. Anthony Avillo, Fire Science Chairperson at Aavillo@njcu.edu or Anna Scanniello at ascanniell@njcu.edu.
HONEYWELL, DUPONT BRING ADVANCED TRAINING TO FIRST RESPONDERS IN ANNUAL FDIC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Honeywell (NYSE:HON) and DuPont Protection Technologies (DuPont) today announced that Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar have teamed up to award 20 firefighters, EMS and HazMat responders with an expenses-paid scholarship to attend the 2016 Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC). FDIC is the largest and most important North American fire training event and tradeshow in the fire service industry with more than 32,000 attending the 2015 event. Hosted every year in Indianapolis, the FDIC 2016 event will take place April 18-23. This scholarship program from Honeywell First Responders and DuPont Kevlar will provide financial support for 20 outstanding, peer-nominated persons to attend classroom training, seminars, and the trade show, beginning Tuesday evening and ending Saturday after the show. Candidates may register for the scholarship program at: app.snapapp.com/fdic-2016-scholarship-program. “Restrained budgets often force fire departments to limit the number of attendees to the FDIC show, which may impact their ability to learn about the technologies and techniques that can expand their fire department’s ability to save lives and protect fire fighters,” said Eric Schlett, vice president, PennWell Fire Group/FDIC. “Thanks to
Honeywell and DuPont, advanced safety training will be made available to those who need it most: firefighters who are meritorious, passionate and committed to the noble mission.” To enter, nominators must select a colleague for a chance to win a scholarship to attend FDIC 2015 and submit a short video explaining why you are nominating him/her as a candidate. Examples for consideration: extensive or superior work in his/her role within the fire department; distinguished leadership; remarkable devotion to the community or crisis management; helping up-and-coming members of the firefighting profession; and a history of attending training seminars/classes and implementing best practices from his/her training that benefit the department. As a special incentive for submitting videos, this year, the videos will be posted online for voting by Fire Engineering readers, FDIC attendees and the general public. Top videos will be automatically moved to the finals for review by the selection committee. The scholarship is available to residents of the United States and Canada only, and both career and volunteer fire fighters, EMS and HazMat personnel are eligible. The selected scholarship recipients will be announced in February 2016.
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Northfield Brightens Holidays of Family Displaced by Fire
On December 12, 2015, the Northfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at a single-family dwelling on Mount Vernon Avenue in Northfield. Units arrived to find smoke showing from a first-floor bedroom. An interior attack was mounted, and the fire was confined to a single room, and brought under control within 20 minutes. However, smoke and fire damage rendered the residence temporarily uninhabitable, displacing a family of four and their pets. Recognizing the hardships the displaced family faced so close to the holiday season, members of the department took the initiative to gather and donate the contents of a food basket with all the trimmings, hoping to provide the family with an opportunity to focus on their blessings over a classic holiday meal. In addition, with the assistance of several local businesses, a basket of pet supplies for the family’s dog and cat was assembled and donated as well. On December 22, the donations were delivered to the family at their temporary Badger, John Ordile and John Sullivant. residence. Assisting on the scene of the December 12 structure fire was Santa arrived on the department’s Telesquirt 63, accompanied by Pleasantville Fire Department and Somers Point Fire Department. Deputy Chief Scott Goodman, Lt. Martin Pepek, and Firefighters Cindy - Fire News photo by Ken Badger; story by Northfield FD PIO
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Up Close & Personal
Passing the Boot Farmington Volunteer Fire Company #4 Life Member ‘Skip’ Ritchie collects for the fire company’s annual Breakfast With Santa, which was held at their station on December 12, 2015. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Firefighter and Fire News photographer Chris Denton and his father Bob Denton pose for a family photo at the Demarest Fire Department’s Veterans Day Service. - Fire News photo by Joe Fortunato
Long time member of the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company #1 Lieutenant Lou Carey at a Mount Vernon Avenue fire on December 12, 2015, changing out his bottle. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
New Chiefs in Cardiff Steven Sear and Gil Zonge are the new Chief and Assistant Chief of the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Demarest Honors Veterans
On November 8, 2015, the Demarest Fire Department held a service to remember and honor the veterans who serve to protect our country. Veterans both alive and deceased were mentioned and honored. Small American flags were placed at the memorial for every veteran who lived in the town of Demarest. Veterans that were able to attend were invited back to the Demarest firehouse for a catered lunch. - Fire News photos by Joe Fortunato
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Santa Claus is in Town!
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Santa in Farmington
Northfield and Santa
The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company #4 sponsored their annual Breakfast with Santa at their Charles Maxwell, Jr., Hall on December 12, 2015. Afterwards Santa posed with Firefighter Kelly VonEllingtton and his family at the 911 Memorial. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Santa visited the City of Northfield Volunteer Fire Company #1 on December 4, 2015, listening to the children’s Christmas wishes while the Ladies Auxiliary served refreshments and sold Christmas ornaments as a fundraiser. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Santa Run in Marlboro
The Santa Train
Robertsville Volunteer Fire Co. #1 participated in the Santa Run on the only cold weekend in December 2015. - Fire News photo by Matt Spadaro
On December 12, 2015, the Conrail train with Santa aboard, stopped and Santa visited inside the Jamesburg Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
Santa was spotted around Hasbrouck Heights on December 22, 2015. - Fire News photo by Justin Watrel, Hasbrouck Heights FD
Santa in East Windsor
Santa in Hammonton
East Windsor Vol. Fire Co. #1 hosted its Santa Open House on December 12, 2015. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
The City of Hammonton in Atlantic County held their annual Christmas parade on December 11, 2015. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, February 2016, Page 35
Santa Claus is in Town!
Santa in Weymouth
Blackwood Christmas
The Weymouth Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, escorted Santa to their annual Christmas luncheon on December 6, 2015, held at their station. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The Blackwood Fire Company of Gloucester Township in Camden County held their annual Christmas Parade on December 5, 2015. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Christmas in Cardiff The Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company of Egg Harbor Township in Atlantic County held their annual Christmas open house on December 5, 2015. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Christmas Trees in Hightstown On November 28, 2015, Hightstown Engine Co. #1 started their first weekend of their Christmas Tree sale. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
Wallington Holiday Parade The Wallington Fire Department held their annual holiday parade to ring in the season. Despite bad weather, a very fun time was had by all. - Fire News photo by Joe Fortunato
Netcong’s Annual Holiday Parade
Hackensack Brings Smiles for Christmas
Netcong had it's annual holiday parade on December 6, 2015. Fire Departments in attendance included Netcong, Mine Hill, Denville, Budd Lake, Roxbury Cos. 2 and 3, and Schooley's Mountain. - Fire News photo by Jason Bell
On December 15, 2015, members of the Hackensack Fire Department IAFF locals 2081 and 3172 purchased gifts for 50 children, part of the Youth Consultation Services (YCS) of Bergen County. - Fire News photo courtesy of Justin Derevyanik
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Up Close & Personal
Firefighters Anthony Fritz, Sr., and Anthony Fritz, Jr. of the New Market Fire Company in piscataway at a recent extrication drill. - Fire News photo courtesy of Anthony Fritz
The Meaning of Christmas At noon on Christmas Eve, members of the East Vineland and Richland Volunteer Fire Companies presented donations to Anthony Desimone of Vine Road, Buena Vista Township, after a devastating fire gutted his home on December 22, 2015, and caused extensive damage to the contents of the residence, including the Christmas gifts. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, February 2016, Page 37
Page 38, Fire News, February 2016
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New Chiefs in Minotola Mike Feaster is the new Assistant Chief, Brian Ewan is the new Chief, and Tony Habersham is the new Deputy Chief of the Minotola Volunteer Fire Company in Buena Borough, Atlantic County. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Saying Thank You in Bargaintown Pastor Kevin Bernat from the New Life Assembly Church in Egg Harbor Township contacted Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company #2 President Dennis Hofmann in late summer 2015 stating he wanted to start a fund drive to purchase a piece of equipment for the company. Pastor Kevin arranged a Harvest Fest held in October and on November 29, Bargaintown Fire Company President Hofmann; Lt. Clarence Abbott; Lt. Roy Merrill; Lt. Rob Copes, Sr.; and Safety Officer Ken Badger; attended services at New Life at the request of the New Life Assembly. Pastor Kevin then presented a check in the amount of $4000 to the representatives of the fire company along with a framed plaque of The Fireman’s Prayer which is now hanging in Bargaintown Station #1. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger