Fire News New Jersey, February 2020 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 14, NO. 9

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 FEBRUARY 2020

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

Mahwah Fire Draws a 2-State Response A Christmas Day fire in a building supply store draws crews from NY and NJ. See story on page 11

Evesham Twp. All Hands A garage fire extends into the two-story home and through the roof.

See story on page 14

Garage Fire in Lincoln Park Two cars and a garage are destroyed by a fire but the home escapes relatively unscathed.

See story on page 19

Multiple Collapses at Netcong Blaze A fire extends through the void spaces and water pressure problems at a laundromat fire.

See story on page 22

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 2020, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Up Close & Personal...

A closer look at first responders from around the state See story on page 27

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

Worker Pinned by Boom Truck After an ice storm in northern NJ, a tree removal truck overturns on a worker, pinning him.

See story on page 30

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28

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, February 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Take Advantage of Winter Can you believe the weather we are having? Oops, I probably just jinxed us and the weather will turn for the worse. The question is; are you prepared to go into battle in subzero weather? Trust me when I tell you that fighting a fire in freezing temperatures is no joke. At the start of this year’s winter, we have been lucky temperature-wise, so far. Keep in mind, that in the blink of an eye, things can change and we can be hit with a record-breaking blizzard and sub-zero temperatures.

Are you prepared to deal with frosted windows, slippery roads and the need to be cautious while responding to calls? How about stretching lines or operating from a ladder in sub-zero temperatures? For the new members, remember that frostbite is a serious issue, especially after the fire is knocked down and you are soaking wet. It is probably a good idea to keep extra gloves, ski hats and an extra sweatshirt on hand so that after the call, you can deal with freezing temperatures while packing away your equipment. Talk to someone who lives in a cold climate and ask for suggestions in dealing with the cold. Most

EMTs are aware that the cold can complicate patient care. If you ride a squad, make sure you are prepared to keep the patient warm.

Take the time to completely clear your car windows before responding. Years ago, members used cardboard to cover their windshields so that frost didn’t build up. Today, they sell windshield covers for this exact reason. Keep in mind, getting to the firehouse safely is imperative!

Winter is a good time to look at your county training schedule. Think about taking a class or two that will help you become a better responder. Prepare now to become next year's company officer. Go online and take those ICS courses that you have been meaning to take. Visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/training and take a class or two.

As a senior member of my department, I find myself visiting the firehouse for coffee.

While the coffee is brewing, I frequently review the pump panel of my truck. It has been awhile since I pumped my company engine at 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.

I have always learned from the best. These are the people who care and 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.

Lieutenant Joey DiBernardo once said, “Are you on the job or into the job?” Winter is a great time to go down to the firehouse to study your rig, familiarize yourself with the equipment placement on the truck and while you are at it, ask yourself; “Are you leaving a positive mark on your department?”

Stay warm and be safe!

-Dennis

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Cover Story

Fast Moving Fire in Bound Brook

On the evening of January 12, 2020, Bound Brook Fire was toned out for a structure fire on Main and Drake Streets.

Upon arrival, fire companies found a heavily involved apartment complex under construction. The fire was so intense it quickly spread to nearby structure immediately across the street. Command quickly called in additional resources and soon had the fire at a seven-alarm level. Companies continued to flow water into several structures through the night and into January 13, 2020. According to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office a Bound Brook man was arrested and charged on January 13, 2020, with second-degree aggravated arson and third-degree hindering investigation apprehension/false information.

- Fire News photos by FirstDuePhotography.com, Mark Rosetti and Steven White

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 7

Obituary

Terry Farrell Fund’s Timothy Farrell It is with sadness that Fire News announces the passing of Timothy Michael Farrell, who was born on September 17, 1957.

Tim help found the Terry Fund to memorialize his brother Terry, who was killed on September 11, 2001. Through the dedicated efforts of Tim and the Terry Fund, the organization has expanded across the country, with 17 chapters from New York to California, including Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nevada. The fund oversees several charitable efforts, including blood drives, scholarships and the transfer of surplus equipment from fire departments to other agencies in need.

Tim Farrell, who operated R.P. McMurphy’s Public House in Wantagh for nearly 40 years, died on December 14, 2019, at Good Shepherd Hospice. He was 62.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund.

-Fire News photos

by Harry Loud

Page 8, Fire News, February 2020

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Farmington MVA The Volunteer Fire companies of West Atlantic City and Farmington responded to the Black Horse Pike and Genoa Avenue on November 12, 2019, for an MVA with entrapment. West Atlantic City Chief Wallace Bakley arrived and reported the occupant out of the vehicle. The occupant was transported to the hospital by the EHT EMS. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Medical Episode MVA in Mays Landing The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to the area of Harding Highway and Longwood Avenue for the report of wires down on November 1, 2019. Firefighters discovered the cause of the downed wires was the result of an MVA with a vehicle striking a home under renovation. Crews reached the driver who had a medical episode, lost control of the vehicle and struck a guidewire causing it to shortout the primary wires overhead and then struck the home. The driver was transported by EMS to the hospital and the crash was investigated by the Township of Hamilton Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Farmington Car Fire The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Black Horse Pike and the Harbor Crossings Mobile Home Park on December 15, 2019, for a vehicle fire. Initially, the call originated as a vehicle on fire near a dwelling, but when firefighters arrived they found a vehicle in the street with its engine compartment on fire. Crews made short work of the fire, containing it to the engine compartment and driver’s area.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

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Clifton 2-Alarmer On November 26, 2019, the Clifton Fire Department received multiple calls reporting a house fire on Clifton Avenue. Clifton police reported heavy black smoke coming from the rear of the home and were shortly followed in by Ladder 3. The large 2-1/2 story wood frame had a heavy volume of fire in the attic space that members attempted to extinguish with an offensive attack but were unsuccessful and command ordered all members out. A second alarm was struck bringing all Clifton units to the scene along with companies from Passaic and Paterson. Mutual aid coverage was provided by North Caldwell, Bloomfield, Montclair and Essex Fells.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Mahwah Christmas Day Fire Draws a Two-State Response

Numerous firefighters from New Jersey and New York found there Christmas plans altered as they responded to an early Christmas morning fire in Mahwah. A little before 0500, the Mahwah Fire Department responded to Franklin Turnpike at the Arzee Building Supply Company where they discovered a working and rapidly spreading fire. A second alarm was quickly sounded which brought all Mahwah companies, as well as mutual aid from several surrounding towns, including from Rockland County (NY). As the fire continued to spread and with reports of a collapse of the roof, a third alarm was requested bringing additional mutual aid to the scene as well as to cover empty firehouses. Eventually, firefighters from approximately 20 departments responded. The fire took several hours to control with seven aerial trucks and numerous handlines. The Bergen County HazMat Team was requested due to a compromised 1000-gallon-diesel tank. Firefighters remained on the scene well into the afternoon hitting hot spots and overhauling.

No injuries were reported and the cause and origin was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Tough Stop at Rutherford 3-Alarmer

A little before 0400 on December 7, 2019, Rutherford Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Walnut Street. On arrival, companies encountered a fire in the basement of a 2-1/2 story frame which was extending to the upper floors and showing heavy fire in the rear. A second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. The occupants were all reported to have fled prior to arrival. As conditions deteriorated, command ordered a third alarm which brought in additional mutual aid. With heavy fire continuing to extend in the attic, all members were ordered to evacuate. After briefly hitting the fire from the exterior, knocking down much of the visible fire, companies re-entered in an attempt to open up and get the fire under control. After approximately 10 minutes, heavy fire once again vented from the roof and out the rear, as well as visibly burning through the wall on the Delta side, forcing command to once again evacuate the building. Several exterior handlines and a ladder pipe were put into operation and enough headway was made to allow companies back inside to overhaul and complete extinguishment. The fire was placed under control just after 0600.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Page 14, Fire News, February 2020

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Evesham Township All Hands

On November 28, 2019, at 2114, Taskforce 22 was alerted to a reported fire in a garage on Lowell Drive in Evesham Township.

Police reported the dwelling well involved. Chief 2210 requested an all hands while en route based on that report. He arrived and found

a two-story wood frame dwelling with fire through the roof. The fire was brought under control by Evesham, Mount Laurel, Medford and Medford Lakes units. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Page 16, Fire News, February 2020

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Passaic Roof Fire

On the morning of November 17, 2019, at around 0745, Passaic Fire Dispatch received calls reporting a fire on 4th Street in a four-story brick OMD. While units were responding they could see a large amount of smoke and fire which appeared to be through the roof and a second alarm was requested by Battalion 1. Several lines were

stretched as the trucks made their way to the roof where they found the fire involved roofing material, which was quickly knocked down. The trucks opened up exposing very minimal extension which was also quickly knocked down. The fire was placed under control at 0815.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

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Teaneck EDP Call Teaneck Fire and Police Deptartments faced a dangerous situation on the evening of November 4, 2019. Teaneck PD was initially sent to Chestnut Avenue at around 2130 for a tenant making a disturbance. As officers confronted the subject he fled into his top floor apartment and locked himself inside, then set the apartment on fire. As smoke filled it, he attempted to escape and, after a brief struggle with police, he was subdued.

First arriving Engine 2 reported a heavy smoke condition in the hallway and requested a line. The battalion chief arrived and transmitted a second alarm bringing in units from Englewood and Hackensack. The fire was quickly knocked down and the fire was placed under control just after 2200. The subject was transported to the hospital for evaluation. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference 2020 It’s Official!

Registration has opened for the 22nd Annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference being held May 4-8, 2020 at Harrah's Waterfront Conference Center, Atlantic City , New Jersey.

Early Bird Registration is available to Conference Attendees for $125 through February 29, 2020. Regular registration will be $175 through May 1 and At-the-Door will be $205.

Your registration includes 30-plus training opportunities, many offering CEUs, 35-plus Breakout sessions, daily refreshment breaks, our Wednesday Vendor Reception and Thursday continental breakfast. A nominal fee of $10 for each additional event will also allow entry into Thursday's Conference Buffet Luncheon and the Networking and Awards Reception on Thursday evening.

Friday, we will be offering a follow-up presentation on the Majory Stoneman Douglas Tragedy in Coral Springs, Florida.

Exhibitor registration is also open with many sponsorship opportunities available, visit our website at www.njepa.org for more information. In addition to booth space in the exhibit hall, we will also be offering outside space for large vehicles and other equipment.

As in previous years, on Thursday evening we will recognizing our Jon Young Scholarship winners, Kevin H. Tuno, Emergency Manager of the Year and Atlantic Electric will be presenting their Award of Merit.

Plan to join us for what promises to be an outstanding an outstanding program at our new venue!

Breakfast Anyone?

The volunteer fire companies of Pomona and Germania responded to the White Horse Pike just east of Pomona Road for a structure fire on December 3, 2019, at 0445. Originally dispatched for smoke in the area, the fire was discovered in a waffle shop in a strip mall just east of the given location. A quick knockdown was made with no extension to the surrounding stores. Responding were Pomona, Germania, South Egg Harbor, Bayview, Oceanville, Galloway EMS, Galloway Police, Galloway Fire Investigators.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 19

Garage, Cars Go in Lincoln Park Fire

On December 26, 2019, the Lincoln Park Fire Department was dispatched to Winona Avenue for a structure fire. Police arrived to a fully involved large garage with fire in close proximity to the home.

The garage became completely engulfed and started melting the windows and siding of a nearby home. Mutual aid came from

Towaco, Wayne and Pequonack. Crews were able to knock down the garage fire and prevent it from spreading to the home with the exception of some relatively minor damage. The garage and two cars in it were a complete loss.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 20, Fire News, February 2020

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Long Stretch, Fight at Longport Boat Fire Longport, Margate and Scullville responded to the Seaview Harbor Marina on Longport Boulevard on December 16, 2019, at 0100 for a boat on fire. Egg Harbor Township Chief Rob Winkler requested a second alarm for the EHTFD Technical Rescue Team then followed it with a request for a general alarm bringing all five EHTFD companies to the scene. Upon the arrival of Longport, Chief Levon ‘Lefty’ Clayton had his firefighters stretch 1200 feet of two-inch line onto the dock. Longport Ladder 34 laid a five-inch LDH to Engine 31 from a nearby hydrant. Once this operation was in effect, firefighters began suppression until the arrival of a fireboat from Scullville. City of Margate firefighters assisted Longport with suppression, with Margate Chief Dan Adams being the operations officer. Upon the arrival of EHTFD Chief Winkler organized a water shuttle from a hydrant in Longport Borough, which involved apparatus from West Atlantic City, the US Air Force Fire Department at the Atlantic City Airport, Scullville, Bargaintown, Cardiff and Farmington.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Pleasantville House Fire

On December 17, 2019, the Pleasantville Fire Department responded to an early morning structure fire on the second floor of a twostory wood frame. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

Mutual aid was brought in to cover the city and assist at the scene from Atlantic City, Atlantic City International Airport, Absecon, Northfield, Cardiff and Ventnor.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Multiple Collapses at Netcong Fire

On December 22, 2019, Morris County Communications center received a call for a fire alarm in a laundromat on Main Street in Netcong. Chief 1 arrived to smoke and fire coming from the side of the building and a second alarm was struck. Engine 1 and Tower 1 started an interior attack trying to move up to the second floor. After making some progress, the fire was found to have advanced up through void spaces and was pushing heavy smoke from the third floor and starting to run the cockloft. Crews were evacuated and a defensive attack was started. Mutual aid companies started to arrive and three ladders were placed in service along with several handlines. The town water system was starting to lose water pressure so a third alarm was called and long hose lays were dropped to a nearby lake. There were three different collapses during the fire but no injuries were reported. Crews remained on scene for over eight hours and, with the help of an excavator, the fire was put down.

- Fire News photos by A/C Kevin J. Maloney; Budd Lake FC; and Tom Finnegan

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 23

Northfield Boatyard Fire

The City of Northfield Fire Department along with Bargaintown and West Atlantic City responded to Hackney’s Boat Yard on Margate Boulevard on December 15, 2019, for a boat fire.

Northfield firefighters arrived and Assistant Chief Scott Goodman established command for a fire in a boat on a trailer. Northfield firefighters pulled two lines and applied foam to extinguish the fire.

Initially, as this was a watercraft incident, the EHTFD’s Technical Rescue Team was dispatched, but upon learning the incident was on land, they were recalled. The fire was under investigation by the EHTFD Fire Official. Also responding were EHT Police and EHT EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 24, Fire News, February 2020

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MVA into Pole, Then Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown, along with Egg Harbor Township police and EMS responded to West Jersey Avenue and Cates Road on December 7, 2019, for a motor vehicle fire. While units were en route, EHT Communications updated the incident to a motor vehicle crash with fire. The crash occurred at an intersection where the crash sent both vehicles into a utility pole on the southwest corner where two female occupants of one of the vehicles were trapped inside. The three civilians freed the two women and shortly thereafter both vehicles caught fire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge established command and reported two vehicles fully involved and requested a response from the Atlantic City Electric Company. One person was transported by EMS to the Atlantic City Medical Center Mainland Campus with injuries that were not deemed life-threatening.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 25

Town Bank Breakfast with Santa Town Bank Fire Company’s annual Breakfast with Santa was held December 8, 2019. Over $800 in gifts and prizes were won by three families. The company would like to thank all the local businesses that donated and helped make this event a success.

- Fire News photos by Robert Newkirk

Egg Harbor Helps Shop-with-a-Cop The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County supported Shop with a Cop 2019 by escorting underprivileged children to the Walmart in Hamilton Township where they shopped with a cop for Christmas presents.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Pleasantville and Operation Warm

In December 2019, the Pleasantville Fire Department was able to give warm coats to local kids in preparation for the winter. This was possible through the help of Operation Warm. Money is raised through donations and assists Operation Warm with providing new

winter coats to children in need across the United States. Many departments across the country participate in this program. For further information on how to help visit operationwarm.org.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

East Windsor Brings Santa to Town East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company 2 did their Santa Run over a period of three days in December just before Christmas.

- Fire News photos by Amy Batista

Page 26, Fire News, February 2020

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Bergenfield First Christmas Parade On December 22, 2019, the Bergenfield Fire Department and the Bergenfield Ambulance Corps hosted their first holiday light parade. The parade ended at the Prospect Fire Company 1 firehouse on Prospect Avenue. Awards were handed out to participating apparatus and West Caldwell Fire Engine 708 won best overall apparatus.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton and Mark Rosetti

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Fire News, February 2020, Page 27

Up Close & Personal

Past Assistant Cologne Fire Chief Bill Will (left) at the Township of Hamilton Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

EHT Explorers handled parking duty for Cardiff’s Open House on December 7, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

(Photo left) Atlanticare Battalion Chief Chris Heacock shows off the latest gadgets in emergency care at Cardiff’s Open House on December 7, 2019. Hey, we all wanted a new gadget of some type for Christmas, didn’t we?

- Fire News photo

by Dennis C. Sharpe

(Photo right) Some participants at the Blackwood Christmas parade.

- Fire News photo

by Dennis C. Sharpe

(Photo left) City of Margate Fire Department’s Chief Dan Adams who was the Operations Officer for a boat fire at Seaview Harbor on December 16, 2019.

- Fire News photo

by Ken Badger

(Photo right) Fire News photographer Mark Rosetti’s brother Ryan Rosetti from Newark Truck Company 5.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 28, Fire News, February 2020

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EHT Good Samaritans Honored for Save At their reorganization meeting on January 3, 2020, Egg Harbor Township Mayor Paul Hodson presented citations to Good Samaritans Timothy Dlugosz and Juan Perez for their actions in removing victims of an MVA on December 7, 2019, at Cates Road and West Jersey Avenue just before the vehicles caught fire. Not present was the third Good Samaritan, Jennifer Hauta. Also present in the presentation is Deputy EHT Fire Chief Eugene Sharpe and EHTFD President Chief Wallace Bakeley.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Overturned Ambulance on White Horse Pike On December 22, 2019, the Egg Harbor City Fire Department was dispatched to the 1500 Block of the White Horse Pike for an MVA with overturn. On arrival it was found to be an overturned ambulance. No patient was on board at the time of the accident and the occupants of the ambulance sustained minor injuries. Crews remained on scene till the ambulance was uprighted and the roadway was cleared.

- Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

CFSI SELECTS DR. LORI MOORE-MERRELL FOR 2020 CFSI/MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS MASON LANKFORD FIRE SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD The CFSI Board of Directors selected Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell as the recipient of the 2020 CFSI/Motorola Solutions Mason Lankford Fire Service Leadership Award.

Established in 1998, the award recognizes fire service leaders for their work in advancing the readiness and response capabilities of our nation’s fire and emergency services.

Dr. Moore began her career in the fire service in 1987 with the Memphis, TN Fire Department where she served as a fire-paramedic. In 1993, she began a 26-year career with the International Association of Fire Fighters. Dr. Moore-Merrell focused much of her work in the area of data analysis, system performance measurements, and staff deployment models. Her contributions in these areas of research have had a significant impact in the fire service, changing practices, policies, standards and laws that have advanced the health and safety of our nation’s firefighters.

Dr. Moore is widely respected for her contributions in fire service-based EMS, having

established agendas and contributing to policy development that have led to enhancements in the delivery of fire service-based

emergency medical services.

“I can say without hesitation that Dr. Moore-Merrell has dedicated her

life’s work to improving the performance of the fire service and protecting our country’s first responders and citizens,” said Chief Russ Sanders (ret.), who nominated her for the award. “I know of no one who has worked harder or smarter than she has on behalf of our firefighters and the citizens of both the United States and Canada.

In 2019, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell retired from the IAFF and founded the International Public Safety Data Institute. The nonprofit organization is dedicated exclusively for scientific purposes that provides analytical tools and information to the public safety sector to improve how they evaluate risks, deploy resources, and respond to emergencies.

The award presentation will take place on April 30, 2020 at the National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner.

The dinner program culminates a twoday event — the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Seminar and Dinner — hosted by the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

FireNews.com

Ho-Ho-Kus 3-Alarmer Ho-Ho-Kus firefighters made a great stop in the early hours of November 21, 2019. Initially dispatched to an activated fire alarm on Sycamore Avenue a little after 0200, companies arrived to find smoke showing from Cafe Amici in a single-story taxpayer. Upon gaining entry, fire was discovered in the kitchen area and, as lines were being stretched, Chief of Department Keith Rosazza transmitted a second alarm. Several handlines were in operation as the trucks opened up the roof and reported fire traveling the cockloft. A third alarm was requested for mutual aid and cover.

Due to quick truck work opening up and well-placed attack lines, the fire was quickly knocked down with limited extension.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Fire News, February 2020, Page 29

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Worker Pinned by Truck Overturn

On December 18, 2019, the day after a severe ice storm covered the majority of Northern New Jersey in ice, a tree removal company was attempting to remove a tree from a front lawn on Stocker Road when the truck overturned pinning a worker from the company beneath the outrigger of the truck. Essex Fells Fire responded to the scene and immediately requested all nearby rescue companies to respond. West Essex First Aid Squad Rescue, Roseland Rescue, Verona Rescue, Fairfield Rescue Engine, and Montclair Truck and

Rescue responded, as well. Once a county coordinator arrived a UASI USAR partial strike was requested and companies from Newark, Millburn, Jersey City, Paterson and the Port Authority responded. After the arrival of Newark and Millburn the subject was removed, and the rest of the UASI USAR teams were returned.

The victim was transported to UMDNJ where he was reported to be in stable condition.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti