Fire News New Jersey, February 2022 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 16, 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 2022

See story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Fire Chief of the Year Nominations Now Being Accepted See page 4

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Fire News, February 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Chief of the Year Application The deadline for the NJ Chiefs’ Association award is June 1, 2022.

See story on page 4

Tabernacle All Hands Firefighters manage to save a family’s presents from a Christmas Eve blaze.

See story on page 8

Trenton Rowhouse Fire A two-alarm fire in a previously-burned rowhouse extends.

See story on page 12

Guttenberg Mixed-Use 3-Alarmer North Hudson Fire & Rescue responds for a kitchen fire.

See story on page 20

Sprinkler Demo at Monmouth Academy A live demo burn features what happens with sprinklers and without.

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, 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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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:

Morris County Graduation Academy Class 21-09 starts their careers.

See story on page 30

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

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.

Page 4, Fire News, February 2022

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Well Done, Responders!

With the recent fatal fires in the Tremont section of the Bronx and a major fire in Philadelphi’s Fairmount section, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you about these terrible fires. As with all fires, the flames were extinguished, but not without severe fatal consequences. At the Bronx and Philadelphia fires, authorities reported that many children perished in these blazes. The loss of a child amplifies the sad feelings towards this job.

When I heard about the possible cause of why the fire spread, along with the thick acrid smoke, in my mind, I heard the voice of former reporter Frank Field saying, “Close the door, close the door!” Frank Field, who was a fire buff, made an excellent video on fire prevention called, "”lan to Get Out Alive.” I used to show this video every year to the students I taught in Lynbrook (NY) and followed up with a hands-on exercise demonstrating how to remain safe during a fire. I retired feeling proud of the job I did, and only hoped that my work would continue.

As I watched the news coverage of the Bronx fire, so many thoughts ran through my mind. My thoughts focused on the 200 heroic firefighters who worked feverishly to save as many lives as they could. Every responder who

worked this blaze is a hero in my eyes. Having served in the volunteer fire service for 29 years and being the son of a 32-year veteran on the FDNY, I know what it was probably like when our heroes returned to the firehouse.

One of the worst memories that any responder or combat veteran must endure is the loss of life, especially the life of a child. I can remember situations from years ago that changed the demeanor of responders who returned to their firehouses and homes, wanting to be left alone. My dad had several fatal fires in his career. When he returned home, my mom could immediately tell that something was wrong. I remember my dad sitting on the couch and staring into space. Sooner or later, he shared his horrific experience with my mom and later in life with me. The scares and scars of battle never seemed to go away.

Looking at the future, it is important to remember that when little things start to bother you for no apparent reason, there may be a serious reason why your personality has changed.

Today we call it Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that develops in some people who have suffered or experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid

during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. The FDNY and the volunteer fire-rescue service have experienced teams to help you deal with PTSD and other problems that develop in the life of responders. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your Counseling Service Unit and sit down to talk with one of your peers.

To all the heroes that responded to Bronx Box 3162 and Philadelphia's Fairmount fire, stand tall and be proud of the job that you did.

You gave your all and performed well.

- Dennis

Fire Chief of the Year Award NOMINEE’S NAME:___________________________________ DEPARTMENT: _____________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ PHONE: ____________________________________________ E-MAIL: ____________________________________________ NOMINEE’S STATE FIRE CHIEFS’ ASSOCIATION MEMBER NUMBER: __________________________________ NOMINATING PERSON OR ORGANIZATION: ___________________________________________________ CONTACT PERSON: _________________________________ PHONE: ____________________________________________ E-MAIL: ____________________________________________ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: (to include a cover letter on nominating organizations letterhead, resume, letters or recommendation, etc.)

Cover letter on nominating organizations letterhead describing why this candidate is being nominated.

Nominee's current resume Citations, newspaper articles, or letters of recommendation; minimum of three Other Deadline: June 1st Send this form and the supporting documentation to: Secretary New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’ Association 444 Central Avenue Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072-1524

Award Criteria One award will be given to a chief officer each year.

Individuals who are eligible for nomination and selection as Fire Chief of the Year are not limited to chiefs of department, but include all chief officers, (assistant chief, deputy chief, battalion chief, fire marshal), past or present, career or volunteer, who are members of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’ Association.

Selection criteria will emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development, integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole. All of a nominee’s fire service activities and accomplishments will be considered, but because this is the Fire Chief of the Year award, special emphasis will be placed on the period when the person holds the rank of chief. For instance, if a chief’s term in office as an assistant, deputy, etc., is from 2003-2006, then all these years should be counted in the selection criteria. A nominee’s command role at a major emergency incident, while relevant, will not be enough to place that individual into contention for the award.

All nominees shall be active members of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’Association. The deadline for nominations shall be July 1st of each year.

Once a chief has been selected as the Fire Chief of the Year, he or she shall not be eligible to be nominated in future years.

There will be a standard format for the nominations to include:

• The official nomination form.

• A cover letter on the organization’s letterhead, signed by the organization’s chairperson, president, chief or underchief, describing why this candidate is being nominated.

• A current resume detailing the candidate’s involvement in the fire service.

• A minimum of three other documents supporting the candidate's nomination, such as citations, newspaper articles, or letters of recommendations from appropriate elected or appointed officials.

The nomination and selection process is: • A fire department or any member of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’ Association can nominate a member. However, nominations submitted by a member must also be accompanied by a cover letter from the fire department.

• The person making the nomination is responsible to notify the candidate and determine that he or she is willing to participate in the selection process.

• The nomination package shall be submitted to the Secretary of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’ Association no later than July 1, 2022.

• The winner shall be selected by a special committee appointed by the President of the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs’ Association.

• The Fire Chief of the Year Award shall be presented at the Annual Meeting by the President.

• The form of the Award shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

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Cover Story

Hawthorne 3-Alarmer Hawthorne crews had a tough fight when they responded to a house fire on Victor Place on November 21, 2021, just after 1900. On arrival, Chief Joe Speranza reported heavy fire in the rear of the large two-story private dwelling. A second alarm was quickly requested as companies stretched attack lines, with a report of possible entrapment. Tower 2 made its way to the roof for ventilation with heavy smoke pushing from the eaves and corner gable vents. The fire eventually broke through the roof but, due to an aggressive interior attack and a lot of truck work, the fire was knocked down. A third alarm was requested for manpower and the fire was placed under control at 2030.

The reports of entrapment were negative and no injuries were reported, however several pets perished. The cause of the fire was under investigation but appeared to be accidental.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Page 8, Fire News, February 2022

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Tabernacle All-Hands Taskforce 43 units were alerted to a structure fire on December 24, 2021. Supervisor 4303 reported a column of smoke while en route and requested the all hands be struck. Chief Webb arrived and reported a single-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing from the alpha side. A tender strike team was requested as there were no hydrants in Tabernacle. Command used a 2-1/2 inch and two 1-3/4 inch lines for fire throughout the dwelling. The fire was brought under control with no injuries. Firefighters were able to locate and remove most of the family’s Christmas presents. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Page 10, Fire News, February 2022

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Car Fire in Farmington The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Bargaintown were dispatched on October 3, 2021, at 1547 to Milepost 38.6 northbound for a report of a vehicle fire. New Jersey State Police arrived and reported a working fire and Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe arriving shortly thereafter and confirmed the working fire and established command. Baragaintown Tender 1528 arrived first and its crew stretch a 1-¾ inch line and knocked down the fire, with the fire confined to the engine and passenger compartments.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Tough Access in Paramus On October 18, 2021, Paramus Fire Companies 1, 2, 3 and 4, and the Rescue, were alerted for a house on fire somewhere behind Station 3. The first chief arrived on scene to a single-story residential home on Cedar Lane with fire showing from the alpha side located down a narrow alleyway. Access was determined to be much easier from the rear of Station 3. Engine 1 laid in down the alleyway while all other companies responded to Station 3. Water supply was established from the parking lot of Station 3 and the rear fence was breached to help with access. The fire was quickly knocked down with a transitional attack as crews conducted extensive overhaul. An Oradell Truck responded as the RIT. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

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2nd Alarm Struck as Trenton Rowhouses Burn Again

A two-alarm fire involving a pair of vacant, previously-burned row houses in Trenton damaged an occupied home next door before being brought under control in the early hours of December 3, 2021.

B Platoon firefighters were on duty when Engines 3, 10 and 7, Ladder 2, Rescue 1 and the South Battalion (Battalion 4) were dispatched at 0110. Crews arrived to find heavy fire in 513 and 515 Centre Street, both of which had been damaged by earlier fires. The all-hands was transmitted, sending Engine 1, Ladder 4, the North

Scrap Yard Fire in Paterson On November 11, 2021, the Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to the area of E7th Street for a fire. Riverside companies arrived to a large fire within a scrap yard and stretched multiple 2-1/2 inch lines. The operator of a crane within the scrap yard assisted companies in picking apart the debris as some of the fire became deep seated. Companies remained on scene for an hour overhauling the debris pile.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Battalion (Battalion 3) and Special Services 1 to the scene as the balance of the first alarm. At 0120, with the fire extending to the occupied home, the second alarm was ordered, which sent Engines 6 and 9 to the scene. Thanks to an aggressive interior attack, the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down. The blaze was officially placed under control at 0205. A family of four was displaced from the occupied home and was assisted by the Red Cross.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

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Looking Back Stone Harbor - 2016

Cape May Court House Fire Department assisting the Stone Harbor Fire Department.

- CMCH photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe collection

Maple Shade - 2014 Maple Shade Fire and EMS, Lenola Fire and EMS, Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Pennsauken 11-1, Palmyra, Riverton, Cherry Hill Squrt 1351 and Cherry Hill ReHab 13-8, Cinnaminson and Evesham Township responded on November 8, 2014, for a panic alarm reporting a fire in the building at South Jersey Mowers on Stiles Avenue.

- Fire News photo by John Axford

Pleasantville 2015 The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to West Wright Street on October 16, 2015, for a report of a structure fire. Two women died in the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Dennis Sharpe

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Fire News, February 2022, Page 15

Up Close & Personal (Left) City of Long Branch Chief Peter DeLisa and Assistant Chief Miguel Guarda stand with incoming 2nd Assistant Chief Harold ‘Buster’ Bentley who will take office on January 1, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton (Right) Future firefighters Hudson Cromley (newborn) and Parker Cromley with mom Ciara and dad Ben trick or treating at the Franklinville fire house on Halloween.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Members of the Galvin and Naylor families at the Atlantic County Fire School 2020 Spring graduation on September 20, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Recently, Closter Fire department responded to a mutual aid assignment in Harrington Park for a reported structure fire.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Mercer County Deputy Fire Coordinator Dan Tomalin operating at the command post during a twoalarm fire on Silvia Street in Ewing Township on November 24, 2021.

- Fire News photo

by Michael Ratcliffe EMT and past-Chief Roberta Hoag and EMT and past-2nd Assistant Chief Andrew Woods. The two received CPR saves awards at the Demarest Mayor and Council meeting on December 20, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Page 16, Fire News, February 2022

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Wayne Car Fire Extends

On November 11, 2021, Wayne Fire Companies 1, 3, 4 and 5 responded to a home on Camillo Drive for a reported fire. Crews arrived to a fully involved vehicle fire in the driveway, which had extended to the home, which had become heavily involved. An offensive attack was attempted but crews were pulled from the building as heavy fire conditions remained. Master streams were set up to knock down the heavy fire that burned for nearly 90 minutes. Crews were able to re-enter the structure to conduct overhaul operations and completely extinguish the fire. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 18, Fire News, February 2022

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26 Displaced By 3-Alarmer In Trenton As overnight temperatures dropped below 30 degrees, the Trenton Fire Department battled a three-alarm fire that damaged five houses on November 20, 2021. It was a little before 0210 when firefighters were alerted to a report of smoke issuing from a structure on East State Street. First-due companies arrived to find a working fire in the middle of a row of three three-story dwellings. An all hands was transmitted and the balance of the first alarm was dispatched. Minutes later, with fire raging on the second and third floors of the middle building and extending via the cockloft into the attached exposures, the second alarm was struck. An additional engine company was special-called for manpower around 0235. Then, at 0327, Trenton’s last remaining on-duty company — Engine 9 — was called to the scene, along with a mutual aid company (Engine 15) from Hamilton Township. This elevated the incident to a third alarm. An air cascade unit was also requested from Hamilton. Trenton’s volunteer Signal 22 canteen unit also responded to provide refreshments to the cold, exhausted firefighters. The blaze, which gutted the three attached homes and also caused damage to two other neighboring houses, was finally declared under control at 0421. One resident was injured and transported by Trenton EMS. A total of 26 people from nine families were displaced by the fire, according to the Red Cross.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Page 20, Fire News, February 2022

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Guttenberg Mixed-Use 3-Alarmer

At around 2100 on November 19, 2021, North Hudson Fire and Rescue companies responded to a building fire on 70th Street in Guttenberg. On arrival, companies reported a working fire in the kitchen of a restaurant on the first floor of the threestory mixed-use building on the corner of Broadway. A second alarm was requested in less than 10 minutes as the fire was found to be extending and traveling in the void spaces. Multiple lines were stretched to all floors as truck companies went to the roof to ventilate. At the 30-minute mark a third alarm was transmitted due to fire in the cockloft. At least one firefighter suffered minor injuries and the fire was placed under control at 2300.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Car Fire Extends

The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to Atlantic Avenue on December 16, 2021, at 1700, for a report of a vehicle fire. Farmington Chief Harry Goodman IV arrived and reported a working vehicle fire with exposures. As firefighters attacked the fire, employees moved other vehicles from the area; the fire contained to the initial vehicle.

- Fire News photo by Captain William McFarland

Lawrence Township Car Fire

A vehicle fire disrupted the evening commute on Interstate 295 in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, on November 24, 2021.

Pennington Borough Fire Chief Jim DeForte was driving through the area when he spotted the blaze on the northbound side of I-295 near Milepost 69.6, just north of the Exit 69 interchange, at about 1900. DeForte radioed for Lawrenceville Fire Company (Station 23) to be alerted. As the vehicle was fully-involved, DeForte had Pennington’s 3,500-gallon Tanker 51 also dispatched. Northbound traffic was reduced to one lane as firefighters stretched a 1-3/4 inch hoseline off Telesquirt 23 to knock down the fire. Slackwood Rescue 21 also responded. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

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Sprinkler Demo in Monmouth The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) in New Jersey recently visited the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell, where they did a live burn demo in their side-by-side fire sprinkler trailer. Given the time of year they demonstrated how important holiday fire safety is and the results of a dry tree with no fire sprinkler protection versus with the protection.

- Fire News photos courtesy of David J. Davis, NFSA

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Cardiff MVA The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to Springfield Avenue on November 29, 2021, at 0812 hours for an MVA with entrapment. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived and established command and reported a vehicle on its side with the occupant removed. Command had the crew of the first-due engine cut the battery cables and remove the broken windshield. The injured were transported to the hospital by EHT EMS. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the Egg Harbor Township Police.

Responding were Cardiff, Bargaintown, EHT EMS and police.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Celebrates Another Successful Year in 2021!

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association had a busy year in 2021 with having to create ways to benefit our guests with the Covid protocols of the NJ Firemen’s Home. We had to be creative with our planning and tried to find ways to help our fellow retired firefighters and make their lives comfortable.Since Covid is still going on, we knew that the holiday party would have to be cancelled and we brainstormed ideas of how to engage with the residents. On the day of what would have been the party, President George Heflich and Vice-President Justin Watrel, showed up during the Christmas Bingo, to spread some Christmas cheer to the residents. President Heflich walked around the home and wished the residents a good holiday while Vice-President Watrel made a short speech at the beginning of the Christmas bingo wishing our fellow brothers a safe and merry Christmas and hoped everyone enjoyed their presents. The organization bought everyone a monogramed shirt as a gift this year. All the residents who attended bingo seemed touched by the gesture.

- Fire News story by Justin Watrel; photos by Nick Ciampo

Page 24, Fire News, February 2022

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Closter Trains On November 28, 2021, various members of the Closter Fire Department along with members of Haworth and Demarest ran training scenarios regarding the assignments for first- and second-due engine and company operations.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Fire News, February 2022, Page 25

Egg Harbor Twp. Tree Lighting

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Egg Harbor Township as the town held its annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at their community center, complete with Santa escorted in by the fire department. The tree lighting ceremony featured ballerinas, hot chocolate, and a movie.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Cardiff MVA The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to English Creek Avenue south of West Jersey Avenue on November 30, 2021, at 2252, for a report of an MVA with entrapment.

Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge established command and requested the first arriving unit’s crew to perform a door pop and assist in patient removal. The patient was transported to the medical center by EHT EMS and the cause of the crash was investigated by EHT Police. Responding were Cardiff, Bargaintown, EHT EMS, EHT Police, Atlanticare Paramedics, EHT Fire Police, Atlantic City Electric Company.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 26, Fire News, February 2022

Saddle Brook House Fire

A neighbor alerted Saddle Brook firefighters about a house fire on Alberta Drive around 2100 on November 13, 2021. The neighbor advised the police desk that smoke was coming out of the home and, on arrival, companies found a working fire in the basement of the two-story Cape Cod. A second alarm was requested bringing mutual aid companies to assist and for cover. During the initial attack, firefighters rescued a dog from the basement suffering smoke inhalation and turned him over to the owners who arrived just as the K9 was being removed. The fire was quickly knocked down and contained to the area of origin in the basement with no injuries.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Blackwood Christmas Parade The Blackwood Fire Company of Gloucester Township in Camden County held their annual Christmas Parade on December 4, 2021, on a crisp clear night that culminated with a reception of hot cocoa and cookies back at the fire station. The event was judged by the New Jersey State Fire Chief’s Parade Judges Association with On Pointe Dance Troupe (top, right) won for best community group and best overall for the theme of the parade “Hawaiian Christmas.”

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

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THREE MONTHS AND COUNTING! The 23rd Annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association Conference will place at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center, May 2nd-6th, will you be there?

All registrations whether you are an Exhibitor, Sponsor or Attendee are open. Attendee Early-Bird registration ends March 1st, so don’t delay!

We are looking forward to returning to our five-day program offering a diverse selection of breakouts and trainings. Visit our website www.njepa.org to view the schedule and to register.

When you register, you will notice that our fees have increased slightly. We have held our fees constant for the past three years, but we have been forced into increasing them to provide the level of service and amenities that you have come

to expect. You will find that there is no additional charge for the Annual Luncheon, all we ask is that you indicate if you will be attending when you register so that we may plan accordingly. Our Conference is still the most economical of its type on the East Coast.

Stay up to date on all additions or changes at the Conference by visiting our website, www.njepa.org often.

We look forward to seeing you in May!

LONG ISLAND METRO FIRE/EMS EXPO COMING TO LONG ISLAND IN FEBRUARY The Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum & Education Center and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC) have joined together to deliver a new emergency services exposition and educational event on Long Island.

The Long Island Metro Fire/EMS Expo will be held from February 11-13, 2022, at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. The comprehensive event will feature exhibits of new apparatus, tools, equipment, products, technologies, and services, as well as 15 one-hour educational seminars for emergency services personnel.

Lecturers will include Chief Thomas Richardson, Deputy Assistant Chief John Norman, Battalion Chief John Salka, Captain Michael Dugan, and Captain Mark Gregory of the FDNY, Saratoga County EMS Coordinator Mike McEvoy, and many more! EMS CEU seminars will also be available for certified EMS providers.

Expo hours will be Friday, February 11 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, February 13 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Seminars for first responders of all ranks will also be held Friday through Sunday.

Attendee registration is $20 per person, per day and includes entry

to both the expo and seminars. Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster or can be purchased at the door. Parking is free!

This event will benefit the museum and the association, supporting their shared mission to serve the fire and emergency medical services personnel of Long Island and New York state.

“The State Chiefs leadership is looking forward to bringing this new educational opportunity to Long Island, and we’re thrilled to be working with the volunteers at the Islip Town Fire & EMS Museum on this event that will benefit all of New York’s fire and EMS responders,” said NYSAFC President Robert Kloepfer, Jr. To learn more and register, visit the NYSAFC website at www.nysfirechiefs.com. Questions can be emailed to liexpo@nysfirechiefs.com.

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Fire News, February 2022, Page 29

Pets Die in Bergenfield House Fire

Bergenfield firefighters responded to yet another working fire to hopefully end the year on December 23, 2021. At around 1300 crews were dispatched to a house fire on Lunn Avenue. On arrival, heavy fire was showing from the first-floor-front window of the two-story private dwelling. A second alarm was quickly requested bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. Several handlines were put into service to knock down the fire which extended into the second floor and attic. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with a minor injury and the occupants of the home were checked by EMS but not injured; unfortunately several pets perished in the fire, which was placed under control in 45 minutes by Chief Kneisler. The cause of the fire was believed to be accidental.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Page 30, Fire News, February 2022

Morris County Graduation Recently, a graduation ceremony was held for Morris County Fire Academy Class 21-09. This class was made up of recruits from Belleville, Clifton, Harrison, Kearny, West Orange and Bloomfield. After a 12week course the new firefighters began their new careers, some immediately attending EMT school. This graduation was special as Chief DeAngelis who is an instructor at Morris County was able to hand his son his certificates; Frank DeAngelis graduated for West Orange Fire.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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