Fire News New Jersey, February 2021 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 15, 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 2021

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Dave Hernandez

Newark Vacancy Fire Goes to 3Story Alarms on page 14

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In this issue...

Hunter Rescued After Fall A hunter is injured, bringing crews from Mays Landing, Laureldale and the NJ Forest Fire Service.

See story on page 8

Busy Week for Pleasantville A December week starts with a car fire and, several calls later, ends with a fully involved house.

See story on page 12

Evesham All-Hands The initial call reported children trapped, but the fire was quickly knocked down with no injuries.

See story on page 16

Cape May House Fire Cape May crews, assisted

by West Cape May and Erma, make a quick stop.

See story on page 23

A Last Look at Christmas Parades from Ocean Township, Bergenfield, Hasbrouck Heights and Farmington.

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, 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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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Are Photos Worth a Thousand Words?

I have been taking photographs at fires since 1964. I started taking photographs with an Olympus Pen EE film camera that my father gave to me. It was a great camera because it split a 35mm negative in half, doubling the capacity of photos I could take. I was very young at the time and really didn’t know what I was doing. On the other hand, I quickly learned that everyone loved the photos that came out of my camera. My new hobby stayed and grew as I ventured to more and more local fires. It was my way of becoming part of my father’s engine company in Ridgewood, Queens. It wasn’t long before I was a regular at FDNY Engine 291/Ladder 140. I always left my photos and negatives (ouch!) on the kitchen table for the members to enjoy and share amongst themselves.

I never cared about the content of the photographs. I cared about documenting the faces of my heroes. It wasn’t until I photographed a tragic fire where two children perished that I realized my photographs had worth. I documented a tragedy and saw a completely different attitude towards my

photographs. The firefighters actually studied the photographs and reviewed what happened. Gosh, I wish I still had those photos.

Photographs can tell us a lot about an incident. Recently, I captured a fire that was near my home. It was a bedroom fire in a home that had numerous pets in it. Another neighbor, who was a member of my department, made a successful attempt to save a few of the pets. With the help of the first arriving assistant chief and our EMS crew, several pets survived the ordeal.

It was interesting to see some of the Facebook comments relating to this fire. Yes, photographs are worth a thousand words. We must remember that there is a time lapse when analyzing a photograph. Video gives you a clearer understanding of what happened. There is no time-lapse looking at a single image. Example: You are walking along the beach and you see a sign that says, “No swimming!” A few feet away from you, you see a man drying off with his towel on the beach. Wow, can’t the guy read? The sign was very clear and to the point. As you continue your walk along the beach, you see a

shower on the beach. Uh oh, we now have a case for reasonable doubt. My point is that unless you are at the incident, a single photograph may not depict all of the circumstances behind the image.

Photographs and video are commonplace at emergency scenes. Cameras are all over the place and can be a helpful tool in analyzing situations that occur even when we are not around to visualize the incident firsthand. In my opinion, many of the concepts of utilizing media have not changed. We are still using media to analyze emergency situations to help us get a clearer picture of what actually happened.

Enjoy the photographs in Fire News, on our Facebook and Instagram social media pages, and on our website at FireNews.com.

-Dennis

Pemberton 2-Alarm Church Fire

On December 23, 2020, Pemberton Chief Augustoni arrived to smoke showing from a church. Companies from Pemberton, Pemberton Borough, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Lumberton, Westampton, Tabernacle, Southampton, and New Egypt worked for several hours chasing hot spots in the historic building. The construction of the building allowed the fire to burn in several small void spaces. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

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Cover Story

Shamong All-Hands Takes House and Cars

On December 26, 2020, Taskforce 28 was alerted for a reported vehicle on fire in the garage of a dwelling in Shamong. Chief Smith reported a visible column of smoke while responding and requested an all-hands. He arrived to a two-story dwelling with fire showing from the bravo side and requested an additional tender over the box. Tabernacle Quint 4314 and Indian Mills Engine Company 2812 lead off with a 2-1/2 handline and a deck gun. The area has no hydrants, so a tender shuttle was set up. The original draft point eventually clogged and a second location was needed. The fire was brought under control in a little over an hour. Three minor firefighter injuries were reported and one fire police officer was taken to the hospital. The County Fire Marshall was investigating. Reportedly, $400,000 worth of cars were destroyed, along with the house.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

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Rescue in Pleasantville House Burns to Ground Two Days Later

The City of Pleasantville Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to McKinley Avenue on December 19, 2020, for a structure fire. Battalion Chief Marc Raymond arrived to find smoke showing and an occupant of the home standing on the front porch roof of a two-story wood frame. Command had a ladder thrown to the porch roof and the occupant was rescued and examined by EMS. The crew of Engine 1 and Ladder 1 searched for additional occupants, which proved negative. A fire was located in the basement and was quickly extinguished with assistance from the ACYIAP Fire Department (Atlantic City Airport). The cause of the fire was under investigation. Also responding were the City of Absecon (covered Pleasantville), Tri Care Ambulance, Pleasantville Police, Atlantic City Electric Company and South Jersey Gas Company.

The house burned to the ground on December 21.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Galloway Twp. Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Oceanville, Bayview and the City of Port Republic were dispatched to North Pembroke Way at 1225 on December 24, 2020, for a structure fire. Oceanville Chief John Mooney established command and reported heavy fire from a garage on the A side. Oceanville Ladder 26-15 stretched a line into the front door. Bayview Engine 26-46 stretched a line to the garage area with Engine 26-46 tying into a hydrant directly in front of the fire scene. A second Port Republic engine stretched two foam lines to the C side of the structure, supplied by Oceanville Water Tender 26-18. Command requested a second alarm, bringing South Egg Harbor Cascade 5 and Decon 5 to the scene, and sent Pomona to cover and City of Absecon to cover Oceanville. The fire took an hour to bring under control.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Hunter Rescued After Fall The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale were dispatched at 0737 on December 1, 2020, to assist EMS in the rescue and removal of an injured deer hunter who fell out of a tree stand in a very remote section of the township. After regaining consciousness, the hunter called a friend who knew the stand’s whereabouts, and the friend, upon arriving, called 911. Due to the remoteness, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service was requested and they assisted in the removal up to a point where the hunter was transferred to a POV. JeffSTAT took the call, and arrived before the hunter was brought out from the woods and he was flown to Atlantic City Medical Center, City Division where he was listed in critical but stable condition. Also assisting was the Township of Hamilton Police K9 Division, Atlanticare Paramedics, and the JeffSTAT flight crew.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

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House Fire in Estell Manor The Atlantic County volunteer fire companies of Estell Manor, Dorothy Fire and Rescue, and Mays Landing from the Township of Hamilton, were dispatched on December 31, 2020, at approximately 0915 to Route 50 in Estell Manor for a structure fire. Mays Landing Engine 1819 and Ladder 1815 and 1819’s crew stretched a line and Ladder 1815’s operator did some superb work getting around utility wires so its crew could access the roof and open up.

Crews were met with heavy smoke and fire from a single-story, wood frame, singlefamily dwelling. Estell Manor and Dorothy firefighters arrived shortly thereafter with additional water tenders requested from Laureldale and Richland, which also responded with their air unit. The fire was quickly knocked down, but a long overhaul ensued. Also responding were Atlantic City Electric Company, Bargaintown (covered), Tuckahoe (covered), Cumberland (covered), and the New Jersey State Police.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Quick Work at Scullville Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Arrowhead Drive on a rainy December 16, 2020, at 1631, for a structure fire. Scullville Safety Officer Willard ‘Bing’ Gary who lived nearby, responding to the call, came out his front door to see a large fire and reported it to EHT Dispatch. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament arrived and established command for a fire

that was involving a large pile of firewood, a stockade fence and a lean-to. Command had first arriving Scullville Engine 1532’s crew pull a line and made short work of the fire. Scullville Engine 1533 arrived and supplied 1532 with its tank water. Bargaintown firefighters assisted with overhaul upon their arrival.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Busy Week for Pleasantville It was a busy December for the Pleasantville Fire Department, filled with their third structure fire within a week and multiple calls sprinkled in between. A Sunday started off with a vehicle fire and ultimately ended with a fully involved structure. Command declared a working fire which automatically brought mutual aid in to cover the city and assist with manpower at the scene. The fire was contained to the fire building and was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Paterson House Fire

On December 24, 2020, the Paterson Fire Department responded at a McBride Avenue address for a building fire. Engine 7 arrived to heavy fire in the rear of a two-story wood frame that had extended to the Bravo exposure. A combination attack was initiated as there was heavy fire on the exterior of both floors of the main fire building which was quickly knocked down. The fire was placed under control 30 minutes after arrival but crews remained on scene conducting extensive overhaul in both buildings. HazMat 1 was called to the scene to assist with crew decontamination.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Newark Vacancy Fire Extends

On December 18, 2020, the Newark Fire Department responded to South 11th Street for a house fire. Crews arrived to heavy fire on all floors of a vacant structure with immediate exposure problems on both the Bravo and Delta sides. A second alarm was transmitted shortly after arrival, followed by the third. An evacuation order was given as heavy fire consumed the main fire building and had extended to both exposures. The main fire building suffered a collapse after being evacuated and multiple exterior lines were placed into operation as a collapse zone was established. One pediatric patient was transported with smoke inhalation as crews attempted to douse hot spots. The fire was placed under control approximately an hour after arrival but crews remained on scene throughout the day conducting fire watch. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

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Evesham All-Hands On December 9, 2020, District 22 units were alerted to a reported house fire with children trapped in the Woodstream section of Evesham. Chief Bittenbender arrived to find fire showing on an exterior wall of a two-story wood frame, struck the all hands and requested PSE&G on a rush for powerlines involved. The fire was quickly knocked down and searches proved negative. There were no injuries reported.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

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Scouts Could Use Some Help

S. Egg Harbor DIYs a Decon Unit

Paramus New Jersey Boy Scout Troop 138 operates this 1996 Freightliner ambulance that was originally built and served in the city of Philadelphia as a Philadelphia Fire Department Medic unit.

The Boy Scout Troop acquired the ambulance a couple of years ago and uses it along with double-axle enclosed trailer as their MERK units. They also provide rehab at other various events. In the last year or so they’ve also acquired a former Command Post/multipatient ambulance that is on a GMC double-axle camper chassis.

Both are in need of some upgrades. If any agency would like to help out with a donation of a modern light bar or lenses, or would like to make a contribution to the organization to keep the MERK running, please reach out to Ed Hill of the Paramus New Jersey Boy Scouts group 138 at https://paramustroop138.webs.com - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

On December 24, 2020, at 1259, the South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to assist Oceanville for a structure fire. South Egg Harbor firefighters responded with their cascade unit and their newly completed Decon Unit, Decon 5. Decon 5 was built by the members of South Egg Harbor to decontaminate firefighters after working at incidents or cleaning their gear to reduce cancer causing debris from entering their stations and apparatus.

Twelve firefighters and three investigators were decontaminated at this incident. South Egg Harbor Chief Scott Feldman provided this information.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

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Hammonton House Fire

On December 14, 2020, the Hammonton Fire Department was dispatched for a structure fire. Chief Macri arrived, established command and confirmed fire showing from a 2-1/2 story single-family dwelling. Command requested Station 23 Collings Lakes for RIT and Station 160 Elwood to assist at the scene with manpower. The fire was contained to the fire building and was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Hamilton Twp. Fire On December 5, 2020, the Mays Landing, Laureldale and Cologne Fire Departments were dispatched for a structure fire. On arrival fire was showing from a two-story structure. The fire was contained to the fire building and was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Paramus Blaze

The Paramus Fire Department responded for a structure fire on East Ridgewood Avenue in the early morning hours of December 3, 2020. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from a 1-1/2 story wood framed home, used as a construction company office, and quickly mounted an interior attack. Along with several

Giving Back to the Community

Ryan Alexander, owner of Alexander Fine Design Construction (standing with his son) presented Treasurer William Ritchie of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township a donation of $500 on December 1, 2020. Ryan presents an annual donation to various volunteer fire companies to give back to the community.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

other area departments, crews were able to bring the fire under control, although the first floor and attic sustained significant damage. The fire was believed to have been started by a downed power line, which came to rest on the structure.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

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SVI TRUCKS V-P OF SALES, BOB SORENSEN, ANNOUNCES JANUARY RETIREMENT; PROMOTES JOEL KONECKY TO V-P; ADDS ADAMS AS NEW WESTERN SALES MANAGER SVI Trucks is officially announcing the retirement of Bob Sorensen, the company’s Vice-President of Sales. After 35 years with SVI Trucks, one of the nation’s leading custom fire apparatus manufacturers, Sorensen will retire on January 27, 2021. Joel Konecky, currently SVI’s Western Regional Sales Manager, will be promoted to VP of Sales, and in anticipation of his move, SVI Trucks has hired Jay Adams to fulfill western sales.

ence but the exact same relationships to the table. And not only that, Ron Weinmeister will continue to oversee all truck sales and operations, so I fully believe the team is ready to take SVI to the next level.”

KONECKY’S PROMOTION

SORENSEN’S RETIREMENT

On January 27, Sorensen will not only celebrate his retirement, but his 35th anniversary with the company. Sorensen began working at SVI Trucks drawing rescue trucks, which became instrumental in custom truck sales. Eventually, Sorensen transitioned into a sales manager role, holding the VP Sales title for 25 years. In 2003, Sorensen became a joint owner of Super Vacuum Manufacturing, the parent company of SVI Trucks and the family owned and operated business. Sorensen will retain ownership duties in retirement.

“I will be forever grateful to Erv Weinmeister for providing me with the opportunity to work here,” Sorensen said.

“My family and I have been blessed to watch SVI Trucks grow, both in business and our dealer network. When I transitioned into sales, we were producing roughly 10 trucks a year, and we probably only had 10 dealers then. Now, we build 40 to 50 trucks a year, and we have 35 dealers. This growth is truly a testament to not only our apparatus line but to the many great relationships built over the last several decades. In the end, I feel confident knowing I will pass the torch onto Joel, who not only brings leadership and experi-

Joel Konecky joined SVI Trucks in April 2020, bringing 30 years of volunteer firefighting experience and 17 years of fire truck sales from Smeal Fire Apparatus and Spartan Motors to his original western regional role and now to the VP Sales role. Konecky also has a firm grasp on the internal workings of engineering, production, purchasing and overall, satisfied customers.

“When we hired Joel, we were excited because he brought a wealth of knowledge to SVI Trucks that is hard to match. Not only has he helped countless departments navigate the truck building process, but his drive to develop internal processes also struck a chord with us,” Sorensen said.

Konecky will make the full transition to the VP Sales role on January 27. Konecky can be reached via e-mail at joelk@svitrucks.com or via cell phone at 402-443-9659.

Meanwhile, in sales, Adams has represented multiple brands, including Ferrara and Seagrave, throughout the southeast. “I’m eager to work with Joel to expand the many great relationships he has in the western region,” Adams said. “But more than anything, I’m excited to represent the SVI Trucks brand. I’ve been a fan of this company for 20 years before I ever thought about working here. Not only is SVI the best truck manufacturer in the industry, but the company is family owned, and they care a lot about their employees and customers.”

Adams prides himself in his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt designation, championing for lean, high-quality manufacturing standards wherever he works. “Any process in a factory can be defined, measured, analyzed, implemented and controlled to create a standard that meets and exceeds the needs of the mission-critical industries we serve, and it’s also important to take the waste of material, time, engineering and effort to deliver on the timelines and budgets of our customers.”

Adams also sat on the Scott Safety advisory council, serving as the voice of the customer. “At SVI Trucks, I hope to continue to be the voice of my customers,” Adams said. Adams can be reached at jaya@svitrucks.com or via cell phone at 970-617-0984.

ADAMS’ SALES ADDITION

In anticipation for Sorensen’s retirement and Konecky’s promotion, SVI Trucks hired Jay Adams, who brings 25 years of firefighting experience and 12 years of fire apparatus sales to his new western sales role. A former firefighter with the Charlotte Fire Department with a Bachelor’s in Fire Science, Adams retired from the department in July of 2019 as acting Battalion Chief / Captain with expertise in extrication, technical rescue and live burn training.

To meet SVI Trucks full sales team, visit svitrucks.com/our-sales-team.

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Cats Rescued at Hawthorne Blaze On December 16, 2020, the Hawthorne Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on Westervelt Avenue. Engine 3 arrived to a fourstory residential home with heavy fire showing from the top floor. A transitional attack was initiated, knocking down heavy fire from the exterior with a 2-1/2 inch line from the A side while crews made a push to extinguish remaining fire from the interior via the C side stairs. Extensive overhaul was conducted and the fire was placed under control 40 minutes after arrival. Mutual aid came from Prospect Park and Wycoff. Firefighters rescued a total of 22 cats from the home.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

2-Car MVA in Cresskill On December 4, 2020, the Cresskill Police Department receive multiple 911 calls of a two-car MVA with rollover and entrapment at the intersection of Brookside and Madison Avenues.

Cresskill Fire Department and EMS division responded.

The parties were extricated from their vehicles, evaluated and transported by EMS to local medical facility.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Cape May House Fire At 0934 on December 21, 2020, the Cape May Fire Department responded to a report of a chimney fire on Indiana Avenue. Engine 51 arrived to flames coming from the rear of the house and a first alarm was transmitted, which recalled off-duty personnel and mutual aid from surrounding departments, including West Cape May and Erma. The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes with overhaul operations continuing for approximately two hours. The fire was under investigation by the Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Cape May Fire Prevention Bureau.

- Fire News story by Justin Mattes; photo by Robert Newkirk

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’Tis the Season

Ocean Twp. Santa Parade On December 12, 2020, the Wanamassa and Oakhurst Fire Companies of Ocean Township escorted Santa on 37-2’s 1940 Ward La France throughout the township with lights and sirens sounding to let all the residents know that Santa was on his way!

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

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Bergenfield Holiday Parade On December 20, 2020, the Bergenfield Volunteer Fire Department and Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps hosted the second annual holiday light parade. With last year being such a success, this year the route was expanded to cover more of the community and make sure everybody got a chance to see the parade. Fire departments and EMS units from near and far participated in the parade which featured a special appearance by baby Yoda.

About 60 emergency vehicles participated. Congratulations to the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department (best fire apparatus overall for Engine 708), the West Essex First Aid Squad (best EMS unit for Ambulance 771) and the Westwood Fire Department (most creative) for their parade wins.

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

Farmington Santa Parade Santa Claus is in town! Members of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township took Santa around town that delighted these children.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

The Hasbrouck Heights Santa Around Town Parade

Ummm, Now How Do We Get In? At the Bergenfield holiday light parade one of the fire chiefs performed some Dukes of Hazzard action to get in and out of their chief’s car after it was fully decorated.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

On December 20, 2020, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department rang in the holidays by riding every street in Hasbrouck Heights having Santa greet the community in its Annual “Santa Around Town” parade. Because of the Covid pandemic, the department had to change their approach to the event and instead of making the normal 20 stops and having Santa greet the community with good cheer and handing out candy canes, they rode up and down every street in Hasbrouck Heights waving and spreading good cheer to a community that needed the holiday spirit brought to them. They made sure they rode every street in town so no one was missed. It was a great community outreach and a wonderful way to give back to the residents of Hasbrouck Heights.

- Fire News photo by Justin Watrell, Hasbrouck Heights FD

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Up Close & Personal

Saddlebrook Fire Department Battalion Chief Glenn Walby gives direction to his members at a fire in Paramus on December 3, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

City of Pleasantville Chief of Department Gene Wellington, Jr., and Captain Marc Raymond at a McKinley Avenue job on December 19, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Township of Hamilton Firefighters Chris Dibiase and Bill Sorshek at a house fire in Estell Manor on December 31, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Up Close West Essex and West Caldwell members at the Bergenfield Christmas parade on December 20, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

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Up Close & Personal

A Maywood Fire Department assistant chief at a fire in Paramus on December 3, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

A Paramus firefighter from Truck 1 takes a breather at a window at a fire in Paramus on December 3, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Kenny Flynn

Cardiff Assistant Chief William Danz, Jr., at a fire in Bargaintown on November 5, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe