Fire News New Jersey, March 2023

photo by Peter Danzo

42 Displaced by Paterson Blaze

Firefighters start off 2023 with a four-alarmer that destroys a building.

See story on page 8

Fatality at Rt. 322 MVA

Apassenger car traveling eastbound loses control and hits a tree, killing the driver.

See story on page 10

AFirst

for

Bloomingdale FD

Captain Katie Wanklin becomes the first female captain in Bloomingdale’s history.

See story on page 17

Up Close And Personal

Acloser look at first responders from around the state.

See story on page 18

Third of Three for Passaic

Athree-alarm fire becomes the third of three fires in Passaic in 24 hours.

See story on page 20

Looking Back

Aquick time travel to “back in the day” from Bayview and Atlantic City.

See story on page 22

AService for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY11713

FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher

TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer

DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor

GARYP. JOYCE, Managing Editor

MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales

LYNN SEDLER, Art Director

CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager

BARBARACONNOLLY,Vice President National Sales

BRYAN LOPEZ,Editorial Assistant

GREGORYJONES, Graphic Artist

FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEYPHOTOGRAPHERS

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.

COPYRIGHT2023, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEWYORK. ALLRIGHTS RESERVED For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3

Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866

Internet: http://www.firenews.com

e-mail: nj@firenews.com

Thirteen Editions, Sixteen States Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ

Proud Member Of: Official Publication of the NJState Firemen’s Convention

From the Editor’s Desk

Dennis Whittam, Editor

WinterChallenges

I recently checked with my local groundhogs and found that all the seasoned groundhogs had differing opinions on when winter will end. Punxsutawney Phil is predicting six more weeks of cold weather, while Chuckles and General Beauregard Lee are saying we will have an early spring. Since I am an optimist, I’m betting on an early spring! But, regardless of what our groundhogs think, I am staying prepared for a few more weeks of cold weather.

I grew up in the fire service. I remember my dad hated fighting fires in the cold. He always prepared his rack for winter, which included an extra wool sweater, a wool skull hat and a nylon vest. In 1960, I was a full-fledged buff. In those days I ran to fires and immediately found the Salvation Army truck, which was always present. My adopted job was to retrieve a cardboard box filled with coffee and doughnuts and distribute them to the MPOs, so that the members of the companies had a warm beverage waiting for them when they exited the fire building. I know the members appreciated my gesture offering them coffee and doughnuts provided by the Salvation Army. Truthfully, I miss the dedication of the Salvation Army. With the advancement of technology, we now have Recuperation and Care Units (RAC Units). These units respond to all-hands calls and provide members with cool

drinks and cool towels during hot weather and warm drinks during cold weather.

Several times I was asked to run to my father’s company and load up a bag of dry clothing and bring it back to the fire. It didn’t look like fun when I saw firefighters exiting a warm building in wet clothing and standing in freezing temperatures. This changed in the late 60s.

In extreme temperatures, firefighters need protection from both heat and cold at the same incident. While stretching lines and opening up a building, firefighters are exposed to the cold temperatures and, within minutes, they are exposed to extreme heat. Firefighters who are dressed for the cold are likely to become fatigued. It is common for firefighters to be sweating on the inside and covered with ice on the outside. Officers should remind members to stay warm without compromising protection.

Plan and prepare for fighting fires in the winter months. Agood pump operator has a built-in instinct that warns of the dangers of allowing their truck to freeze up. Some departments in cold climates operate with dry pumps. As they arrive on scene they allow water to enter the pump so that it can be out into operation. I recommend that new pump operators speak with a senior pump operator to review cold weather operation. You should also check with the pump

manufacturer to see if they have guidelines for operating in cold weather.

Check with Firehouse magazine. Jim Vaughn wrote a great article called, “Preparedness and Training for Cold-Weather Firefighting.” Check out their December 2020 edition.

Let’s hope Punxsutawney Phil is wrong and that springtime is less than six weeks away. In the meantime, stay warm! - Dennis

Roof Collapse at Independence Twp. Fire

Recently the Independence Township VolunteerFire Department was dispatched to the 200 block of Route 46 nearWaterStreet fora fire in a private dwelling. Ladders and engines from Independence and Hackettstown were met with heavy smoke from the house. Crews went in with 1-3/4 lines but were forced out when the rearroof caved in. Afteran exteriorattack, crew reentered the house and extinguished the rest of the fire. There were no injuries at the scene and the fire was underinvestigation by the State Fire Marshalls and the Warren County Fire Marshall. Assisting units were the Independence Township Police, Independence First Aid Squad, and firefighters from Hackettstown, Mountain Lake, Oxford, Allamuchy, Good Will 1, Schooley’s Mountain, Washington Station 83, Hope and Mansfield.

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

Five Displaced by Ridgefield Park 3-Alarmer

Alittle after1800 on January 19, 2023, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department responded fora house fire on Hille Place. While en route, Chief Antola reported smoke in the area. On arrival he reported a working fire with heavy fire showing from the second floorof a 2-1/2 story frame dwelling and requested a second alarm. As companies were initiating theirattack the entire second floorand attic became fully involved, at which time, command ordered all members out of the building and requested all second alarm companies to the scene and a third alarm forcover. Two ladderpipes and several handlines were used to knock down the heavy fire allowing companies to re-enterthe building. The fire took approximately 90 minutes to be placed undercontrol. One firefightersuffered a minorinjury and the family of five was displaced. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Elmwood Park 2-Alarmer

At approximately 1830 on January 7, 2023, the Elmwood Park Fire Department was dispatched to Oak Street fora structure fire. First companies in found a working fire in a two-story occupied residence. Radio traffic reported a fire in the basement with smoke filling up the first and second floors. Asecond alarm was called, bringing in apparatus and members from Garfield. There were no reported injuries and firefighters rescued some pets and rendered oxygen to them on scene. - Fire News photos by FireGroundImages.com and Glenn Duda

42 Displaced by Paterson 4-Alarmer

At around 1000 on January 1, 2023, the Paterson Fire Department responded to reports of a fire on Harrison Street in the 2nd Battalion. On arrival, Battalion 2 reported heavy fire on the top floorand through the roof of a large three-story frame occupied multiple-dwelling with exposure problems and transmitted a second alarm. Companies attempted an aggressive interiorattack and performed searches undersevere conditions to ensure all occupants were out of the building. As portions of the roof started to collapse, all members were withdrawn and a third alarm was requested. A large light and airshaft in the centerof the building helped spread the fire, which destroyed the building. Afourth alarm was transmitted formanpowerand additional watersupply. One firefightersuffered minorinjuries, 42 people were left homeless and two additional buildings were damaged. The fire, which was underinvestigation, took several hours to be placed undercontrol.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Long Fight forLinden FFs

On December13, 2022, all Linden Fire companies responded to Elizabeth Avenue fora reported building fire. Crews arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from a single-story commercial structure and mutual aid was immediately requested. Due to heavy fire conditions, units were evacuated from the building and transi-

tioned to a defensive attack. With the heavy fire conditions and a large amount of materials in the building, fire crews remained on scene forover12 hours fighting the fire with mutual aid companies rotating through the scene. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Déjà vu All OverAgain

On December7, 2022, all Brick Fire Companies were dispatched to Sawmill Road foran apartment building fire. On November6, crews responded to the same apartment and arrived to heavy fire showing. At the Decemberfire, crews located a small fire on the top

floorin an apartment that had been heavily damaged by the first fire. An arson investigatorwas quickly called to the scene and the area was cordoned

off.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Fatality at Rte. 322 MVA

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to Route 322 in the area of Pinehurst Drive on January 2, 2023, at 0926, fora report of an MVAwith possible entrapment. Mays Landing Chief Lou Dimartine arrived to a vehicle into the woodlands with entrapment. The crash involved a passenger vehicle traveling eastbound losing control and crashing into woodlands, fatally injuring the driver, who had to be extricated. Afterthe police finished theirinvestigation, firefighters extricated the occupant who was removed by personnel from the State of New Jersey Regional Medical Examiner’s office. Assisting at the scene were Hamilton Township Rescue Squad, Atlanticare paramedics.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Burn Victim Rushed to Hospital from Ewing House Fire

The second floorof the home was engulfed in flames and a burn victim was in shock on the front lawn when firefighters, EMS personnel and police arrived at the Parkway Avenue home in Ewing Township on January 15, 2023. Ewing Township careerfirefighters (Station 30) and volunteers from Prospect Heights (Station 31) and West Trenton (Station 33) fire companies were alerted to the blaze at 0912. Squad 30 and Squrt 31 were already on the road returning from a previous assignment, and quickly reached the scene. Ewing firefighters mounted an aggressive interiorattack, while Ewing EMS rushed the victim to Capital Health Regional Medical Centerin Trenton. The victim wa s latertransferred via medevac to the burn centerat Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. Mutual aid crews from Trenton’s Engines 1, 8 and 9 and Ladder 1 assisted at the scene. Working underthe direction of Prospect Heights Chief Doug Brower, firefighters brought the blaze undercontrol by 0948.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Horse Barn Fire in Mays Landing

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale and Weymouth were dispatched on January 5, 2023, at 1857, to Millville Avenue fora barn fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived, established command, and reported that the barn was fully involved with all of the horses out. Command had the first-in Richland water tendercome in a driveway that led back to the barn and had its crew stretch two 1-¾ inch lines and begin attacking the fire. Mays Landing Engine 1812 laid an LDH from the street into the scene and supplied the Richland watertender. Responding watertenders from Weymouth and Laureldale supplied an LDH to the scene. The fire was brought undercontrol with a large amount of overhaul and the fire being investigated by the Township of Hamilton Police and Fire Investigators. Also assisting was the Township of Hamilton EMS.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

EHTStructure Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff responded to Jefferson and Driftwood Avenues on January 2, 2023, fora report of a structure fire. Cardiff Assistant Chief William Danz III arrived and reported smoke showing. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived and declared a working fire, followed by a request forScullville, Northfield and Atlantic City Airport. The Egg HarborTownship Police closed the roadway in the area and the EHTAmbulance Squad stood by.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Truck/CarMVAon 322

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale were dispatched to milepost 44.5 eastbound on Route 322 foran MVAwith reported entrapment on December7, 2022, at 1106. Township of Hamilton Fire Official Chris Dibiase arrived and reported all occupants were out of theirvehicles. The accid ent involved a pickup truck and a sedan. Afterstriking the sedan, the pickup spun around and struck a utility pole backwards, cutting the pole in half, continuing on and flipping over coming to rest on its roof off the highway into the woodlands. Firefighters cut batteries and stood by while the vehicles were up righted, removed, and assisted in clean up. The accident was investigated by Township of Hamilton Police. Also responding was Township of Hamilton EMS.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

Morford Avenue MVA

The morning of January 23, 2023, the Long Branch FDS and Long Branch EMS responded to an MVAinvolving an overturned vehicle on Morford Avenue. Firefighters quickly stabilized the vehicle and removed the victim who had sustained minorinjuries.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Lawrence Township Vehicle Fire

Volunteerfirefighters from Lawrenceville Fire Company (Station 23) were called out to extinguish a vehicle fire in Lawrence Township on November8, 2022. The blaze on Azalea Court was reported at 1819. The crew from Rescue 23 arrived to find the engine compartment of a carablaze. The fire was quickly extinguished with a 1-3/4 inch hoseline.

DryerFire on Hyers Street

On November9, 2022, Stations 25 and 26 were dispatched to a home on Hyers Street in downtown Toms Riverfora reported dryerfire. The first arriving chief had heavy smoke showing and transmitted a second alarm, bringing all Toms RiverFire companies to the scene, along with a Beachwood Ladder. Engine 2671 quickly placed a 1-3/4 inch line in service knocking down the bulk of the fire on the first floor. Additional companies opened up on the second floor. The fire was placed undercontrol nearly 20 minutes afterarrival and crews began to pick up shortly after.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Shed Fire on Laurel Street

Early on the morning of January 18, 2023, the Long Branch Fire Department responded to a shed fire in the rearof a Laurel Street residence. Firefighters were met with a fully involved shed. An extended extinguishment and overhaul operation was conducted as a result of class B combustible contents. The fire was extinguished without furtherincident.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

South Amboy Chiefs Sworn in '

AHistorical First in Bloomingdale

On January 1, 2023, friends, family and fellow firefighters came to City Hall to watch as South Amboy Fire Department Chief John Dragotta, 1st Assistant Timothy Gay, and 2nd Assistant Rafael Albarran were sworn into theirrespective positions by MayorFred Henry. Chief John Dragotta is a memberof Independence Engine and Hose Company Engine 7. First Assistant Chief Timothy Gay is a memberof Progressive Fire Company Engine 9 and 2nd Assistant Chief Rafael Albarran is a memberof Mechanicsville Hose Company Engine 10. MayorHenry also congratulated outgoing Fire Chief David Szatkowski fora job well done in 2022.

- Fire News photo by Jaime Norek

Captain Katie Wanklin taking the oath of office as Captain of Chemical Engine Company alongside herfather, ex-Chief and current Passaic County MAC coordinatorMichael Wanklin, Sr., and hermotherPeggy Wanklin. Katie is a first forthe Bloomingdale Fire Department, being the first female Captain in the department’s history. - Fire News photo by J.P. Fortunato

Up Close & Personal

Atlantic City Fire Department

Captain Bill Baumgartel (ret.; center) with retired Atlantic City Fire Department Captain Robert Vandyke (left) and retired City of Pleasantville Fire Department Company 2 Assistant Chief Ken Badger. Bill created the hand crafted frontispieces forboth Bob and Ken as a token of friendship.

- Fire News photo courtesy Ken Badger

The Atlantic County Firefighters Association began their100th yearof service by holding a memorial service for26 firefighters who answered theirfinal alarm in 2022 at the Egg HarborCity Fire Department on January 18, 2023. Ringing the bell is Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe with Somers Point’s Bill Merola.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Frank Newbergeraccompanied by his wife Jessi-Lyn Neubergerholding the bible being sworn in as Chief of the Bloomingdale Fire Department by Mayorand Fire Department ex-Chief John D’Amato.

- Fire News photo by J.P. Fortunato

New Milford Chief of the Department Robert O’Brien along with his wife Jacqueline pose forpicture right afterthe swearing-in ceremony, which took place January 1, 2023.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’Denton

Atlantic County CommissionerChairman John Risley presents Atlantic County Firefighters Association President Chuck Macintosh a proclamation congratulating the Firefighters Association on their100th anniversary.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Elmwood Park Fire Chief Bruce operating at a recent two-alarm fire on Oak Street on January 7, 2023.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Dumptruck Overturn at Rte. 35 & 36 Interchange

On December5, 2022, Keyport District 22 was requested to the Route 35 and 36 interchange fora dump truck rollover. Asinglevehicle MVAwas found with a large debris spill across all southbound lanes completely shutting down the highway. The driverwas

transported by Keyport First Aid, while Squad 76 and Engine 73 stood by to assist with clean up until the roadway was clear.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Third of Three in Passaic

On the morning of December29, 2022, at around 1000, Passaic firefighters fought a three-alarm fire in a 3-1/2 story mixed occupancy building on Passaic Street. The fire originated in the basement and extended into the attic with some extension to the Delta exposure. This was the third of three fires in the city in less than 24 hours. No injuries were reported and several families were displaced. The fire was placed undercontrol in approximately 90 minutes. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

Route 35 CarFire

Tanks Rupture in 322 Semi and CarMVA

On November19, 2022, the Cliffwood Fire Department responded to Route 35 southbound fora vehicle fire. Heavy smoke could be seen in the area as crews arrived to a well involved fire in the passengercompartment. Aline was stretched, quickly knocking down the fire as a battery operated extrication tool was used to open the hood for overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale and Cologne responded to Route 322 and Pinehurst Drive on December 6, 2022 at 1726 fora report of an MVAwith fire. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and established command with Mays Landing Captain Matt Robison assigned operations. The fire involved a passengervehicle and a tractortrailerthat were travelling eastbound on Route 322 when the passengervehicle collided with the tractortrailerand sent the tractorand trailer through the concrete jersey barrierinto the westbound lane, with the tractorjumping up onto the jersey barrierand sliding on the jersey barrierforabout a distance of 100 feet, rupturing the fuel tanks and erupting into a fire and burning the tractorand the trailer. The passengervehicle escaped damage and all occupants were able to escape.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Looking Back Bayview

circa 1936-38

The Bayview Volunteer Fire Company circa 1936-38.

- From the Dennis C. Sharpe collection

Atlantic City circa 1960s

The Atlantic City Fire Department when they ran “Boardwalk Wagons” in the 60s and 70s.

- From the Dennis C. Sharpe collection

Dealing with CNGVehicles

The Atlantic County Utility Authority sponsored a training event forthe Atlantic County firefighters at theirfacility in Egg HarborTownship on October29th. The training consisted of familiarizing firefighters on methods of dealing with issues with CNGvehicles.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

ON THE PASSINGOFFIRE ENGINEERING AND FDIC - CLARION EVENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFBOBBYHALTON

It is with great sadness that the Fire Engineering/FDIC International and Clarion Events family announces the unexpecte d passing of Chief (ret.) Bobby Halton, Editor-in-Chief of Fire Engineering and Educational Director for FDIC. Chief Halton passed away at his home in Oklahoma on December 19, 2022. Halton served as our editor for the past 18 years. Halton led the editorial team and helped build the FDIC into the largest fire service educational conference in the world.

“We are devastated by the news of Bobby’s sudden passing. Bobby was a larger-than-life personality who dedicated his life to God, family, and the fire service. Bobby spent his life in service of others and his impact serving as VPof Education and Training for Clarion Fire & Rescue, was a source of great pride and personal responsibility. This is a major loss for the Clarion family and the fire service. In this difficult time, we offer our deepest condolences to Marcia, Dean, Ryan, Evan, and the entire Halton family,” said E ric Schlett, Executive Vice President, Clarion Events - Fire & Resc ue.

Chief Bobby Halton was a native New Yorker. He began his career in structural firefighting with the Albuquerque (NM) Fire Department and rose through the ranks to include Chief of Training. Halton was Chief of Operations until his retirement from Albuquerque in 2004. He then became Chief of the Coppell (TX) Fire Department. Halton left Coppell to assume the duties as Ed itorin-Chief of Fire Engineering.

Chief Halton was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, left a member in good standing with the International Associati on of Fire Fighters, was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and has served on several of the National Fire Protection Association technical committees. He was active with the Nation al Fallen Firefighters Life Safety Initiatives as well as the Fire fighter Cancer Support Network. He was a passionate fire service advocate, speaker, author, and friend to so many.

Chief (ret.) David Rhodes, Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, Content Strategist Clarion Events

“There will never be another Bobby Halton. He defied the odds with cancer and lived his life to the fullest. His passion for history, his love for America, and his understanding of the fire service made him an incredible voice for our profession. He was a trusted friend and mentor who has been a major part of my life for the past 20 years. Working directly with him full-time for the past five months has been a blessing that I will treasure forever. His life was service. I will miss you my friend.”

Captain (ret.) Michael Dugan, FDNY

“Bobby was an iconic individual who left the fire service bette r than he found it. He believed in family, trust and loyalty and there were not many like him.”

Chief (ret.) Rick Lasky, Lewisville Fire Department, TX

“The fire service just lost an incredible fire service mentor a nd leader. I just lost my big brother. He was an incredible man, father and husband. He was one of my best friends and I am so blessed that I just got to spend the weekend with him in Hawaii where my son also spent time with him. Very few people will ever have the im pact on people lives and the fire service as Bobby did. He changed the fire service. His passion and love for the fire service was second t o none. I will miss my big brother so much.”

Glenn Corbett, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby Halton represented the core essence of the fire service. Working with him for years on Fire Engineering magazine, FDIC, and other projects, I witnessed his unwavering devotion and love for firefighters. He always kept firefighters as his focus and mission, making sure that they received the best training possible. He w ove his editorials into philosophical motivators for many readers, encouraging them to think and act. Bobby was a unique firefighter who touched many lives His presence will be sorely missed at Fire Engineering, FDIC, and in the fire service itself.”

Captain (ret.) Mike Gagliano, Seattle Fire Department

“Bobby will never be gone for those who love our calling. His legacy is woven within the fabric of firefighters across the world who pursue our craft with passion and gratitude. No one has impacted how I think about the fireground and firefighting more than my mentor, brother and friend. He believed in you and me in a way that was contagious and inspirational, and I believe still does today. Thinking of him catching up with Bruno and Brennan, swapping stories and laughs makes me happy. This world, and my own personal walk in it, now has a hole that I can’t quite believe and it is terribly sa d. Such is the impact of a true leader, legend and authentic man of faith. Salute my friend. I look forward to the day when our Lord looks at you and says, ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant.’Well done indeed.”

Captain Bill Gustin, Miami Dade Fire Department, Technical Editor, Fire Engineering

“Bobby was such a big part of our lives. He was so talented and passionate. Everyone touched by him is not only a better fire officer but a better person. He has been such a big part of my life. I know he would want us to carry on and keep working hard every day to make each other better.”

Rescues at Apartment

3-Alarm Fire

Just after0030 on December26, 2022, Hackensack Fire Department’s 2nd Platoon was dispatched to Prospect Avenue, forfire in a four-story structure. On arrival a fire was located in aan partment with heavy smoke throughout the building and occupants on the fire escapes. Asecond alarm was transmitted. Members helped remove occupants from the fire escapes and two young children were dropped down into the arms of firefighters. This was all performed by the first-alarm companies consisting of 18 members.

- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Box Truck Ablaze in Lawrence Township

Firefighters responding to a reported vehicle fire arrived to f ind an overturned box truck fully-engulfed in flames on the Trenton Freeway (Route 1) in Lawrence Township, on December17, 2022. It was just before 1920 when Lawrence Police and MercerCounty Central Communications started receiving multiple 911 calls reporting that a vehicle had crashed and caught fire along the southbound side of the highway, just priorto the Whitehead Road exit. The box truck, resting on its side up against a guardrail, was a mass of flames when emergency personnel arrived. The truck’s driverand a passengerhad already escaped from the wreckage without injury. Crews from Slackwood (Station 21), Lawrence Road (Station 22) and Lawrenceville (Station 23) extinguished the blaze using tank waterfrom Rescue 21 and Rescue 22.

- Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

Mays Landing Vacant House Fire

The volunteerfire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale, Weymouth and Richland responded to Melvin Newton Boulevard and Buffalo Avenue in the Mizpah section on January 6, 2023, at 1543 fora structure fire. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and reported a 1-½ story dwelling fully involved and requested an additional watertenderfrom East Vineland. Richland WaterTender1219 arrived and stretched two lines. Mays Landing Ladder1815 arrived

and set up theirmasterstream on the Aside and were supplied by the East Vineland and Laureldale watertenders. The home was a vacant wood frame single-family and crews poured wateronto the structure for30 minutes, knocking down the large volume of fire. Extensive overhaul was needed to extinguish the remaining pockets of fire. The fire was investigated by the Township of Hamilton Police and Township of Hamilton Fire Investigators. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger