NEW JERSEY March 2024
Volume 18, No. 10
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
Honoring Two LODD FF Marques Hudson & Lt. Justin Bower See stories on page 26.
PRSRT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HICKSVILLE NY PERMIT NO. 298
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 3
In this issue... 1 Fatality at Trenton Blaze A small but smoky blaze kills one and injures several others. See story on page 7
Elizabeth 4 Alarmer A four-alarm fire destroys several buildings in a large industrial complex in Elizabeth. See story on page 9
Gasoline Tanker Rolls Over on Rte. 17 A gasoline tanker rolls over and creates a fireball which engulfs other cars and structures. See story on page 14
Passaic 4 Alarmer
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus
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 2024, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Firefighters have a tough time with a four-alarm house fire that included an interior collapse. See story on page 19
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
Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions
All OK in Car Over Embankment MVA A mother and child are uninjured in a single-vehicle crash on River Road. See story on page 22
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
Official Publication
of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention
Obituaries LODD: Plainfield’s Marques Hudson Kinnelon’s Justin Bower See stories on page 26
PLUS: Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24
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, March 2024
FireNews.com
Chimney Fire in Island Heights
Island Heights Fire Department received reports from an eyewitness of a house fire on Lake Avenue on November 26, 2023. Units arrived to find a fire in a Chimney that was not extending to the structure. Mutual aid from East Dover and Toms River 26 responded to the scene to assist with the aerial ladder and overhaul. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 6, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Cover Story
Christmas Eve Blaze Involves Two Homes in Lawrence A blaze that gained considerable headway before the arrival of firefighters ended up destroying one home and badly damaging another in Lawrence Township on December 24, 2023. It was 1049 when Lawrence firefighters were alerted for a reported bedroom fire on Fountayne Lane in Liberty Green, a development adjacent to the Mercer County Fire Academy. A towering column of smoke was visible to dispatchers at the 911 center. Mutual aid resources from Hamilton, Trenton and West Windsor were immediately dispatched. Flames were venting from secondfloor windows, with heavy smoke billowing from the eaves. Just minutes later, flames broke through the roof. Portions of the roof started to collapse and heavy fire conditions extended into the attic of the semi-detached exposure. An order
was given to evacuate the structures. After the blaze was darkened down, firefighters resumed interior operations and extinguished all remaining pockets of fire. The Red Cross reported that they were providing nine people from the two homes with temporary lodging and other aid. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 7
Fully Involved House Fire with Residents Inside
Highrise 2-Alarmer Leaves One Dead and Others Injured
The Atlantic City Fire Department responded to North Pennsylvania Avenue on December 29, 2023, for a structure fire. The first arriving chief reported smoke and flames showing, followed by a report of occupants still inside. Firefighters quickly evacuated the building with one person needing emergency medical attention. The fire was quickly contained. The cause of the fire was investigated by the ACFD and also responding was ACPD and EMS. - Fire News photo by William McFarland
A small but smoky blaze in a highrise killed one person and injured several others in Trenton on December 2, 2023. The fire in the 15story Trent Center West apartment building was reported about 1325. Firefighters arrived and confirmed a working fire on the first floor. While the bulk of the fire was quickly knocked down, smoke had spread throughout the floors. Crews helped with searches and evacuations. The fire was officially declared under control at 1457. Over 100 residents were evacuated, while others were allowed to shelter in place. Several injured, including one reported to be in cardiac arrest and another with severe burns, were removed by firefighters and transported to hospital by EMS. One of the injured, a 51-year-old woman, later died of her injuries. As of this report, another of the victims was still reported to be in critical condition. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
Page 8, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Detached Garage Destroyed in Ewing
A detached garage was destroyed in a mid-afternoon fire in Ewing Township, on December 16, 2023. A 911 caller reporting that a man and his two sons might be trapped, and there was a large column of smoke visible. Hamilton Township and Trenton fire departments were dispatched as were additional EMS units. Crews found the garage at the rear of the property, fully-engulfed in flames. Fortunately, it was soon confirmed that everyone had evacuated and there were no injuries. Crews kept flames from extending to the adjacent residence. The blaze was declared under control at 1535. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 9
Large Industrial Fire in Elizabeth
A massive four-alarm fire destroyed several buildings in a large industrial complex in Elizabeth on the morning of January 5, 2024. The site is comprised of multiple buildings, some dating back to the mid-1800s, and was the former site of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. On arrival, companies encountered heavy fire conditions throughout the large interconnected buildings. Access to the building was limited due to the location in the complex and long supply lines were needed. With severe exposure issues, heavy fire and additional water supplies needed, aid came from the North Jersey Fire Boat Task Force and the FDNY. Over 100 firefighters from Union County responded to the scene and fire boats from surrounding cities were on hand for mutual aid. The Union County HazMat Team responded and conducted air monitoring. Three buildings were destroyed and two others damaged. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries due to a slip and fall. More than 12 hours after the initial alarm, companies were still fighting deep seated fires within the rubble. - Fire News photos by Pete Danzo
Page 10, Fire News, March 2024
Trash Fire in Abandoned Building
A deep-seated trash fire in an old commercial building kept Trenton firefighters busy for several hours on December 22, 2023. It was just after 1940 that a 911 call about a possible warehouse fire in the area of Dickinson Street and North Olden Avenue was received. Arriving companies reported smoke and flames visible. Firefighters forced entry and soon confirmed the fire was not in the large structure but in a smaller, separate building on the property. A large quantity of trash was burning in a pit in the building. Firefighters were on scene for over three hours. The blaze was officially declared under control about 2245, after a city public works backhoe arrived to tear apart the pile of smoldering trash. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
FireNews.com
Utility Pole Ablaze
On November 21, 2023, Toms River East Dover Station 28 and Island Heights Station 53 responded to Adams Avenue for a utility pole fire. Units arrived to a fire burning at the top of the pole and requested JCP&L to respond. JCP&L was able to secure power and extinguish the fire and make necessary repairs. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 11
Page 12, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Home Explosion in Tabernacle
On December 30, 2023, an off-duty firefighter heard an explosion followed by yelling outside his home. He went out to investigate and found his neighbors home on fire. There was fire showing from the bravo side at the second-floor windows. He called Burlington County Central Communications and requested an all hands. Quint 4314 arrived and stretched on the dwelling. Quint 2235 arrived and acted as the first-due truck. Chief Mitchell held the fire with the companies on the initial alarm. - Fire News photos by David Hernandez
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 13
HVAC Incident in South Amboy Commercial Building Celebrate New Chiefs
Toms River stations responded to a commercial structure on Lakehurst Road for a reported smoke condition on December 22, 2023. Crews confirmed a light haze and burning odor throughout the structure. No fire was found but crews evacuated the building as a precaution. The cause of the smoke was found to be a faulty HVAC unit and the building was repopulated. -Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Mayor Fred Henry of South Amboy officiated at the swearing in of new officers on January 1, 2024, at City Hall. The 2024 Chief of Department Timothy Gay (Progressive Engine 9), 1st Assistant Chief Rafael Albarran (Mechanicsville Engine 10), and 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Kelly (Enterprise Truck 8) were sworn into their respective offices in front of family, friends, and fellow firefighters. Mayor Henry congratulated the new chiefs and thank them for their dedication to the city. Mayor Henry also thanked out-going Chief John Dragotta for a job well done in 2023. - Fire News photo by Jamie Norek
Page 14, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Gasoline Tanker Turns into Fireball
A gasoline tanker truck and car resulted in a massive fire ball which destroyed the truck, a commercial building and multiple parked cars. Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department was dispatched to the area of the White Castle on Route 17. The gasoline tanker had rolled over and was fully involved with a structure and numerous cars burning. Another alarm was requested to bring foam trucks from Teaneck, Garfield and Passaic. Miraculously, only two minor injuries were reported and despite exposure concerns, the fire was held to the building originally involved. The highway needed to be shut down in both directions and NJ Transit traffic was halted and there was a large area power outage due to high voltage transmission lines being damaged. - Fire News photos by Pete Danzo
New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference April 22-26, 2024 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City Do not delay, register now for the best emergency preparedness conference on the east coast. You have until March 1st to take advantage of the Early Bird rate of $200, that’s a $50 savings over the standard rate. At the door it will be $300. Besides saving some money, you will also get the best selection of available training classes, classes are filling up quickly! We will be celebrating 25 years of providing training and networking opportunities to our attendees and as such, we have some very special events planned to include you in the celebration. Visit our website www.njepa.org for more information and to register, space is limited on some events so make sure to sign up soon. We look forward to seeing you in Atlantic City in April!
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 15
Page 16, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Cluttered Attic Fire
December 23, 2023, Paterson crew were dispatched to 19th Street for a reported house fire. Upon arrival heavy smoke was showing from the 2nd floor and attic of the 2.5 story frame dwelling. Crew reported heavy fire blowing out the 2nd floor of the home. Searches were underway. The home was located at the end of a dead end street which made apparatus placement difficult. The conditions in the attic were deteriorating, and command pulled all companies off the top floor and requested a 2nd alarm. After an exhausting and difficult fire fight due to the number of rooms and clutter in the attic. - Fire News photos by Pete Danzo
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 17
Vehicle Flips Onto Side on TrentonLawrence Border
Firefighters from Trenton and Lawrence Township were mobilized after a vehicle rolled over on December 16, 2023. The accident occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. when a Honda CRV struck a parked car and then flipped onto its side on Spruce Street. The driver was not trapped and suffered only minor injuries, declined medical assistance. Firefighters secured the vehicle’s battery and spread absorbent material. Trenton police handled traffic control and the investigation. - Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe
Page 18, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
All Out at Shamong Blaze
December 31, 2023, Chief Bader arrived and found heavy fire showing from the side of a two-story single-family dwelling. The family had successfully evacuated. Two crews fought the fire, preventing it from extending to other properties. - Fire News photos by David Hernandez
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 19
4-Alarm House Fire
Passaic firefighters had a tough time fighting a house fire on Van Buren Street on December 26, 2023. Upon arrival, crews encountered a working fire on the second floor of the 2-1/2 story home extending into the attic. It was reported the fire was possibly in the basement. Crews stretched lines and the roof was ventilated.
Interior crews reported a partial interior collapse and command evacuated the building, switching to a defensive attack. Command reported all heavy fire was knocked down and the crew re-entered the building for extensive overhaul. - Fire News photos by Pete Danzo
Page 20, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
Trenton Rowhouse Fire
Trenton firefighters made quick work of a fire that erupted in the middle of a row of 10 attached dwellings on Dec.mber 23, 2023. Members of the A Platoon were on duty when the blaze on Washington Street was reported just after 1500. Battalion Chief Dave Smolka transmitted an all hands. Heavy smoke was showing from the second and third floors when firefighters arrived. While all visible fire was quickly extinguished, firefighters spent some time opening up walls to expose and douse hot spots after it was confirmed the fire had spread to an adjacent home. The other homes in the row were not damaged. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
FireNews.com
Emergency Landing in Monclair’s Anderson Park
On January 3, 2024, a MD 530F helicopter suffered a mechanical failure and was forced to make an emergency landing at Anderson Park in Montclair. No injuries were reported. A repair crew was requested and the area was blocked off until the helicopter could take off after repairs were completed the following day. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Fire News, March 2024, Page 21
Up Close and Personal
Battalion Chief Mark Augustyn of the Trenton Fire Department was among the personnel who brought an all-hands blaze involving two rowhouses on Washington Street under control on December 23, 2023 in the state capital. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe
Page 22, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
2 Rescued at River Embankment Crash
Budd Lake Fire was dispatched to the intersection of River Road no apparent injuries, but were taken to Morristown Hospital to be and Flanders/Drakestown Road for a reported single-car MVA into checked out. Crews from Flanders and Budd Lake stood by as the the river. A mother and child were extricated from the vehicle with tow company removed the car. - Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 23
Winslow Twp. FD Holds Promotion and Swearing-in On Friday, January 5, 2024, the Winslow Township Fire Department held a promotion and swearing in ceremony at the Winslow Township High School. This was the culmination of hard work and preparing to deploy our second 24-hour staffed company. The event was Emceed by Chief (Ret.) William “Bill” Dukes. Posting of the Colors was presented by the Winslow Township Police Department Honor Guard piped in by the Camden County Emerald Society. The National Anthem was sung by Winslow Township High School Student, Gianna Cavallero. The opening prayer and benediction along with the Firefighters Prayer was presented by Perry Bascou, Chaplain of the Camden County Fire Chiefs and Fire Officers Association. Remarks were made by Winslow Township Mayor Marie Lawrence, Winslow Township Fire District #1 Chairman Anthony Sirolli, Winslow Township Fire Department Chief Marc Rigberg and Winslow Township Fire Department Battalion Chief Victor Farinelli. Special Guest Speaker was Chief James Smith of the Ocean City Fire Department. On stage was: Camden County Commissioner, Jeffrey Nash Winslow Township Mayor, Marie Lawrence Chief (Ret.), William “Bill” Dukes Ocean City Fire Chief, James Smith Chief (Ret.) William “Bill” Glassman of the Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center
Sworn in as Probationary Firefighters following a sixteen (16) week multi-discipline recruit academy: Dominic Midure, Michael O’Rourke Glenn Charney, Jr., Tyler Nielubowicz Michael Avato, Burnell Boggs Anthony Washart, Justin Moriarty Following the swearing in three (3) awards were presented. Presented by Chief (Ret.), Glassman was the: John D. West, Sr. Award (Physical Training Skills Criteria) to Probationary Firefighter, Anthony Washart. James E. Sylvester Award (Overall Knowledge, Skills and Ability) to Probationary Firefighter, Justin Moriarty. Presented by Battalion Chief, Victor Farinelli Chaplain, Perry Bascou was the Lieutenant Les Gant, Jr. award to Fire District Chairman, Anthony Sirolli Probationary Firefighter, Dominic Midure Fire District Vice-Chairman, Richard Iannaco for class leadership. Fire District Commissioner, Robert Maschke Fire District Commissioner, Anthony Church We are thankful and humbled for the large Fire District Commissioner, John Smith attendance of dignitaries, First Responder repFire Chief, Marc Rigberg resentatives, family, friends and other Battalion Chief, Victor Farinelli esteemed guests. Thank you all who in any fashion assisted with the recruit program and Those promoted: ceremony. To Deputy Chief, Steven Silcott To all those promoted or sworn in, congratuTo Battalion Chief, Robert Boettcher lations and stay safe! and Victor Farinelli To Captain, Jason Leach, Jason Powell, Marc S. Rigberg, CPM David Schlessinger and Elwood Humphries Chief of Department / Fire Official To Fire Official/UFD, Joseph Hahn Winslow Township Fire Department
Page 24, Fire News, March 2024
FireNews.com
LOOKING AT 2024 WITH THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION By Victor Stagnaro, CEO As CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), my priority - and that of the organization - is already determined through our mission statement. While you may be familiar with the NFFF, I’d like to share a few specific examples of how we will fulfill our mission this year. The first part of our mission is to honor and remember America’s fallen firefighters. And really, everything we do reflects this. Whether it’s a virtual support Zoom call with family members of fallen firefighters; maintenance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park; or a new training program on the Fire Hero Learning Network - all of our programs and resources honor our nation’s fallen firefighters. The annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend is May 4-5 this year in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This weekend serves as an opportunity for us to unite as a nation and pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our goal is to bring support and comfort to the families of our fallen heroes and ensure them that the time-honored fire service tradition of honoring the fallen will serve as a way to remember them-and express gratitude for their service. I am always in awe watching family members those of newly honored firefighters as well as those returning from past years-supporting each other during Memorial Weekend. If you have never attended, I highly encourage you to mark your calendars and come to Emmitsburg this spring and join us to to pay tribute to our nation’s fallen. The second part of our mission is to support fallen firefighters’ families, colleagues, and fire departments. The family members of our fallen firefighters will always be our top priority. Recognizing
their diverse needs, we offer programs tailored for parents, spouses/partners, adult children, men, and children/stepchildren. These events provide emotional support and peer support, which strengthens the bonds between families whose loved one died serving their community. One example of how we support the colleagues and fire departments of fallen firefighters is our Uniformed Peer Support Groups, which connect firefighters who have been involved in a line-of-duty death. These groups are open to active duty and retirees. If you or someone you know was the chief, company officer, or incident commander of a line-ofduty death, please reach out to Chief Ian Bennett (ibennett@firehero.org) for more information on the Uniformed Support Groups. The final part of our mission is to work to reduce preventable firefighter death and injury. You may be familiar with the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives created 20 years ago. To commemorate this anniversary, we will be holding a conference later this year to reflect on the progress made during the past 20 years-and determine the most effective way to continue improving firefighters’ health and safety. We cannot do this work alone, and we are very fortunate to have collaborative partnerships with many fire departments and fire service organizations from around the country. We are honored to be part of the #FireServiceOneVoice initiative of the U.S. Fire Administration. By uniting all stakeholders within the fire service community, our collective voice serves the needs and interests of firefighters nationwide. In addition, the Foundation is working with the U.S. Fire Administration on two consequential events in 2024. The first is the World Fire Congress in May,
which is bringing together international fire service leaders for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and fostering a global network of fire service professionals. Then, in October, we will again partner with the U.S. Fire Administration on the 3rd U.S. Fire Administrator’s Summit on Fire Prevention and Control. These events and partnerships ensure that crucial issues are addressed to better serve the brave men and women who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe. Everyone can play a role in supporting the mission of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our fallen firefighters are honored and remembered meaningfully. This year, please consider getting engaged by becoming an NFFF Fire Service Advocate, following us on social media, attending our fire service events, or participating in our stair climb or golf fundraising events. The best place to start is our website, firehero.org. Throughout the year, we will highlight different divisions of the NFFF in articles in Fire News. We thank Fire News for allowing us this opportunity to showcase the important work being done at the NFFF as we strive to fulfill our mission. As we march through 2024, let us carry a sense of hope and determination. Together, we can continue to honor our fallen firefighters, support their families, and work toward a safer future for those who serve our communities. The NFFF welcomes all who wish to join us in our mission.
FireNews.com
Fire News, March 2024, Page 25
Ceremonies & Recognitions Christian Morillo Newest Firefighter to the City of Pleasantville Congratulations to Christian Morillo as he is sworn in on January 5, 2024, as the newest member of the City of Pleasantville Fire Department by Mayor Judy Ward, and with his family present. Christian was a volunteer firefighter with the West Atlantic City Fire Company. - Fire News photo by City of Pleasantville Fire Department
2 Farmington Firefighters Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary Happy 25th anniversary to Farmington firefighters Cheryl and Mike Raymond. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
60 Years with Bargaintown Recognition At the annual installation dinner on January 13, 2024, the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company of the Egg Harbor Township presented member Clarence Abbot, a certificate and a shirt in celebration of 60 years of dedicated service. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Up Close and Personal with Firefighter, William Danz III to Egg Harbor Township At the reorganization meeting of the Egg Harbor Township Committee on January 3, 2024, three new police officers were sworn in including Cardiff Firefighter William Danz III (second from left). - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Neptune Hose Company Honors 2 of Their Members Thomas D. Metzler and Kevin A. Stout were presented with tokens of appreciation for their service. Tommy was honored for 60 years of service in 2023. Following in his father;s footsteps, Tommy joined the Neptune Hose Co. in 1963. He served as company captain in 1968, various other committees, and positions in the company. He presently is the President of the city’s Fire Police Division. Kevin, after serving as Captain, was elected to serve as the department’s Chief. He has held that position for five consecutive years. He was honored by presenting him with a mounted officers speaking trumpet. The rest of the members of Neptune House company and the other members of the Long Branch fire departments say, “A job well done, in the spirit of the fire service.” - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Pleasantville Fire Dept. Adds 6 New Recruits The Pleasantville Fire Department added six more recruits to their ranks. (Left to right): Recruits Winkel, Longnecker, Valerius, Mayor Ward, Recruits Morillo, Zarate and Rafici. Their academy starts January 8, 2024, and will run through early March. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
Page 26, Fire News, March 2024
Obituaries
FireNews.com
LODD Plainfield’s Marques Hudson On Friday, January 26, 2024, Plainfield Firefighter Marques Hudson responded to a residential fire. While fighting the fire, he became trapped and a Mayday was called. Firefighter Hudson was immediately rescued and CPR was performed. He was then transported to the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the accident. Four other firefighters were also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Marques was 32-years old Marques Hudson served as a Firefighter for the City of Plainfield for two years. Outside of serving the city, he found great joy in coaching T-Ball for his son’s team, the Orioles, through Piscataway Recreation. When he was not coaching, he attended every game and school event, which instilled confidence and discipline in his children. Marquise was a family man who found it important to lead by example and to walk in pride with every decision he made. Left to mourn his memory, his partner in life and love, D’onnah Jones, and his three sons Kaleb, Josiah and Isaiah Hudson. He also leaves behind, his mother Vickie Hudson, a sister, Jaqwetta HudsonBonus, two brothers, Allen and Jaquan Hudson, nieces, a nephew, and a host of other relatives and friends. - Fire News photos provided by Plainfield FD
LODD Kinnelon’s Justin Bower We are saddened by the sudden loss of Lieutenant Justin Bower on November 18, 2023. Justin responded to a residential carbon monoxide alarm on November 18, 2023. After returning home two hours later, his wife found him unconscious and immediately called 911. Emergency responders attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful. He passed away from an apparent heart attack. Justin was a beloved husband, son, uncle, brother, friend and member of his community. He served as a Lieutenant with the Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Company while also being the business owner of the much-loved Taste of Reality Deli & Catering. He has touched the lives of so many people around him through his service, always lending a hand when needed, and answering every call. His humor, generosity and kindness will not be forgotten. -Fire News photo provided by Kinnelon VFD