Several campers and mobile homes burn at the Sun Retreats Seashore Campground.
See story on page 7
Fatality at New Years Eve 3-Alarmer
The Passaic FD responded to a three-alarm fire on New Years Eve in which an elderly woman died.
See story on page 10
Electrical Meter Causes House Fire in Toms River Toms River and Island Heights were dispatched to a home on Weeping Willow Court for a house fire.
See story on page 12
Exterior Fire in Egg Harbor
Scullville and Bargaintown responded to a report of a structure fire.
See story on page 14
1 Rescued
at Passaic
Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire, which quickly went to three alarms.
See story on page 18
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2 Dogs Rescued from Dixon Ave. Fire
Bush fire Quickly Handled in Bargaintown
The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were dispatched at 0530 to Winners Court on January 15, 2025, forthe report of a structure fire. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, established command, and advised dispatch of bushes on fire in front of the house and advised the first-due Bargaintown engine to have its crew stretch a boosterline onto the fire. The fire was extinguished quickly, but the construction of the house, equipped with a vented soffit, allowed smoke to enterwhich firefighters ventilated. The cause of the fire was underinvestigation and also responding were Egg HarborTownship Police.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Large Mulch Fire in Brick
The Herbertsville Fire Company responded to the DPWyard fora reported mulch fire. The fire was extinguished in a few hours; laterthe pile reignited and units returned to the scene. The decision was made to monitorthe fire and let the pile burn because of existing drought conditions.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
The Paterson Fire Department were called to a working fire on Dixon Avenue. Two dogs were rescued; One, a Dalmatian, was barely breathing, but was revived by firefighters.
- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
Child Saved from Ocean Twp. Apartment Fire
Multiple 911 phone calls regarding a fire in an apartment sent Ocean Township Fire companies to the Middlebrook Apartments. While en route, Chief 2-66 received updates of a child possibly trapped. Abox alarm was immediately struck and shortly afterwas upgraded to a second alarm upon confirmation of the entrapment. On arrival, heavy fire was located in the first floorof a two story, garden-style apartment building. Searches were immediately conducted, the child was removed and turned overto EMS fortreatment. An aggressive fire attacked was performed and ultimately
extinguished the fire. The fire was underinvestigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Township of Ocean District 2 Fire Marshal’s Office and Ocean Township Police Department. Firefighters from Oakhurst, Asbury Park, Wayside, Tinton Falls, Deal, Allenhurst, Glendola, Sea Bright, Eatontown, Avon and Belmarand rescuers from Wannamassa and Allenhurst also responded. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
6 Members of Pleasantville Complete Probation
Six members of the Pleasantville Fire Department completed theirfirst yearas probationary firefighters. They were each issued theirfirefighter fronts from Acting Chief Vanegas. From left to right: Firefighters Valerius, Morillo-Diaz, Zarate, Longnecker, Winkel, Rifici, and Acting Chief Vanegas. - Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
Massive Fire at the Sun Retreats Campground
On January 5, 2025, the Erma Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the area of Seashore Road to investigate a report of smoke in the area. Additional callers reported thick black smoke and several structures on fire inside of Sun Retreats Seashore Campground. Chief 62 arrived and confirmed several campers and mobile homes were on fire, with several propane tanks involved. The assignment was upgraded bringing manpowerand tankers from Villas, Town Bank, Rio Grande, West Cape May and Green Creek. Fire crews placed seven handlines into service to attack the fires and a tanker shuttle was established. Fire crews remained on scene forapproximately five hours. Also, on location were the Lower Township Bureau of Fire Safety, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s office and Atlanticare EMS.
- Submitted by Matthew Lepor
2 Animals Die at Cardiff Barn Fire Cover Story
Looking Back
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Ridge Avenue on January 5, 2025. Cardiff Chief Wm. Danz III was informed fora report of a structure fire was informed the fire was in a barn at the rearof the property and there were animals inside. Chief Danz requested Bargaintown’s and Scullville’s watertenders to the scene, enabling the fire to quickly be brought undercontrol. Firefighters removed the deceased animals and the fire was underinvestigation by the EHTFire Official. Also responding were the EHTPolice and EMS.
- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
Laureldale - 1971 Apparatus
Laureldale Fire Rescue in Hamilton Township purchased Engine 18-32, a 1971 Ford Continental Pumperand Rescue 18-37, from the Glenwood (NY) Fire Department. - Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
Cold Night House Fire in Pleasantville
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department in Atlantic County were dispatched to West Washington Avenue on January 21, 2025, at 0130, in 19-degree weatherfora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the Aside-second floorof a multi-story building. The on-duty chief requested a second alarm bringing surrounding companies to the scene. Two lines were used to knock down the fire but extensive overhaul was needed. The fire was underinvestigation by Pleasantville Fire Investigators. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Fatality at New Years Eve 3-Alarmer
The Passaic Fire Department responded to a three-alarm fire on Madison Street on New Years Eve. Sadly, an elderly woman died in the fire.
- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
Truck Fire at Clayton’s Self Storage
Scullville and Bargaintown fire companies were dispatched on January 8, 2025, to Clayton’s Self Storage on Ocean Heights Avenue, fora structure fire. AScullville engine reported a truck on fire in the rearof the storage complex, and the crew stretched a preconnect the engine compartment of a dump truck on fire. Bargaintown fed the Scullville engine and its crew assisted in overhaul. The fire was contained to the engine compartment and the cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Egg Harbor Township Fire Official. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
House and Car Sustained Fire Damage
On the morning of October17, 2024, Bergenfield Fire Dept. was alerted fora reported house fire at Fairview Avenue. Heavy smoke was visible as companies were responding and on arrival a working fire was transmitted fora 2.5 story frame with extension to a carin the driveway. As crews were stretching and initiating an offense attack, a 2nd alarm was requested bringing mutual aid companies to the scene. The fire was knocked down in under20 minutes, no injuries were reported and the delta exposure sustained damage due to radiant heat.
- Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Electrical MeterCauses House Fire in Toms River
On December6, 2024, Toms RiverStations 28 and 26, and Island Heights Station 53 was dispatched to a home on Weeping Willow Court fora house fire. While en route, Chief 2810 reported a column of smoke from a distance and units arrived to fire showing from the Bravo side of the home. Chief 2810 held the fire with his
Eastampton Back-to-Back Calls
Eastampton Fire Rescue ran back-to-back calls recently. Rescue Engine 3411 responded to a fumes call in a multi-family dwelling and, when returning to the station, the crew was flagged down by Eastampton Police foran animal rescue. Crews found a bird with its foot trapped between a sign and bricks. The bird was freed and flew off.
- Submitted by Eugene Oberfrank, EMT/Fire Chief
watercan from the exteriorand first arriving Engine 5301 stretched two lines quickly knocking down the fire from the exterior. There was limited damage found in the home and it was determined the electrical meterignited the fire.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Basement Fire in Abandoned Paterson Library
On December15, 2024, the Paterson Fire Department responded fora working basement fire on North Main Street in an old abandoned public library. - Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro
Exterior Fire in Egg Harbor
The volunteerfire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Boston Avenue on November18, 2024, fora report of a structure fire. Scullville Chief Vern Cruse established command and came upon a fire on the C/D exteriorof the home. Command had Ladder1535 stretch a line to the rearand then ladderthe roof. Bargaintown assisted with checking the interiorforsigns of extension. The fire was confined to the home’s exterior. The Egg HarborTownship Fire Official investigated the fire. - Fire News photos by Cindy Badger
Don’t Miss the 2025 NJEPA Conference - RegisterToday!
The 2025 NJEPAConference is fast approaching - have you registered yet? With just a few weeks to go, we’re gearing up for what promises to be our most dynamic and engaging conference yet. Here are some important actions to take before time runs out:
Hotel Reservations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
If you haven’t already, secure your accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino while attending the conference at discounted rate of $89 per night (plus applicable resort fees and taxes). The hotel room block is available until March 17, 2025.
If you plan to pay through a Purchase Order, visit www.njepa.org/hotel for the Hard Rock’s PO guidelines. Don’t miss the chance to take advantage of this special rate!
Conference Registration
Registration for the 2025 NJEPAConference is open, and sessions are filling up fast - some are already wait-listed. Secure your spot today to ensure you can attend the trainings and breakout sessions most relevant to you. Visit www.njepa.org to register.
Division of Fire and Safety - CEU Sessions
This year’s conference offers 41 CEU sessions designed for professionals in Fire Safety, Public Health and OEM. To make it easier for attendees seeking CEU credits, we’ve introduced a new quick filter feature. On the NJEPAFull Agenda page, found at www.njepa.org/agenda, you can now filter sessions specifically approved for DFS, Public Health, and OEM professionals.
Friday’s General Session - Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
Mark your calendar for Friday, April 11, as we welcome the first responders involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse to share critical lessons learned. This session will provide valuable insights to enhance planning and response strategies in your own communities.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to network, learn, and grow at the 2025 NJEPA Conference. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mini Van Up in Flames in Cardiff
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to Glenn Avenue on January 14, 2025, at 1256, forthe report of a vehicle fire. Cardiff Engine 1516 arrived to find a minivan well involved on the street in front of a residence. Its crew stretched a preconnect and began the knockdown. Upon its arrival,
Bargaintown WaterTender1528 supplied Engine 1516 with its tank water. The fire was brought undercontrol quickly, and the cause of the fire was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Fire Official. - Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
Date Announced forthe Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service
The New Jersey State Fire Museum and Fallen Firefighters Memorial wants to remind everyone the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service will be held on the First Saturday of June. Please save the date of June 7, 2025, where we will come together to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their community.
The museum wants to increase its membership. Know that being a member does not require you to attend any meetings, work details or functions you may not want to be involved in. Membership does grant you access to any of the events or unlimited access to the museum as many times you wish to visit.
Should you want to be involved with the other volunteers that keep the museum clean and looking sharp you can reach out any Saturday. We have a YouTube channel that can be visited. Please like our page so you can keep up to date with the additions to the museum and may help us have advertisers provide some funds. he museum recently accepted delivery of a beautifully kept Mack from Lakewood Fire Department.
- Fire News photo provided
Lakewood Wildfire Strikes Golf Course and Baseball Fields
Lakewood responded to Country Club Drive fora reported brush fire. Awildfire was found between the golf course and baseball fields with limited access. Multiple brush trucks and dozers from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to the scene to access the fire, and structural protection task forces from Monmouth and Ocean Counties also responded to the scene.
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
1 Rescued at Passaic 3-Alarmer
On January 7, 2025, The Passaic Fire Department was dispatched to Lafayette Avenue fora reported house fire, which quickly went to three alarms. Mutual aid units arrived from Wallington, East Rutherford, Clifton, Totowa, Rutherford, Paterson and Garfield. One person was rescued from the second floorby ladder.
- Fire News photos by Michael Saggau, Jr.
Little Falls Battle CarFire on Route 46
Little Falls Fire Department operated at a carfire on Route 46 East at the Paterson Avenue Exit. - Fire News photo by Ronald Bombaro
New Jersey State Firemen’s Association Update
As Vice President of the New Jersey State Firemen's Association (NJSFA) I am grateful to the Fire News for allowing us space in their publication to update our over 52,000 members.
The association must satisfy requirements with both the State of New Jersey and the Insurance Company that bonds all the local association officers. With that said Field examiner Jennie Hollingsworth has scheduled some of the Field Exams during the month of March.
It is important for everyone to know that all of the members of the examination team are either members of the executive committee, current officers, or past members of the executive committee, members or past officers of the association. They are active or past firefighters and are there to help with ensuring proper guidelines are followed. The purpose of these exams is to make sure everyone is conducting business properly and that the treasurer has physically accounted for all the association's funds. We no longer collect the relief applications at these exams; relief
applications are now collected at the County Caucus.
Secretaries and treasurers should know the guide sheet the field examiners use to conduct the exam is available on the forms tab of the NJSFAwebsite, if you can get a yes answer to the majority of the questions on this form you will have no issue, and the exam will go smoothly.
Unfortunately, some associations have shown the same issues identified in more than one exam resulting in their association being put under review. When it is meeting minutes the County Executive Committee member must review the meeting minutes after each meeting for content. If the issues are related to relief applications, no disbursement can be made until the application is also reviewed by the Executive Committee member. This is not the ideal situation for the Local Association or the member of the Executive Committee. It is best to show the current examiners you have made the necessary adjustments to the records kept. I thank you all for your attention in this matter.
JOSEPH THANKINS Vice President 1711 Routh 34 South Wall Township NJ 07727
Phone 732-798-8137
Email: JosephH@njsfa.com
Just Hanging OutAtlantic Safety and Survival Training
The Atlantic City Fire Department recently received rope rescue technician-level training and Safety and Survival Training. Multiple shifts went through various scenarios, to not only brush up on theirskills, but to learn and train on some of the newest equipment. Each shift had a total of fourdays of basic rigging and system builds.
- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’Moran
Up Close & Personal
Watertenderoperators Dennis and Drew at a Ridge Avenue fire in Egg HarborTownship on January 5, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe with his brother Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe at the Annual Egg Harbor Township Fire Department joint installation dinneron January 11, 2025, afterBargaintown firefighters presented Eugene with an appreciation award.
- Fire News photo courtesy of Dennis C. Sharpe
-
Marmora Fire Chief Jay Newman with his recruits following theirgraduation ceremony on January 13, 2025.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Dorothy FirefighterConstantine Kyanmos with theirrecruit Kim Dastolfo at hergraduation ceremony on January 13, 2025.
Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Ship Bottom Annual Christmas Parade
In Decemberthe Ship Bottom Annual Christmas Parade was held along Long Beach Boulevard. All of the island’s fire companies participated in the parade along with some of the mainland fire companies. Despite the below freezing temperatures, many people came out to watch the annual tradition! - Fire News photos by
Mark Rosetti
Box Truck Ignores Sign, Rolls Overin Flanders
The Flanders Fire Department was alerted to a box truck that rolled onto its side on a narrow and winding road and marked No Trucks Allowed. Rescue 97 put down speedy dry and tried to contain a diesel spill of over20 gallons. The Morris County HazMat
The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Annual NovemberMeeting
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association gathered at the Wyckoff Fire Department for their Annual November Breakfast Meeting. It was an active mood that morning with firefighters cooking breakfast for us and members greeting each other who had not seen each other since the summer. Almost the whole membership showed up for this meeting.
The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department cooked us a wonderful breakfast and after, we discussed the Annual Christmas party.
We discussed our annual fundraising drive and ideas for a membership drive. Our ranks are getting smaller and we need new members to keep this important and active organization going. We also introduced our new slate of officers for 2025 and voted for our nominees.
Before we finished, we thanked our hosts from the Wyckoff Fire Department; they are always so generous with their time. It has been another successful year for the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.Thank you to all our brother and sister firefighters for your support.
- Submitted by Justin Watrel
team was called to assist. Crews stood by as a heavy wreckercame in to upright the truck. Two people from the truck were transported to a local hospital with minorinjuries. It took overthree hours to remove the truck. - Fire News photos by
Kevin Maloney
Multiple Cars on Fire in BunkerHill
Paterson Fire Department operated at a multi-carfire, in the BunkerHill section of Paterson.
- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
CarTakes Wrong Turn into Woods & Burst into Flames
On December8, 2024, the Toms RiverFire Department was dispatched to the Ocean County Mall fora reported carfire. Units arrived to a single vehicle crash where a carhad attempted to turn into the parking lot of the mall, left the roadway, and crashed into a wooded area. Both occupants were able to self-extricate as the vehicle erupted in flames. Engines 2631, 2671 and 2501 responded to the fire. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded to assist with the half acre of brush that was involved.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Deck Fire Extends in Egg Harbor
The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were dispatched to Ontario Avenue on December1, 2024, fora report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a large amount of smoke coming from the rearof a twostory wood frame single-family dwelling. Upon investigating, firefighters discovered a fire on the back deck that involved the C-side corner. The fire was quickly extinguished but extensive overhaul was needed to ensure no extension.
- Fire News photo by Cindy Badger
Truck Fire Fuels Brush Fire on Route 80
The Paterson Fire Department responded to a truck fire that spread and became a brush fire on Route 80 east nearthe Trenton Avenue overpass.
- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR NVFC TRAININGSUMMIT
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 NVFC Training Summit, taking place June 20-21, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. This signature conference provides an opportunity for firefighters and EMS providers to participate in valuable classroom training, idea sharing, and networking. Three learning tracks will focus on responder health and safety, volunteer recruitment and retention, and emergency service leadership.
The Summit includes two days of classroom-based breakout sessions with nationally-known instructors, keynote speakers, general sessions, networking events, and a vendor expo. The agenda features a selection of 18 courses relating to critical topics impacting the volunteer emergency services, with a focus on physical and behavioral health, working within NFPAstandards, on-boarding new volunteer responders, best practices for retaining volunteers, and leadership.
The 2025 NVFC Training Summit will be held at the Salt Lake City Marriott City Center. The hotel is in downtown Salt Lake City, just a short walk from tourist attractions, coffee shops, restaurants and a light rail station to take you across the city. The event will kick off with an ice cream social and registration on June 19 and include a networking social event after classes on June 20. Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit vendor tables. Sponsorships are available – click here for more information.
About the NVFC
While the Training Summit is a great value, the NVFC recognizes that cost can be a challenge. To remove this barrier and help offset the costs, stipends are available that reimburse up to $800 of conferencerelated expenses, including hotel, airfare/mileage/transportation, and the event registration fee. To be eligible for a stipend, you must be a current member of the NVFC.
Learn more about the 2025 NVFC Training Summit, register, and apply for a stipend at www.nvfc.org/summit. Read about the 2024 Training Summit here. Questions? Contact Rachel Buczynski, NVFC chief of training and education, at rachel@nvfc.org.
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.
Ceremonies & Awards
New Milford Chief Jerry Smithson, Jr. receives Ex-Chief Badge
New Milford Chief Jerry Smithson, Jr., received his ex-Chief’s badge at the 2025 swearing-in ceremony forthe new officers. His badge was pinned on his uniform by his wife and children who were in attendance.
As a side note: Jerry’s fatherand brother are also firefighters in a neighboring jurisdiction. Jerry’s fatheris a veteran firefighterforover30 years and is also Fire Chief with a neighboring jurisdiction.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
New Milford Fire Officers Swearing-In Ceremony
The 2025 fire officers forthe Milford Fire Department pose fora picture with mayor and fire commissionerat the recent swearing-in ceremony. Left to right: Lieutenant Robert O’Brien Co. 1**, Captain Thomas Mulligan Co. 1, Deputy Chief David StormerCo.1**, Fire CommissionerMrs. Randi Duffie, Chief of the Department Ralph Leonardi Co. 1**, MayorMichael Putrino, Deputy Chief Thomas Ryan Co. 2, Captain Jerry Smithson, Jr. Co. 2**, Lieutenant Jared Birnbaum Co. 2** ( **Served as Past Chief of the Dept).
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
ACFAAnnual Reorganization Meeting
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their annual reorganization meeting on January 15, 2025, and their Fall 2024 FF1 graduation on January 13.
- Photos provided by Brandon Parker and Dennis C. Sharpe
Eastampton Annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner
On January 11, 2025, the Eastampton Fire Company held its annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner. FirefighterCorey Fruendnerwas awarded Firefighterof the Year. FFFruendneris a Technical Sergeant in the US AirForce and is currently assigned in New Jersey. We appreciate FFFruendner’s commitment and dedication to ourcommunity on top of his duties in the USAF.
- Fire News photo submitted by Eugene Oberfrank, EMT, Fire Chief
CLAFAAAwarded David Evans with 2024 Spirit Award
The Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association (CLAFAA) recognized Membership Secretary David Evans, with the 2024 Spirit of CLAFAAAward. Award Committee Co-ChairKeith Knight presented the award during the December CLAFAAMembership meeting at the Repaupo Fire Museum. The award is presented in recognition of consistent activity supporting and furthering the objectives of the CLAFAAto preserve fire and emergency services history. Dave is also a memberof ourCLAFAAMembership Committee and orients new members to our organization. Dave also regularly attends Saturday morning work sessions and contributes his time and talents to help restore vintage equipment and develop displays at Repaupo. If you orsomebody you know is interested preserving the history of the fire service and Emergency Services please check out this group on Facebook.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
The 2025 officers of the Egg HarborCity Fire Department at the reorganization of the Atlantic County Firefighters Association (ACFA) on January 15, 2025.
- Submitted by Brandon Parker
CarFire Handled Quickly by Island Heights
On December17, 2024, Island Heights and Toms RiverStations 25 and 26 were dispatched to Bayway fora reported vehicle fire. Crews arrived to an engine compartment fire with no exposures. Island Heights was first to arrive and quickly extinguished the fire with theirbumperline.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Roasted Coffee Machine
Too Hot
Recently the Budd Lake and Flanders Fire companies were dispatched to Bartley Road fora coffee roasteron fire in a commercial building. Crews arrived and smoke was coming out of the vent pipe. Crews entered and found the roastermachine on fire and the flue pipe very hot. Crews from Engines 95 and 59 stretched a line and quickly knocked down the fire and started to open the machine up and check the flue pipe forextension. Tower96 checked the pipe from the roof and dropped a chain down to make sure there was no fire in the pipe. The fire was quickly under control, no injuries were reported.
- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
3-Alarm Apartment Fire in Pine Hill
The Pine Hill Fire Department responded to a three-alarm apartment fire at The Mansion Apartments in Pine Hill. The initial call came in fora fire on the second-floorbalcony. Engine 6 arrived to the second floorwell-involved and residents jumping from the second-floorunits. Multiple handlines were put in service, searches were conducted in each unit with negative results, and three aerial devices were put in service. Crews operated on scene forapproximately two hours until the fire was placed undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Kirstyn Burr
Obituary Surf City’s John L. Gutbrod
Surf City and the surrounding communities on Long Beach Island it were saddened by the passing of a beloved member, John L. Gutbrod, of Surf City Fire and EMS. John passed away on December 27, 2024, just two months after he celebrated his 103rd birthday (picture at his birthday).
John was well known and respected by all fire departments and law enforcement in Long Beach Island and some of the surrounding communities on the mainland. Also, John was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division with over 30-plus jumps in his career in the service and also a recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He received those awards for his actions on June 6, 1944, in the invasion of Normandy.
John loved spending time with family and friends and his extended family at the Surf City Firehouse. John was a true gentleman and would give you the shirt off his back and ask for nothing in return. On his 100th birthday
New Milford Remembrance Service for Fallen Firefighters
various agencies from Long Beach Island converged on his home with a Lights and Sirens parade to wish him a happy 100th birthday. John was a true gentleman and a friend and a mentor to a lot of people. Even though he’s no longer with us, his spirit will guide everybody that he knew, so he’ll be watching over all of us. Rest in peace my friend.
- Submitted by Chris Denton
On January 17, 2025, New Milford’s Company No. 1 and Company No. 2 participated in the remembrance service on the 42nd anniversary of Fallen FirefighterWilliam Entwistle from New Milford Fire Department. William died in the horrific fire at the New Milford Borough Hall in 1983. Billy, as he was known, was employed by the New Milford DPWand was a memberof New Milford Fire Department Company 1. Bill graduated from New Milford High
School in 1979. His fatherwas a Sergeant on the New Milford Police Department formany years. His mom worked at the New Milford High School. Bill was a wonderful, caring person. On this 42nd anniversary of his passing every yearthe New Milford Fire department attends a memorial at the Borough Hall to honorhis memory. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
