Fire News New Jersey, April 2021 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 15, NO. 11

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

APRIL 2021

Story on page 6 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo

Popular Grill Goes in Haledon See story on page 12.

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 3

In this issue...

Looking Back Some memorable fires, events and first responders through the years from around New Jersey.

See story on page 11

Passaic 4-Alarm Blaze Frozen hydrants and low water pressure complicate an already-difficult fight.

See story on page 14

Wallington Commercial Fire Firefighters respond to a fire in a scaffolding company.

See story on page 16

Border Line Blaze Crews from Passaic and Clifton do double duty on a house fire on their district’s border.

See story on page 20

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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Up Close & Personal First responders from around New Jersey.

See story on pages 22 & 25

Nine Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:

Official Publication

Obituary

of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention

Pomona’s Charles R. Winkler

See story on page 30

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Can You Handle the Challenging Call?

This past month has presented the fire service with several calls that have challenged our first responders. The calls made me think about our new officers, firefighters and EMTs, who may find themselves involved with a serious call that they think they could handle. My question to you is, “Are you prepared to handle the challenging call?”

Recently, a cemetery worker in my area was killed as he was working in a trench and the sidewall of the trench collapsed, burying the worker in 18 inches of dirt. As the first arriving unit, what would you and your crew do?

Immediately, you should be thinking, “trench rescue.” Are you aware, trench walls can collapse in 1/10 of a second? When the walls collapse, the earth moves at approximately 40 mph. Guess what? You do not have a chance of getting out of its way. A single cubic foot of dirt weighs 100 pounds. A cubic yard weighs 3000 pounds. As firefighters, we must discipline ourselves to back off and wait for a technical rescue team to arrive to the scene. Sadly, the buried worker lost his life

and the scene quickly became a recovery effort.

This month, there was a serious propane incident on Long Island. Two workers were refilling propane cylinders when something went wrong. The two workers were seriously burned and needed to be quickly transported to a burn unit. On Long Island, we are very lucky to have two state-of-the-art burn units.

Nassau County has the Nassau University Medical Center and Suffolk County has the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Once you arrive on scene, would you know how to handle a seriously burned patient? I had one fire in my career that I still have thoughts about. It was one of those incidents that, when you close your eyes, you can visualize the patients uncontrollably shaking as their skin was falling off of their bodies. I was part of the ambulance crew that horrible night. Fortunately, our EMT was experienced and knew how to prepare the patient for transport to Stony Brook Medical Center.

Every year, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Burn Center holds a recognition

day. Several of the doctors talk about the newest equipment and innovations, the nurses of the unit are honored, and checks are presented to the unit from fundraisers held by our junior groups and various firematic organization. My advice to everyone — go to this event!

Finally, as firefighters, most of us feel confident that we can handle any job that comes our way. The truth is you may not be able to handle some calls as safely as you think. Please take the time to review the courses offered at your fire academy and enroll in Technical Rescue Courses and Rapid Intervention Classes. Take the time to investigate your Burn Center. Meet with the staff of well-qualified personnel and ask questions on handing a serious burn victim.

Who knows, the person you save, could be a member of your own company.

- Dennis

Fire at Farmington Homeless Camp

The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company along with New Jersey Forest Fire Service C-7 responded to Oberlin Avenue at 2004 on January 21, 2021, for a report of a fire. After investigation, a fire was discovered at an abandoned homeless camp. The fire was extinguished by C-7 and investigated by the Forest Fire Service.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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Cover Story

Tough Fight in Garfield

At approximately 2315 on February 26, 2021, the Garfield Fire Department was alerted for a structure fire on Maple Street.

On arrival, command reported a working fire in the rear of a three-story taxpayer with wires burning and quickly requested a second alarm. The fire building was located on the corner of Maple and Palisades, and was a large 2-1/2 story frame housing a laundromat on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors.

Heavy fire was venting out the rear on the second floor, as companies made a push through the interior. Due to a localized collapse on the C-D corner and with conditions deteriorating, command ordered all members out of the building. With outside lines knocking down the bulk of the exterior fire, crews attempted another interior attack and appeared to be making progress, however heavy fire started breaking out in the attic as well as the second floor, forcing command to pull everyone out and go defensive with a ladder pipe, tower ladder and several exterior handlines. Again, after most of the visible fire was knocked down, crews re-entered the building and were able to open up and start extinguishing hidden pockets of fire, and the fire was placed under control at 0150. At least one firefighter was injured when he fell down the stairs during the initial attack. Several occupants were displaced and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Cardiff MVA

The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to English Creek and Dogwood Avenues at 1029 on January 25, 2021, for a report of an MVA with possible entrapment. Units arrived to find one vehicle off the highway with the driver still inside, and a second vehicle in the roadway and all occupants out.

The vehicle that left the roadway was a full-size SUV that careened through the traffic light control boxes and a light standard at the intersection, jamming the driver’s door. The door was opened by firefighters who assisted EMS with the removal of the injured driver. Firefighters opened the hood of the SUV to disconnect its battery, and stood by until all of the vehicles were removed. Also responding were EHT Ambulance and Atlanticare Paramedics.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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River Edge Garage Fire Mays Landing Stove Fire

In the early morning hours of January 23, 2021, the River Edge Fire Department responded to a fire in a single-family dwelling on Cherry Lane. Upon arrival, the first chief requested an all-hands.

Hackensack Ladder 1 responded as the RIT, along with units from New Milford and Oradell; Paramus and Maywood covered. Crews found the fire in the garage and quickly extinguished it. Command returned the units from New Milford and Oradell, but kept the other two companies to cover. Units operated for just over an hour.

The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne, and Laureldale responded to Corwen Court in Oakcrest Estates on January 26, 2021, at 2332, for a structure fire. Units arrived and found an oven fire with a smoke condition in the dwelling. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and had the crew of the first arriving Mays Landing apparatus ventilate the structure and had the fire knocked down with a water can. Crews then removed the stove to the outside where a booster line was pulled and fully extinguished the fire. Also responding were Township of Hamilton EMS and police.

- Fire New photo by Cindy Badger

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Vineland Residential Fire

The City of Vineland Fire responded to South State Street at 1129 on January 11, 2021, for a structure fire. Chief of Department Tramontana responded and reported a column of smoke visible. On arrival he reported heavy fire from a residential structure.

Residents on location confirmed the dwelling was evacuated.

Engine 6 laid in from a hydrant and Tower 6 set up on the A side of the structure. A 2-½ inch line was put into operation from Engine 6 to the A/B corner due to electric lines down in the front yard, which impeded an attack from the A side. City of Vineland Municipal

Utility arrived and disconnected power at that pole. There was also excessive heat to the B side which was impinging on the B side exposure and causing that siding to buckle. The line knocked down the heavy fire which reduced the exposure issue. Rescue 1’s crew stretched a 1-¾ inch line to the C side rear door and extinguished the interior fire. Meanwhile, Tower 6 used its master stream to knock down fire in the attic and created a vent hole on the D side roof. Crews were then sent back inside to overhaul and extinguish any remaining fire.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 11

Looking Back Ventor 1976

Stone Harbor 1912

Surrey Avenue in the City of Ventnor, 1976. This fire brought numerous mutual aid companies from the area with engines drafting from the bay.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Harold ‘Whitey’ Swartz photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe collection.

Looking back to 1912 in Stone Harbor.

- Fire News photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe Collection

Pleasantville 1930s Pleasantville in the late-1930s. The two engines in the middle are still in existence.

- Fire News photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe Collection.

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Grill Burns in Haledon

On January 19, 2021, Haledon firefighters responded to an activated fire alarm at the Metro View Grill on Haledon Avenue.

Additional 911 callers reported smoke from the building which was confirmed by police units. On arrival, command reported a working fire and soon after requested a second alarm. As companies entered the building they encountered heavy smoke and heavy fire and made an aggressive push to quickly knock down the fire, how-

ever the flames had already breached the ceiling and were in the cockloft. As conditions deteriorated, command ordered all members out and transmitted a third alarm. The main body of fire was knocked down in approximately 45 minutes and was brought under control in about two hours. No injuries were reported and the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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MVA in New Milford

A driver of a vehicle driving on River Edge Road suffered a medical episode, lost control of the vehicle and ended up in the side yard of a house on the corner of River Edge Road and William Bliss Drive. New Milford Fire Department and Holy Name Hospital EMS and paramedics responded. Deputy Chief 301 returned all units with the exception of Tower 31 and Engine 33.

The driver self-extricated and was evaluated by EMTs and Paramedics, and eventually signed an RMA. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Fire News, April 2021, Page 13

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Passaic 4-Alarmer At just before 2000 on February 12, 2021, the Passaic Fire Department transmitted a box for a building fire on Hope Avenue.

On arrival of BC Hayowyk, he reported fire showing on the decond floor Bravo side of the large three-story frame and quickly requested a second alarm. As lines were stretched into the second floor apartment, the fire was found to be running the exterior walls on the Bravo side. Searches of the third floor found that fire had already extended into it and an additional handline was requested. Companies experienced water problems, possibly due to frozen hydrants, and a third alarm was requested as the crew on the roof performing ventilation reported fire running the cockloft. With the fire spreading and conditions deteriorating, command ordered all members out of the building and off the roof approximately 30 minutes into the fire. Heavy fire broke through the roof as L-2 set up their ladder pipe, L-1 put their bucket into operation on the Delta side and Clifton L-3 prepared to go to work as well. Several handlines and blitz fires were also operated trying to knock down the fire and protect exposures. A fourth alarm was transmitted and Passaic Valley Water was requested to boost pressure. With an adequate water supply established, E-2 operated their deck gun which assisted in quickly knocking down the bulk of the fire and, after allowing the building to drain out, members re-entered the structure where they found pockets of fire which they extinguished with handlines. The fire was placed under control at 2200; at least one firefighter was evaluated by EMS on the scene. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti

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Wallington Commercial Fire

On January 14, 2021, Wallington firefighters responded to a working building fire. The fire was located in a scaffolding company on Midland Avenue. On arrival, companies encountered a heavy smoke condition showing from the single-story commercial building and

requested a second alarm. All visible fire was quickly knocked down as trucks opened the roof and checked for extension. The fire was believed to be accidental and was brought under control in just over an hour with no injuries reported. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo

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Quick Stop in Somers Point The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded to New Road in front of The Pastry Pantry for a report of a car fire. Dispatch advised the vehicle was in close proximity to the building and, upon arrival of Engine 44, its crew stretched a line to protect the building and attack the fire. The fire was brought under control quickly with no extension to the building.

- Fire News photo by Tony Paone; submitted by Dennis C. Sharpe

Black Horse Pike MVA The Egg Harbor Township Ambulance Squad along with the EHT Police responded to the Black Horse Pike and Tilton Road on January 22, 2021, for an MVA with injuries.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 20, Fire News, April 2021

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After You… No, After You. Quick Stop by Clifton and Passaic On January 11, 2021, the Clifton Fire Department was dispatched to Summer Street for an attic fire, and the Passaic Fire Department received calls for smoke coming from the same address, which was on the border of both districts. Companies arrived to smoke showing from a large 2-1/2 story wood frame in Clifton. Engine 1 stretched a line to the attic while Ladder 3 conducted vertical ventilation. Crews from both departments operated on scene as the fire was placed under control within 20 minutes.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association 2021 NJEPA Conference Update!

Bathroom Fire in EHT

The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association is please to announce that the virtual portion of our Annual Conference will take place May 3-7, 2021. The in-person portion will take place September 19-22, 2021 at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City.

If you sign up through our Early Bird registration for the inperson portion, you are eligible to participate in May with no additional fee.

Course offerings in May include several from the Advanced Professional Series (APS), such as, Rapid Assessment WorkshopG557, Recovery from Disaster, the Local Government Role-G205, Emergency Planning-G235, to name a few. Please visit our website www.njepa.org to register and view a more complete list of course offerings.

We look forward to seeing everyone in September, be safe!

On February 22, 2021, the Egg Harbor City and South Egg Harbor fire departments were dispatched to the Atlantic Avenue Apartments for a bathroom fire. The situation was placed under control with units on scene a short time later and no injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 21

Bergenfield 2-Alarmer

On December 29, 2020, the Bergenfield Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire in a single-family dwelling on Sunset Place. The first-arriving officer requested an all-hands be transmit-

ted for a fire in the rear of the structure. Within a couple of minutes, command requested a second alarm, bringing mutual aid to assist and cover.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Up Close & Personal

Junior Firefighter Matt Adams at a recent acquired structure drill. Matt is following in the footsteps of his mother, grandmother, grandfather and uncle who are all active members of the Surf City Fire Company and EMS. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Ken Badger at a Lower Bank fire on January 21, 2021.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Ken Badger

Bayview firefighters (Galloway, Atlantic County) as they wipe down the new engine after training on it.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

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West Berlin 2-Alarmer

Camden and Burlington County units were alerted to a reported dwelling fire on February 19, 2021. Evesham Engine Company 2252 arrived first to find an attached garage with fire showing.

Arriving personnel advised limited visibility due to smoke in the street. Chief 22 (Jackson) requested a second alarm for manpower.

Three pets perished in the fire, one dog was rescued and made a full recovery.

- Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez

Page 24, Fire News, April 2021

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NYSAFC 115TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & FIRE 2021 EXPO POSTPONED TO JULY 2021 Due to Current New York State COVID-19 Health And Safety Restrictions, FIRE 2021 has been moved to July 14-17, 2021, at The Oncenter in Syracuse, NY After careful consideration of the current New York state health participate on the rescheduled dates can roll over registration and safety restrictions and guidelines for gatherings and travel in to 2022 or request a refund. Attendees can email: place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New conference@nysfirechiefs.com, with any questions, while York State Association of Fire Chiefs 115th Annual exhibitors can email: fire@naylor.com, for more inforConference & FIRE 2021 Expo has been reschedmation. uled for July 14-17, 2021, at The Oncenter in 2020 marked the first time in over a century Syracuse, NY. The event was originally schedthat NYSAFC’s Annual Conference was canuled to take place on June 16-19. celed. The not-for-profit association remains The safety of event participants remains committed to providing its members and all NYSAFC’s top priority. Considering the recent first responders with an educational and safe rollout of vaccinations for first responders and event. Association staff members have been segments of the public, along with state/federal working closely with The Oncenter and local government projections and “New York officials to ensure that proper health and safety Forward” reopening guidelines, NYSAFC offiprotocols will be in place. We look forward to seecials are optimistic that postponement to July will ing you in July! allow for more industry professionals to take part in this Event details and updated registration forms are year’s event. available at www.nysfirechiefs.com.

Currently registered attendees and exhibitors that are unable to

Motor Home Fire

On January 21, 2021, the volunteer fire companies of Elwood, Sweetwater, Weekstown and Nesco were dispatched to River Road in Mullica Township for a structure fire. While on the way, units were advised the fire was on River Road in Washington Township. Meanwhile the Lower Bank and Green Bank fire companies were dispatched. Lower Bank Chief Mike Alexander arrived and reported all companies in service. Upon the arrival of the first apparatus a 1-3/4 inch line was pulled for a motor home and surrounding area on fire. Upon the arrival of the mutual aid companies the fire was contained to the immediate area with no extension to any exposure. Also responding were Lower Bank, Green Bank, NJ State Police and investigators from the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger

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Up Close & Personal

Bayview Firefighter Christopher DeVito with his son Salvatore checking out Bayview’s new engine.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe sporting his new frontis piece, designed by his big brother, Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe. The piece was a combination birthday and Christmas present.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Clifton Lieutenant Bodice (left) and Firefighter Holzach operating at a Passaic fourth alarm on Hope Avenue on February 12, 2021.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 26, Fire News, April 2021

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Recycling Center Blaze

On March 2, 2021, the Clifton and Paterson dispatch centers began to receive multiple 911 calls reporting a fire at the end of Broad Street on the border of the two cities. Paterson Battalion 1 reported a large column visible en route.

Clifton Engine 2 was first to arrive to find a large exterior fire at a recycling center that had extended into the warehouse and already extended through the roof. A second alarm was struck on arrival.

All Clifton companies responded to the scene as Paterson operated with four engines and two ladders along with a Passaic tower ladder.

Multiple handlines were stretched to the interior and exterior along with Blitz fires and 2-1/2 inch handlines. Over 1500 Feet of LDH was laid out along surrounding streets as multiple dead hydrants were found in the area. Companies remained on scene throughout the night as the fire had become deep seated within the bales of recycled material. Heavy-duty equipment was brought in to pull apart the burning material.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti and Peter Danzo

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Ice Rescue Training

Recently, some members of the Harworth and Demarest fire departments held their annual ice rescue refresher drill at the Harworth Town pond. Both agencies went over procedures for recovering individuals who were stuck on the ice or fallen through it.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Fire News, April 2021, Page 27

Not What They Mean

By Fun in the Snow

On the morning of February 2, 2021, the day after Clifton received over two feet of snow, units were dispatched to Rowland Avenue for a fire. Engine 5 and Truck 2 arrived to a 1-1/2 story wood frame with heavy smoke showing. Engine 5 stretched a line to the basement as Truck 2 and Engine 4 navigated the snow packed streets to establish a water supply. The fire was was quickly knocked down as Engine 4 stretched a backup line to assist Engine 5. Fire began to extend upward to divisions 1 and 2 and a second alarm was struck bringing all Clifton units to the scene. The fire was placed under control 90 minutes in.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 28, Fire News, April 2021

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Pleasantville Fire Extends

The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to Pleasant Avenue at 2352 on February 8, 2021, for a structure fire. Car 70 arrived and reported a working fire in a two-story wood frame structure with a seven-story high-rise as an exposure. Command requested a second alarm, bringing mutual aid from Linwood, Absecon, Northfield, Farmington, Atlantic City Airport and Cardiff. Command had Engine 1 back down and pull handlines, but the fire had gained quite a headway, eventually consuming the building. As mutual aid began arriving, some crews started pulling handlines for master streams alongside the high rise while other crews went in and started evacuating the high rise.

Additional mutual aid was requested, bringing fire companies from throughout the county. A “surround and drown” operation was put into place as numerous ladder streams and master streams were used; a 100-foot ladder from Linwood was positioned on the A side and was supplied by the Farmington and the Atlantic City Airport engines. Pleasantville Engine 2 supplied their Engine 1 which fed numerous master streams on the D side. On the C side, Absecon, Northfield, and Somers Point engines supplied aerial streams to Pleasantville, Absecon, and Pomona. Other mutual aid companies were brought in for manpower with Atlanticare, Tricare, and Galloway EMS setting up rehab on Main Street. Eventually, Pleasantville Public works brought in a large front-end loader and breached the Bravo side wall and what was left of the second floor. Pleasantville firefighters remained on scene for the rest of the day hosing down hot spots and assisting investigators.

- Fire News photos by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran and Dennis C. Sharpe

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Fire News, April 2021, Page 29

New Milford Chief

Bergenfield Chief

Matthew Callan was sworn in as Chief of the New Milford Fire Department for 2021 with his girlfriend holding the Bible.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio presenting a plaque to past-Chief Christopher Naylis for four years of being chief of the Bergenfield Fire Department.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Water Rescues on Black Horse Pike The West Atlantic City Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic County responded to the Travel Inn on the Black Horse Pike on February 1, 2021, shortly before midnight to assist police in evacuating residents due to flooding. Chief Wally Blakely arrived and established command. After assessing the situation he requested Rescue 1508 from the Bargaintown, a highwater rescue vehicle. Once on location firefighters donned water rescue gear and spent several hours evacuating residents from several motels.

- Fire News photo courtesy of Bargaintown VFC

Page 30, Fire News, April 2021

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Obituary

Pomona’s Charles R. Winkler

Charles R. Winkler, 74, of Pomona, passed away on January 28, 2021.

Charles, more affectionately known as ‘Chuck,’ ‘Wink,’ and ‘PopPop,’ grew up in Egg Harbor City and resided with his lifelong high school sweetheart Joyce at their home for 52 years.

Chuck was a graduate of Oakcrest High School, served in the Army National Guard, was a member of the Glaziers Union Local 252, where he shared his knowledge of the craft with many companies and their employees. He is most notably known for his volunteerism with the Pomona Volunteer Fire Company where he served actively for 48 years and ascended the ranks that included Chief, President, and Trustee.

Chuck spent his life dedicated to his family and the community. He

helped thousands of residents throughout his lifetime, volunteered to coach the youth of the community, and was a wealth of knowledge for everyone.

He is predeceased by his father Charles Sr. and daughter Jennifer, he is survived by his wife Joyce, mother ‘Mabel,’ sons Charles (Donna), Doug, and Eric (Lauren), grandchildren: Michelle, Grace, Charles IV, Eric Jr., Adelle, and Clementine and his beloved pup Elmer.

A visitation was held on February 5 and 6, 2021, in Galloway with burial at Port Republic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pomona Volunteer Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe