VOLUME 12, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes JUNE 2017
Full story on pages 8 and 9. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Fire News Welcomes Everyone to the PA Fire Expo Visit us at Booth 704 North Hall – New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 3
In this issue... Belmar Blaze Goes to 5 Alarms Belmar firefighters fight a house fire and its two exposures, with help from mutual aid See story on page 10
Salem Abandoned Structure Fire Firefighters make a good stop on a fire in a large abandoned building. See story on page 20
Collapse in Garfield Crews are met with an fully involved rear of a duplex that eventually went to three alarms. See story on page 24
Chief Gibney Retires Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company’s Chief Robert J. Gibney retires after serving more than 50 years. See story on page 33
An 8-Year-Old Hero Kane O’Connor, eight, is awarded for saving his family from a fast moving house fire. See story on page 36
NJFFS Presents Plaque to Eaglewood The New Jersey Forest Fire Service presents Eaglewood VFC a plaque commemorating the Bass River forest fire. See story on page 38
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 32 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 36 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 38
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, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES 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, Michael J. Coppola, 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 2017, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Don’t Be Complacent It is 0300 and your tones go off informing you of an automatic alarm at a residence. There are a lot of thoughts that should be going through your head as you are responding to the call. Automatic alarm, not a commercial establishment, no additional calls, etc. Your dispatcher informs the officer or chief he has no additional information. Your sleepy mind might be thinking about getting the call over with and getting back to bed. Damn automatic alarms! You arrive on scene at a typical house in a residential development. No cars in the driveway, and no sign of anyone in the home. You knock on the door, ring the door bell, perform a 360 and confirm no one is home. You find a window that isn’t locked, make entry into the home and there is no sign of danger. Or is there? The front door is opened and a few guys search the house, finding a smoke alarm head flashing. There is no apparent reason for the activation. Hey, you have been at this type of call many times. It is probably a defective alarm head that was set off by any number of reasons. By now, a neighbor pops in and asks,
“Anything wrong?” You go through your usual questions and find out the house was just sold and the new owner stopped by to check the house and cleaned up. You are ready to go home, when one of your crew says he smells something in the basement. Making a long story short, it turned out the homeowner set off several insecticide “bombs” in the basement to take care of a bug problem. Fortunately, no one was hurt at this call. But this call makes you think of everything you did right, what you did wrong and what could have happened that might have had disastrous results. All of us, at times, can be accused of complacency. We assume that every call is going to be like the past calls we have had, especially with automatic alarms. Carbon monoxide, chemicals, gas leaks that show no sign of odor as you are walking around a structure, are all possibilities that we must be aware of when we enter a building. I can tell you to wear your SCBA and facepiece all of the time. But let’s face it, we don’t always do what we know is the safe thing to do. This insecticide call actually happened.
No one was hurt, but the call made me think that possibly we should encourage homeowners to place signs on their home when they are using total-release foggers or bug bombs. Encourage your community at Fire Safety Day to read labels on dangerous products and not to be complacent of the hazards of using these products. Use every call as a learning tool to stay safe for future calls. It is springtime, the time of the year that homeowners use pesticides. Keep this in mind when you respond to calls for a “strange odor.” Dennis
Announcements FIRE EXPO 2017 On Sunday, June 25, 2017, the Runnemede Fire Company will hold its 1st Annual Farmers Market at the 26 East 2nd Street in Runnemede from 1000 to 1400. The market will feature equipment and apparatus displays, vendors and a farmers market where you can pick up your fresh produce, foods and local goods. All firefighters and other emergency responders are invited.
TRI-COUNTY MUSTER The 26th annual fire muster for the Tri-counties will take place on June 25, 2017, at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. Registration starts at 0830, the parade starts at 1030, with judging and competition to follows. Food is prepared by the Jamesburg Fire Department. This fun family day is sponsored by the Middlesex Historical Society.
SPRING CLEANING FOR A CAUSE: THE BEREAVEMENT UNIFORM PROGRAM “Making sure a dress uniform is available for conduction of Final Honors is what the BUP is all about and without question is one of the most generous and outstanding programs ever offered to a Fallen Firefighter. What we do collectively for families during this most solemn of times speaks volumes about who we are and how we honor those who serve. The Lighthouse BUP supports the American Fire Service in a most fitting and respectful way. The Eternal Chief and St. Florian are smiling,” said Michael Kuk, PhD., Chief Fire Chaplain, Vernon Parish FD (LA). Now available in all 50 states, the BUP needs your surplus dress uniforms … and the truth of the matter…the BUP won’t survive without you and your department. Take responsibility for checking your department’s storage closet and ship your surplus dress uniforms to: Lighthouse Uniform Company, Attn: BUP, 1532 15th Ave W., Seattle, WA 98119 Every donation is recorded on the BUP’s Be Remembered Wall of Fame. Don’t forget to include a note with how you would like your donation to read. For more information, call 206-282-5600 (PST). - BC Greg Markley, Sec/Treasurer Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE A PIO? Fire News is compiling a list of department Public Information Officers. If your department has a PIO, please send Fire News the PIO’s name, department and contact information. E-mail us at LI@FireNews.com. Thank you for your help.- Ed
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPT’S PHOTOS?
Looking Back City of Pleasantville in the 1970s at the beginning of the modernization of their department. - Fire News photo courtesy Dennis Sharpe Collection
Please e-mail your photos to li@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief write-up, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where” information.We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue.
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Feeding the Fire in Paramus
On March 13, 2017, the Paramus Fire Department responded to Denny Wiggers Garden Center on Paramus Road. Companies arrived to fire in a 1-1/2 story stone building loaded with firewood drying out. Units reported the building well involved, with fire already through the roof and command req uested a borough general alarm, bringing all four companies to the scene and mutual aid for cover. All hands went to work with several handlines, knocking down the majority of fire in about 20 minutes. Due to the amount of wood packed into the building, deep-seated pockets of fire remained. Truck 4 was put into operation overhead and a bucket loader was req uested from the DPW to pull apart the wood, allowing companies to ex tinguish the remaining fire. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Morgan Terrace House Fire
On March 31, 2017, firefighters responded to a fire on Morgan Terrace. Upon arrival a first-alarm box was requested bringing Tri County, Independence, Washington Borough and Budd Lake as RIT. The first-in engine stretched a line to the second floor rear bedroom where fire was venting out the windows as the second-in crew pulled a line. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within min-
utes, but crews had to open the roof and pull the ceiling on the first and second floors. During the searches a family cat was rescued from the home. There was a young male home at the time of the fire who escaped unharmed. The fire was under investigation by the Warren County Fire and Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s offices. - Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney, Chief, Budd Lake FC
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Cover Story
Passaic 7-Alarmer
On April 15, 2017, the Passaic Fire Department responded to Gregory Avenue for a structure fire. Upon arrival of Westside units, Car 92 requested a second alarm as smoke was visible from division five. The chief ordered both Ladders 1 and 2 to the roof, as engine crews worked on suppressing the fire. As companies were getting a handle on the fire and smoke started dying down, it became evident the fire had made its way into the cockloft. Crews from Passaic Ladders 1 and 2 and East Rutherford Truck 1 attempted to make a trench cut but were forced off the roof as fire started to self vent from the C side and the building was evacuated. The fire eventually worked its way throughout the entire fifth floor as multiple handlines and six ladder pipes were set up as mutual aid was called from across Bergen and Passaic counties. Companies remained on scene throughout the night for fire watch as the roof had completely collapsed and hot spots remained. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti and Jon Tenca
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Cover Story Passaic 7-Alarmer ...continued from previous page
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Belmar Blaze Goes to 5Alarms
On April 12, 2017, the Belmar Fire Department were alerted to 030 block of 10th Avenue for a fully involved three-story residential structure fire with ex posure to the B and D sides. Command arrived and called for a second alarm, bringing additional companies to the scene. Apparatus q uickly deployed multiple handlines and master streams to attack the main fire along with protecting the ex posures. Crews made an early aggressive stop to prevent the fire from
spreading into the B exposure. With heavy fire still in the main structure and D exposure, command req uested third, fourth and fifth alarm companies. Assisting were Neptune, Neptune City, Ocean Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Sea Girt, Avon-by-The-Sea, Wall Township and Manasq uan. Ramtown provided coverage for Belmar. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
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Passaic -5Alarmer Christens New Ladder
On April 11, 2017, the Passaic Fire Department responded to 1st Street for multiple calls reporting a structure fire. Police arrived and advised of heavy smoke showing from a single-story commercial structure. Battalion chiefs arrived and struck a second alarm bringing all Passaic units to the scene, as well as mutual aid. As companies attempted to gain entry, the fire continued to spread, eventually forcing crews to evacuate from the structure and off the roof. Heavy fire started to vent through the roof and out the C side,
ex tending to an adjacent building on Market Street. Crews from Wallington Engine 202 and Clifton Ladder 3were able to keep the Market Street ex posure from going, but the main fire building suffered multiple structural collapses. Companies throughout Passaic and Bergen Counties responded to the scene as it reached a fifth alarm. This was also the new fire for the newly acq uired Ladder 1, which had been purchased from La Plata, Maryland. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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-3Alarmer in Newark
Late on March 23 , 2017, Newark firefighters in the r3d Battalion responded to a building fire on Summer Avenue. Companies arrived to heavy fire in the rear first floor of a large two-story commercial building housing a convenience store and a restaurant on the first floor with apartments on the second. A signal 11 (all companies working)was sounded, q uickly followed by the req uest for a second alarm. A collapse occurred in the rear of the building and command pulled all firefighters out of the building. Companies
made a push and appeared to have the bulk of the fire knocked down, but fire was traveling the walls and in the cockloft and engines were reporting water problems. Two additional engines were req uested for a water relay and all members were again pulled as heavy fire showed from the second floor and through the roof. The fire did go to a third alarm and mutual aid was req uested for coverage. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Paterson All-Hands
On March 5, 2017, the Paterson Fire Department’s Tour 3 under to be under renovation. Several lines were stretched into the buildthe command of Deputy Chief Henderson caught an all-hands fire ing and the fire was quickly knocked down and contained to the secon Getty Avenue. Upon arrival, units reported fire showing from the ond floor. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo second floor of the large three-story brick building which appeared
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 15
Fisler Avenue House Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Fisler Avenue on March 10, 2017, for a structure fire. EHT Dispatch, on a report from Egg Harbor Police, requested the City of Northfield Fire Department for a RIT team. While en route, Farmington Captain William McFarland requested Bargaintown and West Atlantic City to the scene. Farmington and Cardiff deployed a line onto the D side. Farmington Chief Leonard Tilley assumed command. West Atlantic City firefighters responded and took a position on the D side of the dwelling, while Northfield firefighters,set up ground ladders at the C corner at the B side and one at the C side at the corner. Safety Officer Badger requested from Chief Tilley a response of the water tender from the USAF Fire Department, which responded with their 4000 gallon water tender. Shortly after the arrival of the Air Force’s water tender, an additional request was made for Bargaintown’s water tender. Firefighters made good progress in knocking down the fire and the fire was declared under control in an hour. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the EHT Fire official and the EHT Police. Responding were Farmington, Cardiff, Bargaintown, West Atlantic City, Northfield, USAF, EHT Ambulance, EHT Police, Cardiff Ladies Auxiliary, Atlantic City Electric Company, and the City of Absecon Volunteer Fire Department who covered the Farmington station and the Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company from the Township of Hamilton who covered the Bargaintown station. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Smoking Ducts
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Mizpah responded to Harding Highway on April 1, 2017, for a report of a duct detector activated at the Pantry 1 Food Market. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and had Mays Landing Ladder 1815 take a position in the front of the store and extend its main to the roof to check out the roof top units while Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., took a crew inside to investigate. Firefighters found a burnt motor at the rear of the store and ventilated the store before terminating command. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Helps if You Clean the Chimney Once in Awhile
The volunteer fire companies of Mizpah, Mays Landing and Laureldale responded to Harding Highway on March 26, 2017, for a structure fire. Mizpah Chief Jamie Davenport established command and upgraded the incident to a chimney fire. Command had Mays Landing firefighters ladder the chimney on the C/D corner while other firefighters from Mizpah and Mays Landing tried to clear out the wood stove attached to the chimney. Firefighters on the roof tried to clear out the chimney but the creosote was too hard for firefighters to drop the chimney sweep down and clean it out. Firefighters did clear out the wood stove and made sure the fire was extinguished before terminating command. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Route 322 Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Cologne, Laureldale and Mays Landing responded to Windsor Court in the Hamilton Green complex on Route 322 on April 3, 2017, for a report of a structure fire. Cologne Assistant Chief Paul Gramm established command and requested Cologne’s Tower to respond first. Command had Mays Landing Engine 1812 lay a five-inch line to a hydrant to supply the Cologne tower while the tower’s crew stretched a line into the structure and made quick work of the fire. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
When it Rains it Pours
On April 1, 2017, Budd Lake and Byram firefighters were called out for a tractor-trailer overturn on Interstate 80 east at mile marker 23. Units from Budd Lake and Byram Fire and First Aid responded and, with the arrival of Chief Maloney, started to sort out who was hurt. A car was also involved and the truck driver and a person in the car were transported with minor injuries. The roadway remained shut down for several hours but an hour into the call, Budd Lake firefighters were called to Elizabeth Avenue in Budd Lake for a chimney fire. Byram stayed on scene for cleanup and the Budd Lake units responded to the chimney fire. Flanders Fire assisted with the chimney fire. - Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney, Chief, Budd Lake FC
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Fire House Kitchen By Ray Cooney
Fire Museum Opening! The groundbreaking for the Islip town Fire was very moving. You could tell all the speechMuseum was on January 9, 2016 at 10 AM. On es were from the heart, especially the one from December 27, a week or so before, I got a Nick Campson. Nick spoke about how it all phone call from David June, one of the muse- started and how he'd been waiting for the day. ums main organizers, that it was finally hap- What made Nick’s speech so special was how pening- 26 years in the making. Dave asked me he thanked all the supporters. It was a long list if I could get some of the sponsors from but Nick made sure he acknowledged what each supporter did. It Firehouse Kitchen to was comical and donate some refreshUPCOMING FUNDRAISING warm at the same ments for this event. EVENTS FOR THE MUSEUM time. I answered “I’m on IN 2017 The Islip Town it!” the reply I Fire Museum is always give Dave June 10 located right next to when he tasks me Car Show Ducks Stadium in with something. The Touro College, Bay Shore, NY Central Islip. It is a one sponsor I could June 11 venue where Suffolk think of was Best Antique Fire Truck Show County fire departMarket. They have Heckscher Park, NY ments can show off three locations in the their antique fire town of Islip and September 23 equipment and share they are big supportBig Chili Cook Off their histories. It will ers of the volunteer Bayport (NY) Fire Department also be a learning fire departments. center to teach young Without hesitation minds about fire prethey accepted. Not only did they bring good food and drink but the vention and fire safety. Just like my safety tips CFO Jeff Yonkers came with his three sons to on my show. WOW! A year-and-a-half later it is time for help serve the food. Ok onto the ceremony. All the bigwigs came the grand opening. On June 24, 2017, the ribout from the town of Islip even Angie bon will be cut and the museum will finally be Carpenter the Town Supervisor and open. The Islip Town Fire Museum will be honorCouncilwoman Trish Bergen. The ceremony
ing all its supporters. To mention a few ... Georgi Vodka, DiCarlo Foods, Best Market, Wenner Bread, McNeill Insurance, Astro Mason Supply, Fire News, and of course Firehouse Kitchen. The Islip Town Fire Museum has been a great friend to Firehouse Kitchen. I will always support it and do what I can to make it great. Special thanks to Ray Reily, Bill Johnson, Ed Tulley, Rick Gimbal, David June, Warren Holtje, Nick Campson, Laura Johnson, Joe Giaquinta, Warren Horst (may he rest in peace) and the rest of the building committee. This is going to be a great day for the Town of Islip and for the firefighters of Suffolk County. Upcoming fundraising events for the Museum in 2017 are: June 10 — Car Show at Touro College in Bay Shore; June 11 — Antique Fire Truck Show at Heckscher Park; and September 23 — Big Chili Cook Off at the Bayport Fire Department. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen go to Firehousekitchenshow.com. Friend us on Facebook and if you want your firehouse on Firehouse Kitchen e-mail me at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.
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Good Stop in Egg Harbor City Egg Harbor City and the South Egg Harbor departments responded to White Horse Pike early on March 19, 2017, for a structure fire. Egg Harbor City Chief ‘Butch’ Kienzle established command at a two-story wood frame with heavy fire showing from the A side second floor. Egg Harbor City Engine 10-1 stretched two lines into a door on the D side up to the second floor. Egg Harbor City Ladder 10 arrived and put its main in place for firefighters to access the roof. South Egg Harbor firefighters assisted Egg Harbor City firefighters in making a good stop. Also assisting was Galloway Township EMS. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Irvington House Fire On March 29, 2017, the Irvington Fire Department responded to Maple Avenue for a house fire. Engine 44 arrived to find a 2-1/2 story residence with heavy fire showing from the basement and division 1 and threatening exposures. Mutual aid came from Maplewood, Union, East Orange and Orange. One resident suffered a broken leg and one firefighter was also injured. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Salem Abandoned Structure Blaze The City of Salem Fire Department responded on April 18, 2017, to Walnut and Sinnickson Streets for a structure fire. Units arrived to find a large abandoned structure well involved with exposure problems. Command called for mutual aid from Pennsville and Woodstown. The fire was contained to the original structure and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Heavy Fire in Paterson
Paterson firefighters found themselves arriving to heavy fire conditions in the early hours of April 24, 2017, in the area of E. 25 Street and Park Avenue. Units out of the Madison Avenue firehouse found a large, vacant, 2-1/2 story frame with the second floor fully involved. E-1 established a water supply and immediately put their deck gun into operation knocking, down heavy fire and protecting
the D exposure. With the heavy fire knocked down, several handlines were stretched to the second floor and attic as L-3 vented the roof and searches were conducted. The fire did extend into the attic and required extensive overhaul to get to pockets of fire, which kept flaring up. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Good Knockdown in Nutley
On April 16, 2017, the Nutley Fire Department responded to requested to the scene from mutual aid as lines were stretched into Overlook Terrace where they found a working fire in a two-story the building. Companies were successful in quickly knocking down frame dwelling, with heavy fire venting from the front living room the main body of fire and limiting the spread to the second floor. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo windows and spreading rapidly. Two engines and a ladder were
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Garfield 3-Alarm, Collapse
On April 23, 2017, Garfield Fire Department was sent to Spencer Place for a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, companies found a large 2-1/2 story frame duplex with the entire rear of the building engulfed and a second alarm was requested. A third alarm was later called. Command reported heavy smoke pushing from the attic and all companies heavily engaged, when the rear two-story deck collapsed. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Glen Rock 3-Alarmer
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On March 7, 2017, the Glen Rock Fire Department was dispatched for a possible structure fire at St. Catharine Roman Catholic Church on Maple Avenue. Ridgewood was also assigned for an engine and, as units arrived, heavy smoke was showing from the single-story recreation center building set back several hundred feet from the road. A working fire was declared and a second alarm was requested. As lines were stretched into the building, fire was visible on the C/D corner running along the roofline towards the ridge. Tower 832 went up to vent the roof but put their master stream into service for several minutes knocking down the bulk of the fire. A third alarm was requested for manpower. After extensive overhaul, the fire was declared under control and the Bergen County Arson Squad was requested to investigate. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Live Burn Practice The Tinton Falls-Wayside Fire/Rescue and Pine Brook Community Hose Company recently traveled to the Middlesex County Fire Academy to spend the day participating in a live burn drill. Members of both companies drilled on a taxpayer building, practicing different scenarios. Crews split into three crews, with the truck crew performing searches for victims and ventilation, while the two engine companies attacked the fire located in different areas of the building. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
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Nice Containment in Montclair On April 16, 2017, while members of the on-duty shift of the Montclair Fire Department were doing their morning apparatus checks, they noticed a column of smoke rising from the area of Mission Street. The companies notified the dispatcher to transmit the box and within minutes arrived to find a working fire. The entire rear of a 2-1/2 story, frame, occupied home was engulfed, with fire spreading to both the B and D exposures. A second alarm was requested, bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. Several lines were stretched and placed into operation and the main body of fire was knocked down in 15 minutes. After extensive overhaul in the original fire building as well as both exposures, which did suffer limited fire damage, the fire was placed under control. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti
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Pocono Raceway Fire Department Welcome to the fifth largest paid fire department in Pennsylvania. Chief Dave ‘Chico’ Richards heads a crew of 180 personnel for a typical weekend race from April to October and 219 for a NASCAR race, which is held twice a year. The crews spend three to four days for a race weekend and come from Pennsylvania and New Jersey and as far away as New Hampshire, Maryland, New York, Virginia and Vermont. The different crews are comprised of Fire, Extrication, Ambulance, Wreckers, Maintenance and Restoration vehicles. Training is open to all active firefighters who complete a rookie class every March and handson training in April for all positions. Once a firefighter is qualified they can go to any NASCAR track and work. In addition, every firefighter and ambulance crew must take a refresher course annually. To give you an idea how busy this track gets, there can be as many as three events going on in one day. Pocono has the ability to configure 30 different courses for any organization that leases the track. For example, during September in 2016, there were 23 events scheduled within 17 days, and each event had to have a fire/rescue crew on scene. Average speeds vary, but the first ever 500-mile Indy Car race to average over 200 mph was held at Pocono. - Fire News photos by Jim Dunn
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Car vs. Pole in Nutley On March 22, 2017, the Nutley Fire Department responded to Centre Street near East Passaic Avenue for an MVA with entrapment. Units arrived to a single-vehicle SUV into a utility pole with no entrapment. Nutley EMS transported one person to Clara Maass Hospital. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Hanging By a Thread On April 3, 2017, the Clifton Fire Department responded to Hazel Street for a vehicle into a house. Engine 2 arrived to find a vehicle had completely severed a utility pole at the base and come to rest against the home. PSE&G was requested on a rush as the pole was hanging just from the wires. The driver was checked and released on scene by EMS-2. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Vineland MVA
The City of Vineland Fire Department and EMS responded to Northwest Boulevard and Elmer Street for an MVA. Firefighters arrived and disabled the vehicle so EMS could treat the patients who were transported to Inspira Medical Center. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Dorothy’s Chief Gibney Retires
Chief Robert J. Gibney retired after serving more than 50 years of dedicated and continuous service to the fire company and his community. Chief Gibney began his career in 1965 when he joined the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company in Weymouth Township, Atlantic County, holding the ranks of Lieutenant, Assistant Chief, and then Chief. He has also held almost every administrative position in the department during his career, continuing to serve actively as Weymouth Township’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Bob also continues to be active on the department’s Ambulance Squad where he serves as an active EMT. Bob has assured us that although he has retired as chief, he will continue to be active in the organization. His dedication, loyalty, and professionalism continues to be an inspiration to all of the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company. Our best wishes to incoming Chief, Jesse S. Hand, another long time, active, and dedicated member of the Dorothy Volunteer Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Page 34, Fire News, June 2017
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LIBERTY ART WORKS BRONZE AXE PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT TRUMP The I-85 Bridge First Responders of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department presented President Trump with a custom solid bronze fire ax. The Atlanta Fire Department commissioned the custom ax with Liberty Art Works, Inc. a company based in St. Louis, Missouri. Liberty Art Works, Inc., is a firefighter-owned and -operated business with over 40-years experience creating high quality bronze custom awards and monuments to honor the "Bravest and Finest" fire, police, EMS and military personnel. Being comprised of Firefighters, Liberty Art Works understands the importance of what their bronze sculptures represent and delivers the highest quality in each hand-finished piece. President Trump recognized this quality saying it was
beautiful and he was appreciative of the ax. He then took time to personally sit with the First Responders recognizing their bravery and pledging the full support of his administration to all First Responders. Liberty Art Works takes great pride that all their items are designed, manufactured and assembled in the USA. To learn more about their complete bronze collection, please visit www.LibertyArtWorks.com o r c a l l 8 8 8 - 4 11 - 7 7 4 4 t o receive a catalog.
FIRE OFFICER TRAINING ACADEMY These Fire Officer Training Academy students were in our written and oral promotional classes from the last cycle. In the classes they received the training, education, and the necessary tools needed to excel on the New Jersey Civil Service Exam. The proof is in the promotions. Newark promoted the top two battalion chiefs from their list #1 and #2; both were in our classes. Also promoted was another captain from Newark and he was also a student. Our results have been astounding throughout the state. In our written classes we break down all the books on the reading list. We do PowerPoint presentations with page references and study guides and practice tests. We show you how to critically read and to look for keywords and phrases to help you get every question correct. In the oral classes we teach you a step-by-step approach for any question the Civil Service Commission can ask you. We call it a system that will answer any oral question. You will receive all the necessary study guides and answer sheets that will simplify and organize your oral response. We will show you how to be comfortable, competent, and confident in front of the camera or assessor. The testing cycle has started again so if you want the best edge on your competition go to our website and register for classes today at www.fireofficertraining acade- Pictured are Battalion Chiefs Dean Gatti, Scott Richardson and my.com. Captain Claudino Dominguez.
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR AT THE 19TH ANNUAL NJEPA CONFERENCE The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference took place at Tropicana Casino Resort May 1-5, 2017. This year's conference was better than ever with over 1300 attendees, 21 sponsors, 84 exhibitors, 39 training sessions, 42 breakout sessions and special guest speaker Lt. Gov. Kim Guadango. Congratulations to the Kevin H. Tuno Memorial Emergency Manager of the Year Award winner, Phyllis Worrell and both Captain Jonathan C. Young Memorial Scholarship winners Samantha Marcinczyk and Hope Tomasella. Special thanks to the participants who took part in strengthening their preparedness efforts for themselves, their families and their communities. Help to build a bigger and better 20th Anniversary Conference held April 30 - May 4, 2018, by submitting your topics and presentations at www.njepa.org.
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 35
EHT Boy Saves the Day The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Norm’s Dale Mobile Home Park early on April 8, 2017, for a report of a structure fire with flames showing. Radiant heat was impinging on the Alpha and Charlie exposures, and did set exposure Charlie on fire. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament, while responding, requested RIT from the City of Somers Point and had Bargaintown Safety Officer Ken Badger direct Bargaintown and Scullville crews to stretch lines to the Alpha and Charlie sides. Scullville Tender 1538 began supplying units with their tank water.
Somers Point RIT started opening up the Charlie exposure which included laddering the structure, opening up inside, pulling ceilings, opening the roof, and using an additional line. No injuries were reported and all the occupants made it out safely thanks to an eightyear-old resident who smelled smoke and roused his parents and carried his little sister to safely (see page 36). Responding were Somers Point, EHT Ambulance, EHT Police, Atlantic City Electric Company, Scullville Ladies Auxiliary, Red Cross, EHT Fire Official. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Page 36, Fire News, June 2017
Kane O’Connor: an 8-Year-Old Hero The Scullville Volunteer Fire Company along with Egg Harbor Township Police, faculty and classmates at the Slaybaugh Primary School presented first grader Kane O’Connor an award for valor at a assembly held at the school April 13, 2017. Kane, eight-years old, was recognized after his family’s mobile home caught fire on April 8, 2017, and he helped his family escape. The family was asleep when Kane awoke to the smell of smoke. Kane described what he did to get his family out, which included grabbing his four-year-old sister and alerting his parents. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament presented Kane with a Valor Award and a gift card (top photo, right), and the Egg Harbor Township Police presented Kane with a gift basket, along with praise from emergency personnel and his classmates. Slaybaugh School counselor Kristi Frick told the assembly, “This is one of the most perfect examples of bravery.” When Kane smelled smoke, he jumped off of his bed, ran out of his room, alerted his mother and father, his sister and the family dog. Kane, who has autism, kept calm the entire time even though he said he couldn’t breathe very well and had covered his eyes at times. The family tried to get out the back door, but it wouldn’t open. They all had to run through the hallway where the fire was coming through to get out the front door. Chief Prisament said, “Kane’s bravery shows how fire prevention education works. It shows the kids are learning young. It’s a big deal.” A GoFundMe page has been established to help the family purchase new clothes, toys, personal items and more. Gift card donations are being accepted at the Slaybaugh Primary School. (Bottom, right): Kane with his family along with Chief Steven Prisament, and EHTPD Officers Fair and Colella. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 37
Learning the Tricks of Another Trade
On April 4, 2017, professional photographer Ron Romano taught fire investigation photography to members of the Woodbridge Fire Department Company 1. - Fire News photo by Steve White
Page 38, Fire News, June 2017
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NJFFS District B Wardens Meeting At the annual New Jersey Forest Fire Service Division B District Wardens Meeting, the Forest Fire Service presented the Eagleswood Volunteer Fire Company a plaque commemorating the 40th anniversary of the July 23, 1977, Bass River Forest Fire that tragically claimed the lives of four Eaglewood firefighters, including their Chief and Assistant Chief. A permanent memorial to the firefighters, and five other firefighters who were killed in the line of duty while fighting a forest fire in May 1936, stands in the state forest. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Getting Ready for Forest Fire Season Lieutenant Josh Alford goes over the saws and Safety Officer Charles Corbin, Jr., goes over the pump as the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company from Egg Harbor Township prepared for forest fire season. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, June 2017, Page 39
ACFA 26th Valor Awards Ceremony The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their 26th Annual Firefighters Valor Awards and 50 Year Commemoration Awards ceremony April 19, 2017, at the Anthony ‘Tony’ Canale Fire Training Center. The guests, award recipients and 50-year honoree were welcomed by Association 1st Vice-President Charles ‘Chick’ Kisbee of the City of Linwood Fire Department, followed by remarks from host Deputy Chief Daniel Adams of the City of Margate Fire Department. ACFFA Executive Chairman addressed the guests and stated, “From hereon, this event shall be titled the Harold J. ‘Whitey’ Swartz Firefighters Valor Awards and 50 Year Recognition. It was Whitey’s idea to present and recognize the valor of firefighters and those firefighters who have served their respective fire companies and departments faithfully for 50 years. So it is only fitting that this event be named in his honor.” (Top, left): William’'Bill’ Swain of the City of Linwood Fire Department was honored for 50 years of dedicated service to the City of Linwood Fire Department. On May 11, 2016, Captain Martin and Firefighter Alexander of the Cologne Volunteer Fire Company in Hamilton Township forced entry to a second floor apartment at the Harding Run II Development and under heavy smoke conditions located an unconscious victim and removed that person from the building. For their actions, they were presented a Letter of Commendation. (Top, right): Shown with members of their fire company along with Atlantic County Freeholders John Risley (left) and John Carmen (far right). On July 2, 2016, City of Linwood Firefighter John Sarno administered the life saving Heimlich Maneuver by administering back blows to a chocking 11-month old child, saving his life. For this, he was awarded a Letter of Commendation (second, right). (Bottom, left): Vice President Kisby welcomes the attendees. (Bottom, right): City of Margate Deputy Chief Daniel Adams gives remarks to the honorees and the guests. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Page 40, Fire News, June 2017
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Up Close & Personal Firefighters H. Wozunk, J. Bakely, Captain D. Jarvis III, and Firefighter V. O’Brien of Laureldale Fire Rescue taking a break during a recent call. - Fire News photo by Eric Moran
Paterson Rescue 2 members from Tour 4 taking a blow at a fire on April 24, 2017. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
(Left to right): Firefighter Mike Ferraro, Ryan Lucas, Anthony Rizzo and Lieutenant Christian Hamilton. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 42, Fire News, June 2017
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Up Close & Personal
Medford Township Firefighter Chris Rabbuttino cleaning up after an all-hands fire on March 11, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Medford Township Battalion Chief Matthew Bricker oversees his crew after arriving at an all-hands attic fire on March 11, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Medford Lakes Borough Chief Craig Farnsworth at a second alarm fire on March 26, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
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On March 7, 2017, Farmington Volunteer Fire Company Chief Leonard Tilley presented Firefighters William Sorshek (above, right) and Brian Lopez (below, left) awards for their years of service to the fire company. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe