Fire News New Jersey, June 2022

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 17, NO. 1

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973 JUNE 2022

See story on page 7.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

All Hands to Battle Trenton Blaze Please see page 29.

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 3

In this issue...

Wires Down Starts Brush Fire Firefighters have to wait for JCP&L to de-energize power lines down on the Mohawk Trail.

See story on page 11

Cherry Hill 7-11 Burns A late morning blaze burns a 7-11 on Brace Road off CR 561.

See story on page 16

The Sweetwater Six A plaque honoring the original Sweetwater Six ladies goes up in the Fire Training Center.

See story on page 19

Fire News’ Looking Back Ewing Twp. - 1998; Ocean City - 2016; Gloucester Twp. - 2016.

See story on page 20

Secaucus Condo Complex Blaze Firefighting‘s not made any easier when a car drives over an LDH line at a condo fire.

See story on page 25

A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer 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.

COPYRIGHT 2022, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com

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

Atlantic City Drone Program The ACFD, along with Atlantic Cape Community College establishes a drone pilot program.

See story on page 26

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

Official Publication

of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements.

The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement.

Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.

Page 4, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

How Are Your New Recruits Doing?

In New York, the Fireman’s Association of New York has been encouraging fire departments throughout the state to hold a RecruitNY weekend. I am always amazed at the number of people who stop by the firehouse for this event and had no idea that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, 70 percent of firefighters in the United States are volunteers. This number used to be higher. I joined the volunteer fire service almost 30 years ago. As a kid who grew up in New York City, my wife had no idea that the fire service in our community was 100 percent volunteer. When I decided to join my department — with my wife's blessing of course — we soon realized that being a volunteer firefighter involved a lot more that riding on a truck and fighting an occasional fire. Almost 30 years have passed, and I still find my love for my department is still going strong. Unfortunately, my health has gotten in the way of being first due. I am still active in other ways and try my best to support the members who have followed in my footsteps.

Before you take on new members, it is imperative that the Chief of Department sits down with the perspective new member to explain what their obligation to the community entails. I know most

departments do this. Unfortunately, the new member doesn’t always realize that he or she may not have the time to volunteer. I joined at a time when my two children were active with school and community sports. I worked 50 miles away from my home. There were many nights that I arrived back home and found myself attending training classes at either my department or at the county fire academy. After I finished the basics, I realized that training never stopped. To maintain active status like most volunteer firefighters, you must participate and maintain your training, drills and response percentages throughout the year.

This is where new recruits, no matter what their age, become a problem. I know I am speaking to the choir. If you are reading this, you are aware of the responsibilities of being a first responder. The problem I see is that when we take on new members they really do not understand how much time they need to fulfill their obligation to the fire service.

In my early years I always had to work a second job to pay the bills. Volunteering in the fire service is that second job that pays no bills. If you take on this second occupation, you must be passionate about your decision to protect the com-

munity! As a recruiter for the fire service, what do you do to make the person fully understand what their obligation is to your department and to the community that you serve, before they sign on the dotted line? If you find that your new recruits are not living up to your expectations, do not let poor service go by without addressing it immediately.

Recruiting volunteers takes time. Maintaining active, well-trained volunteers can be difficult.

Volunteer recruitment is hard work! Volunteer retention is even harder work. Motivating and maintaining new recruits is the job of every member in your department.

- Dennis

Teterboro Airport Fire On March 30, 2022, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department responded to a building on the Teterboro Airport property for a smoke condition. A small fire was found in the HVAC system and a working fire was transmitted bringing mutual aid from Lodi, Wood-Ridge, and Carlstadt. The fire was quickly contained with a line and there was no extension to the building. Mutual aid was released shortly after their arrival and the fire was placed under control within 20 minutes.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 6, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Pleasantville House Fire

Firefighters from the City of Pleasantville responded to Franklin Boulevard on April 9, 2022, for a structure fire. Car 70 (Raymond) arrived, established command and reported heavy fire showing from the Bravo side of a multi-story, multi-family structure and requested a second alarm, bringing mutual aid from Atlantic City Airport, Northfield and Linwood; West Atlantic City covered. Command had the crew of Engine 1 hit the fire with Engine 2 laying a supply line and Ladder 1 opening up. The fire was quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

Piscataway Commercial Fire On March 22, 2022, the Piscataway Fire Department responded to the Pepsi Company warehouse for a large exterior fire which had extended into the warehouse.

A large number of pallets were on fire up against the building producing a column of smoke that could be seen from many parts of the state. The fire became an extended operation bringing multiple mutual aid companies to the scene along with tanker shuttles from a nearby river. Heavy fire consumed the roof area but aerial master streams were able to contain the fire to the center of the building.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 7

Cover Story

Cranford 3-Alarmer On April 11, 2022, the Cranford Fire Department responded to Orchard Street for a house fire. First arriving units were met with fire showing from all sides on the first floor and a second alarm was struck.

Companies initially attempted an interior attack but, with heavy fire extending through the balloon frame construction and water supply issues, the home was evacuated multiple times. Eventually three alarms were struck brining mutual aid from Westfield, Elizabeth, Union, Roselle Park and Garwood to the scene.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 8, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Paterson 2-Alarmer Stopped On March 30, 2022, Paterson Engine 5 was first to arrive to a residential structure fire on 12th Avenue that had fire in the rear of the home against a large brick multiple dwelling on the Delta side. Due to the exposure issue a second alarm was struck. Paterson companies knocked down the fire with an offensive attack preventing an extension to any exposures.

Mutual aid came from Totowa, Passaic and Clifton to cover.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Table Top Planning City of Pleasantville Fire Department Captain Marc Raymond (a former Farmington member) and Scullville Assistant Chief Patrick Flynn held a “Tabletop” demonstration using a variation of the Palmer Doll House for members of the Farmington and West Atlantic City Volunteer Fire companies on April 19, 2022. The demonstration allows firefighters to see how to read smoke, thermal dynamics of fire, survivability, controlling the flow of fire, door control, and the importance of thermal imaging.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

SAM Operating System Demo The Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association sponsored a demonstration of the SAM operating system developed by IDEX at their April meeting at the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company. By controlling intake, discharge and tank valves as well as engine speed, SAM manages water supply to the crew while the operator focuses on the fireground and crew support.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Totowa Warehouse Fire On March 25, 2022, the Totowa Fire Department responded to Vreeland Avenue for a fire. Crews arrived to a large singlestory warehouse with smoke showing. A Little Falls engine and West Paterson truck were requested to the scene. Upon further investigation, a machine was found to be on fire within the building. A line was stretched through the Charlie side while engines from Totowa relay pumped due to the long stretch into the scene. The fire was quickly knocked down but a heavy smoke condition remained in the building. Extensive ventilation was set up as both truck companies checked the roof and found no extension.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 10, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Wanaque Bar & Grill Fire

On March 30, 2022, the Wanaque Fire Department was dispatched to the popular Flips Bar and Grill for a fire. A small fire was located on the exterior Bravo side and a Pompton Lakes truck was dispatched to the scene. The fire was quickly knocked down and there was no extension into the interior of the bar. Crews used fans to evacuate smoke from the bar, which was turned back over to the owner within an hour of arrival.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Bargaintown MVA

The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Fire Road in front of the Joe Canal’s Liquor Store on January 19, 2022, at 0753, for an MVA with fluids on the highway.

Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock arrived and established command, recalled Cardiff, and had the crew of Bargaintown Rescue 1527 put oil dry on the highway and cut the battery cables to both vehicles.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 11

Wires Down Start Brush Fire

Recently, calls came in for power lines down on Mohawk Trail starting a brush fire. Car 51 and 52 along with Engine 53 and Tender 57 were on the assignment but crews were forced to wait and safely control the fire till the power company could secure the power. New Jersey Forest Fire and Flanders Rescue 97 were also added to the

call and, once the power was secured, crews stretched three lines around the fire and had the fire under control within an hour.

JCP&L was on the scene to repair all the power and remove the tree that had fallen causing the lines to drop. There were no injuries.

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

Page 12, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Hamilton Firefighters Tackle Blaze Involving Solar Panels

Ice Land, a popular ice skating and hockey arena in Hamilton Township, Mercer County, was damaged by a fire that involved solar panels on the building’s roof on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Dispatched at 1544, Hamilton firefighters were initially sent to the 3800 block of Quakerbridge Road after a passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the rear of the Public Storage facility there.

Responding firefighters, finding a smoke condition in the area but unable to locate any fire, began to search the surrounding area.

That was when they discovered a blaze involving several rows of solar panels amid one of the large arrays on Ice Land’s roof on Tennis Court. Firefighters gained entry to the building and also reportedly found a small fire in an electrical room, with a moderate smoke condition throughout the interior. The fire was extinguished using hoselines and Truck 17’s aerial master stream, and was officially declared under control at 1612.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 13

Page 14, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

2 FFs Injured in Passaic 4-Alarmer

The Passaic Fire Department responded to President Street recently, for a house fire. Police advised they had heavy smoke coming from the home and the battalion chief arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from the eaves on division 2 of a 2-1/2 story wood frame and quickly struck a second alarm. Companies attempted an interior attack but, due to the fire running void spaces, a down power-line across Ladder 1 and the front yard, and an interior ceiling collapse that trapped a handline, command ordered all compa-

nies to evacuate and struck the third alarm and a fourth shortly thereafter. Engines from Clifton, Wallington, Garfield, Rutherford and Carlstadt along with ladders from Paterson and East Rutherford responded to assist. As crews stretched multiple exterior lines and set up two ladder pipes heavy fire consumed both the second and third floors which ultimately lead to a roof collapse. Two Passaic firefighters were injured during the fire.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Hamilton County Car Fire The volunteer Fire Companies of Cologne and Mays Landing responded on February 6, 2022, at 1421, to the Black Horse Pike and Leipzig Avenue for the report of a motor vehicle fire. Cologne Chief Paul Gram arrived and established command. Cologne Engine 1854 stretched the bumper line and was charged with foam and started knocking down the fire. Upon the arrival of Mays Landing Tender 1819 their crew utilized their electric extrication tool to open the hood of the vehicle allowing final extinguishment of heavy fire coming from the engine compartment. Upon completion of extinguishment firefighters retrieved the driver’s personal belongings. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Also responding were the Township of Hamilton Police and EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

She-Shed Saved in Collings Lakes The volunteer fire companies of Collings Lakes and Newtonville responded to Sherwood Avenue on February 15, 2022, at 0956, for a report of an out building on fire very close to a house. Upon the rArival of a Collings Lakes engine two lines were pulled. Upon entering the building Firefighter Randy Knapp, Jr., found a dog inside and quickly brought it from the building with no serious injuries. The B side exposure was a neighbor's “She-Shed” that firefighters saved with some minor damage.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 16, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Cherry Hill 7-11 Blaze A late morning blaze caused heavy damage to a Cherry Hill 7-11 store located on Brace Road off CR 561 on March 15, 2022. Upon arrival, companies had a moderate smoke condition showing from the B/C corner. First-due companies made a quick search of the store and began to open up. Special calls were made for Mount Laurel, Westmont, Lawnside and Cherry Hill ReHab 13. Two lines were placed into service for heavy fire in the utility/storage area. It took the members 20 minutes to extinguish the fire. Battalion Chief Wade Houlihan placed the fire under control at 1115. The interior of the 7-11 and its contents were badly damaged, but there were no injuries. The store was closed permanently.

- Fire News photos by John Axford

Page 18, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Haddonfield House Fire

Early on April 18, 2022, after a long and busy Easter weekend, a fire broke out in the basement of a 1-1/2 story occupied dwelling on Reillywood Avenue. The members of the family were all sleeping. The owner of the home was awakened by the fire and was able to wake his family and evacuate the house. Haddonfield Chief of Department Lou Frontino arrived and advised the Alarm Room to transmit the working fire box. Companies responded from Haddonfield, Boro EMS, Cherry Hill Twp., Westmont, Haddon Heights and Lawnside.

First arriving apparatus stretched lines and began an interior attack.

Heavy fire was found on the A/D corner of the basement and heavy black smoke poured from the doors and windows. The fire extended to the first floor as the companies continued to knock down heavy pockets of fire. After a half hour struggle the fire appeared to be knocked down and the heavy black smoke lightened up. There were no injuries reported. The house suffered major damage throughout.

- Fire News photo by John Axford

FireNews.com

The Sweetwater Six

Sweetwater Chief Gary Franklin with five of the original Sweetwater Six ladies who answered calls in Mullica Township during the day while the men were at work.

The plaque presented to them will hang at the Fire Training Center.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Fire News, June 2022, Page 19

Page 20, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Looking Back Ewing Township - 1998

Ocean City - 2016

Dispatched to investigate a smoke condition in the area of Madison Avenue and Fifth Street shortly before midnight on October 5, 1998, Ewing Township firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke pouring from a building occupied by Naticchia’s Custom Woodworking. It took firefighters about an hour to bring the blaze under control. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

On October 6, 2016, Central Dispatch received a call reporting a van on fire between houses. First-due crews quickly extinguished the blaze, saving the exposures despite the fire load in the van.

- Fire News photo by Robert Macom

Gloucester Twp. 2016 Gloucester Township units were dispatched to the La Cascata Apartments on November 18, 2016. Crews arrived to find heavy fire conditions in a two-story end-ofthe-row apartment building.

- Fire News photo by Ted Aurig

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 21

Page 22, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Water Tender Drill A joint water tender task force drill was held May 1, 2022, at an unoccupied commercial structure in Winslow Township with the Atlantic County Water Tender Task Force B and the Winslow Township Fire Department.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 23

Woman Dies as Result of 3-Alarm Blaze

A raging fire in East Windsor Township in Mercer County, on March 5, 2022, destroyed one home, damaged two others, and burned a 74-year-old woman so badly that she later died as a result. It was 1425 when East Windsor firefighters and area mutual aid companies were dispatched to Bennington Drive for a reported explosion and structure fire. While en route, Monroe Township Tower 57 reported a column of smoke in the sky and requested a second alarm. Firefighters arrived to find the middleof-the-row dwelling fully-involved in fire. The home’s sole occupant had already been pulled from the flames by a neighbor.

Critically burned, she was flown by NJSP medevac to the burn center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where she remained until her death on April 4. A third alarm, calling additional fire companies to the scene from Mercer, Middlesex and Monmouth counties, was ultimately sounded before the blaze — which was partially fueled by a ruptured natural gas line — was finally extinguished. The roof and interior suffered a total collapse.

Fire walls on either side, however, helped firefighters limit extension and prevent more serious damage from occurring to the adjoining homes. Officials said the reported explosion likely involved a home oxygen cylinder the deceased had used for a medical condition.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Page 24, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Route 80 SUV Fire Budd Lake firefighters were sent to Route 80 east just before exit 25 for a car fire. Cars 51, 52 and 50 along with Engine 59 were assigned to the call and arrived to find an SUV fully involved. Engine 59 stretched their front bumper line on the fire and quickly knock down the fire as NJ State Police shut down one lane. There were no injuries and the crew went back in service within 45 minutes.

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

Ship Bottom Handles LZ Duty On March 4, 2022, Ship Bottom Fire Department, Surf City Fire Department and Beach Haven EMS responded to set up an LZ for a RWJ Barnabas Health med flight for a patient who suffered a stroke.

- Fire News photo by Peter K. Cirina

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 25

Secaucus Blaze On April 13, 2022, all Secaucus Fire units were dispatched to the Marina Key Complex for a building fire. On the arrival of the first chief, fire had already burned through the roof and was spreading to the cockloft area.

Mutual aid from Lyndhurst, Rutherford, and a task force from Jersey City responded directly to the scene. As heavy fire consumed the top floor, command ordered all units to evacuate the building and the fire was hit with two ladder pipes and multiple handlines. Although one building was severely damaged, extension was limited to the two adjoining structures.

Supply lines for one ladder pipe was delayed after a Tesla driver drove directly over a LDH laid across the parking lot.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Page 26, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Hackensack 3-Alarmer On March 20, 2022, the Hackensack Fire Department responded to a four-story OMD on State Street for a fire. En route D/C Danzo reported heavy smoke in the area and arrived to heavy fire showing from the top floor and transmitted a second alarm. Companies went interior and eventually a third alarm was struck bringing Englewood and Ridgefield Park trucks to the scene.

A trench cut was made and, due to coordinated efforts, fire spread was limited and was under control within 20 minutes of arrival. Companies from Bogota, Teaneck and Ridgefield Park also responded to the scene.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Atlantic City Drone Program Atlantic City Fire Department in cooperation with Atlantic Cape Community College, has developed a drone program that, upon completion and passing of an exam, the student will achieve a small aircraft pilot license. The program was developed to assist police and firefighters in aerial observation. Recently that was put into use when a person went missing in the meadows and was found by using the drones.

Atlantic City PD recently used the drones to locate two perps with guns who ran into a marsh to escape apprehension.

- Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 27

Storage Building Goes in Milmay The volunteer fire companies of Milmay, Dorothy Fire and Rescue and Richland were dispatched on February 10, 2022, at 1318, to Tuckahoe Road in Milmay for a structure fire with heavy fire showing. Both Dorothy and Richland responded with their water tenders and command requested an additional tenders from East Vineland and Estell Manor. Dorothy firefighters set up a blitz fire onto the building along with two handlines and made a good stop.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service responded as some grassland was involved. The only exposure, a residence, was not involved and the Division of Fire Safety responded to investigate the fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Fire Destroys Landscaping Storage Building in Hopewell Twp. A large storage building belonging to a landscaping business was destroyed by fire in Hopewell Township during the early hours of February 6, 2022. Pennington Chief Jim DeForte arrived to find heavy fire involving a storage building and several vehicles located behind the owner’s residence on Reed Road. The balance of the first alarm was dispatched, sending mutual aid to the scene. An aerial master stream was put in service, along with several lines. The Signal 22 canteen unit from Trenton also responded to provide drinks and other refreshments to cold, wet and weary firefighters. The temperature at 0300 as crews continued to overhaul the smoldering ruins, was 16-degrees F. - Fire News photo by Michael Ratcliffe

2022 New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference Is a Wrap!

With only eight months to plan this year’s Conference, all the volunteers had their hands full, but they stepped up and produced a Conference that offered 27 training sessions, 28 breakout sessions, a Young Professionals event, an exhibit hall, and large vehicle display to the nearly 900 registrants.

Tuesday evening at the Networking and Awards Reception, Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police ignored his 18-page speech and spoke from the heart about the challenges and successes faced

by New Jersey over the past two-plus years because of the pandemic.

Jake Sneeden from Atlantic City Electric awarded Gloucester County OEM the company’s Award of Merit for their response during the touchdown of an EF-3 tornado in the county last year.

Nick Massa, NJEPA Trustee, presented the Jonathan Young Scholarships sponsored by Emergency Manager 1 and M.A.S.E. Concepts to Eric Edelstein and Christina Walsh.

Phyllis Worrell, NJEPA Trustee, presented the Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year award, posthumously to Colonel (Ret.) Edward Reynolds.

The balance of the week gave attendees the opportunity to renew old friendships and establish new ones.

Keep an eye on this publication for the announcement of next year's Conference dates.

Thank you again for attending and we look forward to our 24th Annual Conference next year!

Page 28, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

SUTPHEN CORPORATION DISPLAYS NEW TRACTOR DRAWN AERIAL AT FDIC

Sutphen Corporation, the largest familyowned fire apparatus manufacturer in the nation, officially unveiled its new tractor drawn aerial at FDIC. The Sutphen SLTDA 105, on display in Sutphen Booth 3324 at FDIC International, adds to Sutphen’s dynamic product lineup and is the company’s first TDA since the 1990s.

“Every build is important to us,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen Vice-President, Julie Sutphen Phelps. “But the focus and dedication put into a new product is an unmatched process.

This truck has been under a microscope since the idea first formulated.”

The truck, destined for DeKalb County Fire and Rescue in DeKalb County, Georgia, is available for all FDIC attendees to see within Sutphen Booth #3324 in the Indiana Convention Center.

“This is an opportunity for customers both new and old to see our dedication to the fire service and the innovative spirit that runs deeps in our family,” said fourth-generation family member and Sutphen president, Drew Sutphen. “This truck is the talk of the show,

and we hope that everyone gets the opportunity to visit our booth, see the TDA and learn about the Sutphen family.”

The truck was built in close partnership with DeKalb County Fire and Rescue, a Sutphen customer since the 1980s.

“Seeing DeKalb County Fire Rescue’s new Sutphen TDA on the FDIC show floor is a culmination of hard work and dedication from both Sutphen and DeKalb County Fire Rescue. The opportunity to showcase our new apparatus to fire departments from across the world is an honor and brings this entire project full circle,” said DeKalb County Fire Rescue Captain Bryan Dobson.

“From hypothetical concept to the reality of a Sutphen TDA serving the citizens of DeKalb County, I cannot understate what a privilege it has been to work so closely with both Sutphen and our dealer, Williams Fire Apparatus.”

Customers are encouraged to visit www.Sutphen.com or contact their local Sutphen dealer for more information. View Sutphen SLTDA 105 Video Here: h t t p s : / / w w w. d r o p b o x . c o m / s / fmjkfrh5be5ytnu/Sutphen%20SLTDA%201

05.mp4?dl=0* Customers can find their Sutphen dealer by following the link here: https://www.sutphen.com/locations/ Sutphen Corporation is an Ohio-based, privately held, family-owned business that has manufactured the highest-quality, heavyduty, custom-built emergency response vehicles since 1890. The company’s headquarters are located in Dublin, Ohio, a northwest suburb of Columbus.

FireNews.com

Fire News, June 2022, Page 29

All Hands to Battle Trenton Blaze

A Trenton firefighter was transported to hospital after helping battle a blaze involving two houses in the state capital on April 29, 2022. Members of B Platoon were on duty when the city’s communications center began receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a structure fire on Pennington Avenue. Dispatched at 2133 were Engines 1, 8 and 10, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, and the North Battalion.

Heavy fire was showing from the second and third floors of the three-story semi-attached dwelling, with flames spreading to the Side D exposure when Engine 1 arrived. An all-hands was transmit-

ted and the balance of the first alarm was sent. Initial reports of entrapment were unfounded. At 2157 the incident commander, Battalion Chief Gus Tackacs, radioed a progress report that companies had four hoselines stretched, with three in operation, and that the bulk of the fire in both buildings had been knocked down. About 20 minutes later, it was reported that one firefighter experienced chest pains and was being transported by Trenton EMS to a local hospital.

- Fire News photos by Michael Ratcliffe

Brush Fires Abound

New Tanker for Scullville

While Nutley companies operated at a large brush fire across town, the mutual aid cover assignment was dispatched to the dead-end of Donna Court for a secondary brush fire. Companies arrived to a small fire involving a fence and a tire. One line was stretched and the fire was knocked down with tank water. The cause of both fires was not determined.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Members of the Scullville Volunteer Fire Company in Egg Harbor Township putting the new Tanker 1538 into service.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 30, Fire News, June 2022

FireNews.com

Up Close & Personal Dorothy Firefighter Natalia Stochmal at a fire in Milmay on February 10, 2022. Natalia graduated fire school on February 7, and had some very quick on-the-job training three days later.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Paterson crew after a March 30, 2022, two-alarmer.

- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti

Vineland Firefighter Ron Martinelli at the controls of Vineland Tanker 5 at a December 15, 2021, fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Flemington-Raritan EMS members: Firefighters/EMTs John Witt, Devin Strange and Mike Cuccaro; and Junior Member Gavin Stager.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Past Absecon Chief and pastPresident of the Atlantic County Firefighters Association Tom Hunter III with his grandson Thomas Hunter V and son Thomas Hunter IV at the graduation ceremony February 7, 2022.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe City of Pleasantville Fire Chief Gene Wellington, Jr. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe