VOLUME 10, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes JULY 2015
Continued on page 26 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Fire News Official Newspaper for the 2015 NJ Firemen’s Convention See page 33
– New Jersey Edition –
FireNews.com
Fire News, July 2015, Page 3
In this issue... Passaic 5-Alarmer Fire through the roof and exposure problems draw a crowd. See story on page 12
A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor
Fumes in Hammonton Fumes in a Grand Avenue business turn into a mass casualty incident, sickening 47 people. See story on page 20
Firefighter Injured in Camden 2-Alarmer Firefighters encounter heavy fire in an end-of-the-row three-story. See story on page 29
A Boy’s Dream Comes True Camden’s Squad 7 and Rescue 1 make a youngster an honorary firefighter. See story on page 35
Vanishing Volunteers
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, 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, Gary W. Wasylyk, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2015, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Fire companies can control their destiny... but are they running out of time? See story on page 38
Flanders Ambulance Demo Flanders responders teach the children well. See story on page 40
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 30 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 35 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 37 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 40 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 42
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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.
Page 4, Fire News, July 2015
FireNews.com
From the Editor’s Desk
Are You Into the Job?
Dennis Whittam, Editor A long time ago, I sat at my first company meeting as a probationary firefighter. At this meeting, the captain asked for volunteers to step up to the plate and represent the company on various committees. I thought to myself that as a probie I wasn't included in this part of the meeting. After all, I was attending the Suffolk County Fire Academy to become a firefighter. I was also thinking about the long list of courses that I wanted to take to make me a better firefighter. How was I going to find the time to represent the company on a committee? Guess what, an ex-chief tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You are with me and you're on the Museum Committee." To this day I have coffee with ex-Chief Martin who turned out to be my mentor and friend in the fire service. Yes, I learned to fight fires, pump trucks, fill out squads to assist our ambulance corps and I represented my company and department on numerous committees. I soon learned that being a firefighter was a lifestyle and there was a lot more to it than just responding to calls. Like many of you, I looked to reading Fire News when it came to the firehouse. It didn't take long before I realized that my mentor was right. The fire service was more than fighting fires and responding to EMS calls. For some reason I read Fire News from the back to the front. I looked at the happy faces of responders in the Motley Crew section of the paper. I also read about the events that filled up the paper that were not EMS or fire related. Yes, this crazy business
we are in is a lot more than responding to calls. Count how many events in the paper that Fire News covers that are not related to incidents. Fire News covers these events in our newspaper because you are there. We care because you care! This year, 2015, Fire News will be at over 23 expositions. We also will attend countess events that support you, the first responder. Fire News is proud that we can attend your events and report on them in our newspaper. On a side note, your department should have a Public Information Officer so that the word gets out about events you are doing to raise funds for various causes such as the Cancer Foundation, the Burn Center and unfortunate families. When all is said and done, remember that you will be a better first responder when you continue your education in the fire service and become involved with the committees in your department. Attend seminars and become an active department member who strives to be the best of the best. Hear the words that FDNY Lt. Joseph P. DiBernardo once asked, "Are you on the job or are you into the job?" I think many of you are definitely into the job. Fire News will be there to support you and we will continue to do what we have done successfully for over 43 years and that is to honor you with coverage of every aspect of the firerescue and emergency services in our newspaper and on Facebook or Instagram. …Dennis
Announcements To the Editor: I want to thank our volunteer EMS providers, who are vital to the communities they serve, for all they do for the residents of New Jersey. In addition to facing some of the same issues as paid services, New Jersey's volunteer EMS squads address the challenges of recruiting and retaining members, raising funds, and maintaining training and certifications. They do all this in the face of additional, cumbersome, time-consuming, unproven requirements mandated without regard to how they will adversely impact both volunteer and paid EMS. Despite these hurdles, EMS volunteers still answer hundreds of thousands of calls annually, provide training for residents and stand-by services at public events. As they have for decades, these volunteers also function as an army of trained responders summoned during times of crisis. Undeniably, without these vol-
unteers, New Jersey could not adequately manage another Super Storm Sandy or blizzard or 9/11. With our growing elderly population and increasing terrorism threat, EMS volunteers have never been more relevant or essential. The 86-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council - now "doing business" as the EMS Council of New Jersey - represents almost 20,000 volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 squads. That's more than 80 percent of New Jersey's volunteer squads. Hurray for EMS volunteers! Howard Meyer 71 Division Avenue Summit, NJ 07901 njsfac@verizon.net 908-612-9799 Meyer is president of the EMS Council of New Jersey.
FIREFIGHTER BICYCLE RACE Firefighters from throughout New Jersey will don their firefighting gear and ride a two-mile course on their bicycles in downtown Stirling on Sunday, July 26, 2015, to raise funds for New Jersey’s only burn center, the Barnabas Hospital Burn Center Foundation. Volunteer and paid firefighters are invited to join in America’s only firefighter bicycle race. The public is invited to watch the race at no cost. It begins at 11:45am on Main Avenue, Stirling. Donations from families, individuals, and businesses are requested and should be sent to: Stirling Fire Dept - Bike Race; 321 Somerset St., Stirling NJ 07980-1310. Donation types and forms, advertising opportunities, firefighter racer registration forms, and other information is on Stirling’s website: www.stirlingfd.com; e-mail: stirlingfd@ yahoo.com.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 5
Big Job in Egg Harbor Twp.
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded on May 20, 2015, to Eagle Drive for a report of a car on fire inside a garage. Bargaintown Safety Officer Ken Badger arrived and reported a two-story, wood frame, occupied dwelling with heavy fire on the A/D side with a two-story wood frame on the D exposure with fire impinging on it. Cardiff Lt. Gil Zonge arrived and established command and requested a second alarm. At this time Safety Officer Badger radioed EHT dispatch that the house on the D side was now on fire. Upon hearing this, command requested a general alarm with a request for a ladder from Scullville and a
tower from Cologne. The general alarm request brought the remaining EHT fire companies of Farmington, West Atlantic City and the City of Northfield. Responding were: Cardiff, Bargaintown, Scullville, Farmington, West Atlantic City, Northfield, Cologne, Absecon (covered Cardiff Station #1), Dorothy (covered Cardiff Station #2), Linwood (covered Bargaintown Station #1), Mays Landing (covered Scullville Station #2) along with a second Engine from Farmington that covered the north end of the township along with one Engine from the City of Pleasantville that covered West Atlantic City. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Tuckahoe Open House
Emerson’s Ramagli Get Kof C FF of the Year Award
The Tuckahoe Volunteer Fire Company of Upper Township in Cape May County held their open house at their station on Route 50 on April 25, 2015, under sunny skies and good crowds. Firefighters staged skills demonstrations, extrication demonstrations, displayed apparatus and equipment, and gave talks to the public on various firefighting themes. And they served some mighty tasty hamburgers! - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The Knights of Columbus Assumption Council 5819 of Emerson presented the Firefighter of the Year Award to ex-Chief William Ramagli of the Emerson Fire Department. Ex-Chief Ramagli was cited for his 55 years of dedicated service to the residents of Emerson and his efforts in providing mutual aid firefighting assistance this past January at the large fire at the Avalon Complex in Edgewater. Each year, the Knights of Columbus recognizes men and women from the Emerson Police Department, Emerson Fire Department, Emerson Ambulance Corps, Emerson Department of Public Works and Emerson Police Auxiliary who have gone above and beyond in their duties. (Above): Ex-Chief Ramagli (left) receives the award from the Emerson Fire Chief Tom Carlos (center) and Assumption Council Grand Knight Doug Heron (right). - Fire News photo by Mark Brackenbury
Page 6, Fire News, July 2015
Fatality at Little Falls Blaze
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On May 5, 2015, the Little Falls Fire Department responded to trapped and were able to get an exposure line in place but were reports of a working structure fire on Lower Notch Road. unable to recover the victim, who later succumbed to injuries. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti Companies arrived to find heavy fire throughout the building which was endangering exposure Delta. Companies had reports of a party
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Garage Fire in the Shires The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown responded to the Shires, located off English Creek Avenue, on May 13, 2015, for a structure fire. Cardiff Captain William Danz III arrived and established command for a fire in the garage of a twostory wood frame, single family dwelling. He ordered first arriving Cardiff Engine 1512 to pull two preconnects with one in the front door and one to attack the fire in the garage. Tower 15 arrived on the B side of the structure and set up while Cardiff Engine 1516 secured a water supply. Upon the arrival of Bargaintown Engine 1522, firefighters began pulling away the exterior siding, which revealed a large amount of fire underneath. The fire was contained to the garage. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
It’s Just a Hydrant ‌ Park Where You Want
Early on May 27, 2015, a dwelling fire was reported on Sherwood Terrace. Pennsauken Battalion 11 arrived and reported smoke showing from a two-story middleof-the-row dwelling. Engine 1132 arrived and located a hydrant being blocked by a vehicle and laid in. The windows of the vehicle were broken out to allow firefighters to connect to the hydrant. Engine 1132 forced entry into the dwelling and located fire conditions on the first floor. The dwelling was reported to be vacant with squatters staying inside. No injuries were reported on the fire ground. The owner of the SUV blocking the hydrant received two violations from the Pennsauken Police Department. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
Page 8, Fire News, July 2015
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3-Alarmer in Cliffside Park
On April 21, 2015, the Cliffside Park Fire Department responded to Oakdene Avenue for a house fire. On arrival heavy fire was showing from the first floor windows on the D side of a large 3-1/2 story home with a woman trapped on the second floor. Two Cliffside Park Police officers along with several arriving firefighters used a ladder to rescue the woman as the fire continued to spread. She was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. A second alarm was requested bringing additional companies to the scene as the fire spread to the second and third floors, and attic. Companies made an aggressive interior attack but the fire spread in the walls and floors of the home and eventually command made the decision to pull out and go to a defensive attack as companies were reporting that the floors felt soft and heavy fire was venting out the roof in the rear. A third alarm was requested. Units from Fairview, Ridgefield, Edgewater, Leonia, Palisades Park, Fort Lee and Hackensack assisted. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 9
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4 FFs Injured in Clifton 4-Alarmer
Early on April 16, 2015, the Clifton Fire Department responded to East 6th Street for a reported fire. Upon arrival of the first-due engine, heavy smoke was pushing from a 2-1/2 story frame dwelling with heavy fire in the rear. A second alarm was requested and an interior attack was commenced. As conditions deteriorated and fire extended into exposure D, a three-story frame dwelling, all members were pulled from the buildings. Two tower ladders, a deck gun and several handlines were put into operation as heavy fire swept throughout the original fire building and heavily damaged the second floor and attic of exposure D. Third and fourth alarms were requested. Companies were hampered by poor water supply until additional supply lines were established. The original fire building was a total loss and exposure D suffered heavy damage to the second floor and attic. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 11
Brush Fire in Bargaintown On May 4, 2015, the volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were dispatched to Fernwood Avenue for a brush fire. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived and established command and advised dispatch he needed the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to respond as he had a large area of woodlands on fire that was not accessible to his apparatus. The NJFFS responded with two forestry engines and one tractor-plow, and firefighters stood by with two water tenders to refill the NJFFS units. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
1 Civ., 1 FF Injured in East Windsor Fire On May 11, 2015, members of the East Windsor Township Police Department responded to a reported structure fire at the Windsor Castle Apartments in East Windsor. Upon police arrival, heavy smoke and flames were observed. The fire was extinguished by responding fire personnel, however all 16 units in the affected building sustained fire and or water damage, with eight apartments sustaining extensive damage. A resident of an upstairs apartment was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center for possible smoke inhalation and a facial injury sustained as a result of jumping from the second-story. In addition, one volunteer firefighter was transported to University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro for a reported foot injury. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
Page 12, Fire News, July 2015
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Passaic 5-Alarmer
Recently, Passaic Fire Department responded to reports of a work- Companies from Wallington, Clifton, Paterson, Rutherford, East ing structure fire on Columbia Avenue. Units arrived quickly to Rutherford, Little Falls, Carlstadt and others were called into the heavy fire through the roof and an exposure problem. The on-duty blaze, which reached five alarms. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti chief called a third alarm on arrival, shortly followed a fourth.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 13
Cooking Oil Fire in E. Windsor On May 15, 2015, members of the East Windsor Township Police Department responded to a reported structure fire at the Dorchester Arms Apartments. Upon police arrival, heavy smoke and flames were observed coming from the front windows of the apartment, a second floor unit. Fire personnel arrived and the fire was contained to the single unit. The kitchen sustained heavy fire damage while the rest of the unit sustained heavy smoke damage. According to a resident, the fire started when cooking oil ignited on the stovetop and spread before the resident was able to extinguish the fire. - Fire News story by Lt. Richard Bernstein, EWTPD/ISC; photo by Amy Batista
Surf Shop Fire in Ocean City The City of Ocean City Fire Department in Cape May County was dispatched on May 16, 2015, to 6th Street and the Boardwalk for a report of a structure fire. Deputy Chief Smith arrived and reported heavy smoke showing from the rear of a shop on the boardwalk, which was discovered to be the 7th Street Surf Shoppe. A request for all off-duty firefighters was made (a recall) along with a RIT from the City of Margate. Mutual aid from the City of Somers Point was brought to the scene to relieve exhausted firefighters who made a good stop in limiting damage to the surf shop. The Marmora Volunteer Fire Company from Upper Township covered the city during the event. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
Page 14, Fire News, July 2015
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Pleasantville Structure Fire
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded on April 6, 2015, to Church Street for a report of a structure fire. Car 70, under the command of Acting Deputy Chief Eugene Wellington arrived and established command and requested a working firebox, bringing mutual aid fromNorthfield, Absecon, Atlantic City Airport and
Farmington. The fire involved a garage and several sheds with fire showing from the roof of the garage and the contents of the shed on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire but a prolonged overhaul ensued. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 15
Budd Lake Car Fire
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Page 16, Fire News, July 2015
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Camden City All-Hands
On May 12, 2015, Camden firefighters responded to S. 6th Street in Camden City. Battalion 1 arrived to heavy fire conditions in the rear and roof area of a two-story middle-of-the-row dwelling. Crews set up for defensive operations due to the dwellings structural con-
dition. Crews placed multiple handlines in operation in Division A and C of the vacant dwelling. Fire extended to the attached B and D exposure. Searches were negative in all buildings. Mutual aid came from Collingswood. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 17
Monroe 2-Alarmer
Monroe Township firefighters responded to a two-alarm garage fire at a 2-1/2 story wood frame duplex in the Greenbriar at Whittingham (a senior community) in Monroe Township, Middlesex County on May 13, 2015. - Fire News photos by Amy Batista
Page 18, Fire News, July 2015
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Memorial Day Weekend Fire
On May 23, 2015, Budd Lake and Flanders firefighters were dispatched to Station Road in the Budd Lake section of the township for a report of a house fire. First arriving units found a single-family home with heavy fire coming from the sides and roof area. Chief Evans advised Engine 53 to stretch a line to the front door and attempt an attack. Squad 56 came in and assisted with a second line but firefighters were forced out by heavy fire and a collapse of part of the roof. That area of the township has no fire hydrants and a
tender task force was called. Engine 95 drafted from a folding tank and Netcong set up a fill site by a lake to fill the incoming tenders. Firefighters had four handlines stretched and put the fire under control within an hour. A homeowner and one firefighter were treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and burns to the hands. Netcong, Hackettstown, Chester and Schooley’s Mountain assisted at the scene along with others covering fire stations. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
Page 20, Fire News, July 2015
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Fumes in Hammonton
The City of Hammonton Fire Companies #1 and #2 responded to Grand Avenue on April 29, 2015, for a report of fumes inside Home Solutions and Infusion Therapy. Hammonton Chief Mike Ruberton was met with workers from the building complaining of respiratory ailments. EMS responders arrived and began diagnosing and requested Atlanticare’s Mass Casualty Unit and the NJEMS Task Force Mobile Treatment & Evaluation bus. Forty-seven employees
were evaluated, with two flown from the scene to the Atlanticare Medical Center’s City Campus. The Atlantic County Emergency Management Hazardous Material Response Team also responded. Also responding were Elwood, Collings Lakes, Hammonton PD, and numerous Atlanticare BLS units along with an EMS Task Force. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 21
Cut Gas Line in Cardiff MVA
On May 22, 2015, the Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company was dis- Squad, and the cause of the accident was under investigation by the patched to Ivystone Lane for a vehicle that left the road, struck a EHT Police. Also responding was South Jersey Gas Company. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe house, and severed a gas meter. The driver of the vehicle was transported from the scene by the Egg Harbor Township Ambulance
Page 22, Fire News, July 2015
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All Hands in North Camden
On May 4, 2015, a dwelling fire was reported on the 500 block of Battalion 2 struck the all-hands box for heavy fire conditions on the Bailey Street in the north side of Camden. Battalion 2 arrived to first and second floors with extension. Crews placed five lines in heavy fire conditions from the rear of a two-story middle-of-the-row service to knock down the fire. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig dwelling. Engine 11 arrived and placed a handline in operation and
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 23
Comm’l. Bldg. Fire in West Berlin
On May 15, 2015, firefighters responded to a commercial building building heavily involved with a tower ladder in operation. Crews fire on Cooper Road. Command arrived with fire showing from the placed multiple master streams in operation and knocked down the - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig rear and roof of a one-story commercial building. All hands were fire. placed in service. At the 10-minute mark command reported the
Page 24, Fire News, July 2015
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Quick Work in Bargaintown
The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville were requested a RIT from the City of Somers Point and reported a room dispatched on May 22, 2015, to Zion Road for a structure fire. EHT and contents fire spreading rapidly. The fire was knocked down Police arrived and reported heavy black smoke showing from the quickly and contained to the second floor. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe second floor of a single-family wood frame dwelling. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived and established command and
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Towed Car on Fire The volunteer fire companies of Collings Lakes (Station 12-3) and Newtonville (Station 12-6) responded on April 29, 2015, to Milepost 36 on Route 322 (Black Horse Pike), for a report of a vehicle fire. Collings Lakes first-due engine encountered a fully involved vehicle that was being towed, but was released from the tow truck once the tow truck driver discovered the vehicle was on fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Cover Story
Ridgefield Park House Fire On May 31, 2015, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department was dispatched to Highland Place for a report of a house fire, the dispatcher also reported receiving a call for a house fire at 20 Hille Place on the other side of town, Companies were directed to both addresses and a working fire was found on Highland Place with fire showing from the 2nd floor rear of the 2-1/2 story private dwelling. No fire was found at the Hille Place address, and those companies then responded to the Highland fire. E-1 arrived and immediately stretched a line up to the second floor where the company found heavy smoke, high heat and heavy fire in the rear room, that extended into the attic. As conditions deteriorated the order was given for all members to evacuate and outside streams went to work. The home suffered heavy damage to the second floor and attic, one firefighter suffered minor injuries and the fire is under investigation. Companies from Bogota, Hackensack and Teaneck assisted at the scene along with the Ridgefield Park Heavy Rescue and Volunteer Ambulance Corps. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Artist Hits 35 Years of Support for Burn Foundation
When Cinnaminson Fire Chief William Kramer, Jr., was contacted by Burn Foundation Artist Joseph M. Getsinger requesting assistance creating the next painting for the Wildwood Fireman’s Convention fundraiser they both realized they had worked together in the past. In Getsinger’s past life with the New Jersey State Police Arson Unit he was requested by Cinnaminson Police Department to assist them in a suspicious fire investigation. Earlier that year William Kramer, Jr., attended an arson seminar instructed by Joe. The points and information he learned at the seminar he found to be real at the suspicious fire in Cinnaminson and met Getsinger at that scene. Years later, now with Getsinger retired, Kramer is still investigating fires in Cinnaminson and throughout New Jersey as the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Acting Director and State Fire Marshal. Getsinger explained that he needed help with a photo shoot of an idea he had for this year's image to support the Burn Foundation. Kramer was thrilled and honored to help Joe and the Burn Foundation and invited him to meet one Saturday with members of the Cinnaminson Fire
Department to assist him in a photo shoot to capture the detail for his new painting. This year will mark 35 years that Getsinger has served the Burn Foundation. It also marks 15 consecutive years that Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., (of Plainfield) President David Russell and Pierce Manufacturing has financially supported the artist and the Burn Foundation in their fundraising efforts at the annual Fireman's Convention in Wildwood. This year’s theme will be “The View,” which is what a firefighter first sees coming onto an active fire scene. Now the artist has had “The View” in his creative mind since the 2014 Fireman’s Convention and did a photo shoot, but needed volunteers to set up the scene he had conceived. On many occasions the scene changes as he gets professional input from those most qualified firefighters, which brings us to the day of the photo shoot. Joe arrives at the Cinnaminson Fire Department and, to his amazement, there were about 20 people, including two children and mothers willing to help out with the shoot. Those dedicated individuals were: Kristin Adams, Nick Adams, Joe Bukowski, Joe Congemi, Isaiah Goldsby, Todd Hardie, John Heckler, Dean Jernigan, Chris Keppel, Lou Kilmer, Matt Kilmer, Bill Kramer, Ron Priest, Carter Priest, Ira Schonfeld, Lee Schroeder, Harry Smith, Robert Yearly, Keith Zimecki and Peg Ricuitti who owned the house where the photos were taken. You’ll be able to see the results at the 2015 Wildwood Fireman’s Convention in September. Support the Burn Foundation by purchasing raffle tickets before the convention. If you can presell 50-100 tickets before the convention, send the artist a check made out to the “Burn Foundation” and he will mail you your tickets, which you can distribute and turn in at the convention. Tickets will be available in August 2015 through J.M.Getsinger Art Studio, PO Box 97, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097; 856-853-8039. You can also donate funds directly to:Burn Foundation - One Medical Center Boulevard, Lewis House - Upland, PA 19013; 215-545-3816; Fax: 215545-3818; e-mail: info@burnfoundation.org Sponsor: Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., 200 Ryan Street, South Plainfield, NJ; 800-400-8017; www.f-ss.com.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 29
1 FF Injured in Camden 2-Alarmer
On May 22, 2015, a dwelling fire was reported on Kaighns Ave in Camden City. Squad 7 arrived to heavy fire conditions on the second floor of a three-story end-ofthe-row dwelling. Battalion 1 arrived and struck the all-hands box. Battalion 1 reported two lines in operation with heavy fire conditions now extending to the third floor. Crews also reported fire extension into the attached garage area. A second alarm was struck. Command ordered all companies out of the building as fire conditions worsened. One firefighter was treated and transported by EMS after suffering a leg injury in the building. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
Page 30, Fire News, July 2015
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Cooking with my Husband This month’s article is going to be written a little differently than normal. Since I am the one that is always typing up the articles for Firefighter Ray, and this month’s article is about me, we thought it would be interesting to get a take on filming from the guest’s point of view. First, let me introduce myself. I am Lori, Firefighter Ray’s wife. Secondly, let me inform you that the only reason I was a guest on the show was because he had a last minute cancellation and needed to fill the spot. Being the good wife, I agreed to help him out and we filmed our first episode together. This wasn’t the first episode for my family. You have all seen my father, Anthony, on the show every season. You can even catch my mother at the end of my episode. With all that being said, it was a beautiful day in Bayport when we filmed. Like all shoots go, I was told we would start at 9 a.m. and didn’t begin until 10:30. Preparation, for the meal I was making on the show, began the night before. I was making twice baked, bone-in pork chops and breakfast potatoes (yes, for dinner). Firefighter Ray said he would help me prep the meal the night before, but as any wife knows, this was not happening (and I didn’t really want him in the kitchen, as he has mentioned on previous shows). By the time he arrived home that night, I had everything prepared and cooked what needed to be cooked. Back to filming. Once we began shooting, Ray turned from my husband to Firefighter Ray. I only hope he doesn’t kiss all his guests! We began preparation on the pork chops and potatoes. Firefighter Ray was trying to be helpful and cut the potatoes, but I had to take the task away from him We joked around back and forth. He has a great sense of humor, probably one of the reasons I have stayed with him all these years! It definitely wasn’t because of his cleanliness in the kitchen. After all was cooked and the food was ready, we had another guest join us for the tasting. As I mentioned earlier, my mother came on and gave some stories of her own memories of Ray and I when we were younger. Of course, when Ray tasted the pork chops, he said they were unbelievable. Best he’s ever had. He’s a smart boy! Being married to a firefighter is sometimes hard. You never know if they are going to make it home after their shift or if you are going to get “that call.” You do learn to deal with it and not worry so much as time goes on, but it is always in the back of your mind. I did get such a call, on our anniversary, 11 years ago. Ray had fallen,from a ladder,while venting a second story window. He sustained internal injuries as well as a fractured spinal cord and severe damage to his hips. With all this having happened, I would never tell him he couldn’t be a fireman, because it is what he truly loves doing. He pours all his love of the fire department into this show, as his way of keeping his fire department days alive. The camaraderie and connections they make, while on the job, enforces his drive to do whatever he can to help others that are injured along the way. This is what Firehouse Kitchen is all about. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com.
By Lori Cooney, aka Mrs. Firefighter Ray
BREAKFAST POTATOES (not just for breakfast) 6 medium size Idaho potatoes 1 large onion Salt, pepper, paprika Extra-virgin olive oil Using a large sauce pan, use enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Put on medium heat. Dice onion and put in once oil is hot. Clean, peel and cut into cubes the potatoes. Once the onion is beginning to brown, add the cubed potatoes. Cover with paprika and season to taste with salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients to ensure seasons are evenly distributed. Cover sauce pan. Check every few minutes and mix to prevent burning of the potatoes. When potatoes are soft (not mushy - when you can easily put your fork into one), they are done. Remove from pan using a straining spoon (to avoid the potatoes from sitting in oil in serving dish). Garnish with parsley and enjoy. Great with any dinner meal and in a morning breakfast omelette.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 31
Tree Into House in Farmington
The Farmington Volunteer Fire Company responded on May 24, 2015, to Delancy Avenue for a tree into a structure. Firefighters removed the tree and found minimal damage to the structure. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 32, Fire News, July 2015
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Memorial Day in Lavallette
On May 25, 2015, the Lavallette Fire Department, along with the Forces and laid wreathes along the monument in Memorial Park. town’s other emergency service agencies, participated in the town- Lavallette Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary members Jill and ship’s Memorial Day Services at Memorial Park. Services were held Carroll Lamb laid a wreath on behalf of the fire department. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki to remember local township residents who served in the Armed
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 33
Cedar Grove DC Bannon Weds
Perth Amboy Drill
Deputy Chief John Bannon of the Cedar Grove Fire Department and his new wife, Diane. - Fire News photo by Anthony Freitas
On Sunday May 31, 2015, a joint drill between Perth Amboy Fire Department, Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s Office and Buckeye Terminals simulated an organized response/coordinated effort among many different agencies if there was a fire in a terminal involving a storage tank, fire on a petroleum crude train in a terminal, or to create a temporary system to get a handle on the fire until Neptune Systems arrives on location. Drill coordinators were Battalion Chief Ed Mullen and Deputy Chief Fire Coordinator Scott Kivet of the Middlesex County Fire Coordinators. - Fire News photo by Mike Nowacki
Page 34, Fire News, July 2015
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Gloucester Haz-Mat Call On April 5, 2015, Gloucester Station 84 was dispatched to the Charles Lewis Middle School for an investigation. As crews were gearing up, the incident was re-dispatched as a hazardous materials assignment. Battalion 84 (Captain Cipriano) arrived and reported a generator battery had exploded in the boiler room. Students and staff were safely evacuated prior to the fire department’s arrival. Rescue 84’s crew secured the generator. - Fire News story by Michael Breyer, photo courtesy Gloucester PD
If a Bear is Stuck in a Tree …
The Bloomfield Fire Department responded to a cemetery on Belleville Avenue along with the Bloomfield Police Department and the North Jersey Humane society for a bear stuck in a tree call. After long and hard planning officials decided the best idea was to wait for the bear to come down on its own. The bear was later captured using multiple donuts as bait. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Memorial Day in Egg Harbor The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department participated in their 2015 Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on May 25, 2015, at their Veterans Memorial Park. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 35
A Little Boy’s Dream Come True
Riley Carty is a 10-year old with uncontrolled epilepsy. He has had brain surgery to remove part of his brain to prevent seizures. The members of Squad 7 and Rescue 1 and Battalion 1 teamed up to provide gifts to Riley. He was sent shirts, stickers and patches from the companies. Riley wanted to thank the members in person and visited Liberty Station. Rescue 1 made Riley an honorary firefighter and provided him with a frontpiece. He toured the firehouse and checked out all the tools on the apparatus. Information about Riley’s condition can be found on his Facebook page at Riley Carty’s Renegades Against Epilepsy. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
Page 36, Fire News, July 2015
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Lanoka Harbor 75th Anniversary Scheduled
Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Co #1 pose in front of their 2013 Marion RPM rescue, as they prepare to celebrate their 75th anniversary and housing of their new rescue engine. The event will take place, August 1, 2015, at Hebrew Park in Lanoka Harbor from
1300 to 1700. Judging of apparatus will begin at 0900 with a parade to follow at 1230. Trophies, food, drink and t-shirts available. Entertainment will be provided by Bullzeye. More information available at www.lhfd61.com. - Fire News photo by Mike Nowacki
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 37
Paterson Blaze Goes to 4 Alarms
On May 31, 2015, the Paterson Fire Department responded to McBride Avenue for a reported house fire. Engine-7, did not have far to go as the house was located across from their recently opened firehouse, which also serves as the departments headquarters. Upon arrival E-7 reported a working fire in the rear of the 2-1/2 story frame dwelling and initiated an interior attack. The company encountered heavy fire conditions in the rear and near-Collyer’s mansion conditions as they pushed towards the seat of the fire. Firefighters were forced to evacuate when the fire flashed over the crew. A supply engine reported a dead hydrant, and command requested a second alarm. With conditions rapidly deteriorating, companies encountering a second dead hydrant and fire now extending into exposure D, command requested a third alarm for manpower. The fire eventually broke through the roof of the exposure and spread throughout the attic of the original fire building but with an aggressive attack using multiple handlines companies were able to quickly knock down all the visible fire. With temperatures in the upper 80s and high humidity, command requested a fourth alarm for relief purposes. No injuries were reported and the fire was placed under control. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
FF1 IS SCOTT SAFETY’S NEW DISTRIBUTOR
FF1 Professional Safety Services has become a new dealer for Scott Safety for the state of New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Territories include Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Union, Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer and Morris Counties in New Jersey and Pike and Monroe Counties in Pennsylvania. A majority of our customer base has been requesting that we carry and service Scott Safety products since the beginning. “Our customer’s asked, and we listened,” said Jonathon Van Norman, President of FF1. “Having municipal offices in Sparta and Wall Township, New Jersey as well as Carbondale, Pennsylvania allows our customers to drop off service items or have them picked up at their convenience and be helped by a company they already trust. We are excited for this new venture and the opportunity to sell and service Scott products.” FF1 also allows customers the ease of submitting service requests online directly through our website at www.FF1.com. “As the fire service evolves, FF1 continues to stay progressive within the technology driven market. We’re constantly striving to develop solutions to make our customer’s transactions as easy and convenient for them as possible.” Scott Safety, a Tyco business, is a premier manufacturer of innovative respiratory and personal protective equipment and safety devices for firefighters, industrial workers, police squads, militaries, homeland security forces, and rescue teams around the world. With five global manufacturing locations, Scott products protect thousands of individuals each day from environmental hazards including smoke, toxic fumes, combustible gases, falling objects, and contaminants. The Scott product line includes self-contained breathing appa-
ratus (SCBA), supplied air and air-purifying respirators, PPE, gas and flame detection instruments, thermal imaging cameras, and firefighter communications and accountability devices. Headquartered in Monroe, North Carolina, Scott Safety generates approximately $500 million in revenues annually, employs more than 1,100 people worldwide, and has operations in Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, New Zealand, and more. Celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2015, FF1 Professional Safety Services is a premier provider for Fire, EMS & Police supplies across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Founded by an experienced firefighter and chief, FF1 serves the First Responder community with unprecedented levels of experience and efficiency. You’ll also discover knowledgeable service from a sales team of firefighters, police and EMS professionals. We have stood in your boots, we know what you need. FF1 offers a wide range of products and services including Scott Safety, Fire-Dex, Mustang Survival, Zodiac Milpro, 5.11 Tactical, All American Hose, Akron Brass, Cairns Helmets and MUCH MORE! Offering a fully staffed service division, FF1 has certified technicians on call to handle gas meter calibrations, apparatus service, small engine repairs and hydrostatic testing. FF1’s Training Division consists of dozens of experinced firefighters and certified instructors and boasts a large menu of classes as well as the ability to offer custom tailored programs to suit any department’s needs. For more information: FF1 - Headquarters, 34 Wilson Drive, Sparta, NJ 07871; 973-940-3061; www.FF1.com; Sales@FF1.com.
Page 38, Fire News, July 2015
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Vanishing Volunteers By Steve Austin “People come and go but this place will always be here,” is an old adage about the local volunteer firehouse. Until recently, I never questioned that conventional wisdom. Maybe I’ve been acting like an ostrich that buries his head in the sand when he senses trouble. When the ostrich can't see, it assumes no one else can either. Events brewing over the last few years have caused me to check my vision. The firehouse on the corner might not be as secure as I once thought. As I travel around the country the story line is the same. There are fewer people willing to do what we do. The ostriches among us pretend that nothing has changed and there is an unlimited supply of new talent that is willing to join under the same conditions that have been in place for a century or more in the volunteer fire service. Maybe your company gets out on every run. But is the apparatus properly staffed? How many responders on the rig are “combat firefighters”? Are all the riding positions filled? What is the age of the firefighters? Are they too old, or maybe too young with little or
no experience? Are there enough folks to handle the administrative duties? Are the same bunch of old guys and the same ladies working all of the fund raisers? There are association meetings where hardly anyone under 50 is taking an active role. What is going to happen when those guys are gone? Have we asked these questions openly? Are we afraid of the answers? In his new book, Fire Call, author George DeVault, a fire service veteran, sounds the alarm to save the vanishing volunteer members. He volunteers in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, in the Lehigh Valley. DeVault, an active volunteer for almost 40 years, has chronicled the demise of the volunteerism in his hometown and across the nation. For example, he writes that Pennsylvania had some 300,000 volunteers in 1977. By 2014 the number had shrunk to around 50,000. Delaware fire companies mirror what is happening to our north. Some stations are so short staffed that they have hired firefighters in addition to EMTs to get on the street. Daytime response, especially early in the morning, is problematic.
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Consolidation of stations in the Commonwealth is long overdue. There are simply too many Pennsylvania fire companies. But even after successful mergers there is no guarantee that response times and personnel numbers will improve all that much. De Vault quotes a 2004 report from the United States Fire Administration that, “the volunteer emergency services … is a tradition in danger of weakening and possibly even dying out.” That report was written 11 years ago. During the period the number of volunteers continued to shrink while run volume has nearly tripled. For many members, the volunteer fire service is a way of life, driving a core belief system and governing the way we lead our lives. The volunteer fire service is part of the fabric of our communities. If we value the contribution the fire service makes to the quality of life in our nation we must explore new solutions to preserve and protect this institution we love. No longer can we live like an ostrich pretending all is well. We need realistic and workable solutions to prevent us from vanishing. We still can control our destiny if we have
the will to do so, but we are running out of time. Steve Austin is a 48-year member of the fire service. He serves as a Fire Police Officer with the Aetna Hose Hook and Ladder Company of Newark Delaware. He is a Past President of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association and the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association (CVVFA). He is the National Highway Safety Advocate for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. He also serves as the project manager of the CVVFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute www.Respondersafety.com and the ResponderSafety Learning Network.
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Fire News, July 2015, Page 39
FDNY Celebrates Their 150th With Patriotic Themed Ferrara Truck
To help celebrate 150 years of service, the FDNY selected Ferrara Fire Apparatus to decorate one of their Ferrara aerial ladders to use as a showpiece throughout 2015. The truck was taken out of service in New York City and brought to the Ferrara factory where it was refurbished, including getting a new paint job and an elegant graphics package. Deviating from the normal red-and-white
cab and standard FDNY graphics, this special edition truck features a beautiful metallic silver cab top, silver leaf stripping and lettering, and a blue silhouette with white stars of the New York City skyline, representing the five boroughs. “It is an honor and a privilege to present one of our aerial ladders as the center piece to commemorate FDNY’s 150th anniversary,” said President/CEO Chris Ferrara. FDNY has recent-
ly placed an order for 12 more aerial ladders which will bring the total to 71 Ferrara ladders in service in New York City. The FDNY 100-foot aerial ladders are built on the Ferrara Ultra custom chassis with a 3CR12 stainless steel split cab and feature a heavy duty stainless steel body, a quick 4-section 100' rear mount ladder, and an 8kW hydraulic generator.
Page 40, Fire News, July 2015
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Flanders Ambulance Demo
Flanders Firefighter/EMT Doug Fenichel and EMS Lt. Sue Scribner showing one of the fire company’s ambulances to preschoolers at Mount Olive Child Care and Learning in Mount Olive recently. - Fire News photos by Doug Fenichel, FFC PIO
Page 42, Fire News, July 2015
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Up Close & Personal
Farmington Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe photo bombed West Atlantic City Volunteer Fire Company Chief Wally Bakeley and Scullville Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary Theresa Housand at Egg Harbor Township’s Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 25, 2015. Theresa is a four year cancer survivor! - Fire News photo courtesy of Dennis C. Sharpe
Camden Firefighter Javier Torres working the controls of Ladder 3 in the city at an allhands fire. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Ho-Ho-Kus Fire Department member and Fire News photographer Dane Policastro with retired Captain Morris of FDNY Rescue 1 at FDIC 2015 Urban Essentials on April 20, 2015, in Indianapolis. - Fire News photo courtesy of Dane Policastro
Camden City Battalion Chief Sam Balakas giving report from an all-hands job in the city. - Fire News photo by Ted Aurig
Ocean City Fire Chief Chris Breunig confers with OCPD Lt. Gene Sharpe during the 7th Street Surf Shoppe fire on May 16, 2015. Gene is also the volunteer chief for Bargaintown Fire Company #2. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
Lou Raniszewski a Paramedic, Assistant Chief with Atlanticare at a report of fumes call in Hammonton on April 29, 2015. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger