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Fire News, July 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Wood Ridge Commercial Blaze Hasbrouck Heights, covering for Wood Ridge, assists Moonachie at an auto body shop fire. See story on page 6
Saves at Elizabeth 3-Alarmer Crews make two saves, including one person in a wheelchair, as a fire takes off. See story on page 10
Busy Time in Paterson Paterson and mutual aid companies handle one big commercial fire, and fight two more in one day. See story on page 14
Up Close and Personal A look at first responders from around the state. 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, 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 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, 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 2019, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Ridgefield Park Car Fire On the morning of May 18, 2019, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department was alerted for a reported a car fire on Interstate 95 south. See story on page 28
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West Paterson Gets a New Rescue The new Heavy Rescue replaces a 22-year-old model. See story on page 30
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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, July 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The Perfect Time to Hone Skills I would like to take a moment to thank all of our responders who have been honored for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Fire News was proud to have attended many department installation and award dinners that honored responders for high points, training awards, CPR saves, rescues and years of service. As I write my editorial, the Fire Department of the City of New York is preparing to honor their members who have performed above and beyond the call of duty by saving lives. We will talk more about that in our next edition. Are you one of your department’s newer members? Have you given thought to your dedication to your Oath of Service? Would you be able to put your life on the line to protect the lives of others? In your mind you are probably saying “Yes!” But what can you do to make sure you are ready to perform flawlessly at your next serious call? If you are given a rope and asked to tie it off, could you do it without hesitation? Or would you stare at the rope and guess at what to do? Officers set up great company drills throughout the year. Once a month, an evolu-
tion and skills are reviewed. Can you really learn a skill by doing it once a month? I say, No! Watch your next yearly bailout recertification drill. Are your members able to tie off, make it to the window, and then bailout without thought? When a room is ready to flash, you have seconds to perform a maneuver flawlessly. When you are searching a smokefilled room without a search rope and your vibra alert goes off do you know what to do? What happens if you are searching a room that you closed the door on and cannot find the door to leave the room? Maybe inside the room the door was totally smooth and blended into the wall. Do you have to give a Mayday signal, or could you calmly radio to someone out in the hall and ask them to open the door on the first room to the right of the staircase? Every situation requires thought about emergency procedures. Your thought process is developed by constantly drilling and talking with members to gain ideas on what to do. Critiquing after every call is a must! Constant practice is necessary to gain experience on skills that keep you safe. It is the responder’s obligation to familiar-
ize themselves with the skills taught to them. The next time you walk into the firehouse to kill time, eat your lunch or check the bulletin board, practice or do one thing that could save your life. Try this. Keep a six-foot rope in your living room. When a commercial comes on, nonchalantly pick up the rope and make as many knots as you can until your show resumes. If you do this with dedication, your knot skills will improve. Oh, one more thing, know what the knot is used for and where you will use that knot. Enjoy summer honing your skills as a first responder. - Dennis
Announcements WALLINGTON TRUCK 1 125TH ANNIVERSARY
On Saturday, September 21, 2019, Wallington Fire Department Truck 1 will be celebrating its 125th anniversary of dedicated fire service to the Borough of Wallington and its residents. The celebration will be held from 1400 to 1800 and features the Bergen County Firefighters Pipe Band, numerous free food giveaways, inflatables for the kids and a beer garden for the adults. Live music is by Under A Ton. The event will be held at Wallington Hose Company 1, 67 Union Boulevard in Wallington. Truck Company 1, was founded and incorporated on October 5, 1894 as Hose Company 1. The company was, in fact, established prior to the Borough of Wallington, which was officially recognized as a borough on January 1, 1895. To help defray expenses, donations are being accepted. Make checks
payable to Truck Co 1 - 125th Anniversary Committee and send them to Truck Co. 1-125th Anniversary Committee, c/o Borough Clerk’s Office, Wallington Civic Center, Union Blvd., Wallington, NJ 07057
WHERE ARE YOUR DEPARTMENT’S PHOTOS?
We would like to remind our readers that we are always happy to receive photos and stories from departments who have never been in our paper. Feel free to e-mail your photos to nj@fire news.com. We ask that any photo you do send be high resolution (300 dpi or better) and that you do not retouch, crop, alter or reduce your photos in size when you e-mail them to us. Please send two to four photos per incident. Also, include a brief writeup of the incident, event, or family news, which includes basic “who, what, when, and where information.” We look forward to seeing your department in our next issue. - Ed.
Page 6, Fire News, July 2019
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Wood Ridge Commercial Fire
On the evening of May 17, 2019, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, which was providing coverage for Wood Ridge, was dispatched for a fire on Park Place East. The Moonachie chief advised units of a well involved single-story auto body shop and recommended a second alarm. Due to the heavy volume of fire already through the roof, crews did not enter the building, instead they set up for an exterior attack. A tower ladder was put into operation along with numerous handlines as several propane tanks exploded and sent large pieces of metal flying through the air. The main body of fire was knocked down in about an hour. Companies remained on scene throughout the night and into the next day when a demolition crew razed what was left of the building. Several cars and other vehicles were destroyed but the firefighters were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to any other buildings and no injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti
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East Orange Apartment Fire
On March 27, 2019, the East Orange Fire Department responded to South Arlington Avenue for a fire. Engine 5 arrived to heavy fire showing from the basement of a large OMD. The deputy requested a second truck to respond to the scene as crews went interior. The crew from Engine 5 quickly found the fire apartment and was able to knock down the fire and prevent it from extending. Crews began being released a half hour into the incident and an arson investigator was requested to the scene. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Extrication at Bargaintown MVA
The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company responded (in the rain) on March 31, 2019, to Fire Road at the ramp for the Garden State Parkway Exit 36 for an MVA. Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock arrived aboard Rescue 1527 and established command and reported an overturned vehicle with a second vehicle which was upright. EHT EMS requested a door pop because the driver of the upright vehicle sufferred a fractured femur and the door needed to be removed to get the patient out. The occupants of the overturned vehicle self-extricated and were examined by EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Ocean Grove Boardwalk 6-Alarm
On April 13, 2019, firefighters from Ocean Grove and Neptune were dispatched to the Dunes Boardwalk Cafe for a structure fire. Units arrived to heavy smoke coming from the rear of the structure and stretched lines down the boardwalk and into the front door of the building. The cafĂŠ was connected to the North End Pavilion, an Ocean Grove landmark, which was repaired after being heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Firefighters found fire lapping over the building from under the boardwalk and quickly knocked that down while firefighters inside
checked for extension. During overhaul fire was spotted further under the boardwalk in a spot inaccessible to crews. Firefighters went went through over half-dozen saws as they tried to get through the floor which was estimated to be over 18-inches thick of various lumber. A front loader was brought in to dig sand out from under the building to gain better access. The fire began to travel down the boardwalk and up shafts and voids throughout the connected two-story complex. Soon after, the fire was roaring out of the second floor of the complex and
crews were pulled from the building and put into a defensive attack. The fire burned for over 12 hours causing a full collapse of the second story of the pavilion as well as the roof of the cafe. Fire continued to burn in places inaccessible to firefighters until heavy machinery was brought in to tear down the building. Firefighters were called in from Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties to fight the fire, which went to six alarms. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Mark Rosetti
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Saves at Elizabeth 3-Alarmer
On April 8, 2019, Elizabeth firefighters were dispatched to Franklin Street for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke showing from the first floor of a two-story dwelling. As lines were stretched, firefighters received reports of multiple people trapped. Searches were underway as yells for help could be heard coming from the building. Crews were able to make two rescues, including an occupant in a wheelchair, as the wind started to take hold of the fire, which soon auto exposed up the side of the dwelling and onto the three-story dwelling next door. The fire, driven by the high winds, worked its way into the cockloft of the three-story dwelling eventually forcing crews out of the exposure and into a defensive attack on the exposure building. Multiple ladder pipes were sent up and put into operation and the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Glen Duda
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 11
Border Fire Sees Quick Knockdown
On the evening of April 12, 2019, the Little Falls Fire Department was dispatched to Stanley Road for a house fire. Little Falls Police advised of heavy fire showing from the exterior. Engine 3 arrived and immediately stretched a line to the second floor. With the call
being so close to the border — the pole in front of the house is actually in North Caldwell — the entire North Caldwell Fire Department, as well as Totowa Rescue, responded and the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fast Knockdown in Bennington On April 27, 2019, Washington Township’s fire companies from Schooley's Mountain, Long Valley and Fairmont were dispatched to Bennington Square for a fire. Chief 2 arrived to smoke coming from the second floor. Crews had the fire knocked down within 20 minutes. Companies on the second alarm stood by and assisted. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
Lightning Strike Fire in Rutherford On April 15, 2019, just after 0400, during an extremely heavy rain fall and thunderstorm the Rutherford Fire Department was dispatched to Ridge Road for a house fire. The first chief arrived to heavy fire showing from the Charlie and Delta side and requested Lyndhurst and North Arlington respond. Heavy fire began to run the majority of the second floor and the attic as Rutherford crews arrived and attempted an interior attack. Engines 2 and 3 made it to the top floor as Truck 1 went to the roof to ventilate but, as companies continued to work, conditions were worsening and command evacuated the home and the attack was transitioned to defensive. Heavy fire began to darken down as two ladder pipes and landlines were put into operation and once again crews attempted an interior attack but the fire began to run the length of the attic and began self-venting from the Alpha-Bravo side. Again members were pulled and the fire was knocked down from the exterior. The preliminary cause was thought to be from a lightning strike. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Border Fire for Clifton and Paterson On May 9, 2019, Clifton Engine 2 and Ladder 3 were dispatched to Crooks Avenue for an outside fire. Shortly after, Paterson Fire Department was dispatched to the same area for a building fire. Clifton Engine 2 was first to arrive to heavy fire in between two single-story commercial structures and both cities filled out their working fire assignments. The one exposure was a restaurant which was the scene of a fire last year in which companies needed to force their way through the boarded doors and windows to gain entry. Both departments checked both structures for extension and deemed the fire was contained to the exterior only. Shortly after the scene was handed over to Paterson Fire as it was determined to be on their side of Crooks Avenue. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Quick Work in Teaneck On April 26, 2019, the Teaneck Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on Beverly Road. A second alarm was called bringing Hackensack and Englewood to the scene, while Bergenfield and Ridgefield Park covered. The fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Busy Time in Paterson Paterson firefighters were dispatched to a reported fire on River Street just prior to 0100 on May 6, 2019, on what would become a very busy night. The captain of Engine 5 reported heavy fire showing from the second floor of a large three-story building. Multiple lines were quickly stretched as the trucks opened up and conducted searches and a second alarm was struck. Comanies appeared to be making progress and the main body of fire appeared to be knocked down. Deputy Chief Calamita took over command and reported heavy fire once again showing from the second floor. At 0125, crews reported heavy fire in the cockloft and top floor forcing command to evacuate the building. Heavy fire raced across the cockloft and dropped down into the third and second floors as crews experienced water pressure issues. Besides the water problems, access to the rear was restricted due to the building was built up against the Passaic River. Several collapses occurred, one which destroyed a vehicle when a large section of the front wall fell outward. At 0400 command reported all companies still working but making progress. The fire was placed under control just before 0630. During this fire, both mutual aid and Paterson units responded to two additional fires. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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The 21st Annual NJEPA Conference, Another One in the Books! The 2019 Annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference wrapped up on May 3, 2019, and was quite a success. Over 400 attendees took advantage of training on the first day alone, so the conference was off to a fast start. With over 1100 attendees, in excess of 50 training sessions, 40-plus breakout sessions, several networking events and a bustling exhibit hall, there was always something to see, do or learn during the weeklong conference. Some of the highlights of the week included several awards. Two Jonathan Young Scholarships were awarded to Karen Garcia from Bridgeton, New Jersey,and Sara Koch from Brick, New Jersey. The Kevin Tuno Emergency Manager of the Year Award was presented to Kelly Higgs. In addition, Atlantic City Electric used the Ccnference as a backdrop to present their Merit of Excellence Award to Michael Brandenberger, one of NJEPA’s volunteers and Galloway Township Emergency Management. Tuesday afternoon, the conference hosted the second Young Professional Event, intended for those under 40 to have an opportunity to hear from some of the State’s seasoned professionals in Emergency Management and be given an opportunity to speak with them one-on-one, hopefully forging relationships that will benefit them throughout their career. Friday morning, along with breakout sessions, the Association hosted a presentation by the Coral Springs Police Department on the Preparation, Lessons Learned and the Aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas School shootings. It was also announced that the 2020 Conference will take place May 4 to 8, 2020, at a new venue, Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center. This new location will allow the Association to include a large vehicle display as part of the exhibit hall package. For additional information on exhibiting opportunities, please contact sponsors@njepa.org.
Girl Scouts Visit Clifton On April 8, 2019, the crew of Engine 6 met with local Girl Scout troop 96357. - Fire News photos by Ron Laune, CFD
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Dempsey Honored at AC Valor Awards The Atlantic County Firefighters Association in conjunction with Atlantic County and New Jersey Government held their 28th Annual Harold ‘Whitey’ Swartz valor awards and 50 year recognition ceremony April 17, 2019, at the Canale Fire Training Center in Egg Harbor Township to an SRO audience. The guests, recipients, family and firefighters were welcomed by Chief Daniel Adams of the City of Margate Fire Department who hosted the event followed by remarks by Association Charles ‘Chick’ Kisby then Association Chairman Howard Berchtold, Jr., who introduced Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson who, in turn, introduced members of the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. At the end of the presentations, the family of Natalie Dempsey, the Mizpah firefighter who died in the line of duty on Christmas Day 2018 was invited to the lobby of the training center where her name was added to the “Tree of Fallen Heroes” by ACFFA President Kisby. The tree was installed in 2007 to honor Atlantic County First Responders who died in the line of duty. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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ACFA Awards The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their 28th Annual Harold ‘Whitey’ Swartz Valor Awards and 50 year recognition ceremony April 17, 2019, at the Canale Fire Training Center in Egg Harbor Township to a standing room only audience. (Left): A Class I Award was presented to Firefighter (ret.) Ernie Tarsitano of the City of Ventnor Fire Department for a save on July 26, 2018. (Top): A Unit Citation was presented to Town of Hammonton Fire Department members Captain Jim Day, Chief Sean Macri, Lieutenant Tim Kelly, Captain A.J. Berenato, and Firefighter Ryan Finn (Hammonton Police Department Dispatcher & AtlantiCare EMT) for a CPR save of a firefighter on February 14, 2018. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Passaic 3-Alarm Commercial Fire
On April 17, 2019, the Passaic Fire Department was dispatched for a commercial structure fire on 8th Street. Companies arrived to a moderate smoke condition from a large, single-story commercial building that produces mattresses. Command immediately requested a second alarm. Due to a heavy fire load, crews evacuated the structure for approximately 15 minutes to go defensive before re-entering. The fire eventually reached three-alarms, bringing companies from Wallington and Carlstadt to the scene, along with Wayne, Little Falls, Rutherford and East Rutherford for station coverage. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Making Sure All is Ready Recently, the New Milford Fire Company 1 HazMat team members were doing their bimonthly check of the company’s Squad Unit 36 and decon trailer. New Milford Fire Company 1 is one of the few departments in Bergen County that has a fully portable decon system. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
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Operation Dreamlift On May 7, 2019, the Mercer County Chapter Sunshine Foundation held its 98th Operation Dreamlift. The Sunshine Foundation provides Dreamlifts, a one-day excursion to Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park, for around 100 kids who are chronically ill and physically challenged. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 23
Firehouse Kitchen With Host Ray Cooney
The Pride of Chicken Salad According to the pride of Sheffield Avenue’s, Joe Walsh, from Engine 290 in East New York, Brooklyn, Engine 290 is the best engine in the FDNY. They put out “millions” of fires a year and respond within seconds of the alarms. Yes, this is what I hear from the great Joe Walsh who has appeared on Firehouse Kitchen. Joe loves to put me — and every other borough besides Brooklyn — down. This is Joe’s second time on the show, yet, as you should know by now, I have a way of dishing it right back. I can bust chops, about Brooklyn, with the best of them. Joe’s meal was “Brooklyn Chicken Salad.” My comment was, “Wow, I guess that’s how you Brooklyn guys eat chicken. Us Queens firefighters like to bake it and eat it off the bone like real men.” This started a lot of unmentionable banter between Joe and I and some great lines that Joe said, and I quote, “Is Staten Island a paid fire department?” “If you look over the horizon and see smoke, that’s Brooklyn”, and so on. One funny mentionable comment from this
episode was during the promotion of my new wine. It supports fire fighter charities. It’s called Smoke Eater Wine — First Due Red. Its symbol is a fire helmet. My partner on the show, Gerard, from Ladder 143, turned me on to this wine because it’s going to support “Fired Up for a Cure,” an FDNY 9/11 charity. The funny mentionable was when Joe made a comment towards Kirkland (Costco) chicken salad and Gerard was in the background waving his hands furiously at the thought that Joe might insult a possible carrier of the wine. From that point on, Joe made an exaggerated point of mentioning every Kirkland (Costco) product he was using in his chicken salad. Of course, everything that Engine 290 does is unbelievable, including Joe’s chicken salad. On a serious note. Engine 290 is a highly respected company, no matter what any Queen’s guy may say. The camaraderie in that firehouse is what the FDNY is all about. On a side note, Firehouse Kitchen can now be found on bingenetwork.com (seasons 1-5).
BROOKLYN CHICKEN SALAD 1 baked chicken 3 stalks of chopped celery 1/2 cup mayonnaise (add more to your liking) Salt and pepper to taste Teaspoon of granulated garlic Tablespoon of spicy brown mustard Shred chicken in bowl, add all other ingredients. Mix and chill in refrigerator for an hour. Enjoy over a plate of lettuce or on a roll with lettuce and tomato.
To find out more about Smoke Eater wine and where you can purchase it, go to smokeeaterwine.com. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or email me at firehousekitchentv@gmail.com.
Page 24, Fire News, July 2019
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Spring FF1 Underway
Glass Oven Fire
The spring FF1 training is underway at Atlantic County’s Anthony ‘Tony’ Canale Fire Training Center. Firefighter trainees were schooled in the various types and uses of fire extinguishers then were given hands-on training. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to Ardagh Glass on East Avenue on April 17, 2019, for a report of black smoke coming from one of the cokers. Firefighters arrived on the scene and were informed the fire was knocked down by employees. Firefighters investigated and extinguished the remaining fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 25
Up Close & Personal
Firefighter Patrick Thomas and family of Bloomfield. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Deputy Chief Sbarra of the Belleville Fire Department presented an Autism Awareness Class for the entire Clifton Fire Department. - Fire News photo by Ron Laube; CFD (Left): Chief McNamara at the command post during a threealarm fire involving multiple dwellings on Franklin Street. - Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com
(Right): Congratulations to Farmington Volunteer Fire Company's Charles Harlan who won the Atlantic City Hospitality Chairman's award for Best Atlantic City security guard. Charlie was selected from over several hundred applicants. Charlie is the Fire Police Chief for Farmington and is a Sergeant-atArms for the Atlantic County Firefighters Association. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
(Left): Evesham Chief of Department Carl Bittenbender at an all-hands fire on Monday, April 1, 2019. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
(Right): Hightstown Engine Company 1 Assistant Chief Chad Reed operating their ladder at a fire on Sloane Court on May 11, 2019. - Fire News photo by Amy Batista
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YOU SPOKE ... WE LISTENED CHANGES COMING FOR FIREHOUSE WORLD 2020 Here at Firehouse World we continually strive to bring together industry professionals through best in class educational content, and connect buyers and sellers on our exhibit floor. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our offerings and provide maximum ROI for our exhibitors and sponsors. Planning for Firehouse World 2020 has started, and we are excited to share with you just some of the changes and developments you can expect to see next year. Location: In 2020, Firehouse World will move to Las Vegas, Nevada. Vegas is a popular destination which will attract a great audience. We are already in discussions with the fire departments in the region, who are enthusiastic to partner with us and create a great event for the fire service industry. Event Dates: Firehouse World will be held February 24-27, 2020. This change will help decrease conflicts for attendees, exhibitors and speakers who may have other events on their schedule. Exhibit Hall Dates: We will be moving back to a two-day exhibit schedule in 2020, with exhibits on February 25 and 26. The feedback we received indicated that you felt a two-day exhibit schedule works best. Conferences: We will be making changes to our traditional conference program, including shorter educational sessions, and adding demonstrations to draw more attendees to the exhibit floor. Exhibitors will have more opportunities to offer product demonstrations on the show floor, allowing for more hands-on-training and indirect product marketing through education.
Marketing Strategies: In 2020, we will be making changes to our marketing strategies to boost attendance and create more engagement on the show floor, including offering additional activities such as more and larger product demos, partnership programs and improved exhibitor tool kits to market the event. Firehouse World 2020 also brings with it changes to the management team. Sue Ralston, Vice President of Operations, joined the team this year. She is looking forward to planning the event from the beginning and brings a wealth of experience to the operations-side of the business, which will be reflected in improved exhibitor communications, customer service and on-site experience. As a result of Endeavor Business Media’s acquisition of PennWell Corporation, the Firehouse Marketing Team has now added additional members with a proven record of growing attendance at large fire service events. We are excited about the changes for Firehouse World 2020 and hope you will be as well. Please visit us online at www.FirehouseWorld.com for event updates. If you have any feedback from Firehouse World 2019 or comments of what you’d like to see in 2020, please contact the Firehouse World Team.
DANA SHAFFER JOINS SUPER VAC AND COMMAND LIGHT AS THE BRANDS’ NEW NORTHEAST SALES MANAGER
Dana Shaffer joins Super Vac and Command Light as the brands’ new Northeast Sales Manager. He brings more than 17 years of experience in the fire equipment industry, representing brands like MSA, Lion Fire Gear, Res-Q-Jack and Hurst Jaws of Life as part of Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co. Shaffer now represents Super Vac’s expansive lineup of ventilation equipment, as well as Command Light’s array of scene lighting products. The Super Vacuum Manufacturing brands on-boarded Shaffer earlier in the year. With the arrival of his demo truck this April, Shaffer has hit the ground running. Shaffer also brings 20 years of fire service in the Bloomsburg, Pa., area, where he currently resides. Shaffer is experience in auto extrication, engine operations, ladder response and heavy rescue, as well as specialize rescues, like RIT team, hazard material and low- and medium-angle rope operations. During his time volunteering with the Epsy Fire Department, he held various positions and currently is the Rescue Chief. Shaffer has a background in heavy equipment operation and repair. “Not only does Dana bring a wealth of knowledge to our team, but he’s well respected among industry peers and brings an enthusiasm that truly is contagious,” says Roger Weinmeister, President of Super Vac and Command Light. Shaffer says it’s an exciting time to join these two brands. “With Super Vac’s new DeWalt- and Milwaukee-battery powered fans, the demo requests are rolling in, and I love demos. I really enjoy rolling up my sleeves to work and train with customers. And then there’s Command Light’s tower giveaway, which kicked off at FDIC. The
giveaway encourages departments to see our products in action for a chance to win a Shadow Series tower. There’s nothing like a live demo that lets you compare truck-mounted lights to a Command Light tower. In the end, I love working with new departments and companies every day, and just these two initiatives alone have me busy doing just that.” Shaffer can be reached via email at danas@supervac.com or danas@commandlight.com, or via cell phone at 970-420-1964. To meet Super Vac and Command Lights full sales team, visit supervac.com/sales-support or commandlight.com/sales-support. For more information on Super Vac’s new battery fan, visit supervac.com/battery-powered-ppv, and for details on the light tower giveaway, check out commandlight.com/light-tower-giveaway. About Super Vac – Super Vac is the world’s leading manufacturer in the emergency ventilation products. A one-stop shop for all things ventilation, Super Vac equips crews with a versatile array of only the toughest solutions, including the industry’s largest lineup of PPV fans, as well as smoke ejectors. Super Vac also manufactures rescue saws, rehab misters and other necessities, including the patented Smoke BlockAid for smoke mitigation. About Command Light – Command Light, of Fort Collins, CO, specializes in scene lighting for the emergency industry and features the best light towers, compact scene lighting, traffic flow boards and other safety lighting products.
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Fire News, July 2019, Page 27
Cover Story
Bleve at Ridgefield ParkBogota Pickup Fire Just before 0900 on April 4, 2019, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department was dispatched on a verbal alarm from a DPW worker of a truck fire on Railroad Avenue under the Route 80 bridge. The Bogota Fire Department also received calls as the location was right on the border. Units arrived to find a fully involved pickup truck. Shortly after arrival the gasoline tank suffered a bleve and burning gasoline started running down the street but this was quickly extinguished. The truck also had a diesel fuel tank with a manual pump mounted in the pickup bed which fed the fire. A water line and a foam line were used to extinguish the fire in under 10 minutes with no injuries, although the truck was a total loss. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Underpass Car Fire
On April 12, 2019, Clifton Engines 6 and 2, and Truck 2 were dis- bound was completely shut down while crews extinguished the fire. patched to Valley Road under the overpass for Route 46 for a Truck 2 assisted in cutting the hood and assisted with overhaul. reported car fire. Engine 6 reported a heavy smoke condition show- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti ing from under the bridge and stretched a line. Valley Road south-
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Ridgefield Park Car Fire
On the morning of May 18, 2019, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department was alerted for a reported a car fire on Interstate 95 south. Units arrived to a fully involved vehicle, and a handline was put into operation and quickly knocked down the main body of fire. A ruptured fuel tank and magnesium body parts made extinguishment difficult as the fire flared up several times until being placed under control in 15 minutes. The driver was evaluated by EMS. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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West Paterson Gets New Rescue
On April 15, 2019, the West Paterson Fire Department received their new 2018 Pierce Enforcer Heavy Rescue. This apparatus features a Detroit DD13 505-hp engine, Akron valves, Onan 35-kw generator, Whelen lighting, and seating for six. The department held a parade throughout the township, ending at Station 1 to welcome the new apparatus. This unit will replace a 1997 Simon Duplex Rescue. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti