The Ridgewood FD was dispatched to a house fire with heavy fire in the rear of the the two-story structure.
See story on page 4
Egg Harbor Crews
Handle Porch Fire
Departments responded for a fire under the front porch of a singlefamily wood frame structure.
See story on page 8
House Fire Explosion Injures Firefighters
Aworking house fire, extended to the second floor and there was an explosion in the rear of the home .
See story on page 18
Truck and Car Collide, Driver Trapped in Cologne
Multiple departments responded to for a report of an MVA with entrapment. Obituary
See story on page 27
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Woman Transported from Ridgewood House Fire
On April 1, 2025, at 1530 hours the Ridgewood Fire Department was dispatched to a reported house fire on Norgate Drive. On arrival, heavy smoke was showing from the two-story frame dwelling and command reported heavy fire in the rear. An elderly female was able to escape before arrival of the crews and was trans-
ported to the hospital forinjuries. Asecond alarm was transmitted bringing off-duty members and mutual aid to the scene. Several lines were put into operation as the roof was opened and the fire was placed undercontrol in just overan hour.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Paterson 5 Alarm Basement Fire
The Paterson Fire Departments battled a five-alarm fire in the basement of a furniture/mattress store on Market Street on April 13, 2025.
- Fire News photos by Ronald Bombaro
The Paterson Fire companies responded to McBride Avenue and Woodland Park foran early morning fire on March 14, 2025. Units arrived to heavy fire in the rearof a residential-overcommercial building with multiple occupants trapped. The fire quickly reached three alarms as multiple rescues were made from the second floor. The heavy fire continued and consumed the building; the attack was transitioned to defensive to knock down the heavy fire. Units remained on scene foroverthree hours before placing the incident undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Egg HarborCrews Handle Porch Fire
The volunteerfire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Rally Road on April 20, 2025 at 1642 hours, fora report of a structure fire. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe established command. Upon investigating, command discovered a fire underthe front porch of a single-family wood frame structure. Upon the arrival of firefighters, command had them sweep away leaves from in front of the porch and use various tools to reach the seat of the fire. Once this was accomplished, boosterhoses were used to wet down the area.
-
Fire News photos by Ken Badger
USPS Truck Up in Flames in Egg Harbor
The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department, responded to the intersection of Fire and Tilton Roads on May 17, 2025, fora report of a vehicle fire. Firefighters arrived to find a mail truck on fire. The fire was contained to the engine compartment.
- Submitted by Brandon Parker
Milk Truck Fire in Flanders
The Mount Olive Fire companies (Flanders and Budd Lake) responded to Route 206 and Drakesdale Road in Flanders fora semi-truck on fire in the truck’s rearbrake area. Upon arrival, Cars 90 and 52 reported the wellinvolved rearof the truck carrying milk. Engine 95 stretched a line and started knocking down the fire as Tender57 and Engine 59 arrived. Crews worked foraround a halfhourto bring the fire undercontro - Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Elmwood Park Garage a Total Loss
At approximately 1345 hours on April 27, 2025, the Elmwood Park Fire Department responded to numerous calls reporting a fire in the area of Philip Avenue and River Drive. Crews could see a large column of smoke from the area and, on arrival, found a large two-cargarage fully involved. Asecond alarm was immediately requested as the fire was already extending to two sheds and a dwelling. Within 10 minutes the roof of the garage collapsed. With multiple lines in operation, the main body of fire was knocked down in 30 minutes. Afoam operation was put into service due to leaking gasoline from one of the vehicles involved which kept re-igniting. The garage was a total loss, the home sustained heavy exteriordamage on the B/C cornerand the two sheds were also damaged.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti
Toms RiverHome
Heavily Damaged
On March 14, 2025, all Toms RiverFire companies responded to a residence on Jane Court fora house fire. Units arrived to the rearof a two-story home that was well involved. Atransitional attack was utilized to knock down heavy fire on the exteriorof the home while dousing the flames in the interior. Units worked on scene fornearly an hourbefore placing the fire undercontrol.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
ExteriorHouse Fire with No Expansion in Cardiff
Firey Crash in Front of Budd Lake Fire Station
On April 30, 2025, a carlost control and hit a utility pole in front of the Budd Lake fire station. Afterthe drivergot out of the car, the carstarted burning. Engine 59 was driven out of the bay and a line was stretched. The EMS crew checked out the driverand found no injuries. The fire was quickly extinguished and the powercompany and Verizon arrived to restore service.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
The volunteerfire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown Fire Departments were dispatched to Tremont Avenue on April 17, 2025 at 1644 hours, fora report of a structure fire. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe established command, and located a fire on the A side exteriorof a single-story single-family wood frame dwelling. Upon arrival of firefighters, command had the interiorof the home checked forextension and the vinyl siding removed to check for extension.
- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Cardiff Single-CarMVA
The volunteerfire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Westcoat Road just east of the Parkway at 0125 hours on May 13, 2025, foran MVA. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe established command fora single-vehicle crash into the woods. Cardiff Chief William Danz III assumed rescue command and had the crews from Rescue 1517 and Engine 1512 light the scene and use cutters and spreaders to extract the single occupant who was then turned overto EMS fortransport to Atlantic City Medical Center. The cause of the crash was underinvestigation by the Egg HarborTownship Police.
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
MVARollover; Strikes Utility Pole in Cologne
The volunteerfire companies of Cologne and Mays Landing from the Township of Hamilton Fire Department in Atlantic County responded on March 30, 2025 at 1534 hours, to New York Avenue between Harding Highway and West Jersey Avenue fora report of an MVAwith a rollover. Cologne Assistant Chief OmarMerced established command and confirmed a single-vehicle crash with rolloverand one occupant out of the vehicle and in need of medical attention. Command also advised of a snapped utility pole and requested a response from Atlantic City Electric. Township of Hamilton EMS treated the vehicle’s occupant and transported the person. Command had arriving firefighters disable the vehicle’s battery and stood by until the vehicle was removed. Township of Hamilton Police were investigating the cause of the crash.
- Fire News photo by Ken and Cindy Badger
House Fire Explosion Injures Firefighters
The Pequannock Fire Department along with Wayne Fire companies 5 and 4, and the Lincoln Park Fire Department responded to Madison Street fora working house fire. Crews had fire in the rear of the home that extended to the second floorwith fire through the roof. Crews fighting the fire heard an explosion in the rearof the home which resulted in minorinjuries to a few firefighters. Firefighters were able to rescue multiple lizard aquariums.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
NJ EMS Task Force Prez Says Organization is Searching for Sustainable Funding
NJ EMS Task Force co-founder and President Michael J. Bascom told members of the ground-breaking state-wide emergency medical services organization that it is fighting for long-term survival and is pressing state officials for sustainable funding.
At the organization’s annual meeting held May 6, 2025, at the Hamilton Fire Company in Neptune, Bascom said there was, “No way that New Jersey could be considered prepared without our resources and our structure.”
The organization, founded in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, consists of more than 200 career and volunteer EMS providers from 60 host agencies across the state who respond to large-scale disasters in the state. Since its founding, the NJEMSTF has been funded by donations, grants, and the New Jersey Department of Health.
The NJEMSTF launched as a mass casualty response team 21 years ago but rapidly expanded into developing statewide plans for evacuating healthcare facilities, supporting the NJ Forest Fire Service, coordinating EMS for the Super Bowl and a papal visit, distributing vaccines and tests during the Covid pandemic, and preparing for upcoming FIFAWorld Cup tournaments.
During 2024, Bascom said the team contributed more than 11,000 people hours across 420 critical responses and over 200 deployments. The team added over 50 new members, certified more than 260 Mental Health Resilience Officers, and rolled out Large Scale Incident Awareness training. He also said the NJEMSTF added 15 new physicians to the team and updated port security, passenger rail, and staging management plans.
“But despite the success, we are, quite frankly, fighting to survive,” Bascom told attendees. “The enemy? Not a person or a group, but the ever-slippery concept of sustainable funding. There’s plenty of support from the Department of Health and our legislators, but turning that support into long-term dollars? That's where things have been tricky.”
Bascom said federal cuts are making the situation even more complex to navigate. He said the NJEMSTF board, module managers, and a consultant are working hard to find funding.
“What we do know is this: We remain the national model program,” Bascom said. “Other states are taking notes and working off our model to secure funding. This gives us hope for the future.”
The dinner meeting included presentations by New Jersey State Police Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Dana Johnson, assistant commissioner at the NJ Department of Health, NJEMSTF Vice President Jennifer McCarthy, and NJEMSTF board members Dr. David Adinaro and Dr. James Pruden. Callahan praised the NJ EMS Task Force, saying it stands for renewal and hope.
“You know what people do around the country? They look to NJ, they look to the EMS Task Force, they look to OEM, they look to women and men, who put others before themselves,” Callahan said.
“If tomorrow, the most atrocious tragedy happens in the state of New Jersey, or around the world, you know who is going to raise their hand? Every single one of you in this room, including me,” Callahan said. “For the sustainability of this Task Force, personally and professionally, I will back that until I no longer have a breath to do that, and I trust that 30 years from now, we’ll be at this dinner, touting what we’ve done in the last 30 years because of you and the women and men you pass that torch to.”
Bascom told the team they were the best of the best.
“You are tested, trusted, and totally unflappable,” Bascom said. “You come from all different backgrounds, but share core traits - professionalism, dedication, loyalty, and an uncanny ability to be where you’re needed most, exactly when you’re needed.” - Submitted by Richard Huff
Saddle Brook Home Heavily Damaged
Saddle Brook crews were alerted foran escalating house fire on John Ochs Drive just before 1630 hours on April 28, 2025. The patio furniture was on fire in the rearyard, and minutes laterthe fire was updated to a reardeck on fire. On arrival, command reported a large two-story home with heavy fire conditions and requested a second alarm. Companies attempted an interiorattack but were quickly forced out by the heavy fire and transitioned to a defensive attack. Heavy fire roared out the roof and second floor windows but, with several exteriorstreams and a towerladder, the main body of fire was knocked down in less than 20 minutes with no extension to any exposures. Crews were able to re-enterthe home to overhaul and hit pockets of fire on all floors, including the base-
Thank You ForGoing the Distance
Over the years, the NJEPAConference has grown into a cornerstone event for emergency management professionals across New Jersey and beyond. What started as a regional gathering has evolved into a national - and even international - forum for collaboration, learning, and progress in the field. Whether your focus is preparedness, response, recovery, or mitigation, your presence and participation helped drive meaningful conversations and shared learning across all facets of emergency management.
This year’s conference continued that tradition, bringing together a diverse and dedicated group of professionals representing local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; private sector partners; academic institutions; and emergency services from across the country. We were proud to welcome attendees not only from all corners of New Jersey but also from dozens of states and several international partners, all united by a shared commitment to preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation.
Your willingness to travel, engage, and contribute-whether as a presenter, exhibitor, or participant-demonstrates the strength and resilience of our community. Year after year, NJEPAattendees prove that emergency management is a discipline without borders. Your presence reaffirms that building safer, more resilient communities is a mission worth pursuing together, no matter the distance.
We’re incredibly grateful to all who made NJEPA2025 a success and helped carry forward the momentum built over the past three decades.
Save the Date: NJEPA2026 will be held April 20-24, 2026, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Thank you for your continued support, and for proving that when it comes to emergency readiness, there are no limits.
ment. Despite the conditions on arrival, the fire was brought under control in about an hour.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo and Mark Rosetti
U-Turn Gone Bad in Budd Lake
On May 1, 2025, a dump truck lost control making a U-turn on Route 46 in Budd Lake and rolled over. The truck was on its side and lost its load of stone in the centerisland. Rescue 55 cars 50, 51 and 52 stood by as the tow company uprighted the truck. Crews attended to some small fluid spills. The driver was not hurt. NJ DOTwas on scene assisting with the cleanup of the stone.
- Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
Teaneck firefighters were called to Bilton Street on April 21, 2025, forreports of a carfire neara home. While en route, the deputy chief reported a heavy smoke condition in the area. On arrival, command reported a fully involved carfire in the driveway adjacent to the 1-1/2 story frame dwelling with extension. Mutual aid companies were requested to coverfire headquarters as units on the scene quickly stretched lines, knocking down the heavy fire and preventing extension into the structure which only sustained minordamage to the exterior. The fire was placed undercontrol in 20 minutes.
- Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Quick Stop on Car Fire in Driveway
NJ State Firefighters President’s Report
NEWJERSEYSTATE FIREFIGHTER'S ASSOCIATION
(Dba New Jersey State Firemen’s Association)
1711 Route 34 • Wall Township, New Jersey 07727-3934
Robert F. Ordway President’s Informational Report - 05/07/2025
Please use this report at your meetings to supplement what you receive from your Executive Committeeperson and the NJSFAState Office.
1. Siblings has been added to the compendium as a possible receiver of the Burial Benefit Funds. The Burial benefit has been raised to $12,400.00 for fully qualified members and Line of Duty to $37,200. Please send all paperwork, a copy of the final funeral bill and the Certified Death Notice to our office. All documents can now be scanned and emailed to LocalReports@Njsfa.com.
2. The Application for Membership, once it is completed in full, can now be emailed to our office at LocalReports@Njsfa.com.
3. On May 1st, $12,386,000 was wired to the New Jersey Firemen’s Home for their 20252026 budget year.
4. On May 15th, the 2024 insurance funds will be wired to the 535 Local Associations. The basic split will remain the same as last year68%/32%, with an additional amount held back based on the year-end balance of the Local Association treasury.
a. Percentage on prior year end balance withheld varies
i. $0 to $500,000 - 0% (390 Associations)
ii. $500,000 to $2,000,000 - 1% (128 Associations)
iii. $2,000,000 to $3,500,000 - 2% (14 Associations)
iv. $3,500,000 to $9,999,999 - 4% (3 Associations)
b. 48 Associations will receive Subsidy - P/Y Balance less than $57,500, and original check amount less than $20,000 (minus $30.50 filing fee)
c. Total amount going to the field $17,568,095.07, an increase of $1,154,915.30
over last year.
5. The payment scale for Delegates & Life Members to attend the 2025 Convention was approved and will be mailed out shortly. It is also available online on the forms tab. There will be one badge this year for both Delegates and life Members instead of two separate badges.
6. The Redbooks for the 2024 Convention are being mailed out this week and are now available on our website. Visit us on the web at www.njsfa.com
7. As of today, one Association is not seated for the convention for failure to get a report in on time.
8. 2025 Convention – We are currently scheduling the 2025 Convention to be a two-day Convention on Friday, 9/12 and Saturday, 9/13. Friday will be the Memorial Service and all business/reports. Saturday will be for walkthrough voting only – no meeting will be held on Saturday. Delegate cards and information will be mailed out June/July.
a. Friday, 9/12 - Registration from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Meeting & Memorial service will start at 11:00 a.m.
b. Saturday, 9/13 – Registration and voting from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Suggested voting times by County will be distributed.
9. The September Executive Committee Meeting has been changed to September 6th and will be held in the Wall Township office.
10. County Caucuses will be regular meeting type Caucuses. Contact your Executive Committeeperson for any questions on your County’s Caucus. Check our website for the date and starting times of your County’s Caucus. Delegates and Life Members attending the County Caucuses will be electing your Executive Committeeperson and for five counties, your NJ Firemen’s Home Manager. Because we are having the normal Convention in Wildwood, there will be no payment for attending the Caucus. I repeat, NO ONE GETS PAID FOR JUSTATTENDING THE CAUCUS. As in past years, there will be a $100 penalty for Delegates (or their Alternate) not attending the Caucus. That penalty will be deducted from the funds the Delegates receive for attending Wildwood. At your Caucus, you will be handed a packet of reports and information similar to what you have been receiving for the past few years.
11. We still need to schedule the Field Exam for Morris County and will do so once Route 80 is open again.
12. Jennie Hollingsworth was re-appointed as
our Field Examiner and Frank Cavallo and George Morris were re-appointed as our Counsel and Assistant Counsel
13. Contact us immediately if you are having any problems with any of the online reports or signing on to the password required tabs of our website. Although we beta test everything, we may not catch every issue or problem. That is why we urge you to start the reports as soon as practical/possible. If you wait/procrastinate and there is an issue, you may be out of luck in getting the help you need and still meet the deadlines. The reporting deadlines exist because we must respond to the State of New Jersey and meet their deadlines. Always start the reports early and get them in so your Association is not penalized. There are no appeals on the penalties issued by the Executive Committee.
14. Reports due:
a. The 2nd Quarter Relief Paid report can be done online as soon as you have made your last relief payment for the quarter. Finalizing the report online completes the process and must be done by July 30, 2025.
b. The IRS 990 report is due to the IRS by May 15, 2025. After submitting, a copy of the report or a copy of the IRS receipt of report is due in the NJSFAoffice by June 14, 2025.
15. All records – both for the Secretary and the Treasurer, and all bank books including the checkbook – must be kept in a location in New Jersey. Records, bank books, etc. should not be removed from storage/retention in New Jersey. Visit us on the web at www.njsfa.com. If an Officer lives in an adjacent county to New Jersey and needs to bring documents home for a short period to complete a report, that is acceptable, but documents and records must then be returned ASAPfor storage/retention in New Jersey. Keep this in mind when electing your officers. If an Officer is no longer in the area, it is time to elect a new officer.
16. We will be collecting the 2024 Applications for Relief from all Local Associations at your County Caucus this year. All Relief Apps will be returned to the Local Association after review. Moving forward, every year, we will be collecting the prior year’s Relief Applications at your County Caucus. If you are not able to turn them in the night of your County Caucus, contact your Executive Committeeperson to make other arrangements.
17. We are no longer accepting new Health Care applications for Firefighters in Assisted Living. Those already in the program will continue to receive reimbursement for the care portion of their costs. All other aspects of the Firefighter Health Care program are continuing. The freeze (Continued on next page)
NJ State Firemens President’s Report
(Continued from previous page)
does NOTapply to Home Care or Nursing Homes. Keep sending in Applications for Home Care & Nursing Home care.
18. We are no longer accepting new Health Care applications for Spouses for any aspect of the Health Care program. Any spouse already in the program will continue to receive reimbursement for the care portion of their costs.
19. Any Member who had 0% response for the last five years AND who was not already qualified, has been removed from the roster and they are no longer eligible for any benefits from the local or state Association. This process will continue every year. Use this as a tool to get your nonqualified members to start responding before they end up being removed.
20. All Local Relief Associations that were put under review for Relief Applications or record keeping must have all Applications for Relief reviewed by their Executive Committeeperson before awarding any relief. They must also have their minutes and treasurer’s report reviewed by their Executive Committeeperson after every meeting.
21. Updated online versions of the Secretary, Treasurer, and Trustee’s manual are now available at the Manuals tab on our website.
22. Some members of the Executive Committee want to do away with some of the large mailings. If we do not have the CORRECTemail address listed for your officers, you and they will not receive the information. Please correct or add emails for ALLofficers – not just Secretary & Treasurer. We must have good working emails for ALLFOUR OFFICERS. You cannot use the same email address for all four officers. It is important that we reach your Association officers directly and not just through one person.
23. Members and/or Spouses who are receiving reimbursement through the Health Care Program must submit copies of the bills along with proof of payment within 60 days of the bill/invoice date or they will not be reimbursed.
24. The five Counties electing a manager to a 4year term at their 2025 County Caucus are Atlantic, Bergen, Gloucester, Ocean, and Sussex. Visit us on the web at www.njsfa.com
25. We still need a Manager to represent Salem County. Contact the Salem County Executive Committeeperson or myself if interested.
26. If you have recently forcibly removed a member from your Department that has pled guilty or has been convicted of a crime, and you wish to have that person removed from your Relief Association, contact State Secretary Pelaia to see if the crime fits the criteria for
removal and to be advised of the process for doing so.
27. We review the requirements for Local Associations to receive subsidy funds yearly. Associations receiving subsidy funds are limited to 8% in administrative fees for the year.
28. The limit on the amount your Association can use towards Administrative Expenses will be available online on the draft copy of the 2025 Annual Finance Report. The number will be available in October or November when we initialize the report.
29. We have updated the Document Retention policy and the Allowable Administrative Expense explanation. Those forms are available on our website on the “Forms” tab
30. The NJSFAState Office will be closed Monday, May 26th, Thursday, June 19th, as well as the week of June 30th thru July 4th.
31. Applications for Membership can now be printed off of the website from the Secretary Reports tab, Treasurer Reports tab or the Pres./VP/Chiefs tab. ORIGINALhard copy can now be emailed, mailed in or dropped off to the State Association office. Dispose of any unused older versions of those forms and print them as you need them.
32. The application for Local, Special, & Supplementary Relief is now on one form and is available to be printed from the Forms tab. Dispose of any unused older versions of those forms and print them as you need them.
33. Relief Associations with year-end treasury balances greater than $1,000,000 (one million) will be paying out Special Relief from their local treasury AFTER receiving approval from the State NJSFAAdvisory Committee. For those Associations that were below $1,000,000 (one million) at year-end, the State Office will continue to pay Special Relief if approved by the Advisory Committee. The way you determine the maximum amount of Special Relief is to Calculate $9,000.00 minus your Local Relief level. Your maximum amount of Local Relief must be approved and paid out before or at the time of applying for Special Relief. Maximum Supplemental Relief is still up to four (4) times your Local Relief Level. The maximum Local Relief and Special Relief must be approved and paid before or at the time of applying to the Advisory Committee for approval of Supplemental Relief.
34. An updated Application for Health Care for FIREFIGHTERS is now available to be printed out from the forms tab on our website. Please dispose of all unused older versions and only print them as you need them. This is a reimbursement program assisting with the costs of health care at home, an adult day-care
facility, a rehab facility or if the needs of the Firefighter require a nursing home for care. The care must be received from a licensed caregiver working with a licensed health care firm. The reimbursement is towards the net care cost balance not already being reimbursed from other sources. The funds are paid out from the State Office. This is separate from the Relief program. The reimbursement program begins in the month that the application is date stamped/received in the state office, is fully complete, and is NOTretroactive. The Advisory Committee will still be reviewing all applications and approving same, but the start date will be based on the date the fully completed and correct application is received in the State Office. The eligible active or Qualified Firefighter does not need to live in New Jersey but can make use of the reimbursement program utilizing licensed caregivers/firms in whatever state they reside. We recommend using established Health Care Companies that have a recognized history of providing the proper care for your members that need this type of service. The Executive Committee has adopted a scaled payment schedule based on the amount of qualifying time the member has. Home, Adult Day Care, Re-Habilitation
a. 1 month to 11 months qualifying time - reimbursement up to $750/month
b. 12 months to 23 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $1,500/month
c. 24 months to 35 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $2,250/month
d. 36 months to 47 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $3,000/month
e. 48 months to 59 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $3,750/month
f. 60 months to 71 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $4,500/month
g. 72 months to 83 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $5,250/month
h. 84 months and greater (fully qualified)reimbursement up to $6,000/month
Nursing Home - 24/7 care in-facility
a. 1 month to 11 months qualifying time - reimbursement up to $1,500/month
b. 12 months to 23 months qualifying time - reimbursement up to $3,000/month
c. 24 months to 35 months qualifying time - reimbursement up to $4,500/month
d. 36 months to 47 months qualifying time - reimbursement up to $6,000/month
e. 48 months to 59 months qualifying time -
(Continued on next page)
NJ State Firemens President’s Report
(Continued from previous page)
reimbursement up to $7,500/month
f. 60 months to 71 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $9,000/month
g. 72 months to 83 months qualifying timereimbursement up to $10,500/month
h. 84 months and greater (fully qualified)reimbursement up to $12,000/month
35. Firefighters who are not fully Qualified and are injured in the Line-of-Duty, and are permanently no longer able to respond to alarms, can be granted Qualified status by the Executive Committee. Contact the State Secretary if you have questions on the process and the documentation needed.
36. The allowable age for membership was changed from a maximum age of 45 to a maximum age of 57. If you have any ACTIVE Firefighters, age 57 or less, who are not in the Relief Association, please get that Firefighter to fill out a new application (version REV 9/23), get a physical, and send it in. Newly completed Applications with current physicals must be received in the State Officeprior to the Firefighter turning 58. This is not retroactive and is based on their current age. Qualifying
time will start when the application is received and approved by the State Office and no retroactive time will be granted.
37. Local Association Presidents, Vice Presidents and Chiefs have their own log-in tab on our website and can now submit the Initial Notice of Death form online, just as the Secretary and Treasurer can. If any of the Local Association Officers are having problems signing on to their section of the website or are having problems completing or finalizing reports online, please call the NJSFAState Office immediately so that we can resolve the issue. Visit us on the web at www.njsfa.com 6
38. Treasurers: if your bank is not directly sending copies of your monthly bank statements to us, you can take your copy, get two other officers to sign it as reviewed, and then scan and send it to us at bankstatements@njsfa.com. You can also use LocalReports@njsfa.com. Some of you need tocheck what address they are sending it to since we found that some are still going to Kenilworth and are no longer being forwarded.
39. It is mandatory that the following reports be completed/finalized online. We will no
longer accept paper, faxed, or emailed copies of these reports or forms:
i. All Quarterly Relief Paid Reports. (due by 30 days after the end of a Quarter)
ii. Local Relief Association Officer Listing Report (due by 2/1)
iii. Convention Delegate selection form #104 (due by 5/1)
iv. All Initial Notice of Death forms (#300)
v. All Membership Maintenance forms (#108)
40. It is mandatory that the following reports be completed/finalized online, printed out, and with all necessary signatures and supporting documents, sent to the State Office. Completed reports with all supporting documentation can be scanned and emailed to LocalReports@NJSFA.com. If you scan and email the reports, you do NOThave to mail in hard copies.
i. Annual Financial Report #200 (due by 2/20)
ii. Annual Membership (percentage) Report #109 (due by 2/28).
Truck and CarCollide, DriverTrapped in Cologne
The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Mays Landing, and Laureldale Fire Departments responded to the Black Horse Pike and Liepzig Avenue on April 1, 2025, at 0933 hours, fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Firefighters arrived and discovered a crash between an auto and an industrial truck with the driverof the industrial truck trapped inside. Firefighters performed a simple doorpop and assisted EMS in the removal of the driver. Afterbeing evaluated by EMS he was packaged and transported. The cause of the crash is underinvestigation by the Township of Hamilton Police.
- Fire News photos by Ken Badger
CarFire in Toms River Quickly Stopped
On March 11, 2025, Toms RiverStation 28 and Island Heights Station 53 battled an engine compartment fire on Garfield Avenue. One line was stretched quickly knocking down the fire and the fire bureau was called forinvestigation.
- Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
2 CarMVAwith 1 Entrapment in Cologne
The volunteerfire companies of Cologne, Laureldale, and Mays Landing fire departments, along with Township of Hamilton EMS and police, responded to Wrangleboro Road and Lombard Street on April 8, 2025, at 1615 hours, fora report of an MVAwith entrapment. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley established command and reported a two-vehicle crash with one entrapped in one vehicle. Firefighters performed a doorpop and quickly extricated the occupant. EMS evaluated the occupants of both vehicles and transported them. The Township of Hamilton Police was investigating the cause of the crash.
- Fire News photo by Ken Badger
FIRE RESCUE SYSTEMS UNVEILS MOBILE MANPOWER READER: AGAME-CHANGINGTOOLFOR REAL-TIME PERSONNELACCOUNTABILITY
Fire Rescue Systems, a leading provider of cutting-edge software solutions for fire departments nationwide, proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation: the Mobile Manpower Reader. This robust, real-time accountability tool is designed to revolutionize how fire departments track, monitor and manage personnel while on the scene.
With 45 years of experience supporting first responders, Fire Rescue Systems developed the Mobile Manpower Reader in direct response to the evolving needs of modern fire departments. The Mobile Manpower Reader integrates seamlessly with Fire Rescue Systems’existing Dispatch and Roster & Attendance applications and provides instant visibility into crew availability and qualifications-anytime, anywhere.
Key Features:
• Real-Time Personnel Tracking: View who is on-scene, their status and their qualifications from any mobile device.
• Mobile-Optimized: Designed for tablets and smartphones, providing operational agility during critical incidents.
The Mobile Manpower Reader is not just an enhancement-it’s a force multiplier. In emergency response, every second counts. This tool ensures decision-makers have the manpower data they need right at their fingertips, improving safety and operational efficiency. Whether for career or volunteer departments, the application is built to scale and adapt.
• Automated Accountability: Instantly update and share manpower rosters across units and command.
• Easy Integration: Works with Fire Rescue Systems’Dispatch and Roster & Attendance modules.
Fire Rescue Systems will be showcasing the Mobile Manpower Reader at upcoming industry expos and offers demos by request.
About Fire Rescue Systems:
Headquartered in Hauppauge, NY, Fire Rescue Systems has been providing software solutions to fire departments since 1980. Its suite of applications helps departments streamline operations, enhance communication, and improve responder safety. For more information or to request a demo, visit: https://www.firerescuesystems.com
MOTLEY CREWS OF THE MONTH
Independent
Metuchen Fire Department Deputy Chief Leonard Drumetski operating at the scene of a house fire on Main Street in Metuchen on April 26, 2025.Submitted by Michael Ratcliffe
EHTEMTs Lavigne and Steinthal with EHT’s newest ambulance, R-15-7.
Members of New Milford Tower31 being instructed by Deputy Chief Dave Stormer of New Milford on theirassignment at a recent mutual aid structure fire.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
The crew of Dumont Fire Department
Hose Company Engine 5.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
The City of Englewood Truck Company 2 - 4th Platoon after operating at a third alarm structure fire on mutual aid.
- Fire News photo by Chris Denton
- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
City of Pleasantville’s Leroy Borden
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of ourbeloved formerFire Chief, Leroy Borden. Chief Borden devoted his life to the City of Pleasantville, serving with honor, pride, and unwavering commitment for38 years. Hired in 1971, he rose through the ranks of the Pleasantville Fire Department and was appointed Fire Chief in 1992. Fornearly two decades, he led the department with integrity, passion, and a deep sense of responsibility to both his firefighters and the community he loved. His leadership helped shape the department into what it is today, and his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the generations of firefighters he mentored. Chief Borden will foreverremain a part of the Pleasantville Fire Department’s history and heart. We thank him forhis lifetime of service to our city and extend ourdeepest condolences to his family, who shared in the sacrifices and supported him throughout his long and honorable career. Rest easy, Chiefwe’ll take it from here.
- Fire News photos by Pleasantville FD Archives, Submitted by Eric Moran
