Crews responded to their public works complex for a report of a garbage truck on fire.
See story on page 4
Woodland Park Car Fire Extends to 2 Houses
Firefighters were dispatched to a involved car fire in the driveway between two houses.
See story on page 7
4 Companies Respond to a House Fire
Water tenders were used to attack a structure fire in a family dwelling set back off a long driveway.
See story on page 9
Bucket Truck Crashes into a Tree in Budd Lake
A truck crashed into a tree, trapping the driver who had to be airlifted to Morristown Medical Center.
See story on page 12
Pleasant Plains Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Festivities for their 100th Anniversary included an open house and parade.
See story on page 22
Monmouth County Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Fire service personnel pause to remember those who answered the final call with bravery.
See story on page 27
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Close & Personal
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Fire Suppression System Stops Front Porch Fire
The Cologne, Laureldale,and Mays Landing companies responded to Bluebird Circle in the Timber Glen Development on May 4, 2026, for a report of a structure fire with flames showing. Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley arrived, established command for a fire in a unit in a townhouse complex. Upon investigating, command reported the fire suppression system of the building had activated and contained the fire to the area of origin on the front porch. Chief Tilley and Mays Landing Safety Officer Frank Robey removed the damaged siding to check for extension.
– Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Town Bank House Fire Calls in Multiple Fire Companies
The Town Bank Volunteer Fire Company, along with mutual aid companies from Erma, Villas and Rio Grande, were dispatched to the 600 block of Town Bank Road for a reported residential structure fire. There were reports of a possible entrapment within the dwelling. Crews initiated an aggressive interior attack while additional crews conducted primary and secondary searches along with ventilation operations. During the primary search, it was reported all clear and all occupants were confirmed safely out of the building. The second alarm called multiple crews from surrounding towns to assist. – Fire News photo by Robert Newkirk
Garbage Truck Cab Fully Involved
Bargaintown and Cardiff crews responded to their public works complex on Mill Road on May 29, 2026, for a report of a garbage truck on fire against the building. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived, and had the first arriving Bargaintown crew pull preconnects and attack the fire. Second-due Cardiff Engine’s crew assisted by protecting the exposure. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
– Fire News photo by Chief Eugene Sharpe
House Fire Calls For 45 Firefighters
On May 17, 2026, the Middletown Township Fire Department was dispatched to a reported deck fire on Lynn Court in the Belford section of Middletown. Firefighters from Belford Engine and the Independent Fire Company of Belford arrived and found a twostory residence with smoke showing from the rear and attic area, prompting the request for an upgraded assignment for a working structure fire. Additional units from the Port Monmouth and Community Fire responded to assist with manpower, while East Keansburg was assigned as the RIT. Approximately 45 firefighters responded to the blaze. Two patients were treated for smoke inhalation and released on scene.
– Submitted by Rob Allen, PIO & photo by Laurie Kegley
Cover Story Warehouse Fire in Belleville Lasts Days
Cape May Restaurant Fire Extends to Outside Bar
Townbank firefighters were dispatched for a report of smoke in the area of Beach Drive in North Cape May. Upon arrival of Chief 61, an out building was found to be fully involved and rapidly spreading to an adjacent tiki bar. A working fire box was transmitted bringing in units from Erma, Villas, Cape May and Rio Grande, along with the Lower Township Fire Official and the Cape May County Fire Marshall’s Office. First arriving units contained the fire to the building of origin with minor extension to the tiki bar.
– Fire News photo by Robert Newkirk
After burning for more than four days, a massive 12-alarm fire in Belleville was finally extinguished but the damage was still being felt by residents and business owners. The blaze, sparked in a mattress factory, then spread to other buildings, taking out dozens of other businesses in the area. An emergency evacuation of area residents also took place. All of this prompted the town OEM to declare a state of emergency. More than 40 departments from across northern New Jersey provided mutual aid at the scene and covering fire houses.
– Submitted by Glenn Duda, Allhandsworking, Ron Bombaro & Peter Danzo
Large Trash Fire in Mays Landing
Mays Landing and Weymouth responded on May 7, 2026, at 1308 hours to Harding Highway for a report of an unauthorized burning. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived, established command, and reported a large pile of trash on fire and requested Mays Landing Engine 1812 for additional water. A backhoe was used to remove the debris so firefighters could completely extinguish the fire. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Woodland Park Car Fire Extends to 2 Houses
West Paterson firefighters were dispatched to Whippany Avenue for a fully involved car fire, in the driveway between two houses which quickly caused damage to both homes.
Car Fully Involved in Pleasantville
On May 1, 2026, the Pleasantville Fire Department was requested for a reported vehicle fire. On arrival, a fully involved vehicle with no exposures was found. No injuries were reported.
– Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
– Fire News photo by Eric Moran
5-Car MVA on I-95 East
On May 8, 2026, the Howell Squankum Fire Company responded to I-95 east for a five-car MVA with a fire. Crews arrived to a fully involved vehicle fire and requested three ambulances for minor injuries. – Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Car Fire on Route 80
Recently, several departments were dispatched to Route 80 west at the border of Mount Olive and Byram Township. Stations Netcong, Byram and Budd Lake responded and quickly put the flames down until the fuel tank broke and foam had to be used. There were no injuries and units cleared within a half hour. – Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
4 Companies Respond to a House Fire in Mays Landing
Mays Landing, Richland, Weymouth and Laureldale responded to Estelle Avenue on May 14, 2026 at 1112 hours for the report of a structure fire. Hamilton Fire Official Chris Debiase arrived to a working structure fire in a family dwelling set back off a long driveway. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived and Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., assumed operations. Mays Landing’s crew began attacking the fire along with the Richland crew. A water supply was established using water tenders and crews provided ventilation, salvage and overhaul. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
– Fire News photos by Ken Badger
New to Them
Seaside Heights Fire Department Water Rescue placed a 2006 Am General into service as Water Rescue 4496.
– Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Pierce Pumper Served Pitman Fire Patrol Co.
This 1981 Ford cab and chassis body built by Pierce Pumper served Engine 2823 for the Pitman Fire Patrol Company. After many years of faithful service, it was retired and is now owned privately by a collector.
– Fire News photo by Chris Denton
Bucket Truck Crashes into Tree in Budd Lake
A truck crashed and rolled over into a tree, trapping the driver on Flanders Drakestown Road in the Budd Lake section of town next to Town Hall. Township police along with Rescue 55 and EMS worked to extract the driver who was airlifted to Morristown Medical Center with unknown injuries. After the driver was removed, Rescue 55 assisted the tow company with getting the truck uprighted and worked with County Hazmat to clean up a fuel spill. Workers also assisted with tree removal and ground cleanup.
– Fire News photos by Kevin Maloney
USCG awards $400 million for Training Center Cape May Enhancements
The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a contract valued at up to $400 million to Whiting Turner Contracting Company for the design and construction of new facilities at Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) in Cape May. This marks the largest shore construction award in Coast Guard history and is part of a broader effort to modernize the service’s only accession point for enlisted personnel.
“This marks a historic milestone in modernizing Training Center Cape May and developing the next generation of Coast Guardsmen” said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Phil Waldron, a former Recruit Company Commander. “By improving living spaces and facilities we are not only bettering the quality of life for recruits, staff and their families, but also enhancing our Service readiness and ensuring the Coast Guard is able to meet the future demands of the Nation.”
Currently, TRACEN Cape May has capacity to train 5,500 recruits annually without relying on temporary modifications. With the realization of the new barracks, the Coast Guard expects to increase its number of annual recruits to more than 8,000 annually by 2030. The WFTCA funding will focus on permanent improvements to support these new targets.
With strong support from the administration and Congress, these investments will directly increase the quantity and quality of the Coast Guard enlisted workforce, supporting all Coast Guard missions, including drug interdiction, maritime border security, search and rescue, navigational safety, and maritime trade.
– Provided by US Coast Guard
Iselin Handles Car Fire at Burlington Parking Lot
Iselin Fire District 9 in Woodbridge was dispatched to the Burlington Store on Green Street for a working vehicle fire in the parking lot. Arriving units encountered restrictions getting to the vehicle due to height restriction beams of a parking garage. – Submitted by WoodbridgeTownshipFirePictures
Cape May County Fire Chiefs Visit Capitol Hill
Members of the Cape May County Fire Chiefs Association (FCA) visited Capitol Hill on May 20, 2026, to meet Congressman Van Drew. During the meeting a wide variety of fire service issues were discussed ranging from fire service grant funding, the National Fire Academy, and local South Jersey issues. The chiefs appreciated Congressman Van Drew and his staff for hosting the meeting. – Submitted by Cape May County FCA
The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Visits the NJ State Firemen’s Home
On a rainy afternoon on April 19, 2026, the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home added a little cheer to the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home with refreshments and entertainment. We started with our monthly meeting with reports on our on-going fundraising drive to raise money for the organization and the plans for our summer picnics, which are coming up in both June and August. We are having a very successful fundraising year and want to say a big thank you to all the fire companies in Bergen County, who are donating to us. If you would like to make a donation to the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, please make checks out to Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association and mail to: BCFHA, C/O Jeff Parma, 277 Harriott Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
- Submitted by Justin Watrel
Dirkes Salvage Yard Calls for Help with Car Fire
Weymouth and Mays Landing responded to Dirkes Auto Parts and and Salvage Yard on Black Horse Pike, on May 9, 2026, at 1247 hours, for a report of a vehicle fire inside the salvage yard.
Laureldale Chief Chris Tilley received a phone call from Dirkes reporting the fire. The vehicle on fire was involved in an MVA the previous day. Weymouth Chief John Carrigan arrived and directed apparatus to the rear of the salvage yard and firefighters extinguished the fire using Weymouth apparatus and Mays Landing’s Water Tender 1819 standing by. – Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Up Close & Personal
the fire expo in Harrisburg on May 16, 2026. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Behind the Scenes at NFFF Memorial
Behind the scenes of the 2026 National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) Memorial, countless volunteers from around the country served in a variety of roles to support the event. More than a dozen representatives of various Garden State fire agencies from as far south as Wildwood, to Summit in the north, served meals to families in attendance. – Submitted by Kelly Gabliks
Rollover and Entrapment in Paterson
Paterson Fire Department operated at an MVA with a rollover and entrapment at Union Avenue and Maitland Avenue.
– Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Pleasant Plains Celebrates 100th Anniversary
On May 16, 2026, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department and residents celebrated their 100th Anniversary with an open house and parade.
– Submitted by Kelly Gabliks
Gouldtown Completes Fire Station Expansion
The Gouldtown Volunteer Fire Company in Cumberland County completed building a new station adjacent to their existing station on Route 49.
– Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Save the Date for the 28th Annual 2027 NJEPA Conference
As the emergency management profession continues to evolve, the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) is focused on expanding opportunities for collaboration, engagement, and professional growth across our membership and partner organizations.
NJEPA is actively exploring new ways to connect professionals throughout the emergency management community, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen relationships among public, private, nonprofit, and academic partners. We are also working to recognize additional professionals whose contributions support preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts throughout New Jersey.
As part of this commitment, the Association remains open to new partnerships and collaborative opportunities that enhance the value we provide to our members and help strengthen resilience across our communities. We welcome innovative ideas and engagement from organizations and individuals who share our dedication to advancing the emergency management profession.
Looking ahead, we are excited to begin preparations for the 2027 NJEPA Annual Conference, which will be held April 12–17, 2027, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The conference will bring together emergency management professionals from across New Jersey and beyond for training, networking, and professional development opportunities.
Bridgeton Builds New Fire Station
The City of Bridgeton is building a new fire station on Bank Street and refurbishing the old city hall after years of sitting vacant.
– Fire News photo by
We thank you for your continued support of NJEPA and look forward to working together to strengthen partnerships, recognize excellence within our profession, and build a more resilient New Jersey.
Dennis C. Sharpe
Eastampton Practices VEIS Training
Eastampton Fire Rescue is very fortunate to have access to an acquired structure through Eastampton Township. On May 11, 2026, members of Eastampton Fire Rescue held its weekly drill, specifically practicing VEIS. Pictured is Firefighter Frazier making entry into the house after clearing the window and sounding the floor. Firefighter Ramos is backing him up.
– Submitted by Eugene Oberfrank, Eastampton FR
TRAINING
Chief Danny Arroyo Trains at FDIC
Throughout the week at FDIC in Indianapolis, Battalion Chief Danny Arroyo of the Perth Amboy Fire Department taught a class on Effective and Practical Training for Fire Departments, to a large room of firefighters from across the country. The Blue Collar Fireman team from New Jersey had a booth set up inside Lucas Oil Stadium along with new apparatus from the Jersey Shore to Bergen County and even the new Meadowlands Ladder were on display on the apparatus floor. – Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Cape May Spring Fire Academy Training
Cape May County Fire Academy Spring Class students train for Firefighter 1 Certification. – Fire News photos by Robert Newkirk
Looking Back
Remembering the Fallen
John Damico, Al Beers, and Artie Treon. All three were incredible men that when they were alive, they changed the history of the Volunteer Firefighter’s in Cape May County. You may be gone but you’re definitely missed and you will not be forgotten. – Fire News photo by Robert Newkirk
Walt Larcombe and Ben ‘Uncle Benny’ Ingersoll. You may be gone, but you’re not forgotten!
– Fire News photo by Robert Newkirk
Monmouth County Fallen Firefighters Memorial & Awards
The 2026 Monmouth County Fallen Firefighters Memorial and Awards Day was hosted by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office on May 17, 2026, at the Monmouth County Fire Academy in Howell Township. This is a day of profound significance as fire service personnel and their families from more than 100 Monmouth County fire stations pause to remember those who answered the final call with bravery and selflessness. To the families who carry their legacy forward: We stand with you today and always.
– Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
Bayview
Honors
2 Members for 50 Years of Service
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their May meeting at the Bayview Fire station and honored two of their members, Don McBride and Robert Ackeret with 50 years of service awards.
– Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Adelphia Wins Award for the 1942 Antique Pumper
Adelphia Fire Company members recently took their 1942 Ford/American La France antique pumper to a community gathering and car show hosted by Patterson Farms, one of the oldest farms in Monmouth County, and received a trophy as part of the car show. Adelphia will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year with a gala on March 20, 2027 at Eagle Oaks Country Club with music by The Cliffs and a celebration at the main fire station on October 2, 2027 featuring The Amish Outlaws. Please follow the Adelphia Fire Company Facebook page for details.
– Submitted by Kelly Gabliks
Multi-Car Accident at Murray Avenue
Paterson Fire Department operated at a multi-car MVA with a vehicle on its side at Murray Avenue and Nagle Street.
– Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Car Hits Porch in Pleasantville
The City of Pleasantville Fire, EMS, and Police responded to Main Street and Delilah Road for a report of an MVA hitting a porch on May 29, 2026. EMS transported one person with injuries. – Submitted by Wm. McFarland
Up Close & Personal
A young future firefighter trying out Linwood’s new engine.
Below: Chief Martin Walley and Firefighter Frank Gabriel and Linwood’s New Engine 5. – Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
KIDNEYS
FOR COMMUNITIES
BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through community-directed living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC.
The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell.
Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and well-being of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.”
About Kidneys for Communities
Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients, increasing the likelihood that a life-saving kidney can be directed to a fellow community member in need. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website.
In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities:
·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer.
·Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful (and both parents in law enforcement) who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor.
·John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic.
·Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist.
Photo Caption: Kidneys for Communities bestowed the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) with a National Community Impact Award. Pictured (left to right) are: kidney recipient Daulton “DJ” Riddell; kidney donor Lucas Gorelick; kidney recipient John Duncan; kidney recipient Venedo Alcazar; Kidneys for Communities CEO Atul Agnihotri; CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell; NAC Chair and CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence Preet Bassi (holding award); NAC Vice Chair and Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association Vickie Pritchett (holding award); CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and Ron Siarnicki, Executive Director, First Responder Engagement & Strategy, Kidneys for Communities.
FIRE STATIONS: SO MUCH TO BE DONE!
F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Education Resource Organization), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently conducted a nation-wide survey on fire stations. It was an in-depth survey that revealed the glaring need for fire station replacement and renovations in the U.S. One statistic that stood out was that the average age of a station is 45 years! That was 1980! Most of you reading this article were not involved in the fire service at that time and a good percentage of you were yet to be born.
Think of all the changes and needs in fire station design which have evolved during this time. For example, female firefighters are no longer an oddity, EMS first responder is now a given, hazmat response is expected, and the fire service has emerged as an all-hazards response agency.
Now we have learned how important fire station design is to contamination control, how to maximize sleep, and a host of other holistic designs that improve firefighter health and wellness. Only a few stations are designed to meet today’s needs.
To address the void in learning about how to design or renovate a fire station, please plan to attend the Annual 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium, September 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful
CONTINENTAL FIRE & SAFETY IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT TOM GAVIN HAS JOINED OUR RESCUE DIVISION
downtown Greenville, S.C. The first day (Monday) will be a pre-conference seminar on “First Steps.” The main Symposium is all-day Tuesday, all-day Wednesday, and a half-day on Thursday. This year there will be over 50 speakers with several presentations related to station renovation, expansion, and retrofits. Bring key members of your governing body so they understand your needs. As a sample of what F.I.E.R.O. offers, attend our one-day fire station education day on Tuesday, August 11 as part of Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.
The common phrase heard from attendees is “I would have never thought of that!” Remember, fire stations must be considered “Critical Infrastructure” and they need to meet today’s needs and designed to last decades. For detailed information and registration, go to www.fieroonline.org and click on “events.”
Tom joins us after retiring with a 30-year career with Paratech on the corporate side holding the title of North American Sales Manager. Tom’s unending product and operational knowledge is second to none. Tom spent many years helping to develop and test new products as well as train rescuers worldwide on the Paratech platform. Tom also had a tremendous career with the Deal Fire Dept, serving over 50 years as an active member.
Tom will be handling all Paratech Sales and Training for Monmouth and Ocean Counties as well as helping to grow our in-house training programs. Please feel free to say hello and reach out for any needs in those areas.
