Fire News New Jersey, September 2020 edition

Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue

VOLUME 15, NO. 4

W W W .FIRENE WS .COM

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

SEPTEMBER 2020

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- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Never Forget 9/11/2001

Page 2, Fire News, September 2020

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Fire News, September 2020, Page 3

In this issue...

Pleasantville Commercial 2-Alarm A single story structure has heavy smoke showing on arrival.

See story on page 7

Hackettstown House Fire Even with house being near the firehouse, it still requires two hours to stop.

See story on page 11

Elizabeth 2-Alarmer An eight-bay garage turns out to be a storage building resulting in a long hard fight.

See story on page 14

Remembering Hackensack’s Fallen Five firefighters killed in a 1988 car dealership fire are remembered.

See story on page 26

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 2020, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Up Close & Personal A closer look at area first responders.

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Obituary

of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention

Dorothy’s Steve Pernicki.

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PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

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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, September 2020

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

Fire News Will Always Remember The last few months have been trying for all of us. You have been dealing with the changes in your lives that have been brought forth by the corona virus. Yes, Covid-19 has certainly changed the way we must think as we train, drill, fight fires and socialize. Recently added to your work load was a serious storm that challenged many departments up and down the East Coast. Quite a few, if not all, departments had their work cut out for them dealing with the destruction of Hurricane Isaias. Once again, many of you had to respond to hundreds of calls during the high winds. On top of Isaias you had to deal with your “normal” everyday calls. Every department had their hands full this month and you performed flawlessly.

Sitting back and reflecting on what's next in our lives, I could not believe that September has arrived.

September 2020 is the 19th Remembrance of 9/11.

No matter what I am doing on September 11, I stop and give prayer to the families who have suffered over the last 19 years as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center.

Stop and think of the staggering statistics that have changed the lives of so many responders and innocent civilians who had the misfortune of being murdered in the attacks of September 11, 2001. For those of you who lived, worked, responded, or were curious and visited the site, the smell cannot be for-

gotten. The smoky mix of burnt plastic and smoldering materials can instantly bring back memories for many of the aftermath of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers that day.

May I remind you of some facts: 91,000 liters of jet fuel and 1,200,000 tons of building materials burned at 1000 degrees for a very long time. There were 23,000 fluorescent light bulbs in the World Trade Center. The bulbs contained small amounts of known carcinogens which vaporized for everyone to breathe. Then there were 75,000 telephones reportedly in the buildings, attached by 19,000 miles of cable — think PCBs. The coatings on the cables and 300 main frame computers that were pulverized and burned gave off toxic gases that many inhaled for many weeks. (Visit the “Let’s Roll Forum” for some incredible facts about the WTC. Sadly, we continue to lose responders and civilians to 9/11 related cancers.

Never forget that our fallen heroes have set the example of being true American heroes by continuing to make everyone aware that the diseases related to the attack on this country still have a horrible impact on us. Remember, Firefighter Jimmy Lanza of Ladder 43, Firefighter Ray Pfeifer and so many other responders for all they did to make sure our government does not walk away from a situation that is predicted to get worse. As we pray for the

families affected by 9/11 cancer and now Covid-19, stay vigilant and continue to monitor the aftermath of 9/11.

Just a quick note on this year's ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum; according to what I have read, the coronavirus pandemic rules mean that no live family tributes can be held at the 9/11 memorial. As we near September 11, 2020, visit the 9/11 Memorial website for information regarding this year's ceremony and listen to the local news regarding the 2020 changes.

Dennis

Let’s Cure Childhood Cancer. Together.

Three years ago, members of the Five Mile Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Association (FMBVFA), host of the annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention, teamed up to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.

To date, FMBVFA has raised about $21,000 toward the ground-breaking research and lifesaving treatment offered to children like Calvin (pictured, left). In fact, St. Jude patients come from all 50 states and beyond through physician referral. They are some of the world’s sickest children, whose parents turn to St. Jude to give their children the greatest opportunity at survival.

Since opening in 1962, treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to more than 80 percent.

Because of the community’s generous support and organizations like FMBVFA, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live.

Although gathering at the annual convention will not be possible this year, FMBVFA remains committed to supporting St. Jude families — no matter what else they are facing. The goal is to recruit every New Jersey fire station to support St. Jude.

Visit njfirefightersforacure.com to form a team and host a community fundraiser to raise awareness and support for St. Jude by Thursday, December 31, 2020. Fundraising ideas may include a car wash, online raffle or silent auction … get creative! Check out stjude.org/yourway for more ideas. Then, use social media to promote the effort and inspire community participation.

St. Jude freely shares the research discoveries it makes, so every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

In moments that separate us, let’s unite as one. Because together, nothing is impossible.

- Fire News photo courtesy St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Page 6, Fire News, September 2020

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Never Forget 9/11 Freehold Township in Monmouth County 911 Memorial at their municipal building.

- Fire News photo

by Dennis C. Sharpe

The Burn Foundation For the first time in many, many years, there will be no New Jersey State Firefighters’ Convention in Wildwood. Or, to put it more succinctly, the Burn Foundation will not be able to hold its most important fundraiser of the year.

Joe Getsinger, the distinguished artist from South Jersey, once again had prepared a unique piece of artwork to raffle off in Wildwood to benefit the Burn Foundation. For 2020 he created a unique piece of art honoring the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Unfortunately, we will have to wait until the 2021 convention to see it. Joe has been an ardent supporter of the Burn Foundation for about 40 years and his artwork has had a significant effect on the success of fundraising at each year's convention. To view his work, and that of others, please visit his website at JGetsingerArts.Com. Since mid-March, when businesses started to shut down and lay-off workers due to the virus, individual donations have barely trickled in to the Burn Foundation offices. In fact, during the month of April no donations were received at all. One of the golf events the foundation relies on for help had to be cancelled, and another that was held advised us that this year’s contribution could be reduced by a significant amount due to the lack of sponsors — businesses that had to close due to Covid. But we are hopeful that some sense of normalcy will return before too long.

Nonetheless, our mission of service to the Burn Foundation and burn patient communities continues. We continue to pay for compression garments for patients whose insurance does not cover this specific treatment. We also cover the cost of special other orthotic appliances that a burn patient may require as part of their treatment. In addition, we were able to support two Burn Camps this year, thanks to the generosity of a

grant received from a long-time donor.

We also offer a line of fire and burn prevention materials for fire companies to use for community outreach. Call us at 215-454-3816 for more information or email us at Info@BurnFoundation.Org. But the bottom line is that we can use all the help we can get. Our new website, www.BurnFoundation.Org, came online recently and we ask that you take a look at it. You can also safely make a donation. Or, you can send us a check made payable to: Burn Foundation, 8600 West Chester Pike, Suite 202, Upper Darby, PA 19082.

If you decide to support our mission, we thank you in advance in the name of all those who will eventually benefit from your generosity.

See you in Wildwood in 2021!

- John McCann, Administrator, Burn Foundation

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Pleasantville Commercial 2-Alarmer

The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to Madison Avenue on June 18, 2020, at approximately 0400, for a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a single-story warehouse with an apartment on the second floor.

Command requested a second alarm. Although the fire was quickly

extinguished, extensive overhaul and ventilation was required. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Also responding were Farmington, Cardiff, Absecon, Northfield, Atlantic City Airport, and Atlantic City. Bayview and Linwood provided cover.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C Sharpe

Page 8, Fire News, September 2020

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Leary Grant Has Extended Reach for Millburn First Responders In December 2019, the Millburn Fire Department received a grant from the Leary Firefighters Foundation for two new PPE washing machines and one new PPE dryer. The Foundation was established in 2000 by actor Denis Leary in response to a tragic fire in Worcester, Massachusetts that claimed the lives of his cousin, a childhood friend, and four other brave firefighters.

Captain Brenner who applied for the grant on behalf of the Millburn Fire Department noted, “The grant being awarded to us was a huge step for the Millburn Fire Department to better protect our dedicated public servants from cancer and other toxins that collect on our gear. We were operating with an antiquated 20-year-old washing machine that was located at our Station 2. In order to wash our gear after a fire or other exposure, we had to transport the gear in vehicles, which further increased the spread of contamination and the potential for exposure.”

With the Leary’s Firefighters Foundation funding, it has now acquired UniMac industrial-level washers and dryers at both the Headquarters and Station 2. These new machines are considered the marketplace benchmark with its Opti-spray and Fire-linc technologies.

Elisa Charters, a resident of Millburn/Short Hills, is a former Environmental Health and Safety specialist at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and an NJIT alumna with advanced degrees in Environmental Science (Microbiology, Toxicology, Pollution Controls). She was excited to support Captain Brenner, Chief Echavarria and the Millburn Fire Department in their efforts to obtain grant funding and to access best-in-class industrial laundry equipment via CSCServiceWorks/Super Laundry LLC. Elisa also happens to be a survivor of 9/11, who directly witnessed the heroism of the firefighters responding that tragic day, and of the heroes who responded to months of search and rescue efforts and the clean up.

“The stars really aligned when distributor CSCServiceWorks/Super Laundry LCC hired me per the recommendation of Raymond Fusco, Sr., a 75-year old veteran in the laundry business who serves the Fire Industry,” said Elisa, who also noted that there has since been considerable relief with Covid-19 CARES funding, which is directly applicable to the cleaning of PPEs. "This development along with the Cancer Presumption Bill, leaves no reason for New Jersey (or the region's) fire departments, to be unable to access necessary funding for better laundry equipment to keep our State’s career and volunteer firefighters healthy and free of the known risks of lethal carcinogenic and bio-agents.

When circling back with Captain Brenner, he noted additional benefits that the department now realizes. The locations where the new high-tech washing and drying equipment have been installed, also have separate entrances which allow Millburn personnel to bring soiled and contaminated gear and equipment directly to the machines without having to bring it through the station or creating unnecessary exposure.

The positive impact of the Leary Firefighters Foundation grant also now extends to benefit additional emergency responders. With the Covid-19 crisis, the Millburn Fire Department has been able to assist the Millburn Police Department and the Millburn-Short Hills First Aid Squad with washing their PPE. For more information about how you can help the Leary Firefighter Foundation and how they can help you, visit their web site at https://leary firefighters.org/.

Page 10, Fire News, September 2020

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Quick Stop in Elizabeth Just before 1930 on July 27, 2020, Elizabeth firefighters were dispatched to Kilsyth Road for a fire. On arrival, firefighters found fire in the walls of a large 2-1/2 story wood frame dwelling.

Three lines were stretched and put into operation to knock down the main body fire in the walls. Crews did have extension into the attic but were able to get a good handle on it.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

New Milford 3-Alarmer Shortly before 2130 on July 24, 2020, the New Milford Fire Department responded to the 200 block of Henley Avenue for a fire in a private residence. Police advised they had heavy smoke coming out of the structure. A New Milford Fire officer requested a Triboro Mutual Aid response. The first-arriving company had problems entering due to the Collyer’s Mansion conditions. Not too long into the fire, the evacuation tone was signaled as fire was starting to break through the first-floor front. Crews were able to make entry into the home from the rear. Due to the heat and extreme humidity, command requested a second alarm for additional equipment and manpower. A short time later, command requested a third alarm. Shortly after the third alarm companies arrived the fire was placed under control.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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On July 9, 2020, calls came in to the Warren County 911 center for a house fire on Miller Street in Hackettstown, down the street from the fire house. Chief 78-60 arrived and reported a fire in the basement and requested a first-alarm assignment. The first-due engine stretched a line from the front of the fire house and started an interior attack, as the fire advanced quickly and firefighters had to back out. Mutual aid started arriving and a supply line was laid across the railway on High

Fire News, September 2020, Page 11

Street to Budd Lake’s ladder. Hackettstown’s and Allamuchy’s ladders also joined the aerial assault. The fire was put under control within two hours. Rehab was provided by the Hackettstown Rescue Squad. There were no injuries and the Mount Olive Fire Marshal’s Office, Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office and Hackettstown Police were investigating the fire.

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

Page 12, Fire News, September 2020

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What’s That About Not Driving Through…?

Recently, the New Milford Fire Department was dispatched to Newbridge Road for reports of multiple vehicles and motorists stuck in rising water. New Milford companies 1 and 2 responded with Technical Support Unit 38, Marine Unit 38 and Tower 31. Crews removed the stranded motorist from a flooded area.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Elizabeth 2-Alarm Garage Storage Fire Around 2115 on July 4, 2020, Elizabeth firefighters were sent to East Jersey Street for a fire. On arrival, crews found heavy smoke showing from an eight-bay garage. As firefighters stretched lines and began to attack the fire they found that the garage had been turned into a storage unit and was filled to the top with items. A second alarm was struck as the fire became extremely labor intensive removing items from the unit while trying to get to the seat of the fire in extremely hot and humid conditions. As firefighters worked from the front of the garage other crews went to the back and made three cuts in a cinderblock wall to gain access . The fire was knocked down in around 15 minutes.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Glen Duda CFPA PS2-5349 - An Elizabeth firefighter walks out of a storage unit after battling a second alarm fire on East Jersey Street on July 4th. - Fire News photos

Page 18, Fire News, September 2020

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Elizabeth Dwelling Fire Quick Work in Scullville

Just before 0030 on July 5, 2020, Elizabeth firefighters were sent to Clark Street for a dwelling fire. On arrival, crews found fire showing from divisions 2 and 3 of the home. Crews stretched lines and started to attack the fire as it started to push into the attic. Thanks to quick work, the fire was stopped before it could get into the attic and do major damage to the home.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Scullville Fire responded to Marshall Drive on July 4, 2020, at 2228, for a a structure fire. Dispatch informed Scullville Chief Steve Prisament the left side of the structure was on fire and everyone was out and residents were attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Chief Prisament had the first arriving Scullville apparatus pull one line and wet the area down and had a crew enter the structure and check for extension with a Thermal Imaging Camera. The fire was extinguished and no extension was found - Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Cologne Car Fire Stopped The volunteer fire companies of Cologne and Mays Landing responded to the Wal-Mart on Black Horse Pike on July 1, 2020, at 1335 hours for a vehicle fire. Mays Landing Captain Ward Silcott reported the vehicle was fully involved. The fire was contained to one vehicle and did not extend to two other vehicles parked alongside. The cause of the fire was investigated by Township of Hamilton Police and the Township of Hamilton Fire Investigator.

Also responding were Township of Hamilton Police and EMS. - Fire News photo

by Ken Badger

Page 20, Fire News, September 2020

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Cover Story

Paterson 2-Alarmer

In the afternoon of July 4, 2020, Paterson firefighters were dispatched to East 24th Street for a dwelling fire. Crews arrived to heavy smoke showing from a 2-½ story dwelling. Firefighters found heavy fire from the first floor extending up the side of the home on the delta side extending to the delta exposure and worked quickly to knock down the fire on the exposure. As firefighters worked to protect the exposure, inside crews faced heavy fire conditions on the first and second floors, as well as the attic, as they worked to navigate hoarding conditions. A second alarm was struck bringing extra resources to the scene as firefighters had to deal with high temperatures and brutal humidity while they continued to fight the fire. The fire was knocked down in just over 20 minutes.

- Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com and Glen Duda, CFPA

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Fire News, September 2020, Page 21

Scullville House Fire

The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Lighthouse Lane on June 26, 2020, at 1553, for a report of smoke in a dwelling. Scullville Assistant Chief Vernon Cruze arrived to find smoke showing from the roof of a two-story, single-family wood frame. Scullville Ladder 1535 deployed a line in the front door to the second floor and attempted to locate the fire and begin knockdown with Scullville Captain Pat Flynn assuming the role of operations.

Command had a second line taken off 1535 and stretched to the B side and put into service. Command then had Scullville Engine 1533 lay 900 feet of supply line. At 1623, a second alarm was requested, bringing Cardiff, Farmington, Sommers Point and West Atlantic City. Once the bulk of the fire was knocked, firefighters re-entered the structure and completed extinguishment, salvage and overhaul.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Page 22, Fire News, September 2020

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New Apparatus for New Milford New Milford Fire Department Company Number 2 has recently placed in service a new 2020 Pierce Ascendant Tower with a pump. This is the second Ascendant delivered in the State of New Jersey and the first one in Bergen County. The new Tower 31 will be replacing a Mack CF that has served the community for 30 years.

- Fire News photo

by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Fairfield Says Goodbye to Engine, Gets a New One Recently, the Fairfield Fire Department placed a new 2019 Pierce Arrow XT Rescue Engine into service with a 1500-gpm PUC pump with 700 gallons of water.

This is replacing a 1994 Pierce Lance Engine 2000/1000/50. On one of the last days the department had both engines together for a photo; the old engine will soon be sold.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Gloucester Co. Forest Fire The New Jersey Forest Fire Service worked a forest fire in the Winslow Wildlife Management area on Piney Hollow Road in Monroe Township, Gloucester County from May 19 to May 22, 2020, which consumed over 2100 acres.

- Fire News photo

by Dennis C. Sharpe

North Plainfield Gets New Rig The North Plainfield Fire Department received a new rig delivered from FF1.

- Fire News photo

by Gary Howard

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Fire News, September 2020, Page 23

Saying Goodbye to Pastor Vignone

It seemed like the entire community of St. Katherine Drexel Church in Egg Harbor Township turned out along with the Egg Harbor Township Emergency Services to do a drive by parade for Father John Vignone, the Pastor of the church who retired in July.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 24, Fire News, September 2020

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Fatality at Cardiff MVA

The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Bargaintown were dispatched to the intersection of the Black Horse Pike and Tower Avenue on June 19, 2020, at 1716, for an MVA with entrapment.

Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived and established command for a two-car MVA with one occupant entrapped in a passenger vehicle and no entrapment in vehicle two, a pickup truck. Command asked Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe to establish the LZ at the near-

by English Creek Shopping Center. Crews did a door removal and extracted the lone occupant. She was then transported to the LZ and flown to the trauma center where she was pronounced. The cause of the crash was investigated by the Egg Harbor Township Police Fatal Accident Investigation team and investigators from the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

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3 Critical at Egg Harbor Twp. MVA The Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to milepost 8.5 eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway at 0716 on July 4, 2020, for an MVA. Cardif was initially dispatched and as Chief Gil Zonge was responding, he was updated that the crash involved a box truck, there was entrapment, and possibly a fire. An assistant chief from the Atlantic City International Airport Fire Department arrived and updated the situation.

Once Chief Zonge arrived he requested additional equipment and units from Farmington and Bargaintown and Rescue 24 from the airport fire department. Farmington established an LZ close to the scene. A long extrication ensued, as both the truck and car were in the woods, with one person under the vehicle, and the car severed in two. A 90-minute extrication ensued in which three patients were extricated, all in critical condition. At the one hour mark, command requested Scullville for relief. Once the patients were removed, firefighters rehabbed and then de-conned gear and themselves. The scene wasn’t cleared until after 1400. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the New Jersey State Police.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Page 26, Fire News, September 2020

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Remembering Hackensack’s Fallen

On July 1, 2020, members of the Hackensack Fire Department, current and retired, and firefighters from surrounding communities honored the five firefighters killed in the Hackensack Ford dealership fire in 1988. Because of Covid-19 the department made the ceremony available to the public via their social media pages. Prior to the memorial service starting there was a sun shower, after which a rainbow appeared over the area where the memorial is located.

- Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

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Fire News, September 2020, Page 27

6 Injured in 2 MVAs 5 Minutes Apart The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Farmington assisted Cardiff on June 19, 2020, at 1720, for the landing of several Medevac helicopters at the English Creek Shopping Center on Route 322 as the result of two major MVAs that occurred five minutes apart and required extensive extrication. Six trauma patients were either flown or transported by ground.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

Somers Point MVA The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded to MacArthur Boulevard and Shore Road on July 12, 2020, for an MVA. Firefighters arrived to find a multi-vehicle crash with no entrapment but one vehicle on its side. Firefighters secured the vehicles and assisted EMS and then assisted in cleaning up the crash. The cause was under investigation by the Somers Point Police Department.

- Fire News photo by Carl Crossman

Bargaintown MVA The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company responded to Fernwood Avenue on June 27, 2020, at 1540, after Assistant Chief, Wil Hancock heard a crash and went to investigate. He found a vehicle struck an EHTPD traffic safety sign board, then a tree and the occupant was on the ground, unconscious. EMS arrived and transported the person. The cause of the crash was being investigated by EHT Police.

- Fire News photo by Ken Badger

Quick Stop in Elmwood Park On May 3, 2020, the Elmwood Park Fire Department was dispatched to Hillman Drive for a fire. The first arriving chief reported smoke showing from the attic. Engine 1 stretched a line into the attic space and quickly located and knocked down the fire, limiting any extension past the attic. Mutual aid was provided by Garfield and Saddle Brook.

- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti

Page 28, Fire News, September 2020

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CAMPBELL SUPPLY COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2 SENIOR APPOINTMENTS Campbell Supply Company, a leading commercial and fire truck dealership with five locations in the northeast region is proud to announce two seniorlevel appointments.

Keith Wortman will be joining Campbell Supply Company as Business Development Manager. Keith will be responsible for supervising all sales and marketing efforts of Campbell’s outside sales parts team, setting parts sales objectives, identifying product offering gaps, and business development with our OEM partners. Keith will be reporting directly to Phil Solomine, Campbell Supply Parts Director.

A veteran sales and service representative in the medium and heavy-duty truck market, Keith has worked as sales manager, dealer account representative and territory manager for Cummins. In 2017, Keith received the Legendary Sales Award for Cummins North America and has been the recipient of the Cummins Dealer Incentive Program for nine out of 10 years.

“Keith is well-regarded in the heavy-

duty trucking industry for delivering the highest standards of quality and service.

His extensive sales background and strong operations leadership are great assets for Campbell Supply Company, especially during this time of expansion and acquisitions” said Scott Campbell, President, Campbell Supply Company.

“We are excited to welcome Keith to the Campbell Supply Company family.”

Rick Van Haaster has been named Sales Manager at Campbell’s Montgomery, New York, location.

In his role, Rick will continue to build on the momentum Campbell has established in the medium and heavyduty truck market in the Northeast region. Rick started his career as an apprentice mechanic in 1980 and brings with him over 25 years of sales, and service experience in the medium and heavy-duty truck markets.

Prior to joining

Campbell, Rick earned progressive positions in the transportation industry including LP Transportation, Inc., Bradco Supply, MidHudson Mack, Gallagher Truck Center, AMI Truck Leasing and Yellow Freight Systems Inc. Rick has been responsible for the management of multi-million dollar fleet maintenance programs and parts inventories over his distinguished career.

Rick graduated from the Goshen Central High School in 1979 and holds an AAS degree in Business Management from Orange County Community College where he graduated with honors.

Campbell is pleased to have these two highly regarded trucking veterans joining the Campbell team.

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS This is an extraordinary year with great loss and a myriad of challenges. The global pandemic has upended lives and countless plans. We are all adapting, including the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Our volunteers, staff and Board of Directors evaluated many options to continue the tradition of gathering in front of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial this October to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. But with the uncertainties and challenges of planning this important event, while the coronavirus is still spreading in our country, our priority is ensuring the health and safety of the families of the fallen and all who attend the National Memorial.

While we are disappointed to postpone the 2020 Memorial Weekend events, it is important to know that the nation’s fallen firefight-

ers will not be forgotten. On October 4, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will broadcast a National Tribute to honor America’s fallen firefighters. Most importantly, our Fire Hero Families will be invited to attend a ceremony in 2021, where we will once again gather in Emmitsburg as a grateful nation honors and remembers the sacrifices of America’s fallen firefighters.

FireNews.com

Fire News, September 2020, Page 29

Up Close & Personal

An Elizabeth firefighter takes a breather after battling a dwelling fire on Kilsyth Road on July 27, 2020.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe as he coordinates the landing of several helicopters for the transport of patients from two MVAs on June 19, 2020.

- Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe

An Elizabeth chief stands by as companies overhaul after battling a dwelling fire on Kilsyth Road on July 27, 2020.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

New Milford Fire Department Company 1 Captain Robert O’Brien and past-Chief of Department and Company 1 Lieutenant Ross Rhyan taking a much-needed break at a recent three-alarm fire.

- Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton

Page 30, Fire News, September 2020

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Obituary

Dorothy’s Steve Pernicki It is with deep sorrow the Dorothy Fire and Rescue of Weymouth Township, Atlantic County, announced the passing of Life Member Steve Pernicki.

Firefighter Pernicki was laid to rest with full departmental honors on June 8, 2020, at the Head of the River Church Cemetery. Following the services his sister was presented the flag that draped his coffin and was thanked for his service to his country as a military veteran.

- Fire News photos by Ken Badger