VOLUME 11, NO. 1
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes JUNE 2016
Full story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Fire News Welcomes All to Harrisburg North Hall Booths 704-705 – New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Fatality at Tuckahoe Fire Firefighters discover remains after fire destroys a Petersburg-section house. See story on page 9
A Service for New Jersey Firefighters and EMS Heroes
146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor
Totowa Fire and Save An elderly woman is rescued from an attached garage fire that spreads to her home. See story on page 19
Millville Church Burns Hgih winds take a tree down onto an 1889-built church’s electrical wires. See story on page 20
Camden Elevator Rescue Camden City firefighters arrive at Cooper Hospital and discover two stuck elevators.
See story on page 28
Atlantic County FA Valor Awards Four firefighters are awarded for heroic actions. See story on page 40
LODD: Mort Schmerling Upper Township Rescue’s EMT Mort Schmerling succumbs after a 10-day battle. See story on page 42
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 32 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 38-39 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 40
DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, EVELYN ALOISIO Graphic Artist: GREGORY JONES FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Michael J. Coppola, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, 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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
Page 4, Fire News, June 2016
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Do You Have a PIO? You just had a serious call that has lasted several hours. Toward the end of the call, the dispatcher notifies the chief that the telephones are ringing off of the hook with the media asking questions. Are you ready to handle the flood of calls? Are you ready to give factual information to the public? Who speaks to the press in your department? Oh, wait a minute, screw the media; you don't have to say anything! If you believe this, you are WRONG! If you ignore the media, the press will get information from a bystander that, typically, is incorrect at best. How about the bystander that tells the press it took forever for the fire department to arrive at the fire, or that they heard a person yelling for help and no one was there to help them? How about a HazMat call where the press is ignored and then assume the “facts.” Who do you choose as a Public Information Officer to represent your department? On the surface, the answer is simple, but in reality it is quite difficult. You need a person who understands that being a PIO is a position that can make your department look good or look really
bad. Remember, “anything you say, could be held against you in a court of law!” Department PIOs should be able to express themselves clearly and be versed in the technical aspects of firefighting, which must be presented in a way that the public can comprehend. Does your PIO know how to operate and use various visual media including video recorders, audio recorders and still cameras? Can your PIO use a laptop computer for word processing and other related programs to get the word out to the public? Many departments utilize Facebook and their community’s Facebook page to let the public know what is going on. The public will become trained to check out your website and Facebook page to find out what is going on. (The use of Facebook in the fire service will be addressed in a future editorial.) It is important to remember that PIO’s cannot speak about a situation without first going over it with the Chief of the Department. After all, the chief represents the department and will be questioned on statements that a PIO may have made without his permission. Many chiefs prefer
to speak to the media themselves. In that case the PIO should prep the chief for the press. It becomes awkward when a chief says to the media, “I don’t know the answer to that question.” As a PIO you must be several steps ahead of the media. Having a press package prepared simplifies your job and keeps the press happy because you’re helping them with their job. If you have been chosen as your departments PIO, take a course with your state’s Office of Emergency Management or with your county’s training center. Being a PIO is a job that requires professional training. Include a scenario at your next drill, so the PIO can test his skills. - Dennis
Announcements 2016 WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT FOR FIRE SERVICE Each year, since 1981, the White House Historical Association designs and sells the official White House ornaments that honor presidential administrations. The 2016 ornament, honoring the Hoover Administration, was inspired by the fire engines that responded to the 1929 Christmas Eve fire at the White House and toy fire trucks the Hoover presented to children the following Christmas. You can purchase the highly sought after 2016 ornaments directly from our website: www.cfsi.org. Why wait for the holidays to find a special gift for your family members or friends?
bracket pumping, a great drill. Food will be available from the Jamesburg Fire Department. For more information contact: David 732938-2685, or 732-606-7183.
CITY OF LONG BRANCH CIGAR DINNER SAVE THE DATE! The City of Long Branch Professional Firefighters will be holding their 9th Annual Cigar Dinner on Thursday, September 8, 2016. The dinner will be held at Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant in Long Branch from 1800 to 2200, and only 300 tickets are available at $120 per person. Tickets are available from FMBA Local #68, PO Box 2261, Long Branch, NJ 07740-2261. More information can be found at www.njfmba68.com. Ticket and sponsor info is available from Lt. Alfred F. Guzzi, Jr., 732-496-6418; fdlb155 @comcast.net.
STIRLING FIRE DEPARTMENT FIREFIGHTERS BICYCLE RACE
The Stirling Volunteer Fire Department will hold its New Jersey Firefighters Bicycle Race on July 24, 2016. Volunteer and paid firefighters from throughout New Jersey will race while wearing their firefighting gear (less liners) to raise money for the St. Barnabas Hospital Burn Center Foundation, New Jersey’s only burn center. Each rider receives a commemorative tee shirt, participants trophy, 26TH ANNUAL and a gift bag. Trophies are awarded and racers are treated to a lunchFIRE MUSTER eon after the race. Come out for this great cause and a day of fun. The The 26th Annual Fire Muster will be held at Thompson Park in race is run rain or shine. The Stirling Volunteer Fire Department sponJamesburg, New Jersey on June 26, 2016. Registration is $5 per truck, sors this event each year and everyone is urged to participate by riding and will begin at 0830. The parade will kick off at 1030. or making a donation. Details can be found at: www.stirlingfd.com. Trophies will be awarded in several categories. There will also be - Ed.
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Hackensack Laundromat Fire
Dozen Left Homeless in Paterson Blaze
On March 31, 2016, members of the Hackensack Fire Department’s 2nd Platoon responded to 1st Street for a reported fire. Upon arrival, Deputy 2 reported smoke showing from a singlestory laundromat and requested a second alarm bringing a Teaneck FAST unit and Hackensack UMC EMS to the scene, along with additional city coverage. Engines 5 and 4 placed a handline in service and began to extinguish the fire, which was located in the rear. Ladder 3 and Rescue 1 began searches and opening up. The fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Lt. Justin Dereyanik, HFD PIO
On March 30, 2016, Paterson Fire Alarm office received several calls for a building fire in the area of Main and Levine Streets. BC 1 and E-6 arrived to find the entire rear of the 2-1/2 story frame dwelling fully involved with extension to all floors and the attic. Companies mounted an offensive attack with numerous handlines and L-1 vented the roof as conditions continued to deteriorate forcing an evacuation. After about 20 minutes, all outside streams were shut down and companies re-entered, making their way to the attic which was still heavily involved. Command requested a second alarm for manpower. With the main body of fire knocked down and companies overhauling, a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor of the attic and suffered non-life threatening injuries, which required transportation to the hospital. The fire was placed under control in about 90 minutes and left over a dozen people homeless. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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Cover Story
Weymouth House Fire On April 10, 2016, the volunteer fire companies of Weymouth, Mizpah and Mays Landing responded to a structure fire on Weymouth Road. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and requested Mays Landing Tanker 1819 to respond. Mays Landing Chief Robert Hamilton arrived and ordered the blue lines off of 1819 into the front door. Weymouth Chief John Carrigan arrived and established command and requested their first-due engine to stretch its foam line to the front of the structure, a single-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling. Mays Landing Engine 1812 began supplying Tanker 1819 from a LDH. Firefighters had a lot of opening up to do as the fire was in the attic; the D side was almost totally consumed and working its way to the B side. A request was made for the Laureldale’s tanker and the air unit from Collings Lakes. As firefighters worked to control the fire, Collings Lakes firefighters assisted in laddering the B side to open up. Weymouth’s foam line helped suppress the remaining pockets of fire, allowing the fire to be extinguished and overhauled. Also responding were Hamilton Township EMS, Hamilton Township Police, Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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2 FFs Injured in Moonachie Blaze
On March 31, 2016, members of Moonachie Fire Department along with mutual aid from South Bergen operated at a Jackson Place garage fire. Firefighters were met with heavy fire on arrival, which was knocked down with a deckgun and multiple handlines. The companies were able to keep the fire from extending into the house, keeping the majority of damage to the exterior. Two members were transported to Hackensack UMC for injuries sustained in a fall. - Fire News photos by Justin Derevyanik and Chris Tuttle
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Fatality at Tuckahoe Fire
On April 3, 2016, Central Dispatch received a call of a structure fire on Perry Road in the Petersburg section. Upon arrival, Tuckahoe Chief Ed Carter reported a fully involved 1-1/2 story wood framed structure with a confirmed entrapment. Chief Carter immediately called for mutual aid. The fire was placed under control within an hour. The remains of the victim were discovered during overhaul. Extremely high winds hampered efforts. Belleplain, Dennis Township and Somers Point provided cover and other responding units came from Marmora, Seaville, Upper Township Rescue Squad, New Jersey State Police, Cape May County Fire Marshall, New Jersey State Fire Marshall, Atlantic City Electric, Somers, Belleplain and Dennisville Fire. - Fire News photos by Robert Macom
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Snyder Street Structure Fire
On April 1, 2016, the Orange Fire Department responded to Snyder walls. Companies were put in both the B and D exposures but evenStreet for a structure fire. Upon arrival, heavy fire was showing tually evacuated the B exposure for fear of a collapse. Mutual aid from the C side, extending to exposure B. Companies attempted an came from across Essex County. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti interior attack but were forced out of the building as the fire ran the
Pine Hill 3-Alarm Fire On April 16, 2017, Task Force 62 (Pine Hill) responded to an apartment fire with reported entrapment. Upon arrival of BLS, they confirmed heavy fire showing, with police in process of making rescues. The fire quickly reached three alarms. Problems with water supply hampered extinguishment. - Fire News photo by Michael Breyer
Bridgeton 2-Alarmer The City of Bridgeton Fire Department was alerted for a fire on April 15, 2016, on South Giles Street. Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and fire showing from a two-story, wood frame, side-by-side duplex with command advising Cumberland County Dispatch the exposure was beginning to light off. A second alarm brought mutual aid from the surrounding communities. Firefighters fought to contain the fire to the original structure and brought it under control in about an hour. This was the second major fire in Bridgeton within 24 hours. - Fire News photo by Tom Krwawcz
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Car Fire in the Woods
On March 21, 2016, the volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Zion Road and Lees Lane for a report of a vehicle fire in the woods. Scullville Captain Patrick Flynn arrived, established command and reported a vehicle on fire on a woods road that led from a farm back into the woods. Command had the first-due engine pull past the house to the rear of a field and stretched a 1-他 inch line. The fire was brought under control quickly with no injuries or other damage reported. Also responding were EHT Police and Ambulance. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Medford Dryer Fire
On April 10, 2016, Taskforce 25 units were alerted to a reported dryer fire in Medford. Chiefs 2500 and 2510 arrived to find a small fire in a clothes dryer with minor extension in the vent. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
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Do You Smell Something?
On April 28, 2016, firefighters inside Liberty Station in South front of their building. Engine Company 8 stretched a line and Camden smelled something burning. Crews went outside to investi- extinguished the fire. Members of Rescue 1 assisted with overhaul. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez gate and quickly found the source: a box truck had caught fire in
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Not a Cab Ride Worth Paying For On February 25, 2016, Central Dispatch received a report of an MVA at the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and the Parkway underpass. Marmora Fire Rescue and the Upper Township Rescue Squad were dispatched. Upon arrival, Marmora’s Chief Jay Newman reported one of the two cars involved was a cab with multiple occupants. Crews evaluated and transported the injured to Shore Medical Center. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Empty School Bus Crash The Dorothy Volunteer Fire and Rescue and the Milmay Volunteer Fire Company responded on April 7, 2016, to the intersection of 11th Avenue and Tuckahoe Road for an MVA involving a school bus and a pick-up truck. Two medic units were also dispatched as initial reports indicated the bus driver was unconscious. Upon the arrival of Captain Scott Denelsbeck, command was established and he reported there were no children on the bus and the only injury was to the driver who was transported from the scene by Dorothy’s ambulance. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Busy Day in Camden City of Camden units were responding to a reported gas leak in the East Side of the city on April 20, 2016. As units were clearing, a box came in for a reported structure fire in the Whitman Park area of South Camden. Battalion 1 arrived and reported the fire to be a large pile of trash. While assessing the scene and planning access for the resources, Rescue 1 picked up and joined Engine 1 and mutual aid companies for a box several blocks away. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Forest Fire Fighting Fill-up Firefighters from the Town of Hammonton and the Nesco Volunteer Fire Company of Mullica Township were dispatched on April 17, 2016, to the Hammonton Airport to assist the New Jersey Forest Fire Service with refilling fixed wing aircraft that were battling a forest fire in the Quackerbridge section of the Wharton State Forest in Atlantic County. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Truck Rollover in E. Orange
On April 19, 2016, the East Orange Fire Department responded to Park Avenue for a reported dump truck rollover. Companies arrived to find a heavy-duty dump truck on its side with the driver entrapped. A request was put out for the Northern New Jersey USAE Metro Strike Team to respond for shoring operations to help free the driver, who was later transported to a local hospital in unknown condition. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Rte. 322 MVA
The volunteer fire companies of West Atlantic City, Farmington, Cardiff, and career firefighters from the City of Pleasantville, responded to Route 322 in front of the Mercedes Benz dealership for an MVA with entrapment. Firefighters worked for 30 minutes to extricate the occupant, who was transported by EHT Ambulance to the medical center. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the EHT Police. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Golf Club Fire On April 13, 2016, Scullville and Bargaintown firefighters responded to Asbury Road and the Hidden Creek Golf Course for a report of a structure fire. Firefighters were able to halt the spread of the fire and contain it to one portion of the structure. Also responding were Cardiff, Farmington, West Atlantic, Mays Landing, Somers Point, NJ ANG, Port Republic, Oceanville, Bayview, Laureldale, New Gretna and Marmora. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe, Ken Badger and Robert Macom
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 19
Totowa Garage Fire and Save
On January 25, 2016, the Totowa Fire Department responded to Sutton Avenue for a reported house fire. On arrival, companies found heavy fire in an attached garage and heavy smoke pushing from the rest of the home, a 11/2 story frame ranch. There was a report of an elderly woman possibly trapped, but she was quickly found uninjured and removed out the rear by firefighters. Command requested a second alarm as the fire spread through the home and broke through the roof. The fire was brought under control an hour and half later. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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On April 3, 2016, the City of Millville Fire Department responded to North Pearl Street and the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church for a report of a tree down into wires up against the church. Millville Captain Dale Wettstein responded and found smoke and fire showing from the roof of the church. Millville Car 30, Chief Lippincott, assumed command and requested a second alarm. High winds with gusts to 50 mph knocked a tree onto the primary wires of the church, a wood frame structure; the sanctuary portion, which was on fire, was completed in 1889. The second part, an auditorium, was connected to the sanctuary by a breezeway. As the fire grew in size, an evacuation was ordered and operations went exterior with
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several aerials in operation. Firefighters continued to pour water onto the structure for several hours until an excavator was brought in as the structure began collapsing and was then used to assist in overhaul. Responding were Millville, Laurel Lake, Gouldtown, Cedarville, Vineland Station #2, Heislerville, Port Elizabeth, Rosenhayn, Downe Township, Bridgeton, Mauricetown, City of Millville OEM, Millville Rescue Squad, Millville Water Department, Cumberland County Fire Police, Salvation Army Canteen, South Jersey Gas Company, Atlantic City Electric Company, Cumberland County Fire Coordinator. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Medford Medevac On April 12, 2016, Medford Township District 25 units were dispatched for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Department Chief 2500 arrived to find the person had been struck by a pick-up truck and immediately requested a Southstar medevac. Engine 2511 assisted EMS with delivering the patient to the NJSP helicopter. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Dennis Township Fire Destroys Single Family Dwelling District 7 Dispatch received a call early on April 18, 2016, for a dwelling fire on Sunny Lane in the Dennis Township section. Automatic alarms went to Dennis and Ocean View and upon arrival it was confirmed as a twostory fully involved structure fire. Mutual aid was requested from surrounding stations; Seaville, Upper Township, Belleplain, New Jersey State Police, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office and Atlantic City Electric all responded. Avalon was utilized as RIT and Goshen and Belleplain provided in-station support. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Fast Work by Clifton On April 25, 2016, the Clifton Fire Department responded to Lyall Road for a reported garage fire. Chief 81 arrived and confirmed a working detached garage fire. Engine 5 and Engine 6 arrived and went to work and knocked down the fire within 20 minutes. Bloomfield and Nutley covered. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Firehouse Kitchen
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With Firehouse Kitchen Host Ray Cooney
We got FDNY in the house today! Firefighter Chris Landano and Firefighter Jesus Marcano from Engine 326 in Queens, made it a point to include the name of the truck in their house, Ladder 160. When you read the name ‘Ladder 160,’ you pronounce it ‘one-sixty.’ Firefighter Marcano was quick to correct me and say, “No, it’s Ladder One, Six, Zero.” This is running joke between the engine and the ladder companies in this house (as any firefighter can attest, this goes on in their firehouses as well). These firemen were a blast to cook with. It began with calling the meal, ‘Irish Enchiladas,’ in celebration of my heritage, to Firefighter Marcano calling FF Landano by his nickname in the firehouse — Lan-do-nothing. Jokingly, FF Marcano was in awe of all the work Fighterfighter Landano was doing on the show because it was the first time he’d ever really seen him work! On to the meal. The table looked like a Christmas tree with all the different colors of food. These Irish Enchiladas were accompanied by beans and rice and homemade guacamole. Jesus was the head chef on this meal. He was sure to remind us all that the recipe belonged to his mother-in-law and doing what any good son-in-law would do, he made sure to give her a shout out!
Chris made a comment that Jesus was being a kiss-up. I informed Jesus that I understood his devotion to his mother-in-law. Heck, I had my fatherin-law on three shows! Well, I can’t say that I had to have him on the show. The show received so many compliments on him, that I was afraid I would loose viewers if I didn’t have him back on! My fire fact on this show was based on something that FF Landano invented. It is called the Trak Belt 360. This belt allows the firefighter to move the pockets, on the work belt, 360 degrees around your waist. This is helpful for EMS and firefighters because it allows their tools to be readily available. Being able to slide the pockets around makes climbing ladders safer and is handy in a ‘reduced profile’ situation. You can visit the website for this device at trakbelt360.com. I enjoyed cooking with these Queens firemen and shared many laughs. These two guys reminded me what I missed most about cooking at the firehouse — the camaraderie and sense of family you feel is unexplainable. I had a pinch of sadness when the day was over. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor or guest, visit firehousekitchenshow.com or call 631-514-5859.
IRISH CHICKEN ENCHILADAS
Chicken breast Onions Green and red peppers Tomatoes Jalapenos Cheddar cheese Sour cream 1 can crushed tomatoes 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream 1 cup chicken broth Flat, soft tortillas
Using a baking tin, fill with a half-inch of water. Lay chicken breast in tin and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine crushed tomatoes, half-and-half and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes. Chop onions, peppers, tomatoes and jalapenos. When the chicken is ready, pull apart with a fork. Lay pieces of chicken on top of the tortilla shells. Add beans, rice and all chopped ingredients. Roll the tortilla closed. Layer with sauce and cheddar cheese. Place in baking tin and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Sour cream and guacamole can be added to your taste after the tortillas are done baking. Enjoy!
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East Orange 3-Alarmer
Fire News, June 2016, Page 25
On April 20, 2016, the East Orange Fire Department was sent to the corner of Beech and South Burnet Streets for an exterior fire extending into a home. Due to the dry conditions and heavy winds, the fire quickly made its way into the main building and soon the B exposure, which resulted in a second alarm. Companies made an aggressive interior attack in both buildings, but were forced out of the main fire building once the fire in the attic started to self vent. Operations where shifted to defensive and a task force was requested from Newark as a third alarm was struck. Bloomfield, West Orange and Irvington responded on mutual aid. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Medford Brush Fire On April 18, 2016, Medford District 25 units were alerted to a possible brush fire on the north end of town. New Jersey Forestry was also alerted. Units arrived to find a brush fire that was partially involving bamboo. Forestry units accessed the yard with their vehicles and extinguished the fire. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
Bloomfield Dumpster Fire On April 11, 2016, the Bloomfield Fire Department responded to Franklin Street for a house fire. Deputy 3 arrived and found a dumpster fire extending to the home. Engine 2, already on the road, noticed the column of smoke and responded, quickly knocking down the fire. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Rollover on GSP On April 20, 2016, Central received a report of an MVA with rollover and possible entrapment on the Garden State Parkway around mile marker 23. Seaville Fire and Upper Township Rescue Squad were dispatched. Upon arrival Station 19 command requested a Medevac. Marmora Fire Rescue was dispatched to provide ground support for the LZ as well as extrication support. The person was extricated and transported to a nearby hospital. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
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Camden Elevator Rescue x 2
On April 20, 2016, Rescue Company 1, Ladder 1 and Battalion 1 in the City of Camden were alerted for a stuck elevator inside Cooper Hospital. While making the first rescue, hospital security informed the chief of another stuck elevator. All occupants were quickly rescued and there were no injuries. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
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Training on the Ropes On April 8, 2016, City of Camden Rescue 1, 3 Platoon and Liberty Station trained on rescue technique. (Left to right): Firefighters Dave Diaz, Anthony Church, Orlando Torres and Captain Bryan Emenecker review rope rescue and stokes basket procedures. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Supporting a Good Cause The City of Somers Point Volunteer Fire Department in Atlantic County supported the annual 2016 Bayfest fundraiser held on Bay Avenue. The entire length of Bay Avenue is closed for the day for food vendors, crafters, live music, a car show, rides for the children and more. Also supporting Bayfest were Shore Medical Center, local EMS, police and Police Explorers. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Prom Season in EHT The Egg Harbor Township Emergency Services helped the Egg Harbor Township High School stage its annual mock crash ahead of its annual prom to promote the dangers of drunken, buzzed, and distracted driving. Also participating were the aeromedical service SouthStar" who landed at the high school and actually flew the ‘patient’. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Linden F.D. and Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign On April 16, 2016 The Linden Fire Department in conjunction with The American Red Cross held a Home Fire Safety Campaign in parts of Linden’s 5th and 8th wards. If residents needed smoke detectors the Linden Fire Department, with off-duty members from Linden’s FMBA locals 34 and 234, would install them. The free detectors were donated through a Red Cross Home Fire Safety Campaign. In addition, the Red Cross was passing out home safety information to residents and the Linden Fire Department was informing them of their File of Life Program, a program that gathers resident’s pertinent medical information to help expedite an ambulance call by making the information readily available to EMS workers. The day was a huge success, installing 112 detectors in 54 homes, thanks to the many volunteers from the Red Cross, and Linden High School’s Red Cross and ROTC programs. - Fire News photo supplied
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On March 24, 2016, the Atlantic City Airport Fire Department conducted a swearing in ceremony for two new recruit firefighterEMTs at their station at the Wm. J. Hughes Technical Center. The department would like to welcome aboard Firefighter Timothy Green of Haddonfield, and Firefighter Rebecca Collins of Buena Vista Township. The new recruits will participate in a six-week training program and, upon successful completion, will become an integral part of the department. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Page 32, Fire News, June 2016
New Engine in Ocean City Ocean City firefighters train on their new Engine 1, familiarizing themselves with the new foam system, among other equipment. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Meadowlands Extrication Training
On March 26, 2016, the Meadowlands Fire Department conducted an all-day vehicle extrication training session. Firefighters used hand tools, hydraulic spreaders and cutters and vehicle stabilization kits on five vehicles practicing various extrication procedures. The training session was taught by Firefighter University Instructor Rich Cooper. - Fire News photos by Thomas Bischoff
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AKRON BRASS DEBUTS LED TACTICAL SCENE LIGHT AND MORE AT FDIC INTERNATIONAL 2016 Akron Brass showcased its latest product this year at FDIC: The Revel Scout LED tactical scene light. Visitors to the Akron Brass booth were able to demonstrate the battery-powered Revel Scout, testing its many features for themselves. They also had a daily chance to take home a Revel Scout for their department. The Revolution Intake Valve, Aeromaster12 Monitor, Revel LED DC Scene Light and Link2 Mobile App were also on display for guests to see, with Product Specialists nearby to answer questions. Many featured products were on display in Akron’s booth, but the Revel Scout LED Scene Light was the star of the show. This tactical LED scene light frees you from heavy generators and cumbersome cords. Weighing only 12 pounds, this portable light is much simpler to deploy than other brands. The rechargeable battery can last up to seven hours. A combination of flood and spot-light LED optics increases overall visibility. The Revel Scout has versatile placement options, making it perfect for any scene — set on a flat surface, hang on a door, strap to a ladder or attach to drywall with its integrated spike. The Revolution Intake Valve brings simplicity and power to any apparatus. Its aluminum and stainless steel body features an easy-touse handwheel for simplified valve operation. The Revolution’s space-saving design provides easy access to pump operations, while flowing up to 2000 gallons per minute. The Aeromaster12 Monitor flows up to 3000 gpm and features a 355 degree rotational range.
The Aeromaster12 comes with CAN multiplexed controls for “plug and play” installation. User-programmable obstacle avoidance, stow and deploy positions, soft stops, and auto oscillation make this monitor easy to setup and leave alone. The Revel DC Scene Light Head can be surface mounted to your apparatus or placed on many of our different elevated mounting options. This LED light is available in 14,000 or 28,000 lumens, fully covering any dark scene in bright light. Unique cooling fins provide optimal thermal management to help prevent overheating. The Link2 Mobile App enhances the Link2 system by giving you access to your vehicle information in the palm of your hand. While the system allows quick access to the inner working of the apparatus, the app puts the information at your fingertips. Monitor vehicle operations and schedule maintenance from your own mobile device. All Link2 users can download the app for free in the iTunes store or Google Play store. Also at this year’s FDIC, Akron Brass made its own debut as a unit of IDEX Corporation, joining leading brands within the Fire Suppression Group of Hale, Class1 and Godiva. Visit akronbrass.com for more information on Akron’s latest product innovations.
GALAXY TOYOTA AND HONDA UNIVERSE A PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS BY FIREFIGHTERS knowledge of the stress that first responders place on Galaxy Toyota, located on Route 36 in Eatontown, themselves and their families, doing the job they have New Jersey, and Honda Universe, located in chosen to undertake. Lakewood, New Jersey, are family run operations, that As a result, Ciasulli decided to give back and starthave been in the same family for three generations. ed an easy-to-understand and eay-to-participate-in And now, led by Bobby Ciasulli, the General Manager purchasing program for first responders and their of both operations, both Galaxy Toyota and Honda immediate families. How simple? Show your departUniverse have a fire department connection. ment ID, and they’ll handle the rest. And you’ll defiWhen Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, Ciasulli nitely love the prices! spent 10 days — from sunrise to sunset — at his local “We will make the process super easy for you and firehouse, the only place with power, and was remove any need for negotiations,” said Ciasulli. impressed by the work the firefighters did for their If you’re a first responder and looking for a new community. vehicle, check in with Bobby Ciasulli and the crews Ciasulli was so impressed that he enrolled in the over at Galaxy Toyota at 750 Route 36 in Eatontown, Fire Academy and is now a Second Lieutenant with NJ (732-544-1000; www.galaxytoyota.net); and the Colts Neck Fire Department in Monmouth County. Honda Universe at 1085 Ocean Avenue in Lakewood, NJ (732-370His only regret? He hadn’t done it sooner. As a result of Ciasulli’s work with the department, he and his co- 9700); www.hondauniverse.com. workers at Galaxy Toyota and Honda Universe have first-hand
2016 PAUL S. SARBANES AWARD PRESENTED TO FDSOA The 2016 Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Award for Fire Service Safety Leadership was presented to the Fire Department Safety Officers Association on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Congressional Fire Service Institute’s 28th annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington, DC. In presenting the award, Jim Estepp, CFSI board member, said, “FDSOA is being recognized for its work to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue, and emergency services community.” Estepp noted the 28 years of FDSOA’s Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium that has brought together manufacturers, fire officers, and emergency vehicle technicians and contributed to significant improvements in apparatus safety performance. Estepp added, “Under new management and leadership, FDSOA is proactive in reaching out to educate, train and certify safety officers across North America. They are doing so by forming and strengthening partnerships with organizations that share in a common pursuit of firefighter health and safety. And they are doing so by addressing many of the 16 Life Safety Initiatives developed over
ten years ago by the national fire service organizations.” In accepting the Sarbanes award, FDSOA Chairman Richard Maddox thanked State Farm, VFIS, and NFFF for the prestigious award and added, “Through the hard work and dedication of past and present leadership of the FDSOA and through its many partnerships, we are recommitted to our core mission of educating and providing essential training the safety officers assigned to protect their brother and sister firefighters every day in our nation’s emergency situations.” For more information regarding the FDSOA Safety Forum, contact Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, 248-880-1864 or visit: www.fdsoa.org. (Left to right): State Farm Vice President of Operations King Butler; former FDSOA Chairman Michael Petroff; FDSOA Chairman Richard Maddox; FDSOA Executive Director Rich Marinucci; VFIS President Troy Markel; CFSI Board member Jim Estepp; and National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Chairman Dennis Compton. - Fire News photo by John Buckman
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 35
USAR Drill On April 11, 2016, agencies from across northern New Jersey participated in the annual USAR drill at North Fire Headquarters. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 36, Fire News, June 2016
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Vehicle Extrication Drill in Mine Hill
Members of the Mine Hill Fire Department took turns using the K12, removing the roof, and doors of an SUV recently donated to them for a vehicle extrication drill. - Fire News photos by Jason Bell
Montclair 3-Alarmer On April 4, 2016, the Montclair Fire Department responded to S. Mountain Avenue for a reported structure fire. Shortly after first-due Engine 3 arrived, a second — and eventually a third — alarm was called due to the large size of the home and the heavy fire conditions. Companies attempted an interior attack but where forced out as fire blew through the roof. Mutual aid came from Bloomfield, Clifton, Cedar Grove, East Orange, West Orange and Newark. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
86 Acres Burned in Marsh Fire On March 30, 2016, the City of Port Republic Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Exit 48 on the Garden State Parkway southbound for a report of a brush fire. Prior to the report, the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service towers in Divisions C and B had dispatched equipment to the area for investigation. NJFFS power wagons found a large area of salt marsh on fire. Also responding were New Gretna and West Tuckerton. NJFFS Section 7 Section Warden John Sanford arrived, established command and requested an observation helicopter, a drop helicopter, two air tankers, and six power wagons. B Division Section 2 Section Warden Shawn Judy was appointed operations. Eventually, 86 acres of salt marsh were consumed. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Page 38, Fire News, June 2016
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Up Close & Personal
Scullville Volunteer Fire Company #3 Past Chief, 50-year member, and Egg Harbor Township Fire Official Don Stauffer with the “Big Ragu,” Chief Anthony ‘Tony’ Canale on April 20, 2016, at the Atlantic County Fire Training Center. Don and Tony were close friends. - Fire News photo Dennis C. Sharpe
Newark Firefighter Ryan Rosetti marching in the 2016 Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day parade. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Lieutenant-now-Chief Kevin Nelson on the scene of a recent outside fire with extension. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
FireNews.com
Fire News, June 2016, Page 39
Up Close & Personal
Firefighter Greg Koellner getting close up during an SCBA confidence drill at the Taunton Volunteer Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Medford Division of Fire and EMS Deputy Chief Richard Plowman at a chimney fire. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
City of Camden Captain Art Longo in the window of a first-due apartment fire after the fire was placed under control. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Page 40, Fire News, June 2016
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ACFA Valor Awards The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held their annual Valor Awards Program at the Anthony ‘Tony’ Canale Fire Training Center in Egg Harbor Township on April 20, 2016. A Meritorious Valor Award was awarded to Captain Scott Tilton of the Bayview Volunteer Fire Company, Station 264, of Galloway Township, who responded to an extrication assignment on the Garden State Parkway. The vehicle was overturned and up against a Jersey barrier and the driver had a severed arm. Captain Tilton, also a career EMT, entered the overturned vehicle and applied a tourniquet to the arm and administered a blood clotting medicine. The victim was extricated and transported to the hospital. A Meritorious Valor Award was awarded to Captain Michael McKenna, Captain Zach Perna, and Firefighter Zach Becker, members of the Egg Harbor City Fire Department, Station 10, for their response to a mutual aid call. Upon arrival they conducted a primary search of the residence and discovered a semiconscious victim who they were able to remove from the residence. They did not know at the time there was a natural gas leak in the house. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, June 2016, Page 41
Middlesex Water Supply Drill The Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s Office in conjunction with the Board of Commissioners of Plainsboro Fire District No. 1, hosted a full-scale tanker drill recently. According to Scott Kivet, Deputy Fire Coordinator of the Middlesex County Fire Marsha’s Office, operating at several larger scale fires requiring ‘big water’ such as the Keaseby fire, North Brunswick fire and the Hillsborough fire where there was low water pressure and volume, was the impetus for the drill. In an effort to control a simulated fire of a 100- x 250-foot warehouse that was 50-precent involved, various fill sites were established in order to supply water at a rate of 4000 gallons per minute. A 1.1mile-long pipeline was established behind Bristol-Meyers Squibb and ended at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. There were approximately 30 pieces of apparatus from six counties to form the task force needed to meet the water flow demands of the exercise. The drill started at 1000 concluded at 1300 with a sustained water flow rate of 3600 to 3800 gallons per minute and the goal of 4000 gallons per minute was achieved. - Fire News photos by Craig Haas
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Page 42, Fire News, June 2016
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Obituary
EMT Mort Schmerling LODD Upper Township Rescue Squad was dispatched to a Mort was a 10-year member of the UTRS. All of the surrounding agencies send their prayers medical emergency on April 13, 2016, shortly after 1100 hours in the Seaville section of Upper Township. and support to the UTRS and the family of Mort Right after providing care to the patient, EMT Mort Schmerling. Rest In Peace, brother! Schmerling collapsed. Efforts to revive him were ini- Fire News photo by Robert Macom tially successful, but 10 days later he lost his battle.