VOLUME 13, NO. 2
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes JULY 2018
Full story on page 18 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Fire News Welcomes all to the NYS Fire Chiefs Expo See Us At The Event Center Booth 1121 – New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, July 2018, Page 3
In this issue... Gloucester City Overdose, Car Fire A man is rescued from a burning car as the gas tank goes igniting two more cars. See story on page 6
Irvington Structure Fire Firefighters respond to a fire in a residential-over-commercial building. See story on page 12
Garfield-Lodi Border Fire A condo goes on Harrison Avenue bringing both companies to the scene. See story on page 24
Collapse at Passaic 4-Alarmer Several firefighters are injured at a fire in a mixed-use structure on Main Street. See story on page 28
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, 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 2018, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Mizpah Fundraiser a Hit Mizpah Fire Company holds its annual submarine fundraiser and sells out. See story on page 30
Up Close and Personal A close-up look at emergency responders around the state. See story on pages 33-34
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 20 Industry News
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Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 24 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26
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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.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Effects of Technology on the Fire Service If I close my eyes, I can visualize our heroes of the past jumping off their rigs and running into burning buildings to search for possible occupants, locate the source of the fire, while stretching heavy 2-1/2 inch lines to knock down the fire. As a spectator, I could almost count the minutes it took for firefighters to get to a third-floor apartment. I would listen for the breaking glass as truck companies vented and I would watch for a short burst of water as firefighters neared the fire room, signaling me that the flames were about to be knocked out. As a seasoned spectator, I learned to move to a spot on the street so that I would not get hit with the spray of water as the advancing line was used to vent the room through the window. Despite seeing firefighters physically worn out and beat up from performing their duty, it was this memory that made me want to be a firefighter. Today, the memory of the past has been modernized by the concern for firefighters health and safety. Yes, we are still putting the wet stuff on the red stuff, but we are doing it with the help of technology with the goal of protecting the firefighter, Look through Fire News and study our ads.
Look at the equipment that we have, which makes the art of firefighting a little safer for us. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) has become more comfortable to wear and offers better protection with high temperature masks and air level visibility. Our personal alert safety system (PASS alarm) is built into the pack and now has the capability to let Command search and locate you if your PASS alarm activates. Our gear is much more than pull-up boots and a Nomex coat. Bailout systems are an important part of our personal safety for interior firefighters. How about the equipment we use? Hydraulic extrication tools have gotten lighter to use. They are more powerful and have specially designed cutters to handle the exotic metals used in today’s cars. The new generation of tools utilize battery power. The new tools are faster and perform better than in the past. New lighting equipment is like a scene out of Star Wars. Handlights used by responders cut through smoke like never before and offer greater visibility for the responder. Nighttime emergency scenes are well lit for our protection. Our gear includes highly reflective mate-
rial so that you are visible while you operate on scene. I could go on and on and continue to talk about firefighter accountability systems, new communication systems, safer vehicles, responding aps and management systems. Once again, I urge you to read the ads in Fire News to learn what new equipment is available to you. New space age technology that is being utilized by today’s fire service is designed to improve firefighter effectiveness and firefighter safety. New technology is designed to let the responders of today do a dangerous job more efficiently with safety in mind. Be open to new ideas and new equipment. Today’s technology has your safety in mind. You can’t argue with that! -Dennis
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Gloucester City Overdose, Car Fire
On March 29, 2018, Gloucester City Squad 51 responded to Walnut Avenue for a vehicle fire with a unconscious person still inside. A 29-year-old man — a suspected overdose — was rescued from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital. Squad 51 not only had to deal with the vehicle on fire but also a running fuel fire which damaged two additional vehicles. Fire was extinguished with no injuries to first responders. Special thanks to mutual aid companies from Mt. Ephraim and Collingswood for their help on scene. - Fire News photos by James O’Connor
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Newark 3-Alarmer On March 30, 2018, the Newark Fire Department was dispatched to a large H-shaped residential-over-commercial structure on Broadway for an alarm activation. While responding, a full assignment was put out for reports of a smoke condition. Crews found fire on the bravo side of the structure and worked on containment keeping the Delta side intact. The fire reached three alarms, bringing mutual aid into the city. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Jersey City Vacant House Goes
On April 23, 2018, Jersey City firefighters were toned out for a report of a house on fire behind Myrtle Avenue. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing from the first floor of a vacant structure. Firefighters tried to make an aggressive attack on the fire but by the time they were able to access the interior of the vacant home the fire had run the building and they were soon battling flames on all floors and into the cockloft. This fire occurred a half-mile down the road from a four-alarm fire a night earlier . - Fire News photos by PuckStopperPhotography.com
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Good Stop in Hamilton Township
On April 2, 2018, the volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale and Cologne responded to the Harding Highway Business Park for a report of a structure fire. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived to heavy black smoke showing from a 150,000 square foot warehouse building, of which 52,000 square feet were where the fire was located. Command had Mays Landing Tender 1819 under the command of Captain Larry Birch stretch two lines in. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., and crew discovered the building’s sprinkler system was activated and holding, but not extinguishing the fire which was located under wooden pallets and thwarting the sprinkler system’s efforts. The fire involved PVC foam used in marine industrial construction. Units from Cardiff and Bargaintown were requested and, along with Cologne stretched LDH supply lines, laddered and entered. Command requested Camden County MVU-1, the Mobile Ventilation Unit operated by the Westmont Fire Department. South Egg Harbor was requested to the scene for RIT and their mobile cascade trailer. Firefighters set up ventilation and quickly cleared out the smoke. One employee was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation after being examined by the Mays Landing Rescue Squad. Also responding were Atlantic City Electric and South Jersey Gas, Township of Hamilton Fire Investigator and Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Irvington Structure Fire On the evening of April 2, 2018, the Irvington Fire Department responded to a large residential-over-commercial structure for a fully involved barbershop fire on division 1. Crews arrived to a well-advanced fire that had already extended to the other businesses along with the apartments above. Six lines were stretched as crews from Newark, West Orange, Orange and Maplewood assisted in bringing the fire under control. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Bridgeton Structure Fire
The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to the 100 Block of Walnut Street on May 21, 2018, for a structure fire. Engine 701 and Tower 7 arrived to find smoke showing from a half-double with Deputy Chief Kevin Scarlotto establishing command and requesting mutual aid from the City of Millville, Gouldtown and Cedarville. Firefighters made quick work of the fire and the cause was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Double Trouble in Farmington
The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to Pleasant Heights Avenue for a structure fire on May 14, 2018. Farmington Lieutenant Josh Alford, who lived nearby, notified EHT dispatch of heavy smoke in the structure. EHT dispatch notified him of a second report of another structure fire. Alford investigated and found heavy smoke showing from that address as well. RIT came from the City of Northfield and Bargaintown was also dispatched. Firefighters worked for several hours to extinguish the fire. The fires were located in the crawl space of both structures and numerous saws were used to open up the floors. Also responding were Cologne (cover), and EHT Police, EHT Ambulance and the American Red Cross. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe and Ken Badger
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Evesham All-Hands Evesham Fire Rescue was alerted to a dwelling fire in the Kings Grant section of town on May 15, 2018. The fire was originally reported as a dryer fire. Companies arrived to heavy fire showing from the garage, extending to the dwelling. A car in the driveway was also involved. Engine Company 2231 stretched three lines and brought the fire quickly under control. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
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’Tis the Season: Hurricane Prep If you think it is raining more, flooding more and storming more than it used to: it is. This decade, New Jersey is experiencing around 20 more annual coastal flooding events compared to the 1950s. Extreme precipitation events for New Jersey are 70-percent wetter over the past 60 years, as well. Press of Atlantic City Meteorologist, Joe Martucci, who attended the 20th Annual Conference says that the early onset of the hurricane season with Alberto the last week of May and the second 1-in-1000-years flooding event in Ellicott City, Maryland, over the past three years is proof positive that storms are occurring with more frequency and causing more damage. Since hurricanes in New Jersey reoccur every 20 years, don't delay in preparing your community for the next worst storm right now. MAKE A KIT Don’t be overwhelmed. Many items are easy to find and affordable. Just add a few each week to your grocery list but start now before hurricane season arrives. The height of the season is mid-August through October. For a complete list go to www.ready.gov/build-akit. They suggest to plan for at least 72 hours, which is at least one gallon of water per person for three days for drinking and sanitation. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. Also consider any special dietary needs and pets. Lastly, don’t forget medical items, tools, documents, money, survival tools and first aid gear.
From www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Suggested Emergency Food Supplies Consider the following things when putting together your emergency food supplies: • Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. • Choose foods your family will eat. • Remember any special dietary needs. • Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener • Protein or fruit bars • Dry cereal or granola • Peanut butter • Dried fruit • Canned juices • Non-perishable pasteurized milk • High energy foods • Food for infants • Comfort/stress foods
PREPARE YOUR HOME Keep trees and bushes trimmed to prevent flying debris, secure any outside items, secure and clear rain gutters and reinforce roofs, windows and doors. You may want to consider a generator but be sure to read all safety suggestions for using it. Lastly, make sure you know your evacuation routes and heed local officials. Decide where to go and plan for any family members or neighbors with access and functional needs. Ready.gov says to search “alerts” for community text or e-mail alerting systems for emergency notifications. AFTER THE STORM Whether you shelter in place or evacuate, be sure to listen to local officials for updates and instructions on when it is safe to return. Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media. When you return home, be careful of debris, downed power lines and flood waters that have not yet receded. They can sweep you away or cover live power lines and other dangers. Be sure to photograph your property damage for insurance purposes. This article just skims the surface of preparedness. Please refer to www.ready.gov/hurricanes and speak to your local emergency managers to get the best information to share with your community at large.
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Cover Story
Good Stop in Ridgefield Park Just before midnight on April 23, 2018, the Ridgefield Park Fire Department was dispatched to East Grand Avenue, when a homeowner reported their home was on fire. Chief Rodney Wagner reported heavy smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story frame home. The fire was located in a rear room on the first floor and was extending up the walls into the attic. Several lines where stretched as the truck companies opened up. The fire eventually broke through the vent holes in the roof but was quickly knocked down with interior handlines. After very labor-intensive overhaul the fire was placed under control. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital. Mutual aid came from Bogota, Hackensack and Little Ferry. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo, PuckstopperPhotography.com and Ken LaBelle
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North Wildwood Gas Leak
On May 17, 2018, North Wildwood Quint 2 was dispatched to 24th Street and the Boardwalk for a high-pressure gas leak. Quint 2 requested the gas company to respond. Nearly an hour-and-a-half after arrival, a fire ignited and Quint 2 requested all North Wildwood firefighters and District 3 of Wildwood Fire to respond.
Battalion 2 arrived and declared an all-hands due to the severity of the fire and the threat to the exposures. Wildwood Crest and Rio Grande responded. Three workers from the gas company were checked by North Wildwood EMS and the leak was secured. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Bridgeton High-Rise Explosion The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to the Bridgeton High Rise at Commerce and Pearl Streets on April 21, 2018, after a propane tank exploded on the tenth floor, knocking out windows and the interior walls of several apartments. There were no injuries, but the high rise was evacuated with some lower floors sustaining water damage. Bridgeton firefighters were assisted by the Cumberland County Urban Search and Rescue Team, and fire units from City of Vineland, Gouldtown, Fairton, Cedarville, and Hopewell, Stow Creek, City of Bridgeton Police, Cumberland County Emergency Management, and the Salvation Army. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Spring Lake Pipeline Drill The Southern Monmouth County Pipeline held a drill in April to practice the deployment of the pipeline if called upon. The scenario of the drill was for both pipeline teams to set up a draft location and lay seven-tenths of a mile to location of a fire scene. Team 1 arrived and took 25 minutes to have their pipeline operational, while Team 2 simultaneously arrived and took 16 minutes to have theirs fully operational. Both teams were flowing at 1250 gpm when fully operational. Monmouth County Fire Coordinators told participating departments that the drill went very smoothly and they were impressed with the efficient times of getting into full operation. - Fire News photos by Mike Nowacki
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Route 9 MVA, Diesel Spill
On May 17, 2018, Central received a call reporting a dump truckversus-car MVA on Route 9. Marmora Fire Rescue and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched. Marmora Chief Jay Newman confirmed a two-car MVA with possible entrapment with a diesel fuel spill. Seaville was requested to assist. The patient was success-
fully extricated from the vehicle and transported to Shore Medical Center. The county health department was requested because of the amount of fuel spilled. Also responding were New Jersey State Police and the Cape May County Health Department. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
KUSSMAUL ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP
Effective May 29, 2018, I am announcing a change in leadership at Kussmaul Electronics. After a very successful time as President of Kussmaul, it's Thomas Nugent's desire to stay in the company, focused on engineering, new products and business development. Since Tom was instrumental in growing Kussmaul, he actively participated in the search process and will be supporting the ramp up of our new President, Dale Tompkins. Dale Tompkins comes to us with a tremendous track record of success. Dale is experienced in the emergency, warning, and vocational vehicle space, having served as President and CEO of Code 3, a provider of lighting and warning products for emergency responders, utility service fleets, and industrial settings. Prior to Code 3, Dale was part of marine leader Brunswick Corporation, where he served in senior corporate and business leadership roles. Dale is a native of Wisconsin, has a B.S. in Finance from the University of
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Wisconsin, LaCrosse, and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. In his role, Dale will be responsible for driving the profitable growth of Kussmaul Electronics including our expansion into new vertical markets such as the vocational truck market. To that end, Dale's dual title includes Market Segment President for Specialty Vehicle Power. Dale will have direct responsibility for all functions within our West Sayville facility. Dale will maintain a strong focus on customer satisfaction. Please join me in welcoming Dale to Kussmaul Electronics. Colin Chambless VP Sales and Marketing.
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Garfield-Lodi Border Condo Blaze On the evening of April 22, 2018, the Garfield and Lodi Fire Departments were dispatched to Harrison Avenue for a building fire. Harrison is in both townships with one side of the street Garfield, and the side of the fire, Lodi. Both departments arrived to a well-involved fire on the exterior of a condominium with extension into the interior. Mutual aid came from Woodridge, Saddle Brook and Wallington. Companies were forced to evacuate as heavy fire worked throughout the upper floors and multiple master streams and ladder pipes were put into operation to knock down the fire, followed by crews reentering the building to knock down the remaining fire. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Vernon Avenue Garage Fire
On March 9, 2018, as companies were clearing an incident in which a vehicle slid off a cliff, a reported garage fire was dispatched for Vernon Avenue. Ladder 3 arrived to a single-story, detached twocar garage with light smoke showing. Two lines were stretched and the fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Mays Landing Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne and Laureldale responded on April 13, 2018, to Harding Highway, Building 1600, for a structure fire. New Jersey Forest Fire Service Unit C-5 arrived and worked on extinguishing the mulch and shrubs while Mays Landing checked the units where the fire went and laddered the building to pull soffits which had caught fire. Firefighters entered the structure to ensure the fire had not extended as the windows of the units that were facing the fire were charred and cracked. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Scullville Bus-Car MVA The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to Zion and School House Roads on February 23, 2018, for a report of an MVA with entrapment. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament established command for a crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle with a female trapped in the passenger vehicle. The school bus struck the passenger side of the vehicle causing it to crash into a utility pole on the driver’s side. Firefighters and EMS spent 25 minutes extricating the female in a driving rainstorm. The female was transported by EHT Ambulance. Also responding were EHT Police, Atlanticare Paramedics and Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Clifton Rollover On the evening of March 18, 2018, Clifton Ladder 3, Rescue 1, and Engines 1 and 2 responded to the intersection of Union Avenue and 3rd Street for a reported MVA with rollover and entrapment. The accident flipped a small sedan on its side. All three of Clifton’s ambulances responded to the scene to transport four patients to local hospitals. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Upper Saddle River House Destroyed
On March 28, 2018, the Upper Saddle River Fire Department was dispatched for reports of a house fire on Stevenson Lane. Chief Rauch noted a large column of smoke in the area and requested a second alarm. Companies found a two-story frame home fully involved. Due to a lack of hydrants in the area tankers were set up to supply water until a positive water supply could be established. The home, which had been unoccupied for several years, was under renovation and collapsed not long after the arrival of the fire department. Several mutual aid departments responded. The home was a total loss with only a portion of the garage and a chimney standing. Units were on scene for approximately three hours. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Collapse, FF Injuries at Passaic 4-Alarmer Early on April 18, 2018, the Passaic Fire Department responded to Main Avenue for a building fire. Companies arrived to heavy smoke pushing from a 2-1/2 story corner building which housed a deli on the first floor and apartments on the upper floors. A second alarm was requested by Battalion Chief Szczygiel as companies were performing searches and rescued two occupants trapped on the second floor. A third alarm was requested as conditions continued to deteriorate and the fire was located in the basement and extending up the walls. At one point it appeared that companies were making progress, however flames became visible on the second floor and all members were ordered out of the building. Heavy fire eventually broke out of several windows on the second floor and attic and even burned through the wall on the second floor. Three ladder pipes and several outside lines were put into operation and, due to water issues,8 a fourth alarm was requested. Eventually a portion of the roof collapsed and, after several hours of firefighting and overhaul, the fire was placed under control. Several firefighters suffered minor injuries. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Hoarding Hampers Firefight
On May 15, 2018, Neptune Fire companies were dispatched to Prospect Place for a reported structure fire. On arrival, heavy smoke and fire was visible and a second alarm was struck bringing South Wall, Wall, Glendola, Neptune Station 35, and Asbury Park RIT to the scene. Crews faced heavy hoarding conditions throughout the home. Multiple lines where stretched as crews worked their way through the debris and opened up the roof for ventilation. The fire was placed under control within an hour. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Mizpah Fundraiser a Hit The Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company from the Township of Hamilton in Atlantic County held its annual sub sale fundraiser on April 21, 2018. The event was so successful they sold out and wish to thank all those who participated and helped make the event another success. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Bargaintown Coin Drop The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company held their annual coin drop on May 26, 2018, at the intersection of Ocean Heights Avenue and Zion Road. Michelle and David, field representatives of Philadelphia Monster Energy “Down the Shore,” stopped by and donated cans of Monster Energy to the firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary. Monster Energy donates to police and fire organizations whenever they go to new locations in the New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania Tri-State area. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Nominations Now Being Accepted for Public Safety Officer Medal Award Recognizes Public Safety Personnel for Valor
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance has opened the nomination period for the 2017-2018 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. This is the highest national award honoring firefighters, emergency service officers, and law enforcement officers across the country, including federal, state, local and tribal officers. The nomination period will remain open until 2359 (Eastern time) on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. This award honors public safety officers who displayed exceptional acts of courage and decisiveness to protect human life, above and beyond the call of duty. To receive the Medal of Valor, public safety officers must be nominated by the chief executive officer of their employing agencies, recommended by the bipartisan Medal of Valor Review Board, and cited by the Attorney General. Each year, the medals are presented to the recipients at a special White House ceremony. Learn more about the requirements for this award on the Medal of Valor website and start preparing your nominations today. Go to www.bja.gov/programs/medalofvalor/index.html.
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HHFD Engine 1 Brotherhood The brothers of Hasbrouck Heights Engine 1 at the annual Department Inspection. - Fire News photo Marc Nazeh, HHFD
Ocean Co. Poster Contest Winners The Brick Township Bureau of Fire Safety is proud to announce three Brick Township winners in the 2017-18 Ocean County Fire Prevention Poster Contest. The award ceremony took place at the Ocean County Freeholder’s meeting on May 2, 2018. The winning posters will go on to the State level. The winners were: MacKenzie Asfalg, Division 1; Abigail Fuchs, Division 3; and Eva Rios, Division 6. - Fire News photo provided
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Firehouse Kitchen
The Hidden Danger Killing Firefighters By Ray Cooney This month’s article is not about cooking. It was my fourth time asked to be on the Dr. Oz Show. This time would be different. It was not going to be on cooking or safety tips. The subject of the show was “The Hidden Dangers Killing Firefighters.” The producers of the show contacted me the day before the shoot, in somewhat of a panic. They informed me that Dr. Oz wanted to have a group of firefighters on the set. At the end of the show, he wanted to thank them for their service and ask a few questions. I told them that I would see what I could do. I posted a Facebook message asking firefighters to show up in Manhattan on a Tuesday morning with one-day notice. With my fingers crossed, we received an overwhelming response. Thirty-plus firefighters showed up, coming from Boston to Maryland in support of a topic that hit close to home for all of them. A guest, on this episode of Dr. Oz, was Boston news anchor, Blaire
Miller. They were discussing this hidden danger, which I’m sure you know, is cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death amongst firefighters. One case Blaire discussed, was about Firefighter Glen Preston, of the Boston Fire Department. At 39 years of age, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is the father of four young children. Glen knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was two-years old. He thought, the way most firefighters think, that if this job is going to take me, it’s going to be while fighting a fire. When he heard the news about his cancer, he couldn’t believe it. Most firefighters sign up for this job without giving a thought to getting this “occupational cancer.” Yes, it’s an occupational cancer. That is how it was described on the show. After Glen shared his story, Blaire proceeded to provide some tips on how to avoid getting the type of cancer he had. They were tips that most firefighters know but, unfortunately, become complacent about following. One main tip was wearing your SCBA mask during a fire (which we do), but also wearing it during the overhaul part of the job (which most don’t do). This is when most of the toxins are in the air. Another tip was keeping our gear clean and showering after a job to wash away any remnants left behind, thereby decreasing our exposure to contaminants. At the end of the episode, Dr. Oz thanked us all for our service. I know Firehouse Kitchen is light-hearted and we learn mostly about cooking, but please pay attention to my safety tips and fire facts. One of them might save your life one day. A special thanks to Dr. Oz for the support and knowledge he supplies on helping and protecting first responders. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen, or how to become a sponsor, visit: firehousekitchenshow.com; 631-514-5859; ray@firehousekitchenshow.com.
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Up Close & Personal Mays Landing Firefighter and pastChief Bob Hamilton at the Sandpiper fire on April 13, 2018, after spraining his hand turning the throttle while operating Tender 1819. LOL! - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Quincy Jones of the NJFFS and ACFA Instructor Joe Ward following the graduation ceremonies January 29, 2018, at the Atlantic County Fire Academy. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
After 39 great years of service to the Bloomfield Fire Department, Chief Joe McCarthy retired from his position of chief of the department as of April 1, 2018! - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Up Close & Personal Atlantic County Fire Chiefs Association President, Egg Harbor City Chief Walter ‘Butch’ Kienzle, presented an award recognizing Atlantic County Firefighters Association Chaplain Tom Sweeny for the many years he has mentored to his flock of firefighters. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Wall Fire Company 1 Deputy Chief Dan Champion and Spring Lake Heights Fire Department Chief Joe Tompey stop for a quick photo at a drill. - Fire News photo by Mike Nowacki Summit Fire Department Chief Eric Evers at an April 13, 2018, brush fire. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti