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Fire News Wildwood Special Edition, Page 3
Five Mile Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Association Post Office Box 935, Wildwood, NJ 08260-0935
Member Volunteer Fire Companies Anglesea - North Wildwood - Wildwood - Holly Beach - West Wildwood - Wildwood Crest It's hard to believe this is the 43rd year the New Jersey Firemen's Convention has been held in Wildwood. For just as long, the Five Mile Beach Volunteer Fireman’s Association (FMBVFA) has been running the NJ State Firemen’s Expo in conjunction with the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association (NJFSA). It is just astounding how many FMBVFA members have been on this committee since year one. I applaud Ernie Troiano, Jr., Tom Bradshaw, Gary Troiano, Dave Greenland and Les Chiles for their continued work since 1975. While many of our members have between 20 and 40 years on the committee, it is a testament to all our members who spend countless hours, year-round, to
put on the best expo for your enjoyment. We have also lost a few great men who served from the beginning and were instrumental in the success of the expo. The FMBVFA wants to thank this year’s parade Grand Marshall, Frank Gunson, of the NJSFA, for all the help he has provided through the years. We wish you the best of luck in your retirement. While I’m at it … I would like to thank you, the firemen and women, who have donated to the Red Cross Blood Drive at convention hall. Since its start in 2002, you have donated 367 pints of blood that have potentially helped over 1100 patients in need.
We have teamed up again with St. Jude’s Children Hospital for the second year. I urge you to hunt them down, buy a T-shirt or make a donation. As we all know, they do a tremendous job treating children with cancer from all over the world, free of charge. As always, have a safe and pleasant stay with us in the Wildwoods at this year's convention.
David Thompson President FMBVFA
Welcome Chiefs, Delegates, Life Members and Guests The Officers and Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association would like to welcome everyone to our 141st A n n u a l Convention to be held on September 14 and 15. Over the past year our officers, along with the Executive Committee, continue to move the association forward in a very positive and effective manner. The Healthcare Program continues to be a success with our members. As of August 9, 2018 we have 25 members currently in the program and have paid out $85,626.41. Effective January 1, 2019, the maximum monthly reimbursement will increase to $700. For the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2018, we had 868 burial claims that amounted to $10,018,517.58. Once again, the Death Benefit was raised on July 1, 2018 to $11,750 and Line of Duty to $35,250. As of August 9, 2018, the Advisory Committee has approved 78 Special Relief Applications for a total of $184,554.09 and 54 Supplemental Relief Applications have been approved for a total of $292,924. All the Field Examinations were completed in
the spring and as reported at last year’s convention, the Relief Applications were collected and reviewed in the State Office and returned to local associations. This practice has allowed the State Office to ensure need, and proper documentation is attached to the applications. Reminder for Relief to be paid: “NEED” must be demonstrated and fully documented. On May 1, 2018 the NJSFA wired $10, 521,500 to the New Jersey State Firemen’s Home. The new Memory Care unit is progressing along. On May 15, the NJSFA wired over $14,800,000 to our Local Relief Associations. Our website continues to be updated with additional information and forms. This year we have had eight workshops in the various counties. Additional workshops will be scheduled in the fall. We will have security, uniformed police and security scanners as you enter the Convention Center. Please, no backpacks, bags or knives. Last year the knives were collected. They will once again be confiscated, so please don’t bring them into Convention Hall. Convention registration Friday, September 14, 2018, will be 0930 to 1230; Saturday, September 15, will be 0700 to 0945. A Blood Drive will be held once again on Friday at the Convention Center. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday at St. Ann’s Catholic Church at 1630. Our new Office Building located at 1711 Highway 34 South, in Wall Township will be completed and occupied by October 1. With the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association relocating to Wall Township, several
of our employees and officers have chosen to resign or retire. Along with the officers of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association and local officers, I want to thank them for their dedicated service. We have hired their replacements over the past few months to allow them to receive proper training. Carole Gray will be retiring September 28, and Carol Sibilia was going to retire along with Carole. Unfortunately the good Lord took Carol Sibilia on August 4. May she rest in peace. They had over 56 years of combined service. Kevin Finnegan will be retiring after 23 years combined service as Morris County Executive Committeeman and Secretary of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association. Jacob Genovay will also be retiring and has served since 1985 as Mercer County Executive Committeeman, 2nd Assistant Secretary, 1st Assistant Secretary and Vice-President of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association. In May I also announced that I will also be retiring after 24 years. In closing I would like to thank the administrative staff of the NJSFA, officers, executive committee and all of the local relief officers for the assistance, cooperation and support they have given me. Please remember to keep in your prayers our sick and departed brother and sister firefighters, along with all members of our armed forces, police and first responders. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend and may God Bless America. Frank B. Gunson 3rd President New Jersey State Firemen’s Association
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BOARDWALK 1
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INDEX TO EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS 10-75 LIGHTING VEHICLES ........ OCEAN AVE SOUTH 1 1800 BOARD UP .................................................. AB REG 52 1ST CHOICE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT... NORTH LOT 33 34 35 1ST RESPONDER NEWSPAPER........................ AB REG 38 911 RAPID RESPONSE .................................. BALLFIELD 7 AAA EMERGENCY SUPPLY ...................... C TENT 22 & 23 ABSOLUTE FIRE (E-ONE) .............. SOUTH LOT 32, 48, 64 ACCESS HEALTH ................................................ C TENT 17 ADIRANDACK FIRE EQUIPMENT ............ SOUTH LOT 100 ADVANCE RESTORATION GROUP .................. AB REG 67 AHRENS FOX / HME .................................. SOUTH LOT 20 AIR AND GAS TECHNOLOGY ........................ D TENT 1 & 2 AIR DEB - MAGNA GRIP ................ OCEAN AVE NORTH 6 AIR METHODS CORP.......................................... AB REG 41 AIRPOWER INTL.................................................. D TENT 7-8 AKRON BRASS ............................................ SOUTH LOT 24 ALL QUALITY MEMORIALS................................ AB REG 62 ALPINE SOFTWARE ............................................ AB REG 71 AMERICAN RECYCLING RESURCES ........ AB CENTER 26 ARMOR TUFF FLOORS................................ SOUTH LOT 98 ASI FIRE/RESCUE ........................................ AB CENTER 22 ASSOCIATED AUTO BODY ........................ AB CENTER 18 BACKSTOP USA .......................................... AB CENTER 34
BEYER FORD ................................................ NORTH LOT 16 BILL FOX CO ........................................................ AB REG 29 BLAZE EMERGENCY VEHICLES................ SOUTH LOT 97 BUCKET BRIGADE .............................................. AB REG 12 BURN FOUNDATION .................................................. GATES CALIFORNIA CASUALTY .................................. AB REG 33 CAMPBELL SUPPLY.. SOUTH 1-5,29,30,45,46,61,62, 77-80 ............................................................ NORTH LOT 22-24 CAPE MARINE ........................ BALLFIELD 11 (BURK AVE) CAPE MAY CIGARS ...................................... BALLFIELD 12 CARPEVM ............................................................ AB REG 19 CASTLE ENERGY ................................................ AB REG 63 CET FIRE PUMPS ................................................ C TENT 10 CHOICE MARKETING .................................. AB CENTER 28 CIO EMBROIDER ................................................ AB REG 73 CIRCLE D LIGHTS & NATALE MACHINE CO .. C TENT 24 CLEAN AIR CO .................................................... AB REG 24 CODE 3 .......................................................... NORTH LOT 15 CONQUEROR USA .............................................. AB REG 39 CONTINENTAL FIRE................................ HORSESHOE 3-12 CPR RESTORATION & CLEANING .................... AB REG 61 CRITERION FLOORING SYSTEMS .................... AB REG 54 CUSTOM ADVERTISING ............................ AB CENTER 5-6
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Fire News Wildwood Special Edition, Page 5
BOARDWALK
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INDEX TO EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS DEFENDER EMERGENCY VEHICLES.. NORTH LOT 10-13 E-69 L-28 HARLEM HILTON .............................. AB REG 74 EAGLE EMBLEMS ................................ AB CENTER 13 - 15 EAGLE FIT TRAINING .......................................... C TENT 4 EAST COAST EMERGENCY LIGHTING ................................ .......................................... BALLFIELD 9 ( BURK AVE) ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT LABS .............. AB REG 16 ELITE EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS .............. SOUTH LOT 27 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT SALES........................................ ...................................... SOUTH LOT 36-38,52-54,68-70 EMERGENCY SOFTWARE (ENFORSYS) .......... C TENT 16 ENOVATED TECHNOLOGY ................................ C TENT 11 EQUIPMENT MARKETERS.......................... AB CENTER 12 ESI EQUIPMENT...................................... SOUTH LOT 89-90 FAIL SAFE HOSE TESTING ........................ SOUTH LOT 72 FEDERAL SIGNAL........................................ SOUTH LOT 14 FIRE AND SAFETY SERVICES, INC (PIERCE)...................... .....................................SOUTH 8-13,33-35,49-51,65-67,84-88 FIRE ENGINE COLLECTIBLES .................... AB REG 36-37 FIRE FLOW SERVICES ................ OCEAN AVE NORTH 15 FIRE GROUND TECHNOLOGY .................. SOUTH LOT 71 FIRE MELON ........................................................ AB REG 75 FIRE NEWS .................................................. AB CENTER 23 FIREFIGHTER ONE / FERRARA FIRE .................................. ........................................SOUTH LOT 41,42,57,58,73,74 FIREHOUSE GRANTS.................................. AB CENTER 27 FIREHOUSE SOFTWARE .................................... C TENT 21 FIRST CHOICE (E-ONE).. SOUTH LOT 6-7, 31,47,63, 81-83 FIRST NET .................................................... BALLFIELD 8A FIRST PRIORITY EMERGENCY VEHICLES .......................... ..NORTH LOT 19-20,28-30 OCEAN AVE NORTH 19-23 FISHER SPORTWEAR ................ AB REG 1-3, 20-22, 58-60 FLOOR COATINGS ECT .................................... AB REG 23 FLOWER COMPANY .......................................... AB REG 35 FMBVFA T SHIRTS AND MUGS ................ BEER GARDEN FROGGYS FROG ............................................ BALLFIELD 4 GENNARO JEWELERS.................................. AB REG 65-66 GH PRINT ............................................................ AB REG 34 GM COMPANY .................................... SOUTH LOT 16 & 22 GPH PRINT .......................................................... AB REG 32 GRAVES ...................................... OCEAN AVE NORTH 9-10 HALLIGAN BOTTLE OPENERS ........................ AB REG 48 HANG DRY / ADRENALIN RACING .............. AB CENTER 2 HEAT STRAP ................................................ AB CENTER 20 HIDEOUT LEATHER ROYCE SHIELDS .. AB CENTER 31-32 IAM RESPONDING .............................................. C TENT 14
INFINITY PINS ...................................................... AB REG 69 INSURANCE RESTORATION ...................... AB CENTER 30 INTERSTATE MOBILE CARE .............................. AB REG 13 JERSEY FIRE & SAFETY PRODUCTS LLC .......................... ......................................................OCEAN AVE SOUTH 2 JERSEY SHORE RESCUE TOOLS.............. AB CENTER 29 JOSHUA MARCUS GROUP ................................ AB REG 76 KETTERERS RESCUE ........................................ AB REG 51 KOCH FORD.................................................. NORTH LOT 14 L.E.D.LIGHTS ................................................ AB CENTER 16 LARRY FOX ............................................ AB CENTER 24-25 LEES EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT .............. SOUTH LOT 59 LIBERTY ART WORKS................................ AB CENTER 17 LIFELINE EMERGENCY .............................. SOUTH LOT 21 LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP .................... SOUTH LOT 15 MADHOUZ TECHMASTERS ............ OCEAN AVE SOUTH 4 MAI AMERICA .............................................. NORTH LOT 3-5 MIDATLANTIC FIRE AND AIR ............................ C TENT 5-9 MIDATLANTIC RESCUE SYSTEMS.. OCEAN AVE NORTH 4-5 MINERVA BUNKER GEAR CLEANERS ................ C TENT 1 MITCHELL ARCHITECTS .................................... C TENT 25 MOBILE FLEET ................................................ BALLPARK 5 MOOSE SAFETY SUPPLY.......................... SOUTH LOT 103 MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES - MES........................ ..................................................OCEAN AVE NORTH 1-3 MUNICIPAL MARKETING .................................. AB REG 45 NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS FOUNDATION ............ ..........................................................................C TENT 26 NJ FIRE EQUIPMENT CO .................... NORTH LOT 1 & 2 OCEANSIDE PRODUCTS/TEES ............................................ ........................................AB REG 8-10, AB CENTER 7-9 OCS ...................................................................... AB REG 17 ONE SOURCE FIRE AND RESCUE................ BALLFIELD 1 PAC INDUSTRIES................................................ AB REG 55 PATRIOT EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS .. SOUTH LOT 17 18 19 PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGE CO.. SOUTH LOT 101 - 102 PHYSIO CONTROL .............................................. AB REG 70 PL CUSTOM .......................................... HORSESHOE 14-19 PL SERVICES ........................................................ C TENT 18 POLICE & FIRE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION .. BALLFIELD 8B POWER HAWK .............................................. AB CENTER 24 POWERCALL SIRENS .................................. D TENT 3-4-5-6 RAPID RESPONSE .............................................. AB REG 31 RAYNOR WORLDWIDE................................ AB REG 56 - 57 RESCUE LEADERS.............................................. AB REG 27 RESCUE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL .... SOUTH LOT 25
RH OCONNELL FIRE DEPT GIFTS ...... AB CENTER 10-11 RICOCHET MANUFACTURING.............................. C TENT 3 ROBBIE CONLEY ARCHITECTS ................ AB CENTER 21 RODIER EBERSBERGER ARCHITECTS .......... AB REG 14 ROGERS UNIFORMS .................... OCEAN AVE NORTH 17 RSC ARCHITECT .......................................... AB CENTER 19 SAFE FLEET................................................ SOUTH LOT 105 SAFE -T ...................................................... HORSESHOE 1-2 SAFETY AND SURVIVAL TRAINING ...................................... ..........................................OCEAN AVE NORTH 11 & 12 SPOTTED DOG TECHNOLOGY.......................... AB REG 15 ST JUDE HOSPITAL ............................................ AB REG 64 STATE LINE FIRE AND SAFETY ................ SOUTH LOT 40 STRATEGIC SAFETY DYNAMICS ........................ C TENT 2 STRYKER/EMS ........................ BALLFIELD 10 (BURK AVE) SUPER LAUNDRY............................................ C TENT 12-13 SUPERVAC ........................................ OCEN AVE NORTH 10 SUTPHEN CORP .............................................. SOUTH 91-97 TACTICAL PUBLIC SAFETY LLC .......................................... ......................................NORTH LOT 26-27 AB REG 49 TASC FIRE APPARATUS .............. OCEAN AVE NORTH 7-8 THE FIRE STORE - WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY .................... ............................................C TENT 28-32, BALLFIELD 3 THE WIRELESS EXPERANCE ...................... AB REG 25-26 TOP STITCH EMBROIDERY................................ AB REG 50 TOYNE/EMERGENCY APPARATUS DESIGN........................ ....................................................OCEAN AVE NORTH 16 TRAFFIC SAFETY PRODUCTS .......................... AB REG 47 TRAINING CLASS ............................ SOUTH LOT 44, 60, 76 TRI STAR INDUSTRIES LIMITED ................ SOUTH LOT 26 TURN OUT FIRE AND SAFETY ........................ AB REG 4-6 ULTRA BRIGHT LIGHTZ .............................. NORTH LOT 25 VALTEK .......................................................... SOUTH LOT 39 VCI EMERGENCY VEHICLES ........ NORTH LOT 6-9 17-18 .............................................................. SOUTH LOT 106 VIDEMUS TERGUS ........................................ AB CENTER 3 W.S. DARLEY .................................. OCEAN AVE NORTH 13 WARD DIESEL .............................................. AB CENTER 33 WATCH FIRE SIGNS ........................................ BALLFIELD 2 WATERWAY NJ ............................................ SOUTH LOT 43 WHELEN ENGINEERING CO INC .................. BALLFIELD 6 WILD BEAR FIRE ........................................ NORTH LOT 36 WILDLAND WAREHOUSE ........................ HORSESHOE 13 WILDWOOD CREST FD LADIES AUX .......... AB CENTER 1 WILL-BURT CO ............................................ NORTH LOT 21
Page 6, Fire News Wildwood Special Edition
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Welcome to the City of Wildwood We, the City of Wildwood Board of Commissioners, would like to welcome you to the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention and to our beach-side community. We commend the dedication and courage you show daily in ensuring citizen safety. It is a great privilege to host a convention in honor of those who risk their lives to save others. Please enjoy every minute of your stay — whether that means attending your convention, relaxing on our award-winning beaches, visiting our world-famous boardwalk, or sitting around with
Anthony Leonetti Commissioner of Public safety TLeonetti@wildwoodnj.org
friends at one of our first-class eating and drinking establishments. We also hope you get a chance to see some of our attractions, such as Byrne Plaza, the Wildwoods Sign, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the Doo Wop Museum and the George Boyer Historical Museum, as well as our oldest and most popular attraction, America’s Boardwalk. We will assist you in any way possible; please call upon us at any time during your stay. Have a successful convention and enjoy!
Ernie Troiano, Jr. Mayor Commissioner of Public Works Troiano@wildwoodnj.org
Pete Byron Commissioner of Revenue and Finance PByron@wildwoodnj.org
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Fire News Wildwood Special Edition, Page 7
Welcome to the 141st State Firemen’s Convention As Chief of the Wildwood City Fire Department, it is my honor and privilege to welcome the firefighters, their families and friends from across the State of New Jersey to the 141st Annual New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September15, 2018. Every September, for the past 43 years, the Wildwoods look forward to hosting this event. The Five Mile Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Association (FMBVFA), which consists of the volunteer fire companies on the island, work hard all year long in preparation for the convention, the exhibits and the parade. If you see any of these members during your stay, please extend a thank you to them for all they do for us. Recent events across the country continue to show the courage and commitment that is needed to be a public servant. Choosing to serve your communities in the emergency services field has never been more challenging and we all must show our support for each other now more than ever. From police officers being murdered to firefighters being
targeted during emergency responses, I applaud you for remaining steadfast in your duties. For the younger firefighters amongst us, the safest course is almost always maintaining “status quo.” I urge all of you to not only continue your firefighting training and dedication to the job, but to also become active in your local relief associations. It is you that will continue to ensure the firefighters belonging to our association continue to receive the support many of them so badly need. This is where the true meaning of “Brotherhood” is often seen. In closing, and as always, we are honored that you continue to choose the City of Wildwood as the host city for this venue and appreciate all that you do for us and the communities and civilians you protect. May you all have a safe and productive convention. God Bless all of you, God bless our troops and God Bless America! Sincerely, Daniel F. Speigel, CPM Fire Chief of Wildwood
Artist Creates ‘Legacy’ of Firefighters for the Burn Foundation Fundraiser With the assistance of Deputy Chief Joseph Cunningham, Sr., of the Delran Fire Department, a successful photo shoot took place for this year’s Burn Foundation fundraiser image. The photos were utilized as reference material for artist Joseph M. Getsinger to create a new image for this year’s Burn Foundation Fundraiser at the Wildwood Fireman’s Convention. The artist was also assisted by Captain Joshua Stellwag, who volunteered to help Getsinger with the photo shoot and became the focus of the painting representing the present-day firefighter in full gear depicted in the piece. Joe wanted the Captain to lean against the fire truck as if he had just finished fighting a fire, worn out, tired, deep in thought. He also wanted to show in the reflections, on the truck and in the puddled water below, firefighters from different eras supporting each other in spirit throughout the years. The first reflection in the truck, where Joshua’s hand is touching, is a firefighter from the 1860s era, and behind him is a member of the bucket brigade from 1740, the date which is visible on the bucket. In the reflection below Captain Stellwag is a firefighter from 1970s touching the hand of a firefighter from the 1890s era. The depiction covers close to 300 years of fire service. Above, watching over everything, you can see an early image of Benjamin Franklin, who is known for forming the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia in 1736, which was also known as Ben Franklin’s Bucket Brigade. Once the photoshoot was completed, Getsinger had to do some research regarding firefighters throughout the years, which resulted in what you see in the finished painting. His next step was a visit to Fireman’s Hall Museum at 147 North 2nd Street in Philadelphia. There he met Philadelphia firefighter and Curator of the museum, Brian O. Anderson, and other museum volunteers. Joe received a warm welcome, because they knew who he was and how he has helped the Burn Foundation over the years. He was shown through the museum, which was very impressive, and he recommends that all firefighters and their families make the trip and experience it for them-
selves. There is a lot of history there. This visit helped Joe put everything in perspective which he then applied to canvas. This year, David Russell, President of Fire and Safety Service of South Plainfield, New Jersey, a longtime supporter of the Burn Foundation and the artist, gave his full financial support to this project for the eighteenth consecutive year. Fire and Safety Services is a dealer and distributor of Pierce Manufacturing apparatus, all of which were utilized in the photo shoot. In the past 38 years, the artist has created many paintings to support the Burn Foundation and its mission. Last year it was a painting titled, “Honors.” Also, the Burn Foundation celebrates its 45th Anniversary of service to the burn care and burn patient communities this year. You can visit, support, volunteer or donate funds directly to the Burn Foundation at 8600 West Chester Pike Suite 202, Upper Darby, PA 19082-2629, or online at www.burnfoundation.org. Or, you can call for more information at 215545-3816; fax to 484-454-5367. Joe Getsinger has also created a new and improved website where you can not only see all the up-to-date fire art available, but the many other creations and prints available by him at: www.jgetsingerarts.com. In addition, Joe has added works of other artists whom he represents, plus art that he has acquired to sell. Please check out his site — we’re sure you will be impressed. The Burn Foundation, Joseph M. Getsinger and Dave Russell from Fire and Safety Services wish to thank the City of Wildwood, the Five Mile Beach Volunteer Fireman Association and all of those attending the 2018 New Jersey State Firefighter’s Convention for their continued support throughout the years. In addition, a special note of thanks to Ken Barnshaw from the South Jersey Federal Credit Union for underwriting the cost of the 2018 collectible pin. This contribution will add significantly to the success of this year’s fundraiser for the Burn Foundation. Thank you, Ken.
Page 8, Fire News Wildwood Special Edition
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
The New Jersey Fire Expo is Going Strong It is September and once again Fire News finds itself looking forward to being part of the 2018 New Jersey Fire Expo. Having attended the NJ Fire Expo for the past 13 years, we have grown with the New Jersey fire service and we are very proud that we have served as the official publication for the convention for the past six years. The staff at Fire News has worked hard to portray the New Jersey fire service in a positive light. Fire News thanks the many photographers that have dedicated themselves to documenting the history of your fire service. As you review our paper, it becomes obvious that there is a lot more than fighting fires and rescuing people at motor vehicle accidents to report about. In order to create an accurate account of what you do on a daily basis, Fire News reports on every aspect of the first responders commitment to their community and ultimately to the State of New Jersey. We care about what you do and we want the world to know how well you do your job. However, on another note, we want to make sure that you,
the first responders, are aware of what concerns are occurring throughout the entire state. Attending the NJ Fire Expo brings all responders together, so that you can compare notes on the many changing areas of the fire service. Take the time to speak with the many vendors who are bringing you the latest equipment, which is designed to make your job safer. Look for new products. Ask questions and bring back the answers to your department so that your members who could not attend the Expo have an idea of the many changes that are occurring around them. We are all aware that cancer is a word that has become part of our vocabulary. Take the time to find out what you can do to lessen the chances of exposing yourself to carcinogens. Remember that dirty gear is not a badge of honor and that “Clean is the New Salty!” In closing, I would like to thank the Fire News team of Publisher Frank Trotta; Executive Editor Tim Edwards; Assistant Editor Gary Joyce who, by the way, is the man who puts this paper together with our
Atlantic City Electric Launches New Program to Help Drive Economic Growth Across South Jersey In an effort to help promote economic growth and job creation in South Jersey, Atlantic City Electric offers its Energy Discounts for Growing Enterprises (EDGE) Program, designed to help retain local businesses, attract new business to the area and encourage business expansion. The EDGE Program offers new and existing businesses, small and large, a 20 percent discount off the electric delivery distribution portion of their rate based on certain qualifications. The discount would be effective for a five-year period as long as a business continues to meet eligibility requirements. A business must also be located in one of the eight counties served by Atlantic City Electric. To qualify for either the small or large commercial business programs, an applicant must construct a new building, purchase or lease an existing building that's been vacant or expand an existing space. For a small business, the new space should be at least 2,500 square feet and the company must hire at least one additional full-time employee. For a large business, the new space should be at least 8,000 square feet and the company must hire at least two additional full-time employees. Other qualifications apply. For more information about the EDGE Program, call 1844-574-5070 or email questions to edge@atlanticcityelectric.com. To apply for the program, visit www.atlanticcityelectric.com/edge. Readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Atlantic City Electric’s online news room.
very talented art staff of Cliff Chiesa, Greg Jones and Lynn Sedler; Barbara Connolly, Director of Marketing; and Bob Thompson, our Wildwood Advertising Rep. Together, the Fire News team’s goal has been to make the entire state of New Jersey proud of their fire, rescue, and emergency services. Thank you to the Five Mile Beach Volunteer Firemen’s Association for your hard work in organizing the NJ Fire Expo at Wildwood. I would be remiss if I didn’t stop to salute the responders of New Jersey who have dedicated their lives to a profession that continues to be a lifestyle, not a job. Stay safe and stop by the Fire News booth to say hello and to share your ideas and stories with us. Enjoy the NJ Fire Expo! ….Dennis
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Fire News Wildwood Special Edition, Page 9
Page 10, Fire News Wildwood Special Edition
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New Jersey Line of Duty Deaths October 2017 to September 2018
Edward ‘Bear’ J. Frenenski
Craig Allan Maull
Frank Matagrano
Stanhope’s Edward ‘Bear’ J. Frenenski, Firefighter
Firefighter Maull was discovered deceased in his home. A subsequent investigation revealed that Firefighter Maull likely became incapacitated and died some time on December 19, 2017, the same day as his response to the structure fire. Craig graduated from HMHS in 1966. He was a fireman with Haddon Fire Company 1 since 1967. He proudly served in the US Army during Vietnam. Craig was a member of the American Legion Post 38 in Haddonfield and the Pinewood Antler Gun Club in Chatsworth, New Jersey. Craig A. Maull was the husband of Suzanne (nee Speich) of Haddonfield; beloved father of Kevin (Rachael) and Keith Maull; adoring grandfather of Ariel, Faith, Logan and Ryon; cherished brother of Barbara (Bob) Keck; loving uncle to Sandra Sharp and William Keck.
he worked as a blacksmith repairing or servicing machinery and creating parts for the transit authority. Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife, the late Mariline (nee Salerno). He is survived by his loving children; Francine Ferrara and her husband Ed, Frank Matagrano and his wife Erica, and Michael Matagrano and his wife Lisa. He was the devoted brother of Joseph Matagrano, Teddy Matagrano, Irma Villani, Sal Matagrano, Anna Conte, and Rosie Lepurge. Frank was predeceased by his brother the late John Matagrano. He was the doting grandfather of his twin granddaughters, Angelina and Beatrice.
Edward J. ‘Bear’ Frenenski died unexpectedly following a cardiac event during a vehicle extrication drill at a local training center on October 23, 2017, at Newton Memorial Hospital. He was 31. Firefighter Frenenski was assigned to cut power to one of the vehicles being used for training. As he completed the cable cut, he stepped back and suffered a seizure. Other firefighters assisted with the removal of his protective clothing. An EMT class was underway at the same facility, so assistance was offered from class members as well. An ambulance was dispatched and arrived on the scene. Firefighter Frenenski was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced. Born in Hackettstown, he was a lifelong resident of Stanhope. Eddie was a parishioner of St. Michael’s Church in Netcong, and was a proud member of the Stanhope Fire Department for 12 years. He was a Life Member of the Sussex Firefighter’s Association. He is survived by his parents, Donna and Edward, of Stanhope; his brother, Andrew, of Austin, Texas; maternal grandparents, James and Isabelle Marchak, of Georgetown, Texas; and two uncles, James Marchak, of Hutto, Texas, and Donald (and Catherin) Marchak, of New Rochelle, NY.
Haddon’s Craig Allan Maull, Firefighter Craig A. Maull, age 71, passed away on December 21, 2017. Firefighter Maull and the members of the Haddon Fire Department responded to a mutual aid structure fire. Firefighter Maull responded as a part of the crew on Ladder 14. When firefighters arrived back at the fire station, Firefighter Maull complained to another firefighter that he was having difficulty breathing and that he planned to go to his doctor's office.
New Milford’s Frank Matagrano, Firefighter Firefighter Matagrano, 75, and the members of his fire department were dispatched to a water leak incident on December 13, 2017. Firefighter Matagrano suffered a medical emergency in the apparatus while responding. Other firefighters immediately initiated CPR and utilized an AED. He was transported to the hospital and remained hospitalized until his death on December 23, 2017. His death was caused by a stroke. Frank Matagrano was born and raised in New York City. Frank was a loyal friend and dedicated volunteer in his community of New Milford for over 50 years. A life member of New Milford Fire Company 1, Frank was an active and dedicated firefighter. Over his decades of service, Frank served as an Engineer and Trustee who received Firefighter of the Year Award in 1998, a unit citation in 1991 and a Distinguished Volunteer Service Award in 1993. Frank was also an accomplished artist, photographer, and woodworker. The “Last of the Blacksmiths”, Frank retired after 35 years with the Metropolitan Transit Authority where
Perth Amboy’s, Dunellen’s Douglas C. Ambrozewycz, Firefighter On December 11, 1983, Firefighter Douglas C. Ambrozewycz responded to a fire in Frank’s Bakery on Smith Street with Protection Hook & Ladder Company 1. While engaged in fire suppression, a section of the first floor collapsed, sending him through the floor into the fire below. He sustained second- and third-degree burns and received extensive medical care including numerous blood transfusions. Due to the required blood transfusions for the injuries sustained, he contracted Hepatits C which appeared many years later. This disease caused many debilitating health conditions including liver failure which ultimately caused his death on June 10, 2018. He was 60-years old when he passed away in North Carolina on June 10, 2018. He is survived by his wife MaryJane Ambrozewycz, daughter Katherine and son, Adam.
Englishtown’s Pasquale ‘Pepper’ DiBenedetto, Chief Engineer/Firefighter On July 30, 2018, Chief Engineer/ Firefighter DiBenedetto responded from his home to the firehouse for an activated carbon monoxide alarm call. An in-station crew and the chief
Douglas C. Ambrozewycz
Pasquale ‘Pepper’ DiBenedetto responded to investigate and found it due to a faulty battery. DiBenedetto stood-by in-station for additional calls and to place the apparatus back into service. Upon completion, he then returned home. The next morning, DiBenedetto complained that he wasn’t feeling well and had a friend transport him to a local hospital. He suffered a massive stroke while en route, and required immediate surgery upon arrival. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and he passed away in the hospital on August 2, 2018. He was 68years old and a 47-year veteran of the Englishtown Fire Department. Born in New Brunswick, Pete was a lifelong Englishtown resident. He was a graduate of Jamesburg High School and attended East Brunswick Vo-Tech to receive a certificate in carpentry. Over the years he was employed by many local companies including National Bus Company, Hydrosko Bus Company, Perrine’s Pontiac, Bruno Radiator and Citgo Motors of Freehold. He was predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Biagia (Dezio) DiBenedetto and is survived by his sister Maddalin DiBenedetto of Manalapan and his uncle Vito DiBenedetto of Monroe Township.
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Looking Back
North Wildwood Gas Main Break A gas main Fire at 24th and the Boardwalk in North Wildwood on May 17, 2018. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
New Pumper for Wildwood Shortly after the 2017 convention the Wildwood Fire Department placed a new 2017 Saber 4x4 Pumper into service. Squad 3 can be utilized in flooding that occurs frequently on the island along with gaining access and being able to respond to calls on the beach. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Sea Wall Rescue On September 16, 2017 while companies were at the convention, reports came in to North Wildwood District 2 for a fisherman who had fallen off the seawall and was injured on the rocks below. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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PSE&G has ‘Utility Work Ahead’
Detours are an inevitable by-product of a critical project that’s making PSE&G’s gas service safer and more reliable. New Jersey’s largest electric and gas utility is speeding up the replacement of aging gas infrastructure. Crews are in more than 150 towns digging in streets and replacing pipes this year alone. No doubt, the work is disruptive. But it has to be done, now is the time to do it, and here's why: Old pipes — PSE&G has just under 4,000 miles of cast iron pipes, and another 1,000 miles of unprotected steel — are the largest inventory of any utility in the U.S. We have so much old piping because PSE&G has been serving customers for 114 years. Some of our pipes are more than a century old. Methane leaks: Decades of freezing and thawing, and moist soil, cause cast iron to become brittle, and some pipes crack. When they crack, they release methane gas. Plastic pipes are better for the environment because they are much less likely to release potent greenhouse gas. Low gas prices: Why now? Low natural gas prices. Since 2009,
PSE&G’s residential customers’ gas heating bills are down 50 percent. Do this now, and customers won’t feel a big pinch in their pocketbooks. Jobs: These pipe replacements are creating good-paying, middle class jobs with benefits. While there’s never a good time to close a road, we do our best to move through neighborhoods as quickly and safely as possible, and return to permanently repave the portion of the road we disturbed as soon as the ground and temporary pavement have settled. When you see our crews in the street installing new pipes, please pardon any inconvenience. PSE&G is working hard to make sure that your underground gas system is upgraded and modern to safely and reliably provide you with heat and hot water now and for many, many years to come. For more information about work going on in your town, and a video demonstrating how the work is done, visit www.pseg.com/gaswork. -Fire News photos by Peter Byron
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Looking Back
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Wildwood Boat and Structure Fire
Trench Rescue Training
Lake Road boat and structure fire in Wildwood on May 9, 2018. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
Cape May County Regional Urban Search Team (RUST) Trench Rescue Training - October, 2017. - Fire News photos courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
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Looking Back Wildwood Swears in Four Firefighters Four new full-time career firefighters received their oaths January 2, 2018, before a packed room filled with family, friends, officials and their fellow firefighters. (Left to right): Firefighter Rayquan Walker, Firefighter David Speigel Jr., Commissioner Tony Leonetti, Fire Chief Daniel Speigel, Firefighter John Snyder and Firefighter John Sharp. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
Wildwood 2017 - Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
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Wildwood Crest Fire West Buttercup Road, Wildwood Crest, structure fire on June 24, 2018. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
Ostrander Retires NWFD Fire Official Lew Ostrander’s retirement party on December 1, 2017. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
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Looking Back
Leadership conference held in West Orange on May 17, 2018. (Pictured): Captain James Grauel, Chief Daniel Speigel, Captain Daniel Dunn, Deputh Chief Ernie Troiano III, Captain Matt Johnson, Captain Aldo Sacco. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
2018 Certified Public Manager (CPM) course graduates Captain James Grauel, Captain Daniel Dunn and Deputy Chief Ernie Troiano III. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
Wildwood City Fire Department’s Honor Guard presenting the colors for this year's convention. - Fire News photo courtesy of Chief Daniel Speigel
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photos, (top) by Dennis C. Sharpe, (left) by Mark Rosetti
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Seen at the Show 2017 - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Seen at the Show 2017 - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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The Children of St. Jude Children’s Research THANK YOU!!!
THANK YOU for the very generous donations we received last year at the 2017 Firemen’s Convention. We are excited to announce that we will be at the convention this year as well! Please stop by our booth for a chance to win prizes, and purchase some pretty cool decals and t-shirts that show off your commitment to supporting your community as well as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! The children of St. Jude Children’s Research THANK YOU!!! St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and cures childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20 percent to 80 percent since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude freely shares the breakthroughs it
makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. With 24 partner sites in 17 countries, our laboratories may not be in your community, but our discoveries are. St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing and food-because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, marking it the perfect time to rally your friends, family and community in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Join the St. Jude Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, an inspiring family-friend event, on 9/22 at the Philadelphia Zoo. From start to finish, this walk and 5K run is a fun way to get active with friends and family all while supporting St. Jude. Register, form a team, fundraise and more at stjude.org/walkrun
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
- Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Seen at the Show 2017 - Fire News photos by JP Fortunato
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photo by Dennis Whittam
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Seen at the Show 2017
- Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
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Looking Back
North Wildwood 2 Alarm
On May 18, 2018, the North Wildwood Fire Department Quint 2 and Ambulance 2 responded to a multiple dwelling on East 5th Street. While responding, police advised of a burning odor, and Quint 2 requested the box alarm be struck bringing all North Wildwood volunteers and mutual aid from Wildwood Fire District 3. Quint 2 established a water supply and stretched a line into the interior as crews checked for the source of the odor. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Looking Back
Ocean City Beach Buggy Ocean City Fire Department's 2017 Chevrolet HD Silverado 2500 surf rescue vehicle is equipped with a four-door, five-seat climate controlled cab, Vortec eight-cylinder engine, five-speed automatic transmission, water lifesaving equipment, Kussmaul auto-eject, Stokes basket, Reeves sleeve, backboard and Henderson wet suits. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Looking Back
Pleasantville Smoker
Stanhope Tackles Town House Fire
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded on November 26, 2017, to North Second Street between Washington and West Jersey Avenues for a report of a structure fire. Units arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a two-story wood frame structure that had been converted into four apartments. In an effort to remove the smoke and find the seat of the fire, firefighters evacuated the structure and opened up the roof. Firefighters went defensive until the fire was brought under control, then re-entered the structure and completed the extinguishment. - Fire News photo by Carl Crossman
Stanhope Fire responded to a report of a townhouse fire on Stone Gate Lane (Sussex County). Units arrived to smoke coming from the basement, stretched a line, but had a hard time making the basement. A hole was cut in the floor and water was poured in but the fire had made its way through some void spaces and crews were sent to the first and second floors to open up. Mutual aid came from Netcong, Chester, Budd Lake and Byram. The fire was brought under control within an hour and there were no injuries reported. There was no one home at the time of the fire, which was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Kevin J. Maloney
Pleasantville 2-Alarmer
Stone Harbor House Fire
The Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched to South Second Street on the night of November 26, 2017, for smoke coming out of the home. They arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of the twostory residence. Firefighters were having difficulty getting to the hidden fire due to the layout of the structure and balloon frame construction. As conditions worsened, command evacuated the structure. Ladder 2's crew ventilated the roof. The fire was knocked down with master streams and crews re-entered the structure to extinguish the remaining fire. - Fire News photo by Cole Leeds
On September 17, 2017, during the NJ Firemen’s Convention weekend, the Stone Harbor Fire Department received multiple calls for a structure fire. Companies arrived to find a home on 87th Street heavily involved in fire and quickly struck a second alarm. Mutual aid came from Avalon and Cape May Court House. First arriving companies were able to successfully save one cat and one dog from the structure. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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SCBA Confidence Training The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville held a joint training night on March 13, 2018, at the Bargaintown fire station. The exercise involved fun with SCBA confidence and it was called “Pinball Bombardment.” The two companies squared off against each other in a dodgeball setting with their SCBA. Once the low air alarm sounds, each firefighter sat on the side lines and breathed down their pack until it was completely empty, with each firefighter timed on their air consumption so they knew exactly how much air time they had remaining once the alarm sounds. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
All Hands Fire in Medford On February 10, 2018, Taskforce 2520 was dispatched for a reported house fire in Medford. Burlington County Central Communications reported a single caller reported her house on fire, everyone was out and disconnected the line. Chief Farnsworth arrived and reported a two-story, single-family dwelling with fire showing from the C side on division 1. The fire was placed under control quickly. One firefighter was transported for non-life-threatening injuries. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Maple Shade House Destroyed On January 10, 2018, a mid-day fire destroyed a home on Rockland Avenue in Maple Shade. Maple Shade firefighters arrived to find a 1-1/2 story occupied dwelling heavily involved. Crews made entry and began an interior attack but had to back out due to unsafe conditions. A second alarm was struck bringing extra manpower and apparatus. It took crews an hour to knock down the fire before it could be placed under control. The homeowner was not at home when the fire began. Fire companies also came from Lenola, Mount Laurel, Cherry Hill, Riverton, Pennsauken, Moorestown and Palmyra. Fire Police from Maple Shade and Lenola assisted in traffic control and EMS from Maple Shade and Lenola also responded. The house was destroyed by the blaze. - Fire News photo by John Axford
Car Fire Stopped On December 21, 2017, Engine 1 was dispatched for reported vehicle fire next to a residence. Engine 1 arrived to a single vehicle fully involved next to the residence. A handline was stretched and the fire was quickly extinguished. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
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Pleasantville 2-Alarmer The Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched to South Second Street on the night of November 26, 2017, for smoke coming out of the home. They arrived to find heavy fire in the rear of the two-story residence. Firefighters were having difficulty getting to the hidden fire due to the layout of the structure and balloon frame construction. As conditions worsened, command evacuated the structure. Ladder 2's crew ventilated the roof. The fire was knocked down with master streams and crews re-entered the structure to extinguish the remaining fire. - Fire News photo by Cole Leeds
Laurelton Gets New Tower Laurelton Fire Company #1 in Brick Township, took delivery of Tower 2305 on November 17, 2017. The 2018 KME Tower features a 2000-gpm pump, 300-gallon water tank, 102-foot tower, along with a Holmatro spreader and New Car Technology incline cutter located in the front bumper. The new tower, replaces a 1984 Grumman/AerialCat Tower that had served with the fire company for 30-plus years. - Fire News photo by Mike Nowacki
Large Home Goes in Lake Como On January 5, 2018, the Belmar Fire Department was dispatched to Ripley Lane in Lake Como for a structure fire in a large home with entrapment. Police reported heavy fire was showing from the rear of the structure and all occupants were accounted for. A second alarm was transmitted. A frozen hydrant and harsh weather conditions hindered the operation for the first 10 minutes of the fire and a third alarm was struck for a tanker and manpower. Firefighters of Belmar's three fire companies - Union Fire, Goodwill Hose and Volunteer Hook and Ladder - were assisted by Spring Lake, Avon by the Sea, Spring Lake Heights, Wall, Neptune, Howell and Neptune City. The Belmar First Aid Squad also responded. - Fire News photo by Sean Pringle
Looking Way Back! At the West Atlantic City Volunteer Fire Company from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County. - Fire News photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe Collection
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Cape May Court House Fire In April 2017, a house fire was reported on Poplar Street in Cape May Court House. Cape May Court House Fire was assisted by Stone Harbor, Rio Grande, Middle Rescue and Cape May County fire officials. - Fire News photo by Robert Newkirk
3 Beach Front Homes Destroyed in Sea Isle On November 24, 2017, an early morning fire destroyed three beach front homes on Landis Avenue in Sea Isle. Dispatch received a call from a duck hunter reporting a house on fire. Sea Isle and Strathmere crews were immediately dispatched as well as Sea Isle Police. Upon arrival it was discovered that three structures were
involved. Mutual aid came from Marmora, Upper Township Rescue, Seaville, Dennis Township, Oceanview, Cape May Courthouse, Avalon and the Cape May County Fire Marshall's Office. No one was injured but the three buildings were destroyed. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
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Looking Back
ACFA Meeting Fun
Matrix Run Fire
Pomona firefighter, Instructor, and retired Atlantic City Battalion Chief Joe Ward as he spreads good humor at the Atlantic County Firefighters Association meeting on December 20, 2017, at the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Bayview Chief Chuck Macintosh, Bayview Assistant Chief Scott Winneberger, and Oceanville Captain Chuck Uhl at the Mattix Run Fire on December 14, 2017. Congratulations to Chief Macintosh on his retirement on December 31, 2017. May the only fires you fight from now on be the ones in your eyes! - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Old Tappan 2018 Installation The Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department installed its fire officers for 2018 on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Sworn in for oneyear terms were: Chief David Keil; Deputy Chief Chris Reilly; Captain Evan Kutzin; and Lieutenants, Brian Morgan, Alex Naylis, Jin Yhu and Tom Shine. In addition, the department elected its Administrative Officers for 2018: President Frank Mazza; Vice-President Tom Jung; Financial Secretary David Keil; Recording Secretary Rick Annis, and Treasurer Artie Lake. - Fire News photos courtesy of Bill Auth
Cliffside Park 5-Alarm Heavy fire and smoke hampered firefighters in Cliffside Park during a five-alarm fire which destroyed three businesses. At just around 1915 on September 5, 2017, the Cliffside Park Fire Department was dispatched for a report of heavy smoke in A.J.s Pharmacy on Anderson Avenue. Five firefighters suffered non-life threatening injuries and the building was a total loss. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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Firehouse Kitchen Spencer’s Chili By Ray Cooney I know I’ve written a few articles about chili, but I promise, this one is a little different. Firehouse Kitchen was asked by Hormel Chili to judge the “America's Best Firehouse Chili” contest. My job was to pick the top 10 recipes, which would then be judged by a group of people looking for the top three choices. I thought, “No problem. I’ve judged chili contests before” But this was different. The difference was that at all the chili contest I have judged before, I was able to taste the chili. At this one, I had to judge just by reading the recipe. When Hormel Chili began their Facebook campaign, I posted it on my Facebook account as well. We received hundreds and hundreds of submissions. During the month that you could submit your recipe, I was up every night until 2 a.m. trying to figure out which Chili was the best. After I found my top 10, Hormel Chili designed a campaign to pick the top three. There was a lot riding on this contest. The first-place prize was a check for $10,000 for the fire department that the chili was from and Hormel Chili donated an additional $20,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The finals were held at the New York City Fireman’s Museum in Manhattan. I couldn’t think of a better place. When I arrived at the museum, it didn’t smell like a museum — it smelled like chili. The three finalists were busy preparing their recipes. I was stunned to learn that a New York City firefighter didn’t make the top three! The top three were from Florida, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. We had Firefighter Craig Winebaum, from greater Naples, Florida; Firefighter Andrew Drescher, from Union Deposit, Pennsylvania (right by Hershey Park) and Firefighter Jeremy Chauvin, from Saint John’s Parish in Louisiana. The judges, at the finals were myself, the head of the Hormel Chili brand and the head of The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the great Ron Siarnicki (who does so much for firefighters).
Before I announce the winner, I just wanted to say thanks again to all the firefighters who sent in recipes and gave their support to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. AND THE WINNER WAS: Louisiana Firefighter Jeremy Chauvin and his “Spencer's Chili.” It had a mild, sweet, delicious taste. I asked Jeremy where the name came from, and he told me the story about one of his firefighter brothers, named Spencer, who was killed last year while responding to a car accident. Jeremy gave me a bracelet that said “Spencer’s Way.” It is still on my wrist. Special thanks to Hormel Chili for making this contest happen and of course all the helpers and volunteers that were there. Get ready, America! Season Seven of Firehouse Kitchen just started. Be sure to tune in! And remember, these cooks save lives. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or to have your firehouse featured on the show, e-mail firehousekitchentv@gmail.com and don’t forget to friend us on Facebook.
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VOLUME 13, NO. 5
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes OCTOBER 2018
Full story on page 30 - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Back in the Day, The Cat in the Tree See page 48
– New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 5
In this issue... It Wasn’t a Plane Crash This Time Fairfield firefighters respond to a familiar address ... this time for a fire. See story on page 13
Two Days, Two MVAs on Harding Hwy. Companies respond to an extrication one day, and poles-and-wires down the next. See story on page 22
East Orange Commercial Blaze A broken water main, multiple locked doors and exposure problems make for a long fight. See story on page 36
A Historical Promotion in Clifton The daughter of a fallen firefighter becomes Clifton’s first female Lieutenant. See story on page 44
Back in the Day Not your everyday cat-stuck-in-a-tree story! See story on page 48
Obituary Sommers Point’s Lionel ‘Lee’ Crossman Mizpah’s Jay Davenport, Sr. See stories on page 57-58
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 2016, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Are You Salty? I started my buffing days during my childhood at approximately 10 or 11 years of age. I would monitor my crystal scanner and when I heard a call that was in my neighborhood, I’d race to the address on my bicycle, many times beating the rigs to the scene. I remember the excitement I experienced watching the local heroes go to work. I’d stare at the firefighters with a smile as they emerged victorious from the taxpayer that was no longer on fire. I remember the smiles, the waves, and occasional comments I received from my heroes, who eventually got to know me. What I remember most was the soot covered and burned helmets and gear of the firefighters. To this day, I remember the dirty, sweaty faces of firefighters standing by their rigs as they lit up a cigarette and enjoyed a cup of coffee that was provided by the Salvation Army, who also responded to every working fire. Yes, I soon learned that my vision was a sign of greatness. Later in life, I became a firefighter in my local community on Long Island. When I received my new gear and shiny helmet, I couldn’t wait to fight my first fire, so that my gear didn’t stand out like a sore spot amongst the other members of my company. It didn’t take long for my wife and kids to cover their noses as I walked into my home, wreaking of the smells from my childhood dream.
Several years ago, we realized that the toxins that firefighters were carrying home with them were carcinogenic. We realized that the toxic soot from the exhaust of our trucks, covered the walls of the firehouse and our gear. We realized that dirty gear and helmets were putting us at risk for cancer. We also found out that SCBA should be worn during overhaul and until you exit the fire building. As responders, we must have yearly training about hazardous materials and bloodborne pathogens. I took my first hazmat and blood-borne refresher course approximately 25 years ago. It didn’t take long for all of us to pay serious attention to the lessons learned when we operated at calls where blood and body fluids were present — calls like motor vehicle accidents. However, we still liked that burned, dirty and smelly look from fighting fires. Guess what? The old salty look is out of style because we now realize that the toxins we carry back to the firehouse and to our homes are making us sick. In the 2018, the first issue, of the FDNY’s WNYF, there is a terrific article written by Deputy Chief Joseph M. Jardin addressing the national efforts on cancer issues in the fire service. Chief Jardin points out that the IAFF, the IAFC, the NFPA, the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, the Firefighter Cancer
Support Network and the Illinois Fire Service Institute are concentrating on cancer in the fire service. He also discusses the proactive plan that the FDNY has put in place to reduce the risk of cancer. I urge you to visit the websites of these groups to learn what you can do to reduce the risk of cancer. Your department should – or rather must – put a plan into effect that will change the mindset of the past. Remember “Clean is the New Salty!” Don’t put yourself in the position of having to look back at possible mistakes you made that may have caused you to have cancer. ... Dennis
Page 8, Fire News, October 2018
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Little Ferry Commercial Fire
On August 1, 2018, the Little Ferry Fire Department responded to Washington Avenue for a reported structure fire in Zio’s Pizza. Heavy smoke was showing on arrival and an immediate request for mutual aid was made. A line was stretched to the rear where the bulk of the fire was, and crews were met with an injured party in the rear lot and had EMS respond. Hackensack Ladder 1 laddered the C side along with Hasbrouck Heights and Bridgefield Park. The borough was covered by East Rutherford, Wallington and Carlstadt. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Clifton MVA, HazMat
On April 16, 2018, Clifton Engine 4 was dispatched to the intersection of Passaic Avenue and Allwood Street for a two-car MVA with a fuel spill. Upon arrival, a large amount of diesel fuel was found on the ground as the tank of a box truck had been compromised. Engine 5, Truck 2, and Hazmat 1 arrived and were able to dam the leak and prevent any of the fuel from reaching the storm drains. The DEP was notified and EMS 3 transported one driver to a nearby hospital. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Bargaintown Car Fire The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company responded to Thoroughbred Road in the Equestrian Estates on June2, 2018, for a report of a vehicle fire. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived and established command for a single vehicle on fire in the roadway in front of a home. Command had Bargaintown Tender 1528 pull a line and begin knocking down the fire. Rescue 1527 pulled its hydraulic tools and opened the hood. The fire was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Quick Stop in Lyndhurst
Nice Try, But Let Us Handle This
On August 8, 2018, the Lyndhurst Fire Department responded to a two-story multiple family dwelling on Riverside Avenue. Command reported smoke showing on arrival as first-due Engine 3 stretched a line to the second floor. Mutual aid came from Rutherford and North Arlington. The fire was considered knocked down within 15 minutes and mutual aid was released shortly after arrival. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Laureldale, and Cologne responded to Liberty Avenue on June 16, 2018, for a structure fire in a single-story, wood frame, residential structure. Command was then met by a female resident who reported that her husband was inside the home trying to extinguish the fire with a garden hose. Command entered the dwelling and discovered the husband in the attic with the garden hose and ordered him to leave the dwelling. Mays Landing Tender 1819’s crew stretched a line into the attic as the fire went through the roof. Upon the arrival of Mizpah Tender 1827, it supplied Mays Landing Tender 1819 with its tank water. Operations then had a fan set up in the front door for ventilation. Also responding were Township of Hamilton EMS and Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Abandoned Structure Fire in Cardiff The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded to Trudy Avenue just off the Black Horse Pike on July 9, 2018, for an abandoned structure fire. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge established command and advised incoming units it would be a defensive operation. Command requested an engine from Bargaintown. The fire was quickly brought under control. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Clifton Handles Building Blaze On June 27, 2018, the Clifton Fire Department responded to Lexington Avenue for a structure fire. Ladder 3 arrived to find a single-story commercial structure with fire on the C side. Engine 1 stretched into the interior. The fire was quickly knocked down but extensive overhaul was required. Passaic and Paterson also responded to the scene. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 12, Fire News, October 2018
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Essex Fells House Fire
On July 11, 2018, the Essex Fells Fire Department was dispatched to Wootton Road for a house fire. Police advised of heavy fire visible. Essex Fells Engines 1 and 2 arrived to an outside porch fire that had extended to the exterior siding of the home all the way up to division 2 and along the eaves. Caldwell, West Caldwell and
Veronawere requested2. Companies made quick work of the fire from the exterior and, once they made entry, little to no extension was found. Companies overhauled in temperatures over 100 degrees. The borough was covered by Cedar Grove and Livingston. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 13
At Least it Wasn’t a Plane Crash This Time
In January 2017 a small passenger plane narrowly missed striking a residence on Mayhew drive in Fairfield and crashed in its rear yard. On July 1, 2018, companies responded to that very familiar address for a reported structure fire. While responding police advised they had smoke and fire showing from the garage. A West Caldwell truck, a North Caldwell engine, and a Verona engine, along with multiple units from the West Essex First Aid Squad, responded. Mutual aid coverage was provided by Pine Brook as crews remained on scene for an hour and a half conducting overhaul. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 14, Fire News, October 2018
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Orange Basement Fire On July 8, 2018, the Orange Fire Department responded to Park Street for a structure fire. Crews arrived to a light smoke condition and the deputy requested Orange Engine 2 to the scene. A line was stretched into the interior of the commercial structure and a small fire was located in the basement. The fire was quickly knocked down and placed under control while the truck crew set up a fan for ventilation. Montclair, Irvington and South Orange provided coverage. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Highland Circle Car Fire The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Cardiff responded to Highland Circle on July 18, 2018, for a report of a vehicle with black smoke coming from its windows. Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge arrived, established command, and had Bargaintown Water Tender 1528’s crew stretch a line. Cardiff firefighters arrived at the same time and assisted with extinguishment and quickly brought the fire under control. Also responding were EHT Police and EHT Ambulance - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Page 16, Fire News, October 2018
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Car Fire on Route 80
Around 0430 on June 12, 2018, the 911 Center received calls of a car on fire on Interstate Route 80 west at mile marker 23.9. New Jersey State Police arrived to a car with fire coming from the engine compartment. Engine 59 took the shoulder and right lane of travel, stretched their front bumper line, and knocked out the fire in 15 minutes. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney
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Brush Fire in Hackensack
Smart Thinking by Neighbor
On May 1, 2018, the Hackensack Fire Department received calls for a large outside fire behind the Home Depot on Hackensack Avenue. A large column of smoke was visible from throughout the city as E-5, E-4 and Deputy 3 responded. Companies found a large brush fire burning between the parking lot and the river. An additional engine was requested for manpower as E-5 hooked a hydrant and hit the fire with their master stream. One handline was stretched through the muddy marsh to extinguish hot spots and one small area that was out of the reach of the master stream. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes, and one firefighter suffered minor injuries after being struck with a coupling. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing, Cologne and Laureldale responded to Anglesea Court in the Oakcrest Estates on May 13, 2018, for a structure fire. Prior to the arrival of the fire department, a nearby neighbor entered the residence and found a pan of oil burning on the stove and extending into the range vent and cabinets. The neighbor threw the pan out the rear door. Mays Landing Chief Lou Dimartine reported smoke showing from a middle-of-the-row townhouse and had Mays Landing Water Tender 1819 stretch a line into the kitchen. Mays Landing firefighters began overhauling the kitchen to ensure all fire was extinguished and ventilated the residence while Laureldale and Cologne firefighters ventilated the residences on either side. Also responding were the Township of Hamilton Police and the Township of Hamilton EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Page 18, Fire News, October 2018
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3-Car MVA with Entrapment The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale were dispatched on April 26, 2018, to Harding Highway and Meadowbrook Drive for a report of an MVA with entrapment. Mays Landing Assistant Chief Ken Badger, Jr., arrived and established command for a three-vehicle crash with entrapment in one vehicle. Mays Landing Rescue 1816 extricated the occupant and he was transported by EMS. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Matawan Handles LZ While units were celebrating at Aberdeen’s anniversary celebration, on June 9, 2018, a serious MVA took place involving a motorcycle and a box truck just down the road from the celebration. The EMS units on scene requested a medevac and District 29 of Matawan was dispatched from the celebration, dress uniforms and all. MONOC 1 landed in a nearby church parking lot. The patient was flown to a local hospital in serious condition. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 20, Fire News, October 2018
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Hot and Busy in Clifton
On the evening of July 1, 2018, as companies on the north side of The fire was quickly extinguished and crews used fans to ventilate town were operating at a car fire, a reported electrical problem the smoke from the structure. High temperatures sent three firecame in for a residence on Highland Avenue. Engine 1 and Ladder fighters to the hospital with heat exhaustion. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti 3 found fire inside the wall and a second alarm was struck. A Passaic truck responded as Truck 2 was still on scene of the car fire.
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Scullville MVA
The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to the intersection of Robert Best Road and Mitchell Drive on May 30, 2018, for an MVA with entrapment. Scullville Chief Steve Prisament established command for a two-vehicle crash with both vehicles into the woods. The driver of a sedan was trapped and was extricated by firefighters and EMS. The occupant of the second vehicle, an SUV, self-extricated, was examined by EMS and transported. Also responding were EHT Ambulance, EHT Police, and Atlanticare Paramedics. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
Page 22, Fire News, October 2018
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Extrication on Harding Highway The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Mizpah responded to Milepost 44.0 on Harding Highway on June 29, 2018, for an MVA with entrapment. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command with EMS on location who had the female driver of the vehicle removed and undergoing treatment. Upon the arrival of firefighters, command had them cut the vehicles battery cable and stand by until the vehicle was removed. The cause of the crash was under investigation by Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Harding Highway MVA Take 2 The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale responded on June 28, 2018, to Harding Highway at Milepost 47.6 for a report of an MVA, with a pole and wires down. Fire apparatus arrived to find a utility pole down with wires that came to rest across the roof of a motorhome. Firefighters cut the battery cables of the vehicle that caused the crash, and awaited the arrival of the electric company to remove the wires from the motorhome. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Hit and Run On June 27, 2018, firefighters responded to an MVA in the 1200 block of Route 50 with a vehicle into a building. Upon arrival Tuckahoe Chief Ed Carter, confirmed a vehicle significantly impinging upon a building with no driver to be found. It was determined the driver had intentionally fled the area on foot with the New Jersey State Police close behind. Tuckahoe worked for more than an hour securing the building and the surrounding area which involved a telephone pole that was also taken out during the accident. Also responding were Upper Township Rescue and Atlantic Electric. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
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Cliffside Park Mixed-Use Fire On February 26, 2018, the Cliffside Park Fire Department responded to Anderson Avenue for a fire. While en route police advised heavy fire showing from the rear of the two-story mixed used ordinary structure. Command requested a second alarm, and several lines were put into operation as the roof was ventilated and the fire was stopped with no extension beyond the fire apartment. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Mulch Fire at Townhouse Complex The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff were dispatched on May 2, 2018, to London Court, a large townhouse complex, for a report of a mulch fire. Farmington Rescue 1547, under the command of Assistant Chief Harry Goodman, were met by a large pile of burning mulch in a parking lot. A/C Goodman had his crew and the crew of Cardiff Engine 1516 pull lines and wet the pile down with foam. The owner of the landscaping company using the mulch brought in a machine and broke the pile apart. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Overturn in Mays Landing
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing responded to the Black Horse Pike and Cologne Avenues just after midnight on April 23, 2018, for a report of an MVA with rollover. Chief Lou Dimartine established command and reported a vehicle off of the roadway, overturned, and quite a distance into the woods on the westbound side between Cologne and Leipzig Avenues. The driver of the vehi-
cle self-extricated and was in the ambulance prior to the arrival of fire apparatus. Firefighters had to remove several trees so the tow truck operator could upright and remove the vehicle. Also responding were the Township of Hamilton Police and the Township of Hamilton Ambulance Squad. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Page 26, Fire News, October 2018
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Sprinklers Hold Pleasantville Fire The City of Pleasantville Fire Department responded to Delilah Road on April 21, 2018, for a report of an activated water flow alarm. Responding were Battalion Chief Scott Trythal, Engines 1 and 2, and Ladder 2. Crews cut the lock on the gate and firefighters who went to the front door smelled smoke. Command requested mutual aid from the City of Absecon, City of Northfield, the Atlantic City Airport and Farmington (cover). The working fire assignment also prompted a recall of all offduty Pleasantville firefighters. As crews stretched lines, the sprinkler system had the fire contained, and firefighters finished extinguishment and then overhauled and vented the building which required the use of several fans. West Atlantic City stood by at Pleasantville. Also responding were City of Pleasantville Police, Tricare EMS, South Jersey Gas Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Paterson SAR, Fatality The Paterson Fire Department Rescue 2 was dispatched to Garret Mountain Reservation to search Barbour Pond for a missing person on April 24, 2018. Clothes and personal belongs were left along the pond, resulting in the search. Crews launched a boat into the pond and were assisted by Passaic County Sheriffs along with a helicopter from the New Jersey State Police. Nothing was found that afternoon but the following day Paterson Fire and the Bergen County Dive Team Task Force responded and located the victim in the pond. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Bridgeton 2-Car Into House The City of Bridgeton Fire Department responded to the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Bank Street on June 26, 2018, for an MVA with entrapment. Engine 701 and their EMS arrived to find a twovehicle collision with one vehicle into a structure. Crews quickly assessed the occupants and treated and transported the occupant of the second vehicle; the driver of the first vehicle refused treatment. The crash was under investigation by the City of Bridgeton Police Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 28, Fire News, October 2018
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Verrry Interesting! The City of Bridgeton Fire Department in Cumberland County along with Bridgeton Police responded to the 200 Block of East Avenue on July 20, 2018, for a report of a vehicle that struck a building. Units arrived to find a cement mixer in the driveway of a house with the driveway collapsed and the cement mixer leaning against the house. After the cement mixer was removed, the house was checked for structural damage. The incident was under investigation by the Bridgeton Police Department. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
West Paterson House Fire On August 3, 2018, the West Paterson Fire Department responded to a large, three-story, multiple-family home. On arrival crews encountered heavy smoke showing and as lines were being stretched heavy fire began to self-vent from the D side first-floor window. Mutual aid was requested as crews made their initial push. With limited manpower, Engine 1 and Truck 2 quickly knocked down the fire within minutes of arrival. The fire was placed under control in 20 minutes. The township was covered by Little Falls and Clifton. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Restaurant Fire in Clifton Early on June 5, 2018, the Clifton Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure on Main Avenue for an activated fire alarm. Clifton Police arrived to fire showing from the rear of the structure. Engine 1 arrived and confirmed the working fire and stretched a line. A Passaic truck responded directly to the single-story restaurant. Companies quickly gained the upper hand on the fire and had the bulk of the fire knocked down within 15 minutes. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Cover Story
3 Townhouses Destroyed in New Milford Three townhouse units were destroyed during a four-alarm fire in New Milford on July 29, 2018. Units were dispatched to Canterbury Lane for a report of a fire involving an attached deck. While en route the chief was advised that police units were reporting a fire with possible entrapment, and that an occupant had run back into the home as officers arrived but exited moments later suffering non-life-threatening burns to her arms. The chief reported heavy fire in the rear of the building and requested a second alarm. Companies stretched a line to the rear and several lines through the front doors in an attempt to quickly knock down the fire, however heavy fire had already taken hold of the cockloft. Conditions continued to deteriorate, with heavy fire burning through the roof and showing out several second-floor windows in the front, forcing command to evacuate the building. A tower ladder and numerous exterior handlines were put into operation. Four alarms were requested, bringing mutual aid to the scene and for cover. One occupant and three firefighters suffered minor injuries and the fire was placed under control in about an hour. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Fire Resistant But Still a Long Job On April 21, 2018, Paterson Fire Dispatch transmitted a box for reports of a building fire in the area of Holsman and Piercy Streets. Units arrived to heavy smoke pushing from what appeared to be a four-story vacant mill building and a second alarm was quickly requested. Companies forced entry and stretched several 2-1/2 inch lines into the building as the truck companies vented. In near zero visibility a large area of rubbish was found to be burning on the first floor. Further size up discovered that the building was actually fire resistant with concrete floors, which prevented extension to the upper floor. Units remained on the scene for several hours overhauling and venting and the county hazmat team was requested due to the discovery of 55-gallon drums containing chemicals. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Car Into Building in Hamilton Twp. The volunteer fire companies of Mizpah and Mays Landing responded to Harding Highway on June 8, 2018, for a report of a vehicle striking a building. Crews arrived to find the vehicle’s driver being attended to by Township of Hamilton EMS; he was then transported. The township building inspector responded to evaluate the condition of the building. The crash was under investigation by Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Englewood Gets New Pumper Bergen County recently put into service a 2018 Seagrave Marauder Pumper. It replaces a 1984 Hendrickson/E-One Pumper. - Fire News photos by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Page 32, Fire News, October 2018
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Irvington House Fire On March 18, 2018, all Irvington companies responded to a 1-1/2 story residence on Philip Place for a fire. Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire conditions on the C side. Maplewood Engine 32 responded as RIT while West Orange, Orange and East Orange covered the city. The fire was placed under control within 20 minutes and one firefighter was transported to a local hospital after being injured fighting the fire. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Garfield Fight Hampered by Hoarding On March 27, 2018, the Garfield Fire Department responded to Cedar Street for a house fire. Shortly after striking the box, dispatch received multiple calls reporting visible smoke and flames. Units arrived to a 1-1/2 story residential structure set back off Cedar, between the yards of Perrie and Cedar Avenues with heavy smoke showing and confirmed the working fire. Crews stretched lines through both sides of each street and set up on extension ladders due to difficult access. Crews attempted an interior attack but were met with Collyer’s Mansion conditions and were forced to evacuate as heavy fire tore through the basement and attic. The fire transitioned to a defensive attack and was placed under control two hours after arrival. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Woodbridge MVA, Entrapment
On April 6, 2018, the Woodbridge Fire Department Career Division responded to a reported MVA with entrapment on Rahway Avenue. Crews arrived to a two-car head-on MVA with one party entrapped. A request for Jopelawns Rescue was made to respond but the party was extricated upon their arrival. A parked vehicle was also struck in the MVA. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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NJ Emergency Preparedness Association Supports National Preparedness Month September is National Preparedness Month and for many, our children are starting or returning to school; what better time to sit down with your family and review your personal emergency plans? These should include where to meet if something happens to your home, who to go to if you are in trouble, passwords for who can pick your children up at school or daycare, just to name a few. FEMA has also designated four themed weeks in September: Week 1: September 1 to 8: Make and Practice Your Plan. Have you signed up for Alerts and Warnings in your area? What do you take with you if you must evacuate? Decide in advance and consider putting together a “Go Bag,” don’t forget your family’s prescriptions. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes. Week 2: September 9 to 15: Learn Life Saving Skills. How long has it been since you took a CPR class or basic First Aid? These are skills that may be called for any time or any place, a local restaurant, the community ball field, or a social get together at a neighbor’s home. Week 3: September 16 to 22: Check Your Coverage. When was the last time you reviewed your home insurance policy? Your needs change over time and you want to make sure you are fully covered for today. What about your auto insurance? As our young adults join the driving crew, you may want to review what additional coverage may be appropriate. And of course life insurance; there may be more people depending on you now than there were 10 years ago. Week 4: September 23 to 29: Save for an Emergency. Yes, this one is easier said than done, but it should be near the top of your priority list. Maybe your car suddenly breaks down, maybe you lose your job, maybe six trees fall down on your property during a storm — the possibilities are endless. But if you have some emergency savings you will get through it much more easily. With preparedness in mind, mark your calendar for April 28 to May 3, 2019, for the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City.
Looking Back
The City of Camden Fire Department at a fire in the old YMCA on Federal Street, date unknown. - Fire News photo by Bob Bartosz from the Dennis C. Sharpe collection
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East Orange Commercial 3-Alarmer On June 2, 2018, the East Orange Fire Department responded to South Grove Street near the Newark border for a fire. Companies arrived to a well-advanced commercial structure fire with exposures on both the Bravo and Charlie sides; the C side also had a bowstring truss roof. A second truck company was quickly requested, followed by second and third alarms. After about 15 minutes, command pulled all members out and went defensive. Ladder pipes from East Orange, Montclair and Newark were put into operation. An area water main ruptured and an engine had to locate another hydrant and supply them from down the block. Multiple blitz guns and deck guns were also used, as multiple doors were blocked by supplies and crates. Crews remained on scene for nearly four hours knocking down the fire and hitting hot spots. The fire was contained to the main fire building. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Montclair Douses Construction Site Fire On July 11, 2018, the Montclair Fire Department was dispatched to a new hotel construction site across from Montclair Police headquarters on Bloomfield Avenue at the corner of Orange Road. The caller reported seeing visible flames and reported the workers were able to knock down most of the fire. Montclair units arrived and found a minor fire on the A/B corner of the structure. Truck 2 set up, as the crew doused the site with a water can while the engine crews ascended the stairs to check for extension. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Paterson 3-Alarmer Early on April 21, 2018, Paterson Fire Dispatch started receiving calls for a possible building fire on Hopper Street. Battalion 3 was met with fire in a 21/2 story occupied frame dwelling with exposure problems on both sides and transmitted a second alarm. Heavy fire was showing from the original fire building and companies were confirming extension into exposure D. A third alarm was requested by Deputy Chief Murray. Due to the heavy fire in the original fire building all members were pulled and a defensive attack was initiated as several handlines worked on knocking down the fire in the D exposure. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
Page 38, Fire News, October 2018
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‘Vehicle’ is a Catch-All Term The City of Somers Point Fire Department responded to Route 9 and Mays Landing Road on May 15, 2018, for a vehicle fire. The fully involved vehicle turned out to be a trash truck. Squad 43 arrived and Somers Point Assistant Chief Mike Corbo established command. Squad 43’s crew put two lines in service and, with a hydrant nearby to feed the squad, firefighters made quick work of the fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Ummm … What Trailer Fire? The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to the Colonial Meadows Family Campground on Somers Point-Mays Landing Road on May 14, 2018. Scullville Chief Steven Prisament was advised by EHT Dispatch that smoke was coming from a trailer that had been on fire the night before. Upon his arrival, he advised dispatch the trailer was completely burned and firefighters were never advised of any fire during the night. Chief Prisament requested the EHT Fire Official to respond and investigate. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 39
Nice Stop in Teaneck
West Caldwell Basement Fire
On April 23, 2018, the Teaneck Fire Department responded to Teaneck Road for reports of smoke and flames from the roof of a private dwelling. On arrival companies found smoke pushing from the attic of a single-story section of a two-story frame. Two handlines were stretched into the home as the truck opened the roof. The fire, which was contained to the attic area above the kitchen, was quickly knocked down and the fire was placed under control in less than 30 minutes. Hackensack L-1 responded as RIT. The home was able to remain occupied by the family and the cause was determined to be electrical. - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
On the afternoon of June 10, 2018, the West Caldwell Fire Department was dispatched to a 1-1/2 story residential structure on Bond Place for a house fire. Crews arrived to find a fire in the basement. Mutual aid came from Caldwell, Fairfield and Roseland. The crew from first-due Engine 712 made quick work of the fire in the basement and held it to its room of origin. Crews remained on scene for an hour conducting overhaul. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 40, Fire News, October 2018
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East Windsor VFC No. 2 Youth Fire Academy 2018
- Fire News photos by Amy Batista
Graduation Day
Officers and members of the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company 2 from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County after FF1 graduation ceremonies on July 30, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 42, Fire News, October 2018
Elizabeth Trains On July 12, 2018, Elizabeth Engine Companies 5 and 1 took advantage of the beautiful day and held a dual company drill utilizing both apparatus’ elevated master streams. The crews also worked on aerial positioning, handline operations, and relay pumping. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Aviation Safety Meeting The annual New Jersey Forest Fire Service Contract Aviation Safety Meeting was held April 12, 2018, at Coyle Field in Chatsworth. The meeting is held to go over safety issues pertaining to aviation. Items covered were communications, and resource deployment of static and contracted firefighting aircraft. Personnel also reviewed the introduction of water enhancing additives designed to improve the effectiveness of dropping water from aircraft. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
ACFFA Valor Awards The Atlantic County Firefighters Association held its 1st Annual Harold ‘Whitey’ Swartz Valor and Service Awards at the Anthony ‘Tony’ Canale Fire Training Center on April 18, 2018. A Class II Award was presented (left to right) to the City of Pleasantville Fire Department Captain Pete Bowker and Firefighter Gary Guerra and to Pleasantville Firefighter Stan Kolbe a Meritorious Award for successfully rescuing a trapped occupant from a structure fire on Sixth Avenue in Pleasantville on January 30, 2017. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Promotions in Clifton On July 31, 2018, the Clifton Fire Department promoted four members of the department to various ranks, but this promotion ceremony was quite special for a few reasons. First of all it was taking place on the last day of the month of the 100th anniversary of the department as a career department, and it would be the first time in its 100-year history a female would be promoted to the rank of lieutenant – and as if that wasn’t enough — she is the daughter of Passaic Firefighter Alberto Tirado who was killed in the line of duty in 2001 at a structure fire on Market Street after the roof collapsed while searching for trapped occupants. Members of the Passaic Fire Department were on hand and Lieutenant Anelina Tirado referred to her father many times throughout the evening. Also promoted were Lieutenant Frank Bodice, Captain Michael Montague and Deputy Chief Ryan Fitzsimmons. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 46, Fire News, October 2018
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EMSCNJ Awards Cadet Scholarships Fifty-one applicants competed this year for eight $1,000 scholarships from the EMS Council of New Jersey (EMSCNJ). The 89year-old nonprofit EMSCNJ represents more than 250 volunteer EMS agencies throughout the Garden State. Squads from the EMSCNJ’s 17th District donated three of the scholarships in memory of deceased members: Bob Barbieri of the Totowa First Aid Squad; David Gourley of the Pompton Lakes/Riverdale First Aid Squad; and Daniel Vanderhook of the Hawthorne Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The Totowa First Aid Squad donated an additional scholarship in Barbieri’s memory. Eligible scholarship applicants were high school seniors planning to attend college this fall, and who are active participants on EMSCNJ-affiliated squads. A selection committee at Raritan Valley Community College reviewed the applications and chose the winners. Following are the names of the 2018 Cadet Scholarship recipients, their squad affiliations, the schools they will attend and their planned courses of study: Bob Barbieri Memorial Cadet Scholarship: Anthony Esposito, Sparta Ambulance Squad, University of Miami, Biology/Pre-Med; Bob
EMSCNJ 2018 Cadet Scholarship recipients (left to right): Cadet Scholarship Committee Chairperson Mary Claire Shiber; Sonal Mahindroo (Morganville); Marc Greenwood (Ramsey); Kelly Waters (Somerville); Mariella Pueblo (Tinton Falls); Mark Steinberg (Verona); Jonathan Fessock (Long Hill); Anthony Esposito (Sparta); EMSCNJ President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. - Fire News photo courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney/EMSCNJ Barbieri Memorial Cadet Scholarship: Jonathan Fessock, Long Hill First Aid Squad, Mount St. Mary College, Nursing; David Gourley Memorial Cadet Scholarship: Marc Greenwood, Ramsey Ambulance Corps, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Management/Law Enforcement; Sonal Mahindroo, Morganville First Aid & Rescue Squad, St. Bonaventure University /George Washington University School of Medicine, Biology/Pre-Med/Medicine; Mariella
Pueblo, Tinton Falls EMS North, Brookdale Community College and Montclair State University, Education; Jaime Silino, Tinton Falls EMS North, Molloy College, Nursing; Daniel Vanderhook Memorial Cadet Scholarship: Mark Steinberg, Verona Rescue Squad, Rutgers University-Newark, Criminal Justice/Forensic Science; Kelly Waters, Somerville First Aid and Rescue Squad, Loyola University, Biology/Pre-Med.
Chief Ed Aldrich Honored for 50 Years Service Chief Ed Aldrich, Jr., of West Milford Fire Department Company 6 was recognized for achieving the milestone of 50 years of service. The recognition event was held at West Milford Fire Department Station 6 on July 30, 2018. In attendance were the Aldrich family, Company 6 members, and several dignitaries including West Milford Mayor Bettina Bieri, West Milford Council President Lou Signorino, Passaic County Freeholder Terry Duffy, West Milford Fire Commissioner Ed Steines and Deputy Fire Commissioner Wayne Morrissey. Freeholder Duffy presented Ed with a county proclamation and Ed also received a congratulatory letter and signed puck from the NJ Devils (Ed is a big fan). Mayor Bieri and Fire Commissioner Steines thanked Ed for his years of service. Ed joined Company 6 as Junior Firefighter in the mid 1960s. During his tenure Ed was elected Chief for 14 terms and is currently serving as Chief for 2018. He has also held various civil positions in Company 6 including President. It’s a family affair as Ed’s father, Ed Sr., was also a long-time member and Chief of Company 6 from 1961 to 1964, and Ed’s son, Ed III is a life member. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
Glasstown Muster The 38th Annual Glasstown Antique Fire Brigade, a chapter of SPAAMFAA held its 38th annual muster at the Wheaton Arts Center in Millville on August 19, 2018. There were 57 pieces of equipment on display. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Back in the Day
The Cat in the Tree By Bob Bartosz I was reading a cat-up-a-tree story and it seemed that a chief from a New England fire department had a little problem with his men going out to a cat-in-a-tree call. They told the person the cat would come down by itself and that he was a firefighter for many years and has never seen a skeleton of a cat in a tree. The brought back a memory of a similar event that happened to me back in 1962, when I was a Volt fireman in New Jersey at the Pennsauken Fire Department Station 2. I was sitting at the watch desk when a woman from our neighborhood called, upset and crying and ask if we would come out and help her. Her cat was stuck in a tree and she could not get it out. I could hear her daughter crying in the background. I told her the same thing: the cat would eventually come down, when it wanted. She insisted that the cat could not come down, that it was stuck in the tree. The assistant chief had just walked in and was listening to my conversation. “Chief let’s take a ride,” I said. “It’s just a few blocks away.” It was a nice day and the chief agreed. We took our small 85-foot ladder and our utility truck, and it took us less than five minutes to arrive. When we drove down the street there must have been 15 people, adults and children, standing in the street just looking up. The mother said, that the cat was chasing a squirrel. The squirrel went about 20 feet up and down into a rotted hole, and ran out with the
cat following right behind it. The cat tried to come out the same hole but got its head stuck and could not make it out. All you could see was the cat's head sticking out of the tree. We tried putting some vegetable oil on its head to
push it back in, but it didn’t work. A neighbor was kind enough to furnish us with a bottle of the oil, so we went to Plan B and got some metal chisels and slowly chiseled around the hole trying to make it bigger to get the cat’s head out. We did this for about 10 minutes or more, trying not to harm the cat. When we thought we made enough room, we poured some more vegetable oil around the cat’s head, and tried to push its head back into the hole. The assistant chief climbed up with a second ladder and was able to reach down through the rotted hole and was able to get the cat’s tail and, as the firefighter pushed the cat’s head back into the hole, the chief was able to pull the cat out by its tail. Everyone watching this ordeal was very happy and clapping. This was one time if the fire department had not answered the call and rescued the cat – there would have been a skeleton of a cat in a tree. - Fire News photos by Bob Bartosz Bob Bartosz has been a professional fire photographer since 1954. He was sworn in as a professional photographer for the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association. Bob moved to North Carolina in 2009, and is still taking fire pictures as he approached 81 years old. He is now the Nash County (NC) fire photographer and the Rocky Mount City Fire Department photographer.
Page 50, Fire News, October 2018
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Cedar Grove 73 Gets a New House … Soon
As of September 2, 2018, the Cedar Grove Fire Department South End Engine Company 73 will no longer be stationed at the house they have been in since the late 1940s. Located on Pompton Avenue, the current station will be knocked down, along with the adjacent house, and be replaced with a new two-bay station, which will house Engine 73 along with a utility vehicle. Their final days in the old structure were spent moving equipment to their temporary station and they look forward to what the new station will have to offer. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
FDSOA ANNOUNCES NEW SAFETY FORUM SCHOLARSHIP The Fire Department Safety Officers Association is pleased to introduce the FDSOA Safety Forum Scholarship, sponsored by Dave Dodson, fire service author, lecturer and trainer. The FDSOA Safety Forum Scholarship includes registration to the Safety Forum, one pre-Forum seminar (Incident Safety Officer or Health Safety Officer), airfare or mileage, and lodging. Dodson proposed the scholarship program to create a way to introduce new safety officers to the educational opportunities at the FDSOA Safety Forum. “I’ve been very fortunate in my fire service life and feel it is time to pay it forward,” said Dodson. “Many individuals have influenced and assisted me along the way, so now it is my turn to assist others.” Dodson is a 40-year fire service veteran, serving up to the position of Battalion Chief. His Art of Reading Smoke class has been presented to over 70,000 firefighters in the USA and Canada. He recently completed a ground-breaking project with John Mittendorf - The Art of Reading Buildings (Fire Engineering Books and Video). Dave’s best-seller, Fire Department Incident Safety Officer the updated 3rd edition released in 2015. Dodson is a charter member of FDSOA and served on the founding Board of Directors as Vice President. He became President in 1992. In 2017, he was presented with the first annual Lifetime Service Award by the FDSOA Board of Directors.
Criteria for the scholarship application includes current uniformed member with a minimum two years’ experience in a fire or emergency services organization and never attended an FDSOA Safety Forum in the past or in the past five years. Department approval for attendance must accompany the application. The application is available at www.fdsoa.org/fdsoa-safety-officer-scholarshipaward/ Rich Marinucci, FDSOA Executive Director, said, “As one of the founding members of the FDSOA, Dave has always been a huge proponent of preparing safety officers. He has showed that again by presenting a great opportunity for a safety officer to attend the Safety Forum, someone who would not have had the chance at the experience.” The 2019 FDSOA Safety Forum will be held January 23-24 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort I-Drive, Orlando, Florida. Prior to the Safety Forum, the two-day Incident Safety Officer Academy and the Health & Safety Officer Academy will be held on January 21-22. Concurrently, the FDSOA Apparatus Specification and Maintenance Symposium is January 2123, 2019. Pre-conference programs are scheduled for Sunday, January 20th and a new post-conference, hands-on aerial maintenance program is scheduled for Wednesday, January 23rd. For more information visit: www.fdsoa.org.
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 51
EMT Codes, Credits Fellow Volunteers for Save As a longtime volunteer EMT and as chief of the all-volunteer Freehold EMS squad, Jeff Hoffman was the go-to guy whenever there was a medical emergency at the car dealership where he works. He’d even performed CPR there a couple of times, as well as the Heimlich maneuver. On February 19, 2018, however, Hoffman was the one who needed rescuing. Among the first to jump to his aid were fellow EMS volunteers from another squad. Hoffman, 63, had gone into cardiac arrest — three times that night, in fact — but was saved with the help of 911 dispatcher-assisted CPR initiated immediately after a co-worker witnessed him crumple in his chair. Electric shocks followed soon after with an AED retrieved from a Little Silver police officer’s patrol car. Tom Smith, chief of the all-volunteer Little Silver EMS and also a paramedic, said he arrived after the AED had been used to shock Hoffman’s heart twice, while the medics used their heart monitor as a temporary pacemaker. Because he works with Hoffman’s paramedic son Jeremy, Smith said he recognized the patient immediately. All told, approximately a dozen Little Silver EMS members responded to the call, including Mike Very, a paramedic and volunteer EMT, who drove directly to the dealership in his own vehicle and arrived just behind the police car, Smith said. Very used the AED to deliver the first two shocks. “Early CPR, early defibrillation,” Smith said. “Jeff was in the right place at the right time, with people who knew what they were
Paramedic and Little Silver EMS volunteer Mike Very holds an AED similar to the one he used to twice shock Jeff Hoffman's heart after Hoffman collapsed in February. - Fire News story by Sylvie Mulvaney; photos by EMSCNJ doing.” Hoffman recalled he was working late that Monday night, which also helped save his life. His wife, Lisa, an Episcopal priest, was away for a few days at her church in Cape May. Two of his three adult children don’t live in the area, and Jeremy, a fellow Freehold EMS volunteer, was working his paramedic job. The only other family member home with Hoffman that evening would have been his dog, Eastwood. “Any other night, I would be dead,” he said. “I would have died at home, alone.” Although he’d had no chest pain, Hoffman
admits he’d ignored for months his intermittent, worsening shortness of breath. “I’m not the kind of person who runs to the doctor for every little thing,” he explained. “I thought it was part of getting old.” Discharged to cardiac rehabilitation after a nine-day hospital stay, Hoffman said initially he’d felt weak, but is improving daily. He’s easing back into his work and squad routines — with some restrictions — and makes a point of keeping up on his EMT skills, even if that means simply watching training videos.
Page 52, Fire News, October 2018
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Camden County First Responder Memorial
Camden County recently completed its First Responder Memorial, which was constructed at the Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center in Blackwood. The memorial came to fruition after the Camden County Freeholders and the Camden County College along with police, fire and EMS associations supplied the necessary funding to begin the project. Completed construction was not achieved until valuable donations came from HP Henry, Complete Maintenance, and Pennsauken Monuments stepped up and assisted. (Left to right): Camden County Fireman's Association - Jerry Carter; President, Camden County EMS,
Chief Michael Coyle; Police Chief Carmen Rabottino; President of the Camden County Police Chief's Association - Chief Lou Bordi; President of the Camden County Fire Chiefs Association Chief Sam Trotman; Complete Maintenance - Tom Smith; Director of the Camden County College Emergency Services Training Academy - Orlando Cuevas; President of the Camden County Firemen's Association - Bill Klingberg. Police, fire and EMS services can purchase a brick or other monuments by contacting the academy. - Fire News photo courtesy of Paul C. Sandrock, Jr.
Dedication and Spirit Every Sunday in beach season the members of the Barnegat Light Fire Department and First Aid Squad set up at their headquarters to meet and greet the new wave of beach goers. What's obvious in this photograph is the dedication and spirit in how they present themselves and represent their community! - Fire News photo courtesy of Joseph Harris, Teaneck VAC
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 53
Page 54, Fire News, October 2018
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Happy Retirement to Bridgeton’s Marilyn April On August 21, 2018, members of the Bridgeton Fire Department, co-workers, and members of city government turned out to bid EMT Marilyn April a happy retirement with a proclamation presented by the Honorable Albert Kelly, Mayor of The Great City of Bridgeton. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, October 2018, Page 55
Up Close & Personal SPAAMFAA President Bill Dundas presented Keith Kemerly and members of the Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Apparatus Association a commemoration plaque for their hosting the summer national and for their 10th Anniversary on August 4, 2018. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
(Photo left) Captain Shawn Herman of Elizabeth Engine Company 5. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti (Photo right) Firefighter Pete Kane of Orange at a second alarm on Park Avenue. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Larry Birch, Jr. and Sr. of the Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Co. after the FF1 graduation on July 30, 2018. Larry Jr. left the next day for California with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to assist in fighting the Carr Fire. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 56, Fire News, October 2018
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Up Close & Personal
Fairfield Firefighter Jandoli on a mutual aid assignment into West Caldwell. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Clifton Firefighter Veale at a second alarm fire in Clifton. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter operating with his crew at a recent mutual aid fire in West Cape May Borough. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
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Obituary
Mizpah’s Jay Davenport, Sr. It is with deep regret the Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company from the Township of Hamilton in Atlantic County announced the passing of past-Chief Jay Davenport, Sr. Jay dedicated his life to his community where he was a firefighter with Mizpah for 42 years. He spent 15 years as chief and leaves behind two children; Jay Davenport II (who is the current Chief), Danny Davenport (Firefighter), his wife Kelley Davenport (Captain), two nieces; Eriana Davenport (President of the Ladies Auxiliary) and Kennedy Davenport (Firefighter). Jay enjoyed every minute with his fire company family in Mizpah. During his term as chief he updated our department to new levels with all new gear, a new building and two new fire trucks. The members of the Mizpah Fire Company would like to thank Jay for everything he did for the company and the community. May you rest in peace, Chief. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Page 58, Fire News, October 2018
Obituary
Somers Point’s Lionel Crossman It is with deep regret the City of Somers Point Fire Department in Atlantic County in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard announces the passing of City Fire Marshal, life member and USCG Commander Lionel ‘Lee’ Crossman. Lee had a long and distinguished career with the fire service and the Coast Guard with stationings throughout the United States before finally settling in Somers Point. He was a member of a number of service organizations, and received many awards during his service with the Coast Guard. He was most proud of his recognition by the chaplains of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Foundation. The Legion of Honor recognizes outstanding members of society whose lives model the giving and spirit and unconditional service to community and nation that was exemplified so dramatically by the Four Chaplains. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery on August 16, 2018, alongside his wife. The ceremony was attended by numerous Coast Guard ranking officers and he was given a full military burial including a 21-gun salute, with family and friends from throughout the country attending. Lee is survived by his son Carl, and daughters Donna and Carol. - Fire News photos by Carl Crossman and Dennis C. Sharpe
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