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Fire News, October 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Multiple Crews Handle Fire at ACUA Firefighters were dispatched to the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) for a report of a fire. See story on page 4
Heavy Damage to 2-Family Home with 1 Jumper Crews arrive to find flames showing from a two-family residence in the rear of the property. See story on page 7
2 Multi-Family Homes on Fire in Jersey City The fire spread to two multi-family homes and a fifth alarm was sounded for all units to assist. See story on page 11
Scullville Brush Fire Quickly Stopped Crews arrived began wetting down the brush fire burning alongside the roadway. See story on page 14
Serving Fire & EMS Heroes Since 1973 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher/CEO TIM EDWARDS, Chief Operating Officer GARY P. JOYCE, Editor MYLES QUINN, Long Island Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production LYNN SEDLER, Art Director CLIFF CHIESA, Production Manager BARBARA CONNOLLY, Vice President National Sales SUZANNE BANCROFT, Business Development Manager BRYAN LOPEZ, Editorial Assistant GREG JONES, Graphic Artist DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor Emeritus FIRE NEWS NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHERS Chad Aaronson, John Axford, Keith Addie, Adam Alberti, Ted Aurig, Kenneth E.Badger, Dick Berry, Tommy Bilancia, Thomas Bischoff, James Bonner, Joseph Brecko, John Buttino, Bob Chester, John Clark, Alex Coulter, Carl Crossman, Damien Davis, Chris Denton, Alan Dumoff, Brian Duddy, Brett M. Dzadik, Dan Eckert, Doug Fenichel, Tom Finnegan, Joe Fortunato, Liam Glinane, Israel Goldstein, Thomas Hayden Jr., David Hernandez, Robert Halberstadt, Roman Izaryk, Erica Jacoby, Jeffrey Konya, Kevin Maloney, Robert Munson, Paul Newborn, Robert F. Newkirk, Denis Niland, Mike Nowacki, Elvin Padilla, Ed Pinkevicz, Dane Policastro, Michael Ratcliffe, Joe Repici, Paul Rodriquez, Mark Rosetti, Chris Saraceno, Robert Scollan, Dennis C. Sharpe, Steve Sperlak, Steve Skipton, Matt Spadaro, Danielle Tagerty, Tim Sullivan, Robert Tallaksen, Wayne Tasaki, Giuseppe Tartaglia, Jim Trepeos, Gregory Taylor, Ron Trout, Ken VanPelt, Kevin Umbach, Jose Vazquez, Ronnie Viola, Tom Vogel, Tom Walker, Mike Wallace, Chris Whitam, Wells P. Wilson, Gerald Wyhopen, Jr., Peter Danzo. Columnists: Bruce Johnson, John Salka, Billy Goldfeder. COPYRIGHT 2026, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Reaching 17 States with 14 Editions Middletown House Fire Calls in Over 40 FFs Responders were dispatched for a reported house fire with heavy smoke and fire. See story on page 16
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I-Hop Destroyed in Hasbrouck Heights As companies arrived fire broke through the roof and ladder pipes were placed into operation. See story on page 24
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of the NJ State Firemen’s Convention Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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NJFFS Assists in Minnesota Wildfires
Garden State Wildland Firefighters from the New Jersey Forest Natural Resources with the July lightning strike fires which conFire Service (NJFFS) and the Eastern Area Complex Incident sumed more than 74,000 acres. More than 600 personnel were Management Team assisted the United States Forest Service assigned to this fire located outside of Ely, MN. (Superior National Forest) and the Minnesota Department of - Fire News photo by Kelly Gabliks
Multiple Crews Handle Fire at ACUA
The Farmington and Cardiff units were dispatched at 0622 hours to the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) for a report of a fire. Farmington Chief Harry Goodman arrived, assessed the situation, and requested a general alarm, bringing the remainder of the Egg Harbor stations, as well as, two water tender task forces and a
ladder task force. Firefighters flowed water for six hours before bringing the fire under control. Numerous outside agencies responded including the ACUA who brought in dozer operators to flatten out the pile. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe & Ken Badger
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Cover Story
Quick Stop of Fully Involved Shed in Westmont
Westmont firefighters made a quick knock down to stop a fully the rear deck of the home as an exposure. Crews worked to keep the involved shed from extending to the exposed rear deck and dwelling fire from extending to the rear deck and dwelling and quickly of a S. Park Drive address in Haddon Township. Westmont Fire brought the fire under control. - Fire News photos by Frank Saia Chief Dan Devitt arrived and reported a shed fully involved with
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Heavy Damage to 2-Family Home, 1 Jumper, Pets Rescued
The City of Pleasantville Fire Department was dispatched on July 25, 2026, for a report of a structure fire on West Glendale Avenue. Battalion Chief 4 Mark Raymond arrived and reported flames showing from a two-family residence in the rear of the property and requested mutual aid. Before units arrived, a female resident jumped from the front porch roof and was transported to the hospital. A primary search rescued a dog and cat. The Red Cross assisted the displaced residents, and the fire was under investigation by the City of Pleasantville Fire Cause Investigator. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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2 Multi-Family Homes on Fire in Jersey City
The Jersey City Fire Department responded to Stegman Avenue for a report of a structure fire. The fire spread to two multi-family homes and a fifth alarm was eventually sounded for all Jersey City and Bayonne units to assist. - Submitted by Edoardo ‘Junior’ Ferrante, OEM
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TRAINING
House Acquired for Training in Eastampton
The Eastampton Fire Rescue concluded their training on an acquired house in town. Over the past few months, they have trained on search patterns, initial response scenarios, hose advancement, forcible entry, concluding with roof ventilation, and windows and doors. - Fire News photo by Eugene Oberfrank
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Erma Gets New Tanker The Erma Fire Company in Cape May County recently took delivery of a 2026 E-One Cyclone 1500/2500 Tanker which will replace a 1982 Mack R / 2002 Refurb 1000/4000. At the moment the company is considering keeping both tankers due to the number of developments with no hydrants in the first-due area. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Basement Fire Under Control After 2 Hours Woodbridge Township units arrived to heavy smoke showing from a residence. Due to the balloon frame construction, crews faced extension and a heavy workload, bringing in additional crews from Colonia and Perth Amboy. The fire was marked under control after approximately two hours of operations. - Fire News photo by Brett Ayers, WoodbridgeTownshipFirePictures
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Scullville Brush Fire Quickly Stopped
Scullville and Bargaintown crews, along with New Jersey Forest Fire Service, were dispatched to Zion Road for the report of a brush fire. Scullville Chief Vern Cruse arrived and established command for a brush fire burning alongside the roadway. Crews from Scullville began wetting down the fire, which was quickly brought under control. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Smoke Smell at Walgreen’s in Hillsdale The Westwood Fire Department was dispatched to Hillsdale on the mutual aid for a smoke smell at Walgreens. Crews investigated the roof for possible issues. It was a good opportunity for a cadet and a probie to assist and gain experience. Every task given to a probie should be a learning experience ... even if the learned skill is selfreliance. - Fire News photo by Nick Ariemma
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Middletown House Fire Calls in Over 40 FFs Middletown crews were dispatched to the 80 block of Lehigh Drive for a reported house fire. While en route police reported heavy smoke and fire. Chief Kelly requested a box alarm and surrounding companies were dispatched. Over 40 firefighters assisted with the fire by ventilating and overhauling. - Submitted by Rob Allan; photo credit by Laurie Kegley
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Paramus Home Destroyed by Fire
The Paramus Fire Department and Rescue was dispatched to scene. Crews opened the roof, quickly knocking down the main Cloverdale Avenue for reports of a house on fire. On arrival, a body of fire. Within 30 minutes all visible fire was extinguished and heavy smoke condition was visible with heavy fire showing from the crews opened up and checked for extension. rear. A second alarm was transmitted bringing mutual aid to the - Fire News photo by Peter Danzo
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Fire News, October 2026, Page 19
House Fire Quickly Stopped in Linwood
The City of Linwood Fire Department responded to Shore Road for a report of a structure fire. Linwood Chief Marty Wally arrived and reported smoke showing and declared a working fire, bringing mutual aid from Somers Point, Northfield, Pleasantville and Bargaintown. Firefighters made a quick knock on the fire but needed to do extensive overhaul and ventilation. The cause of the fire was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe & Ken Badger
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The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Assn. 2026 BBQ It was another warm and sunny afternoon on August 15, 2026, for our Second Annual Barbecue at the NJ State Firemen’s Home. The attendance at the second barbecue exceeded our expectations as many family members came to join their loved ones that afternoon. With the grill fired up and meat sizzling, everyone anticipated a wonderful lunch. With the assistance of Chef Prince of the NJ Firemen’s Home, we started serving lunch to everyone by 1230 hours. We had plenty of food for everyone and it was a wonderful lunch. The lunch started to wrap up by 1300 and everyone started to either head back inside or wandered outside to spend time with their families. It was another successful picnic sponsored by the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association. Pictured are the Executive Board of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home: Tom Simpson, Justin Watrel, John Kinner and Roy De Young, Jr. If you would like to make a donation to our organization, please send it to: BCFHA, C/O Jeff Parma, 277 Harriott Avenue, Harrington Park, NJ 07640. - Justin Watrel, President
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Up Close & Personal (Photo left) City of Pleasantville Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Raymond and Chief of Department Keven Vanegas at a Glendale Avenue fire on July 25, 2026. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger (Photo right) West Atlantic City Chief Wally Bakely, Jr., Bargaintown Assistant Chief Wil Hancock, and NJFFS Larry Birch III at the large fire at the ACUA on August 2, 2026. Chief Bakely was injured at the fire and continues to recuperate at home; and the entire fire service wishes him a speedy recovery. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
(Photo left) The father and son team of Mark and Kyle Dolton of the Falls Township Fire Department in Pennsylvania at the New Egypt 125th Anniversary Parade on August 1, 2026. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
(Photo right) Farmington firefighters Sal Parisi and Geraldo Arango Cortes on the first step of their firefighting careers by completing Firefighting 1. Congratulations! - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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I-Hop Destroyed in Hasbrouck Heights, 1 FF Injured
A raging fire destroyed an I-Hop restaurant in Hasbrouck Heights on the morning of August 3, 2026. Just before 0700 hours the crew was dispatched to Route 17 south for a reported fire. The arriving police units reported heavy smoke from the roof. As companies arrived heavy fire broke through the roof and command ordered ladder pipes be placed into operation. A third alarm was requested by Chief Knobloch as several portions on the roof burned away. The main body of fire was knocked down in just under 40 minutes and the fire was placed under control around 0930. One firefighter was transported to the hospital with non-life-threating injuries. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Annual National Night Out in Wildwood
On August 4, 2026, the Wildwood Fire Department had a big presence at the Annual National Night Out held at the convention center. Many apparatus were on hand for multiple fire prevention demonstrations along with residents learning to use a real fire hose. All of the trucks were on display for families to see, while free gifts and food were handed out to residents. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Garbage Truck Strikes Support Beam at Strip Mall An early morning call to the North Arlington Fire Department was for a vehicle into the building on Schuyler Avenue. Arriving units found a garbage truck struck a support beam causing structural damage. The stores had to temporarily close due to the damage. The incident was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Michael Saggau
Shop Rite Roof Top Unit Identified Quickly The Cardiff and Bargaintown units were dispatched to the English Creek Shop Rite, on Black Horse Pike, at 0615 hours for a reported structure fire. Firefighters entered the building to find a smoke condition and requested an engine from the Atlantic City Airport Fire Department. Upon investigating further, it was determined the smoke was caused by a faulty roof-top HVAC unit. Firefighters laddered the roof and found a burnt-out motor in one of the units. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe & Ken Badger
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Over 50 FFs Battle Millers Crossing Blaze On August 21, 2026, an off-duty firefighter reported an active garage fire with heavy smoke throughout a residence. Chief of the Department Daniel Kelly, 1st Assistant Chief Jacob Lawrence, and 3rd Assistant Chief David D’Arcy responded with crews from Navesink Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and Community Fire Company of Leonardo. Another box alarm called for mutual aid from surrounding departments. In all, over 50 firefighters operated at the scene and worked together to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Office. - Submitted by Rob Allen; photo credit Laurie Kegley
Dorothy Housing Celebration The Dorothy Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad of Weymouth Township housed their new squad on August 22, 2026. Dreary skies didn’t keep the crowd away and, after an inspection parade by the New Jersey State Fire Chiefs Parade Judges Association, remarks were given by local, county and congressional officials and the squad was officially housed and refreshments were served. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Beyond the Fire: Prevention Is the First Phase of Emergency Management
October brings National Fire Prevention Week, along with Cybersecurity Awareness Month and earthquake preparedness activities from the Great ShakeOut. While each addresses a different hazard, they share a common principle: preparedness and prevention reduce the impact of emergencies. For the fire service, prevention is often the
first line of defense. Education, inspections, code enforcement, and public outreach can prevent an incident or reduce its consequences. The same philosophy applies across emergency management. Cybersecurity preparedness can reduce operational disruptions. Earthquake exercises can identify weaknesses and opportunities for improvement. Public education can change behavior before an emergency occurs. Mitigation efforts can reduce the consequences of hazards long before responders are called. Preparedness doesn’t begin when the emergency starts. It begins with understanding risk and taking action before that risk becomes reality. Connecting Preparedness to Professional Development with NJEPA: NJEPA’s all-hazards approach recognizes the connection between prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Its
educational programs provide opportunities to examine emergencies from that broader perspective and bring those lessons back to the communities we serve. #NJEPA2027 The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) connects New Jersey’s emergency managers, first responders, and public-safety professionals through education, training, and collaboration to strengthen preparedness and resilience. Visit www.njepa.org for conference updates, training and breakout offerings, registration and hoteling deadlines, vendor and sponsorship information, and much more. Source: Ready.gov, National Preparedness Month Toolkit, www.ready.gov
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Person Spotted in Water, Found Days Later
On August 12, 2026, Newark Fire Police and EMS responded to the Jackson Street Bridge for a reported person in the water. The North Jersey Fire Boat Task Force along with multiple Bergen County Dive Teams were requested to respond. Fire boats and dive teams searched throughout the night and were unable to locate the victim. Days later the Newark Police located the victim and began recovery efforts. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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2 FFs Injured, House Fire Quickly Stopped The Ridgefield Park Fire Department was alerted for a house fire on 7th Street. On arrival, crews saw visible fire from the roof on the Delta side of the home and transmitted the working fire, bringing mutual aid from Hackensack, Teaneck and Bogota. The fire was running the walls but, as crews worked the main body of fire which was located in the eaves, all visible fire was knocked down. Two firefighters were transported with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire was determined to be electrical. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
Egg Harbor Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner
The Egg Harbor City Fire Department held a spaghetti and meatball fundraiser dinner on August 1, 2026, at their station. It seemed like the entire town turned out, including the mayor and other Atlantic County politicians. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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FDs Show Support of the Atlantic County 4H Fair
The Atlantic County Firefighters Association continued to support the Atlantic County 4H Association at its Annual Fair on August 7-8, 2026. Even Captain America stopped by to show support. Many thanks to the fire companies that came out: Farmington, Buena, Germania, South Egg Harbor and and Dorothy. – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Chief Wirkus Graduates from Executive Fire Officer Program On August 7, 2026, the United States Fire Administration celebrated the graduation of 21 fire officers from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Battalion Chief Patrick Wirkus of the Elizabeth Fire Department was among those who graduated from this two-year internationally acclaimed leadership development program. Each year 500 applications are received from which 150 are accepted into the EFO program. - Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
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Commercial Building Fire in Totowa Totowa Fire Department operated at a 2nd Alarm fire at a commercial building on Furler Street. – Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
Muster at Wheaton Arts Center The Glasstown Antique Fire Association held their 2026 Muster at the Wheaton Arts Center in Millville on August 16, 2026. A great day with apparatus from all over the country participating, the weather held out, and good attendance. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Fire Rips through Lefkes Restaurant
A four-alarm fire destroyed a restaurant in Englewood Cliffs recently. On arrival to Lefkes Restaurant on Sylvan Avenue crews reported a smoke condition in the basement. Crews searched for the seat of the fire which started showing on the exterior, and a second alarm was sounded. Fire began traveling up the walls, and a third alarm was requested. Eventually the fire broke through the roof and crews reported a collapse of the first floor. A demolition crew was requested and the fire continued to smolder as the demolition crew dismantled the building. Reports indicated the fire may have been electrical in origin. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Apartment Fire in Deptford Luckily No Injuries On August 31, 2026, the Deptford Fire Department was dispatched to Hemlock Court in the Narraticon Apartments complex for the report of a fire from a balcony and the report of people trapped. First arriving fire units reported heavy fire showing from a three-story apartment building and spreading fast. Deptford and other companies went to work trying to stop the fire from spreading through the entire apartment building. Early collapse of balconies and the roof of a few apartments along with less than optimum conditions to place apparatus in the rear of the building, created challenges for the firefighters. A third alarm was transmitted and extensive overhaul was required. No injuries were reported however. – Fire News photo by Frank Saia
House Fire on Maple Street
The Paterson Fire Department. operated at a working fire on Maple Street, with smoke showing on arrival at the two-story brick home. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
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CLEAN AIR COMPANY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION, SAFETY, AND CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS Woodbridge, NJ – 1-24-26 — Clean Air Company is proud to announce the celebration of its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of delivering innovative air quality, dust collection, and vehicle exhaust removal solutions that protect workers, firefighters, facilities, and the environment. Founded in 1976, Clean Air Company has grown from a small, specialized air cleaner sales organization into a trusted industry leader serving customers across a wide range of industrial markets. Early in its history, the company also recognized a critical safety need within the fire service and began designing and installing vehicle exhaust removal systems to protect firefighters from harmful diesel exhaust exposure inside the firehouse — a specialty that has grown into one of the company's core businesses over the past five decades. For half a century, Clean Air Company has remained committed to its core mission: designing reliable, effective systems that improve workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and operational performance for both industrial facilities and emergency response organizations. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the strong partnerships we’ve built over the years,” said Greg Slavin, President of Clean Air Company. “We’re incredibly proud of our history — from the industrial floor to the firehouse — but even more excited about the future as we continue to innovate and support our customers’ evolving needs.” Fire and emergency services have long been a cornerstone of that history. Clean Air Company is the dominant provider of vehicle exhaust removal systems for the fire service, with roughly 8 out of every 10 fire departments in the NY/NJ metro area relying on a system installed by Clean Air Company to protect firefighters from the health risks of diesel exhaust exposure inside the firehouse. As an authorized dealer and service provider for Plymovent, the fire service industry’s leading exhaust removal brand, the company designs, installs, and maintains systems built to the highest safety standards. Clean Air Company also services and retrofits exhaust removal
systems from other manufacturers, giving fire departments a single, trusted resource no matter which brand is already installed in their station. As part of the anniversary celebration, Clean Air Company will be recognizing its employees, customers, and partners through customer appreciation initiatives. The company will also reflect on key innovations and projects that have helped shape safer, cleaner industrial environments. Over the past 50 years, Clean Air Company has consistently adapted to new technologies, standards, and regulations, including advancements in dust hazard mitigation and compliance with evolving NFPA standards. This forward-looking approach has positioned the company as a longterm partner for organizations seeking dependable clean air solutions. “Our success has always been built on listening to our customers and solving real-world problems,” added Greg Slavin. “As we celebrate 50 years, we remain focused on delivering the same level of quality, integrity, and expertise that our customers have come to expect.” Looking ahead, Clean Air Company is committed to continued growth, innovation, and leadership in clean air technology—ensuring safer workplaces for generations to come. About Clean Air Company Clean Air Company is a leading provider of engineered air quality, dust collection, and vehicle exhaust removal solutions for industrial facilities and fire and emergency service organizations. Since 1976, the company has specialized in helping customers improve safety, efficiency, and compliance through customized system design, engineering expertise, and long-term support — including as a leading dealer and service provider for the Plymovent brand, with systems installed in roughly 8 out of every 10 fire departments nationwide, and the ability to service and retrofit other exhaust removal brands as well. For more information, visit www.cleanairco.com.
CITY OF CHARLESTON FIREFIGHTER AND PARAMEDIC PUBLISHES CHILDREN’S BOOK WITH HIS MOTHER TO HONOR FALLEN FIREFIGHTER FATHER AND HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH LOSS Charleston Fire Department firefighter and paramedic Joseph Northup, alongside co-author Taunya Northup Mendenhall, has released a children’s book, Still My Hero, written to help young readers cope with the loss of a parent—especially within first responder and military families. Inspired by Northup’s own experience, his father, a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on April 1, 2004. The book is told through the eyes of a child navigating that loss, offering a perspective that is both honest and relatable. Still My Hero follows a young boy coping with the death of his father, a firefighter he viewed as his hero. Through simple, heartfelt language, the story helps children understand grief, express their emotions, and recognize that their connection to a lost parent never fades. “This book is for kids who are going through something they shouldn’t have to go through,” Northup said. “In the fire service and military, we understand the risks, but for the children left behind, the impact is lifelong. We wanted to create something that helps them feel understood and not alone.” Co-author and Joseph’s mother, Taunya Northup Mendenhall, brings decades of professional experience supporting victims and families through trauma, helping shape the book’s approach to grief in a way that is both compassionate and accessible for children. Designed as both a story and a resource, the book can be used by parents, caregivers, and counselors to help guide conversations about loss and healing. By presenting grief through a child’s perspective, Still My Hero creates
a safe and approachable way to talk about difficult emotions. The authors hope the book will reach families across the country and serve as a source of comfort for children facing the loss of a parent. Still My Hero is available on Amazon.com. For media inquiries, interviews, or appearances, please contact: Joseph Northup (859) 705-9813 About the Authors Joseph Northup II is a firefighter and paramedic with the Charleston Fire Department, currently assigned to Engine 113 as an Assistant Engineer. He is a member of the department’s Honor Guard Team, Peer Support Team, and Tactical EMS Team. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection Administration and a master’s degree in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management from Eastern Kentucky University. His father, also a firefighter, was killed in the line of duty on April 1, 2004, in Kentucky. Taunya Northup Mendenhall holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Social Work and Corrections. She served as a Victims Advocate for nearly 30 years before retiring in 2024. Her professional experience supporting individuals and families through trauma helped shape the compassionate and child-focused approach of Still My Hero. Together, they wrote Still My Hero to help children—especially those in first responder and military families—cope with the loss of a parent.
25 YEARS LATER, WE’RE STILL CLIMBING We climb to honor the firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001. We climb for the firefighters who have since died from 9/11-related illnesses. And we climb to ensure their courage, service, and sacrifice are never forgotten. Each 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is more than a physical challenge. By ascending or walking the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center, participants symbolically complete the journey those firefighters began as they raced upward to save others.
This year, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, every step carries added significance. Your participation helps preserve the memory of those we lost while supporting those who continue to bear the weight of 9/11. From August through November, join thousands across the country in making the climb. Participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb near you, including special Retro Fitness Stair Climb events on September 11 at 75 locations, and help carry this legacy forward.
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Recovery of 2 Children Swept Away in Passaic River The City of Passaic Fire Department and numerous boats and dive teams from multiple mutual aid agencies worked together to recover the bodies of two children who were swept away in the Passaic River on July 29, 2026. – Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
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