Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
Volume 21, No. 6
W W W.FIRENE WS .COM
See story on page 8. - Fire News photo by Charles Botti
Fire,Serving Rescue The Magazine & EMS Fire, Rescue Serving & EMS Heroes &Fire, EMS Heroes Rescue Heroes Since Heroes 1973 1996 &Since EMS Since 1973 November 2026
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 3
In this issue... Fire at Hot Bagels in Fair Lawn Early morning workers at Hot Bagels encountered heavy smoke and crews arrived and called for mutual aid. See story on page 4
Smoldering Fire Found in Garage Firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in a garage. See story on page 9
Animals Rescued in House Fire The Rochelle Park Fire Department responded to Howard Avenue for a report of a kitchen fire. See story on page 12
Quick Stop at River Edge House Fire Crews arrived to find heavy fire condition in the rear deck and extending into the home. See story on page 15
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 Car Crashes Through Garage Door North Arlington Fire Department was recently dispatched for a vehicle into a garage. See story on page 25
Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, S. Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and Wildwood, NJ Proud Member Of:
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2 Car Accident with Rollover Paterson Fire Department operated at an MVA with rollover and no entrapment. See story on page 26
PLUS: Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 16 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Focus of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 28 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 33
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.
Page 4, Fire News, November 2026
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Fire at Hot Bagels in Fair Lawn Quickly Stopped
Early morning workers at Hot Bagels encountered heavy smoke and called 911. Fair Lawn crews arrived and called for mutual aid bringing in over 35 firefighters. The fire was quickly knocked down, but business next door sustained damage. - Submitted by Doug Sadowski/Fair Lawn FD, photo credit to Marty Pelta
Hammonton Fire Company 2 Held Annual BBQ
Hammonton Fire Company 2 hosted their annual barbecue at their station on Route 30 recently. Jack Campanella (91 years young), A.J Berenato, Captain Eric Atkinson, Lieutenant Mike McCabe, and Assistant Chief Joe Perna. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Heavy Fire in Multiple Homes in East Newark A four-alarm fire tore through multiple homes on President Street in East Newark. Crews from Harrison, Kearny, Jersey City, North Hudson Regional Rescue, Bayonne, North Arlington, and Newark responded to assist with the large fire. - Fire News photos by Michael Saggau, Jr.
Multi-Use Building a Total Loss
September 1, 2026, the Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched to Goffle Road for a reported fire in a tire shop. On arrival, command reported a two-story, frame, mixed-use building with a tire shop on the ground floor and apartments above and heavy fire in the tire shop. Shortly after, a flashover occurred and command reported the building well involved and requested a second alarm. Passaic County Hazmat was requested due to a large amount of fuel flowing into the street. As heavy fire broke through the roof, mutual aid was requested and a special call was made for Paramus to respond with their foam unit. The fire was placed under control several hours later. Three firefighters were injured, two of whom were transported to the hospital. The building was a total loss and 12 occupants were displaced. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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Cover Story
Tractor Trailer Hits Divider & Burst into Flames
The Denville Fire Department was dispatched to a truck fire on Route 80 eastbound at 0353 hours on September 7, 2026. The first unit on the scene found a tractor-trailer fully involved, with both saddle tanks on fire, diesel fuel leaking and the fire extending into the trailer. The truck had been traveling in the eastbound lane and went over the center divider and was resting on its left side in the westbound lane. The three Denville fire companies and mutual aid
from various towns responded. The trailer was full of produce and the fire entered the trailer through the refrigeration unit which was damaged in the accident. Several holes were cut in the trailer. The tractor trailer driver and a car driver involved were transported to the hospital by Saint Clare’s ambulance. - Fire News photo by Charles Botti
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Smoldering Fire Found in Garage On September 11, 2026, Egg Harbor City and South Egg Harbor fire Departments responded to a reported structure fire. On arrival, a smoldering fire was found in the garage and was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported. The fire was under investigation. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
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In Honor of America’s 250th Anniversary As we celebrated America’s 250th, creative use of old fire hose greeted visitors as they entered the Sea Isle City fire station. - Fire News photo by Kelly Gabliks
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Animals Rescued in House Fire on Howard Avenue On the afternoon of September 15, 2026, the Rochelle Park Fire Department responded to Howard Avenue for a report of a kitchen fire. Police units arrived and reported a heavy smoke condition showing from the exterior of the ranch style single-story home. Command requested mutual aid from Maywood, Hackensack and Paramus. Crews removed a dog and two cats that were treated at the scene before being rushed to a local animal hospital in unknown condition. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes with no injuries reported. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
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The Missing Bell Story On September 11, 2026, the Pleasantville Fire Department utilized a piece of firehouse history which also has quite a story to it. The bell made national news in 2023 when it was stolen off the property and vandalized while renovation work was being done. The bell, which was cast in by, the now, Verdin Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, Ohio back in 1903 was cut into three pieces. Department members, the Bell Foundry and City Officials worked in coordination to send the Bell to Netherlands for it to be melted down and recast. It was then returnedband hung at its final resting place. The bell originally hung from a make shift wooden tower outside Fire Company 1 and was purchased for $76 (roughly $9000 today) by Chief Frank Reinar who held the Chiefs position from 1896- 1909. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 15
Quick Stop at River Edge House Fire
On the morning of August 30, 2026, the River Edge Fire Department responded to Taft Road for a reported house fire. On arrival, crews found a heavy fire condition in the rear of a single-story ranch style home involving the deck and extending into the home. Initially a Tri-Boro alarm was transmitted, bringing Oradell and New Milford crews. A second alarm brought mutual-aid from Hackensack and companies for house coverage. The fire was quickly knocked down. One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. - Fire News photos by Peter Danzo
New Rescue Celebration in Rutherford
Rutherford Fire Department wet down its new 2025 HME Ahrens Fox Rescue 5 at Memorial Park on Monona Avenue. - Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
Page 16, Fire News, November 2026
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Up Close & Personal
Firefighter Dave Johns stands by with Ladder 10, Egg Harbor’s newest ladder truck. - Fire News photo by Eric "Doc" Moran
Members of the Camden City Fire Department at the Wildwood Fireman’s Convention September 19, 2026. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter was presented a plaque by the Career Fire Chiefs Association recognizing Coulter for his many years of dedicated service as the Association’s Second Vice-President and Treasurer. - Fire News photo by Kelly Gabliks
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Pleasantville Rings Bell to Honor 9/11
On September 11, 2026, the Pleasantville Fire Department held a 9/11 and bell dedication ceremony. The bell rang 5-5-5-5 for all to hear. - Fire News photo by Eric ‘Doc’ Moran
Page 20, Fire News, November 2026
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9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial in New Milford
(Left to right) Past-Chief and current First Assistant Chief David Stormer along with daughter and Company 1 Captain Thomas Mulligan and Robert Ryan at 9/11 Memorial 25th Anniversary.
On the evening of September 11, 2026, just as the sun began to set, the members of the New Milford Fire Department gathered at town hall to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 and those who are suffering from illness due to 9/11 exposures. A moment of
silence was called during the ceremony, and various representatives of the town and representatives of the fire department spoke. There was also a re-dedication of a plaque honoring a resident who died on September 11. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
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First Responder Night at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk On September 11, 2026, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk hosted a first responders appreciation night which allowed free access to all of the boardwalk rides to first responders and their families. Point Pleasant Beach Police, Fire, and EMS also hosted a touch a truck in coordination with the event. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 22, Fire News, November 2026
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Golf Cart Ignited House in North Wildwood
Wildwood Squad Co. 3 (C Platoon) and North Wildwood Fire Department Ladder Co. 2 were dispatched to the 600 West block of Maple Avenue, in West Wildwood for a reported vehicle fire. Upon arrival, Deputy Chief Dunn reported a 3-story single-family dwelling with heavy fire on the A (street) side on all 3 floors with exposure issues on both sides. A retired firefighter and his son entered the home prior to arrival and advised arriving firefighters that nobody was inside of the home but a neighbor said the family dog was still inside the dwelling. During the search, Rescue Co. 3
located the family dog on the third floor. The dog was quickly removed and received immediate care from firefighters and Wildwood Crest EMS, including oxygen administration. The dog was transported to a local veterinarian office for further treatment. The fire was placed under control in 30 minutes. The Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire and determined it to be accidental due to a golf cart that had been exposed to floodwater during this past weekend’s flooding. – Submitted by Wildwood Fire Department
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Atlantic County Members Host 9/11 Remembrance
The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company of the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department hosted the 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony at their station on September 11, 2026. Speakers included retired EHT EMS Chief William Higbee who responded to the World Trade Center and a member of former Vice-President Dick Cheney’s staff who responded to the Pentagon. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 25
Car Crashes Through Garage Door
North Arlington Fire Department was recently dispatched to the area of Sunset Avenue and Willis Road for a vehicle into a garage. Arriving units found a vehicle into a garage with heavy damage to the structure. Crews shored up the garage to stabilize it. - Fire News photo by Michael Saggau, Jr.
Preparing for the Busiest Time of Year November kicks off the holiday season, bringing family gatherings, travel, shopping and celebrations — and public safety challenges. Ready.gov’s Preparedness Calendar highlights Thanksgiving cooking safety, holiday online shopping safety, and being “Winter Ready.” Cooking fires, increased travel, crowded events, winter weather, and changing weather conditions can all place additional demands on publicsafety resources. Agencies should consider how seasonal activities may affect staffing, response times, traffic patterns, and resource availability. For agencies, preparedness means anticipating those needs before call volume increases. and ensuring personnel and resources are positioned to meet them.
Professional Development with NJEPA: By attending NJEPA’s annual conference, public-safety professionals will be provided with opportunities to learn from subject-matter experts, explore new ideas, and connect with colleagues from throughout New Jersey and surrounding states. As we approach the 2027 conference, now is a good time to start thinking about your next -development goal. The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association (NJEPA) connects New Jersey’s emergency managers, first responders and publicsafety 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
Page 26, Fire News, November 2026
2 Car Accident with Rollover
Paterson Fire Department operated at an MVA with rollover and no entrapment on McBride Avenue next to Paterson Fire Headquarters on September 13, 2026. - Fire News photos by Ron Bombaro
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 27
Long Branch Hosts 18th Annual Cigar Dinner
On September 9, 2026, the Long Branch Fire Department FMBA Local 68 held their 18th annual Cigar Dinner at Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant. Over 300 people attended this annual event and enjoyed dinner, music, cigars and good times. The proceeds support the FMBA’s charitable initiatives in Long Branch throughout the year. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Multi-Car Accident with Injuries in Totowa
Totowa Fire Department and Totowa EMS operate at a multi-vehicle accident with an overturned vehicle with multiple injuries at Union Boulevard and Bogert Street on August 25, 2026. - Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
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Boonton Celebrates 135th Anniversary The Boonton Fire Department celebrated its 135th anniversary as it hosted its annual Labor Day Parade on September 5, 2026 in which more than 75 fire companies attended. – Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks
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WILDWOOD 2026
7th Annual Wildwood Fire Apparatus
On September 20, 2026, the 7th Annual Wildwood Fire Apparatus Muster was held to close out the 2026 Firemen’s Convention Weekend. Over 20 apparatus participated in the muster which ended with a lights and sirens parade through town. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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WILDWOOD 2026
- Fire News photos by Kelly Gabliks and Mark Rosetti
Page 32, Fire News, November 2026
Car Fire on Route 80 in Totowa
Paterson Fire Department and Totowa Fire Departments battled a fully involved car fire on Interstate 80 near Union Boulevard on September 15, 2026. The car was fully engulfed on arrival. - Fire News photo by Ron Bombaro
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Fire News, November 2026, Page 33
WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP NAMES ANTHONY BROOKS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR NEW JERSEY FIRE DIVISION Experienced fire-service professional and sales leader will oversee WPSG’s New Jersey Fire sales team. COATESVILLE, PA Witmer Public Safety Group (WPSG) dba TheFireStore today announced that Anthony Brooks will join the company as Regional Sales Manager – New Jersey for its Fire Division, effective September 14, 2026. Brooks brings more than 18 years of experience in the fire service and public-safety industry, with expertise in sales leadership, territory development, government procurement, technical product sales, and dealer operations. Most recently, Brooks served as East Coast Regional Sales Manager for Snap-tite Hose, where he led a team of district sales managers and worked closely with fire departments, distributors, and industry partners throughout the region. Before joining Snap-tite, Brooks spent six years with Dival Safety Equipment, where he generated more than $9 million in sales across New Jersey and Delaware and was recognized as a sales leader within the company’s New Jersey division. Earlier in his career, Brooks served as managing partner and co-owner of Jersey Fire & Safety Products, helping grow the organization from a startup into a successful regional fire and safety dealership. “Anthony brings an exceptional combination of sales leadership, dealer experience, and firsthand knowledge of the New Jersey fire service,” said Peter Kosciewicz (VP, Sales and Marketing). “His understanding of both our customers’ operational needs and the public-safety equipment industry will make him a valuable leader for our
team as we continue expanding our presence and strengthening our relationships throughout New Jersey.” In his new role, Brooks will lead WPSG’s New Jersey Fire sales team, support the development of its outside sales associates, strengthen customer and manufacturer relationships, and identify opportunities for continued growth across the state. In addition to his industry experience, Brooks has an extensive background in the fire service. He spent 14 years with the City of Vineland Fire Department, serving as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and hazardous materials technician. He currently serves as a captain with the Strathmere Volunteer Fire Company. About Witmer Public Safety Group Witmer Public Safety Group dba TheFireStore is a leading multichannel distributor of equipment, training, service, and support for fire, law-enforcement, EMS, and other public-safety professionals. Headquartered in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, WPSG serves individuals and departments through its family of specialized brands, experienced sales representatives, retail locations, and ecommerce websites. Media Contact Kiri Son, Marketing Manager | kiri.son@wpsginc.com
MES LIFE SAFETY IS EXCITED TO SPONSOR THE LIGHTS & SIRENS SOCIAL AT THIS YEAR’S EMS & FIRE PRO EXPO AND CONFERENCE! If you’re registered for the conference, join us Friday from 5:00– sentations. No PowerPoints. Just two hours of games, laughs and probably a little unnecessary competition. 7:00 p.m. at Game On. At MES Life Safety, we’re proud to serve the fire and EMS professionals who protect communities every day. We spend a lot of time talking about equipment, training, and solutions — but events like this give us the opportunity to simply enjoy some time with the people behind the profession. So grab your conference crew and come hang out with us. No pre-
THE CALL FOR PAPERS IS OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR THE 28TH ANNUAL NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ASSOCIATION (NJEPA) CONFERENCE Taking place April 12–16, 2027, in Atlantic City, NJ! NJEPA is looking for presenters to share their knowledge, experience, best practices, and innovative ideas with New Jersey’s emergency management and first responder community. Paper Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026 We encourage you to submit your presentation ideas and share this opportunity with colleagues and partners who may be interested in presenting at the 2027 NJEPA Conference. We look forward to another great conference and hope to see you in Atlantic City!
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Car Fire on the Atlantic City Expressway
The volunteer fire companies of Cardiff and Farmington responded III arrived aboard Rescue 1517 and declared a working fire. After to milepost 10.5 eastbound on the Atlantic City Expressway for a a brief struggle the fire was brought under control. report of a vehicle fire on October 4, 2026. Cardiff Chief Bill Danz – Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe