Serving NEW JFire, ERSEY Serving Rescue
VOLUME 14, NO. 7
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
Fire,Serving Rescue & EMS Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes & EMS Heroes Heroes Since 1973 Since 1996 1973
DECEMBER 2019
See story on page 6. - Fire News photo by Matt Spadaro
Happy Thanksgiving From The Staff At Fire News
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 3
In this issue... Fully Involved in Schooley’s Mountain Fire crews from numerous departments handle an early morning two-alarmer in a no-hydrant area.
See story on page 11
AT&T Contributes to Cadet Program AT&T contributed $8000 to the EMS Council of New Jersey’s cadet scholarship fund. See story on page 15
Not What’s Meant by Drive-Thru Mays Landing crews respond to a vehicle into a bank ... and then some. See story on page 25
Up Close and Personal A closer look at first responders from around the state. See story on page 27
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, 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 2019, THE FIRE NEWS LLC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Andy Boyt Paddle Out Memorial A traditional surfer’s memorial in Cape May for a well-respected member of the Cape May fire community. See story on page 29
For advertising rates and information, call (631) 776-0500 Press 3 Editorial: (631) 776-0500 Ext 281 Fax number: (631) 286-6866 Internet: http://www.firenews.com e-mail: nj@firenews.com
Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:
New Jersey Fire Museum Open House Tons of apparatus and plenty of fire and safety demos ... and a new memorial at the annual open house. See story on page 30
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 26 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page28 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page28
Official Publication
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, December 2019
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Reflections
It is November 14, 2019, as I write my December editorial. My head is spinning as I recollect the good and bad points of recent months. As I sit back and reflect, I leave 2019 with mixed emotions. As Fire News moves into its 47th year of publication, we continue to grow, playing an integral part of the entire fire service. I give thanks to the departments that have reached out to Fire News with positive news about their department. Let’s face it, if you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will … but do something wrong and see how quickly you make the news! As individuals, hopefully you have grown as a responder in your department and are prouder than ever to serve. You, the responder, continue to do a job that at times appears thankless and has become more difficult than in the past. You train to be the best that you can be at your profession. Whether you are a paid responder or a volunteer, training has increased to a point that it reiterates the saying, “Being a first responder is not a job, but a lifestyle.” As the year comes to an end, I thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to keeping your community safe.
As we enter the holiday season, I ask you to give thought and remember the families of the fallen, especially to Lieutenant Jason Menard, who was killed while saving fellow firefighters who were trapped in a recent blaze in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sadly, but proudly, Fire News honored as many responders as we could. Whether or not it was an LODD or a death from natural causes, we made the effort to honor as many members as possible in our paper. We were proud to honor those individuals who gave their life to the fire-rescue and emergency services. To date, there have been 51 firefighter fatalities in the United States. If your department had the misfortune of losing a member, please reach out to the families during the holidays to let them know you are there for them. For you, quitting is not an option. Make the people who we have lost this year proud of you. Train like you mean it, respond to calls with the passion that you may be saving a family member and remember the lessons learned from the heroes of the past. Wearing a uniform shows you are a member
of an organization. When you wear your uniform, wear it with meaning. The next time you put on your uniform, wear it with dignity and ask yourself if you are really doing all you can do to deserve the title of being a first responder. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. On behalf of Fire News, I thank you for what you do. Reflect on 2019 and ask yourself how you can do more in 2020. Happy holidays! - Dennis
Winners of the “5am Call” Burn Foundation Fundraiser Wildwood Convention Many thanks go out to all who made a donation to the Burn Foundation at the 2019 NJ State Fire Fighters’ Convention in Wildwood. We are very grateful to everyone who contributed to our mission of providing support to the Regional Burn Centers and their patients. And we are very grateful to the Five Mile Beach Fireman’s Association for their continuing hospitality each year. The last ticket drawn was the Grand Prize, the framed giclee’ canvas print “5AM CALL” created by artist Joseph M. Getsinger, the 39th year the artist has contributed to the success of this important fundraiser. The winners of the limited-edition prints were: Robert King of Laurel, Delaware; Lisa Radzinski of Carlstadt, New York; Karen Dudley of Somerdale; Andrew Drozdowski of East Brunswick; Anthony Tortorello of Mahwah; “Lucks” of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania; B. Sullivan of Bayonne; George Tutwiler of Pennsauken; Corey Kramer of Browns Mills; Rob Hanlon of Bridgewater; Bryan Oliver of Middlesex; Ray Perez of Erial; Rich Greer of Atco; Charles P. Struhs of Clifton; Charles DiGuglre, MD of Somerdale; David Blair of Williamstown; T. Gakeler of Greenwood, Delaware; J. Martin of Madison; Robert Stone of Kearny; Mike Maher of Mantua; Karen McEnerey of Ringwood; Michael Golding of West Deptford; Andrea Dilts of Hampton; and Jared Junolek of Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania. Marie Fredella of Haddonfield, was the lucky winner of the framed giclee canvas ren-
dition of “5AM CALL”. We are very honored every year by the contributions from two fire departments which hold golf events in support of the Burn
Foundation. Brigantine Professional Fire Fighters I.A.F.F. Local 2657 presented the Burn Foundation with a check for $5,000 ; and Vineland Firefighters a check for $10,000. Burn Foundation Board member and former burn patient, Everett Marshall, presented the Burn Foundation with a check for $10,000 from his family charity golf tournament. We are also pleased to report that the CapeAtlantic Police & Fire Irish Pipe Brigade came through again this year with a generous check for $700. We also wish to express our gratitude to the many sponsors who greatly help with the fundraiser by underwriting costs. These include: Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., South Plainfield; South Jersey Federal Credit Union of Deptford; Choice Marketing and Chip Lillie who sponsored the Collector Cards (www.choicecustomcards.com); The Frame Shop of Sewell, and Ed Munin who sponsored the framing of the first prize canvas print; Van Gogh Again Galleries of Upper Darby, PA; and John Cortese who donated the first prize giclee' canvas. Sponsor David Russell of Fire & Safety Services, Ltd., committed to supporting the Burn Foundation and the artist for the twentieth consecutive year. In gratitude for his past support, Joe Getsinger presented David with one of Dave’s favorite images, “LEGACY” for his long-term dedication to aiding burn survivors and burn patients.
Page 6, Fire News, December 2019
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Cover Story
Fire Boats Lend Hand to Police K9 Exercise
Dozens of fire boats and support vehicles descended on Liberty State Park on October 2, 2019, to assist their law enforcement colleagues with a regional Police K9 training day. The law enforcement drills were a joint coordinated effort between the FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the New Jersey State Park Police. They took place in a variety of settings including Liberty State Park, a United States Coast Guard Cutter on the Hudson River, and FDNY’s Randalls Island Fire Academy. Fire department assistance came by means of shuttling K9 handlers and their partners to the various locations both in New Jersey and New York. Vessels from the New Jersey Regional Fire Boat Task Force as well as several volunteer fire departments participated. A few fire departments were able to drill their dive teams while this took place. Marine units participating included: United States Coast Guard Cutter Shrike, FDNY Marine 6, Edgewater Fire Department, North Hudson FD, Jersey City FD, Bayonne FD, Wallington Emergency Squad, Wyckoff FD and the Mahwah FD. Law enforcement marine units included New Jersey State Police, FBI, Port Authority PD, New York State Police, NYPD, Oyster Bay Department of Public Safety, Ocean City PD, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Yonkers PD ESU, New York State Environmental Conservation Police, Nassau County PD, and the Suffolk County PD. - Fire News photos by Matt Spadaro
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 7
Busy Time in Clifton
On August 27, 2019, the Clifton Fire Department responded to Van Ripper Avenue for a fire. Crews arrived to a moderate smoke condition showing from the 2-1/2 story wood frame residence. All Clifton companies responded to the fire as simultaneously a smoke condition was reported in the Kohls across town on Main Avenue.
Nutley and Passaic responded to handle the smoke condition, as Clifton companies knocked down the house fire within 15 minutes, with great apparatus positioning displayed by the crew of Ladder 3. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 8, Fire News, December 2019
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Medford Township Attic Fire
On August 27, 2019, Medford Township Taskforce 25 was alerted for a reported dwelling fire in the Wethersfield section of town. Burlington County Central Communications advised responding units that the caller reported visible smoke and flames inside the dwelling but the resident was not home. Deputy Chief Zane arrived and reported smoke showing with a possible attic fire. Ladder Company 2235 backed down the driveway to navigate the main around trees that surrounded the home. The fire was placed under control quickly and was under investigation. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
Page 10, Fire News, December 2019
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Pickup Fire in Bargaintown
Smoker Hard to Locate in Asbury Park
The volunteer fire companies of Bargaintown and Scullville responded to Delaware Avenue on September 19, 2019, for a report of a vehicle fire. The vehicle was discovered by Cardiff Chief Gil Zonge, who reported a pickup with its motor on fire extending to the cab. Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe arrived and had Bargaintown Rescue 1527 pull the front bumper line and attack the fire as the entire vehicle became engulfed. Bargaintown firefighters were assisted by Scullville’s firefighters in knocking down the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Also responding were Egg Harbor Township EMS and Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
On October 2, 2019, the Asbury Park Fire Department responded to Bangs Avenue for a reported smoking outlet. As companies were investigating at the daycare at the location, the smoke condition worsened and command requested two engines from Neptune and a RIT from Wannamassa. Two lines were stretched while Tower 83-89 checked the roof, but companies were unable to locate the fire for a number of minutes as the smoke condition still was seen throughout the structure. JCP&L was requested to secure the power and once the fire was located it was quickly knocked down. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 11
Early Morning Fully Involved
An early-morning call came in to the Morris County Communications Center for a fire alarm at Lenore Court in the Schooley’s Mountain section of the township. Police reported a fully involved house and Fairmont, Long Valley and Schooley’s Mountain responded. A Fairmount chief requested a second alarm and a tender task force as there were no hydrants in the area. All residents were safely removed from the house and a defensive attack was initiated utilizing handlines and a ladder pipe. Two water fill sites were established and a dump site was set up. Mutual aid came from Chester, Hackettstown, Budd Lake, TriCounty, Pottersville, Ralston, Mansfield, Independence, Oldwick, Califon and Allamuchy. - Fire News photos by Kevin J. Maloney; AC, Budd Lake FC
Page 12, Fire News, December 2019
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2 Injured in Ocean Twp. MVA On October 14, 2019, the Ocean Township Oakhurst Fire Station 37-1 was dispatched to the intersection of West Park Avenue and Whalepond Road for an MVA with a rollover and reported entrapment. Ocean Police advised of three-car MVA with one person trapped in the overturned vehicle. Engines 74, 75 and 78 responded and extricated the party. A moderate fluid spill was cleaned up and two people were transported by EMS. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Rollover on Eagle Drive West Atlantic City MVA
The volunteer fire companies of Mays Landing and Laureldale were dispatched to Walkers Forge Road and Eagle Drive on August 4, 2019, at 0015, for an MVA with rollover and entrapment. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine established command and reported that all occupants were out of the vehicle. Command had the crew of Rescue 1816 cut the battery and standby until the vehicle was removed. The crash was under investigation by the Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
The West Atlantic City, City of Pleasantville, and Farmington firefighters responded on October 10, 2019, to Cordova Avenue and the Black Horse Pike in West Atlantic City for a report of an MVA with entrapment. West Atlantic Chief Wallace Bakley arrived and established command for a single-vehicle crash with one occupant trapped. Firefighters extricated the occupant who was treated and transported by EHT EMS. The cause of the crash was under investigation by EHT Police. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Page 14, Fire News, December 2019
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Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association Meeting The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met on August 18, 2019, for its quarterly meeting and afternoon entertainment at the New Jersey Firemen’s Home in Boonton. Discussed were the Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood, the October 20, 2019, meeting and the upcoming Christmas holidays, which always seem to be around the corner. After the meeting, residents were entertained with a concert by the Bloomfield Mandolin Orchestra, which gave the residents a wonderful afternoon of traditional Broadway and contemporary songs. During the intermission, the members of the organization served refreshments to the residents and their families. - Fire News photo by Justin Watrel
FF1 Class Graduates The Atlantic County Fire Academy graduated its Spring 2019 Firefighter 1 Class on July 29, 2019, with ceremonies being held at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center. Master of Ceremonies was Director of Training Michael J. Corbo who introduced Atlantic County Firefighters Association Executive Committee Chairman Howard Berchtold, Jr., who gave remarks to the graduates and their families. Remarks were also given by ACFFA President Charles Kisby and the invocation was given by Association Chaplain Deacon Richard Maxwell with comments from officials from Atlantic County government. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
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AT&T Contributes $8,000 to EMSCNJ Cadet Scholarships
AT&T made an $8,000 contribution to support the EMS Council of New Jersey’s (EMSCNJ) cadet scholarship program on October 18, 2019, during the EMSCNJ’s annual Education Symposium and Trade Show. AT&T Regional Director Althea Yancy, second from right, presented the EMSCNJ with the $8,000 check. This is in addition to the $7,000 AT&T contributed last year. Receiving the check are (left to right) Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad President Ranjan Kesavan, Captain Vidhi Patel and EMSCNJ President Barbara Platt. - Fire News photo by Sylvie Mulvaney/EMSCNJ
Another Successful Car Show
The City of Northfield Fire Department and their Ladies Auxiliary sponsored their 4th Annual classic car show at their Station 2. Over 100 classic cars, fire apparatus, trucks, and military vehicles attended as the event grows bigger every year. The event also included a silent auction, food, and some tough judging in which 18 trophies were awarded, all sponsored by various community merchants, civic groups, The Mayor’s Trophy, and by the Ladies Auxiliary. “This is Americana at its best,” exclaimed one event goer. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Shed Fire in Northfield The City of Northfield Fire Department in Atlantic County responded to Franklin Avenue on August 10, 2019, at 1700, for a report of a structure fire. Firefighters arrived to find a shed on fire at the rear of the property that had spread to a wooden fence and brush. Firefighters stretched one line and contained the fire to the objects of origin. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
Well, Where There’s Smoke…
New Life for Pumper
On October 16, 2019, the East Orange Fire Department received calls reporting a house fire on Walsh Avenue in Orange. The fire was located on the border of five towns and the 911 calls were being directed to other municipality’s communication centers. West Orange Engine 2 responded, as Orange was down an engine. West Orange Engine 2 arrived and initially had nothing showing but further investigation of the interior revealed light smoke pushing from the attic. Crews located a fire in the insulation in the attic and quickly knocked down the fire with one line. Companies found no extension. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
This 1994 Pierce Pumper with 1500-gpm, 750-gallon tank, and 40gallon foam cell was built for Union Township in Union County and originally placed in service as Engine 2, later being reassigned as Engine 5. This piece of equipment was recently acquired by the Sussex County Fire Academy, a division of the Sussex County Community College. The pumper will be going back into service after some preventive maintenance and new graphics are applied. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 17
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Jersey City Electric Fire
On August 17, 2019, the Jersey City Fire Department was dispatched to 8th Street for a smell of electrical burning. On arrival, nothing was evident, but further investigation caused for a working fire to be called for manpower. Eventually the cause was located in a light fixture ballast. No injuries were reported. - Fire News photos by Jim Peruta
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 19
Power Pole Fire in North Wildwood
On September 12, 2019, the North Wildwood Fire Department was and pedestrian traffic and the power was secured. The fire was put just clearing from a successful water rescue, when they were dis- out before any lines fell but power was out in the area for the patched for a pole fire on the 300 block of Ocean Avenue. Squad 3 remainder of the night as a new pole was installed. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti and Quint 2 arrived to an active fire on top of a utility pole and notified the electric provider to respond. The area was closed to vehicle
Page 20, Fire News, December 2019
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East Rutherford Celebrates 125th
Long Branch Fall Festival
On September 28, 2019, the East Rutherford Fire Department celebrated their 125th anniversary with a parade through the borough followed by a celebration at East Rutherford Community Center where food and drinks were served as live music was played along with activities for kids. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
On October 26, 2019, the City of Long Branch held their annual Fall Festival which featured many vendors, rides and activities for kids, a touch-a-truck event, and a “pooch parade� featuring dogs dressed in Halloween costumes led by the Long Branch Fire Department Dalmatian mascot. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Little Ferry Celebrates 125 Years On September 21, 2019, the Little Ferry Fire Department along with fire departments from surrounding towns took part in the Little Ferry 125th anniversary parade. The parade was part of a weekend-long celebration. Apparatus met back at the festival site where awards were handed out. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Page 22, Fire News, December 2019
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Good Crowd for Williamstown Housing
On September 7, 2019, under sunny skies, the Williamstown Volunteer Fire Company held a traditional housing with 49 fire companies from throughout south New Jersey participating. After a gala parade and remarks by local dignitaries, their new rescue-pumper was pushed in by members of the fire company. - Fire News photos by Dennis C. Sharpe
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 23
Looking Back
The East Rutherford Fire Department in Bergen County. Year unknown. - Fire News photo from the Dennis C Sharpe collection
The South Egg Harbor Volunteer Fire Company of Galloway Township from 1977. Some good trucks that saw a lot of fire in their day. - Fire News photo from the Dennis C. Sharpe collections
Page 24, Fire News, December 2019
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CFSI AND NFFF ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE SENATOR PAUL S. SARBANES FIRE SERVICE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AWARD Award Recognizes Organizations for Advancing Firefighter Health and Safety The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will be accepting nominations for the CFSI/NFFF Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award. The deadline for submissions is December 6, 2019. Co-sponsored by CFSI and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Senator Paul S. Sarbanes Fire Service Safety Leadership Award was established in 2009 to recognize public safety organizations for outstanding contributions to the advancement of firefighter health and safety. The criteria are based on the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives developed by fire service officials during the 2004 and subsequent Firefighter Life Safety Summit hosted by the NFFF. Named in honor of retired Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, the award pays tribute to the Senator’s contributions to the fire service during his 36-year career on Capitol Hill, including legislation he introduced in 1992 that established the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The award presentations will take place at the 32nd Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner on April 30, 2020. The Dinner is part of a larger program hosted by CFSI - the 32nd National Fire and Emergency Services Symposium and Dinner which will take place April 29 - 30, 2020. This two-day event is designed to educate fire service officials on congressional activities impacting the fire service and how fire service leaders can advocate for these issues. For additional information, please contact CFSI at 202-371-1277.
GENNARO ANNOUNCES NEW FIREJEWELRY.COM WEBSITE The NEW FireJewelry.com website by Gennaro Jewelers has arrived with a great deal of “buzz” in the firefighting /EMS community! Celebrating their 95th year in business, Gennaro Jewelers has created an exciting new website featuring the very best in fireman rings, pendants, Maltese crosses, St. Florian medals, Chief’s rings, Captain’s rings and so much more! America’s largest first responder manufacturer, FireJewelry.com sells direct to the firefighting community. Featuring Sterling Silver charms (that fit ladies Pandora bracelets) to unique designs in lady firefighter rings … each ring is carefully handmade in the United States by old-world expert craftsmen. Gennaro Jewelers unique rings have been created by an award-winning jewelry designer and created to feature your proud membership in an elite group …firefighting! Firejewelry.com welcomes custom watches and ring designs. Designers are on the premises to create special awards and anniversary gifts. Visit the NEW website: Firejewelry.com or email questions or ideas to Gary@GennaroJewelers.com
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 25
Not What They Meant by Drive-Thru Banking The Mays Landing Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched to the Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street, at 1834 on August 15, 2019, for a report of a vehicle into the building. Mays Landing Chief Lou DiMartine arrived and established command and requested the township fire inspector respond. Command had Rescue 1816 try and gain entry and secure the electricity via the banks exterior drive-through canopy. (The drive through’s teller tubes go up through the roof of the structure along with all electrical cables). It appeared the structure was being kept upright by the electrical cables. Upon the arrival of management, firefighters entered the structure and secured all power. Also responding were Township of Hamilton Police. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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Fast Stop in Long Branch Condo Fire in Farmington
On the afternoon of October 21, 2019, the Long Branch Fire Department was dispatched to Elmwood Avenue for a bathroom fire. Captain 25-69 arrived to a 1-1/2 story wood frame with a moderate smoke condition showing from the second division and requested the box alarm be transmitted. The paid staff from Engine 74 and Truck 91 quickly knocked down the fire in the bathroom and opened up the exterior of the home and found no extension. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
The volunteer fire companies of Farmington and Cardiff responded to the Oxford Village Condominiums on Old Egg Harbor Road on August 8, 2019, for a report of a stove fire. EHT Police reported smoke showing and all occupants out. Farmington Assistant Chief Dennis Sharpe, requested RIT from the City of Northfield and, upon his arrival, established command and requested an additional engine from Bargaintown. Cardiff Engine 1516 took up a position on the B side and stretched a line into the rear patio door and made quick work of the fire, containing it to the immediate kitchen area with heavy smoke damage to the apartment. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 27
Up Close & Personal
Bargaintown Chief Eugene Sharpe (right) with Firefighter Jerry Dixon as he’s presented a plaque for 50 years of service. Jerry joined the Atlantic City Fire Department in January 1966, then joined the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company where he now serves as fire police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
John Fricano, whose family owns Story Book Land in Egg Harbor Township, recently purchased East Vineland’s mini pumper which was meticulously cared for over its life and John showed it off at the Northfield Classic Car Show on October 6, 2019. John also owns a 1950s “Big Job” Ford that served the West Atlantic City Volunteer Fire Company and an older Egg Harbor City pumper. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger (Left) Newtonville firefighter Dawud N. Dockery and his mother following his graduation from the Atlantic County Fire Academy FF1 program on July 29, 2019. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Deputy Atlantic County Fire Coordinator Jeff Ciccone at a drill on November 3, 2019. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
( R i g h t ) Vi n e l a n d F i r e Department’s Brian Murray wrapping up from a job on North 2nd Street on October 21, 2019. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Members of the Cliffside Park Fire Department gather for a group photo at this year’s New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez
Page 28, Fire News, December 2019
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Bargaintown Open House
The Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company from the Egg Harbor Township Fire Department in Atlantic County held an open house for Fire Prevention Week on October 7, 2019, at their station on Mill Road. The event featured Egg Harbor Township Police with their Identa-Kid program, displays of fire apparatus and equipment, games for the kids, refreshments, and other family-oriented events. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
As if a Regular Rush Hour Isn’t Bad Enough On September 20, 2019, the Clifton Fire Department responded to Route 3 eastbound for an MVA with injuries. Engine 6 and EMS-1 arrived to a four-car MVA that blocked the right three lanes. One patient was transported to St Joseph’s and the highway was reduced to one lane for nearly an hour. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, December 2019, Page 29
Andy Boyt Paddleout Fundraiser for NFFF To most, Columbus Day means parades and other celebration. However for people living in Cape May it’s also a time of remembrance of a friend, husband and fellow firefighter. Cape May Fire Lieutenant Andy Boyt was a life-long resident of Cape May, a community he loved. He joined the Cape May Fire Department as a volunteer in 1991, and became a paid firefighter/EMT eight years later, eventually rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During that time he also became the Deputy OEM Coordinator for the City of Cape May as well as a founding member of the county’s urban search and rescue team. He was just 45-years old when he suffered a fatal heart attack just hours after battling a house fire on October 3, 2011. Living near the ocean, Boyt loved surfing. Cape May Fire Chief Alex Coulter, along with Andy’s friends Chad DeSatnick and Aaron Rothwell, wanted to honor his memory and thought a traditional surfer’s paddleout was the perfect way. A week after his passing, his family and friends gathered on Steger’s Beach for the very first paddle out to celebrate his life. It was then Michelle Boyt, Lt. Boyt’s widow, realized this would be a yearly event. “I needed to give back,” she explained. She talked to Sue Lotozo, the owner of Flying Fish Studios, and they decided the sales of T-shirts designed for the event would be donated to the National Fallen
Firefighters Fund. “So with the help of family and friends we collected $2,130 in donations for the NFFF that year.” Since then the Lt. Andy Boyt Memorial Paddle Out has transformed into the Paddle Out and Pasta Fundraiser. Family, friends and supporters gather every year at the VFW Post 386 in Cape May. Community businesses, such as Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, donate the ingredients while Scott Nash, a close friend of Andy’s, pulls the menu together. A local band, Old School, made up of friends of Andy’s, play at the event every year. Numerous community businesses donate their goods and services for an auction. The fund has donated almost $10,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. For more information and to donate please visit: andyboytmemorialfund.com/. Donations can be mailed to: Andy Boyt Memorial Fund, PO Box 252, Cape May, NJ 08204. - Fire New story by Justin Mattes; photos courtesy of Robert Newkirk
Page 30, Fire News, December 2019
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NJ Fire Museum Open House On September 29, 2019, the New Jersey Fire Museum held their annual open house in Allentown. The museum opened their warehouses to the public and had many of their apparatus on display along with many fire and safety demonstrations, activities for kids, food for sale, and a fallen firefighter memorial at their new memorial site featuring steel from the World Trade Center. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti