Serving New Jersey's Fire, Rescue & EMS Heroes VOLUME 10, NO. 11
W W W .FIRENE WS .COM
APRIL 2016
Full story on page 5. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Massive Hillsborough Warehouse Fire See Page 14 for Full Story. – New Jersey Edition –
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Fire News, April 2016, Page 3
In this issue... Totowa House Fire A garage fire in an attached garage extends to the home. See story on page 11
Delicatessen Fire in Oaklyn Crews arrive to a heavy smoke condition but make a quick knockdown. See story on page 16
Hackensack Assists Ailing Submarine Hackensack firefighters help re-open the USS Ling at the New Jersey Naval Museum. See story on page 24
EMSCNJ 2016 Installation The EMS Council of New Jersey (nee, New Jersey First Aid Council) swears in its officers
See story on page 28
Not a Good Way to Cross a RR Track An errant tractor-trailer does major damage to itself...and the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks See story on page 35
Obituary: Seaville’s Kenneth Wood 20-year member Kenneth David ‘Dave’ Wood passes. See story on page 38
PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 4 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 32 Up Close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pages 33 & 34 Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 34 Business Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 36 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 37
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, EVELYN ALOISIO 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
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
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Letters to the Editor, byline articles, and columns represent the opinions of the writers and photographers and are not necessarily the views of the Fire News. We reserve the right to edit all of the above. We are not responsible for errors in advertisements beyond the cost of advertising space. Copy submitted is subject to editing for space requirements. The placing of an advertisement in this publication does not constitute endorsement. Contents are copyrighted. Editorial and advertising copy cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Fire News is published monthly by Fire News LLC, with corporate offices at 146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor
Recruit, Train, Retain “When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.” - Edward F. Croker, ex-Chief, FDNY I just read a great article on the FASNY website. I am sure all states are experiencing the same problem of recruiting and training new members, and then retaining active ones. When I signed up to serve as a firefighter, I was almost 40 years old. My wife was not happy with my decision and asked, “Why are you going to risk your life and not get paid for it?” Since we were both ‘city folk’ and used to the incredible job that the FDNY did in our neighborhoods of Bushwick and Ridgewood, my wife just assumed the fire department in our Long Island community was paid. When I told her that if our daughter fell off her bicycle and was hurt, it would be neighbors who would stop what they were doing to come to help. She responded with; “Oh, I didn’t know that. You can join.” What my wife also didn’t know was that I would be out of the house training, going to meetings, helping on committees and hanging out at the firehouse to make sure I knew
Erratum Oops In the March 2016 issue of New Jersey Fire News (page 29) we - and by we, I mean me, the editor - some how credited the four photos to the wrong photographer. Here they are with the correct photogrpaher's name, the illustrious Chris ‘Doc’ Denton. Our apologies to Chris.
Long Branch Swears in 2016 Chiefs On January 1, 2016, at the Long Branch City Hall the new chiefs of the department were sworn in. In attendance this year was Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, as well as other city officials. Speeches were made by the new Chief Ron Guidetti and outgoing Chief Kevin Stout who was then sworn in as the newly elected 2nd Assistant Chief. Michael Marrow was sworn in as 1st Assistant. The chiefs were sworn in with their families in attendance. After the ceremony and speeches a special luncheon was served for all present. - Fire News photos by Chris Denton
where everything was on the truck, learning how to pump it and keep it ready. Guess what? I still maintain a decent percentage of my calls, take classes and remain active after 24 years of service. So, why am I telling you this? I am no different than many of the dedicated members of my department. When I read FASNY’s article I stopped and thought about the changes that have affected the current fire-rescue and emergency services. I’ll be kind, but I am annoyed at what I see developing in many departments. Individuals start out with the right intentions. The individual soon finds out that joining any organization that performs such a vital service such becomes a lifestyle. You cannot sign up to be a firefighter or EMT and expect to show up when you feel like it. Are you one of those members who consistently shows up when the trucks are returning to quarters? I’ll bet many of you would come up with the same names of who I call slackers. If you are home or near
home, you must stop what you are doing and respond to the call. This is what makes the volunteer system work 24/7. Retaining active members can be difficult. Active members are a result of good leadership. A good leader takes everyone’s individual skill level, personality and assets and comes up with a plan to make the member want to be at the firehouse and respond to calls all of the time. Take the time to visit your state association’s website and read the articles posted there. I’ll bet you’ll find similar articles as I have found on my state’s website. When you are on the website, ask yourself who are the members that make up these organizations. Guess what? They are the members of departments like your own, who live the lifestyle of true heroes and want to make sure the volunteer fire service continues to serve your community. ... Dennis
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Fire News, April 2016, Page 5
Cover Story
MVA Rescue Assignment
On February 5, 2016, District 25 units were dispatched to an MVA with entrapment in Medford Township. Units arrived to find a large SUV into the side of a small car with one entrapped in the small car. The patient was extricated quickly and NJ State Police helicopter Southstar transported the person to Cooper University Hospital in Camden. - Fire News photos by Dave Hernandez
Newtonville House Fire
The volunteer fire companies of Newtonville and Collings Lakes responded on December 30, 2015, to Route 54 for a dwelling fire. Newtonville Chief Gene Sykes arrived and established command at a single-story wood frame with fire showing from the A side. Command requested additional water tenders from Hammonton and Landisville. The dwelling sat back off the highway and the first-due Newtonville engine came up the driveway on the A/B side and stretched two lines and began attacking the fire through the rear entrance. A quick knockdown was made. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Buena Vista Township Fire Investigator and the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety. Also responding were the New Jersey State Police and Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photos by Ken Badger
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East Vineland Blaze
The volunteer fire companies of East Vineland and Richland responded to Vine Road in East Vineland on December 22, 2015. Car 12-200, East Vineland Chief Mark Corsiglia arrived on location and established command with mutual aid responding from Landisville, Minotola, Milmay, Forest Grove (Gloucester County), City of Vineland Station 5 (Cumberland County), Newtonville and Collings Lakes. Command had Richland Chief Anthony Monfredo as Division C command, and East Vineland Assistant Chief Brad
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Ruggeri as water supply command. The East Vineland and City of Vineland tenders fed the East Vineland engines. The Newtonville, Landisville and Collings Lakes tenders were diverted to standby at the East Vineland Station, and Milmay and Richland firefighters supported extinguishing and ventilation efforts. Also responding were Buena Vista Township EMS, New Jersey State Police, BVT Fire Investigator, Atlantic City Electric Company. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Montclair Electrical Fire
Totowa Hotel Fire
Recently, the Montclair Fire Department responded to Wildwood Avenue for a reported smoke condition. Engine 2 arrived and confirmed the call, bringing Engine 3 and Truck 1 to the scene. Engine 2 extinguished a minor electrical fire in the walls. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
On January 28, 2016, the Totowa Fire Department responded to the Holiday Inn on Route 46 for a reported structure fire — the department’s second in as many days. The rooftop fire was knocked down fairly quickly and a West Paterson tower ladder was called to the scene to check the higher roofs for extension. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
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Fire News, April 2016, Page 9
Somers Point House Fire The City of Somers Point Volunteer Fire Department responded to Cleveland Avenue on February 1, 2016, for a structure fire. City Chief Michael Sweeny arrived and established command and reported heavy fire showing from a one-story, wood fram,e single family dwelling. An initial report of a victim trapped was reported but command was advised all occupants were out and then requested a second alarm, bringing RIT from the City of Northfield and cover up for the city stations from Bargaintown and Scullville. - Fire News photo by Dennis C. Sharpe
Quick Response Saves Home On November 30, 2016, Ocean City dispatch received a 911 call from an occupant of a Shore Road in Upper Township stating her house was on fire. Marmora Volunteer Fire/Rescueresponded to the scene, and once they arrived they were able to evacuate all occupants without incident. The firstdue engine stretched a line to the doorway for an interior attack, and upon entry they quickly found the seat of the fire in a second floor room. Mutual aid was requested from Tuckahoe and Seaville. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
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Not a Way to Start the Year
The volunteer fire companies of Richland (Station 12-1) and East Vineland (Station 12-2) responded on January 1, 2016, on Walnut Lane in Richland for a dwelling fire in a two-story wood frame fully involved. Richland Chief Anthony Monfredo, arrived and established command with Richland Assistant Chief Paul Micheletti. Command called a second alarm bringing all neighboring companies. The fire building had a one-story addition on the B side that tied into a garage and the structure was vacant with no contents and the fire involving the lower section and the garage. Numerous han-
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dlines were needed for suppression. A backhoe was brought in to bring down the front of the dwelling, which allowed firefighters to extinguish all hidden pockets of fire. Also responding were Newtonville (Station 12-6), Collings Lakes (Station 12-3), Cecil (Monroe Township, Gloucester County, covered Collings Lakes), Dorothy Fire and Rescue, Minotola, Landisville, Atlantic City Electric Company, New Jersey State Police, NJ Division of Fire Safety, BVT Fire Investigator, Buena Vista Township EMS, and the Collings Lakes Ladies Auxiliary. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Totowa Structure Fire
On January 26, 2016, the Totowa Fire Department responded to Sutten Road for a structure fire with possible entrapment. Police units arrived and advised that a resident was evacuated prior to arrival of fire units. The first two companies confirmed a garage fire in an attached garage, which had extended to the upper floors of the home and eventually into the attic. After an aggressive interior attack, companies were evacuated from the building so massive streams could be used. Ground conditions due to the remnants of Winter Storm Jonas hampered the operation. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
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Medford Gazebo Fire Recently, District 25 units were alerted to a possible shed fire. Chief 2520 arrived with a gazebo, “well off,� approximately 15 feet from the rear of a residence in the Huntington section of Medford. The gazebo contained a hot tub and it was attached to the deck of the home via a wooden walk way. Engine 2511 arrived and stretched a line. Mutual aide from Evesham and Medford Lakes stretched a back-up line and assisted with overhaul. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Vacant House Burns in Byram Junk Yard On February 6, 2016, the Byram Fire Company (Sussex County) was dispatched to Route 206 for a report of a house fire in the Byram Junk Yard. Chief Rudloff arrived and called for a working fire box. Also responding were Stanhope, Netcong, Budd Lake and Lakeland EMS. Byram Engine 6 stretched handlines on heavy fire in the rear lower part of the house with extension to the front. Stanhope Ladder 1 went to the roof and vented. Hydrants were limited and a Stanhope engine had to draft from a nearby water source, as other crews assisted with knocking down the fire and overhaul. The fire was under investigation by the Byram Police and Sussex County Fire Marshal. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
Tinton Falls 2-Alarmer
Recently, the Tinton Falls Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire. Upon arrival Deputy Chief Chervinsky transmitted a second alarm as the twostory residential structure was fully involved. In addition to mutual aid from Wanamassa and Neptune Township, the Monmouth County EMS Task Force and Red Cross were activated. The bulk of the fire was knocked down within the first hour. - Fire News photos by Craig Haas and Mike Nowacki
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Massive Hillsborough Warehouse Fire
The Hillsborough Fire Department may have battled one of the largest fires in the department’s history on February 11, 2016, at the Somerville Business Park. In addition to battling the blaze that was over 500,000square feet in size, firefighters were also fighting extreme cold weather conditions, winds and low water pressure. The winds blew burning embers, causing spot fires, which were fought by firefighters operating in brush trucks. Firefighters responded from 30 fire departments over five counties with more than 200 pieces of apparatus. After a two-week investigation by the BATF and area and state fire marshals, the fire was considered unintentional. - Fire News photos by Craig Haas and Steve White
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Fire Damages Hackettstown Home On February 11, 2016, the Hackettstown Fire Company was dispatched to Scenic Court for a report of a house fire. Ladder 78-69 and the chief arrived to smoke coming from the B side of the structure on the first floor and basement area. Hackettstown Rescue, Budd Lake, Tri County, Independence and Washington Borough units were requested to the scene. Crews stretched two handlines and started to knock down the fire as other companies arrived and conducted searches. The damage was held to the living room and basement areas with smoke and water damage to other parts of the house. There were no injuries and the fire was under investigated by the Hackettstown Detective Bureau, Mt. Olive Fire Marshal and the Warren County Fire Marshal. Also on scene were Hackettstown Department of Public Works, Hackettstown Building Inspector, JCP&L and Elizabethtown Gas Co. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
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Deli Fire in Oaklyn
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On January 31, 2016, a building fire was reported in a delicatessen on White Horse Pike in Oaklyn. Command arrived and reported a single-story building with heavy smoke showing. Companies secured water supplies and went in operation with a handline through the side door. A heavy fire conditions was found in the rear of the building, but was promptly knocked down. Assisting were crews from Mt. Ephraim, Audubon, Haddonfield, Collingswood and Gloucester City. - Fire News photos by Ted Aurig
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Denville Chimney Fire
The Denville Fire Department was dispatched to a working structure fire on November 30, 2015. Upon arrival, Chief Sharples established command and immediately requested mutual aid from Denville, Rockaway Borough, Boonton Township, Boonton, Mt. Tabor, Rockaway Township and St. Clare’s EMS. The owners were not at home when the fire started; the family dog was saved by a neighbor. The fire started in the rear of the house and extended, causing extensive damage. The cause was determined to be a problem with the metal chimney from a wood burning stove. One Denville firefighter was injured. - Fire News photo by Charles Botti
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Boat Fires Erupt as T-storm Rips Through Late on February 24, 2016, the Sea Isle Fire Department along with Dennisville and Oceanview were dispatched to Minmar Marine on Old Sea Isle Boulevard for a reported boat fire. Upon arrival, command reported heavy fire with multiple boats involved. The time of the alarm coincided with abnormal winter thunderstorms that were ripping through the area. Command called for a tanker taskforce assignment from Seaville. It took more than an hour to control the blaze due to many of the boats having large quantities of fuel onboard, high winds and the proximity of the boats. There were no injuries and the fire was under investigation. Also responding were Upper Township Rescue, Sea Isle Rescue and the Cape May County Fire Marshall’s Office. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Medford Chimney Fire On February 16, 2016, District 25 units were alerted to a possible chimney fire in the Lake Pine development on Falls Court. The caller reported that the top of the chimney was glowing. FM 252 arrived and reported fire was visible from the top of the chimney. Engine 2521 and Quint 2514 extinguished the fire quickly with no extension. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Cumberland County House Fire On Jnauary 29, 2016, Milmay, Dorothy and Richland fire companies were dispatched to McDonald Avenue in Maurice River Township, Cumberland County for a structure fire. Milmay Chief Eric Hensel responded and, while en route, observed a large column of smoke and flames and requested water tenders from East Vineland and the City of Vineland, as well as firefighters from Cumberland. Upon arrival at the single-story, wood frame, single-family dwelling, the attached garage was already consumed. The bulk of the fire was contained to the garage with some of the fire getting into an upper portion of the structure with only smoke and water damage to the living quarters. A car parked on the B side of the structure was also lost. As additional firefighters arrived they were pressed into service doing salvage and overhaul. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the NJ Division of Fire Safety. Also responding were: City of Millville, Atlantic City Electric Company, New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
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Why They Say to Use Foam
Hackettstown Senior Living Fire
On February 18, 2016, Central Dispatch received a call of a structure fire with smoke coming from a wall. Station 15, 19, 20 and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched. Upon arrival Marmora Chief Jay Newman, observed smoke coming from an exterior wall on the Charlie side and reported fire between the walls. A quick and efficient attack, lead by Captain Doug Stauffer, suppressed the fire. Upon investigation, it was revealed that blown foam insulation was probably the reason the fire did not spread. Also responding were Tuckahoe, Seaville Fire and New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
On February 9, 2016, the Hackettstown Fire Company was dispatched to Hackettstown Senior Housing on Willow Grove Street. First arriving units saw smoke coming from the top floor and requested a full box alarm, bringing Hackettstown Rescue, Budd Lake, Tri County, Independence and Washington Borough units to the scene. The first-due engine and truck companies took high rise packs to the third floor and stretched lines on a kitchen fire in one appartment as other police Fire and EMS personal removed residents. The fire was brought under control with 15 minutes and two people were transported to Hackettstown Hospital and at least eight others were treated for smoke inhalation. Other responding units were Mansfield Rescue, Independence Rescue, Independence police, Oxford Rescue, Washington Twp. Rescue, AllamuchyGreen Rescue and the Long Valley Rescue. The fire was under investigation by Warren County Sheriff’s Department, Warren County Fire Marshals and the Mount Olive Fire Marshasl. - Fire News photo by Kevin Maloney
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Point Pleasant 2-Alarmer
On January 30, 2016, Point Pleasant Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on Miller Road. Deputy Chief Stevenson arrived and requested a second alarm. First arriving units stretched multiple lines into the structure and started an interior attack on fire located on the second floor of the structure, while exterior crews set up a ladder in front. Interior crews were making good progress on the
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interior attack, but conditions were starting to deteriorate, so command ordered an evacuation. Defensive operations were set up on A, B and C sides of the structure to knock down the remaining fire. The fire was placed under control about 90 minutes after dispatch. Assisting on scene was Point Pleasant Beach, Laurelton, Herbertsville and Bay Head. - Fire News photo by Mike Nowacki
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Firehouse Kitchen By Ray Cooney
While planning the fourth season of Firehouse Kitchen, I wanted to do something “cool” for the opening show. I remembered an e-mail I received from the Connecticut State Fire Academy (CSFA) in which they asked if we would like to come and film a show with their probationary firefighters. Apparently, Firefighter Ray and Firehouse Kitchen are a big hit amongst this group of soon-to-be firefighters. They had found the show on foodytv.com and become avid viewers. Not wanting to let anyone down, of course, Firefighter Ray obliged. We arrived at the CFSA and I was looking for Captain Bill DeFord, one of the head training officers. I found him at the training grounds where probies were rapelling down the sides of buildings, battling simulated fires and action, action, action! DeFord was conducting a mask confidence drill. Bill was amazing with the knowledge he was supplying these up-and-coming firefighters. This course was one of the hardest I have witnessed and coming from a retired New York City fireman, that is saying a lot. Back to the main reason why we are at CFSA, cooking! After the firefighters worked rigorously on their drills, they would all be looking for food ... and soon! Captain Bill yelled, “Recruits, time for the meal!” Within 10 minutes, there were eight recruits in the kitchen prepping, cleaning, sautéing and cooking. On the menu for lunch was homemade minestrone soup, grilled chicken sandwich, an earthy, crunchy salad and a yogurt parfait.
After some bantering and yelling in the kitchen, Captain Bill instructed the recruits to go into the mess hall. I said, “This isn’t lunch (referring to the food we just prepared),” and was told no, it was the prep for dinner. Three more hours of training was ahead, and back to the training field we headed. Before I knew it, Captain Bill came to me and told me they were almost done cooking! “Bill, this is a cooking show! I need to film them cooking!” I got so caught up with training that I lost track of time. Luckily for me, I had a cameraman who caught the cooking action. The meal was wonderful. Lots of laughs were shared by all in attendance. It is important, to Captain Bill, that the meal be healthy. His motto — if one is filled with good fuel, one will fight hard in a fire. What is cool about the CSFA is that it is a sleep-away program from Monday through Thursday night. The camaraderie I witnessed amongst these young firefighters reminded me a lot of how I felt about my experiences in the FDNY. After witnessing the training these recruits are put through, I would feel confident fighting a fire with them and knowing they had my back. Hats off to the “Frozen 46.” That’s what they nicknamed themselves due to the frigid winter they had this year. To find out more about Firehouse Kitchen or how to become a sponsor, visit firehousekitchenshow.com. Also, attention firefighters, I am looking for new fire cooks for the next season of Firehouse Kitchen. E-mail me at ray@firehousekitchenshow.com or call 631514-5859.
Fresh Veggie Minestrone Soup 1 - 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes 4 cans of legumes (black beans, kidney bean, pinto bean, etc.) 1 bunch celery hearts, chopped 1 bag of baby carrots, chopped 5 cloves of garlic, crushed or minced 3 cups of chopped vegetables of choice 4 tsp. of olive oil 6 cups of water 4-6 cups of homemade chicken or vegetable stock 1-2 cups of small variety pasta Pepper, oregano, basil and parsley to taste Parmesan cheese for garnishing finished soup Saute carrots, onions, celery, garlic and chopped vegetables in olive oil to soften. Add sautéed vegetables and legumes to stock, water and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle herbs and spices in. Simmer for three hours. Bring to a boil 1/2 hour before serving and add pasta to soften. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan sprinkled on top.
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Hackensack Assists Ailing Submarine
Members of Hackensack Fire Department’s 2nd Platoon were requested to the USS Ling at the New Jersey Naval Museum on River Street to assist gaining access to the submarine. Over the past few years, due to storms and extremely high tides, the access ramp to the sub was damaged and the museum staff were unable to access the Ling. After some pre-planning by the city manager’s office, fire department and museum staff, a plan was put in place to gain
access. Members arrived on January 31, 2016, to begin the operation. Members of Ladder 1 used their aerial ladder to gain access to the top of the sub. After checking for any accumulated harmful gas, museum staff entered the sub and assisted with restoring power and getting the sump pumps working to remove water that had accumulated in the bow. - Fire News photo courtesy of Justin J Derevyanik; Hackensack PIO
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Fire Levels Tuckahoe Garage
Fire News, April 2016, Page 25
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January 18, 2016, Central received a 911 call for a detached garage on fire on Marshallville Road. Tuckahoe Fire and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched. Upon arrival Tuckahoe Chief, Ed Carter, reported a fully involved garage fire. A call for mutual aid was immediately placed for Marmora and Seaville. The blaze was reported under control within 45 minutes. Also responding were the Cape May County Fire Marshall’s Office, and New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photos by Robert Macom
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Stirling Venison Fundraiser
The Stirling Volunteer Fire Company held their annual venison dinner fundraiser on February 6, 2016. The event, held at the Stirling firehouse was a sell-out. (Above, left) Firefighter chefs and helpers take a pause in preparations for the venison dinner: Deputy Chief Alex Gallo, Frank Reilly, Tom Delia, President Albert Pepe, Troy Pytell, and Joe Cerami. (Above, right) Firefighters Vic Tagliaferro and Jeff Wanamaker handling tricky-tray tickets. (Left) Firefighter Adriana Castro and her Firefighter father Dawher handle the beverages along with others not in the photo. (Right) Firefighter Nick Giglio was one of several servers staffing the buffet line. - Fire News photos by Frank Reilly; SVFC
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Infineum Donates to Linden On February 9, 2016, the Linden Fire Department Fire Officers FMBA Local 234 and Firefighters FMBA Local 34 received a generous donation of $5000 from Infineum USA L.P., towards the purchase of fitness equipment for the Linden fire stations. (From left): Plant Manager Karl Van Driesen, Deputy Chief Kevin Brady, Community Relations Coordinator Lois Bass, Lieutenant Mike Fernandes and Fire Chief Joe Dooley. - Fire News photo courtesy of Lawrence Kolesa
IAFC’s New President Judson Moore of Commercial Township and President of the New Jersey State Fire Chief’s Association currently had the opportunity to congratulate newly elected and first female President of the International Association of Fire Chief’s, Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr at the IAFC convention held in August in Atlanta Georgia. Chief Kerr once resided in New Jersey and received a BA degree in Physical Education and Health from William Paterson University. -Fire News photo courtesy of Judson Moore
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Immediate past-President Howard Meyer, right, administers the oath to the EMSCNJ executive officers and the district vice presidents.
Assembly members David Rible (left), and Nancy Pinkin were on hand to celebrate as Howard Meyer (second from left) transferred the duties of EMSCNJ president to Joe Walsh
EMSCNJ Officers Sworn in for 2016
EMSCNJ’s area vice presidents (from left) Phil Wien (Southern), John Butterweck (Central) and Cyndy Reardon (Northern).
Past President Sue Van Orden congratulates Treasurer Ken Weinberg (left), and Assistant Treasurer LeRoy Gunzelman.
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Assembly members Nancy J. Pinkin (D-Dist. 18) and David P. Rible (R-Dist. 30) helped administer the oaths of office during the EMS Council of New Jersey’s annual installation of officers January 30, 2016, at the Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune. The 87-year-old nonprofit New Jersey State First Aid Council, now “doing business as” the EMSCNJ, represents 20,000 EMS volunteers affiliated with nearly 300 rescue squads throughout the state. EMSCNJ officers installed for 2016 are: President Joseph G. Walsh, Jr. (Neptune); Northern Area Vice President Cyndy Reardon (Bloomingdale); Central Area Vice President John Butterweck (Morganville); Southern Area Vice President Phil Wien (Maple Shade); Treasurer Ken Weinberg (Pittstown); Assistant Treasurer LeRoy Gunzelman (Somerville); Secretary Barbara Platt (New Egypt); Membership Secretary Sue Meyer (Berkeley Heights). - Fire News photos courtesy of Sylvie Mulvaney
Newly installed EMSCNJ President Joe Walsh, right, accepts congratulations from Howard Meyer, who served as tpresident for the past three years. Meyer will continue in his role as director of legislative affairs for the EMSCNJ.
Past President Charles Willer helped install Sue Meyer (left), as membership secretary and Barbara Platt as council secretary.
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2016, Page 29
3-Alarm in Jersey City
Recently, the Jersey City Fire Department responded to Marion Place for a reported structure fire. Companies found heavy fire conditions on arrival and, shortly after, struck a second alarm as the fire extended into the exposure. Firefighters were also faced with water issues causing an evacuation. Due to the water problem and subzero temperatures, a third alarm was struck. - Fire News photos by Mark Rosetti
Page 30, Fire News, April 2016
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MVA on Black Horse Pike Blackwood Fire Company Rescue 84, Engine 841, Engine 842 and Gloucester Township EMS responded to a multi-vehicle crash with entrapment at the Black Horse Pike and Lakeland Road on February 1, 2016. Crews removed the driver’s door to remove the injured. - Fire News photo by Michael Breyer
Into the Woods On February 14, 2016, . Seaville Fire and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched for an MVA on the Garden State Parkway around mile post 20. Command confirmed a car off the road and into the woods in the west median on the northbound side. A small fire started in the trunk of the vehicle and was extinguished quickly. Also responding were the New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Page 32, Fire News, April 2016
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GALAXY TOYOTA AND HONDA UNIVERSE A PURCHASING PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTERS BY FIREFIGHTERS Galaxy Toyota, located on Route 36 in Eatontown, New Jersey, and Honda Universe, located in Lakewood, New Jersey, are family run operations, that have been in the same family for three generations. And now, led by Bobby Ciasulli, the General Manager of both operations, both Galaxy Toyota and Honda Universe have a fire department connection. When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey, Ciasulli spent 10 days — from sunrise to sunset — at his local firehouse, the only place with power, and was impressed by the work the firefighters did for their community. Ciasulli was so impressed that he enrolled in the Fire Academy and is now a Second Lieutenant with the Colts Neck Fire Department in Monmouth County. His only regret? He hadn’t done it sooner. As a result of Ciasulli’s work with the department, he and his co-workers at Galaxy Toyota and Honda Universe have first-hand knowledge of the stress that first responders place on themselves and their families, doing the job they have chosen to undertake. As a result, Ciasulli decided to give back and started an easy-to-understand and eay-to-participate-in purchasing program for first responders and their immediate families. How simple? Show your department ID, and they’ll handle the rest. And you’ll definitely love the prices! “We will make the process super easy for you and remove any need for negotiations,” said Ciasulli. If you’re a first responder and looking for a new vehicle, check in with Bobby Ciasulli and the crews over at Galaxy Toyota at 750 Route 36 in Eatontown, NJ (732-370-9700; www.galaxytoyota.net); and Honda Universe at 1085 Ocean Avenue in Lakewood, NJ (732544-1000); www.hindauniverse.com.
PHILADELPHIA COMMISSIONER DERRICK J.V. SAWYER TO KEYNOTE AT 2016 NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CONFERENCE Commissioner Derrick J. V. Sawyer of the Philadelphia Fire Department, has been selected as the Keynote Speaker for the 18th annual New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference the week of May 2, 2016, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Commissioner Sawyer will speak on leading some of the most challenging events facing the City of Philadelphia. Commissioner Sawyer will utilize these events to share his experiences to discuss how education, training and leadership help prepare for high risk, low frequency events. Commissioner Sawyer is a 30-year veteran who leads the fifth largest fire and emergency services department in the country. Since entering the PFD in 1985, Commissioner Sawyer has developed indepth experience as a first-responder amidst an urban landscape that demands diversity in skill, critical training, and keen analytical decision making. Over 2100 members are under his command. The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference is one of the largest emergency management partnership events in the MidAtlantic region. Nearly 1,500 emergency management professionals from both the public and private sectors are expected. With more than 33 Training Courses and 45 breakout sessions, the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference offers disaster operations and emergency responders unrestricted access to training and speakers from around the country. Each year the Conference provides access to hard-to-get, costeffective training and certifications. A variety of training opportunities are available to emergency responders, both public and private,
to enhance response capabilities. This year the University of Hawaii and TEEX will be providing hard to find courses. Breakout sessions are incorporated to enhance and emphasize, in a smaller group format, specific emergency management programs and objectives. These smaller sessions allow for close interaction with State and regional experts. This year there will be breakout sessions focused on educating first responders to drug recognition. There will be an overnight shelter exercise to educate emergency personnel on shelter management issues. Other topics include sessions such as Reinvent Your Continuity of Operation Planning, the 2015 Baltimore Protests, First Responder Suicide and Navigating the Labyrinth of Hoarding. The conference will also feature more than 100 exhibitors providing display of emerging technology and resources to aid emergency responders meet the challenges of disaster response and recovery operations. Registration for the conference is open and more information is available at www.NJEPA.org.
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2016, Page 33
Up Close & Personal Medford Lakes Fire Department Captain Julian Vallery and Medford Division of Fire and EMS EMT Brianna Jurimas. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
The Long Branch Chiefs and Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno. - Fire News photo by Chris ‘Doc’ Denton Haworth Capt. James Divite opens up the ceiling in a vent hole at a recent drill in Haworth. - Fire News photo by Joe Fortunato
Page 34, Fire News, April 2016
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Up Close & Personal
Dorothy Fire and Rescue’s Constantine ‘Connie’ Kiamos cooling himself down after an all-hands job on McDonald Avenue on January 28, 2016. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
City of Camden Captain Lou Zayas at an all-hands fire on February 15, 2016. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
Firefighter Fred Molan at a recent SCBA confidence drill at the Taunton Volunteer Fire Company. - Fire News photo by Dave Hernandez
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2016, Page 35
GSP Rollover On February 26, 2016, the Bloomfield Fire Department responded to a threecar MVA with entrapment on the Garden State Parkway just before exit 151 northbound. Simultaneously, the Nutley Fire Department also responded. Bloomfield Car 30 arrived first and reported a vehicle had rolled over another vehicle with the party trapped inside. The people were extricated; the person in the rollover self extricated. Also responding were Nutley Rescue and EMS from Bloomfield, Belleville and Nutley. - Fire News photo by Mark Rosetti
Not a Good Way to Cross a RR On February 23, 2016, Tuckahoe Fire and Upper Township Rescue were dispatched to Route 50 and Upper Bridge Roads in the Tuckahoe section for a tractor-trailer accident. Upon arrival Tuckahoe Chief Ed Carter reported a tractor-trailer on its side across the railroad tracks with the driver out and ambulatory. Chief Carter had Central notify Norfolk Southern Railway of damage to the tracks. The driver was transported to Shore Medical Center. Also responding were the New Jersey State Police. - Fire News photo by Robert Macom
Page 36, Fire News, April 2016
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Sledding Accident in EHT
The volunteer fire companies of Scullville and Bargaintown responded to the Zion Road Nature Park on January 24, 2016, for a report of a sledding accident. EHT EMS was initially dispatched for the incident involving an injured sledder, a nine-year-old boy. Upon their arrival, they requested the fire department’s assistance in removing the boy and assisting them with getting him out to the roadway to the waiting
ambulance. The boy was at the bottom of a sandwash after sledding down a hill and being struck in the head by another sledder. Bargaintown Engine 1522, equipped with a Stokes rescue basket, responded, while other apparatus staged on Zion Road. Firefighters and EMS packaged the boy and he was transported to Shore Medical Center in Somers Point. - Fire News photo by Ken Badger
FireNews.com
Fire News, April 2016, Page 37
Not the White Castle!
On February 26, 2016, the Linden Fire Department responded to a fire at the White Castle restaurant located on the 2000 Block of E. Edgar Road. Upon arrival, crews found a fire in the fryer area of the kitchen; all staff and patrons had evacuated the building. The engine
companies quickly knocked down the fire, containing it to an area of the kitchen, while the ladder company was able to do a primary search. Linden Fire Deputy Chief William Hasko stated, “There was considerable damage ....�- Fire News photos courtesy of Mathew Pribish
Page 38, Fire News, April 2016
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Obituary
Seaville’s Kenneth Wood The Seaville Fire Company mourned the loss of Kenneth David ‘Dave’ Wood, age 64. Dave was a member of the Seaville Fire Company and formerly a member of the Marmora Fire Rescue Company and the Upper Township Rescue Squad and served the community for over 20 years. Dave will be missed by all. Rest in peace, brother. - Fire News photos by Robert Macom