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Jefferson Twp Fire Dept - Company 1
Past News and Events
Car
into the water, Ridge Road
(June 1) JTFD#1
was dispatched mid morning for a motor vehicle into the water off
of Ridge Rd. Initial callers reported multiple victims entrapped.
Rescue 725 arrived on scene quickly and found that a single occupant
was in the vehicle which was stable. Firefighters C. Wall and M. DeMartini
donned the dry suits and went into the water to size up. Patient was
able to assist with their own removal from the vehicle via a stokes
basket.
Engine and tanker Mutual aid to Picatinny Arsenal
(Apr
28)
At about
10:30 a.m., JTFD#1 was requested for mutual aid to
Picatinny
Arsenal for 1 engine to stand by at their firehouse while
they were out on a large brush fire. That was shortly followed by
a
request for our tanker to the scene. Engine 722 responded in to the
firehouse and stood by for about 5 1/2 hours. Tanker 723 operated
in the water shuttle for about 5 1/2 hours. The tanker crew was joined
by tankers from JTFD# 2, Mount Arlington, Rockaway Township, Chester,
Kinnelon, and the NJ State Forest Fire Service.
 Fire
on the outside of the structure
(Apr
26)
JTFD#1
was dispatched tonight to a report of a structure fire on Choctaw
Trail. First on scene was Asst. Chief Mangold (731) in the command
unit, who found a small fire on the outside of the house that had
been knocked down by the homeowner and JTPD units. Engine 722 and
Tanker 723 responded in to the scene to check for extension and extinguish
hot spots. Engines 727 and 24 stood by. Also on scene were Chief Corsaro
(730) and Lt. Schaller (733). 731 had Choctaw Command.
Chief
Corsaro and 2006 officers installed
(Jan 24) The officers
and members of JTFD#1 gathered with loved ones and invited guests
at the Zeris Inn in Denville to install Chief Vinnie Corsaro and the
2006 line officers and administrative officers. Also honored at the
event was outgoing Chief Neil VanDyke and 25-year members Gerry Brown
and Ken Hammett. Past-chief Joe Mikowski was also recognized for 54
years of active front-line service with a standing ovation from his
fellow firefighters. Township officials and officers from our mutual
aid departments also attended this special night. Photos above: (L)
Mayor Russell Felter administers the oath to Chief Corsaro and Asst.
Chief Ed Mangold. (R) The 2006 line officers, Mayor Felter, and JTFD#1
president Barbara Runz. L to R, Felter, Corsaro, Mangold, MC Dave
Van Veen, Capt Andrew Schmidt, Lt. Paul Schaller, Runz, Engineers
Chris Hammet, Bob Emmetts and Richie Boonstra. Photos by Michelle
Schaller.
Address mix-up on car
fire
(Jan 2)Today,
companies #1 & 2 were dispatched to a report of a car fire behind a
house at 87 Milton Road. Units responded and were unable to locate the
fire, thinking there must have been an error on the address, and began
investigating other areas. A second phone call to dispatch revealed
the fire was actually at 87 Ridge Road. Units quickly diverted to that
location and found a fully involved passenger car in the driveway
behind the house. Units on scene were Engines 727 and 722, Tanker 723,
Rescue 725, Ambulance 743, and the Jefferson PD.
 Chimney
fire starts off 2006
(Jan 1 )Today,
companies #1 & 2 were dispatched to a report of a chimney fire at 4
Windsor Drive. Engines 727, 722 Tanker 723 and Truck 728 responded.
Units worked the scene for about 30 minutes, laddering the roof,
extinguishing the fire and ensuring there was no extension into the
walls. Chief Corsaro (730) had Windsor Command and Asst. Chief E.
Mangold (731) had the Interior Ops.
X
Click HERE for the dispatch
audio
Forklift on fire at
Headley Lumber Yard
(Dec 17) Jefferson dispatch alerted Co's 1 and 2 for a reported
structure fire in a shed at the Headley Lumber Yard on Weldon Rd in
the Milton section this afternoon. First on scene Asst. Chief Corsaro
reported smoke showing from the building. On his investigation, it was
discovered that a fork lift in the building had been on fire and was
already extinguished. Engine 722 responded to cut the battery
cables. Units cleared shortly after.
X
Click HERE for the
dispatch audio.
Basement structure fire
on a freezing night
(Dec 14) At about 7:45 pm tonight, JTFD#1 and 2 were alerted to
a structure fire at 15 Carib Trail in the Milton section of town. Capt
E. Mangold (731) arrived driving the
Command Unit and
reported a working fire in the basement. Rescue 725 was nearby on
"Santa Duty" and arrived first. Engine 722 arrived next and
dropped the 5 inch line to lay in to the scene. The crew made an
aggressive interior attack. The fire took over an hour to bring completely under
control. Mutual aid was provided by West Milford Station 2 and
Picatinny HazMat. The cause is still under investigation. 731
had Command with Lt. A. Schmidt in charge of Operations. Chiefs Van
Dyke and Corsaro were also on scene as was the Milton First Aid Squad.
Photos by 722 operator N. Mangold and Tom Finnegan of Co. 2. More photos at
JTFD#2's website:
http://www.jtfd2.com/fire.html
New Command Unit in
service
(Dec 17) The final touches are being completed on the new 2006 Ford
Expedition and it is in service now. After trips to Atlantic for
(more lights!), the town DPW, radio installation and lettering, the
only thing yet to be completed is the installation of the rear
slide-out command console, which should arrive shortly. Special thanks
to Alan "Punky" Ackerson of LetterWorks for the design and
installation of the lettering. See his other work at
www.ack2.com.
See completed photos of Command Unit 730
CLICK HERE.
Fire at Chinese
Restaurant
(Dec 2) At 1:17 a.m., companies 1&2 were dispatched to Green
Valley Shopping Center on Berkshire Valley Rd for a structure fire.
First on scene, Capt. E. Mangold (731), reported heavy smoke showing.
The source was the KamBo Kitchen Restaurant. Engine 722 arrived
moments later, and the crew made entry along with 731. They completed
a primary search, which revealed that a burner on the stove was left
on. The heat from the burner and empty pot on the stove melted
the grease buildup on the ventilation system, causing it to drop on
the stove and smoke. This eventually set off the fire suppression
system. The crew set up positive pressure ventilation and along
with Truck 728's crew on the roof, cleared the smoke from the
building, also checking for extension with the thermal imaging camera.
Units cleared about 2:30 a.m. and spent an additional hour cleaning
equipment and filling bottles. Units on scene were Chief N. VanDyke
with command, 730, 731 with operations, 732, Engines 722, 27 and 24,
Rescue 725, Ladder 728 and Amb 743. Co. 2 transferred to Co.1's
firehouse for standby.
Engine 722 ends up
running Interstate 80 wreck
(Nov 19) JTFD#1 was dispatched around 4 p.m. for one engine to
transfer to JTFD#2's Route 15 firehouse as Co. 2 was on a working
house fire in Mt. Arlington at 28 Sunset Terrace. Engine 722 responded
on the transfer assignment. Shortly after, 22 was moved up to
cover Mt. Arlington (Station 26)'s station along with Engine 718.
Just as dinner arrived, Mt. Arlington sent the covering companies to
Interstate 80, mile marker 32.2 for a rollover with entrapment.
The Jefferson engines arrived along with a rescue from Roxbury Co 3 to
find one critical trauma patient confined in a Ford Expedition that
had rolled multiple times at a high speed. NorthSTAR was
requested to the scene and landed on I-80 east of the accident scene.
The crew from JTFD#1: Capt E. Mangold, Engineers C. Hammett and G.
Bakera, and Firefighters K. Hammett, R. Cabrera, M. Murphy and D.
Valenza. Milton units were back in town at about 9:45 p.m.
Another MVA w/
entrapment and landing zone
(Nov 10)
Companies # 1 & 2 were
dispatched tonight to an MVA with entrapment on Berkshire Valley Rd
near Taylor Rd. The first unit on scene was Tanker 714, responding in
place of Rescue 719, which was out of service. Rescue 725 arrived
moments after and completed stabilizing the vehicle and then assisted
with the extrication. The patient was extricated quickly the
transported to the ball field at BVR and Mill Rd in Roxbury where
Roxbury Co #3 had established a landing zone. Rescue 725
remained on scene for an additional 30 minute for lights while the
Jefferson PD investigated the accident. Also on scene were
Engines 722, 27 and 18, Ladder 711, Ambulances 742, 745, and
Medic 55.
And you thought this
only happened on TV...
(Nov 6)
Jefferson dispatch sent JTFD#1 to the rear yard of 74 Ridge Rd for a
cat stuck in a tree this afternoon. Ladder 728 responded and met Chief
V. Corsaro (730) and Lt. A. Schmidt (732) on scene. They accessed the
yard off Robin Ln, and found a cat clinging to a tree out of reach of
the homeowner's extension ladder. The crew used the truck's
40-foot extension to reach the frightened animal. Cat Rescue
Technician M. Krajelvich ascended the ladder and negotiated with the
animal until she agreed to come down with him. Units cleared in
about 20 minutes. No comment or explanation from the cat.
Mower sparks leaf
pile fire in backyard
(Nov 5)
This afternoon, the
fire dept. responded to a report of a leaf fire at 1 Overhill Terrace.
First on scene was Capt. E. Mangold, who found that the resident
had been mulching leaves with his riding lawn mower. When he stopped
to empty the catcher on his mower the heat of the mower set the dry
leaves on fire. Engine 722 responded and extinguished the fire with
the help of crews from Utility 721. It took approximately 250 gallons
of water and 20 minutes to mark the incident under control. Unit A-13
from the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service also responded.
MVA with entrapment;
one flown
(Nov 1)
JTFD#1&2 were
alerted to a report of an MVA with entrapment on Cozy Lake Road in the
area of # 146. Rescue 725 responded first and had to extricate 1
person from a Jeep Liberty that had left the road and struck a tree.
The patient was transported to the trauma center by NorthStar
helicopter. Engine 724 established the LZ at Cozy Lake School. Rescue
was assisted at the scene by Engines 722 and 27 with backup from
Rescue 719. Ambulances 742 and 45 responded, Chief N. VanDyke (729)
had Cozy Lake Command and Capt E. Mangold had Operations.
Stubborn brush fire tackled over weekend
(Oct 29)
JTFD#1 was
dispatched to a report of a fire in the woods near the Bowling Green
Golf Course maintenance yard on Russia Rd. First to arrive was Captain
E. Mangold (731) who found the golf course's very large compost pile
had caught fire. It took more than 2 hours and 8000 gallons of water
to completely douse the fire. A simple tanker relay was established to
bring water to the site as the area is not hydranted. A loader from
the golf course maintenance crew assisted with pulling the leaf pile
apart. Units on scene were Asst. Chief Corsaro (730) with Command, 731
with Operations, Engines 722 and 27 with 24 at the draft site, Tanker
723, Utility 721, Amb 745, New Jersey Forest Fire A-18, the JTFD#1
Ladies Aux., and the Jefferson PD.
 
Apparatus news: Command
Unit 730 & Eng 724
(Oct 18) JTFD#1 just took delivery of a 2006 Ford Expedition
Police Package. The vehicle will be going for radios, lettering and
equipment set up and should be in service in about 3 weeks. This new
command unit replaces Car 729, a 1998 Jeep Cherokee which was a
retired JTPD vehicle. Also,
a contract was
awarded to American La France for the replacement for our 34 year old
engine. It will be built on a Freightliner 4 door, 4wd
cab/chassis with a 1500gpm pump and 500 gal tank. It will primarily
serve as a supply pumper and will carry 1000' of 5" LDH hose and 800'
of 3" hose. This new engine will be our first American LaFrance since
the 1959 LaFrance Pumper and 1964 LaFrance Tanker were retired in the
early 1980's.
Another quick stop saves mobile
home
(Oct 10) Late Saturday evening, companies 1 and 2 were dispatched to a
reported smoke alarm activation with smoke in the residence at 13
Makepeace Dr. First unit on scene, Engine 722, found heavy black smoke
in the mobile home. 22's crew utilized their thermal imaging camera to
locate the fire source under the home. After removing the skirt from
around the home they found that the electrical heating tape wrapping
the water pipes had shorted out and started burning the insulation
underneath the floor. The fire was quickly extinguished and PPV
fans were set up to remove the smoke. The mobile home had very minor
damage. Units on scene were Chief 730 (Corsaro) with command,
Engines 722, 27, and 20, Tankers 723 and 14, Rescue 725 and Ladder
711.
 Back
to back calls on a Sunday afternoon
A beautiful Sunday
afternoon was interrupted as Co. 1 turned out for two calls
within minutes of each other. The first call brought Engine 722
to a small brush fire on Berkshire Valley Rd. As the crew was clearing
the scene less than 5 minutes later, Co1 and 2 were dispatched for a
kitchen fire at 5 Patterson Rd. Upon arrival, 722's crew and officer
found a fire contained to self-cleaning oven. The fire burned
itself out, and after removing the smoke from the structure, all units
cleared in less than 20 minutes. Lieutenant Schmidt (732) had command
of both calls. Also on scene was Tanker 723 and Amb 743. Photos (L to
R): E722 crew at the brush fire; firefighters N. Mangold and M. Smith
wrapping up on Patterson Dr; past-chief M. VanDyke occupies a resident
of the household and future firefighter.
Team effort to get 34 year old engine to parade!
(Sept 5) A dedicated group of JTFD#1 members (and future JTFD#1
members) spent countless hours over 2 weeks detailing Engine 724 for
the annual Boonton Labor Day parade. A proud tradition in our history
of taking this engine to parades and competing it has fallen victim to
a lack of time... until this year. 24 was basically stripped bare and
polished, painted, re-racked, and inspected from top to bottom. On the
day of the parade Chief Neil VanDyke led the company in full dress
uniform with the 1971 vintage Hahn gleaming behind them. Of note: 724
is in full active service, and has been for 34 years. It is one of the
few remaining in-service early 70's Hahns in the U.S.
Lifesaving devices placed on JTFD apparatus
(July 11) According to the NFPA, sudden cardiac death claims
the lives of more firefighters each year in the U.S. than any other
on-duty activity. The incredible stress of fireground activities
obviously make the risk of heart attack very high for firefighters
while on the fire scene. JTFD#1 took some very progressive steps
recently in light of these sobering statistics. The membership used
company funds to purchase three Automated External Defibrillators,
placing one on each of the first-due engines, and the rescue. Along
with the many members who are already EMTs, the rest of the
firefighters were trained in the use of these lifesaving devices. An
AED delivers a measured shock to the heart in case of a cardiac arrest
and offers the best chance of survival if delivered within moments of
the cardiac event. For more info:
NFPA report on firefighter fatalities,
or
American Heart Association.
Wetdown
photo album is up!
(July 11) The Wetdown 2005 photo album is up
HERE.
Another
eventful Jefferson Twp. Day
(July 9) JTFD#1 supported the 19th annual Jefferson Day by
participating in the parade and providing fire protection for the
fireworks display at night. Enough members were on hand to roll all
in-service apparatus in the parade and two full engine crews were
staffed during the fireworks. Congrats to the Jefferson Arts Committee
and everyone else involved in pulling it all off.
Quick
action saves surrounding structures
(June 20) JTFD#1 was dispatched this afternoon to a report of a
commercial trailer fire at 10 Longwood Lake Rd. Chief 730 (Corsaro)
was first to arrive and reported a fully involved 40' storage trailer,
endangering a garage. Upon Engine 722's arrival they reported a
1000 gal fuel oil tank and a 100lb propane tank next to the burning
structure. 730 then dispatched additional mutual aid and ordered a 5'
line drop to Longwood Lake for a draft supply. It took about 50
minutes to bring the fire under control. Units from Co#1 remained on
scene for 3 1/2 hours doing overhaul. The storage trailer and contents
were a total loss, however there was only minor damage to the
garage that was 10 feet away. Units on scene were Engines 722, 724,
718, 720, Tankers 723/714, Rescue 725 and Amb 742/745, West Milford
Eng 2, Tanker 2, Hardyston Tanker, Sparta, Picatinny FAST and Hazmat
team, Jefferson PD and the Jefferson DPW with a backhoe to assist with
overhaul and Morris County Hazmat. HazMat responded due to the
chemicals in the building and the adjacent wetlands. However, there is
expected to be NO environmental impact as a result of the fire. 730
had Command and E-2 (C. Hammett) had Operations.
Wetdown
2005 THANK YOU!
(June 6) JTFD#1 wishes to thank the HUNDREDS of
firefighters, family friends, neighbors and township residents who
came out to party with us and celebrate at the wetdown this past
weekend. If you weren't there, you missed out on a legendary Milton
experience! If you were, you know what we're talking about!
Departments sent apparatus from as far away as Freehold and
Phillipsburg.
Co #1
Participates in Lk Hopatcong Parade
(May 31) Fire Co #1 participated in the Memorial Day Parade
held on Monday 5-30, which went from the American Legion Post on
Espanong Rd to the Brady Bridge.
Old
Engine 722 hits the road for Wisconsin
(Apr 30) The 1983 Hahn that served Jefferson for over 20 years
headed off to begin its new life this weekend. 722 was sold to a small
fire department in Wisconsin that is just starting up. The money from
the sale will be put towards a new utility truck to replace the 1976
Dodge Pickup that was recently pulled out of service for safety
reasons. We're certain the new owners will get many more years of
service out of 722 - it was well maintained for 20 years.
MVA with
unstable vehicle on BVR
(Apr 23) JTFD#1 was dispatched to a MVA with a report of a car
smoking on Berkshire Valley Rd near the intersection of Blue Rd. Upon
the arrival of Captain E. Mangold (731), he immediately dispatched for
the jaws of life and stabilization equipment. A vehicle had left the
roadway and ended up on the embankment teetering with only the remains
of a telephone pole that the car had struck and snapped off keeping it
from rolling over. Engine 722 was first on scene who began
stabilization with Rescue 725 on scene minutes after. The car
was stabilized in about 9 minutes using the Paratech struts and the
two passengers were removed from the vehicle with minor injuries.
Other Units on scene were Eng 727, Util 721 and Ambulances
742, 745and multiple police units. Chief Corsaro (730) had Command
and 731 had Operations. Photos by: K. Hammett.
Mutual
aid: Tanker support goes to Linden, NJ
(Apr 8) Friday night, JTFD#1 was dispatched, via the Morris
County Fire Coordinator, to send a Tanker to the city of Linden, NJ.
Linden had experienced a total loss of water pressure due to a 48"
water main break and as a result had no hydrant system. Engineer
Hammett and Firefighter Perez made the 52 mile trip down with Tanker
723 and stood by until about 1 a.m. at Linden Engine 2. The JTFD#1
crew did not see any action, as they were released just prior to
Linden being dispatched into the city of Elizabeth for a working house
fire.
 Grateful
to be home...
(Feb 27) Last week, Captain Randy Leach of the Army's 84th Engineering
Battalion stopped by JTFD#1 headquarters on drill night with a special
gift. Capt. Leach had just returned to the United States from more
than a year serving in Iraq. His unit had been one of the
beneficiaries of JTFD#1's care packages in the past few months. Capt.
Leach presented JTFD#1 Lt. Andrew Schmidt and the membership with a
U.S. flag that he stowed in his body army during a flight over Baghdad
along with a certificate of authenticity. Capt Leach thanked the
members for supporting him and his men during the past year. Capt
Leach grew up in Jefferson and is a childhood friend of firefighters
Dave and Nick Mangold and Darren Robertson. Capt Leach was on his way
to his home base in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii after spending time
with his family, who live in Jefferson.
It's a
Seagrave!
(Jan 29) JTFD#1 took delivery of a new Seagrave engine (on right in
photo above) to replace the 22 year old Engine 722. The new engine is
a nearly matching twin to Engine 727. A number of improvements
have been made, including all L.E.D. warning lights, a front swivel
suction and a larger motor. Go to the
apparatus page and click on 722 to
see the profile. The officers and the new truck committee will spend
the next few weeks equipping the new 722 and training the drivers. It
should be in service shortly -- and given our track record with
apparatus -- for the next 30 years! Go to the
new truck page for more photos.
Fire alarm
system and quick stop save condo
 (Jan
29) JTFD#1 and the Milton First Aid squad were dispatched to a fire
alarm activation at the Fairways condos on Old Fourth Dr. First
officers on scene reported flames from the chimney of one unit and had
a second alarm put in for a working fire. Engine 727 quickly
arrived on scene and made entry into the condo just as the fire broke
out in the utility room. 27's crew quickly knocked the bulk of the
fire down. Additional crews arrived and laddered the roof to
extinguish the extension into the chimney box. The condo unit had
extensive smoke damage throughout but very little fire damage. If it
hadn't been for the monitored smoke detectors giving us an early
warning, this could have turned into a major fire and had a much worse
outcome. Units on scene were Engines 727 and 22, Truck 728,
Tanker 723. Tanker 714, Engine 720 and Ladder 711
relocated to Co. 1 and stood by. Asst. Chief Corsaro (730) was
Command, Captain E. Mangold (731) had the Interior Ops.
SMOKE DETECTORS DO SAVE LIVES.
Fatal
vehicle crash on Berkshire Valley Road
(Jan 28) Milton fire and EMS units responded to Berkshire Valley Rd
around 11 pm for a vehicle accident with entrapment. Units arrived to
find an unresponsive and entrapped patient. The vehicle had
overturned and went off the roadway. Crews from Rescue 725 and Engine
727 rapidly extricated the patient who was pronounced dead shortly
after. Jefferson Police are investigating.
Weekend wraps
up with Co. 2 house fire
(Jan 24) At 1:10 pm, JTFD units were dispatched along with JTFD#2 and
Jefferson Rescue to Homestead Rd on the Lake side of town for
structure fire. While enroute, dispatch advised a working fire. Co 1
sent two engines and the tanker to the scene.
Engine 727
hit the
hydrant and laid in, providing supply to all units operating. Engine
724
(34 years and still in front line service!) responded and was
ready with the ice auger on board, but a lake water supply was not
needed and they were sent to cover the Route 15 firehouse. Fire was
under control in 30 minutes. 701
had command. Chiefs VanDyke and
Corsaro and Capt Mangold assisted at the scene. Photos courtesy of
JTFD#2. More Photos are at
www.jtfd2.com.
Crews man the
station for the Blizzard
 (Jan
23) With more than a foot and a half of snow expected in
Jefferson tonight and into tomorrow, crews manned the station in order
to maintain a quick response time. Most Morris and Sussex County
Departments appeared to be doing the same. An Engine crew of driver,
officer, and firefighters stayed at the station 24 hours during the
storm. The crew passed time by eating, having family members come by,
eating, telling old fire stories, eating again and "practicing driver
training" on the Xbox.
 Runaway truck
on Holland Mountain Road
(Jan
19) A Ford Pick-up was traveling down Holland Mountain Road when he lost
his brakes and was unable to negotiate the turn at Ridge Road. The
truck crashed through the guard rail, snapped a telephone pole off at
its base and ended up over the bank in the streambed below Ridge Road
leaving a birds nest of power lines, phone cables and cable TV line
everywhere. The driver of the truck amazingly escaped with only minor
scratches and bumps. Fire units were on scene for close to four hours.
Power was out to residents in the area for a few hours. Units on scene
were Engine 727, Rescue 725, Utility 721, Ambulance 745, and
E722 stood by at the main firehouse with Co. 2 standing by on
station. Asst Chief Corsaro (730) was Ridge Rd Command.
First run of
the year at 12:05 a.m.
(Jan 1) As the siren was still winding down from the stroke of
midnight, JTFD#1 turned out to Russia Road for a rollover MVA with
entrapment at approx. 12:05 a.m. Jan 1, 2005 - first call of the year. First on scene
within minutes of dispatch, was Capt E. Mangold
(731)
who held the response to
Eng 727,
Utility 721 and
Rescue 725.
The extrication of the entangled and confined patient took about 20 minutes, who was transported ALS status to
the trauma center at Morristown Memorial.
Motor
Vehicle into the drink
(Dec 14)
JTFD#1 was dispatched
this morning to a reported vehicle over the embankment on Dover Milton
Road across from the Methodist church. Asst. Chief VanDyke (730)
was first on scene and found a car over the bank with the occupants
safely out of the vehicle. Engine 727 responded to the scene
and assisted with removing a small tree. Dover Milton Road was closed
for about 45 minutes. Units on scene were 730 with Command, E727 and
Ambulance 745. Rescue 725 stood by at the station.
Fatal house fire in Co. 2's district
(Nov 3) JTFD #1 and 2
were dispatched early this morning, at 4:48 a.m. to a reported
structure fire on Sachem Rd. Arriving units found a working fire in a
small, one-story house. The fire was quickly knocked down, however the
resident of the house was unable to get out. The cause of the fire is
suspicious and is under investigation by JTPD and the Morris County
Prosecutor's office. In addition to Jefferson units from both
companies, Picatinny Arsenal sent a FAST team.
Read the Daily Record
article or the Star Ledger
article.
Typical quick Milton knockdown on Yuma Trail
(Nov 1) On October
29th, Jefferson Police were dispatched to Yuma Trail to a residence
for a burglar alarm sounding. When patrol arrived, the officer
observed smoke coming from the house, and radioed for the fire
dept., advising that fire was also visible in the windows.
Captain 731 (Heber) arrived first, reporting flames now venting 20' in
the air
through the roof. Engine 727 arrived within minutes and the crew made
an aggressive interior attack. The crew of Engineer E. Mangold,
firefighters N. Mangold, M. Smith and R. Cabrera advanced two 1 3/4"
handlines directly into the kitchen, bringing the fire under
control within minutes. Several hours of overhaul followed. On scene: Engines 722,
24, 27 and 18. Tankers 723 and 714. Truck 711. Rescues 725, 19.
Ambulances 742 and 45. Mutual aid was West Milford Tanker 2, Engine 2
and Rescue 2, Picatinny Truck and HazMat, Hardyston Engine and Tanker.
 
Mutual Aid
Structure fire in West Milford
(Sept 21)
JTFD units were dispatched today to a mutual aid working structure
fire in West Milford Township. Upon arrival at the residence on Oak
Ridge Rd., West Milford's Engine 2 had knocked down the fire.
Engine 727's crew arrived as the second-in engine and initiated
salvage and overhaul. Asst. Chief VanDyke and Lt. Corsaro also
responded.
CVS Fire Alarm
reveals a machinery fire
(Sept 7) At
05:50 AM today JTFD#1, JTFD#2, and the Milton First Aid Squad were
dispatched to a fire alarm activation at the CVS Pharmacy on Berkshire
Valley Rd. Assistant Chief Van
Dyke, first to arrive, reported smoke in the building. After
further investigation, Chief Van Dyke called for additional units for
a working fire. Upon Engine
727’s arrival, firefighters
Cabrera, Kraljevich, and N. Mangold advanced a line into the building
under the direction of Lieutenant V. Corsaro. The
fire was quickly knocked down. The fire
was contained to the photo printing machine and a small extension to
the wall, however there was extensive smoke damage to the building. In
addition to multiple Jefferson Twp. units from both companies, Tanker
2 of the West Milford Fire Department also responded.
Dispatched but cancelled enroute were Tanker 1 of West Milford,
and a Firefighter Assistance and Search Team (FAST Unit) from
Picatinny Arsenal Fire Department. All
units cleared the scene by 08:41 AM.
Our '71 Hahn at
the Boonton Labor Day parade
(Sept 4)
Engineer Schaller and Firefighter Cabrera rolled Engine 724 to
Boonton's Labor Day parade. Boonton's parade is a longstanding North
Jersey fire tradition and one of the largest in the state. More than
65 departments participated in the 3 hour parade. Many people along
the way were surprised to hear that 724 is still in active duty after
33 years, with no immediate plans for retirement. Photos: M. Schaller.
 
Garbage Truck Fire
(Aug 24)
JTFD#1 units were dispatched this afternoon for a garbage truck fire
on Ruskin Road. The truck was directed to the DPW yard on Weldon Rd,
so the load could be dumped. Once dumped, the smoldering fire was
extinguished by JTFD's highly trained garbage technicians. Units were
Engine 722, Rescue 725, Amb 745. Lieutenant 732 (Corsaro)
had command. Units cleared in 1 hour smelling slightly sweeter than
before.
New Engine 722
progress photos!
(Aug 23)
The replacement for our 21 year old Hahn Pumper, is under construction
at Seagrave's plant in Clintonville, Wisconsin. New 722 will be a 1500 g.p.m., 8 man cab pumper. It is being built very similarly to
our 2000 Seagrave, 727. JTFD#1's two in-service Hahn engines are 21
and 33 years old, and even though the members have maintained them
meticulously, they are well overdue for updating. Click
HERE for the latest blueprint scans
and photos of construction progress.
MVA with
rollover, confinement, wires down
(July 18) This
afternoon, JTFD#1 was sent to Ridge Road between Holland Mt Rd and the
Sparta line for a vehicle crash, with rollover and possible
entrapment. Chief 729 (Van Veen) arrived within minutes to find a
passenger car overturned in the woods with wires down and one utility
pole sheared clear in half. Rescue 725 arrived immediately after with
a full crew and began stabilizing the vehicle. The patient was
partially confined in the overturned car. The Rescue crew removed the
patient for EMS and assisted with patient care, along with Engine
722's crew, who also provided cover for the gasoline leak. Engine
727's officer had Landing Zone command for NorthStar, which ended up
being unavailable due to weather. Chief Van Veen had Ridge Rd Command
and Captain Heber had Operations. Units: Engines 722, 24 and 27, R725,
Ambulance 745 and Medic 52. Patient was transported to the Trauma
Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital.
.
Jefferson
Twp. Day 2004
(July 10) JTFD#1
participated in Jefferson Township Day for the 19th consecutive year.
The fire company has been involved in many facets of the celebration
since the first Liberty Days in 1986. Members came out to participate
in the parade, and JTFD#1 is responsible for fire watch coverage
during the huge fireworks display. Congratulations to the Jefferson
Arts Committee and all the other cooperating township agencies on
another great day for our residents. Click the images above for a
close up of the tower arch. (photos: Michelle Schaller and Chris
Hammett)
 Four car
motor vehicle crash in the valley
(July 10) JTFD#1 was dispatched to
Berkshire Valley Road in the area of Portofino's Restaurant for a
multi-vehicle accident with entrapment and possible fire. Captain
731 (Heber) arrived to find four cars on the roadway, with one
overturned. There was no entrapment or fire. Rescue 725's crew
stabilized the overturned with the Paratech rescue struts, while
E727's crew applied foam to a gasoline leak so EMS could safely remove
the patients from the other vehicles. On scene was E727, E724,
R725, Ambulances 742 & 745 and Medic 55. 731 was Berkshire
Valley Command.
 Ridge
Road Field -- another landing zone assist for Sparta Twp.
(July 3) JTFD#1 was dispatched to Ridge Road field to set up a
landing zone for mutual aid for Sparta Township. Sparta Ambulance was
transporting a child who has sustained a fall from a second story
window. University Hospital Medivac out of Lehigh, Pa., was the
helicopter responding. Chief 729 (VanVeen) had Ridge Road
command. Jefferson Units: Engines 724, 727, Rescue 725 and Ambulance
745. Sparta PD, Sparta Ambulance and Medic 51 arrived and successfully
transferred the patient for transport to the trauma center.
JTFD#1
hosts joint training exercise
(June 22) A drill was held at JTFD#1 headquarters to promote
familiarization with equipment and apparatus for our mutual aid
companies. Cooperating in the drill were our first-due mutual
aid departments: JTFD#2 (Lake Hopatcong), Picatinny Arsenal Fire Dept/HazMat
and Community Fire Co., West Milford Station 2. Members of all
departments got a chance to review methods and equipment on all of the
trucks and had a chance to share ideas and innovations.
Close call
and quick stop on Elro Drive
(June 21) JTFD#1 was dispatched this evening to East Elro Dr in
the Milton section for an electrical fire inside the structure. Upon arrival, Chief 730 (N.VanDyke) found smoke in the structure. Engine
727's crew made entry and extinguished a smoldering fire in the
floor. The home was under construction and a boiler malfunction had
caused a pipe to super-heat the wooden floorboards. Luckily the
homeowners noticed the smoke moments before leaving to go out for the
evening. Units responding were Engines 727, 722 and 724, Tankers 723
and 714 and Rescue 725. Chief VanVeen had Command and Captain Heber
had the Interior. The fire was under control in 5 minutes. Units
cleared the scene 30 minutes.
 
HazMat
Spill on Windsor Drive
(June 13) JTFD#1 was dispatched this morning to Windsor Drive for
a HazMat incident. Upon arrival, Chief 729 (VanVeen) found that
a JCP&L bucket truck had lost its hydraulic fluid over the roadway.
Crews from Rescue 725 and Engine 722 contained the spill
and cleaned the roadway enough to open to traffic. JCP&L was
responsible for calling the HazMat cleanup crew. 729 had Command.
Another
NorthSTAR visit to Jefferson
(June 5) JTFD#1
and the Milton First Aid Squad were alerted this morning to the
construction site at the High School, 1033 Weldon Rd., for a
construction accident. Upon arrival of PD, 1 patient was found, who
had fallen off a second story scaffold. Access was difficult due
to the active construction site. NorthSTAR aeromedical helicopter was
requested to the scene by EMS. Engine 727 and Rescue 725
established a landing zone. Captain 731 (Heber) had command.
Also responding was Medic 55 and Ambulance 745.
 Assist
PD at the old A&P
(May 28) JTFD#1 was dispatched one morning last week to the
abandoned A&P Building on Berkshire Valley Rd., for an alarm
activation. Truck 728 was requested to the scene to assist PD
in accessing the roof, as part of their investigation into criminal
activity in the abandoned building.
JTFD#1
coordinates successful search
(Apr 20) On the afternoon of April 18th, JTFD#1 and Milton First Aid
Squad were dispatched to the area near Taylor Rd on Berkshire Valley
Rd for a lost hiker. Arriving units found that a 39 y.o. female hiker
had been reported as missing somewhere on the vast trails in the area.
A coordinated search effort was begun, as rescuers had only a few
hours of daylight left. Captain 731 (Heber) had command and
coordinated arriving resources. Assisting in the search was JTPD,
JTFD#2 for their ATVs, Morris County Sheriff's Office K9 units,
NorthSTAR helicopter and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
Operating from the base on Berkshire Valley Rd., firefighters on fire
dept and personal ATV's fanned out onto the mountain using a
coordinated search pattern. Shortly after, a K9 team from the
Sheriff's Dept. found the woman and returned her safely. Units on
scene: Rescues 725 & 719, Utilities 716 & 721, Brush 726 with
the boat, Engine 727, Amb 745.
Vehicle
into a building at A&P shopping center
(Mar 3) At 16:42 hours on Wednesday, March 3rd, JTFD#1 was
dispatched to the Ridge Plaza Shopping center for a motor vehicle
accident with entrapment. Units arriving found a Dodge minivan
impacted into the building near the entrance to the A&P supermarket.
Apparently, the driver lost consciousness due to a medical emergency,
and the vehicle accelerated, striking a parked car and then crashing
into a concrete pillar at a high rate of speed, according to Jefferson
Police. JTFD#1 members went to work extricating the driver and
stabilizing the vehicle. Upon EMS arrival, the patient was rapidly
extricated from the car and transported by NorthSTAR medivac
helicopter to the trauma center at Morristown Memorial. Thankfully no
pedestrians were injured as the area was very busy at the time of the
incident. Units responding: Engines 722, 727, Rescue 725, Utility 721.
 Busy
day for the Milton Volunteers
(Feb 7) Icy conditions on township roads and two working mutual
aid incidents made for a busy Saturday for JTFD#1. Following 3 early
morning calls, JTFD#1 members staffing JTFD#2's station during their
installation dinner responded to a multi-vehicle accident on Route 15
South with 7 injuries. JTFD#1 members rolled Engine 718 and Rescue 719
from Company 2 with Engine 722 and Rescue 725 responding from Co. 1
headquarters. Later that night while JTFD#1 units were out on a
rollover in Milton, Sparta Fire requested mutual aid for a fully
involved house fire. Ladder 728 and Engine 724 responded and operated
for a number of hours at that scene. MORE information and photos
HERE.
Chief Van Veen and 2004 Officers Installed
 (Jan
20) JTFD#1's line officers and administrative officers were
sworn in to office in a
ceremony at the Zeris Inn in Denville on Saturday, January 17th.
Township officials and special guests from neighboring fire
departments were in attendance. Above, Chief Dave Van Veen stands with
his 2004 line officers, Asst Chief Neil Van Dyke, Captain Bill Heber
(missing), Lieutenant Vinnie Corsaro, and Engineers Evan Woods, Don
Dopiriak, Paul Schaller, Gerry Brown and Thomas Simmons. At right,
President Harry Western with vice president Bill Hinchman, treasurer
Neil Van Dyke, financial secretary Jeff Kerr and sgt-at-arms Ray
Cabrera. Not pictured is secretary Barbara Runz.
2003: Another year of great progress for JTFD#1
(Dec 23) As Chief Tom Walsh's 2003 term comes to an end, JTFD#1
celebrates another year of progress in training, communications,
equipment upgrades and public service initiatives. Asst. Chief Dave
Van Veen, who was also chief in 1995, will assume command of the
company on January 1, 2004. See all 2004 elected command and
administrative officers on the Chief and
Officer's page.
 Have
you checked your chimney lately?
(Dec 23) As the winter season comes upon us, residents are
strongly encouraged to have your chimneys inspected and cleaned.
Creosote buildup will cause a chimney fire which can easily spread
into the walls of your home, inflicting major damage. At left, JTFD#1
and JTFD#2 members prevented further damage with a quick knockdown
after a chimney fire progressed into the walls of a Milton home. At
the holiday time, residents are strongly urged to use caution with
candles or not use them at all.
Tight Fit?
Long-standing and past members will remember when the trucks had
to fit like this in the "old bays"! The main bays at the Milton Road
firehouse were recently completed with a permanent floor treatment,
necessitating squeezing the tanker and two of the engines into the
garages for the week. Photos are on the photo page.
Fire Prevention
Response
(Nov 1) Jefferson
Fire Co No 1 has received a number of fine responses to our fire
prevention program. Some are posted
HERE.
Fire Prevention Week -
October 5th - 11th
(Sep 13)
The Jefferson Township Fire Department, in conjunction with the
Jefferson Twp Fire Prevention Bureau, will once again be supporting
Fire Prevention Week, beginning Oct 5th. This year's Fire Prevention
Week campaign ("When Fire Strikes: Get Out! Stay Out!") teaches two
simple but life-saving lessons:
Install smoke alarms and test them regularly
and
Develop and practice home fire drills
The Fire Company 1 program, during fire
prevention week, is presented to 3 yr old nursery on up to 5th grade.
More information can be obtained by by contacting the Fire Bureau at
973-208-9400 during regular business hours, or by visiting the
NFPA Website.
Past Chief Answers Last
Alarm
 Jul (24) Past Chief Hampton Norman has
answered the final alarm. Chief in 1940, Hampton moved to Kenvil some
60 years ago, but always considered Milton his 'Home'. He served in
the armed services during WWII, and Retired from Picatinny Arsenal in
1979. Hampton leaves behind a great legacy of service to his community
and country, as well as four children, 10 grandchildren, and 6
great-grand children. He was buried in Milton Cemetery. Donations
can be made in his name to the Paterson Habitat for Humanity, PO Box
2585, Paterson, NJ 07509. He will be missed.
 Fast-moving
fire consumes Milton home
(Jul 11) At 11:06 am on Friday, July
11th, Jefferson Fire Co. No. 1, Fire Company No. 2 and the Milton
First Aid Squad were dispatched to 1096 Weldon Rd for a working
structure fire. The fire was called into 911 by a News12 New Jersey
camera crew who happened to be driving by at the time of dispatch.
Engines 727, 722, 724, and Tanker 723 responded to the scene. Upon
727's arrival, the side A exposure was completely engulfed in flames,
with flame pushing from windows on three sides of the small structure.
The fire was attacked from the exterior with hand lines. The 82 year
old occupant made it out of the house, but was transported to Saint
Barnabas Medical Center's Burn Unit in Livingston for treatment of
minor injuries according to Jefferson Police. Picatinny Arsenal FD,
West Milford Fire Dept and Hardyston Fire Department all assisted.
Firefighters had to contend with the lack of a water system in the
rural district and the need to lay several hundred feet of 5 inch hose
from a static water source at the end Weldon Road. Chief Tom Walsh had
command. The fire was under control in about 45 minutes.
(Photo courtesy of
www.jtfd2.com
)
Click
HERE to see the video reel from NEWS 12 NEW
JERSEY.
Read the story from The Daily Record HERE.
 Medivac
Drill with NorthSTAR
(Apr
22) Nearly 100 members of JTFD#1, JTFD#2 and both Jefferson EMS
agencies, along with members of West Milford Fire companies, attended
an education session conducted by the members of the NorthSTAR
aero-medical team on the training grounds at JTFD#1 headquarters. The
four member team, based at University Hospital in Newark, landed the
Sikorski S-76B behind the firehouse and presented on the topics of
landing zone safety, rescue techniques and the history of the
NorthSTAR/SouthSTAR program, New Jersey's exclusive air transport
program, which operates in the North as a cooperative effort of
University EMS and the
New Jersey State Police.
JTFD#1 Members
Participate in Charity Ski Race
(Mar
26) Ski
Racing
is sponsored each
year by the Jersey City Fire Dept. This year 85 teams competed.
Unlike a regular race, firefighters have to ski downhill while wearing
their fire gear and
holding a 50 foot hose line between the five members of the team.
This year, our team was comprised of Asst Chief Dave VanVeen, Engineer
Evan Woods, and Firefighters Gerry Brown, Chris Gibney, and Andrew
Schmidt. The JTFD#1 team finished in 22nd place out of the 85
teams. All proceeds from the event go to benefit the
Burn Center at Saint Barnabas Medical
Center, Livingston NJ.
Busy mutual aid
weekend and Blizzard!
(FEB.
16) JTFD#1 members saw lots of action this Valentine's Day weekend,
mostly assisting neighboring departments. On Saturday Engine 727
transferred to
Hardyston Fire Co. 1 to standby
while they were on a working school building fire. Hardyston dispatch
then dispatched 727 to 63 Route 515 for a chimney fire. Ladder 728 was
requested to also respond to the scene by 727's officer. Only a few
hours later, early Sunday morning, JTFD#1 responded into JTFD#2's
district on Tomahawk Tr. to a fully-involved house fire. Engines 727,
724 and Tanker 723 responded. During this incident,
Community Fire Co. (West Milford Station 2)
responded to a smoke condition on Oriole Rd. while standing by at JTFD#1's
headquarters. The weekend wrapped up with nearly 2 feet of snow in
Jefferson. JTFD#1 members manned the Main Firehouse throughout the
storm and assisted in transporting essential hospital employees to
work at St. Clare's Hospital - Dover.
 Search
and Rescue Live Smoke Drill
(FEB. 2) JTFD#1 members took
advantage of the opportunity to train at an abandoned house on
Berkshire Valley Road Saturday morning and afternoon. First Engineer
Vincent Corsaro organized the event. Approximately 30 members of JTFD#1and
the Milton First Aid Squad were dispatched to the location for a
simulated structure fire at 12:15 p.m. Members participated in a
number of interior search and rescue evolutions, roof and interior
ventilation, and firefighter safety and escape techniques.
See photos HERE.
 JTFD#1
freezes through annual ice training!
(JAN. 29) Lieutenant Bill Heber and
Firefighter/JTFD#1 President Harry Western conducted an ice rescue
drill with about 15 members of the company on Cozy Lake, January 28th.
Using the ice rescue sled and cold water suits, members practiced a
number of live rescue evolutions with "victims" in the frigid water. JTFD#1 reminds all residents to exercise caution when you are out on
the ice and to supervise children at all times while having fun on our
many frozen lakes and ponds!
SEE PICTURES FROM THE DRILL ON THE PHOTO PAGE.
2002 -- A Year of Accomplishment for JTFD#1
(JAN. 5) 2002 was a year of significant
accomplishment for the officers and members of JTFD#1. Under the
leadership of Chief Andrew Schmidt, the company achieved major strides
in training, equipment upgrade and modernization and public relations.
READ THE STORY HERE.
Beware of Fraudulent Phone Calls
(Nov 18)
We have recently received information that residents may be receiving
telephone calls from someone claiming to be from the Fire Department,
who advises them to check their smoke detectors, then asks to
"verify their address" and other personal information. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT JTFD#1 IS NOT MAKING ANY
SUCH CALLS. PLEASE REPORT ANY ATTEMPTS TO GET INFORMATION IN
THIS MANNER TO THE JEFFERSON TWP POLICE AT 973-697-1300.
Thank You!
(Nov 18) Thank
you to the many residents have participated in getting a reflective
house number sign (70 in September, 140 in November) or have done
maintenance to their existing numbers so they are visible from the
street. If
the sign hangs over the curb into the street they risk being knocked
off the post during snow removal operations. It
is recommended to have these signs mounted on the side of the post
that will hang over the lawn and not the curb if it is mounted below
the mailbox. Visit this
link to order your house number
HERE. This is not a fundraiser for
JTFD#1, but a community-wide project.
Climb for
Compassion tackles Mount Washington
(Aug 24) Eighteen North Jersey firefighters
and friends, including seven JTFD#1 members, completed the task of
ascending 6,288 ft.
Mount Washington, New Hampshire. The climbers were
raising funds for the FDNY U.F.A. Widows and Children's Fund. Check
this space for a full report and the grand total announcement late
this coming week.
Read the full story and see PHOTOS HERE.
 JTFD#1
Participates in
National Night Out
(Aug. 6) JTFD#1
members came out in force to support the Jefferson Twp. Police
Department's efforts on
National Night Out Against Crime. The
Company was joined by Jefferson Police Officers, local officials and
members of the Milton First Aid Squad in the Water's Edge Development
from 6-9 p.m. There was food, giveaways and plenty of fire truck tours
for the little ones.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE
 |
Life
Member Louis Liptak answers final alarm at age 85
(Aug 5) The
Department regrets to announce the passing of Life Member Louis
Liptak last week in Florida. After joining the department
in May 1959, Louie served as an active member for more than 26
years. Having served as 3rd Engineer in 1961 and then Vice
President in 1962, Louie retired and moved to Florida in 1985.
In September of 1986 he was accepted by the membership as a Life
Member. No services or arrangements have been
announced. |
Fire Company
Chili voted best!
(July 28) The Chili
Cook-off competition held on Jefferson Day 2002 resulted in the Fire
Company's Chili being voted the best. Over $700 was raised to
benefit the Widows and Children's fund for those of our brethren who
gave their lives on 9/11. THANKS especially to American Legion
Post 423, without whom this event would not have been
possible. Also see the
Climb
for Compassion
New Community
Service Project To Kick Off At Jefferson Day
(July 10) A
Community Service Project will start Saturday, July 13, 2002, at
Jefferson Days in support of Township Ordinance 64*, Numbering of
Buildings, to help us find you quickly in an emergency. The purpose is
to have
Reflective
House Number Markers posted at homes in Jefferson so we can
find you easily in the day or night
.
The Boy Scouts of Jefferson Township Troop 49 and Troop III have
agreed to help Emergency Services with this project.
Order forms will be available at Jefferson Day, some of the
lo | 
