Hillsborough Twp. Vol. Fire Co. #2

Come to our Flea Market on Saturday September 13^th, & September 27^th from 9 to ? at the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co #2 at 375 Rt. 206 in Hillsborough. We are across from Commerce bank and near Charlie Browns. The Flea Markets are held outside behind the Fire House. The entrance is from Hamilton Road. Parking will be on the grass behind the firehouse and above Hillsborough Radiology but not in Hillsborough Radiology’s parking area. Flea Market outside spaces are available for $15 each. Vendors can just show up that morning and pay then. For information, you can call 908-722-0620 or 908-725-4908 or Click here for more info

Early Evening House Fire

On Wednesday, August 13th @ 1755 hrs the Hillsborough Fire District was dispatched to 5 Kaler St. in 37's primary for the reported structure fire. 37-C2 (1st Asst. Chief Buckley) arrived within minutes to find a 2.5-story house with the attached garage and two vehicles on fire. An aggressive attack by district firefighters limited damage to both the vehicles, as well as the exterior of the attached garage and its roof/attic. Crews remained on the scene for the next two hours opening up the front walls and checking for any further extension into the house. All crews cleared the scene by 20:30 hrs, and the cause is under investigation. Companies on-scene: 37 (Hillsborough #2), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79 EMS (Hillsborough), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety.

(Clockwise from upper left: photos 1, 3, 5 & 6 by Joel E. Davis. photos 2 & 4 by Lt. 37-C5)

On Sunday, July 13th the members of Station 37 held a car wash to benefit the upcoming wetdown for the new 37-102. Almost two dozen members and friends of our company worked in 90-degree weather washing vehicles from 11am - 3pm and helped raise over $800 for the wetdown. Thank you to everyone who dedicated their Sunday to helping us, as well as though who came out and supported us.

On Sunday, July 6th at 1335 hrs Station 37 was dispatched to Route 206 near the old Packards Market for the motor vehicle fire. Engine 37-102 arrived within minutes to find a fully-involved vehicle with no exposures. Crews extinguished the blaze quickly and returned to service by 1410 hrs.

On Friday, July 11th at 2110 hrs Stations 37 and 38 were dispatched to 5 Abby Ct in 38's first-due for the fire on the outside of the structure. Arriving PD units found a fire involving the outside electrical components and siding attached to the house. The crew from 37-102 stretched a line to the front door and assisted with forcing entry while crews from 38 checked the interior for extension.

On Saturday, July 12th at 0855 hrs Station 37 was dispatched along with Station 79 EMS to Petrocks Restaurants and Liquors on Amwell Rd. for the vehicle into the building with possible fire. Arriving PD units held the fire in check with extinguishers, and the crew from 37-102 arrived to stretch a line and wet down the engine compartment. All units cleared the scene by 0945 hrs.

On Wednesday, May 28th at 1755 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 146 Capricorn Drive Apt #1 in 37's primary for a reported structure fire. Asst. Chief Folsch (36-C3) arrived on-scene about a minute afterwards to find fire showing from the 2nd floor of a 2-story garden apartment building and requested the 2nd alarm bringing the Hillsborough Fire District along with a FAST team from Station 30 (Finderne). Crews from 37-103 and 36-101 arrived simultaneously and ran two lines to the second floor while the crews of 37-116 and 38-118 threw ladders to the 2nd floor and did some minor vent work up on the roof. The fire was quickly knocked and all searches proved negative, with fire damage limited to the kitchen and smoke/heat/water damage throughout a good portion of the apartment. Asst. Chief DeCicco (36-C2) had the command while Asst. Chief Folsch (36-C3) had operations. Companies on-scene: 37 (Hillsborough #1), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79 (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough Fire Safety and Hillsborough PD. All units cleared the scene by 20:10 hours.

On Sunday, April 6th at 1805 hrs Station 37 was dispatched to setup a landing zone for medivac for the victim of a bicycle/car MVC. 37-145 and 37-103 responded and stood by at the helipad behind 574 Auten Rd. for Northstar medivac. The patient was loaded and flow to the nearest trauma center, and all units cleared by 1840 hrs.

On Thursday, April 10th at 1615 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to setup a landing zone for medivac for the victim of a motorcycle accident on New Centre Rd in 36's primary. 37-145 and 37-103 responded and assisted units from 36 & EMS 79 in getting the patient to the landing zone in a field across from the accident scene. All units cleared the scene by 1705 hrs.

On Sunday, April 13th at 0318 hrs Station 37 was requested for the cover assignment while units from Franklin District-1 were battling a 2-alarm house fire on Amwell Rd. near Van Cleef Dr. Crews staffed an engine and ladder in quarters and were released by 0415 hrs.

On Monday, March 3rd at 1409 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the Veterans Industrial Park at 152 Route 206 for the fire alarm activation. Hillsborough Fire Safety Units 66-1 & 66-2, in the area, quickly called on-location with smoke showing from the sprinkler room with a working fire. The assignment was upgraded to a district alarm, bringing in Stations 38 & 48 to the scene. The fire was held in check by the sprinkler system, and extinguished shortly after while crews from 36 checked the roof sector. Units were called back to the scene at 1600 hrs for the rekindle fire in the ceiling area of the fire room, and units made quick work of opening up the remaining voids in the room and extinguishing the smoldering debris. All units cleared the scene by 1715 hrs.

On Wednesday, February 7th at 14:15 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the intersection of Roycefield Rd. & Dukes Parkway West for the reporting MVC with entrapment. Arriving units from EMS-79 (Hillsborough) found a two-vehicle MVC with 5 people trapped. Crews from 36 & 37 assisted with extrication efforts and fire suppression as well as setting up a landing zone at the nearby fire academy for medivac. All victims were extricated with 2 being airlifted to Morristown Trauma Center and the remaining 3 by ground to Robert Wood Johnson Trauma. All units cleared the scene by 15:30 hrs.

On Sunday, February 4th at 21:30 hrs (and approx 8:30 left in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLII), Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to 96 Oxford Place in 37's primary for a reported structure fire. PD arrived on-scene in minutes advising a working fire, and the Hillsborough Fire District was subsequently dispatched bringing Stations 36, 37, 38 and 48 along with Finderne (Station 30) for the FAST team. 37-C3 arrived shortly after advising fire through the roof of a large 2.5-story woodframe dwelling. Engine 37-103 arrived and stretched a 1.75" line through the front door, while a 1.75" backup line was stretched from Quint 36 and Quint 38 worked from the driveway to put a knock on the heavy fire in the attic and roof area. Interior crews made quick work of knocking-down the fire in the attic area from inside, and crews worked for the next two hours opening up the ceilings and walls to check for hidden fire and hotspots. All units cleared the scene by 00:30 hrs, and the cause is under investigation by the Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety. Companies on-scene: Hillsborough #2 (Station 37), Hillsborough #3 (Station 38), Hillsborough #1 (Station 36), Neshanic (Station 48), Finderne FAST (Station 30), Manville (Station 42), Millstone Valley (Station 28), Montgomery #1 (Station 45), Somerset FAST (Station 56), Hillsborough EMS (Station 79), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety Units 66-1 and 66-2.

For the year of 2007, Station 37 responded to 599 calls, up almost 50 calls from the previous year but over 50 calls shy of the record. Thank you to all of our members "100% volunteer" who dedicated their time to protecting the residents of Hillsborough Township.

The final touches are being applied to the new 37-102, including striping and gold leaf work. The engine is on track for a February delivery date to our station after the telescopic light tower and remote deck gun is installed at the local service dealer.

On Thursday, November 29th at 2350 hrs, Station 37 was requested for a truck company to respond mutual aid into Raritan for the structure fire at 7 Canal St. Truck 37-116 and Support Unit 37-151 responded with 11 personnel and were assigned upon arrival to vent the roof of the 2.5-story house located in the middle of the block. Crews proceeded to throw ladders to the C-side of the structure and open up 2 holes in the roof, then assisted in overhaul operations. Units returned to service at 0200 hrs.

On Friday, November 23rd at 1035 hrs Station 37 was requested for an engine and truck to respond for a cover assignment at Station 28 (Millstone Valley) in Franklin Twp. As Engine 37-102, Truck 37-116 and Support Unit 37-151 were enroute, units were diverted to handle a fire alarm activation on Pierce St. in Franklin District 1's area. Units were then able to return to Station 28 and standby, but were special-called to the fire on Gallop Lane which eventually reached 5 alarms. Crews from 37 assisted units on-scene with overhaul and fire suppression, and cleared the scene by 1400 hrs.

On Saturday, November 3rd at 1800 hrs, units from 37 were dispatched to the area of 528 Andria Ave. for a report of a fire. Units arrived on-scene to find fire showing on a 2nd floor porch with no extension to the interior. Engine 37-103 arrived an stretched a preconnected line to quickly knock down the fire. All units cleared the scene by 1845 hrs.

The new engine 37-102 is almost completed and committee members along with District Commissioners will be traveling to Wisconsin in late November for the final inspection. The new engine will hopefully see service starting sometime in March or April of 2008. Pictures from our final inspection trip to the Seagrave facility. Specs on the new engine include:

Seagrave Marauder II Stainless Steel 154-inch. Extended Split-Tilt Chasis
Seating for 8 personnel with packs
8-inch raised roof
Caterpillar C-13 525-hp diesel engine
Allison 4000 EVS automatic transmission
Whelen LED lighting package
Rear-view camera
Waterous CS 2000 gpm pump with Eclipse 4-outlet CAFS
885-gallon water tank
Twin 50-gallon foam tanks
Onan 15kw hydraulic generator
Stainless steel body with full-depth rescue styles compartments and rear ladder storage
Federal Q2B Mechanical Siren
Powercall 6-Baker Electronic Siren
Extended front bumper with piping for trash line and front 5-inch intake

On Friday, September 28th at 0930 hrs Station 37 were dispatched to the area of Amwell Rd. & Marshall Rd. for the motor vehicle accident with entrapment. EMS Command requested medivac to fly for the victim, and personnel from 37 established a landing zone in a nearby field. Medivac was subsequently cancelled and the patient was transported by ground to a local trauma center. Additional crews from 37 assisted EMS personnel on the scene.

On Wednesday, September 19th at 0149 hrs Stations 36 & 48 were dispatched to 17 Starview Dr. in 36's primary for a reported electrical fire in the structure. Hillsborough PD arrived within minutes to find the back of the house engulfed, and responding units upgraded the assignment to a district response bringing in crews from Stations 37, 38 and 30 (Finderne) for the FAST team. Arriving firefighters mounted a great attack on the blaze, knocking down the bulk of the fire within minutes. Firefighters from Station 37, manning Engine 37-103, Tower 37-116 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 assisted crews on-scene with extensive overhaul and air bottled filling. Units from 37 cleared the scene by 0515 hrs. Units on-scene were: 36 (Hillsborough #1), 48 (Neshanic), 37 (Hillsborough #2), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 30 FAST (Finderne), 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety.

On Friday, August 24th at 1042 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to 799 Route 206 for an electrical fire in the building in 37's primary. Daytime crews from 37 & 38 arrived to find an electrical fire in the processing area with heavy smoke throughout the large industrial building. Command requested additinoal assistance from 36 Fire for ventilation, and all units eventually cleared the scene by 1200 hrs.

On Friday, August 17th at 1817 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 36-34 Bloomingdale Dr. for a reported structure fire in 37's primary. Crews, who were already answered numerous other storm-related calls in the area, arrived to find a 2-story townhouse with fire showing through the roof. Crews made an aggressive attack and held the fire to the single unit. Units on-scene were: 37 (Hillsborough #2), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3), 48 (Neshanic), 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety.

On Thursday, July 12th at 1543 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to the intersection of Homestead Rd & Stryker Ln in 37's primary for the report overturned vehicle. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle off the roadway and overturned into the trees with no entrapment. Units were cleared from the scene within 30 mins.

On Monday, July 16th at 1234 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the Days Inn on Route 206 in 37's primary for a working vehicle fire next to the structure with possible extension. Due to our tower ladder being out of service for repairs, Station 42 (Manville) was requested to the scene as well. Crews from Engine 37-103 and Reserve Engine 37-102 were on the scene in minutes and knocked down the fire with no extension to the structure. All units were cleared by 1315 hrs.

On Wednesday, July 18th at 0805 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to the area of New Centre Rd near Fisher's Curve in 36's primary for an overturned vehicle with possible entrapment. Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle overturned with no entrapment. Units cleared the scene by 0840 hrs.

On Monday, July 23rd at 1120 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to Raider Blvd & Stryker Ln in 37's primary for an overturned vehicle. Crews arrived to find a single vehicle overturned on the median with no entrapment. Units secured the battery and handled fluid control, clearing the scene by 1230 hrs.

On Monday, July 23rd at 1834 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to the area of Rt 206 & Dukes Parkway West for the MVC with entrapment. Crews from 36 found the MVC to actual be on New Centre Rd at Fisher's Curve in their primary, with one victim entrapped. As Engine-37-103 was approaching the scene they came upon a single-vehicle MVC on Dukes Parkway West involving a Hillsborough PD vehicle. Units cleared the scene of both MVC's by 1930 hrs.

On Tuesday, July 31st at 1518 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to New Centre Rd at Fisher's Curve in 36's primary for an MVC with entrapment. Crews arrived on-scene to find a 3-vehicle MVC with 3 patients entrapped in 2 vehicles. Northstar Medivac was requested to fly one of the victims, and a landing zone was established in a field near the intersection of Auten & New Centre Rds. Extrication assistance was also requested from Station 54 EMS (Somerville). Units cleared the scene by 1630 hrs.

In loving memory of Maria Wiecenski, wife of Ex-Chief Bob Wiecenski, and a member of the Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No.2 Ladies Aux.,who passed away recently from cancer, An education fund has been set up for their son Bobby, 18 and daughter Becky, 9 . If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Maria, please make your check payable to: Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Company No.2 (H.T.V.F.C.#2)

The fire company will then forward all monies to the College Access 529 Fund which has been set-up in the names of Robert Charles Wiecenski and Rebecca Chalee Wiecenski.

Any questions can be directed to Chief Carl Rawles.

Thank you for your love and support of the Wiecenski family.

On Monday, July 16th at 12:33, Stations 37 and 36 were dispatched to the Day's Inn on Route 206 in 37's primary for the working vehicle fire with exposure to the building. Responding Asst. Chief LaPlaca (37-C2) upgraded the assignment, requesting Station 42 (Manville) to the scene as well. Crews quickly extinguished the blaze with no damage to the building. All units cleared the scene by 13:15 hrs.

On Friday, July 13th at 03:25, Station 37 was dispatched to Bothers Woodworking on Dukes Parkway East for the activated water flow alarm. As crews were arriving at the station, Hillsborough PD arrived on-scene with fire visible through the windows. Station 42 (Manville) was requested along with township Stations 36 (Hillsborough #1), 38 (Hillsborough #3) and 30 FAST (Finderne). Crews arrived, stretched a preconnect and forced entry to the building to find a fire in the warehouse area that was held by the sprinkler system. The blaze was quickly extinguished and all units cleared the scene by 05:00. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Hillsborough Bureau of Fire Safety.

On Monday, July 9th at 11:58, Stations 37 and 36 were alerted to the area of Brooks Blvd. and Nottingham Way in 37's primary for the Hillsborough Police car possibly on fire. Before any FD units could get on the road PD had already extinguished the blaze and cancelled all units. All in all that is not something that we regularly get dispatched to!

On Monday, July 9th at 09:46, Stations 37 and 36 were alerted along with Station 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS) for the car vs tree with vehicle smoking and possible entrapment in front of 2256 Camplain Rd in 37's primary. Units arrived on-scene to find a single vehicle off the roadway into a tree with one person trapped. Fire units stood by while 79 Rescue performed the extrication. All units cleared the scene by 10:15.

On Monday, July 1st, Ladies Aux. member Maria Wiecenski (wife of former chief Bob Wiecenski) passed away after a battle with serious illness. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Wiecenski family at this difficult time. Members from all the township fire companies attended the viewings and funeral on Thursday and Friday. Thank you to the members of Station 42 (Manville) for providing coverage for our units while we were attending services.

On Saturday, June 2nd at 1620 hrs Station 37 was dispatched to the intersection of Rt. 206 and Raider Blvd. for an MVC with fire. Engine 37-103 arrived to find a tow-truck off the roadway, into a telephone pole with wires down and on fire. Station 38 (Hillsborough #3) was requested to the scene to approach from the south end of Rt. 206 and to aid with fire suppression. After PSE&G arrived and killed power to the wires and transformers above, crews extinguished the remaining fire. All units cleared the scene by 1850 hrs.

On Tuesday, May 29th at 1305 hrs Stations 37 and 36 were alerted to the intersection of Rt. 206 and Valley Rd. for the MVC with entrapment. Crews setup a landing zone for Medivac to fly out the entrapped victim. Units cleared the scene by 1400 hrs.

On Thursday, May 24th at 0045 hrs Station 37 was requested along with Station 79 (Hillsborough EMS) to the intersection of Amwell Rd. and Marshall Rd. for the t-bone MVC with entrapment. Crews from Engine 37-103 and Support Unit 37-151 assisted 79 members with fire suppression duties, fluid control and lighting.

Stations 37 and 36 were dispatched on Wednesday, May 23rd at 1505 hrs to 2156 Camplain Rd. in 37's primary for a working fire in the scrap yard. 36-C2 (Weslowski) arrived in a little over a minute to find heavy smoke and fire showing from a huge metal scrap pile in the rear of the yard. The incident was quickly upgraded to a second alarm and eventually reached a 3rd alarm equivalent. With heavy smoke visible from 10+ miles from the scene, units from around the area were requested to the scene and for covers. Heavy machinery was brought in after the fire was knocked to pull the pile apart, and thanks to Station 48 (Neshanic) for the use of their CAFS system in completing the extinguishment. Units eventually cleared the scene by 1945 hrs. Units operating: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 42 (Manville), Station 28 (Millstone Valley), Station 79 (Hillsborough EMS), Station 30 (Finderne), Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Hillsborough PD, Manville PD and the Hillsborough Division of Fire Safety.

On Friday, May 4th at 1141 hrs Stations 37 and 36 were alerted to the area of 71 Old Camplain Rd. in 37's primary for an overturned dump truck with entrapment, wires down and possibly on fire. Units from both stations were attending a ceremony at an assisted living facility on Auten Rd. and quickly departed for the incident. Crews arrived to find a overturned dump truck with no entrapment but wires down and a fluid leak. Crews cleared the scene by 1230 hrs.

On Monday, April 23rd at 0900 hrs Station 37 was requested mutual aid into Montgomery Twp for a cover assignment at Station 45 (Montgomery #1) while crews from Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 46 (Montgomery #2), Station 53 (Rocky Hill) and Mercer County Station 52 (Hopewell) battled a working house fire at 15 Wessex Ln. Engine 37-102 responded on the assignment and was cleared within an hour.

Firefighters from Station 37 were busy with numerous calls for assistance during the Nor'easter of 2007 on Sunday April 15th and Monday April 16th. Handling requests for vehicles in the water, basement water hazards and other various assignments, units provided four crews for coverage out of the firehouse for both days. Crews also are providing manpower and apparatus to Station 42 (Manville) for standby coverage and pumping assistance during their time of need.

On Monday March 12th at 23:45 hrs Station 37 was requested mutual aid into Manville for the reported full-involved structure fire with entrapment on South 5th Ave. just off Camplain Rd. Tower 37-116, Engine 37-102 and Support Unit 37-151 responded to the scene with 15 people. First-arriving personnel from Manville found a fully-involved 2.5-story duplex with people trapped on the 2nd floor with imminent flashover conditions along with a injured man and neighbors giving CPR to a small child in the yard. Command immediately requested a 2nd alarm to the scene from Stations 37 (Hillsborough #2) and 30 (Finderne), eventually striking the 3rd alarm requesting Stations 26 (Elizabeth Ave), 28 (Millstone Valley) and 57 (Somerville) to the scene as well. Crews from 37 assisted units on-scene with fire suppression, ladder operations, searches and overhaul. Sadly, the bodies of a mother and her two children were found in the structure. Units from 37 cleared the scene by 02:30 hrs. More information and pictures from the tragic fire can be found here. Also see: (Video).

Station 37 ended the 2006 year with a total of 540 calls, 111 calls less then the previous year which totaled 651. The 540 calls totaled 2240 man hours, plus 15 drills throughout the year totaled 580 man hours. Of the 540 incidents. 82 were 2nd-due assignments or mutual aid to surrounding jurisdictions, and the remaining 458 were 1st-due assignments for Station 37. More statistics can be found here.

On Saturday December 9th at 18:48 hrs Stations 36 & 37 were dispatched to 188 Beekman Ln. in 36's primary for a reporting structure fire. Arriving units were confronted with a large 2.5-story house with heavy fire throughout the 2nd floor and roof area. A 2nd alarm was requested to the scene bringing Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic) and Station 45 (Montgomery Twp. #1), along with a FAST team from Station 30 (Finderne). Additional units were requested from covers from Manville and Montgomery Twp. All units cleared the scene by 23:00 hrs. The cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Hillsborough Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety.

On November 30th at 00:55 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Marshall Rd. & Merritt Dr. in 37's primary for the MVA with vehicle smoking and a person trapped. Units arrived on-scene to find a utility van into the rear of a flatbed truck with heavy entrapment. Northstar Medivac was requested to fly for the patient but self-cancelled due to weather conditions. Units assisted 79-Rescue (Hillsborough EMS) with a charged hoseline during extrication. All units cleared the scene by 02:00 hrs.

On October 30th at 22:20 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 152 Route 206, the DLA complex in 37's primary, for the reported large file visible in the area. 37-C3 arrived on-scene within a minute to find a large pile of railroad ties on fire with train cars as exposures. Units from 37, 36, and 38 operated on scene for approx 3 hours to extinguish the fire.

On October 28th at approx 2100 hrs, Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Camplain Rd. near the Manville border in 37's primary for the unknown type fire at a scrap metal yard. Units from 37 arrived on-scene with heavy fire showing from a large pile of scrap metal in the rear of the structure. Command requested units to the scene from Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 42 (Manville) and Station 30 (Finderne) for the FAST team. Units remained on-scene until 03:30 hrs extinguishing the blaze.

On Monday, September 18th at 0354 hrs, Stations 37, 36 & 38 were dispatched to Triangle Rd. & Farm Rd. in 37's primary for the motor vehicle accident with reported entrapment and a vehicle on fire. Moments later Within a minute PD units arrived on-scene of the accident, correcting the location to Route 206 & Triangle Rd. and confirming the fully-involved auto fire with no entrapment. Engine 37-103 arrived first with a crew of 5 which began the fire attack, assisted by crews from Support Unit 37-151 and Engine 36-101. Additional apparatus from Stations 36 & 38 were diverted to the Lowe's parking lot of the adjacent shopping center to establish a landing zone for Northstar Medivac, which was later moved to land behind Station 37's firehouse. One victim was airlifted to the local trauma center with serious injuries, and all fire units cleared the scene by 0510 hrs.

On Sunday, September 17th at 1745 hrs, Hillsborough Twp. Stations 36, 37, 38 and 48 were dispatched to River Rd. and Carroll Dr. in 36's primary for the reported structure fire with flames through the roof. Units on the scene with heavy fire venting from sides A, B and D of 1.5-story wood frame dwelling and began a quick blitz attack from the exterior. Once the heavy fire was knocked down crews moved interior with (3) 1.75" hand lines and a 2.5" hand line. and had the bulk of the fire knocked down by 1830 hrs. Units continued to operate on the scene for the next several hours opening up the walls and roof to check for hidden pockets of fire. Crews from Station 42 who were standing by at Station 37 handled another run in 37's primary while units were out on this job. Fire damage was severe throughout the whole house, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Hillsborough Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety as well as the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Investigation Team. Units on-scene: Hillsborough #1 (Station 36), Hillsborough #2 (Station 37), Hillsborough #3 (Station 38), Neshanic (Station 48), Finderne FAST Team (Station 30), Montgomery Twp. #1 (Station 45), Hillsborough EMS (Station 79), Hillsborough PD, Hillsborough Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety and Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Units on stand-by: Manville (Station 42), Millstone Valley (Station 28), Readington (Station 32) and Raritan (Station 52).

On Tuesday, August 29th at 0720 hrs, Stations 37 & 38 were dispatched to Amwell Rd. & Amsterdam Dr. in 38's primary for the motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Moments later EMS on-scene requested a Medivac helicopter for one patient who was unconscious, but was later cancelled. The patient was extricated with serious injuries and was transported by ground to the local trauma center. All 37 units cleared the scene by 0745 hrs.

On Friday, August 11th at 1650 hrs Station 37 was requested for an engine on the 2nd alarm assignment for cover at Station 28 (Millstone Valley - Franklin Twp. Dist. 1). A full crew with Engine 37-103 stood by for about an hour or so while Franklin units battled a house fire on Nepote Place.

On Thursday, August 10th at 0850 hrs all Hillsborough Fire District stations (Station 36, 37, 38 and 48) were requested to 765 Clawson Ave. in 36's primary for the reported fire on the outside of the structure. Fire units arrived to find fire showing from the outside of a private dwelling. Units from 36 and 37 contained the fire spread to the outside of the structure, and command held units for another hour or so opening up and checking for extension. All 37 units cleared the scene by approx 1000 hrs.

On Saturday, July 15th at 0403 hrs, Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to 27 Wallace Blvd. in 37's primary for the reported microwave on fire that had possibly extended to the kitchen. Lt. 36-C5 (Grote) arrived on-scene first, confirming a working fire and requesting a 2nd Alarm assignment. 1st-arriving Engine 37-103 stretched a 1.75" hose line to the rear of the structure and began a quick knockdown in the kitchen while crews from Tower 37-116 and Engine 36-101 went to work venting the structure and checking for extension. The fire was extinguished within minutes, with fire damage confined to the kitchen area. All units cleared the scene by 0600 hrs. Units on the assignment: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 30 FAST (Finderne), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue) and the Hillsborough Bureau of Fire Safety.

On Saturday, June 24th, Tower 37-116 traveled to Budd Lake, Morris County for a parade/competition. The truck took home the Best Appearing Aerial Platform trophy from this state-sanctioned event.

On Wednesday, June 20th, members of Station 37 and Station 42 (Manville) participated in a live burn practical evolution at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy in Hillsborough, NJ. At 1915 hrs while units were just starting their drill, Stations 38 and 37 were alerted to 11 Hunt Club Rd. in 38's primary for a fully-involved shed fire with extension to the woods surrounding. Engine 37-102 & Mini-Pumper 37-145 responded from the training academy and assisted the units from 38 in fire suppression. All 37 units were cleared from the scene by 2030 hrs.

On Saturday, June 17th, Tower 37-116 made the trip to Carteret for their Anniversary parade/competition. The truck took home two awards from the competition, Best Appearing Aerial and Company Furthest Traveled.

On Saturday, June 3rd, Tower 37-116 ventured out of the county to East Brunswick Twp. for the Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co. 100th Anniversary Parade and competition. Teaming up with members from Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 30 (Finderne) and Station 27 (East Franklin), the crew from Somerset County took home six awards in total:

In addition to winning the awards above, the members graciously helped out our new friend Cosmo and his brothers from East Franklin Station 27 in raising money for Fallen Brother Kevin Apuzzio's Memorial Fund.

On Tuesday, May 30th at 2200 hrs Station 37 was requested for a ladder to respond along with Montgomery Twp. Stations 45, 46 and 53 to 1009 Primrose Ct. in the Pike Run development for a structure fire. Tower 37-116 responded with a full crew to the scene. Units from Station 45 arrived on location within a few minutes to find fire in a basement area of a condo building. 37-116 went on location as the second-arriving ladder company but was returned to service thanks to the quick knockdown by Montgomery Twp. firefighters.

On Thursday, June 1st at 2010 hrs Station 37 was requested for a ladder to respond to 600 Blue Spring Rd. (near the border of Princeton Twp) for building fire with flames through the roof. Why would we be getting called that far south? While responding Montgomery Twp. Ladder 45 went out-of-service due to a mechanical problem and Princeton Ladder 62 was tied-up with another run. So, Command then requested 37's ladder to respond to the scene. Because of heavy storms in the area and manpower standing by at quarters, the ladder was out the door in about a minute with a full crew. Tower 37-116 arrived on location in about 15 minutes as the 3rd-arriving ladder company and assisted with overhaul and manpower staging.

This streak of accidents that have been occurring lately in Station 37's primary has continued over the past two weeks:

On Tuesday May 15th at 0750 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were called to an accident on Dukes Parkway West just off Route 206. Units from Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue) arrived to find a small Honda that crashed head-on into a utility vehicle with one female entrapped in the wreckage. Northstar Medivac was requested to fly but later cancelled due to weather conditions. Crews from Stations 37 & 36 stood by at the scene and assisted with the landing zone setup while the extrication crew from Station 79 took care of patient access. All units cleared the scene by 0900 hrs.

On Friday May 19th at 1340 hrs Stations 37, 36 and 38 were requested to the area of 224 Chandler Ct. in 37's primary for a vehicle into the building with a gas leak. Crews were on the scene for a short period of time and cleared within an hour.

Just a few hours later crews from all three stations were again alerted to Camplain Rd. & Sunnymeade Rd. in 37's primary for a two-vehicle accident with entrapment. Crews stood by for fire suppression while the extrication team from Station 79 EMS took care of getting the patient out.

On Monday May 22nd at 1057 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Dukes Parkway West & Roycefield Rd. for a car into the bridge with rollover. Crews from both stations stood by for fluid control until the vehicle was uprighted.

On Wednesday May 23rd at 0715 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were dispatched to Route 206 & Doctors Way in 37's primary for the reported serious accident with entrapment. First-arriving crews from Station 79 EMS (Hillsborough Rescue) requested Northstar Medivac to fly for the victim that was entrapped with serious lower body trauma. A landing zone was setup at Station 37's firehouse on Route 206, but the chopper was later cancelled. All crews cleared the scene by 0745 hrs.

Just about five hours later at 1230 hrs Stations 37 & 3y were again alerted to Dukes Parkway West & Roycefield Rd. for the accident with an overturned SUV. Crews from 37 & 36 stood by at the scene for fire suppression until the vehicle was uprighted.

On Thursday May 18th at 1347 hrs Stations 38 & 37 were dispatched to 10 Galaxy Ct. in 38's primary for the reported oven fire. Hillsborough Fire Marshal 66-1 (Weniger) arrived with nothing evident from the front of the structure, but on a 360 of the house found smoke coming from the rear windows. With this Station 37 was re-alerted for the ladder truck, along with a FAST team from Station 28 (Millstone Valley). First-arriving units from Station 38 stretched a line thru the front door and quickly contained the fire while crews from Engine 37-103 assisted. Ladder 37-116 responded but was cancelled while enroute. All units cleared the scene by 1500 hrs.

The early hours of Sunday April 30th proved to be sleepless for the members of Station 37. Things started around 0230 hrs for a gas leak/odor in a house on Oxford Place. Just after units cleared that scene and were cleaning up at the firehouse, tones dropped again, this time to assist Station 79 Rescue with a motor vehicle accident with entrapment on Millstone River Rd. near Claremont Dr. Engine 37-103 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 operated at the scene for several hours, standing by while crews from 79-Rescue worked to extricate the driver of a single-vehicle accident with a utility pole. After a few hours of sleep once returned from the call, members were again alerted at 0815 hrs to assist 79-Rescue once again, this time with another motor vehicle accident with entrapment at Dukes Parkway West and Royce field Rd. Engine 37-103 and Tactical Support Unit 37-151 with 10 personnel stood by at the scene while 79-Rescue extricated the driver of a t-bone accident at the location. All units cleared the scene by 09:30 hrs.

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