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Training
Updates
Recently the officers of Station 37 completed
the NJ State ICS-300 training, which now brings ALL the
leadership of Station 37 up-to-date with ICS certifications for
NIMS 700 and ICS-300.
Also, on Tuesday 4/25/2006 members of Stations
37 and 36 jointly participated in a Vehicle Fire training class
held at the Somerset County Emergency Services Academy in
Hillsborough. Firefighters gained knowledge in the suppression
of vehicle fires as well as airbag modules and their deployment
mechanisms.
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In Memory
Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio
East Franklin Fire Department
(Station 27)
On Tuesday April
11, 2006, Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio, age 21, was
tragically killed while operating at the scene of a
multi-alarm house fire with entrapment on Whittier Ave.
in Franklin Twp. Firefighter Apuzzio, along with four
other members of Station 27, entered the structure with
a handline and were searching for a victim trapped in
the blaze when the first floor suddenly collapsed
trapping Apuzzio in the building. Apuzzio was rescued
but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The four
other members of his crew are currently being treated
for burns and smoke inhalation. The brothers and sisters
of Station 37 extend our deepest condolences to the
family and friends of Kevin Apuzzio as they will be in
our thoughts and prayers.
|
A Letter
of Thanks
From the department email
box - a very nice letter from a homeowner that recently
requested our assistance for a carbon monoxide condition in
their home:
Dear Chief:
Last night members of your
department responded to my home due to a CO condition.
Fortunately the levels were not life threatening, however as you
can appreciate it is an issue that no homeowner ever wants to be
confronted with.
After calling 911, your
firemen were at our house within minutes and addressed the
problem in choreographed manner. I wanted to take this time to
thank the responding members of your department for their
professionalism and courtesy. What we will remember most is that
they were sincere in their efforts to truly help fellow
residents of Hillsborough.
Thank you again!
Rich, Claudia, Ryan, Christian and Dalton
Crater
Station 37
member passes away
Longtime Station 37 member
Tom Krasnansky suddenly passed away on Sunday, 3/12/2006. His
viewing will be held on Wednesday, 3/15/2006 from 2-4pm and
7-9pm at the Hillsborough Funeral Home on Route 206 in
Hillsborough. The funeral will be held on Thursday, 3/16/2006 at
9:30am at Mary Mother of God church on South Triangle Rd. in
Hillsborough.
Tactical
Support Unit on Branchburg General Alarm
On Friday, March 3rd at
approx 15:30 hrs Station 37 was requested to 61 Columbia Rd. to
assist at the scene of a general alarm fire involving a huge
warehouse storing siding and roofing materials. Tactical Support
Unit 37-151 responded into the scene with a full crew and
operated until they were released at 19:30 hrs. This fire, which
at its height reached at least an 8th or 9th alarm equivalent,
started at around 11:30 hrs and continued to burn well into the
early hours of the next morning. While operating at the scene in
Branchburg, crews from 37 & 36 were alerted to Bloomingdale Dr.
in 37's primary for a reported structure fire in the condo with
entrapment. First-arriving units found a cooking fire with minor
extension to the kitchen window area.
Somerset County units
operating: Stations 49 (North Branch), 24 (Country Hills), 32 (Readington),
21 (Bradley Gardens), 34 (Green Knoll), 30 (Finderne), 52
(Raritan), 36 (Hillsborough #1), 37 (Hillsborough #2), 23 (Bound
Brook), 42 (Manville), 28 (Millstone Valley), 57 (Somerville),
22 (Bernardsville), 60 (Warren Twp), 63 (Pottersville), 74 EMS
(Branchburg), 39 EMS (Bradley Gardens), 79 EMS (Hillsborough),
101 EMS (Manville), 54 EMS (Somerville), the Somerset County
Hazmat Team and the County Fire Coordinators. Hunterdon County
Units operating: 21 (Raritan Twp), 18 (Lebanon Borough), 46
(Annandale), 33 (Three Bridges), 49 (Flemington), 22
(Whitehouse), 31 (East Whitehouse), 49 EMS (Flemington-Raritan)
and 45 EMS (Clinton).
[Courier
News - Article & Pictures]
[Courier
News - Multimedia Presentation]
[Star
Ledger - Article]
Fire in
the Garage
On Friday, March 3rd at
04:00 hrs Station 37 was dispatched to 101 Oxford Place for a
reported fire in the residence. Units arrived on-scene with a
small fire in the wall of the attached garage. Crews from Engine
37-103 and Truck 37-116 operated at the scene for approx. 40
mins, venting the structure and opening up to check for
extension.
5th Alarm
Equivalent Condo Building Fire
On Thursday, March 2nd at
11:50 hrs Station 37 and 36 were dispatched to 906 Marlborough
Common in 37's primary for the possible basement fire. PD
arrived on-scene with smoke showing from the eaves of a 2-story
condo building, and the assignment was upgraded to a working
fire dispatch bringing in Station 38 and a FAST team from
Millstone Valley. Fire Marshal 66-2 (Weniger) arrived
on-scene in command with heavy fire from the 2nd floor and
requested Station 48 to the scene.
Crews from Engine 37-103 stretched an attack
line to the 2nd floor of the involved building. As they were
putting a knock on the fire, a sudden floor collapse sent a
member down through the floor and a MAYDAY was called. The
firefighter was quickly able to rescue himself and exited the
building with minor injuries. As the fire progressed in both
directions from the original fire unit, master streams from both
aerials and on the ground were put into action from both the "A"
and "C" sides of the building. As additional alarms were called
throughout the afternoon, crews were rotated into the scene from
many surrounding departments.
The fire was placed under control by 15:30 hrs,
but crews still remained on the scene while heavy equipment was
brought in to demolish a large portion of the fire building. All
crews eventually secured the scene by 17:30 hrs.
Units on-scene included: Station 37
(Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38
(Hillsborough #3), Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 45 (Montgomery
#1), Station 28 (Millstone Valley), Station 42 (Manville),
Station 30 (Finderne), Station 26 (Elizabeth Ave), Station 57
(Somerville), Station 52 (Raritan), Station 79 (Hillsborough
EMS), Hillsborough PD, Hillsborough Bureau of Fire Safety and
the Somerset County Prosecutors Office. Additional units for
standby included: Station 46 (Montgomery), Station 23 (Bound
Brook) and Station 32 (Readington).
[Courier
News - Article & Pictures]
[Courier
News - Multimedia Presentation]
[Star
Ledger - Article]
Truck
Company on Manville 2nd Alarm
On Tuesday, February 28th
at 04:30 hrs with the temperature hovering around 20 degrees and
a light dusting of snow on the ground, Station 37 was requested
into Manville for the 2nd Alarm fire involving the Manville
Recreation Center on South Weiss Ave. Chief 37-C1 (Rawles)
responded to the scene along with Tower 37-116 which had a full
crew. Upon arrival at the scene Rawles reported heavy fire
through the roof of the building, advising the truck that the
crews would be going to work upon arrival. The truck crew
completed outside vent work on the "D" side of the structure and
then mounted an aggressive interior attack through a side door.
Crews were backed out of the building due to a complete collapse
of the remaining roof in the rear and began an exterior attack
through a garage on the "C" side. Crews from 37 were released
from the scene approx. 07:00 hrs. Units on-scene included:
Station 42 (Manville), Station 30 (Finderne), Station 37
(Hillsborough #2), Station 28 (Millstone Valley), Station 26
(Elizabeth Ave), Manville EMS, Manville PD and Manville Fire
Investigation.
[Courier News - Article & Picture]
[Star Ledger - Article]
[Manville
News - Article]
2006
Installation Dinner
On Saturday, February 4th
the members of Station 37 and guests attended the 2006
Installation Dinner held at the Elizabeth Ave. Fire Company's
banquet hall. This dinner, held once every two years, was to
honor the outgoing chief Bob Wiecenski, as well as honor the new
incoming chief Carl Rawles. All executive and fire line officers
were also sworn in at the time. Awards were also given to
Firefighter of the Year (Bill Shaffer) and Member of the
Year (Bob Brady).
Congratulations!
Station 37 member Bryan "Sprout" Galganski was
recently appointed as a Firefighter/Medic Trainee with the
Newport News, VA Fire Department. Bryan stepped down from his
position as the new 3rd Lt. on Station 37 and has since
relocated to VA to begin training for his new position. Bill
Shaffer has been newly elected into the 3rd Lt. position.
Congrats to both!
Double
Fatal Explosion
On Tuesday, January 10th at
1520 hrs after returning to the station from a fire alarm
activation on Route 206, Stations 37 & 36 were alerted to the
area of 170 Route 206 in 37's primary for a reported explosion
with fire in the area. While responding to the scene,
Hillsborough Fire Safety Unit 66-1 (Weniger) had smoke showing
in the sky and requested mutual aid to the scene from Station 42
(Manville) and Station 38 (Hillsborough #3). Upon arrival 66-1
found fire in an asphalt tanker approx. five feet from a
warehouse at 25 Old Camplain Rd. with (2) severely burned males.
First-arriving Engine 37-103 under the command of
1st Lt. 37-C5 (Paterno)
laid in from a hydrant on Old Camplain Rd. and led
off with a 1.75" foam preconnect to knock the fire and protect
the exposures. One engine from Station 36 (Hillsborough #1) and
37-102 were diverted to setup a landing zone for both Northstar
and Southstar medivac helicopters that were enroute for the two
burn victims. a 54 year old male and a 37 year old male that
were transported to St. Barnabas Burn Center with first, second
and third degree burns over 50% of their bodies. Both victims
have since succumbed to their sustained as a result of the
explosion.
The members of Station 37 are saddened by the loss of life and
would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and
friends of these victims.
Additional crews from
Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 42 (Manville) and Station
38 (Hillsborough #3) assisted units on the scene with fire
suppression and mop-up. The cause of the explosion is currently
under investigation. Units on-scene included: Station 37
(Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38
(Hillsborough #3), Station 42 (Manville), Station 79
(Hillsborough EMS), Station 54 (Somerville EMS), Somerset County
Hazmat, Somerset County Prosecutors Office, Hillsborough PD and
the Hillsborough Dept. of Fire Safety Units 66-1, 66-2 and 66-3.
Cover assignments were handled by Station 28 (Millstone Valley)
and Station 38 (Hillsborough #3). Units were diverted to a smoke
condition in the area of New Amwell Rd. and Auten Rd. as they
were clearing the original scene. Note: Station 37 "dumped
the house" (responded with every piece of apparatus in the
station) in response to the incident(s).
(Left & Center Pictures
©2006 Courier News - Right picture ©2006 Star Ledger)
[Courier News - Article & Pictures]
[Star Ledger - Article]
[Hillsborough Beacon - Article]
[News 12
NJ - Video]
The New
2006 Fire Line Officers
-
Chief of Dept. (37-C1): Carl
Rawles
-
1st Asst. Chief (37-C2): Tom
LaPlaca
-
2nd Asst. Chief (37-C3): Pat
Buckley
-
Captain (37-C4): Bruce
Vatter
-
1st Lieut. (37-C5): Jim
Paterno
-
2nd Lieut. (37-C6): Rich
Bartolucci
-
3rd Lieut. (37-C7): Bryan
Galganski
-
Quartermaster: Rollin
Rathbun
2005 Wrap-Up - 651 Calls!
For the year 2005 Station 37 ran a record-breaking 651 calls for
service accumulating 3,353.3 manhours - keep in mind that we are
an ALL-VOLUNTEER
organization which does not handle medical calls and only
responds on serious motor vehicle accidents with entrapment,
rollover, vehicle fires or wires down. A heartfelt thanks is
extended to all those members who sacrificed the time with their
families, missed meals, and lack of sleep to protect the
citizens of Hillsborough Township.
|
2005 Incident Breakdown |
| 50 |
Fires in Structures |
| 13 |
Vehicle Fires |
| 58 |
Brush Fires |
| 293 |
Activated Alarms |
| 237 |
Other (Smoke Condition, Wires, etc.) |
| 651 |
TOTAL RUNS |
2005 Top 15 Incident Responders
(Does not include Meetings, Work Details and House &
Grounds) |
| 1. |
Bill Shaffer |
594 runs |
| 2. |
Jim Paterno |
357 runs |
| 3. |
Rollin Rathbun |
347 Runs |
| 4. |
Pat Buckley |
319 runs |
| 5. |
Rich Bartolucci |
296 runs |
| 6. |
Brian Talorico |
293 runs |
| 7. |
Bob McDonnell |
264 runs |
| 8. |
Bryan Galganski |
260 runs |
| 9. |
Bob Brady |
224 runs |
| 10. |
Larry Solomayer |
218 runs |
| 11. |
Ron Berju, M.D. |
209 runs |
| 12. |
Bruce Vatter |
207 runs |
| 13. |
Mike Majewski |
204 runs |
| 14. |
Bob Wiecenski |
190 runs |
| 15. |
Mohammed Khashab |
186 runs |
Good Save on Farm Rd.
On Wednesday, December 28th at around midnight crews from
Station 37 were alerted to a possible dumpster fire to the rear
of Charlie Brown's restaurant on Route 206. This incident turned
out to be steam from cleaning at the establishment, but as Asst.
Chief 37-C2 (Rawles) and the five-person crew from Engine 37-103
were clearing they were alerted to the area of 50 Farm Rd. for a
report of flames visible in a second floor window. Based on the
information 37-C2 requested Station 36 (Hillsborough #1) to be
alerted as well. Arriving on-scene 37-C2 found smoke showing
from the 2nd floors windows of a 2-story condo building with
visible flames showing from the kitchen area, which upgraded the
response to a working fire bringing in additional aid from
Station 38 (Hillsborough #3) and Station 30 (Finderne) for the
FAST team.
The crew from Engine 37-103 assisted in evacuations from the
building, then stretched a 200 ft. 1.75" pre-connected line to
the second floor to begin extinguishment. Tower Ladder 37-116
arrived, deployed ladders to the second story and began outside
ventilation while crews from Engine 37-102 and Engine 36-101
secured a water supply and stretched a backup line to the second
floor. Chief of Dept. 37-C1 (Wiecenski) had the command. Fire
was knocked within a few minutes with fire damage limited to the
kitchen and attic area above with smoke and water damage to the
entire apartment and apartment below. Crews from 37 cleared the
scene by 0300 hrs. The cause of the fire is currently under
investigation. Crews on-scene included: Station 37 (Hillsborough
#2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3),
Station 79 (Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD and the
Hillsborough Twp. Bureau of Fire Safety.
[Article
& Photo]
Annual Toy Drive
It is the time of year for giving, and the residents of
Hillsborough and the surrounding area(s) did just that again by
opening their hearts and their wallets to donate new, unwrapped
toys to needy families in the township. After a month-long toy
collection by members of Station 37, the toys were delivered
about a week before Christmas to the township social services
office. This year the toy drive helped benefit 83 families in
the Hillsborough area comprised of 291 individuals. Thank you to
all those that helped in this wonderful cause.
Early Morning Fire at 3-M Corp.
On Friday, December 15th at 0101 hrs Station 37 was requested to
the 3-M corporation on Route 601 for the reported smoke
condition in the building. Due to the condition of visible smoke
in the building, Somerset County dispatched Station 36 as per
our GOG's to assist. Chief Officers from 37 arrived to find a
working fire in a first floor locker room. The five-firefighter
crew of 37-103 arrived shortly thereafter and stretched a 200
ft. 1.75" line to the interior and put a quick knock on the
fire. Fire damage was contained to the lockers in the immediate
area and the ceiling area with heat and smoke damage throughout
the locker room. The cause of the fire is under investigation by
the Hillsborough Fire Safety office. All 37 units cleared the
scene by 0245 hrs. Units operating included: Station 37
(Hillsborough #2), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Rescue 79
(Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD and Hillsborough Fire Safety
Unit 66-1.
Car vs. Building with Entrapment
On Thursday, December 14th at 1300 hrs Stations 38 & 37 were
dispatched to 1848 Millstone River Rd. in 38's primary for the
car into a building with entrapment. Engine 37-103 responded and
was diverted to setup a landing zone for Northstar Medivac in
the parking lot of St. Joseph's church. Crews at the scene under
the command of Twp. Fire Marshal 66-1 (Weniger) had the patient
extricated within 20 minutes, and was transported to the landing
zone to meet the awaiting flight crew from the helicopter. The
patient, a male in his 50's, suffered lower extremity trauma
including a broken femur fracture. All 37 and 38 units cleared
the scene by 1400 hrs. Units operating included: Station 37
(Hillsborough #2), Station 38 (Hillsborough #1), Rescue 79
(Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD, Somerset Medical Center ALS
Unit 682 and Hillsborough Fire Safety Unit 66-1.
[Article
& Photo]
Station 37 assists Santa in his visit to Hillsborough
On Saturday December 9th and December 16th crews from Station 37
assisted Santa Claus in his annual visit to the children of
Hillsborough Twp. Below are a few pictures from his time spent
with us:
37 Cover Assignment for 28
On Monday, November 21st at 2108 hrs Station 37 was requested to
Franklin Twp. District-1 Station 28 (Millstone Valley) with one
engine for the cover assignment while multiple Franklin Twp.
companies operated at a large residential structure fire in
District-3's area on Fulton St. Since Engine 37-103 and Support
Unit 37-151 were already operating under the command of Lt.
37-C7 (Bartolucci) at a hazardous materials incident on Brown
Ave, Engine 37-102 responded on the cover assignment with a crew
of five under the command of Asst. Chief 37-C2 (Rawles). 37
cleared the cover assignment by 2215 hrs.
Saturday Afternoon 2-Alarm House Fire
On Saturday, November 19th at 1210 hrs Stations 37 & 38 were
dispatched to 363 Amwell Rd. in 37's primary for the reported
chimney fire. Upon arrival at the scene Hillsborough EMS advised
all units they had a working structure fire, and subsequently
Station 36 was requested mutual aid into the scene. Arriving
units found fire showing from the exterior of a 2-story house
with extension into the 2nd floor/attic area. Due to the fact
that the structure was approx. 800 feet from the roadway,
tankers were requested into the scene for water supply
operations. Under the command of Chief 37-C1 (Wiecenski), units
had the fire knocked down within the hour. Fire damage was
contained to the exterior of the structure along with
significant damage to the second floor bedroom next to the
chimney. Units on-scene: Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station
38 (Hillsborough #3), Station 36 (Hillsborough #1), Station 48
(Neshanic), Station 28 (Millstone Valley), Station 79
(Hillsborough EMS) and Hillsborough PD. A great job was done to
save the structure by all personnel that were involved!
Motor Vehicle Accident with Victim Trapped
On Friday, October 28th at 1342 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were
dispatched to assist Station 79-Rescue (Hillsborough EMS) with
the motor vehicle accident with entrapment & Route 206 & Dukes
Parkway East in 37's primary. Station 37 responded with Engine
37-103 and Support Unit 37-151, and Chief 36-C1 (Taylor) had
Fire Command. Upon arrival at the scene the victim was removed
by personnel and units were requested to shutdown Route 206 for
the landing of Northstar Medivac. One victim was airlifted to a
local trauma center as a result, and all units cleared the scene
by 1420 hrs.
Weekend Brings Accidents to Hillsborough
On Saturday, October 22nd at 0001 hrs Station 37
was alerted to assist Station 79-Rescue (Hillsborough EMS) with
the motor vehicle accident at Route 206 & Farm Rd. Chief 37-C1 (Wiecenski)
arrived on-scene within a few minutes to find an SUV overturned
in the lanes of travel after colliding with a pickup truck.
There were five occupants in the SUV that were all out of the
vehicle on arrival. Firefighters from Engine 37-103 and Support
Unit 37-151 assisted in providing lighting and support at the
scene. All 37 units cleared the scene by 0110 hrs.
On Sunday, October 23rd at 22:50 hrs Station 37
was dispatched to Route 206 and Doctors Way (40 yards south of
the MVC from Saturday) for the vehicle into a ditch on its side
with entrapment and an unconscious victim. 1st Asst. Chief 37-C2
(Rawles) arrived on-scene to find a vehicle off the roadway and
through a guardrail, coming to rest on its side in a ditch.
Crews from Engine 37-103 and Support Unit 37-151 stood by with a
precautionary foam line and assisted members of 79-Rescue
(Hillsborough EMS) in extricating the victim from her vehicle.
All 37 units cleared the scene by 0000 hrs.
Annual
Firefighters Olympics at Station 37
On Saturday, October 15th members of Station 37
once again hosted on annual Firefighters Olympics held at the
station. Similar to the
Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge, this event is held for
individuals and tag-teams to compete in the following stations:
After over a week of rain the weather held out
for us on Saturday and enabled 33 individuals and 6 tag-teams to
compete in the events while the public looked on. Thank you to
all the competitors, sponsors and Station 37 members (including
the Ladies Aux.) who helped to make this possible. More
information can be found on our
Firefighters Olympics page.
 |
 |
 |
| Participants listen
to the reading of the competition rules. |
Two firefighters
start the event with the stair climb carrying a
high-rise pack. |
The Kaiser Force
Machine. |
 |
 |
 |
| Charged hoseline drag
through the doorway. |
The final event, the
Rescue Dummy drag. |
1st Place Individual
winner Marshall Farley (Hillsborough FC #1) |
 |
 |
 |
| 2nd Place
Individual winner Ed Winters (Middlesex FC #4) |
3rd Place
Individual winner Eric Murphy (Liberty Corner FC) |
1st Place
Team winners Hillsborough FC #1 |
Fire Prevention Week Comes to Hillsborough
Members of Station 37 along with Stations 36 &
38 participated in the annual fire prevention trips to the local
schools between October 6th and October 19th, with members of
Station 37 visiting numerous schools and preschools in the
township.
 |
 |
 |
| Fire Marshal John
Andreychak (66-3) speaks with children about smoke
alarms. |
Firefighter Bob Quirk
explains the equipment on Engine 37-103 to the children
at Triangle Elementary School. |
Firefighter Bryan Galganski shows
the children what turnout gear looks like and teaches
them not to be afraid. |
October slams Station 37 with calls
So far for October we are
already at 41 calls...during the first five days of October
Station 37 responded to 25 incidents, which is quite busy for
our station which averages 50 calls/month. Just when we hit a
lull in the action for a few days, heavy rains throughout the
later part of Friday October 7th and torrential downpours all
day on Saturday October 8th caused significant flooding
conditions across the township. Station 37 responded to 12
incidents that evening ranging from flooding conditions with
electrical hazards to evacuations of condo buildings because of
high water. All Station 37 units returned to quarters by 0130
hrs on Sunday October 9th. After a few hours of sleep the guys
attended a live burn drill at the Somerset County Emergency
Services Training Academy in the Swede Flashover Simulator and
then answered six calls for service that day.
Members
Attend Flashover Training
On Sunday, October 9th about a dozen members of Station 37 along
with several members from Station 36 (Hillsborough #1) and
Station 42 (Manville) "felt the heat" while training in the
Swede Flashover Simulator, a.k.a. "The Can", at the Somerset
County Emergency Services Training Academy (SCESTA). Throughout
the morning members participated in several live burn exercises
and increased their knowledge of the signs of flashover and what
to look out for while operating in a fire. Thank you to the
instructors of the academy for taking the time to allow us to
gain experience and knowledge on this all-too-important subject.
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Members gear up and prepare for
entry into the simulator. |
Members completing the flashover,
leaving the simulator and cooling down. |
Interior shot of the simulator with
an SCESTA instructor teaching the group. |
Overturned Vehicle on Amwell Rd.
On Wednesday, October 5th at 0215 hrs Station 37
was dispatched along with Station 79 Rescue (Hillsborough EMS)
to the area of Route 206 & Amwell Rd. for the motor vehicle
accident with overturned vehicle. 37-C2 (Rawles) arrived on
location with nothing evident, and Somerset County
Communications changed the incident location to Amwell Rd. by
East Mountain Rd. in Station 36's primary area as per
additional calls coming in. Engine 37-103 with a crew of six
and Support Unit 37-151 with a crew of three arrived on-scene on
Amwell Rd. 1.5 miles west of East Mountain Rd. to find a
single-vehicle accident with one passenger car overturned in the
roadway and a minor fluid leak. Under the command of Lt. 36-C5 (DeCicco),
crews from Station 37 and 79 remained on the scene until the
arrival of a towing service. All Station 37 units cleared the
scene by 0305 hrs.
Suspicious Fires hit the area
Over the past several weeks Station 37 has
responded to several suspicious fires in our first-due area.
Believe it or not, the "Boro" seems to have someone running
around lighting fire to playground equipment. That's right...a
"Swingset Arsonist". Needless to say the playground climbers
have been total losses. These latest incidents are under
investigation by the authorities. A special thanks goes out to
the two firefighters who provided crews on-scene with a portable
light and electrical cord to help at the latest blaze.
2nd fire of the week, this time a 2nd
alarm...
On Monday, September 19th at 04:20 hrs Stations
37 & 36 were dispatched to 1 Drake Close in 37's primary area
for a working structure fire. As Chief 37-C1 (Wiecenski) was
enrooted he requested a 2nd alarm due to the volume of fire
visible in the nighttime sky. Units arrived on-scene with heavy
fire throughout a large 2.5-story wood frame dwelling with an
exposure and ember problem. Crews from 37-102 led off with the
2.5" rear preconnect to the "B" side of the structure and
stretched an additional 1.75" line to the exposure "D" side to
begin exposure protection while Tower 37-116 went into operation
on the heavy fire that was through the roof on arrival. The fire
was under control by 05:00 hrs and all units cleared the scene
by 09:00 hrs. Units on-scene: Station 36 (Hillsborough #1),
Station 37 (Hillsborough #2), Station 38 (Hillsborough #3),
Station 48 (Neshanic), Station 42 (Manville), Station 30 FAST
Team (Finderne), Station 45 (Montgomery #1), Station 79
(Hillsborough EMS), Hillsborough PD, Hillsborough Fire Safety
Division, Hillsborough #2 Ladies Aux., Somerset County Mutual
Aid Coordinators and the Somerset County Prosecutors Office
Arson Investigation Unit. Units on standby: Station 57
(Somerville), Station 28 (Millstone Valley), and Station 26
(Elizabeth Ave).
(Pictures provided by Station 36 Fire)
Nighttime fire strikes townhouse
On Tuesday, September 13th at 22:15 hrs Stations
37 and 36 were alerted to 3501 Wellington Ct. off Andria Ave. in
37's primary area for the working structure fire. County 911
advised incoming units that they were receiving multiple calls
on the job, and responding chiefs upgraded the assignment to a
working fire dispatch bringing Station 38 to the scene as well
as Finderne (Station 30) for a FAST team and Millstone Valley
(Station 28) for covers. Asst. Chief 37-C2 (Rawles) arrived
on-scene with heavy fire showing from the rear and roof area of
a 2-story townhouse (corrected address of 3302 Astor Close) with
possible entrapment, and assigned operations to Chief 38-C1 (Brownlie).
1st-due Engine 37-102 arrived with a full crew and stretched a
1.75" line to the 2nd floor to begin fire suppression while a
backup 1.75" line was stretched off 37-145 in the rear and the
crew from Truck 37-116 vented the roof. Interior crews made a
great stop and quickly knocked down the bulk of the fire
limiting fire damage to the attic and rear of the 2nd floor.
There were no injuries to firefighters but one occupant was
treated for smoke inhalation. Units on-scene included:
Hillsborough #1 (Station 36), Hillsborough #2 (Station 37),
Hillsborough #3 (Station 38), Finderne (Station 30), Millstone
Valley (Station 28), Hillsborough EMS (Station 79), Hillsborough
PD, Hillsborough #2 Ladies Aux. and Hillsborough Twp. Division
of Fire Safety Units 66-1 & 66-2. The cause of the fire is under
investigation, and all units cleared the scene by 01:30 hrs.
Another successful season of Apparatus
Competitions
Well, another successful season of apparatus competitions has
come to a close with several wins for Tower 37-116. Event
results are as follows:
Middlesex: 1st Place, Best Appearing Aerial
East Franklin: 2nd Place, Best Appearing Aerial
Peapack-Gladstone: 2nd Place, Best Appearing Aerial
Somerville: 1st Place, Best Appearing Aerial Platform
Boonton: 2nd Place, Best Appearing Aerial
Members of Station 37, Finderne (Station 30), Bound Brook
(Station 23), Jamesburg EMS (Middlesex County) and Hillsborough
EMS (Station 79) attended the annual Boonton parade and
competition on Saturday, September 3rd. Crews had a GREAT time
together, working on each others apparatus, hanging out before
the parade, and joining together for the trophy presentations.
In the end Jamesburg EMS took 3rd place for Best Appearing Heavy
Rescue. Hillsborough EMS took 1st place for Best Appearing
Ambulance in the Line of March. Finderne took 2nd place for Best
Appearing Snorkel. Bound Brook took 3rd place for Best Appearing
Aerial, First Place for Best Appearing Engine 10-15 years and
2nd Place Overall for Best Appearing Engine. Station 37 took a
2nd place finish for Best Appearing Aerial, narrowly missing out
to District-5 from Parsippany. From the members of Station 37 to
our other companies ("The Pride of Somerset County"), we have a
awesome time and look forward to joining forces again and taking
home those trophies!
Eventful month of August ends with 3 Fires in 24 hours...
The month of August has proven to be eventful for the members of
Station 37, including 3 fires during a 24-hour period. Starting
the month on Wednesday August 3rd, Station 37 was alerted at
13:15 hrs to the area of Zion Rd. in 48's (Neshanic) first-due
for the reported structure fire. 48 and 36 units arrived on
location with a fully-involved barn fire and immediately
requested the equivalent of a 2nd alarm assignment along with a
tanker task force to the scene due to the distance from a water
supply. Station 37 responded with Engine 37-103, Engine 37-102,
and Tactical Support Unit 37-151. Station 37 units cleared the
scene by 18:00 hrs.
On Thursday August 18th at 09:08 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were
dispatched to 133 New Amwell Rd. in 37's primary for the
reported unknown type structure fire. Units from both companies
arrived on-scene to find a mattress fire that had been
extinguished by the homeowner. Personnel remained on-scene until
10:30 hrs opening up the wall(s) of the involved room and
checking for extension.
On Saturday August 20th at 02:05 hrs, Station 37 was alerted to
the area of Sunnymeade & Falcon Rds to assist 79-Rescue with the
car vs. pole MVA with entrapment. Crews from 37-103 and 37-151
assisted 79-Rescue with patient care and fire suppression
duties. All units cleared the scene by 03:15 hrs.
On Tuesday August 23rd at 08:05 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were
dispatched to Route 206 and Old Somerville Rd. in 37's primary
for the head-on MVA with entrapment and vehicle fire. Duty
members of 79-Rescue arrived on-scene with one victim entrapped
and a working fire in the engine compartment. The members held
the fire in check with an extinguisher until FD personnel could
arrive and extinguish the blaze. One victim of the MVA was flown
to the local trauma center via Northstar Medivac which landed in
the field next to Station 37. Later that night at 20:00 hrs
Station 37 was called to assist 79-Rescue with fire standby
duties at the scene of another MVA with rollover in the parking
lot of the Kohl's Plaza on Route 206. [Article]
On Wednesday August 24th at 00:15 hrs Station 37 was requested
mutual aid for a full response into Manville for the 2nd alarm
structure fire at the corner of Dukes Parkway East and North
10th Ave. Truck 37-116, Engine 37-102, Tactical Support Unit
37-151 and Command-37 responded with 15 personnel to the scene.
Units were confronted with heavy fire on arrival from the
converted attic area of a 1.5-story house. 37 personnel assisted
crews with fire suppression, searches of the building and
overhaul on the fire floor. All 37 units cleared this fire by
02:30 hrs - but we didn't get far...
At 03:00 hrs Station 37 was again alerted back into Manville for
ANOTHER 2nd alarm structure fire, this time in the Valley
section at 321 Boesel Ave. Truck 37-116, Engine 37-102 and
Command-37 responded to the scene with 12 personnel. Arriving
units found fire showing from the 1st floor sides A and D of a
2-story house with one person unaccounted for. 37 personnel
assisted crews with searches of the house and overhaul duties.
All 37 units cleared the scene by 05:15 hrs.
[Article]
[Article]
[Article]
[Video
thanks to
Station 30(Finderne)]
On Wednesday August 24th at 22:45 hrs Stations 37 & 36 were
dispatched to 902 Marlborough Common in 37's primary for the
smoke condition in the building. Units arrived quickly to find a
mulch fire outside that had caused a smoke condition in the
structure. As units were returning to Station 37, Station 38
(Hillsborough #3) was dispatched to 66 Riverview Terrace for the
working vehicle fire located a couple feet from the structure.
Engine 37-103, Truck 37-116 and Command-37 contacted Command-38
and requested to run this job with his approval. Upon arrival
crews found a fully-involved engine compartment with some
extension to the exterior of the home's garage. All 37 units
cleared the scene by 01:30 hrs.
Finally, on Friday August 26th at 12:57 hrs Stations 37 & 36
were dispatched to the area of Dukes Parkway East & Dickerson
Rd. in 37's primary for the brush fire threatening high tension
lines. Units arrived on-scene with a large area of brush going,
requesting additional resources to the scene from Station 38
(Hillsborough #3), Station 42 (Manville), Station 21 (Bradley
Gardens) and the Somerset County Mutual Aid Coordinators. All
units cleared the scene by 14:30 hrs.
July action continues!
Over a 72-hour period from 7/18 to 7/20,
Station 37 responded to 21 incidents in 90+
degree heat, including assisting Rescue-79 on Monday
July 18th at 1835 hrs for the MVA w/entrapment at
Stryker Lane & Homestead Rd. Station 37 responded with
engines 37-102, 37-103 and support unit 37-151 to
establish a landing zone for Northstar medivac just west
of the scene. Medivac was subsequently cancelled by the
medics, and all 37 units were cleared by 1915 hrs.
On Sunday July 24th at 1530 hrs Station 37 was
dispatched to the Roycefield Swim Club for the MCI (Mass
Casualty Incident). Units on-scene found (5) people overcome by
fumes from chlorine, and were tended to by personnel from
79-Rescue. The scene was placed under control and all 37 units
cleared by 1630 hrs.
Lastly, the annual Fireman's Fair at Station 37
is occurring during the week of Monday July 25th through
Saturday July 30th. More information on this great family event
can be found here. During the fair hours
Station 37 will be staffing Truck 37-116 and responding
dual-response with another company for any runs during those
hours. Thank you to the staff of Stations 36 (Hillsborough #1)
and 38 (Hillsborough #3) for their assistance with the dual
response during our annual fair week.
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