September 2010 marks the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) 7th annual National Preparedness Month.  This year's focus is on making sure that your family plans and prepares for disasters. 

In most types of disaster-related emergencies, the risk of fire is increased due to loose electrical wires, flooding, broken gas lines, or the lack of electricity.  When preparing for the possibility of fire in your home, it is important to ensure you establish and practice an emergency escape plan and install and maintain smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers.  If young children, older adults, or those with special needs live in your home, plan and practice an appropriate fire escape plan.
Be fire wise ... prepare, plan and stay informed!
 
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Members and their families enjoyed a fabulous day at Fire Headquarters for the Annual Family Picnic.

The day began with several "Challenge Events" for firefighters. Fire companies competed in 5 events: the "hose roll", "pack and gear", "victim recovery", "ladder deployment", and the "hydrant wrap". Firefighters were scored based on time and skill. All members performed at the highest levels with a great effort put forth by all participants. Engine Co. #3 was awarded 1st place with Engine Co. #1 coming in at a very close second by way of a tie breaker, and our Jr. Firefighters came in strong as well at 3rd place.

A ceremony was held for the 5 Jr. Firefighters who successfully completed the program this year. Present at the graduation were the Mayor and Council, and the representative from the Boys Scouts of America Explorer's Program. Congratulations to our Graduating members. Other events of the day included the "Bucket Brigade", a watermelon eating contest hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary, sack races and the dunk tank. Thank you to everyone who helped make today fun and successful.

To see a whole lot of pictures, click the link below.

Members of the Hawthorne Fire Department participated in a county drill hosted by the West Paterson Fire Department early Sunday morning. Fire Departments were dispatched to the Plaza Shopping Center at Rt. 46 West for a simulated fire in the Kohl’s Department Store. Kohl’s opens for business at 10 am, so all fire companies had to be clear of the lot by 9:15 am.

Hawthorne was dispatched at 06:45 am to respond with an engine company. Members of Engine Co.s #1, #3, and #4 combined their efforts and put together a crew utilizing Engine Co. #3’s apparatus. Engine Co.#3’s task was to lay approximately 1000’ of supply line from a Ringwood engine at the draft site and feed the North Haledon Truck Co. Chief Speranza was assigned as the Safety Officer for our working group. In addition to the county drill, it was also a good cross training experience.

The purpose of the drill was to test the county’s communications systems, and for West Paterson to determine the ability to develop multiple heavy caliber fire streams from several different sources. Refreshments were provided by Teaneck’s Box 54. There was a short debriefing of the incident and Engine Co. #3 was back in town by 09:25 am.

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Every year in the United States, we celebrate the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks - the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from fireworks use. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities. Learning fireworks safety tips can help ensure that everyone has a happy and safe summer holiday. 

-The Members of the Hawthorne Fire Department

For additional fireworks safety information, click here:  http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/focus/fireworks.shtm

Workers digging on Diamond Bridge Avenue, between Goffle Road and Brookside Avenue, struck and ruptured a 6” high pressure gas main around 08:30 Friday morning. The Fire Department was dispatched, and police, already on scene for a traffic detail, began evacuations of the nearby residences. Engine Co. #3 (FF M. Van Lenten) arrived and established command. Tower Co. #2 (OIC A/C A. DiVincent) arrived next and assumed command of the incident. Engine Co. #1 (FF B. Marra) and Engine Co. #4 (OIC Lt. D. Sylvester) were instructed to locate hydrants and prepare dry supply lines. Rescue Co. #5 (OIC Lt. S. Occhipinti) was instructed to begin taking meter readings once on scene.

PSE&G crews needed to dig near the intersection of Bamford Avenue and Diamond Bridge Avenue to locate the shut off. Meanwhile, an odor of gas was called in from the Boys & Girls Club on Maitland Avenue, east of the original incident. Rescue Co. #5 responded to that location to take readings in and around the facility. There were no readings within the building but readings indicating natural gas were picked up on the exterior and determined to be coming from the original incident. Once the odor and readings dissipated, Rescue Co. #5 returned to the Diamond Bridge Avenue incident.
 
Fire companies remained on scene until PSE&G crews were able to shut down the main. Once the main was secured, companies picked up and returned to quarters. The last unit cleared the scene around 10:45 am.
 
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Friday June 18, 2010 is the 3 year anniversary of the devestating fire at the Sofa Super Store in Charleston that claimed the lives of 9 of our brother firefighters.  Please take a moment to reflect upon their ultimate sacrifice.  Just as important is the fact that WE MUST LEARN from this tragedy and TRAIN everyday.  This is the way that all our fallen brothers and sisters would ask that they be honored. 

"We ARE our brother’s and sister’s keepers. Stay low, stay safe; everyone goes home."

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Hawthorne’s firefighters had the opportunity to conduct several training evolutions on Thursday evening in a commercial structure on Washington Avenue slated for redevelopment. All five fire companies, our Jr. Firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary were present for the drill.  North Haledon's Ladder Company was able to join us as well.

The scope of the drill, planned by our Training Division consisting of our Captains and a few Ex-Asst. Chiefs, was to learn better how to adapt to changing conditions and potential problems associated with fires in commercial structures. The size of the building allowed several different training evolutions to be staged and run concurrently. 
Among the several things firefighters trained for this evening were: search and rescue – and victim removal, forcible entry, and roof ventilation. The Chief appointed officers to oversee each training evolution and to make sure team leaders hit benchmarks such as safety, communication, and accountability.
 
The Hawthorne Fire Department benefits greatly from hands on training and we’d like to thank Dellabuno Construction for providing this opportunity.
 
Thank you to our Training Division for their time and effort in making this drill possible, to all who came out to help set up. Thank you also to our Ladies Auxiliary for providing refreshments for us.
 
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Firefighters were alerted to a car fire on Prospect St. at approximately 4:00 pm on Monday. This was the second working car fire since Thursday evening. Engine Co. #3 (OIC Capt. J. Longo) responded and confirmed a fire in the engine compartment after establishing command. Engine Co. #4 (OIC A/C J. Geier) responded to assist with manpower as all other units were held in quarters. 

Firefighters went to work with a 1 ¾” handline and knocked down all visible fire. Some extensive overhaul was needed to reach some fire near the dashboard. Once under control, companies picked up and returned to quarters. 
 
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Hawthorne Fire Companies spent another Saturday on Parade. The weather turned out to be fairly good with only a few sprinkles in the late morning. Rescue Co. #5 headed up to Wanaque to participate in their 100th Anniversary parade along with several other fire departments from the area. Engine Co. #3 took a short trip over to Glen Rock to participate in the apparatus judging and their 100th Anniversary parade, along with Unit 57, Unit 50, and Ladies Auxiliary Unit 59.

Apparatus were judged in the morning and the parade stepped off at 12:30 pm. The parade ended behind Glen Rock Boro Hall and a festival was underway at the field across the street. There was plenty of food and drink, and even a pig roast that produced some great barbeque pulled pork! When the trophies were awarded, Hawthorne fared well yet again. Engine Co. #3 was awarded 1st place for Best Appearing Pumper 6-10 years, Unit 50 was awarded 1st place for Best Appearing Chief's Vehicle, and Unit 57 was awarded 3rd place for Best Appearing Special Purpose Vehicle. Congratulations to our members for all their hard work!

Pictures courtesy of Dylan Foca

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The HFD was toned out at 8:04 pm for a vehicle fire on Bamford Avenue between Diamond Bridge Avenue and McKinley Avenue. Engine Co. #1 (OIC Lt. J. Trippichio) responded quickly as they were already on the air assisting with the Jr. Firefighter’s drill. Capt. J Longo arrived on scene and established command as Engine Co. #1 stretched a    1 ¾” line toward the heavily involved engine compartment fire. Engine Co. #4 (OIC Lt. P. VanderVelde) and Engine Co. #3 (OIC A/C J. Van Ek) also responded to assist with manpower.

The fire was contained to the engine compartment of the pick up truck and quickly extinguished. Engine Cos. #3 and #4 were returned and Engine Co. #1 remained on scene to mop up and await the tow truck to remove the vehicle.
 
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The Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched at 07:55 Sunday morning for a 2 car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Goffle Road and Goffle Hill Road. One vehicle was overturned and on its roof in the middle of the intersection. All occupants of the vehicles were able to remove themselves with the assistance of the police. Chief J. Speranza arrived on scene and established command. Engine Co. #1 (OIC Capt. J. Arturi) responded and was directed to cut the batteries to the vehicles, and deal with the fluid spill. Once the towing company arrived and the vehicle was back on its tires, firefighters secured their equipment and returned to quarters.

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On the morning of their Prom, Hawthorne High School Seniors witnessed a DUI incident staged by the Hawthorne Police, Fire and Ambulance. Each year the Hawthorne Police Department offers a program to high school seniors that emphasize the dangers of driving after drinking, using controlled substances and prescription drugs. The program is designed to educate the students in making good choices for themselves. Another issue for everyone to consider is the use of cell phones - especially texting while driving. These actions can yield the same tragic results.

The high school seniors gathered in the front of the school near the roadway and watched the scene play out. Two vehicles, with one occupant in one and three in another were involved in a serious accident. The lone occupant of the one vehicle staggered out and was arrested by police after failing a sobriety test. One occupant of the other vehicle was determined to be DOA by arriving EMS personnel. Fire Department units had to secure the vehicles, cut the roof off to remove the injured victims, and deal with a fluid spill on the roadway. Students watched as firefighters explained the complexity of the incident as well as the costs and long term effects imposed on everyone involved in the incident. We thank the seniors for their attentiveness and their questions.

Thank you to all members who came out to support the incident, and a special thanks to City Wide Towing for providing and removing one vehicle, and to Hawthorne Auto Body for also transporting vehicles to and from the scene.

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The members of the Hawthorne Fire Department would like to wish everyone a safe an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.  Please take a moment to reflect upon the great sacrifices that so many servicemen and women made for the benefit of the citizens of the United States.  The freedoms we take for granted each day were fought for and earned at a great cost.  Remember this when you see a war veteran and thank them for what they have done.

Please also keep in your minds and your hearts our armed forces currently protecting our great nation at this moment - for you and your families.

The Hawthorne Fire Department will be participating in the annual Memorial Service at the Municipal Building on Monday, May 31, at 12pm, followed by the parade at 1:30pm.  Please come out to join us as we honor our veterans.

 

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Fire Co. #3, Fire Co. #5, Unit 57 and Unit 61 made their way to Allendale on Saturday to participate in competitive apparatus judging and a parade hosted by Allendale in honor of their 100th anniversary .

Fire companies spend weeks and even months preparing their apparatus for these type of events. Apparatus are judged on many things such as NFPA compliance and cleanliness. All tools must be in good order and the apparatus must be rust free. Fire apparatus must be meticulously prepared to be awarded a trophy.
 
After the units were judged they were staged to enter the line of march. The parade stepped off at 1 pm and concluded by about 2:30 pm. All attendees enjoyed the picnic afterwards. There was plenty of food and drinks as well as rides for children. The event concluded at 5:30 pm with an awards ceremony. Unit 57 was awarded 1st Place for Best Appearing Cascade/Field Communications Unit. Engine Co. #3 was awarded 1st Place for Best Appearing Pumper,  5 – 15 years old category. Engine Co #3 was also awarded the Judges Trophy for Best Overall Vehicle in Parade. Congratulations to all who attended and worked so hard on their apparatus!
 
UPCOMING EVENTS:   Hawthorne Units will be participating in Glen Rock’s 100th Anniversary Parade and Wanaque’s 100th Anniversary Parade – both occurring on Saturday, June 12. Come on out to support your Fire Companies and have a great time doing it!
 
To see more pictures, click this link: http://hawthornefire.shutterfly.com/1659
Click here to see all of the event pictures: http://www.brettsfirephotos.com/Fire-Department-Anniversary/Allendale-NJ-Fire-Department
Pictures courtesy of Dylan Foca, Ralph Mantello and Brett Dzadik
 
 
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