Over the last several days, many agencies came together in an unusual, yet very important circumstance, to make sure that Brother Firefighter, Albert Nejmeh, of the Tacoma, WA Fire Department was given full honors as he was laid to rest here in New Jersey.  Al was a former resident of Hawthorne and his family still resides here.  Al passed away after having a heart attack while on duty, assisting a citizen of Tacoma who was having a medical emergency.  Our thoughts and prayers continue for his family.

On Saturday May 18, Al’s body was escorted from Newark Airport to Browning and Forshay Funeral Home in Hawthorne by a contingent of fire apparatus and police.  A few members of the Tacoma, WA Fire Department were present as well to receive Al’s body from the plane.  The Hawthorne and North Haledon Fire Departments were assembled at the funeral home to see him arrive. 

The wake for Al was held Sunday May 19.   An Honor Guard was present around the clock – many firefighters showed their dedication by stepping up to fill these positions throughout the time period.  Several local fire and police departments passed through that afternoon and evening to pay their respects.  The turnout was evidence of the true nature of what the brotherhood/sisterhood of the fire service is all about.  

Sunday evening afforded us the opportunity to spend some time with the members of the Tacoma FD and learn more about Al and each other.   Friendships were made this weekend that will continue for a very long time.

Al’s funeral on Monday was everything it needed to be – Firefighters came out in force to show their respect and say a final goodbye in true, traditional fire service fashion.  Al’s flag draped casket was loaded on to the Newark FD cassion unit with two of his brothers from the Tacoma FD positioned on each end of the tailboard.  As the procession entered St. Anne’s driveway in Woodland Park, they were met by a color guard, honor guard, pipes and drums, the American flag hanging from two crossed aerial ladders and a large detail of firefighters in formation.  The casket was carried from the vehicle on the shoulders of the Tacoma FD members and into the church for his service. 

Burial took place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa. The Pipe and Drum Corps played Amazing Grace and God Bless America.  Members stood at attention while taps was played and the signal 5-5-5 was tapped out on the bell for Al’s final alarm.  Finally, Al was laid to rest as the siren wailed in the distance while the cassion unit pulled away.  Rest in Peace, Brother Al – you will not be forgotten…..

The Hawthorne Fire Department would like to thank the North Haledon FD and all the local fire departments, police departments, borough administration, and other agencies that contributed to this weekend’s events.  We truly appreciated your cooperation and participation.  We would also like to thank the Newark FD and Jersey City FD, the FDNY, the International Association of Firefighters, and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for all of their assistance and direction – your support enabled us to get this done properly.  To the members of the Hawthorne Fire Department – your efforts showed the highest level of dedication by putting aside your own affairs to make sure that Al was treated just like one of our own.  You may not fully realize the importance of your actions yet – but rest assured the impact was felt all the way to Tacoma, WA. and back.  Thank you all again…….

To learn more about the Firefighter Albert Nejmeh, The Tacoma, WA Fire Department, and to see more pictures of the past weekend’s events, follow the links below.  More will be added as they become available.

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/page.aspx?nid=168

http://pixbyliz.smugmug.com/MEMORIAL/HONORING-AL-NEJMEH/29465910_4kLjjG#!i=2517063954&k=SDqWKMx

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tacoma-Fire-Department-Official-Site/80598766088

http://www.northjersey.com/news/207842481_World_traveler_Albert_Nejmeh.html

http://www.iafflocal31.com/

http://www.brettsfirephotos.com/Memorial/Tacoma-WA-Firefigthter-Albert/29489952_nSC4S5

http://youtu.be/r82o7nqIMoo

The Hawthorne Fire Department regrets to announce that Firefighter Albert Nejmeh of the Tacoma, WA Fire Department answered his final alarm on May 14, 2013.  While working at the scene of an EMS incident, Firefighter Nejmeh collapsed from an apparent heart attack. Fellow responders rendered basic and advanced life support to Nejmeh and transported him to St. Joseph Medical Center where, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injury.  FF Nejmeh is formerly from Hawthorne.  He graduated from Hawthorne High School in 1971.

The Tacoma, WA Fire Department has asked for all available firefighters in the state of New Jersey to attend this LODD funeral.   The Hawthorne Fire Department will be participating and assisting with the honorable, final send- off of our brother firefighter.  All members are urged to attend in full dress uniform. 

The arrangements for our brother are below:

Viewing - Sunday, May 19, 2013 – 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm at Browning-Forshay Funeral Home, 557 Lafayette Ave, Hawthorne NJ.  **MEMBERS ARE NEEDED FOR HONOR GUARD DETAIL**

Funeral Mass - Monday, May 20, 2013 at 10:30 AM - Saint Anne's Melkite Church, 802 Rifle Camp Road, West Paterson, NJ.  Available Firefighters should be at the Church at 0900 HOURS IN FULL DRESS UNIFORM!

Interment - Monday, May 20, 2013 following the funeral - Holy Sepulcher Cemetery - 52 Totowa Rd Totowa, NJ.

The Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched for a house fire in Stam’s Alley around 10:35pm Sunday night.  Stam’s Alley is a narrow lane off of N. 8th St. with restricted access.  Chief Speranza arrived on scene, confirmed a working fire in a 3 story wood frame and established command.  He immediately requested a truck company from North Haledon to respond directly to the scene as Tower 2 is out of service.  Residents were already out of the house but reported several cats to still be on the second floor.    The second floor was already heavily involved in fire with fire showing from four windows on three sides of the structure.

Engine Co. #3 established a water supply and began the long hose stretches required to reach the structure and began an attack on the fire.  A/C J. Van Ek was assigned as the Operations Officer for the incident.   Engine Co. #4 arrived and assisted with the hose stretches and set up an exposure line in the alley.  Engine Co. #1 sent manpower to the rear with a second 1 ¾” and also went to work on the fire.  A third line was also stretched for backup.  Tower 2X began laddering the building for crews working on the interior.  Rescue Co. #5 assisted with hose stretches and lighting for the incident.  North Haledon’s truck company set up on the A side and raised the stick to the roof for ventilation.

A second alarm was struck as all companies were heavily engaged.  Crews were met with heavy fire conditions on the second floor extending to the attic area.  Limited access to this area as well as excessive debris in the second floor hampered progress.  Once the heavy fire was knocked down, crews chased pockets of fire in the attic space for a while.  Primary and secondary searches proved negative on the first floor and four cats were located during the secondary search on the second floor and carefully removed.  Prospect Park FD provided the RIT and Glen Rock FD, Haledon FD, and Wyckoff FD covered the borough.

All companies worked hard under challenging conditions and achieved great results for their efforts.  The fire was contained to the building of origin with one other structure receiving minor heat damage.  Hats off to everyone for another great job – and to our mutual aid companies for their response to our call for assistance, and the Hawthorne Ambulance Corps and our Ladies Auxiliary for standing by with us. 

http://www.northjersey.com/hawthorne/Cats_die_in_Hawthorne_house_fire.html

www.njfirefighting.com/forum/topics/access-difficulties-at-hawthorne-blaze


 

 

The members of the Hawthorne Fire Department would like to congratulate Rich McAuliffe for being appointed  Hawthorne's new Chief of Police.  The swearing in cermony was held last night during the council meeting at Borough Hall.  Rich is a 28 year member of the Hawthorne Fire Department and an Ex-Asst.Chief.  We wish him well in his new position and we are looking forward to working with him. 

Fire companies were dispatched to 155 Prescott Avenue around 1:12 this morning for a reported fire in the house.  The call had been transferred from Paterson FD who had dispatched the Prospect Park FD as one side of Prescott Ave is Hawthorne and the other side Prospect Park. 

Chief Speranza arrived and established command and reported a working fire as heavy smoke was coming from the multi family residence.  Prospect Park FD was stretching the first line as Hawthorne Fire Companies arrived and went to work beginning searches on all floors.  A/C J. Van Ek was assigned as the Operations officer for the incident. 

Crews located the fire in a bedroom on the A/B corner that involved the mattress and was beginning to extend.  The fire was knocked down quickly with minimal damage. Searches proved negative for occupants and fire extension.  Fans were put in place for ventilation and the building was checked for CO.  One occupant was eventually transported to the hospital by the ambulance corps. 

Companies were demobilized quickly and all companies were back in service by 2:30am.   Nice job by all who responded for minimizing damage and thanks to the Prospect Park FD for their assistance.

Join us for some laughs!!  Fire Co. #1 will be holding its Annual Comedy Dinner at the firehouse on Saturday March 23, 2013.  Comedians this year include Tommy Koening, Adam Kurr, and Tommy Caldora.  Check 'em out on You Tube!  Dinner will be served and this is a BYOB event.  Tickets are $35 each.  Contact any Fire Co. #1 member for tickets.  Hurry before they're all sold out!  Thank you in advance for your support.

Members of Engine Co. #3 at their firehouse were alerted by a passerby at the same time they discovered a smoke condition in the area of the La  Cantina Mexican Restaurant . The box was struck and smoke was confirmed coming from the building when Engine Co. #3 and Chief Speranza arrived. Chief Speranza assumed command from Engine 3 and A/C J. Van Ek was assigned as the Operations Officer for the incident.

Engine Co. #3 was assigned fire attack and stretched and 1 ¾” line to the B side entrance and made their way to the basement. Engine Co. #4 personnel stretched a second line and went to work on the first floor. Engine Co. #1 stretched a third line and made entrance to the basement for the A side. Tower Co. #2 set up on the N. 8th St. side for roof ventilation. Rescue Co. #5 provided manpower to assist Engine 1 personnel on the A side. As all companies were going to work, Chief Speranza struck a second alarm bringing a Wyckoff RIT to the scene, North Haledon Ladder company and Prospect Park Engine company. North Haledon was assigned to set up on the A side for roof ventilation. Prospect Park stretched a fourth line to the B side and worked the first floor.

A third alarm was struck bringing Haledon FD and Glen Rock FD to Fire HQ to cover the boro. Fire was located in the basement with extension into the first floor. Companies in the basement and on the first floor communicated well to locate and confine the fire to the D side of the building. Roof teams placed several vent holes on the D side that also prevented fire from spreading throughout the building. Crews chased hot spots for a while before some positive pressure ventilation was started. Extensive overhaul followed and companies were demobilized as the fire was put under control.

Great efforts by everyone who responded resulted in a safe and effective operation that prevented the building from more extensive damage. Thanks again to our brother and sister mutual aid companies for their response and to the HVAC and our Ladies Auxiliary for setting up the rehab area.

http://www.btfirephotos.com/2013/Hawthorne-1-20-13/27639032_f5gb5D#!i=2327863233&k=3p5sjdw

http://www.northjersey.com/hawthorne/La_Cantina_Restaurant_in_Hawthorne_might_be_temporarily_shuttered_after_fire.html

Members and guests of the Hawthorne Fire Department enjoyed a great evening of dinner, dancing, and presentation of Service Awards on Friday at Macaluso’s.  The Mayor and Council were also in attendance to perform the Installation of Officers for 2013. 

This event is our opportunity to say thank you to those members that have given unselfishly, their time and efforts serving the Department and the Borough of Hawthorne.  Equally important is the opportunity to thank our “better halves” for allowing us to put in all of this time and effort.  We rely daily on their support of our endeavors.

This year is a milestone for many members in our Department.  At the top of the list is Firefighter Kenneth Silvestri with 60 years of service!  This is an achievement that many of us have not seen nor may ever see again.  Ken’s many years dedicated service and leadership are an inspiration to all of us.  We don’t always know how he does it, but we are sure glad about what he does – and we are grateful to Dot for allowing him to do it!

Jacob Baum has given 50 years of service to us and he has loved everyone one of them.  As a former Asst. Chief, Jake’s leadership abilities have set a fine example for the younger members in our department to follow.

Ralph Malandrino has been setting an example to follow as well for the last 45 years.  He can always be found ready to give a helping hand where it is needed whether it is working the grill at a function, sprucing up our monument, or cleaning up the firehouse. 

Greg Fox has given 40 years to our Department and the residents of Hawthorne.  Also a former Asst. Chief, Greg’s knowledge and experience has helped us progress as a department. 

For 35 years of service – Ex. Asst. Chief Robert Polito, Ex Asst. Chief David Hughes, Ex. Asst. Chief Russell Snyder, Ex. Asst. Chief Doug Morgan, and Borough Chief Joseph Speranza.

For 30 years of service – Ex. Asst. Chief Robert Lamb Jr., Ex. Asst. Chief Jack Kuiken, Asst. Chief Michael Nelson, and FF Al Anema.

For 25 years of service – Ex. Asst. Chief Brian Van Hook, Ex. Asst. Chief Scott Geier, Ex. Asst. Chief Mark Smith, Lt. John Carlo, FF Salvatore Valente, FF Kenneth Hauser, FF Leon Bay.

For 20 years of service – Ex. Asst. Chief Brian Vanderhook, FF Frank Gianntonio, FF Frank Audino.

For 15 years of service – Lt. David Sylvester, FF Thomas Bakker Jr., FF Thomas Kennedy.

For 10 years of service – Lt. John Trippichio, Lt. Devin Hughes, , FF Michael Thimme, FF Gerry Flanagan,  FF Keith Lettich.

For 5 years of service – Lt. William Seidel, Lt. Kyle Johnson, FF Robert Luscombe, FF David VanderWiele, FF Jason Crawford, FF Jacob Tancos, FF Mike Van Lenten, FF John Niebo, FF Stephanie Hill, FF Craig Irvolino, RC Fred Buchner, RC George Zagatta, RC Joe Peters.


Ex. Asst. Chiefs Jay Counsellor and James Geier were recognized and awarded badges for their years of service in the position of Asst. Chief.


A big thank you to all our members for the time and dedication that you devote to making this fire department what it is.


A special thank you also goes out to Joseph Mattar of Macaluso’s and his staff for helping us make this event possible.

Thank you to Lt. Dave Sylvester for taking photos this evening.  Follow this link to see them all:  http://hawthornefire.shutterfly.com/2365

 

 

 

 

The Hawthorne N.J. Fire Department 2012 video "Rise Up" featuring members of the Hawthorne Fire Department. This video contains incidents and events from 2011-2012. Click on the link below to view it.  Enjoy!

The HFD was alerted to a working garage fire last night by PD at 8:25pm.  This fire was the first call of 2013 for the HFD.  The garage was located on Florence Ave just off of Lafayette Ave.

Chief Speranza arrived to find a 2 car garage well involved with an exposure problem on the D side.  Engine Co. #1 arrived and began fire attack.  A/C J. Arturi was assigned as the Operation officer for the incident.  Engine Co. #4 secured a water supply as Tower Co. #2 and Rescue Co. #5 began to open up the garage. Engine Co/ #3 was assigned as the RIT. 

The main body of fire was knocked down quickly, but a fair amount of overhual was needed to extinguish all the hot spots.  The Tower Co. was required to open a portion of the roof to gain access to a few of these areas.  Companies were up and available in about an hour and Engine Co. #1 remained on scene with the investigator.

Chief Speranza and the Board of Fire Commisioners would like to wish all members and their families, as well as the citizens of Hawthorne, a very Merry Christmas!  In light of all the recent events, we urge you to enjoy this holiday season with all of your loved ones to its fullest extent.  There is so much for all of us to be thankful for.

It is with deep regret that the Hawthorne Fire Department announces the passing of Ex-Asst. Chief Robert Shannon. Bob served the residents of Hawthorne and our Fire Department for more than 50 years. Bob was a great friend and mentor, as well as a leader. Bob was always involved in whatever FIre Department function occurred - from working the grills during fire prevention open house, selling plants for Easter and selling Christmas trees down at the pool lot. He had a wealth of knowledge to share and was always willing to listen as well. Today we say goodbye, but Bob will never be forgotten. Thank you Bob for all you have contributed to our Fire Department during your lifetime.......

Hurricane Sandy continues to swirl closer to the coast, with impacts already being felt in several states as of Sunday afternoon.  At the direction of President Obama, FEMA continues to coordinate the federal government’s assistance and preparations for Hurricane Sandy.  Today, the President visited FEMA headquarters and received a briefing from federal, state, and local officials coordinating the preparation efforts.  He continued to direct Administrator Fugate to ensure the federal partners continue to bring all available resources to bear in supporting potentially affected areas.

If you are in the potentially impacted area, here are the key reminders right now:

• Follow the direction of local officials – if told to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Make final preparations – If you’re further inland, now is the time to make final preparations.  Be ready for power outages and stock up on emergency supplies of food, water, medications, and other supplies.
• Know the forecast for your area – Sandy is a large storm with potential impacts from wind, coastal flooding, inland flooding, rain, and snow.  Listen to your NOAA weather radio and local news reports, or visit weather.gov for the conditions in your area.
• Check on your neighbor – make sure they’re ready too.

The Hawthorne Fire Dept. and all our emergency responders urge you to stay inside or move to a safe place.  Please do not venture outside - it will be dangerous to do so.  It will needlessly put you at risk as well as our personnel.  Stay tuned to your local news channels for further updates on this very dangerous storm.

Hawthorne Firefighters responded to two motor vehicle incidents this week. 

 On Friday 10/12 at approximately 2:50 in the afternoon fire companies were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident involving a tractor trailer and car - with entrapment in the car at the intersection of Utter and Ninth.  Engine Co. #1 OIC Capt. Di Bella and Rescue Co. #5 OIC A/C Warner arrived and went right to work on the car.  Engine Co. #3 OIC A/C Van Ek established command and members stretched an 1 ¾”  handline as a precaution.  All five fire companies responded and quickly removed the driver from the car.  The tractor trailer came to a stop on the lawn after taking down a fence, mere inches from the house on the corner.  No fluids were spilled.  Companies were back in service by approximately 4:00pm.  All responders worked very efficiently to mitigate what could have been an even more hazardous incident.

On Thursday 10/18 at approximately 6:30am, firefighters were dispatched to 111 Wagaraw Road where a vehicle had hit a utility pole and ended up on its side.  The driver was already out of the vehicle when Chief Speranza arrived.  Engine Co. #3 responded, stabilized the vehicle until it was righted and towed, and then cleaned up the spilled fluids.  PSE&G was notified to respond to take care of the damaged utility pole.  FD units cleared the scene by 6:40am.