December 21st, 2008

Today members of Oradell FD spent their day riding through the snow, rain and slush to bring Santa around town.  This year's event had a spin on it, not only was the weather a factor, but the OFD collected over 400 coats to be donated to Jersey Cares.  The Officers and Members of the Oradell Volunteer Fire Department thank everyone for their overwhelming show of support.  We wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday.  The day would not have been complete without the group photo taken with Paramus Fire Department.  Thanks to Glenn Schneider for his photos and video, the video can be seen here.

At 07:13 hours, Tower 21 and Car 20 were dispatched to the 700 block of Kinderkamack for a stuck occupied elevator.  Upon arrival, power to the unit was secured and the person trapped was removed.

Stand-By for snow...

At 14:51 hrs, Oradell units were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash with rollover on Oradell Avenue at the Oradell Avenue bridge.  Upon arrival Oradell Police units confirmed a single occupant trapped in the vehicle.  Oradell Car 20, Squad 22 and Engine 23 responded and worked with several hydraulic rescue tools to remove the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle came to rest partially onto the bridge and pedestrian walkway making the work difficult.  Units operated and were on scene for about 90 minutes.  Thank you to Chris Saraceno for his photos.

Today a small but elite group of Oradell FD members formed a team known as Kufel's Mighty Maggots.  The team played in the 2nd annual flag football tournament to raise funds for the Bergenfield FD Training Center.  The team was led by the semi pro all star Ex-Chief S. Kufel.  The Maggots tied the first game 27 to 27 but were crushed in the second match up.  GOOD JOB to all.  Thanks to Brett Dzadik for his photos.

At 14:01 hours, Oradell Tower 21 and Car 20 were special called to Paramus to cover for Truck 1.  Paramus FD was out at a working commercial structure fire in the 200 block of Frisch Court.  Oradell units were released after about 45 minutes.

Members attended the Wallington Fire Department’s Annual Night Time Lighted Holiday Parade this evening.  Dedicated members and superior craftsmanship allowed the department to take home 1st Place Best Lighted Float and 4th Place Best Lighted Special Unit.

Oradell units turned out early this holiday morning for a reported smoke condition in a home in the 500 block of First Street.  Upon initial investigation, a smoke condition was found on the 1st and 2nd floors.   Engine 23 secured the water supply and then assisted in the investigation with Tower 21.  Primary searches yielded that the smoke was from cooking.  Tower 21 provided a mechanical vent and crews were back in service after 30 minutes.

Happy Thanksgiving from Oradell Fire Department!

Oradell Units are off to another busy day starting at 1:17 am they responded into New Milford for a smell of smoke in the 200 block of Reichelt Road.  The source was traced to the laundry room of an apartment complex.  Oradell Car 20, 201, Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded.  The dryers were shut off and made safe before taking up.  Then at 10:23 Units were dispatched to the area of Birchtree Road and Soldier Hill Road for a dumpster fire.  Oradell Car 20, 201 and Engine 23 responded and used a booster line to knock the fire down, all units were up quickly.

Oradell units responded to a total of 5 alarms today including a 2nd alarm in River Edge.  Oradell Car 20, 201, Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded to the second alarm around 18:30.  Heavy fire was showing from several windows upon arrival, all units were operating.  Oradell units operated for about 4 hours.  While those units were at the River Edge call, Oradell Engine 23 responded a brush fire at the corner of Maple Ave and Oradell Ave.

 
 

At 6:45am Oradell units were dispatched to the 300 block of Maple Avenue for a smell of smoke in the house.  Oradell Car 201 arrived and confirmed a slight smoke condition in the house.  Oradell Car 20, Engine 23 and Tower 21 responded.  Car 20 had command while the crew from Engine 23 confirmed there was a problem with the boiler.  The unit was made safe and all units were up after 15 minutes. 

Members went up to the Rockland County Fire Academy tonight for Live Burn Training.  Firefighters trained in the areas or search, hose line advancement, and the physics of smoke and fire.

 

At 16:55 hours Oradell units were requested to the 600 block of Blauvelt Drive for a single motor vehicle into a tree.  The driver had already exited the vehicle upon arrival of FD units.  Oradell Car 20, 201, Squad 22 and Engine 24 responded.  The crew from the Squad secured the vehicle while Engine 24 had the water supply.  All units were back in service in about 40 minutes.  The driver was treated and transported by New Milford EMS.

 

The "B-Platoon" stayed busy overnight responding on multiple good-intent calls. 

Remember to check and test your smoke and CO alarms at least once a month.

The Oradell Fire Department is happy to announce two new additions to the firehouse.  On Friday, November 7th, a new diesel exhaust removal system was put into service along with a new cascade and air-compressor system.  The new PlymoVent System attachés to the apparatus and removes the exhaust fumes from the apparatus prior to leaving the firehouse and after returning and backing in.  The Fire Department received a Federal Grant for a new Bauer Compressor and Cascade system that will allow for SCBA and SCBUA bottles to be filled at the correct capacity.

 

At 15:43 hours, Engine 23, Tower 21, Car 20, and Car 201 responded to the 600 block of Cooper Ave for an activated carbon monoxide alarm.  Companies checked the home with Multi-Gas meters an found high Carbon Monoxide readings in the home.  Public Service Gas responded to the scene to help rectify the problem.

Residents are reminded to keep working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes.

At 21:30 hours Oradell units were dispatched for a smell of smoke in the 300 block of Elm Street.  Oradell PD units arrived and reported a working attic fire.  Oradell Car 201 (Asst. Chief Kahill) arrived and confirmed the same calling for a FAST Team from Paramus FD.  Oradell Car 20 (Chief Burns) arrived and assumed command and called for the 2nd alarm.  Oradell Engine 23 was first due, established a water supply and stretched a hose line to the attic and began fire attack.  Oradell Tower 21 took the front and vented the roof.  Oradell Squad 22 secured a second water source and supplied man power.  SCUBA 26 acting Engine 24 arrived with additional manpower as well.  Mutual Aid from River Edge FD and New Milford FD on the 2nd alarm assisted with ladders, salvage, overhaul and other operations.  All units were clear from the scene after about 3 hours.  Video of the fire is courtesy of Glenn Schneider.  Additional photos available from Brett Dzadik here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mGBUVvQhec

Tri-Boro South Fire Departments (Oradell, River Edge, New Milford) drilled together last night at the Woodcrest Center in New Milford.  This training simulated a fire in one of the residential wings of this building.

The Oradell Fire Department is proud to announce that they recently received federal funding to replace outdated SCBA refill equipment.  A federal grant written by the fire department awarded the funds directly to the fire department to replace necessary and outdated equipment that was currently running under capacity.  Funding from the grant has allowed the fire department to purchase a new air-compression system and SCBA bottle refill station.  In anticipation of the equipment being delivered, members of the fire department have volunteered tireless hours, both day and night, to prepare the room in the firehouse for this new equipment.

 
 

It was another successful Fire Prevention Week!  The Oradell Fire Department visited the Oradell Public School, River Dell High School, Bergen Catholic High School, and St. Joe’s Lower School to conduct fire drills and continue the pursuit of fire prevention education.  In spirit of this year’s theme, “Preventing Home Fires,” students were reminded the need for smoke detector maintenance, home exit plans, and dangerous items to be on alert for in the home.

 

At 15:13 hours, Squad 22 and Engine 24 responded to the intersection of Spring Valley Road and Ridgewood Ave for a reported motor vehicle crash.  The Squad and Engine companies disconnected the car batteries and made the scene safe.  Companies were back in-service after 20 minutes.

At 14:07 hours, units were dispatched to the 600 block of Ridgewood Ave. for a reported smoke condition. Upon arrival a fire was located in the basement and a 2nd Alarm was transmitted. Tri-Boro South Fire units and Paramus FD Truck 1 operated on scened for about 1 hour. (Reported by OFD's London Division)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/No_injuries_in_Oradell_house_fire.html

At 08:45 hours, Engine 23, Engine 24, and Car 201 responded to the intersection of New Milford Ave. and Elm St. for a reported wire down and on fire.  Arriving units found high-voltage electrical lines that had fallen after a portion of the pole had broke.  PSEG responded to secure the electrical lines.  Engine 24 also checked nearby St. Joe's School due to a large event that was going on in the powerless building. Units cleared from both scenes after 30 minutes.

At 11:43 hours, E-23 and Car 201 responded on a Tri-Boro Assignment to the River Dell Middle School in River Edge for a reported gas leak.  As units arrived on scene, PSEG had arrived and was already securing a leaky connection on the exterior of the building.  All companies operated on scene for about 25 minutes.

At 9:58 AM Oradell units were dispatched to the 700 block of Midland Road for a reported working fire.  Upon arrival Car 20 (Chief Burns) called for a FAST Team and a Tri-boro second alarm.  Car 201 (Asst. Chief Kahill) took operations and Paramus Truck 1 responded as the FAST Team.  Oradell Engine 24 stretched in and pulled one attack line while Tower 21 set up for search and vent.  Units quickly located food burning on the stove and reported heavy smoke but no extension.  Oradell Engine 23, River Edge Car 10 and Ladder 11 arrived on scene along with New Milford Car 301 and 302 as the second alarm was being canceled.  Units operated for about 45 minutes.  Oradell units responded to two other calls today including a vehicle leaking gasoline.

 

Tri-boro units stayed busy today with a working fire in New Milford and four other runs.  The fire was held to the kitchen, Oradell had Lt. 203 on-scene as operations along with Engine 24 and Tower 21.  Tri-boro units worked together all weekend during the NJ State Firemen's Convention.

At 18:45 Oradell Car 20, Car 201 and Engine 23 responded to a small gas grill fire in the 200 block of Beechwood Road.  The fire was out upon arrival, the crew from Engine 23 checked for extension and made the grill safe.  Units operated about 15 minutes.

At 12:24 pm Oradell units were dispatched to the 1000 block of Soldier Hill Road for a Fire Alarm.  Upon arrival of the Oradell Police it was determined that no one was answering the door and there was a smell of something burning at the front door.  Oradell Officer J. Campbell quickly located an open window and Officer D. Kahill entered the house and let Campbell in.  A quick search located a burning pot on the stove and no one in the home with a moderate smoke condition.  Oradell Engine 23 and Tower 21 responded, removed the pot, checked for extension and vented.  Units operated for about 30 minutes.

At 21:06 hours, units were dispatched to the recently renovated Oradell Public Library for a electrical problem.  Arriving units found an arcing lighting fixture on the 2nd floor that had melted.  Units secured the fixture and wiring and were up from the scene shortly after.

At 23:30hrs, fire units were dispatched to the 400 block of Kindekamack Road for a reported motor vehicle crash with a rollover.  Arriving units found a single car that had struck a tree and rolled over.  Units operated on scene for about 1 hour.

 

At 21:50 hours, Tower 21 was dispatched to Prospect Ave. in New Milford for a working structure fire.   NMFD arriving units found a fire in a bathroom on the second floor.  NMFD Engine 32 stretched a line to the second floor of the house and extinguished the fire. The Oradell Truck Company extinguished a small fire in the kitchen and provided support services.

Photos: http://www.brettsfirephotos.smugmug.com/gallery/5838977_6QUHp#362243273_HLmyj

Oradell units were kept busy this afternoon when a strong line of storms came through the area.  Oradell Chief 20, 201, Engine 23, Squad 22 and Tower 21 went to work.  Additional mutual aid from Haworth FD (Chief 151 and Ladder 169) as well as Emerson FD (Chief 25, 251, Engine 26 and Ladder 27) were used due to the 2nd Alarm in River Edge. 

• Storm Stand-By (Tornado Warning for the area)
• Bergen Catholic HS - Fire Alarm caused by a lightning strike
• Pyle Street - Flooding with a sink hole
• Fifth Avenue (River Edge) - 2nd Alarm House Fire
• 700 block of Midland Road - Lightning strike with smell of smoke in home
• 200 block of Kinderkamack Road - Gas Leaks caused by flooded basements
• Hoffman Avenue (New Milford) - Lightning strike with a gas leak

At 17:44 hours Oradell Fire and Police units were dispatched to the 900 block of Woodland Avenue on a reported kitchen fire.  Upon arrival of the Police units it was reported that the fire was on the stove and knocked down by the resident using a fire extinguisher.  Oradell Car 20, Engine 23, Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded.  Units confirmed the fire was out with minor extension to the cabinets above the stove.  Crews did some minor overhaul and vented, all units were up after 45 minutes.

At 11:30 hours, Oradell Squad 22 and Engine 24, and River Edge Rescue 16 and Squad 17, along with New Milford Chief 302 responded to the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and New Milford Avenue in Oradell for a motor vehicle crash.  Crews assisted with securing the vehicle and structure as well as patient removal.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/Car_crashes_into_building_driver_sent_to_hospital.html

At 12:52 hours, a 4" gas main was struck on the corner of Prospect Ave. and Church St.  Oradell Car 201 and Engine 24 responded.  Upon further investigation it was determined that the gas was leaking under high pressure and blowing into a residential area.  A mutual aid Engine from River Edge was requested along with a Ladder Truck from New Milford.  Oradell Police evacuated all the houses on Church Street along with the Oradell Public School as a precaution.  PSE&G responded and secured the leak within several minutes, all units were released shortly after.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/Gas_leak_cause_Oradell_evacuation.html

After a crushing defeat last weak against Upper Saddle River FD, Team President and General Manager J. Moretti required all team members to have a "session" with the team psychologist.  All members reported a euphoria like feeling afterwords.  Today the Sluggers played a close game with Franklin Lakes FD and managed to pull a 12 to 9 victory out.  The Sluggers finish the regular season 7 and 5 and look forward to being in the playoffs.

At 20:22 hrs, Oradell Fire units responded to the 100 block of Gordon Ct (off of Schafer Ave) to assist police with a lockout.  Arriving units found the residents locked out of their home with food on the stove and a smoke condition inside the structure.   Tower 21 forced the door while Engine 23 secured the water supply and stretched a 1-3/4” attack line to the front door.  The investigation yielded unattended cooking on the stove with no extension.  Tower 21 provided mechanical ventilation and units were up from the scene shortly after.

At 15:04 hours, Tower 21 was dispatched to the 700 block of Kinderkamack Road in River Edge as the FAST Team for a confirmed structure fire.  River Edge Truck 11 was able to make a quick knock down of the fire located in the basement.  Tower 21 cleared from the scene after 45 minutes.

At 20:50 hours, Engine 23, Engine 24, Squad 22, and Tower 21 were dispatched to the 800 block of Amaryllis Ave for a reported natural gas odor in the area. Companies investigated several homes in the area and found a natural gas grill with a cut hose that was connected to the gas service. A crew from Engine 23 was able to secure the gas line at the source. Gas meters were also used to check the rest of the structure. Companies operated on scene for about 30 minutes.

At 22:05 hours, Engine 23, Engine 24, and Car 20 were dispatched to the area of the River Dell High School Field for a reported brush fire. A 10’ x 20’ area of burning brush was located on the north side of the field area. The crew from Engine 23 extinguished the fire with the booster line and overhauled the area. Units operated on scene for about 45 minutes.

Under the lights in Wyckoff the Sluggers lost to the Wyckoff FD 8 to 7.  With a decent showing of players and support from the fruit punch mix on the bench, the Sluggers just could not stay ahead.  Team Mix-ologist J. Moretti reported that he was happy to take on his new role and leave the coaching to President and General Manager B. Bonte.  The game had some tremendous base running, head first slides and of course one ball to one face, but it just wasn't enough.  The OFD Coaching Staff has called for an immediate change in the team's diet, more to follow.  The Sluggers are now 5 and 4 in the season that just will not end.

After 30 years, the Office of Driver Training announced today that Ex-Chief Stan Kufel #34 has successfully completed his training and has qualified to drive and operate his first piece of apparatus, Engine 24.  Congrats Stan!

Today at 13:54 Oradell units were dispatched to a 4 car MVA on Kinderkamack Road at the Emerson border.  Oradell Car 20, Car 201, Squad 22 and Engine 24 responded.  Also on scene was Emerson FD and BLS as well as New Milford BLS.  Units from the Squad assisted with one vehicle while the Engine had the water supply.  Units were on scene about 20 minutes.

Today the OFD members marched in and enjoyed Oradell's annual July 4th Parade.  Thanks to to Kevin Joyce for the photos, please visit his site at http://www.kjoycephotography.exposuremanager.com/g/

 
 

At 14:41 hours, Squad 22 and Engine 24 were dispatched to the 900 block of Oradell Avenue for a reported motor vehicle crash with injuries.  Arriving units found a single car that had struck a tree.  Crews assisted with victim removal and were back in-service after about 30 minutes.

 

This evening, Firefighter Tony Meo was awarded with the 2008 Knights of Columbus Award for his outstanding work with organizing the fire department’s team that participated in the Relay For Life event last month sponsored by the American Cancer Society.  The fire department team raised the 4th highest amount out of all of the teams and had a great turn out for the event.  Congratulations Dewey!

 

At 18:02 hours a Tri-Boro Alarm was transmitted for Oradell Health Care, bringing fire units from Oradell, River Edge, & New Milford to 600 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell for a reported fire.  Upon arrival the fire was out, however there was still a smoke condition on the second floor.  Units assisted with vent and checked for extension yielding negative results.  All Tri-Boro units were returned after operating on scene for about 30 minutes.

The Sluggers had a good weekend playing Glen Rock FD on Friday Night and winning 19 to 11.  Then The Sluggers went on to play Maywood FD on Sunday morning also winning 17 to 14.  Coach G. Trass reported that the mental conditioning program he started seems to be working, but time will tell.  The Sluggers are now 5 and 3 in the longest season ever.

In the late afternoon, Oradell Units were dispatched to Hemlock Drive for a tree on fire.  Oradell Car 20, Car 201 and Engine 24 responded.  Units located a PSE&G power line that had come in contact with the tree causing the fire.  PSE&G Electric was notified and responded to remove the wire from the tree.  Units were on scene about an hour.  Photo provided by K. Joyce.

At 02:54 hrs, Central Dispatch was notifed by the Newark Fire Department that the Oradell Fire Department Dive Team was requested in Newark at the intersection of Raymond Blvd & Somme St to assist with a police investigation.  Car 20, Utility 25, SCUBA 26, and Marine 1 responded to the scene and worked with the other dive teams from Wallington FD, Lyndhurst FD, and Newark FD to locate a person in the Passaic River.  Units were back in the borough around 06:30 hrs.  This is the 3rd time since 2004 that the Oradell Fire Department Dive Team has responded to this stretch of road in Newark.

At 09:45 hrs, Engine 24, Tower 21, Car 20 and Car 201 responded to the 700 block of Cooper Ave for a reported oven fire.  Engine 24 secured a water supply upon arrival and started their investigation with Tower 21.  Upon entering the kitchen there was a small fire in the oven, the power to the oven was shut off and the fire went out.  Thermal Imaging Cameras were used to check for extension and yielded negative results.  Units were up from the scene after 20 minutes.

At 5:05 am Oradell units were dispatched to the 900 block of Oradell Avenue for a burning power line.  Car 20, Car 201 and Engine 23 responded.  Crews stood by until the area was secured by PSE&G and then extinguished the affected area.  All units returned by 6:30 am.

 

At 12:26 hours, Squad 22, Utility 25, Car 20, and Car 201 responded to the 600 block of Ridgewood Ave. for a possible hazardous materials incident. First arriving units found a drum that had been accumulating numerous types of chemicals and aerosol cans over time. New Milford Haz-Mat, Bergen County Haz-Mat and NJ DEP responded along with New Milford EMS and BOX 54. New Milford Haz-Mat tested the material and after working with County and State Officials, NJ DEP contacted a clean up company to remove the material. Oradell units remained on scene until about 18:45 when the material was removed. Photos from Brett Dzadik.

 
 
 

Engine 23 and U-25 operated at the Oradell Dam this evening for a Drafting Drill. Units setup hard suction and drafted while operating master streams.

 

Oradell members turned out today to honor all veterans and current military personal during the Oradell Memorial Day Parade. A brief memorial service was held in front of Fire Headquarters prior to the parade.

 

Oradell units were dispatched for a reported brush fire on an island in the middle of the Hackensack river tonight. Several juveniles were removed from the area by police units and reported they had a fire lit on the island. C20, C201, Engine 23, Squad 22 and SCUBA 26 responded. A staging area was established near the river and two members wearing survival suits swam across the water to the island for investigation. The fire area was located and determined to be out upon arrival, a secondary search of the island revealed no other hazards. All units operated for about 90 minutes.

 

At 15:52hrs, Engine 23, Squad 22, and Chief 201 responded to the intersection of Sussex and Ridgewood for a reported pole on fire.  Arriving units found a public service electric pole that was on fire.  PSE&G arrived, made the pole safe and used a water can to knock the fire down.  Units cleared after about 35 minutes.

 

Oradell Units turned out after 21:00 hours for a reported fire alarm in the 400 block of Demarest Avenue. Upon arrival of the Oradell Police it was reported as an Oven Fire that was out. Oradell Car 20, Engine 23, Tower 21, Engine 24 and Squad 22 all responded. Units checked for extension and confirmed the fire was out. Crews used several fans to remove a large amount of smoke from the house before picking up. Units operated about 25 minutes.

The Sluggers played Saddle Brook FD today and took a loss 14 to 6. Coach Moretti stated "I have scheduled a team meeting to discuss several issues." When asked if the First Baseman will ever return, Coach Moretti stated "we are moving forward, even if he doesn't want to."

On Friday evening members of the department participated in an American Cancer Society Relay For Life Event sponsored by the River Dell High School.  Members of the department raised over $4700 for this event.  Thanks to all who participated and supported our team!

 
 

Congratulations to Joseph Kufel #54 for completing Firefighter I and receiving his black shield.

The Sluggers faced Paramus FD tonight with an all-star turn out, and won 9 to 7.  The Sluggers got off to a great start by bringing in 4 runs, but quickly lost the lead over two innings when Paramus came back with 7 runs.  Several great defensive plays by both teams kept the game locked.  In the 4th a solo home run by P. Trass opened the game back up and brought the Sluggers within range.  In the 7th the Sluggers scored 4 runs through 8 batters and held the lead with a strong defense.  Coach Moretti stated "I think the slow economy combined with the rising cost of fuel, is driving the team right now".

Department members took a few minutes before heading on fund drive, for the annual group photo.  Thank you to Glenn Schneider for taking the picture. 

At 16:52 hours, Chief 20, Chief 201, Tower 21 and Engine 24 were dispatched to Laurel Ave in River Edge on the 2nd Alarm assignment.  River Edge units had heavy fire venting out of the top floor of a house upon arrival.  The Tower company assisted with overhaul while the Engine company assisted with exterior operations.  All units operated on scene for about 2 hours.

 
 

In the late afternoon Oradell units were dispatched for a possible brush fire in the Oradell Reservoir area. At the same time Haworth units were receiving calls and being dispatched as well. Haworth units located the fire on their side of the water off of Lake Shore Drive. The fire was deep into the United Water property around the Reservoir and required several Engines and a Drafting operation for water supply. Oradell Car 20, 201 and Engine 24 responded to assist Haworth and other agencies. Oradell Engine 24 was deep into the woods being supplied by Haworth Engine 162 which was drafting. Units operated about 3 hours due to the location and amount of area that had burned.

 
 
 

At 1:20am Oradell and River Edge FD units were dispatched as a second alarm to New Milford for a house fire on Ridge Street. New Milford units had heavy fire showing from several sides upon arrival. Oradell Chief 20 and 201 went to the scene while Tower 21 and Engine 24 stood by at New Milford CO# 2 with River Edge Engine 13. River Edge Ladder 11 and Engine 12 operated with New Milford at the scene. Stand by units were in New Milford for several hours.

The Sluggers pulled out another win today against Mahwah FD, winning 14 to 10. Although our Star First Baseman was not there, the sluggers took the lead early and held on for the win. Coach Moretti stated "knowing the game locations and time is the most important part of any game!"

OFD units were dispatched for a Motor Vehicle Crash at the intersection of Oradell Ave and Kinderkamack Road.  Car 20, Car 201 and Squad 22 responded.  Upon arrival the Squad made the vehicles safe and controlled a small fluid spill.  New Milford EMS was also on scene treating several minor injuries.  Crews operated about 20 minutes.

 

In what some call an incredible show of sports creams, the OFD Sluggers pinched, pulled, staggered and labored to a 13-4 victory over Hawthorne FD today.  Coach Kufel stated "with Coach Moretti on the 15 day DL, I will have my work cut out, but we will prevail".  Whatever the situation, the Sluggers have a long season ahead, stay tuned.

Better late than never, the Oradell Fire Department hosted their 2008 Installation Dinner this past Saturday. Both line and administrative officers were welcomed into their new positions by the Mayor and Council and various awards and department recognitions were given.

 
 

At 12:24 hours Oradell 21 Truck was special called to the Boulevard in New Milford for a Structure Fire. Asst Chief 201 operated with the crew from NMFD Engine 32 on knocking the fire down while the crew from 21 Truck performed vent and overhaul. Oradell units operated for about an hour. Photos from Brett Dzadik

 

In honor of St. Patricks Day, members of the Oradell FD marched in the annual Parade in Bergenfield today.  Thanks to M. Somma for the pictures

 

Work continues at the firehouse this afternoon as Lt. Bonte, Chief Burns, and Probie FF Gourley install a new hose reel in the apparatus bay next to Squad 22

 

Recent wet weather has brought the local streams and rivers to near capacity again.  Oradell FD members spent some time Friday night checking all the water rescue equipment just in case.

 

During the evening rush, Oradell units were dispatched to assist the Police with a 2 car crash on Oradell Avenue.  Chief 20, 201, Squad 22 and Engine 24 responded for a quick battery disconnect and to control a small fluid spill.  Oradell units were on scene about 15 minutes.

 

Oradell FD members went through extensive New Jersey Transit Bus Training this evening, learning about the operations and emergency procedures of the most commonly found buses in our area.  The in-house lecture was followed by a tour and orientation of the local NJT Oradell Bus Garage.  Thanks to Lou and Bob of NJT for their assistance.

 
 

In response to the motor vehicle crash Thursday night, PSEG and an environmental survey and clean-up company were deployed to the Hackensack River in the area of the Oradell Ave. Bridge.  Oradell's Dive/Water Rescue units were deployed to that area as well to assist and monitor the safety of the company's boat crew. Car 20, Car 201, SCUBA-26, Utility 25, Marine 1, and Marine 2 operated on scene for about 3 hours.

 

At 20:54 hours, all Oradell units were dispatched to the intersection of Kinderkamack Road and Orchard Ave, for a reported motor vehicle crash. Chief 201 was first to arrive on scene and reported a serious two vehicle crash with a working fire. Chief 20 arrived on scene and assumed command. Squad 22 and Engine 24 arrived on scene and both stretched 1-3/4” attack lines. Companies waited for Public Service to give the all clear before engaging in fire attack as one utility pole was struck which carried several high voltage lines and transformers, cable, and phone. Companies made good progress and made a quick but difficult knock down on both vehicles, which had become fully involved. Tower 21 and Engine 23 provided lighting and other support services on scene. New Milford Haz-Mat also responded to the scene to provide decon services to those members who had become contaminated from the liquids that had leaked from the transformers. All companies cleared from the scene at 23:45 hours.

During this period, three alarms of fire were transmitted and were handled by Engine 23 and New Milford FD.

 
 
 
 

At 12:33 Oradell units were dispatched to the 700 block of Schirra Drive for an unknown electrical emergency.  Oradell Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded with Captain VanRiper (202) establishing command.  Units quickly located a problem with the electrical service coming into the home, shut the main service off and called Public Service Electric and Gas.  Units stood by for an extended period after being told that PSE&G would have a delayed response.  After becoming available Car 20 (Chief Burns) arrived and made several other attempts to get PSE&G on scene with no success.  Oradell FD units finally cleared around 15:15, still waiting for the power company to arrive.

At 03:48 hrs, units were dispatched to the 200 block of Kinderkamack Road for Carbon Monoxide alarm activation in an apartment.  A primary search by Engine 24 found high level readings on the 1st and 2nd floor of the building.  Engine 24 and Tower 21 evacuated residents until the source of the problem could be found.  A problem with a roof-top heating unit was located and the Tower Company setup a positive pressure vent and residents repopulated the building shortly after.  Companies operated on scene for about 1.5 hours.

Pictured below (L to R) FF Farinella, Asst. Chief Kahill, FF Schneider after the residents had repopulated the building.

As part of a pre-arranged cover-up in our "extended" mutual-aid, Oradell Engine 24 along with Waldwick Tower and Mahwah Engine 1 provided coverage for the Boro of Ramsey at their Eastside firehouse while on a funeral detail. Units were tapped out for a 1 call, a fuel leak on Rt. 17.

 
 

At 12:58 hours Oradell units were dispatched to the 200 block of Grove Street for a burning odor inside the home. Upon arrival Chief 20 assumed command and Chief 201 took operations. E-24 was 1st due and grabbed the water supply at Elm and Grove Streets. Tower 21 took the front of the building and SQ-22 had the secondary water source north of the structure. A primary search by E-24 and Chief 201 yielded a smoke condition on the second floor. Units found a burning vinyl window frame which appeared to be ignited by a beam of sunlight that had reflected off the mirror at the window. Units made a quick stop and checked for further extension. Units operated on scene for about 45 minutes.

 
 

Engine 23 along with Washington Township Tower Ladder provided cover-up services Friday night for Paramus FD Co. # 1 while they attended their annual installation dinner. Asst. Chief Kahill operated as the Boro Wide Tour Commander. No hits while in the boro for any of the companies.

Back in town, Tri-Boro units responded to 600 Kinderkamack Road (Oradell Healthcare) for the reported odor of smoke.

 

Last Night, Chief Kevin Burns presented Probationary Firefighter Rory Gourley with his "Probie" shield.  Rory has spent the last year and a half in the departments junior program.

At 14:41hrs, units were dispatched to the 700 block of Greentree Lane for a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm activation.  Arriving units took initial readings of 33ppm upstairs and 37ppm downstairs in the home.  Secondary readings yielded 355ppm and rising near the  heating unit in the basement.  PSEG was notified to assist in shutting down the heating unit.  Units operated on scene for about 1 hour. 

At 21:12 hours, Car 20, Engine 23, and Tower 21 responded to the 800 block of Oradell Ave to assist the PD with a welfare check and a severe water leak.  The engine and truck companies joined forces to slow the water leak that resulted from a broken copper pipe.  Two members from the engine company went out of service for decon after returning to quarters.

At 23:11 hours, a 911 caller reported a possible structure fire near the intersection of Midland Road and Seminole Street.  Car 201 was first to arrive on scene a reported that an outside fireplace was in use at that location, resulting in a good intent call, holding remaining units in quarters.

At 22:18hrs, Car 20, Car 201, Engine 23, Engine 24, and Tower 21 were dispatched to the 600 block of 2nd Street for a reported structure fire. Arriving units found a light smoke condition on the first floor. Further investigation found a problem with the compressor for the refrigerator.  The Truck Company setup a postive pressure vent. Photo Unit 1 and NMFD Ex-Chief Stormer also made it to the scene.

 

Today the 2008 Oradell Fire Department Line Officers were sworn in.  The ceremony took place at the annual reorganization meeting of the Mayor and Council.  Councilman Joseph Murray who serves as the Fire Commissioner administered the oath to the Officers.

 

At 14:10 hours Oradell units were requested to respond to the 1000 block of Oradell Avenue for a motor vehicle crash with a fluid spill.  Oradell Chief 20 (Burns) and Engine 24 responded to the scene.  The Engine company controlled the spill and made both vehicles safe.  Oradell units operated for about 20 minutes.

 

Oradell units responded to 3 calls today along with other Tri-boro units, as our local schools kept us busy.  While responding to an automatic Tri-boro alarm in River Edge, 21 Truck was diverted to another River Edge school for a stuck occupied elevator.  Upon arrival 21 truck went to work and removed one person from the elevator without incident.  Later in the evening Oradell units were called for another automatic alarm at another River Edge school rounding out the day.

The members and officers of the Oradell Fire Department wish everyone a happy and safe new year. 2008 has already brought immediate changes to the department with the election of new officers:

Kevin Burns, Chief of Department
Derek Kahill, Assistant Chief
William Van Riper, Captain
Dan Nywening, 1st Lieutenant
Robert Capicchioni, 2nd Lieutenant
Brian Bonte, 3rd Lieutenant