December 25th, 2009

This years coat drive was another success - thank you to all.  A very special thanks to Glenn Schneider for shooting and editing the Santa Sunday video.

Santa Sunday Video

At 16:22 hours Oradell units were requested mutual aid into Emerson for a Motor Vehicle Crash on Kinderkamack Road with one person trapped.  Oradell Car 201 and Squad 22 responded.  Upon arrival Oradell 201 met with Emerson FD Chief 25 and reported a single car crash, one person trapped and a telephone pole on the vehicle.  Oradell Squad 22 arrived, removed two doors, the "B" pillar and rolled the dashboard up to assist EMS in the removal of the victim.  Emerson Engine 26 had a protection line stretched while Oradell units were operating.  All Oradell units were clear in about 45 minutes.

 
 

At 16:22 hours Oradell units were requested mutual aid into Emerson for a Motor Vehicle Crash on Kinderkamack Road with one person trapped.  Oradell Car 201 and Squad 22 responded.  Upon arrival Oradell 201 met with Emerson FD Chief 25 and reported a single car crash, one person trapped and a telephone pole on the vehicle.  Oradell Squad 22 arrived and performed a single door removal and rolled the dashboard up to assist EMS in the removal of the victim.  Emerson Engine 26 had a protection line stretched while Oradell units were operating.  All Oradell units were clear in about 45 minutes.

Over the weekend, the fire department held their Annual Santa Sunday Event and Coat Drive.  This year, the residents of Oradell donated nearly 400 coats that were delivered to East Orange Memorial Hospital.  Thanks you for your support!

At 14:06 Oradell units were dispatched into the 600 block of Fletcher Avenue for a reported house fire.  Upon arrival of Oradell 203 (Lt. Nywening) it was reported that there was a fire on the stove extending to the microwave and cabinet above.  Lt. Nywening instructed first due Engine 24 to stretch in from the hydrant and requested a FAST Team from Paramus FD.  Oradell Engine 24 stretched an attack line as a precaution while members of the Oradell Police Department used a co2l extinguisher to control the fire.  Oradell Tower 21 arrived and assisted in overhaul and vent while Paramus Truck 1 stood by.  All units were on scene about 45 minutes.

At 10:56 hours, Squad 22 and Engine 24 responded to the intersection of Ridgewood Road and Spring Valley Ave for a reported motor vehicle crash with entrapment.  Arriving units found a four car crash, with one car that had rolled on its side trapping the occupant.  A precautionary hose line was stretched while the occupant was extricated and the scene was made safe.

At 10:35 hours, Oradell units responded to the 400 block of Bergen Boulevard for a odor of smoke in the structure.  Engine 24 secured a water supply and began their investigation inside the structure with the assistance from Tower 21.  The problem was isolated to a faulty switch for the boiler.  All units went back in-service after operating on scene for about 20 minutes.

On Saturday, December 12th, members of Boy Scout Troop 36 in Oradell, lead by Kyle Jurasin, will be going door-to-door collecting non-perishable food items on behalf of the Church of the Ascension Food Pantry.  Items to be donated should be placed outside your home by 9am.  Donations may also be dropped off at the Borough Hall or Oradell Public Library between 12/5 and 12/12.

Requested Items:

All paper products
Instant coffee
Dry milk
Cereals
Canned fruit
Apple juice
Soup
Rice
Beans
Pasta
Tomato Sauce
Tea
Canned Vegetables
Macaroni and Cheese

The Hydrant Marker Replacement Program started about three weeks ago to replace all missing and damaged hydrant markers in Oradell.  Although hydrants should be dug out by residents after a major snow storm, these devices allow for hydrants to be located when they become buried under a heavy amount of snow.  If a hydrant marker is missing during the course of the winter, please notify the fire department to have it replaced.  Residents should also help by removing snow from near by hydrants after a snow storm.  Special thanks to our local Boy Scout Troop who helped get this project started.

At 18:41 hours, Tower 21 and Car 201 responded as the cover-up companies to Haworth Fire Headquarters while they operated at a structure fire.  Units were in quarters for about 1 hour along with Cresskill Engine 5. 

At 12:12 hours, Oradell units responded to the 700 block of Midland Ave for a reported smoke condition in the structure.   Arriving units found a moderate smoke condition in the home due to food on the stove.  Companies used mechanical ventilation to remove the smoke.  There was no extension.

Friday night, the Oradell Fire Department held its Annual Inspection and Dinner for the Mayor and Council.  This time allows for the Mayor and Council to inspect the members, apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

 
 

At 12:43 hours, units responded to the 700 block of Howard Court for a reported electrical problem.

At 21:02 hours, Oradell FD units responded to the 200 block of Prospect for activated fire alarms.  Arriving companies were notified by the PD of a smoke condition in the basement.  Crews from Engine 23 and Tower 21 investigated and located a malfunctioning furnace that produced a heavy smoke condition in the basement.  Companies were able to secure the utilities and vented the structure.  There was no extension.

Shortly after returning from a run in Oradell, a 2nd Alarm was struck for a structure fire at the Brookchester Apartments in New Milford.  Tower 21 and Engine 23 responded.  A quick knockdown of the fire was made by the first arriving engine companies.  Oradell units operated on scene for about 1 hour.

 

Members of the OFD attended the Middletown, NY Fire Department’s 150th Anniversary Parade on Saturday.  A good time was had by all.

Oradell Tower 21 responded to a business in the 700 block of Kinderkamack Road today for a confirmed elevator entrapment.  Upon arrival the crew from Tower 21 was informed that building maintenance had located a blown fuse and already restored the elevator.  All occupants were safely removed and the elevator was placed out of service.  Units were on scene only a few minutes.

As many NJ firefighters attended the annual convention over the weekend, Tri-Boro South Fire Units (Oradell, New Milford, & River Edge) were kept busy responding to numerous alarms, fires, and a serious motor vehicle crash.   12 runs were recorded over the weekend, including a 3rd Alarm response to Cresskill for a structure fire and a motor vehicle crash involving a utility pole and a building in River Edge.  Acting Boro Commander Lt. Nywening and his assistant Ex-Chief Kufel kept everything under control during this time.

At 14:15 hours, a single engine response was used to investigate an odor of gasoline in the area of Spring Valley Road and Howard Court West.  The crew from Engine 23 discovered that the source of the odor was from a spill on the otherside of the road in Paramus.  Paramus Fire Dispatch was notified and Oradell units cleared from the scene.

The Borough of Oradell will memorialized the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks tonight at Oradell Fire Headquarters beginning at 7pm.  All members of the community are invited to attend.

At 03:48 hrs, Tower 21 was dispatched to stand by at Paramus Co. # 1 while they were operating at a commercial structure fire.  Fortunately a quick knock down of the fire was made by PFD and Oradell units were released shortly after that.

At 10:55 Oradell units were dispatched to the 600 block of East Drive for a reported electrical fire.  Oradell Chief 201 responded and reported a small fire in a basement bedroom with possible extension to a mattress.  Oradell Engine 23 responded and dropped two lines from the hydrant, while Tower 21 responded and took the front of the house.  The crew from Engine 23 stretched 1 attack line to the basement door as a precaution.  Paramus FD was dispatched and responded as a FAST Team.  Oradell units removed the mattress, ventilated the basement, opened the wall and checked for extension with negative results.  All units were on scene about 60 minutes

Welcome to our newest member, Doug Maxson, as he joins the ranks of the Oradell Fire Department!

At 9:02 hours Oradell units were dispatched to the parking lot of the Oradell Post Office for a car fire.  Oradell Car 20, Car 201, Engine 24 and Engine 23 responded.  The fire was smoldering upon arrival, units extinguished the remaining fire and performed overhaul.  All units were on scene about 25 minutes.

 
 

The Sluggers faced Wyckoff FD today in round one of the playoffs and won 11 to 2.  Slugger Coach J. Moretti was all but speechless today except for the E49 that occurred twice.  The Sluggers move on to face Westwood FD this Sunday at home.

The Sluggers played Hawthorne FD today and won 17 to 4.  The Sluggers finish 7 and 2 for the year heading into the playoffs.  Although star short stop J.Maino was missing again, the Sluggers had a surprise appearance by Coach J. Moretti who filled in the DH spot.  Coach Moretti's stellar base running helped keep the Sluggers ahead, although he looked a little under the weather at times.  Team Historian S. Kufel stated "it's all in the hips".  Well I'm sure it is, good job Sluggers.

After spending most of the day on the dive call, the Volunteers returned to town and stood by during the Borough's fireworks show.  Oradell Car 20, Engine 23, Engine 24, Tower 21 and Utility 25 along with 2 ATV's were staffed.  A unified command post with Police, Fire and EMS was established and operated smoothly.  Additional support from River Edge FD and New Milford FD kept the crowd safe.  Thank you to all the departments that turned out.

After spending most of the day on the dive call, the Volunteers returned to town and stood by during the Borough's fireworks show.  Oradell Car 20, Engine 23, Engine 24, Tower 21 and Utility 25 along with 2 ATV's were staffed.  A unified command post with Police, Fire and EMS was established and operated smoothly.  Additional support from River Edge FD and New Milford FD kept the crow safe.  Thank you to all the departments that turned out.

At 8:30am the Oradell Dive Water/Rescue unit was called to Elmwood Park to assist in the search for a missing person in the Passaic River.  Dive units from Bergen County PD, Passaic County Sherrifs, Wallington FD and Lyndhurst FD were also involved in the search.  Oradell responded with Car 20, Car 201, Scuba 26, Utility 25 and both Marine units.  Oradell had a total of 3 divers enter the water during the operation, while both marine units conducted surface searches.  Oradell units were on scene several hours before returning.

The end of June and the opening of July have kept OFD busy with 8 runs in the last 3 days.  Today while investigating an automatic alarm, units found a smoke condition in the home.  Oradell Chief 20 requested River Edge Truck 11 for mutual aid.  Engine 23 had the water supply while units searched for the cause.  After an extensive search, the problem was located by the boiler.  Oradell Fire Department Volunteers remain alert this holiday weekend and wish all of you a safe and happy July 4th.  Special thanks to Brett Dzadik from the Photo Unit for the photos.

 
 

The OFD Sluggers took on Franklin Lakes FD today and won again.  The game and score stayed tight with a final of 9 to 8.  The Sluggers are now 6 and 2 with one make-up before the playoffs.  Coach Moretti stated "I've been busy searching for a new team headquarters".  Well good luck coach?

Units responded to the 800 block of Cordes Court for an activated Carbon Monoxide alarm.  The home was checked with fire department multi-gas meters.

 

This year's Knights of Columbus award winner was FF Joe Scerbo.  Chief Burns presented the award tonight with several other members present.  FF Scerbo has served the Oradell Fire Department for 25 years and has held numerous positions along the way.  He currently holds one of the most important positions; he runs the kitchen with his partner in crime Ex-Chief L. Gangemi.  Thank you Joe for all your hard work, dedication and food.

The Sluggers took on Maywood FD today and won 9 to 4.  The game was hard fought with both teams defensive plays, making the 100% humidity taste even better.  Coach J. Moretti who watched the game via satellite stated "I was very impressed by J. Kufel and A. Farinella, but I have to go my car just hit a water buffalo".  We hope the damage is minor.  The Sluggers improve to 5 and 2 for the season.

On Sunday the Sluggers played Westwood FD and won 14 to 6.  The Slugger outfielders were kept very busy by the strong hitting Westwood team, but prevailed.  Coach J. Moretti speaking from his Florida retreat stated "the days are long and the nights are cold", then he started to sing a Jimmy Buffet song.  Again I'm not sure where he was going with that.  The Sluggers are now 4 and 2 with three more games in the regular season.

Engine 23 and Engine 24 were at the Oradell Dam tonight for the Annual Drafting Class.  Members learned to the best practices and applications for drafting.

 

Members of the Fire Department showed their support for the Oradell Police Department during this years Special Olypics Torch Run.

 

Week 5 of the 2009 softball season is now known as the Mahwah massacre.  Oradell faced a strong Mahwah FD but kept the game close until the 6th inning when the slaughter began.  The final result Mahwah over Oradell 15 to 3.  Team Coach J. Moretti stated "I didn't see the game - enough said".

Week 6 brought a glimmer of hope as the Sluggers faced Glen Rock FD and bounced back with an 18 to 11 win.  Team Coach J. Moretti was actually at the game and was impressed with the strong hitting of Department President A. Farinella who went 5 for 5.  Moretti's only comment was "wow, is this the new Shea Stadium".  I think the heat might have gotten to him when I asked for a quote.

The Sluggers are now 3 and 2 for the year and face their biggest rivalry this Sunday - Westwood FD at Home.  Stay tuned for all the drama.

For the first time in what some said was 100 years the public was allowed to kayak and canoe in the Oradell Reservoir for one day.  United Water NJ in conjunction with the Hackensack Riverkeeper sponsored the Reservoir Challenge which included several 10k and 5k races as well as a tour of the property from the water.  Protecting those people were the volunteers from Oradell, Haworth and New Milford Fire Departments.  Oradell staffed Marine 1 & 2; New Milford staffed Marine 38 while Haworth staffed Marine 26, until Oradell towed it in.  Oradell Marine 2 staffed by J. Moretti and T. Fahey had the big grab of the day early on when "one went into the drink".  A unified command post established by Haworth Asst. Chief K. Kiel kept it all running smooth.  The day ended great with Oradell Marine 1 winning the FD boat race.

 
 
 

Last weekend, over 20 members and friends of the OFD participated in the 2nd Annual Relay for Life event held at the River Dell High School.  This year’s event raised over $75,000 for the American Cancer Society.

 
 

Oradell units were dispatched into the 500 block of Hensler Lane today for a small oven fire.  Oradell Car 20 and Engine 24 responded.  Units quickly secured the oven and confirmed the fire was out with no extension.  Shortley after returning Oradell was requested on the 2nd alarm for a small house fire in New Milford.  Car 20 and Tower 21 responded.  Units were returned enroute as New Milford units reported the fire was knocked.

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 Engine 24 along with Midland Park Engine 533 provided cover-up for the Township of Washington yesterday while the fire department was engaged with their 75th Anniversary Parade and Celebration.

With the weather a perfect 54 degrees and windy the Sluggers took on Wyckoff FD and won 19 to 13. OFD right fielder S. Kufel looked a bit slow with his three knees but the boys got the job done. Team General Manager and Social Support Leader J. Moretti stated "it's not about wins or losses, its all about the vibe". I'm still waiting to find out what that means - Good Job Sluggers.

At 06:35 hours, Tower 21, Car 20, and Car 201 were dispatched to the Paramus Park Mall in Paramus for a working structure fire. The Tower was assigned as the FAST Team and later assisted with ventilation operations. Paramus Fire made a quick knockdown of the fire, however a heavy smoke condition still existed within the mall. Units cleared from the scene after 2 hours.

At 14:08 hours, a fire alarm was transmitted for Bergen Catholic High School. While units were on-scene, a Tri-Boro Alarm was transmitted for a structure fire at the Woodcrest Center in New Milford. After clearing from Bergen Catholic, Tower 21 and Engine 23 responded to New Milford and assisted with ventilation operations. Shortly before being released from the scene, Tower 21 was requested to respond into Paramus as a FAST Team to the scene of working structure fire.

The OFD was featured last night on both the Channel 5 and Channel 9 News about combining Twitter and the fire department.

Last night's training consisted of attack line advancement and foam operations. Some even got a little wet.

 
 

Oradell Tower 21 covered for Paramus Truck 1 in Paramus this morning while Company 1 was attending a funeral detail. No Hits and No Runs for the Truck.

Companies responded tonight to the dead end of Commander Black Drive for a brush fire. The fire was contained to a small area and there was no extension to any exposures.

 

The Tri-State area is feeling the heat this week and with that the Sluggers got a win. The OFD Sluggers took on the Paramus FD Pirates (Arrrrrrr) and came away victorious 12 to 11. Team Conditioning Coach J. Moretti, who was serving a one game suspension, commented from his hotel in Atlantic City. Moretti stated "It's been difficult with the current budget restraints, but the food is excellent". Once again I am not sure what that means, but nice job Sluggers.

Like many other major league teams in the Tri-State area, The OFD Sluggers lost their first game this season. The Sluggers played Saddle Brook FD and lost 7 to 3. Team conditioning coach J. Moretti spoke to local news crews and stated this - "we haven't even begun to scratch the surface yet". I'm not really sure what that means, but good luck Sluggers.

The Oradell FD continues to promote the public education of our department. One new initiative that has been in-service since February is our Twitter updates, which are updated regularly and often in real-time. These updates can be received by email and even on your cell phone. The use of Twitter by public safety agencies was recently discussed at redOrbit, mentioning the use of Twitter by the OFD!

• Follow Us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/oradellfire
• News Article: http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1669946/police_fire_departments_turn_to_twitter/
  

At 15:20 Oradell Car 20, Engine 24 and Squad 22 responded to a brush fire in the wooded area adjacent to the Oradell Swim Club. Engine 24 stretched one hose line and was assisted by the crew from Squad 22. Units operated about 25 minutes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

 

Shortly after returning from a Tri-Boro Alarm, Car 20, Car 201, Engine 24, and Tower 21 responded to the intersection of New Milford Ave and Marginal Road for a reported motor vehicle crash.  Arriving companies found a garbage truck that had struck a utility pole.   Surround structures were checked for any problems and everyone went back in service after operating on scene for about 30 minutes.

Tonight units responded into the 600 block of Iroquois Street for an odor of natural gas.  Oradell Car 20, Engine 24, Tower 21 and Squad 22 worked for an hour to located the source.  Public Service Gas also responded to assist with the search.  After an extensive search of the area the leak was located at a residents gas grill (the same resident that called).  Gas and propane grill safety is importanat with the nice weather coming.  For more information on grill safety check here .

Units responded today to Margraff Court for a reported chimney fire.  Upon arrival, Car 20 and Car 201 confirmed a fire in the chimney.  Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded and extinguished the fire.  There was no extension to the rest of the house.  Units operated on scene for about 1 hour.

Photos from this fire can be found on Kevin Joyce's Photography Website

Squad 22 responded to the intersection of Oradell Ave and Grant Ave for a reported motor vehicle crash.  The Squad Company secured the vehicles and mitigated a minor fluids leak.  The Squad went back in service shortly after.

Over the weekend, members drilled at a house on Merritt Drive that is scheduled to be torn down.  This was an excellent opportunity to practice hose line stretches, forcible entry, search, and roof operations.

 
 

At 14:00 hours Oradell units responded to a Mackay Avenue address for food on the stove.  Car 20 and Engine 24 responded to find burnt chicken.  After a quick natural vent all units were up.  About 40 minutes later all Tri-Boro South units responded to the Accession School in New Milford for burnt popcorn.  Oradell and River Edge units were returned en-route by command.  Remember to watch what you heat!

At 12:49 Oradell and New Milford units were dispatched for a strong odor of natural gas on several streets in both towns.  Oradell Chief 20 and New Milford Chief 30 started a unified command post and units started checking the area for the leak.  The odor was traced to working being done at the New Jersey Transit bus garage located in Oradell.  All units were clear after about an hour.

 

Last night OFD members trained on the techniques and procedures for elevator rescue.

The OFD kicked off their Technical Drill series last night with a presentation and re-orientation to Ropes and Knots.

 

In celebration of of St. Patricks Day, members of the Oradell FD marched in the annual Parade in Bergenfield today.

 
 

Members trained today in the Mask Confidence Trailer at the Tri-Boro Training Site.  This facility helps firefighters become more comfortable and confident when wearing SCBA and exposes them to some of the “worst case scenarios” that a firefighter can face.

 

Cadets, Juniors, and Regular Members trained last night on the topic of Primary Search.  Members reviewed the tools, procedures, and techniques that make Primary Search effective.  Even the Chief had his turn out gear on for this one.

A significant amount of snow fall is expected tonight through Monday evening.  Please keep fire hydrants near your home clear of snow!

Congratulations to Firefighter Rory Gourley who was presented with his “Black Shield” last night by Chief Kevin Burns.  Rory has been a member of the department just over one year and graduated from the Bergen County Fire Academy last month.

At 10:36am Oradell Car 20, Engine 24 and Tower 21 responded to 680 Kinderkamack Road for a water flow alarm.  Upon arrival of Oradell PD units it was confirmed that a sprinkler supply pipe had broken causing a severe water leak in the north stairwell of the building.  Fire units assisted in the shut down of the sprinkler system and other affected utilities.  The building is a 3 story office / medical plaza, it was evacuated for a brief time while the shutdown took place.  Units operated about 45 minutes.

At 7:47am Oradell Car 20 and Squad 22 responded to Oradell Avenue at Summit Avenue for a car vs. truck.  Oradell units controlled a spill from the car and made the vehicle safe.  Units operated about 15 minutes.

Oradell Car 20 and Tower 21 responded to the Oradell Public School today for a stuck occupied elevator.  Prior to arrival Oradell PD units determined that one of the persons inside the elevator may be sick.  Oradell PD called for BLS to respond.  Oradell FD units assisted in getting the elevator reset and took up quickly.

At 14:58, Oradell Dive Units were requested in Wyckoff to assist with search efforts.  Car 20, Car 201, Utility 25, SCUBA 26, and Marine 1 responded to assist with search efforts in the Spring Meadow Pond in Wyckoff.   One SCUBA diver and three surface rescuers from Oradell entered the water to assist with the search.  Units operated on scene for about two hours.

 
 

This morning, the Chief and Lines Officers sponsored a breakfast for the members at the firehouse.  The Officer’s were hard at work in the kitchen.  At good time was had by all.

 

Tonight FF R. Gourley graduated from The Bergen County fire Academy with his NJ State Fire Fighter 1 certificate.  Every VOLUNTEER member is required to take this class which takes about six months to complete.  Good Job !

In this photo from L to R - Asst. Chief Kahill, FF Gourley, Lt. Cappicchioni, President Farinella

At 7:37 am units were dispatched for numerous calls of a natural gas odor in town.  Oradell Car 20, 201, Engine 24 and Engine 23 responded.  Oradell FD coordinated with Paramus FD who were also out on the same calls in the area of Forest Avenue and Oradell Avenue.  Oradell units were on scene until released by Public Service Gas at 8:45 am.

Today members drilled with the Departments new Ice Rescue Sled on the Hackensack River.  Members used the sled to rescue each other and learned the rope system involved.

 
 

Oradell woke up this morning to find about 3" of snow on the ground.  Oradell Firefighters and DPW Employees were hard at work!

 

At 4:08 hours Oradell Car 20 and Tower 21 Truck responded to Forest Avenue near Woodland Avenue to asst the Oradell Police with an investigation.  The Tower was used to light up an area of roadway where a pedestrian had been struck.  Units were on scene till about 6:30am.

Read the story here

The OFD celebrated the holidays a little late this year, hosting their annual Holiday Dinner last night at the Valley Brook Country Club after having to cancel the event in December due to inclement weather.  The Fire Commissioner swore in both the Line and Administrative Officers and awards went out to those celebrating milestones in their years of service to the department and to those who showed extraordinary service and dedication during 2008.

At 12:48 hours, Squad 22, Engine 23, Car 20, and Car 201 responded to the intersection of Prospect Ave. and Oradell Ave for a reported motor vehicle crash.  Upon arrival units discovered a 2 car motor vehicle crash.  Squad 22 extricated one person from a vehicle while Engine 24 contained the leaking fluids and disconnected the vehicle batteries.

 

The OFD’s Junior and Cadet Training program hit the ground running this year holding their first training session tonight.  Our youngest members learned about the theory of ventilation and then were able to see and learn about the tools and procedures that are used within the department.

Happy New Year From the Officers & Firefighters of the Oradell Volunteer Fire Department!