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6/24/2010-  A violent string of storms passed through the county causing trees to topple, wires to fall, and numerous lightning strikes one of which is believed to be the cause of a dwelling fire.  Around 1545, the skies darkened and the clouds began to form an ominous wave of what would be one of the most violent storms this area has seen.  A heavy downpour, followed by gusty winds, thunder, lightning, and hail passed through.  After the worst was over, the calls began to pour in.  The company was kept busy going from call to call for trees down, wires hanging low, alarm systems due to power outages.  At 1719, Task Force 85 was dispatched to 7 Mullen Drive for a reported dwelling struck by lightning.  E-842, being on the street and monitoring GTPD's transmissions started heading toward that end of town.  GTPD were on location at 21 Mullen with smoke from the attic area.  Squad 86 arrived and immediately struck the all hands.  L-62 arrived and stretched an 1 3/4" handline to floor 1, while Squad 62 got their supply.  E-842 arrived at the secondary hydrant and were advised to come forward to handle the truck company work.  L-62's crew reported heavy smoke and a possible basement fire.  The rear was opened up by E-842's crew and upon entering the walkout basement it was determined the fire was between the floors.  Crews hooked the basement and extinguished the fire which had completely burned through the living room floor.  Companies operated until 1811 before being released to answer some more runs throughout the township.

6/1/2010-  At 0534, Stations 83, 84, and 82 were dispatched to 1016 North Black Horse Pike for a dwelling.  8401 and Battalion 84 arrived first to find a 1 story frame dwelling with light to medium smoke throughout.  Police advised the structure was vacant. Later determined that structure was unoccupied at time but was apparently in use.  8401 assumed command and Battalion 84 had Division C and reported a fire in the C/D area.  Quint 83 advised to go in service with 1 3/4, E822 to establish a water supply and then the back up line with E83. TL84 opened up. E841 and 842 stood fast.  The fire was contained to 2 rooms by the first line and was placed under control at 0550 hrs. Animal Control was notified for 1 deceased dog and 1 deceased cat.

5/14/2010-  At around 19:15, a series of violent storms passed through the area bringing all sorts of calls around the County from trees down to a car wash blown over in the middle of the road.  At 19:36, Stations 83, 82, and 84 were dispatched to Cummings and Oak for a reported dwelling fire.  The dwelling was reportedly struck by lightning and an audible alarm was sounding.  While crews from Q-83, L-84 and E-822 investigated, E-842 and E-841 were released to respond to a reported dwelling fire in Pine Hill.  L-63 arrived and reported a fully involved shed with another shed and dwelling as exposures.  E-841 and E-842 arrived, laid a supply line and E-842's crew stretched a second line from L-63 to assist crews from S-62 and L-63 with extinguishment and overhaul.  Crews stood by while the County Fire Marshal conducted his investigation which he determined to be a lighting strike.  Crews cleared the scene and returned home just in time to watch the Flyers defeat the Bruins 4-3 in game seven. 

4/12/2010- At 07:30 hours Stations 93 and 84 were dispatched to Rt. 42 South for a Tractor Trailer leaking fuel from a saddle tank. This brought E932, E934, 8402 and R84 to the call. E932 was the first unit to arrive at the 10.6 mile marker and confirmed that the saddle tank was leaking a significant amount of fuel and that the tank was full. 8402 arrived shortly after E932 and assumed Rt 42 command and requested Hazmat 8 to the scene. This brought SQ86, Hazmat 8 and CEM22 to the scene. All companies worked together to stop the fuel leak, off load the remaining fuel and clean up about 75 gallons of fuel that leaked onto the shoulder of the highway. Thanks to the DOT ESP Crew for their assistance as well. All units cleared the scene at 11:30.

4/10/2010-  Members from Ladder 84 Captain Kemery, Lieutenant Shrader, and Firefighter Reiss along with Firefighter Giambri from Rescue 82 attended The PFANJ annual Valor awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Hotel in Jersey City. At this ceremony Ladder 84 and rescue 82 received awards for their actions at a dwelling fire at 918 Lakeview Avenue in Laurel Springs.

04/04/2010-  At 1309, Station 84 and Gloucester County Station 93 along with BLS and Medics were dispatched to Rt. 42 North at 10.1 milepost for a motor vehicle crash.  Initial reports indicated a vehicle had left the roadway and was now in the rear of 1000 North Black Horse Pike.   Q-83 was requested due to conflicting reports.  8401 arrived and confirmed a 2 vehicle crash. Vehicle #1 no injuries, parked on shoulder. Vehicle #2 over guard rail and approximately 25' below highway level in trees with driver trapped.  Approximately 2 y/o juvenile passenger from vehicle 2 found on shoulder of highway being cared for by motorists. PD and passing motorists removed the juvenile from vehicle in car a seat. E-842's crew stabilized vehicle with R-84's winch and removed passenger door.  Then assisted EMS with treatment and packaging.  R84 and R93 operated haul safe system to move victim back to highway level.  Both occupants turned over to ALS and BLS 806.

03/13/2010-  After serving as a Commissioner for over 30 years, the membership felt it was worth acknowledging John's dedication to Fire District 4 and the Blackwood Fire Company.  Currently, a bronze plaque is being fabricated by International Bronze Plaque, for the side of Ladder 84.  L-84 was dedicated to John at our annual installation of officers banquet.  John, thanks for all you have done over the years!

02/13/2010-  At 0715, Task Force 62 was dispatched to 47 Lakeview for a dwelling with reported people trapped.  Squad 62 arrived and reported a 1 1/2 story dwelling with heavy fire showing, exposure problems, and an unaccounted for occupant and requested the all hands.  6201 arrived and struck the second alarm.  R-84 was dispatched for a FAST assignment.  Several sections of the dwelling collapsed due to the fire making entry impossible.  After companies knocked down the bulk of the fire, crews began the arduous task of cutting and removing sections of the collapsed dwelling in search of the occupant.  The search unfortunately proved the suspicions and the occupant was found deceased.  The fire is under investigation by local and county fire marshals.

01/24/2010-  At 0442, the 5 inch strike team was dispatched to Gloucester City for a 5 alarm fire involving a 300'x300', 3 story building completely involved.  The strike team, which consists of E-842, E-821, E-632, GC E-932, E-65, E-81, and E-75 assembled at Gloucester City High School in preparation for deployment of a 5" supply line.  The fire was soon darkened down and the strike team was returned prior to deployment.

01/23/2010-  At 1423, units responded to 35 Mulberry Street in the lambs Terrace section of town for a reported dwelling fire.  Upon arrival of 8501, the all hands was transmitted bringing 8401, L-84 and E-842.  Crews were faced with a chimney fire with extension to the dwelling. 8401 was assigned to Operations. L-84 threw a 35' ground ladder, checked attic on B side for extension. L84 crew also checked attic from interior for extension. Both met with negative results. E842 crew stood by in manpower.  The fire was quickly brought under control.

01/15/2010- Engine 842 attended the funeral of NJ DOT worker Joseph Kealey. Kealey, 45, an Emergency Service Patrol Operator, parked on the shoulder of southbound I-76 near the I-295 interchange to assist a minivan with a flat tire when a Dodge Magnum driven by an alleged DUI driver hit Kealey and slammed into the back of his DOT service truck. In a multijurisdictional demonstration of support, organizations statewide attended services today. Those represented included NJ DOT, NJSP, DRPA, Garden State Towman’s Association, and several other municipal police, fire and EMS agencies from the Camden County Area.

01/14/2010-  Minutes past 1800, a highway box was dispatched to State Highway 42 at the 10.4 north mile mark for a motor vehicle crash.  Companies arrived to find an overturned SUV.  Both occupants had self extricated and were transported to a local area hospital for evaluation.  R-84 and E-842 stood by to assist NJ DOT with cleanup of debris and safing of the vehicles battery after it was uprighted.  Just as crews were clearing the scene, Rescues 83, 84, and 82 were dispatched to 1008 North Black Horse Pike for a crash with reported entrapment.  This too was an overturned vehicle, however, first arriving crews reported no entrapment and held the assignment to station 83.

01/12/2010-  At 1600, Rescues 83, 84, and 82 were dispatched to 701 Little Gloucester Road for a motor vehicle crash with entrapment.  While units were responding, an updated location of Coles Road and Fairway Drive was given.  Q-83 and 8404 arrived simultaneously to find a two car MVC with two occupants trapped in one of the vehicles.  8301 assumed command and 8404 was assigned extrication.  Q-83 handled the engine company responsibilities while R-82 stabilized the vehicle, then removed both passenger side doors and B post.  Medics on scene requested a helicopter for one of the occupants, 8202 and E-821 handled the LZ.  E-842 de-energized the other vehicle involved while R-84 mitigated a fluid spill.  Access was made to both occupants in short order and after packaging, they were transported to Cooper Trauma.  Despite the efforts of all companies involved, the occupant that was flown did not survive the crash and was pronounced at the hospital later in the evening.  The crash is being investigated by GTPD.

01/02/2010-  Gloucester Township firefighters participated in the annual Gloucester Township Council Reorganization meeting.  This meeting included the swearing in of newly elected Mayor David Mayer, Councilwoman Michelle Gentek, Councilman Daniel Hutchinson and Councilman Frank Schmidt.  Blackwood Fire Company congratulates the new Mayor and Council persons.

12/31/2009-  At 2105, Task Force 82, Engine 69, and ISAT were dispatched to 245 Landing Road for a reported dwelling fire.  Initial reports provided to 8202 were of a dwelling, fully involved with police receiving numerous calls.  8202 arrived and reported a 1 1/2 story dwelling with heavy fire division A.  L-84 and E-821 arrived and went into operations coordinating initial fire attack with a heavy waterline and opening up the rear.  8403 assumed division A and quickly advised all companies the floor had collapsed.  After E-821 put a hit on the bulk of the fire, E-842 stretched an 1 3/4" handline through division C to the basement to complete extinguishment.  Additional crews from R-84, E-841, Q-83, Q-85, U-81, Sq-75, and R-32 operated into the new year extensively overhauling the structure.  FM-82 and the County Fire Marshals office are investigating the cause of the fire.

12/29/2009-  At 0640, Task Force 821 was dispatched to 134 Millbridge Apartments for a reported apartment fire.  8404 arrived with nothing showing and an audible alarm sounding.  Residents were reporting smoke and flames from the heater room.  A quick recon verified a fire in the heater room and E-842 was advised to lay in and lead off with an 1 3/4" handline.  L-84 arrived shortly after and located a small fire in the heater with no extension and used a pressurized water can to extinguish the fire.  The assignment was held to E-842, E-821, and L-84.  The scene was turned over to the property management and all companies made available shortly after.

12/28/2009-  About a month ago, a request to the Board of Fire Commissioners for replacement and additional gear racks at the Blackwood-Clementon Road Station was granted.  After investigating the options out there, it was decided Gear Grid were best suited and the order was placed.  The delivery came Monday morning.  Members started working on assembly at 1545 and by 2200 all racks were assembled, mounted, and PPE transferred over.  Special thanks goes out to FF David Vannoni for doing a majority of the legwork required to complete this endeavor.

12/22/2009- The recent snowfall has everyone around the area digging out.  The Blackwood Fire Company would like to remind citizens, as they clear their driveways and sidewalks it is a good idea to also remove the snow from around a nearby fire hydrant.  Please clear a path approximately 3 feet around the hydrant and shovel a path from the street or roadway up to the fire hydrant.  The removal of snow helps the fire crews quickly identify where fire hydrants are located and allows them to promptly get to work on extinguishing fires. Fire hydrants that are blocked or concealed by snow may potentially delay gaining a water supply which ultimately disrupts the timely manner in which firefighters are able to fight the fire and, may allow a fire to grow uncontrollably; with fire approximately doubling in size every 20 seconds.  The Blackwood Fire Company wants citizens to know that they appreciate their help in the removal of snow from around local fire hydrants.

Carmen Iacovone, a resident of the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township, stands next to his "adopted" fire hydrant after it had been dug out.  Photo by            J. Vannoni

Please clear a path approximately 3 feet around the hydrant and shovel a path from the street or roadway up to the fire hydrant.  Photo by J. Vannoni

12/17/2009-  It is with deep regret that the Officers and Members of Blackwood Fire Company announce the passing of Life Member and Past Commissioner Joe Martinez. Services will be held on Monday from 1800 - 2100 at Earle's and Tuesday morning at Earles, with a mass to follow at St. Judes, and burial at New St. Mary's in Bellmawr.

12/16/2009-  At 2050, a dwelling box was transmitted for 205 E Church Street.  8403 arrived with a 1 1/2 story rancher with heavy fire throughout and requested the all hands.  L-84, E-842 and E-841 arrived almost simultaneously.  Both Engines secured  a water supply and deployed 2 1/2" handlines.  Crews attacked the fire putting a good knock on it.  The lines were then broken down to 1 3/4" to complete extinguishment.  The fire was placed under control within 30 minutes.  Several holes needed to be cut in the floor of the main living space due to fire in the crawl space.  The Red Cross was notified to provide victim services for 13 residents.  Two deceased animals were turned over to animal control.  The fire required extensive overhaul and companies operated into the next morning. The fire in under investigation by FM84, CCFMO, and GTPD.                          First alarm companies - E841, E842, TL84, R84, E821, E822, TL82, R82
Second Source companies - E83, Q83, E86, Q85, R93                                                All Hands - Air 81, covers to 84 and 82.

12/2/2009-  At 0634, Station 84 was dispatched to Hydes Plastics on Main Street for an alarm system.  Initial report to 8404 was of a trash chute detector activation.  Minutes later, an update of a dumpster fire was transmitted.  8404 arrived and confirmed a trash compactor fire in close proximity to the building with an attached trash chute and asked for the box to be filled, bringing Station 82 and BLS 805.  L-84 arrived, staged the apparatus and the crew was sent to the interior to check for extension.  L-84's crew reported a medium smoke condition throughout with no fire extension.  E-842 arrived, dropped a supply line and attacked the fire from the exterior.  E-821 and E-841 arrived and stood fast.  The fire was quickly placed under control and held to Station 84.  Crews ventilated the building utilizing onsite exhaust fans.  After extensive overhaul of the trash compactor the company was made available at 0738.

12/1/2009-  Minutes before 1000, Rescues 84, 82, and GC 10-3 were dispatched to Grenloch Lake, in the area of College Drive for a water rescue assignment.  Reports indicated a vehicle had left the roadway and was submerged in the lake.  U-845 arrived and reported a vehicle into the lake with the lone occupant who had self extricated with the assistance of GTPD.  No other services were required and the assignment was recalled.