Bayonne fire captain honored for saving swimmer in Virginia

A firefighter in Bayonne was honored for saving the life of a swimmer at Virginia Beach. According to fire officials, captain Matt Kemple attended marine firefighting training in Norfolk, Virginia two weeks ago. After training sessions ended for the day, Kemple saw a woman in the ocean struggling to swim at Virginia Beach. They said Kemple called for help then jumped in and swam out 300 yards to rescue the woman who was drifting further out into sea. Kemple received the Virginia Beach Fire Department Life-Saving Award and a Letter of Commendation from the United States Coast Guard for his heroic actions.
News 12 New Jersey

Proposed state bill aims to create tax incentive for volunteer firefighters

At his volunteer fire company in Morris County, Chief Al Gallo only wants members who are willing to serve. “Somebody that wants to help the community, motivation,” said Gallo. “Willing to train, willing to help out. Just somebody who is willing to be with a group of people that give back to the community.” The problem at Stirling Fire Company and fire companies across New Jersey is finding those people. “It’s a struggle,” said Gallo. “The training’s gotten more involved, more hours. It’s a big thing because of the dedication and time to get the training done.” A new bi-partisan bill in Trenton looks to help turn those tides by offering volunteers a $2,000 tax exemption. If passed, it would apply to certain volunteer firefighters, rescue, and first aid squad members in an effort to discover more community heroes.
WPIX-TV CW 11 New York City

Man and woman killed in townhouse fire in West Orange

Two people were killed in a townhouse fire in West Orange, New Jersey early Tuesday morning. The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. Northfield Townhouses. A man and woman were rushed to the burn unit at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston where they were pronounced dead. The home belonged to a couple in their 80s. Witnesses say the woman could be seen inside. "There was a report from a neighbor that the woman was at the window and went back into the house unfortunately," said West Orange Fire Dept. Chief Anthony Vecchio. The basement was engulfed in flames and it took firefighters some 45 minutes to get the fire under control. Basement fires are notoriously dangerous and this one was perhaps even more so because the couple had been packing up and planning to move in August, so there were boxes of belongings inside.
WABC-TV ABC 7 New York

Winslow Township closing 3 fire stations due to volunteer firefighter shortage

VIDEO: Winslow Township Fire Department announced Tuesday it's closing three of its stations and consolidating them into one station at the end of the year due to a lack of volunteers. The remaining volunteer firefighters at Winslow Township's stations in Tansboro, Albion and Elm will be consolidated into one "super station" at the fire headquarters along Cedar Brook Road. "To be honest with you, it's very sad," Chief Marc Rigberg said. "It's a struggle in today's world for us to bring people in due to a variety of reasons that challenge us." Rigberg said the reasons range from a general lack of interest in volunteering to people who want to help but work multiple jobs and simply can't keep up with the training requirements. In fact, the number of volunteer firefighters nationwide dropped 24% between 1984 and 2020.
KYW-TV CBS 3 Philadelphia

No Injuries in Major Vehicle Fire on NJ Turnpike in Edison

PHOTOS: The fire department responded to a major tractor trailer fire on the New Jersey Turnpike on Monday. No one was injured and the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time. The truck had caught fire near milepost 84 on the turnpike, located in Edison Township, at around 3:40 PM. According to Fire Chief Andrew Toth, the front cab had caught fire and extended to the trailer. The firefighters towed the truck off of the turnpike, cut a hole in the top of the trailer, and filled it with water. Five fire engines and two rescue cars had reported to the scene, according to Local 1197. Three lanes were blocked off as firefighters combated the blaze.
TAP into Edison