2017 Calls & Events

This page shows just a part of the more than 300 calls, events, and drills the Fanwood Fire Department responds to each year.


12/31/17 - Mutual Aid - 5 Alarm Fire

 

Along with crews from several other towns, Ladder 1 was dispatched early Sunday morning to a large fire in a 3 floor apartment building in Summit.

Apartment Fire - Summit
Apartment Fire - Summit

12/16/17 - Annual Santa Run a Success

 

There were lots of smiling faces Saturday as Santa made his annual run through Fanwood on a fire engine.

 

Thanks to the Fanwood FD, Rescue Squad and Police for scheduling, coordinating, working hard and making this event safe and fun for everyone.


12/6/17 - Volunteer Appreciation Dinner - Fanwood Grille

 

Mayor Mahr and the Fanwood Borough Council hosted a volunteer appreciation dinner at the Fanwood Grille.

 

Members of the Fanwood FD attended after responding to an electrical emergency on Pleasant Ave. As they left the dinner they were dispatched to a smoke condition on LaGrande Ave.

Members of FFD with Mayor Mahr at the Fanwood Grille Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Members of FFD with Mayor Mahr at the Fanwood Grille Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

12/4/17 - Tree Lighting - Fanwood Train Station

 

Fanwood held it's annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Northside Train Station. 

 

Ladder 1 brought Santa and also served as a holiday photo-op for families.


11/18/17 - MVA - Terrill and Midway

 

A serious 2 car accident occurred at the intersection of Midway and Terrill.

 

Fanwood Engines 7 and 8 responded along with Fanwood Police and Rescue Squads. Plainfield Police and EMS also responded.

 

One child was injured and transported by Fanwood EMS to Overlook Hospital.

MVA - Terrill and Midway
MVA - Terrill and Midway

11/11/17 - Scotch Plains House Fire

 

Fanwood Ladder 1 assisted the Scotch Plains FD at a structure fire on Harding Road.

 

The early morning fire began on the outside of the house and extended into the kitchen area. There was heavy smoke throughout the house.

 

Fortunately the family escaped prior to the arrival of the fire department. There were no injuries.  

Structure Fire in Scotch Plains - Harding Road
Structure Fire in Scotch Plains - Harding Road

11/8/17 - Vehicle Fire - Byron Lane

 

The Fanwood FD was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire on Byron Lane.

 

Firefighters arrived to a fully involved contractor's van parked in a resident's driveway.

 

The fire was quickly extinguished with no damage to the home. There were no injuries.  


10/25/17 - Brunner 2nd Graders Tour Firehouse

 

2nd graders from Brunner Elementary School had an opportunity to tour Fanwood's Borough Hall, Rescue Squad, DPW and Firehouse.

 

Chief Piccola led the children through the firehouse, including a tour of Ladder 1 and Engine 7.

 

Chief Piccola showing Brunner 2nd Grade students the storage cabinets on Fanwood Engine 7
Chief Piccola showing Brunner 2nd Grade students the storage cabinets on Fanwood Engine 7

10/24/17 - School One Students Visit Firehouse

 

Students from School One were given a tour of the firehouse and learned about fire safety. 

 

Captain Piccola and Firefighter Germinder gave the tour. The children also received safety packets including a coloring book.

 

Besides being fun, these tours reinforce the essentials of fire safety to children including being aware of a fire alarm, exiting a building safely and quickly and calling 911 in the event of smoke or fire.

School 1 students in a photo taken from the top of Ladder 1
School 1 students in a photo taken from the top of Ladder 1

10/24/17 - Vehicle Extrication Drill 

 

Fanwood firefighters used a donated vehicle to practice extrication approaches at the Recycling Center.

 

Vehicle stabilization, side door pops, roof removal, and dashboard lifts were among the drills performed.


10/20/2017 - Structure Fire - Winchester Drive, Scotch Plains

 

The Fanwood Fire Department assisted Scotch Plains FD at a house fire on Winchester Drive.  Engine 7 and Ladder 1 were dispatched at approximately 1:00 AM Friday morning.

 

The family was able to exit the house unhurt. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 

 

Firefighters were forced to evacuate the home twice as fire conditions worsened. 

 

Several other departments assisted at the scene including Westfield, Berkeley Heights and Mountainside. 


10/2017 - Mayor's Fire Safety Proclamation

 

As part of Fire Prevention Week, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr issued a proclamation encouraging Fanwood citizens to review home fire safety plans.

 

Key points are stated: draw a map of your home, practice fire drills twice a year, ensure the house number is visible from the street, close doors behind you when you leave, and once you are out - stay out.

 

Mayor Mahr also thanked the Fanwood Fire Department for their service and educational programs given to students in SPF schools. 

The Proclamation issued by Fanwood Mayor Mahr for Fire Prevention Week
The Proclamation issued by Fanwood Mayor Mahr for Fire Prevention Week

10/16/17 - Town Council -

Asst Chief Zawodniak Safety Comments

 

As part of Fire Prevention Week, Assistant Fanwood Fire Chief Dave Zawodniak spoke about common sense fire prevention measures at the monthly Town Council meeting.

 

He specifically warned of instances when parents silence a smoke detector during cooking. Children may become accustomed to associating a smoke alarm with mom or dad cooking and not with a possible fire.

 

Chief Zawodniak suggested parents teach their kids to make their way to an exit any time they hear the smoke detector go off - so they never take that sound for granted.

FFD Asst Chief Zawodniak making safety comments at the October Town Council Meeting. (photo and text: Tom Kranz)
FFD Asst Chief Zawodniak making safety comments at the October Town Council Meeting. (photo and text: Tom Kranz)

10/12/17 - MVA - South & Heftfield

 

The Fanwood Fire Department was dispatched to the intersection of South and Hetfield for a 2 car MVA with injuries. Engines 7 and 8 responded.

 

The driver of a pickup truck was transported to Overlook Hospital by the Fanwood Rescue Squad.

2 Car MVA - South and Hetfield
2 Car MVA - South and Hetfield

9/2017 - In Memorium

- Former Fire Chief Stanley Yotcoski -

 

The Fanwood Fire Department mourns the loss of  Former Chief Stanley Yotcoski.

 

Chief Yotcoski moved to Fanwood in 1969 with his wife Marian. They raised 4 children.

 

Stan joined the Fanwood FD in June of 1969. He served as chief in 1981-1982. 


9/11/17 - September 11th Memorial and Fund Raiser

 

The Fanwood Fire Department participated in two events in memory of 9/11/2001.

 

Members attended a candle lighting ceremony in Scotch Plains, and the Chelsea Assisted Living community sponsored a fund-raising event on South Avenue.

 

Donations from the Chelsea event went to the Fanwood Volunteer Fire Department, and approximately $400 dollars was raised.


9/9/17 - Engine 7 Dedication and FD Picnic

 

The Fanwood Fire Department held its annual picnic at the firehouse on Saturday.

 

The main event was the dedication of the new Engine 7.

 

In attendance with firefighters and their families were Mayor Colleen Mahr, Town Council Members, Reverend Jahnke from the Fanwood Presbyterian Church, and members of the Plainfield, Westfield and Scotch Plains fire departments.

 

Reverend Jahnke offered prayers for all who will ride E7 when responding to emergencies.

 

Mayor Mahr thanked the FFD members for their service.

 

Chief John Piccola thanked all who assisted in the process of acquiring and setting up the new engine, including the mayor, town council, and the FFD members who spent long hours over many months working out details.

 

Chief Piccola also said Engine 7 is expected to remain in service for the next 25 years.

 

Scotch Plains Fire Chief John Lestarchick wrapped up the dedication by ceremoniously dousing Engine 7 with a water extinguisher.

 

After that, it was lots of food and fun!

 

Special thanks to Councilman Tom Kranz for the photos.


8/24 and 8/25 2017 - Jr. First Responder Class

 

The Fanwood Fire Department assisted instructor Melissa Padulsky in teaching a Jr First Responder Class.

 

Members of FFD spoke about the responsibilities of being a firefighter and gave the students hands-on experience with firefighting equipment. 


8/7/17 - Belvidere Ave - Power Outage

 

About half of the homes on Belvidere Ave were left without power Monday evening due to a large limb that broke off a tree, damaging wires and blocking the street.

 

Electricity was restored after approximately 2 hours.

Engine 7 provides lighting for PSE&G and Fanwood DPW during electrical repairs and tree limb cleanup on Belvidere Ave
Engine 7 provides lighting for PSE&G and Fanwood DPW during electrical repairs and tree limb cleanup on Belvidere Ave

8/1/17 - National Night Out - LaGrande Park

 

The Fanwood Fire Department participated in Fanwood's National Night Out. Members helped cook food and gave tours of Ladder 1. 

 

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.


7/24/17 - Vehicle Extrication Drill - Recycling Center

 

Fanwood Firefighters, with assistance from Plainfield's Squad 1 rescue unit, worked on extrication techniques with 2 vehicles. 


7/13/17 - Truck Takes Down Wires at QuickChek

 

A truck exiting QuickChek through TD Bank's parking lot pulled down fiber optic lines and a light pole. There were no injuries.

Wires and a light pole were taken down by a truck exiting QuickChek on North Ave
Wires and a light pole were taken down by a truck exiting QuickChek on North Ave

7/10/17 - Waterson/Dunham Valor Run

 

Ladder 1 displayed an American Flag at Martine and Midway supporting this 60 mile police-escorted bike ride.

9th Annual Waterson/Dunham Valor Run
9th Annual Waterson/Dunham Valor Run

6/24/17 - Awards at the South Plainfield Truck 7 Wetdown

 

South Plainfield FD held a "wetdown" to celebrate the arrival and service activation of it's new Truck 7. Fanwood FD and other local area departments attended.

 

The Fanwood Fire Department won the Tug 'O War contest and also received the SP Chief's award for best looking crew.

 

Nice job guys!


6/10/17 - Annual Boot Drive

 

The Fanwood Fire Department held its annual Boot Drive at the intersection of Martine and South Avenue.

 

The results of this fund raiser goes towards purchasing new training equipment and other gear.

 

Thanks to all Fanwood and local area residents who contributed. We appreciate your generosity!


5/29/17 - Memorial Day Services

 

The Fanwood Fire Department participated in the annual Memorial Day Service at the Fanwood Library. 

 

FFD also held it's annual service at the fire house saluting past members who have died.

 

On Memorial Day Eve, Fanwood's Ladder 1 displayed the American Flag during the "Tribute for Fallen Heroes" concert on the Green at Scotch Plains Municipal Hall.


- From the Archives -

 

This newspaper clipping is from 1993, when 6 Fanwood Firefighters received an award for their efforts administering first aid to a surviving victim at a car accident that claimed 2 lives.

 

In the left on the photo is current Assistant Fire Chief Dave Zawodniak, and second from the right is current Chief John Piccola.

1993 photo and caption of Fanwood Firefighters receiving a reward for their actions from the Knights of Columbus.
1993 photo and caption of Fanwood Firefighters receiving a reward for their actions from the Knights of Columbus.

5/2017 - NS Railroad First Responder Training

 

Fanwood Fire Department members attended Norfolk Southern's 'Operation Awareness & Response' course.

 

OAR teaches first responders the dangers and initial steps needed after a freight train derailment, particularly if hazardous materials are involved.

 

The training was held on modified freight cars temporarily located on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line in Linden.


4/27/17 - Knights of Columbus First Responder Awards Night

 

The Nights of Columbus Father John Nelligan Council held its annual awards night for first responders at St Bart's Church in Scotch Plains.

 

Accepting the award on behalf of the Fanwood Fire Department was Assistant Chief Steve Szanto.

l to r: Assistant Chief Dave Zawodniak, Chief John Piccola, Assistant Chief Steve Szanto, FF Tony Grasso, FF Dan Piccola, Grand Knight John McQuillan
l to r: Assistant Chief Dave Zawodniak, Chief John Piccola, Assistant Chief Steve Szanto, FF Tony Grasso, FF Dan Piccola, Grand Knight John McQuillan

3/21/17 - Company President Regenthal Honored

 

Fanwood Fire Company President Rick Regenthal was honored as "Volunteer of the Month" by the Mayor and Town Council at Tuesday's Borough Hall Meeting.

 

Rick has been a member of the Fanwood Fire Department for 20 years, and was Chief from January 2002 to December 2005.

He was also a member of the Scotch Plains FD for 20 years prior to joining Fanwood.

 

Thanks for your service Rick and congratulations!

l to r: Councilman Tom Kranz, Mayor Colleen Mahr, Fire Company President Rick Regenthal
l to r: Councilman Tom Kranz, Mayor Colleen Mahr, Fire Company President Rick Regenthal

3/6/17 - CEVO Training - Forest Road Park

 

Firefighters who drive emergency apparatus attended a driver safety course at Forest Road Park in Fanwood.

 

CEVO - which stands for "Coaching the Emergency Vehicle Operator" - reviews the finer points of safely driving to and from an emergency scene.

 

The course was sponsored by the Fanwood Fire Department. Members from Westfield FD and North Plainfield FD also attended.

CEVO training at Forest Road Park
CEVO training at Forest Road Park

2/22/17 - Lions Club Donates to FFD from Tree Sales 

 

The Fanwood Fire Department received a donation of almost $6,000 from the Fanwood Lions Club. This was from the proceeds of the annual Christmas Tree Sale at La Grande Park.

 

A check was presented to Chief Piccola by Lions Club President Dave Trumpp at the Fanwood Town Council Meeting.


2/2017 - FF Sam Fouree Joins Westfield PD 

 

Congratulations to Fanwood Firefighter Sam Fouree who was hired as a police officer by the Westfield PD.

 

Sam completed the Police Academy in the fall, and has already begun riding assignments in Westfield.

 

He joins fellow Fanwood Firefighter Nick Bagan who has been on Westfield PD for over three years.

 

Sam, great job and be safe! 


2/14/17 - Birch St - Kitchen Fire 

 

At approximately 06:30 hours, Fanwood Ladder 1 was dispatched to assist Scotch Plains FD at a kitchen fire on Birch Ave in Scotch Plains.

 

Although there was heavy smoke, the fire did not extend beyond the kitchen. There were no injuries.


2/13/17 - New KME Pumper - Engine 7 Has Arrived

 

The Fanwood Fire Department accepted delivery of it's newest Fire Engine, a 2017 KME 1500 gallon per minute pumper that holds 750 gallons of water and a crew of 6.

 


2/13/17 - Gas Main Ruptured - North Ave 

 

Fanwood FD was dispatched to a large 6-inch gas main that was accidentally ruptured by construction crews on North Ave. 

 

Units remained on scene for over two hours as Elizabethtown Gas performed emergency repairs.


2/12/17 - Forced Entry to Assist Fall Victim 

 

While on cover assignment at Plainfield Fire Headquarters, Fanwood Engine 8 was dispatched to a report of an elderly person incapacitated in a locked home on Spooner Ave in Plainfield.

 

Fanwood firefighters used a ladder to access and open a second floor window, entered the home and located the victim.


2/10/17 - Midway and Shasta Pass - MVA

 

At 16:15 hours, FFD was dispatched to a single vehicle MVA with rollover. The vehicle also broke off a fire hydrant.

 

The driver received minor injuries, there were no passengers. 

 

A section of Midway was closed for about 45 minutes.

Engine 8 at the scene of a single vehicle MVA on Midway Ave
Engine 8 at the scene of a single vehicle MVA on Midway Ave

2/4/17 - Microwave Fire - Paterson Rd 

 

At 19:30 hours, FFD was dispatched to a reported microwave fire in a home on Paterson Rd.

 

Firefighters reported no extension to the rest of the structure, and no related electrical issues or smoke damage.


2/2/17 - Brush Fire - Hetfield and South

 

At 11:15 hours, FFD was dispatched to a brush fire at Heftield and South Ave. 

 

The fire was quickly extinguished, there was no damage to nearby structures.


1/21/17 - Annual Awards Dinner

 

The Fanwood FD and Rescue Squad held their annual awards dinner at Berkley Plaza in Berkley Heights. 

 

Pictured below, officers of the Fire Department and Fire Company are sworn in by Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr.

(l to r) Treasurer John DeProspero, Secretary Tony Grasso, Captain Brian Piccola, Captain Frank Dietl, 2nd Asst Chief Steve Szanto, President Rick Regenthal, 1st Asst Chief Dave Zawodniak, Chief John Piccola, Mayor Colleen Mahr
(l to r) Treasurer John DeProspero, Secretary Tony Grasso, Captain Brian Piccola, Captain Frank Dietl, 2nd Asst Chief Steve Szanto, President Rick Regenthal, 1st Asst Chief Dave Zawodniak, Chief John Piccola, Mayor Colleen Mahr

1/14/17 - Structure Fire - Hoe Avenue  

 

On January 14th @ 0849 hours, The Fanwood Fire Department was requested to Hoe Ave in Scotch Plains for a confirmed structure fire.

 

Upon arrival, Ladder 1, commanded by Capt. Brian Piccola and Engine 8, commanded by Capt. Frank Dietl, were assigned to ventilation and 2nd attack line.

A mutual Aid cover assignment was requested to stage in Fanwood to cover both towns.

 

The fire started in the basement, extended to the first floor, behind the kitchen cabinets. The fire was under control within 45 minutes.