Today the Bergenfield Fire Department lost a family member.  Former member and Ex-Captain Ray Van Saders of Company 2 lost is battle with cancer.  Ray joined the department in 2000 and served as Lieutenant in 2005 and Captain from 2006 through the middle of 2008. 

Ray and his family relocated to River Vale, NJ where Ray was able to join the River Vale Fire Department and serve his new community proudly until his passing.  Ray also served as the Fire Official in Dumont, NJ for the past several years.

The Van Sader family will be receiving friends on Saturday September 4, 2010 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Riewerts Memorial Home located 187 S. Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ.  The River Vale, Bergenfield and Dumont Fire Departments will be on hand to honor our friend and brother.

We ask that you keep Ray’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

At 1352 hours, Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requested a Bergenfield Ladder and Rescue to respond to the City of Englewood.  Englewood was battling heavy fire from a large, vacant multiple dwelling located at 13 James Street. 

 Chief Kneisler responded along with the Bergenfield apparatus.  Ladder 742 was under the command of Capt Lopez and a crew of 4.  They were directed to the rear of the stores off of Palisades Ave. for water tower operations and they were supplied by Leonia Engine 3.  Additionally, they placed ladders on the C side of the building, and worked with members of 746 operating two and a half in the rear. 

When the Rescue arrived on scene they were initially set-up as the FAST Unit.  They eventually took on other assignments such as laddering and venting the building and working multiple 2 1/2" lines around the structure. 

Bergenfield units worked in Englewood just about 3 1/2 hours.  Thanks to Alex Kneisler and FF Dave Phelan for the pictures.

Just before 1200 hrs the Bergenfield Fire Department was dispatched for reported smoke coming from an attic fan from a 1-1/2 story wood frame located at 62 New Jersey Avenue. First arriving Bergenfield Police officers found heavy smoke and fire venting out a rear window.

Lt. Kirsch arrived first on ladder 742 and established command and call for a 2nd alarm bringing New Milford FD as the FAST team to the scene.  Engines from Dumont and Teaneck along with an Englewood ladder responded to Alert firehouse to cover the borough.  Chief Kneisler arrived shortly there after and assumed command of the fire.

Engine 743 was the first due engine and stretched a 1 ¾” line.  The hose crew made an aggressive attack and located a fire in a 2^nd floor bedroom and the fire was knocked down within minutes.  Primary and secondary searches were completed and were negative.

The fire is still under investigation under the supervision of the fire official.  No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. 

Chief Kneisler wants to extend his thanks to the Bergenfield Ambulance Corps and Police Department along with the mutual aid companies that responded.  Thanks to Brett Dzadik and Alex Kneisler for providing the pictures for the website.

On Monday, August 23, 2010, Bergenfield Fire Co. No.2 member Colin Swift and his wife Laura welcomed two new additions to their family.  Julia Rose and Evan Henry were born at Englewood Hospital at 12:06 pm.  Julia weighed 6 pounds 4 ounces and Evan was 6 pounds 8 ounces.  Laura, Julia, Evan big brother Jacob are all dong fine.

At 2305 hours, Alert Fire Co. was dispatched on a still assignment for the ladder to respond to the City of Englewood.  The Englewood FD was working a 2^nd alarm fire in a residential dwelling located at 399 Elkwood Terr.  Ladder 742 under the command of Captain Lopez and a crew of 5 responded along with Deputy Chief Byrnes.  They were requested to cover the city from fire headquarters.

Along with engines from Fort Lee and Leonia, Bergenfield remained in the city for just under an hour and took in no runs.