At the April 27, 2006 Officer’s meeting, four new probationary members who joined the Department were introduced namely, David Tedesco of Prospect, Edward Kneisler III, Andre Nunez, and Miguel Olivo of Alert. These members will spend the next six months learning the department’s procedures and the apparatus assigned to their Company. Before becoming active members, they must complete Firefighter I through the Bergen County Fire Academy.

David Tedesco and Edward Kneisler III are following in their family’s foot steps by joining the Department. David’s grandfather John Chaffiotte, was a member of Prospect, and Edward joins his father Edward Kneisler II and grandfather Edward Kneisler, Jr. both members of Alert Fire Co. 

We welcome the new members and wish them the best.

On Sunday afternoon at approximately 1430 hrs, the Bergenfield FD was dispatched for a report of smoke in an apartment. Chief Hartung (740) was first due and transmitted a working fire at that location. Engine 744 was first due and they secured a hydrant while members of second due Engine 745, pulled a thief line and 1½ attack line. Members from both engines worked together to remove the occupants, find the fire and extinguish it. The fire was located in a dryer in a basement apartment. There was no extension and no injuries reported. Mutual aid engines from Dumont and Teaneck along with an Englewood truck covered the town.

On Thursday morning Engine 743 and Ladder 742 were dispatched to respond to the scene of a working fire on East Quackenbush Ave. in Dumont. Upon arrival crews from both pieces went to work assisting the Dumont FD with the kitchen fire they had. Along with Bergenfield, units from Tenafly, New Milford, Oradell, Cresskill and Haworth responded in to the call.

The Bergenfield Fire Department will hold its annual inspection and memorial service on Monday, May 29, 2006. The service will be held at the Borough Hall at 10:00 a.m. The Mayor and Council will inspect the apparatus and the members of the department. Members who have completed training since last year will be presented with their certificates by the Training Chief, Edward Gomez, and Department Chief, Charles Hartung. Members who have earned service stripes will be presented with those as well. Service stripes are given for every five (5) years of service to the department and community. Finally, we will honor those members who have passed away since last year’s service.

The Bergenfield Fire Department will also participate in the annual Memorial Day Parade which steps off from Main Street at 2:00 p.m. The Department will be led along the parade route by Chief Charles Hartung. Following the parade, the FD will be having a celebration at Prospect Fire House on West Clinton Ave.

The Bergenfield Fire Department took part in the annual Memorial Day parade in Bergenfield followed by a picnic held this year at Prospect Fire house. Members and their families enjoyed the warm sunny weather. Steve Cavadias and his entertainment committee put on a great afternoon for all. The kids especially had a great time as the photos will show.

At this year’s Memorial Day service, Mayor Richard Bohan along with Fire Commissioner Christopher Faustino presented Ken Pfannen with a plaque to mark his 40th year in the Bergenfield Volunteer Fire Department.  Ken joined Prospect Fire Company No. 1 in April 1966 and is still an active firefighter today. In the past, he has served as Lieutenant for five years and Captain for three years. In 1980 and 1981 Ken was a Deputy Chief and in 1982 he was Chief of the Department.  Ken has spent a good part of his 40 years as a member of the fund drive committee and has given much of his free time to the Bergenfield Fire Training Center. We want to congratulate him and hope that he continues to serve the Department and the residents of Bergenfield for many years to come.