Ed Gomez of Bergenfield Fire Co. No. 2 was sworn in as Chief of the Department at a ceremony today at Fire Company No. 2’s quarters. Along with Chief Gomez, Robert Byrnes, Jr. of Prospect Fire Company No. 1 and Edward Kneisler II of Alert Fire Company No. 1 were sworn in as Deputy 1 and 2 respectively. Captains Ray Van Saders, Jim Lodato, Michael Lopez and Lieutenants Jason Lanzilotti, Paul Buehler and Chris Saito were sworn in as well.

We wish them the best in 2008.

The New Milford FD requested the RESCUE to respond to their town as the FAST team for a possible house fire on Berkley Street. Deputy Chief Kniesler and the RESCUE responded to New Milford, but were returned prior to their arrival on scene.

At 0959hrs a day still was transmitted requesting a ladder truck to respond to the scene of a working fire in Tenafly.  Deputy Chief Kneisler (DC2), Truck 742 under the command of Lt. Kirsch with a crew of five responded to the scene.  Upon arrival the crew grabbed tools for overhaul work on the second floor.  Members opened up the walls and ceilings exposing a few pockets of fire.  The Truck was released just before 1130

Just past noon a day still was sounded for Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requesting a ladder to stand-by at the Englewood Fire Headquarters for a 2nd alarm fire. DC2 (Kneisler) and Truck 742 under the command of  Lt Kirsch responded with a crew of 4. The truck stood by with Leonia and Fort Lee engine companies for about a half hour before being released.

At 16:29 hrs, Prospect Fire Co. was dispatched on a still response to 47 Sugden Street. PD was on scene and needed the FD to force entry into the home. A water pipe had broken in the basement and there was over six feet of water in the basement and still climbing. DC Byrnes requested PSEG Gas and Electric and United Water to the scene. United Water shut the water off and the electric was secured by PSEG.

Prospect members began to pump the water out of the cellar so entry could be made to turn off the gas. Members pumped out a foot of water and then made entry using their water rescue suits. The gas was secured and the units were cleared from the scene by 18:59 hrs.

The Board of the BFTC voted to offer a fifty (50%) percent discount on training to any fire department that purchases a table (10 tickets) at our annual beefsteak on February 16, 2008. This offer is good for full and half-day sessions and can be used for multiple sessions if booked at one time.

If interested please contact any member of the board. You can also send any e-mail to info@bftc.net or call 201-387-4055 x 4473.

www.bftc.net