The Bergenfield Volunteer Fire Department’s fund drive committee recently sent out second mailers to the residents and businesses in Bergenfield. We would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have given donations to our volunteers. The three fire houses are owned by the fire companies and not by the borough; therefore, the fire companies are responsible for maintaining their buildings. We use the funds received during fund drive month to do just that.

The fire department understands that times can be difficult, but any monetary donations that you can give are greatly appreciated. We would like to thank the residents in advance for their generosity.

On Sunday morning, the members of Prospect held a joint extrication drill with members of the BVAC. Using vehicles that have been donated to both organizations, different scenarios were put in place and members needed to react accordingly. These types of drills are good for the continued development of communication between teams. We look forward to holding another combined drill in the fall.

The 93rd Annual convention of the NJ/NY Fireman’s Association was held in Bergenfield on Friday, June 9, 2006. The convention was attended by several members representing many departments from New Jersey and New York.

Bergenfield’s own Robert Kirsch was elected as President for 2006/2007. Bob was Chief of the Department in 1984 and has served in several positions in the Department. Bob is only the second person from Bergenfied to serve as President of the NJ/NY Volunteer Fireman’s Association. Bernard T. Aschenbrand was the first to hold the position.

Some special presentations were made at this year’s convention. The Joseph Costello Fireman of the Year Award was presented to Deputy Chief Chris Weismann of the River Edge, NJ Fire Department for his actions at a house fire on July 2, 2005. When he arrived at 2 Fenway Court, he was told that the resident was still inside the structure. He donned his SCBA and made his way into the basement. Operating through heavy smoke, he crawled 18 feet to the moaning victim. He pulled the victim to a marginally safe area where other firefighters were able to remove the man. The survival of the victim was directly due to Weismann’s quick and heroic effort.

The Unit Citation Award was presented to the Little Ferry Fire Department and in particular to the following members: Frank Fuchs, Jr., Doug Tobin, Adam Reinert and Brian Castelli for there effort at a structure fire on September 21, 2005. At 6:05 am the Little Ferry FD was dispatched to 109 Neihaus Ave for a reported working fire. The fire was located in the basement of the structure. A victim was found on the second floor by the search team. The unbreathing victim was carried out by firefighters where CPR was preformed. A pulse was found but unfortunately, the victim passed away a week later. The rescuing crew deserves the highest acclamation for entering the building without a hoseline and not knowing where the seat of the fire was and for effecting a rescue.

The River Edge, NJ Fire Department won the best overall trophy. There were three categories that made up best overall that consisted of a strategies and tactics exam, truck judging and an antique truck pull. Congratulations to the River Edge FD, Little Ferry FD, Deputy Chief Chris Weismann, and Robert Kirsch of the Bergenfield FD.

At approximately 1120 hours, the Bergenfield Fire Department was dispatched to 178 New Bridge Rd. for a reported car into a house. Upon arrival, the FD found a vehicle wedged up against the house after taking out all of the shrubbery, front steps, and railing of the home. The driver of the vehicle was complaining of pains to her back and was removed from the vehicle by Bergenfield’s volunteer ambulance corps members with help from members of the fire department.  All units were back in service approximately 45 minutes later.

Deputy Chief Ed Gomez of Bergenfield Fire Co. No. 2 and his wife Tammy were blessed Monday morning with the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Julia Gomez. Rebecca was born at Englewood Hospital weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measuring 21 and 3/4 inches. Tammy and Rebecca are both doing fine.

On Wednesday evening, Engine 743 was dispatched to the Borough of Dumont to cover the town while Dumont worked at a 2nd alarm fire on Larch Avenue. 743 was only needed for 30 minutes before returning to the Borough. 743 was not dispatched to any calls while standing by.

At 20:23 hrs, Rescue 746 and Engine 745 were dispatched to the intersection of Woodbine St. and Westside Ave. for a reported motor vehicle crash with entrapment. Chief Hartung was in command and directed units into the scene. Members of 746 opened one door using the Jaws while the engine crew stretched a precautionary line. Two patients were removed to area hospitals by the BVAC. Units operated for 90 minutes.