It is with deep regret and sadness that we must announce the passing of former member Douglas Van Valen.

Doug, 28, was born in Teaneck, NJ and grew up in Bergenfield. He was a member of Prospect Fire Company for two years before moving out of town. He worked for the Oradell Department of Public Works and served as a Day Member with the Oradell Fire Department. He was also a member of the New Milford Fire Department.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Van Valen family. Doug will be greatly missed.

On Sunday morning, members of Prospect drilled at a residential structure on Thames Boulevard. Members practiced the rapid removal of downed firefighters, breaching walls, overhaul and roof venting ops. We would like to thank the homeowner for allowing the BFD the opportunity to drill in the structure.

The Bergenfield Fire Department made their first appearance at the annual Bergenfield Street Festival promoting Fire Awareness week. The members brought Engine 743 to display the equipment to the public, as well as, displaying the Town-Wide poster winners for this year’s theme “Practice your escape plan”. Members brought informative pamphlets for the adults and plastic fire helmets, stickers and pencils for the children. Onlookers stopped by to pick up the pamphlets, ask questions, or just observe the array of equipment. Many thanked us for being there and thanked us for ALWAYS being there when they call. Deputy Chief Eddie Gomez thanks all of the members who attended and made this day a success.

At the Board of Fire Officers meeting on Thursday, October 11, 2007, Joe Frino of Fire Co. 2 was elevated from probationary to active status. Joe previously served with the Lodi Fire Department. We would like to congratulate Joe and welcome him aboard.

Just after 0930, the members of Alert Fire Company #1 were dispatched to River Edge Rd. and Woods Ave. for a fluid spill from an mvc.  Upon the arrival of DC1 Chief Gomez, he informed engine 744 to bring extra speedy dry for the large spill on the roadway.  The crash involved a dumpster truck and a bus.  The crews from 744 and ladder 742 quickly started applying speedy dry to the spill and kept any fluid from entering the storm water system.  Members of Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps. attended to the victims on the bus, while members from the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps. took care of the truck driver.  Units cleared the scene in about 90 minutes.

Just after midnight Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requested the ladder to respond to the Englewood Fire Headquarters while the Englewood members were battling a fire on James St.  Chief Polandick 740 and Truck 742 stood by along with members from the Leonia Fire Department until being released.  Bergenfield units were back in the borough in less than an hour.

Lieutenant Jason Lanzilotti of Bergenfield Fire Company No. 2 and his wife Tracy were blessed on August 23 with the birth of their son, Anthony James Lanzilotti. Anthony weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 21 inches. Tracy and Anthony are doing well.

At approximately 13:15 hrs, Mid Bergen Mutual Aid requested a ladder from Bergenfield to respond to Teaneck Fire headquarters to cover the township while they were at a working house fire. The ladder remained in Teaneck for 3 hours but did not have any runs.

At 1408 Mid-Bergen mutual aid requested Ladder 742 to respond to Englewood Fire Headquarters while the Englewood FD was battling a 2nd alarm fire.  After calling en route, Englewood transmitted a 3rd alarm sending the ladder to the scene along with the Rescue.  Upon arrival of the Bergenfield units, the crew from the Ladder was assigned to be the F.A.S.T. Team while the crew from the Rescue stood by until being released a short time later.  The ladder crew was then assigned to assist in overhaul operations on the exterior of the building.  After completing that assignment, the ladder was released from the scene and sent back to Englewood headquaters until all Englewood units returned at 1645hrs.