At 1118 hrs, the Bergen Regional Special Operations Team (BRSO) and their support units were requested to respond to 15 Piermont Rd. in Tenafly for a commercial building collapse.  Tenafly Fire was on scene at a grocery store whose roof had collapsed under the heavy weight of snow with workers and customers inside at the time of the incident.  It was believed that everyone inside had evacuated safely, but the entire structure needed to be checked.

Squad 732 with the trailer and 3 members of the team, the Rescue and Deputy Chiefs Byrnes, Sr. and Lodato responded to the call.  DC Byrnes was assigned to the command post and DC Lodato was assigned rear sector officer.  Members from the Rescue set up lighting in a rear entrance to the building while members of the team, led by Lt. Kirsch made entry.  Crews used cameras to search for any possible victims.

BRSO command made the decision that the NJ Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team as well as special search dogs were needed at the scene.  The building was very unstable and concern of a complete collapse was a major reason to request the State team be activated. After an extensive search of the building is was determined that everyone had safely made it out of the building. 

Tenafly Chief Philpott was in command of the incident and the BRSO command was led by Lt. Kirsch of the Bergenfield FD and Chief Moran of the Englewood FD. 

For more information about the Bergen Regional Special Operations Team, please see the link on our website.