Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:56:55 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/ PostNuke Powered Site en-us http://www.parkridgefire.com/images/logo.gif http://www.parkridgefire.com/ wdiedtrich@verizon.net http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=43 Fire can double in size every minute. Please verify that your closet fire hydrant is completely dug out and clearly visible by an approaching fire engine. The life and property you may save may be your own! Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:56:55 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=42 PRFD's BBQ Team of Rich Bosi, Tom Derienzo Jr., Tommy Derienzo, Bill Diedtrich and Mark "Cookie" Eisen participated in the Fairway Market Fire Department Cook Off. After several hours of cooking the PRFD Team was crowned the Grand Prize Winner. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:14:15 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=41 At 1758 hours on 6-15-10, the PRFD was dispatched to Fremont at Wortendyke for a 2 car MVC with a rollover and entrapment. The Chief (PR-10) arrived and established Incident Command while Assistant Chief Pete Mauro (PR-11) was assigned Operations. The rollover was stabilized, the battery cables were cut and a plan was established to remove the occupant by cutting out the windshield. Once completed, Tri-Boro BLS and ALS used a backboard to successfully remove the victim, provide treatment and transport assisted by Northstar helicopter. Mutual aid from Montvale FD was used to establish the LZ at West Ridge School field. At 2034 hours shortly after we called cleared of the entrapment, the Bergen County FAIU requested the PRFD to assist with lighting during the investigation. We called clear of this assignment at 12 midnight. Respectfully, Bob Ludwig, Chief-PRFD Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:42:58 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=40 On Monday 5-3-10, PreK to 1st Grade students participated in the first week of the annual Safety Zone with training provided by the Park Ridge Fire Department. Approximately 75 children were trained how to escape a smoke filled dwelling using the trailer provided by the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute set up at West Ridge School. There was also “hands on” fire extinguisher training given to all. Much thanks to the event organizers, the school staff and those firefighters that spent the afternoon running the operation. Captain BJ Diedtrich Ex Chief Tom Derienzo Ex Chief Jim Strabone Tommy Derienzo Rich Bosi Travis Cangialosi John Wirth Fire Inspector Dick Rothe Bob Ludwig Chief, PRFD 201-741-1545 raludwig@optonline.net Mon, 24 May 2010 13:41:28 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=39 The following is a report on the 3-19-10 fire at Krell Lighting in Park Ridge. On Fridday evening 3-19-10 a police officer, while on patrol noticed smoke showing from Krell Lighting (70 Park Ave, Park Ridge). Northwest Bergen Central Dispatch paged out the Park Ridge Fire Department at 733pm. PR10 arrived at 736pm and established Incident Command. Asst Chief Peter Mauro (PR11) was assigned Operations. An initial assessment indicated a large 2 ˝ story masonry electrical supply warehouse with an attached 1 story retail business. All doors and windows appeared locked and secure. A working fire was visible through the windows and heavy smoke was exiting the roof. A re-dispatch of the Park Ridge FD was immediately requested confirming a working fire. Shortly thereafter, PR10 called for a “Second Alarm” consisting of Hillsdale FD for a Rapid Intervention Team, 3 ambulances from Tri-Boro Ambulance for BLS standby, Park Ridge Electric for service disconnect, PSEG for gas service disconnect and MICCOM for an ALS standby. 5 minutes thereafter, a “Third Alarm” was requested consisting of one engine from Montvale FD, one ladder from Woodcliff Lake FD, one engine from River Vale FD and one rescue from Westwood for breathing air bottle refills. 15 minutes later, a “Fourth Alarm” was requested consisting of one engine form Washington Township FD, one ladder from Oradell, one engine from Old Tappan FD, one engine and one ladder from Pearl River FD for standby, Tri-Boro and Pascack Valley Deputy Fire Coordinators to assist at the Command Post, Box 54 from the Teaneck FD for rehab, one engine from Harrington Park FD for standby, one engine from Saddle River FD for standby, two engines from Upper Saddle River FD for standby, one engine and one ladder from Paramus FD for standby, Additional special requests were made for one ambulance from Emerson Ambulance, the Bergen County Fire Coordinator, Park Ridge OEM Coordinator, Park Ridge Police Reserve, two Building Inspectors were called to assess the structure, Bergen County for cause and origin investigation, a demolition contractor, and a contractor to secure the scene after the fire. A safety officer, rehab and staging coordinators were assigned from the pool of incoming mutual aid fire officers. Deputy county fire coordinators were assigned communication with incoming units and recording keeping responsibilities. At approximately 800pm the alert was sounded to switch from an interior to an exterior defensive attach based on deteriorating conditions and an accountability check was made. At 830pm approximately 50 residents and business patrons were evacuated from the nearest buildings on Park Ave and South Maple. as a precaution. At 1029pm a status report was made that the fire was still through the roof and all units were working. At 1146pm the fire was declared under control. At midnight release of mutual aid units began. Overnight, the Park Ridge FD remained on scene extinguished one rekindle and began pumping out the basement to facilitate the investigation and recovery of essential records. At 10am (3-20-10) Woodcliff Lake and Montvale FD were called back to assist with overhaul. At 1pm (3-20-10) all units were released and Incident Command was terminated. At this time the cause of the fire is undetermined although the area of origin is believed to be the 1st floor rear interior. One reserve member was transported to the local hospital for treatment of an asthma attack. The building and contents were heavily damaged with losses approaching $2 million although the structure is still standing. Chief Bob Ludwig, PR10 Krell Incident Command Park Ridge Fire Department 201-741-1545 raludwig@optonline.net 201-822-6162 fax Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:50:45 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=38 In anticipation of the storm getting worse, the firehouse was manned beginning at 6pm Thursday 2-25-10. The prediction was 15”+ with blizzard conditions through the night. Dinner was cooked and served to 30+ along with coffee all night and breakfast the next morning. At 20:45 hours, during the height of the storm, a fire call was dispatched for 9 King Road. The two elderly and incapacitated residents living alone reported a smoke filled basement with smoke coming up the 2d floor stairwell. Within 3 minutes Chief Ludwig was on scene establishing Incident Command and the 1st due engine was on the road. The Police Department was instrumental with initial size up. The engine was ordered to wrap the hydrant and lay in. An investigation found that several inches of water had flooded the basement and shorted the furnace controls causing a smoldering electrical fire. Gas and the effected electrical circuits were turned off stabilizing the immediate hazard. Pumps were brought in to remove the standing water. Public Service Electric & Gas was called to the scene and upon arrival advised that the gas must remain off do to the flood water damage and burnt furnace controls. With no heat, hot water or ability to cook, the son-in-law (who had arrived) was advised that his elderly incapacitated relatives could not safely remain in the house. With his approval, Incident Command contacted the PR Marriott, to verify available lodging, and Tri-Boro Ambulance for transportation. The Office of Emergency Management was given a status update. Firefighters remained on the scene to assist with carrying the residents, medication, walkers, wheelchairs and needed supplies through the snow to the ambulance and into the hotel. The Department of Public Works assisted with freeing a standby engine and the ambulance stuck on snow covered roads. All units were clear of the Marriott and Incident Command was terminated at 2300 hours. Sunday morning 2-28-10, at 10am, a Fire Department work detail has been called to dig out the many buried fire hydrants placing them back in service for an emergency. Respectfully Robert Ludwig Chief, Park Fire Department 201-741-1545 cell raludwig@optonline.net Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:16:55 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=35 During 2009 the Park Ridge Fire Department has limited significant fire loss, perform life saving extrications, recertified the many mandates, suffered the loss of Life Members Dan Rideout and Bob Spearing, celebrated 50 years with Howard Vander Vliet, seen weddings, births, a wetdown, taken delivery of a ladder truck and hydraulic rescue tools, conducted a fire prevention week open house, continued school visits, baby sitter classes, responded to a bomb scare, saw new members joining and have said goodbye to Andreas Hoeschle leaving next month. The last 30 days have been just as busy with progress being made on our kitchen hood replacement, firehouse exterior renovation and new elevator. There have been numerous fire calls in the last 30 days including a car fire on Thanksgiving at 131 Kinderkamack, a Hillsdale house fire 11-27-09 with the PRFD Fast Team responding and a car into The Diner with injuries 125 Kinderkamack at 1835 hours on 12-20-09. Our members are excited to once again escort Santa to Depot Square at 6pm on 12-24. Meet at the firehouse at 530pm. The 2010 Department Officers are scheduled to be sworn in at the Borough’s reorganization meeting in the Council Chambers 1-1-2010 starting shortly after 1230pm. All in all a busy year. Thank you for the time you have devoted and the scarifies you have made during a challenging year. My gratitude to the Department Officers for their leadership and to each member for your service to the Department and the Borough. Best Wishes, Chief Robert Ludwig 2009 Fire Year End Totals 209 - Fire Calls 29 - Drills 62 - Extra Credit Calls Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:41:04 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=30 6-7-09 PARK RIDGE STRUCTURE FIRE (106 COLONY) 2239 HOURS (single family 2 1/2 story wood frame dwelling) At 2237 hours the resident of 102 Colony heard smoke alarms sounding nearby, looked out the window and observed a large amount of flame inside the kitchen window of 106 Colony, the adjacent property to the west. They placed a 911 call and immediately heard the fire sirens sounding. Chief arrived at 2241 hours, established Incident Command near the front of the structure and requested: A second round for the PRFD confirming a working fire, Hillsdale FD for a Fast Team, Montvale FD for an engine , ALS and BLS for medical backup/rehab, PSE+G to turn off gas, PR Electric to turn off electric, The Construction Official to examine the structure and restrict occupancy M and M Contractors to secure the openings (board-up) The fire was declared under control and overhaul begun at 2307 hours. All units were clear of the scene at 0046 hours and PR6 (rescue) was sent to River Vale firehouse for air bottle refills At 0200 hours firehouse cleanup was complete all equipment was back in service and all members dismissed. A primary and secondary search revealed no occupants. Neighbors later reported that they believed the occupant had left several hours earlier. This was confirmed when the resident arrived reporting a missing pet weasel. A subsequent search found the animal apparently unharmed under the sofa cushion. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in the kitchen dishwasher and spread to the adjacent cabinets, countertop and wall. While the kitchen was a complete loss, damage to the remainder of the house was limited to smoke, water and consequential venting damage. It was a great stop by the initial hose team. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for treatment of a small hand cut occurring during forcible entry and returned to the scene shortly thereafter. Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:13:34 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=26 On December 19, 2008 at 0430hrs Rescue 6 was requested as a F.A.S.T. Team to the Borough of Hillsdale. Members stood-by at the scene of the residential house fire and were eventually asked to participate in the exstensive overhaul efforts. The Rescue returned to the Boro after being on location for several hours. Photos courtesy of the Hillsdale Fire Department. From FAST Team Response Fri, 26 Dec 2008 03:44:40 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=24 On November 19th-21th, 2008 members of the Park Ridge Fire Department Truck Committee made a second trip to Appleton, WI to inspect the progress on the Department's new aerial ladder. Earlier in 2008 the Borough of Park Ridge enetered into a contract with Pierce Manufacturing to construct a 100' Aluminum ladder. The truck which began production in early August finished construction in the begining of November and was ready for final inspection, as such, the committee went to Wisconsin to ensure that the truck was constructed according to the specifications. The Department is anxiously awaiting the truck to be placed in service, we are hoping to take delivery in time to escort Santa Claus to Depot Square on Christmas Eve. A photo the truck is also available on Pierce Manufacturing's Website. From Pierce Trip - Final Inspection Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:59:43 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=23 The Park Ridge Fire Department has placed an order for a new ladder truck with Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wisconsin. The truck will replace the Department’s current ladder truck; a 1987 Pierce Arrow 105’ Elevated Platform. The new truck will have a Velocity Cab and 105’ Aluminum Ladder. The truck began production during the middle of August, with the commencement of production a weekly report of the progress is provided to the customer. The beginning of production for this truck signifies the culmination of countless hours spent researching ideas and products to be placed on the truck. Members of the Department conducted numerous meetings and viewed several other trucks to ensure that this apparatus will best serve the residents. Below are the production reports for the new ladder truck. Final Construction Report for 5 Truck Report #8 - 10-04-08 Report #7 - 9-27-08 Report #6 - 9-20-08 Report #5 - 9-13-08 Report #4 - 9-06-08 Report #3 - 8-29-08 Report #2 - 8-22-08 Report #1 - 8-16-08 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:51:43 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=22 On September 25, 2008, the Park Ridge Fire Department accepted delivery of a 2008 Ford Expedition Chief’s Truck. Outfitted with the latest in technology, this new truck will be utilized by Fire Chief Tom Derienzo, facilitating his response to emergencies and generally enhancing the command of personnel at fire scenes. The Ford Expedition, which was modified by P&L Custom Vehicles of Manasquan, New Jersey, contains two VHF Radios, a Global Positioning System (G.P.S.), a Knox Box, and a command board. The radios serve to keep the Fire Chief in constant communication on the fire ground. The G.P.S. provides turn-by-turn directions for mutual aid emergencies, when the Chief’s truck will be summoned to another town during a fire. The Knox Box contains access keys for various structures around Park Ridge, providing instant access to a building on fire. Lastly, the vehicle’s command board is specifically designed for the Chief to track and document all operations taking place at the fire scene, ranging from simple notes to fire suppression strategy. This truck is replacing a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria with over 130,000 miles that faithfully served the Park Ridge Police Department until it was inherited by the Fire Department. With the advent of this new Expedition, the Park Ridge Fire Department possesses the latest in suburban fire service equipment. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:34:07 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=20 In 2006 the Park Ridge Electric Department had a 2004 Ford F550 bucket truck that was involved in an accident causing major damage to all but the cab. This vehicle was no longer able to be utilized as a bucket truck and was set to be traded-in for salvage. With the help of Fire Commissioner Brouwer and Borough Attorney John D’Anton, the Fire Department was able to obtain this vehicle in 2007 at “no cost” from the Board of Public Works. After looking at many different vehicle arrangements and after much discussion, we started the rehabilitation project of this vehicle in February of 2008. On Tuesday, August 12, 2008, the Fire Department officially put this re-built vehicle in service replacing an existing 1989 Ambulance we were using as the “confined space rescue” vehicle. The “new” F550 is set up with a flatbed body with a lift gate, two different types of towing receivers, and 3 tool boxes. This vehicle, combined with our existing 10,000 lb. GVW trailer, was much needed to support our confined space and hazardous material response capabilities that the Fire Department provides to the municipality, Tri-Boro, and the Pascack Valley. This is also an example of efficient government working together to improve services and save taxpayer money. Click Here For Photos of PR-3 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:25:54 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=19 The Park Ridge Fire Department recently brushed up on vehicle extrication techniques. The Department made use of a donated cargo van and practiced removing doors and other parts of the van. Members predominately utilized tools other than “Jaws of Life,” which is commonly used to extricate a person from vehicle, to practice their skills in the event the “Jaws” does not function properly. Several of the pictures depict members using a circular saw to cut the various support columns on the vehicle. Members also used hand tools and pneumatic tools to complete the removal of door, windows and ultimately the roof. Pictures of the Drill. Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:38:19 -0400 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=18 Did you know that the number one cause of home fire deaths is smoking? On average, 1,000 people (smokers and non-smokers) are killed in smoking-related fires every year. Most people are asleep when the fires occur. It’s important that you begin to practice fire safety in your home today! With a few simple steps, smokers and those who live with smokers can protect themselves from smoke-related fires caused by smoking materials like cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. For example: • If you smoke, smoke outside. • Whenever you smoke, use deep, sturdy ashtrays. • Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. • Check chairs and sofas for cigarette butts. • Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. • If you smoke, fire-safe cigarettes are better. • Be alert! • If You Smoke, Put it Out. All the Way. Every Time. Please forward this important fire safety message to your friends and relatives. It could be the message that saves a life! You can also visit the US Fire Administrations Website for campaign information and view an incredible video that demonstrates just how fast a fire started by smoking materials can spread! Video of a Careless Smoking Fire Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:41:33 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=15 The Office of Fire Prevention & Control is issuing this safety alert due to several incidents that have involved the use of propane cylinders inside of residential structures for heat. With the heating season upon us and the high cost of home heating fuels residents are trying to find ways to reduce costs. One way is through the use of small propane cylinders with an attached radiant heater. Small one pound and twenty pound cylinders have been found inside of destroyed structures in at least three fires reported to the Office of Fire Prevention and Control raising safety concerns for first responders arriving on scene. In at least two fires, firefighters could have been severely injured or killed while operating on the scenes of these incidents due to propane cylinders exploding inside the residences. Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:32:35 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=14 What does this mean and what does it have to do with fire safety? We all know that Smoke Alarms (Detectors) can save lives when operating properly. There are many types, however most smoke alarms are battery operated or have battery backup features. It is important to test your alarms each month to assure that they are in working order. We also need to be sure the battery has adequate power to operate the alarm. Smoke alarms have a monitoring system for the battery and start chirping when the battery is low. All of this sounds great and fool proof, however several lives were lost due to non-working smoke alarms. Many were found without batteries in them. The Reason? Maybe someone took the battery for a game or radio, or removed the battery to stop the chirping or maybe they were going to replace it and forgot. Because of these findings the program "Change Your Clock - Change Your Battery" was developed. IF everyone follows this program they should never be subject to a non-working smoke detector due to a missing or weak battery. The Action is simple and we are reminded each year at Daylight savings time. Each year we change our clocks. In the spring (March) we move them ahead one hour and in fall (November) we move them back one hour. Each time we do this we need to change the battery in all the smoke alarms. If a specific battery type is recommended then thats the one to use. Whether one is recommended or not, always be sure you are purchasing a fresh battery. Those available at a garage sale or flea market may be old stock. Always check the dates on the battery. NOTE: The life of a smoke detector is 5-10 years. If your detector is 5 years old or older, it should be replaced. Remember, properly working smoke alarms can save lives If you need assistance with a smoke detector please Contact Us Fri, 09 Mar 2007 17:25:30 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=11 On February 15, 2007, the Park Ridge Fire Department was dispatched for an engine to respond on a mutual aid assignment to the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, for a fire in a commercial strip mall at 419 Chestnut Ridge Road, Bath & Body Works. While enroute, the Incident Commander, Woodcliff Lake Chief George Fusco, requested that Park Ridge supply a tower ladder to the scene as well. Upon arrival, the crew of PR-1 was given orders from Park Ridge Chief Derienzo to secure a water supply and to force entry into the, “Gap” store to check for fire extension. Once inside the “Gap”, crews found smoke and heat in the rear of the store and were able to complete a search of the store with assistance of crews from the Montvale Fire Department. The tower ladder arrived on the scene and set up on the “A” side (front) of the structure and laddered the structure so that crews could access the roof. Crews prepared to ventilate the building if needed. Photos Courtesy of Bob Puglis Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:13:05 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8 The Park Ridge Fire Department recently purchased a set of Rescue 42 Struts, to compliment our rescue operations. The struts are designed to aid in providing stabilization at the scene of a vehicle crash or other emergencies that require supporting an object the pose a hazard of falling. Captain R. Ludwig researched and purchased the struts and believes that they are much needed addition to our Rescue Truck, “The Struts will provide us the ability to immediately make a vehicle stable and allow crews to begin extracting the occupants. The members were given two drills to become familiar with struts in controlled environment. First, Captain Ludwig briefed the members on the proper set up and applications for the rescue struts and allowed the members to become familiar with the nomenclature of the devices. On a second night the members were give practical exercises to hone their skills using the struts. See Photos of Drill. Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:44:38 -0500 http://www.parkridgefire.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3 Your fire department is composed of 100% volunteer members, including your friends and neighbors that respond to fire and emergency assistance calls 24 hours a day. The department is currently accepting applications for membership from civic and community spirited residents. All you need to qualify is a strong desire to help your community and be willing to respond to calls at a moments notice. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age for regular membership, or 14 to 17 for cadet or junior membership. Join a proud group of people with a long-standing tradition of dedicated service to our community. For further information, stop by the firehouse located behind Borough Hall any Thursday evning at 7:30PM and ask for the Chief, or call 201-391-6993, or send an e-mail to the Chief . Wed, 29 Mar 2006 21:26:01 -0500