August, 2026, UPS, page 2
DOWNS: Seven members of a Pine Hill family were injured during an early-morning fire in an Erial Rd. dwelling, June 2nd. One resident, a 67-year-old man, jumped out of a second-floor window, according to NJ.com. He jumped 15-feet after climbing out the window and was hospitalized with burns.
UPS: The Jersey City Puerto Rican Heritage Arts & Culture (JCPRHAL) has named Captain Robert Nunez, Jr., of Squad Co. 1, the Firefighter of the Year. “For over 31-years, Captain Nunez has exemplified courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the residents of Jersey City.” In addition, Captain Nunez gathers outdated equipment from fire departments around the area to ship to fire departments in impoverished areas and provides training.
DOWNS: Six people were injured as the result of a fire in a Piermont av. dwelling in Hillsdale, June 3rd, according to the Daily Voice. The six residents were transported to local hospitals with minor injuries, authorities said. Firefighters used master streams to knock down the heavy volume of fire and prevent flames from extending to exposures.
UPS: In Secaucus, a young man climbed the cliffs at Snake Hill in Laurel Hill Park, June 9th. He was unable to get back down. Firefighters used an aerial ladder to get him back down to safety, according to the Patch.
DOWNS: River Edge first responders answered a call for a serious MVA on Kinderkamack Rd. & Midland av., June 3rd. They found a vehicle on fire after it left the road and struck a building. The driver and a passenger suffered serious injuries. A resident of an apartment in the building also suffered minor injuries, officials said.
UPS: Thomas Penn has been promoted to fire lieutenant in Summit. Andrew Mallon is the city's new firefighter.
DOWNS: A fire at a collection car dealership on Industrial av., Hasbrouck Heights, June 9th, resulted in two burn victims being hospitalized. Two firefighters were also taken to the hospital. The fire appeared to have started in a car inside the building, according to Independent Online News. One burn victim, that was removed from the building by firefighters, was listed in critical condition.
UPS: New firefighters in Ewing Township are: Sawyer Williams, Kyle Moody, Edward Nickelson, Douglas Sotovando, Nia Agusto, Bryce Haber, Lorenzo Petrone and Joshua Smith.
DOWNS: A fire consumed a Scott av. dwelling in the Melrose section of Sayreville, June 14th. Fire broke through the roof and several master streams were used on the flames, according to reports.
UPS: In June, the Kearny mayor and town council recognized Firefighter Justin Erezuma as Firefighter of the Year.
DOWNS: A lightning strike caused a fire that involved a Hamilton Street strip mall in Franklin Twp., June 15th. The multiple-alarm blaze impacted the entire mall, according to the Daily Voice.
UPS: The Secaucus Fire Department will receive five sets of firefighting gear through the 2026 Ricochet Regional Gear Giveaway. This is an initiative supporting volunteer fire departments through Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes Fund. The award was secured through an application submitted by Lt. Donald Cieciuch.
DOWNS: A fire at a Cloverdale av. home in Paramus, June 15th, killed two cats and two men were injured. The fire broke out on the rear deck of the house. Two men attempted to extinguish the fire with a hose before the fire extended to the basement, according to the Daily Voice.
UPS: New firefighters in Princeton are Adam Szyszko, Madison Luck and Patrick Esmerado.
DOWNS: A man's body was recovered from along the Palisades at State Line Lookout in Alpine, June 14th. The East Bergen Rappel team assisted in recovering the body of a man in his 30's who was believed to have jumped to his death, according to the Daily Voice. The Rappel & High Angel Rescue Team is made up of rescue specialists from the Closter EMS, Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Englewood Cliffs, Fairview, Fort Lee and Ridgefield fire departments.
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