DOWNS:              A fire in a West Glendale av. home, in Pleasantville, displaced five residents and their pets on July 25^th. One occupant was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries, according to News 12. 

              UPS:                     In July, Hackensack Deputy Chief Justin Derevyanik received the Hometown Heroes Award from Rep. Josh Guttheimer on behalf the H.F.D.'s Second Platoon. The award was for the platoon's recent actions at technical rescue incidents involving an occupied vehicle into the Hackensack River and a person trapped in a trash chute.   

              DOWNS:              Flames consumed a home on Oak Ridge Rd. in West Milford on July 27^th. The dwelling was fully involved and started to spread to nearby buildings, as all five fire companies were called to the scene. The occupants and pets had escaped their home. Two pets were treated by a local veterinarian for smoke inhalation, according to NorthJersey.com. One firefighter was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

              UPS:                     Steven Holmes has been promoted to fire captain in Hamilton Township.

              DOWNS:              On the morning of July 29^th a utility pole and transformers came crashing down on Prospect av. in Hackensack. An explosion was heard by neighbors, and seven parked cars caught fire, according to News 12. 

              UPS:                     The NJ Division of Fire Safety has designated Secaucus Rescue 1/Engine 2, Chicora Park Engine 3 and Tower 2's quarters as Tier 2 academy facilities. These companies join Washington H& L Co. 1 and Engine Co. 1 which earned that distinction in the 1990's. All five firehouses are now Tier 2 academy facilities. The houses have been inspected by the NJDFS to host approved firefighting training programs. Chief Lawrence “Doc” Marciano, Battalion Chief Jason Leppin and Lt.'s Ray and Donald Cieciuch were cited for their leadership and support in preparing each facility for inspection, according to a department Facebook post.  

              DOWNS:              Two children drowned in the Passaic River on July 29^th. Three children entered the water in Passaic. An 11-year-old girl was able to get out of the water, but two ten-year olds did not. All three children attended Abraham Lincoln School #6, in Garfield. Passaic Mayor Hector Lora thanked all of the first responders from Passaic, Bergen and Essex counties, and the NJ State Police for their assistance. 

              UPS:                    Cranford firefighters have donated $15,000 to the local VFW Memorial Park Renovation Committee. The funds were made possible from the success of their 4^th Annual Cigar & Liquor Testing fundraiser. 

              DOWNS:             A falling tree brought down power lines that sparked a fire that destroyed two vehicles and damaged a third in Cherry Hill, Aug. 3^rd. The incident also knocked out electricity to nearby residential dwellings and a senior living community, according to WPVI-TV. No injuries were reported.