October. 2026. UPS pg. 2

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.       

          UPS:        In August, the Watchung Fire Department recognized ex-Chief Gary Greves for his 55-years of dedicate service to the community and the fire department by the Mayor and Council and Congressman Tom Kean.

DOWNS:    A fire displaced nine people from a Kent Pl. dwelling in Summit, Aug. 20th. The possible cause was a lightning strike. The fire was under investigation, according to the Daily Voice.

      UPS:       Asbury Park firefighters have moved into their new modern headquarters on Memorial Dr. It replaced a 1900's vintage firehouse.

      DOWNS:    A 4-alrm fire involved several structures on Crescent Terr. in Belleville, Aug. 13th. Two dwellings and other property were involved. Numerous mutual aid companies reported to the scene.

       UPS:       In August, the Southern Monmouth County Fire Museum, at Camp Evans, held and apparatus muster and photo shoot for avid photographers. In addition to photographing the museum's collection, several local fire companies brought their front-line apparatus to the show. An entertaining day, all for a contribution to the organization for their advancement. Refreshments were also served.