UPS & DOWNS, NJ Nov 26
Photo by Ron JeffersThe second victim to be rescued from a stuck light rail elevator, second from left, takes off his red helmet after North Hudson firefighters brought him up to street level, where he was turned over to EMS for examination.
TWO COMMUTERS HARD COMMUTE!
The Bergenline Avenue Light Rail station is not described as a subway station, but in all reality it is.
Union City is built on top of the Palisades cliffs. The platform for this station is approximately equal to seventeen stories below street level. NJ Transit used an existing, abandon, railroad tunnel that travels under the city, connecting the Meadowlands with the Weehawken waterfront. There are three elevator shafts that were drilled through this hard rock to reach the platform that was constructed for this commuter station.
On the evening of September 14th, North Hudson firefighters were dispatched to a report of people stuck in one of the elevator cars. NJ Transit Police Emergency Service Units were also dispatched to the scene.
When it was determined that the arrival of an elevator technician's ETA was uncertain, at the beginning of the Labor Day weekend, firefighters took it upon themselves to extricate the two men inside the elevator car, that was located closer to the platform area, a great distance from street level.
North Hudson Dispatch filled out the rescue task force assignment. The victims were being observed via a monitor located in an office adjacent to the elevators. Union City EMS units were called to the scene to standby.
Captain Pat Klebbaur, of Rescue Co. 1, took the lead in setting up the operation. Firefighters set up a tripod and a lowering and raising system. An attic ladder was sent down to the elevator for the victims to assist the men climb to the elevator hatch.
Firefighter John Warth, of Rescue Co. 1, was lowered down to the elevator and secured the first passenger, and the two were fulled up by firefighters and police officers using the rope system. The commuter was turned over to EMS personnel, with no apparent injuries. A bottle of water was waiting for him, and greatly appreciated.
On the monitor, the second commuter appeared to be in a panic state and trouble breathing. He continued to ring the alarm bell. Firefighter Daniel Rival, of Rescue Co. 1, was lowered down, secured the man, and they were brought up to the street. EMT's took the man to an ambulance for evaluation.
It should be noted that while the first victim was sitting in an EMS chair behind police tape, a man riding his scooter lost control, while carrying groceries, and the scooter slid sideways on the ground stopped just behind the victim's chair. It was not his day and he later said, "That's why I don't gamble."
The Bergenline Avenue Station, at 49th Street, is one of the busiest light rail stations.
When the second commuter was rescued and turned over to EMT's, the crowd of spectators gave firefighters a round of applauds.
DOWNS: Two children died as the result of an early morning dwelling fire on Hewitt St., Trenton, in August. Deputy Chief Kevin Rice said firefighters found and removed the victims from the home and they were transported to a local hospital, according to News 12.
UPS: North Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. 2 will hold a celebration on Nov. 7th to honor their 100th anniversary serving the community.
DOWNS: An early morning fire displaced 11 residents from an Elm St. dwelling in Montclair, Aug. 23rd.
UPS: In August, Wayne ex-Fire Commissioner John “JB” Babitz was recognized for 60-years of service by Preakness Vol. Fire Co. 4 and the Township.
DOWNS: Martinsville firefighters responded to a fire at the top of paving silos at the Stauola Quarry on Chimney Rock rd., in August. They were assisted by fire units from Finderne, Warren and the Bridgewater police. The Somerset County Haz Mat unit responded to assist with an acetylene tank that was venting atop the silos, according to a local Facebook post.
UPS: In Hackensack, James Walker IV has been promoted to fire lieutenant.
DOWNS: Fire consumed a two-story mixed occupancy building on Goffle Rd. in Hawthorne, Sept. 1st. The fire, at the Hawthorne Tire Center, appeared to have started in the business. Numerous mutual aid units were called to the scene. A family that lived above the shop was displaced, according to reports.
UPS: Newly promoted battalion chiefs in Jersey City are: David Myers, Adalberto Rodriguez, Julio Ortiz, Robert Mc Cann,William Clarritt and Christopher Fodera.
DOWNS: In August, twelve people were displaced by a 3-alarm fire that involved three dwellings on South 9th St., Newark, according to News 12.
No information from the author.