Hawthorne Fire Department Places High-Water Rescue Unit in Service

HAWTHORNE, N.J. — October 9 — The Hawthorne Fire Department added its new high-water rescue vehicle, Unit 56, to service, providing another resource for operations in flooded streets and areas with rising water hazards for residents and emergency crews. 

The Wargacki family from Wallington, New Jersey, gave the vehicle. The department members, including Mogens, prepared the vehicle for service by cleaning, painting, and performing other tasks. Chief Joe Speranza thanked the Alkes, Cabrera and Rivers families, Elvin Truck Repair, and other contributors whose donations and efforts enabled the project. 

The vehicle comes after a challenging summer of flooding in Hawthorne. In August, the department reported responding to 82 severe-weather incidents over a four-week period, including 51 rescues from floodwaters. During those operations, Hawthorne firefighters worked alongside EMS and police personnel, with assistance from Wyckoff Fire Department’s high-water rescue unit.