Station 26 was dispatched to multiple alarms as a severe thunderstorm passed through Fire District 1 this past Friday.  Ladder 26 was first due to 7 Cedar Grove Lane for a report of the building struck by lightning.  On arrival, they found that the overhead electric primary had been brought down due to the storm and was arcing and burning near the rear of the building.  L26 remained on scene until the power was secured by PSE&G.

Shorty after going back in service from the structure fire on Como Drive Ladder 26 was dispatched into South Bound Brook for a structure fire.  Car 26B responded and reported heavy fire conditions on two floors of a 2 1/2 story multiple dwelling.  Ladder 26 went to work ventilating, opening up and as siting with overhaul. This was the second working structure fire of the day for Station 26.  Several hours later we were dispatched to a smoke condition in warehouse, fortunately it was unfounded, a busy day at Station 26.

Station 26 responded with District #1 companies to a structure fire on Como Drive.  Arriving units were faced with heavy fire conditions on the Division A side. Station 26 members ventilated, assisted with suppression and performed overhaul.  Photos to be posted soon.

A number of members from Station 26 attended a weekend long Confined Space Operations class presented by the New Jersey State Police. Several of the members in attendance satisfied their Truck Company confined space training requirement by completing this class.

Car 26B was recently put into service.  The 2008 Chevy Tahoe is assigned to the Deputy Chief.  The vehicle has a complete command console and radios.  The Deputy Chief now has the ability to respond to the scene to assist with command duties or as the OIC.  Car 26B is equipped with a full complement of equipment including a medical bag, AED, FIT, SCBA and other equipment.

Station 26 was dispatched with Fire District #1 companies for a report of a fire in a machine at a plastics company on Commerce Drive.  First arriving units found the sprinklers activated with heavy smoke condition throughout the large warehouse.  Ladder 26, Engine 26-1, Engine 26-3 and Car 26  responded.  Station 26 crews assisted with water supply, ventilation, overhaul and securing utilities.

Station 26 members participated in the Franklin High School "Every 15 Minutes" program.  Captain Fredericks co-chaired this very worthwhile and labor intensive two day event to teach high school students the consequences of driving while intoxicated.  More photos and information will be posted in the near future.

Please go to the 15 Minutes Website www.every15minutes.com

Never forget 04-11-06.  East Franklin Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio died in the line of duty on April 11th 2006. Please remember Kevin's family, friends and our brothers from Station 27 in your prayers.
 

Station 26 participated in a large scale drill involving a simulated gasoline pipeline leak in the Somerset Run community in Station 26's first due area.  The drill involved multiple agencies including District #1 fire companies, EMS, FTPD, FTOEM and SCOEM. Station 26 officers operated in several capacities at the command level, while Station 26 firefighters assisted with fire suppression and patient removal duties.  

Ladder 26 responded into Fire District 3 for a 2ND alarm structure fire on King Road.  Upon arrival Ladder 26 was assigned as the RIT.  After the fire was placed under control the crew was reassigned to perform overhaul.

Nine members of Station 26 participated in the St. Baldricks event hosted by North Plainfield Station 50.  St. Baldricks is a charity event were people get sponsorship to have their heads shaved in order to raise money for kids with cancer. The Station 26 members were part of the Franklin Township Fire District #1 team.  The District #1 team raised $17,500.  This made the District #1 team the top money making team at this event and number 47 nationwide.  Great job to everyone who participated and donated.

Engine 263 responded with a tanker task force on a mutual aid assignment to Edison Township for an overturned tractor trailer with a 2000 gallon leak of Methyl Alcohol.  263 provided water to a portable water supply site located on the New Jersey Turnpike at exit 10.  263 operated for approx. 6 hours.

The annual Fire District 1 awards dinner was held on March 7, 2009.  Several Station 26 members received awards for their service during 2008.

 Firefighter of the Year: Steve Warrelmann

Top Responder: Ronald Vladyka

Honorable Service

2000 Calls:

James Wickman

Doug Kowalsky

Eric Franzyshen

3000 Calls:

Joel Lipman

3500 Calls:

Dan Fredericks

Ron Vladyka

5000 Calls:

Bernard Pongratz

The Commissioners of Fire District 1 conducted their annual inspection on March 7, 2009.  All District 1 company's apparatus, fire stations and firefighters were inspected for cleanliness, compliance and readiness.  Each company is required to demonstrates a specific skill or activity during the inspection. This year Station 26 demonstrated a class B decon operation.  Station 26 did extremely well on our inspection with positive comments received from all of the Fire Commissioners.

Station 26 responded with District #1 companies for a working car fire at 2 Worlds Fair Drive.  Engine 263 arrived first due and the fire was extinguished without incident.