2005 Archives

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December 29^th - At 1530, immediately after clearing up from the hazardous materials incident at UMDNJ, the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to 123 Bound Brooke Avenue for the reported chimney fire. Upon arrival Engine 652 found heavy smoke pushing from the chimney and made entry with 1st. Lieutenant Maas, and Firefighter Abraham with Capt. Smolko establishing command.  The crew utilized a water can to extinguish the remaining fire inside the chimney and a thermal imaging camera was also used to check for extension. Meanwhile Rescue 655's crew consisting of Lt. Barnoski, and firefighters J. Cercatore and Sorrentino went on the roof to check for extension around the chimney stack. Other River Road units on scene were Engine 651 and Truck 656 and they were assisted on scene by Holmes Marshall Engine 672 and North Stelton Unit 628 and Engine 621. Crews remained on scene for approximately 15 minutes and returned to quarters.

December 29^th - At 1400 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched for the activated fire alarm at 679 Hoes Lane West. River Road responded with Engine 651, Truck 656, and Rescue 655. Crews included Lt. Barnoski and Firefighter's J. Cercatore, Daughton, Kuenstner, R. Recine, Simon, Sorrentino, and Wiklanski. First arriving units found a smoke condition as a result of a hazardous materials spill within a sterile room. Unit 638 arrived and established command, called for county hazmat and advised crews to proceed with the evacuation of the building and to conduct a primary search. Upon arrival of County Hazmat firefighters Daughton and Wiklanski made entry with two county hazmat technicians to identify the substance. Other units on scene included North Stelton Engine 62, Holmes Marshall Engine 672, and BLS units from Rural Metro, Rutgers and Arbor. Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital provided an ALS unit and County Hazmat came with one of their responder vehicles, a Hazmat Van, and their Heavy Rescue. After identification of the substance, the scene was turned over to UMDNJ laboratory technicians to clean up and all units cleared up around 1530 hours and returned to quarters.    

December 23^rd - At 0700 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to 444 Hoes Lane (Telcordia Technologies) for the reported suspicious package. Engine 651 arrived with Chauffer P. Winkler, and Firefighter's C. Flasser, and Simon. Chief of Department Florek arrived, assumed command, and set up staging for all units on Telcordia Drive while the suspicious package was investigated. The suspicious package turned out to be a normal delivery that did not go thru the security clearances normally required. All units cleared up within an hour after the investigation was complete.

December 22^nd - At 1413 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched for the reported heavy smoke coming from the rear of a single family dwelling. Engine 652 responded with Chauffer Smolko, and Firefighter Abraham, Daughton, N. Recine, and Wiklanski. Truck 656 responded with Chauffer Kuenstner and Firefighter's Flasser, Sorrentino, and Winkler. First arriving  unit Engine 672 arrived and found a large rubbish fire with no extension to the structure The fire was quickly extinguished and all units cleared up within 15 minutes.

December 20^th - At 1038 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched into Rutgers University, Marvin Apartments for the reported gas leak. Engine 652 responded with Chauffer Kuenstner and Firefighters Flasser and N. Recine. Chief of Department Florek arrived in Unit 658 and advised all units of a 4” gas main struck, actively ventilating and began to establish a safe area  Other units on scene included Holmes Marshall Engine 672. Engine 652’s crew with the help of the Engine 672's crew and Rutgers Emergency Services established a safe area and evacuated the nearby dormitories. Emergency Services Deputy Chief Scott arrived on scene and requested the Command trailer be put into service for Chief Florek. Crews awaited the arrival of PSE&G and assisted in the shutdown of the gas line and with the monitoring of gas levels in the nearby dorms. All units cleared the scene in about 2 hours and returned to quarters.

December 18^th - Today the River Road Fire Company was in the holiday spirit having our annual Santa Run. Engine 651, Engine 652, Rescue 655 and Unit 658 all took part in the festivities. Many members past and present participated in the event. Thanks to members FF J. Cercatore, FF Daughton, Chief Florek, FF Gulbin, FF Harding, FF Kuenstner, Lt. Maas, FF N. Recine, FF J. Rivera, Cadet Simon, Capt. Smolko, FF Sorrentino, FF Szymonowicz, FF Wiklanski, and FF Winkler for making the event possible. We would also like to thank the Ladies Auxiliary for providing refreshments after the event. A special thanks goes out to Santa’s little helpers Emily Harding, Mark Harding, and Andrew Smolko.

December 15^th - At 2020 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to route 287 southbound in the area of exit ramp 8 for the reported vehicle fire. Engine 651 went into service with Chauffer Maas, Engineer Harding. and Firefighter's J. Cercatore,  N. Recine, R. Recine, and Winkler. Upon arrival Engine 651 had 1 car fully involved. Engine 651's crew stretched a car fire line and with Engineer Harding on the nozzle with back up from FF's J. Cercatore and Winkler extinguished the fire. FF’s N. Recine and R. Recine popped the hood and trunk with tools in order to get to hidden pockets of fire. Engine 651 cleared up in around 30 minutes and returned to quarters.

December 7^th - At 1915 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to 287 southbound for the reported truck fire. Engine 652 responded with Chauffer Smolko, Lt. Maas, and Firefighter's J. Cercatore, N. Recine, R. Recine and Sorrentino. Upon arrival they found heavy smoke coming from the rear tires of the truck with some visible flame. Chief of Department Florek arrived shortly there after and advised 652 to stretch a line. FF R. Recine had the nozzle and extinguished the fire while FF's J. Cercatore and N. Recine backed him up. FF Sorrentino proceeded to check for any extension and all units cleared up within 20 minutes.

December 4^th - At 0555 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to the area of River Road between Sutphen Road and Landing Lane for the reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment and unconscious occupants. Rescue 655 responded with Lt. Maas, Engineer Harding, and Firefighters Abraham. J. Cercatore, and N. Recine. Engine 651 responded with Firefighters Flasser, R. Recine, Simon and Winkler. Chief of Department Florek arrived on scene and established command reporting a car vs. US Postal Service Mail truck with the passenger being heavily entrapped due to a T-Bone impact. Rescue 655 arrived, secured the vehicle and rapidly extricated the victims utilizing air tools and the hydraulic spreaders. The driver and passenger were both transported to a nearby trauma center in critical condition by the River Road Rescue Squad and a Rutgers University Ambulance. Other units on scene included Holmes Marshall Engine 672 and a Robert Wood Johnson Hospital MICU Ambulance. In order to avoid an interruption in the mail service, another US Mail Truck was called to unload the contents of the truck involved in the accident as it was inoperable due to front end damage. Rescue 655 remained on scene until approximately 0800 while an accident investigation was being conducted after which all units cleared up and returned to quarters.

October 28^th - At 0230 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to the area of  River Road just past Overbrook for the reported MVA with an overturned vehicle and possible ejection. Rescue 655 responded with Chauffer Barnoski, Asst. Chief P. Cercatore, Lt. Maas, Engineer Harding and Firefighter Cercatore. Engine 652 responded with Chauffer Smolko and Firefighter Flasser. Chief of Department Florek arrived and established command while Captain Smolko assumed Operations and found a vehicle overturned into the brook on its roof with a possible person trapped inside. Engine 672 from Holmes Marshall was also on scene. Engineer Harding performed a door pop on the passenger side door and no victims were found inside the vehicle. Since the vehicle was overturned Captain Smolko, Lt. Maas and Firefighter J. Cercatore utilized airbags to raise the vehicle and check underneath for any possible victims. After a thorough investigation of the crash site and surrounding areas only two victims were found of a reported three in the car at the time of the incident and they were transported to the hospital by the River Road Rescue Squad. Unit 655 remained on scene to provide lighting for the wrecker and all units were cleared and available around 0445 hours.

October 14^th - At 2100 hours Group 4 headed over to the Rutgers Athletic Center, better known as the RAC, for a fire standby during the Scarlet Knights Midnight Madness event. Midnight Madness is a Pep Rally for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Men's basketball team. Engine 651 sent a crew consisting of Lt. Barnoski and Firefighters Abraham, Daughton, J. Cercatore and Sorrentino. Engine 651 met up at the event location with Asst. Chief P. Cercatore and positioned themselves by  the standpipe connection to the rear of the RAC. The Crew then met up with Deputy Chief Scott of Rutgers University Emergency Services where he explained we would be providing coverage for a small fire works display that was planned for inside the RAC. The crew interacted with the general public and increasing our public relations as they participated in events such as the 3 point and free throw contests and many other games. Engine 651 was on scene until 0030 hours, at which time they were released and returned to quarters.

October 7^th - At 1728 hours the River Road Fire Company was requested into the New Market Fire Company's District for the gas leak in a warehouse. Engine 651 responded with Lt. Barnoski and  Firefighters Abraham, J. Cercatore, and Daughton. Engine 651 arrived on scene within minutes and dropped approximately 25 feet of supply line, after which its crew reported to the command post where they were sent to Engine 3.  The crew stood by on a dry protection line. PSE&G arrived on scene and secured the gas to the building and companies on scene performed ventilation operations. Shortly after Engine 651 was released and proceeded to return to quarters. While returning to quarters the New Market Fire Company was dispatched for an additional 2 calls. One was an activated fire alarm and the other was a 3 car mva with a reported fire.  Engine 651, being within blocks of the car accident was advised to respond. Lt. Barnoski advised New Market units of a 3 car mva with possible injuries and no fire. Companies dealt with leaked fluids and Engine 651 returned to quarters. 

October 5^th - At 1830 hours the River Road Fire Company sent over Rescue 655 to the Middlesex County Fire academy for an extrication class. Rescue 655's crew included  Lt. Barnoski and Firefighter N. Recine. The Rescue was used to provide extrication equipment for Firefighters in the Firefighter II program learning basic extrication concepts and operation of the various tools.  The Firefighters used a wide assortment of tools including spreaders, cutters, rams, and irons. Rescue 655 was cleared at 2200 hours and returned to quarters.

October 3^rd - At 1120 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched in the area of Bakeland Ave and Colorite Plastics for a reported fire. Engine 652 responded with Chauffer Flasser, Lt. Barnoski and Firefighters J. Cercatore, N. Recine and Syzmonowicz. While en route Lt. Barnoski advised dispatch there was a large plume of smoke visible from approximately 1 mile away and advised for a retransmit of the alarm. Engine 652 arrived on scene and reported approximately 5 pallets containing left over material from the company's industrial process of making plastic piping involved. Engine 652 pulled a 1 ¾ line and extinguished the fire. Companies remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes for minor over haul.

September 21^st - Today River Road Fire Company Engine 651, Rescue 655, and Unit 658 took a ride over to the Piscataway Fire Academy for one of our monthly training drills. Personnel who participated included Chief of Department Florek, Asst. Chief P. Cercatore, Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters Abraham. J. Cercatore, Daughton, N. Recine, Sorrentino, and Winkler. Crews spent the evening drilling on search and rescue operations thru a maze in heavy smoke conditions with and without the aid of a thermal imaging camera. Crews completed drills for the evening around 2100 hours and returned to quarters. 

August 4^th - At 2300 hours River Road Engine 651 was requested by county OEM to respond into the township of Sayreville for a cover assignment at the Hercules Chemical  plant. The Sayreville fire department operated at the plant for several hours battling the blaze caused by several large explosions. Engine 651 responded with Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters Abraham, N. Recine, and J Cercatore. Engine 651 arrived on location where they relived a Milltown Engine Company from their cover assignment. 651 set up position in front of the main fire building. After approximately 10 minutes of being on scene a large plum of smoke was scene from the roof of the structure. Firefighters Abraham and Recine started to position 2 3inch monitors when a fire broke through the roof. Engine651 wrapped the hydrant and prepared to lay in in the event that deck gun operations would be needed. Lt. Barnoski and Firefighter Cercatore took a hand line to the rear of the structure towards the back door in order to attempt a stop. Firefighter Abraham reported to Lt. Barnoski that the monitors were in position and ready for operation at which time they cleared the structure and set up for master stream operations. After approximately 30 minutes the bulk of the fire was knocked and the monitors were positioned to prevent any more flare ups on the roof. 651's crew also dealt with numerous flare ups on other sides of the structure so 2 additional monitors were set up and put into action. As there was no relief scheduled and due to the flare ups overnight,  Lt. Barnoski got in touch with Sayreville and reported that an engine company would be needed on scene to relieve 651 at 0600. Engine 651 remained on scene until 0730. The Hercules Chemical Plant, which opened in the early 1900's, was one of the nations largest producers of nitrocellulose, a highly explosive material used in the production of gun powder and dynamite. Companies operating during the fire dealt with 100 foot flames, explosions, temperatures nearing 100 degree’s, and loss of all power to the entire plant facility leaving a very dangerous operating environment for the crew of Engine 651. Pictures courtesy of Steven Baron.

July 31^st - At around 1900 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to a confirmed working structure fire at the 500 block of Runyon Avenue. Dispatch was receiving numerous calls and advised responding units that the second floor was well involved. Engine 652 responded with Chauffeur Maas, Asst. Chief Cercatore, Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters Abraham and N. Recine. Unit 658 was first on scene and reported a 2 story dwelling with fire showing from the roof and ordered engine 652 to the front of the building to stretch in. Lt. Barnoski, Firefighter Abraham, and Firefighter N. Recine made entry. Lt. Barnoski advised command there was no visible fire in the attic but there was an intense heat. Chief Florek ordered Tower Ladder 656 to the roof to start ventilation. Interior teams exited the attic and went to the second floor to start opening up the ceiling. Companies found the fire in the walls and an aggressive attack by the interior team and the tower ladder made for an excellent stop. Capt. Smolko had roof operations and checked for further extension. Firefighter Winkler and Capt. Smolko performed extensive overhaul of the roof area while the interior team did an extensive over haul of the attic and 2nd floor rear bedroom. The fire was contained to the attic/roof area and the walls of the rear bedroom. Companies operated on scene for approximately 3 hours when they were released by command. Click Here for the 1st Responder news article.

July 4^th - At 1900 hours Engine 652 reported for a standby at the Piscataway firefighters memorial for the towns annual fireworks display. Engine 652 stood by with Chauffer Smolko, Asst. Chief Cercatore, Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters Abraham, Syzmonowics and Winkler. Engine 652 provided coverage for the north side of the district as thousands of spectators gathered to watch the fireworks show. The crew passed the time by giving tours of the engine to children as the event was conducted without incident.

June 30^th - At 2010 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to 100 Mitchelle Ave. for a reported car vs. house. Rescue 655 responded with Chauffeur Barnoski, Asst. Chief P. Cercatore, and Firefighters Winkler and J. Cercatore. Rescue 655 arrived to find a 1 car MVA with the car partially lodged into the front of the house. Rescue 655 checked out the structure and vehicle and confirmed that that there was no entrapment. Command requested the buildings department to confirm the buildings structural integrity due to the car causing heavy damage to the structures foundation as it went through the front window. Rescue 655 remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes and then was released.

June 15^th - At 1040 hours the River Road Fire Company was requested to St. Francis Carbini School for a reported hazmat inside the science lab. Engine 652 responded with Chauffeur Flasser, Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters N. Recine and J.Cercatore. Due to only being one block from the school Engine 652 arrived first due within minutes. Lt. Barnoski requested Middlesex County Hazmat to the scene due an unknown type of chemical explosion in the lab. Lt. Barnoski took his crew up to the 2nd floor lab to investigate. Lt. Barnoski advised command that they had a container of calcium oxide which had exploded in a cabinet. Lt. Barnoski and his crew perform a primary search of the entire school which turned up negative. Companies operating on scene had to deal with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Middlesex County hazmat arrived with a full assignment. They suited up and entered the structure to remove the spilled chemicals. It was determined by hazmat that the chemical was water reactive and moisture in the bottle due to humidity caused the explosion. At the time of incident the school was at full capacity of 196 students. Engine 652 operated on scene for approximately four hours before being released. School was let back in session that same day leaving lots of kiddies upset.

June 3^rd - At 10:15 am the River Road Fire Company responded onto Rt. 18 and the exit for Avenue E for a reported construction accident with a person trapped. Rescue 655 responded with Chauffeur Wiklanski, Lt. Barnoski, and Firefighters N. Recine and Winkler. While en route dispatch notified the crew that it was a motor vehicle accident instead of a construction accident and were asked to expedite. Rescue 655 arrived and reported one car off the road into a Tar Tanker truck. A Rutgers BLS ambulance and Rutgers Emergency Services Captain were on scene administrating CPR to one victim who was removed prior to arrival. The second victim was heavily pinned in the vehicle. RWJ Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced both victims as DOA. Rescue stood by while the accident investigators from Piscataway Police as well as the Middlesex County Prosecutors office did the investigation. After the investigation was over a wrecking crew pulled the car back from the tanker so that rescue crews could start to extricate the body. After operating on scene for approximately four hours Rescue 655 returned to quarters.

One of River Road's Finest becomes one of New York's Bravest

Former 1st LT. Jim Martin has graduated from the Rock, probationary firefighter school for the City of New York. Firefighter Jim Martin left the River Road Fire Company a few years back to pursue his goal to become a Career Firefighter. He was hired in Maryland before getting hired with FDNY. Firefighter Martin is assigned to  Engine 255 in FDNY’s busiest house, The Jolly Rogers Engine255/Ladder157 in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. From all your brothers at River Road good luck, stay safe and stay low.

May 10^th - At 1100 hours the River Road Fire Company responded to the Midway Deli on Plainfield Ave. for a reported smoke condition. Engine 652 responded with Chauffeur Flasser, Lt. Barnoski and Firefighter J. Cercatore. Engine 652 was first due and reported having smoke pushing from the front door of the deli. Engine 652's crew made entry and encountered a heavy smoke condition. A brief primary search was completed and the source of the smoke was found to be coming from an oven. Lt. Barnoski shut the power down to the building and requested the Health Inspector to the scene. Truck 656 arrived and set up a large smoke ejector in the front door. Companies remained on scene for approximately one hour to vent and allow the oven to cool down. The Deli re-opened just in time to complete a large catering order.  

April 29^th - At around 1200 hours the River Road Fire Company was requested to Rutgers University for a cover assignment for the annual concert event, RutgersFest. Engine 651 provided coverage with Lt Barnoski, Firefighters J.Cercatore, N,Recine, Sorrentino, and Daughton. RutgersFest is a major party event for all Rutgers students. Many popular bands and rappers performed including Elephant Man, Naas, and the Dropkick Murphys. Engine 651's crew was staged at the command post where, due to an overwhelming crowd and an out of control mosh pit, they performed EMS functions. A majority of the injuries consisted of bloody noses, abrasions and cuts to the arms and legs, and ETOH's. The 651 crew remained on scene until approximately 2200 hours, at which time they were released.

April 20^th - At 2120 hours Engine 651, Rescue 655, and Truck 656 were backing into quarters after a live burn drill at the township fire academy when the alarm came in for a reported working structure fire on Park Ave. Unit 658 (Chief of Department Florek) responded and was first on scene and confirmed heavy smoke pushing from the rear door of a 2 story dwelling. Engine 651 was first due and was ordered to drop a 1 3/4 handline to the rear of the structure. The attack team consisted of Lt Barnoski along with Firefighters Syzmonowics and J. Cercatore. The primary search team consisted of Firefighters Winker and N. Recine. Upon Entry the attack team found a smoldering fire in a dryer with no extension to the walls. Primary and secondary searches came up negative. Truck 656 arrived and were ordered by Chief Florek to start ventilation operations. Capt. Smolko and Firefighter Abraham positioned a Large Smoke Ejector at the front door and assisted with opening windows. Companies operated on scene for approximately one hour.  

April 9^th - At 1300 hours the River Road Fire Company was requested to Hoes Lane and the JFK library for a reported MVA with entrapment.  Rescue 655 and Engine 652 responded under the command of Chief Florek. Rescue 655 stabilized the car and did a door pop to remove the victim who was transported to an area hospital. River Road Units awaited the arrival of the tow truck and then returned to quarters. 

April 8^th - At 1700 hours while the River Road Fire Company was operating at an alarm at the UMDNJ Campus, OEM  requested all township fire companies to go on standby at their buildings for a 50-inch water main break in Bound Brook resulting in no water for the entire township. At 1720 hours a Tanker Task Force was requested by county OEM to respond into the township to assist with water supply. At 1740 hours township OEM requested 1 engine to respond to Rutgers University  Emergency Services Headquarters for campus coverage. Engine 652 responded with Chauffeur Smolko, Lt. Barnoski, Firefighters Winker, Cercatore, Abraham and Szymonowicz. A tanker From Robertsville responded and assisted 652 with coverage. River Road Fire responded to one alarm during this incident however none were on campus. All Fire Companies were released around 11pm when water was restored.

April 2^nd - At 1940 hours the River Road Fire Company was requested into the Borough of Highland Park for a cover assignment. Engine 651 responded with Chauffeur Barnoski, Asst. Chief P. Cercatore, Engineer Harding, and Firefighters Abraham, Szymonowicz, and Recine. The Highland Park Fire Department was operating at a large tree/power line issue on Cedar Lane during a major rain/wind storm. Engine 651 provided coverage for the Borough and cleared up around 2230 hours.

March 26^th - At 0315 hours  the River Road Fire Company was requested to respond to route 287 North bound in the area of the weigh station for a multi car motor vehicle accident with a reported entrapment. Rescue 655 and Engine 652 responded under the command of Asst. Chief Cercatore. On arrival of State Police Rescue was requested to expedite their response as there was a confirmed pin. At this time the River Road BLS unit requested North Star to fly, landing zone would be Rt. 287. Asst Chief Cercatore sized up the scene and reported to command this would be a pro-longed extrication as stabilizing the car and removal of a large tree would hamper the extrication. ALS arrived on location and pronounced the victim as DOA and that North Star could be canceled. Chief Florek arrived and assumed operations. State Police advised that their Accident Investigation Team was responding and the Medical Examiners office were also requested to the scene. Command held Rescue 655 and Engine 652 on scene for lights until the investigation was complete. At that time the extrication crew began removal of the body from the mangled car. The River Road Fire Company operated on scene until approximately 0700 hours. Click Here to hear the dispatch for this call.

March 22^nd - It is with the deepest regret that we inform the passing of River Road Fire Company Life Member George Livak (1915-2005).His lifetime of contributions to the River Road Fire Company will be missed.

March 9^th - At 0310 the River Road Fire Company was requested as mutual aid into the North Side of Piscataway. The New Market FD was operating at a structure fire on Blackford Ave. Engine 652 responded under the command of Capt Smolko. On arrival 652's crew acted as a truck company and was assigned to ventilation operations. Capt. Smolko and Firefighters Winkler and Cercatore went to the roof while  Lt Barnoski and Firefighter Abraham vented the basement windows. Command advised Lt Barnoski to also start venting the first floor windows. While operating on the porch of the dwelling the fire on the first floor flashed sending a ball of fire at both the crew on the roof as well as the vent team on the ground. The evacuation orders were given to the roof team,  luckily they got off just as fire blocked their access to the tower ladder. Capt Smolko and Firefighters Abraham and Cercatore took a 1 3/4 hand line to the rear of the structure, while Lt Barnoski and Firefighter Winkler entered the basement on the delta side where they encountered heavy fire conditions. After operating for approximately 10 minutes they were ordered out of the structure due to heavy fire conditions. The fire was then deemed a exterior attack. The fire was knocked down approximately 4 hours later. Companies re-entered the structure to find colliers mansion conditions (a house packed floor to ceiling with items). Companies had to deal with frigid temperatures of below zero, leaving firefighters coated with a thick layer of ice. Engine 652 operated on scene until approximately 8:45am.  Companies that operated on scene with the second alarm were Engine 652 from River Road, the Middlesex Fire Department with 1 Engine and 1 support Truck, and cover companies which included North Stelton Fire and Dunellen Fire. On the 3rd alarm North Stelton Fire and Dunellen Fire moved up to the scene and  the South Plainfield Fire Department moved in as cover company. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

February 19^th - At approximately 1800 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to the Cablevision building for a heavy smoke condition in a first floor bathroom. Engine 652 responded under the command of Capt. Smolko. An entry team consisting of Lt. Barnoski and Firefighter Abraham encountered heavy smoke pushing from the bathroom area. Entry of the bathroom was made and the source of the fire was located with the Thermal Imaging Camera. Firefighter Abraham knocked the fire down with a Light Water Extinguisher. Crews remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes to aid in ventilation operations coordinated by Truck 656. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

February 5^th - The River Road Fire Company responded to Plainfield Ave. and Custer Street for a reported over turned vehicle. Engine 652 responded under the command of Capt. Smolko. Upon arrival of Engine 652 it was confirmed that all occupants were out of the vehicle. Capt. Smolko established command and Firefighter Winkler and Firefighter Cercatore spread speedy dry onto the leaky fluids and waited for the arrival of a tow.

February 1^st - At 1340 hours, the River Road Fire Company responded to the Kennedy Library to assist with an overheated backup generator battery. Engine 652 and Rescue 655 responded under the command of Chief Florek. On arrival companies had fumes in the building and a request was made for Middlesex County Hazmat. Interior crews shut power off to the battery and the decision was made to cancel hazmat as there was no eminent danger. Companies operated on scene for approximately 1 hour to assist with ventilation.

January 18^th - At approximately 0400 hours the River Road Fire Company was dispatched to a reported working structure fire with people trapped at the 400 block of Patton Ave. Engine 652 and Truck 656 responded under the command of Chief Florek and on arrival the companies encountered heavy fire showing from the roof area. Engine 632 was on scene and stretched 2, inch and 3/4  lines. 652's crew under the command of Lt. Barnoski took one of the stretched lines thru the front door and started to make a push into the attic. Interior teams found heavy fire on the first floor landing and 2nd floor. Primary searches took place and came up negative. The Engine 652 crew knocked down the bulk of the fire, but companies found many hidden pockets of fire throughout the structure. After approximately 4 hours of operating on scene River Road picked up and returned to quarters.

January 14^th - At 1300 hours the River Road Fire Company responded to a MVA at the intersection of River Road and the Deer Pens at Johnson park. Engine 652 and Rescue 655, under the command of Lt. Barnoski, arrived on scene and found 1 car into a tree. Lt. Barnoski sized up the scene and canceled all additional responding units as there was no entrapment or injuries.

January 13^th -  At 1100 hours the River Road Fire Company responded to the intersection of Normandy and Bakeland Ave for a reported hazardous materials incident. Rescue 655 responded along with the Holmes Marshall Fire company. Upon arrival of Rescue 655 Lt. Barnoski took command and notified Chief Florek that the substance was found to be white pellets used in the production of PVC piping in a large puddle of water behind the Cyber Tech Corporation. Chief Florek arrived on scene, took command and requested the response of the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials team. On their arrival it was determined the there was no threat to life and all Units Were released . Hazmat stayed on scene to determine if this was the source of a similar white powder substance found in a stream at a neighboring township.

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