"There is nothing stronger then the heart of a volunteer" Lt Col James Doolittle

Pride in Middletown, Save Taxes, Save a Life, Volunteer !

Fire with Stopwatch

So just how long has that fire been burning before you decide to enter ?

How much longer has it continued to burn after you've entered ?

Knowing the limits of building construction is a critical aspect of structural firefighting.

03/11/2008 - Ladder 180 - Returned to Service after repairs and refurbishment of tower extension rams and hydraulic system.

MTFD Chief Officers 2008

Chief Vincent Falci

Deputy Chief John Kardel

1st Asst Chief John Isaksen

2nd Asst Chief Mike Chenowith

3rd Asst Chief Jack Wankel

MTFD Station 8 Company Officers 2008

Captain John Maguire

1st Lieutenant Greg Cella

2nd Lieutenant Frank Butler

3rd Lieutenant Kevin Morrissey

PREPARE. PRACTICE. PREVENT THE UNTHINKABLE.

Children under the age of five are twice as likely to die in a fire than the rest of us. That’s why parents and others who care for babies and toddlers need to pay special attention to fire safety. Keep matches and lighters out of reach, test your smoke alarms monthly, change the batteries at least once a year, and practice a home fire escape plan.

A Fire Safety Campaign for Babies and Toddlers

For a free Parents’ Guide, visit www.usfaparents.gov

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, NFPA, NATIONAL SAFE KIDS CAMPAIGN, AND ZERO TO THREE

Information about Smoke Alarms

Two-thirds of home fires that kill children under age 5 occur in homes without a working smoke alarm.

: When fire breaks out, you have only seconds to escape its powerful heat, blinding smoke, and deadly gases.
: Families can dramatically increase their chances of surviving a fire simply by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms.
: Install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.
: Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
: If you keep the door of your baby's bedroom closed, keep a working smoke alarm in the room and use a baby monitor so you can hear when the alarm sounds.
: As soon as your children are old enough to understand, familiarize them with the sound of the smoke alarm.
: Teach them that when one goes off, they must leave the home and go to the designated family meeting place outside.

Cut your family's chances of dying in a house fire in half by having a working smoke alarm.

Information about Home Fire Escape Planning

: Children as young as three years old can follow a fire escape plan they have practiced often. Yet, many families don't have detailed escape plans, and those that do usually don't practice them.
: Practicing a fire escape plan and fire-safe behaviors on a regular basis can mean the difference between life and death.
: Draw a basic diagram of your home, marking all windows and doors, and plan two routes of escape out of each room. Consider various fire scenarios when creating your plan and develop actions for a safe escape. Plan for each member of your family, including babies and toddlers who may be unable to escape on their own.
: Keep exits clear of debris and toys.
: Keep your child's bedroom door closed. If a hallway fire occurs, a closed door may hinder the smoke from overpowering your baby or toddler, giving firefighters extra time for rescue.
: Teach toddlers not to hide from firefighters. Their uniforms can be scary in times of crisis. Teach children that firefighters are there to help in an emergency. Take children for a tour at your local fire station so that they can see a firefighter in full gear.
: Teach your children how to crawl under the smoke to reduce smoke inhalation.
: Also, teach your children how to touch closed doors to see if they are hot before opening. If so, use an alternate escape route.
: Have a safe meeting place outside the home and teach children never to go back inside.

Practicing fire-safe behaviors and knowing what to do in an emergency can give your family extra seconds to escape.

Printable Escape Grid (PDF, 140 Kb)

Tribute to Heroes Video

Do your part to get out before they have to come in

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Did you know there's an 70% chance of surviving a home fire when smoke alarms are properly installed and operating, versus a 20% chance without them. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms are inexpensive, easily installed and maintained by homeowners. Alarms can be purchased at most home centers, department stores and retailers.

Inspect, Test, Replace ! Remember to inspect and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries at least once per year. Replace alarms that don't operate properly or are over 10 years old. Thousands of lives are saved each and every year by early warning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

If you or someone you know cannot afford smoke alarms or needs assistance installing smoke alarms the Middletown Township Fire Department's Safe Homes program can help. Contact us at captain@middletownfire1.com.

Codes Save Lives

Corrected code violation makes difference between life, death for three

Pearl and her two house guests woke up when the smoke detector went off. It was 3 o'clock that December morning. They searched the house but didn't smell smoke or see any evidence of fire. So they reset the smoke detector and went back to sleep. The detector sounded again at 7 a.m. This time there was no question that the house was on fire. Pearl and her friends had enough time to escape, but were left with only the clothes on their backs. The house was ruined. Later, when interviewed by the local media, they would say that without a doubt the smoke detectors had saved their lives.

Ron Hampton was reporting to work when his team received the call to condemn the structure. The team helped the fire department evaluate and secure the scene. After returning to the office, Ron remembered struggling with the building's previous owner, an out of town landlord, the year before. So he had his staff pull the file. Yes, the address had been cited for several property maintenance code violations. The previous owner's checklist was included in the paperwork. There, at the top of the list showing all of the items that had been fixed, the owner had put a check next to smoke detectors. Ron's team had enforced the code. For Pearl, it had made the difference between life and death.

The newspaper clipping hangs on the bulletin board in his office. Ron Hampton keeps it as a reminder -- a reminder that smoke detectors and proper code enforcement make a difference. His team had been directly involved in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the city's citizens.

Story submitted by
Ron E. Hampton
Chief Master Code Official
Division of Code Enforcement, City of Ashland, KY

Become a Middletown Township Firefighter

Join the ranks of the best. The Middletown Township Fire Department is looking for dedicated individuals to serve our community. Volunteer positions are available for both firefighting and non firefighting duties. Application is easy, simply fill out the membership application, have your personal physician perform a physical examination, certify your ability to perform strenuous activity (not required for non firefighting positions), and mail it in. A member of our applications committee will personally contact you, arrange a tour of the station, answer any questions, schedule training, measure you for personal protective equipment, issue a pager and welcome you to our family.

MTFD Annual Assembly

Firefighter 1 Students

We Provide

State Certified Firefighter Training at our own fire academy located within the township.
Personal Protective Equipment & Garments
Length of Service Savings Plan
Insurance
The latest firefighting and rescue technology

Station 8 Members

To request an application or simply learn more, email us at: captain@middletownfire1.com

Pride in Middletown, Save Taxes, Save a Life, Volunteer !

2007 Department Officers

Executive Officers

President - Greg Papailiou

Vice President - Jim Naclario

Secretary - Sam Posten

Treasurer - Philip Valese

Line Officers

Chief William Kennelly (100)

Deputy Chief Vincent Falci (101)

First Assistant John Kardel (102)

Second Assistant John Isaksen (103)

Third Assistant Michael Chenowich (104)

2007 Station 8 Company Officers

Executive Officers

President - Robert Carhart

Vice President - John Gorsegner

Treasurer - John Fitzgerald

Financial Secretary - Thornton Ryder

Corresponding Secretary - Kevin Morrissey

Recording Secretary - Michael Lorenson

Line Officers

Captain - John Drucker (189) - Line Administration & Operations

1st Lt- John Maguire Sr. (188) - Training & Safety

2nd Lt- Greg Cella (187) - Personal Protective Equip & Radios

3rd Lt- Frank Butler (186) - Fire Fighting and Rescue Equipment

Chief Engineer- Kevin Morrissey

1st Asst Engineer-John Testa - Engine 182

2nd Asst Engineer-Steve Beck - Ladder 180

3rd Asst Engineer-Tom Somerville - Engine 181

Fire Police - Michael Lorenson

Risk Assessment and Life Safety

Some of the material in this section is provided courtesy of Firefighter Close Calls, www.firefighterclosecalls.com courtesy of Chief Billy Goldfeter, Gordon Graham and their fine staffs. To join the Secret List and get up to date information about firefighter survival go to; www.firefighterclosecalls.com/secret.php. "We are a family with a focused goal... no one gets left behind, and no one is ever forgotten"."WE are family with a focused goal... no one gets left behind, and no one is ever forgotten."

August 2nd 1978

Click on the picture above to find out what happened on this fateful day.

Click here for Deja Vu-All Over Again, Again..Pittsburgh and Yellowknife

IT’S DEVASTATING" -- GREEN BAY VETERAN FF DIES IN BLAZE / FUNERAL DETAILS

Monday, August 14, 2006

"We’re supposed to be the people that save and not lose," a choked up Fire Chief Jeff Stauber said Monday morning at a news conference about the death of a 17-year veteran firefighter. "It’s devastating." Engineer Arnie Wolf, 55, died Sunday in a house fire on Green Bay’s east side, five days before he was to earn a promotion to lieutenant. Chief Stauber says firefighters were called to the home at 438 Edgewood Drive minutes before 12:30 Sunday afternoon. Two firefighters entered through the home’s back door. The floor collapsed and they fell into the basement, which was filled with burning debris. Stauber believes the fire was contained in the basement and was "fully involved" -- and firefighters were unaware of it until the collapse. The other firefighter, Jo Brinkley-Chaudoir, was able to escape through a basement window, Stauber said. Fire crews could not enter the home to search for Wolff immediately because the burning home was too dangerous. Brinkley-Chaudoir, an eleven-year veteran firefighter, was treated at a hospital and released. Stauber said she returned to the fire scene to offer her help in the investigation. All afternoon and evening, on-duty and off-duty firefighters from around the city stopped at the scene to be with their fellow firefighters. A number of city leaders, including Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt, also stopped at the scene. A Green Bay police captain tells us the Wolff’s body was recovered from the rubble at about 2:30 Monday morning. A procession of firefighters and police officers escorted the body to St. Vincent Hospital, where an autopsy is planned Tuesday.

Wolff joined the department in January 1989. He was currently assigned to Engine 451 at Station 5, and also served as a paramedic.

Wolff "really enjoyed the medical part of our job, responding to medical calls," Chief Stauber said. "Our hearts go out to him and his family." Stauber said Wolff’s promotion to lieutenant on Thursday will proceed posthumously. Wolff leaves behind a wife and three children. Firefighters are receiving counseling, both through the firefighters’ peer program and city program, Stauber said.

The State Department of Criminal Investigation and the A.T.F. are investigating the fire. Stauber said the DCI came in to ensure an unbiased investigation about the fire’s cause and origin.

UPDATE GREEN BAY: On Sunday, 17 year veteran Green Bay Firefighter Arnie
Wolff and his partner, Firefighter Jo Brinkley-Chaudoir, entered a house with
smoke conditions and fell through the first floor into the basement that was
involved. Brinkley-Chaudoir, an 11-year veteran of the department, escaped
through a basement window in the two-story house. She was injured, treated and
released and then returned to the scene to help investigators.

As you know by now, FF Wolfe was tragically killed in that fire. Arnie was
leaves a wife and 3 kids. We have posted the memorial and funeral details on
our home page. His funeral will be on Friday.....which is his 27th wedding
anniversary.

I was told that Arnies wife and her son were on a bicycle ride Sunday at the
same time Arnie was responding to that fire. According to a report she said:
"We were just probably seeing if we could get a glimpse, you know, of him,
of course. We couldn't say hi to anybody, we couldn't disturb him, and so
after a while, I said, 'Ryan, let's just go home. These fires take forever and
I'm sure he'll call when it's all over.'" But the hours passed and Arnie did
not call and "All of the sudden the doorbell rang, and my son Ryan said he
just had a very weird feeling even just going to the door. It was the fire
chief."
Courtesy of Firefighter Close Calls, Chief Billy Goldfeter, www.firefighterclosecalls.com

THE DECISION TO GET THEM OUT ALIVE............

Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Ft. Wayne (IN) firefighters initially attacked the fire at the National Magnesium and Aluminum foundry from the inside Tuesday night, but hazardous conditions prompted one of the safety officers to call everyone out of the structure. That decision probably saved lives, Battalion Chief Ken Kunze said Wednesday. After pulling out of the burning building, several explosions lit up the evening sky Tuesday and knocked firefighters over as they were leaving the blazing building on Industrial Road. The force of the blast tossed some firefighters 10 to 15 feet, Kunze said. A passing motorist called in the fire at 4817 Industrial Road just before 9 p.m. Tuesday. The caller reported that smoke and flames were coming from the building. Fire crews arrived four minutes later. Four firefighters were injured early on, although it was unclear whether they were hurt from the explosions. Three suffered bumps and bruises and were treated at the fire scene. One suffered a cut to the head and was taken to a local hospital in fair condition. That firefighter was released late Tuesday, the department said. Kunze, a 21-year department veteran, said the fire was extremely hazardous and that there were factors beyond the department’s control working against fire crews. First, the fire quickly consumed anything the department would have tried to save. The structure and fire itself were also too dangerous for even fire crews to be near. Second, the department did not get to the fire early enough to gain safe access to any beginning fires where sand or a special powder extinguisher could have been applied. Most businesses keep similar material on site to put out small fires. And the fire department has access to larger amounts for larger fires, Kunze said. However, with a fire that escalated as fast as it did Tuesday night, even the extinguisher powder could react and cause an explosion. The department would have needed at least a dump truck-load of the powder to put out such a fire, Deputy Chief Pete Kelly said. The department doesn’t keep that much of the powder on hand, not because of the cost, but because for the vast majority of fires, the department can use water, Kelly said. Although the fire was still smoldering inside the remains of the business Wednesday, the fire has stabilized. The building will be a total loss, department spokeswoman Susan Banta said. Wednesday morning, the Fort Wayne Police Department’s bomb squad sent a remote-controlled robot, called Bob, into the foundry to assess the extent of the damage. “Structurally, it’s done,” said Sgt. Greg Stier, who operated the robot.
Based on what he saw through the robot’s camera during its 45-minute reconnaissance, the roof of the foundry is ready to collapse, Stier said. The heat sensor on the robot detected several hotspots that firefighters worry could reignite the magnesium in the building, Stier said.

Courtesy of Firefighter Close Calls, Chief Billy Goldfeter, www.firefighterclosecalls.com

Did you know....

That the Middletown Township Fire Department is made up of hundreds of volunteers ?. Fact is that the Middletown Township Fire Department is the worlds largest all volunteer fire department with over 350 active firefighters and hundreds more in support and administrative roles. Our ranks include people from all backgrounds and vocations, from attorneys, stock brokers, electricians, carpenters, accountants, pilots, teachers, to name a few. Read more...

Still not convinced that seat belts save lives ?

Watch this power public service announcement.

Click on

No Seatbelt No Excuse

to view the video.

Please Buckle Up !

Courtesy National Safety Council and the Department of Environment, Northern Ireland.

Middletown Day 2008

Next years event will be held in September on the grounds of Croyden Hall, 900 Leonardville Road in the Leonardo section of Middletown. The event will feature demonstrations and static viewing of the townships Fire, Police, OEM and EMS Departments as well as the Fire Departments Fire Safety Trailer. Food and Craft Vendors will also be present. Admission is free. Watch for the announcement.

Middletown Township Fire Academy leads the way.

Township residents may not know it but the Middletown Township Fire Department has had its own Fire Academy since 1974. Thousands of in-town and many out of town firefighters have graduated from the academy's firefighter training program and or attended classes at the facility. The academy is state certified and provides our firefighters the very best education at minimal cost to the taxpayer. Graduation ceremonies are held at Croydan Hall in the Leonardo section of the township each Spring and Fall. Students attend appx. 160 hours of classroom and practical training over the 3 month class. Middletown Firefighters are awarded their certificates and traditional yellow helmets elevating them from the status of "pumpkin heads" (based on their pre-firefighter I orange helmet designation) to that of NJ State Certified Fire Fighter I. (Photos courtesy Bill Dougherty and John Hodgson)

Residential Fire Sprinklers

Residential Fire Sprinklers provide the ultimate in home fire safety. Each year thousands of people perish in residential fires, most in one and two family homes. Contrary to many portrayals these system are inexpensive and use little water to control a fire. The fire service supports the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems. Read More...

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Inspect, Test, Replace ! Remember to inspect and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries as needed or at least once per year. Replace alarms that don't operate properly or are over 10 years old. Thousands of lives are saved each and every year by early warning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Read More...

Play the soundtrack from the movie

Ladder 49

www.middletownfire1.com provided by the members of the Middletown Township Fire Company No.1 in the interest of public safety.