12-3-06 Geno's Stop

12-3-06 Toys For Tots Run In Bala Cynwood

Collingswood and Audubon Fire Departments once again participated it the annual toys for tots Toy Mountain and Toy Truck Parade in Bala Cynwood on December 3, 2006.  .  The event is hosted by 92.5 XTU County Radio Station and is held every year to collect toys for the Child Abuse Prevention program.  Both Departments collected the toys and crossed the Bridge to Pa for the event.A total of 198 vehicles participated in the even and formed a parade that was 4 miles long.  Hundreds of toys were collect for the cause.  Dozens of fire departments from PA also were present for the event. 

409 Lees Ave - Dwelling

Task Force 16 was dispatched to the 300 block of Lees Ave for a dwelling fire. Engine 1613 and BLS 1647 arrived at at 409 Lees Ave to find a 2 1/2 story dwelling to find the owner using a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze on the front porch.Engine 1613 went in operation with a 'booster' line upon arrival.

11-03-06 Ferry Ave - Vehicle Fire

Engine 1613 and BLS unit 1647 were dispatched to the Aldi on Ferry Ave on November 3, 2006 for a vehicle fire.  Upon arrival, crews found fire in the engine compartment and went in service with a 1.75" handline. The fire was quickly knocked down.

11-3-06 Magill & Franklkin - Dumpster

Engine 1613 and BLS unit 1647 were dispatched to Franklin and Magill for a dumpster fire behind the school.Upon arrival crews went in service with the 'booster' line to control the blaze. One adult was treated on scene for chest pains from the smoke coming into the school.

10-30-06 Route 130 & Collings Ave - M.V.A

Collingswood's Engine 1613 and BLS 1647 were dispatched for a M.V.A around 10 p.m. Crews arrived to find a 2 car accident with one injured. 1613 secured both vehicles as the BLS unit attended to the injured and transported to a near by hospital.

10-28-06  100 Block of Harvard - Tree-Wires Down

 Engine 1613 and BLS 1647 were dispatched to the 100 block of Harvard Ave for a tree and wires that fell onto a vehicle on October 28, 2006 around 8pm.Crews arrived to find a large tree and wires across the roadway laying on a parked car. Crews stood by until PSEG secured the service then assisted Public Works with cutting the tree and removing it from the roadway.Companies all around Camden County responded for these incidents as strong winds wipped through the area.

10-26-06   1170 Haddon Ave - Vehicle

Engine 1613 was dispatched to the rear of 1170 Haddon Ave for a vehicle fire on October 26, 2006 around 7pm.While enroute, County Radio advised the Engine crew there were occupants trapped inside the vehicle with Police trying to get them out. Engine 1613's command requested the box be upgraded to a Recue. Upon arrival, 1613's crews found a vehicle with heavy fire coming from the engine compartment, and both occupants to be out of the vehicle. 1613 went in service with 1.75" hand line and contained the fire to just the engine compartment. Occupants stated they were trying to start the vehicle when the blaze started.

10-23-06 Staz Memorial Patches

Firefighters from Collingswood keep the memory of Andrew Staszewski alive by wearing patches and helmet decals in his honor. "Staz" passed away at the age of 23 from cancer earlier this year. He was a member of the career department in Collingswood.

10-15-06 - 16 W. Summerfield Ave - Fatal CO Call

BLS 1647 and Engine 1613 were dispatched for a CO call around noon.  1613's command upgraded it to a Task Force box upon police reports.  Both units arrived, donned SCBA, and took a reading of 999 PPM with the meter.  Crews searched the residence to find a male unconscious in the bedroom.  Crews found the pt. to be in cardiac arrest and removed him from the dwelling.  Rescue 1615 along with 13's crew worked CRP on the pt. on the front lawn until Pennsauken BLS and Medics arrived.  On the secondary search, crews found a dog, barley conscious on the first floor.  Crews removed the dog and started treatment with oxygen via Non-Rebreather.  After several minutes the dog became fully alert.  Crews found the sourse in the basement garage from a car left running.  It was not confirmed at the time but appeared to be a suicide.  The surrounding dwellings were checked for CO with negative results.  Crews ventilated the dwelling.  PSEG was called as well.  Collingswood Police have the call under investigation.  

10-13-06 Rt. 130 - Rt. 168 - Overturned M.V.A

Around 1 a.m. on October 13, Engine 1613 (Collingswood), BLS 1647 (Collingswood) and ALS 44 were dispatched to Route 130 and Black Horse Pike for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, crews found a 2-car accident, with one overturned, and severe damage to a fence. All occupants were out of the vehicle and not injured. Police confirmed that the two cars collided in the turn on Route 130 (southbound side); when one lost control, struck a short wall and fence, and then overturned. The owner of the property had just completed renovations on the fence and wall from a crash that occured last year in the same location.

9-21-06 Rt. 130 - Collings Ave - M.V.A

Engine 1613 (Collingswood), Camden BLS and a medic unit were dispatched to Route 130 at Collings Avenue for a report of a vehicle into a pole around 10 a.m. County Radio informed units that they recieved a call from the driver stating she was going to die. As the caller was on the phone with 9-1-1 she then struck the pole.Engine 1613 arrived to find a vehicle into a utility pole, with extensive damage to the pole. EMS units arrived to find one occupant who possibly had a CVA before crashing into the pole.Crews worked to remove the victim from the vehicle and transported her to a nearby hospital.The roadway was shut down for hours as PSE&G needed to repair the damaged pole.

9-5-06 Swearing In Night

At the town meeting Maylor Maley performed a swearing-in for the fire department, a type he had never performed before.  Melanie Pierce was sworn-in as a new member of the Collingswood Fire Dept., making her the first female firefighter in the Career Department.   

Melanie fills the role as the seventeenth firefighter in Collingswood.

9-5-06 Swearing in for the Company

 At the town meeting Maylor Maley swore in two fire explorers and a volunteer for the rolls of the volunteer company. Matt Waters was sworn-in as a fire company volunteer as soon as he turned 18. Matt was a member of the company's Explorer Post.Michael Waters and Mark Wyatt were both sworn-in as members of the Explorer Post. The Waters brothers are following the family tradition in the fire service, as their father, Joe Waters, is a member of the company. Joe is also a dispatcher with the Camden County Alarm Room.

8-8-06 Mt. Ephraim Ave- Dumpster

Engine 1613 was dispatched for a dumpster fire behind C.V.S.  Engine crew arrived and went in operation with a boosters line to extinguish the fire.

 8-7-06 Rt. 130 - Collings Ave - M.V.A

Engine 1613 and Squad 1647, along with Haddon Twp's Police were dispatched to Rt. 130 and Collings Ave for an M.V.A.  Upon arrival crews found a single vehicle accident leaving the vehicle overturned.  The driver fell asleep at the wheel, striking the light standard, hitting the barrier and flipping over.  The driver was not injured in the crash.

7-25-06 White Horse Pike & Magill - Police Involved M.V.A

Collingswood,NJ- An Officer responding to a shoplifting call in Woodlynne was involved in an accident on the White Horse Pike in Collingswood. 
 The Officer stated he was passing the vehicle when it suddenly swirved back in his direction causing a crash. No occupants involved were injured.The Police Dept. took delivery of the new Chargers less then a month ago.

7-11-06 700 Block of Linwood Ave - M.V.A

Engine 1613, BLS 1647 and ALS 43 were dispatched for a car into a tree.  Crews arrived to find a single vehicle accident with minor injuries.  3 occupants were in the car at the time of the crash, 2 being young children.  All 3 occupants refused treatment at the scene.

 7-19-06 Rt. 130 - M.V.A

A Collingswood police officer witnessed an accident involving a single vehicle traveling southbound on Route 130 around 3 a.m. The officer notified Central Communications that there was a vehicle which became airborne and left the roadway. Fire and EMS units were dispatched to the scene to find one vehicle which traveled through trees and bushes and was wedged next to a parked car. Two persons had been in the vehicle, one which was hurt and still inside. Crews moved the parked vehicle, allowing access to the injured occupant. ALS and BLS attended to the injured while fire crews stabilized the vehicle. The occupant was removed and treated and transported to the hospital by an EMS crew.
 

7/6/06 Check Presentation

 The Remington & Vernick Engineers presented a check for $530 for the Staz Fund.Staz is the Collingswood Firefighter who lost his life to cancer at the age of 23.  He was a Career Firefighter in Collingswood for the last four years.  He wa involved in the fire service since the age of 16. A fund raising horse shoe tournament was held earlier last month to raise money to start an award to present to a Collingswood High School graduate in Staz's name.  Staz's brother Tim set up the event.  Tim is also emplyed by Remington & Vernick Engineers. 

07-04-06 - Fire Officer Brings New Colors to Town

     

   

07-04-06 Parade

Engine 1613 along with West Collingswood Heights Fire led the annual bike parade in the Extension.  Followed were dozens of kids with decorated bikes.

7-3-06 Police Swearing In Night

With the merging of the Woodlynne and Collinswood, 7 new officers were appointed the position of full time.  At the town meeting all the officers were sworn in by Mayor Maley.  Other officers were promoted to higher ranks.  Several others were sworn in as Class 1 and 2 specials. 

    Lt. Robert Rydzewski with son Stephen "Officer Steve" Rydzewski

    Sgt. Thomas Hamilton

   Sgt. Richard Lunt

    Sgt. Michael Pope

   Patrolman Brad McIlvaine w/brother-in-law Ptlm. Michael Taulane

  Patrolman Ronald Bonilla

   Patrolman Brian Eidmann

    Patrolman William Moore

   Ptlm. Sharon Grate-Hameen

   Ptlm. Eric Roseboro

   Ptlm. Jamie Barney

   Class II Special Officers (R - L)  Ptlm. Richard Kirshbaum and Ptlm. Mario Fuscia

   Class II Special Officers (R & L) Ptlm. Mandala Brown, Ptlm. Diana Talavera and Ptlm. Joann Dyer

 06/19/06 White Horse & Harrison Ave - M.V.A

Engine 1613, Squad 1647 and Medic 44, along with police, were dispatched to White Horse Pike and Harrison Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident.Upon arrival, crews found a 1-vehicle accident with severe damage. The occupant of the pickup was out of the vehicle at the time. EMS personnel tended to the victim and he was transported with medics to Cooper Medical Center in Camden.

5/31/06 Engine Company Citations awarded to Collingswood and Westmont at the Camden County Memorial Service

Write Up by Shift Officer Davis  

On March 31, 2006 at 09:19 hours the Collingswood Fire Department and Westmont Engine 1511 were dispatched for a reported building fire at 198 White Horse Pike, Princess Anne Apartments. En route Camden County Communications notified the incoming units that the caller was reporting an odor of smoke in the hallway of the complex. 1601 arrived on location and had a three story ordinary constructed apartment complex with heavy smoke showing from the windows of an apartment on the second floor. 1613's crew arrived and wrapped a hydrant on the corner and laid into the job. Crews then stretched a 1 3/4" hand line into the structure and forced entry into the common hallway. They encountered heavy smoke conditions and heat in the common hallway and proceeded into the original apartment. Once entering the apartment they encountered heavy smoke and heat. They proceeded down the hallway and into the rear bedroom to find fire in the bedroom extending into the hallway. While this was being executed FF Eckert arrived on location and deployed two ground ladders by himself to the exterior windows and ventilated. He then was joined by Westmont Engine Company 1511. They then entered the structure to conduct a primary search of the third floor units. Upon entering they split their crew and met with 1613's crew. Together the crews started forcing apartment doors on the second and third floors doing a primary search. While entering the third floor they encountered a thick smoke condition. They started to force apartment doors when they heard a scream for help in one of the units. They quickly identified the apartment that the female was in and forced the door. They heard her scream from the rear of the apartment and entered the rear bedroom to find the female by the door with a blanket covering her nose and mouth. The crew quickly escorted her out of the unit and down the steps. There was no squad on location so firefighters started treatment on the victim for smoke inhalation until EMS arrived. The victim stated that she was awoken by a strong odor of smoke and when she got up to exit the apartment became disoriented and retreated back to her bedroom.

Acting with limited man power and a high life hazard Crews from Engine 1613 and 1511 established a water supply, initiated an initial aggressive attack, forced entry and conducted a primary search on eight apartment units, rescued one victim and knocked the bulk of the fire down within 14 minutes of arrival.   If not for their constant training and quick, aggressive and efficient actions this fire could have easily resulted in tragedy.

Engine 1613: Lt. Robert Fox, Shift Officer Keith Davis, FF Theodore Aurig, FF John Fleming, FF Matthew Skowronek, FF Robert E. Eckert

Engine 1511: Capt. Mike Vitelli, Capt. Frank Jackson V, Lt. John Young,  and Lt. John Vernon

05-31-06   Staz Tattoo

The tattoo designed in memory our brother Staz.  Members of the Collingswood Fire Department will be keeping the memory alive. 

5-29-06 Collingswood Circle - Vehicle vs. Pole

Engine 1613 and Squad 1647 were dispatched for an M.V.A on Route 130 Northbound at Richey Ave on May 29, 2006.  Crews arrived to find a vehicle in to  a pole with heavy front end damage.  The occupant stated he swirved to avoid another vehicle and ran off the roadway.  The driver was not seriously injured and refused EMS treatment on scene.  The impact of the crash against the pole allowed for the traffic lights on Rt. 130 to stop working. 

5-24-06 Rt. 130 Northbound - Motorcycle M.V.A

Collingwood's Engine 1613, Squad 1647 and Medic 43 were dispatched to Route 130 and the Black Horse Pike (at the Camden/Haddon Township border) for a report of a motorcycle crash.Crews arrived to find a motorcycle which crashed into the front of a tow truck. Crews found the operator of the bike lying on the ground in front of the truck. ALS and BLS members attended to the victim who was in serious condition. The patient was transported to the Cooper Trauma Unit.The Camden County Crash team was called to the scene by police.Witnesses stated the bike lost control at a high rate of speed and smashed into the front of the tow truck which was stopped at the light.The crash is under investigation.

5-24-06 Newton Lake Dr. - M.V.A

 Shortly after midnight, Collingswood fire units and ALS 43 were dispatched for a report of an MVA on South Newton Lake Drive. Upon arrival of Rescue 1615 and Engine 1613, crews found a single-vehicle accident with heavy front-end damage. The vehicle struck a tree at a high rate of speed, lost control and ended up inches away from going into the creek. EMS attended to the victim who apeared not to be seriously injured.

5-18-06 White Horse Pike - M.V.A

Engine 1613 and Squad 1647 were dispatched for a report of a 2-car MVA on the White Horse Pike. Police were expedited to the scene due to a possible fight breaking out between the two parties.Crews arrived to find a 2-car accident with one head-on into a telephone pole. The engine crew secured both vehicles. EMS personnel attended to the three occupants who were refusing transport from the scene.The crash is under investigation by the Collingswood Police Department.

 4-3-06 Swearing In Night

Kevin Ehret was sworn in as a Career Firefighter on Monday evening, April 2, at the town meeting.
Firefighter Ehret took the oath given by Mayor Maley, filling the ranks as the 17th member.
Firefighter Ehret held the rank as a volunteer Lieutenant in the company, and was also a part-time firefighter due to an injury of another member in the department.

 Police Lieutenant Dave Wallace was sworn in as a Volunteer Firefighter by Mayor Maley at the town meeting on April 2. Lt. Wallace was a volunteer in Westmont for several years before moving to Collingswood. Lt. Wallace has always worked closely with the Collingswood Fire Department at working fires; many times seen operating the pump.

4-2-06 Collings- Cattell M.V.A with entrapment

A Collingswood police officer called in an accident around 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 2, 2006. The vehicle struck a utility pole and a tree, then flipped on its side leaving the driver trapped. Rescue 1615, Engine 1613, Squad 1647, ALS and Pennsauken BLS crews arrived and stabalized the vehicle, then cut the windshield to free the occupant. The victim was transported to a local hospital.

3-31-06 Priness Ann Apartments- Working Fire

 District 16 and Engine 1511 from Westmont were dispatched to the Princess Ann Apartments for a report of a smell of electrical burning in the building. Chief Amet (1601) arrived on location and reported a 3-story apartment complex with heavy smoke showing from the second floor. Engine 1613 "hit" a hydrant on the way in and went into service with a 1.75-inch handline. The crew forced entry into the complex to find heavy smoke in the hallways. Crews found heavy fire in the back bedroom of the apartment and quickly put out the blaze.
Crews from 1613, 1511 and 1614 searched the other apartments to find an occupant trapped on the third floor. The occupant was rescued and treated by firefighters until EMS personnel from Camden City arrived. Crews contained the fire to the one room without extension. No other occupants were injured. No firefighter injuries occured. The cause was investigated by the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office.

 3-26-06 Eckerts Last Supper

Firefighter Robert Eckert had his last meal as a Collingswood firefighter during a recent April evening. Firefighter Eckert was on the job for four years in Collingswood, and was recently hired by the City of Camden.The department gathered for the last meal as FF Eckert made a complete turkey dinner in the station.

3-19-06 St.Baldricks

On Sunday March 19, 2006, Collingswood Fire Department hosted a St. Baldricks in Collingswood. St. Baldricks is a charity that rasies money for kids with cancer research. The event kicked off in Collingswood around 11am and brought in $41,000. Over 100 people shaved their heads while over 300 attended. Fire Departments involved in the event were, Collingswood, Blackwood, Pennsauken, Magnolia, Mt. Laurel, Westmont, Merchantville and several members from different departments around the county. This is Collingswood's second year in the event. The event was planned and orginized by Depatment Chief John Amet and Volunteer Captain John Samas, both from Collingswood.

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2-28-06 Joint Training (Collingswood - Westmont - Oaklyn)

The 3 departments met up at a vacent warehouse in Collingswood for a joint training.  Crews performed Ladder Operations, VES methods, and Victim Removals from the roof.  The 3 towns have been training at the warehouse for the past couple weeks.

2-25-06 Haddon & Zane Ave's - Tree Crushes Moving Vehicle

Police and Fire units were dispached  on a cold and windy February 25 night  to Haddon and Zane Ave's for a tree that had fallen on a driving vehicle.  Crews arrived to find a vehicle which was crushed by a falling tree limb.  The driver stated he was driving down Haddon when his roof had caved in.  The driver was not injured in the accident. 1613's crew cleaned the glass and tree limb from the roadway. 

2-23-06 Haddon - Harvard - Unusual Police Stop

Police units were suprised to find a riding lawnmower riding down Haddon Ave in to the center of town.  Police quickly pulled the lawnmower over.  The suspect had a suspended DL and was using the mower to get around.  The suspect was brought in to the Police Station(for unknown charges) and a tow truck was called for the mower. 

2-16-06 Haddon - Woodlawn Vehicle vs. building

 Police and fire units were dispatched for a report of a motor vehicle accident at Haddon and Woodlawn. Crews arrived to find a vehicle into a building. The driver of the vehicle was not injured in the crash.

01-31-06 Company Drill - Forcible Entry

The regular company drill was held at a vacent warehouse in town on Tuesday night.  Rescue 1's Mike Labar and Collingswood's  Kirk Thirp went over with crews forcible entry methods to pop doors. Crews trained for 3 hours and pop dozens of doors.   

01-20-06 - 633 Park Ave - All Hands Dwelling Fire with 1 occupant trapped

(Pictures by John Axford)

District 16,Engine 1511 and Medic 44 were dispatched to 633 Park Ave for a dwelling with reported people trapped.  Upon arrival of Chief Amet, PD and a past Chief from Oaklyn, were pulling the trapped occupant from the rear roof from a 2 1/2 story with heavy smoke and fire showing.    The All Hands Box was transmitted bringing in Rescue 1516 as a fast team.  Engine 1613 arrived and led off with 1 1 3/4 handline through the front door.  Ladder 1614, Engines 1612, 1611, Rescue 1615 arrived and went in to operation.  Crews had heavy fire condition to the rear of the dwelling with extension to the 2nd and 3rd floors.  Additional Engine from Camden City (Engine 8) was added to the box as well.  Pennsaukens 1145 was requested for use of the cascade.  Audubon and Pennsauken were called for covers.  Pennsauken 1178 and 1179 were added for EMS.  The occupant refused transport and was not injured.  The blaze was placed under control around the 45 minute mark.  No firefighter injuries were reported.  The blaze started in the kitchen area from unattended cooking. 

01-18-06 Frazer & Maple Ave's M.V.A (Hit and Run)

A vehicle wanted by the Collingswood Police was seen driving the wrong way up a one way street.  He hit head on with a vehicle and got out on foot and ran.  Police chased the occupant down and took him in to custody on the other side of town.  Engine 1613 and Squad 1647 were dispatched to the crash.  Neither of the drivers were injured.  The Police were looking for the suspect earlier in the day. 

01-17-06 Collingswood Circle - Police Car Fire

A Collingswood Police Officer called in to Central that his vehicle was on fire, and requested the Fire Dept.  Engine 1613 and Squad 1647 responded to find the vehicle heavily envolved.  Crews stretched 1 1 3/4 handline to control the blaze.