Saturday, January 21, 2012

B Platoon Handles Fatal MVA on Haddonfield-Berlin Road


Squad 13 arrived and deployed protective hand lines and stabilization tools.

Rescue 13 positioned in line with the
dump truck to deploy it's rear-mounted 20 ton winch.

Rescue 13 members deployed chains attached to the rear-mounted
winch on the Rescue truck to stabilize the dump truck.

On January 19 at approximately 1200 hours, CHFD members were dispatched for the report of a motor vehicle crash at Haddonfield-Berlin Road at Morris Drive. Squad Company 13, BLS 1396, Medic 44, and Battalion 13 were advised of a motor vehicle crash involving a dump truck and an SUV. While still en route to the call, responding units were advised of a dump truck that had flipped onto it's side on top of an SUV trapping an unknown amount of occupants in the SUV. Rescue Company 13, Ladder Company 1344, and Helmrich Towing were requested to the scene by AFC Robert Giorgio with the report of people trapped. First arriving units confirmed a dump truck loaded with sand overturned on top of an SUV with one occupant trapped in the SUV. The driver of the dump truck did not require extrication and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Squad Company members began initial stabilization efforts and began mitigating the highway hazards that were on the ground, particularly diesel fuel and gasoline. On their arrival, members from Rescue Company 13 continued the efforts to stabilize the dump truck utilizing chains fastened to the frame rail on the "dirty side" of the truck that were then attached to the 20 ton winch on the back of Rescue 13 and tensioned to prevent the dump truck from crushing the SUV any further. Rescue Company officer Lt. West deployed the confined space search camera to evaluate the crushed SUV for number of occupants and their condition. Rescue Company members assisted by Ladder Company and Squad Company members used 6x6 wood to crib the underside of the dump truck for additional protection to the SUV. Helmrich Towing arrived with a large vehicle wrecker/crane and worked with CHFD members to wrap the dump truck and lift it off the SUV back to an upright position. After removing the dump truck from the SUV, one occupant was found in the vehicle deceased. CHFD members from Squad 13 and Rescue 13 used the Genesis spreaders and cutters to remove the victim from the SUV. The crash remains under investigation by the Cherry Hill Police Departement and the New Jersey State Police.
                                                                                    
Helmrich Towing played an important roll as they were
able to use their large vehicle wrecker/crane to help lift the dump truck off the SUV.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Early Morning Dwelling Fire held to Bedroom

Ladder Co 44 Venting D side
Just past midnight on January 16th in the 1st block of Birchwood Park Drive S., A-group Squrt 31, Ladder 44, Squad 13, Engine 22,  BLS 1393 and Battalion 13 recieved an assignment for a dwelling fire.

Squrt 31 responded on the Cherry Hill Police tones and were enroute before the tones dropped for the dwelling box.
Venting Completed to assist interior companies
 Upon arrival Squrt 31 reported only a light smoke condition visiable from the street. Additional information from homeowner was that it was a bedroom fire on the second floor.

Battalion 13 arrived as Squrt 31 was stretching an 1 3/4 handline to the front door and assumed command. Ladder 44 arrived and stoodby to open up the second floor.

31's officer confirmed it was a bedroom fire contained to the room and extinguished the fire.
Companies checked for extension and completed the overhaul. Fire is under investigation by the county Fire Marshal.




Remenents of the bed that was on fire

Friday, January 6, 2012

CHFD Promotional for Battalion Chief McGeady, Battalion Chief Haldeman & Captain Houck

Captain Houck, B/C McGeady, B/C Haldemann
& Chief Giorgio
On Wednesday evening, January 4, 2012 the Cherry Hill Fire Department held the promotional ceremony for Battalion Chief Timothy McGeady, Battalion Chief Montrell Haldemann and Captain Jason Houck.  In attendance were family and friends of all three, along with fellow firefighters and fire officers of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

The evening began with some opening remarks, Chief Robert Giorgio welcomed the family and friends who were in attendance that evening.  Chief Giorgio then spoke on the process these men have worked through to achieve this opportunity and what lies ahead for the newly promoted Battalion Chiefs and Captain.  Following this, each Officer was asked to stand and take the oath of office before having their badge pinned on by a loved one.

B/C McGeady taking the oath of office w/ his
daughters, Aidan and Norah, to pin on his ba

B/C Haldemann taking the oath of office w/ his daughter,
Mackenzie, to pin on his badge



Captain Houck taking the oath of office w/ his
wife, Theresa, to pin on his badge
The Cherry Hill Fire Department would like to extend congratulations to newly promoted Battalion Chiefs Timothy McGeady and Montrell Haldemann as well as newly promoted Captain Jason Houck.  We wish all the luck to them and look forward to what is to come from their commands.

Firefighter I Graduation for Joshua Rosenblum

New Firefighter I Graduate Joshua Rosenblum
w/ Captain Ray Sooy in attendance
On Friday, December 16, 2011 the annual Camden County Fire Academy's Firefighter I graduation commenced with Probationary Firefighter Joshua Rosenblum of the Cherry Hill Fire Department in attendance.  Firefighter Rosenblum spent his weekends during the fall semester attending the Camden County Fire Academy's Firefighter I Class.

Firefighter I is a semester long class that teaches all candidate firefighters the skills and knowledge required to be a firefighter in the State of New Jersey.  Classes consist of a combination of lecture and hands on training.  Students are required to show understanding and proficiency via both written tests and hands on practical skill testing.  The final weeks of class the students take a state written exam and participate in live fire evolutions, where they demonstrate the skills learned.

Captain Ray Sooy, Firefighter Joshua Rosenblum &
Firefighter / Course Coordinator Kurk Tharp
Firefighter Rosenblum was fortunate enough to be taught by several Cherry Hill Firefighters at the Camden County Fire Academy.  Firefighter Kurk Tharp - Squrt 31/Rescue 13 is the Course Coordinator,  Firefighters Zach Houck - Squrt 51, Bill Trotman Squrt 31/Rescue 13, Captain Jason Houck - Squrt 31/Rescue 13, Lieutenant Wade Houlihan - Ladder 44, and Retired Captain Bill Walker are all Firefighter I Instructors at the Academy.

While attending the Academy Firefighter Rosenblum also fulfilled requirements as a Volunteer Firefighter in the Cherry Hill Fire Department.  These requirements consist of spending a certain amount of hours riding along with the career firefighters in both the engine and ladder companies.  During these hours FF Rosenblum was required to answer emergency calls, demonstrate and practice the skills he was learning in class via training, and continue to learn the ways of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.  Firefighter Rosenblum was specifically mentored by Captain Ray Sooy of Squrt 51, who spent many hours ensuring Firefighter Rosenblum was progressing well with his studies and training, and answering any questions he may have.  His guidance and support were greatly appreciated by Firefighter Rosenblum.

Camden County Fire Academy Firefighter I Class 11-02
The Cherry Hill Fire Department would like to congratulate Firefighter Joshua Rosenblum on his graduation form the Camden County Fire Academy and wish him continued success.