Cherry Hill Firefighters Climb the Tower

The challenge ahead

On March 24th, 2012 the Cherry Hill Fire Department once again participated the Fight for Air Climb. This event benefits the American Lung Association and is a 50 story stair climb at Three Logan Square in Philadelphia. The members participated in two separate climbs and despite the low team turnout were still able to raise just over $1000.

The first climb was in regular workout clothes and was a race between other First Responders (Police Officers, Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians). The CHFD team took second place in this First Responders' Challenge finishing just behind the Philadelphia Fire Department - Team 1.

During the second climb the members donned full PPE including SCBA. This climb was much slower as it adds a considerable amount of more weight to each firefighter.  However, firefighters from the CHFD began arriving on the 50th floor within 15 minutes of beginning the climb.  An impressive feat for anyone carrying close to an additional 60+ lbs.

Team Cherry Hill Fire

In line to climb

FF Joe Gerace and his daughter Olivia,
the youngest climber

A view from the top overlooking the
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Good job to Brian Appleman, Phil Cook, Joe and Olivia Gerace, Zach Houck, Tom McGovern, Rex Rostrom, and Tim and Lisa Shannon. A special congratulations to 8 year old Olivia Gerace who was the youngest of approximately 650 climbers.

Currently the ALA and the Philadelphia Climbers have raised $141,000.  You can still donate to the CHFD Team & the American Lung Association if you would like by clicking here.

A tradition of the CHFD Team -- stacking of
helmets at the finish

3.26.12 - Wind Swept Fire to Rear of Super Market

Cherry Hill Firefighters were alerted to a reported rubbish fire to the rear of the Pathmark super market in the 900 block of Church Road. As a single crew of firefighters arrived, they encountered a wind swept fire involving about 40 to 50 feet of wooden fence and the brush around it. Also on fire were a half dozen wooden pallets leaning against the building. Additional crews were asked to respond to check for possible extension into the building and on the roof. In the end, no extension was encountered and the fire on the exterior was extinguished and overhauled. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

CHERRY HILL AND MT. LAUREL UNITS OPERATE ON RT. 295 ROLL OVER

Crews removal patient

Per the highway box  for Interstate 295 southbound, Mt. Laurel Units (3621, 3614, Battalion 36 and BLS 3629) were dispatched southbound and Cherry Hill Units (Rescue 13, Battalion 13, BLS 1393 and EMS-13) were dispatched northbound.

Vehicle after side removal

Upon arrival 3621 reported a vehicle on its wheels after a rollover, with one patient trapped. They went in service with their hydraulic tools. Upon arrival of Rescue 13, they assumed operations with their hydraulics. A hoseline was stretched and Mt. Laurel's crew stoodby on the handline. Patient was extricated at the 17 minute mark.

Vehicle after roll over

3.21.12 Firefighters Act Quickly to Contain Possible Dwelling Fire

Cherry Hill Firefighters from Ladder 2 were alerted to a smoke investigation in a house on the 100 block of Beideman Avenue at just before 3 pm. Upon arriving, they encountered a fire in the wall to the rear of the house and smoke inside the dwelling. Dispatchers were asked to upgrade the incident and “fill the box”, bringing two engines, a battalion chief and EMS unit. As other crews arrived, the wall where the fire had occurred was opened up to search for fire extension.

Additionally, crews located a water supply and checked both apartments for fire extension and to ventilate the light smoke condition throughout. In the end, the fire was limited to just one small area of the wall. The residents, who had been home and asleep at the time, were notified by working smoke detectors and self evacuated. Residents are reminded of the importance of working smoke detectors. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

William Kelly sworn in as Fire Commissioner

On Tuesday March 6, 2012 Cherry Hill Board of Fire Commission Chairman John Vaughan administered the Oath of Office to William Kelly who recently was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners. Fire Commissioners serve three year terms, and oversee the provision of fire and emergency medical services in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Ladder 1324 to Camden for 2-Alarm Fire

On March 6, 2012 at around 12:30 a fire broke out in a building near the Liberty Street Station.  Battalion 1 arrived reporting heavy fire through the roof of a 2-story vacant building.  The 2nd Alarm was struck adding Ladder 1324 to the assignment.  Ladder 1324 arrived and positioned themselves at the front of the building.  Ladder 1324 placed its Tower Ladder in service with master streams flowing.  The fire was placed under control a few hours later.

Video Can be found at Philly Fire News Video

A view from out front of the Liberty St. Station