Promotional Ceremony - Lieutenant Stephen Kinky

On Thursday, December 3, 2015, the Cherry Hill Fire Dept. held a Promotional Ceremony / Oath of Office at Central Command.




Congratulations to Stephen G. Kinky on his promotion to Lieutenant.

In attendance were family and friends of Lt. Kinky, along with fellow firefighters and fire officers of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.  

The evening began with opening remarks from Fire Chief Tom Kolbe who welcomed family and friends to the ceremony. Following this, Stephen was asked to stand and take the oath of office before having his badge pinned on by Captain Wade Houlihan.

Stephen is a second generation firefighter following in the footsteps of his father  Retired Captain Stephen R. Kinky of the Camden City Fire Department.  Stephen was hired by the CHFD in September 2007. 

Prior to that,  he was a volunteer member of the Haddon Heights Fire Department as well as the Pomona Fire Company while attending The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.  Currently, Stephen is a Rescue Specialist with New Jersey Taskforce One (NJ-TF1) Urban Search and Rescue as well as an Instructor at the Camden County Fire Academy.  

Stephen started his career at Engine 22 B Group. In 2009, he was transferred to Ladder 44 C Group.  In 2013, he was relocated along with Ladder 44 to Station 3 and has been a proud member of Ladder 34/Rescue 13 C Group up until his promotion date.  Stephen has earned his BS in Criminology from Saint Joseph’s University and plans to pursue his Master’s degree in the near future.  

The Office of the Fire Chief and the Cherry Hill Board of Fire Commissioners congratulate Lt. Kinky and wish him well in his new position.

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, December 5th, Santa made an appearance at the Cherry Hill Fire Department for the annual breakfast with Santa. 






This year’s theme was “A Charlie Brown Christmas".

The children anxiously waited outside as the fire truck carrying Santa made its way down the street. 

After breakfast, the children sat quietly and were read a story, then patiently waited in line to tell Santa what was on their wish list. Even some of the “big kids and firefighters” got to tell Santa their wishes.

Santa and the "Gals" from Central Command

Santa and Marie Kolbe

Special thanks to Marie Kolbe and to all of those that help make this yearly event so special for the children. Everything was beautifully handmade with great detail right down to a each table decorated with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.

Ladder 1324 Dedication

On December 5, 2015, CHFD Firefighters from Ladder 1324, Engine 1322, Squrt 1351 and Rehab 13 - Deer Park Fire Company assisted with the 8th Annual Captain Gregory T. Dalessio Memorial 5K Run/Walk. This year was particularly special for the CHFD as we dedicated our newest Ladder (1324) in memory of fallen soldier Captain Dalessio.

Captain Art West spoke briefly and gave a presentation to the family on behalf of the fire department. 

A decal was also placed on the side of the truck with Captain Dalessio's name as he will be "riding along with us."

On June 23, 2008, Greg gave his life serving his country during combat operations in Iraq. As always, the CHFD is proud to assist and participate in this annual event!

Captain Dalessio's family and the crew from Ladder 1324

Santa is Arriving in Cherry Hill!!!

Santa will be visiting Cherry Hill neighborhoods from Monday, December 14th through Sunday, December 20th. 

Try our new interactive map to see when Santa will be arriving in your neighborhood. You may also view the CHFD Santa Neighborhood Map.

All dates and times are subject to change due to emergency responses, weather, etc. At all times, emergency operations are our priority.

Firefighter Down - CPR Training

Firefighter Down – CPR Training

In 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a study showing the leading causes of death among on duty firefighters 45 years old and younger.  There were 81 fatalities reported, 39 of them caused by a heart attack.

The Cherry Hill Fire Department saw a need and has adopted the Firefighter Down Training Program originally created by FD – CPR and has developed it based on our needs, equipment and resources. 

Cardiac disease has many risk factors associated with it including but not limited to lack of exercise, poor nutritional habits, irregular sleep patterns, obesity and medical conditions such as high blood pressure.   Through the training program, firefighters are made aware that emergency service providers work schedules that revolve around these poor habits and that it is time we think about ourselves, our brotherhood and our families. 

Exercise, proper nutrition and proper sleep are paramount to decreasing preventable disease and ensure that we are prepared to help the community at any time no matter what we are called out for.  Over the past 2 years, there have been multiple deaths of Firefighters and EMT’s in surrounding towns, even affecting our own department.  This training program is structured so in the event of sudden cardiac arrest in a firefighter, with full turnout gear on and breathing air from a SCBA bottle, we are prepared.    We cover recognition of cardiac arrest, initiating compressions, efficient removal of gear, evaluation the etiology of the arrest, continued CPR and re-evaluation until transport to the emergency department is initiated.  Each firefighter in the CHFD was trained in the resuscitation techniques and training will be a continued practice amongst each company.

Congratulations to Lieutenant James Collins on his Retirement

We would like to congratulate Lieutenant James Collins on his retirement from active service with the Cherry Hill Fire Department. Jim was hired as a firefighter on August 8, 1994. Prior to his hiring, Jim was a career firefighter with the Cinnaminson Fire Department and began service to the people of Cherry Hill Township on June 3, 1985 as a volunteer with Cherry Hill Fire District 5.

Jim’s first assignment was at Engine 1352 C Platoon as a firefighter. In October of 1997, he was transferred to Engine 1342 A Platoon where he qualified as an Acting Lieutenant. In 1998, Jim was assigned to Engine 1362 C Platoon; the following year he would return to Station 4 and continue his work at 1342 B Platoon. In 2000, Jim was assigned to Tower Ladder 1324 C Platoon. During 2001, Firefighter Collins was transferred to 1352 C Platoon where he would remain until his promotion.

On May 31, 2004, Jim was promoted to Lieutenant and took command of Ladder 1344 A Platoon.

On November 11, 2009, while operating as part of a search team, Jim was awarded the Department’s Class II Meritorious Medal for conducting a search without the protection of a hoseline under deteriorating conditions and removed a trapped occupant at the Woods I condominium.

During 2013, Jim assisted with the relocation of Ladder 4 to Station 3 while assisting in the implementation of the Squrt Engine at Station 4.

In September 2013, Jim was transferred back to Ladder 1324 A Platoon where he proudly finishes up his distinguished career with the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

On behalf of the entire Department and Board of Fire Commissioners, we wish Lieutenant James Collins success in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of service and countless contributions to our organization.

Ladder 1334 and Squrt 1341 Respond to Vehicle Fire

On Friday, October 30, Ladder 1334, Squrt 1341 and Battalion 13 (A Platoon) were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire with possible extension to the outside of the dwelling. Everyone was able to get out of house safely and there were no reported injuries.

Fire At The Whole Foods Store

Wednesday afternoon CHFD Firefighters (A Platoon) responded to The Whole Foods Market for a reported building fire. Ladder 1324 and Engine 1322 both arrived on location and reported smoke coming from the roof. The crews quickly knocked down the fire and it was placed under control within 15 minutes. No one was injured and the store was able to reopen later that evening.

For more details, please visit: http://www.njpen.com/kitchen-fire-shuts-down-whole-foods-c…/

CHERRY HILL FIRE DEPARTMENT - 2015 AWARD CEREMONY

On Thursday, October 1st, the Cherry Hill Fire Department recognized department members who provided noteworthy service over the past year.  The awards included a unit commendation for a company members that demonstrated outstanding operational teamwork and initiative. 

Unit Citation

Lt. Harry Cranmer, Firefighter Timothy Moore, 

Firefighter Kenneth Stackhouse, Jr. and 

Firefighter Dennis D’Alesandro

Congratulations to Lt. Cranmer, Firefighters Moore, Stackhouse and D'Alesandro on their Professional Achievement in the superior performance of their duties while assigned to Rescue 13(A Platoon) on July 14, 2015.  They responded along with Camden City’s Rescue 1 to Haddonfield Borough for a man trapped in a Cherry Picker 30’ in the air. A large tree branch weighing approximately 2,500 pounds fell on top of the worker. Under rainy weather conditions, including thunderstorms, the members of Rescue 13 with the help of Camden City Rescue 1 utilized a cable grip hoist and other equipment to stabilize the machine. Once the limb was secured, the worker was cut free utilizing hydraulic cutters. This rescue was extremely technical and dangerous requiring skill and calmness throughout the incident. The initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty by these members reflect credit upon them and are keeping with the highest traditions of the Cherry Hill Fire Department and fire service.

Distinguished Service Citation

Firefighter Timothy Moore

Congratulations to Firefighter Timothy Moore on his Professional Achievement in the exemplary act of his duties while serving as a Firefighter assigned to Rescue 13 (A Platoon) on July 14, 2015.  Firefighter Moore responded with Rescue 13 and Camden City’s Rescue 1 to Haddonfield Borough for a man trapped in a Cherry Picker 30’ in the air. A large tree branch weighing approximately 2,500 pounds fell on top of the worker causing serious injury. Under rainy weather conditions, including thunderstorms, Firefighter Moore along with Captain John Young (Westmont Fire Department) and a local tree expert were able to stabilize the tree branch using two high points above the limb and then back down to the ground, secured to two opposing anchor points, with assistance from the ground crew. Once the limb was secured, the  worker was cut free utilizing hydraulic cutters. This rescue was extremely technical and dangerous requiring skill and calmness throughout the incident. Firefighter Moore's initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflect credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Cherry Hill Fire Department and fire service.

Certificate of Service & Appreciation

Cherry Hill Fire Police and 

Deer Park Fire Company - Rehab 13

Congratulations to the Cherry Hill Fire Police for their outstanding service and support over the years at large scale events or long duration emergency incidents by providing a buffer zone around emergency workers and diverting traffic away from the incident ensuring the safety of  firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and civilians as well as others working at the scene.  The initiative, perseverance and total dedication of Cherry Hill Fire Police members in providing buffer zones and traffic detours ensures the safety of all personnel. Thank you to all the members of the Cherry Hill Fire Police for your dedication and service; it is greatly appreciated.

Congratulations to Deer Park Fire Company - Rehab 13 for their outstanding service and support over the years at large scale or long duration emergency incidents and training initiatives by providing rehabilitation through hydration, nourishment and protection from the elements to firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel, civilians and others working at the scene.  The initiative, perseverance and total dedication of Deer Park Fire Company members in providing  rehabilitation ensures the health and safety of all personnel. Thank you to all the members of the Deer Park Fire Company for your dedication and service; it is greatly appreciated.

The Office of the Fire Chief and the Cherry Hill Board of Fire Commissioners congratulates these members on their awards and achievements.  

CHFD Receives Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week

Earlier this week, Cherry Hill Township Mayor and Council presented the Cherry Hill Fire Department with a proclamation for ‪#‎FirePreventionWeek‬.

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated nationally from October 4-10th, and because fire is a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, Cherry Hill Fire District #13 is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting Cherry Hill. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2015 Fire Prevention Week theme is “Hear The Beep Where You Sleep Every Bedroom Needs A Working Smoke Alarm."

The CHFD encourages you during the month of October to come out to one of our Fire Prevention Open Houses as well as the Harvest Festival/Fire and Life Safety Day to learn about important fire safety information.

Open Houses

Tuesday - October 6th 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

• Station 4 - 1000 Springdale Road

• Station 22 - 951 Kings Highway North

• Station 5 - 2328 Route 38

Thursday - October 8th 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

• Station 2 - 807 Route 70 West

• Station 3 - 1100 Marlkress Road

• Station 6 - 1501Burnt Mill Road

Fire & Life Safety Day

Cherry Hill Township Harvest Festival/Fire and Life Safety Day will be held Sunday, October 18th from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Croft Farm.