3.21.09 CHFD Climbs 50 Stories for Charity

On Saturday, March 21st, 2009, Cherry Hill Firefighters helped raise awareness about lung health by taking part in the American Lung Association’s 3rd annual Stair Climb Event in Philadelphia at the Bell Atlantic Tower. They joined several other local fire departments and 15 other American Lung Associations across the nation, challenging elite athletes and those who have a passion to raise awareness about lung health.

Stair Climb events utilize prominent skyscrapers and involve a timed climb up the stairs to the top floor. Approximately 400 climbers challenged themselves in this vertical race: one step; one flight; & one breath at a time. The Bell Atlantic Tower, located at 1717 Arch Street, is 50 Stories, totalling well over 1088 steps. Cherry Hill Firefighters came in 2nd place right behind Philadelphia Fire Department’s team.

2.26.09 Careless Smoking Blamed for Fatal House Fire

Careless smoking is to blame for a fatal house fire. Cherry Hill Firefighters & EMTs were dispatched to Laurel Hill Drive for a report of smoke in the area. As companies arrived in the area to investigate they filled out the working fire box after receiving reports from police of a working house fire with people trapped. Firefighters arrived on location to find a one story ranch style home with fire showing. Neighbors reported to police and fire officials that an elderly, handicapped man lived alone in the home. A total of 30 Cherry Hill Firefighters & EMTs responded to the scene and extinguished the fire with in 23 minutes. While performing a systematic search of the dwelling during the fire fight, an elderly male victim was found in the area of the fire.

2.25.09 Early Morning Supermarket Fire

Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to an early morning fire on 2/25/09 at just after 6 AM. Companies were dispatched to the 1700 block of Route 70 for a report of a water flow alarm. Companies arrived on location to find smoke showing from the rear. The alarm box was filled out, bringing additional man power to the scene. Firefighters forced entry into the building and found that a fire had occurred in a refrigeration unit, but was being held in check by the sprinkler system. Companies deployed a hand line and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries and the fire was contained to the unit.

1.21.09 In Memory: Captain Howard A. Walker

It is with deep regret that the Cherry Hill Fire Department announces the passing of Captain Howard A. Walker, Jr. who passed away January 21, 2009 in Fort Myers, Florida. Captain Walker served the Erlton Fire Company for over 50 years where he served in numerous capacities. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the title "CAPTAIN EMERITUS". He was the first to incorporate the emergency medical/rehab concept on the fire ground years before it became popular, oversaw SCBA maintenance, served as the Treasurer of the Fire Company Relief Association, and held various other Fire Company offices throughout the years, including President and Treasurer. Howard was a long standing member of the Camden County Fire Chiefs and the New Jersey Fire Service Instructors Association and served as President of the New Jersey State Fire School Council in 1979 and 1980.

In addition, Howard was probably most noted for being an Instructor. He was an Instructor for many years and was the Camden County Fire Instructors Coordinator for several years. Howard loved teaching recruit firefighters, especially rope and knots. Even to this day you hear firefighters practicing knots crediting Howard for helping them learn the right way. On April 14, 1977, Howard was the Officer of Engine 1321 that was 2nd due at the Garden State Race Track fire. He directed the crew to facilitate rescue and evacuation of the grandstand area.

Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, Friends of Nursing Fund, P.O. Box 2218, Fort Myers, FL, 33908.