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.

12.17.08 Santa Catches a Ride with Engine 22

As they have done every year for about 75 years, Cherry Hill Firefighters and EMTs will be escorting Santa around Cherry Hill to say hello for the holidays. Santa is ready with a gift of a candy cane for kids of all ages. Please check the Cherry Hill Fire Department's website for a schedule and for some quick tips on how best to see Santa. Happy Holidays from all the members of the Cherry Hill Fire Department.

Visit the article on our website for more details and Santa's schedule.

12.11.08 - Dwelling Fire in Knollwood Neighborhood.

At just after midnight on Thursday, December 11th 2008, as Cherry Hill Firefighters were returning from another reported house fire, they responded to a second reported fire in a home on Bellows Lane in the Knollwood section of Cherry Hill. The fire was reported by an off duty firefighter as a "working fire". As firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy fire in a two story home under construction. Additionally, the fire was so intense, it was threatening the occupied homes on either side, already melting the vinyl siding on one.

Firefighters acted quickly by evacuating the occupied homes on either side and stretching hose lines to simultaneously protect the threatened homes and fight the fire in the dwelling under construction. An aerial ladder main was also raised and applied on the fire in the original dwelling. The quick action and aggressive attack enabled firefighters to control this fire within 15 minutes of their arrival on location. After the main body of fire was extinguished, firefighters overhauled the home, searching for and extinguishing all hot spots. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal's Office.

Photos by John Axford. More available on the CHFD Flickr Website.

10.13.08 Smoky House Fire in Barlow Section

At around 11:15 AM, on Monday October 13, 2008, Cherry Hill Firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Barlow Ave, in the Barlow Section of Cherry Hill. The caller reported a smoke condition coming from the basement. Firefighters arrived and reported a heavy smoke condition throughout the dwelling. The first team of firefighters advanced a hoseline through the front door. Their efforts in searching for the basement steps were hampered by the increasing smoke condition. As other teams of firefighters arrived, they opened windows and doors to alleviate the smoke and building heat and within a few minutes from their arrival, firefighters were able to gain access to the basement and extinguish the fire.

As firefighters were working throughout the dwelling, they systematically searched the entire home for any occupants. Everyone had managed to evacuate. Due to the age and type of construction of this particular home, the dwelling was overhauled and several walls were opened up to search for hot spots and fire extension. In all, about 25 firefighters were used to bring this incident under control. This fire is under investigation by the Cherry Hill Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos provided by Steve Skipton