~MISSION STATEMENT~

FIREFIGHTER KILLED IN 3 ALARM FIRE IN PHILADELPHIA

4/6/2013 - Days before the grim, one-year anniversary of a five alarm fire in Kensington that killed two Philadelphia firefighters, the city lost one of its own at a three alarm fire in the Queen Village section of South Philadelphia. Capt. Michael Goodwin of Ladder 27, a 29-year veteran, was killed in the line of duty while operating at the fire. Blackwood sends its thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Capt. Goodwin, along with Ladder 27 and the entire Philadelphia Fire Department.

DECK FIRE IN LAKEVIEW

4/6/2013 - Late Saturday night as crews were returning from another call, Ladder 84 was notified by Camden County Communications that Station 84 was being dispatched as part of Task Force 82 (Chews Landing) to the Lakeview Apartments off Lower Landing Road for a reported apartment fire. 8401 (Chief Vannoni), Ladder 84, Engine 842 and Engine 841 responded and were advised that initial reports indicated a deck fire. Ladder 84 arrived simultaneously with Engine 821 and reported a small deck fire. Ladder 84's crew knocked the fire with a can and the fire was placed under control shortly after. 
 

CAR FIRE IN SHOP RITE PARKING LOT

3/27/2013 - Station 84 was dispatched Wednesday evening to the area of Blackwood-Clementon Road and College Drive for a reported vehicle fire. Ladder 84, while out on training, responded and arrived at the College Drive entrance to the Shop Rite to find one vehicle with an engine compartment fire and went in operation as a quint. Ladder 84's crew knocked the bulk of the fire before the truck's tank was supplemented by Engine 842. Engines 842, 841 and Rescue 84 assisted Ladder 84 in mopping up the fire. For a video of the incident click here: *Some language in the video may be offensive to some viewers.*
*Photos courtesy of Laurel Springs FD Asst. Chief Winters.*
 

BLACKWOOD HOLDS ST. BALDRICK'S EVENT

3/24/2013 - Today, Blackwood held its St. Baldrick's event in conjunction with the Cars for a Cure car show at Sam's Bar and Grille on the Black Horse Pike. The events raised $40,000 to help combat childhood cancer. Thanks to all those who attended and a special thanks to Debbie Simone and Gene Martinez who did a lot of the heavy lifting to make sure today was a success. Thanks again to everyone who came out for this incredible cause, we couldn't have done it without you!*For more photos, visit our Facebook page.*
For 6ABC's coverage of today's event click: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=9039660   
 

ST. BALDRICK'S SHAVING EVENT AT LEWIS SCHOOL

3/22/2013 - In a lead-up to Sunday's St. Baldrick's event at Sam's Bar and Grille, Blackwood firefighters attended a St. Baldrick's shaving event at C.W. Lewis Middle School on Friday.
 

MEMBERS PAY RESPECT TO CHIEF PAUL HARTSTEIN

3/16/2013 - Today, members attended the funeral of Chief Paul Hartstein with dozens of other fire departments from around the area.

Chief Hartstein served in the fire service for more than 45 years, starting with the Audubon Fire Department in 1966. Over the years he held various line officer positions, eventually attaining the title of Chief of Department. Chief Hartstein also served with the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office, where he was Chief Fire Marshal for 16 years. Blackwood sends its thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Chief Hartstein, the Audubon Fire Department and Camden County Fire Marshal's Office. R.I.P. Chief.
 

HIGHWAY HAZARD IN FRONT OF HIGHLAND

3/11/2013 - Around 4:30 p.m., Monday, Station 84 was dispatched to the area of Highland High School on Erial Road for a highway hazard. Battalion 84 (Captain Cipriano) arrived to find a two car accident and gave orders to Rescue 84 to stabilize the vehicles, safe the batteries and spread oil dry.
*For more photos, visit our Facebook page.*
 

RESCUE 84 RUNS MVA ON DAVISTOWN ROAD

3/9/2013 - At approximately 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Rescue 84 and GTEMS were dispatched to the area of Davistown and Argyle roads for a reported motor vehicle accident. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived to find a two car crash with minor injuries. Rescue 84's crew assisted in patient packaging, applied oil dry and safed the batteries of the vehicles involved.
 
 

REPORTED ENTRAPMENT ON COLLEGE DRIVE

3/5/2013 - Around 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Rescue 84, GTEMS and Medics were dispatched to the area of the Shop Rite on College Drive for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. GTPD arrived first to find an accident with no entrapment and no injuries. Rescue 84's crew continued into the scene to mitigate a highway hazard and safe the batteries of the vehicles involved.
 

GAS LEAK IN MILLBRIDGE

2/14/2013 - Just after 5 p.m., Thursday, Engine 82 (Chews Landing) and Engine 84 were dispatched to the Millbridge Garden Apartments for a reported natural gas leak. Battalion 84 (Captain Cipriano) and Battalion 82 (Captain Ritz) arrived to find an active leak. Engine 822 pulled an 1 3/4" attack line and Engine 841 stood by the hydrant while waiting for the gas company to arrive. The incident was turned over to the gas company a short time later and the company was made available.
 

COME OUT TO CARS FOR A CURE ON MARCH 24

2/14/2013 - In addition to the St. Baldrick's event Blackwood is sponsoring on March 24, come out to Cars for a Cure outside Sam's Bar and Grille from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out and support this great cause!
 

REPORTED DWELLING IN 84'S FIRST DUE

2/8/2013 - At 8:30 a.m., Friday, Station 84, Station 82 (Chews Landing) and GTEMS were dispatched to 21 S. Pennsylvania Ave., for a reported dwelling fire. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived to find a light smoke condition throughout the residence caused by a blocked furnace flue. Ladder 84's crew secured the oil-fueled furnace and evacuated the smoke with a PPV fan. Smoke and CO detectors were also provided to the residents before the company was made available.
 
 

MEMBER'S SON EARNS FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP

2/6/2013- Kerron Johnson, the son of Firefighter William Johnson, recently committed to play football at Coastal Carolina University. Johnson, who played high school football at Highland Regional High School will play defensive back in college and was also recruited by Bucknell, Villanova, New Hampshire and Lafayette. Congratulations Kerron, we wish you success both on the field and in the classroom!
 

LADDER 84 GOES TO WORK IN MILLBRIDGE

2/5/2013 - Around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Ladder 84 was dispatched as part of Task Force 821 (Chews Landing) to the Millbridge Garden Apartments for a reported apartment fire. Incoming unites were advised by Camden County Communications that the caller in apartment 367 reported seeing flames from another apartment in the complex. Gloucester Township Police confirmed the fire apartment to be unit 425 and reported heavy smoke showing. Engine 822 laid in and pulled an attack line to the fire apartment while Ladder 84 laddered and vented the building. Engine 62 (Pine Hill) searched the apartment and Ladder 82 opened up as Engine 822's crew knocked the fire. The fire was quickly placed under control and 84 was made available at 6:28 p.m.
*Photos courtesy of the Gloucester Township Police Department*
 
 
 

ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS BANQUET

2/2/2013 - Tonight, Blackwood held its annual installation of officers banquet at Auletto's. Blackwood recognized members for numerous accomplishments and swore in the 2013 line officers. A special congratulations is extended to Lt. Michael Coucoules who received the Ken Ward Sound the Alarm Award. The award is given to one firefighter each year who is recognized as the firefighter of the year. Lt. Coucoules served with another company for over 18 years prior to moving to Blackwood.  Additionally ,he served with our company from June 2005 through 2009.  He is currently one of our most active members responding to 188 calls for service out of the 314 received since his return to us in March 2012, attended 19 “in-house duty crews”, coordinating most of those, 19 of the 27 scheduled drills, nine alternate drills and 100 percent of meetings; obviously he is interested in all phases of our operation and he seems to connect with all generations. Congrats Mike!

Additionally, we'd like to congratulate Firefighter Elwood Humphries for being recognized as 2012's Probie of the Year. Elwood has continued to be one of our most active members and continues to become an integral part of our operation.  Elwood's dedication to assisting with in house training along with his continued attendance to additional formalized training is impressive and appreciated. Congrats Elwood!
 

ACCIDENT ON ERIAL ROAD

2/2/2013 - On Saturday afternoon, Rescue 84 was dispatched to the area of Erial and Little Gloucester roads for a reported highway hazard. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived and reported a three car accident, with no entrapment and multiple minor injuries. Rescue 84's crew safed the batteries of the vehicles involved and applied oil dry to a minor coolant spill. While on location, Engine 841 was assigned to handle a medical call at the Kmart on Blackwood-Clementon Road. The companies were made available around 1:30 p.m.
 

BUSY NIGHT FOR BLACKWOOD

1/30/2013 - Just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Engine 841 was dispatched to 19 Golfview Ct., in Station 62's (Pine Hill) local for a reported dwelling fire. The assignment was quickly recalled and Engine 841 was made available. A few hours later, Station 84 was dispatched to the Mansion Apartments in Station 62's local for a reported building fire. Police advised incoming companies that they were on location with a working fire. Crews from 62 knocked the fire with a pressurized water can and the assignment was held to Station 62. 8401 (Chief Vannoni), Engine 841 and Engine 842 were then redirected to 10 Cleveland Ave., in 84's local for interior fumes. Crews from Ladder 84 and Engine 841 investigated and found the source of the odor to be a gasoline powered bicycle in the neighboring unit. Crews ventilated the dwellings before being released at 10:12 p.m.
 

ANOTHER CRASH WITH REPORTED ENTRAPMENT

1/18/2013 - Around 8:30 a.m., Rescue 84, GTEMS and Medics, were dispatched to the area of 144 Indiana Ave., for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Initial reports from GTPD indicated a two car accident, with one overturned and no entrapment. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived a confirmed the report that the occupants self-extricated prior to fire department arrival. Crews from Rescue 84 and Engine 842 safed the batteries of the vehicles and assisted EMS with patient packaging. EMS transported one patient to the hospital.
 
 
 

REPORTED ENTRAPMENT ON THE HIGHWAY

1/13/2013 - At 4:59 p.m., Rescue 84 and Rescue 93 (GC Deptford) were dispatched to Route 42 in the area of mile marker 11.6 northbound for a reported motor vehicle accident with entrapment. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived and reported a two car accident with an SUV on its side and negative entrapment. Rescue 84 and Engine 841's crew safed the SUV's battery before clearing the scene.
 
 

MEMBERS TRAIN ON FLASHOVER SIMULATOR IN DELCO

1/12/2013 - Twelve Blackwood firefighters traveled to the Delaware County Emergency Service Training Center to utilize its flashover simulator Saturday after a classroom session in November. This training will benefit our members by allowing them to see and recognize the different states of fire up to and including the flashover stage, where firefighters have seconds to react. Thanks to the instructors for an excellent experience.
*Visit us on Facebook for more photos.*
 
 

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE AT SHOP RITE

1/12/2013 - After midnight Saturday, Station 84 was dispatched to the parking lot of the Shop Rite on Blackwood-Clementon Road for a reported vehicle fire. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) responded and was advised by Camden County Communications that they were receiving multiple calls for an engine compartment fire in the parking lot. 8401 arrived shortly after, confirmed the report and ordered Engine 842 to pull its 1 3/4" preconnected front bumper line. Engine 842 made quick work of the fire as Engine 841 and Rescue 84's crews assisted.
*Visit us on Facebook for more photos.*
 
 

MULTIPLE VEHICLES INVOLVED AT AUTUMN RIDGE

1/6/2013 - Around 2 a.m. Sunday, Station 84 was dispatched to the Autumn Ridge Apartments for a reported vehicle fire. Incoming companies were advised that police were on location reporting multiple cars involved between the B and C buildings in the complex. Battalion 84 (Captain Cipriano) arrived and confirmed GTPD's report of multiple cars heavily involved. Engine 841 arrived, quickly deployed the 150' front bumper line and put a hit on the fire. Engine 842's crew pulled an additional line off of Engine 841 and assisted with fire attack. The fire was quickly knocked down and is under investigation by FM84. While on location, Rescue 82 (Chews Landing) and Station 84 were dispatched to 1205 Blackwood-Clementon Rd. at the Sunoco gas station for a motor vehicle accident. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) and Engine 842 responded and were released within 10 minutes of arriving. Crews remained at Autumn Ridge until 3:56 a.m.
 
 

LADDER AND ENGINE ON FIRE AT WENDY'S

12/31/2012 - At 12:54 a.m., Engine 82 (Chews Landing) and Engine 84 were dispatched to the Wendy's Restaurant on Blackwood-Clementon Road for an alarm system. Engine 841 responded with four personnel and were advised by Camden County Communications that police were on location and had an odor of plastic burning on the roof. Engine 841 investigated and found a working fire in the HVAC unit coming up from the ducts inside the restaurant and upgraded the assignment to a building fire. Ladder 84's crew set up the truck in division c and hooked the ceiling down inside the building to expose fire for Engine 822's crew. The fire was quickly placed under control and is under investigation by FM82.

TWP. FIRE CO.'S WELCOME INJURED OFFICER HOME

12/30/2012 - Injured GTPD Sgt. Jim Garber returned home from the hospital Sunday and a slew of people and organizations were on hand to welcome him home. All of Gloucester Township's fire companies were represented at the event as well as a number of police departments and off-duty police officers.
*Visit us on Facebook for more photos! News coverage: 6ABC*
 

3 GLOUCESTER TWP. POLICE OFFICERS SHOT

12/28/2012 - This morning, three GTPD officers were shot at the station after a man brought in to be processed attacked and obtained the gun of one of the officers. All three officers are expected to make a full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers and families of the officers involved as well as the entire Police Department.

2 FIREFIGHTERS SHOT AND KILLED ON FIRE GROUND IN N.Y.

12/24/2012 - Early this morning, firefighters in Webster, N.Y., responded to a reported house and vehicle fire. Four volunteer firefighters were shot when they arrived on the scene of a working fire, according to the Associated Press, and two of the firefighters have died. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and fire departments of those affected by this morning's shooting. R.I.P. Brothers.
*For ongoing coverage of the shooting visit: http://statter911.com/ and http://rochester.ynn.com/. Photo courtesy of PhillyFireNews.com*
 

2 ALARM HOUSE FIRE IN 82'S LOCAL

12/21/2012 - At 12:06 a.m. Friday, Task Force 82 (Chews Landing) was dispatched to
35 Brookline Drive for a reported dwelling fire. Initial reports from Camden County Communications indicated a basement fire with exposures. Battalion 82 (Captain Ritz) arrived first and reported heavy fire conditions throughout the dwelling and struck the all hands. Shortly after, as conditions continued to deteriorate, command requested the second alarm. First arriving companies led off with heavy water lines to protect the bravo and delta exposures from the flames. Both Ladder 84 and Ladder 82 went in operation with elevated master streams while crews on the ground surrounded the building with hose lines. The fire is currently under investigation by FM82.
*Photos watermarked courtesy of Rich Moulder. Visit us on Facebook for more photos.*
 
 
 

ALL HANDS BUILDING FIRE IN 84'S FIRST DUE

12/10/2012 - Just before 8 p.m. Monday, Station 84 was dispatched to the area of the 7-Eleven store on Church Street for an investigation. Minutes later, the assignment was upgraded to a building fire adding Station 82 (Chews Landing) and Ladder 62 (Pine Hill) to the alarm box. 8401 (Chief Vannoni) arrived first and reported a one-story strip mall with medium smoke showing from the roof line of the Changez Hair Salon. With this report, Engine 83 (Blenheim), Engine 85 (Lambs Terrace) and Rescue 93 (GC Deptford) were brought to the scene. At the 10-minute mark, 840 struck the all hands, adding Cascade 81 (Glendora), Ladder 10-16 (GC Washington Township) and the local fire marshal to the box.

Engine 841 laid in and pulled an attack line as Rescue 84's crew forced entry and performed first due truck duties. As Engine 841's crew worked to locate the seat of the fire, Engine 822 pulled a backup line and Ladder 82 opened the roof. Engine 841's crew located the seat of the fire in the rear of the building and quickly extinguished it. The fire was placed under control at the 20-minute mark and is currently under investigation by FM84.
*Photos courtesy of Rich Moulder. Visit us on Facebook for more photos.*
 

BLACKWOOD HOLDS ITS 25TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE

12/1/2012 - Fire apparatus and floats from all over South Jersey paraded down the Black Horse Pike Saturday night as part of Blackwood Fire Company's 25th annual Christmas Parade. Thanks to all those who participated to make this year's parade possible. We couldn't have done it without you. 
 
 

11/18/2012 - On Sunday morning, Task Force F was sent to Station 16-1 (Collingswood) while multiple companies throughout the northern end of Camden County were committed to a drill at the PATCO train station. The task force, consisting of 8401 (Chief Vannoni), Ladder 84, Squirt 81 (Glendora), Engine 85 (Lambs Terrace), Engine 2911 (Magnolia) and Rescue 82 (Chews Landing) covered the area from 8 a.m. until around noon, with no calls for service.

FIREFIGHTERS HONE ROOF SKILLS AT ACQUIRED BUILDING

11/10/2012 - Throughout November, firefighters from 84 have been participating in drills at the old Getty station at the Black Horse Pike and Lakeland Road. With permission from the owner, Blackwood firefighters were able to receive invaluable truck company training at the building, which is scheduled for demolition soon.
 
 

BLACKWOOD RUNS SMALL FIRE AT TACO BELL

11/6/2012 - At 10:21 p.m., Tuesday, Task Force 83 (Blenheim) was dispatched for a reported building fire at the Taco Bell on Blackwood-Clementon Road. 8401 (Chief Vannoni), Ladder 84, Engine 841 and Rescue 84 responded and found a light smoke condition inside the building. Ladder 84's outside team found a small fire in the HVAC unit on the roof and quickly extinguished it with a pressurized water can. Command placed the fire under control and units from 84 were made available around 11 p.m.

CREWS IN STATION THROUGHOUT HURRICANE

10/31/2012 - As Hurricane Sandy set its eyes on the Eastern Seaboard, Blackwood started to prepare in-station crews for the duration of the storm. For most of the hurricane, Station 84 held three full crews in station to staff Engine 841, Ladder 84 and Rescue 84. While most of our area was spared by Sandy, those on the shoreline and in New York were not so fortunate. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by the storm as they work through the recovery process.

84 ASSISTS IN PRODUCTION OF TRAINING FILM

10/26/2012 - On Thursday, October 25th and Friday, October 26th, members of the Blackwood Fire Company assisted the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) with the filming of a training video for emergency responder safety at highway incidents.   ERSI members were impressed with the safety efforts of the New Jersey SAFR Task Force, of which Blackwood is a member, and requested to use task force resources for the filming of the video.  Also assisting were the Blenheim Fire Company, Bellmawr Fire Department, Gloucester Township Police and a local tow company.  Even a members dog participated by proudly displaying his traffic safety vest!  Thanks to everyone who assisted with this worthwhile endeavor.  For further information, visit www.respondersafety.com.
 

BLACKWOOD COVERS GLOUCESTER CITY

10/21/2012 - Early Sunday morning, Engine 84 was dispatched to assist in covering District 5 (Gloucester City) as they were committed on a three-alarm dwelling fire. Engine 841 responded with six personnel and initially staged at Gloucester City High School before moving to Station 5-1 with Squad 21-1 (Berlin), Utility 66 (Voorhees) and Ladder 63 (Lindenwold).
 

MVA ON COLLEGE DRIVE

10/9/2012 - Just as Blackwood was taking up after a Tuesday night drill, Station 84 was dispatched to College and Broadacres drives for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. 8401 (Chief Vannoni), Rescue 84, Engine 841 and Engine 842 arrived to find a three-car accident, with no entrapment as EMS was able to access the patient through the passenger door. The assignment was scaled back to Rescue 84 which stayed on location until 10:28 p.m. The accident is under investigation by the Gloucester Township Police Department.

ANIMAL RESCUE IN HIGHLAND ESTATES

9/30/2012 - On Saturday afternoon, Rescue 84 was dispatched to the parking lot of the Highland Estates for an animal rescue. Rescue 84 and Engine 842 arrived to find three kittens in a storm drain. After some maneuvering, the kittens were removed and turned over to GTPD.