Election Results
On Saturday February 18th, voters in Florence went to the polls to vote on the annual budget and elect two Fire Commissioners. The budget passed with 104 yes and 26 no. The new Fire Commissiners are William Rzomp and Scott Arnold.
Also on the ballot was a question to replace a ambulance and replace our airpacks. That question also passed.
We would like to thank everyone who came out to vote and support us. We couldn't do this without the support of the community!
Florence Township Fire District Election – February 18, 2012
Dear Florence Township Resident,
We are pleased to provide this letter to Florence Township voters regarding the proposed 2012 Fire District Budget, Capital Improvement Question and elections on February 18th. We wish to provide you with this information to support your Fire Department.
The proposed 2012 Budget has increased from 2011. This is a result of the Department writing a FEMA grant for $291,000. The amount raised by taxation actually DECREASEDby $11,818 when compared to the 2011 budget. Furthermore, the latest estimate of the District tax rate is a REDUCTION from $.104 to $.103.
Our annual budget is what funds the Fire Department. Our services include Emergency Medical Services, Fire Suppression and Fire Prevention. Last year, 2011, your Fire Department responded to 619 Fire Incidents and 1940 medical calls. This turned out to be the busiest year in the Florence Township Fire Department.
The Department is also asking for approval to replace an aging ambulance and self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and cylinders in 2013 or later. The District will be required to replace the cylinders pursuant to Federal regulations of the Public Employee Occupational Health and Safety Administration (PEOSH). The amount for the ambulance is $135,000 with financing up to $75,000 and the self contained breathing apparatus and cylinders is $350,000 with financing up to $325,000. The Department has written a FEMA Grant to replace the breathing apparatus and cylinders, which if awarded would greatly reduce the cost to the taxpayers of Florence Township.
Our goal is to maintain a stable tax rate and be fiscally responsible with your tax dollars.
The Fire District election will be held on Saturday, February 18th from 2pm to 9pm. This is in accordance with New Jersey State Law. Voting will take place at the firehouse located at 401 Firehouse Lane.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued support.
Sincerely,
Kevin Mullen
Business Manager
Explorer Meeting
The Florence Township Fire Department Explorers hosted the Mount Laurel Fire Department Explorers at their monthly training session on February 3rd. The topic of this month’s training session was ‘What it means to be in a Fire Department’. After a brief meet and greet, so the members could get to know each other, the group watched the Fire Engineering video titled, ‘Pride and Ownership’ by Chief Rick Lasky. Chief Lasky, a 30 veteran of the Fire Service, who recently retired from the Lewisville Texas Fire Department, is well known at the National level, and is a very motivational speaker. ‘Pride and Ownership’ gave the Explorers an idea of what it takes to ignite a love of the service, and how to be part of a Department and part of the Fire Service Family.
After the video, Lieutenant Wood assisted by Explorers R. Estelow and M. Taylor, gave our guests a tour of our Station. They especially liked the History Room. The groups got some additional time together as Mount Laurel treated us to pizza after the event. Thanks Guys!
We look forward to continuing this joint training and have discussed competing together at the Explorer / Junior Firefighter competition being held this spring.
Thanks to all that were able to attend, I appreciate your support of the Explorer Post.
Battalion Chief Taylor
Officers for 2012 Sworn In
The Florence Township Fire Department would like to congratulate Keith Scully on becoming the new fire chief on January 1, 2012. On January 9th, the department sworn in all the new officers for the upcoming year at the Board of Fire Commission meeting held on January 9th.
Keith was sworn in with his lovely wife and children looking on.
Veterans Day 2011
On November 11, 2011 the Florence Township Fire participated in a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial to honor all of the Florence Township Veterans who selflessly served our county during times if conflict. Tower Ladder 4015 proudly displayed the American Flag high above during the ceremony. Please join us in honoring our military Veterans.
Chiefs Letter
Today, several Members of our public safety community received recognition in Trenton, NJ at a ceremony at the War Memorial. Governor Christie recognized all New Jersey OEM's and representatives on behalf of the responders of their respective communities for their work during Hurricane Irene in August.
The following were recognized: Phil Drangula - Florence Twp. OEM
James Karwacki - Deputy OEM, Florence Twp.
Al Scully - Captain Florence Twp. Police
Steve Taylor - Captain Florence Twp. Fire Department
Mayor Berry showed his continued support of the Florence Twp. Emergency Services by attending the ceremony with the above listed individuals.
I know by speaking with the recipients, that their presence and acceptance of the award was on behalf of ALL of our members that assisted during the hurricane.
Again, thank you to all of the members and keep up your continued dedication to the Department
Albert J. Jacoby
Open House
We would like to thank everyone who came out to support our open house. We hope that all of you enjoyed the night as many of your firefighters did! We also hope that all of you that took a ride in the bucket truck enjoyed it and hopefully for some of you that were scared of heights feel better about it now. For those of you that missed it or chickened out, we will have that again next year!
We also would like to take this time to thank all of the generous donations we recieved. They are:
Chick-Fil-A Delran for providing the chicken sandwiches, prizes and of course the Chick-Fil-A cow!
Herr's Chips for the chips and snacks.
WAWA (located on Broad Street) for donating beverages.
We couldn't have had the success we had with out the support from the business's and also the community!
THANK YOU!!!!
Click here to see some more pictures
Fire Call
On 9/14/2011 at 17:43 stations 401 and 408 were dispatched to the new Oak Mill development at the intersection of Winter and Szypulski Lane for machinery fire. Upon arrival crew found what looked like a plastic dumpster filled with card board burning. Crew quickly extinguished the fire.
Hurricane Irene
Letter from Chief Jacoby
Florence Township made it through the hurricane relatively unscathed compared to many parts of the state and county that are still under water and without electricity.
I would like to thank all of the members who prepared for the storm, staffed the station and Emergency Operations Center, answered calls or provided support. Between Friday 8/26/2011 and Monday 8/29/2011 we answered over 60 fire and EMS calls for service - the bulk of which occurred during the height of the storm. OEM Drangula declared a state of emergency and opened up the EOC at approximately 2200 hours and we began self dispatching. The majority of the calls were for wires down, trees down, flooded basements and flooded roadways.
Unfortunately, along with the high volume of calls one member was injured and several pieces of equipment were damaged. The member is recovering and we wish him a speedy recovery. Engine 4013 suffered engine damage and will be out of service for several weeks. Engine 4012 suffered tailboard damage. The building also experienced numerous leaks. All damage was documented and will be submitted to FEMA through the OEM for reimbursement.
As I'm sure you know the northern counties experienced significant flooding which resulted in the death of EMT/Rescue Tech. Michael Kenwood of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Please keep him in you thoughts and prayers.
The Burlington County Fire Coordinators received a request for Tenders to support with water supply operations in the northern part of the state. We were able to provide staffing for the tender and a Strike Team Leader for a 24 hour operational period. They were stationed at a fire station in South Orange with tenders from Medford, Crosswicks and Mansfield.
Again, the Chiefs thank all of the members who dedicated time to our department and community.
Car Fire
On August 22, 2011 at 0833 station 401 and 408 were dispatched to an automobile fire on route 130 in front of the WaWa. Engine 4012 arrived and found an engine compartment fire. Crews worked quickly to hold the fire in the engine compartment and not extend into the passengers compartment. Crews did a great job in doing so!
Dwelling Fire
On 08/01/2011 at 1753 hours stations 401, 408, Ladder 303, Engine 331 and Engine 322 were dispatched to the 200 block of East Fourth Street for a dwelling fire. D/C 4001 arrived on location and reported a working fire on side B/C of Division 2.
Prior to arrival, a neighbor had entered the residence and woke up the sleeping occupant from a second floor bedroom who was escorted to safety. The neighbor attempted to use an extinguisher along with responding police, but were driven from the residence.
Engine 4012 arrived at 1756 and quickly stretched the hose line to the second floor and began fire suppression efforts. Tower 4015 and 3035 arrived next and began ventilation while Engine 322 backed up the crew from E4012. E4013 became the RIT and E3032 stood by at a secondary water supply. E331 was diverted to Cover Station 401.
The fire was contained to the room of origin. The second floor sustained smoke damage while the first floor sustained minor water damage.
Click here for more pictures......
MVA on NJTP Southbound
On Monday 07/25/2011 at 08:05 stations 401, 408, 272 and Medic 34 were dispatched to MM 45.5 southbound for a reported MVA vs a tree with entrapment. Rescue/Engine 2723 arrived on location and found a utility van into a tree with the victim entrapped. Ambulance 4081 arrived on scene and began patient care. Medic 34, Engine 4012 and Rescue 4018 arrived on scene and assisted Medics and Rescue/Engine 2723's crew in extrication. A short time later the victim was freed and taken to a near by trauma center.
All crews did an excellent job!!
Car Accident Route 295
At 10:11 PM last night, Station 401, 408, Medic 34, and Engine 301 were dispatched to a MVA on 295 South with vehicle rollover and victim trapped. Ambulance 4081, Engine 4012, Rescue 4018, Rescue 3018, and Medic 34 arrived on scene and found a vehicle flipped over with the victim still inside. Crews worked and freed the victim in 13 minutes from the time crews arrived on location! Victim was taken to a Landing Zone and transport to a trauma center via helicopter. Good job done by all!
2011 Mayor's Cup Champions!!!!!!!!
Your Florence Township Fire Department are the 2011 Mayors Cup champs for 2011. In the first game the Fire Department beat the Township workers with a walk off homerun by Felix "the cat" Diaz in the bottom of the 7th.
In the Championship game the Fire Department faced the defending Mayor's Cup champs, the Police Department who earlier defeated the Teachers of Florence Township. It was a good game and the police put up a good fight. In the end, the Fire Department defeated the Police by a score of 16 to 15. The Fire Department was helped by some timely grand slams! One was hit by Danny Cunningham and the other by Johnny Irwin, Jr.
Great Job! Let's defend it next year!!!!
Click here for more pictures
Storms keep us hopping.....
On July 6th the Florence Township Fire Department was extremely busy from the storms. First call went out at 16:50 and last call was at 20:04. In that little more then 3 hours, the fire department handled 12 fire calls ranging from alarm systems, wires, and MVA's. Many thanks to all the members that came out to help your community!
Busy days this week on the NJ Turnpike
On Tuesday June 28th, the Florence Township Fire Department along with Burlington Township Fire Department responded to a MVA with fire reported. Engine 4012, Engine 4013, ambulance 4081 responded along with more mutual aid companies. A tractor-trailer rear ended a motor home pulling a trailer with a race car in it. The tractor burst into flames upon impact. Squirt 3014 was assisted by Engine 4012 and Engine 4013 in keeping the fire from spreading to the truck trailer. Crews from Westampton, Mount Laurel, Hainesport all assisted. Ambulance 4081 transported one to the hospital.
On Wednesday evening at 21:41 Station 401, 322 and 408 were dispatched for a car fire on the New Jersey Turnpike for a reported car fire. Ambulance 4081 arrived on location first and reported a working car fire. Engine 4012 and 3222 arrived on scene and handled the fire.
Car into the Dwelling!!
On Wednesday 6/15/11 at 12:18 Station 408 and 401 were dispatched to a reported MVC with the car striking the dwelling. EMS40 and Asst. Chief 4002 arrived on location and reported the vehicle didn't strike the dwelling, just the porch. Asst. Chief 4002 reduced the speed of Engine 4012. Engine 4012 arrived on scene and made sure no fluids were leaking and assisted EMS40 with patient care. Ambulance 4081 was recalled due to not being needed.
