The Bergenfield FD responded to 679 calls during 2009.  We went to 110 general alarms and 569 still or single company alarms.  Of the generals, 7 were working fires with varying degrees of damage. The BFD responded on 20 mutual aid assignments within our mutual aid groups.

 Our members continue to train racking up thousands of hours of practical and classroom time both in house and while attending various classes and seminars around the country.

The members of the BFVD held their department meeting on Wednesday, December 9th and elected their chiefs and desk officers for 2010.

Edward Kneisler, II from Alert Fire Company will serve as Chief of the Department; this will be his third time (1992 & 2001) holding this position.  Ned has spent the last two years as a Deputy Chief. Robert E. Byrnes, Sr. from Bergenfield Fire Company No. 2 will serve as Deputy 1.  James P. Lodato from Prospect Fire Company No. 1 will serve as Deputy 2.

In 2010, Jerry Naylis will serve as President of the department along with Ed Gomez as Vice-President. Nancy Naylis will return as Secretary as will Rich O’Connor as the Treasurer.

The 2010 line officers will be as follows: Michael Lopez of Alert and Jason Lanzilotti of Fire Co. 2  return as Captains, while Paul Buehler of Prospect 2 will serve his first year as Captain.  Chris Saito of Alert returns as Lieutenant while Joe Frino, Jr. Fire Co. 2 and Chris Naylis of Prospect will be new Lieutenants.

 The members would like to congratulate the 2010 officers and wish them a safe year.

At 0130 hrs.,  Prospect Fire Co. No.1 was dispatched on a still alarm for a reported overturned vehicle that was smoking.  Deputy Chief Kniesler arrived and reported a club van was overturned and the driver was out of the vehicle.  The crews from the engine and RESCUE worked together to secure the vehicle using their rescue struts and popped the hood and disconnected the battery. 

 All units were up from the scene in 30 minutes.

On Friday afternoon, the Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid dispatch canter requested Bergenfield's ladder to respond to the City of Englewood on a cover-up assignment.  Ladder 742 under the command of Lt. Kirsch and a crew of 4 responded to the firehouse along with Deputy Chief Kniesler.  They remained in quarters for an extend period and took in no runs before returning to the borough.

Just before 5 p.m. Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requested Ladder 742, under the command of Lt. Kirsch with four firefighters, and the RESCUE, under the command of Capt. Lopez with six firefighters, to respond to a third alarm fire located at 66 Henry Street in Englewood. Chief Byrnes (740) and Deputy Chief Kneisler (DC1) also responded. Englewood FD was battling a blaze in a large 2 1/2 story wood frame dwelling.

On arrival of the Ladder, they set up on the Delta side of the fire building as F.A.S.T. 1. When the RESCUE arrived they set up as F.A.S.T. 2 on the Bravo side with 2 members from the RESCUE laddering the fire building's second floor on the Bravo and Delta sides. The crew from the Ladder eventually made their way into the attic area to perform extensive overhaul. The RESCUE split its crew allowing members to remain as the F.A.S.T. crew and also man a 2 1/2 inch hose line to knock down fire that was extending beyond the eves to the exterior. The Ladder and RESCUE operated on scene for about 2 and a half hours before being released.

On Tuesday morning, the Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid dispatch canter requested Bergenfield's ladder to respond to the City of Englewood on a cover-up assignment.  Ladder 742 under the command of Lt. Kirsch and a crew of 4 responded to the firehouse along with Deputy Chief Kniesler.  They remained in quarters for an extend period and took in no runs before returning to the borough.

At 1235 hrs.,  Mid-Bergen Mutual Aid requested Ladder 742, under the command of Lt. Kirsch with four firefighters, to respond to Englewood Fire Headquarters to cover the city while to Englewood FD battled a fire at 3 Regency Circle. Deputy Chief Kneisler (DC1) also responded. While covering the city in headquarters Regency command requested a 3rd alarm assignment moving Ladder 742 into the scene and bringing the RESCUE, under the command of Capt. Lopez with five firefighters, as well.

 On arrival of the Ladder, they set up on the Charlie side of the fire building as F.A.S.T. team. The Ladder crew was quickly sent to work on the interior.  When the RESCUE arrived they set up as the F.A.S.T. team on the Charlie side taking the Ladder previous position. Crews from the RESCUE stood by in addition to forcing garage doors on the ground level.  The crew from the Ladder was checking for fire extension due to heavy fire contained within the combustible concealed void spaced. The Ladder and RESCUE operated on scene for about 3 hours before being released.

Thank you to Brett Dzadik for providing us with the pictures.  Please vist Brett's site for more pictures at www.brettsfirephotos.smugmug.com