Reminder To All Members                                                                                                                                          The Firehouse Software or NIFRS reporting system is up and running on the house PC. All officers are reminded to contact the Captain or D. D'Arcy for instructions on how to complete reports.

The next regular business meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 2nd at 2000 hours.

May 9th, 2007                                                                                                                                                               On Wednesday May 9th, 2007 American LaFrance and Campbell Supply Company delivered the brand new T-170 to The Independent Fire Company of Belford. This 100 foot Mid-Mount Ladder Tower features a 2000 gallon per minute, platform mounted automatic nozzle, six man cab, next generation LED warning lights, rear and side back up video cameras and 15 K hydraulic generator.

April 2007, Hughes Returns From Duty                                                                                                                     United States Marine and Station 7 Firefighter Tom Hughes returned to the United States from a six month long tour in Iraq. Hughes served as an MP helping the effort in the war. Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes while Tom was serving his country.

More Photos of T-170

The New Truck 170 is Days Away                                                                                                                                 Here is a taste of what's coming to Belford. This new American LaFrance, 100 ft Midmount Ladder Tower should arrive in Belford later this month.

February 6th, 2007 Township & Company Honor Dedicated Member                                                                     During the regular business meeting of February, the Independent Fire Company recognized Life Member Thomas Mazzaroppi for sixty (60) years of dedicated service to the Company. Tom was presented with a custom plaque recognizing his accomplishments and a Proclamation from the Township Committee citing February 6th as Thomas Mazzaroppi Day. Additionally on February 20 during the Township Committee Meeting, Tom was officially recognized by the Committee and presented with a special plaque.

During his sixty years of service, Tom has held every position and rank in the company. He currently still contributes to the company by serving as a Trustee. With Tom's wisdom and guidance, his sense of tradition and ability to communicate, the company young and old have benefited as members and people. Thank you for all of your hard work. Click here for the article posted in 1st Responder News.

Fall 2006 Firefighter 1 Class                                                                                                                                         On November 18th the sixteen recruits of the Fall 2006 FF1 Class became rookie firefighters. Station 7 member Chris Butkowski was one of the new firefighters to receive his certificate. Congratulations to all the new firefighters and good luck in your careers. Click here for photos.

2007 Elections Are Complete                                                                                                                                      The election of Firematic and Administrative Officers for 2007 was held on November 21st 2006. Each position went uncontested and the new line for next year is set. Here are the assignments:

Captain James D'Arcy                                                                                                                                                    1st Lieutenant                                                                                                                                                               2nd Lieutenant Rick Hibell                                                                                                                                              3rd Lieutenant William Dowens                                                                                                                                     Chief Engineer William Schelling                                                                                                                                     1st Assistant Engineer William Schelling Jr.                                                                                                                     2nd Assistant Engineer Craig Amato                                                                                                                               3rd Assistant Engineer Nicholas Cartmell                                                                                                                 President Nicholas Cartmell                                                                                                                                          Vice President James D'Arcy                                                                                                                                 Treasurer Thomas Amato                                                                                                                                      Secretary Robert Reinecke                                                                                                                                       Trustee Wayne Smith

Station 7 Welcomes A New Member 11/7/06                                                                                                           During the regular business meeting of November, Station 7 welcomed new member Valerie Nordstrom. Valerie is a trained Firefighter for Bristol Meyers Squib and a welcomed addition to the fire company. Congratulations to Val and good luck in your career.

Halloween 2006                                                                                                                                                     Station 7 members take to the neighborhood to give out candy to would be trick or treaters.

Ladies News                                                                                                                                                               Check out the Ladies page for an update on upcoming events. Click here.

September 2006                                                                                                                                                   Firefighter Thomas Hughes was deployed with his United States Marine Core Unit to the Middle East. Hughes is serving as a Military Police Officer in the Iraqi War. He has been preparing for this deployment for the better half of this year. We wish him the best of luck during his mission and eagerly await his return. Hughes is a four year veteran of the Fire Company, an Active Member of the Fire Department and a member of the Special Services Unit. Please keep him in your hearts and prayers while he is away.

Station 7 Softball 2006

On September 11, 2006 Captain Joseph Milko passed away while visiting upstate New York. Joe dedicated over 53 years of service to the Independent Fire Company. He was a Life member of the Department and rose through the ranks of the Company to Captain. He was one of three current members with over 50 years of service and was recently honored by the V.F.W. for his service.

Joe will be remembered for his easy going attitude. He knew every joke in the book and could light up a room with his entrance. After Company meetings he could be found on a stool while a crowd of younger members hung on his every word. Joe gave so many good years of his life to this Company and will be dearly missed.

Joe was born on November 7th, 1928 in New Kensington, PA. He leaves behind two children, Mary & William and three grandchildren, Joseph, Travis & Nicole.

Joe was a Veteran of World War II and worked for the IFF Fire Department for forty years. Joe was a long time member of  the Basset Hound Club of America and an avid hunter. Ever the member of the community he was also a former Deacon and choir member of the United Methodist Church of Belford.

Please keep Joe's family in your hearts and prayers as they attempt to move forward.

Joe Milko, December 2005

In Remembrance

9/11/01

Please help the Independent Fire Company of Belford remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those who lost loves ones on that fateful September Morning.

We Will Never Forget.

343

R.I.P.

For more information on how you can help the families of 9/11 log onto:

http://www.nypfwc.org/index.cfm

http://www.bravestmemorial.com/index2.html

http://ufalocal94.org/ufa_funds/widows_childrens_fund/widows_childrens_donations.html

2006 M.T.F.D. Picnic                                                                                                                                                    On September 9, 2006 the M.T.F.D. will hold its annual picnic. This year the picnic will be held at the Middletown Swim & Tennis Club on Harmony Rd. The party starts at 1400 hours. All Department members are encouraged to attend. Bring you appetites and the kids. Food, beverages, games and rides will be on site for all to enjoy.

7/4/06 July 4th Super 50/50 Raffle                                                                                                                                On Independence Day the Company held the drawing for this years Super 50/50 raffle. This years winner took home over $1,200. Chief Engineer Dowens sold the winning ticket and Ladies President Kathy Pekarovich sold the most tickets. Thank you to all the members for your effort.

6/17/06 Firefighter 1 Graduation On Saturday June 17th, thirty-five probationary firefighters completed their final practical evolution of the Spring 2006 Firefighter 1 course. The recruits completed seventeen evolutions including, structure fires, car fires, fire alarms and trash fires. Later in the evening over three-hundred guests turned out for the graduation ceremony held at Croydon Hall. Station 7 member and newest Firefighter, Tom Smith was among the graduates. Congratulations to all of the Firefighters and good luck in your careers. Click here for photos.

6/4/06 HAZMAT/WMD Drill at High School North                                                                                                          On the morning of June 4th, Station 7 participated in a large scale Hazmat/WMD exercise at Middletown Hugh School North. The exercise, run by the Special Services Unit, was designed to test the initial company response and S.S.U. response to a chemical & agent release at the school. Thanks to the hard work of all the participants the exercise was a success. Several Station 7 members are members of the S.S.U. and participated as well. Also in attendance were Stations 3, 8 & 11, Middletown OEM, Monmouth County OEM, Monmouth County Hazardous Materials Response Unit, Red Bank Fire Department, The Middletown Health Department, Middletown Auxiliary Police, Middletown EMS and the M.T.F.D. Fire Explorers.

5/26/06 Truck Committee Members Travel to Pennsylvania                                                                                         As the process for the new Ladder Truck continues, Station 7 truck committee members traveled to PA this weekend for a final preconstruction meeting at the American LaFrance site. More news to follow.

5/26/06 Station 7 Participates in Rude Awakening                                                                                                   Every year Station 7 participates in the Rude Awakening program run by the Middletown Police Department and Middletown EMS. This year was no exception and Station 7 helped the cause by participating the motor vehicle accident extrication demonstration. Photos coming soon.

May 2006 AED Delivery                                                                                                                                                 At last Station 7 took delivery of its newly purchased AED. Check back for dates on CPR/AED training.

5/2/06 Station 7 Welcomes New Member                                                                                                                During the May regular business meeting, Station 7 accepted Christopher Butkowski into the Company as a Probationary Firefighter. Chris is slated to attend the Fall 2006 Firefighter I course at the M.T.F.A. Congratulations to Chris and good luck in your career.

4/23/06 V.F.W. Awards Ceremony                                                                                                                              This year the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary of Port Monmouth honored fifteen of our members in a Length of Service Awards program. Each member was the recipient of a beautiful plaque and treated to a ham dinner. Congratulations to our recipients and thank you to the V.F.W.

2006 Fund Drive                                                                                                                                                          This years fund driver returns are coming in. Thank you to all of those who reached into their pockets and gave what they could. Every donation counts. Click here for more details on Fund Drive.

Spring 2006 Firefighter II Course                                                                                                                                The Spring 2006 Firefighter II Course concluded on April 25th. Firefighters Hughes, Brown & Reinecke attended and graduated from the course. The members completed over 90 hours of training in advanced training techniques. Congratulations to our members for putting in a great effort. Photos coming soon.

Spring 2006 Firefighter I Course                                                                                                                                 The Spring 2006 Firefighter I Course is set to begin. This class will see thirty five recruits from over six local Departments. Four Station 7 members will contribute to the class as Instructors.

January 2006                                                                                                                                                   Congratulations to Tom Hughes and Marcelo Aguirre. The two members completed the 30 hour American Red Cross CPR/AED Instructor Course. Tom and Marcelo will be charged with instructing the Company in the use of our new AED.

1/4/06 Fire in High School Locker                                                                                                                                 At approximately 0830 hours Station 7 responded to a fire alarm at Middletown High School North. The first arriving officer reported a small fire in a locker on the second floor. The fire was extinguished before any serious damage was done. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

1/3/06 Station 7 Welcomes Two New Members                                                                                                      During the regular business meeting of January the Company voted to except Joseph Mihm and Thomas Smith as new members of the Company. Smith, the Company's newest probie, will attend the Firefighter I Course this spring at the Middletown Township Fire Academy. Mihm is a new resident to the area and a trained firefighter. He spent one year with the Monmouth Beach Fire Department before moving up the shore. Congratulations to our new members and good luck.

1/1/06 Changing of the Guard Chief Gregory Papailiou completed his five year term as Fire Chief of the Department. During the annual Chief's Breakfast, Chief Papailiou passed the torch to incoming Fire Chief, Peter Lucyk. Chief Lucyk is supported by Deputy Chief William Kennelly, 1st. Assistant Chief Vincent Falci, 2nd. Assistant Chief John Kardel and newly appointed 3rd. Assistant Chief John Isaksen.

New Years Day 50/50                                                                                                                                                  The New Years Day 50/50 was a success. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary and Bill Hibell for all their hard work. This years winner took home over $1,300.00. Good job everyone.

12/24/05 Santa visits Belford                                                                                                                                      This years Santa run was a huge success. Thanks to all those who participated and made so many kids happy. Click here for photos.

12/19/05 Big I Holiday Party Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary, the Fire Company held a members only Holiday Party. I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all. Especially Lucy! Thanks to Kathy and the Ladies for all of their hard work. Photos coming soon.

11/28/05 Holmdel First Aid Squad says goodbye to its Captain                                                                                    On November 24th, 2005 Holmdel First Aid Squad Captain Harold Baker, passed away after a long battle with cancer. Harold's emergency services career spanned over 30 years. He served with the Old Village Fire Company here in Middletown Township and with the FDNY, from which he retired as a Lieutenant in 1977 prior to moving to Middletown. Harold was a pleasure to work with and a fantastic EMT. This Firefighter had the pleasure of responding to many calls with Harold. He genuinely cared about people he helped and the profession he served. He was the ultimate role model for our younger brothers and sisters and he willed be dearly missed. Harold friends, family members and colleagues said their goodbyes today at an emotional service held at King of Kings Church.

Click here to read more about Harold's life and career.

Click here to visit the Holmdel First Aid website.

Rest in Peace Harold Baker.

Station 7 assists with Lone Oak Structure Fire 11/24/05 On Thanksgiving Day Station 7 assisted Station 6 &11 with a structure fire. The fire was contained to the outside of the garage section and caused minor damage. Fire Department members put their families on hold for dinner while saving the Holiday for someone else. Click here for photos.

Station 7 members of the S.S.U. respond to a Hazmat incident                                                                                  On 11/21/05 The S.S.U. was dispatched to Crescent Parkway in the Red Bank section of town for several found containers of mercury. Team Hazardous Materials Technicians made entry, secured the product and removed it from the residence. After a secondary search of the residence a second material was also found, secured and removed. The team worked very efficiently and mitigated the incident without further contamination. Chief Lucyk assumed command of the scene while Captain Daniel P. Kelly (Lt. Station 7) directed the Hazmat Team. Click here for photos.

Irwin Place Car Fire On 11/20/05 Station 7 & Station 3 responded to a working car fire on Irwin Place. Ex-Chief James Naclerio assumed command and the companies went to work. Station 3 provided extinguishment while Station 7 supported the operation. The fire started after the vehicle was parked on a pile of dry leaves. Click here for photos.

2005 MTFA Pump Operations Course On 11/20/05 the annual Pump Operations Course concluded. The course saw 23 Firefighters finish the class. Congratulations to all the participants on a very successful course. Click here for photos.

Fall 2005 Firefighter 1 Course Concludes                                                                                                                    On November 5th, after 3 months of hard work the Fall Firefighter 1 Course graduated 19 recruits. The ceremony, held at Croydon Hall, drew a crowd of over 150 friends, family members & Fire Department members. Station 7 would like to congratulate our newest F.F., John Kryda and wish the best of luck and a safe career to all of the graduates. Click here for photos.

Monmouth Avenue Fire                                                                                                                                               On 10/8/05 Station 7 assisted Stations 5 & 6 at a working structure fire on Monmouth Ave in the East Keansburg section of town. The fire reportedly started in a garbage can and quickly spread throughout the single story structure. The high humidity hampered the effort causing several Firefighters to go down with heat exhaustion. The fire took several hours to control due to the unique construction of the house. Photos coming soon.

New independentfireco.com hits the internet                                                                                                              On October 4th, after careful selection of a new Host Server and reconstruction of the Company web site, the new independentfireco.com was launched. The website now features easier navigation, new pages, enhanced graphics and streaming video.

Station 7 Holds Hurricane Relief Drive
During the Holiday weekend of Labor Day the members of the Independent Fire Company of Belford held a donation drive in an effort to help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina. Thanks to the help of hundreds of local families and businesses we were able to collect thousands of items needed for the relief effort. Thank you to all those who participated. Click here for details. Click here for the Asbury Park Press story.

Two of Our Own Respond to Louisiana
Last week Lt. Daniel P. Kelly and Ex-Captain Kevin Morrissey (Station 8) responded to Louisiana to help with the relief effort. Kelly and Morrissey are current members of NJ-TF1(New Jersey Task Force One). It is the State Urban Search and Rescue Team. NJ-TF1 is comprised of personnel who are highly trained in Technical Rescue, Building Collapse, Swift Water Rescue, Hazardous Materials and many other Rescue disciplines. Kelly and Morrissey are veterans of the team and have responded to many incidents like the one they are working now. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers as they risk their lives to save others.

Keansburg Firefighter Killed in the Line of Duty
On Wednesday, August 17th Keansburg Firefighter Joseph Walsh was struck and killed by a motor vehicle while directing traffic at a Hazmat response. The 76 year old Walsh was performing his duties as a member of the Keansburg Fire Department Fire Police Unit at the time of the accident. The operator of the vehicle that struck Walsh was subsequently arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Walsh was a 54 year member of the Department and a Korean War Veteran. Services were held this past weekend and Departments from all over the Tri-State area attended to pay their respects. Coincidently the M.T.F.D. Special Services Unit was on location assisting Keansburg with the incident at the time of accident. Station 7 extends its deepest sympathy's to the Family of F.F. Walsh, may he Rest in Peace.
Click here read the story on Keansburg Fire Co #1's website.
Click here for the full story on the Asbury Park Press website.

Fall Firefighter 1 Class to Begin in August
It's that time of year again. The Fall 2005 Firefighter 1 class is scheduled to begin August 2nd. at the Middletown Township Fire Training Academy. Station 7 will send two members to the class. Recruits Michael Finnegan and John Kryda will be required to complete 155 hours of training prior to graduation. In addition Station 7 members Captain J. D'Arcy, Lieutenant D. Kelly, Lieutenant D. D'Arcy and Chief Engineer W. Schelling Sr. are all State Certified Fire Service Instructors and will contribute to the instruction of another class.

Port Monmouth Road Apartment Fire
On 7/8/05 at approximately 2100 hours Station 7 was dispatched to Port Monmouth Road to assist Station 6 with a working structure fire. The fire started in a small, single story apartment building. The fire was confined the area of origin. Crews worked quickly to prevent the fire from spreading to the other attached apartments. Click here for photos.

Belford Sea Food Co-Op Port Monmouth Road Structure Fire
On 6/27/05 at approximately 1900 hours, Station 7 responded to the Port Monmouth section of town. Station 7 assisted Station 6 with  a working structure fire on Port Monmouth Road near the Belford Sea Food Co-Op. The structure, an abandoned house, was venting heavy smoke from the second floor upon arrival. Units on scene were quickly ordered to an exterior attack. T-170 was ordered into water tower operations to help extinguish the fire.
Click here for photos.

Spring 2005 Firefighter 1 Class Concludes
On June 18th the Spring 2005 FF1 Class completed its final practical exercise bringing to an end 154 hours of training. The 30 probationary firefighters were awarded their FF1 Certificates and presented with their Yellow Helmets at the Graduation Ceremony held at Croydon Hall. Station 7 members Robert Reinecke, Kevin Skochil and Michael Regiec all graduated from the class. Congratulations to all of the graduates and good luck to you in your firefighting careers. Click here for photos.

Jersey Pride Food Store Fire
In the early morning of 5/23/05, Stations 7 & 3 were dispatched to an explosion at the Jersey Pride Food Store in Campbell's Junction. E-171 arrived on location and Captain D'Arcy established Command. The Captain reported heavy fire and smoke pushing from the rear of the structure. Chief Falci arrived on location and assumed Command before passing Command to Chief Papailiou. Solid attacks from E-171'S crew on the C-Side and E-131'S crew on the A-Side confined the fire to it's area of origin and prevented extensive damage to the store. Community Fire Co. assisted with the incident. Click here for photos.

Annual Rude Awakening Drill
Each year the members of Station 7 assist the Middletown EMS and Middletown Police in educating high school students on the dangers of drunk driving. The program is held at all of the township high schools around prom time. A demonstration of a serious motor vehicle accident is played out in front of the students. The destructive force of a serious motor vehicle accident is a reminder to all of the students to be responsible and refrain from getting behind the wheel after having a drink. Click here for photos.

Tindall Road Motor Vehicle Accident
On 4/21/05 at approximately 1000 hours the members of the Independent Fire Company of Belford and Belford Engine Fire Company responded to a Doctors office located on Tindall Rd. The operator of an SUV lost control of the vehicle and crashed the vehicle into a portion of the office building. E-171, E-131 & E-132 arrived moments after dispatch. Chief Papailiou assumed command of the incident. A request for the Special Services Unit was made to assess the damage and shore up the damaged portion of the structure. Captain Kelly (SSU, Lt. Station 7) ordered the Unit into action and the structure was stabilized. There were no reported injuries at the scene. Photos coming soon.

Sunnyside Road Brush Fire
In the early afternoon of 4/20/05 Stations 10 and 9 were dispatched to a reported brush fire on Sunnyside Road near the Bamm Hollow Golf course. Upon arrival Chief Kennelly reported that the fire had extended to an abandoned house and detached garage on the property. The fire quickly consumed the two structures and rapidly spread through the open wooded area. Stations 7, 3, 6, 8, 4 and 1 were all requested to respond. Additionally Red Bank Fire Department, Tinton Falls Fire Department and Holmdel Fire Department were all requested for Mutual Aid. It took firefighters nearly 4 hours to extinguish the largest brush fire of the season to date. Click here for photos.

Summit Avenue Fire
In the early morning of 3/6/05 the members of the Independent Fire Company of Belford and Belford Engine Fire Company responded to a reported fire in a bedroom of a two story single family dwelling on Summit Avenue. The residents had been alerted to the fire by their smoke detectors and quickly exited the house. Upon arrival the responding Police Officer attempted to knock down the fire with the use of a portable fire extinguisher. The fire could not be extinguished and quickly engulfed the second floor bedroom. Shortly afterward Chief Greg Papailiou took command of the incident. The members of both Companies made quick work of the fire and confined it to the room of origin.

Station 7 Members of the S.S.U. Respond to the PETCO Explosion in Eatontown
On 3/3/05 a major gas explosion occurred in the PETCO Store on Route 35 in Eatontown. Minutes after the explosion Eatontown Fire Command requested the M.T.F.D. Special Services Unit to respond. Led by Captain Daniel P. Kelly (Lt. Station 7), the S.S.U. responded and assisted on scene in a variety of tasks. Several Station 7 members are current members of the S.S.U. and responded with the unit to assist. Click here for the full story on the Asbury Park Press website. Click here for photos.

Belford Methodist Church Fire
On 2/9/05 the members of the Independent Fire Co. of Belford and Belford Engine Fire Co. responded to a structure fire at the Belford Methodist Church located on Church Street and Campbell Avenue. Upon arrival heavy smoke and fire were showing from the garage and kitchen areas. Captain Bernie Chenowith (Belford Engine) assumed command and the members of both companies worked hard to bring the fire under control. The crews were able to cut the fire off in time to save the sanctuary portion of the Church. Several Firefighters sustained minor injuries. Port Monmouth Fire Co., Middletown Fire Company No. 1 and Community Fire Co. assisted with the incident. Click here for photos.

Ocean Avenue Fire
On 1/20/05 the members of the Independent Fire Co. of Belford responded to the North  Middletown section of the township to assist with a working structure fire. East Keansburg Fire Co. was working a fully involved two story structure. The fire extended to an adjacent structure but was quickly extinguished. T-170 was ordered into water tower operations to help extinguish the fire. Click here for photos.

Garfield Avenue Fire
On 1/4/05 the members of the Independent Fire Co. of Belford and Belford Engine Fire Co. responded to a working structure fire. The fire was located in the garden apartment building on Garfield Avenue. Upon arrival heavy smoke and fire were visible from the first floor apartment. Captain James D'Arcy assumed command and crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control, preventing extension to the other apartments. Port Monmouth Fire Co. and East Keansburg Fire Co. assisted with the incident. Click here for photos.

Changing of the Guard
On 1/1/05, after three successful years, Captain Rick Hibell stepped aside as newly appointed Captain James D'Arcy took over command of the Company. Captain D'Arcy has served under Captain Hibell as a Lieutenant for the last two years. Captain D'Arcy is supported by his Lieutenants and Engineers as he gears up for a busy year.

With the changing of Firematic Officers comes the changing of Administrative Officers. After three years President James D'Arcy turned over the reigns of the Company to incoming President, Daniel P. Kelly. President Kelly has served as the Company's Secretary for the past two years. President Kelly looks to implement a sound agenda as he takes the Company forward.

Chief William Hibell completed his five year term as Fire Chief of the Department. During the annual Chief's Breakfast, Chief Hibell passed the torch to incoming Fire Chief, Gregory Papailiou. Chief Papailiou is supported by Deputy Chief Peter Lucyk, 1st. Assistant Chief William Kennelly, 2nd. Assistant Chief Vincent P. Falci and newly appointed 3rd. Assistant Chief John Kardel.

Good luck and well wishes to all of the incoming Fire Chiefs, Line Officers and Administrative Officers from the members of the Independent Fire Co. of Belford.