I was away most of this past week so was unable to make this. In Butler we have two connections to the tragedy. A lieutenant with Bartholdi Hose Co. 2 is a past member of Bogota Fire Department where the fire took place. The captain of Kinney Hose Co. 1 (my company) came to us from the Ridgefield Park Fire Department. Something like this is never easy for the family, fellow firefighters and friends of someone who makes the supreme sacrifice but hopefully all of the survivors can take some comfort in knowing how many people care from such a wide area.
Rich Dean, Butler, New Jersey, USA
Member of Kinney Hose Co. 1, Butler Fire Dept. since 1973, Fire Police Officer since 2000
Dispatcher at Butler Police Communications from March 1975 to July 2009
Secretary of North Jersey Volunteer Firemen's Association since 1980
Member of Tri-Boro First Aid Squad (volunteer ems) since 2000 as a driver
Member of many Yahoogroups, owner of some such as:
[post="0"]FirematicEvents Yahoogroup[/post]the place to for listing and discussion of any event by a public safety organization.
07-23-2007, 12:20 AM (This post was last modified: 07-23-2007, 12:23 AM by njjimmy.)
I'll post this on the NJ thread as well as the topic that is in the LODD category:
On behalf of the Ridgefield Park Fire Department, I want to thank all of you for your prayers, your presence, your donations, and above all your never-ending support of Ex-Chief Stephen R. Dembski. We've been through hell this past week, and to say that it has been "difficult" doesn't begin to describe what many of have been feeling. Amidst the pain, tears, and abject bewilderment, fire departments and emergency services from New Jersey and beyond have been a stronghold for us. As deeply saddened as I have become by this tragedy, I have been reassured by the presence of thousands of firefighters who, in one way or another, have come to us to honor Steve, his dutiful work, and his deeply good nature. It is a clear testament to Steve's enthusiasm and dedication to the fire service.
A special thank you to anyone who appeared in person at the wake and/or funeral services. There is nothing more comforting than to have our brothers stand shoulder to shoulder with us at our most trying time. Though I cannot be sure of it, I think the number of firefighters who filled Main Street on Thursday night numbered in the thousands. I heard somewhere that approximately 350 were present for the funeral on Friday morning. Regardless, words can't express my thanks for your presence and your condolences. I am truly humbled by your kindness.
Finally, I would just urge you to remember that though we have payed our last respects to Steve this week, there is still much work to be done. Please remember his wife and two sons in the wake of this tragedy. A fund has been set up for them, and donations can be made to support them at:
[color="#0000FF"]The Stephen Dembski Memorial Fund
93 Hazelton Street
Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660[/color]
Many, many thanks; God bless,
FF Jim Garvey
FDRP Engine 4
NJ - Jimmy Garvey Ridgefield VAC
Always in our hearts, Stephen R. Dembski, FDRP T-2 LODD 7-15-07
Anybody know what the Palisades Park engine tangled with? Not really visible in the pic, but the bumper is all buggered up on the officer's side. Hopefully no one was injured, and at least it wasn't the brand new Pierce.
On a lighter note, I really like the lettering on Little Ferry's new rig. Very cool looking, and a change from the same old gold-leafing....not that there's anything wrong with gold leaf.
[quote name='JScott128' post='132431' date='Jul 23 2007, 14:58 ']AVFC1699- I'm unable to open the links that you are posting, anyone else having the same problem?
[quote name='AndyC3J' post='132313' date='Jul 23 2007, 00:52 ']Anybody know what the Palisades Park engine tangled with? Not really visible in the pic, but the bumper is all buggered up on the officer's side. Hopefully no one was injured, and at least it wasn't the brand new Pierce.[/quote]
Speaking of Pal Park, has anyone gotten any spy shots of the new Pierce??? Their wetdown flyer mentions something about it being a Pierce Dash long pumper... Ive never heard of that description before.
[quote name='AndyC3J' post='133752' date='Jul 26 2007, 20:05 ']I've seen a few pics of it, and it's currently on Pierce's New Deliveries page, although not yet lettered:
Thats a nice Pierce! BLUE LEDs on the front <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/luxhello.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />
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