Station 44 reports to structure fire at 113 Carteret….

The upper unit of this home in the rear of 113 Carteret Avenue was completed gutted by fire during the early morning hours of October 29th.

A quick moving fire completely gutted the upstairs apartment in the rear building of 113 Carteret Avenue in Seaside Heights during the early morning hours of October 29th, but firefighters from Seaside Heights prevented the fire from spreading to an adjacent luxury condominium building. According to commanding officer, 1st Assistant Chief Billy Rumbolo from the SHFD, the call came in at about 3:30 a.m. Bartenders from Captain Hook’s Bar noticed the fire and awakened nearby neighbors. (According to a neighbor from the same property, the premises had just been vacated about two hours earlier by the previous tenants.) First responders from Station 44 encountered the upper unit fully involved in fire, with the wind spreading the flames towards one of the four buildings of the large Oceana Villas condominiums, separated by just a few feet. Although siding was melted, the other building was not ignited. Flames could be seen coming from every window of the upstairs unit, and damage was complete. However, it only took firefighters about 15 minutes to bring the blaze under control. Also responding to the blaze was the FAST team from Point Pleasant Beach and Seaside Park FD. Lavallette FD also assisted by being on call to respond should another call come into Seaside Heights while the Station 44 firefighters were on the scene of the structure fire. Following the blaze, investigators from the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office were on the scene for approximately six hours. After the OCFM was done with the investigation, the building was then cleared so that the Station 44 firefighters could examine the scene and officers could perform a critique of operations as part of on-going education. The complex at 113 Carteret Avenue, which is known for its landmark lighthouse that adorns the front of the property, is owned by landlord Theodore Szejnrok. In 2005, a structure fire inflicted heavy damage at 34 Fremont Avenue, another building that is owned by Mr. Szejnrok.

Flames threatened the neighboring Oceana Villas condo building, melting siding, but not igniting the structure.

Station 44 members attended a critique at the site of the structure fire the following evening.

Big Drill at 202 Dupont Avenue…

Firefighters from Seaside Heights and Toms River are seen at the location of 202 Dupont Avenue for a fire drill. The building is being demolished to make way for another luxury condo development.

On the evening of Tuesday October 9, 2007, Station 44, The Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department hosted a drill at the location of 202 Dupont Avenue, which is being demolished to make way for even more luxury condos. The drill was planned by SHFD Battalion Chief Lou Urcinole. Invited to the drill were members of Station 28, The East Dover Fire Company, and Station 26 from Downtown Toms River. Over 70 firefighters descended on the property for the drill, which included roof operations, forced entry, search and rescue practices. After the drill, those present went back to Station 44’s firehouse where a spread of food had been placed out by the Station 44 Auxiliary members. Food was catered by Mario’s South, Sub Doctors, and Mia’s Pizza. Following the meal, the various Chiefs and other line officers involved in the drill conducted a critique of the event to review what had been learned. The building used for the drill was once the home of the the late John Ricotta, longtime Seaside Heights Building Inspector. Seen at the drill was Station 44 member John LaStella, who is the grandson of Mr. Ricotta.

Over 70 firefighters from Seaside Heights and Toms River attended the drill at 202 Dupont Avenue in Seaside Heights.

After the drill, hungry firefighters returned to Station 44’s firehouse for a catered meal.

Unsung Fireworks Heroes…

 

 

SOME STATION 44 MEMBERS WHO WORK FIREWORKS Shawn Kennett, Eli Oliveri, Umberto Esposito, Randy Cabral, Paul Zinskie, Tom Bright.

Lots of people watch the fireworks display along the boardwalk in Seaside Heights. But fireworks-watchers might not recognize the important part that Station 44, The Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department plays in the display. Each time fireworks are planned, be it on the Fourth of July or First Night December 31st, Station 44 members are dispatched to the boardwalk for safety purposes in the unlikely event a stray spark should ignite something. Firefighters are stationed at Grant Avenue and the Boardwalk, as well as along the beach at Webster Avenue. Although thankfully they usually just watch the display and go home afterwards without incident, the SHFD members presence is important for safety so everyone can enjoy the fireworks.

Aaron Deluca and Greg Kohr also have been known to works fireworks duty.

Station 44 Labor Day Coin Toss….

Rich Tompkins and other Station 44 members are seen as cars stop for the Labor Day coin toss held by the Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department.

A Labor Day tradition was held in Seaside Heights. The annual coin toss to benefit Station 44, The Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Among those working at the event was Station 44 Engineer/Seaside Heights Councilman Rich Tompkins. Rich, who sees the situation from both perspectives, says that the purpose of the coin toss is to raise funds so that the Borough doesn’t have to pay many of the costs of the Fire Department. The coin toss is held at the entrance of town at Sumner Avenue, as you pass the big red blinking welcome sign. Look for another coin toss next Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks Point Pleasant Beach Fire Department….

Thanks are in order again to the Point Pleasant Beach Fire Department for its assistance to Station 44, The Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Recently, while Station 44 members attended a funeral in Seaside Park, members from Point Pleasant Beach staged at the Station 44 firehouse for coverage. Among those present was 4300, Point Beach Chief Kyle Grace. During the time of the coverage, The PPBFD responded to the call of a gas leak in Ortley Beach. This is far from the first time Point Pleasant Beach has been to Seaside Heights. Point Beach Deputy Chief Vincent Storino works in Seaside Heights and often works with the SHFD. Additionally, PPB’s FAST team often responds to major calls to assist Station 44 in Seaside Heights.

Point Pleasant Beach firefighters are seen staged at the Seaside Heights firehouse during a recent coverage.

Point Pleasant Beach Fire Chief Kyle Grace is seen in Seaside Heights.