24 FEBRUARY 2008 - Station 26-5 conducted a RIT/Profile drill a their station.  The members were challenged to enter the maze with full PPE/SCBA, with the mask blanked out.  The maze consisted of a wall breach, elevated obstacle, SCBA profile through a 16" x 15.5" tunnel, traverse through wires, and rescue a simulated downed firefighter.

26 JANUARY 2008 - At 8:00 am, about 100 GTFD firefighters attended the Annual Refresher Training Day.

This year's training was hosted by Marriot's Seaview Resort and Spa.

The training sessions included:  HazMat Awareness, CBRN Refresher, and Sexual Harrassment Training.

Much of the training was provided by the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management.

AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center nurses were also on hand to provide blood screening services for firefighters who wanted it.  

The GTFD would like to sincerely thank Marriot's Seaview Resort and Spa for their hospitality.

We would also like to sincerely thank AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center nurses who volunteered their time to be with us and the Atlantic County Office of Emergency Management.

7 DECEMBER 2007 - At approximately 18:00 hours, Stations 26-2 and 26-3 were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire in the Blue Heron Pines section of the Township.  The caller (owner) reported that the fire had been extinguished.

C26-20, C26-21, E-25, E-26, U-28, C26-300, and E26-35 responded. Upon arrival, C26-20 assumed command and found and reported that the vehicle was fully involved!

E26-25 extinguished the blaze.  E26-35 supplied E26-25 with water and opened the hood with the Jaws of Life to check for extension.  U26-28 provided lighting. for the incident.

No injuries were reported.  The vehicle was a total loss.

Units were on scene for approximately 45 minutes.

11 SEPTEMBER 2007 - At 12:00 hours, the Township of Galloway conducted it's 6th annual 9/11 Ceremonies at Patriot Lake at the Township's Municipal Complex.

The event included a number of speeches by elected officials as well as several musical numbers.

Representatives from each of the five GTFD fire companies attended as well as participated in the annual event.

Chief Ron Garbutt (Germania, Station 26-2) rang the bell in honor of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day.

Assistant Chief Winneberger (Bayview, Station 26-4) spoke on behalf of the GTFD and discussed the brotherhood/sisterhood in the Fire Service and the country.

Captain Joseph Ward (Pomona, Station 26-3) played Echo Taps.

Mr. Howard Berchtold (South Egg Harbor, Station 26-5) led those in attendance in the singing of the National Anthem.

GTFD representatives saluted during the Pledge of Allegiance.

A number of GTFD apparatus were present.

29 AUGUST 2007 - At approximately 21:30 hours, Stations 26-2 and 26-3 were requested to respond to Richard Stockton College's police station for a smell of smoke.

C26-300, E26-35, L26-36, C26-21, E26-24 and E26-25 responded.

Station 26-2 units staged in front of the nearby maintenance building.

While E26-35 investigated the interior, L26-36 deployed the aerial to the roof.  The roof was checked with a thermal camera.  Nothing was found.

It was determined to be a burnt air conditioner belt.

No further action was taken.

Station 26-2 units were returned to service shortly before Station 26-3.

Units were on scene for approximately 30 minutes.

7 AUGUST 2007 - The GTFD was well represented at Galloway's National Night Out.  A number of members of the GTFD took time out of their busy schedules to bring a number of pieces of fire apparatus to the event for the public to inspect.

Station 26-1 brought their tanker; Station 26-2 brought their brand new 2 day old pumper; Station 26-3 brought their quint; Station 26-4 brought their ladder and also answered an alarm during the event, and Station 26-5 brought their brand new cascade trailer.

The Forest Fire Service was in attendance as well.

Even Sparky made a guest appearance.

The event is held each year at the Galloway Township Municipal complex from approximately 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

MEMORIAL DAY 2007 - At 14:33 hours, stations 26-3 (Pomona) and 26-4 (Bayview) were requested to respond to a reported structure fire on the 300 block of Poplar Ave.

First arriving units encountered heavy flames and smoke coming from the front of the house.  There was also a vehicle in the garage.

Station 26-2 (Germania) was requested as the FAST team.

The fire was initially knocked down using ladders 26-36 and 26-48's master streams.  Several hand lines were then deployed to fully extinguish the blaze.

Galloway Twp EMS responded.  Absecon EMS also responded and deployed their rehab unit due to the high temperature and humidity.  A number of neighbors generously provided water and Gatorade to the firefighters as well.

The Red Cross was requested to assist the home owner.

No firefighter injuries were reported.  At least one civilian injury was reported.

Stations 26-3 and 26-4 were on scene for approximately 3.5 hours.

28 MAY 2007 - About 30 members of the GTFD attended the service.  Each of the five Companies were represented.  A number of Germania (Station 26-2) Volunteer Fire Company Laidies' Auxiliary were also in attendance.

The service is held annually each Memorial Day at Germania Cemetery.  

After singing the National Anthem and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the members listened to a speech given by a Captain in the United States Navy.

Afterward, a number of wreaths were placed, including one by GTFD members, to honor and remember those who have given their lives so that the rest of us may be free.

28 APRIL 2007 - At approximately 0850 hours, Stations 26-3 (Pomona) and 26-2 (Germania) were dispatched to Liebig St. and Vienna Ave. for an MVA with entrapment.

C2600, C26-20, E26-24, E26-25, U26-28, C26-300, R26-38, E26-35, responded.

Upon arrival, C2600 establlished Incident Command.  Upon realizing there was a fatality, Command slowed all incoming units.

All units stood by while waiting for the ME.

Afterwards, 26-3 units removed the room and both passenger side doors.

Units were on scene until 12:00 hours.

18 APRIL 2007 - At approximately 1910 hours, Station 26-3 (Pomona) was dispatched to Rt. 30 (White Horse Pike) in the area of Dante Ave. for a motor vehicle accident standby with wires down.

C26-300, E26-35, R26-38, and U2637 responded.

Upon arrival, C26-300 establlished Incident Command.  Command requested that the vehicle be stabilized and de-engergized as the patiient was still in the vehicle.

In order to remove the patient safely, the driver side door was cut off using the Jaws of Life.

Units were on scene until 20:00 hours.

12 APRIL 2007 - At approximately 1800 hours, the Stations 26-3 (Pomona) and 26-4 (Bayview) were requested to respond to the GSP for a motor vehicle accident.

The companies assisted in removing a door from the involved vehicle and set up a landing zone (LZ). Injured in the crash was NJ Governor Corzine.

GTFD units were on scene until 22:30 hours.

8 MARCH 2007 - At approximately 1630 hours, Station 26-3, along with Galloway Twp EMS and Richard Stockton Police conducted a Mock Motor Vehicle Accident/DUI stop with extrication and patient removal.

With Spring Break coming, several student groups along with cooperation of the Richard Stockton College Public Safety Department conducted the exercise at the K Building Circle.

The hope was to convince students to think twice before drinking and driving.

Several students volunteered to act as victims.

Stockton PD responded just like an actual MVA.  They provided first aid and crowd control.   They also processed the alleged "DUI" driver.

Galloway Twp EMS triaged, treated, and transported the victims.

Station 26-3 (Pomona) performed the extrication and assisted EMS with patient removal and transport.

Units were on location for approximately 90 minutes.

7 MARCH 2007 - At approximately 1430 hours, Stations 26-3 and 26-2 were dispatched to 142 Liebig St. for a reported structure fire.

First arriving police officers reported a fully involved structure.

Station 26-4 was requested for a FAST team assignment.  While enroute, station 26-4 was called in for the 3rd alarm and Station 26-1 was requested for a FAST team assignment.  Station 26-5 was called to the scene for the 5th alarm.

Upon arrival, Engine 35 laid a 4" supply line down the driveway and initiated attack with a 2 1/2" protecting the garage.  As additional units arrived, water supply was established and an additional 2 1/2" and 2-1 3/4" lines was also deployed.

Absecon FD, Egg Harbor City FD, and Cologne FD were called in for cover ups.

The house was a total loss but the attached garage was saved.  No one was home at the time.   However, the family pet was lost in the fire.

Station 26-2 units provided additional lighting during overhaul.

Galloway Twp PD closed Liebig St.for the duration of the incident.  Galloway Twp EMS were on scene as well.

The Salvation Army was on scene to provide refreshments to firefighters.  The Red Cross was also called to provide assistance to the the owners.

At least one minor firefighter injury was reported.

Stations 26-2 and 26-3 were on scene for approximately 6 hours.

All units were back in service shortly after 2200 hours.

1 MARCH 2007 - At approximately 2000 hours, Stations 26-2 and 26-3 were dispatched to Rt. 30 just west of Cologne Ave. for a reported Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA), overturned vehicle, with entrapment.

E26-25, U26-27, C-2600, C26-300, R26-38, U26-37, and E26-35 responded.

Upon arrival, C26-300 assumed Incident Command and informed incoming units that there was one vehicle on its roof with one person trapped.  There was also another vehicle involved.

R26-38 stabilized and de-energized the vehicle.  The driver's side doors were then removed.   E26-35 stretched and charged a 1 3/4" hose line to protect the extrication team.

The victim was then backboarded, removed from the vehicle, and transported to the hospital by Galloway Twp EMS.

Station 26-2 units stood by and assisted the police with post accident lighting.

Galloway Twp PD provided excellent traffic control and safe work zone for the duration of the incident.

Stations 26-2 and 26-3 were on scene for approximately 60 minutes.

All units were back in service shortly after 2100 hours.

21 JANUARY 2007 - At 0126 hours, Stations 26-3 and 26-2 and F2600 were dispatched to a reported possible structure fire in the Pomona Campground (there are no hydrants in the campground).

Shortly thereafter, F2600 arrived and reported a fully involved structure.  The structure turned out to be a 5th wheel trailer type with nearby exposures on the B, C, and D sides with a sizeable propane tank on the front.  F2600 requested Station 26-4's FAST team respond to the scene.

A woman was home at the time of the fire.  She was able to escape to a neighbor's trailer and dial 911.

E26-35 arrived on scene first and began the initial attack with the engine's deluge gun while two 1 3/4" hand lines were being deployed.

L23-36 arrived next, began supplying E26-35 with water, and supplied additional scene lighting.  E26-34 arrived and also began supplying E26-35 with water.

Once the fire was sufficiently knocked down, Station 26-4's FAST Team was recalled.  This occurred prior to their arrival.

T26-29 and E26-25 arrived shortly thereafter and T26-29 supplied E26-34 with water.

After the fire was placed under control, L23-36 performed salvage and overhaul operations and Station 26-2 units were placed back in service.

During the incident, Station 26-5 was called to cover Station 26-3.  While at the station, E26-53 was requested to respond to a CO alarm activation, also within Station 26-3's First Due Area.

Absecon EMS stood by for the duration of the incident.

No civilian or Fire Dept. injuries were reported.

The unit was a total loss.  The fire is under investigation by the Galloway Twp Fire Investigator's Office.

Stations 26-4 and 26-3 were on scene for approximately 2.5 hours.

All units were back in service shortly after 04:15 hours.

30 DECEMBER 2006 - At approximately 0400 hours, Stations 26-4 and 26-3 were dispatched to Pitney Rd. just south of the Collins Rd. for a reported Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) with entrapment.

C26-40, E26-46, C26-300, R26-38, U26-37, and E26-35 responded.

Upon arrival, C26-40 assumed Incident Command and confirmed the MVA.  C26-300 assumed Extrication Command and informed incoming rescue units that a door removal and dash push would be required.

R26-38 stabilized and de-energized the vehicle.  Both driver's side doors were "popped" open and then cut off.  Due to the impingement of the dashboard on the victim, R26-38 pushed the dashboard off the victim.  The vehicle's roof was removed as well.

Station 26-4 units pulled and charged a 1 3/4" line to provide fire protection for the extrication team.   They also provided post incident lighting.

The victim was then backboarded, removed from the vehicle, and transported to the hospital by Galloway Twp EMS.

Galloway Twp PD provided excellent traffic control and safe work zone for the duration of the incident.

Stations 26-4 and 26-3 were on scene for approximately 60 minutes.

All units were back in service shortly after 0500 hours.