HFC Visits NYC

On Saturday, May 30th, members of Haddon Fire Company spent the day in New York City. The trip began with a stop at Ground Zero where members paid their respects to their fallen brothers at the FDNY Memorial Wall outside Engine 10/Ladder 10. After a brief stop at Engine 24/Ladder 5, the group continued on to the NYC Fire Museum where they were given a personal tour and an in depth lesson on the history of the FDNY by a retired FDNY Captain. The last stop of the day was at Ladder 8, where HFC members received a tour of the station and the opportunity to talk with firefighters on duty. The trip was a huge success and many thanks go out to the FDNY for their hospitality throughout the day.

At approx. 10:38PM on 6/21/09, Haddon Fire Company No. 1 and Task Force 14-1 were dispatched to a reported dwelling fire at 264 Jefferson Avenue in Haddonfield. The home was a single family 2 story frame construction detached dwelling, occupied by a family with 3 young children. Upon arrival, the homeowner advised that all family members were safely evacuated. He further indicated that the fire was in the basement of the home. There was a heavy smoke condition in the front of the building and fire was visible from the basement windows. Firefighters from Haddonfield, Haddon Heights and Cherry Hill Fire Departments made entry into the home and extinguished the fire utilizing Haddonfields new CAFS (compressed air foam system). There was fire damage to the entire basement and the 1st floor walls. There also was significant smoke damage to the entire home. The home had several "working" smoke detectors and Fire Department officials credited the homeowner for prompt notification to the Fire Department via 9-1-1. The actions of the homeowners to quickly evacuate the home with all of thier children was of critical importance. 24 Volunteer firefighters from Haddonfield responded to the emergency call. Assistance was provided by Westmont Fire Company, and Cherry Hill Fire Department Cascade and Rehab services. During the incident, Barrington, Runnemede and Pennsauken Fire Departments had Firefighters stand-by in Haddonfields Station to provide coverage for the rest of the community. The Camden County ISAT team provided additional command support. The cause of the fire, which appears to be related to an appliance in the basement, is under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal's Office.

HFC14-1 Ladder ops during 2 alarm fire in Cherry Hill
Click on the images to see photos of the scene. Photos by John Axford

" I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a Fireman. The position may in the eyes of some, appear to be a lowly one; but we who know the work which a fireman has to do, believe his is a noble calling.

Our proudest moment is to save...lives.

"Under the impulse of such thoughts the nobility of the occupation thrills us and stimulates us to deeds of daring, even of supreme sacrifice."