December 2002 - January 2003 Edition

Heroes honored for Radburn Building fire response  By Chris Neidenberg Borough officials recently offered a big "thank you" to the hundreds of volunteers and others from Fair Lawn and surrounding environs whose efforts have given hope to possibly restoring the historic Radburn Building - ravaged by a severe fire on Oct. 1st. A special moment of silence was also offered to one responder who paid the ultimate sacrifice. While not killed in the accidental fire, the emergency still took the life of Garfield volunteer Fireman George Batali, of Fire Company No. 1. He died of a heart attack while racing to the scene. Deputy Mayor For Community Affairs Martin Etler paid tribute, while an audience of at least 150 people, including many responders from throughout North Jersey, joined in prayer. None of the occupants, or firefighters working the scene, were seriously hurt. In addition to presenting honors to the responders from his municipality's four fire companies, and the Fair Lawn heavy rescue, volunteer ambulance and police squads, a gracious Mayor David L. Ganz offered heartfelt praise to Fair Lawn's sister municipalities (17) in Bergen and Passaic counties, and a host of regional and hospital response teams. These crews raced from all different directions in rallying behind the embattled borough in a great time of need - greatly easing the burden directly confronting Fair Lawn in this stark moment of crisis. The entire ceremony lasted at least 45 minutes, before the start of that night's meeting. The mayor also made a special presentation to borough youth, Neil Wigod, whose spontaneous and simple act of kindness briefly brightened what was otherwise a very dank and dim experience for the physically battered and uncomfortable firemen. Sensing that these drained firefighters needed some relief, Wigod - with his father at the time - dug into his own pockets and bought ice cream at a local shop, before serving it to these heat-soaked and parched emergency responders. The 13-year-old's generosity gave these tired and hot crew members a badly-needed, if even brief, respite, enabling them to re-energize in finishing the difficult task.. While physically drained, these responders' efforts (including some salaried personnel) paid off in stemming what would have been complete devastation to the over 70-year-old site. The structure dates back to Radburn's earliest beginnings as the nation's first planned community. The heaviest damage was largely confined to the north side of the building, encompassing roughly 30 small businesses. The ball is now in the court of the building's owners, since the damage has rendered the entire building uninhabitable. The municipality is anxiously awaiting word from Gov. James McGreevey on authorizing a federal disaster declaration, which will free up funds to aid any rebuilding effort. "We are grateful to all of you for what you did," said Ganz, keeping his remarks simple in thanking the assembled gathering. In saluting his own firemen, Ganz presented the entire department (no individual awards in this clear team effort) a Certificate of Merit - adorned with a rather appropriate visual. "By interesting coincidence, the symbol on it is the Radburn Building, which you guys worked so hard to save," said a beaming mayor. The fire suddenly disrupted the often mundane lives of many other ordinary citizens well beyond Fair Lawn's reach - who heeded the call as pagers beeped and alarms sounded. The roster of municipal volunteer departments and other agencies, mentioned individually by the mayor, included fire departments in: Allendale, Box 54 Teaneck, Elmwood Park, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Maywood, Midland Patk, Paramus, Rochelle Park and Saddle Brook, along with the Central Bergen Mutual Aid and Northwest Mutual Aid associations. Outside emergency medical units arrived from, among other locations, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Lodi, and the St. Joseph's and Valley hospitals. Other agencies at the ready included the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management, the Paramus and Saddle River Valley rescue squads, and Bergen County police. All these agencies also received certificates. In saluting Batali, Etler made a special presentation to Garfield. He commended all the firefighters, whose brethren spirit transcends geographical boundaries. "He was well-remembered, and we're very honored to give this to the Garfield Volunteer Fire Department," the deputy mayor observed. "Isn't it absolutely wonderful that the various volunteer fire department companies can come together and help each other? Let's all give them a big round of applause." In turning his attention to Wigod, with his father at his side, Ganz said the youth's contribution cannot be underestimated. "Neil excellently maintained an awareness of an emergency situation," the mayor told the audience, "using sensitivity, concern and compassion. "No young man does it without his parents. It comes from growing up in a good home, and being brought up the right way." Note: Mr. Neidenberg is a talented local writer looking for a job. If you have a job tip for him, send an e- mail to chrisneidenberg@hotmail.com   A Volunteer Tells His Story By Jim Magarelli, Fair Lawn Rescue First of all, I would like to thank J. C. Pizza, The Dutch House, The Track Side Grill, the young man who bought ice cream from Haagen Dazs and any businesses I have missed for providing food to the emergency services the night of the fire. The first week of October was definitely a crazy week. At approximately 5:10 PM on October 1st, tones were activated on the fire and rescue pager. After the tones, there was silence for a few seconds, the first hint that the call was going to be something big. As the dispatcher starts to give the message of a reported structure fire, over the microphone you hear the phones ringing off the wall at Police Headquarters. As we arrive on the scene, you see the crowds of people already starting to form. Most faces were in shock. Just looking at them, you could tell what they were thinking. Command (the fire chief) started giving out orders on what he wanted done, and what towns he wanted in for mutual aid. About seventeen towns in all responded to the scene and to cover the town for other calls. As I stood in the back parking lot geared up with my air pack and tools waiting for my orders, the smoke thickened. At one point, I couldn't see more than 10 feet in front of me. The adrenaline is rushing as I stand there listening to Command telling us where the interior crews are. I was part of the fast team in the beginning. That means the only reason I have to enter the building at that time is if someone is lost or injured and they need to be pulled from the building. Then the sounds of the air horns from all the apparatus on scene. The first crews were in long enough. Command gave the order to evacuate. The air horns are used in case someone doesn't hear the radio transmission or if their radio isn't working. The company Captain's account for all members who went in. With sirens in the distance, you knew the Calvary was on the way. Chiefs from other towns reporting to the Command Post so they can get and relay orders to their crews. The second wave goes in and does what they have to do, then the third wave. Night fall came and the fire was still going. The crowd of onlookers grew so much, you would have thought everyone was in line for World Series tickets. At about midnight, the crowd starts to dwindle, but many remain to watch. Mutual Aid starts to be relieved,  The situation is now under control. This would be the beginning of a long week ahead. With a fire of this magnitude, a crew had to remain on scene in case of spot fires (basically when hot ash flares up again). The police department remained for scene security. By Saturday afternoon at approximately 4:00 PM, the fire department and rescue squad were officially released. Our job was done.