Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - At approximately 1351 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company to a possible structure fire on Morris Avenue in the Gilford Park section of Toms River. Engine 5311 responded within minutes and was advised by command (Chief 2800) that there was an active fire in the kitchen. The crew from 5311 made quick work of the fire and worked with the crew from Engine 2811 to ventilate and check for extension. Luckily, the fire was well-contained and minimal residual smoke damage resulted. Units cleared the scene in under an hour.

Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Despite snowfall exceeding 20 inches just a mere day prior, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company boarded the apparatus and escorted Santa Claus throughout Island Heights in keeping with the annual tradition. While a few hours earlier, neighbors were helping neighbors shovel driveways and cars out of the snow, the day came to a good end with the exchange of gifts, candy canes and fresh baked cookies.

Thursday, November 26, 2009 - In a stunning display of talent on the part of both teams, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company came out victorious over the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company in the annual Thanksgiving Day football game with a score of 42-28. The game was held on the varsity football field of Toms River East High School at approximately 0930 hours and all competitors and families returned to the Island Heights firehouse afterwards to celebrate the outcome of the game and the holiday. The members of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy and SAFE Holiday Season!

Sunday, November 1, 2009 - Shortly after 0800 hours, Station 53 was alerted to a working structure fire on River Bend Drive in Toms River. Engine 5301 and the Chief responded and arrived on scene 3rd due to a fully-involved two car attached garage with extension into the house. The engine chauffeur positioned on side alpha while the crew pulled a 2-1/2 inch attack line off of Engine 2501. The crew coordinated with crews from the first two engines (Toms River Cos. 1 & 2) to quickly knock down the bulk of the fire. Chief 5300 operated as a division officer and supervised fireground operations throughout the duration of the incident. The crew from Island Heights operated for just over two hours before being released by command (Chief 2500).

See 1stResponderNews article by Silverton Ex-Chief Bob Sinnott here.

Conditions upon arrival and the crew from Engine 5301 placing the deuce and a half in service.

Photos Courtesy of TRFD #1 Ex-Chief Al McDaniel

Saturday, September 12, 2009 - The Rotary Club of Toms River held its 17th Annual Sailfest Regatta and Street Fair along River Avenue in Island Heights. The event included a variety of food vendors, craft booths, games, antique automobiles and machinery and a live band. The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary manned their usual sausage sandwich stand, as well as provided fire protection for the event by staffing Engine 5301 which remained on site for the duration, as well as maintaining a second crew for Engine 5311 which remained in quarters to take in any calls for service for the rest of the town. Aside from an auto accident, the day was fairly quiet of emergencies. A fun time was had by all and the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company thanks all who stopped by the booth as well as those who generously gave donations. We look forward to Sailfest 2010!

Friday, September 11, 2009 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company remembers all who lost their lives on the morning of 9/11/01, especially those 343 firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Never Forget.

Monday, September 7, 2009 - Monday celebrated not only Labor Day 2009, but also the 99th annual Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company's Labor Day races and softball game. Hundreds of residents turned out to watch and participate in the tradition, which included potato races, three-legged races, pie eating contests and the "peanut scramble". The event was once again a huge success, with much fun and laughs had by all. The day was topped off by the annual Island Heights Fire/Toms River Fire softball game. Island Heights came out on top after a vicious battle with numerous lead changes and highlights. The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company would like to thank the residents of Island Heights and the companies of the Toms River Fire Department for attending and once again making the day a success.

Labor Day 2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the IHVFC's festivities. This event will include throwback races and events that took place way back when, as well as some new. Any suggestions of races and/or events that used to take place on Labor Days of the past are welcomed. Please contact the webmaster or any IHVFC member with ideas or suggestions. Any help in making this occasion special is greatly appreciated.

Saturday, August 29, 2009 - Slightly before 0600 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Co. (Station 28) to a house fire on Garfield Avenue in the Gilford Park section of Toms River. Upon arrival, units encountered a working fire and went to work. Chief 5300, Engine 5311, and Engine 5301 responded, performed vertical ventilation and assisted with extinguishing the fire and checking for extension.

Friday, August 14, 2009 - At approximately 1617 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Co. (Station 28) to a possible shed fire on Adams Avenue in the East Dover section of Toms River. Upon arrival, units encountered a working fire on the exterior of the house with extension into the attic space. Chief 5300 and Engine 5311 responded, established a water supply and assisted with extinguishing the fire and checking for extension.

Friday, August 7, 2009 - At approximately 1845 hours, Toms River Command Unit 1 dispatched Stations 28 (East Dover) and 53 (Island Heights) for a simulated water rescue with multiple persons in the water at Shelter Cove in the East Dover section of Toms River. Water Rescue 5304 and Engine 5301 arrived and worked with Units from Station 28 to launch land-based water rescue efforts from the beach. Meanwhile, fire/rescue boats from Stations 28, 29 (Silverton), and the jet-ski from Station 25 (Toms River Co. 1) effected numerous rescues from the water. Station 53 units operated from the north end of the beach, launching two rescuers at a time on tag lines with proper personal protective equipment. A total of 12 patients were rescued and evaluated by EMS units with injuries ranging from missing limbs and broken backs to jellyfish stings. Two evolutions were run and units cleared at approximately 2100 hours. Special thanks to various fire explorers who volunteered as victims, as well as Captain Tutela (Station 28) and Captain Baney (IHVFC) for organizing the drill.

Photos: svfc29.com

Friday, July 31, 2009 - At approximately 1800 hours, a storm front pushed through Central Ocean County, bringing heavy winds, rain, thunder and lightning to the Toms River area. Throughout the storm, Station 53 was called to dozens of emergency and non-emergency incidents, deploying Chief 5300, Asst. Chief 5310, Engines 5301 and 5311 and Utility 5304 throughout Island Heights and parts of Toms River. The storm brought down a number of trees and wires, damaging several houses and vehicles. Luckily, everyone made it home safe and the night resulted in no major injuries.

See article by IHPD Officer Sinnott here.