Monday, December 20, 2010 - Just after 0900 hours, Station 53 was alerted to the Island Heights Department of Public Works Water Treatment Plant for an odor of chlorine. Chief 5300, along with Engines 5301 and 5311, and Island Heights FAS Ambulance 218 arrived to find an active chlorine leak in the plant. Command (5300) requested the response of the Berkeley Township HazMat Team and initiated proper hazardous materials precautions. Island Heights Office of Emergency Management coordinated the evacuation of Summit Avenue from Simpson Avenue to Laurel Avenue, and Laurel Avenue from Summit Avenue to Lake Avenue. In addition, the Island Heights Grade School was placed in lock down mode (no entry or exit). The HazMat Team secured 2 leaking chlorine tanks and the incident was placed under control in just over two hours.

Friday, September 24, 2010 - Congratulations to the winners of the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company's annual raffle. First Place prize of $11,000 went to Frank Maione of Island Heights, and Second Place prize of $1,500 went to Richie Smith of Toms River. The IHVFC would like to thank everyone for their support.

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company pauses this morning to remember the 343 brothers of FDNY killed in the line of duty nine years ago today, as well as the NYPD, PAPD and the thousands of innocent Americans who perished that day. Station 53 supports our troops and those who diligently and tirelessly work in the fight against terrorism and preservation of our freedom. Never forget.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - Slightly after 2300 hours, Station 53 was alerted with the East Dover Fire Company and other Toms River companies to a house fire on Harding Ave in the East Dover section of the township. First arriving units encountered heavy fire on side alpha of the structure and advanced lines to aggressively attack the fire. Engine 5311 responded within minutes and arrived shortly after first arriving units. The crew from Island Heights stretched multiple attack lines and assisted with searches and overhaul. Through a coordinated effort, crews limited fire spread through the interior of the structure. Engine 5311 remained on scene for almost two hours before returning to Island Heights.

Monday, September 6, 2010 - The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company celebrated its 100th Anniversary Labor Day races at Memorial Field on September 6, 2010. Events included the traditional tricycle races, potato races, sack races, three-legged races, 50 and 75 yard dashes, treasure hunt, pie-eating contest and peanut scramble. Most races included children categories and there were several adult races, all of which provided a lot of amusement. Returned from the distant past were a 'Dizzy Bat' race and rooster calling competition. Several hundred people attended and everyone had a great time. Prizes were awarded and commemorative T-shirts were sold. Following the Races, the Island Heights firemen hosted the Toms River Fire Companies in a softball game, in which Island Heights won handily.

Click the photos below to view the full album!

Monday, July 26, 2010 - On July 26th and 27th, the Island Heights Fire Company provided on-water safety and rescue support to the Island Heights Yacht Club during their sponsorship of the Junior Olympic Mid-Summer Regatta.

This event has been hosted by the Yacht Club for many years and has grown to over 300 boats and nearly 400 competitors. Good fortunes were with the Yacht Club in that the weather was cooperative, and there were no real safety issues. There were a few instances of heat exhaustion, for which Fire/Rescue Boat 5316 transported one competitor back to the dock to be checked out. On Tuesday, the wind was not cooperating in the morning. The Fire Boat cooled off one of the fleets of nearly 100 boats with their 500-gpm Blitzfire monitor (see photos).

The presence of 5316, and its immediate rescue support capabilities, was very much appreciated by the Yacht Club, the Junior Olympic Committee, the participants and their coaches.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 - Shortly before 1400 hours, Station 53 was alerted to an early afternoon fire at the home of Fire Chief Andy Parks and family. The first arriving police unit (Officer Jill Dworzanski) reported smoke and fire showing and forced entry to rescue the family's dog. Engines 5311 and 5301 were on scene moments later and immediately placed two lines in service and secured a water supply. Command was established by Captain Baney (5320) from the first due engine, who quickly called for additional companies from surrounding jurisdictions. Due to elevated temperatures and humidity, crews were rotated frequently and EMS and Ladies Auxiliary personnel provided rehab throughout the incident. Island Heights members and units remained on scene into the evening to secure the house, salvage possessions, and support the family.

Chief Parks and family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the emergency services that responded to the fire and for the outpouring of generosity from the community. At this time, it appears as though the Parks are content with the donations already received to get them back on their feet. Should anyone still wish to make a donation, Chief Parks has requested one be made to the American Red Cross in the name of the Parks family, so as to benefit other victims of fire who may be less fortunate. Again, the selfless contributions are greatly appreciated and no amount of support has gone unnoticed. Feel free to e-mail the webmaster for information at webmaster@ihvfc.com.

Photos/Stillshots courtesy of APP.com & Ex-Chief R. Wilber Jr.

Sunday, July 4, 2010 - Independence Day 2010 was kicked off by the annual Island Heights Bike Parade led by the Island Heights Volunteer Fire company. 1999 Engine 5301 and 1928 Engine 5321 led a school of cyclists around River Avenue in the annual tradition. Later in the day, Fire/Rescue Boat 5316 took to the Toms River to join in on the annual 4th of July celebration. Boat 5316 was joined by Silverton Fire/Rescue Boat 2903 and other Fire, Rescue and Law Enforcement vessels to mingle and oversee the party on the water. The celebration was enjoyable as usual, and the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company wishes all a happy and safe summer!

 
Video courtesy: YouTube user stealthlsc

Friday, July 2, 2010 - After months of hard work and planning, the Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company has placed Fire/Rescue Boat 5316 in the water and begun operational Fire/Rescue training to prepare for emergency operations. The 29-foot SeaVee center console was modified in-house to provide a hard-piped 500-gpm pump with two 2-1/2 inch discharges for water supply and/or fire suppression with two handlines equipped with combination nozzles or a Blitzfire master stream. The boat is also equipped with night vision capabilities and a full array of water rescue equipment for response to any type of water incident in the Toms River, Barnegat Bay or Atlantic Ocean. Station 53 plans to place the unit in service in the coming months.

*A special thanks to IBoat NJ and our many other contributors, without whom the boat project would not have been possible.

Photos: TRFC #1 Ex-Chief Al McDaniel