News and Events of the Old Village Fire Company

News and Events

Events

What's New!

Provident Bank Foundation Award

Old Village has been awarded a $1,500 grant by the Provident Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Provident Bank. The award will be used to off-set the cost of purchasing a much-needed computer to be mounted in Engine 211. The ruggedized computer will enable immediate, on-scene access to a library of reference materials, pre-plans, maps, aerial photos, and a wealth of information that is crucial to the mitigation of various emergencies. In addition, the computer will facilitate the reporting and information management that is required of all fire companies by the State and Federal governments.

Tabling at ShopRite

The Old Village Fire Company would like to extend a special thank-you to the management and staff of ShopRite (Highway 35 & Harmony Road). The Company was granted permission on two Saturday mornings this Summer to staff a table in front of the store to provide members of the community with information on the Fire Company and collect donations. The management and staff demonstrated immense hospitality and generosity to the crews, for which we are extremely thankful.

Member promoted to Captain

Company life member, President, and ex-Chief Michael E. Lee, a 31-year veteran of law enforcement, has been promoted to the rank of Captain of the Atlantic Highlands Police Department. Congratulations Mike and good luck in your new well-deserved position.

Middletown Does it Again

Thanks to the efforts of Lt. Vernon Peterson (Old Village Fire Company) and ex-Chief Peter Lucyk (River Plaza Fire Company), the Middletown Township Fire Department has once again been awarded funding under the highly competitive Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program of the US Department of Homeland Security. As part of this award, the Department will be receiving a special washing machine and dryers for the decontamination of gear, and each of the eleven fire companies will be provided with an automated external defibrillator, trauma bag with oxygen kit, and two monitors which enable the detection of toxic and explosive gases. With this year’s award, the Department has won four in a row, totaling almost $700,000 in federal funding for crucially needed equipment. These awards result in tremendous savings for the taxpayers of the Township.

Station 11 Teams Up With The Middletown Newcomers Club

Station 11 has teamed up with the Middletown Newcomers Club to help support each group. Station 11 will be letting MNC utilize the training room for meetings and both organizations will support events and fundraisers that they may be involved in.

Founded in 1973, the Middletown Newcomers & Neighbors Club ("MNC") is a social, charitable, not-for-profit organization. Its objective is to foster friendships among residents of Middletown, NJ and surrounding areas. *The MNC is not just for newcomers* ! You can read more about the Middletown Newcomers Club at their website. http://middletownnewcomersclub.webs.com

Cub Scout Troop 142 Visits Station 11

On Friday February 6th, Cub Scout Troop 142 came by the firehouse for a tour. Led by Lt. Vern Peterson and FF Michael VanWagoner gave the troop a tour of our facilities and showed them what volunteer firefighters do. Everyone had a great time and the troop were given some fire safety hats and books. We look forward to their next visit.

Station 11 Congratulates the New Chief of the Department

On Thursday January 1st, Station 11 hosted the Annual Chiefs Breakfast. At the breakfast, Chief Falci (Station 11) handed over the reigns to the 2009 Chief John Kardel (Station 1) and welcomed the newest member to the Chief ranks, 3rd Assistant Chief John D'Atillio. The new line consists of Chief John Kardel (Sta 1), Deputy Chief John Isaksen (Sta 2), 1st Asst Chief Michael Chenoweth (Sta 3), 2nd Asst Chief John Wankel Jr. (Sta 4) and 3rd Asst Chief John D'Atillio (Sta 5). Congratulations and good luck to the 2009 Chief line.

Santa Claus Came To Town

Santa Claus came to Middletown on Saturday December 20th and asked Station 11 to escort him through our community. In preparation for the event, a new piece of equipment was built and put into service - SU 212 or Sleigh Unit 212. Santa's new sleigh hitched a ride with Station 11 as we took him through the snowy streets and spread some Christmas joy. Santa gave out candy canes and gifts to the children of the neighborhood. See some pictures on our Photo Gallery page.

We hope everyone had a very Safe and Merry Christmas. To find out more info on how Santa can deliver presents to your house Christmas 2009 please contact us (via the Contact page) or visit our website again later next year.

MOM'S Club of Middletown Visits Station 11

On Wednesday November 12th, Station 11 hosted the Mom's Club of Middletown North. Lt. D'Arcy lead the parents and children on a tour of the firehouse and equipment. The kids had a great time and were taught valuable fire safety tips.

The Mom's Club of Middletown, affiliated with the International MOMS Club, is a non profit organization supporting stay at home mom's and their children. Each month they have fun events for the mom's and kids. The Mom's Club also does fundraising and help out in the community. They have 2 chapters in Middletown that cover our area as well as the surrounding towns. For more info on the MOM'S Club of Middletown, please visit http://www.geocities.com/monmouthmomsclub/

New Members Accepted!

At our regular business meeting in November, Station 11 accepted in 2 new members. Firefighter Michael Koch and Probationary Firefighter John Reiner. FF Koch is also a member of Station 7 and Prob. FF Reiner will be attending the Spring 2009 FF1 class at the Middletown Township Fire Academy.

Station 11 Assists With Fire Prevention Week

On Wednesday October 29th, Station 11 along with the Middletown Township Fire Prevention Bureau visited Village Elementary School to teach the basics of fire prevention. Kindergarteners and 1st graders were taught the basics of fire prevention and fire safety. The children were also provided a tour of Engine 211 and its equipment by Lt. Vern Peterson, FF Vincent Buccigrossi and FF Michael Van Wagoner, who also answered all their questions. We thank the Village Elementary School for all their continued support for Fire Prevention and the Fire Department.

Station 11 Open House a big success!

On September 15th, 2008 at 6:30 PM the Old Village Fire Company held an Open House for the community. We had many families stop in and view the equipment, talk with our members and enjoy refreshments. There were gifts for the kids and a great time was had by all that attended.

Service and Committment Beyond Just Middletown

On Sunday, August 31st, Acting Governor Richard Codey deployed 35 members of New Jersey Task Force One, the state's multi-purpose search and rescue team, to Louisiana to assist communities affected by Hurricane Gustav. Among this highly trained and experienced group of individuals are two of Middletown Townships' Bravest, 1st Lieutenant David D'Arcy of Station 11 and Capt. Daniel Kelly of MTFD Special Services Unit and Station 10. Both Lt. D'Arcy and Capt Kelly serve on NJ-TF1, assisting in the planning and coordinating of rescue efforts. The team will be bringing with them their swift water rescue boats, inflatable Zodiacs and flat bottom Zodiacs. They will be driving in a convoy to Louisiana that will take them an estimated 22 hours.

In the words of Acting Governor Codey: "Americans have always been there for one another. After 9/11, help came to New Jersey from all over the country. During Katrina we were able to return the favor and send New Jersey resources to Louisiana. Today we head back to help Louisiana deal with the after effects and severe destruction of Hurricane Gustav. These individuals who are deploying today are meeting a desperate public service. They are a display of New Jersey at its best and I thank all of them for their hard work and generosity."

We wish Lt. D'Arcy and Capt. Kelly a safe trip. We know they, along with rest of the team, will make the fire department, Middletown Township, and all of NJ proud.

To read more about what the NJ Task Force One team does and how it is structured, please visit http://www.state.nj.us/njoem/taskforce1/index.html

Congratulations to New Life Member James Tuohy

At our last company business meeting on August 4th 2008, James Tuohy has achieved Life Member status as he has reached his 20 year milestone. Jim started his firefighting career back in 1988. He is an Ex- Captain and is currently serving a 3 year term as a Trustee. Jim is also a Lieutenant for the Middletown Township Special Services Emergency Response Team. We thank Jim for his dedication to the Fire Service and his tenure at the Old Village Fire Company. Congratulations from all of us at Station 11!

Congratulations to Life Member Phil Valese

On Monday August 18th 2008, Old Village Fire Company Life Member Phil Valese was voted in by his peers to the Board of Managers of the New Jersey Firemen's Home. Mr. Valese received 206 votes out of 262 to be elected to this position. In addition to this position, Mr. Valese is also currently serving as the Treasurer of the Middletown Township Fire Dept, Trustee of the Old Village Fire Co., President of the Middletown Firemen's Relief Association, President of the Middletown Exempt Firemen's Association, Delegate to the Middletown Firemen's Planning and Advisory Committee, Secretary of the Monmouth County Firemen's Association and Treasurer of Monmouth County Exempt Firemen's Association. Mr. Valese has over 50 years of service as a firefighter in Middletown Township and is a life member of the NJ State Firemen's Association as well as the Middletown Township Fire Dept. He is also past President of the MTFD and OVFC as well as an Ex-Captain. Mr. Valese brings many years of experience and knowledge with him to this position. Please join the Old Village Fire Company in congratulating Phil Valese in his new position and his commitment to the Fire Service.

For more about the NJ Fireman's Home, please visit http://www.njfh.org/index.html

New Member Accepted

During the regular business meeting of August, Station 11 accepted an application for Daniel Correa. Correa was enrolled as a Probationary Firefighter and will attend the Fall 2008 Firefighter 1 Course at the Training Academy

MVA - Car Vs Building

On Thursday July 31st, at approximately 5:08pm, Station 11 was dispatched to a multiple motor vehicle accident. One vehicle involved collided with a commercial building on New Monmouth Rd. The Middletown Township Special Services Emergency Response Team was also dispatched due to the structural damage. The crew of E211 assisted the S.S.E.R.T., led by Capt. Dan Kelly, in removing debris and constructing emergency shoring to support the building. Asst. Chief Jack Wankel called all units clear at 7:30pm.

Structure Fire at Jay Dr

In the early AM hours of Tuesday June 24th, Station 11 was dispatched to assist at a structure fire on Jay Dr. Station 11 responded as well as Station 5, Station 6 and Station 7. Station 11 crew helped extinguished the fire and performed overhaul in the interior of the house. See pictures of the fire under our Photo Gallery section.

Firefighter 1 Graduation and Final Drill

On Saturday June 21st, Middletown Township Fire Academy held their "Putting It All Together" Final drill for their Spring 2008 Firefighter 1 class. Class Coordinator Lt. Dave D'Arcy and his fellow instructors put together a day of Fire Evolutions for the "probies" to go through and demonstrate their understanding of the basics they just learned. It was a fun, but tiring day for the probationary firefighters due to the heat and humidity. Safety Director John Drucker kept a close eye on everyone to make sure no one was injured or succumbed to heat exhaustion. At night, the graduation ceremonies were held at Croydon Hall where the probationary firefighters were given their certificates and firefighter helmets. Congratulations Spring Class of 2008!

Charter Member Passes

Old Village Charter Member William Strohkirch Sr. passed away on June 9th. Mr. Strohkirch, 81, of Effort, PA was one of the founding fathers to the Company. He was a traffic and safety department head for Middletown Township Public Works for over 30 years, retiring in 1984. Strohkirch Sr. was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 2179, Port Monmouth. He was born in 1926 in Linden and lived in Middletown most of his life before moving to Effort, PA, 5 years ago.

Rest in Peace Mr. Stohkirch.

Station 11 accepts two new members, June 2nd 2008

During the regular business meeting of June, Station 11 accepted applications for Anthony Iacavone and Felix Sanchez Jr. Both members are recent migrants to Middletown and eager to volunteer their time. Iacavone was enrolled as a social member while Sanchez was enrolled as a Probationary Firefighter. Sanchez will attend the Fall 2008 Firefighter 1 Course at the Training Academy.

Station 11 receives a new tool, June 2nd 2008

Station 11 took delivery of a new Stihl MS 460 Rescue Saw. This saw is specially designed for roof ventilation. The saw, equipped with a special chain and depth gauge, assists firefighters in making cuts on roof tops. Know as vertical ventilation, a hole is often cut in the roof of house on fire to allow the super heated gases and smoke to escape. This operation allows the firefighters inside to make a more effective fire attack and also gives any trapped victims a better chance of escape or rescue.

Station 11 accepts a new member, May 5th, 2008

During the regular business meeting of June, Station 11 accepted an application for Anthony Perrone. Perrone was enrolled as a Probationary Firefighter and will attend the Fall 2008 Firefighter 1 Course at the Training Academy.

Lafayette Court, April 20th 2008

At approximately 1200 hours Station 11 was dispatched to a working structure fire on Lafayette Court in the Bamm Hollow section of the Township.

M.T.F.D. Receives another Grant, February 25th 2008

In February of this year the Department received confirmation that it would receive yet another Federal Grant. Department grant writer and Station 11 member Lt. Vern Peterson successfully obtained $142,900 in in federal funding. This is the third grant awarded to the Department in four years.

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