All Hands in Service

At 1944 hours on Tuesday March 24, 2009 the Florence Township Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at the Florence Tollgate Complex. Engine 4012 was first to arrive and crews found a heavy heat and smoke condition in one of the second floor units. Assitant Chief Scully placed all hands in service. The first-in crew began pulling wall cabinets and walls within the kitchen and quickly extinguished a fire that was extending into the attic. Another crew was sent to the roof to prepare for ventilation in the event that it was needed. Florence Township Mayor William Berry arrived on scene and thanked all the emergency service personnel that were on location for a job well done.

No injuries were reported and no damage was reported in any of the other units within the building.

Visit the photo gallery for additional pictures. Photo’s provided from Stephanie Cunningham.

Tip for the day

Never lose sight of this important truth, that no one can be truly great until he has gained a knowledge of himself, a knowledge which can only be acquired by occasional retirement.
Johann Georg von Zimmermann

Save the date…

Retirement Dinner
For
Chief Edward H. Kensler Jr.
Saturday April 25, 2009

The Florence Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 is hosting a retirement dinner for Chief Edward H. Kensler Jr. The dinner will be held on Saturday April 25, 2009 at the Scottish Rite in Bordentown. The cost has been set at $60 per person.

Anyone interested in reserving tickets can contact William Rzomp, Scott Arnold, or Todd Estelow.

We hope you will be able to attend as we review Chief Kensler’s career in typical “Florence Township” style. Therefore, anyone with any interesting stories is also encouraged to contact any of the above members.

Annual Department Dinner

The annual department dinner was held on February 28, 2009 at the Scottish Rite in Bordentown, NJ. In addition to “The Roast” of Chief Rzomp, several members were recognized for recorded CPR Saves in 2008. Also, Zack Reeder was presented with an award from Commissioner Boyd for most outrageous pajamas worn during a fire call; Arnold Miller and Dan Cunningham were recognized as the “Hot Shot” for Fire and EMS respectively; and Tom Stanuikynas was recognized for his term on the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Commissioner Jack E. Jobes was also presented with a plaque in recognition of serving over 21 years on the Board of Fire Commissioners. It was announced that the Board of Fire Commissioners are also looking to have a painting of Jack to be hung in the firehouse in honor of this accomplishment. Finally the Alfred Brown-Chester Sufton Firefighter of the Year for 2008 was awarded to Arnold C. Miller.

After the awards members were able to dance and just have a good time.

At this time we would like to congratulate all award recipients and also like to thank the Florence Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 and the Florence Township Board of Fire Commissioners for hosting the event.

Thank You Chief Rzomp

At the annual department dinner Chief Rzomp was given a “typical” Florence Township Fire Department send off. During the annual department dinner held at the Scottish Rite in Bordentown on February 28, 2009 Chief Rzomp was recognized for his service to the Florence Township Fire Department. Ex-Department Chief Steve “Fuzzy” Fazekas was the toast master and reminded Billy of some of his past experiences while serving the department. While the typical roast was a fun exaggeration of some of Chief Rzomp’s past experiences with the department, we also wanted to show our appreciation for his service, especially his last three years serving as the Departments Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief position is currently the highest position any volunteer can hold within the department. During his 3 year tenure Chief Rzomp revamped the mutual aid grids for the department, served as Chairman of the Aerial Truck Committee, was instrumental in helping to get some of the departments recent grants, and was a constant support and advocate of the Department on a county and state level. For these reasons and more, the department applauds his efforts and appreciates his contributions.