Welcome to the Web Home of Mahwah Fire Rescue Co #1 – Mahwah, NJ
Residing at 100 Miller Rd., Mahwah, NJ, Co No. 1 has proudly served the residents of Mahwah NJ with professionalism, dedication and above all, a domineering volunteer spirit since 1914.
Today, Co No. 1, has 6 pieces of emergency apparatus and the members of Company No. 1 specialize in the area of technical rescue which includes calls such as building and trench collapse, elevator rescues, motor vehicle accidents, and confined space emergencies. Co No. 1 allows provides water rescue capabilities in the form of our Swift Water and Dive Rescue teams. Co No. 1’s Dive Rescue team is a leading dive team in northern NJ and is a member of the NJ Regional SCUBA Task Force.
We currently house two class A pumpers, two heavy rescue trucks, a rescue support pickup, collapse and confined space trailers and three boats, to include the only fanboat in the tri-state area.
Mahwah Fire Department Chiefs – 2024
Cord Meyer
Chief of Department – 130
Thomas Loreto
First Assistant Chief – 140
Christopher Rupert
Second Assistant Chief – 150
Fire & Rescue Co #1 Officers
Steven Ruit
Battalion 1 Chief
James Warnet
Fire Captain – 171
Michael Walsh
Fire Lieutenant – 161
Kevin Connell
Fire Lieutenant – 151
George Polster
Rescue Captain – 190
James Finneran
Rescue Lieutenant – 191
Timothy Andro
Dive Coordinator – 192
Recent Posts
Drill Night: Extrication Basics
For drill this week, the members of Company 1 trained on basic vehicle extrication. The focus was to practice the different tactics used between our older hydraulic tools and our newer battery tools along with hand tools & cribbing that are needed at extrications were discussed. If you have a junk vehicle that you need to dispose of and are willing to donate it, please message us. Having vehicles like the one we used tonight are absolutely necessary to keep our skills sharp. Thank you to the Zampino family for donating the car we used last night.
Route 17 Car Fire
Wednesday evening, Fire Co.1 was dispatched to Route 17 South near the Ramsey border for a reported car fire. 1st due Engine 117 arrived to find a working car fire in the left lane. The crew from E-117 immediately stretched a line and extinguished the fire. E-117 was joined by E-115, E-222, and Ramsey E-431. Rescue 1 stood by in quarters with a full crew. After initial knockdown, the vehicle was overhauled and a final extinguishment was performed. All units were clear of the scene within an hour.
Teaching Extrication at BCFA
Last night, Co.1 was asked to supply a crew and extrication equipment for the students (some of which are our own members) taking the Firefighter 2 class at the Bergen County Fire Academy. Rescue Engine 117 and its Hurst equipment was provided for the class to perform basic extrication techniques. We would like to thank the County Instructors for the invitation to not only supply our equipment & manpower, but to also have the opportunity to learn, and show a few tips and techniques we have picked up over the years.
USR: Entrapment
At around 215 this afternoon, Rescue Co.1 was requested into Upper Saddle River as mutual aid for an entrapment. Initial reports from the scene were that a large tree and power lines had fallen onto a vehicle injuring and trapping the driver. Upon arrival, Rescue 1’s crew followed closely behind by Rescue Engine 117 immediately began to assist Upper Saddle River Fire Department with removing the tree in order to gain access to the patient. After assessing the condition of the vehicle and the patient’s injuries, Mahwah crews immediately began to extricate the driver, using both hydraulic and battery operated Hurst tools. After freeing the patient, our EMS colleagues began to treat the patient and transport them to an area hospital. Great job to the initial crews from USRFD on a difficult operation.
Drill Night: Griphoist
For our weekly drill, the members of Rescue Co.1 refreshed on the use of our Griphoist TU-28. Members brushed up on the basic principles and operation of using this tool including rigging and anchoring it with shackles, snatch blocks, Tuflex round slings and BA products hi-viz chain. The Griphoist is a valuable tool in our cache for stabilizing vehicles, heavy objects, or moving them with precision.
Elevator Rescue and Smoke Condition
This afternoon, Rescue 1 responded to a business in the center of town for an elevator rescue. The trapped party was swiftly removed from the elevator without issue. While clearing the scene, the crew from R-1 noticed that the fire alarms in the building were now going off. R-1 immediately began investigating while Engine 117 assembled a crew to respond. After investigating, crews found a smoke condition in the basement but no fire. Crews continued to search the premises and found some smoldering rags which were removed and extinguished. The building was ventilated by the crew of E-117 and all units cleared the scene.