Mahwah Fire Rescue Co #1

This was a busy weekend for the volunteer firefighters of Company 1, with members completing multiple advanced training courses. Beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday, several of our firefighters braved extreme cold and frigid water to complete their Ice Rescue Technician Certification, taught by RPI. This specialized training provides our members with the skills and techniques necessary to safely rescue victims who have fallen through ice on frozen bodies of water. Simultaneously, additional firefighters completed bailout training at the Bergen County Fire Academy. This essential course teaches firefighters emergency self-rescue techniques to rapidly exit a burning structure when conditions deteriorate, often requiring escape through upper-story windows. We would like to congratulate and thank our dedicated members who sacrificed their weekend to obtain these advanced certifications. Their commitment to training ensures Company 1 remains prepared for the diverse technical rescue scenarios we face. Special thanks to the Bergen County Office […]

Last night Company 1 firefighters Volunteered their evening to clear the snow away from some of the hydrants in our zone after this weekend’s storm, and in anticipation of a second one possibly this weekend. Keeping hydrants accessible allows firefighters to quickly establish water supply during emergency operations. Even a few minutes saved in locating and accessing a hydrant can make a significant difference during a fire. We would like to remind Township residents to clear snow and ice from around the fire hydrants in their neighborhood. Photos/videos may not be used or reproduced for any reason without express permission.

Saturday afternoon, Fire Company 1 was requested as mutual aid to Airmont, New York for a working structure fire. Upon arrival, Engine 115’s crew stretched an additional handline into the garage and first floor areas, extinguishing remaining pockets of fire. Crews then transitioned to overhaul operations to ensure complete extinguishment. Engine 115 operated on scene for approximately 2 hours before returning to the Township. Job well done by Ramapo FD and all mutual aid companies who operated at this incident.

For this week’s drill, members of Rescue Company 1 conducted ice rescue training. Firefighters rotated through scenarios as both victims and rescuers entering the frigid water practicing proper techniques for victim approach and extraction of victims who have fallen through the ice. This specialized training ensures our crews remain proficient with our ice rescue equipment and procedures during the winter months when these incidents occur. Thank you to our partners at Mahwah EMS for standing by on scene and providing rehab. We would like to remind all Township residents to exercise extreme caution around frozen bodies of water. Ice thickness can vary significantly and what appears safe may not support weight. Please stay off the ice on local ponds and waterways.

It is with deep sadness that Mahwah Fire Company #1 shares the passing of our brother, former Chief Kenneth Frederick Werring, who was called home on January 14, 2026, at the age of 87. Ken proudly served Company #1 as a volunteer firefighter and later as Chief, years he often spoke about with great pride. The bonds he formed with his fellow firefighters meant the world to him, and that brotherhood stayed with him long after he relocated to Florida. Ken embodied what it meant to serve — always putting others before himself and leading with quiet strength and humility. Beyond the firehouse, Ken dedicated more than 30 years to education in Mahwah, teaching at Holy Cross Lutheran School and Joyce Kilmer Elementary School. His impact on students extended far beyond the classroom. One story shared by former member Jim Cottrell truly captures Ken’s lasting influence: In the mid-1970s, after […]

Earlier this week our friends from the Lenape Meadows School and Wyckoff YMCA stopped by to give us a thank you card. We’re always grateful for the support provided to us from our community.