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 – 2023
Christopher Stricker
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
Matthew Myhr
Fire Lieutenant – 151
Eric Moritz
Rescue Captain – 190
Ray Virgens
Rescue Lieutenant – 191
Timothy Andro
Dive Coordinator – 192
Recent Posts
Playground Entrapment
Children are inquisitive beings… Sticking their limbs in all sorts of places. Sometimes, those limbs get stuck. Earlier today, firefighters from Rescue Co 1 and Co 4, along with Mahwah EMS and Police responded to just such a call when a small child got her leg stuck in the railings of a wooden jungle gym. After EMS assessed the patient, firefighters from Rescue 1 examined the trapped limb and determined how to free it. In this case, the tool of choice was a hydraulic Hurst spreader more commonly used to rescue victims trapped in cars after severe accidents. In short order, the girl’s leg was freed and she was safely turned over to her mother and school staff. Her reward for being so brave? Seeing the fire trucks and honking the air horns.
May 2023 Calls For Service
This May Company 1 firefighters responded to 33 calls for service. As always, the volunteer firefighters of Company 1 are ready to respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Helping the Scouts
Co1 firefighters are always willing to help our community, and today was no exception when Co1 Firefighters assisted Scout Troop 258 with placing an artificial island in Winters Park. The island will help reduce algae and pollution in the pond and will create a habitat for fish and other animals.
Upper Saddle River Fire
On Saturday, May 27th, at just after 8pm, Mahwah Fire Co’s 1, 2, and Air 3 were dispatched on the second alarm to Upper Saddle River for a working structure fire on Carlough Rd. Upon their arrival, the crew of Engine 117 was tasked with stretching a second handline to the second floor of the residence and meeting up with the initial attack crew from Upper Saddle River. While on the second floor, Co 1 firefighters made good use of their handline and knocked down the bulk of the fire spreading through second floor bedrooms and attic. Despite the fire being well-developed before any fire department units arrived, the quick aggressive action of all firefighters on scene prevented fire damage from the majority of the 4200 square foot residence. Co 1 firefighters operated on scene for roughly 3 hours before being released.
Drill Night: Saws
For drill this past Wednesday night (May 10, 2023), the Firefighters of Co 1 practiced our saw skills. As you can see, we have many choices for saws but each one has a specific purpose. This night, we used a grinder, portable bandsaw, battery demo saw, a forcible entry saw, and a Hurst “O” Cutter to cut rebar at different heights and positions. Firefighters learned how each one cuts and how to safely operate them in difficult positions. Remember don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong. Being proficient in our wide variety of tools gives us options at fires and emergencies. Every week the Firefighters of Co.1 drill on Wednesday nights to practice skills like this to make us the best we can be.
WE ARE EXPECTING!
Check out the drawing of the new Heavy Rescue 1. Thank you to our Truck Committee who worked for over 2 years to research and develop a truck that will fit our needs for years to come. Some features are: Pierce Arrow XT Cab, Cummins X12 motor, Walk around body, 25kw generator, front and rear winches, Whelen emergency lighting, and Hi-Viz scene lighting. Thank you to the Township of Mahwah Mayor and Council for your continued support! As the Rescue Company for the Township, this rig will carry a large amount of tools for Firefighting and Rescue Operations to serve the residents of Mahwah and surrounding communities. We cannot wait for delivery!