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 – 2026
Tom Loreto
Chief of Department – 130
Ed Garza
First Assistant Chief – 140
Drew DeGroat
Second Assistant Chief – 150
Fire & Rescue Co #1 Officers
James Warnet
Battalion 1 Chief
Richard Burton
Fire Captain – 171
Kevin Connell
Fire Lieutenant – 161
Christopher Hill
Fire Lieutenant – 151
Christopher Stricker
Rescue Captain – 190
Matthew Baez
Rescue Lieutenant – 191
James Finneran
Dive Coordinator – 192
Recent Posts
Upper Saddle River Fire
Friday afternoon, Fire Company 1 was requested as Mutual Aid into Upper Saddle River for a working house fire. Engine 115 was on the road quickly with a full crew. Upon arrival, with no hydrants in the area, 115 drafted from Saddle River’s Tanker and portable pond that would also be filled by other mutual aid tankers until a permanent water supply could be established. After securing the water supply, 115 supplied Ramsey Tower 441 for master stream operations. After completing this task, the crew stretched an additional hand line to assist in extinguishing the fire. After the main body of fire was knocked down, the crew entered the building to overhaul and wash down any hot spots. Engine 115 operated on scene for nearly 4 hours before returning to the Township. Job well done to all depts. on scene.
Drill Night: engine company ops
A little rain doesn’t stop us from responding to emergencies, so it won’t stop us from training! For this week’s drill we worked on engine company ops. Our junior and probationary firefighters worked on hose line advancementwhile the more experienced members worked with master streams and practiced pump operations. These fundamental skills remain critical to our operations regardless of weather conditions. After drill, we enjoyed a meal that was graciously donated by one of Mahwah’s newest businesses, Stella Nails and Spa. We welcome you to the Township and sincerely appreciate your generous donation. @stellanailsnspa Photos/videos may not be used or reproduced for any reason without express permission.
Sheraton Hotel Demolition
Early this morning, Engine 115 with a full crew stood by to watch the 37 year history of the Sheraton Hotel come to an end. Demolition crews successfully imploded the 250 foot tall, 25 story hotel. Over the years, we have responded to countless incidents ranging from alarms, fires, elevator rescues, and cars off the parking garage. Safe to say, this will be 115’s last response to the Hi-Rise! photo credit: @chris.konash and @cbs.fire.photography
Extrication Drill With EMS
For this week’s (04/30/2025) drill Rescue Company 1 teamed up with Mahwah EMS for a joint extrication drill. The scenario for the drill was a 2 vehicle MVA, one rolled over on top of the other with multiple patients trapped with severe injuries including amputation. Before working to extricate the patients, firefighters had to first stabilize both vehicles using cribbing, struts, and chain sling rigged to a winch. After initial access was gained, EMS was able to evaluate the trapped patients, and our members completed multiple extrications using various tools to create enough space for patient removal. The drill was a great opportunity for both agencies to hone our skills and learn more about each other’s needs at these types of incidents.
Patient Packaging Drill
Last evening, members of Rescue Company 1 conducted training on patient packaging and evacuation techniques from remote locations. Firefighters initially trained on proper patient packaging methods utilizing a stokes basket with manual carrying techniques. The evolution then progressed to implementing our rough terrain transporter system, which enables crews to safely move injured patients over challenging terrain or extended distances. As the Township’s Rescue Company, we regularly respond to incidents in wooded areas that require these specialized skills. Consistent training with this equipment ensures our members remain proficient when called to locate and extract patients from remote locations.
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
This week, the membership of Fire Rescue Company 1 would like to recognize and thank the dedicated dispatchers of Mahwah PD during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. These professionals serve as our first responders gathering critical information, coordinating resources, and ensuring our crews arrive safely where needed. Whether it’s 3pm or 3am, these telecommunicators remain the calm voice guiding both citizens and first responders through emergencies. Their professionalism and dedication are vital components of our emergency response system and we are grateful for their continued service to our community.