Frankford Township Fire Department

Frankford Township Fire Department New members welcome!

Established in 1948, the Frankford Township Fire Department has been proudly serving the citizens of Frankford Township and surrounding areas for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies. Our apparatus:
Chief 1 command vehicle -- 2015 Chevy tahoe
Chief 2 command vehicle -- 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500

Engine 1 -- 2010 Smeal / Spartan ~ Pumper 1,750 gpm / 750 gallons
Engine 2 -- 2019 Ferrara ~ Re

scue / Pumper 1,500 gpm / 1,000 gallons
Engine 3 -- 2023 Sutphen ~ 7-man cab 450HP 2,000gpm/1,000 gallons
Tanker 1 -- 2023 Kenworth ~ t880 515HP 1,250gpm/3,500 gallons
Tanker 2 -- 2001 Danko / International ~ Tanker 500 gpm / 2000 gallons

Rescue 1 -- 2004 Spartan / Hackney ~ Heavy Rescue
Rescue 2 -- 2018 Ford F-550 ~ Support (ice rescue,rehab,wilderness evac)
Ranger — 2017 Polaris 570 4x4, 75 gallon skid unit

Brush — 2003 Ford F-350, 150 gallon tank & 250gpm pump on a “skid unit”

At approximately 08:47 this morning, FTFD was dispatched with Blue Ridge Rescue Squad to County Route 565 near Losey Roa...
08/26/2026

At approximately 08:47 this morning, FTFD was dispatched with Blue Ridge Rescue Squad to County Route 565 near Losey Road for a head-on MVA with reported injuries. Shortly after dispatch, our dispatchers at the Sussex County Sheriffs 911 Center reported one vehicle to be on fire.

Sussex County Fire Marshal/Frankford Fire Official Mark Snook arrived and confirmed a two-car MVA, with a pickup truck and landscape trailer fully involved. 38-1/Sussex County MAC 2 arrived shortly after FM1, and established Route 565 Command. 25 Engine 2 arrived first due and deployed a handline for fire attack, followed shortly after by 25 Engine and 25 Rescue. The fire was quickly knocked down, and the scene was overhauled to confirm the fire was fully extinguished. Atlantic BLS 292 assessed the occupants of both vehicles and obtained RMAs from all occupants.

While still on scene, FTFD was dispatched at 10:00 to an automatic aid assignment into Sandyston Township with the Sandyston Township Fire Department Station 38 on Route 206 near Stokes Sport Shop for an MVA with reported injuries. 25 Engine, 25 Rescue, and 25 Rescue 2 cleared Route 565 and responded to this incident. Units stood by and assisted with debris removal and fluid mitigation. Westfall assessed one patient on scene and obtained an RMA. All units returned to service at approximately 10:46.

Responding Units to Route 565:
25 Engines 1 and 2, 25 Rescues 1 and 2, 25 Tanker
Atlantic Health System BLS 292
STVFD 38-1
Saint Clare's Health MIC53
New Jersey State Police Sussex Barracks
Sussex County Sheriff's Office, NJ

Responding Units to Route 206:
25 Engine, 25 Rescues 1 and 2
Westfall EMS 39AMB1
New Jersey State Police Sussex Barracks

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, meet Fire Police Member Angel Bellis.Yes, we know… another Bellis. At t...
08/23/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, meet Fire Police Member Angel Bellis.

Yes, we know… another Bellis. At this point, we’re pretty sure joining Frankford is somewhere in the Bellis family bylaws.

Angel joined Frankford Township Fire Department in 2015 after previously serving with Branchville Fire Department. Since then, she’s become one of those members who may not always be front and center, but somehow always seems to be wherever something needs to get done.

Angel serves on our Refreshment Committee, which means she handles one of the most critical responsibilities in the department… making sure the drinks are stocked and the pizza shows up on meeting night. Forget incident command… try telling a room full of firefighters the pizza is late and see how quickly things deteriorate.

She’s also a familiar face at just about every fundraiser we have. Whether we’re setting up, serving, cleaning up, or wondering why we thought another fundraiser was a good idea… Angel is usually somewhere in the middle of it helping out.

Before joining the staff at Montague School, Angel spent more than 15 years as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. So after a decade and a half of listening to everyone else’s emergencies as Operator 5, she apparently decided spending her free time around firefighters would be relaxing.

Outside the firehouse, Angel’s world revolves around family… especially her approximately 6,463,829 grandchildren. We stopped trying to get an exact count.

She loves camping… provided Rusty is willing to tow the camper wherever she decides they’re going… vacations to Florida, traveling, and spending time with her family. Judging by the pictures, Angel and Rusty have collected quite a few miles and memories together over the years.

Angel is dependable, caring, always willing to lend a hand, and one of those people whose contribution goes far beyond running calls. It’s members like Angel who keep showing up for meetings, fundraisers, events, and each other that keep this place moving.

So if you see Angel around the firehouse, say hello… and maybe thank her for the pizza.

Because unlike the rest of this post… that part is serious. 🚒🍕

Always a good day 🌞 when we can spend it with our 🧑‍🚒 “future firefighters” 👨‍🚒 (and their families). Awesome Touch -a- ...
08/16/2026

Always a good day 🌞 when we can spend it with our 🧑‍🚒 “future firefighters” 👨‍🚒 (and their families).
Awesome Touch -a- Truck 🚒 event organized by our good friend Kevin Rudolph benefitting the Ride with Rudolph Foundation.
Following the event, Kevin threw out the ceremonial “first pitch” in the Sussex County Miners game. Fans watched as the Miners had a come from behind, 7-6 win, over their rival New Jersey Jackals.
For those unaware, Kevin is a salesman at Royal Buick GMC in Wantage, and together they have done amazing work in support of area First Responders. 🚑 🛻


One of my favorite things about running this page is tailoring the humor, roasting, and heart of each post.And I must sa...
08/12/2026

One of my favorite things about running this page is tailoring the humor, roasting, and heart of each post.

And I must say… I have been SO looking forward to this one.

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter Chris Lordy.

Yes, we’re convinced everybody knows Chris. If you don’t, give it a few minutes. He’s probably on his way to join your fire department too.

Chris is married to Danielle and is the proud dad of two amazing little girls. They’ve built a beautiful life in Wantage…despite Danielle marrying a man whose hobbies include firefighting, driving trucks, joining more fire departments, and falling asleep literally anywhere.

Seriously. We have photographic evidence. Chairs. Couches. Firehouses. While holding his daughter. Give Chris a horizontal surface and 30 seconds of peace and he’s OUT.

Chris works full time as a truck driver hauling throughout the Northeast. When does he actually sleep? Apparently: whenever someone has a camera nearby.

Chris is a former Assistant Chief with Sandyston Fire and currently serves there as Captain. He’s also a firefighter with Sussex Fire and, because multiple departments apparently still left too much free time, he ended up with us too.

And thank God he did.

Chris brings the humor wherever he goes. Whether he’s wearing a plastic red helmet, modeling an argyle sweater vest with disturbing confidence, dressing like a Christmas elf, using another firefighter as furniture, or staring into a camera from three inches away… Chris keeps morale high.

Or at least keeps Human Resources busy.

Behind all the sarcasm and absolute nonsense is one hell of a firefighter, officer, husband, dad, and friend. Chris shows up, works hard, takes care of the people around him, and somehow makes everyone laugh while doing it.

We’re lucky to have him , Sandyston is lucky to have him, Sussex is lucky to have him, and Danielle deserves some sort of award.

Chris, thanks for everything you bring to the fire service, our department, and every crew unfortunate enough to be within range of your personality.

And please… never change.

Mostly because we already have enough pictures for at least six more posts.

1,584 hours. Ten days. Three beer tents. And a whole lot more than beer. Last Thursday, July 30th, members of the Frankf...
08/09/2026

1,584 hours. Ten days. Three beer tents. And a whole lot more than beer.

Last Thursday, July 30th, members of the Frankford Township Fire Department started setting up at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

This morning, we finally finished cleaning up.

And somewhere between those two days, our members logged an incredible 1,584 volunteer man-hours.

For most people visiting the fair, you probably saw us behind one of our three beer tents—pouring drinks, catching up with familiar faces, making new friends, and occasionally making some questionable decisions involving costumes and a giant inflatable chicken.

But the beer tents were only part of our week.

While working one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, our members still responded to 15 fire calls and 15 EMS calls off the fairgrounds. Members working the tents also assisted Blue Ridge Rescue Squad with medical calls around our locations when needed.

We spent two nights providing rescue and extrication coverage at the demolition derby—because when the entire point of an event is smashing cars into each other until they don’t move anymore, having the fire department nearby is generally a pretty solid idea.

Our crews also provided fire protection during the fireworks at Skylands Stadium.

All while keeping three beer tents staffed throughout the fair.

That’s what those 1,584 hours represent.

Hours away from home. Hours after work. Hours behind the bar. Hours in turnout gear. Hours answering calls, covering events, setting up, tearing down, restocking, cleaning, laughing, sweating (lots of sweating to be precise) and eventually asking, “Wait… what day is it?”

And every single one of those hours was volunteered.

Of course, it wasn’t all work.

There were plenty of laughs, some extremely questionable outfits, a hot dog, a giant chicken, and we somehow accomplished what many previously thought was impossible: we got both Mini Chief Dann AND Lieutenant Swistack to smile at the same time. For those who know Lieutenant Swistack….well, we’ll leave it there.

Thankfully, photographic evidence exists, because nobody would’ve believed us otherwise.

The fair is more than a fundraiser for our department. It’s a tradition. We get to spend ten days with the community we normally meet under very different circumstances, see familiar faces year after year, and have a little fun together along the way.

To everyone who stopped at one of our tents: thank you.

Whether you bought a beer, left a tip, stopped to talk, shared a laugh with us, or came back night after night…..you supported your local volunteer fire department. We genuinely appreciate it. This is how we survive to be the best, for you.

And to our members, families and everyone who helped make these ten days happen: 1,584 hours speaks for itself.

The tents are down. The equipment is packed. The demolition cars have been sufficiently destroyed.

We’re tired, hot, sweaty, and even a little bit sore.

And after ten days at the fair, we’re finally going to get some rest…

…right after the next time our pagers go off.

Until next year, friends. Thank you for another great New Jersey State Fair at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter and Treasurer Chuck McDermott! Chuck joined the ...
08/09/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter and Treasurer Chuck McDermott!

Chuck joined the Frankford Township Fire Department in 1985, beginning what has now become more than 40 years of service to FTFD. And during four decades around the firehouse, Chuck has worn quite a few hats.

Over the years, Chuck served as a fire officer under FTFD’s former officer structure, back when titles like Assistant Foreman and Foreman were part of the lineup. He later served as a Trustee, which is where he made the mistake that would eventually lead to his current position.

In 2018, while serving as a Trustee, Chuck stepped in as Interim Treasurer—you know, just temporarily. By 2019, he was serving his first full year in the position.

Apparently, nobody ever told Chuck when “temporary” was supposed to end.

Seven years later, he’s still keeping the books, keeping the department’s finances where they need to be, and—most importantly—keeping every officer terrified of losing a receipt. 😂

If you have a budget, Chuck knows it. If you’re getting close to your budget, Chuck definitely knows it. And if you bought something and forgot the receipt, there’s really no point in hiding. He will find you.

Chuck’s fire service also extends beyond Frankford, having previously served with a department in Bergen County before becoming part of FTFD.

Outside the firehouse, Chuck and his wife raised three sons, all three of whom achieved the rank of Eagle Scout—an accomplishment that says quite a bit about the McDermott household. His youngest son, Ryan, also followed in Dad’s footsteps and became a firefighter with FTFD. Chuck is also a proud grandfather times five!

After more than four decades, Chuck has seen plenty change around Station 25—apparatus, officers, members, and even the way the department itself is structured. Through it all, he has continued finding ways to serve and help keep this place moving forward.

So if you see Chuck around, make sure you say hello and thank him for more than 40 years of dedication to FTFD.

And officers… this is also your weekly reminder to turn in your receipts. Chuck is watching.

Please join us in wishing Safety Officer, Chris Franek and Firefighter, Andy Andican a safe deployment as they operate i...
08/08/2026

Please join us in wishing Safety Officer, Chris Franek and Firefighter, Andy Andican a safe deployment as they operate in Minnesota with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service to assist on the Bear Trap Fire.

Andy has been assigned as part of a crew working directly on the fireline, while Chris is serving in the role of Operations Section Chief, helping coordinate the resources and personnel working to contain the incident.

Wildland deployments mean long days, challenging conditions, and countless hours away from family and home, all in service of protecting lives, property, and natural resources. We couldn’t be prouder to have two of our own representing not only Frankford Township Fire Department, but also the State of New Jersey.

We know they’ll bring the same professionalism, dedication, and work ethic that they show here at home.

And Chris… while you’re out there, don’t forget to take another one of those male model photos in your yellow gear. One of your last deployments somehow turned into a forestry calendar audition, so we expect nothing less this time around. Andy, your mission is simple: make sure someone gets the picture and send it to us to show the world.

In all seriousness, please join us in wishing Chris and Andy a safe trip, successful deployment, and a safe return home.

Stay safe, gentlemen. Your brothers and sisters are behind you every step of the way.

For this week’s edition of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Fire Police Member and Trustee Jim “The Fun Sucker” Swistack...
07/31/2026

For this week’s edition of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Fire Police Member and Trustee Jim “The Fun Sucker” Swistack.

Today’s post is a little more special than usual because after more than 40 years at McGuire Chevrolet, Jim officially retires today as the dealership’s Service Manager. Congratulations on an incredible career and a well-earned retirement!

Despite the nickname, Jim is one of the people who quietly helps keep this department moving. As a Trustee and Fire Police member, he’s always willing to jump in wherever needed, whether that’s handling behind-the-scenes business, organizing fundraisers, or making sure things get done. Not every job in the fire department comes with flashing lights, but they’re all just as important.

Jim joined Frankford Township Fire Department in 2015 alongside his son, current Lieutenant 2 Brad Swistack. Fire service is truly a family affair for the Swistacks, as his wife, Amy, is one of our dedicated Auxiliary members, and together they have a daughter, Devan (a previous Auxiliary member).

Outside the firehouse, Jim enjoys spending time with his family and making trips to Florida to visit loved ones. As for his personality… well, if you ask around, you’ll probably hear words like cranky, grumpy, or “The Fun Sucker.” But don’t let the act fool you….behind all the sarcasm is one of the biggest teddy bears in the department. He just works very hard to make sure nobody finds that out.

Congratulations again on your retirement, Jim. Thank you for everything you’ve done for McGuire Chevrolet, our department, and our community. We hope retirement brings plenty of family time, Florida sunshine, and all the relaxation you’ve earned.

Oh and before we forget….welcome to retirement… where your first official week consists of nine days at the New Jersey State Fair. We never said retirement would be relaxing. 🤷🏻‍♂️

YES, it’s fair time!And beginning tomorrow, with the assistance of our members, our Frankford Auxiliary, our families an...
07/31/2026

YES, it’s fair time!
And beginning tomorrow, with the assistance of our members, our Frankford Auxiliary, our families and friends, we will be staffing our Main Beer Tent (on the corner of Main Street), the Craft Beer Tent (as described below), and during special events, our location inside the entertainment area.
Stop by, say hello and grab a cold beer or one of the other beverages we have to offer.
“See you at the Fair!”


Address

390 Route 206 (PO Box 419, Augusta NJ 07822)
Branchville, NJ
07826

Telephone

+19739484220

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Frankford Township Fire Department posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Frankford Township Fire Department:

Shortcuts

Share