Frankford Township Fire Department

06/11/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter/Ex-Chief Mike Seo.

Mike joined FTFD back in 1991… which means he’s been here longer than some of our members have been alive, and definitely longer than some of them have been making good decisions. Over the years, Mike has worn just about every hat possible in the department, including serving as Chief from 2008-2010 and most recently as Rescue Captain. Despite having so many roles over the years, Mike is still an active firefighter who regularly responds to calls and continues to be someone the department can count on.

If you’ve spent any amount of time around the firehouse, chances are Mike has taught you something. Whether it’s firematics, truck work, rescue operations, or just how to not completely screw something up, Mike has mentored countless members and helped shape FTFD into what it is today. He’s the type of guy who can explain something once, give you the look if you mess it up, and somehow you never make that mistake again.

Outside of the firehouse, Mike works full time as a mechanic. Mike is also the proud father of Brad and Kyle, both United States Marines. If you know Mike for more than five minutes, you know how proud he is of his boys — and rightfully so.

When he’s not running calls, fixing equipment, or helping someone with a project they probably should’ve YouTubed first, Mike spends his time running (still don’t understand that hobby), golfing, skiing, shooting, and smoking what may legitimately be the best BBQ meat around. Right after that, Mike can usually be found defending his lawn in the ongoing neighborhood competition between the quarter of our department that somehow all ended up living next to each other. At this point, there’s probably more planning going into fertilizer schedules and mowing patterns than some fire scenes.

To say FTFD is better because of Mike is an understatement. His experience, leadership, mentorship, and dedication have impacted generations of members, and we’re lucky to still have him actively responding, teaching, and being a huge part of the FTFD family.

06/09/2026

At approximately 15:05 yesterday afternoon, FTFD was dispatched with Blue Ridge Rescue Squad to Route 206 at the intersection of East Shore Lake Owassa Road for a reported vehicle fire.

25-1 arrived on scene in under four minutes and located a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident with one vehicle fully involved in fire. 25 Engine arrived shortly after and crews immediately began fire suppression efforts.

Additional crews from 25 Engine 3 and 25 Rescue assisted with overhaul operations and fluid spill mitigation. BRRS BLS 5655 evaluated three patients on scene, all of whom signed RMAs.

For the duration of this incident, Route 206 was shut down in both directions to allow for safe firematic operations. Units operated for just over an hour before returning to service and reopening Route 206

Responding Units:
25-1, 25-2, 25 Engines 1 & 3, 25 Rescue, 25 Tanker
BRRS BLS 5655
New Jersey State Police Sussex Barracks
Sussex County Sheriff's Office, NJ

06/08/2026

Weekends in the summer have traditionally meant busy days for FTFD members between special events, standby details, and calls for service — and this weekend was no exception.

Friday morning started at approximately 07:02 when 25 Engine and 25-4 handled a landing zone at Skylands Stadium for two patients involved in a motorcycle accident operated at by Sussex Fire & EMS in their jurisdiction. Crews established and secured the landing zone for Atlantic Air Ambulance Air 1 and Hackensack Meridian Health Air 1.

Despite the rain and the Sussex County Miners game being cancelled, the fireworks still went on Saturday evening. 25-2 and 25 Engine stood by during the show while members were treated to some pretty awesome views.

Yesterday afternoon, while arriving at the Sussex County Fairgrounds for the Celebrate America 250 event, crews from 25 Engine and 25 Brush witnessed a motor vehicle accident. 25-4 immediately notified the Sussex County 9-1-1 Center, resulting in the dispatch of FTFD, Blue Ridge Rescue Squad, and Saint Clare's Health ALS. Crews immediately began patient care, supported by officers from Sussex County Sheriff's Office, NJ, as 25-2 arrived shortly after dispatch and assumed command. Working alongside BRRS BLS 5651, responders quickly determined one patient required rapid transport to a trauma center and requested air medical. Saint Clare’s MIC53 arrived shortly after and initiated ALS care, while 25 Engine established a landing zone at the fairgrounds for Atlantic Air 3. One patient was transported by air medical to a local trauma center, while a second patient was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. BRRS BLS 5654 also evaluated and obtained RMAs from two additional patients. All units were back in service in under an hour, while 25 Engine and Brush remained at the fairgrounds for the event.

To round out the weekend, 25-4, 25-6, 25-7, 25 Engine, and 25 Brush stood by at the fairgrounds during the fireworks display to conclude the county’s 250th Anniversary celebration.

Busy weekends, changing weather, special events, fire and medical calls, and fireworks details — just another summer weekend for FTFD.

06/04/2026

We had a “special guest” arrive during our department meeting tonight.
“Zookeeper” Hunter T-Space, who is currently serving as Wantage Township Fire Deptartment Chief, tonight represented the 200 Club Of Sussex County, and presented Frankford Firefighter, High Point High School senior, Patrick Losey, with their Danielson Family Scholarship.
Patrick joined our department when he turned 16 years old, and recently, upon turning 18, has become a probationary full member. He has followed the lead of his parents, dad - Past Chief, Steve Losey, and his mom, Christina.
We look forward to seeing Patrick do great things in his future.

06/03/2026

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

Kristian started his fire service career with the Beemerville Fire Department in 2014 as a Junior Firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, who is a Life Member of Beemerville. Apparently firefighting runs in the family — along with the inability to sit still when a siren goes by.

Kristian spent several years as an associate member with FTFD before officially becoming a full member late last year after moving just over the border into Hampton with his fiancée, Gabby. Some people move for schools, taxes, or a shorter commute… Kristian apparently moved so he could get to the station 45 seconds faster when the pager goes off.

Outside of the fire service, Kristian works as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Sussex County DPW out of the Frankford Garage. Which honestly makes perfect sense, because if there’s one thing Kristian likes, it’s operating anything large, loud, diesel-powered, and covered in dirt. Whether it’s a plow truck, loader, fire truck, or something with enough warning lights to temporarily blind traffic, he’s probably interested in it.

Kristian is also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. If it involves camo, being in the woods for hours, or buying gear he absolutely “needed,” he’s all in. We’re also fairly confident Cabela’s knows him on a first-name basis at this point.

At the firehouse, Kristian has become someone the department can count on. He’s always willing to help out, jump on calls, lend a hand at work details, and quietly get things done without much complaint… much is the key word in that sentence though.

We’re glad to officially have Kristian as a full member of FTFD, and we look forward to many more years of responses, trainings, and hearing “it’s not that cold out” while everyone else is freezing.

06/03/2026

Congratulation to Firefighter Justin Bellis, who is also a Police Officer/School Resource Officer for Newton Police (NJ)! Justin was named Instructor of the Year at the National LEAD Conference in Atlantic City.

06/02/2026

Sharing with you the passing of past Frankford firefighter, Bob Putera.
Please join us in sending prayers and condolences to Bob’s family and to all who held him close to their hearts.
Rest Peacefully Brother 😔

Robert Donald Putera, a longtime resident of Lake Owassa, passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 79. Robert was born in Passaic, NJ on June...

05/29/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter/EMR Edwin Risdon.

Eddie joined FTFD in 2004 and has spent the last 20+ years becoming one of those members who can seemingly do it all around the firehouse. Whether it’s operating apparatus, working interior at fires, helping newer members learn the job, or helping guide department decisions over the years, Ed has had a major impact on FTFD both on and off the fireground.

One area where Eddie has especially stood out is vehicle extrication. From serious motor vehicle accidents to cars wrapped around guardrails in ways engineers definitely never intended, Eddie has helped free numerous trapped patients while also teaching newer members the tricks of the trade. If there’s a chaotic scene with tools everywhere and someone calmly saying “hold on, we got this,” there’s a pretty good chance Eddie is nearby.

Outside of the firehouse, Eddie helps carry on a longtime Frankford family legacy through Harmony Ridge Campground and Harmony Ridge Christmas Tree Farm. So depending on the season, you may find him at a fire scene, on a tractor, helping campers, or debating whether that tree is actually “too big for the living room.”

And somehow, in between all of that, Eddie also serves as the current Mayor of Frankford Township. Apparently owning businesses and volunteering at the firehouse just wasn’t enough to keep him busy.

But beyond the titles and responsibilities, Eddie is most proud of being a father and grandfather.

One thing that stands out about Eddie is that he genuinely cares about this department and community. Over the years, he has helped shape FTFD into what it is today through his experience, leadership, and willingness to always step up when needed. He’s the kind of member every department hopes to have — dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help, even if he may throw a little sarcasm in while doing it.

Thank you, Eddie, for your dedication to FTFD and the Frankford community over the last two decades.