Andover Township Volunteer Fire Department

08/05/2026

On September 12, 2026, members of the Andover Township Fire Department will participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at MetLife Stadium to honor the victims and the brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

We invite you to support our team by making a donation using the link below. Every contribution goes directly to organizations that provide assistance to the families of those lost and to first responders impacted by the September 11th attacks.

https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/newjersey26/t/1551c88db6cb4b768f9e2835b23f5281

Thank you for helping us honor their legacy and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten

08/04/2026

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, members of our department will participate in the 2nd Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at MetLife Stadium. This event is held to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the attacks on September 11, 2001.

This year, ATFD Firefighters Jack Bescherer, Teddy Leenstra and Ryan Grycuk will be taking on the challenge in full turnout gear, climbing the equivalent of the World Trade Center's 110 stories as a tribute to the courage, dedication and selfless service of those who never made it home.

We are asking for your support. If you're able, please consider making a donation to help support this meaningful event and its mission of remembering the fallen while supporting the fire service community.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated.

Donation Link: https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/newjersey26/t/1551c88db6cb4b768f9e2835b23f5281

Thank you for helping us honor the legacy of the 343 heroes. We will never forget.

Support Our Team The Andover Township Fire Department was established in September of 1953. Since then, our volunteer members stand ready, around the clock, to

07/30/2026

Celebrate the life of Riccardo Melfi, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Lee Funeral Home.

07/25/2026

It is with deep and heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Ex‑Chief Rick Melfi. Rick was truly a fixture in our fire department — a man who wore many hats and filled every one of them with dedication. From serving as Chief in 1998 to leading as Department President, and of course as our beloved head chef, Rick brought commitment and heart to everything he touched. Under his care, no meal ever came from a can - every dinner was prepared with pride, tradition, and the camaraderie he valued so deeply.

Rick, your presence filled our kitchen, our station, and our hearts. We will remember the meals you crafted, the guidance you offered, and the budgets you somehow kept in line year after year. Godspeed, Chief Melfi. Your brothers and sisters will carry on from here.

07/15/2026

Today we got to see one of our own Andover Township Fire Department members', Kyle Wilson, show up as a flight nurse for Atlantic Air 3. We're pretty sure they hired Kyle because he doesn't take up much room in the aircraft. Every inch counts, and his height is clearly an aviation asset! We were also relieved to see there weren't any flight controls on his side of the helicopter. If there had been, we're convinced Kyle would've tried flying it "just to help out." We were thankful Nick was in full control of the helicopter (pictured solo below).

All kidding aside, we're incredibly proud to have Kyle, as part of our fire department family. He volunteers his time serving our Andover Township community with our department while also caring for patients as a flight nurse. Thank you Kyle for your dedication, professionalism and the countless hours you spend helping others—whether you're on the ground with us or in the air. We appreciate everything you do and are proud to call you one of our own!

Atlantic Air 3 was in town today for the Safety Town Program held at Florence M Burd School ironically where Kyle once attended this very same program 33 years ago. Talk about coming full circle. We got to meet his flight team members Ariella (Flight Dispatcher - out for a fly along) and Rich (Flight Medic) featured below. Thank you all for your service to public safety! Stay safe!

07/04/2026

06/23/2026

Scholarship Winners #3 & #4:
The ATVFD Junior Program is fortunate to have two exceptional young men, both recent graduates of Sparta High School: Ryan Grycuk and Bennett Coleman. These two are not only outstanding students but also remarkable athletes.

At recent awards ceremonies, Ryan received scholarships from the Brian M. Laddey Foundation, the Sparta Ambulance Squad Herb Orel Cadet Award, and the ATVFD. Bennett was awarded scholarships from Sparta UNICO and the ATVFD.

The ATVFD extends its sincere congratulations to Ryan Grycuk and Bennett Coleman for their exceptional accomplishments. Their academic, athletic, and community achievements exemplify the highest standards of dedication and character.

We commend Ryan as he begins his training at the Passaic County Fire Academy, and Bennett as he continues his education at Syracuse University while participating in Air Force ROTC. Their futures are bright, and we are honored to have been part of their journey.

06/23/2026

Andover-Aeroflex Airport Operations Update

The Andover-Aeroflex Airport, operated by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, will remain open as a public-use airport and continue offering outdoor grass tie-down rental space for aircraft.

Due to extensive capital improvements needed to the hangar, the size of the hangar complex is being reduced and will only be available for use by the Forest Fire Service. Airport operations, outside of the hangar, will continue without interruption.

The Forest Fire Service looks forward to continuing to serve visitors as a public-use airport.

06/18/2026

Scholarship Winner #2:
During a scholarship ceremony for the Walkill Valley Regional High School graduating class, Senior Luke Bolich was awarded a scholarship from the ATVFD. The award was presented by his grandfather, Past Chief Tom Cassidy.

Luke will attend Sussex County Community College, though he has not yet declared a major, his extra curricular activities will include football basketball and golf.

Congratulations Luke! We wish you all the best and continued success as you start this new adventure.