Somerdale Fire Department

08/28/2026

This week, required annual testing and certification was completed on our apparatus and ground ladders. This testing insures that our equipment is safe, maintained and meets the NFPA standards for fire pumps, ground ladders and then aerial main ladder on Quint 65. We also took advantage of a nice day and completed hand tool care and maintenance.

08/25/2026

Monday night our training consisted of two operations. One, roof operations, using ground ladders, saws and other equipment to properly make a ventilation hole in our roof prop. Ventilating a roof during a fire, coordinating with fire suppression releases heat and toxic gases for the interior team as well as any victims that may be inside. The second, was operating Quint 65’s aerial ladder for precisely placing the tip using a series of hand signals as the form of communication. Practicing communication like this allows our members to work as a team and to build consistency.

08/18/2026

Please help us welcome our newest Junior Firefighter Caleyse Utley who was sworn in at last nights General Meeting.
Congratulations and welcome to the family!

08/10/2026

08/04/2026

Squad 65 responded to Stratford for a motor vehicle accident, and once on scene was upgraded with entrapment. Squad 65 along Stratford Squad 64 and Command 64 extricated one patient. This occurred just prior to our training session.
Our drill focused on engine company operations. Crews rotated through scenario of stretching 2” attack line, hydrant supply, force entry and flow water. We always strive to work on our craft to improve.

08/02/2026

Sunday at Cooper River Park our 1974 Mack was on display and was awarded 1st Place 1970’s motorized apparatus at the Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Association. Also two or our members were there with their privately owned fire apparatus and received awards. Engineer Frank Rizzo Jr. was awarded a Judges Award for his American LaFrance Ladder 1614 formerly of Collingswood. Firefighter Andrew McFadden was awarded 3rd Place for 1990’s or newer Motorized Fire Apparatus for his Seagrave Engine that previously served as Pipe Line 40 for the City of Philadelphia.

08/02/2026

53 weeks ago, we embarked on a project of pride and history. We purchased a 1929 REO Speedwagon / Hale Fire Engine. While this is not our original truck, it is extremely close to what we had as our 1927 REO. The truck was brought home in parts - engine, transmission and many other mechanical items in boxes and crates. Tonight, after just over one year, mechanicals have been installed and were able to get her started and drive around to our main engine bay. All of this work, and, labor of love for many, was all while we answered 500 calls for service, continued training, building maintenance, current apparatus maintenance and other needs. No tax dollars were spent on this project, and has been done through fundraising efforts.
We hope to continue to work on the REO, getting her cleaned up and shining proud. To our “mechanical crew” fantastic job! And we are proud of the work you have done !
For those going to Cooper River Muster Sunday, our Mack will be on display. Stop in and say hi.

08/01/2026

Today members spent the day at the Salem County Fire Academy to attend Rope Rescue training for Squad Company. The course was comprised of five different skill stations. This training included Rapid Intervention skills for removing a downed firefighter. Also a skill station for rope rescue, using a pick-off line, as well as two scenarios removing a victim from a roof using Quint 65’s Main ladder and rope systems.
Thank you to our instructors for the day, and of course to our members for their outstanding efforts and dedication to training to always learn something new.

08/01/2026

Happening now … Somerdale Fire Department is at Salem County Fire Academy conducting Rope Rescue for the Squad Company. Our members commitment to training is greatly appreciated and always eager to learn. More to come …

07/28/2026

Monday nights training was all about saws. We have various types of saws all designed for specific uses. From trees to roofs, concrete to metal, pipes to wood. During our training members learned what type of saws, or blades, to use safely and effectively to make cuts. Cleaning, fueling and maintaining each saw was also conducted.
In addition we have three personnel announcements as well.
Firefighter Frank Rizzo was promoted to Engineer.
Probationary firefighter Christopher Chamberlin graduated from Sterling High School in June and will be taking a leave to attend Rowan University.
And three members have entered the Gloucester County Fire Academy for Firefighter 1/2 recruit class 26-78. Rebecca Barkoff, Megan Barkoff and John Billak have begun the 357 hour training program.