June 2005

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News (June 2005)
Circuit Breaker fire at Second Street substation causes power outage
It is believed a squirrel caused a wide area power outage and fire at the Atlantic City Electric (formerly Conectiv Power) substation at Second and Harrison Streets. Through a collaborative effort between Atlantic City Electric and Millville Fire Department, firefighters were able to safely extinguish the fire after Atlantic City Electric employees de-energized the affected area. Once the fire was extinguished power was restored to the 5,800 electric customers. The power outage lasted almost two and a half hours.
For more pictures and step by step procedures used by MFD to safely extinguish the fire click here.

Atlantic City Press Article "Squirrel turns off the lights in Millville"
PDF of Article


Cedar Street House Fire Sends Man To Burn Center
Millville - An early afternoon fire destroyed two rooms in a one story house at 105 Cedar Street. The occupant, Jeff Bernard was asleep at the time of the fire. Mr. Bernard woke to a house full of smoke and fire but managed to open the back door to allow his four dogs to escape. He then ran back through the house exiting the front door where he collapsed shortly after leaving the burning building. Mr. Bernard was transported by medivac helicopter to Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland, PA where he is listed in stable but critical condition in the intensive care unit. The fire alarm was dispatched by Cumberland County Communications center who was notified of the fire by off duty Firefighter Patrick Wettstein and his wife Heather who happened to be driving by at the time of the fire. Once the flames were extinguished a search began for several pets belonging to Mr. Bernard. Greg Smith (Mr. Bernard's cousin) notified MFD that there were several pet snakes including a python still in the house. The search proved successful and the snakes appeared to be in good health in spite of enduring the heavy smoke and fire conditions. Press of Atlantic City article on the fire www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/cumberland/060505MILLVILLEFIREJUNE5.cfm
	Incident Commander, Deputy Chief Steve Alcorn finds heavy smoke conditions while issuing orders to arriving firefighters.

	Heavy smoke pours out of the door and windows.

	Captain Howard Hee at the tip of Ladder 32's aerial uses a chain saw to cut vent hole in the roof to release heat and smoke.

	Lieutenant Ric Tucker and Greg Smith hold a python rescued after the fire.

Pictures by Millville Police officer Terry Fawcett who is a also volunteer MFD Firefighter and Career Firefighter David Smith

MFD Celebrates 125 Years of Service

The Millville Fire Department hosted a private gathering of current and past members at a dinner to commemorate the fire department's 125th Anniversary. There were over 100 attendees, some traveling from as far as California and others just a block or two away. Conversation about old times and new alike filled the hall including the relating of some little known stories from years ago.

The first meeting of Resolution Hose Company #3 was held on May 14, 1880 the organization that several years later would become the Millville Fire Department. Each member was given a color copy of the first roll call sheet from 1880 along with a commemorative recreation of the Fire House at Second & Sassafras streets.

The event also served to honor Firefighter Sumner Lippincott for 50 years of service to the Millville Fire Department. Sumner, who is a past mayor of Millville, was presented with a watch by his son, Career Firefighter Michael Lippincott and Chief Kurt Hess.

	Chief Kurt Hess (center) talks of his boyhood recollection of Sumner responding to fire calls by jumping over a four foot fence "in a single bound" while Mike & Sumner listen along with the audience.

	Career Firefighter Michael Lippincott presents his father with a watch to commemorate 50 years of service

	Chief Kurt Hess, Sumner and Firefighter Michael Lippincott

Members gather to celebrate, remember, and talk of old times.

Pictures by Career Firefighter David Smith

Leaves in Chiminea cause house fire on Maurice St.

Leaves thrown into a Chiminea fireplace that was next to the house caught vinyl siding on the house on fire. The fire damage was confined to the outside of the house.

	MFD Sets ladders and check for fire extension

	Ladder on left has Dan Doerr looking for fire extension while Mike Lippincott on top of ladder on right with Ian Roberts backing him up hose down a hot spot.

	Deputy Chief Jim Reeves gives one of the family member's a teddy bear to comfort her

Article by Career Firefighter David Smith
Pictures by Company Photographer Dale Wettstein

Honor Guard Participates In Memorial Day Ceremonies
The Millville Fire Department Honor Guard joined several area color guards during a parade and Memorial Day service at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
	Millville Honor Guard members in front of Phoebe - MFD's restored 1925 American LaFrance Engine.
Left to right: Christine Tonetta, John Garton, Bill Stadnick and Lt. Ric Tucker