Cherry Hill Firefighters Respond to Gas Leak on Route 70

On Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at just past 1100 PM, Cherry Hill firefighters responded to a reported gas leak in the 400 block of Route 70 East in the area of the median construction site. First arriving units discovered that construction equipment had struck and underground gas line. A request was made for additional Cherry Hill Fire Department units to respond. Firefighters immediately took positions to protect utility workers and surrounding properties while also checking the air quality in the surrounding neighborhoods. The leak was stopped at 1230 AM.

CHFD Members Recognized by Mayor

Members from the Cherry Hill Fire Department were recognized by Mayor Berry Platt, for their life saving efforts of a fourteen year boy who was struck by lighting that occurred on June 12. In attendance were Lieutenant West, Firefighters Taylor, Ioannucci, DiRenzo, and Emergency Medical Technicians Arnold and Hannum.

Also recognized was a neighbor who was on the scene and helped the victim until Cherry Hill emergency personnel arrived. To see local coverage of the awards, please visit the WPVI website article and video "Cherry Hill Man Honored for Saving Teen".

Cherry Hill EMT Bikes 600 miles to raise funds and awareness.

Please click on the Courier Post article "County EMT bikes 600 miles" to read about Cherry Hill EMT, Dave Milsted and his bike trek from New York City to Roanoke, VA. The mission of this ride for 37 EMTs from around the region was to raise awareness and funds for the National EMS Memorial Service. To read more about the efforts, check out the following websites: National EMS Memorial Service, EMS Memorial Bike Ride, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Hazardous Materials Unit responds To Voorhees Pediatric Center

On Saturday July 7, 2007 Cherry Hill Fire Department Hazardous Materials Unit responded to the Voorhees Pediatric Facility at approx. 12:30PM for the report of multiple sick people in the building. The Hazmat unit was dispatched to monitor the air for any type of gas or chemical agent that may cause the sickness. The crews searched the entire building with several different types of detection devices and found no hazard. Further investigation determined that the sickness was limited to a couple people and possibly due to the high temperatures that day. During the incident the building was being evacuated to the local high school until the hazmat unit was done with their investigation. High temperatures of near 90 degrees were a major concern for both the patients and the firefighters. Crews from Voorhees, Cherry Hill, West Berlin, Gibbsboro fire departments and an EMS task force were on scene to assist with the large number of patients being evacuated from the facility. Cherry Hill Fire Department's Rehab Unit and a Canteen from Camden County were also dispatched to assist in hydrating the crews during the midday sun. Patients were displaced from the building for approximately 2 hours. No other injuries were reported.

Fire Department receives DCA approval for bonds.

Cherry Hill Fire Department representatives testified at the July 11th hearing of the NJ Department of Community Affairs, Local Finance Board. The hearing is part of the official process the fire department must go through. They sought the Local Finance Board's permission to seek the issuance of a bond sale as approved by Cherry Hill voters in December, 2006.

These monies are set to fund the fire department's long range facility and fleet programs, underway since early 2005. The Local Finance Board did question Chief Giorgio and others about the particulars of all the projects, costs, and the plans for the future. They then unanimously approved the issuance of the bond sale which is now set to take place during the week of July 16th. More information will follow as the bond sale proceeds and this project continues.

CHFD Responds to Crash on Brace Road

Firefighters and EMT's responded to a two vehicle crash on Brace Road near the entrance to Fashion Square Shopping Center. It was reported that one person was still trapped in the vehicle. Crews stabilized the vehicle and used hydraulic rescue tools to quickly gain access to the patient. Firefighters removed the patient with CHFD EMT's and transported the person to a local hospital. Cherry Hill Police are investigating the cause of the accident.