(above, l-r) Chief William Eaton, Mayor Giordano, Captain James DiPaolo, FF Brendan Kinney, EMT John Schulz, and EMT Susan Connolly
North Plainfield Fire Department Conducts Annual Award Ceremony
At the Borough’s May 6, 2019 Council meeting, the North Plainfield Fire Department conducted its annual award ceremony and Mayor Michael Giordano read the oath of office to our two newest members. Melissa Zittel was sworn-in as a Uniformed EMT and Ross Innocenti was sworn-in as a probationary Firefighter/EMT.
During this year’s award ceremony, the following recipients were recognized:
Service Commendation Award – Captain James DiPaolo, Firefighters Kevin Miller and Brendan Kinney, and EMTs John Schulz and Susan Connolly
This was earned for their life saving actions on May 30, 2017. That day, we were dispatched to a report of a person having difficulty breathing where the patient suddenly went into full cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated by the crew who performed several rounds of CPR and delivered 3 shocks with the AED prior to the arrival of paramedics. Shortly after medics arrived, the patient did regain a spontaneous heartbeat and respirations, and she was immediately transported to the hospital. Upon transfer of the patient to the hospital ER staff she was responsive and breathing on her own.
Service Commendation Award – EMT Deirdre Wright and EMT Ryan Lucas
On July 6, 2017, we were dispatched for a woman in labor. The crew responded and upon their arrival they quickly determined that the child’s birth was imminent. A few moments later, a healthy baby girl was delivered by this crew inside the patient’s residence. The crew then transported mother and child to St. Peter’s hospital.
Unit Citation Award – Lieutenant Thomas McDonald; Firefighters Jeffrey Meyer, Kristopher Piccola, Patrick Lanzone; EMTs: Gary Howard, Michael Frey, Matthew Kiefer
On the evening of August 18, 2018, the fire department was dispatched to a call reporting 2 unconscious people in a business along Route 22. Upon arrival, two victims were found inside the building and unconscious for no apparent reason. A paramedic unit happened to be in the parking lot of the business next door, so they were in the process of removing an unconscious female from inside the store who was one of the victims. They quickly updated the platoon officer, Lt. Tom McDonald, that there was another male patient still inside. The Lt. cautiously entered the store, not yet knowing exactly what occurred and in that short moment, he detected a fuel exhaust odor, observed a liquid chemical agent on the floor and saw the unconscious male laying not too far from the liquid chemical. He then entered the building to quickly remove him. At that point, other Fire/EMS personnel on scene assisted with removing this victim and helped provide patient care for both patients. Further investigation determined that fatal levels of carbon monoxide had accumulated in the building due to gasoline fueled power washer being used inside the building. Simultaneously the other victim was using a highly acidic cleaner on the floor and when she became unconscious, she was laying in the chemical product, which caused significant burns to her back and right side. Ultimately the building was ventilated, returned to a safe condition and both victims survived, only because of the actions of these Firefighters and EMTs.
Submitted by Chief William Eaton
(above, l-r) Mayor Michael Giordano, Lt. Thomas McDonald, FF Jeffrey Meyer, FF Patrick Lanzone, and FF Kris Piccola.
