On Tuesday, 7/20, Neshanic Fire Chief Bill Iden organized and executed a tanker drill at his firehouse utilizing fire departments from multiple townships and encompassing two counties. Volunteer fire departments included Neshanic Station (St. 48) whose coverage area includes portions of Hillsborough and Branchburg townships, Flagtown FD (St. 36) from Hillsborough Twp, Three Bridges FD (Hunterdon County St. 33), as well as and Country Hills FD (St. 24) serving Bridgewater and Branchburg townships. In addition to the firefighters having an opportunity to work together and see the differences in each other’s equipment, they were also able to see a manufacturer’s representative demonstrate the features of a new KME 3000 gal tanker being evaluated by Neshanic Fire Department for possible purchase.
With area emergency services being completely volunteer organizations, the need for strong mutual aide relationships is critical. “This is a chance for everyone to work together, as well as talk about issues such as equipment and communication differences BEFORE we have a problem on a fire scene”. Chief Iden said, “Our plan is to have a drill with all the Branchburg fire departments in the very near future” Branchburg’s Fire Chief Association, as well as the surrounding communities, have a strong commitment to building these relationships. In addition to various drills and trainings is a Branchburg Fire Departments family picnic, scheduled on one of the most meaningful day to all firemen, September 11th.
Country Hills 24-104 being supplied by 48-105 during tanker drill
CHFD is proud to announce the arrival of our new Ivanko weight training Smith System. Members are welcome to use all the exercise equipment anytime. Thanks go out the firefighters who cleaned and assembled the workout area and equipment.
Country Hills Vol Fire Co. (CHFD), serving Bridgewater and Branchburg Townships, was the lucky recipient of a free Members Room makeover by the local TV program LX-TV OPENHOUSE. The program airs on Sunday mornings at 8:30am on WNBC channel 4. The last segment of the half hour show is titled “OPENHOUSE TO THE RESCUE” to which the host, George Oliphant, with help from a professional design team, remodels a viewer’s room. The folks at NBC chose to highlight Country Hills Fire Co with a 30 minute special TV program called “OPENHOUSE – Rescuing the Rescuers” scheduled to air on May 23rd (check local listings for additional broadcast times).
In late March, ex-chief Kevin Bockus responded to the shows on air request for viewers in need of a remodel rescuing. His message said the firefighters needed rescuing and stating CHFD’s rec room at their station on Milltown Rd. in Bridgewater was a wreck. Within two weeks of sending his email, the producers of the program contacted him indicating their desire to do a special show. With cameras rolling on April 22nd, the firefighters helped remove the old furniture from the room. For the next 2 weeks all fire department members were banned from the space. During that time various design team members worked hard to meet the planned reveal date.
On May 11th 2010, film crews captured Country Hills Fire Co. members and their loved ones as they were surprised and awestruck by a new rec room designed especially for them. Among other things, the space included a flat screen TV and home theater system, a new computer, as well as, new couches, tables and chairs for the firefighters and their families to enjoy.
Country Hills Vol Fire Co. is a proud member of Bridgewater Twp Fire District 3. As with all of the fire departments serving Bridgewater and Branchburg Townships, they are always in need of volunteers. CHFD welcomes interested members of the community to stop by the firehouse on Tuesdays’ between 7 and 9pm or call the firehouse at 725-7070. Interested citizens are also encouraged to contact their local fire company or rescue squad for additional volunteer opportunities.
See the link for Firehouse Rescue Parts 1 through 5 for the complete program LXTV OPENHOUSE TO THE RESCUE