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The Firemen's Fair is in full swing!
Take a look at some pictures from this year's Fair!

Summer 2010 Newsletter is here!

FHFD Overall Winner of 2010 Field Day Competition
(see video)

FHFD is competing at the Sea Bright Fire Company's Field Day on Sunday, September 26th.

FHFD is mentioned in an article on Central Jersey enjoys Antique Muster

FHFD has expanded its
photo and video galleries
If you have any photos/videos you'd like to share, let us know!

FHFD Participates in Disaster Drill

Future Firefighters
Information and Application

 

   Back to: About FHFD | Chief's Message

2010 Fair Haven Chiefs

2010 Fair Haven Fire Chiefs

Chief Jim Cerruti
Deputy Wade Davis
1st Assistant Bill Heath
2nd Assistant
D
erek DeBree

FHFD 2010 Line Officers
Fire Chiefs (from l to r): Jim Cerruti, Wade Davis, Bill Heath, Derek DeBree

Chief's Message
When I attended my first firefighting class in 1982, the instructor asked us, “How did the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 begin?” We, of course, replied with the story of Mrs. O'Leary's cow and the lantern (a story made up by a newspaper reporter).

Our instructor countered with an emphatic 'no' and went on to say "that fire started with flame about this big", as he held up his hand with a 1/4 inch gap between his thumb and index finger.

This is a lesson I have not forgotten, nor should our town’s residents. Every fire starts the same way, with a small flame. The real story behind fires is how they could have been prevented. That is why every October, members of our all volunteer Fire Department spend many hours educating over 900 students from
Pre-K to fifth grade on how to prevent fires and what to do in the event of a fire. By the time they reach 5th grade, most students, perhaps, are tired of hearing "Get Out, Stay Out". But they sure remember this lesson. Indeed, fire prevention is a topic not limited to kids.

It is always striking to me that when we give firehouse tours for youth groups in town, kids are much more comfortable talking about fire emergencies than the adults on the tour. I ask the kids what they would do if a smoke detector goes off and where is
the meeting spot outside the home where the family will gather. Many of the parents get uneasy at this point because they know they don't have an emergency plan. Take the time to sit with your family and talk about fire safety. Know two ways out of your home. For example will you meet under the tree in the front yard or by the mailbox at the end of the driveway.? Pick a spot and make sure the kids remember. Practice exiting your home. The first question from a responder will be "is everybody out?" Our primary mission is to protect life; property is secondary.

Here’s how you can help us help you:

  • Make sure your house number is big enough for
    us to see from the street and well illuminated.
  • Trim back bushes and trees from fire hydrants
    and gas meters.
  • Make sure your home carbon monoxide detector
    has a current sensor.
  • Change the batteries in your smoke alarms
    twice per year.
  • Keep hydrants clear of snow during the winter.
  • Get your chimney cleaned.
  • Clear a path in your basement to the electrical
    panel, furnace and hot water heater.
  • Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles during power
    outages.
  • Give as much information to the 911 operator as
    you can in medical or fire emergencies.

The real story is about fire prevention, but be assured, we will be there when you need us. Each Fair Haven volunteer firefighter, first aider, and fire police member spends countless hours in training and equipment maintenance. I am privileged to be part
of such a dedicated group of people that give so much back to the community. Enjoy the remainder of the summer and stay safe. Remember, it starts with a flame about this big.

-Fire Chief Jim Cerruti

Return to About FHFD

 

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