Flanders Fire/Rescue Selects 2009 Officers

FLANDERS, NEW JERSEY – Command of fire and emergency medical operations in Flanders will continue under the same leadership in 2009. That’s the choice of members of the Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad, who recently selected their 2009 leaders.

Fire Chief Fred Detoro Jr. will remain chief of department. It will be his 10th year in the position. As chief he has overseen the department’s growth in recent years, including the addition of specialized equipment for mass decontamination and new apparatus.

Michael McDermott and Greg Widzemok will continue as assistant chiefs. Tom Shields was promoted from lieutenant to captain. Robert Uhlmann and Scott Faluotico were elected as lieutenants. Both have served in that capacity in the past.

In the Emergency Medical Services Division, members elected Heather Detoro to another term as captain. Bruce Gallagher will continue to serve as first lieutenant and Roberto Salazar will serve as second lieutenant again. Tyler Wargo also was chosen as a second lieutenant.

Joe Abrusci was re-appointed engineer. As engineer, Abrusci heads up a team of firefighters who maintain the apparatus and the equipment on those trucks.

“The re-election of so many senior people not only demonstrates the faith of the membership in the direction of the department, but provides continuity so we continue to grow with Mount Olive and assure that we can quickly provide state-of-the-art services,” said Chief Detoro. “In addition, the new officers have extensive line experience and we welcome their fresh ideas.”

The Flanders Firefighter’s Association also chose its 2009 leadership. The association runs the business end of fire and emergency medical services. That includes adhering to myriad state and federal regulations regarding personnel and homeland security rules. In charge of the association will be Kevin Dolan, who moved from vice president to president. Joe Abrusci, former president, becomes vice president.

Other association officers include Scott Faluotico, secretary; Michael Jopp, treasurer; Tano Giacchino, assistant treasurer; Tom Puder, personnel officer; and Roberto Salazar, trustee.

All will be installed at a banquet January 31st, 2009.

The Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 75 members, all of whom receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, three ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home.

For information about Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No 1 membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-6745.