SMFPA represented at UASI media briefing (May 27, 2005)

Representatives from the Urban Area Security Initiative counties were on hand in Elizabeth, NJ to feature the firefighting equipment recently delivered.

Kidde Fire Fighting’s Neptune Pumping System was demonstrated on land and on the water for a variety of municipal fire, state emergency services teams, city and county public officials, and emergency responders. 

This fire equipment is for the big event -- no small house fires need apply for equipment that can pump out 5,000 to 8,000 gallons of water a minute or provide 3,500 gallons of foam in an instant.

Delivered by the federal Department of Homeland Security, the new equipment arrived earlier this month, and Schooleys Mountain firefighters have been training alongside others from all over the northern part of the state. It's all part of a regional effort to deal with major catastrophes or terrorist attacks in a six-county region, comprising Morris, Union, Essex, Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.

5000 GPM pump, hose wagon, nozzle trailer, and hose trailer shown.

The six counties, part of what is called the Urban Area Security Initiative, will jointly use the new equipment and work together to be prepared to deal with major regional events. The new vehicles and equipment also could be shipped to New York City or other parts of the metropolitan area when needed.

Morris County vehicles will be supported by the fire departments in Chatham, Morris and Washington townships and Parsippany, where firefighters will maintain them and be on call to move them out when needed. Union County's vehicles reside with the Union and Elizabeth fire departments.

Firefighters from all six counties completed cross-training with the new equipment during the week of May 22. Some will even head to Texas A&M University in December to get specialized training in using foam to battle blazes.

Morris County Fire Training Coordinator Jack Alderton worked with the six-county coalition for nearly two years to get the new equipment. The group also has worked to develop a strategy for dealing with regional emergencies. SMFPA Chief Carey saw the opportunity to involve our community in this valuable regional effort.

A mutual aid agreement enables fire departments to maximize the use of this equipment and effectively plan for its availability to the entire region, especially in those areas that contain critical infrastructure sites that are vulnerable to attack, while the local departments also can benefit by housing and utilizing such cutting edge, extensive equipment.

New Jersey State Division of Fire Safety Director Lawrence Petrillo addresses the observers on the establishment of the UASI strike team, below.
Morris County Fire Coordinator Jack Alderton, along with Chief Carey (rear) describing our role

A Land based team, along with a second team on a barge, demonstrate the equipment in Elizabeth on May 27.