November 25, 2022
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Tonight, Hightstown Engine Company # 1 held a dedication for a memorial site in the front of the firehouse for Dave Lidke who passed away in the line of duty on December 23, 2013. The fire company color guard posted the colors, and the dedication was held at the site at 5:30 p.m. The memorial contains a bench, small patio positioned next to a small tree.
See post from Hightstown Engine Company # 1 below:
We’ve all experienced loss in different ways. As we continue to move forward we cannot forget the one’s we’ve loved and lost. This is the purpose of a memorial. It’s a subtle but constant reminder celebrating the heroic lives of ordinary people. When you sit and reflect on the bench that has been added to the front of the firehouse you are paying homage to those who have come before us and paved the way.
The bench and small patio are neatly positioned next to a beautiful small tree. This tree is a memorial to our dear friend Dave Lidke who sadly passed away in the line of duty on December 23rd, 2013. It too is a memorial, albeit a living one, meant to carry forward the spirit of a man for whom that tree represents.
The bench is made of stone, it’s a rock. That’s what the fire department has always been thanks to those who have come before us. The tree is full of life and growth that’s what we will continue to be within this community.
Here’s to what was and what will always be.
It would be a sincere and much appreciated gesture to have many of you with us today at 5:30pm when we dedicate this new memorial space. We want to be surrounded by the community we love to serve as we conduct this brief ceremony.
November 25, 2022
UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Firefighters from Hope Fire Company of Allentown were dispatched to I-195 west bound near mile post 9.6 for a tractor trailer smoking at 3:57 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters found a trailer on fire that was disconnected from the tractor and the vehicle was full of municipal waste. Firefighters initially started working on the fire using a 1 3/4 hand line then once the cover over the burning materials was removed switched to deck gun operations. Millstone Township Fire Department brought an engine and a tanker to the scene for additional water and manpower.
Vehicle fire on I-195 westbound East of Exit 8 – CR 539 (Upper Freehold Twp) 1 Right lane and shoulder of 2 lanes closed 5-10 minute delay use caution https://t.co/6wcQ98s1BR
— 511NJ I195 (@511nji195) November 25, 2022
November 25, 2022
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hopewell Township firefighters were dispatched to 6 Madison Avenue in Hopewell Township, just outside of Pennington for a structure fire at 1:35 a.m. Upon arrival of police and firefighters the 6,300 square foot mansion was fully engulfed in fire. Firefighters used two LDH – large diameter hose lines to supply a master stream from Tower 51 and at least six handlines to knock the flames down. Several tankers were also called to the scene for precautionary measures in case more water was needed. There were cars in the driveway but it was unclear if anyone was home at the time of the fire.
According to Zillo the mansion was 6,300 square feet and had five bedrooms, and five and a half bathrooms. The “Zestimate®”: $1,463,400.00 in value. According to Hopewell Township tax records the property is Block 72 Lot 1.16, 6 Madison Ave., Owners are Dowdie George & Donna Chance with a yearly tax bill of $32,240.60 on a total Township assessed value of $1,077,200. with the November 1, 2022 payment listed as “open”
Fire Stations 51, 52, 53, 33, 22, 23 responded
Plus, tankers from Upper Markefield, Pa. (71), Griggstown (35), Montgomery (45), Neshanic (48)
There were no reported injuries and the fire is under investigation at this time. No additional details are available at this time.
November 25, 2022
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–City firefighters spent the final hours of Thanksgiving 2022 (Thursday, Nov. 24) battling a structure fire in the North Ward. It was 10:25 p.m. when firefighters were alerted to a reported commercial building fire on New York Avenue, between Mulberry and Anchor streets. Dispatched were Engines 6, 10, and 1, Ladder 4, Rescue 1 and the North Battalion. Engine 6 quickly arrived on the scene and reported smoke showing from the third-floor apartment located above the Dubai Restaurant and Lounge at 933 New York Avenue. The “All Hands” signal for a working fire was transmitted and additional resources – Engine 7, Ladder 1, Special Services 1 and the South Battalion – were dispatched. Fortunately, the blaze was quickly knocked down and was officially declared under control at 10:57 p.m. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
