[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2213-S2214]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING EDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY FIRST RESPONDERS

 Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and pay 
tribute to the heroic first responders of Edgewater, NJ, and 
surrounding communities, who successfully extinguished one of the 
largest fires in the history of Bergen County. On Wednesday, January 
21, 2015, a massive fire destroyed an apartment building and displaced 
over 1,000 Borough residents, leaving many homeless during the bitter 
mid-winter months.

[[Page S2214]]

  At 4:20 p.m. that day, smoke billowed along the western skyline of 
the Hudson River as Edgewater first responders rushed to the scene of a 
7-alarm fire. Mayor Michael McPartland declared a local state of 
emergency, and the Edgewater Fire Department fought to control the 
blaze, which ultimately destroyed 240 of the 408 apartments in the 
complex. While civilians and first responders reported no serious 
injuries, hundreds of residents lost their homes, pets, and 
possessions. Were it not for the quick response of Edgewater's 
dedicated first responders, there could easily have been loss of life, 
and property damage would have been far greater.
  By the end of the event, 35 departments and agencies from across the 
region had responded to the call for help. Over 500 police officers, 
firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other emergency 
personnel were on the scene, many of whom stayed until 7 a.m. the next 
morning. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and honor 
some of these brave individuals for their fearless service to our 
community:
  Chief of Police William Skidmore, head of the 27-member Edgewater 
police force, who made sure his officers secured the fire perimeter and 
controlled crowds, ensuring that both emergency personnel and residents 
remained at a safe distance.
  Emergency Management Coordinator Robert Christiansen, who worked 
closely with Chief Skidmore to lead coordination efforts among the many 
county, State, and Federal emergency services that responded to the 
fire.
  Fire Chief Tom Jacobson, who managed the overall firefighting 
response and coordinated 250 firefighters, 2 fireboats from the Fire 
Department of the City of New York, 2 Jersey City marine units, and 1 
New Jersey State Police boat in fighting the blaze.
  First Aid Squad Captain Kathy Frato, who led her team of EMTs in 
assisting residents and those firefighters who continued to battle the 
fire into the morning hours.
  The firefighters of the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department, who 
worked through the night to battle this massive blaze.
  All of the first responders of the Edgewater Fire Department, Police 
Department, and First Aid Squad, in addition to the first responders 
from the 35 assisting municipalities, who helped to protect life and 
property. Their courage and commitment to their community is an example 
to all, and I could not be more grateful for their service.

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