Station 21-1 was dispatched for a dwelling fire on Orchard Street. Upon arrival Ladder 2116 reported smoke showing. After further investigation crews found the smoke was caused by a stove fire which was extinguished. Crews checked for extension with the thermal imaging camera and placed a negative pressure fan into service to eject the smoke from the dwelling. After speaking to the home owner crews found the fire was caused by attempting to dry cloths on the stove. Once the smoke was cleared the station was made available. Other apparatus on location included Tender 2111 and Bridgeport Ladder 1816. Paulsboro District 17 covered Gibbstown from Station 21-1. Station 21-1 was in service for 1/2 hr.

Tony Gattuso has been a member of The Gibbstown Fire Department since 2/1/57. Tony has served in the fire department for 51 years. Whether it is being the Chairman of The Sunshine Committee, holding a position on the Wildwood Committee, or being an accountability officer Tony was always helping the department in everyway possible. Tony was Firefighter of The Year for the department in 2004. The Gibbstown Fire Department would like to extend our thoughts and sympathy to the family of our great friend Tony Guttuso.

Station 21-1 held an in house drill which allowed members to perform and practice “mayday” scenarios. All members were placed under air and had to overcome several obstacles while having limited visibility. Once the member became tangled or disoriented they were to call a mayday over the radio utilizing the “LUNAR” technique. The drill was instructed by all of the officers from the department.

The Gibbstown Fire Department held it’s annual banquet at St.Michael’s Club. Members and guest enjoyed dinner and music. A stand-up comedian and a video was shown which featured pictures of fires over the last year. Several awards were also given out. Tammi Minix was voted as the Firefighter of the year, Lee McGill was given an award for 25 years of service, and out going Chief Jim Schmidt was honored for his 8 years of serving the department as chief. Also gag gifts were handed out along with door prizes.

Station 21-1 responded into Paulsboro for a dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Once on location Paulsboro Chief Glen Roemmich confirmed heavy smoke and fire showing but no one trapped inside. Paulsboro’s engine 1711 arrived first on location and placed two 1¾ inch hand lines in service after Chief Roemmich made the decision to perform an exterior attack only due to unsafe conditions. Ladder 2116, Tender 2111, Rescue 2118, and Utility 2117 were all on location. Ladder 2116 went into master stream operations while the other crews assisted with extinguishment. Station 21-1 was in service 2.75 hours.

Pictures By: Joshua Smith

The Gibbstown Fire Department would like to extend our thoughts and sympathy to the family of Jim Lutz. Lutz served in the Billingsport Fire Association for 31 years. Lutz was very active during his career in the fire service. He acted as battalion chief for 14 years and president for 16 years.

Station 21-1 held a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) class along with members from Mantua’s Fire Department. The class lasted two nights and one day. The first two nights the class was held at Gibbstown’s station. At the station members performed drags, carries and the "Denver drill". The final day the two departments went to the Gloucester County Fire Academy and performed bailout maneuvers, through the floor techniques, search & rescue, air management and roof rescue. The drill was run by Gibbstown Fire Captain Bill Bates.