Frankford Township Fire Department

09/08/2026

Sunday night marked our final fireworks standby of the year at Skylands Stadium, and with Labor Day now behind us, we’ve officially reached the unofficial end of summer.

And like most summers around Station 25…this one was anything but quiet.

Over the last few months, our members responded to structure fires, vehicle fires, brush fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, mutual-aid assignments and plenty of everything in between.

But answering calls was only part of it.

Our crews spent nights at Skylands Stadium providing fire protection for fireworks displays, covered rescue and extrication operations at the demolition derbies, participated in community events and fundraisers, trained together, and somehow found enough people willing to spend an entire week working three b**r tents at the Sussex County Fair.

Fair Week alone accounted for 1,584 volunteer man-hours between fundraising, emergency coverage and calls for service…and that was just one week of the summer.

There were long days, late nights, meals interrupted by pagers, plans changed at the last minute and more than a few mornings where some of us probably questioned why we thought staying up that late was a good idea.

But there were also some incredible moments.

We worked alongside neighboring departments, helped people on some of their worst days, welcomed thousands of people through our community throughout the summer, and watched our members step up time and time again whenever they were needed.

And every once in a while, we got a view like this.

Now the fairgrounds are quiet, the last fireworks of the year have gone up over Skylands, Labor Day has come and gone, and another summer at Station 25 is in the books.

A lot happened between Memorial Day and Labor Day…and we’re proud of the part our members played in all of it.

Here’s to Summer 2026…and a few of the views we picked up along the way. Here’s to cooler nights, beautiful colors of the leaves, and football season. As always we will be here when you need us!

09/05/2026

Yup, that’s our Justin (ok, it’s one of our Justins).
Hope everyone has a great school year! 📚

First day of school for this guy!

Another year. We just can’t believe it. Time goes by way too fast and he really is growing up right before our eyes. 🥹

He was a little nervous this morning, but we know once he sees all his friends he’ll be just fine.

Wishing our big guy the best first day and an amazing school year. Go get ’em, buddy!

✏️ For those of you who may not know, this is our School Resource Officer, Justin Bellis. Introduce yourself and say hi!

09/03/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter Owen Clark!

Owen is the slightly less voluminous cousin of FTFD Deputy Chief Jeremy Bell and comes from a family where apparently joining the fire department is less of a decision and more of a genetic requirement. There are generations of firefighters in the Clark family, and judging by the newspaper clipping, Owen was wearing a helmet before he was old enough to spell “fire department.”

Owen currently serves FTFD as an Associate Firefighter while also serving as Deputy Chief of the Sussex Fire Department.

As if one fire department wasn’t enough, Owen is heavily involved with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, where he serves as a District Warden and can regularly be found staffing Tender A20.

And before anybody says it…
TENDER.
Not tanker.

We don’t need Chris Franek appearing out of nowhere to give us a 45-minute angry lecture on the difference in his opinion.

When he’s not bouncing between fire departments or the Forest Fire Service, Owen works for Frankford Township DPW, because apparently his life’s goal is to own absolutely zero clothing that can’t get dirty.

Owen is also an avid hunter and is seemingly always doing something. If there’s work to be done, a fire to go to, something to fix, somewhere to be, or an old blue tractor that needs to make a public appearance…there’s a pretty good chance Owen is already involved.

That tractor has actually become part of the family too…even making an appearance at Owen’s wedding!

Owen has been married for just over a year to his high school sweetheart, Katie…although if you’ve spent any amount of time around our members, you probably know her better as Fred. At this point, we’re honestly not sure everyone knows her real name.

From riding around the firehouse as a kid, to becoming a firefighter himself, to now serving as a Deputy Chief…fire service has quite literally been part of Owen’s entire life.

Thanks for everything you do for FTFD and the fire service, Owen!

08/30/2026

Yesterday, Lt 2 Brad Swistack married his high school sweetheart, Morgan.

These two have been together since high school, and after years of growing up, building a life, and making plenty of memories together, yesterday they finally got to make it official.

Please join us in congratulating Brad & Morgan Swistack as they start this next chapter together. We wish them both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, love, and plenty more memories along the way.

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Swistack!

And Brad…after knowing Morgan since high school, you definitely knew what you were signing up for. No returns now buddy….

08/28/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter and current President Mike Fox.

Mike joined FTFD in 1989, meaning he’s been around long enough to remember when half our members weren’t born yet…and apparently has spent every year since telling someone about it.

Because if there’s one thing you need to know about Mike…it’s that Mike can talk.

And talk.

And somehow, when you think the conversation is wrapping up…Mike remembers three more things.

This is especially dangerous during our monthly meetings. The second Mike starts rambling, there’s usually an audible, department-wide sigh because everybody knows we’re not going home anytime soon. And the officers aren’t spared either. At our monthly officers meetings, Mike can get the entire table to collectively sigh in unison. The coordination is impressive.

If you’ve ever asked Mike a simple question while trying to leave the firehouse, congratulations…you now live there.

As President, Mike handles behind-the-scenes work most people never see. From insurance and paperwork to coordinating with the Township, he puts in plenty of hours after the trucks are parked.

Mike is also a member of Beemerville Fire Department, continuing a fire service career of nearly four decades.

Spotting Mike at one of our events is easy. Just look for the guy with a cigar permanently attached to his mouth. We’re fairly certain removing it would require specialized equipment and prior approval from the Township’s insurance carrier…which Mike would have to handle anyway.

But behind all the talking, paperwork and ci**rs is what Mike is probably proudest of…his family.

Mike is a die-hard family man, and whether it’s his children, grandchildren or the newest additions to the crew, there’s no hiding how much they mean to him.

After nearly 37 years with Frankford, Mike’s contributions go far beyond answering calls. He’s spent decades helping keep this organization moving, on the fireground and behind the scenes.

So if you see Mike, thank him for everything he does for FTFD.

Just whatever you do…don’t ask how his day is going unless you’ve cleared your schedule.

08/26/2026

At approximately 08:47 this morning, FTFD was dispatched with Blue Ridge Rescue Squad to County Route 565 near Losey Road for a head-on MVA with reported injuries. Shortly after dispatch, our dispatchers at the Sussex County Sheriffs 911 Center reported one vehicle to be on fire.

Sussex County Fire Marshal/Frankford Fire Official Mark Snook arrived and confirmed a two-car MVA, with a pickup truck and landscape trailer fully involved. 38-1/Sussex County MAC 2 arrived shortly after FM1, and established Route 565 Command. 25 Engine 2 arrived first due and deployed a handline for fire attack, followed shortly after by 25 Engine and 25 Rescue. The fire was quickly knocked down, and the scene was overhauled to confirm the fire was fully extinguished. Atlantic BLS 292 assessed the occupants of both vehicles and obtained RMAs from all occupants.

While still on scene, FTFD was dispatched at 10:00 to an automatic aid assignment into Sandyston Township with the Sandyston Township Fire Department Station 38 on Route 206 near Stokes Sport Shop for an MVA with reported injuries. 25 Engine, 25 Rescue, and 25 Rescue 2 cleared Route 565 and responded to this incident. Units stood by and assisted with debris removal and fluid mitigation. Westfall assessed one patient on scene and obtained an RMA. All units returned to service at approximately 10:46.

Responding Units to Route 565:
25 Engines 1 and 2, 25 Rescues 1 and 2, 25 Tanker
Atlantic Health System BLS 292
STVFD 38-1
Saint Clare's Health MIC53
New Jersey State Police Sussex Barracks
Sussex County Sheriff's Office, NJ

Responding Units to Route 206:
25 Engine, 25 Rescues 1 and 2
Westfall EMS 39AMB1
New Jersey State Police Sussex Barracks

08/23/2026

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, meet Fire Police Member Angel Bellis.

Yes, we know… another Bellis. At this point, we’re pretty sure joining Frankford is somewhere in the Bellis family bylaws.

Angel joined Frankford Township Fire Department in 2015 after previously serving with Branchville Fire Department. Since then, she’s become one of those members who may not always be front and center, but somehow always seems to be wherever something needs to get done.

Angel serves on our Refreshment Committee, which means she handles one of the most critical responsibilities in the department… making sure the drinks are stocked and the pizza shows up on meeting night. Forget incident command… try telling a room full of firefighters the pizza is late and see how quickly things deteriorate.

She’s also a familiar face at just about every fundraiser we have. Whether we’re setting up, serving, cleaning up, or wondering why we thought another fundraiser was a good idea… Angel is usually somewhere in the middle of it helping out.

Before joining the staff at Montague School, Angel spent more than 15 years as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. So after a decade and a half of listening to everyone else’s emergencies as Operator 5, she apparently decided spending her free time around firefighters would be relaxing.

Outside the firehouse, Angel’s world revolves around family… especially her approximately 6,463,829 grandchildren. We stopped trying to get an exact count.

She loves camping… provided Rusty is willing to tow the camper wherever she decides they’re going… vacations to Florida, traveling, and spending time with her family. Judging by the pictures, Angel and Rusty have collected quite a few miles and memories together over the years.

Angel is dependable, caring, always willing to lend a hand, and one of those people whose contribution goes far beyond running calls. It’s members like Angel who keep showing up for meetings, fundraisers, events, and each other that keep this place moving.

So if you see Angel around the firehouse, say hello… and maybe thank her for the pizza.

Because unlike the rest of this post… that part is serious. 🚒🍕

08/16/2026

Always a good day 🌞 when we can spend it with our 🧑‍🚒 “future firefighters” 👨‍🚒 (and their families).
Awesome Touch -a- Truck 🚒 event organized by our good friend Kevin Rudolph benefitting the Ride with Rudolph Foundation.
Following the event, Kevin threw out the ceremonial “first pitch” in the Sussex County Miners game. Fans watched as the Miners had a come from behind, 7-6 win, over their rival New Jersey Jackals.
For those unaware, Kevin is a salesman at Royal Buick GMC in Wantage, and together they have done amazing work in support of area First Responders. 🚑 🛻

08/12/2026

One of my favorite things about running this page is tailoring the humor, roasting, and heart of each post.

And I must say… I have been SO looking forward to this one.

For this week’s episode of When the Truck Stops, let’s meet Firefighter Chris Lordy.

Yes, we’re convinced everybody knows Chris. If you don’t, give it a few minutes. He’s probably on his way to join your fire department too.

Chris is married to Danielle and is the proud dad of two amazing little girls. They’ve built a beautiful life in Wantage…despite Danielle marrying a man whose hobbies include firefighting, driving trucks, joining more fire departments, and falling asleep literally anywhere.

Seriously. We have photographic evidence. Chairs. Couches. Firehouses. While holding his daughter. Give Chris a horizontal surface and 30 seconds of peace and he’s OUT.

Chris works full time as a truck driver hauling throughout the Northeast. When does he actually sleep? Apparently: whenever someone has a camera nearby.

Chris is a former Assistant Chief with Sandyston Fire and currently serves there as Captain. He’s also a firefighter with Sussex Fire and, because multiple departments apparently still left too much free time, he ended up with us too.

And thank God he did.

Chris brings the humor wherever he goes. Whether he’s wearing a plastic red helmet, modeling an argyle sweater vest with disturbing confidence, dressing like a Christmas elf, using another firefighter as furniture, or staring into a camera from three inches away… Chris keeps morale high.

Or at least keeps Human Resources busy.

Behind all the sarcasm and absolute nonsense is one hell of a firefighter, officer, husband, dad, and friend. Chris shows up, works hard, takes care of the people around him, and somehow makes everyone laugh while doing it.

We’re lucky to have him , Sandyston is lucky to have him, Sussex is lucky to have him, and Danielle deserves some sort of award.

Chris, thanks for everything you bring to the fire service, our department, and every crew unfortunate enough to be within range of your personality.

And please… never change.

Mostly because we already have enough pictures for at least six more posts.