Somerdale Fire Department

09/08/2026

On an “off” night at our firehouse, some members gathered to do some odds and ends around the station. While some stuffed envelopes for our annual fund drive campaign, others checked equipment, did some landscaping, cleaned up our 9-11 monument, took care of the Somerdale No 1 Fire Company monument at the old station and got some work done on the REO Speedwagon. Some mechanical work and installation of the headlights.

09/02/2026

Monday nights training was using rescue air bags to lift a vehicle off a patient. Tasks and discussions regarding “crib as you”, alternate methods and overall scene safety. In addition, some Fire Police members were training with Utility 65 and our Traffic Safety Trailer. Training for various skills, air bags, stabilization, communication, driving and operating vehicles and trailers all help us to provide effective and efficient aid while on emergency scenes.

08/28/2026

This week, required annual testing and certification was completed on our apparatus and ground ladders. This testing insures that our equipment is safe, maintained and meets the NFPA standards for fire pumps, ground ladders and then aerial main ladder on Quint 65. We also took advantage of a nice day and completed hand tool care and maintenance.

08/25/2026

Monday night our training consisted of two operations. One, roof operations, using ground ladders, saws and other equipment to properly make a ventilation hole in our roof prop. Ventilating a roof during a fire, coordinating with fire suppression releases heat and toxic gases for the interior team as well as any victims that may be inside. The second, was operating Quint 65’s aerial ladder for precisely placing the tip using a series of hand signals as the form of communication. Practicing communication like this allows our members to work as a team and to build consistency.

08/18/2026

Please help us welcome our newest Junior Firefighter Caleyse Utley who was sworn in at last nights General Meeting.
Congratulations and welcome to the family!

08/10/2026

08/04/2026

Squad 65 responded to Stratford for a motor vehicle accident, and once on scene was upgraded with entrapment. Squad 65 along Stratford Squad 64 and Command 64 extricated one patient. This occurred just prior to our training session.
Our drill focused on engine company operations. Crews rotated through scenario of stretching 2” attack line, hydrant supply, force entry and flow water. We always strive to work on our craft to improve.

08/02/2026

Sunday at Cooper River Park our 1974 Mack was on display and was awarded 1st Place 1970’s motorized apparatus at the Cradle of Liberty Antique Fire Association. Also two or our members were there with their privately owned fire apparatus and received awards. Engineer Frank Rizzo Jr. was awarded a Judges Award for his American LaFrance Ladder 1614 formerly of Collingswood. Firefighter Andrew McFadden was awarded 3rd Place for 1990’s or newer Motorized Fire Apparatus for his Seagrave Engine that previously served as Pipe Line 40 for the City of Philadelphia.

08/02/2026

53 weeks ago, we embarked on a project of pride and history. We purchased a 1929 REO Speedwagon / Hale Fire Engine. While this is not our original truck, it is extremely close to what we had as our 1927 REO. The truck was brought home in parts - engine, transmission and many other mechanical items in boxes and crates. Tonight, after just over one year, mechanicals have been installed and were able to get her started and drive around to our main engine bay. All of this work, and, labor of love for many, was all while we answered 500 calls for service, continued training, building maintenance, current apparatus maintenance and other needs. No tax dollars were spent on this project, and has been done through fundraising efforts.
We hope to continue to work on the REO, getting her cleaned up and shining proud. To our “mechanical crew” fantastic job! And we are proud of the work you have done !
For those going to Cooper River Muster Sunday, our Mack will be on display. Stop in and say hi.

08/01/2026

Today members spent the day at the Salem County Fire Academy to attend Rope Rescue training for Squad Company. The course was comprised of five different skill stations. This training included Rapid Intervention skills for removing a downed firefighter. Also a skill station for rope rescue, using a pick-off line, as well as two scenarios removing a victim from a roof using Quint 65’s Main ladder and rope systems.
Thank you to our instructors for the day, and of course to our members for their outstanding efforts and dedication to training to always learn something new.