Recognizing Edgewater, New Jersey First Responders

Floor Speech

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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.

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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