Members of the Red Bank AYF U9 football team were honored by the Mayor and Borough Council. The team won the shore conference and state title with 28 straight wins over three seasons. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)
By BRIAN DONOHUE
Firefighters honored for their courageous efforts in a Shrewsbury Avenue house fire in June. Ex Chief Robert Holiday Jr., Ex Captain James Erving, ex-Chief Alan Soden Sr., 1st Assistant Chief Matt DePonti from Fair Haven, Ex Chief Alan Soden Jr., Safety Officer Mike Conlin, ex-Chief Chris Soden, Firefighter Briana Calabrese, and Chief of the Department Frank Woods (Photo by Brian Donohue)
As expected, the council gave final approval to a plan voted to refer to the Planning Board a recommendation that two prominent properties along the Navesink River – 80 Rector Place and 126-128 Shrewsbury Avenue – be be declared areas in need of rehabilitation. They hired a contractor, Fernandes Construction, to make pedestrian safety improvements to a notoriously sketchy intersection at Bridge and Dr. James Parker Boulevard and Chestnut Street. And they paid a bunch of bills for the massive remaking of Marine Park.
But a night that was light on business was heavy on the much-deserved honorifics.
A group of firefighters were honored for their actions a June house fire on Shrewsbury Avenue. The resolution read by Mayor Billy Portman read, in part:
Firefighters were met with a fully involved two-story structure and reports of a victim trapped inside.
Safety Officer Conlin was the first to arrive on scene and confirmed a working structure fire. Fire Chief Woods arrived
moments later, assumed command, and immediately requested a Box Alarm for Red Bank mutual aid. Chief Woods and
Red Bank Police arrived and found a trapped victim on the second floor. Responders observed the victim partially hanging from a second-floor window in the northeast corner of the building.
Without delay and before fire apparatus arrived, Chief Woods and Ex Chief Holiday attempted entry through the rear of
the structure to reach the trapped victim. Both encountered heavy fire and extreme heat conditions that prevented further advance into the residence. Chief Woods ordered a withdrawal for safety as flames intensified.
Engine 95 arrived with Ex Chief Soden, Sr., Ex Chief Soden, Jr., Ex Chief Soden, and Ex Captain Erving, who deployed a
24-foot ground ladder to the rear of the structure for rescue operations. Simultaneously, Safety Officer Conlin forced entry at the front door to initiate search and rescue efforts, supported by Ex Chief Soden, Jr. and Ex Chief Soden, who
encountered heavy fire conditions on the first floor.
At the rear of the residence, Ex Chief Holiday ascended the ground ladder to reach the trapped victim, who was conscious but severely burned and entangled between the window frame and a bed. Joined by 1st Assistant Chief DePonti (FairHaven Fire Department) and Firefighter Calabrese, rescuers worked tirelessly under intense heat to free the victim. Ex-Chief Holiday and Chief DePonti successfully extricated the victim through the window and guided the individual down the ladder, where Ex Captain Erving immediately administered medical aid and coordinated with arriving EMS units. The victim was transported to Count Basie Field and airlifted to Staten Island University Hospital Burn Center for emergency treatment.
Through their courage, teamwork, and professionalism under extreme conditions, these firefighters demonstrated the
highest traditions of the fire service. Their decisive actions directly resulted in the rescue and survival of a trapped civilian.
Their selfless dedication and bravery reflect great credit upon themselves, the Red Bank Fire Department, and the
community they so honorably serve.
The Council also honored members of the Red Bank AYF nine-and-under football team for a stunning three-year run and state championship.
WITH 28 STRAIGHT WINS, RED BANK’S 9U FOOTBALL TEAM SEEKS TITLE
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.
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