Seaside Heights Fire Department Shifts Training Focus for Fall and Winter

As the summer season winds down, people shift their focus toward preparing for colder weather. For the Seaside Heights Fire Department, this means less emphasis on water rescue and more focus on fire training.

While ocean rescue, bay rescue and boat rescue can be tricky, the fall and winter training season presents its own unique set of issues.

“In the winter, we can get strong wind-driven fires, and when the bay freezes, we also have the challenge of ice rescue,” said Tim Farrell, Chief of the Seaside Heights Fire Department. “We also see a slight decrease in members because some are only here during the summer season.”

With seasonal volunteers leaving after the summer, the department observes a growing need for new members during the fall and winter months. There are several ways for year-round residents to get involved with the fire company, including as a firefighter, junior firefighter, ocean rescue member or fire police. Those who do not want to respond to emergencies can also contribute through administrative tasks.
Seaside Heights tends to be busiest in the summertime. It’s this simple fact, according to Farrell, that fosters the misconception that the fall and winter seasons are not an opportune time to join the fire department.

“This is actually the best time for new folks to come in that haven’t had any experience at all,” said Farrell. “They’ll get to train with the department first and learn what the tools are and what’s on the truck before they go to the fire academy.”

New members have the opportunity to train with the department every Tuesday and learn the basics before heading to the fire academy. The department provides the training and gear needed for volunteers to get started for free.

“They’ll actually have a leg up on what the tools are, how to climb ladders safely, how to operate hose lines and how the fire service works,” said Farrell.

While the summer season ends after Labor Day for most people, Farrell says that the fire department recognizes October as the official start of the fall fire training season.

“Ocean Rescue is still very active in September because the lifeguards are off duty. A lot of kids also go back to college,” said Farrell. “However, it’s still beautiful here in September, so we’ll still get very busy.”

The department is proactive in preparing for the colder months and begins training in early August.

“We have a calendar of events that we want to cover, whether it’s ladder operations, dates at the fire academy, CPR, basic life support or AED training,” said Farrell.

During this time of year, firefighters also train for ice rescue and take advantage of acquired structures, or homes that are scheduled to be demolished. These homes give members the opportunity to practice fire suppression, search and rescue and other operations in a real home before it is taken down.

“We’re fortunate enough to get residents who are selling their house and planning to build a new one,” said Farrell. “If they’re going to demolish the house, we’ll get it before it’s knocked down so we can train inside.”

The department also participates in special activities during October, which is recognized as Fire Prevention Month by the National Fire Protection Association. This year’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging is a Superpower,” encouraging people to practice safe charging habits. This includes charging devices on a flat surface, unplugging devices that are fully charged, and stop charging devices that appear to be overheating.

The department uses Fire Prevention Month as an opportunity to teach local children about fire safety and seasonal hazards, including the dangers of walking on frozen bodies of water.

“One of the big things we talk about is the risk of walking on the ice,” said Farrell. “Although it looks inviting, it’s very dangerous.”

Farrell emphasizes that while Seaside Heights is less busy during the colder months, the need for year-round volunteers remains. The department’s fall and winter training gives both experienced and new members an opportunity to build their skills and prepare for emergencies throughout the year.

“The training is the most important thing when it comes to urgency, professionalism and how to be successful in putting out a fire and possibly saving somebody’s life,” said Farrell.

About Seaside Heights Fire Department
The Seaside Heights Fire Department is a volunteer organization committed to protecting residents and visitors through emergency response, water rescue and public safety services. Visit joinseasideheights.org/ to learn more about volunteering and get started today.