Glen Rock Police Department

For information on the GRPD, visit their new website at www.GlenRockPolice.com

Joanne Perry, Coordinator
Office:  201-652-1175
Cell: (201) 832-8048
e-mail: jperry@glenrocknj.net 

Noreen Egan, RN
Deputy OEM
Office: (201) 652-1175
e-mail: egannor@yahoo.com

What is the Office of Emergency Management (OEM)?

The OEM takes care of the Community in many ways.  It continuously updates the Borough's Emergency Operations Plan which is a guideline for how any emergency in town is handled.  It is based on an all hazards plan which covers anything from natural events such as hurricanes to man made events such as terrorism.

It also communicates with all of our Emergency Services such as Police Department, Fire Department, Ambulance Corps. and our CERT team.

Other than communication, how does the OEM work with our Emergency Services?

The OEM works in the following ways with our Emergency Service:

- Helps to coordinate drills.
- Coordinates resources in a true emergency.
- Acts as the Ryan White contact for accidental exposures.
- Sees that their county and state incident command courses are up to date
   and supplies materials for the courses.
- Acts as a liaison between all the Emergency Services.

Does the OEM interact with our Schools?

OEM visits the schools each year to see that their evacuation and lockdown procedures are up to date.  We also check to see that they have adequate supplies in the schools in case the children need to be there for a while.  We speak with the Superintendent of Schools as well as the principals to see that they are comfortable with emergency procedures and assist them in any way we can.

Can I volunteer?

Yes! There are many ways you can volunteer.  OEM can use any of the following volunteer services.  

Typing - can use a volunteer typist to help with the Emergency Operations Plan CERT members (8 week course, 1 evening a week)

Fire Department - needs members

Ambulance Corp. - needs member

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU

Department Head: Michael Ferraro, Fire Official
Hours of Department: 9:00 am to 11:30 am Monday - Friday and by appointment
Telephone Number: 201-670-3986

The Fire Prevention Bureau operates on a part time basis and by appointment. All inspections are done by state certified fire inspectors.

1. ON A YEARLY BASIS HAVE YOUR FURNACE INSPECTED BY A QUALIFIED SERVICE COMPANY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR OIL FIRED HEATING UNITS. IF YOU HAVE A SERVICE CONTRACT, FOR A NOMINAL CHARGE A YEARLY CLEANING WOULD BE INCLUDED. WITH THE COST OF GAS AND OIL RISING TO RECORD HIGHS THE SERVICE WOULD ENABLE YOU TO HAVE THE FURNACE OPERATING AT PEAK EFFICIENCY.
2. WE RECOMMEND THAT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR GET ONE. A RECOMMENDED TYPE WOULD BE ONE THAT OPERATES ON HOUSE CURRENT AND HAS BATTERY BACK UP. PROPER PLACEMENT IS IMPORTANT OUTSIDE THE BEDROOM AREA IS THE IDEAL LOCATION. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS IT TO BE IN THE FURNACE AREA. READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS PRIOR TO PLACEMENT.
3. REMEMBER CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS, LIKE SMOKE DETECTORS, DEPEND ON NEW BATTERIES ONCE A YEAR.

The lives of you and your loved ones rely on a properly installed fire alarm system. Fires caused by Burning Candles on the Increase Go to any supermarket, gift shop, specialty or department store, and most likely you'll find a large selection of every type of candle imaginable traditional candlesticks, votives, thick ones, thin ones, of almost every scent found in nature, and some others as well. The popularity of candles has increased enormously recently, but unfortunately, so has the number of fires associated with the burning of candles.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, candles caused 9,930 fires, 126 civilian deaths and $170.6 million in property damage across the nation in 1996, the most recent year for which candle-caused fire data is available. A the represents an 82% increase over the same categories from the year 1990. Most of these candle-caused fires started when burning candles were left unattended. The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety offers the following advice for using candles safely:

• Position candles well away from flammable objects and materials, and well away from any possible contact by pets or children.
• Place candles on heat-resistant surfaces which will not transmit heat to the furniture or which they are placed. Ceramics work well for this purpose. Candles should also be placed in heat resistant bowls that will catch dripping wax, and secured in an appropriate holder so there's not the slightest possibility of the candle falling over, or being blown or knocked over.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended
• Never light a candle in a situation in which you might fall asleep before blowing it out.
• When blowing out a candle, hold your index finger in front of the flame and blow at it. Air will flow around your finger, extinguish the candle from both sides, and prevent hot wax from splattering.
• Install a smoke detector in every room where candles are burned.

For more information about candles or fire safety, contact your local fire department.

Tips To Help Prevent Leaf Fires The Fall season is upon us. The Glen Rock Fire Prevention Bureau and the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind you to take a few precautions this season.

• Never park any vehicle on top of leaves. Doing so can cause your vehicle to ignite the leaves and in turn, ignite your vehicle.
• When you place your leaves at the curb, use your garden hose to wet them down. This will do two things: First it will reduce the amount of leaves blowing back onto your property. Second, it will reduce the chance of your leaf pile igniting.
• Please take an extra five minutes or so to drench the leaves with water in the latter part of the day, so that the chance of them being ignited would be greatly reduced.

Fire Safety Tips For Choosing a College:

Fire prevention does not stop once you step outside of your home. The tragic fire at Seton Hall should serve as a somber reminder to us all of just how important a factor fire safety is when choosing a college. The Fire Prevention Bureau recommends the following when considering a college:

• Make sure the entire dormitory is protected through out with both a fire sprinkler system as well as a smoke detection system.
• Request a copy of the annual fire inspection done by a local government agency.
• Request a list of current fires and the cause.
• View a list of fire drills.

Additional Tips for Fire Prevention:

• Change Smoke Alarm Batteries.
• Practice Family Fire Drills at Home.
• Clean the Lint Trap in Your Clothes Dryer.
  

Volunteer Fire Department

Harding Plaza
Glen Rock, New Jersey 07452
(201) 670-3987 (non-emergency)

Dial 911 for all emergencies

About the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department

The fire service in the United States has a rich tradition of volunteer fire departments dating back to the 1700's. In most small to mid-size towns today, volunteer departments continue to provide quality, cost effective fire protection services to the community. In fact 73% of all firefighters in the United States are volunteers.

You Mean There Are Not Always Firefighters at the Firehouse?

Correct. With the exception of meeting nights and other work details, there are not usually firefighters at the firehouse.

How Are Firefighters Alerted to Fire Calls?

When a 911 call is placed within our service area, it is automatically routed to a dispatch center. Through the use of a voice paging system, the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department is alerted to the call. All members have pagers that receive messages from the dispatcher informing them of the location and type of incident. At this point, all available firefighters respond to the firehouse to get their equipment and trucks, and the Chief and Assistant Chief report directly to the scene. Additionally, sirens are activated throughout town to notify members of a call. Once notified, members respond to the firehouse in their personal cars. If you see a car with a flashing blue light, it is a member responding to a call. Carefully allow these cars the right of way. In addition to Glen Rock volunteer firefighters responding, fire departments from neighboring towns might be called in to assist depending on the incident. IF YOU NEED TO REPORT AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

What Are the Requirements for Joining the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department?

The requirements for probationary membership with the Department are fairly simple. These requirements are as follows:

• Be a citizen of the United States and be 18 or older
• Possess a valid New Jersey driver's license
• Ability to complete all required training within the probationary period

What is the Time Commitment to Join the Glen Rock Volunteer Fire Department?

There are several components that make up a member's time commitment to the Department:

• Attend weekly meetings (on Thursday night)
• Attend required outside training
• Respond to calls when you are available

No, but you do need to maintain a monthly average which takes into account the number of calls you have responded to, as well as training and extra duty events you attended. 

What Training Do I Receive

At a minimum, all members must complete the Fire Fighter I course taught at the Bergen County Fire and Police Academy located in Mahwah. This course is available at night, 2 nights a week, and takes about three and a half months to complete. Additionally, twice a month, the Department conducts training drills to review equipment and standard operating procedures.

Do I Have to Purchase My Own Equipment?

No, the Borough provides turnout gear, equipment and pagers. Members also receive "dress blues" uniforms to wear at formal functions.

What Benefits Do I Receive?

Aside from joining the brotherhood/sisterhood of the fire service, members of the Department are eligible for:

• Participating in the Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) - Glen Rock contributes to a retirement account in your name
• Free pool pass for you and your family
• Yearly clothing allowance

How Do I Join?

Come down to the Firehouse (located next to Town Hall) any Thursday night and meet us or call (201) 670-3987 and leave a message. If you have an interest in the fire service, we encourage you to stop by.

If I'm Not Interested In Joining, How Else Can I Support the Fire Department?

There are many ways you can support the Fire Department other than joining. When we mail our fund drive letter, please consider contributing so that we can remain a strong organization. Also if you have a car you would like to get rid of, please consider donating it to us so that we can practice vehicle extrications drills using our "jaws of life" tool. Lastly, if you are knocking down your house so that you can rebuild a new one, please allow us the opportunity to practice forcible entry, search and rescue and salvage techniques on the structure before you demolish it.

GRFD News:

The Firematic Officers for 2008 are:

• Pete Flannery, Chief
• Matt Sellitti, Assistant Chief
• Tom Jennings , Captain
• Mike Maurice, Lieutenant
• Art Zanotti Lieutenant
• Maurice Lemieux, Lieutenant
• Mike Sgarella, Lieutenant

• Carmine Nogara, President
• Mike Aguilar, Vice President
• Joe Felt, Treasurer
• Walter Perry, Secretary

Volunteer Ambulance Corps

Telephone (non-emergency):
(201) 444-9795
www.grvac.org

2008 Executive Board

• John DeLaat, Chief
• Mary Jane Surrago, President
• Ron Jemal, 1st V.P.
• Robert Bendett, 2nd V.P.
• Mike Eckert, Treasurer
• Diane Herrlett, Corresponding Secretary
• Patricia Gallagher, Recording Secretary
  

In January of 1951, Mr. James McCaughey, President of Glen Rock Chamber of Commerce petitioned the Borough Council to establish a Citizens Committee with the aim of forming a free community ambulance service. As a measure of their sincerity, they approved a contribution of $100 to accompany their petition.

With Borough support, on April 3, 1951, the Chamber Sponsored a Public Meeting in Central School. The Glen Rock Ambulance Fund Committee came into being. It was comprised of 18 civic leaders who were appointed trustees of the fledgling free ambulance service. Simultaneously, a number of volunteers enlisted to take first aid training during the summer months in anticipation of a successful founding.

Saturday, June 2, 1951 was the kick-off of the Borough-wide Ambulance fund drive with a goal of $10,000. One hundred forty volunteers fanned out across the Borough. By Sunday evening, in a display of widespread civic support, $10,321 was collected. The trustees purchased a shiny, new, white Miller Cadillac ambulance. Charles White, proprietor of White's Garage, donated the space to house the new ambulance. The former garage, next to the Municipal Annex on Maple Avenue, currently houses Kilroy's executive offices. This marked the beginnings of an organization that has proudly served the Borough of Glen Rock for 50 years.

The first anniversary of the Ambulance Corps was celebrated with a cake at the Junior High School for Glen Rock citizens. There were 31 members that first year, who responded to 137 calls. In the year 2001, 50 years later, we have 41 members who responded to over 700 calls. The old Miller ambulance was replaced in 1968 by a Cadillac, which was joined by a second ambulance van in 1974. The Glen Rock Ambulance Corps now operates two Braun rigs, a 1997 and a 1999. We also have a 4 wheel drive First Responder Vehicle. Many changes, many improvements, but the same goal for 50 years, "Neighbor helping Neighbor."