Ex-Chief Donald E. Smith “Smitty,” 81, died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at his home in Mendham. Born in Morristown, he lived in Morris Plains before moving to Mendham in 1947. Mr. Smith served in the Army from 1951-1953 during Korea. He was a member of the Mendham Borough Independent Hook and Ladder Company, and the Mendham Borough First Aid Rescue Squad. He was a Past Chief of the Fire Department and was a member of the NJ State Fire Chiefs Association. He also served as a Past Director of the First Aid Rescue Squad. He was an Auto Mechanic and had his own auto repair business in Morris Plains from 1961-1971. Then he worked for the Borough of Mendham for 24 years before retiring in 1995. Don enjoyed NASCAR, sports, boating and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Arlene Cumback Smith of 61 years; two sons, Robert Smith (Susan) and Daniel Smith (Rachel) and three grandchildren, Shane(Hakyong), Brian and Robert. He is also survived by one sister, Joan Tufts.

The Family will hold a Private interment in Hilltop Cemetery. Arrangements were made by the Bailey Funeral Home of Mendham—www.baileyfuneralhomes.com.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are working together to remind everyone that home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. This is due in part to an increase in cooking and heating fires. Holiday decorations and winter storms that can interrupt electrical service and cause people to turn to alternative heating sources also contribute to the increased risk of fire in winter.

Winter fires can be prevented! The following fire safety tips can help you maintain a fire-safe home this winter season.

Plan ahead for the adversities of the winter season by taking a few simple preventative measures.

• Make certain your wood stove and heating system are always properly maintained and ready for extended use.
• For wood-burning tips contact your local fireplace dealer.
• For maintenance of your heating system contact your service person.
• Protect your water pipes from freezing by planning ahead.
• Turn off all outside faucets (preferably from an inside shut-off to each faucet). If no inside shut-off is provided, wrap the pipe with approved (UL) heating tape. You may also turn on any inside faucet, letting water drip slightly, allowing for expansion.
• Make certain that all vents from the crawl space under the house are closed or sealed to keep out cold air.

Note: Should pipes become frozen do not use torches or other flame-producing equipment.

A hair dryer often will thaw pipes, as will the application of warm water. Pay particular attention to the north and east sides of the house as they are vulnerable to freezing due to prevailing winds.

• In the event a broken pipe occurs, plan ahead by locating the main shut-off to the house and be prepared with a proper-fitting wrench.
• PLAN AHEAD Broken water pipes need not occur if precautions are taken.

Home Heating Safety

For more please The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) websites.

Chief DeNicola takes over the position from Mike Bruin, who served as Chief in 2010 and 2011. Rich joined the Department in August of 1996 as a junior member and has served as President (2004-2005), Deputy Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, 2nd Assistant Chief as well as chairman of various committees prior to his promotion to Chief. To contact Rich, please click here.

About Mendham Fire Department

Mendham Borough Fire Department proudly protects 5,000 people living in an area of six square miles. We operate out of one station that protects a primarily residential area.

In 2011, The Mendham Fire Department responded to 267 emergency calls averaging about seven minutes response time per call, more than two minutes less than the national average for volunteer fire departments.

Thank You!

The votes are in, and we’re pleased to announce that the Mendham Independent Hook & Ladder Company was voted Best Fire Department in Morris County!

Thank you for your support and for your recognition with this prestigious award. For more than 106 years, the Mendham Borough Fire Department has provided the Morris County community with valuable fire prevention and emergency relief services. We’re proud to serve you, and thank you again for your support.

dailyrecord.com

Click here for the complete list of winners.

Click here for the colplete “Fire Is…” Series of videos

Fire Is Video Series

A five Part Video Series on fire prevention and safety hosted by Dr. Frank Field along with his son Storm and daughter Allison.

Learn the true nature of fire. Fire isn’t like you’ve seen it in movies or on television. This video introduces you to the reality of what fire is really like and why fire safety is so important.

STOP! Before you watch any of our videos, take the Fire Is… Pretest to test your knowledge of basic fire safety.

For more News about New Jersey, visit the NJN News

Article from NJFireSafety.com October 22, 2010

Help us reach our goal this year is to collect 75 pints of blood! The MJWC Blood drive directly collects blood for Morristown and Overlook Hospitals. This blood drive is great for first time blood donors and returning donors – home baked goods, a professional blood collection agency and great company all make this one of the most successful blood drives in our community.

The Thanksgiving holiday causes many of us to reflect on how many things we have to be grateful for. This year, in the spirit of being thankful, please give blood! You will be greatly thanked for it!

• Blood is needed somewhere every three seconds
• One out of three people will need donated blood in their lifetime
• One out of ten hospital patients needs a blood transfusion
• Walks-in welcome. Donors can also call 973-971-7444 or email mendhamjuniors@gmail.com to schedule an appointment time.

When: Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Where: Mendham Firehouse, 24 East Main Street Mendham NJ

For more information please visit: http://mjwc.org/.

All residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check their preparedness kits, review their family emergency plans and remain informed.

• Make sure that your emergency equipment, such as shutters and battery-powered radios, are in good working order.
• Ensure that you have enough emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food and water, for each person in your home to last for at least three days.
• Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.
• Secure yard and construction debris so that they do not pose a hazard during a storm.
• Take any tree trimmings to a local trash & recycling center at this time.

Additional Resources:

• Morris County OEM
• NOAA Watch
• Ready.gov – Hurricanes

Thank You!

Please Print this Page—It is your Ticket

On behalf of the Mendham Fire Department I’d like to thank you for your interest in our event. You are now registered to attend our event.

Date/Time: Saturday November 12, 2011 7:00PM and end around 11:00PM

Your purchase includes:

• Entrance to the 2011 MFD Casino Night!
• Food from Roxicitus Golf Club
• 2 Drink vouchers for each ticket purchased
• $20 of free gaming chips for each ticket purchased*

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at tony.telloni@mendhamfd.net.

Thank you again,

Tony Telloni

Casino Night Committee Chairman

*Subject to change. We’ll email you prior to the event with additional information regarding our event.

On November 12 2011, The Mendham Borough Fire Department, in cooperation with the Ladies Auxiliary of the Mendham Independent Hook & Ladder Company, will host a fundraiser at the company’s fire house, located at 24 East Main Street in the heart of the Borough. The objective of the event is to raise much needed funds to counter rising operating costs associated with running an all volunteer department.

Tickets

The event, open to anyone 21 and over, is billed as ‘Casino Night,’ and will feature Casino-style games, food, drinks and the opportunity to bid and win on a variety of prizes such as sports tickets, products and other local business packages and experiences. Tickets for the event are $40 per ticket ($50 at the door), and all proceeds will go directly to Mendham Fire Department operations—simply place your order below. The event will start at 7:00PM and end around 11:00PM.

Event Highlights

• Food – Food is being provided by Roxiticus golf Club.
• Tickets – Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Each ticket is good for two free drinks (beer/wine), food, and also casino chips to get you started at the tables.
• Games – Casino Night with the MFD will feature blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. The more you win at the tables, the more chips you will receive. Chips can be redeemed for tickets that you can use to enter the chance to win valuable prizes.
• Purchase in Advance – In addition to going online to buy tickets (below), representatives from the Mendham Fire Department will be at the Wicker Basket from 7 am – 3 pm this Saturday, October 29th and Saturday, November 5th and can accept cash or checks to preregister for the event.

Sponsorship Information

Interested in sponsoring a game, prize or with money? Please submit your information on our sponsorship page. A committee member will contact you for additional information.

Help spread the word on Facebook, there you can easily share our event with your friends—don’t forget to RSVP to let everyone know you’re attending.

Note: Transactions are handled through PayPal but you don't need a PayPal account to donate. Any credit or debit card will do!