CNBNews

By Bill Cleary

Over the past couple of days the Gloucester City Fire Department has been one of the “Hot” topics being discussed on CNB. To quell some of the rumors I reached out to Fire Chief Brian Hagan for the facts.

As for the time it took for Engine 51 to response to the December 31^st Middlesex Fire, the chief said that Camden County dispatched Engine 51 at 12:31:32 hours and it arrived at the fire at 12:36:14 hours. At the time the call was received Engine 51 was on Powell Street working on a down wire said Hagan.

RE: the rumor that Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department is closing. Chief Hagan said that isn’t so. “We are having trouble during the day getting enough volunteers to man a fire engine. In order to correct this problem we have asked all volunteers to respond to the Gloucester Heights Volunteer Fire Department on Nicholson between the hours of 6am and 6pm. The thought being we will have enough men to man at least one engine by following this procedure. A meeting was held recently with all the officers to discuss this arrangement. And the majority was in agreement.”

He added that the City needs more volunteers and wouldn’t do anything to discourage those who give their time to help fight fire. “We appreciate their help”.

RE: this reporter’s request for a weekly list of fire calls broken down for each day. Chief Hagan said a report is produced each month giving the total number of fire and EMT calls. “To break the report down for each day is possible but does require a lot of time. I have no problem giving you the monthly report. It is the same report we give to mayor and council.”

RE: the rumor about a paid fireman being disciplined for DUI. During the summer Pat Hagan was arrested in a shore community for driving under the influence. He was found guilty and his license was suspended for six months.

Chief Hagan said that the rumor is true. “Because we are relatives (cousins) I did not have anything to do with the punishment he received. I can tell you that he was disciplined. Firefighter Pat Hagan is also a member of the Gloucester City Board of Education.

ETC: HELP WANTED..... Mayor and Council were informed at the recent work session that the new people hired for the job of Parking Enforcement Officer (PEO) and for the Proprietors Park Guard job have quit. Council was asked to advertise the position for PEO immediately since the former person who held the job brought in more that $100,000 a year in ticket citations for the past three years.

ETC. ETC. O'Malleys, the large restaurant and bar on Rt 130 and Klemm Ave. (Gloucester City) is closing after this weekend.  The place is beautiful inside, food is great, it has an awesome bar set-up and the stage is one of the best in South Jersey for live performances. Yet it never seemed to have found a consistently large crowd. Come out this weekend for one last great time at O'Malleys!! For the final weekend, they will be having live bands all three days. Friday Night, Jan 9th:  Night Prowler,Saturday Night, Jan 10th:  FMKill, Sunday: Jan 11th: One Night Stand.

Related articles by Zemanta