photo courtesy Franklin Lakes FD
The danger of the frozen road was highlighted by a sixteen year old who drove the family car into Wyckoff’s Spring Meadow Pond. His was only one of many accidents that the local volunteer fire departments have been responding to over the last few weeks, but obviously a dramatic one. No one was injured in the unintended pond-parking, but official reports do not indicate what happened to the boy once he was back in the custody of his parents.
Fire Chief Murphy of Wyckoff was on the scene quickly reporting a submerged vehicle in the pond with the driver was out of the vehicle. Although the driver indicated he was the lone occupant, protocol requires independent verification. This involved Rescue Teams from Wyckoff donning dry suits and searching the immediate area of the submerged vehicle. The Mahwah Scuba Team was also called in to do a more extensive search of the pond bottom, they were assisted by the Oradell dive team. Other local fire departments on the scene included Ice Rescue Teams from Franklin Lakes and Waldwick, additional coverage was offered by Oakland Ladder, Allendale Engine and Midland Park Engine.
photo courtesy Oakland FD
Franklin Lakes and Oakland volunteer fire departments also responded to dangerous accidents recently. On January 28th, FLFD responded to an overturned ambulance on 208 North near Colonial Road. The lone occupant, the ambulance driver was trapped inside while the vehicle was leaking fuel. Franklin Lakes FD volunteers extracated the driver and safely handed him over to the Franklin Lakes Ambulance Corps.
photo courtesy Oakland FD
On January 29th the Oakland Fire Department responded to a roll over on Route 202 near the Elks Club. Three children managed to extracate themselves from the wreckage, but two adults were trapped inside. The roof of the vehicle was removed with the passenger being able to walk out with only minimal injuries. The driver of the vehicle needed to be removed by volunteer firefighters and was transported to a trauma center by the Oakland First Aid Squad.
Indicative of the ongoing training that volunteers engage in, Wyckoff FD held an Ice Rescue Drill at Zabriskie Pond on January 19th. Residents in the FLOW area should remember the extensive skill and expertise provided by the local volunteer fire and first aid squads. Also keep in mind that recent weather conditions have created many ice patches and caution should be exercised.