By Amanda Stone & Shannon Connelly From the Coast Star

SEASIDE PARK — Nearly one year after area first responders helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, they were once again called to action to assist in responding to another devastating incident at the Jersey Shore Thursday afternoon when portions of the Seaside Park boardwalk and businesses went up in flames.

Locally, firefighters from Manasquan, Wall, Brielle, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights and Neptune City were dispatched to the scene around 5 p.m., according to Manasquan Fire Chief Mike Galos.

Each of the departments are part of the Southern Monmouth County Pipeline System Plan — a group of fire departments who, if needed, work together to create a large pipeline of fire hose to transfer a supply of water from one point to another, according to Chief Galos.

“That is what we were dispatched for,”Chief Galos said.

Upon arrival in Seaside Park, area firefighters set up a pipeline to transfer water to the north end of the boardwalk “to protect exposure from additional fire spread,”Chief Galos said.

Ultimately, the pipeline was not utilized.

“It was the next preventative move that did not need to be implemented,”Chief Galos said.

Area firefighters were then reassigned to help in other areas of Thursday’s fire call.

“Our resources were relocated and reassigned to relieve Ocean County units who had been on the scene since the beginning of the event,”Chief Galos said.

All departments part of the Southern Monmouth County Pipeline System Plan were able to leave the scene by 12:30 a.m.Friday morning.

South Wall Fire Rescue Chief John Sahatjian said the department had 15 people respond to the fire.

“We went down for the pipeline system, assisted with that, and then were circulated into relief and relieved guys that had been there since the beginning,” Chief Sahatjian said.

Chief Sahatjian said they relieved firefighters by putting hand lines into the rubble where pockets of fire were still burning.

“We were hitting the hot spots and giving them a rest,” Chief Sahatjian said.

Chief Galos said Thursday’s fire call was unlike any other.

“It was the largest operation we’ve ever been a part of,” Chief Galos said. “It’s hard to believe a fire can run and do the damage it did and take out those businesses as fast as it did.”

Chief Galos said his, and other area fire departments, were happy to be able to assist in Thursday’s fire.

“We’re glad we could help out and send firefighters down there,” Chief Galos said. “Monmouth County is always glad to help out Ocean County.”

Other agencies outside the pipeline system also assisted at the blaze, including Lavallette and Point Pleasant Beach.

On Saturday, November 26, 2013 four members from South Wall Fire Rescue went to Buchanan Valley Fire Department in Pennsylvania to participate in RIT (Rapid Intervention Training). This class was 16 hours of hands on advanced firefighter rescue training, instructed by Training Traditions.

A Rapid Intervention Team is a team of two or more firefighters dedicated solely to the search and rescue of other firefighters in distress. RIT teams shall have no other operational assignment during an incident. South Wall Fire Rescue is a County recognized RIT team and requires advanced training to obtain that level.

The four members who participated in this advance training were Chief John Sahatjian, FF TJ Wade, FF Ryan Dullea, FF Zak Sussman. As seen in the pictures they performed task such as rescuing a simulated firefighter that fell through a floor.

If you are interested in becoming a member or want to see pictures and more information, please “like” us on facebook South Wall Fire Rescue, and check out website, southwallfire.com. We are always accepting application.

Finally the members of the South Wall Fire Company would like to thank the residence of District 3 for their ongoing generous support.

Department has responded to 231 calls for Sandy, nor’easter By Shannon Connelly – Coast Star Newspaper

WALL TOWNSHIP — There has been no shortage of activity for the volunteer members of the South Wall Fire-Rescue team since Hurricane Sandy swept through the area at the end of last month.“It was definitely the worst storm I’ve ever seen,” said Deputy Chief John Sahatjian. Chief Tim Hobbis and Deputy Chief Sahatjian reported that as of Sunday, the Wall District 3 Fire Dept. department had responded to a total of 231 calls for Superstorm Sandy and the subsequent nor’easter, ranging from fires to downed wires. The department’s Atlantic Avenue and Church Street stations were fully staffed with as many as 26 volunteer members 24/7 starting Monday, Oct. 29, when the storm hit, through Nov. 4. Crews were also staffed at both stations for 36 hours during the nor’easter. Additionally, the department sent firefighters and apparatus to Atlantic Highlands to support their brother firefighters after the storm. To prepare for the hurricane, the department communicated with the police department and office of emergency management [OEM], as well as stocked up on food, water and fuel. They also let all of their volunteer members know to prepare to be at the firehouse for a long duration of time.“I think we were very prepared for it,” Chief Sahatjian said. “We worked hand in hand with the police and OEM. I think everybody did an excellent job.”On behalf of the firefighters, both chiefs said they would like to thank all of the local merchants and residents from District 3 and surrounding towns for their generous donations of meals during the standby assignments. Most of all, though, the dedicated volunteers of South Wall Fire-Rescue and their families for their outstanding performance and sacrifice. They wished all whose lives were affected by both storms a safe and speedy recovery.

As of January 8, 2013 South Wall Fire Rescue is now classified by the county of Monmouth as a recognized Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T.). A R.I.T. team, also referred to as a F.A.S.T. Team or Firefighter Assist and Search Team, is a team of firefighters with specialized training that are solely responsible for searching for and rescuing downed firefighters in distress.

South Wall Fire Rescue has been assisting other towns in the surrounding area for years as a R.I.T. Team and now are officially recognized by Monmouth County as a regional R.I.T. Team. This recognition has only been bestowed upon two other departments in the county and will expand our response, should the need arise.

JANUARY 27 2014 6PM DEPUTY CHIEF FRANK VISCUSO WILL BE GIVING A SEMINAR AT SOUTH WALL. OPEN TO ALL SOUTH MONMOUTH FIRE COMPANIES.