Crime & Safety

3 Years Later: North Caldwell Firefighters Remember Superstorm Sandy

The North Caldwell Fire Department recalls its deployment alongside Cedar Grove and other local agencies 3 years after the storm.

It was three years ago on Monday that a crew from the North Caldwell Fire Department joined their fellow Essex County firefighters to help Ocean County recover following Superstorm Sandy.

But the men and women in red haven’t forgotten about the lessons that day taught them.

On Monday, the North Caldwell Fire Department posted a message on social media that described the events of that day:

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“We arrived at the staging lot as the sun was coming up and were eventually assigned to the Silverton part of Toms River. Once there we were sent out to secure gas/electric to houses that had been flooded, so they would not have more issues once power was able to be restored. While out, we encountered a generator fire. With the quick response from the crew, the fire was stopped from spreading. That night we also responded along with Fairfield, Cedar Grove, and multiple other departments to a motor vehicle accident.”

Firefighters continued:

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“In all the destruction that was seen over the 30+ hrs of our deployment, it was seen that there are still good people in this world. While out late, patrolling the section we were assigned to, most of the area was without power. Then the first house that had power also had a table out front with water and multiple power strips with a sign saying free water, wifi and power.”

The message of the day proved to be camaraderie, firefighters wrote.

“Though our deployment wasn’t long, we made new friends, and had an experience that none of us will soon forget.”

Photo courtesy of the North Caldwell Fire Department via Facebook

Send news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.