Victory Came In 12.75 Seconds To The Farmingdale Fire Department

FARMINGDALE, NJ - The Farmingdale Fire Department has added a new milestone to its long history: Its volunteers were victorious in the Monmouth County Fair Hose and Ladder Competition this year.

"It's the first time Farmingdale ever won," said Dustin Brandl, 27, the team captain and a lieutenant with the department. "It was very exciting to be part of the team."

Brandl, whose family has lived in the small town of Farmingdale since "forever," said the competition is always on the first night of the fair, which opened this past Wednesday. The fair continues Saturday and Sunday at the East Freehold Fairgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, Freehold Township.

Nine teams competed and each had two rounds. The order was drawn by the Shrewsbury fire department, the winners last year, Brandl said.

It involves arriving at a mock fire scene with hinged flames. A whistle blows and the six team members have to coordinate to uncap and connect the hose, pump the water, set up the ladder and support it and then make the mock flames fall off their hinges with the water pressure.

The Farmingdale team aced it on the second round, with the best time of 12.75 seconds, Brandl said.

It replicates what is needed at an actual fire scene, he said. "it all has to be done quickly and efficiently," said Brandl, who works as a mechanical engineer.

Overall there are about 20 members of the department, both from Farmingdale and Howell Township. Farmingdale is situated in the middle of Howell.

Designated as the Farmingdale Hook & Ladder Co. #1 in 1903, the department says on its website that it "has been faithfully protecting the lives and property of Farmingdale and Howell residents" since then.

According to the department website, its next event is a day long competition in Colts Neck on Saturday, Sept. 24. And of course there will be the 2023 competition at the county fair.

But for now, this victory is sweet.

"You'll see us next year," Brandl said.