Firefighter - Shore News Network

Social media content creator arrested for allegedly setting fire to film firefighter response

Breaking Local News ReportMarch 1, 20250

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — A Prince Frederick man who films emergency responses for social media content was arrested Friday after investigators determined he intentionally set fire to a vacant commercial building and made false 911 calls, authorities said. The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said Joshua Christian-Stanley Jackson, 21, was responsible for the fire that broke out on February 22 at 12535 Crain Highway. Firefighters from Newburg Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, along with surrounding departments, responded to the blaze around 8:30 p.m. and quickly extinguished it. Investigators determined the fire was deliberately set and identified Jackson

FDNY firefighter arrested for assault in Harlem

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 28, 20250

NEW YORK – An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with assault in Manhattan, police said. Nicholas Hood, 37, was taken into custody at 4:06 p.m. within the confines of the NYPD’s 28th Precinct, which covers parts of Harlem. Hood, a firefighter with the FDNY, faces a charge of third-degree assault. No further details about the incident were immediately available.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter charged with vehicular manslaughter in Queens

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 27, 20250

QUEENS, N.Y. — An off-duty FDNY firefighter was arrested early Wednesday morning and charged in connection with a fatal crash, police said. Michael Pena, 28, was taken into custody at 6:13 a.m. within the confines of the 115th Precinct. He is facing charges of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and refusing to take a breath test. Details surrounding the incident leading to his arrest have not been released.

Off-duty FDNY probationary firefighter arrested in Manhattan

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 23, 20250

MANHATTAN, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Sunday morning in Manhattan, authorities said. William Nolan, 27, a probationary firefighter with the FDNY, was taken into custody at approximately 2:41 a.m. within the confines of the 13th Precinct. He has been charged with public lewdness and exposure of a person. Details surrounding the incident were not immediately available.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested for DWI in the Bronx

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 15, 20250

BRONX, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with driving while intoxicated, police said. Jonathan Muniz, 30, was taken into custody at 2:39 a.m. within the confines of the 50th Precinct. Muniz faces multiple charges, including driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and driving while ability impaired. Authorities have not released further details on the circumstances of the arrest. The incident remains under investigation as officials review the firefighter’s status with the FDNY.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested on assault charge in the Bronx

Breaking Local News ReportFebruary 14, 20250

NEW YORK — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested Thursday evening in the Bronx on a criminal obstruction of breathing charge, police said. Hakeem Franklin, 35, was taken into custody at approximately 5:19 p.m. within the confines of the 48th Precinct. Details surrounding the incident were not immediately available. Franklin, a member of the FDNY, now faces legal proceedings as the case moves forward. The department has not yet commented on the arrest. Authorities have not disclosed further information on the circumstances of the incident.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested for trespassing in Midtown

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 26, 20250

NEW YORK — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Saturday morning in Midtown and charged with multiple trespassing offenses, police said. Lexiano Harris, 32, was taken into custody at 12:24 a.m. within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct. Harris, a firefighter with the FDNY, is facing charges of criminal trespass in the second and third degrees, as well as trespass. Details regarding the circumstances of the incident or location of the alleged trespassing were not immediately disclosed. The FDNY has not yet commented on the arrest. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested in Brooklyn on assault charge

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 14, 20250

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — An off-duty firefighter with the New York City Fire Department was arrested Monday night in Brooklyn on an assault charge, police said. The FDNY identified the firefighter as 49-year-old Nelson Merizalde. Merizalde was taken into custody at approximately 9:05 p.m. within the confines of the 60th Precinct. He has been charged with assault in the third degree. Details surrounding the incident have not been released, and the investigation is ongoing.

Firefighters rescue woman and two dogs from frozen river in South Jersey

Breaking Local News ReportJanuary 6, 20250

BLACKWOOD, N.J. — A woman and her two dogs were rescued Saturday afternoon after becoming trapped in the partially frozen Timber Creek at Timber Creek Dog Park, according to the Gloucester Township Police Department. Emergency crews responded to the scene at 1:45 p.m., finding the woman approximately 35 feet from the shoreline and partially submerged in freezing water. Firefighters and police deployed specialized equipment to reach the individual and bring her and her pets to safety. Medical personnel provided on-site treatment before transporting the woman to Cooper Hospital. The extent of her injuries or condition was not disclosed. Multiple agencies,

Cookie drive honors late teen firefighter, supports first responders’ mental health

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 18, 20240

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for its inclusion in an annual holiday cookie drive honoring the memory of Mark Matesic, a 16-year-old junior firefighter who died by suicide in 2022. The event, organized by Mark’s mother, Jennifer Martinez, through the Mark Matesic Memorial Foundation, aims to both honor first responders and raise awareness about mental health struggles faced by those in public service. This year, the drive reached 100 EMS, police, and fire stations throughout the region. Jennifer started the foundation after Mark’s death to address mental health issues in first responders, a cause close

Cherry Hill Fire Department Announces 2025 Firefighter Hiring

Breaking Local News ReportDecember 5, 20240

Cherry Hill Fire Department Announces 2025 Firefighter Hiring

**Cherry Hill, NJ** – The Cherry Hill Fire Department (CHFD) has announced the opening of its 2025 hiring process for Firefighter/EMT positions. This opportunity is scheduled from January 2 to February 14.

Andrew Bittner, a Washington Township native, began as a part-time EMT at the department. He transitioned to a full-time role in the CHFD EMS division. In 2023, he was hired as a Cherry Hill firefighter, and he currently serves on Squrt 1341.

Prospective applicants do not require previous experience. The necessary firefighting training will be provided by the CHFD. Though a New Jersey state EMT certification is not needed at hiring, it must be obtained before or within one year of employment.

Interested individuals can find more information and registration instructions at https://chnj.gov/1375/2025-Full-Time-FirefighterEMT-Hiring-Pro.

Afternoon fire displaces resident in Gloucester Township, firefighter injured

Breaking Local News ReportNovember 5, 20240

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A house fire on Sunday afternoon in the Blackwood section of Gloucester Township displaced a resident and sent one firefighter to the hospital, according to Gloucester Township Police. Officers were dispatched to 4 Edinburgh Road at approximately 3:38 p.m. on November 3, after receiving reports of a structure fire. Upon arrival, responders found heavy smoke and flames emanating from the home. The resident was not home at the time, and no civilians were injured in the incident. Multiple fire departments, including Blackwood Fire Company, Chews Landing Fire Department, Gloucester Twp. Squad 88, Blenheim Fire Company, Lambs

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested in the Bronx on assault charges

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 13, 20240

BRONX, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with multiple offenses, according to police. Ezequil Hernandez, 33, was taken into custody at approximately 12:48 a.m. within the confines of the NYPD’s 45th Precinct in the Bronx. Hernandez, an FDNY firefighter, faces charges including criminal obstruction of breathing, assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the arrest have not yet been disclosed by authorities. The FDNY has not released a statement regarding the incident. The case is currently under investigation.

Off-duty FDNY firefighter arrested in the Bronx on assault charges

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 13, 20240

BRONX, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with multiple offenses, according to police. Ezequil Hernandez, 33, was taken into custody at approximately 12:48 a.m. within the confines of the NYPD’s 45th Precinct in the Bronx. Hernandez, an FDNY firefighter, faces charges including criminal obstruction of breathing, assault in the third degree, and criminal mischief. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the arrest have not yet been disclosed by authorities. The FDNY has not released a statement regarding the incident. The case is currently under investigation.

Trump Honors Slain Firefighter at Butler Rally, Invites Family to Dinner at Mar-a-Lago

Breaking Local News ReportOctober 6, 20240

BUTLER, PA – The assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, shocked the nation. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old volunteer firefighter from Buffalo Township, was tragically killed while trying to protect his family from the gunfire that erupted. Comperatore had attended the rally with his loved ones when a shooter opened fire in an attempt to kill the former president. Corey acted heroically, shielding his family before being fatally struck. At Trump’s recent rally in Butler, the former president paid tribute to Corey, dedicating the event to him and warmly embracing his grieving family. In

NYC Firefighter Arrested for Assault

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 19, 20240

NEW YORK — An off-duty FDNY firefighter was arrested Thursday evening in the Bronx, the NYPD said. Peter Clough, 34, was taken into custody at approximately 5:56 p.m. in the 45th Precinct. He has been charged with third-degree assault. The circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been disclosed, and no further details were immediately available. The investigation is ongoing.

Why there is a robot firefighter outside a New Jersey Fire Station

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 14, 20240

AVENEL, NJ – If you’re driving through Avenel, New Jersey, you might just slam on the brakes and say, “What on Earth is THAT?” That’s because you’ll catch sight of a hulking, metal figure standing tall—a bizarre yet impressive sculpture that seems ready to charge into a burning building, ax in hand. Meet “The Smoke Eater,” a larger-than-life firefighter tribute that looks like the lovechild of the Tin Man and a Transformer. Towering over anyone who stops to gawk, this gas mask-wearing, faceless fireman is all business. Made entirely of thick metal strips, he’s got a blocky, no-nonsense silhouette that

Firefighter injured in suspected DUI crash on I-495 in Montgomery County

Breaking Local News ReportSeptember 13, 20240

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Maryland State Police are investigating a suspected DUI crash that injured a firefighter early Friday morning on the Inner Loop of Interstate 495 near University Boulevard in Montgomery County. According to authorities, the crash occurred around 3 a.m. when a BMW sedan drove through a lane closure marked with traffic cones and flares. The vehicle struck two unoccupied Maryland State Police patrol cars and injured a firefighter at the scene. The firefighter, identified as Michael Doyle, 54, was transported to MedStar Washington Hospital for treatment. The driver of the BMW, identified as Alberto Zurita, 45, was

FDNY Firefighter Arrested on Weapons Charges in Brooklyn

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 30, 20240

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — An off-duty New York City firefighter was arrested Thursday night in Brooklyn on multiple weapons charges, according to authorities. The arrest occurred within the confines of the NYPD’s 70th Precinct at approximately 10:10 p.m. The firefighter, identified as 39-year-old Roban Duge, faces several charges, including Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon: Firearm in the Fourth Degree. Details surrounding the circumstances of the arrest were not immediately available. The NYPD has not released further information on the type of weapon involved or the events

Stamford Mourns Loss of Beloved Retired Firefighter

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 21, 20240

STAMFORD, Conn. — The Stamford Fire Department has announced the passing of retired Fire Chief Anthony J. Milone, who died at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. Born on March 9, 1938, in Stamford, Milone dedicated more than 60 years of his life to the community he called home. He attended J.M. Wright Technical School, where he honed his skills as a carpenter, becoming known for his craftsmanship. However, it was his career in firefighting that defined much of his life. Milone joined the Stamford Fire Department, rising through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 1998, a

Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Killed by Driver While Assisting at Crash Scene

Breaking Local News ReportAugust 14, 20240

GEORGETOWN, DE—The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the death of Thomas Berry III, a 23-year-old volunteer firefighter and Sussex County Emergency Medical Services employee, who died tragically while aiding at a crash site. The incident occurred on August 13, at around 4:24 PM on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, west of Gravel Hill Road. A Chevrolet Malibu, attempting to overtake a Toyota Camry, sideswiped the vehicle and subsequently collided with a utility pole. Firefighter Berry, who had stopped to assist the drivers, was fatally injured by electrical wires from the snapped utility pole while helping the Malibu’s driver. Berry was pronounced dead

Firefighter Faces Prison Time for Stealing and Using Crash Victim’s Credit Card

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 19, 20240

ST. LOUIS, MO — A Missouri firefighter could be sentenced to up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the theft and misuse of a credit card from a crash victim. Arnold Britt, 41, admitted to receiving stolen property and fraudulent use of a credit/debit device, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced. Britt entered his guilty plea on Tuesday. Prosecutors have recommended a five-year prison term for the stolen property charge and a one-year term for the fraud charge, to be served concurrently. The sentencing is set for September 6. The incident that

Bellport Woman Indicted in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Volunteer Firefighter

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 18, 20240

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the indictment of Maria Guallpa-Bonilla, 36, of Bellport, for her alleged involvement in the fatal hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of 22-year-old volunteer firefighter Christopher Hlavaty of East Patchogue. On the evening of June 10, 2024, Guallpa-Bonilla reportedly struck Hlavaty, who was riding his 2008 Suzuki motorcycle, with her 2001 Mercury Cougar during a left-hand turn onto Rider Avenue. Authorities allege she then fled the scene without stopping to render aid or reporting the incident. Hlavaty later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation led to the

New Jersey Mayor Orders Flags at Half Mast For Murdered Pennsylvania Firefighter

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 16, 20240

Middletown Flags Lowered to Honor Fallen Fire Chief Corey Comperatore Middletown, NJ – Middletown Mayor Tony Perry has ordered flags across the township to be lowered in honor of Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed over the weekend while attending President Trump’s campaign rally. Chief Comperatore, upon hearing shots being fired, immediately protected his family, saving his wife and daughters. Middletown, home to the world’s largest all-volunteer Fire Department, mourns this fallen hero and honors his bravery and devotion to his family during his final moments. Mayor Perry stated that the township stands united in grief

Owner of Florida Yoga Studio Celebrates Death of Firefighter Praises Trump Shooter

Breaking Local News ReportJuly 16, 20240

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Linda Peterson, the self-described owner of Luna Sheen Yoga in Port Charlotte, is involved in an internet firestorm over comments she made about the death of retired Pennsylvania firefighter Cory Comperatore. Comperatore was shot and killed Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania during the botched assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump at a campaign rally. Trump was shot in the ear, and two other innocent bystanders were shot that day. Peterson’s inciteful post on social media read, “Damn it he didn’t die. Well, at least one supporter did. I’ll take what I can get.” That