Today, we will make the case for why the Atlantic City, New Jersey Fire Department needs Engine 4 back as soon as possible.

A fire can double in size every 30 seconds. Everything in a room can burn in just 3 minutes.

The massive structure fire at 28 South Georgia Avenue (a large apartment building) on Thursday, July 11, 2022, brought this critical situation into crystal clear focus.

John Varallo, Jr. is the president of the Atlantic City Professional firefighters.

He decided to take to his Facebook page to address this issue, writing this very blunt assessment.

Restore Engine 4.

It is time for Atlantic City Professional Firefighters NJ FMBA Local 8 to work as partners with state and city officials to RESTORE ENGINE CO 4. Yesterday's fire at 28 s Georgia ave offers tangible data regarding ACFD staffing and responses. Engine company 4, formally housed at station 4 on California and Atlantic ave, proudly served the ductown section of Atlantic City for over a hundred years. Had engine 4 been operational yesterday a fully staffed engine company would have responded to the fire on 28 s Georgia which had trapped and fleeing occupants from a mere 3 blocks away. In emergency situations such as the one we all witnessed yesterday fractions of a second count. Properly trained firefighters, responding on properly working apparatus, stationed in proper locations increase life saving capabilities and reduce destruction of property.

The responses to Varallo’s social media post were voluminous and passionate.

Former Atlantic City Deputy Fire Chief Joe Rush said: “There's a reason 2 Engines & 1 Ladder respond to each alarm. There's a reason each apparatus is staffed with 4 fighters. And there was a reason Engine #4 worked for over 100 years!!!! Unfortunately politicians always balance their budgets on the backs of PUBLIC SAFETY! Stay Safe ACFD & ACPD.”

Former City of Atlantic City assistant solicitor Tom Forkin wrote: ”What the City & State have done to decimate our First Responders in AC places lives in danger! Grossly under funding and understaffing. As you both already know. Yet Small still somehow got reelected? Elect a clown, expect a circus.”

Career superior officers Jonas N Devon Haws wrote: “Closing engine 4 is a huge mistake! They're extremely lucky that nobody died in this! If this came in at 2am you would have had a much different outcome! Wake up politicians!!

Curt Somers, a career retired Atlantic City professional firefighter wrote: “Thank God, that fire was not in the night time, so most of those people were out of the building and at work...if it was in the evening there would've been a tremendous amount of lives lost... tremendous job by the firefighters tough to fight a fire without water. Wake up AC other one's coming.”

Another Another Atlantic City Fire Department veteran, Woody Faunce wrote: “E4 is located in the middle of the city, crazy that it's not in service.”

Stephen Kohler wrote: “It is first due to 3 schools, a hospital and located in the center of town. E4 needs to be reopened and properly staffed at all times.“

Dane B. Nicholson wrote: “Was responsible for one of the most densely populated areas of the city any time of year.”

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie made disastrous cuts in the Atlantic City Fire Department.

Now is the time for the City of Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey to get together and correct this deficiency.

Otherwise, let’s put this issue on the already long list of things that future New Jersey Governor Jack Ciatterelli will have to fix.

SOURCE: John Varallo, Jr.

Atlantic City's Firsts Throughout History

Gallery Credit: Harry Hurley

Never Before Seen Golden Nugget Construction Photos

Gallery Credit: Harry Hurley

An Exclusive Look Back at the Golden Nugget, Atlantic City from 1980

Gallery Credit: Harry Hurley

 

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM