The Fire District’s Mission Statement:
The mission of Fire District No. 9 is to protect the lives and property of the citizens and visitors of Woodbridge Township and those who require our assistantance in times of need.
 

The Fire District’s Vision Statement:
The vision of Woodbridge Township Fire District No. 9 is to continue to advance in training, improve quality of service and maintain our commitment to the community. We will work as a team to provide that highest quality of the fire protection and continue to expand our special operations to meet the future needs of our community. These services will be provided in a professional, trustworthy and honorable manner, while promoting the highest ethics within Fire District Number 9 and fulfilling the trust installed in us by the public.

About the Fire District:

The Iselin Volunteer Fire Company #1 (Fire District #9) is one of nine fire companies protecting Woodbridge Township, which is New Jersey's fifth largest municipality encompassing 27 square miles and a population of 105,000 people. Our primary response area includes the east Iselin and Menlo Park Terrace sections of the Township, covering approximately six square miles. Our district is quite diverse and includes high rise office and hotel buildings (APA, Marriott Delta, Days Inn), Amtrak's Northeast Corridor rail lines and Metro Park train station, 3 grammar schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, commercial occupancies and shopping centers, highways (Garden State Parkway, US Route 1, US Route 9), a chemical research and development facility (BASF), and residential units including apartment buildings, senior citizen complexes, and single and multi-family homes.

The Iselin Volunteer Fire Company #1 is all volunteer. We respond from two fire stations, and our members provide fire fighting and rescue services to the residents, workers, and visitors of the Iselin and Menlo Park Terrace sections of Woodbridge Township 24 hours a day, seven days per week. We have a proud 102 year tradition of dedicated community service dating back to our founding by concerned citizens in 1922.

1921

After devastating fires at School No. 6 in 1916 and the First Presbyterian Church of Iselin in 1920, residents worried about their dependence on neighboring for companies.

Early this year, a group of about 50 residents gathered to express their concerns about the adequacy of fire protection in the Iselin and Colonia sections of Woodbridge Township. The meeting took place at the Iselin Inn, later known as Flip's Tavern. The idea of forming a separate fire company was agreed to, and with the help of the Avenel Fire Company, who donated a hand drawn chemical cart, plans were drafted.

A flyer was circulated throughout the community informing the residents of the intention to form a fire company and to solicit their financial support. On October 26, prospective members met at the house of J. Swain where the petition was prepared to incorporate as the Iselin Volunteer Fire Company #1.

1922

On February 22, incorporation papers were approved by the State of New Jersey and, with 20 charter members, the Fire Company was born. Frank Gallagher was elected as the first Fire Chief and Michael Lewis as the first Fire Company President. In order to properly finance the operation of the fire company, the citizens were petitioned again, this time for the purpose of establishing a fire district.

1923

On January 31, the Woodbridge Township Committee passed a resolution creating Fire District #6. The boundaries of the newly formed district included all of Iselin and Colonia, and also, by agreement, a part of Clark Township in adjoining Union County. Fire District #6 would now be served exclusively by the Iselin Volunteer Fire Company #1. Five Fire Commissioners were elected and a budget of $1,500 was approved by the voters. The Commissioners purchased a 1923 Clinton Chemical Hose Truck at a cost of $5,000.

The original fire house was built where it stands today. Previously, the site was occupied by the Union Society, a non-denominational Church. Although the church had burned down in 1920, the property deed was in the name of the Church Society and was restricted in use solely as a church. The Fire Company successfully negotiated to overcome the deed restriction and, with block donated by the Anness Hollow Tile Company, constructed their first one-bay firehouse. 

1924

The Pennsylvania Railroad, which operated on the line known today as Amtrak's Northeast Corridor ran through the heart of the fire district. Residents on the western side of the district, the side opposite the tracks from the firehouse, were concerned that the fire company could be delayed in responding due to long, slow moving trains. Members living on the western side of the district petitioned the Township Committee to form a separate fire district. On October 11, the Township Committee abolished Fire District #6 and created two new districts, Fire District #9 and Fire District #11, the dividing line being the railroad tracks. In the late 1930s, the problematic grade crossing was replaced by the current Green Street underpass.

1925

The "Iron Ring" fire alarm, a bent railroad track suspended from a beam and used since the fire company's inception, was replaced with an electric siren mounted on a pole in the rear of the firehouse. In addition to alerting the Fire Company, the siren was also used to notify residents of school closings.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cooper, proprietors of Cooper's Dairy on Middlesex-Essex Turnpike, served the Fire Company for many years by receiving alarm notifications at their house and activating the siren. The Coopers would hire a baby sitter to activate the alarm in the event they would both be out of the house. They continued to provide this service, at no cost to the community, until 1966, when dispatching was handled by the Woodbridge Police Department.

1926

Fire Company carnivals started and were held annually as the primary means of raising funds.  

1936

The aging Clinton Chemical Hose Truck was replaced with a much safer 500 GPM American LaFrance pumper, which was designated Engine 1.

Company President Frank Cooper entertained a motion to have members wear their dress uniforms to the annual dinner. This tradition is carried on today.

1937

On March 7, member Harlin Anderson and his wife Mary passed away in their sleep. Their death was caused by coal gas.

The Company named their first Honorary Members: Hans Knudsen, Father Brennan, and the Reverend Behrenberg.

1938

The Board of Fire Commissioners donated the brass bell from the retired Clinton Chemical Hose Truck to the Fire Company. They intended that the bell be used at memorial services for members who pass away. The Commissioners, Richard Roloff, Andrew Sedlak, Barney Finnegan, Frank Cooper, and Mr. Jensen, stated "that the bell would remain for time memorial as a monument of courage and faith of our dearly departed comrades who not only answered the call to duty to this bell, but their final call to the greatest Chief of all." The "Clinton Bell" continues to be used at Fire Company memorial services to this day.

1941

Dan Reynolds was elected President and continued to serve for four terms.

On March 20, the Fire Company battled a fire at the Iselin Train Station.

Although there is little mention of the war in the minutes, it was noted at the November meeting that members sang the National Anthem at the start of the meeting.

1944

A motion was passed to support a Boy Scout Troop. It was noted that rationing stamps were scarce.

1945

The first mention of expanding the firehouse was noted. The Fire Company purchased lots immediately adjacent to the existing firehouse.

1946

During the winter, the Fire Company flooded vacant lots on Elmhurst Avenue for ice skating, a practice that continued for many years.

In April, a fire was fought at Cooper's Dairy.

1947

In May, the Fire Company introduced newly elected Honorary Members Father Wilus, Reverend Hartman, Reverend Mrs. Klein, Fred Moscarelli, and Al Nahass.

On September 30, the Fire Company celebrated their 25th Anniversary.

The first mention of a fire prevention program appeared in the minutes.,

1948

As funds became available, a 72 square inch television, which cost $750, was purchased by the Fire Company for the enjoyment of the members.

1950

Fire Company members assisted with the creation of the Iselin First Aid Squad. Until this time, the Iselin area was covered by the first aid squads from Woodbridge and Fords.

1952

The original firehouse needed to be expanded to accommodate additional apparatus. The members of the Fire Company drafted plans and performed the labor themselves as the Fire Commissioners provided the building materials. Mount Lebanon Cemetery loaned the members a backhoe to dig the foundation. The addition was a double width bay which allowed the original bay to be converted to a fireman's room.

On April 3, the Board of Fire Commissioners purchased the Fire Company's first two self contained breathing apparatus.

Emil Miele was presented with the first Chief Engineer's badge.  

1953

The line officer rank structure was changed for the first time. The positions of Foreman and Assistant Foreman were eliminated, and the Assistant Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant added. Shortly thereafter, the position of Second Assistant Chief was added.

In June, the Fire Company responded to a mutual aid call in neighboring Menlo Park, where our firefighters were credited with saving a  structure that was burning at the Jennings Lumber Company on Route 27.

The Fire Company conducted its first fund drive.

1954

Ron Osborne was elected President and served two terms.

On September 5, a 750 GPM American LaFrance 700 Series pumper was placed in service and designated Engine 3.

1955

In July, the Board of Fire Commissioners authorized the formation of an auxiliary, referred to as the C.D.'s (probably referring to Civil Defense). The group was made up of individuals over 40 years of age who could not become regular members of the Fire Company, and those younger men who were on the regular member waiting list. They were active until October 1962, when they were sworn in as Honorary Members of the Fire Company, at which time the "C.D.'s" were disbanded.

1956

The Board of Fire Commissioners ordered the Fire Company's first two way radios. The F.C.C. issued our license with the call letters KEF 984.

The Board also officially created the Bureau of Fire Prevention, and appointed Ex-Chief Donald A. Gunthner as Chief Fire Inspector.

1957

The Fire Company went on record opposing the proposed thru-way, to be called the Garden State Parkway, as it would cut off part of our coverage area.

1959

Jack Ott was elected Fire Company President. Jack served four terms in this position.

The firehouse was expanded to include a hall where social and civic groups could meet.

A 750 GPM TASC pumper was purchased and designated Engine 2.

A gold badge and set of gold buttons were presented to Frank Cooper for his many years of dedicated service. Also, Emil Miele, in recognition of his commitment to the Fire Company, was authorized to wear gold buttons even though he never served as Fire Chief.   

1962

A pre-connected hose system was devised on Engine 2. The hose was placed in a compartment and connected to a discharge on the officer's side of the engine.

Fire Company members actively assisted in the creation of the Woodbridge Township Fire Officers Association.

1963

George Chambers took over as President in June and served two and one half terms.

A large fire was battled at the AA Ranch on Wood Avenue.

The first home alerting units (Plectrons) were purchased and issued to the members.

1964

The Fire Company's first aerial truck was acquired. A 75 foot American LaFrance mid-ship mount with 750 GPM pump was placed in service and designated as Truck 4.

1966

Tom Plough was elected Fire Company President and served for four terms.

The farm house at the AA Ranch burned on a 20 degree Friday night, and in July, a second fire occurred at Cooper's Dairy. As this brought about the end of the dairy operation, dispatching was turned over to the Woodbridge Police Department. 

1967

Chief Fire Inspector Don Gunthner found dolls on sale at Christmas time that were foreign made. He tested them and found that they flashed into fire at a very low temperature. News of this finding became internationally known as the dolls were taken off the U.S. market. Don received a letter of commendation from the NJ Fire Prevention Association for his efforts.

1969

The members established a scholarship program for graduates of John F. Kennedy Memorial High School. 

1970

Herb Gunthner was elected President of the Fire Company. He went on to serve 17 terms in this office.

1971

Discussions were recorded concerning the inadequacies of the current firehouse. With a single bay door, should the first apparatus fail to start, the others were blocked and could not respond. An agreement was reached between the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Fire Company, whereby the Fire Company would loan the land it owned to the Fire District enabling the expansion. Plans were developed to provide four individual bays.

Fire Chief George DiGregorio rescued an elderly woman at a house fire on Woodruff Street.

1972

The Fire Company celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a parade and picnic.

The original firehouse was razed and construction of the four bay truck house was undertaken. While construction was underway, fire apparatus was stored at a garage at Cooper's Dairy. The project also divided the old hall into a meeting room for the Fire Company, offices for the Board of Fire Commissioners, and an office for the Bureau of Fire Prevention.

1973

The Board of Fire Commissioners established a joint dispatching operation with Fire District #11. Personnel were hired to monitor phones for both the fire companies and first aid squad.

1974

A "1000 Series" American LaFrance 1500 GPM pumper was placed in service as Engine 5, replacing the old Engine 2. Engine 5 was the first lime colored apparatus on the roster.

The positions of 2nd Captain and 2nd Lieutenant were established.

1975

On the Friday of the Wildwood Convention, the Howard Johnson's restaurant on Route 1 was destroyed by fire. This was the first Howard Johnson's restaurant in the country.

1976

In September, the old Iselin Train Station burned down during the Wildwood Convention.

1978

A "Century Series" American LaFrance 1500 GPM pumper was placed in service as Engine 2.

1979

The titles of the 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs were changed to 1st and 2nd Deputy Chiefs.

On September 27, the landmark White Birch Inn on Route 1 was destroyed in an early morning fire.

1980

The Fire Company answered a call for a gasoline tanker rollover on the Green Street Circle.

A pre-dawn fire at the Woodbridge Commons Apartment Complex on Gill Lane destroyed a building that was under construction.

1982

As traffic congestion worsened along the Route 1 corridor, residents of Menlo Park Terrace located west of the Garden State Parkway grew increasingly concerned with the timeliness of Fire Company responses. At a special election, the voters, by a tally of 424 to 15, approved funds to construct a second firehouse which would be located on West Kelly Street.

A tragic fire on Atlantic Street claimed the lives of three people. Careless smoking was the cause of the fire. In October, a stubborn blaze was fought at the Down Under Disco on Route 1. Also, two suspicious fires were fought at a defunct gas station on Route 1.

1983

The groundbreaking for Firehouse #2 in Menlo Park Terrace was held in September.

The Fire Company received their first set of bunker pants.

1984

Construction was completed on Firehouse #2, and on October 1, the new Firehouse was placed in service. Included in the two bay building was a high pressure breathing air system which gave the Fire Company a method for keeping their air packs filled for service. Additionally, a used Chevy van was purchased from the Siemen's Corporation and equipped with a mobile cascade system for filling air packs at fire scenes.

Nomex hoods were added to each firefighters protective ensemble.

1985

On September 20, a triple dedication ceremony was held for the new firehouse, a new 1500 GPM American LaFrance pumper (Engine 6), and the refurbished 1964 aerial ladder (Truck 4). The refurbishment of the aerial truck, which originally cost $48,000, included replacing the 75 foot ladder with a 100 foot ladder. The total cost of the refurbishment was $125,000, which was approximately one fourth the cost of replacing it with a new aerial truck.

A night time fire in a house on Austin Avenue claimed the lives of three residents. The cause of the fire was determined to be unattended cooking.

The Fire Company began using lighter weight 4,500 PSI air packs.

1985

The Fire Company assisted in battling the fire in District #11 that destroyed the interior of St. Cecilia's Church, which was located within the school building.

In September, Hurricane Gloria took its toll on the area. The Fire Company responded to 27 alarms in a three hour period.

1986

The Fire Company's patch, which was designed by Ex-Chief Frank Petronella and his brother John, was registered as our official trademark.

The Board of Fire Commissioners purchased a used 1960 American LaFrance rescue truck from Packanack Lake Fire Company #5 in Wayne Township. This vehicle was used to transport miscellaneous equipment to fire scenes and serve as a command post.

1987

The Fire Company responded to 516 calls during the year. This was the first time they answered more than 500 call in a single year.

1988

Steve Shulman was elected Fire Company President and served two terms.

Dan Reynolds became the first member of the Fire Company to serve actively for 50 years.

On April 16, an early morning fire in a high rise office building caused $1 million in damages. Observations by Fire Company personnel of a building employee at the scene led to his arrest and conviction of this arson fire.

1989

In December, the Fire Company responded to a working fire in the home of former member Frank Knox.

1990

Edward R. Mullen was elected President of the Fire Company. Ed went on to serve four terms in this office.

A major renovation to the firehouse on Green Street was undertaken. In addition to refurbishing and modernizing the existing structure, a second floor was added. The building became fully sprinklered and administrative offices were provided to better service the district. Underground fuel storage tanks were replaced to meet current regulations.

1991

A Saulsbury/International Air Truck was placed in service and designated 9-3-4. This truck is equipped with an Eagle compressor which enables an unlimited supply of breathing air to be made at fire scenes. The truck has a 35 foot, 9000 Watt light tower to provide emergency lighting at emergency scenes.

Engine 9-6 was retrofitted by American LaFrance to have a fully enclosed six person cab.

The Middlesex County Fire Academy opened in Sayerville.

A rash of arson fires led to the arrest and conviction of a teenage resident.

A six year old girl from Iselin was credited with saving her relatives from a house fire in Seaside Park. The young girl attributed her actions to what she learned from Fire Inspector Kevin Wertz during a Fire Prevention Week visit to our firehouse.

1992

Firefighter accountability tags were issued to the members in order to safely account for their activities at fire scenes.

Working fires were fought at both of the high rise hotels in the fire district.

Laura Gruber joined the fire company in April. She was the first female to join the fire company.

Assistance was provided to the Rahway Fire Department at a downtown fire during the winter. Our firefighters were thanked by Rahway Mayor Kennedy at a benefit show at the Union County Theater.

1993

Vincent Bernardo was honored by the Fire Company after becoming the second member to actively serve for fifty years.

Over the period of six months, a number of severe motor vehicle accidents along Route 1 claimed nine lives. As a result of these accidents, the Department of Transportation installed guard rails along the previously undivided highway.

1994

Kevin Wertz was elected Fire Company President and served for two terms.

The Fire Company responded to 600 calls during the year. This was the first time more than 600 calls were answered in a single year.

In March, the Fire Company assisted the Edison Fire Department at a natural gas pipeline explosion in the Durham Woods Apartment complex.

1995

In late July, severe thunderstorms started multiple working fires, the most serious one occuring at the Green Hollow Apartment Complex where the roof of a building was struck by lightening.

1996

John Devine was elected Fire Company President and served for one and one-half terms.

Andrew "Ace" Licinski was honored by the Fire Company for becoming the third member to reach the fifty years of service milestone.

1997

The Fire Company took delivery of two 2,000 GPM Sutphen pumpers which replaced Engines 9-2 and 9-5.

Michael Lynch was elected an Honorary Member.

In May, a large fire destroyed the Kawasaki Motor Sports showroom on Route 9.

On June 14, the Fire Company celebrated their 75th Anniversary with a parade and celebration in Merrill Park.

Robert Sullivan assumed the office of President in July and served for 6 months.

Members were issued fire resistant work uniforms compliant with NFPA standards.

In the Fall, our Explorer Post was organized.

1998

Edward R. Mullen was elected President and served two terms.

Light rescue truck 9-3-3 was delivered in February.

Improved turnout gear, constructed of PBI material, was issued to all firefighters.

In order to comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, members were offered the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Fire resistant work uniforms were issued to all members.

1999

In February, a new Seagrave 100 foot aerial ladder with a 1500 GPM pump was delivered.

The dispatching operation was merged with Fords and moved to Station 7 in April.

In May, members participated in the construction of the Woodbridge Township Community Playground in Merrill Park.

The first Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) was placed in service.

1999 marked the first time the fire company answered more than 700 calls in a year.

2000

Kevin Wertz was elected Fire Company President and served two terms.

The first thermal imaging camera was placed in service.

The Board of Fire Commissioners purchased the properties adjacent to the firehouse for use as additional parking and for the construction of a park.

2001

During the terrorist attacks on September 11, fire company members stood by at the firehouses in case our services were needed. Several fire company members later deployed to the World Trade Center site to assist in rescue and recovery operations.

2002

Kevin Hawley was elected Fire Company President and served one term.

2003

William Kenney was elected Fire Company President and served two terms.

2005

Dave McGlynn was elected Fire Company President and served one term.

Under the leadership of President McGlynn, the Fire Company patch was redesigned. Elements of the previous patch were incorporated in the new design.

One of the most serious fires in fire company history occurred in the early morning hours of September 4. A smokey fire on the sixth floor of the Hilton Hotel required the response of 22 engines and 5 ladders to search and evacuate over 150 occupied guest rooms above the fire.

2006

AJ Wertz was elected Fire Company President and served one term.

2007

Kevin Wertz was elected Fire Company President and served two terms.

Firefighters started using an interactive website to conduct training.

2008

Engine 9-6, a 2007 Seagrave 2000 GPM rescue pumper, was delivered in February. A dedication ceremony was held on June 14th in Merrill Park following a parade of apparatus through the fire district. 

A 2008 Ford pickup truck was placed in service as 9-3-5.

2009

Joe Geary was elected Fire Company President and served one term.

In September, Chief Brian Bennett rescued the driver of a burning car after a motor vehicle accident on Route 1. For his actions, he received a Valor Award from the Middlesex County 200 Club.

The fire company website, www.iselinfire.com, was developed.

2010

Kevin Wertz was elected Fire Company President and served two terms.

On September 10, a ceremony was held acknowledging the donation of a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. Numerous dignitaries, including Lieutenant Governor Guadagno, were in attendance. The steel will become part of a memorial at the park adjacent to House 1.

2011

Carl Christensen was honored by the Fire Company for becoming the fourth member to reach the fifty years of service milestone. 

In April, all firefighters were issued a personal escape device, which allows for emergency evacuation from building fires.

2012

Perry Penna was elected Fire Company President and served one and one half terms.

On January 19, a deliberatly set house fire on Jefferson Street resulted in the line of duty death of Hopelawn Engine Company Ex-Chief Bruce Turcotte.

The playground adjacent to the firehouse constructed by the Board of Fire Commissioners was dedicated on July 28. Despite the rain, over 100 people attended the ceremony.

Two new 2012 Chevy Tahoe command vehicles, designated 9-3-1 and 9-3-2 and assigned to the Chief and Deputy Chief, were placed in service in October.

2013

Kevin Wertz was elected Fire Company President in July and served for three and one half years.

A Zodiac boat was purchased for use in rescuing people in high water.

2014

On January 22, the high rise office building at 33 Wood Avenue South had a fire involving portions of floors 2-5. The fire was quickly knocked down from the exterior using Engine 9-5's deck gun.

Roger Stewart was honored by the Fire Company for becoming the fifth member to reach the fifty years of service milestone.

2015

Engine 9-2, a 2015 Seagrave 2000 GPM pumper, was delivered in September. The 1997 Sutphen pumper which was replaced was donated to the Almeria VFD in Troy, AL.

2017

Perry Penna was elected Fire Company President and served four terms.

The annual fire company dinner honored the 20th anniversary of our Explorer Post.

2018

In February Engine 9-5, a 2017 Seagrave 2000 GPM pumper, was placed in service. The 1997 Sutphen was sold to a fire engine dealer in Georgia and subsequently sold to the Goshen Township, Ohio Fire Department. 

The fire company voted to not wear their dress uniforms to the annual dinner, ending a tradition that began in 1936.

New light weight 45 minute, 4500 PSI SCBA bottles were put in service. These new bottles allow for more firefighter work time in hostile environments.

2019

In September, Ladder 9-2-4 was sent to the Seagrave factory for a complete overhaul. The overhaul is expected to extend the life of the apparatus approximately 10 years.

2020

With the outbreak of the Corona Virus COVID 19 pandemic in March, the fire company modified operating procedures and the training program, issued personal protective equipment to the firefighters, and implemented sanitization and protective measures to ensure the safety and health of the members.These modifications were in place for the entire year.

Ladder 9-2-4 returned from the Seagrave factory after its overhaul and entered service in July.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the fire company's annual dinner was cancelled, and a picnic for the members held instead at Merrill Park in September.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the fire company's annual Officer's swearing in ceremony was cancelled.

Due to the COVID 19 restrictions, the annual Children's Christmas Party was cancelled; however the Firehouse Santa was able to deliver gifts to the children's homes.

2021

Edward R. Mullen was elected Fire Company President and served five terms.

The COVID 19 procedures implented in March 2020 continued through June.

Planning for the fire compony's 100th anniversary began in June.

On September 26, Firehouse #2 in Menlo Park Terrace was dedicated to former Mayor Phip M. Cerria on recognition if his support in getting the firehouse built. 

2022

The fire company celebrated their 100th anniversary with a parade and community celebration in Merrill Park on June 11.