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Paterson Fire Department

Police & Fire
Two Trapped, Killed In Fierce Passaic Apartment Fire Two Trapped, Killed In Fierce Passaic Apartment Fire
Two Trapped, Killed In Fierce Passaic Apartment Fire Two people were killed in a ferocious garden apartment fire in Passaic on Sunday. The fire apparently broke out on the first floor in back of the two-story Spruce Street building and instantly spread to the second floor and a cockloft -- trapping the victims -- shortly before 9:30 a.m. March 3. A vehicle just outside the brick structure also caught fire. A battalion chief reported heavy fire and smoke right from the get-go. The adult victims' bodies were found soon after, Passaic Mayor Hector Carlos Lora said. They were pronounced dead at the scene. 16 Spruce Street, Passaic Damien …

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
One Dead In Paterson Fire: Authorities One Dead In Paterson Fire: Authorities
One Dead In Paterson Fire: Authorities One person was killed in a two-alarm fire in an abandoned building in Paterson early Thursday, Feb. 29, authorities said.  At 3:30 a.m., firefighters were on scene at 69 Mercer St., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes, Paterson Police Department Officer In Charge Isa Abbassi, and Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea said. Firefighters discovered the body on the second floor of the house after putting out the blaze, authorities said. The identity of the deceased has not been confirmed, authorities said. Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said the city is in mourning. "Our firefight…

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by Sam Barron
News
GRUESOME SCENE: Leg Severed When Pedestrian Is Pinned In Paterson, Docs Hope To Reattach It GRUESOME SCENE: Leg Severed When Pedestrian Is Pinned In Paterson, Docs Hope To Reattach It
Gruesome Scene: Leg Severed When Pedestrian Is Pinned In Paterson, Docs Hope To Reattach It UPDATE: Doctors hoped to save the severed half of a 67-year-old pedestrian's right leg after a horrific accident in Paterson, authorities said. At the request of St. Joseph's University Medical Center physicians, responders quickly got the severed limb to the hospital, Paterson Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale said. A driver apparently had suffered a medical episode on Union Avenue and hit the victim at Manchester Avenue, pinning him against a parked car shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, Speziale said. Police, firefighters and EMTs who converged on the scene found the victim on t…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Obituaries
Longtime Passaic Resident Veronica Bravo Dies After Valiant Cancer Battle, 45 Longtime Passaic Resident Veronica Bravo Dies After Valiant Cancer Battle, 45
Longtime Passaic Resident Veronica Bravo Dies After Valiant Cancer Battle, 45 Support is pouring in for the family of Passaic mom Veronica Bravo, who died after a valiant battle with cancer on Monday. Dec. 12 at the age of 45.  Born in Holyoke, MA, to Juan and Miriam (Torres) Medina, Veronica was a longtime Passaic resident, her obituary says. She had an enlightening personality and was known for the care and compassion she held for her three children, Logan, Jade, and Caleb. In addition to her children, Veronica is survived by husband and Paterson firefighter Sergio Bravo; a sibling, John Medina, as well as numerous extended family members and close friends. …

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by Valerie Musson
News
Viral Video Shows Paterson Fire Trucks Colliding Viral Video Shows Paterson Fire Trucks Colliding
Viral Video Shows Paterson Fire Trucks Colliding A social media video shows a collision of two Paterson fire engines that sent eight of the Silk City's bravest to the hospital. An engine headed west on Broadway begins making a left onto Straight Street when the cab is bashed by a southbound truck around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in the video posted by @glow2worm. The turning engine slams into the front of the Golden Mango supermarket on the southwest corner of the intersection. The southbound truck rolls down Broadway and slams head-on into a tree. Eight firefighters were taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Center.  None of t…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Passaic House Fire Doused Passaic House Fire Doused
Passaic House Fire Doused Friends said a woman and her teenage children lost most of their belonging when a July 4th weekend fire damaged their Passaic home. Firefighters quickly got to the Third Street address off Essex Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. and had the fire under control in barely a half-hour. They limited the fire damage to the first floor, where the blaze apparently began, and the second floor, which sustained heavy smoke damage. No injuries were reported. Mutual aid responders included firefighters from Clifton, Paterson and Wallington. City fire officials were investigating the cause. The 3rd…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Pre-Dawn Fire Destroys Paterson Multi-Family Home Pre-Dawn Fire Destroys Paterson Multi-Family Home
Pre-Dawn Fire Destroys Paterson Multi-Family Home A fast-moving predawn fire destroyed a dilapidated Paterson multi-family home. The Lafayette Street blaze broke out shortly after 5:30 a.m. and quickly raced through the 2½-story wood-frame house. The Silk City's bravest were forced to go defensive amid frigid temperatures and wind gusts as the blaze went to a second alarm. They kept it from spreading, however -- knocking the bulk of the fire down by 6:50 a.m. and having it officially under control by 7:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. You can find an extensive gallery of photos from this and many other fires dating back more than 45 …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
SEEN HER? Indictment Charges Paterson Woman With Trying To Burn Down Ex-Lover's Apartment SEEN HER? Indictment Charges Paterson Woman With Trying To Burn Down Ex-Lover's Apartment
Seen HER? Indictment Charges Paterson Woman With Trying To Burn Down Ex-Lover's Apartment A Paterson woman who has remained a fugitive for several months since authorities accused her of trying to burn down a former lover’s apartment was indicted by a grand jury. Ahkearah Muhammad, 24, should be considered dangerous, authorities said, adding that she could be somewhere in New York. The fire broke out shortly after 10:30 p.m. March 20 in a large factory building that was converted into 240 units at the corner of Madison and Essex streets in Paterson. A surveillance camera caught images of Muhammad pouring lighter fluid outside her former beau’s door in a large city complex, auth…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Paterson Man Indicted For Setting Fire Outside Bank Paterson Man Indicted For Setting Fire Outside Bank
Paterson Man Indicted For Setting Fire Outside Bank UPDATE: A grand jury in Paterson has returned an indictment against a city man accused of setting a garbage can fire in the vestibule of a Main Street bank. Reshawn Evans, 27, has remained held in the Passaic County jail since his arrest on April 26 for the Bank of America branch fire earlier that day. The fire did not affect any adjoining structures, and there were no injuries, authorities said. Evans is charged with aggravated arson and risking widespread injury or damage in the indictment, which follows an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Arson Unit and Paterson police a…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Paterson Man Charged With Setting Fire Outside Bank Paterson Man Charged With Setting Fire Outside Bank
Paterson Man Charged With Setting Fire Outside Bank A Paterson man was charged with setting a garbage can fire in the vestibule of a Main Street bank. Reshawn Evans, 27, was charged with aggravated assault following his arrest Monday in connection with the April 26 Bank of America branch fire, authorities said. The fire did not affect any adjoining structures, and there were no injuries, they said. The charges followed an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Arson Unit and Paterson police and fire departments.

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Paterson FD: Homeowner Killed In Fire Paterson FD: Homeowner Killed In Fire
Paterson FD: Homeowner Killed In Fire UPDATE: A Paterson homeowner was killed in a fire Sunday afternoon, city authorities confirmed. The victim -- reportedly in his 80s -- was trapped after the fast-moving blaze quickly engulfed his East 23rd Street home shortly before 3:30 p.m., responders said. A neighbor tried to get to him but was pushed back by the flames and smoke, they said. The roof in the rear of the building collapsed soon after, turning a rescue into a recovery. The Passaic County Prosecutor's arson unit was summoned to the scene.Damien Danis for DAILY VOICE The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, which is inve…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
23 Displaced, Two Hospitalized In Paterson Multi-Family House Fire 23 Displaced, Two Hospitalized In Paterson Multi-Family House Fire
23 Displaced, Two Hospitalized In Paterson Multi-Family House Fire Nearly two dozen people were displaced by Paterson’s second fire of the day, officials said. Both a firefighter apparently suffering from heat exhaustion and a civilian who'd inhaled smoke were taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center for treatment Sunday night, Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale said A citizen rang the doorbell of Paterson’s Northside Firehouse on Temple Street shortly after 5 p.m. to report a fire in a multi-family house up the block, Speziale said. The two-alarm blaze quickly went to three bells after firefighters found heavy flames in the basement and rear of …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Paterson Fire Captain Rouses Sleeping Residents In Early-Morning Blaze Paterson Fire Captain Rouses Sleeping Residents In Early-Morning Blaze
Paterson Fire Captain Rouses Sleeping Residents In Early-Morning Blaze UPDATE: A Paterson fire captain got two sleeping residents to safety early Sunday before flames blew through the roof of a string of attached homes anchored by a Greek restaurant, authorities said. The fire broke between a parked van and the 2½-story, wood-frame Berkshire Street building off Union Avenue shortly before 7 a.m., Public Safety Director Jerry Speziale said. The flames "traveled through the unprotected truss flooring system" of three attached addresses and blew through the roof before they were knocked down a little under an hour later, Speziale said. Lightweight materials use…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
SEEN HER? Paterson Fugitive, 24, Wanted For Trying To Burn Down Ex's Apartment SEEN HER? Paterson Fugitive, 24, Wanted For Trying To Burn Down Ex's Apartment
Seen HER? Paterson Fugitive, 24, Wanted For Trying To Burn Down Ex's Apartment A Paterson woman has remained a fugitive since trying to burn down a former lover’s apartment, authorities said. The fire broke out shortly after 10:30 p.m. March 20 in a large factory building that was converted into 240 units at the corner of Madison and Essex streets in Paterson. A surveillance camera caught images of Ahkearah Muhammad, 24, video pouring lighter fluid outside her former beau’s door in a large city complex -- a bottle of which was later discovered at the scene, authorities said. Another resident quickly doused the blaze without anyone being injured, Passaic County Prose…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Indictment Charges Paterson Squatter From Germany With Torching Multi-Family Home Indictment Charges Paterson Squatter From Germany With Torching Multi-Family Home
Indictment Charges Paterson Squatter From Germany With Torching Multi-Family Home A Paterson squatter who set fire to a multi-family home after deliberately stabbing himself was indicted on aggravated arson and endangerment charges, authorities said. Ertugrul Abaci, 58, bled heavily as he staggered across Sussex Street last June 9, authorities said at the time. He’d just ignited a fire in and outside the attic apartment where he’d lived nearly 23 years – and hadn’t paid rent on for the past five, they said. Firefighters quickly doused the blaze without injuries or major damage reported. Five residents who’d been living there were nonetheless displaced, authorities …

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Fire Races Through Row Of Paterson Homes Fire Races Through Row Of Paterson Homes
Fire Races Through Row Of Paterson Homes Fire roared through three neighboring homes in Paterson late Sunday. The blaze broke out shortly after 9:30 p.m. in the rear attic of one of a row of 2½-story lookalike wood-frame houses packed together on Barnert Place. The flames quickly spread to a neighboring home and then another, all within 20 minutes. Before long, the fire was at four alarms. Water issues hampered firefighters' efforts. PHOTO COLLLECTION: BTFirePhotos.com The main body of the fire was knocked down around 11:30 p.m. It was declared under control soon after. No major injuries were reported. City fire officials s…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Mom, 82, Of Paterson Firefighter Who Died In Line Of Duty Struck, Killed By Sedan Mom, 82, Of Paterson Firefighter Who Died In Line Of Duty Struck, Killed By Sedan
Mom, 82, Of Paterson Firefighter Who Died In Line Of Duty Struck, Killed By Sedan The 82-year-old mother of a Paterson firefighter who died in the line of duty 22 years ago was struck and killed by a sedan on a city street, authorities said. Mary Bitner was taken to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center after being struck near the corner of Memorial Drive and Broadway around 3 p.m. Tuesday, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora said in a joint release. A 21-year-old city resident whose 2012 Toyota Corolla hit her remained at the scene, they said. Called "a fixture in the city" by Paterson firefighters, Bitner was pronounced…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Badge Number Of Slain Paterson Police Officer Reassigned To Rookie -- His Sister Badge Number Of Slain Paterson Police Officer Reassigned To Rookie -- His Sister
Badge Number Of Slain Paterson Police Officer Reassigned To Rookie -- His Sister Local law enforcement history will be made Friday when Paterson Police Officer Bavennia Franklin Marks is assigned the badge number of her late brother, who was killed in the line of duty 13 years ago. Among many friends, family members and colleagues expected at the City Hall ceremony is her father, Larry Franklin, who made history himself when he became the Paterson Fire Department’s first black captain in 1995.  Also there will be Franklin's husband, Englewood native Daniel Marks, who’s a youth minister at Canaan Baptist Church in the city’s notorious 4th Ward. City Public Saf…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Ex-Con Charged With Torching Vacant Paterson Home Occupied By Squatters Ex-Con Charged With Torching Vacant Paterson Home Occupied By Squatters
Ex-Con Charged With Torching Vacant Paterson Home Occupied By Squatters A 29-year-old ex-con with a lengthy criminal record deliberately set a fire in a vacant Paterson home occupied by squatters, authorities said. Erin Micco, a Florida native who recently lived in Rutherford, was charged with two counts of aggravated arson in the Tuesday morning fire on Pearl Street, they said. None of the squatters were injured in the two-alarm blaze, which was set shortly after 8:30 a.m., Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Paterson Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora and Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott said in a joint statement. The fire, which destroyed the 2½-…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
PHOTOS: 68-Year-Old Hillsdale Woman Rescued After Falling Into Well PHOTOS: 68-Year-Old Hillsdale Woman Rescued After Falling Into Well
Photos: 68-Year-Old Hillsdale Woman Rescued After Falling Into Well A 68-year-old Hillsdale woman was rescued after falling into an 8-foot dry well on Friday.  The longtime area resident sustained only minor injuries, responders said. She'd complained of head and back pain, Detective Travis Woods said. It was initially unclear why the well on Trinity Place, near the corner of Liberty Avenue, wasn't covered. Members of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) team got the woman out safely. The team included responders from the Hackensack, Woodcliff Lake and Paterson fire departments and North Hudson Regional Rescue. Borough police also requested an Adv…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
AUTOPSY: Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody From Bath Salts, Medical Condition AUTOPSY: Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody From Bath Salts, Medical Condition
Autopsy: Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody From Bath Salts, Medical Condition UPDATE: An autopsy found that a Paterson man died from a medical episode while in police custody that was triggered by bath salts that he'd ingested earlier combined with a previous condition, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said Tuesday. The State of New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that use of the bath salts by 27-year-old Jameek Lowery, coupled with pre-existing medical conditions, "triggered an adverse physical reaction including multiple organ failure and cardiac arrest that ultimately led to his death," Valdes said. "This rea…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
'No Pulse, Blue Lips,' Paterson's Bravest, Finest Revive Victim At Girl's Softball Game 'No Pulse, Blue Lips,' Paterson's Bravest, Finest Revive Victim At Girl's Softball Game
'No Pulse, Blue Lips,' Paterson's Bravest, Finest Revive Victim At Girl's Softball Game Sometimes the fates are in your favor: When the heart of a spectator at a Paterson girls softball game stopped beating, one of the first to rush to the fallen woman's aid was one of the coaches -- city firefighter John Molina. Also there in seconds was another spectator, Washington Griffin -- a retired Paterson police lieutenant. Together, the veterans of Paterson's bravest and finest -- "real-life superheroes," Mayor Andre Sayegh called them -- revived the 50-year-old grandmother. Molina gave mouth-to-mouth while Griffin handled the chest compressions until her heart began beating again. …

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Paterson Resident, 76, Killed In Fire Paterson Resident, 76, Killed In Fire
Paterson Resident, 76, Killed In Fire Authorities were investigating a Paterson fire that killed a 76-year-old resident despite neighbors' efforts to rescue him. The three-alarm fire broke out just after 6:30 p.m Tuesday at 650 East 26th Street. The body of Russel Mahan was found inside the severely damaged two-family home, authorities said. No other injuries were reported. There was no immediate indication of what may have caused the fire. Various agencies united to investigate: the Paterson police and fire departments and the Passaic County prosecutor’s and sheriff’s offices. At the scene.Michael Jannicelli for DAILY …

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Prosecutor: Autopsy Will Determine How Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody Prosecutor: Autopsy Will Determine How Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody
Prosecutor: Autopsy Will Determine How Paranoid Paterson Man Died In Police Custody UPDATE: An autopsy will determine how a paranoid Paterson man died in police custody, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes said Tuesday. Jameek Lowery, 27, “appeared agitated” when he came to police headquarters at 3:45 a.m. Saturday after calling 911 twice, Valdes said. The first time, at 2:45 a.m., he said “he had taken Ecstasy and was paranoid,” the prosecutor said. EMS took him by ambulance to the hospital, but Lowery “left after becoming erratic,” she said. Lowery called again at 3:42 a.m. “reporting that people were trying to kill him in the area of Broadway and Memorial Driv…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
Is Body Pulled From Passaic River In Paterson Missing Prospect Park Man? Is Body Pulled From Passaic River In Paterson Missing Prospect Park Man?
Is Body Pulled From Passaic River In Paterson Missing Prospect Park Man? PATERSON, N.J. – Authorities early Tuesday evening wouldn't immediately say whether they believe a badly decomposed body pulled from a tributary of the Passaic River near Westside Park in Paterson is that of a Prospect Park man who's been missing for a month. Speculation immediately arose that the body could be that of Jorge Alcalde-Alfaro, who hasn't been seen since he left his home on Easter, April 1, headed towards the Paterson area near JFK High School (SEE: Missing Prospect Park Man Has Distinguishing Tattoos). Prospect Park police were among the responders, increasing suspicions. “At…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
VIDEO: No Deaths Or Charges In Paterson House Blaze, Authorities Say VIDEO: No Deaths Or Charges In Paterson House Blaze, Authorities Say
Video: No Deaths Or Charges In Paterson House Blaze, Authorities Say PATERSON, N.J. – No one died and no one was charged in a Paterson house fire Wednesday, authorities said. However, investigators were trying to determine the cause of the three-alarm blaze at 571 East 25th Street, they said. Firefighters quickly brought it under control. Another media outlet reported that someone was taken into custody, while some social media posts claimed someone had been killed.  However, a joint release issued Wednesday afternoon by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Paterson Fire Chief Brian McDermott and Deputy Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald said: &quo…

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by Jerry DeMarco