UPDATE: Two Cats, Dog Killed In Bergenfield House Fire UPDATE: Two Cats, Dog Killed In Bergenfield House Fire
Update: Two Cats, Dog Killed In Bergenfield House Fire Two cats and a dog died in a pre-Christmas fire that severely damaged a Bergenfield home. Firefighters who responded within three minutes were met by flames on the first floor of the 2½-story Lunn Avenue home shortly after 1 p.m., Bergenfield Fire Chief Edward J Kneisler III said. "Because the fire was extending to the upper floors, a second alarm was requested," the chief said. Kneisler declared the fire under control in about 45 minutes. A firefighter was treated at a local hospital for a minor arm injury, the chief said, adding that the residents checked out OK when evaluated by the B…
Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson
Fire Strikes Family Of Late EMT From Emerson The family of a beloved EMT who died last year suffered another tragedy when fire severely damaged their Emerson home earlier this week. Valderes “Val” Toulouzan-Vaporakis and her twin boys are physically OK. So are their cat and three dogs – one of whom was rescued from the fire and another who was found following an intense search. Firefighters prevented Tuesday's smoky blaze from causing major structural damage to the Sanford Avenue home. "As it turns out, their house was underinsured, making things even more difficult for them," said friend Lisa Leuck. "There are many repairs to be do…
Destructive Rockland Shopping Center Fire Continues Burning For Hours, Bergen Companies Assist Destructive Rockland Shopping Center Fire Continues Burning For Hours, Bergen Companies Assist
Destructive Rockland Shopping Center Fire Continues Burning For Hours, Bergen Companies Assist UPDATE: Six firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries Sunday in a stubborn hours-long blaze that broke out in a basement gun range, spread through a Rockland County shopping center and continued burning late into the night, authorities said. Firefighters from Mahwah, Montvale, Oradell and River Vale were among more than 100 from Rockland, Westchester and Bergen counties either at the Pearl River scene or in coverage through the afternoon and into the evening. The sneaky blaze began shortly before noon in the long-gun range at the Rockland Indoor Shooting Education Center -- common…
Elusive Hours-Long Fire Severely Damages Rockland Shopping Center, Bergen Companies Assist Elusive Hours-Long Fire Severely Damages Rockland Shopping Center, Bergen Companies Assist
Elusive Hours-Long Fire Severely Damages Rockland Shopping Center, Bergen Companies Assist UPDATE: Six firefighters were hospitalized with minor injuries Sunday in a stubborn hours-long blaze that broke out in a basement gun range, spread through a Rockland County shopping center and continued burning late into the night, authorities said. Firefighters from Mahwah, Montvale, Oradell and River Vale were among more than 100 from Rockland, Westchester and Bergen counties either at the Pearl River scene or in coverage through the afternoon and into the evening. The sneaky blaze began shortly before noon in the long-gun range at the Rockland Indoor Shooting Education Center -- common…
'Modern Family' Actress Rescues NJ Woman During Fainting Spell On Vacation 'Modern Family' Actress Rescues NJ Woman During Fainting Spell On Vacation
'Modern Family' Actress Rescues NJ Woman During Fainting Spell On Vacation Minnie John knew the voice talking to her sounded familiar. And when she opened her eyes, the face looked familiar, too. The New Jersey mom was hiking in Arches National Park on Aug. 2 and fainted. She couldn't quite figure out how she knew the woman standing over her, or what had happened John would soon come to learn that she was rescued by "Modern Family" actress Julia Bowen, and her sister Annie, a doctor. John, of Oradell, detailed the ordeal on Facebook, calling Bowen and her sister "heroes." PART THREE: I made it to the top but could not go any further. I was light-headed,…
Authorities ID Body Of Drowned Paddle Boarder, 24, Recovered From Mahwah Lake Authorities ID Body Of Drowned Paddle Boarder, 24, Recovered From Mahwah Lake
Authorities ID Body Of Drowned Paddle Boarder, 24, Recovered From Mahwah Lake A drowned paddle boarder whose body was recovered from a Mahwah lake Tuesday has been identified as a 24-year-old local resident. Mario Morales had lost his grip and fell into Dators Pond at the foot of Stag Hill Road early Thursday evening, New Jersey Police Trooper Charles Marchan confirmed. His body was found in 15 feet of water shortly before 3 p.m.  Morales' older brother then paddled to shore shouting for someone to call 911, Mayor Jim Wysocki said. The first responder, Mahwah Police Officer Travis Canning, headed into the pond just west of the Ramapo River off Routes 202 and Route…
Divers Search Mahwah Lake For Drowned Paddle Boarder Divers Search Mahwah Lake For Drowned Paddle Boarder
Divers Search Mahwah Lake For Drowned Paddle Boarder UPDATE: The body of a drowned paddle boarder was recovered from a Mahwah lake Tuesday afternoon, responders said. The body of the 24-year-old victim from Mountainside Avenue was found in 15 feet of water shortly before 3 p.m. He wasn't immediately identified by name. The boarder had lost his grip and fell into Dators Pond at the foot of Stag Hill Road early Thursday evening, responders said. His older brother then paddled to shore shouting for someone to call 911, Mayor Jim Wysocki said. The first responder, Mahwah Police Officer Travis Canning, headed into the pond just west of the Ramap…
HEROES: Bergen Mom, Son Rescued From Rising Floodwaters HEROES: Bergen Mom, Son Rescued From Rising Floodwaters
Heroes: Bergen Mom, Son Rescued From Rising Floodwaters Floodwaters had reached the bottom of their SUV's windshield when heroes from Norwood rescued a Demarest woman and her young son during Tuesday's downpour. It was one of several saves throughout the late-afternoon thunderstorms that rocked North Jersey. First, DPW Supt. Robert Tracy grabbed hold of the Mercedes to keep the swollen brook from sweeping it under a Walnut Street bridge, Police Chief Jeffrey Krapels said. Then Police Officer Daniel Sullivan and Detective Perry Duelfer got the mom and her 10-year-old boy out, assisted by Sgt. Sal Russino, the chief said. Both were fine, he sai…
Firefighters Douse Downtown Bergenfield Blaze Firefighters Douse Downtown Bergenfield Blaze
Firefighters Douse Downtown Bergenfield Blaze Firefighters extinguished a smoky Saturday afternoon blaze that damaged four stores in a downtown Bergenfield commercial strip. Five alarms were sounded after the fire broke out between two stores in a string of businesses on South Washington Avenue just south of Bedford Avenue around 1:45 p.m.  The call drew more than 100 firefighters to the scene. The blaze was contained and declared under control about an hour and 20 minutes later.  No injuries were reported. Mutual aid responders included firefighters from Bogota, Cresskill, Dumont, Englewood, Hackensack, Haworth, …
Search Ends When Passaic River 'Jumper' Shows Up Onshore Search Ends When Passaic River 'Jumper' Shows Up Onshore
Search Ends When Passaic River 'Jumper' Shows Up Onshore It was a case of all’s well that ends well – except for the amount of resources that were needed – when a report that a man had jumped into the Passaic River proved unfounded Thursday. Passaic police said they found the city man whom responders initially thought had jumped from the Union Avenue Bridge in Rutherford. By that point, requests had gone out for rescue boats and dive teams from Oradell, East Rutherford and North Arlington to converge on the southwest corner of the bridge. An ambulance also was sent to the nearby boat ramp. Responders would never think not to bring every resourc…
Community Rallies Around Family Of Bergen Boy, 12, Seriously Injured In Sledding Accident Community Rallies Around Family Of Bergen Boy, 12, Seriously Injured In Sledding Accident
Community Rallies Around Family Of Bergen Boy, 12, Seriously Injured In Sledding Accident An overwhelming outpouring of love and support has lifted the hearts of a 12-year-old Oradell boy and his family as he continues his recovery from a serious sledding accident. Noah Ryback was rushed to Hackensack University Medical Center after he was injured while sledding with friends in Van Saun Park in Paramus on Feb. 8. Following surgery, he was transferred to Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, where he’s “receiving all the treatment and rehabilitation that he needs,” Noah’s father posted in the “Team Noah” Facebook group. “He is eating, moving around, getting stronger…
Bergen County Restaurant Openings Bergen County Restaurant Openings
Bergen County Restaurant Openings A doughnut shop, sushi restaurant and burger joint are just some of the new dining options Bergen County will soon offer. Some of the eateries have already opened while others are still working on their launches. Scroll down for all the new places to try in Bergen County. B&S Restaurant, Westwood: The B is for bread and the S is for salad, but this restaurant specializes in more than just that. Satisfying and healthy dishes are made with wholesome ingredients. Choose from grilled chicken sandwiches, oatmeal and quinoa/veggie bowls and more. Opening next week at 48 Westwood Ave. Mochi…