Fire Department and Borough Officials Agree to Finance Extrication Equipment

Borough's fire department is currently using equipment on loan

Members of Lakehurst's Borough Council and the Volunteer Fire Company appear to have reached an agreement to replace a broken down hydraulic extrication tool. The equipment, which is used to cut vehicles open and allow emergency responders to remove trapped vehicle crash victims, has been out of service for about a month. The department is currently using a loaner tool, but Mayor Harry Robbins said during the council's Sept. 6 meeting that the borough should be able to purchase a $9,300 refurbished unit with a lifetime warranty after Nov. 1 when transfers between department funds are allowed.  "I don't know how much we're going to have to transfer, but the fire department has some fundraising money that they can chip in," Robbins said.  …

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Lakehurst Fire Company Receives $94K Grant to Retain and Recruit Members

The funding comes through FEMA's SAFER program

The Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company was one of three New Jersey fire departments to receive federal grant money to help recruit and retain its emergency responders.  The borough's fire department received $94,400 of the $790,000 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response funding supplied through FEMA, according to a joint announcement made by democratic state Senators Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez last week.  The funding, which will be spread out over three years, will go toward bolstering the number of firefighters in Lakehurst and providing compensation to those who respond to calls, said Chief Ed Seaman. "We're trying to keep our members here in Lakehurst," Seaman said. "This is a substantial amount of money that will …

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Timothy M Farrow

3:44 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012

This company runs many more calls than you realize. A crucial arterial highway with multiple high traffic intersections including 2 roundabouts bisect the town right across the middle, leading to frequent traffic fatalities. That goes without mentioning several mutual aide agreements through which the company assists surrounding communities. You correctly point out (quite poignantly I might add) …   more ›

PHOTOS: Lakehurst 2012 Independence Day Parade

Borough held a parade through its downtown to mark the Fourth of July

Early morning rain didn't stop the annual Independence Day parade through Lakehurst Wednesday, as marchers made their way through the borough's historic downtown.  Among this year's participants were local boy and girl scouts, the Lakehurst, Ridgeway, Whiting and Manchester fire departments, the Lakehurst and Whiting first aid squads, and the Fleet Reserve Branch 124. Smokey the Bear even made an appearance atop a fire truck.  The day of festivities was capped by a fireworks display at night at Lake Horicon. If you attended, feel free to add your own shots from the parade or fireworks to our photo gallery.

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PHOTOS: Circus Comes to Lakehurst for Thursday Shows

Two performances will be held Thursday, rain or shine

The Kelly Miller Circus is preparing for its two Thursday shows in Lakehurst, marking the first time such an event has been in the borough since 1996.  Tickets are available for the 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. shows at the borough's ball field at the corner of Chestnut and Myrtle Streets, near the emergency services complex. Prices are $15 for adults and $7 for children. Proceeds benefit the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department, and the box office opens at 3 p.m. "The tent is the star of the show as well," said Ringmaster John Moss, who has been in the circus business since 1985. "It's unusual these days to see a circus under a tent." Among the animal performers are zebras, camels, elephants and tigers. 

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Crews Prevent Lakehurst Shed Fire From Spreading to Home

Shed fire nearly spread to home's rear deck Wednesday afternoon

Multiple crews responded to a Lakehurst residence Wednesday afternoon and suppressed a shed fire before it could spread to a home on the property. Patrolman Iain James responded to the home at 510 Chestnut street at 1:57 p.m. after police received a 911 call for a shed that was "fully engulfed," said Sgt. Ronald Heinzman in a statement. Flames and heat from the shed, which was near the home, nearly ignited the rear porch, the sergeant said. "The quick efforts of the [Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company] contributed to minimal damage to the home as well as saving the home," Heinzman said. The fire appears to have been accidentally caused by a cigarette, according to Heinzman. The sergeant did not report any injuries. Fire crews from Joint Base…

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From the Desk of the Mayor

Lakehurst Mayor's Update: Fire Department Sets St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Mayor Harry Robbins' regular updates on happenings in Lakehurst

Hello, Lakehurst, I would like to start this week’s column off by encouraging residents to support local business. I know how easy it is to go to one of those chains and grab and go. But you are missing out on one of the things that make Lakehurst, Lakehurst. I love being able to go into any business in town and hear all the local gossip. You can always see flyers of local organizations that are having fund raisers and what not. Heck, sometimes I’m even told how to do my job as Mayor the right way, LOL. But I do believe we are all losing sight of just what small town pride is all about. On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day — the day I change my name to Mayor O’Robbins — the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department will be holding its annual St. …

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Man Hospitalized Following Lakehurst House Fire

Tankers from surrounding towns required as Lakehurst water tower undergoes repairs

A Tuesday night fire at a Lakehurst residence sent one man to the hospital after he was burned and inhaled smoke while searching for a baby he believed was inside the home.  Stefan Burozski, 25, suffered first and second degree burns in the blaze at 2 Lakeshore Dr. after he went searching for a 10-month-old child who had been taken from the home, said borough Fire Chief Ed Seaman. "He went into a room which flashed over on him, which caused him to go out a window," Seaman said. "He went back in to look for the baby," which had already been removed. A New Jersey State Police SouthStar helicopter transported the man to Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia where he is in stable condition, said Lakehurst Chief of Police Eric Higgins.  …

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