by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
The four firemen worked quickly and purposefully, each donned in heavy boots, jackets and helmets, on Sunday in Kingston.
The men operated with the unbreakable focus of those trying to save a life, the beads of sweat visible on their brows as they approached the SUV. They stepped through the mixture of gravel and broken glass that surrounded the vehicle, inspecting the doors on the passenger side.
Large blocks were placed below the vehicle to prevent any movement, and the firefighters dug a device that could best be described as a large crowbar into its side. The front seat’s door could not withstand the pressure. First it buckled, then broke free, dangling from the front before the firemen could finish the job with a large bolt cutter. The rear door offered even less resistance, breaking free within moments and opening up the entire side of the car as though it had arrived unfinished from the factory.
Thankfully, the pried-open doors of this SUV held no prisoners of a terrible accident. The now opened side of the car was not a pathway to safety, but an example for people to see. The vehicle was empty, and the efforts of the Kingston Volunteer Fire Company members only a demonstration for the village’s residents to view.
”I think it is good for people to come out here and see what we do,” Kingston Fire Company Chief George Luck said. “It is a good idea to be aware of what they need to do and what we need to do if anything ever happens to them.”
The demonstration was part of the fire company’s annual open house event, which aims to educate residents on prevention and safety tips. Similar events were held Saturday at the Monmouth Junction and Kendall Park fire companies as part of National Fire Prevention Week.
Chief Luck said this was the first time the company had ever demonstrated a vehicle extrication at the open house.
”In the past we have done demonstrations on using fire extinguishers,” he said. “We thought we would do something a little different this year and show them something else.”
In addition to the demonstration, the event featured a special trailer made up like a living room that simulated the smoke and conditions of a house fire. The department’s rescue vehicles were on display, and raffle prizes were given away.
”We like to get the public aware of safety information,” Lt. Gary Rustico said. “It is important that people have confidence in their emergency services.”
For the kids, the company rented a giant inflatable slide shaped like a hook and ladder and demonstrated the spray of the hose on a very light setting. Also, the area was patrolled by Squirt, a talking remote-control firetruck operated by the company’s volunteers.
Nancy Bennett, of Kingston, said she brings her kids to the open house to learn about fire safety.
”I think they learn a lot. They know what to do in an actual fire. It is important,” Ms. Bennett said.
Neil, her 9-year-old son, agreed.
”I learned that everything in that trailer isn’t fire safe,” Neil said, pointing to the fire simulator.
The Kingston Fire Company also is looking for volunteers. Those interested can contact the firehouse at 609-924-1181 or stop by the firehouse on Heathcote Road in Kingston on the first Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

