By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Monday, Aug. 27, marked the first anniversary of Hurricane Irene — a storm that hit New Jersey last year.
It caused deadly flooding throughout the East Coast.
”It wasn’t an incident that stood out the most, but what did was the response of all the emergency responders in trying to help their neighbors before themselves,” said Captain Mark Madonia of the Hightstown First Aid Squad.
However, according to the National Weather Service, Aug. 27, 2011, was also the night of a tornado warning for Hightstown and East Windsor.
Victor Raczka, of Florence Township, who is an associate member of Hightstown Engine Company No. 1, forwarded to the Herald an email from the National Weather Service that he received the night of Hurricane Irene.
According to the email, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Hightstown and East Windsor, and it was forecasted to be near the towns at approximately 11:25 p.m.
Mr. Raczka used that information to update residents in the area as well as responders on the road.
Mr. Raczka said that at 2:50 a.m. Aug. 28, 2011, he posted on the Fire Department’s Facebook page, “We are under a tornado warning ‘til 3 a.m.”
He recalled the update received 541 “likes.”
It was around this time that emergency medical technicians on duty for the Hightstown First Aid Squad took a call to drive a patient to Willingboro, and the transport turned into an eight-hour experience due to the driving conditions on the roadways — besides, as they put it, being chased by a tornado.
”The scary part was we were on the Turnpike on our way back from Willingboro, which we opted would be our best chance,” said Billy Lecorchick, president of the squad. “(Route) 130 was already flooded out when we left.
He recalled, “It was a little nerve-racking coming down the Turnpike.”
Mr. Lecorchick said he was the driver, and they already were on the Turnpike before they received the alert that there was a tornado warning.
Peg Guyette, an emergency medical technician on the Hightstown First Aid Squad, stressed the importance of staying off roads during storms and not going around barricades after stating two cars got stuck in fast-moving waters in the area that night, and the people inside had to be rescued.
”When they tell you to stay off the road, stay off the road,” Ms. Guyette said.
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 was on hand the night of Hurricane Irene to help the neighboring community of Hightstown, which was severely flooded by the storm.
Chief Barry Rashkin of the Fire Department reflected with the Herald that what No. 2 did was part of a team effort to help out.
The chief said what stood out to him the most regarding the night of the storm was “how the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 was able to assist Hightstown Borough with the pumping out of (its) water pumping station on Oak Lane.”
He said, “We were there with our engine and manpower for approximately three hours while our additional crews were handling numerous calls for assistance in East Windsor as well.”
During the storm, while en route to a house that was flooding, the fire company’s utility vehicle got caught in a flash flood, and the engine was damaged. This vehicle is used to transport portable pumping equipment and various other equipment to emergency scenes.
The engine had to be replaced due to water damage, and the vehicle is still not yet operational, according to Chief Rashkin.
During the storm, the East Windsor Rescue District 2 primarily assisted the Fire Department on its calls. When it was not on calls, its members were on standby.
Chief Rashkin asked that residents heed warnings and be prepared for emergencies.
”Stay safe at all times and know that your Fire Department will be there to help you out during times of emergency,” he said. “It’s a great idea to prepare your family and homes for emergencies before they happen. Please heed warnings that you receive from the media about impending storms. Check out some great resources online that will send you updated warning conditions — both online or by text — that will help you be prepared.”
The East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, East Windsor Volunteer Rescue Squad No. 1 and East Windsor Police Department were contacted for comments on their roles during Hurricane Irene, however, none responded before press time.
This is Part II of a two-part story on the response of emergency personnel during Hurricane Irene.

