200 Club of Essex County Honors MFD Firefighters for Meritorious Service – TAPinto.net
MONTCLAIR, NJ – Montclair Firefighters Greg Miller, Greg Murray, Matt Gifford and Lt. Chris Meletta were honored earlier this month with a 200 Club of Essex County 2020 Valor Award at Essex Fells Fire Headquarters. The award recognizes their roles and brave actions during an incident that took place on December 18, 2019, while assisting the Essex Fells Fire Department (EFFD).
On that date the EFFD was dispatched to a residence on a report of an overturned crane. Upon arrival, EFFD Firefighters discovered that a large truck with an attached crane, operated by a tree service company, had overturned, with its boom fully extended, trapping one of the workers underneath the heavy truck.
EFFD Firefighters immediately determined that this was a life-threatening situation – the victim was pinned underneath the weight of the truck. In addition, the truck was laying awkwardly on its side on an embankment and was at risk of further collapse, possibly crushing the trapped worker.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Incident Commander immediately requested mutual aid help from neighboring fire departments, as well as the West Essex First Aid Squad. Additional technical rescue resources were also activated including the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR} team.
Without hesitation firefighters jumped into action and bravely placed themselves underneath the unstable truck before any shoring was done and began to treat the victim at the same time as they were trying to extricate him. While crews were operating underneath the crane digging out the victim, additional efforts were being made to stabilize the truck, preventing it from crushing the rescue crews and the victim.
As these specialized units arrived, firefighters worked to further shore up the truck with more sophisticated equipment. Meanwhile crews continued to try to rescue the victim, while remaining at risk of being crushed themselves.
Firefighters from these multiple departments worked together seamlessly under extreme conditions. After nearly an hour they were able to finally extricate the victim.
After medical personnel further stabilized the victim, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He suffered only minor injuries and was released a few days later.
About the 200 Club of Essex County
The 200 Club of Essex County helps provide for dependents of police and firefighters in the County and state troopers in New Jersey who lost their lives in the line of duty. Assistance is provided by way of a cash stipend to the surviving spouse or dependent as well as educational assistance to each surviving child.
The Club holds an annual Valor Awards luncheon during which it pays tribute to the bravery of Essex County police officers, Essex County firefighters and NJ State Troopers who distinguish themselves by acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.
###
Pictured L to R: F/F Greg Miller, F/F Greg Murray, Lt. Chris Meletta and F/F Matt Gifford
Photo: Montclair Fire Department