On Assignment: “Ready to go at a moment’s notice”

Walter Milne performs inventory on the Rescue 1 truck’s tools and makes sure they are in working order, a routine that has to be done by every shift. “The priority is making sure everything is ready to go at a moment’s notice,” he said. The truck is packed with equipment such as ropes, harnesses, chainsaws, inflatable jacks and even an inflatable boat for a variety of scenarios including floods, high-rise rescues, confined space rescues and extrications. “We call this rig the giant tool box,” he said. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Firefighter Mark Petrucelli sweeps the firehouse at Kearny Avenue. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Firefighter Carmine Rizzi, left, helps Firefighter Greg Fuehrer into a harness for the training exercise. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Capt. Stephan Drennan, right, leads his men in a training exercise using a confined space rescue tripod. In the harness is Firefighter Greg Fuehrer and looking on is Firefighter Mark Petrucelli. Capt. Drennan recalls using this confined rescue technique in 2008 to hoist a worker who had passed out while doing welding work from the hold of a barge. Capt. Drennan explained that when there are no emergencies to respond to, his unit takes advantage of the downtime during their shift to refresh their knowledge and skills in using their rescue equipment and to familiarize other firefighters from other fire companies on what they do as well. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Carmine Rizzi, left, and Mark Petrucelli put on their turnout gear as they prepare to respond to a report of smoke at a residence at 73 Woodlawn Avenue. A neighbor had called upon seeing the smoke which turned out to be from a barbecue grill in the backyard. Seeing no need for their expertise in this case, Rescue 1 left the scene and turned it over to firefighters with Ladder Co. 11 who put out the embers with a garden hose. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

From left to right, Rescue 1 firefighters Walter Milne, Carmine Rizzi and Greg Fuehrer share a laugh with another firefighter during lunch. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Firefighter Walter Milne sears prime rib for dinner, a special entree for an early Christmas celebration. Milne said firefighters in the house take turns cooking. (Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)