USRFD Remembers Superstorm Sandy

Two years ago, Superstorm Sandy hit our area. The USRFD came together to assist the residents of USR during and after the storm. The professional volunteer firefighters of USR ran a total of well over 100 calls for service over a three day stand by period. Away from their families, crews stayed at the firehouse prepared to respond at a moments notice.

The USRFD, under the direction of Chief Larry Rauch, worked closely with the USR Police, DPW, and OEM to coordinate units to respond. Trees, wires, and utility poles down in roadways made it challenging to navigate the roadways, at times trapping apparatus and requiring crews to use chain saws to open a means of egress. Two reported house fires were quickly extinguished by crews during the storm as well.

The day following the storm, the USRFD was asked to join a mutual aid task force that was being deployed to Brick, NJ and then ultimately being relocated to Seaside Heights, NJ. USRFD Tanker 1233 and several members loaded up and convoyed down south with crews from Pascack Valley. Crews assisted with evacuations of several areas over a two day period after being released.

Again, we thank our volunteer firefighters for their dedication to protecting and serving the residents of USR!