Members of the Southard Fire Dept. No.1 got off to an early start this morning. Thanks to the quick and decisive efforts of the first arriving companies the fire was quickly extinguished. ... See MoreSee Less
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What a way to start Thanksgiving. Hope all are safe. Thank you for your service.🙏🙏
The Southard Fire Department has 3 important holiday announcements for the community:
1. On December 3rd we will be escorting Santa and his helpers to the township tree-lighting ceremony. We look forward to seeing you all there.
2. Our annual breakfast with Santa and Fire Truck Rides will be held on Sunday 12/15 (details on flyer below).
3. Operation Santa will commence during the evenings starting the week of 12/15. We will post more updates as the time gets closer.
Side note - Christmas trees will be delivered this weekend and on sale as early as Saturday ( we will have a separate post with that information )
@followers
Howell Patch
Howell Happenings NJ ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Where is the twp tree lighting ceremony?
Just a note to the author , flyer says theee and under free, then ages 3-12 $10, Maybe it should say 4-12 is $10?
Angie Hilgetag
Steven Batchelor
Today we pause and remember a great man, and member of our department that was killed in the line of duty on 11/15/1993.
John Hugo Somay
15 Nov 1919 15 Nov 1993
A lifelong resident of Howell Township, NJ, John Somay was a WWII Marine Corps. Veteran. He joined the Southard Fire Dept. #1 on May13, 1949 and rose through the ranks of the department ultimately becoming Chief in 1958-1959. One of the reasons John was so popular amungst the membership and community was his work as a machinist, he would tell the members,”Why spend money on parts when we can build them”. And he did, fixing the fire apparatus many times with parts he made in his own garage. In later years, John became a Fire Police Officer for the department as well as the Monmouth County Fire Police.
When Howell Township was divided into five Fire Districts, on Feb. 20, 1960, John was elected as one of the Charter Fire Commissioners, and held that position for many years.
On Nov. 15, 1993, his 74th birthday, John packed his car with $386 worth of brand new fishing gear to enjoy his favorite pastime, fishing the rivers of upstate New York. Just before he was to leave for vacation, a brush fire was called in on Miller Road. John told his wife Teenie, “On the way back from the fire, I’m gonna fill up with gas and get some ice”. John never got a chance to do that. While directing traffic at the fire scene, John was struck by a vehicle and died.
May he continue to rest in peace. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
RIP 🙏🏼
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Residents -
Over the last few days, we have been responding to an increased number of calls for open burns, firepits, brushfires, and outdoor smoke conditions. We would like to remind you that at this time, we are still under stage three burn restrictions.

What does this mean?
This means that even in a legal and approved fire pit, it is currently illegal to light a fire.
The restriction even includes charcoal cooking devices. You are only permitted to use propane, electricity or natural gas powered fuel for any outdoor fire or cooking.
How do I know when this is over?
You can check our Facebook page for updates, but more accurately, the DEP webpage, or New Jersey state Forest Fire, Facebook page.
What can happen if I choose to ignore the restrictions?
Should you choose to ignore the restrictions and ignite an outdoor fire anyway, you could be subject to summons from a local law enforcement agency, and or the New Jersey DEP/NJFFS.
As always we thank you for your time, support and understanding.
Howell Patch
Howell Happenings NJ ... See MoreSee Less
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Would this also include fireworks?
Last night, we had a spooky fun time at New Horizons in Autism’s Annual “Trunk O Treat”.
A big “Thank You” to our friends at Southard Vol. Fire Department who brought their 107’ and candy for all the New Horizons participants to enjoy.
Thank you to New Horizons for having us, we’re always happy to help bring the fire trucks!
To learn more about New Horizons in Autism and their future events (open to the public), head to nhautism.org/.
We’re wishing everyone a fun and safe Halloween!
Southard Fire Dept. No.1
New Horizons in Autism, Inc ... See MoreSee Less
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The members of the Southard Fire Department are happy to welcome home the returning members of New Jersey Task Force One. These members were deployed to the hardest hit section of North Carolina following hurricane Helene and were later transferred down to Central Florida in preparation for Milton. These men, women, and canines worked for countless hours to commence search and rescue operations. Among them was one of our own,Ex-Chief Steven Hadgkiss. To no surprise of us, Ex-Chief Hadgkiss jumped at the chance to help others, even if it meant putting his own personal safety at risk, and spending valuable time away from his loved ones. Steve has always demonstrated the dedication and resiliency to do what is necessary to help those in need. Nice job Chief and welcome home! You’ve made us proud! ... See MoreSee Less
36 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great job, Steve and all of the people that helped in this effort. Glad to hear that you all returned safely!!
Welcome home Steve! Job well done as always!
Welcome home Steve Hadgkiss and the rest of NJTF1 Thank you for what you guys do . Glad your back safe
Great job brother glad all went well and you’re home safe!
Great job Chief
Great job Chief.
Welcome Home. Thank you for your dedication and service to those in need.🙏🙏
Welcome back and thank you for your dedication, Chief.
Welcome home Steven!♥️ Prayers for all those still in need.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Great job, we are very proud of you! Love Mom and Dad❤
Welcome back, Steve! Thank you for all you do!
Welcome back! Thanks for your service.
Thank you for your efforts. Reaching new heights of emergency response!
Great job
Nice job buddy!!
Thank you all for your service welcome home God bless you all🙏🏻
Welcome home! 🏡 ❤️
Welcome back!
Welcome back sure they appreciated everyone help.
Welcome home
The best, most selfless man! Proud sister!
Welcome Home 🇺🇸
Welcome home 🙏
Welcome Back! Great job!
Welcome home Steve
Southard Fire Department’s Annual Open House is this Friday October 11, 2024 from 6-8pm.
Howell Township Fire Bureau will be here with their smoke trailer, New Jersey Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board with their fire sprinkler burn trailer as well as your local firefighters and apparatus. Additionally, Mister Softee will be here the whole time!
Come on by and have a free dessert, spray the firehose, and take a tour of the firehouse! We are always accepting applications for all levels of membership.
**** Free Ice Cream For All **** ... See MoreSee Less
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Come visit us today as we celebrate the grand opening of Hybrid Combat Karate on county line road in Jackson (next to chicken n more)! We’ll be here until 1pm ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
You guys are the best! Thank you for coming out.