They performed search and rescue operations and automobile extrications. They responded to carbon monoxide alarms and put out small fires. 

Volunteer firefighters from North Caldwell and around Essex County were among those called into action to assist south Jersey in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.

In the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 2, just days after Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore, a Task Force of Fire Apparatus and Firefighters from Essex County responded to a request for assistance from Ocean County, according to Essex County Fire Coordinator John D’Ascensio.

Mutual aid came from fire departments from Atlantic to Warren counties, as well as military installations throughout New Jersey, said D’Ascensio, chief of the North Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department.

Fire units from Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Millburn, Verona and Roseland in Essex County were among others that responded under the direction of Deputy Fire Coordinators Tom Wilson and Scott Latona.

“These units returned to our area the next day and the personnel all reported they were surprised at the devastation that they witnessed,” D’Ascensio said.