A firehouse tradition led to swift suspensions for some firefighters in the all-volunteer Wood-Ridge Fire Department.

Five members were placed on suspension after they allegedly drank alcohol and drove a fire truck back to the firehouse Saturday. Firehouse officials say the men, including the driver, smelled of alcohol.

Fire officials say the five members went to Pequannock for a celebration, known as a ?wet-down,? to mark the arrival of new equipment. The borough administrator says the five off-duty firefighters had permission to take the truck to the party, but violated department policies.

?The rule on designated drivers [is] they cannot have anything to drink and firefighters under the age of 21 cannot have anything to drink,? Wood-Ridge Borough Administrator Christopher Eilert said.

The fire chief said Lt. Mark Rella, who was behind the wheel, had alcohol on his breath when he returned. Rella was given a 90-day suspension. Two underage firefighters accused of drinking were suspended from all departmental social activities for 30 days.

Another lieutenant was given a 30-day suspension and Captain Ron Phillips, Jr. was issued a 60-day suspension, both for failing to enforce department rules.

Eilert says the men all have good records of service with the department. He says this is an isolated incident, but the department is taking it very seriously.