This week for National Volunteer Appreciation Week we have highlighted all of the various membership tiers of the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department. We have members of all ages, races, religions and genders. We have our engine companies and truck company, our “old” guys and new guys but at the end of the day we are all one Department. The men and women of the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department are committed to saving life and property. We are a family, and just like brothers and sisters growing up together we may not always get along or see eye to eye on things, however we are always striving to move the Department in the right direction.

This week we’ve tried to accomplish two things, pay appreciation to our members for all they have done and are currently doing, and to give the public an idea of what we are all about. Chief Edward F. Crocker of the FDNY once said “When a man becomes a fireman his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.” My question to is, do you have the bravery in you? If you like what you have seen and are interested in membership visit our “Volunteer” page at: http://hpvfdnj.com/volunteer/ or call Chief Jay Littman at 732-672-9879 for additional information.

On behalf of the Fire Line Officers, and Chair Officers I thank all of our members for their hard work and commitment to our Department and our Community.

An old picture but many Ex Chiefs and Life Members Larry Thiel, John Byrne, Jeff Morris, Hector Malave, Doug Watt, and Mike McMahon can be seen above.

For today’s National Volunteer Apreciation Week post I’d like to recognize our Life Members. Life Members are the roots of our department. These individuals have maintained call percentages, attended meetings, and participated in fund drive for a minimum of 20 years. Nope, that’s not a typo, these guys have given it their all for 20 years! They have given our department an unthinkable amount of time and have built it to  what it is today. Though few Life Members are still active on the fire line, many of them are still active on our business side and religiously attend our monthly meetings to contribute their years of experience and knowledge to help the department grow. A very sincere thank you goes out to all of the below Life Members!

If you see a Volunteer Firefighter this week remember to thank them for their service, it’s the little things that mean the most! Or if you are interested in learning more about volunteering feel free to visit our “Volunteer” page at: http://hpvfdnj.com/volunteer/ or call Chief Jay Littman at 732-672-9879.