Residents urged to attend world’s ‘largest fire drill’

Using "Fire Drills: The Great Escape!" as its theme, the Freehold Borough Fire Department will observe National Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8-14. Our firefighters will visit grades kindergarten through fourth grade in the local schools to present fire safety guidelines.

Additionally, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 11, they will participate in what is being called "the world’s largest fire drill" as departments nationwide join in the observance. Our department members will have the trucks and other equipment at four locations in the borough: the firehouse, the rug mill parking lot, the Second Baptist Church, and the Park Avenue School. Residents are invited to these locations to see the equipment and talk with the firefighters.

There is no better time for us to thank the men and women who volunteer their time to serve us. I can assure you that for every firefighter there are family members who are also dedicated to the concept of volunteerism. These families who wait and wonder and worry deserve our thanks as well. I am in awe of those who give so unselfishly and of those who support them.

Fire prevention official Garry Jackson, chiefs Nolan Higgins, Larry Jackson and Charlie Megill, and department president Joe Morrison deserve a special word of thanks for organizing the week’s activities. I hope our residents will take advantage of the opportunity to get to know our firefighters and to realize what an invaluable service they provide for the borough residents.

Sharon C. Shutzer

Freehold Borough Fire Commissioner