Firefighter enjoys being thanked for his part in ‘trashing’ homes

Hillsborough fire company recognizes

a trio of volunteers for active service.
By:Audrey Levine
   It is a job designed to aid the community, do good for others and rescue those in need.
   Or, as Larry Solomayer, who received a plaque for completing 20 years with the Hillsborough Township Vol. Fire Co. No. 2, said, it is the opportunity to "walk into someone’s house, trash it and have the person say ‘thank you.’"
   Mr. Solomayer, who received a plaque honoring his time with the fire company and offering him a life membership badge at a ceremony May 1, said he joined the company on the suggestion of a friend.
   "It didn’t take any convincing," he said. "I said, ‘it sounds like fun, let’s do it.’"
   In addition to Mr. Solomayer, two other firefighters were honored for their work with the fire company and for serving the community: Michael Patton received recognition for 10 years of service and Eric Gallant was honored for 20 years of service.
   Now that he has been a volunteer for two decades, Mr. Solomayer, of Field Hedge Drive, said he is proud of his accomplishment and happy to be able to help the community in which he has lived his entire life.
   "Hillsborough is where my family is," he said. "They have been in the township for over 40 years."
   Mr. Solomayer said that, despite sometimes terrifying circumstances while trying to rescue people, some of his best memories come from spending time with the other firefighters at the station.
   "There is a camaraderie and brotherhood," he said. "I can walk into any firehouse and know we have something in common. It helps us bond because we have the same experiences and know exactly what everyone is talking about."
   But besides the positive memories shared with other firefighters, Mr. Solomayer said that the job is all about rescuing people who are in danger. He cites the recognition as proving he has devoted a great deal of his time, and many late nights, to answering calls.
   Mr. Solomayer said that there is often danger for the firefighters themselves, but they handle those situations with jokes to move past them.
   "We have had close calls," he said. "But nothing would make me give this up."
   In the 20 years he has been with the fire department, Mr. Solomayer said he has seen a great deal of change in the equipment used, which makes the job much safer. For example, he said, the uniforms are more heat-resistant than they once were and there are better devices for communication among the firefighters.
   "The equipment is more sophisticated," he said. "We also have thermal imaging. We can do a search inside a room without having to actually go in. It saves lives."
   Mr. Solomayer, who works full-time at Axa Advisors as a financial consultant, said the fire department is always looking for volunteers. Right now, he said, they have between 30 and 40 active members, and between 60 and 70 members in total.
   "Make sure this is absolutely what you want to do," he said of his advice for new firefighters. "This is the worst-paying job you’ll ever love."