On Oct. 7 the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office held the 2007 Monmouth County Medal Day and Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service at the Ocean Grove’s Firefighters Park in Ocean Grove.
During the opening ceremony led by Monmouth County Fire Marshal Tim Smith, the colors were posted by an honor guard from the Fort Monmouth Fire and Emergency Services, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Deputy Fire Marshal Kevin Stout. An invocation was given by Chaplain Harry Carter of the Adelphia Fire Company, Howell.
Smith then introduced the guests and gave the opening remarks. A wreath was then placed at the memorial by Smith and Deputy Fire Marshal Hank Stryker. A prayer for the souls of deceased was then offered by Carter followed by Deputy Fire Marshal Tony Vecchio reading of the names of the 42 line of duty deaths that have occurred in Monmouth County. Smith then offered comments praising the valiant services that the deceased performed.
Smith made the presentations of the medals and awards. He stated that the honorees ” … are very special and dedicated individuals. They are firefighters that without hesitation at the sound of their tones leave the safety and security of their families, homes and places of work and answer the call; often placing their own lives on the line while working to save the lives and property of others. These firefighters are truly heroes and today we will honor them and cheer for them. They are a credit to their fire departments, to their municipalities and to Monmouth County. I offer my thanks to all the honorees and to all firefighters of Monmouth County who perform their duties in an outstanding and professional manner daily.”
A Medal of Valor was awarded to Firefighter Keith DeLaura, Firefighter William Newberry and Firefighter Craig Brinier of the Wall Fire Company No. 1. On Jan. 21, 2006 DeLaura, Newberry, and Brinier responded to a structural fire at the Glenn Wall Apartments in Wall Township. They were recognized for their rescue efforts performed at unusual per- sonal risk. This operation resulted in the successful rescue of an 85-year-old man from a well involved apartment fire. The victim died as a result of his injuries about three weeks after the incident while being treated in a burn center.
A Medal of Valor was awarded to Capt. Joseph Eskridge, Firefighter 2nd Lt. Charles “Chad” Murphy Jr., Ex-Chief Charles “Reed” Murphy Sr. and Ex-Chief Peter J. Lang IV of the Sea Bright Fire Department.
On Feb. 5, 2007 Eskridge, Murphy, Murphy and Lang responded to a structural fire at the Fountains Condos, Sea Bright. They were recognized for the rescue efforts performed at great personal risk. This operation resulted in the successful rescue of a 47-year-old woman who was trapped on the second floor balcony of a well involved apartment fire. This operation was conducted during extreme winter weather conditions. The victim died about three weeks after the incident while being treated in a burn center.
An Investigative Medal was awarded to 2nd Deputy Fire Marshal Philip C. Payne of the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office. Payne was awarded the investigative medal in recognition of 24 years of service as deputy fire marshal.
An Administrative Medal was awarded to Deputy Fire Marshal Chris Pujat, past president of the Monmouth County Fire Prevention and Protection Association. Pujat was awarded the administrative medal in recognition of his eight years of administrative service to the association. During his last year as president, Pujat applied for and received a federal fire grant in the amount of $70,000 for the purchase of an all hazards fire safety smoke/sprinkler educational trailer to be used around the county.
Also presented by the Monmouth County Fire Prevention and Protection Association was the Monmouth County Fire Prevention Inspector of the Year, which was awarded to Cary Costa from Tinton Falls.
In closing, Smith congratulated all the recipients of the awards and stated, ” … you have exemplified and upheld the traditions of the fire service. We are grateful to you for your efforts.”