Carl Faith of Princeton
John Procaccino’s letter published April 20 is a wake-up call to the Princetons and especially that part far away from Community Park Elementary School.
Based on his experience as a firefighter since 1986 with Engine Company No. 1 (Chestnut Street), Mr. Procaccino strongly opposes the housing of the trucks and gear of all three fire companies at Engine Company No. 3 (Witherspoon Street.)
He wrote, “Engine Co. No. 3 is a half block from Community Park Elementary School, and Witherspoon Street is, at times of the day, very congested. Having all firefighters in their own cars converging on this area could create a potentially dangerous situation for students and pedestrians and does not achieve the goal of reduced fire response.”
He might have added that the Hook and Ladder Company (on North Harrison Street) is closest to the part of Princeton East and South of Nassau Street, and that there are no fire companies close to the many far reaches of Princeton. Go to mapquest.com, type in Princeton, N.J., 08540, then type whatever street you live on and the route from Community Park Elementary School — at 400 Witherspoon St. — to your house. It’s an eye-opener. Princeton is about 10 square miles in area.
Mr. Procaccino also brought up the real possibility of losing the 200-year tradition of voluntary firemen and firewomen. He wrote: “We will see the firefighting unions coming into Princeton, staggering pay packages that paid firefighters command (along with health insurance and big pensions) and, with only one firehouse across town, rising insurance ratings for homes, business and the university … When those firehouses are gone, they’re gone forever and with them a history of voluntarism.”
Carl Faith
Princeton
