GUEST COLUMN: Help support night off for city’s volunteers!

By Richard Roy Jr.
   The members of the Lambertville Fire Department are preparing to celebrate yet another year of dedicated volunteer service.
   In June of last year, Ronald Tillett Jr. was promoted to the rank of chief and has since worked hard to continue moving the department forward.
   In 2011, the City of Lambertville saw its share of disasters including remnants from an earthquake, Hurricane Irene, immediately followed Tropical Storm Lee, an unexpected fall snowstorm, and two significant house fires. These events caused major power outages, severe flooding conditions and numerous road closures within the city, which challenged the department. Countless hours were dedicated by many volunteers to help restore some kind of order to the city’s business and residential community.
   Despite these unusual events, the department continued to answer the everyday calls, participated in regular training activities and were involved in a variety of special details including routine maintenance of apparatus and the firehouses, fundraising events, fire prevention demonstrations, the annual Santa Run and much more. This is precious time spent away from each member’s family with very little thanks.
   In an effort to thank these extraordinary individuals, the Lambertville Fire Department holds an annual dinner dance. This night is devoted to the men and women who unselfishly give up their time along with the families who put up with the missed meals, the late night “wake-up” calls and the time spent away from home.
   The financing required to hold this event is tremendous, which is where you can help. Say thank you to the members by sending a tax-deductible contribution in the name of the Lambertville Fire Department Dinner Dance Committee, 201 Hancock St., Lambertville, 08530.
   This year’s event will be Saturday night, March 24 in the banquet hall of the Titusville Fire Company (Route 29, Titusville) and is open to the public. If you or anyone you know would like to spend a night out with some great people, call (609) 577-6058 for more information.
   We hope you will support us in our goal to provide a well-deserved night off for the brave members of the Lambertville Fire Department.
   Thank you in advance for your kindness and continued support of the city’s volunteer organizations. We look forward to hearing from you.
    Richard B. Roy Jr. is dinner-dance committee chairman.