By Amy Batista, Special Writer
Bordentown City Emergency Services celebrated its members with its annual dinner Saturday and installation of officers for both companies.
The memorial dinner was held at the Hope Hose Humane Co. No. 1 at 150 West Burlington St. It was catered by Villa Mannino’s in Bordentown.
”It’s something we do every year,” Fire Chief John Walls said. “It’s a tradition.”
Local dignitaries and officials as well as surrounding towns were invited to attend the dinner. Guests included Mayor Joseph Malone, Deputy Mayor James Lynch, Commissioner Zigmont Targonski, City Clerk Grace Archer, Bordentown City Chief of Police Fred Miller, Fieldsboro Mayor David Hansell, Mission Fire Company Chief Ray Fackenthall, Bordentown Township Fire District No. 2 member Robert MacFarland, Chesterfield Hose Co. Chief Kyle Asbrand and Burlington County Assistant Fire Marshal Robert Carr.
”It’s not about the paycheck; it’s about the giving back,” Chief Walls said.
The Rev. Matthew Tucker of Christ Episcopal Church provided grace during the dinner.
Mr. Walls was sworn in as fire chief; Peter Sedor as deputy fire chief; Frederick Okeson and Robert Brown as assistant fire chiefs; William and Jay Howe as fire captains; Chris O’Leary and Robert Curran as fire lieutenants; John Brienza as rescue lieutenant; Clarence Carter as chief engineer; Nicole Walls and Larry Carr as engineers; Edward Foley III as safety officer; Alan Berman as Fire Police captain; Jimmy Wirth as Fire Police 1st lieutenant; Dorothy Wirth as Fire Police 2nd lieutenant; Richard Mercantini as EMS captain; and Vincent Walsh as EMS lieutenant.
The Rev. Tucker read the fireman’s and EMS prayers.
A bell was rung in memory of volunteers Harold Bruce Kafer and the Rev. Raymond Harvey, who died last year.
Bordentown City is approximately 1 square mile. Bordentown Fire Department had about 200 calls, and Bordentown EMS had approximately 1,600 calls.
A special plaque was presented to past Chief Vinnie Walsh for his years of service to the company.
”We have one person at Hope Hose who put not quite as many years as C.C., but he’s getting there,” Deputy Chief Sedor said. “We all got together and got you something as a token of our appreciation for your 40 years of service.”
Past Chief Walsh said it would be 41 years in May that he has served the company.
“We wanted to recognize our members who have been here a long time and who have served our citizens,” Deputy Chief Sedor said. “On behalf of the members of Hope Hose Bordentown City Fire Department, members of the city and Township of Fieldsboro, thank you.”Mr. Walsh said he appreciated everything done for him.
”I hope I can give you another 40,” he said.
