By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
A five-year veteran of the East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 has been named the Firefighter of the Year for 2016, in connection with Fire Prevention Week, which was held Oct. 8-14.
Michael Frey, who joined the volunteer fire company in 2012, was honored at Township Council’s Oct. 24 meeting. He received a proclamation from Mayor Janice Mironov.
Frey graduated from the Mercer County Fire Academy, where he was named the class valedictorian, Mayor Mironov said. Over the past five years, he has served as engineer and company treasurer. He is currently serving as recording secretary and trustee
Frey, who is one of the two fire company lieutenants, “has demonstrated excellent efforts and commitment” by responding to 242 calls and attending 24 drills in 2016, the mayor said. He also attended 19 work details at the firehouse.
“Frey has embraced the position of engineer, continually volunteering to fix items to working condition,” according to the proclamation. He enjoys teaching younger members about equipment and the trucks, plus his specialty, which is tying ropes and knots.
Mayor Mironov said Frey is also an emergency medical technician and volunteers with East Windsor Rescue Squad District 1. She noted that the last time she had seen Frey, it was honor him as Emergency Medical Technician of the Year.
Mayor Mironov said the community appreciates the personal sacrifices that Frey has made.
“In a short time, you have risen to outstanding responsibilities. The other (fire company) members felt you stood out and they were compelled to name you as Firefighter of the Year. We are very proud of you,” Mayor Mironov told Frey.
Fire Chief Jim McCann agreed and said that “it was actually a very easy choice. Beyond that, “Mike is the ‘go-to’ guy to fix things.”
Frey thanked Mayor Mironov and Township Council for the proclamation.
“I am not one for recognition or honors, but every volunteer here does a phenomenal job. They put the town before themselves when the pager goes off. It is an honor to serve the people of East Windsor,” Frey said.
