Members of Hopelawn Engine Co. 1 gathered with friends and families to celebrate ex-Chief Jaime Nieves at the company’s annual banquet at the Armory in Perth Amboy on March 4.
Nieves joined the engine company in 1998 and was promoted to first lieutenant in 2004. He was assistant chief in 2005 and 2006. He held the position of chief in 2007 and then served as chief in 2015 and 2016.
Guests included Assemblyman John Wisnewski, D-Middlesex, Councilman Rick Dalina and his wife Carol Dalina, Kim Latkovich, Andrew Mazzarella, David Miot and James Sorokac and Mayor John McCormac.
Joseph Heintjes is the current chief of the Hopelawn Engine Company. Michael Walsh was master of ceremonies.
Founded in 1914, Hopelawn Engine Co. 1 protects 4,000 people living in a residential area of 1.8 square miles. The department is a public department whose members are volunteers.