On Nov. 20, 2018, the Colts Neck community was forever changed. At mid-day, Colts Neck emergency services responded to a report of a structure fire on Willow Brook Road. Upon arrival, responding crews found a large home in a quiet neighborhood engulfed in flames. Given the size of the fire, calls quickly went out to surrounding communities for mutual aid assistance.
Those responding did so quickly. The Colts Neck Fire Department, Colts Neck Police Department, Colts Neck First Aid Squad and Colts Neck Fire Police were soon joined by emergency responders from Naval Weapons Station Earle, Freehold, Hazlet, Holmdel, Howell, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Millstone Township, Neptune, Rumson, Sea Bright, Spring Lake, Tinton Falls, Union Beach and Wall Township.
Assistance also came from Monmouth County, including resources from the Fire Marshal’s Office, Parks Office, Prosecutor’s Office, Public Works and Engineering Department, and Sheriffs Office.
At the state level, resources were deployed from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Fire Marshal’s Office; Rescue Task Force I, and the New Jersey State Police. The collaborative and coordinated efforts of these emergency responders ensured the safe and efficient suppression of the fire.
To support these brave men and women, the Colts Neck Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was on-site throughout the event providing water, sports drinks and energy bars. In addition, many Colts Neck businesses, including the Colts Neck General Store, Colts Neck Pizza, Dunkin, Orlando’s and Perkins donated large amounts of food and beverages to sustain the emergency responders.
This is a day that will long be remembered. It is also a day when the Colts Neck community came together in support of one another. I, along with my fellow committeemen, would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for all those who provided assistance during this very difficult time.
J.P. Bartolomeo
Mayor
Thomas Orgo
Deputy Mayor
Frank Rizzutto
Committeeman
Michael Viola
Committeeman
Russell Macnow
Committeeman
Colts Neck