When a volunteer fire company chooses its “Firefighter of the Year,” it is typically not one of its officers.
But this year, in a departure from tradition, Fire Chief Mario Batista was given the top honor by East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2.
Chief Batista, who is a 15-year member, was chosen for the honor by the entire volunteer fire company. East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2 covers the eastern part of East Windsor Township. The firehouse is on Twin Rivers Drive.
A surprised Chief Batista thanked the volunteers for naming him the 2019 Firefighter of the Year at the company’s recent banquet. He also thanked his wife, Amy Batista, and their two daughters for understanding the demands of volunteerism.
“On top of his regular, full-time job, which we all have, Chief Batista puts in an enormous amount of time and energy into the fire department,” said Deputy Fire Chief Robert LeBrun.
Chief Batista is responsible for training, equipment, budgets and maintenance, in addition to responding to fire calls, LeBrun said. It is equivalent to a full-time job, except it is on a voluntary basis, he said.
Chief Batista is a full-time emergency medical technician and a part-time firefighter in Monroe Township. He is also an instructor for the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, a member of the New Jersey EMS Task Force, and a New Jersey certified emergency manager.
Robert Walsh of the Knights of Columbus also presented Chief Batista with a plaque in recognition of his contributions to the community.
East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2, which was organized in 1977, covers eight square miles. Its coverage area includes homes, warehouses, hotels and commercial properties. The 30 volunteer firefighters and six officers respond to about 300 calls per year.