By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Benjamin Thornton, who has volunteered as a firefighter at East Windsor Volunteer Fire Co. No. 2, has been named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year for 2016.
Thornton, who joined the fire company based in the Twin Rivers section of the township, was honored with a proclamation at Township Council’s Oct. 10 meeting.
Thornton was named the volunteer of the year in conjunction with a proclamation issued by Mayor and Township Council acknowledging Oct. 8-14 as Fire Prevention Week.
Since joining the volunteer fire company in December 2009, Thornton has attended numerous drills and answered many calls for help, Mayor Janice Mironov said. Last year, he responded to 276 calls and attended 73 training drills.
Thornton has served as the fire company president for the past eight years, presiding over the executive board that oversees the company’s daily business operations, Mayor Mironov said.
This includes involvement in membership, recruiting and publicity efforts, Mayor Mironov said. He has also assisted with assorted community events,such as the Boot Drive fundraiser and other fundraising efforts for the fire company.
Mayor Mironov praised Thornton for his “deeply caring community spirit (and his) thoughtful, constructive manner of performing tasks.” He has a sincere desire to help the East Windsor Township community, she said.
Thornton has his feet planted on the ground, Mayor Mironov said. He is a caring individual who gives hours of his own time to volunteer with the fire company, she said, adding that he is a “very valuable asset.”
“He is a really great individual. There is somebody who is always one of the anchors (in an organization) and someone you want in your company. We are really fortunate to have him as a part of our community,” Mayor Mironov said.
“I am very proud to present this proclamation as Volunteer Firefighter of the Year,” the mayor said.
Fire Chief Mario Batista also praised Thornton, noting that he is dedicated and always willing to help and to learn more.
