MORE THAN HALF A CENTURY OF SERVCICE; Walter P. Foley of Engine Company No.1 was honored for 55 years of service as a volunteer fireman in ceremonies at Borough Hall after last Friday evening’s parade. Congratulating him is Richard McKee, chief of No.1. More pictures on Pages 6 and 7.
2 July, 1986
Construction of Township Firehouse Approved; Committee Will Determine Who Will Bear Cost
Borough Council and Township Committee approved the construction of the Township’s first fire station at a special joint meeting of the two Princeton governing bodies. They also agreed to spend an estimated $50,000 to fund initial engineering and architectural studies for the station, which will be located at the intersection of Route 206 and Valley Road.
The two governing bodies approved the formation of a sub-committee to work out such issues as who will pay for the firehouse, which has an estimated price tag of $500,000-$700,000, and what will be done with the Borough-owned Chambers Street fire-house it will replace. Although a Borough department, Fire is funded two-thirds by the Township.
The subcommittee will be composed of Borough and Township Fire Commissioners Mark Freda and Thomas Poole and Borough and Town-ship Administrators Mark Gordon and James Pascale.
The decision to move for-ward with a fire station in the Township comes some 16 months after the release of the Shand Report, a study of the Princeton Fire Department done by Fire Protection Engineer Thomas W. Shand of Syracuse. Mr. Shand recommended the closing of the Chambers Street fire-house, the home of Engine Company No. 3, because the narrow street is both cluttered and frequently blocked with traffic.
The Borough has two other fire stations in addition to No. 3 — on Chestnut and North Harrison Streets. It is expected that the one projected for Valley Road, the first for the growing Township, will help reduce fire insurance rates for Township residents without adversely affecting Borough rates.
Mr. Freda said the members of Engine company No. 3 are willing to go along with the move, providing the new facility will meet their needs and the needs of the Department.
He said he will consult with them as plans for the building are developed to make certain it meets thier expectations.
Terhune Road resident…continued on Next Page
Eugene Rigg
PRINCETON JUNCTION —Eugene Wilson Rigg, 71, of Hightstown Road, died Sunday suddenly upon arrival at Hamilton Hospital. Born in Princeton, he had been a Princeton area resident all his life. He retired in 1979 from Princeton University after 35 years as a stationary engineer.
He was a past member of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad. Also, he was a member of Princeton Junction Fire Company No. I. In 1972, he was instrumental in starting the Twin W First Aid and Rescue Squad. at which time he assumed the role of charter captain of the squad.
Surviving are his wife. Gwendolyn Musson Rigg: two sons. Eugene W. of Gainesville, Va. and Douglas B. of Burlington; two sisters. Alice R. Beagle of South Plainfield and Hilda R Abbott of Martha’s Vineyard; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held 2:30 p.m. Wednesday from the Mather-Hodge Funeral Home. 40 Vandeventer St.. Princeton. with the Rev. James Harris officiating. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery in Jamesburg.
Friends may call today from 7 p.m. to 9 pm. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin W First Aid and Rescue Squad. P.O. Box 385. Princeton Junction, N.J. 08550.