30 June, 1992 (~estimated)
Engine Co. No. 1 takes honors
By Mary Caffery Fitzgerald
Staff Writer
PRINCETON BOROUGH — Engine 612 wasn’t the biggest one of the bunch, but last night it was the best.
Members of Engine Co. No. 1 hooted and shared high-fives when the judges gave thier rig top honors at Princeton’s annual firefighters’ parade and inspection.
Local residents and politicians took time out to give a pat on the back to firefighters from the area’s three companies — Princeton Hook and Ladder, Princeton Engine Co. No. 1 and Mercer Engine Co. No. 3.
“Somehow thank-you never seems adequate,” said Borough Councilwoman and Fire Commissioner Mildred Trotman.
Firefighters came decked out in dress uniforms, looking rested and a busy year. ready halfway through what’s been “Let’s hope the next six months are quieter,” said Fire Chief Joseph Meyers of Princeton Hook and Ladder.
Meyers, who is taking his turn with the area’s administrative du-ties, shared the podium with Engine No. 1 Chief Benjamin “Roz” Warren and Mercer No. 3 Chief Ray Bianco. The three handed out plaques to long-serving firefighters:
From Princeton Hook and Ladder: Al Wright, 35 years; Ralph Hulit, 40 years; and Vince Sassman, 40 years.
From Princeton Engine Co. No. 1.: Richard A. McCluskey, 30 years; William D. McCloskey, 30 years; and William Rodweller, 50 years.
From Mercer Engine Co. No. 3: Art Van Horn, 40 years; Robert Mooney, 50 years; and Peter McCrohan, 55 years.
Princeton Borough and Princeton Township are in the process of forming the area’s first Fire Department, which would basically formalize the existing relationship among the three companies. However, the department might come with part-time administrative help.
Also, during the next year the borough will sell the Chambers Street firehouse to offset the cost of a new $2 million firehouse set to open soon in Princeton Township.
Local municipal leaders didn’t waste the opportunity to shake hands with volunteers. All five Township Committee members turned out, while Trotman and borough Mayor Marvin Reed weaved through the crowd. And, as Reed noted, the firefighting ranks include three council members— Ray Wads-worth, David Goldfarb and Council President Mark Freda.
Staff photo by Bradley Grois
Princeton firefighters join in a round of applause as fellow firefighters are honored during thier annual inspection parade/awards ceremony yesterday in the borough.
DALMATIONS AND FIREFIGHTERS were a natural duo at the Firemen’s Parade held Friday evening. Volunteer firefighter Peter Hodge is shown holding a handsome example of the breed. (Linda Prospero photo)