By: Edir Coronado
Ken Larson was born and raised in Green Brook and though he now lives in Middlesex with his wife of 42 years, he has always been dedicated Green Brook, serving as a volunteer firefighter for 50 consecutive years and for 10 years, simultaneously volunteering as an EMS with the Green Brook Rescue Squad.
At a young age Ken would often hang around the firehouse, usually playing. Those moments were impressionable on young Ken Larson and by the time he was 16 years old he joined the Green Brook Fire Department.
His time with the Green Brook Fire Department was temporarily postponed, when Ken’s father and Fire House Chief, decided that it would be best if he would join the Navy. The Firehouse Chief was also a Chief Petty officer in the Navy and local recruiter for the area.
Ken is deep into volunteerism and reminisces of a time when the community participated in town events, communal organizations, designed for the betterment of all. When Ken first joined, the Fire Squad had plenty of members, they were a focal point in the community. Ken explains that the Fire Squad was a place where people could come together and get to know one another. Through the Fire Squad members could host different events and hold community activities like running a little league. There are many groups and organizations doing the community service that the Squad once did. Now fewer people are getting involved with the Squad becaude they are involved in the other organizations.
During his 50 years with the Fire Squad, Ken has seen a lot change over the years. He joined because of the proximity of the firehouse and continues to serve because of the people he’s encountered. The comradery he developed keeps him coming back.
Ken has seen other changes also, and not all negative. Ken talks about the equipment he once wore, rubber raincoats, and how a notice of a fire came in the form of a person having to call it in. Today’s equipment, like their fire protective gear; while it cannot completely withstand fire, gives them enough time to get in and out of a fire. Something that saves lives of firefighters and victims of fires. Fire alarms and CO2 alarms also changed the way the Green Brook Fire Squad responds to emergencies, notifying them immediately.
Being a volunteer firefighter is no easy task, Ken recounts events during his 50 years as a firefighter that demonstrates the dedication that is involved, not only in the day-to-day tasks but in extreme emergencies. Ken was involved during the Green Brook floods and during Superstorm Sandy, basically having to live in the firehouse because of the amount of support the fire squad was providing. His wife, while supportive, was understandably worried.
The Squad struggling to keep memberships up. Ken also joined the Volunteer Rescue Squad as an EMS driver, a position he held for 10 years before stepping down due to inactivity. The Rescue Squad still exists, but duties were relinquished to the Town of North Plainfield.
Currently Ken Larson’s duties as a firefighter are much less than what they used to be. He mainly focuses on the recruiting aspect, attending annual bike rides to demonstrate to possible younger members, that if he could be involved so can they. While Ken is concerned with the number of members involved, he stated that he does not plan on retiring anytime soon.
For more information about joining the Green Brook Rescue Squad call (732) 968-1188.
(above) Kenneth Larson Green Brook Fire EMS at finish line. Larson was presented with the “Oldest Firefighter Racer Award” this summer at the 20th annual NJ Firefighters Bicycle Race to raise funds for The Burn Center at St. Barnabas Hospital.
