A recognition ceremony for Morris County firefighters who were military veterans or who are currently in the military was conducted by Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi, Esq at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum on October 17, 2017. The event started with a light dinner followed by welcome comments from Ms. Grossi and the Pledge of Allegiance by a former US Marine who was in the battle to take Iwo Jima during World War II.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Ivey, the US Army Garrison Commander of Picatinny Arsenal, gave a keynote speech thanking the firefighters for their selfless dedication to their country and communities. Brief comments were made by Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and former Freeholder and Morris Township Firefighter John Murphy thanking the firefighters for their service and underscored the importance of volunteer firefighters to their communities.
The presentation of certifications of recognition to each firefighter – veteran was made by Ms. Grossi. A brief military background on each was given by master of ceremonies Joe Garifo as he called each firefighter individually to the front of the room to receive their certificate.
Stirling Fire Co’s three active veteran firefighters were former Deputy Fire Chief George Armenti, former Fire Chief Louis Aroneo, and Firefighter Frank Reilly. All three are US Army veterans. Aroneo was in artillery unit, Armenti in a tank battalion, and Reilly was in a combat ready infantry battalion.
Inactive Stirling Fire Co. members who were recognized were Angelo Cerulli, Nicholas Falzarano, Peter Falzarano, and David Tyrone. No other Long Hill Township firefighter – veterans were named.
(above l-r) Stirling Fire Co’s three active veteran Firefighters: Former Fire ChiefLou Aroneo, former Deptuty Fire Chief Geo Armenti & Firefighter Frank Reilly.
