Submitted by Frank Reilly, Stirling firefighter and PIO
The Stirling Volunteer Fire Company recently held its annual firefighter awards and appreciation ceremony.
The most prestigious award is the distinguished Firefighter of the Year award that was presented to Stirling Firefighter Matt Rozmerski by Fire Chief Kevin Phillips. The chief cited Matt’s numerous activities that were far above and beyond the call of duty, for his extraordinary dedication to firefighting and readiness, and for promoting fire safety in Long Hill Township. Before presenting Rozmerski with the award, Chief Phillips said, “I am so proud of all the Stirling firefighters and I wish I could give each and every one of you an award for your extraordinary and selfless dedication. You certainly are a credit to Long Hill Township and are the Township’s heroes every day and every night of the year when an emergency occurs.”
Fire Company President George Alto presented the President’s Award for outstanding service to Alex Honegger for his dedication working in the firehouse to keep it in top notch condition, for assisting in administrative duties, and for responding to numerous fire alarms.
A special award was presented to Albert Pepe for serving as the President of the fire company for 35 years. He stepped down in January to infuse “new blood” into the administrative element of the organization. He was hailed for numerous innovations and his expertise.
Years of Service Awards were presented to:
* John Melluso for an astonishing 35 years of service. He is also Stirling’s training officer.
* 25-Year awards were presented to Troy Pytel and Jack Dede.
* One 10-Year award went to Joe Cerami
* And eight firefighters received 5-Year awards: Fire Company President George Alto, his son Justin Alto, Antonio Centurian, Patrick Pimentel, Dan Rito, Matt Rozmerski, and Neil Vaish.
Stirling’s new officers for 2018 are Fire Chief Kevin Phillips, Deputy Chief Alex Gallo, Assistant Chief John Whitmore, and Captain Randy Wojtech. The administrative officers are President George Alto, Vice President Ryan Vrindten, Treasurer Daniel Murphy, and Secretary Mike Batog.
The Stirling Volunteer Fire Co. is comprised of 100 percent volunteer members who are well trained in a variety of disciplines. All have been unpaid volunteers since the fire company was formed over 100 years ago. Membership is open to residents age 16 or older, both female and male. Training and firefighting gear is provided at no cost to new and seasoned firefighters. Details on membership and fire company events may be seen at their website: stirlingfd.com. Stirling’s primary response area is Gillette, Homestead Park, Meyersville, and Stirling. They also assist Millington and surrounding towns in their time of need.
The volunteer fire companies in Long Hill Township and the surrounding towns rely heavily on donations from the public to support their hard and often dangerous work. Stirling’s President Alto urges everyone to be generous in donating to the Stirling Fire Co. Please send a donation to them at: 321 Somerset St., Stirling, NJ 07980-1310.
To contact the Stirling Fire Department, call 908-647-2669 or email: stirlingfd@yahoo.com
(above, l-r) Fire Chief Kevin Phillips, Firefighter of the Year Matt Rozmerski, President George Alto, and Deputy Chief Alex Gallo.
(above, l-r) President’s Award recipient Alex Honneger and President George Alto.
(above, l-r) Albert Pepe received 35 Years as President Award from 2018 president George Alto.
(above, l-r) President George Alto; Troy Pytel, firefighter; Jack Dede, firefighter; and Chief Kevin Phillips.
(above, l-r) Fire Chief Kevin Phillips, Neil Vaish, Matt Rozmerski, Justin Alto, Ryan Vrindten, Antonio Centurion, Dan Rito, and President George Alto.
