(above) Rosebud and Pietro “Pete” Martino in front of a vintage Italian Fire Truck at the Isola Bergamasca Vigili Del Fuoco in the Bergamo Province of Italy last December.
Watchung Firefighters Honored Guests at Tenth Anniversary of Italian Volunteer Fire Department
Watchung residents and long time volunteer firefighters, Rosebud and Pietro “Pete” Martino were honored guests at the tenth anniversary of the Isola Bergamasca Vigili Del Fuoco (Fire Department) in the Bergamo Province of Italy in December of last year.
On December 13, 2008, the Martino’s were part of a delegation of firefighters who were chosen by the Plainfield’s Chapter of UNICO national, an Italian American civic organization, to represent them at the departments inauguration.
“It was amazing to see the establishment of a volunteer fire department in this day and age,” stated Pete. “As more and more volunteer departments are disappearing in the United States, this Italian Fire Department is just starting.” Ten years later they are still thriving but they are also struggling with the same issues we have here in Watchung, low volunteer membership.
Pete stated, “The Italian firefighters were great and have a deep respect for their American brothers and sisters.” Since Pete is a first generation Italian/American the experience was even more emotional.
Rosebud began her volunteer firefighter career with the Green Brook Fire Department in 1987. She served for over 20 years and is an exempt member. She also joined the Watchung Volunteer Fire Department in 2010.
Pete joined the Watchung Volunteer Fire Department in 1981 as a junior firefighter at 16 years old. He rose through the ranks and served as Fire Chief in 1996-1997. He also served as the borough’s fire inspector, served on the office of emergency management, and as a deputy member of the Watchung Rescue Squad in the 1990’s. In 1996 Pete was appointed to the Plainfield Fire Division where he currently serves as a Battalion Fire Chief.
Pete has lived in Watchung since 1979, and in 1993 he and Rosebud decided to purchase a residence and make Watchung their permanent home. They raised their four children, Siena, Bianca, Mario, and Angelo here. Siena even joined the Watchung Fire Department and attained her Firefighter 1 certification in 2016.
“I feel volunteering for your community is the best service you can provide, it allows you to help your fellow neighbors, friends, and family,” stated Martino.
Volunteers are always needed for our community, from the fire department and rescue squad, to the recreation department and library committee. Please stop by city hall and pick up literature on how you can help our community by volunteering or call the borough clerk at 908-757-7027 or go to watchungnj.gov.
“Together we can make Watchung a better place to live,” the Martino’s stated.
