HILLSDALE—Three illustrious volunteer firefighters were honored May 21 by their district’s state Senator and Assembly members, plus Hillsdale’s governing body, for selfless dedication and public service for a half-century of service to the borough and wider Pascack Valley.
Recognized were William Becker, Mark Durst and Keith Durie.
Adding to the sense of history, the ceremony followed on the heels of the 30th anniversary of the signature Hillsdale Fire Department Carnival, which was graced by excellent weather and lively attendance.
Becker joined the local Hose Company No. 1 in 1973 at age 22, was elected a lieutenant in 1974, and made chief in 1981. He also served as assistant secretary and treasurer, board secretaryand engine chauffeur.
Also, Becker served as a skilled photographer and cook, who recorded department events and prepared countless “second Monday meals” for his fellow firefighters.
He is supported by his wife Leslie, the daughter of a 60-year volunteer firefighter, and children Christine and Robert.
Firefighter Keith Durie joined the department in 1973 at 19, having served since 16 as a junior firefighter in the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department.
“Legend has it that prior to obtaining his driver’s license, he used to run down the hill and across the reservoir to answer the alarm,” said Republican State Sen. Holly Schepisi, reading one part of the state resolution honoring Durie.
Schepisi said Durie’s grandfather was a founding member of the Hillsdale Fire Department in 1902.
Durie was elected lieutenant in 1979 and again in 1990, and served as chief in 1984, and was reelected chief in 1996 and 1997.
Durie took on “consequential roles” including serving on the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute Advisory Board; Chairman of the Upper Board; and currently Treasurer of the Hook and Ladder Company and the Hillsdale Relief Association; and Secretary of the Hillsdale Fire Department Association.
He is supported by his wife, Libby, active in the Ladies Auxiliary for 50 years, and he takes great pride in his children, Raymond and Jason, who are fellow firefighters, and seven grandchildren.
Durst joined the department in 1973 at 19, rising through the ranks to chief in 1983, 2011 and 2012, and “also lent his expertise as a mechanic and engine chauffeur.”
Durst moved to Park Ridge in 2002 and joined that fire department, where he was elected chief in 2023. He maintains “a steadfast commitment to both towns,” notes the resolution read by Schepisi.
He is supported by his wife, Sherry, four children, and four grandchildren.
The joint legislative resolutions presented were from 39th District Republican State Sen. Holly Schepisi, and 39th District Republican Assembly members Robert Auth and DeAnne DeFuccio.
The recognition certificates were signed by Senate President Nicolas P. Scutari and General Assembly Speaker Chris Coughlin.
Mayor John Ruocco also presented the men with plaques recognizing their 50 years of volunteer service. Earlier, he noted key events from 1973, when the firefighters began their volunteer service:
- The Miami Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins to finish undefeated and win Super Bowl VII;
- President Richard Nixon was inaugurated for a second term, and ended American involvement in Vietnam combat;
- Queen Elizabeth II opened London Bridge;
- The first hand-held cell phone call was made in New York City;
- Manhattan’s World Trade Center complex opened;
- Major League Baseball adopted the designated hitter rule;
- The Sears Tower was opened (then the world’s tallest building), and
- Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a tennis Battle of the Sexes exhibition.
According to a history of the borough posted on the municipal website, Franklyn C. Glucker was chief in 1973, with Richard E. Schreiber captain of Hook and Ladder Co. 1 and Wallace G. Brindise captain of Hose Co. 1. The department had four large, modern engines, including a snorkel pumper, a chief’s car, and an emergency vehicle.
George Schoonover was president of the Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service, Rudolf C. Appeld was clerk of the Board of Fire Officers, and Dr. Gerald Dolan was the fire department surgeon.