EMERSON—An impressive 75 borough volunteers turned out to the senior center on June 30 for the inaugural volunteer appreciation dinner, recognizing all it takes to make borough programs — ranging from recreational to life-saving — so successful.
Prominent at the dinner were members of the Volunteer Fire Department, Ambulance Corps, Auxiliary Police, and Ladies’ Auxiliary.
The first annual Volunteer of the Year Award for 2020 was presented to the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department, led by Chief Anthony J. Sotille.
Certainly not least among the department’s accomplishments in a Covid-stricken 2020 was its professional response to a three-alarm fire in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 23.
A three-family house at 66 Clinton St. was destroyed in the blaze, and the families displaced. Fortunately, nobody was reported injured.
Mayor Danielle DiPaola expressed her pride at the time in how “the family town” came together to help its own.
Officials said the fire started in a vehicle parked in the driveway and quickly spread to the house. When the Emerson Fire Department arrived on scene members saw flames licking out from the roof.
There were approximately 13 people in the house, including eight children, said Fire Marshal Rich Silvia. Joining the fight were fire crews from Hillsdale, Oradell, Westwood, and Paramus.
DiPaola wrote on the borough’s Facebook page in the aftermath, “I am so proud of this town and how everybody pulled together to help these three families. Thousands of dollars of gift cards were collected today and will be distributed to the families. Hundreds of articles of clothing, shoes, coats, games, toys, food and other items were collected. All families are safe for the evening and tomorrow we will send out a message as to the times the gift cards can be dropped off again.”
She praised all who rushed to the families’ aid, saying at the time, “God bless every single one of you that I saw today down at the senior center and everybody who texted, phoned, or emailed to lend their help and support.”
She also lauded the Emerson Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department, the DPW, and borough staff.
At that same senior center June 30, the fire department humbly accepted its Volunteer of the Year award.
Costco donated a $100 gift card for the department’s use. Local businesses also donated, including ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Wegmans, and Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa.
DiPaola called the appreciated dinner a “very small token of appreciation for the volunteers who are always so giving of their time.”
“It was fantastic. It was overwhelmingly attended. We had sent out invitations to all of the coaches. Any volunteer that is funded by the borough — that the board commissions for emergency services — all those volunteers were invited.”
She said, “We weren’t really sure how many to expect with our first go-around with this. But I thought it was an overwhelming success.”
Sotille could not be reached for comment on the Volunteer of the Year honor. Likely he’s too busy. On Facebook, Emerson Volunteer Fire Department Co. 1 was showing off images from the recent water training “evolutions” on the Emerson Woods Preserve Oradell Reservoir. EFD participated along with departments from New Milford, Westwood, River Vale, and Old Tappan.
“Firefighters who attended the [also recent] rescue boat operator course were able to put their skills to the test and share what they learned with others. Another great day of training. Thanks to all who helped bring it all together,” the department said.
It also was lamenting the loss of Timmy Rice, an Emersonian formerly of Paramus, who passed away on Saturday, June 12. Rice was most recently a lieutenant for the Hackensack Fire Department and a captain for the Paramus Fire Department. He also was a dispatcher for the Paramus Police Department.
Meanwhile, the EFD is actively seeking residents who are interested in serving their community by volunteering with the department. For more information, visit emersonfire.org.