BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—The Township of Washington Fire Department did more than hold its annual installation and awards ceremony at Seasons Catering on Saturday, Jan. 19. It celebrated public service.
The evening’s festivities included the swearing-in of the 2019 Fire Board and the presentation of awards for distinguished service.
For the second consecutive year, Peter Insetta will serve as the chief of the department. Insetta, a dedicated member of the Fire Department since August 1991, is the department’s first member to go through the officer ranks twice to serve as chief.
Insetta was 2004 Bergen County Volunteer of the Year, with the award presented by then-County Executive Dennis McNerney.
The following officers also were sworn in: Deputy Chief Kevin Zitco, Battalion Chief Jason Gugger, Capt. Clayton Kenny, Lt. Zach Miros, Lt. Fank Aiello, Lt. Christopher Campo, and Lt. Christian Husslein.
Given were the Meritorious Service Award, Unit Citation Award, Civilian Meritorious Service Award, and an honorary membership.
One incident, from May 15, 2018, shows members working at their best when conditions allowed zero room for error: A severe thunderstorm struck the area with extreme wind and heavy rain, and the Fire Department was dispatched to a hazard where a tree had fallen on a vehicle and trapped a township resident.
Zitco and firefighters Pierce Hans and Damir Blagec, who had to dodge falling tree limbs while doing their work, earned a Meritorious Service Award for their efforts toward the best possible medical outcome of the resident.
Earning a Unit Citation Award in the incident were Gugger, Miros, firefighters William Bilias, Brendan O’Sullivan, Michael Riedel, and James Zaconie, and Junior Firefighter Christopher Blagec.
Their actions in removing the resident from the vehicle and carrying the victim to the ambulance were celebrated as well coordinated and exemplary.
Accepting a Civilian Meritorious Service Award in the rescue was Joanne Vanore, who was further praised as always ready and willing to help the Fire Department in any way possible.
Insetta recognized Kevin J. Lynch as an honorary member into the Fire Department, calling the staunch township booster “a resident who has supported and displayed a commitment to our profession, organization, and community.”
Lynch is president and chief executive officer of Oritani Bank, which is based in the township.
The Fire Department, at 656 Washington Ave., is in the preliminary stages of planning for a replacement joint firehouse and EMS facility.
The Township Council was given concepts to consider last year. Council President Michael DeSena said at the time, “We absolutely need a major update, an overhaul, at the firehouse. One of those concepts has to be implemented.”
The governing body has several major capital investments to consider this year, including the fire department’s ladder truck, an engine/pumper truck, and police department upgrades.
