Princeton Fire Department Swears In 11 Volunteer Firefighters

Princeton NJ

27 May, 2022

10:19 AM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — On Wednesday, 11 Princeton residents were sworn in as members of the Princeton Fire Department, at a formal ceremony in the Municipal Courtroom. Mayor Mark Freda, Council members Michelle Pirone Lambros and David Cohen; Oscar Santoro, President of the Mercer Engine Co. No. 3 were among those present. "These individuals have shown a deep commitment to our community and to protecting the health and safety of Princeton residents," Mayor Freda said. Freda himself joined the Princeton Fire Department in 1974. "Serving as a volunteer firefighter is a unique and rewarding endeavor – one that allows us to connect with our neighbors in times of need, and gives us an opportunity to build shared experiences and lifelong friendships. Personally, and on behalf of our community, I thank them for joining our other volunteer and paid firefighters as members of Princeton Fire Department." Freda said Princeton was looking forward to see more residents join the fire department. The 2022 Firefighter Class are: Princeton Engine Company No. 1: Amar Gautam, Rahul Gautam, Jonathan Haley, Max Nguyen Mercer Engine Co. No. 3: Johana De la Cruz, Jonathan Lowry, Jason Mangone, Shua Kym McLean Princeton Hook and Ladder Company: Ilan Assayag, Christian Hartmanshenn, Chris Mecray The Princeton Fire Department is one of the oldest fire companies in New Jersey, organized in 1788. In 2020, council approved the hiring of six full-time, paid firefighters, to support the volunteer membership in their response to more than 900 calls for service each year. The Princeton Fire Department also maintains a partnership with Princeton University, which encourages employees to volunteer as Associate Member firefighters during the workweek. Four members of the 2022 Firefighter Class – De la Cruz, Nguyen, McLean, and Lowry – are graduate students. "This is a diverse group of people from all over the world — different ages, genders, races, and professional backgrounds — and we've really bonded over these past few months," said Chris Mecray, a finance professional, father of two, and resident of Princeton for 13 years. "I learned about the opportunity through Deputy Chief Alex Ridings and the department's most recent recruiting drive. It sounded intriguing, and something that the community really needs. I wasn't even aware that this was largely a volunteer operation and that 70 percent of fire departments nationally are volunteer-led." Local restaurant owner Amar Gautam, who moved to Princeton four years ago from Manhattan. joined the fire department this winter, along with his brother, Rahul. "I had a fire at my house soon after I moved here. It was at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night, and I got a chance to meet several people from the department. I met Alex and he shared his experiences being a part of the department," Gautam said. Ridings told Gautam how the base of volunteers decreased over the past 20 years. "I was really kind of naive to the whole thing. Now, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we're more attuned to these people that make our community work, from clinic volunteers to EMTs, to the men and women doing the crosswalk. I feel like I can help and make a difference," Gautam said. Princeton residents ages 16 and older are encouraged to join the Princeton Fire Department as volunteer members. Approved applicants receive free training and firefighter certification. For more information, click here. Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected]