It was another great afternoon at the NJ State Firemen’s Home for the residents.
We had our first meeting of the year and have started to plan for the year 2024. We have two barbecues again this season, one in June and one in August and we anticipate warm weather and a nice time for the residents and their families. Christmas always seems right around the corner but only ten months away we are planning parties and get togethers for our members to engage with the residents and their families.
With the Christmas holidays currently behind us, we are starting to plan for our events and entertainment in partnership with the NJ State Firemen’s Home Social Committee. We have helped provide funding for all of the entertainment for our afternoon events.
Country Singer David Remlis entertained the residents at the February meeting.
We had a nice afternoon of music and conversation during the breaks for the residents with light refreshments served by members of the staff. Country singer David Remlis entertained the residents for the afternoon and it was a great concert for everyone who joined in that afternoon.
Mr. Remlis entertaining the residents of the home.
It was another great afternoon for the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association and the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home.
We are always happy to help our fellow brothers and make their time in the Firemen’s Home a lot more enjoyable.
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the February 2024 meeting.
The Brothers of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association are getting ready for the Annual Fundraiser in 2024.
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met at the Harrington Park Fire House to start the stuffing of the envelopes for the fundraising efforts of the organization. Monies raised by the fundraiser help pay for entertainment, refreshments, the food for the barbecue, gifts to the residents and for items that residents might need.
The members stuffing envelopes at the Harrington Park Fire House.
To all our fellow fire fighters, please be on the look out for our mailers. Your Department’s donation to the organization go a long way.
Diligently working to get the envelopes stuffed for mailing.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, please attend one of our meetings at the Boonton Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. Our meetings are in February, April, June, August, October and the first weekend in December for our Annual Holiday Party.
The Brothers of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home at the Christmas Party in 2023.
Our Annual Christmas Party at the NJ State Firemen’s Home was a huge success!
The Christmas spirit greeted us as we entered the NJ State Firemen’s Home this December 3rd, 2023 with the festive Christmas tree at the entrance of the home.
NJ State Firemen’s Home Christmas tree in the lobby of the home.
Signs of the season were everywhere as the home was decorated to the hilt for the holiday season. This was our last event of the season as the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association held its Annual December Meeting and Entertainment afternoon at the NJ State Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ.
Even the fire hydrant display was decorated.
The sign welcoming people to the party.
We had our annual Christmas Party at the NJ State Firemen’s Home and it was nice to be back. Masks were a thing of the past and we were able to see everyone again. It made for a more engaging afternoon.
The home’s Christmas tree with our gifts to the residents, a embordered jacket.
We started our day with a get together of the members before the entertainment began. It was nice to just sit back and talk to the other members before the entertainment began. Our President brought us the most delicious crumb cake and glazed raison buns and these devoured very quickly by the members.
We even got a chance to bond again with the resident dog of the NJ State Firemen’s Home, Wells, who was a former seeing eye dog that has now found a home here keeping our retired firefighters comforted and engaged. He walks around having everyone spoil him with petting and treats. Even he has to watch his weight at the holidays. All I know is that he loves being loved by everyone and likes to spread that love.
NJ Firemen’s Home resident, Wells with BCFHA Vice-President Justin Watrel.
We had several entertainers the afternoon of the party. The home had hired entertainers, Dana and Daddy O, to entertain the residents with a selection of Christmas songs and cheer. That got the party started.
Daddy O at the start of the concert.
Entertainers Dana and Daddy O at the Christmas Party.
Member Jerry Naylis asked his daughter and grandchildren perform again this year (Jerry was away on a conference). Daughter Stephanie Naylis-Quirk and her daughters, Regan and Riley Quirk , played the piano and sang to the residents of the home. The children sang lively Christmas songs and led the room in a sing a long with favorites “Jingle Bells” and Regan’s solo, “Silent Night” and Riley’s solo, “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus”.
Stephanie Nayles-Quirk with daughter Riley and Regan, who sang so nicely that afternoon.
After the ladies took their bows, it was time to hand out the Christmas presents from the Bergen County Firemen’s Home to the residents. This year the gift to the residents of the home was a beautiful ‘firemen’ blue jacket that had each resident’s name on it. It was a very personal and touching gift to our fellow retired firemen who we wanted to remember at the holidays. They were very touched by this.
BCFHA Vice-President Justin Watrel with NJ State Firemen’s Association President and BCFHA member Bob Ordway handing out gifts at the Christmas Party.
While members were handing out gifts, other members were serving desserts and other refreshments to the residents. Everyone had a delicious treat that afternoon after they had their lunch. The home provided delectable cupcakes both regular and sugar free to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
BCFHA members Peter Devries and Glenn Corbet serving desserts to the residents.
After the day of entertainment was over, the members got together and took our annual member group shot. It was a fun afternoon for everyone involved. We have managed to provide the residents with all sorts of entertainment, barbecues and special events while never losing the spirit of helping our fellow fire fighters.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our firefighters, retired and still active from the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association!
Thank you again to the Wyckoff Fire Department for hosting the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association for breakfast. We really appreciated it.
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home met for their Annual Breakfast Meeting at the Wyckoff Fire Department in Wyckoff, NJ on November 19th, 2023. After our flag salute and Fireman’s Prayer, we sat down to true tradition in the fire service, a fireman’s breakfast.
I had gotten there an hour early and the guys took me on a tour of the Wyckoff Fire Department firehouse located in Wyckoff, NJ. It is really a great firehouse. We got to tour in House #1 where one of our members is a company member of the Wyckoff Fire Department.
The Fireman’s Statue outside the department.
9/11 Memorial for a former member, Dana Rey Hannon.
Touring the Wyckoff Fire Department’s antique fire engines.
The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department very generously cooked a wonderful breakfast for our members that included scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, steak, hash browns and rolls. We really appreciate these members who come in early to host us.
In the kitchen with the Wyckoff Fire Department.
Our President brought the most wonderful cinnamon buns, cherry and apple pastries and a crumb cake from Spindler’s Bakery in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and it was very popular with the members of the BCFHA and the members of the Wyckoff Fire Department, who at the fire house cooking breakfast and standing by for calls.
The delicious breakfast with scrambled eggs, meats and hashbrowns.
Over breakfast, the members discussed the upcoming Holiday Party at the Firemen’s Home in December and the dinner to follow by the party for members and their spouses, gifts being given to the residents of the home for the holidays, financial matters, the upcoming fund drive, NJ State happenings in the fire service and a possible membership drive for the organization.
The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department cooking breakfast for us.
We set the dates for our next two barbecues up the NJ Firemen’s Home for next summer (that is coming quicker than we all think) with the success of the two this year and for the upcoming fundraiser stuffing at the Harrington Park Fire House in January.
Our members dining before the meeting.
We have been getting new members joining the organization so it was the perfect time to introduce them to the organization. We have the upcoming Christmas Party for the residents which is always a good time for everyone. We will be following all COVID rules for the event to make it as entertaining as possible for the residents.
At the end of the breakfast, we joined together for last prayer to wish all our fellow firefighters a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Then the members of the Wyckoff Fire Department who cooked breakfast for us were called into the meeting and we formally thanked and applauded them for being such great hosts.
The members of the Wyckoff Fire Department who cooked breakfast that morning.
The organization looks forward to the upcoming holiday party and bringing some Christmas cheer to our fellow firefighters.
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association who were at the breakfast.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone from the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association!
We want to thank the Recreation Department at the NJ State Firemen’s Home and Manager/Member John Vergas for all the support they give our organization.
On Sunday, October 15th, 2023 the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met for our Annual October meeting. We had a lot to discuss with Christmas around the corner and the Annual Christmas Party and Entertainment which is the highlight of the year both to the residents and the members of the NJ State Firemen’s Home.
Entertainer Gigi entertained the residents at the BCFHA meeting day.
It was another successful meeting. We got the ideas for he entertainment for the party with the Nayles family headlining again. We had ideas of also getting a DJ for the afternoon so that will be investigated as well. The gifts have been chosen by the Executive Board and will be given out the day of the party which is the first weekend of September.
Entertainer Gigi
After the meeting was over, the NJ Firemen’s Home Recreation Department arranged for singer, Gigi, to entertain the residents with a series of contemporary and pop hits. It was a lively afternoon for everyone. At the break time, the members served refreshments to the residents and introduced ourselves. We were under a mask mandate but for a moment let everyone know who we were and thank the residents for their years of service.
The Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the entertainment and meeting at the NJ State Firemen’s Home.
We want to thank the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association and the staff at the NJ State Firemen’s Home for the ongoing partnership and dedication to our fellow fire fighters at the home. We all have done so much to make our fellow fire fighters feel remembered and respected.
We will see everyone for our November meeting at the Wyckoff Fire Department.
It was another spectacular day a the NJ State Firemen’s Home for our Annual August barbecue.
It was a spectacular sunny Sunday afternoon that the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met to host our second barbecue of the summer. This one was made even more special as we celebrated the 100th birthday of one of our members, Maywood Fire Department member firefighter George Steiger.
Grill Masters Jerry Naylis and Bob Ordway at the NJ State Firemen’s Home
Our afternoon started by lighting the grills and welcoming guests. Because we were hosting the barbecue with the Maywood Fire Department, many members of their department along with members of the Steiger family joined in the festivities. We had a large crowd to feed and our grill masters were up to the task.
Under the direction of grill masters, Chief Prince from the NJ Firemen’s Home and BCFHA member and President of the NJ Firemen’s Association, Bob Ordway, they kept the supply of hot dogs, hamburgers and other delicious barbecue foods coming.
The grill masters at work
All the guests and staff feasting on hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue chicken and ribs, baked beans, corn on the cob, Cole slaw and potato salad. For dessert, the was fresh watermelon and one of our members wives made her delicious baked treats that we look forward to at every meeting.
The delicious food went by fast
The sides were just as popular as the barbecued foods
Our entertainment for the afternoon was the Bloomingdale’s Marching Band who played big band and contemporary pieces.
The Bloomingdale Marching Band
Our biggest thrill was to wish our honored and longtime member, George Steiger a happy 100th birthday. The Maywood Fire Department pulled out all stops to wish George well on his birthday. They brought both their current fire truck and their antique truck to the Firemen’s Home to the delight of the guests who attended the event.
It was a heartwarming afternoon of speeches and honorariums to George, that were much deserved.
Happy Birthday to our member George Steiger of the Maywood Fire Department
Our birthday boy and member of the BCFHA George Steiger 100 years young!
The Maywood Fire Department honors their member George Steiger
The Maywood Fire Truck
Classic Maywood Fire Truck
Maywood Fire Department honoring member George Steiger
There was a very touching speech from Maywood Fire Department and Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association member, Roy DeYoung Jr. wishing George well and talking about all the accomplishments that George had both in his military and firefighting careers.
Maywood Member Roy DeYoung Jr. honoring the 100th birthday.
BCFHA President George Heflich honoring member George Steiger
Bergen County Firemen’s Home President George Heflich honored his follow member with a heartfelt speech on his accomplishments and contributions to not only his department but to our organization as well. He presented him a certificate and an American flag award.
It was a wonderful afternoon with wonderful food, good conversation and heartfelt wishes to a great member of our organization. Some of us even got time to spend with the Firemen’s Home Resident dog, Wells, who always gets treated so well that afternoon and everyday. He’s a great friend to every resident at the home.
BCFHA Vice-President Justin Watrel with NJ State Firemen’s Home resident dog, Wells.
It was a wonderful way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. This barbecue could not happen without the support of donations from fire departments all over Bergen County. We want to thank everyone for their continued support of these projects to make the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home know that the Brotherhood still looks out for them.
The FASNY Museum of Firefighting at 117 Harry Howard Avenue
The FASNY Museum of Fire Fighting is America’s interactive museum of firefighting. It is also the home of the premiere collection of American firefighting objects in the world.
When I visited the museum recently, I found that the museum is not just a treasure trove of information and artifacts but an extensive study on modern fire fighting from its creation in the time of the Romans and Greeks, the beginnings of the fire service in America lead by people like Peter Stuyvesant and Benjamin Franklin. These men brought their ideas and innovations by working alongside people doing the work and the modernization of equipment that makes the modern firefighter both safer and smarter.
The progression of the equipment and the way it is used has not changed much but the way we use it and its design has changed from the days of the bucket brigades, to the horse drawn carriages to the modern automobile. The job has not changed as we put the fire out and try to safe lives and property.
There is so much to see and do at the museum and for a firefighter, a very humbling experience in that we continue to learn on the job and learn the changes in the fire service around us. This is one of the most extensive museums of firefighting that I have ever seen. The exhibitions are very detailed and easy to follow with lots of interesting artifacts. It is a perfect place for a family to visit.
A ladder truck from the early 20th Century
Ladder Truck from Rye, NY that was part of the Bush family history
The massive museum has over 60 fire engines on exhibit, as well as numerous examples of firefighting gear, equipment and art depicting the heroic history of firefighting in America.
Early 20th Century Steam Engine
The main equipment room with all sorts of trucks and engines spanning over 100 years
Activities for families include the popular bucket brigade activity, the amazing Jr. Firefighter Challenge course, the incredible first responder virtual ride to the fire experience and the Cabot/McCadam Fire Safety Discovery Room (FASNY Website).
Turn of the Century Bucket Truck
Whether you are a family, a firefighter, an apparatus buff or a student of history, you will be amazed at the depth and variety of the Museum’s vast collection.
Turn of the Century hose beds
An early steam engine
The 9/11 Exhibit: Remembering the 20th Anniversary:
In partnership with the New York State Museum in Albany, the FASNY Museum of Firefighting is honored to present the exhibit: Touchstone: Remembering the 20th Anniversary of 9-11. The majority of the objects in this exhibit are on loan from the NY State Museum. They were found during the recovery efforts that took place at Fresh Kills Landfill on Staten Island, when hundreds of NYPD and FBI forensic experts sifted through the debris from the World Trade Center tragedy site, between September 2001 and July 2002 (FASNY website).
The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 on September 11th, 2021
We encourage visitors to compare how they feel today, 20 years after this touchstone moment in our nation’s history, to how they felt on September 11, 2001. We also invite the visitor to remember that not every action taken after 9-11 was heroic.
After 9-11, there were many cases of violence against those who were, or who were perceived to be, Muslims, Sikhs or persons of Arab or South-Asian descent. Through an interactive, we ask visitors to consider this racism and why it occurred (FASNY Museum Website).
The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 on September 11th, 2021
The 9/11 Exhibit will be very emotional for any firefighter and their family whether they experienced it or not. It could be the twist equipment, the pictures depicting that morning and the rescue plans and the artifacts that were used during that time, take your time to really study and appreciate the heroism of that morning.
Then, Now & Always: Firefighting from the Cradle of Rome Through the 1900s
Trace the evolution and development of firefighting from its ancient origins to the modern era of mechanization.
The Dutch Bucket Brigade system of early America
This informative and fascinating exhibit uses objects in the Museum’s collection as historical touchstones. Complemented by interpretive graphic panels and object cards, the exhibit chronicles the progression of organized firefighting and its social and technological implications. Here, you will discover some of the oldest and rarest objects in the Museum’s collection. Adjacent to the exhibit cases are the Museum’s earliest examples of fire apparatus dating as far back as 1731 (FASNY website).
The change of equipment in the early 1900’s to the modern era
Before radio communication became available we sounded the trumpets.
The museum showed the progression of firefighting and how many aspects of it have changed over the years and how it modernized old ideas. The concept of ‘putting water on the fire’ has progressed in knowing why we should do it, when we should do it and what the effects of it will be when we do it. The equipment being used was the latest technology of the that time.
Forged by Fire: The Life and Legacy of Harry Howard
Who was Harry Howard and why do we consider him the GOAT? This exhibit explores Chief Howard’s life and many accomplishments, and explains why we are still talking about him today, 200 years after his birth! (FASNY website).
The “Forged by Fire” exhibition on Harry Howard
Harry Howard was one of the most celebrated firemen of the 19th century. He rose from very humble beginnings to Chief Engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department. His association with the fire department began while a young teen, as a runner for the Peterson Engine Company No.15, located on Christie Street. In 1841 he became a full fledged member of the company. Later, in 1850, Howard joined Atlantic Hose 14. The following year he was elected Assistant Engineer. He reached the top in 1857 serving as Chief Engineer for three years, with a salary of five thousand dollars a year. Chief Engineer was the highest rank in the NYC’s Volunteer Department in 1857 with many of the same duties as today’s Fire Commissioner. The Chief and his 18 assistants were elected by ballet by the members of the department (NYFD.com website).
At the time of Howard’s leadership this comprised of about 4000 men. One of his major acts as Chief was to establish bunk rooms in all the firehouses in the city. Chief engineer Harry Howard suffered an attack of paralysis on a way to a fire on July 1857. The attack left him permanently disabled and somewhat embittered. It was officially deemed the consequence of severe fire duty. After his retirement from the Volunteer Fire Department he held an office in the Department of Public Works (NYFD.com website).
I can not begin to explain how innovative Chief Engineer Howard was in the fire service. Bringing about many safety measures, analyzing the fire service the way he did and work to better the lives of firefighters not just in New York but set a standard in the industry. He brought his experience that he learned on the job and worked to better it so that other firefighters could learn to be better at their jobs.
Ready, Willing & Able: FASNY’s First 150 Years
Did you know that over 90% of all firefighters in New York State are VOLUNTEERS! Did you know that FASNY (the Firefighters Association of New York State) has been the leading voice for volunteer firefighters for over 150 years? Discover more facts about FASNY and the brave firefighters who protect our communities in this fascinating exhibit (FASNY website).
Firefighting in the modern age
The Firefighting Patch Wall display
The experience of exploring this museum is a must for any firefighter or firefighting family.
It was another great June Barbecue hosted by the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association. We look forward to our next barbecue in August.
On the afternoon of June 10th, 2023, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association sponsored our annual barbecue which we sponsor each June for residents and their families at the NJ State Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. With the COVID restrictions slowly being lifted, families were finally able to join us for the occasion which makes these events special. This annual picnic is paid for the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association with the generosity from fire departments all over Bergen County.
We lucked out with a sunny, warm day and this got residents and their families outside to enjoy the nice weather and a wonderful food. The members of the kitchen staff along with our member and grill master, NJ State Firemen’s Association President Bob Ordway, cooked a wonderful barbecue lunch that included chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, potato and cole slaw salads, corn on the cob, baked beans, and fresh watermelon for dessert. The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association assisted the kitchen staff and acted as servers to the guests.
NJ State Firemen’s Association President and BCFHA Member Bob Ordway with Chef Prince of the NJ State Firemen’s Home
This afternoon was enjoyed by the residents of the Firemen’s Home, who always relish an afternoon out. Everyone had a great time. This wonderful event could not happen without the help of the staff of the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, NJ especially the Activities and Kitchen staff, which does such a great job cooking the food and providing the set up and getting the residents outside.
It was a great barbecue with another planned in August of this year. We look forward to another wonderful day of food and entertainment.
The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in 2022
Thank you to all the members who came out to support this fantastic event that is enjoyed by so many people.
The Bergen County Firemen's Home Association 