The Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Co. it definitely doesn’t look the same as it did on July 24, 1922.
First established as Manahawkin Volunteer Fire Co. before it officially changed its name to its current name in 1936, the Stafford Fire Department has changed and grown greatly over the past 100 years, and the men and women of the department welcome the community. to celebrate its centenary in a special rally from noon to 5 pm on Saturday, September 24.
Throughout STFVC’s illustrious history, from its humble beginnings when George Pharo was Chief and Stephen Johnson was President, the mission has always been to serve the community through volunteer service, which continues today. In 1923, the first set of equipment consisted of 24 buckets, four ladders and 100 feet of ¾-inch rope, about a year before the department purchased its first Reo fire engine, equipped with a Haley rotary pump, a reinforcement and a chemical tank, for $4,355.
CHECK THEM OUT: Both the original Reo fire truck (foreground) and the company’s newest apparatus, a 107-foot Pierce Enforcer aerial ladder truck, will be on hand for the 100th anniversary celebration of Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Co. . (Photo supplied)
A parade will kick off the party at noon. It will start at the Stafford Township Municipal Complex, before walking down East Bay Avenue, then Letts Avenue, past the firehouse on Stafford Avenue and ending back at City Hall. The celebration will then continue with music, food, fun and memorabilia at the Fire Co. station. No. 1 at Stafford Avenue throughout the afternoon.
Guests will enjoy live music by Ned Ryerson and the Groundhogs, The Danksters and Chuck DeBruyn, food by Blue Collar Catering (the menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled pork) and a beer truck for which IDs will be checked and wristbands will be provided. While the event is free to attend, food will be $15 per person and food and beer will be $25 per person.
Commemorative glasses and shirts will be available for purchase and trophies will be awarded to the best fire trucks, ambulances, chief vehicles and more. Children can also enjoy various bounce houses. —DB
