Book_75thAnniversary_32Pages - DIGITAL 1

Celebration

at Old Bridge High School

4209 Route 516- Matawan NJ 07747

October 8, 2022 10AM - 3PM



The South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company is a 100% volunteer department responsi-
ble for the protection of Fire District #3, located in Old Bridge Township NJ. We proudly
protect an area of approximately 22 square miles with a population of 35,000 residents.
Our district contains a mix of both commercial and residential occupancies, along with
the major highways of routes 9 and 18.

Our department provides fire protection 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to district #3
and also responds to calls for mutual aid from neighboring communities.

The 42 square miles of Old Bridge Township are divided into four fire districts. The other
three districts are served by the Cheesequake Volunteer Fire Company, the Laurence
Harbor Volunteer Fire company, and the Madison Park Volunteer Fire Company.

Our fire company operates out of three stations and has an ISO rating of 4.

The Company now operates 14 fire apparatus’ consisting of (1) Tower Ladder, (1) Heavy
Rescue Truck, (1) Rescue Pumper, (5) Pumpers, (3) Brush Trucks, (3) Chiefs’ Vehicles.
Additionally, they have (3) specialty service trailers, a light tower and (2) Polaris ATV’s.

Services Provided: • Structural Firefighting
• Wildland Firefighting
• Vehicle Rescue (Extrication)
• General Search and Rescue
• Ice Rescue

On a cold night in November 1947, a group of men were gathered around a potbellied
stove in Beedle’s Garage discussing their short comings and making life miserable for the
proprietor. Suddenly, some of them smelled smoke, at the same time a mighty howl was
heard. It seemed that a certain person had been standing with his back too close to the
stove. The back of his top coat had been scorched, instead of the common phrase hot
foot he really had a hot seat. Due to the swiftness and efficiency shown in extinguishing
this fire they decided, then and there, they were destined to be experts in the
field. Thus, the South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company Inc. was conceived.

The Company's first meeting was held at the Willis school in South Old Bridge, then
Madison Township, on November 14, 1947. In early 1948 they decided to build a
firehouse, Engine Company # 1, and land was purchased on Appleby Avenue. Our
firehouse was constructed largely by our members with some help from local
contractors.

In 1962, in keeping with the expansion of township, the fire company found it necessary
to expand its facilities. Land was acquired and Engine Company # 2 was built on
Throckmorton Lane in the Sayrewoods South section.

In 1969 further expansion was needed and Engine Company # 3 was established in
temporary quarters at Englishtown Road and Van Tines Lane. The permanent firehouse
was built on the same site in 1975.

1

Fireman’s Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
whenever ames may rage,
Give me the strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
Help me to embrace a little child
Before it’s too late,
Or some older person
from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert
And hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and e ciently
to put the re out.
I want to ll my calling
and give the best in me,
To guard my neighbor
And protect his property.
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand
My children and my wife

2

MemInory

of Department Members

South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company
In grateful Appreciation By their fellow
firefighter with whom they served

Benjamin Selover Dorson Burton Michael Grubiak
William Gransee Henry Denker Robert Landsnes
Anthony Lessendrillo Thomas English Joseph Moschetti
Charles J. Robinsky Bertus Shelters III Daniel McKinney
Frank A. Powell Sr. Michael Pulaski John Habinowski
Roy C. Morgan Alfonse Napoli Robert Rider
George Martin Harvey Nielsen Thomas D. Curry
Frank J. Flesch Sr. John Patrick John Paccione
Julius Magnani Clarence Mathieu Kenneth Totten
Thomas F. Miller Thomas Curry Jr. Robert Hardcastle
Michael A. Staats Thomas Lopresti Frank Powell
Walter J. Dudasko Sr. John Madden Richard Rowe
Arnold Applegate W.R. Ball Mitchell Laks
Robert Willis John Beeg Dennis Massa
William Bedle John Wilkinson Joseph Farrelly
Allen Plaisted John Glaccum Brian Lally
Wiiliam Vanderhoef Edward Putek Stephen Delaunay
Arthur Kelly Charlie Horbac Jack Sanchez
Albert Denker Kenneth Berry Robert L. Ritz
Jeff Goetz James Hannon
Robert Frankenbush Robert Klimowicz 3
Michael LoCascio
Raymond Hoerger
Robert Wilcox
Alfred Sellmeyer

Past
Presidents

W. Ball – 1948 R. Hart – 1987
G.H. Martin – 1949 J. Hannon – 1988
A. Denker – 1950 R. Ritz Sr. – 1989
G.H. Martin – 1951-1954 K. Koplin – 1990
S. Brittain – 1955 R. Diaz – 1991-1992
R. Siegler – 1956 J. Golding – 1993
G.H. Martin – 1957 A. Goretskie – 1994
H. Nielsen – 1958 P. Vento – 1995-1996
B. Nielsen – 1959 E. Williams – 1997-1998
A. Napoli – 1960-1961 W. Drake – 1999-2000
H. Amerin – 1962 K. Koplin – 2001
A. Bieninati – 1963 H. Reck – 2002
R. Arthur – 1964 J. Hannon – 2003-2004
E. Mattes – 1965 K. Koplin – 2005
R. Bartulewicz – 1966 J. Howe – 2006
t. Nulty – 1967 D. Cahill – 2007-2012
W. Taxis – 1968 D. Philips – 2013
J.W. Morgan – 1969 D. Cahill – 2014-2016
A.R. Guarriello Jr. – 1970 J. Hannon Jr. – 2017-2018
A. Sellmeyer – 1971 T. Howard – 2019-2021
A.R. Guarriello Jr. – 1972-1973 D. Cahill – 2022 -
F. Kopitskie – 1974
J. Bruno – 1975
R. Magner – 1976
R. Diaz – 1977-1978
E. Putek – 1979-1981
A. Sellmeyer – 1982-1983
R. Hardcastle – 1983-1984
P. Vento – 1985-1986

4

Past
Chiefs

M.A. Staats – 1948 R. Verney – 1996-1998
F. Emens – 1949
A. Applegate – 1950 SoutTh. OBeldhBnrkideg–e V1o9l9un9t-e2e0r0F1ire Company
W. Bedle – 1951 In Rgr.aVteefrunleAypp–re2c0ia0t2io-n20B1y8their fellow
H. Denker Sr. – 1952 fMire. fGigahltveirnw–ith20w1h9o-2m0t2h0ey served
W. Wilcox – 1953
W. Kessler – 1954 R. Dunn – 2021 -
F. Powell Sr. – 1955
R.C Morgan – 1956
W. Bedle – 1957
J. Mangnani – 1958-1960
R.C. Morgan – 1961-1962
W. Vanderhoff – 1963-1964
B.A. Shelters III – 1965-1966
K. Totten – 1967-1969
R. Ritz Sr. – 1970
B.A. Shelters III – 1971-1972
E. Putek – 1973
R. Diaz – 1974-1975
K. Berry – 1976
R. Rowe – 1977-1978
N. Stiles – 1979-1980
G. Cucchiara – 1981
R. Diaz – 1982-1987
K. Koplin – 1988
M. Ruane – 1989-1990
J. Habinowski – 1991-1992
B.A. Shelters IV – 1993-1994
T. Hart – 1995

5

Charter
Members

November 23, 1948

Senior Members

Adams, A. Klaczkiewz, J.
Applegate, A. Kordzinski, S.
Aumick, C.C. Leverberg, C.
Ball, W. Long, C.
Bedle, W. Martin, G.H.
Boyce, R.H. Miller, T.F.
Bragonier, W. Morgan, R.C.
Brown, W. Novelino, L.
Burton, D.L. Plaistead, A.
Cless, Wm. II Powell, F. Sr.
Condo, P. Pulaski, S.
Denker, A. Rhodes, C.H.
Denker, H. Scheffler, D.
Dattle, A. Selover, B.
Emens, A. Sibley, P.
Enders, G. Sica, F.
Fagan, T. Sickle, G.P.
Gray, W. Smit, W.
Gutowski, S. Statts, M.A.
Hyland, A. VanDerhoef, Wm.
Hyland, D. Wilcox, R.
Kessler, W. Willis, R.

Cless, R. Junior Members
Gibson, A. Jr.
Rhodes, R. Jr. Denker, H.
Pfeiffer, C.
White, D.

6

Executive Board

(2022)

President – Dennis Cahill
Vice President – Harry Davis
Secretary – Lisa Lent
Treasure – William O’Keefe

Trustees

Thomas Cerabone – Head Trustee
Joseph Czop

Michael Hawkins
Corey Stockert

Anthony Campagna

75th Anniversary Committee

Anthony Campagna Tim Chevalier Kevin Davis
Richard J. Dunn Lisa Lent Erik Sosa

7

Line Officers (2022)

CHIEF OFFICERS

Deputy Chief – Jeffery Sellmeyer
Chief – Richard J. Dunn
Deputy Chief – Erik Sosa

Engine Company #1
Officers

2nd Lieutenant – Ramon Paulino
Captain – Erik Ritz
1st Lieutenant – Stephen Thatcher

Engine Company #2
Officers

Captain – Joseph FrizalonE
1st Lieutenant – Ward Gribben
(Not in Picture)

Engine Company #3
Officers

Captain – Bertus Shelters IV

8

25 Anniversary

year South Old Bridge
Volunteer Fire Company

Membership Roster (1972)

A. Alfiere P. Horowitz F. Powell
R. Arters S. Horvath E. Putek
J. Aspen A. Kelly R. Rider
J. Beeg F. Kopitskie R. Ritz
K. Berry A. Kopystenski J. Roche
W. Beysel R. Landsness P. Rosenblum
R. Blair A. Levine J. Sanchez
G. Brown M. LoCascio A. Sellmeyer
J. Czop T. Lopresti B. Shelters
A. Denker C. Maine I. Silkes
H. Denker J. Madden S. Smith
D. Denning M. Malpede N. Stiles
R. Diaz C. Mathieu R. Taureck
D. DiCorcia E. Mattes W. Taxis
W. Dudasko P. McNulty J. Termini
T. English T. Moran K. Totten
J. Farrelly J. Morgan R. Totten
R. Frankenbush J. Moschetti J. Vanderhoef
J. Glaccum D. Murphy W. Vanderhoef
E. Glosenger A. Napoli J. Walker
J. Goetz H. Nielson L. Wallitsch
M. Grubiak S. Pado J. Weidner
A. Guarriello J. Patrick R. Wilcox
R. Hoerger A. Plaisted J. Wilkinson
C. Horbac K. Pleuss R. Willis

9

50 Anniversary

year South Old Bridge
Volunteer Fire Company

Membership Roster (1997)

Scott Acquista Mike Gurbiak Mike Pulaski
Tom Appruzzi John Habinowski Ed Putek
Robert Barbaro James Hannon Keith Raftery
Tom Behnke Robert Hardcastle Robert Rider
Ken Berry Tom Hart Robert Ritz
Troy Brezniak Ray Hoerger Robert Ritz Jr.
Mike Burnett August Horbac Richard Rowe
Tom Cerabone Tom Howardg Marty Ruane
Al Cohen Jason Howe Jack Sanchez
G. Cucchiara Mike Kaplan Mike Sassi
Tom Curry Sr. Mitch Kaplan Jeff Sellmeyer
Tom Curry Jr. Bob Klimowicz Bert Shelters III
Joe Czop Kevin Koplin Bert Shelters IV
Harry Davis Jr. Mitch Laks Stan Smith
Richard Dealy III Brian Lally Keith Stanger
Steve Delaunay Frank Lally Jeff Stiles
David Demarco Bob Landsnes Nathan Stiles Jr.
Richard Diaz Mike Locascio Justin Strauss
John Dorko Tom Lopresti Frank Suchan
Bill Drake Davis Lugo Ray Taureck
Tom English Conor Lynch Eric Timmins
Joe Farrelly Brian Maine Ken Totten
Gary Filik Dennis Massa Ray Totten
Mike Fogarty Bud Mathieu Gerard Velardi
Keith Foiles Lenny McFee Robert Verney
Keith Gibson Dan McKinney Robert Vislocky
Ken Gibson Bryant Mendola Glenn Ward
Ken Gibson Jr. Joe Moschetti Robert Wilcox
Kevin Gibson Douglas Mount John Wilkinson
John Glaccum Harvey Nielsen Ed Williams Jr.
John Golding Stan Pado Tom Williard
Albert Goretski John Patrick Ray Wilson
Steve Goretski Frank Powell

10

75 Anniversary

year South Old Bridge
Volunteer Fire Company

Membership Roster (2022)

Active Life Member*

Thomas Appruzzi* Michael Galvin* William O'Keefe*
Robert Bell Kenneth Gibson Sr.* Stanley Pado*
Vincenzo Bianco Kenneth Gibson Jr.* Don Phillips*
Raphael Blum* John Golding* Erik Ritz*
Michael Brady Albert Goretski* Robert Ritz Jr.*
William Bright Stephen Goretski* Martin Ruane *
Michael Bucci Ward Gribben Michael Sassi*
Michael Burnett* Chester Hammel* Jeffrey Sellmeyer*
Kevin Burns James Hannon Jr.* John Sellmeyer*
Gerald Caballero Thomas Hart * Bertus Shelters IV*
Dennis Cahill* Lawrence Haughney Stanley Smith*
Anthony Campagna Michael Hawkins* Connor Smith
Thomas Cerabone* Thomas Howard* Erik Sosa
Timothy Chevalier Jason Howe* Jeffery Stiles*
Alan Cohen* Michael Kaplan* Nathan Stiles Jr.*
Gerald Cucchiara* Mitchell Kaplan* Corey Stockert
Joseph Czop* Kristen Kellett* Justin Strauss*
Harry Davis Jr.* Kevin Koplin* Frank Suchan*
Richard Dealy III* Francis Lally* Raymond Taureck*
Michael Decker Lisa Lent Stephen Thatcher*
David DeMarco* Randy Litz* Eric Timmins*
John Denney* Gregg LoCascio Raymond Totten*
Richard Diaz* Davis Lugo* Gerard Velardi*
William Drake* Brian Maine* Ryan Verney
Richard Dunn* Robert Massa Robert Verney Jr.*
Gary Filik* Chris McCoullough* Robert Vislocky*
John Fitzgerald* Bryant Mendola* Edward Williams Jr.*
Joseph Frizalone* Douglas Mount*

Inactive Members Honorary Members

Robert Barbaro Robert Henn Kevin Davis
Chaplin
Christine Peters Gary Gruenewald
11

Congratulations

to the South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Company for

75th

year

75 Years of faithful and dedicated service
to the residents of Fire District 3 – Township of Old Bridge

Board of Fire Commissioners Fire District 3
Township of Old Bridge

Martin F. Ruane – President
Michael Sassi – Vice President
Bertus A. Shelters, IV – Clerk
Kenneth R. Totten – Treasure
Chester T. Hammel – Asst. Clerk

Employees of Fire District

Robert E. Verney, Jr – Chief of Fire Administration
Pamela Murphy – Secretary

Bureau of Fire Prevention

Thomas Hart – Fire Marshal
Matthew Bond – Deputy Fire Marshal
John DePinto – Deputy Fire Marshal

Partnering together to Preserve Life and Property
12

Engine Company #1
958 Englishtown Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Engine Company #2
14 Throckmorton Lane
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

Engine Company #3
1599 Englishtown Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

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14

15

16

17

Anniversary Apparatus

1947 to 1997 – 50th Anniversary Pumper
Engine 323 (Formerly Engine 321)

1947 to 2022 – 75th Anniversary Pumper
Engine 327

18

19

20

21

Community Thank you!

The South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company
would like to take a moment to sincerely

thank the residents of Fire District #3 and
Old Bridge Township for their unwavering
support for the men and woman of the fire

company throughout our 75 years of
dedicated and honorable service.

The community’s support is so important to our
membership since we too are residents and

members of the Old Bridge Community, and we
believe in giving back and volunteering to the

community that we adore.

As we start the next chapter in our history,
our admiration and gratitude of our fire

district, town and residents grows stronger.
We look to another 75 years of dedicated

service, and without you, we wouldn’t be the
fire company that we are today.

22

The South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Company

would like to thank

Campbell Supply Company and Spartan

for their generosity and sponsorship
of our 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Exceptional Quality and Craftmanship

75th Anniversary Apparatus

SOBFD is Proud of our New Engine 327

The Members of South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co.

would like to recognize

the “All Around Old Bridge Publication”

for their support throughout the years
with our media outreach.

Truly an amazing community resource.

23

Thank you to Tony and his wonderful staff at Krispy Pizza
for their sponsorship and always supporting the
South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Company.

Always Fresh
& Delicious

Thank you to All American Ford

for their sponsorship of our 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Genuine and Gracious
Community Partners

SOBVFC &
All American Ford
Stand Together

24

Luxury Apartments Premier Retail Modern O ces

Paramount Assets is proud to sponsor and support
the South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co. and our employees
who bravely and honorably serve the Old Bridge
Community through their volunteerism.

We’re proud of Christopher McCollough, William
Drake, Ward Gribben and Chief Richard J. Dunn
for their service.

www.ParamountAssets.com

South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co. Thank you to Bagel Boy
appreciates our friends at for being a sponsor of our
75th Anniversary Celebration
Custom Landscaping and Lawn and always donating your
Care for their sponsorship of delicious bagels and food for

our 75th Anniversary our functions!
Celebration.

Custom Landscaping
& Lawn Care

1900 Englishtown Road
Monroe, NJ 08831

25

The South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Company

sincerely appreciates
the generous support and sponsorship of our

75th Anniversary Celebration by the
At the Shoppes at Old Bridge
3833 US 9
Old Bridge, NJ 08857

26

The South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Company

would like to sincerely thank

&the Old Bridge Board of Education

the School Administration

for their continued partnership and collaboration for
the betterment of the Children and the Old Bridge
School Community.

With Sincere Appreciation and Gratitude

Old Bridge Board of Education Members:

Frank Weber – Board President
Lisa Lent – Vice President
Theresa Burns – Member
Jill R. Cali – Member
Elena Francisco – Member

Salvatore Giordano – Member
Leonardo Marchetta – Member

Jay D. Slade – Member
Matt Sulikowski – Member

School Administration:

Superintendent of Schools – David Cittadino
School Business Administrator / Board Secretary – Joseph J. Marra

Assistant Superintendent of Schools – Kathleen Hoeker, Ed.D

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The South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co would like to sincerely
thank the Nederlander Organization for their incredible
sponsorship of our 75th Anniversary Celebration. Their

generosity and support is very much appreciated.

Nederlander Productions supports, celebrates,
and honors the men and woman who are 1st
Responders in their communities.

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The Members of South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co.

would like to thank

David Hernandez and the
Old Bridge Funeral Home

sincerely and wholeheartedly for their incredible donation
and sponsorship of our 75th Anniversary Celebration.

The compassion, kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness
are greatly appreciated.

“Family Owned & Operated”

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Special Thank you to

Donnelly’s Top Hat Catering

Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
[email protected]
732-690-4400

Champion Awards Group - Express Imprintables Inc.

Monroe Twp – New Jersey 08831
[email protected]

732-251-6262

Thank you to our Food Vendors

Operation Sammich

Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
732-841-6113

Nikkis Dawgs and More, LLC

Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857
855-645-5473

Fossil Farms. LLC

Boonton, New Jersey 07005
973-917-3276

7C5tahrAdnnSivpeorsnarsyoGrifst

Tuscany Italian Specialist – Old Bridge – 155 Texas Road
Old Bridge Diner – 1146 Englishtown Road

30 Top Nails Space – 159 Texas Road

South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co. would like to
acknowledge and thank our mutual aid fire

departments and partners for always
answering the call for help. Without their
assistance and resources, our job of protecting
and serving the residents of Fire District #3 and
Old Bridge would be much more difficult.

Cheesequake Vol. Fire Co. – Old Bridge Township
Old Bridge Vol. Fire Co. – East Brunswick Township
Monroe Twp. Vol. Fire Co. #1 – Monroe Township

Robertsville Vol. Fire Co. – Marlboro Township
Madison Park Vol. Fire Co. – Old Bridge Township
Spotswood Fire Department – Borough of Spotswood
East Brunswick Independent Fire Company – East Brunswick Township
Monroe Twp. Fire District #3 – Monroe Township
South River Fire Department – Borough of South River
Sayreville Fire Department – Borough of Sayreville
Englishtown Fire Department – Borough of Englishtown

31

The South Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Company and its members
would like to recognize and thank

Mayor Owen Henry

and the Township Council for their steadfast support.
We appreciate and applaud their commitment
to our volunteer firefighters.

Old Bridge Township
Middlesex County, NJ

Township Council

Mary Sohor – Council President
Debbie Walker – Vice President
Dr. Anita Greenberg-Belli – Councilwoman At-Large
Kevin Garcia – Ward 1 Councilman
Erik DePalma – Ward 2 Councilman
Kiran Desai – Ward 3 Councilman
Jill DeCaro – Ward 4 Councilwoman
Tony Paskitti – Ward 5 Councilman
John E. Murphy III – Ward 6 Councilman

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