Lakewood Fire Department Celebrates Growth, Heroism at Annual Awards Dinner

Firefighters of the Lakewood Fire Department – both career and volunteer – gathered on Thursday evening at the Eagle Ridge Ballroom for a special dinner honoring their lifesaving work.

In recent years, the Lakewood Fire Department has substantially increased the rolls of firefighters – both career and volunteer – as well as its fleet of emergency vehicles and overall professionalism. This progress has been recognized by the independent Insurance Services Office (ISO), which raised Lakewood’s fire safety rating from 5 to 3, among the best in the nation.

State Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Avi Schnall, who represent Lakewood in Trenton, presented a special Proclamation from the State in honor of the Fire Department and its firefighters to the Department’s Commissioners and top brass. Senator Singer and Assemblyman Schnall admired, in particular, how volunteerism in the Fire Department and other Lakewood organizations are at record highs – with waiting lists – despite the general societal trend away from volunteer work.

Lakewood Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein, representing the Mayor and Township Committee, presented a Proclamation from the Township in honor of the Department and its firefighters. He noted the dangers inherent in the job, and the sacrifices made by both the firefighters and their family members – many of whom were in the audience – who embrace this lifesaving work, despite the risks involved.

“We have seen you in action over the years, and thank you for your vital work,” said Committeeman Lichtenstein. “Lakewood Township looks forward to continue providing the Board of Fire Commissioners with all the resources and support you need.”

Special awards were presented to various firefighters, highlighting various milestones of service – some of whom have been serving for decades.  In addition, several volunteers firefighters were sworn in by Chief Jonathan T. Yahr, continuing their commitment to selfless lifesaving service.

“It was an honor and privilege to acknowledge the heroic work of Lakewood’s firefighters who put their lives on the line each day to protect and save the people of Lakewood,” says Yehuda Beer, Lakewood Fire Department Administrator. “I would also like to thank the Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, the Lakewood Township Committee and our representatives in Trenton for always being there for us and providing our firefighters with the resources they need to save lives.”