Berkeley Celebrates Bayville Fire Company’s 75th Anniversary

BERKELEY, NJ — Hundreds of people celebrated the start of summer Wednesday night at the first concert of the year in Veterans Park, though Berkeley had another occasion that called for celebration.

The Bayville Volunteer Fire Company was in attendance to celebrate the department’s 75th anniversary of providing fire protection to Berkeley residents.

“We’re very honored to have men and women from the Bayville Volunteer Fire Company, who this year is their 75th anniversary,” said Mayor Carmen Amato. “For 75 years they’ve been answering the call no matter what time of the day to make sure our homes and businesses are safe.”

The Bayville Fire Company was formed in 1946 when the neighboring Ocean Gate Fire Company announced it would no longer be able to provide fire protection to the growing town. The 55-member company now responds to about 500 to 600 service calls each year.

The fire company is one of the few in Ocean County with an accredited and specialized team of firefighters specifically trained and called upon to rescue injured firefighters across the county.

Members stood in front of the stage while Amato and council members read a proclamation that commended the all-volunteer fire company for their service to the community. They received applause from the crowd as firetrucks flashed their lights and sounded sirens.

According to Amato’s proclamation, the fire department’s suppression needs are funded through Berkeley’s budget, but the buildings, utilities, uniforms and membership needs rely solely on donations from the community.

The fire company will continue accepting donations and selling 75th anniversary-themed shirts at the” Sounds of Summer” concert series at Veterans Park.

The Jukebox Legends took the stage at 6 p.m. followed by the AM Gold Yacht Rock Party. The performances were capped off with a fireworks display.

“It’s so nice to be outside with friends and family. It’s been a long 13 months hasn’t it?” Amato said to the audience. “Last year we were able to put forth an abbreviated summer season and this year we’re going to have a better summer season because we’ve got great entertainment all summer long.”

The next concert in the series will feature Gerard Esposito performing music from Broadway to Vegas and Total Soul playing songs from the ‘60s through today on July 7 at 6 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at 9 p.m. Read more: Berkeley Summer Concert Series 2021 Lineup Announced

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.