Ocean Gate Thanks Bayville Firefighters For Fire Response

BERKELEY, NJ — A recent house fire in Ocean Gate led to some confusion on social media as Bayville firefighters were dispatched instead of Ocean Gate's own. But there's no lingering tension, as Ocean Gate officials joined a recent Berkeley Township Council to express their gratitude.

Ocean Gate Council President James McGrath, a retired Jersey City firefighter, praised Bayville's work.

"The other day, January 16, when you got up and showed up at our fire, the professionalism you showed in your actions, I just want to say I greatly appreciate you and you guys saved us," McGrath said.

"You guys our basically our backbone of our fire department," Ocean Gate Mayor Bob Curtin said. "We're a small town, and we totally rely on you guys."

Curtin supplied the Bayville firefighters with a proclamation honoring their "outstanding response."

"The quick response and bravery is commendable," Curtin said.

Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione said that the township's three fire departments are "second to none" in New Jersey.

"There are people waiting on a list just to get into this company," Bacchione said of the Bayville Fire Department. "So this is, in my opinion, the number one volunteer fire company in the state of New Jersey."