Fire Company In Chatham Celebrates 125 Years Of Service

CHATHAM, NJ — The Chatham Fire Department's volunteer firefighters have been standing by, ready to respond, for more than a century—125 years to be exact.

In honor of the occasion, the fire department will be holding an open house on May 6 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Reasoner Park, Firehouse Plaza. There will be live music, food trucks, an ice cream truck and a beer garden at the event.

At the April 24 council meeting, Chatham Borough Mayor Thaddeus Kobylarz read an official proclamation honoring the department and their contributions to the community. The proclamation was presented to George Sweetin, a member of the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department, who organized the anniversary celebration.

"I hope to see you all Saturday in the afternoon, there will be a variety of foods and some music after five," Sweetin said.

Sweetin stated that the department will also have journals on Saturday that chronicle the history of the fire department over the last century. The journal will also include a list of all the volunteers who have served the community over the years.

"It's a long list. It's great. I'm very proud to be one. I had great mentors in this town. This is why I became a fireman. Our department has always had an attitude of taking care of the young, and that is still there today," Sweetin said.

The Chatham Borough Fire Department was established in 1898 and was divided into two companies, each with only twenty members.

With the passage of time, the department initiated a number of community service projects and recreation events that borough residents continue to enjoy today. The annual fishing derby, Christmas tree pick-up, and, of course, the Fourth of July parade were all part of the festivities.

The annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks display is one of the most anticipated events in the borough, and Sweetin previously said that he expects it to be even bigger this year.

"On the Fourth of July, we are going to do a little extra with the fireworks at the end of the day, and we are trying to get a couple more fire departments to participate in the parade, as well as bands… It's a work in progress," Sweetin said.

The original headquarters of the fire department were in the Ryerson Building on South Passaic Avenue, near the parking lot in front of the old Post Office. The borough council authorized the addition to the fire station, which is now located on Fire House Plaza, just off Main Street, in 1996.

During normal business hours during the week, the department is mostly made up of volunteers, with a Chief of Department, a fire official and a daytime fire inspector.