Flagtown Firefighting Families: A Legacy Of Heroes Serving Together

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — It's truly a family affair at Flagtown Fire/Rescue - Hillsborough Volunteer Fire Co. #1, which has a long history of multi-generational service.

The fire company, established in 1938 and located in the Flagtown section of Hillsborough, has had many current and previous members who have been fathers, sons, brothers, sisters, and daughters of members, all serving the community together.

Currently, the department has six parent/child firefighting duos who volunteer their time to help keep the community safe.

"We find that having so many families serving together in the fire company makes it more of a family atmosphere and truly represents the value of a community-centered organization," said Deputy Fire Chief Michael Guzy to Patch.

Father and son duo Jason and Andrew Lodato are the latest family members to join the department.

As a child, Andrew loved anything having to do with firefighting.

"We had birthday parties with fire trucks, and he would go down to the fire house and he would check things out," said Lodato of his son.

Lodato described his son as "very kind and caring, compassionate, and a daredevil and a hard worker."

Andrew has had a job since he was 14 years old and is known around the community for helping with odd-and-end jobs such as walking dogs and small engine repairs.

So when Andrew started inquiring about joining the fire department, Lodato wasn't surprised.

"I joined because I was born and raised in Flagtown and was always around the department with a close family friend who was part of the department, always letting me stop by when I was a little kid and sit in the trucks," said Andrew. "When I turned 17, I decided I wanted to join and help people in my community and be a part of the Flagtown fire company."

After joining in November 2024, Andrew would share all of his experiences and training with Lodato.

"He comes home and talks about it every single day. 'Dad, you gotta hear about what we trained, and this and that,' and he goes on and on. I could just tell the passion that he has," said Lodato.

After hearing all of the stories, Lodato decided to join his son and serve on the department alongside him.

"You know, firefighting is almost like every little boy's dream. At some point in your life, you think, 'Oh, I'd love to be a fireman.' So besides joining it with him, there's part of me that is like, 'Hey, I wonder if I can do that? If I would be good at that?' " said Lodato.

Lodato joined the department on June 2 and will now undergo training.

"Serving the community with my father is an amazing experience I can share with him. Going through lots of training and pushing each other to become better each day," said Andrew.

Lodato said serving with his son is special since his daughter, who is 21, has moved out, and Andrew is now 18, where he is at a point in his life when he wants to do his own thing.

"It'll be nice to have this together for the foreseeable future, where we'll always be doing these different things together," said Lodato. "I'm excited about spending all this time with him, because even if he does move out of the house, we'll still have this connection between us and the fire department."

Lodato's wife, Karen, also expressed how proud she was of the duo.

"Being a firefighter can be an extremely dangerous job, so as a mom and a wife, I would be lying if I didn't say I was a little scared every time they run out of the house to a call," said Karen. "That being said, I am also beyond proud of both of them, and I am so glad it is something they can do together."

Parent/Child Firefighters

Four other parent/child firefighter duos on the department also shared their stories.

Tyler (Son) & Bill Riordan (Dad):

Tyler Riordan joined in November 2009. He is the department's current Fire Chief. His father Bill joined quite a few years after Tyler had been an active member.

"I had a friend in high school whose dad is on the company, and he was always talking about it, so I thought I would check it out. He brought me down on my 16th birthday, and I’ve been here since," said Tyler. "It was weird at first because I was a Lieutenant when my dad joined, I was his 'boss' but he understood that’s the way it was. Overall, it’s an awesome feeling to work with him and see him progress in the company. I’m glad that he decided to join."

Bill joined in March 2016 and went through fire school at the age of 58.

"My dad was a member of Station Two when I was growing up, and then Tyler joined Station One, and just getting to know people and being around, I decided to join," said Bill. "I’ve been a proud dad because he’s worked his way through the ranks and made it to chief, which is the only time in his life that he’ll be able to boss me around."

Mike (Dad) and Delaney (Daughter) Carone:

Mike joined the fire department in February 2009 and immediately started fire school.

"I joined the fire department as a mid-life crisis and was interested in becoming more involved in the community," said Mike. "It makes me feel proud to see my daughter serving in the fire service and showing that she has what it takes to be an excellent addition to the fire district, and is respected by her peers.

Delaney joined the fire department in 2017 after she turned 16 years old.

"My dad became a firefighter when I was little, so I grew up around the firehous,e and the members became a second family to me. It was something I knew I always wanted to become a part of, not just because of my dad, but because it’s an awesome job and a cool way to serve our community," said Delaney. "Serving alongside my dad feels pretty cool. He's always been my role model, and sharing this incredible experience as a father-daughter team makes it even more special!"

Nancy Murray (Mom) and Mariel Gulla (Daughter):

Nancy joined the department in 2012.

"I joined the department because I finally had people around me who supported my decision to join the fire department," said Nancy. "It makes me very proud to have my daughter join the fire department with me. There is so much work and commitment that goes into volunteer firefighting, and she really puts the work in. Who knows, this could be the start of a legacy!"

Mariel joined Flagtown in January of 2022.

"I was surrounded by the fire department’s members at a young age and knew that I wanted to be like them. Watching them help people and witnessing their acts of bravery, I wanted to join them to help my community. The family I’ve gained at Flagtown was an unexpected benefit that has changed my life for the better," said Mariel. "I am grateful for my mother’s membership because it introduced me to what being a firefighter is all about. Being able to serve with my mom allowed me to find overwhelming support and allowed us to push each other to succeed. It’s been really cool to have her by my side."

Mike Guzy (Dad) & Ryan (son):

Mike is the department's current Deputy Chief. He joined in July 2013.

"I joined my local volunteer fire company in 1993 and made a career out of firefighting, with this year marking my 25th year on the job. Firefighting was something I loved as a kid and it was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I joined the fire Company here when I met a girl (who later became my wife) and moved to Hillsborough," said Mike. "Firefighting is so much more than it seems to the outsider. There is a bond among us that is hard to explain, and it encompasses so many different responsibilities, from helping people to solving all sorts of problems, not just fighting fires."

"My son Ryan was around firehouses all his life, seeing him join at the age of 16 was exciting, and watching him thrive as he found his passion, becoming a certified firefighter, is such a proud parent moment," continued Mike. "I am excited to watch and support him as he chases his dream to become a career firefighter."

Ryan joined in December 2022.

"I joined because my dad and I thought it would be a cool way to help people," said Ryan. "It’s really cool getting to serve with my dad. It has given me a chance to be closer with him in a way not many people get and it’s awesome being able to help others together."

Interested in volunteering or becoming a firefighter? Visit flagtownfd.com or email JoinUs@flagtownfd.com.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.