Historic Find Returned To The Long Valley Fire Company

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Browsing the internet can often lead to amazing discoveries, including the discovery of a historical artifact.

According to the Long Valley Fire Company, a resident recently discovered a piece of local history while browsing the e-commerce site eBay.

A historic badge was recently given to the fire department after it was discovered by an anonymous resident who claimed to be looking for historic items when they came across the enclosed badge.

"It is very exciting getting such a rare piece and to bring it back to its proper home," fire officials said.

The badge is thought to date from before 1918 and was shipped from Lakeland, Florida, according to the buyer. Prior to WWI, Long Valley was known as German Valley. After the war, the town was renamed Long Valley.

The local station was known as German Valley Fire before it became Long Valley Fire Company, which is the name depicted on the badge.

"We are very grateful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of the very kind gentleman who had no affiliation with Washington Township," fire officials said.

At the buyer's request, the historic badge will be displayed at the fire station for the enjoyment of the entire membership.