All in the Family: Millburn Welcomes New Generation of Firefighters

The Essex County Public Safety Academy recently graduated three new volunteer firefighters from Millburn — and all three are proud to be continuing family legacies stretching back over decades.

Volunteer Firefighter Donald Aurnhammer, Jr. is a sixth-generation firefighter, and follows a long line of Aurnhammers in Millburn as well as New Mexico. Donald’s father, Donald Sr., is a 15-year veteran of the Millburn Fire Department. His uncle, Tom Aurnhammer, started his career as a volunteer in Millburn before relocating to Farmington, New Mexico and working his way up to the position of Fire Chief. He now serves as Deputy Fire Chief of the Los Pinos Fire Department in Colorado.

Volunteer Firefighter Sam Caivano, Jr. is a third-generation firefighter, following in the footsteps of Sam Sr., a 20-year career firefighter. Sam Jr.’s grandfather, Joseph Caivano, served as a captain with the Millburn Fire Department before his retirement, and Sam’s Uncle Mark is also a volunteer firefighter in Millburn.

Volunteer Firefighter Jeffrey Cort, Jr., a second-generation firefighter, is the son of Jeffrey Sr., a fire captain in his 20th year on the job. Jeffrey Jr.’s uncle is Battalion Chief Edward Wade, who serves as the Department’s Administrative Chief.

“All three of our new volunteers hope to become career firefighters, and I’m proud to welcome them to the Department’s roster,” Millburn Fire Chief J. Michael Roberts said. “I join their families and colleagues in wishing them safe, fulfilling careers in service to our community.”

Pictured from left to right: Firefighter Sam Caivano, Sr; Volunteer Firefighter Sam Caivano, Jr; Millburn Fire Chief Michael Roberts; Volunteer Firefighter Donald Aurnhammer, Jr.; Firefighter Donald Aurnhammer, Sr.; Volunteer Firefighter Jeffrey Cort, Jr.; and Captain Jeffrey Cort, Sr.

Photo courtesy of Brendan Middleton, Millburn Fire Department

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