The Deptford fire department won several awards at the annual New Jersey Fireman’s annual convention in Wildwood on Sept. 14, including – most notably – the President’s Cup for best overall fire department in the state.
The event began with a parade and ended with convention awards, where winners are also chosen in the categories of best fire ladders; engines; and departments, among others.
“The Deptford fire department has spent the last four months cleaning, painting and maintaining the apparatus and equipment,” said township Fire Chief Rich Thomas. “It’s a matter of pride and ownership for the volunteers to take the time from their schedules and family to present the finest and cleanest apparatus and equipment to be judged at this yearly event.”
Five of the department’s fire companies were represented at the convention: Blackwood Terrace, Almonesson Lake, Oak Valley, Helping Hand and Tacoma. On top of the President’s Cup, the department won 12 other awards.
It also took first place for best appearing 1960s antique, for Almonesson’s Ladder 906; first place for best appearing platform, for ladder tower 926; first place for best appearing brush truck for unit 925; first in best appearing engine from six to 15 years in service for engine 933; first in best appearing command unit for command unit 930; second in best appearing engine for an engine 16 to 25 years in service for engine 912; second for best appearing color guard; and first for best appearing cadets.
The township department also won the award for best appearing Gloucester County apparatus for ladder tower 926; best appearing pipe and drums band; the William Carney award for best overall apparatus; the award for best fire department with music; and the Libby award for best apparatus overall for engine 933.
After the ceremony ended, Thomas again praised the department’s volunteers, who prepared equipment for the convention.
“It’s the volunteers that do everything for it,” he insisted. “Setting everything up is a labor of love for the guys. Everything they did shows pride and ownership for the gear they take out on emergencies.
“We are Deptford proud.”
