“BEDROCK OF THE COMMUNITY’S SECURITY”: More than 40 members of the Princeton Fire Department were honored at the January 22 Princeton Council meeting for their many years of service to the community. In the front row, seated, from left, are Anthony Krystaponis, 50 years of service; John Clausen, 60 years; and Robert “Higgie” Higgins, 75 years. (Photo courtesy of Cynthia Clausen)

By Donald Gilpin

More than 40 members of the Princeton Fire Department (PFD) received awards for a total of thousands of years of service to the community In a ceremony at last week’s Princeton Council meeting.

“Celebrating their unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to community safety,” according to a PFD press release, the ceremony marked a return to tradition after a hiatus and postponement of award presentations since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To the valiant members of our fire department, your courage and selflessness have been the bedrock of our community’s security,” said Assistant Chief Hank S. Pannell in introducing the event. “Whether battling flames, rescuing lives, or providing crucial support, you have exemplified the true spirit of service. Tonight we express our deepest gratitude for your sacrifices, for every sleepless night, and for every moment you’ve spent ensuring the safety of our community.”

He also thanked the families of members, referring to them as “the silent heroes, enabling our firefighter to serve with dedication.” He added, ”Behind every firefighter is a network of loved ones who share in the sacrifices and challenges. Your encouragement, understanding, and resilience do not go unnoticed.”

Princeton Mayor Mark Freda, who was honored for 45 years of service to the PFD, pointed out that the tradition of these awards goes back to the PFD’s Annual Inspection, which was held every year in June with a parade down Nassau Street followed by a ceremony in front of Monument Hall.

“All the fire trucks would line up,” said past chief and current Princeton Engine Company No. 1 President William D. Shields, who emceed the awards ceremony. “The mayor and Council would inspect the operation, and there would be a celebration at night.” Over the years the parade gave way to a dinner ceremony, then the arrival of the pandemic brought a halt to public gatherings.

This year’s ceremony made up for several years of past awards that were not given out during the pandemic years. “The model of presenting these awards at a meeting of mayor and Council may be what we do going forward,” Freda wrote in an email.

Robert “Higgy” Higgins, who joined Princeton Engine Company No. 1 in 1948, was the senior honoree with 75 years of service; Edward Moyer, John Clausen, and Jack Petrone were honored for 60 years of service; and George Johnson for 55 — all five the recipients of a proclamation from the mayor, Council, and Municipality of Princeton honoring their years of volunteer service.

William Hunter, Anthony Krystaponis, William D. Shields, Alfred Kahn, and Henry F. Shields were recognized for 50 years of service; Eric Karch and Jeffrey Golomb, in addition to Freda, for 45; Robert Toole and Alex Versfeld for 40 years; Thomas Stange, David Steward, Michael Miller, Neil Hunter, Anthony Santoro, Daniel Tomalin, and David Goldfarb for 35 years; William Urian for 30; George Luck III and Rick Miller for 25; Alexander Ridings and Lietta Kahn for 20; Michael Golomb, James Simon, Sal Baldino, Matthew Freedman, T.R. Johnson, and Henry Pannell for 15; Gregory Griffis, W. Patrick Shields, and Ronald Dilapo for 10; and A. Douglas Davis, Mark Sitek, Gianluca Baldino, Yvette Felder, Keith Wadsworth, and Luke Walthour for five years of service.

“I don’t think you can find a better group of people,” said William Shields, reflecting on his more than 50 years of service. “The Princeton Fire Department is interwoven in the tapestry of the town. Our membership has included the police chief, the mayor, postal workers and officials, lawyers, members of the business community, University students, and many more — all types. All are treated on one level. All are there for the same purpose.”

Pannell added, “We have people from every walk of life, and you form relationships with people you may not have met otherwise. For me, serving on the Princeton Fire Department has not only allowed me to actively contribute to the safety of my community, it also gives a chance to become a part of a bigger family.”

He continued, “Since its inception in 1788, the Princeton Fire Department has been steadfast in its mission to protect the community from fires and emergencies. The awards ceremony serves as a testament to the enduring dedication of its members, who have selflessly served the community.”

Shields and Pannell both urged locals to come out and support the PFD. “As we celebrate our history and achievements, the Princeton Fire Department remains committed to its mission and is actively seeking new volunteer members to join our ranks,” said Pannell. “We encourage community members to consider becoming a part of our tradition of service and community protection. As the department looks to the future, it remains committed to upholding the tradition of safeguarding the community.”