READINGTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Hunterdon County Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren on Wednesday, Jan. 31 attended the Firefighter 1 graduate ceremony to honor volunteer fire fighters upon the completion of their training.
The ceremony was held at the Readington Fire Department, in Whitehouse Station. Graduates attending represented county fire companies from 14 different municipalities.
Commissioner Van Doren passed out certificates to the graduates in attendance and said, “On behalf of myself and the entire Commissioners Board, I would like to thank each graduate for stepping up to volunteer and their commitment to serve and protect County residents in each of your respective departments.”
“I am proud to have grown up in a family of volunteer fire fighters, including my oldest brother, and father who served as a charter member and lifelong volunteer of the Oldwick Fire Company. Fire safety education is an ongoing process, and these graduates are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for others,” Van Doren said.
The 40 attendees of the Firefighter 1 Fire Training Academy are required to complete 290 hours of training, over the course of three and a half months. Training is equivalent to the completion of a college course and the trainee must endure physical, mental, and emotional stamina to endure the program.
The Readington Volunteer Fire Company (RVFC), that was established in 1958, was organized to provide fire protection coverage to portions of both Readington and Branchburg Townships. Volunteers respond to emergencies 24/7/365 along with mutual aid partners to provide fire protection to residents and businesses.
Along with providing fire protection, RVFC also provides rescue functions such as vehicle extrication and rope rescue. Members are trained to National Fire Protection Association standards and are available to assist in larger rescue efforts that may arise in a time of need.
