BELVIDERE, NJ (Warren County) — The Warren County Fire Academy held a heartfelt commencement ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 19, for its 91st Class of Firefighter One at The Manor at Good Will Fire Company. The event celebrated the achievements of the graduates, who are now prepared to serve their communities as first responders.
Commissioner Lori Ciesla attended the ceremony to congratulate and thank the academy graduates.
“For taking up the mantle of firefighter, our community will be forever indebted to you. When others are running away from fires you will be running towards them, when others are sleeping peacefully at night you will be called on to jump into action, when someone might be having the worst day of their life you will be there for them,” Ciesla said.
“Congratulations on graduating and on becoming instant heroes to all of us,” Ciesla said.
The ceremony also marked a bittersweet moment as Chief Joseph Fox, Sr. announced his retirement after a distinguished career in fire service. A former Fire Chief of the Washington Fire Department, Chief Fox joined the Warren County Fire Academy as an instructor in 1994 and became its coordinator in 2006. Over his tenure, he oversaw the graduation of 27 Firefighter One classes and five Firefighter Two classes.
Warren County Department of Public Safety Director Dennis Riley presented Chief Fox with an award honoring his 30 years of service to the academy.
“I would like to thank Joe for his dedication and support to Warren County and to the academy. His knowledge and leadership will surely be missed,” Riley stated.
Congratulations to the 91st Class of Firefighter One and best wishes to Chief Fox on his well-deserved retirement, county officials said.
