NJ Fire and EMS Institute Annual Dinner and Meeting A Success

Despite, or perhaps in the face of the sluggish economy, New Jersey’s emergency responder leadership crowded the ballroom of the Marriott at Lafayette Yard to enjoy a fine meal and learn the latest information from our state and national capitols during the NJ Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute 2010 Annual Dinner on June 14. The group was updated on the latest efforts to aid firefighting and EMS out of Washington, DC by Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, who left the gathering with a motivational message of advocacy through unity.

Later, Assemblyman Jack Conners was honored as the Institute’s Legislator of the Year for his efforts to promote fire safety through legislation, including sponsoring passage of one of the nation’s first safe cigarette laws, which has become the model law for other states. The Chairman of the NJ Legislative Fire Services Caucus, Assemblyman Fred Scalera of Essex County updated the group on activities of the Caucus and announced plans for a public forum with Fire Services Caucus members in Wildwood during the September firefighter convention.

A touching moment in the program came as Jacob J. ‘Jake’ Genovay of Hamilton Township received the C. Kenneth Anderson Founders Award for Lifetime Achievement, acknowledging his sixty six years of duty in the fire service in New Jersey. His family, including his children and grandchildren, were there to share this special honor.

Our thanks once again to the Reverend John H. Maltby of the Monmouth Junction First Aid Squad for his inspirational words to open and close the event, and to another founder and past President of the Institute, Jerry Naylis, for a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. As always, we are extremely grateful to our corporate sponsors for their support, especially VFIS, Verizon and Provident Benefits.

Be sure to watch our website for details regarding our 2011 event to be held on June 13.