Spit and shine as firemen win big at convention

The Deptford Fire Department dominated the competition at the New Jersey State Fireman’s Convention in Wildwood on Sept. 13, taking first place in all but one category.

It won for best color guard, best appearing cadet program, best appearing pumper engine and the president’s cup for best overall department.

Fifty people and their families attended the convention to see the township department take home a total of 14 trophies. Its members spent Mondays and Tuesdays for six weeks preparing for the event by marching in sync and making sure trucks and equipment were in good condition, especially after calls.

“It was a group effort,” said volunteer Fire Chief Richard Thomas. “The volunteer members that make up the Deptford Fire Department, Oak Valley Fire Company, Tacoma Fire Company, Helping Hand Fire Company, Almonesson Fire Company and Union Fire Company of Blackwood Terrace spent many hours of their own time to clean, polish, paint, maintain and ensure that the apparatus and equipment is in top shape.”

The convention opened with a parade that included the fire department’s color guard, 11 members of its cadet program and volunteer firefighters.

“It took a lot of work, and everything was a labor of love,” Thomas noted. “Our firetrucks looked good, our cadets – our cadets were wonderful, and everyone always looks forward to this event.”

“Very proud of my family this weekend,” said firefighter Gregory Thelen, whose relatives took part in the convention. “We marched with the Deptford Fire Department and took the president’s trophy for best fire department … We work hard and then we have some fun.”

After celebrating its convention wins, the department will prepare for what comes next.

“We’re going to keep going and doing what we do best,” Thomas promised. “We’re going to keep our trucks clean, look for more volunteers and continue to be Deptford proud.”