Chatham Township Fire Department Gains Two Members

CHATHAM, NJ - The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department (CTVFD) has grown in ranks as Chief Matthew Lemons welcomed two new members this week.

Firefighters Richard Gentles and Patrick Seitz-Sitek successfully completed all of the State and Department training requirements and are now serving the Chatham Township community.

According to officials, people from all walks of life become volunteers. Some choose to become a volunteer to learn new skills, or are driven by an interest in public safety, others to fulfill a family tradition or be part of a team. This cane be said of Seitz-Sitek and Gentles.

Gentles served as a volunteer with the North Plainfield Fire Department before joining CTVFD. His father was a volunteer fireman and his mother was in the ladies auxiliary, so growning up the Fire Department was a big part of their lives.

“It’s been one of my goals in life and I really enjoy the work and serving with the other members of the department,” Gentles said.

Seitz-Sitek has lived in Chatham his entire life and is graduating from Chatham High School this year. He will be attending the University of Denver this fall. Seitz-Sitek said he became a volunteer because he thought firefighting seemed interesting and that it was a good way to help people.

"It is a fantastic experience working in the department, building amazing friendships and gaining valuable mentors,” Seitz-Sitek said.

Established in 1925, the Department is comprised entirely of volunteer members including 25 active firefighters, junior firefighters and associate members providing services 24 hours a days, 365 days per year. The department operates its headquarters on River Road and a second station on Southern Boulevard and responds to approximately 400 calls each year, both within Chatham Township and in the form of mutual aid to departments in neighboring communities.

The Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department is always looking for driven and dedicated men and women to become part of their family, officials said. All training and equipment is provided for those interested in participating. For more information, email membership@ctfd.org.

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