Chatham Fire Department Dedicates Equipment To Township Residents

CHATHAM, NJ — Members of the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department, joined by Rev. Msgr. James Mahoney, blessed and dedicated three pieces of life-saving equipment during a ceremony last week.

The department, which was founded in 1925, is entirely made up of volunteer members, including 25 active firefighters, junior firefighters and associate members who provide services on a daily basis.

The department has its headquarters on River Road and a second station on Southern Boulevard, and it responds to about 350 calls per year, both within Chatham Township and as mutual aid to departments in neighboring communities, officials said.

Rescue 14 was dedicated in honor to Edward P. Sagendorf Jr. The Sagendorf family has been serving Chatham Township for over 60 years, beginning with Ed, who joined the CTVFD in 1962 and remained a member until his death in 2007.

Sagendorf was a primary driver on the original Rescue 14, which was purchased in 2001. " Ed brought tremendous skills and commitment to the CTVFD, helping whenever and however he could to support the members and maintain the infrastructure of the department," said Richard Gentles, Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department President.

When Rev. Msgr. James Mahoney blessed Engine 10 alongside the newly constructed Station 2 on Southern Boulevard in 2010, it was never dedicated. Last week, Engine 10 was proudly dedicated in memory of John R. Atchison.

Atchison, nicknamed "grumpy," joined the CTVFD in 1974 and remained with the department for 43 years until his death in 2017.

Atchison was a lifelong truck driver, from serving his country in the Korean War to driving a milk truck, a flatbed or wrecker for his son, and driving the first engine out of Station 2 for 40 years, officials said.

Earlier this year, the fire department received a new brush truck. Brush Truck 13, which is essential in fighting off-road fires and rescues, was named after Joan Horak, who was not affiliated with this department but donated the truck upon her death in Feb. 2020 at the age of 93.

Joan Wold Horak and her husband Emil have been residents of Chatham Township for over 40 years. Horak was a talented musician who studied at The Juilliard School in New York City, where she mastered the tuba and piano.

Horak dedicated 30 years of service to Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville and was a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Zion Lutheran Church in Clark. "The new brush truck is fittingly dedicated in her memory," the Chatham Township Volunteer Fire Department said.

Chief Matt Chase concluded the ceremony by thanking all of the members who put their lives in danger to help the community, as well as their families who support them.