Cranford Fire Department Christens New Engine 2

CRANFORD, NJ - While there were many highlights from last week's National Night Out celebration in Cranford, one of the most well-attended was the dedication of Engine 2 in memory of former Call Lieutenant Brian Koshney.

Cranford Fire Chief Daniel Czeh spoke at the event:

"Thank you everyone for coming out tonight. I would like to thank Police Chief Ryan Greco and the CPD for putting together a great event and for giving us the opportunity to show off our new apparatus – Engine 2.

Engine 2 is a Pierce pumper mounted on an Enforcer Chassis. It is equipped with a Cummins
Diesel motor, Husky 3 Foam System, 2000 GPM pump and meets all current NFPA Fire
Apparatus safety requirements. As with all fire apparatus, it is custom built to suit our needs. It took 10 months to build. We are thrilled that it came home to Cranford! This new apparatus replaced a 23-year-old apparatus that had many maintenance issues and reached the end of its life span.

Before I turn the ceremony over to our Chaplain, Fr. Tom Quinn from St. Michaels Church, I
would just like to thank a few people.

First and foremost, the residents of our great town. It is an absolute pleasure to protect and serve you. We are honored to be your fire department.

Next, our current and former Career and Call Department firefighters and officers. As your
Chief, thank you for risking your lives every day to protect our citizens.

I also need to thank the members of the FD that spent countless hours reviewing
documentation, doing research and creating this apparatus from the ground up. B/C Jon
Wojcik, F/M Tim Meyer and F/M Matt Steitz. I can’t thank you enough for all of the time you put into creating this apparatus. The residents will no doubt benefit from your hard work for years to come.

The Township Committee. Thank you for your never ending support and for ensuring we have
the manpower, equipment and apparatus we need to protect the residents. Your dedication to
keeping the residents safe, especially in tough economic times is one of the reasons Cranford is such a great place to live and call home. Thank you.

Finally, I would like to have the family of Call Lt. Brian Koshney come up. Call Lt. Brian Koshney was a 23-year-member of our volunteer fire division. For 23 years, he volunteered countless hours helping residents during their time of need. It could be the middle of the night, Christmas Day – if we needed his help, he came and never complained. He loved the fire department and loved helping others.

Lt. Koshney passed away at the age of 50 after a courageous battle with cancer last August. The tremendous dedication Lt. Koshney gave to the fire department and most importantly the residents of Cranford will not be forgotten. For that reason, it is my honor and pleasure, to dedicate Engine 2, in memory of Call Department Lt. Brian Koshney."

At the conclusion of his remarks, Czeh gave a plaque to Koshney's family, one that is identical to the one on Engine 2. Fr. Tom Quinn of St. Michael Church concluded the ceremony with a blessing.

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