Boy Scout From Edison Builds Drying Rack For Avenel Fire House

EDISON, NJ — A young man trying to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, presented the Avenel firehouse with a drying rack for their firefighter (turnout) gear.

Matteo Pittenger, 15, a member of Boy Scout Troop #53 from Fords is a student at Edison High School. he built the drying rack as his Eagle Scout project.

Pittenger presented the drying rack to the Avenel Fire Department on Tuesday.

A drying rack that Pittenger built would have cost the department $5,000 or more, and that is just in supplies alone, said Avenel Fire Commissioner John Mitch.

"The Avenel Board of Fire Commissioners is appreciative of this donation, which saves the taxpayers the expense of such a unit," said Mitch, who is also the Woodbridge town clerk.

Fire Commissioners Mitch, Dean Manente, Bruce Mizak, Greg Czoch and Keith Addie were present when Pittenger visited them with the drying rack .

Avenel Fire Chief James Boelhower, Fire Official Cory Spillar, firefighters and staff were also on hand.

Other Fords Boy Scouts and Pittenger's family and friends were also present.

The fire commissioners thanked the teen. “It is extremely important to keep firefighters gear in top condition given the exposures they face every day," said Commissioner Manente.

“Keeping gear clean is important as firefighters are exposed to fireground contaminants and other hazardous substances," said Commissioner Boelhower.

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