Hillsborough Scout Constructs Roof Simulator For Fire Department

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Taking his Eagle Scout project to the next level, Hillsborough local Christian Bojczak decided to build a Roof Simulator for the Neshanic Station Volunteer Fire Company.

A dedication and demonstration are set to be held on Sept. 21 to display the project made by Bojczak of Troop 1776 and have firefighters simulate how they would climb a roof to break into a burning house.

This Firehouse has worked with Bojczak's Troop for their annual Memorial Day Parade and Bojczak frequently visits the firehouse to drop off clothing.

That's when he "noticed this disheveled building. I spoke to the Chief about what this was, he explained that the structure has been unable to be used for training for over 6 years. This was where I decided to pursue the project as it would be an immense help in training the upcoming volunteers."

With the help of a contractor from Long Hill Contracting, Bojczak was guided through the process of how to properly put a roof simulator together with how to draw and measure properly to determine the proper size of the structure.

The structure took about three months to complete. He painted the building, grated the sides with gravel, used railroad ties to create a border, and placed mulch and plants around the perimeter, said Bojczak's mother Danielle.

Along with hands-on experience, Bojczak said he had a better understanding of how to be a leader.

"Before I started my Eagle Project, I knew very little about how to lead others. I had to move out of my comfort zone when I realized I would be leading younger scouts who looked up to me when organizing this project," said Bojczak.

The whole experience was something Bojczak is very proud of.

"Watching the younger scouts bring a project that started out as a messy sketch on a napkin to life was an unforgettable experience," said Bojczak.

"My husband and I are very proud of him. I've been with him since the beginning when he was a cub scout at the age of 7 and I was a Den mother," said Danielle. "To see someone at the age of 7 develop into a young man and see that growth is pretty amazing."

For more information on BSA Troop 1776 visit bsa1776.org.

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