Reflections back upon a recent structure fire in Hazlet

A few weeks back, a Hazlet family lost their home and most of their belongings to a house fire. During my tenure on the Hazlet First Aid and Rescue Squad, I have seen similar tragedies and would like to comment on the teams who spring into action whenever these tragedies occur. Whether it be a fire, motor vehicle accident, sudden illness or an opioid overdose, Hazlet is blessed with a strong, highly skilled and dedicated First Responder force, most of which is staffed by volunteers.

In the most recent fire, the police received a 911 call at around 1:30 AM, and within minutes, a police officer without any consideration for his safety entered the burning home, ushered out the family, and notified the Fire and First Aid Companies. Our volunteer Fire and First Aid Teams got out of their beds and rushed to help. All three fire companies in Hazlet responded, and approximately 30 firefighters were on the scene in minutes. They contained the fire from further damaging the house and spreading to neighbor's houses.

First Aid volunteers, led by Asst Captain Jennifer McKay, (first on the scene) and later Chief Schmidt attended to 3 family members who were transported to the hospital and tended to the firefighters with 3 additional ambulances on the scene.

Fast forward to 5:00am- the fire is over, patients have been transported, equipment has been gathered. And now these brave men and women will go home to shower and change, and head out to their day jobs.

By 7AM, Hazlet’s Deputy Mayor is on the scene and the RAINE foundation has been notified of this tragedy. They make arrangements to take care of the families immediate needs for shelter, food and clothing.

What an amazing town we live in! Hazlet helps its own with talent, and compassion. The challenge facing all of us in our community is sustaining this incredible level of First Responding capability. Our police officers are second to none! Both First Aid and Fire Companies need many more volunteers. The more volunteers the better the service provided to the community. I am proud to be a member of the First Aid Squad and my children are also volunteers in our First Responder community. The reward is immeasurable whenever you see the face of a neighbor who in their time of need, you are there. What will your contribution be? If you cannot volunteer, then consider supporting those who provide the service. Above, I mentioned the Raine Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All the donations to this Foundation are pushed back into the local community.

Being a good neighbor requires effort….assisting your neighbors depends upon your generosity… supporting all your First Responders; Police, Fire and First Aid improves our quality of life in Hazlet. Help us, help you. Leadership Matters.