50 Years of Service Honored

The Belmar Mayor and Council honored borough resident Donald Brand Sr. for 50 years of service to the Belmar Fire Department.

The governing body read a special proclamation in Brand's honor at their Feb. 2 meeting. Brand's family was in attendance.

His family has been in Belmar since the 17th century, Brand said. His great-uncle was Belmar's first police officer and a fireman who drove a steamer pulled by horse. Before him, Brand's father was a member of the fire department. 

Brand joined the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company in December of 1959. Since then he has been a lieutenant, vice-president, captain, president and borough fire official.

Brand recalled numerous rescues from his tenure. He noted that before signals were put in place, volunteers were frequently called to aid motorists who were struck by trains at railroad crossings. Brand also recalled many strong hurricanes dealing heavy blows to the borough.

Before the Belmar First Aid Company was formed, firefighters also served as first aid responders.

"All I can say is it was a great honor to be in the fire company and work as a team," Brand said.

"It's been a good trip."