Toms River Fire Company Honors Past Chief's 60 Years Of Service

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When Richard Beck first joined Toms River Fire Company 1, there were just over 17,000 residents in what was then known as Dover Township.

Dirt roads still crisscrossed much of Ocean County, and chicken farms were more common than apartment complexes. In the years since Beck joined the volunteer fire company and received badge number 37 on March 6, 1959, the township has changed dramatically, of course.

One thing that has not changed is Beck's commitment to serving his fellow Toms River residents — who now number more than 90,000. And on Tuesday night, his fellow members of the fire company took time out to honor him.

"His time and dedication to our community and its people cannot even be calculated," said Josh Prizer, the current Toms River Fire Company 1 president."The people that he has touched, the lives that he has come into contact and the homes and businesses saved are so vast, we cannot begin to tell the story."

Mayor Tom Kelaher, who was on hand to present resolutions from the township and the Ocean County freeholders, reminisced about being amazed by the fire company when he moved to Toms River in 1963.

"That's a great spirit of service," Kelaher said.

"I'm proud to have served," said Beck, who filled a multitude of roles, including chief, company president and currently is the company chaplain and an active member of the fire police. He also served on the Toms River First Aid Squad for many years as well as the Ciba-Geigy Fire Brigade, where he held many ranks including captain and deputy chief.

"It's been an honor and a pleasure to have known several hundred volunteers," he said.

Beck said his longevity with the fire company was due in part to the support of his family, including his wife of 29 years, Lorraine, who was present for the event.

What Beck's commitment to the fire company means to his fellow firefighters was most evident in the emotion in the room and in the voice of fire company Vice President Ian Monzo, who choked up as he read aloud the post that pays tribute to Beck on the company's website and Facebook page.

"Chief Beck has seen his full share of the goods and bads of being a first responder in our community," the post reads. "In his 60 years of emergencies that he was called upon to respond to, he has always kept the faith and was steady in all his decisions not matter the tasks. He has seen his share of heartache and felt the pain in the hearts of our members while being there for each and every one of us, yet always has a smile and a kind word."

"Chief Beck remains active with the Toms River Fire Company responding to calls and protecting us as we complete our tasks daily," the post continues. "A member was just recently noted as stating 'Chief Beck is a better man than I can ever strive to be.' No statement has ever been more true. The 'old' traditions that he has passed on to us is invaluable and will be passed on as the future allows."

"Chief Beck, Toms River Fire Company #1 salutes you and thanks you for the past 60 years of dedication. We wish you many more years of active service."

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