Firefighters Praised for Battling Memorial Day House Fire

A week after a Memorial Day fire ripped through a house on Morningside Road, Verona Fire Chief, Pat McEvoy, and Assistant Chief, Harvey Goodman, were called to the podium by the Mayor and Council last night for commendation and recognition for the Verona Fire Department’s efforts .

The chief praised the all-volunteer fire department's members, many of whom joined him in the audience. “It was 90 degrees, high humidity and we asked our guys to do the equivalent of putting on a snowmobile suit and crawl into an oven. And they did it constantly at 10 to 15 minute intervals. We had 35 men show up from a department of 50, on a Memorial Day with their families. A lot of people changed their plans to come help," he said.

No one was injured in the house fire, and the overwhelming response from local fire departments, coordinated at the scene by McEvoy, brought it under control in less than two hours. Also on the scene providing support were Verona Police officers, Verona Rescue Squad Members, and Verona Public Works employees.

"We spend thousands of hours training for this scenario. When we pulled in, there was no question what [our people] had to do and they did it without hesitating."

In addition to thanking the volunteers, the Chief thanked the surrounding fire companies for assisting at the site of the fire and for providing backup for the Verona firehouses that were away at the fire. Other units responding to the three-alarm blaze included Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, and North and West Caldwell.

The fire department received high praise from Mayor Teena Schwartz, Council members and the Administration.

Mayor Teena Schwartz said,  "I have only the highest praise for the Verona Fire Department... we feel safe. Thank you."

Councilman Jay Sniatkowski echoed the sentiments of the mayor.

"You sacrifice your time and your safety, time away from your families and always at risk. That takes a special type of person and we do appreciate your efforts."

Councilman Bob Manley told McEvoy that what he witnessed at the scene was personally gratifying to him not just as a member of council, but as a resident.

"Chief, when I walked up the street, the degree of organization [at the fire scene] was amazing to watch. Your running the show and [Assistant Chief] Harvey [Goodman] helping was really gratifying as a resident and I thank you as well."