21-Year Wayne Firefighter Honored At Devils Game

John Hughes was honored for his 30 years of service as a firefighter, including 21 in Wayne, by the New Jersey Devils as the team’s hero of the game Tuesday.

Hughes moved to Wayne and joined the Packanack Lake Fire Company in 1996. He served the department in every capacity possible, including two-year stints at assistant chief and chief from 2004 and 2007, a story on the Devils’ website stated. Hughes works as a foreman for the Wayne Department of Public Works.

“You’ve got an engineer position, chief engineer, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, there’s a ladder you have to climb,” Hughes said.

As chief, Hughes managed morale, organized drills, and represented the company at town meetings.

Hughes helped evacuate and rescue people from their homes during Superstorm Sandy.

Hughes also responded to the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City. He and other firefighters in town were placed in a staging area in the Meadowlands. They had to be ready to leave to help in the city if needed.

(Pictured: John Hughes, right, was honored by the New Jersey Devils at the team’s home game Jan. 4. His son, Kevin, left, accompanied him/Courtesy of the New Jersey Devils)