Tag Archives: Firehouse 101

My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: February Meeting and Entertainment February 15th, 2026

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Smile! Your Visiting New Jersey!, Uncategorized, Walking in Downtown Boonton, NJ, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Happy New Year!

In post Valentine’s Day season, we conducted our first meeting of the year. It has been a good start to the year with donations coming in from Bergen County Fire Department’s and their continued generosity. We are trending ahead of last year so far and appreciate the support we always get for our fundraiser.

We talked about the plans for the upcoming summer barbecues, the Christmas Party in December, which seems to come faster and faster and talking at the Bergen County Caucus in August, where we want to spread the word about our organization and the benefits joining the organization does.

After the meeting was over, we joined the residents in the main hall to enjoy the entertainment and refreshments. Crowd pleaser, Gigi, entertained the residents with a series of uplifting love songs and ballads. It was still Valentine’s Day at the NJ State Firemen’s Home.

Crowd favorite Gigi entertaining everyone

Gigi singing ‘Everlasting Love’

The concert continued with more popular songs from contemporary pop songs to popular live ballads. The residents really loved it, especially on this gloomy afternoon.

The continued through the afternoon

Gigi singing ‘They can’t take that away from me

We then got up to introduce ourselves to the crowd of residents. We thanked them for their years of service to their fire departments and hoped they enjoyed the Christmas Party a month and a half ago. They really appreciate all the things we do for them and we are most happy to do it. Then we took our group shot.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

We ended the concert and the afternoon with Gigi singing both ‘I love you more than Yesterday’ and ‘God Bless America’.

Gigi belting out ‘I love you more today than Yesterday’

Another wonderful song

It was a great afternoon and both the residents and ourselves enjoyed it. We predict another great year!

Thank you to everyone who supports us!

FASNY Museum of Firefighting 117 Harry Howard Avenue Hudson, NY 12534

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Historic Columbia County, Exploring Historic Towns of Upstate New York, Exploring Hudson NY, Fire Fighting in Bergen County NJ, Firehouse 101 Novel, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Historic New York State neighborhoods, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New York State, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The FASNY Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and information on the fire service and a must for any fire fighter.

The FASNY at 117 Harry Howard Avenue

The museum is a treasure trove of firefighting equipment and information.

jwatrel's avatarVisiting a Museum: The Unique, Unusual, Obscure and Historical

FASNY Museum of Firefighting

117 Harry Howard Avenue

Hudson, NY 12534

(518) 822-1875/1-877-347-3687

FASNY Museum of Firefighting

Admission: Adults (18 and Above) $12.00/Children under 18 $8.00/FASNY Members Free

Open: Sunday 10:00am-4:30pm/Monday & Tuesday Closed/Wednesday-Saturday 10:00am-4:30pm

My review on TripAdvisor:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g47931-d263732-Reviews-FASNY_Museum_of_Firefighting-Hudson_New_York.html

The FASNY Museum of Firefighting at 117 Harry Howard Avenue

The FASNY Museum of Fire Fighting is America’s interactive museum of firefighting. It is also the home of the premiere collection of American firefighting objects in the world.

When I visited the museum recently, I found that the museum is not just a treasure trove of information and artifacts but an extensive study on modern fire fighting from its creation in the time of the Romans and Greeks, the beginnings of the fire service in America lead by people like Peter Stuyvesant and Benjamin Franklin. These men brought their ideas and innovations by working alongside people doing the work and…

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My Life as a Fireman: Presenting an honorarium to former HHFD Chief Chris Semenecz from the New Jersey/New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association to his wife, Janie Semenecz July 2nd, 2023

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On May 21st, 2023, the New Jersey/New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association honored former Hasbrouck Heights Fire Chief Chris Semenecz for his years of service to the fire service. Chief Semenecz passed away last July after 37 years on the fire department. Former Chief Semenecz was an active member of the Hasbrouck Heights Volunteer Fire Department for 37 years, retiring in 2021. 

He has the Second Assistant Chief in 1990-91, the Assistant Chief in 1991-92 before serving as Chief in 1992-93.  He also served as President of the Hasbrouck Heights Exempt Association from 1990 to 2000, and server as the Treasurer of the Hasbrouck Heights Relief Association from 1994 until present. Many Hasbrouck Heights residents will remember him as one of Santa’s representatives during the Fire Department’s Annual “Santa Around Town.”

The honor was presented to his widow, Janie Semenecz, by former Chief of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Tim Moots and by former Engine One and Department Secretary, Justin Watrel. Mrs. Semenecz was joined by her sister for the presentation at her home and was very honored to accept recognition from the organization in honor of her husband’s dedication for years at the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department.

The picture features former HHFD Chief Tim Moots, Mrs. Janie Semenecz and former HHFD Secretary Justin Watrel.

My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: April Meeting and Entertainment April 16th, 2023

Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Fire Fighting in Bergen County NJ, Firehouse 101 Novel, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We had a very nice crowd of residents and their guests at Bergen County Day at the NJ State Firemen’s Home.

The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association membership at our April Meeting

jwatrel's avatarThe Bergen County Firemen's Home Association

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the April 2023 Meeting

On April 16th, 2023, the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met for our quarterly meeting. We discussed the happenings at the NJ Firemen’s Home and following the State regulations as we prepare to host our Summer barbecue in June for the residents and their guests. We are also planning a second barbecue in August with a special party planned for member who is turning 100 this year. More detail on that are forthcoming.

We were impressed by the number of donations from our fellow fire departments all over Bergen County, NJ for their generous donations to help fund the entertainment, refreshments and gifts to the NJ Firemen’s Home in the future. We want to thank our Brother Firefighters for thinking about the residents of the home and assisting our brothers and sisters. We…

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My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: February Meeting and Entertainment February 19th, 2023

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The February meeting was another successful one of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in June 2023

jwatrel's avatarThe Bergen County Firemen's Home Association

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met for the first of our annual meeting on the afternoon of February 19th, 2023. Members had come from all over Bergen County to attend the meeting.

We discussed our Calendar for the year of events planned. We discussed the recent fundraiser that the organized for much needed funds for the organization to run the upcoming barbecue in June and the Christmas Party in December (can you believe that is in nine months?).

The Members’ of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the June Barbecue in June 2022.

Our Head of Fundraising reported that the fund drive is going well. We are actually ahead in fundraising so far and many departments have been very generous. There are still some departments that have never given to the organization in the past but we will try to reach out to them.

We…

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My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association starts its Annual Fundraiser January 29th, 2023

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Downtown Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Visiting a Museum in New Jersey, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We are now starting our fundraising efforts for the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association.

Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association at the August Barbecue in 2022

jwatrel's avatarThe Bergen County Firemen's Home Association

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association met at the Harrington Park Fire House to start the stuffing of the envelopes to start the fundraising efforts of the organization. Over coffee and doughnuts, we stuffed envelopes for all the fire companies in Bergen County, NJ.

Monies raised by the fundraiser help pay for entertainment, refreshments, the food for the barbecue, gifts to the residents and for items that residents might need.

The Summer Barbecue at the NJ Firemen’s Home in August 2022

To all our fellow firefighters, please be on the lookout for our mailers. Your department’s donation to the organization goes a long way.

The members at the Annual Christmas Party in December 2022

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, please attend one of our meetings at the Boonton Firemen’s Home in Boonton, NJ. Our meetings are February…

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My Life as a Fireman: Swearing in of the new Chiefs and Officers January 3rd, 2023

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, Walking Downtown Hasbrouck Heights, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I am now in the middle of my eighteen year on the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department.

We have just sworn in the the 2023 Officers for the Department. Time has really flown by. What amazed me is this class of Officers, many of the them being members of the former Engine One Company, have really progressed in the Department over the last few years. It has been fun to see them grow and want to take a more active role in the Department.

I hope the hard work we did years earlier inspired them to move up the ladder in the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department. We wish our fellow Brothers the best of luck in the coming year!

The Officers of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department 2023

The new Officers are:

Chief Michael Greco

First Assistant Chief Kevin Todd

Second Assistant Chief Christian Fernandez

Captain Miguel Gonzalez

Lieutenant Marc Pagan

Lieutenant Nick Lorenzo

Lieutenant Dan Wixon

Secretary Ed Mucha

Treasurer James Carlin

Our Officers being sworn in:

Chief Michael Greco with his wife and two children

First Assistant Chief Kevin Todd

Second Assistant Chief Christian Fernandez

Our Line Officers:

Captain Miguel Gonzalez, Lieutenant Marc Pagan, Treasurer James Carlin and Secretary Ed Mucha

We wish you all a very safe and healthy year and hope that you lead the Department to another productive year!

Good Luck in 2023!

My Life as a Fireman: The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: December Meeting and Christmas Party December 4th, 2022

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Downtown Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring the State of New Jersey, Fire Fighting in Bergen County NJ, Firehouse 101 Novel, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My life at NYU-Graduate School, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan at the Christmas Holidays, MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It was another successful year for the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in 2022!

Myself with members of the Executive Board of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

Vice-President Justin Watrel with Wells, the NJ Firemen’s Home resident dog. What a lovable guy!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

jwatrel's avatarThe Bergen County Firemen's Home Association

It has been a long time since we had a Christmas Party at the NJ State Firemen’s Home and it was nice to be back. We had to follow all COVID protocols and wore masks during our visit to the home.

Let the party begin!

The entertainment room was set for Christmas

We started our day with a get together of the members before the entertainment began. It was nice to just sit back and talk to the other members before the entertainment began. It gave the Executive Board a chance to talk and we took our first group shot since I joined the Board last year. We make a very impressive bunch.

The Executive Board of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association

I even got a chance to bond with the resident dog of the NJ State Firemen’s Home, Wells, who was a former seeing eye dog that has…

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My Life as a Firemen: Helping out and Serving at The Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association: July Barbecue July 10th, 2022

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Bergen County Firemen's Home Association, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Exploring Boonton, NJ, Exploring Historic Morris County, NJ, Exploring Historic Towns in New Jersey, Fire Fighting in Bergen County NJ, Firehouse 101 Novel, Historic New Jersey Towns and Neighborhoods, Historical Towns of New Jersey, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thank you to all the members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association who make this wonderful event happen every summer.

Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in July 2022 at the Annual Barbecue.

jwatrel's avatarThe Bergen County Firemen's Home Association

The Members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in July 2022

It was a spectacular day for a barbecue!

After having to cancel our June Barbecue because of bad weather (there was a rain storm all day on our date in June), we lucked out on July 10th when we had the most spectacular sunny and warm day with no humidity. Clear sunny skies and low 80-degree weather had the residents of the NJ State Firemen’s Home coming out in droves to enjoy good music and delicious food.

With a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue ribs and chicken, corn on the cob, baked beans and chili, macaroni and potato salads and fresh watermelon for dessert residents and members had a wonderful lunch under the shade trees and tents that were set up on the lawn outside the home.

We followed all COVID protocols to keep the residents and…

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My Life as a Fireman: Supporting the Wood Ridge NJ Fire Department on their 125th Anniversary July 9th, 2022

"A Local Journey: Exploring the outskirts of New York City, Brothers of Engine One HHFD, Dedication to Warren Watrel, Exploring Hasbrouck Heights NJ, Exploring Historic Bergen County NJ, Exploring Manhattan Block by Block, Exploring New York City by foot, Exploring the Island of Manhattan, Exploring Wood Ridge, NJ, Fire Fighting in Bergen County NJ, Firehouse 101 Novel, Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department, My life as a Fireman Justin Watrel, My life as a Fireman: FF Justin Watrel, My walk in Manhattan (MywalkinManhattan.com), MywalkinManhattan Experiences, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A group of us from the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department joined dozens of other fire departments in Bergen County, NJ to wish our brothers on the Wood Ridge Fire Department our best at their 125th Anniversary Celebration. It was a nice afternoon of food, entertainment and good conversation. It was nice to see everyone having a good time on this sunny afternoon.

Wishing our Brothers on the Wood Ridge Fire Department the best in their 125th Year!

Former Engine One and Department Secretary Justin Watrel, Former Captain and Lieutenant of Engine One Bernie Valente and Former Chief of the Department, Captain and Lieutenant Tim Moots of Engine One all of the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department enjoying the afternoon at the Wood Ridge Fire Department’s 125th Fire Department celebration.