A party at the Westside Hose on Monday night had some ex-chiefs checking out photos from the company’s history. With John “Ray” Weston, seated in front of a scrapbook, were John Abbatemarco (in the black and white hat), Bob Talerico (in dark sweater), and Stanley Sickels, looking over Talerico’s shoulder. (Photo by Dustin Racioppi)
Red Bank’s youngest fire company turned 100 last month.
The Westside Hose Co. No. 1 threw a small get-together Monday night for volunteer firefighters and their families to kick off a yearlong centennial celebration.
The event followed a ceremony at borough hall, where Mayor Pasquale Menna and the council honored the company as well as its longest-serving member, Jack England, who’s been with the Leighton Avenue house for 54 years.
“Jack is a quiet man, but don’t get him upset when you talk about Westside Hose,” said Menna, who serves as the department’s chaplain. “Because then, the lion roars. It is is his home.”
England served as department chief in 1984.