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Teaneck Fire Department Invites All To Celebrate Centennial

TEANECK, N.J. — Celebrating 100 years of public service, the Teaneck Fire Department is hosting an Open House on Oct. 4.

From left: Firefighter Sergio Caamano, Fire Chief Anthony Verley and Firefighter Jason Sorrenti.

From left: Firefighter Sergio Caamano, Fire Chief Anthony Verley and Firefighter Jason Sorrenti.

Photo Credit: Alexis Tarrazi

“It’s nice to be part of a long tradition of instilling service into our community,” said Tower 2 Firefighter Sergio Caamano, an 11-year department veteran, as he stood outside the firehouse. 

“I grew up in the area and played football and baseball here,” said Jason Sorrenti, a Tower 2 firefighter the past eight years. “A lot of times when I go out on fire calls I know the people."It feels great to be part of this milestone, as well, and to still be here to take care of everyone.”

The department technically has been around much longer.Hackensack organized an engine company in 1871 with a hand-drawn, hand-operated pumper to respond to what is now Teaneck, according to retired firefighter Larry Robertson.

The anniversary marks when four companies united and moved from being volunteer to paid. The company now has 91 members.

Sitting in his office as pictures of past blazes and history flashed by on his computer screensaver, Fire Chief Anthony Verley recounted his experience of joining the department in 1987. He has since worked his way up the ladder (pun intended).

Before joining, Verley volunteered for five years on the ambulance corps. While in college, he considered joining the armed forces but stuck with firefighting.

“This is the greatest job in the world,” Verley said. “It’s very rewarding.”

The Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the department’s headquarters, 1231 Teaneck Road.

It will feature:

  • Interactive demonstrations;
  • Area for kids to use real a fire hose and other activities;
  • Tower Ladder and Rescue Truck on display;
  • Forcible entry station with displays;
  • Fire Prevention giveaways;
  • Firehouse tours.

MORE INFORMATION: Teaneck Fire Dept.

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