Local emergency personnel honored at St. Joseph's Church

| 28 Sep 2011 | 02:54

WEST MILFORD — On September 11, 2001 many emergency first responders put their lives on the line for the initial rescue efforts and the ensuing search for remains. The people of St. Joseph's Church have offered a Mass of Thanksgiving for the emergency response personnel in West Milford every year since then to honor the men and women involved in those organizations. That includes the police department, fire departments, first aid squads and the Office of Emergency Management. The police department consists of over 50 men and women. The two First Aid Squads, West Milford and Upper Greenwood Lake consists of 70 volunteer emergency personnel. The Fire Departments, Apshawa, Community, Greenwood Forest, Macopin, Upper Greenwood Lake and West Milford have a combined roster of 207 volunteers. Each protects the 26,500 citizens of West Milford. Several members of West Milford's emergency response teams are either in Louisiana or will be leaving soon to aid in the recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Already on site is Fire Chief Steven Pellington of West Milford Fire Company #4, who will perform dive recovery services with the New Jersey State Police and firefighter Robert Lobbrett of West Milford Engine #6. Two members of the West Milford First Aid Squad, Jack Cronen and John Stack are currently awaiting deployment to Louisiana to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. From the West Milford Police Department, Detective Joseph Walker and Patrol Officer Greg Post, Jr. will be leaving shortly to aid Katrina victims.