BY GINNY RAUE
WEST MILFORD — The year was 1927 and the Macopin area of West Milford was growing. It was nothing like today’s population but the increase of residents and structures was concerning, especially since there was only one fire company in town at that time, Greenwood Forest.
In the beginning
A committee was formed to solicit funds from local residents. The first fire truck, a 1915 Rio, was purchased for $325 and the Macopin Volunteer Fire Company was organized and incorporated.
The Rio was kept in a barn until later in 1927 when Walter Vreeland donated a plot of land on Macopin Road and C. W. Vreeland issued a mortgage for the construction of the first Macopin firehouse.
At the time, the Newark Watershed Commission was razing homes on their properties and they donated the used lumber needed for the firehouse. The firemen donated their time and muscle to the effort.
In the early days, Macopin Volunteer Fire Company covered parts of Morris and Sussex counties as well as West Milford. Today, Company #4’s responsibilities extend to approximately 16 square miles.
Making their own history
Macopin Volunteer Fire Co. #4 (MVFC), nicknamed the “Black Sheep,” currently has 34 members. Within their ranks are two men who have served a combined total of 74 years to West Milford, Paul Barker and John Franzino.
Paul Barker
Barker, 64, became a MVFC firefighter in 1977 at the age of 27. A resident of West Milford for 41 years, he and Maggie, his wife of 42 years, have two adult daughters. Formerly a manufacturing engineer, he has been employed by Homeland Security at Newark Airport for the last 12 years. He has served as firefighter, captain, assistant chief and chief and is currently the treasurer of MVFC.
John Franzino
Franzino, 53, a West Milford “lifer,” signed up with MVFC in 1978 at 17 years of age. Educated in the township, he graduated from the high school in 1979. He and his wife, Leigh, have been married for 11 years. He has owned Custom Woodworking and Design in West Milford for more than 20 years, crafting custom kitchens, furniture and other creative wood work in the Northern New Jersey area. He’s been a firefighter, captain, assistant chief, deputy chief and chief and is now the chairman of the board of trustees.
Why did you sign up?
Growing up in Garfield, Barker was heavily influenced by his firefighter brother-in-law. Once he had his new West Milford home in order and had more time, he signed on at MVFC.
Franzino’s reason for becoming a firefighter could not be considered altruistic. He was in high school and had friends who were junior firefighters. Every time the whistle blew they got out of class. “I have to get me a piece of that” he remembers thinking. And he did just that.
What has being a firefighter meant to you?
Barker: “It means a lot, helping people at fires, in accidents, going out to help the community. It’s a good feeling and over the years I’ve made life-long friends.”
Franzino: “I’ve been doing it for so long it’s a part of me. I can’t envision myself not being a fireman. I love being involved with things happening in town that other people run from.”
What gives you the most job satisfaction?
Barker: “The sense that you are helping people when they need it most. It’s a fulfilling experience.”
Franzino: “Responding to the calls, helping people, meeting other firemen, making friends. It’s the whole package.”
What about the brotherhood of firefighters?
Barker: “It’s like family. They’d do anything for you and you’d do anything for them. You have a bond, putting your life in each other’s hands. You build up a trust.”
Franzino: “We get along but we also bicker and get on each other’s nerves, just like brothers. The bottom line is when there are tough times everyone is together. Our lives depend on it.”
Has being a firefighter affected your career or family life?
Barker: “Sometimes it’s tough, especially if there’s a night fire, you go to work pretty tired.” At home when the call comes, a firefighter answers. “All of a sudden, I’m gone. My wife says ‘I know you have to go’ and she’s good with it.”
Franzino: “I’m flexible with my work time and it’s actually helped me in my career. When customers find out I’m a fireman they trust me a little more.” Franzino’s wife is supportive of his calling and understands when the alarm goes off at dinner time. “My wife rolls her eyes and 30 seconds later I’m out the door.”
Beside the opportunity to save lives and property, why join up?
Barker: “There’s a lot of camaraderie. I came from Bergen County, joined up and met a lot of people.” And basically gained a second family.
Franzino: “It has grounded me. I see how easy it is for people to get into trouble, how fast your life can change.”
Water, fire, ice
The members of MVFC are trained in more than firefighting, also handling vehicle extrication, ice, swift water and high angle rescue, Haz-mat and carbon monoxide issues and assisting the ambulance squads, among other call-outs.
New members are always welcome, particularly those available during the day.
Time marches on
After 37 years, Barker is no longer involved with interior firefighting.
“I’m pretty much driving and pumping,” he said. “But I’ll keep going as long as I have my health.”
Franzino said it’s in his blood and he’s looking toward the 40 year milestone.
“As long as I’m in town, I’ll probably be on the fire company,” he said.
A quote by Coleman Cox asks the question, “Now that it’s all over, what did you really do yesterday that’s worth mentioning?”
Ask a firefighter.
Additional source: http://www.wmfd4.org.htm.