Mayor Nelson Vaughan's Remarks for July 4, 2011

Today, pride and patriotism are both good emotions for all of us to have. I am full of pride to be American as I am sure we all are today. I am proud to live in Chatham and I believe we all are proud to live in Chatham. We all take great pride in Chatham’s history in the 235 years since the Declaration of Independence.

As The Star Ledger writer Mark DiIonno pointed out Chatham has always been a patriotic town. And Main Street is where patriots have marched for over two hundred years and, patriots will march again today.

DiIonno said: “In 1773, the town was named for the Earl of Chatham, William Pitt, an English statesman who sided with the Americans on issues of taxation without representation. Shepard Kollock, a patriot printer, gave voice to the Revolution, with his newspaper and pamphlets printed on Main Street. Days Bridge which traversed the Passaic River on the east side of town, was a major muster point for the New Jersey Militia. One of the first Liberty Poles in New Jersey was erected near the bridge, a signal to the British to come and get it. The town was the first true patriot  stronghold on the road from Elizabeth to Morristown, the first line of defense for Washington’ s army during his Morris County encampments.”

Main Street is still that patriot’s path today and certainly as much as we can take pride in Chatham’s patriotism in gaining independence, so can we take pride in the modern day patriots marching down Main Street in the parade today.

Today’s patriots include the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department who have organized today’s events with great pride and patriotism and a lot of hard work. And, that is why, among other reasons, I wish to present a commendation to the Department.

• I have called on the Fire Department several times for help and they always responded cheerfully and with great teamwork and efficiency
• First I asked them for help with constructing the 911 Memorial and the Fire Department provided the bulk of the manpower and skills
• Then I asked the Fire Department for help with establishing an annual Memorial
  Day observance ceremony and they responded again with great tremendous help
• There is an old saying around town: If you want something done around town ask the Fire Department and they will get it done.
• When I was a little boy growing up in Chatham I used to see Chief Kelly walking around in his uniform and white hat, and I always thought the Firemen ran the town, and in many ways we owe a big debt of gratitude to our firefighters.

Today is a day of pride and patriotism, and I tried to present this commendation to the Fire Department on Fishawack Day, but they were out fighting a fire, so I am glad to present it to Chatham’s bravest today. I also want to congratulate the Parade Grand Marshall, John Clark, a true patriot, a proud firefighter, and a proud United States Army veteran of Vietnam. 

DEPARTMENTAL VOLUNTEER AWARD AND COMMENDATION

WHEREAS, The Chatham Volunteer Fire Department responded to its first alarm of fire on May 16, 1898. For the last 113 years the Department has magnificently fulfilled its purpose-the suppression of fires and the protection of lives and property. The Department has performed a vast range of emergency services, forged strong public relations and provided fire safety education.

WHEREAS, The Department maintains a high standard of training, and perform in a safe and professional manner,

WHEREAS In the mid 1950’s and 60’s the Department began several of the community service projects and recreation events that Borough residents still enjoy today, for example Fire Prevention Week, the Annual Fishing Derby, and of course the always brilliant Fourth of July celebration, complete with parade and fireworks, are undertakings that the department continues to take pride in presenting.

WHEREAS, Today, just as in years gone by, the members of the Chatham Borough Fire Department volunteer their time to protect each and every Borough resident by day and night. From their humble beginnings to the vibrant department that exists today, the Chatham Borough Fire Department remains ready to serve the community no matter what the alarm.

WHEREAS, The Chatham Borough Fire Department are the only volunteers who risk their lives in service to their fellow neighbors, and sadly we have the tragic proof of this risk in the two firefighters Doyle Butler and Lewis R. Sheats who lost their lives in service. The Department strives to protect and preserve the health of firefighters and return them safely to their families, but firefighting is a dangerous duty. Chatham’s bravest volunteers are greatly admired for their dedication by all who live or work in the Borough.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor V. Nelson Vaughan, III of the Borough of Chatham, do hereby commend every single member of The Chatham Borough Fire Department for their lifetime of achievement as volunteers and therefore make this Departmental Volunteer Award.