| The Iselin Chemical Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company would like to congratulate and thank Robert Thompson for 50 years of service. The Fire Company held a Roast in his honor on April 19th. There were about eighty people that came out to honor Bob and have some laughs. This included members of District 11, Iselin District 9, Colonia District 12, Mayor McCormac, Councilwoman Osborne, Councilman Major, John Mitch, friends and family.
Assistant Chief Chris Wertz was the Master of Ceremonies for tonight's event. Fellow Firefighters, family and friends all told their "sea stories" about Bob. He was presented proclamations from the politicians commending his service and dedication.
Here is Bob's story: He was born in North Eastern Pennsylvania in the heart of the hard coal region. In his teens he volunteered for duty in the Navy and served for 7 ½ years and served on board The Portsmouth, a cruiser and on board the USS Kennedy, a destroyer during World War 2 and The Korean Conflict. Today Bob is a member of The Tin Can Sailors.
Bob and his wife Barbara moved to Iselin in the 1950's and raised their two children, Jimmy and Terri. In the 1950's he volunteered as a fireman in the Iselin Volunteer Chemical Hook and Ladder Fire Company # 11. Bob worked for over thirty years with New Departure Hyatt in Clark, much of this time he was a Union Representative. He is presently retired from General Motors. For many years he was a member of the Iselin VFW and American Legion and is still a member. Bob was a committeeman for the fourth ward. To be a volunteer is one thing, to be a volunteer and a leader of Volunteers is another thing. He is and has been both, serving as President for 30 years, and Vice President for 4 years. He also held the office of President of the Board of Fire Commissioners in the 1970's. He has been President of the Iselin-Colonia Exempt Fireman's Association for the last 20 years. Bob is Vice President of the Iselin Colonia Relief Association. He is a life member of the New Jersey State Fireman's Association and a life member of the Iselin Chemical Hook & Ladder Volunteer Fire Company District # 11. Bob was a member of the planning board of Woodbridge Township for 10 years. And so we honor Bob Thompson for his over 50 years of service with the fire company and his lifelong involvement in the community. |
