By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

At a special ceremony during the March 16 Pennsauken Township Committee meeting, one dozen firefighters and emergency medical personnel took their oaths of office. Township Committeeman and Director of Public Safety Marco DiBattista swore in the first responders.

“As Public Safety Director, a member of Township Committee, and a resident of Pennsauken, to have an opportunity to swear in these first responders who serve our town at the highest level and put their lives on the line for other people, is an honor that words can’t describe,” said DiBattista. “This is what Pennsauken is all about.”

“Tonight, this ceremony marks another historic moment in the Pennsauken Fire Department, with the largest class of uniform personnel taking their oaths. The leadership of the Pennsauken Fire Department is also being strengthened with the promotions tonight,” said Retired Fire Chief Joseph V. Palumbo, Sr. “None of this would be possible without those who have come before us and without the leadership of the governing body we have here tonight and the generation that served before them. I, and all of us here, are very proud of each and every one of you. I am honored to stand before you tonight and remind all of you that it is your responsibility to carry on and honor those who come before you.”

Jonathan B. Hutton, a lifelong Pennsauken resident and third generation Township firefighter, took his oath of office as the town’s new Fire Chief. The other first responders taking their next step in their commitment to serving the Pennsauken community were Deputy Fire Chief John N. Clark; Captain Edward F. Paul, III; Lt. Justin H. Squibb; Lt. Robert S. Chester; Lt. James J. Ervin, Jr.; Lt. Joseph V. Palumbo, Jr.; EMS Lt. Steven A. Engel; Firefighter James E. Gifford, Jr.; EMT Zachary L. Eshelman; EMT Thomas J. DiPaolo, III; and EMT Stephen M. Miller. During his remarks, Chief Hutton expressed his thanks to all those who made this special evening possible.

“I’d like to offer my thanks and appreciation to our great Township Committee. It is because of your unwavering support of the Pennsauken Fire Department and your commitment to public safety that we’re able to swear in 12 members tonight to positions across all ranks and all divisions of our department. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to recognize a group people who truly make our operation possible: the wives, the husbands, and significant others; the children, and the families and friends of our members. Your support and commitment to the department is as equally important as that of the members themselves. You folks are the glue that holds our department together.”

“We are so lucky to have a such a dedicated and talented group of firefighters and emergency medical personnel are committed to keeping our community safe,” added Pennsauken Mayor Vince Martinez. “Your job isn’t easy, and it requires a lot of hard work, sacrifice, and bravery. We are confident that with your skills and expertise, you will be able to handle any emergency situation that comes your way. On behalf of all the residents of our town, I would like to express a sincere thank you for your service and dedication to our community.”

A live stream of the March 16 Township Committee meeting and the swearing in ceremony can be found by visiting YouTube.com/PennsaukenTelevision and selecting the “Live” tab.