Newark fire company boasts 50-year members

Pictured are George Townsend, Ken Christler, George Comella, Francis Siler, and Willard (Jess) Ferris. (Click on photo at right to view larger image)

Edward Cook (not in photo) of Peirson Ave was born April 16, 1915 and started at the NYCH #5 in June 1947; he has been a member for 53 years. Cook is retired from the State School and is also a WWII Veteran.

Ferris, also of Peirson Avenue, was born December 7, 1915. He has served in the NYCH #5 since December 1934 and has held the positions of fire lieutenant, secretary, president, vice-president. He left the Fire Dept. in 1941 to serve during WWII and returned in 1945. He has been a member for 66 years.

Christler, of Driving Park Ave., was born March 10, 1926. He started at the NYCH #5 in October 1947 and has held the positions of Lt., company treasurer for 20 years, department council 23 years, and department treasurer for 23 years. He was a Navy SeaBee in the South Pacific WWII from 1943-46. He has been a member for 53 years.

Comella was born Sept. 12, 1927 and started at the NYCH #5 in May 1948. Positions held in company are captain and fire police. He lives on Shuler Road. He served during WWII from 1941-45 and has been a member for 52 years.

Siler lives on Summit Drive and has served for 53 years, since November 1947. He was born Feb. 12, 1927.

Townsend resides on Landon Ave. and has served for 50 years. He was born Jan. 26, 1927 and started with the fire company in 1950. He was a department captain and is a Korean War Veteran, serving from 1950-52.

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