The Almonesson Lake Firehouse in Deptford held its annual Christmas party at Filomena’s restaurant and later the Lifenet Lounge on Dec. 10, and bestowed annual awards named for two firefighters.
Master of Ceremonies Al Oriente gave a speech about the meaning of gathering as a family, firehouse traditions and the future.
The Al Cunard award went to the station’s firefighter of the year, Lt. Bob Becker, for his devotion to the company and his leadership, anong other qualities. The Harry Strube award was posthumously presented to the firehouse member of the year, the late Chief Jeff Pfeiffer, who died earlier this year after he suffered a medical emergency on the job.
Pfeiffer was described as a mentor who played a large part in the return and restoration of the company’s original ladder truck, known as The Maxim, and in station renovations and repairs. His late-night, firehouse conversations focuses on not only the job but music, cars and just life.
The firehouse expects the legacy of Cunard and Strube – and several other previous members – will live on through members old and new and future members.
