On the first morning in July, the volunteer Cherry Grove Fire Department (CGFD) “remember[ed] and honor[ed] the lives and services” of recently-departed members Robert “Bob” Younger, who served as a firefighter for more than 20 years, and William “Bill” Strumlauf, with CGFD for more than 40 years, in a ceremony at the historic Cherry Grove Community House, in the presence of their badges, the numbers now retired, and of their helmets. It was a time for tears, laughter, and memories.
After the siren sounded and the firefighters filed into the room, ex-Fire Chief Steven Williams spoke; CGFD President Arthur Cohen presented the badges, Bob’s number 156 and Bill’s 72, to their survivors; first Assistant Chief Laura Ann Giusto and ex-Chief and Commissioner Michael Romanelli gave the 555-Signal for a Fallen Comrade; and Chaplain Kurt Gahan spoke and led Alden Solovy’s Memorial Prayer for First Responders. CGFD Vice-President did a reading from Ecclesiastes; Bob’s son Cory delivered a eulogy; Bill’s niece Betsy spoke about her uncle; and others shared memories as well.
I offered the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead; there was a moment of silence; Fire Chief Jill Navarra rang the fire ring; and a reception followed.