Adelphia Fire Company Recognized for 95 Years of Service.
On October 18, 2022, the Howell Township Mayor and Council recognized the Adelphia Fire Company Members and Ladies Auxiliary for 95 years of continued services to the township.
Company Announcement — Passing of Ex-Chief, Life Member, and Chaplain Harry R. Carter, Ph.d
It is with heartfelt sadness and deepest regret that the Adelphia Fire Company announces the passing of Ex-Chief, Life Member, and Chaplain – Harry R. Carter, Ph.D.
Chief Carter graced Adelphia with leadership in many ways – operational, educational, and spiritual. Beyond Adelphia, he was considered a fire service icon for his writings and lectures. Wherever he was though he gave a nod to his fire company – Adelphia. Many considered Chief Carter a mentor, to many more he was a friend, and to Adelphia he was family.
Chief Carter, we thank you for your service, leadership, and passion. Until we met again – we’ll take it from here.
Arrangements to be announced.
Calling Local High School Students…
The Juniors are back! Over the past few months, a committee of past-Juniors, Ex-Chiefs, and Life Members have worked together to rebuild the Junior Firefighter Program. The program is open to high school students between the ages of 14 and 17 that are interested in emergency services and volunteering. This is a great opportunity for students to gain experience in teamwork and leadership, in a structured and safe environment. An Open House will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 7 PM for interested teens. For more information please call us at (732) 577-1781 or email us at [email protected].
Happy New Year & 2018 Reflections
The Adelphia Fire Company wishes everyone a Happy New Year and thanks the Howell Township community for its continued support.
The company had a record year in 2018 by responding to 438 incidents in Howell Township and surrounding communities. Fortunately, the company has been able to sustain a strong membership list of 60 volunteers. To remain proficient in firefighting skills and practice teamwork the members participated in over 24 drills and hundreds of man-hours in other training courses. In addition to emergency responses and drills, the members hosted several fundraisers including the Valentines Day Rose Sale, Steak Bake Dinner, and Pancake Breakfast.
Unfortunately, the company experienced the loss of a few of its own. May their memories and commitment to the fire service and community not be forgotten. In 2018, the following members were laid to eternal rest.
- David Golom – Life Member
- Gary Reed – Ex-Chief
The members are looking forward to another active year in 2019. Members will continue to provide volunteer fire protection and community outreach. Please continue to check back for announcements of upcoming fundraisers and events. And as always, the company continues to welcome new members. If you are resident of the fire district and interested in the fire service, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us a note – we’d be happy to meet you.
Again, from the leadership and members of the Adelphia Fire Company may you all have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Adelphia Elects 2018 Officers
At the final 2017 business meeting held on December 6, the members of the fire company elected the following officers for 2018. Congratulations and best of luck to all!
Fire Line Officers
CHIEF – Michael Whitehill
1st Asst. Chief – Gregory A. Player
2nd Asst. Chief – Dan Roth
Captain – Tim McKay
Lieutenant – Stephen Smith
Administrative Officers
PRESIDENT – Maris Gabliks
1st Vice President – George Gravatt, Jr.
2nd Vice President – Chris Pujat
Secretary – Katie Carter
Financial Secretary – Jeff DiGraitis
Treasurer – Gary Davison
Trustee – George Gravatt, Sr.
Trustee – Shimon Miller
Trustee – Dan Andrus
90th Anniversary Celebration and Apparatus Dedication
Thank you all who came out on Saturday night to celebrate 90 years of volunteer service and dedication of our new Rescue Pumper! Check back later this week for photos from the event.
Today in History
On April 28, 1927, 25 local men signed Articles of Incorporation for Howell Township Fire Company #1 (Adelphia Fire Company). For 90 years the Adelphia Fire Company has served the community of Howell Township and surrounding towns of Monmouth County. Today, the fire company averages over 300 calls for service annually and maintains a roster of over 50 active volunteer firefighters.
Since Charles H.T. Clayton, the fire company’s first president, there have only been four other fire company presidents. Maris Galbliks, Adelphia’s current president, has held the position for 17 years and was previously the fire chief, 1998 to 1999. The have been 60 fire chiefs to date; each chief has typically held 1 to 2 year terms. The current chief, Michael Banasz, was elected as a line officer in 2008 and elected to chief in 2016.
The fire company maintains its headquarters on Adelphia Road (Route 524) and a substation on Route 33. In 1927, the Clayton Funeral Home donated the first apparatus that carried water in milk cans, shovels, brooms, and lanterns. Today, the company maintains a fleet of 11 active apparatus and 1 antique, a 1942 American LaFrance pumper.
The members of the Adelphia Fire Company are proud to be celebrating 90 years of service, and look forward to providing volunteer service to Howell Township for many years to come. A celebration will be take place on Saturday, June 3rd – please join us!
Steak Bake Tickets Available!
Join us Saturday, May 6, 2017 for all you can eat steak! Tickets available by contacting us – [email protected] or [email protected].
Please join us this Sunday, April 9 for pancakes!
The Adelphia Fire Company will hold a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 9 from 8am until 12noon at the Adelphia Firehouse, 925 Adelphia Road (Route 524 x Clayton Avenue). Adults $10 and children are $6.00. All you can eat Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, Orange Juice, Coffee, Tea and Cocoa!
No reservations are needed.