The Verona Fire Department threw a testimonial dinner for outgoing Chief Ken Gerlach on Saturday, February 4.
Gerlach, who has been a member of the VFD since 1998, served as its chief in 2015 and 2016. Mayor Kevin Ryan recognized Gerlach’s service with the presentation of a proclamation from the Township of Verona.
The event also recognized the VFD’s new officers (left to right, below): Lieutenant Engine Co.1 Nick Poliseno, Captain Engine Co.1 Matt Gifford, Assistant Chief Bill Neal, outgoing Chief Ken Gerlach, Chief of Department CT Magatti, Truck Co.2 Captain Matt Valentine, and Truck Co.2 Lieutenant Harvey Goodman.
The Verona Fire Department is an all-volunteer fire department that responds to more than 300 calls of service every year in Verona. All Verona firefighters must have Firefighter 1 certification, the basic training required to be a firefighter in New Jersey, and the VFD conducts regular training of its own to improve members’ skills. The VFD has both regular members and auxiliary members, who can join the VFD when they are as young as 16. For more information about the VFD or becoming a volunteer firefighter, see its website.
