The Memorial
MEMORIAL SERVICE - FRIDAY MARCH 28, 2014 11:00 AM
On Friday, March 28, 2014, the NJ Forest Fire Service Section A7/8 Association organized a memorial at the site of Jeff's last call, a short year ago. Jeff's fellow fire fighters, friends & family gathered under a light rain at the site of the memorial to honor and help remember him. Speakers from the NJFFS and Readington Volunteer Fire Company welcomed and thanked those in attendance, and each agency's spiratural leader gave words of encouragement to all. Summing up Chief Rathborne's words "This Sucks; but time to Keep Calm and Chive On". Section Warden Harold Ryan gave the following, very moving words:
A year ago today, I picked Jeff up at his house.
"Morning Jeff, how are you?"
"Morning, just fine" are all he said.
"Want to stop at the store?"
"Sure".
"Help me put these signs up?"
"I can"
Jeff was a silent person
Then at 1130 that day he was silenced forever.
Even though Jeff was quiet, he was a listener.
He learned quickly by listening.
He knew when to get involved and what to do by listening.
And as he listens today he knows he is loved, respected, missed,
And he will never be forgotten.
"Morning Jeff, how are you?"
"Morning, just fine" are all he said.
"Want to stop at the store?"
"Sure".
"Help me put these signs up?"
"I can"
Jeff was a silent person
Then at 1130 that day he was silenced forever.
Even though Jeff was quiet, he was a listener.
He learned quickly by listening.
He knew when to get involved and what to do by listening.
And as he listens today he knows he is loved, respected, missed,
And he will never be forgotten.
The bagpipes played Amazing Grace; the troops were called to attention; a salute was ordered; and Taps played one more time.
Thank you to all who attended, and be sure to watch for progress on the memorial as spring turns into summer.
Thank you to all who attended, and be sure to watch for progress on the memorial as spring turns into summer.
Video courtesy of Jennifer Scheuerer