Monmouth Times

ThrowbackThursday from the #MonmouthCountyArchives Division: Fair Haven Fire Company Monument, Fair Haven.

For people who have not experienced a fire firsthand, the thought of the disaster rarely crosses one’s mind. But in 2019, there were roughly 1.2 million fires in the United States and about 3,700 deaths. There are a select few who willingly run towards the infernos that cause billions in damage and cost thousands their lives and these men and women deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice.

With fewer of the technological advancements of the present day, fires started more easily and spread more quickly. After a series of fires and only a “bucket brigade” in place to combat them, the community of Fair Haven recognized the need for an organized fire protection squad. A group of local men banded together to form the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company, which was incorporated on June 1, 1904.

After 100 years of fighting Fair Haven’s fires, the Company, inspired by the heroism displayed by fellow firefighters on 9/11, sought to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of their own community’s firefighters. The Company .commissioned sculptor Brian Hanlon to create a 7-foot bronze statue of a fireman, fully armored and equipped with a fireman’s hook, a multi-purpose tool for busting open doors and clearing other debris-clogged areas. 

The sculpture was unveiled in March 2004, in conjunction with the Company’s 100th Anniversary celebrations, and is prominently displayed in front of the Fair Haven Fire Company building on River Road. The memorial honors the deceased members of the Fire Department, First Aid Corps, Fire Police and Auxiliary.

Source: The Monmouth County Archives “Monuments and Markers in Monmouth County” Catalog: https://www.monmouthcountyclerk.com/.../exhibit-catalogs.../

Original source can be found here.