HONORARY 

CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT

Through the years, this department has been served by a great number of people, both civilian and firefighters, who gave their time and effort to make this department as good as it could be. These are people who did not have to do what they did, but did it just the same - to help the department and it's members!

CARMELA BERARDI

1988

Carmela served as the Chief's Secretary and Fire Prevention Bureau Secretary for over 30 years. Each  member who became the new Battalion Chief and for three years afterwards would never have to worry about budgets, purchase orders or any of the other paperwork that burdens a chief because she would have everything ready and waiting. During Fire Prevention Week she would order all of the items for the school children and have ready for distribution. She continued to serve the department until her retirement in 1989.

HARRY J. HOLTJE, Sr.

1992

Harry who has owned and operated Fort Lee Hardware & Supply for over 50 years, is also the father of three sons who are all members of the department - Chief Terry Holtje, Chief Bruce Holtje, FF. Ned Holtje and the grandfather of FF. Keith Holtje - all who are members of Engine Co. 1. As a local businessman, he has supported the fire department and its members in many ways throughout these 50 years. Whether it was supplies for a firehouse or equipment for the department or a member needed something for their own home, Harry has always been there with a lending hand.

EDWARD BERNARD, SR

2001

Ed joined the departments Rescue/Engine Co. 2 as a Fire Warden (a position that no longer exists in the department) in 1939. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, he returned home and became a regular active member of the department - a position he still holds today. Ed has always responded to a high percentage of the companies alarms and has served in a number of leadership positions within the company including  Company President for 25 years. Ed has passed his love of the fire service and it's service to the community to his family - Chief Thomas Bernard, Sr., Chief Peter Bernard, FF. Edward Bernard, Jr. and grandsons Captain Thomas Bernard, Jr. and Lt. Jeffrey Bernard with two other grandsons serving as firefighters in Pennsylvania. After more than 55 years of service, Ed remains active today serving now in a more supporting role. He continues to serve the department and the residents of Fort Lee with the same devotion, spirit and passion when he first joined in 1939.