| On Saturday, May 4th, the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department recently celebrated two great events – we celebrated Gary Walker's 25 Year member anniversary and we celebrated outgoing Chief Robert Knapp, Jr's three years as Fire Chief.
Surrounded by family and friends, Gary Walker was presented with a plaque and watch to commemorate his 25 years of service to the Department and Community. Over the past 25 years that Gary has been a member of the OVFD, he has held the leadership positions of Captain (1998) and Lieutenant (1994, 1995, 1997, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2013). Gary was presented with a citation from the Borough of Oakland as well as a Proclamation from the State that was presented to him by State Senator Gerald Cardinale.
The night culminated with the recognition of Chief Robert Knapp, Jr as outgoing chief of the department. Robert has been a member of the OVFD for over 30 years and has spent half of that time as an officer serving the Department and Community. He has held the positions of Lieutenant (1988, 1995, 1996, and 1997), Captain (1998, 1999, and 2000), Assistant Chief (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009), and Department Chief (2010, 1011 and 2012).
Besides his leadership of the more than 60 members of the OVFD, Robert has spearheaded numerous projects such as facility and equipment upgrades, oversaw the creation of the Junior Firefighter program, the purchase of a new pumper truck, renovations to the bathrooms and bay floors at both fire houses.
Chief Knapp was also presented with a citation from the Borough of Oakland as well as a Proclamation from the State of New Jersey that was presented to him by State Senator Gerald Cardinale.
All the members of the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, their families, the members of Oakland's Governing Body, the Oakland First Aid Squad, Oakland Police Department, Oakland Department of Public Works and members of the Mutual Aid Association wish to thank both Gary and Robert for their dedicated service to the community and most of all to fire fighting.
Hats off to you gentlemen – Well Done! |
