Longtime firefighter thanked for service
BY KRISTIN BOYD
Staff Writer

MILLTOWN - A member of Alfred W. Bailey's family has served in the borough fire department since 1890, and the longtime fireman was never one to break tradition.

Bailey started as a rookie in March 1966, and his career has spanned four decades. Throughout those years, he has served as both fire chief and chaplain.

"I know that he will always be a fireman in his heart," Mayor Gloria Bradford said before presenting Bailey with a proclamation recognizing his 40 years of service to the department.

As Bailey stepped up to accept his honor during the Aug. 28 Borough Council meeting, the audience gave him a standing ovation. The show of emotion touched Bailey, who held back tears as he thanked the mayor, council members and community for continually supporting the fire department.

In turn, Bradford read the proclamation, which congratulated, commended and thanked Bailey for risking his life every time the fire alarm sounded.

"I dedicate this to the past firefighters, the present firefighters and the future firefighters," said Bailey, who was flanked by current and former firemen. "We are part of the future of Milltown."

In his 10th year on the squad, Bailey said he adopted a credo that he still carries with him today: "Milltown Fire Department did more for me than I could ever do for the Milltown Fire Department."