Rumson Filmmaker Explores Fair Haven Fire Company, Fair Civic Roots

From Lori Ersolmaz's blog on Patch:

As part of the Engaging People Series and just in time for the Fair Haven Firemen's Fair, I've produced a short film about the Fair Haven Fire Company and their all-volunteer membership's commitment to the community all-year round.


There's been much written about the Firemen's Fair. Many of us locals have been there, enjoyed the food and rides, seeing friends and neighbors and having a positive addition to the end of summer. What often doesn't get discussed is what goes on behind the scenes during the year and why the Fire Company is an important community asset.
 
It's not just the Fair that highlights their astute organizational nature. The Fair Haven Fire Company holds a long tradition of highly productive teamwork during extraordinary situations, illustrating the strength and impact that citizens can have on their community. 

It takes tremendous time, planning, training and engagement to run every aspect of the Fire Company—from the Fire Department, Fire Police, First Aid Squad and Auxiliary.

Through volunteering with the Fire Company local citizens, families and kids come together as responsible members building up the fabric of their community. Former Fire Chief Jim Cerruti, who narrates the film explains, "The common thread that runs through everyone is the willingness, or even the need to give back." 

Not only is the Firemen's Fair a strong tradition, but the Fire Company's model illustrates solid democratic principles at work.

"Every decision is made through a vote of the membership. Anyone who is a member has a right to voice an opinion and whether you disagree with someone who is sitting at the end of the table or not, you can't just let it disappear or just roll over from one administration to another, otherwise nothing would change, nothing would get better," says Jim Cerruti. 

This is a story of public service and volunteering at its best — proudly American — giving back to families, friends and children in the most genuine and memorable way. Enjoy and please let me know what you think of the film.