TOMS RIVER – To continue the next generation of volunteer firefighters in Toms River Fire District No.1, Michael Wartel passed down his love of the fire service to his son, Salvatore Wartel.
Michael Wartel, 63, and his son, Salvatore Wartel, 27, both joined Ocean Beach Fire Company No. 3 in 2017 to gain experience in water rescue for both the bay and the ocean.
Michael was interested in firefighting at a young age. He has been a volunteer firefighter in the Township of Lyndhurst for over 43 years, and he even made Township history by being the youngest appointed firefighter at age 19. At the age of 18, Salvatore followed in his father’s footsteps and became a firefighter there as well.
With a passion to serve the community, Michael was a police officer and ranking officer with the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Salvatore again followed in his dad’s footsteps, earning a degree in national security. He currently works as a police officer in Lyndhurst.
Although their main home is in Lyndhurst, Michael and Salvatore visit their shore home numerous times throughout the month and are able to serve their second community in Toms River.
“I learned many water and beach rescue skills that I never had exposure to at my northern fire department,” said Michael. “I have become very proficient in my boating skills, operating our fire/rescue boat.”
Similarly, Salvatore loves the beach atmosphere and combining ocean and bay rescue with traditional aspects of firefighting.
Working As A Team
Salvatore and Michael both recall the structure fire on Sixth Terrace in Ortley Beach as memorable because it was their first call together with Ocean Beach Fire Company.
“Together, we both made a strong interior attack on the fully involved portion of the home,” recalls Michael, who says working with his son is a feeling like no other.
“I get to mentor him and sometimes he even teaches me. We work side by side protecting people and their property, and hopefully changing their lives for the better,” said Michael. “There is no better feeling than watching your pride and joy becoming a stronger man and sometimes someone’s hero.”
Michael says Salvatore’s exceptionally strong character, will and courage make him a great firefighter.
“He is also community oriented and has a strong yearning to help his fellow man without any thoughts of himself. A quality he gets from his dad,” jokes Michael.
In return, Salvatore jokes that his dad is his personal chauffeur to calls.
“Besides that, it’s amazing having a role model with many more years of experience and someone to always talk shop with,” said Salvatore.
More Volunteers Are Needed
Comprised of four stations, Toms River Fire District No. 1 is seeking firefighters, junior firefighters, administrative members and seasonal volunteers to join the team. According to Michael and Salvatore, volunteering is worth it.
“You will be taught a set of skills that you will carry for life,” said Michael. “Sometimes it’s in your DNA and sometimes it’s acquired, but there is nothing more rewarding than volunteering to help others extinguish a fire, or rescue someone from the water that may go unhelped without our help.”
Ultimately, volunteers are joining a group dedicated to saving lives and property, all while serving their community and making lifelong friends along the way.
“Being a volunteer firefighter can be very rewarding and is also an awesome way to stay connected with the community and make friends,” said Salvatore.
To learn more about volunteering in Toms River Fire District No. 1 or sign up, visit TRfire.org.
