|
News-Info
The Leonia Volunteer Fire Department posts news and information of community interest, including event announcements and safety tips.
We welcome your questions and comments.
In Memory of Leonia Fire Chief Mark F. Tighe
On July 2, 2007, the Leonia Fire Department received word that Former Fire Chief and long-time Leonian Mark F. Tighe had passed away. After serving for 36 years, Mark retired from the Department and moved to Florida in 1996. Many in town may remember Mark as their longtime postman or perhaps as a baseball coach for any one of several recreation teams, or maybe even as a Cub Scout leader. But his brothers in the fire service will always remember Mark's dedication to training new members, improving equipment, and gathering information and passing it along to others.
Mark joined the Leonia Fire Department in 1960, quickly moved through the ranks, and by 1969, he was Chief. But that was just the beginning of a distinguished career. He served as President of the East Bergen Mutual Aid Association from 1971-1972, Executive Committee Chairman from 1973-1974 and Treasurer in 1978. He was a Life Member of the New Jersey & New York Fireman's Association and a Trustee from 1979 to 1988. He was a member of the New Jersey State Fire Chief's Association, where he served on the Nominating Committee and Valor Awards Committee. Mark also served on the NJ State Fire Advisory Council to the Governor where he and his sidekick, Charlie Moots, would travel throughout the state gathering the latest fire service related legislation, and bring it back to the local departments.
He also served as a Sergeant-at-Arms for the New Jersey State Fireman's Relief Association Convention where he checked credentials at the old Convention Center for many years.
One of Mark's proudest accomplishments was preserving and restoring the Department's 1955 Ward LaFrance ladder truck, which he nicknamed "Big Bertha." Appropriately, Mark was given his final ride on the truck when it carried his casket to his funeral. When the procession arrived at the church, there was an unplanned delay. Mark got to remain atop his pride and joy for an extra 15 minutes while the problem was solved.
He wouldn't have wanted it any other way!
Browse our photo gallery, signup for our free e-mail newsletter, and contact us with your questions or comments.
| 
