Goodwill Hose Co. Station 87-3 Belmar, NJ

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember the ultimate sacrifices of three of our own during World War 1 and World War 2.

Raymond B. Herbert (05/28/1889 - 10/23/1918)

Raymond Herbert joined Goodwill Hose Company in January of 1913. Registering for the draft on June 5, 1917, he entered the U.S. Army in July of 1918, first serving in Bayonne, New Jersey and then transferring to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in August of 1918, with a special emphasis on telegraphy.

In October of 1918, Herbert entered the base hospital, being stricken with influenza (the Spanish Influenza) and pneumonia. On October 23, 1918 while at Fort Leavenworth, Herbert would succumb to the virus.

Today, Private Herbert’s remains are interred at the Atlantic View Cemetery in Manasquan, NJ.

Alfred Ferruggiaro (1916 - 11/13/1942)

Alfred Ferruggiaro joined Goodwill Hose Company in May of 1938. Nearly 4 years later on January 15, 1942 he would enlist as a reservist in the United States Army. On February 12, 1942 he would be called upon to serve his nation aboard the USS Juneau (CL-52).

While in the Pacific Theater on November 13, 1942 the USS Juneau was struck by a torpedo launched by Japanese destroyer, Amatsukaze. Among the 687 officers killed in action was Seaman 1st Class Ferruggiaro.

Today, a monument remains in Juneau, Alaska honoring and remembering those lost on the USS Juneau.

Dominick Lorusso (08/28/1921 - 04/27/1944)

After joining Volunteer Hook and Ladder, he would register for the draft on February 14, 1942, entering the Army in January of 1943. After extensive training, Lorusso would ship out for the European Theater of Operations in March of 1944, assigned to Rattlesden, England Air Base.

On April 27, 1944, Lorusso was aboard a B-17F, with nine other crew members. Lorusso was positioned as the top turret gunner. While in the air, the plane was struck by anti aircraft fire, resulting in the loss of the plane. With eight of the crew members bailing, ultimately to become prisoners of war, the co-pilot and Lorusso would be hit, sadly being killed in action.
He is interred at the Beverly National Cemetery in Beverly, NJ.

Lest we forget. 🇺🇸

05/09/2026

Stop on by today for a hot dog and some great music by local bands.

05/04/2026

🎶🎵 Belmar Porch Fest Saturday May 9, 2026. Stop on by for some great music by local bands. 🎶🎵

04/16/2026

What a beautiful night to drill. Members of Station 3 conducted training on advancing hose lines, pumping and Engine company operations.

04/09/2026

Throwback Thursday 🚒

On April 19, 1963, the Belmar Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at Taylor’s Hardware Store.

An Asbury Park Times article published on April 20, 1963, stated:

“Fire wrecked Taylor's Hardware Store, 914 F St. and the adjoining Belmar Camera Shop, 910 F St., early today.

About 1,000 reels of fim owned by the Monmouth County Educational Film Library stored in the camera shop were destroyed

Four firemen were injured, but seven occupants of two apartments above the stores escaped uninjured. The fire broke out about 12:30 a.m.

The injured firemen were Donald Heyniger, here, who injured his foot when a hose coupling fell: Francis Quinn, Spring Lake, and Henry Gillespie, South Belmar, who stepped on nails: and Michael Looney, South Belmar, who suffered smoke inhalation. They were treated at Fitkin Hospital, Neptune.

Fire Chief Harold Thompson was unable to estimate the damage. Nor was the cause immediately deterMined. The fre was put out about 5 a.m.”

It was later determined that the loss exceeded $200,000, nearly $2.5 million today.

Today, Taylor’s Hardware Store continues to serve the community of Belmar, operating as the oldest business in Belmar since 1894.

Please continue to tune in weekly to our Throwback Thursday series as we celebrate our 125th Anniversary.

04/07/2026

As we celebrate 125 years of service, Goodwill Hose Company is looking to honor our history—and we need your help!
We are collecting old photographs, memorabilia, newspaper clippings, and stories that capture the proud tradition of our fire company and the community we serve. Whether it’s a picture of a parade, a firehouse event, or a family connection to our members, we would love to see it.
If you have anything to share, please reach out or send us a message. Help us preserve the legacy of 125 years of service in Belmar. 🚒

04/03/2026

Throwback Thursday 🚒

On April 20, 1975, the Belmar Fire Department responded to a reported yard fire at Sterner Lumber.

A New York Times article published on April 21, 1975, stated:

“Seven suspicious fires yesterday caused more than $1 million in damage to lumber and building supplies at Sterner’s Coal and Lumber Company in Belmar, officials reported.

Belmar Fire Chief Louis Trebino said firefighters discovered seven fires burning in three unattached sheds and four coal silos when they arrived at the scene shortly after midnight.

The operator of the yard, John Sterner of Spring Lake Heights, said the fire had destroyed about 75 percent of the stock in the two-acre yard adjacent to the Belmar Grammar School.

More than 150 firefighters from Belmar and several neighboring Monmouth County communities battled the general alarm blaze for about three hours.”

This was the second major fire at Sterner Lumber, the first occurring on September 4, 1934.

While the blaze in 1934 was believed to have been caused by sparks from a passing railroad, the 1975 fire, as noted by E. Donald Sterner, was suspected to be the work of a “firebug.”

Both incidents, today, remain significant events in the history of the Belmar Fire Department.

03/07/2026

03/05/2026

Throwback Thursday 🚒

On February 14, 2017, the Belmar Fire Department responded to Seaport Inlet Marina for a reported boat fire.

Commanded by Chief Brendle, the blaze would ultimately require the assistance of multiple surrounding towns.

According to news outlets and local politicians, the fire would destroy approximately 12 boats.

It was a fire many, today, remember vivid

03/04/2026

Working car fire 600 block of 18th Avenue. Eng 3-76, Eng 3-75 :and ladder 2-90 on scene.