Member Spotlight Archives

2021 Volunteer Spotlights

 

JANUARY 2021 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Matthew C. Lawson
Firefighter
Member Since 2014

If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Matt Lawson you’ll find him to be a jovial person. You’ll always find Matt with a smile on his face and positivity emanating from his soul. On a fire or rescue scene, Matt is all business, he’s mission oriented from the moment the call comes out. This striking juxtaposition is unique, it’s also core to what makes Matt such a good firefighter, he’s exactly the right person you want in an emergency. Beyond making him an uplifting teammate and reliable firefighter, these same attributes are also what make Matt an outstanding member of our community.

Certifications: ​Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), Vehicle Extrication Operations, Swiftwater Operations, Ice Water Technician, Pump Operations, Hazmat Operations, Vacant Buildings Awareness, Arson Detection Awareness, Drill Ground Instructor, ICS 100 & 200.

Awards​: 5-year award, Holmatro “distinguished life saving effort” certificate 2018

Committees:​ Membership, Memorial, Christmas Trees, and Color Guard

Past/Current Agencies:​ Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1, Hightstown First Aid, Roosevelt Fire Company, Princeton Fire Department

Favorite Quote: ​“You’re doing it wrong!” -Brian McCaffrey Backdraft

Visit Hightstown’s Facebook page to read the full story about Matt Lawson including his first fire and the reason he joined.

 

FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

William R. Havens (Haves)
Firefighter & Lifetime Member
Member Since 1986

If there’s one quote that accurately summarizes Bill Havens it is this, when asked about the decades of emergencies Haves has operated on and the lives he has saved his response was simple; “I did what I did, and that was it.” This sentiment represents the larger ethos of the Hightstown Fire Department, men and women deeply humble in their heroic deeds. Given the amount of time and energy that Haves has spent building the camaraderie and sense of family within our department over the years, it should come as no surprise that his humble values have proliferated amongst the ranks.

Billy Havens, better known more affectionately by his nickname “Haves”, is a second generation firefighter in Hightstown, carrying forward the proud legacy of his father William Havens Sr. The hallmark attribute of Bill Havens is his ability to bring people together. Haves understands the importances of a shared meal amongst our firefighter family whether it be at the firefighter convention in Wildwood, in the hall at the firehouse, or around the firepit in his yard. Haves creates spaces for members of the company to bond, tell stories, and become closer in their pursuit to serve the community. We continue to benefit as a fire department from Haves’ family oriented approach which extends from the love he has for his own family in his beloved children and wife.

Certifications: Firefighter I, Pumps Operations, Hazmat Operations, ICS 100 and 200, CPR, Advanced Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, Advanced Vehicle Extrication

Awards: Firefighter of the Year 1992

Committees: Parade Committee, Junior Firefighters, Golf Outing, Hall Committee, Bar Committee, 185th Anniversary Parade Committee.

Visit Hightstown’s Facebook page to read the full story about Bill Havens including his first fire and the reason he joined.

 

JUNE 2021 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Mark Madonia
Firefighter & Trustee
Member Since July 1988 (33 years this July)
Past Positions: President, Vice President, Captain, and Trustee

If you are looking for someone committed to the health and safety of the community, look no further. Mark Madonia has dedicated much of his life’s work volunteering for various fire and EMS organizations throughout his journey. Not only does Mark serve within these organizations, more importantly he is willing to rise to the challenge of various positions that are necessary in order for them to function properly. Mark takes a great deal of pride in the work that he does, which is evidenced through his years of commitment in the Color Guard, a space in which his keen eye for detail truly comes to fruition. This detailed oriented approach will be a lasting legacy in all the departments that Mark has served.

Certifications: Firefighter I, EMT, Fire Official, Hazmat Ops/Awareness, IMS Level 1, 2, and 3, Open Water Diver

Awards: 25 year Life Member Status

Committees: Color Guard, Bylaw Committee, Membership Committee, Cigar Dinner Committee, Rescue Truck Committee, Uniform Committee, Dive Team.

Past/Current Agencies: Served with the South Old Bridge Vol. Fire Department from 1980 to 1988. A member of the Old Bridge First Aid & Rescue Squad and Hightstown First Aid Squad. Captain, Trustee, and current President of the Hightstown Rescue Squad since 2009.

Visit Hightstown’s Facebook page to read the full story about Mark Madonia including his first fire and the reason he joined.

 

AUGUST 2021 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

John F. Baldino Jr.
Fire Police and Life Member
Member Since April 4th 1990(31 years of service)
Past Positions: Fire Police Captain and Lieutenant

Far too many of the world’s heroes go unheralded. They fulfill duties that are less glamorous and therefore attract less attention in the public’s eye. In recognizing the legacy of John F. Baldino Jr. we hope to dismantle that narrative and highlight a man who’s heroic deeds have gone unnoticed far too long. Serving as a member of the Fire Police, John has created a niche existence within the department by doing work that is essential for the safe operation of the team’s overall mission. John has notched decades of keeping firefighters and first responders safe from various hazards at emergency scenes. Every time the trucks get out of the station without being blocked by traffic or the unsuspecting pedestrian is prevented from straying in front of a responding apparatus, we have John to thank. The few minutes spared that allowed firefighters to save a life from fire or wreckage, again we have John to thank. John is a stalwart within our department and an example to all of what it means to be a team player; mission over glory.

Awards: Length of service awards for 5yrs, 7 yrs, 10 yrs, and 20 yrs. Life Member Status

Visit Hightstown’s Facebook page to read the full story about John F. Baldino Jr. including his first fire and the reason he joined.