This past Tuesday Rabbi Daniel Fridman of The Jewish Center of Teaneck and Father Joseph D’Amico, pastor of St. Anastasia’s Church were sworn in as Teaneck Fire Department’s new chaplains.
The ceremony was held in Municipal Council Chambers where opening remarks were given by Teaneck Township Manager Dean Kazinci. A former police chief himself, he spoke about the “daily grind” and all the difficult events that first responders experience. Thrilled that chaplains were finally being installed, he said, “What I’ve experienced over my years is not easy and what you see and what you overcome and what you have to bring home to your families is very difficult.” But he added that having these chaplains “will provide a tremendous welcome support to the fire service” and implored members of the department to never feel embarrassed about needing to speak to someone.
Councilwoman Karen Orgen came up to congratulate Rabbi Fridman and Father “Joe” D’Amico on their new roles. She spoke about her 18-year-old daughter who serves on the ambulance corps and how during her first year she had been on so many “bad” calls. “You really take it home and it’s really hard to deal with, and we know that happens to all of you.” She ended by saying how grateful she is for all they do for and “for ministering to the people that minister to us and take care of us.”
Former deputy mayor and current administrator for the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy Yitz Stern noted how important it is to bring together the professional needs with the spiritual needs and wished a heartfelt congratulations to Rabbi Fridman and Father Joe.
“Don’t go it alone,” urged Teaneck Deputy Manager and former Leonia Police Chief Tom Rowe, recalling all the unfortunate events that he and his colleagues have come across over the years, and said that even though they are sure to see plenty of bad things in their career, to always feel they can reach out to someone.
Teaneck Fire Department Chief Joseph Berchtold called it a proud moment. “I can’t thank these two gentlemen enough for the honor and their service to the community … We appreciate them stepping forward and taking on their new role.” Calling Rabbi Fridman and Father Joe pillars of the community and role models “who will be here now for us,” he said he expects great things from the two gentlemen.
Before being sworn in by Kazinci, Rabbi Fridman and Father D’Amico were each then called upon to give a special prayer and blessing.
Following the ceremony, those in attendance were called outside to see the new fireboat that replaced the one destroyed during Hurricane Isaias when firefighters were rescuing people stranded in cars.
As the crowd started exiting the building an alarm call came in and many of the firefighters ran to their trucks to respond while the rest of the attendees went across the street to The Jewish Center for a special luncheon in honor of Father D’Amico and Rabbi Fridman.
By Ronit Mershon
