Firefighter of the Year Recipients Named

Two firefighters, one from East Windsor Fire Company #1 and another from East Windsor Fire Company #2, were recognized Tuesday as Firefighter of the Year for their outstanding dedication to the community.

East Windsor Fire Company #1’s Carl Dye, Jr. and East Windsor Fire Company #2’s Tom Ortega were named Firefighter of the Year by Mayor Janice Mironov and each was given a proclamation at Tuesday’s council meeting. Mironov also proclaimed Oct. 9 through 15 as fire prevention week.

Dye joined the department in August of 2007 after previously volunteering for East Windsor Fire Company #2 and Hightstown Engine Company, according to Mironov. Every year since 2008 Dye has been a top 10 responder with a “superb record” of response to fire calls.

“I am extremely proud of Carl,” said Kevin Brink, chief of East Windsor Fire Company #1. “His efforts have paid off and he’s well respected by the members of the fire department.”

Dye is president of East Windsor Fire Company #1 and served as lieutenant since 2010. He said he was “honored and slightly humbled” for being selected as this year’s recipient.

During Ortega’s tenure at East Windsor Fire Company #2 since 1993, he responded to over 1200 fire calls and has terrific leadership skills, Mironov said. He took a break at one point but came back to continue to serve.

She added that he is active in fire prevention activities in the community, highly respected by members of the company and serves as a mentor to new recruits.

East Windsor Fire Company #2 Chief Barry Rashkin said Ortega is known as “Dad” among many younger members in the company.

“I’m very happy. I didn’t know I was so popular,” Ortega said after receiving the award. 

Mironov said all of the volunteer firefighters do a “terrific job,” and added that the award recipients do a “super terrific job.”

“We couldn’t do without you,” Mironov told all of the firefighters at the meeting. “I hope that all the residents of East Windsor Township know the tremendous value that you provide to us in many ways.”