LITTLE FERRY, N.J. — When superstorm Sandy struck, firefighters helped to evacuate thousands of residents from flood-ravaged homes, often while their own families were in danger and their residences underwater.
On Wednesday, Governor Christie stood in Hose Company No. 1, which was inundated with about 4 feet of water, to announce the Firefighter-to-Firefighter Assistance Program — an initiative that anonymously pairs skilled volunteer firefighters with their peers who still need help rebuilding their storm-damaged homes.
The Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Fire Safety established the program two weeks after the October storm, and it has already matched “dozens and dozens” of volunteers with their peers in need, said DCA Commissioner Richard E. Constable III.
The announcement -- made amid the backdrop of the Marshall Avenue facility where brick walls and steel beams remain exposed and electrical wires hang from the ceiling -- was meant to spread the word about the program and to encourage more firefighters to sign up.
“We know that folks who are first responders understand the idea of volunteerism and have always stood up in their communities as volunteers -- not just in the volunteer fire and EMT services, but also as Little League coaches, soccer coaches and folks who volunteer at their local church and synagogue,” Christie said. “These are folks who are always volunteering their time - it’s in their DNA.”
Volunteers can help with shoveling, debris removal, carpentry, waterproofing, electrical work and demolition, Christie said.
Two Little Ferry firefighters have already received assistance, along with others in Sea Bright, Union Beach, Seaside Park, Brick and Manahawkin.
“These brave heroes are the backbone of our community, and we are committed to helping them get back to a sense of normalcy as they continue to protect and help us,” Constable said, noting that Moonachie and Little Ferry firefighters helped to rescue and save about 2,000 of their neighbors when a storm surge flooded the streets in both municipalities.
Information on the program is available on the DCA’s website, where potential volunteers and those seeking assistance can register to participate. The Division of Fire Safety will then try to match requests with those with the skill and experience.
About 80 percent of the borough’s homes were affected by the flooding, Mayor Mauro Raguseo said. Two of the borough’s firehouses and the emergency services building were damaged.
“But despite what was going on in their own homes and their firehouses, they were out there, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Raguseo said. “They just didn’t stop helping people.”
Marty Loesner, 41, a deputy fire chief, said the homes of 26 of the department’s 60 firefighters were damaged and that the firefighters were gradually rebuilding.
“It’s a slow process because you are waiting for the insurance companies to come through with the funds to help you with your project,” said Loesner, whose wife, daughter and dog had to be rescued from his Velock Drive home by the National Guard.
Loesner, who was able to rebuild with help from fellow firefighters, said he welcomed the state program.
“There are a lot of resources out there, but a lot of people don’t know where to turn,” said Loesner, a plumber by trade who also plans to volunteer in the program. “You’d be a little bit more comfortable knowing that you are working with a brother firefighter. ... You won’t have to worry about a contractor coming in and taking advantage of you.”
Frank Smith, a Moonachie fire chief and a captain on the First Aid Squad, said he has been depleting his savings to renovate his house and the state program could help him save money.
“There is just so much damage,” said Smith, who is working with his wife, Debi, and friends to keep the renovation cost below the $60,000 estimate.
“There is just so much to do. Life is still not back to normal. We are talking about months later -- and things are not back to normal.”
Christie has used visits to firehouses to make several major announcements. On Tuesday, he detailed a $200 million project to replace a stretch of Route 35 in Ocean County from inside the Lavallette Fire Department.
Just a few weeks ago, he announced new post-Sandy rebuilding standards from the Seaside Heights Fire Department. The governor has also been busy touring storm-ravaged communities, shining a spotlight on boardwalk replacements, dune replenishments and other efforts to get the Jersey Shore as ready as it can be for the summer tourism season.
Staff Writer Melissa Hayes contributed to this article. Email: superville@northjersey.com
Melissa Hayes contributed to this article.