To the Editor:
On June 1, 2011, Bayonne Fire Captain Michael T. Whitney retired after 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Bayonne. Capt. Whitney was a U.S. Marine for four years, prior to serving the City of Bayonne. He was one of the first brave firefighters to respond to the 1986 IMTT general alarm fire involving multiple bulk storage tanks. In 1987, he started a Fire Awareness Training Program to educate grammar school children throughout Bayonne on the dangers of fire. In 1994, he started a “First Alert” program to provide refunding for schools to further his fire education effort. In 1994, he was recognized nationally as one of the top “Fire Educators of the Year.”
Mike has taught thousands of school children on the subject of fire safety, all on his own time and without compensations. In 1998, Mike was one of the founding members of the Bayonne Fire Department Honor Guard. He had a reputation for being fearless while battling fires and never considered himself off duty. If there was a fire or emergency, you would want Capt. Whitney to be working because he would certainly make a difference, and he has.
It was no surprise to those that knew him that he would be one of the first Bayonne firefighters to respond to the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. In 2004, he established a scholarship program through the annual Doug Riecker Golf Outing. He volunteered his time to many worthy causes, including the Ability Day Camp outings, the 100th anniversary of the Bayonne Fire Department, and working at the fire museum.
When a firefighter needed help, Mike was always the first to step up. He is a dedicated family man and considered firefighters an extension of his family. Mike brought unique characteristics and drive to the job, and his dedication, knowledge, energy, compassion, and work ethic were unsurpassed. Mike had an exceptional passion for the job and exemplified the term “brotherhood.” Mike was an excellent firefighter, fire officer, mentor, leader, teacher, and, above all, friend to all who knew him.
Capt. Whitney will be sorely missed, but we wish him a well deserved, long, and healthy retirement.
4 GROUP
Bayonne Fire Dept.