Hudson Reporter Archive

Thanks to Bayonne’s bravest

To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to personally thank Chief Greg Rogers as well as the entire Bayonne Fire Department for outstanding acts of courage and conduct while battling the blaze that destroyed both my building and the clock business at 745 Broadway on Jan 19.
The manner in which the fire was expediently contained from spreading further to other buildings, in light of the freezing conditions that evening, was truly a testament to the exceptional training and organization of all involved.
As a lifelong resident of Bayonne, and having my clock business in town for well over 30 years, I was personally saddened that evening to watch the destruction of what was much more than just a business to me. Almost every clock in the store I personally restored over the years, and most had a unique and interesting story to tell.
The following morning I arrived at my building to witness the destruction and was informed we would not be able to enter given the unsafe building conditions. Notwithstanding that report, the men and women of the Bayonne FD were more than willing to assist in collecting specific clocks that I directed them toward. There were some clocks that were small enough to be carried under one’s arm and quite a few that took a team to carefully remove.
The care, precision and good humor exhibited by each and every person while removing these timepieces was truly moving. I am very thankful to all involved for shining a bright light on what was otherwise one of the darker moments in my lifetime.

PATRICK J. FAY

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