NJ FIREFIGHTERS SALUTE TWO BROTHERS THAT PERFORMED SEARCH & RESCUE OPERATIONS AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
Photo by BOB CONNELLPaterson and area firefighters salute the ashes of city Firefighter Robert "Bobby" Allen at his funeral on March 26th.
Photo by RON JEFFERSJersey City firefighters offer Firefighter Wayne Taylor a final salute during his funeral procession on March 28th.
In March, firefighters from various jurisdictions paid last respects to two dedicated firefighters who loved their jobs and were part of the World Trade Center 9-1-1 search and rescue teams. They both succumbed to cancer.
On March 26th, Paterson and area firefighters assembled at St. John's Cathedral to pay their respects to active city Firefighter Rob “Bobby” Allen. Allen was appointed to the P.F.D. in 1992. His last assignments were the Chief's Office and Engine Co. 7. Firefighter Allen was a long-time master of ceremonies at Fire Department events.
Firefighter Allen held many elected seats in the Paterson Firefighters Association, including president, 1997-1998. He was a state executive, 2014-2015, and Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the state FMBA.
He was known to have helped shape countless pieces of legislation impacting thousands of career firefighters and retirees.
Firefighter Allen was also known for his dedication and for being cool and calm both on the fire ground and in the firehouse. Also, for his knowledge, good nature and sense of humor.
“His dedication and advocacy have undoubtedly saved lives and made a lasting impact on the firefighting community in New Jersey and beyond,” Bill Pascrell, 9th District of New Jersey.
On March 28th, firefighters gathered at Greenville Memorial Home to pay their respects to retired Jersey City Firefighter Wayne Taylor. Firefighter Taylor was a member of the FDJC from 1982 to 2011. He retired out of Rescue Co. 1, as the unit's senior man.
After the 9-1-1 attacks, he was part of the rescue operations team with fellow Jersey City firefighters at the World Trade Center, in multiple operational periods. During his retirement, he developed multiple WTC related cancers and passed away on March 18th.
Firefighter Taylor loved his job, and he was a sort of department historian. He had a large photo collection of firefighters and city apparatus, that he would post on Facebook.
On a gloomy and rainy March 28th morning, city firefighters and apparatus lined up at the Farrier Monument in Lincoln Park as the funeral procession passed, with firefighters saluting the popular and well-liked member of the Fire Department.
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