HEWITT, NJ — Aug. 10 — Joe Casella achieved a significant milestone with the Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Company 5 after successfully finishing his probationary period and officially becoming a full member of the company.

Successfully completing a probationary period was an important step for a volunteer firefighter.

It allowed a new member to show their dedication, take part in company events and training, and keep improving the skills necessary to work safely with more experienced firefighters.

Casella's transition to full membership showed the time and effort needed to become a full-fledged member of a volunteer fire company.

For those in emergency services, those early years in the fire service laid the groundwork for ongoing training, experience, and increased responsibility.

Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Company 5 was one of six volunteer fire companies that operated under the West Milford Fire Department.

The township referred to the company as Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Fire Company 5, with its main location on Warwick Turnpike in Hewitt.

The six volunteer companies in West Milford provided fire protection across the entire township.

Each company was responsible for its own district, and other companies were available to help when needed.A 2024 report on the department noted that it had about 160 volunteers who were always ready to respond to fires, accidents, and other emergencies.

For Casella, finishing his probation marked another step in his volunteer commitment.

His promotion to full membership added another firefighter to the company’s team and acknowledged the hard work he put into earning this position.

The department praised Casella for reaching this milestone and officially welcomed him as a full member of Company 5.