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Beachwood FD Second Fire Chief, John Polsan

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August 30, 2019 | NEW JERSEY BEACHWOOD VFD, Correspondent
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

The Beachwood FD has undertaken a history project that has been ongoing for the past several years. During that time one of our goals was to obtain photographs of our departed members, particularly those who earned the distinction of being recognized on our department's memorial. We have had great success over the years, and have met or corresponded with some of our member's families. It has been our honor and pleasure to hear the stories and to preserve our history.

We would like to recognize our second Fire Chief, John Polsan, who was a founding member of our department, and served as an officer before becoming Chief of the Department in 1935. After serving with us, Chief Polsan and his family moved away, eventually settling in Chico, CA. Over the past year we made contact with and corresponded with Chief Polsan's son, John. It has been great to learn about Chief Polsan's role in the creation of our department and keeping our department together when there was talks of it splitting into two companies back in 1927.

Chief Polsan's son John sent us his father's badges to be preserved in our display at the firehouse. Included was our original Deputy Chief badge from 1922! Also, Chief Polsan was badge #16, which is our station number under Ocean County's numbering system. Thank you to the Polsan family for entrusting us with these items and your father's memory. Thank you as well to everyone who has helped us along the way make contact with our past.

Our mission continues and we ask that anyone who has information on some of our members from generations ago, or wish to share old photos, to please contact us (rhull@bvfd16.com). Additionally, we have partnered with local historian Eric Weber in support of his book on the history of Beachwood. Visit our website at www.bvfd16.com to learn more about our fire department and get a glimpse at some local history.

Thanks again for everyone's support!

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BEACHWOOD VFDCorrespondent

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