PORT JERVIS, NY –Joseph Kowal, Jr., a 34-year firefighter with Port Jervis Fire Department, is a native of Port Jervis, born on April 8, 1976, and has lived in his hometown all of his life. He graduated from Port Jervis High School, and first worked in retail right after school. He went on to attend college and then spent 17-years working in Port Jervis’ Department of Public Works. 

In 2018, Kowal transitioned to working in his family’s multi-generational business, Kowal Brothers Paving, which dated back to 1959. He is currently the owner of that business.  

The Kowal family is an all-around close-knit group, not just in business, but overall. This includes in firefighting service. 

Joe Kowal, Jr. joined Port Jervis Fire Department and Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Co. in 1992, at age 16. In doing so, he became part of a long line of family firefighters, that has continued from before and after he joined. The majority, in fact, are still active members of ‘Hooks’, as well as their children now.

“I grew up in the firehouse with my dad, Past Chief Joe, Sr., and my Uncle John Kowal,” Joe said. “My sons, Matt and Ryan, also joined when they too turned 16.”  

Grand Marshal Kowal has served in many positions in his company, including as Lieutentant, 2nd Lieutenant, and currently Vice President of H&L.

Kowal said he enjoys volunteering and giving back to community, and has gained experience and knowledge which he has been able to pass along to his boys as well as other young members. He is also grateful for the friendships he has made through his service over the years.

Kowal is proud of PJFD and hopes it will continue to grow and increase in new memberships. For the department as a whole, he notes that today there are many more requirements being mandated which become an issue in gaining new membership. This, in his opinion, is due to the increased time commitments this requires.

“It is a time commitment for sure. A lot of sacrifices, especially with family time,” he said.

In thinking back to some of the calls over his 34-year service with ‘Hooks/Truck 7’, Kowal recalls a response to a fire on Pike Street where he climbed a fire escape to do a third-floor search.

“Shortly after entering, my fellow firefighter, Dan Lewis, pulled me back out by my feet. As soon as we got back on the fire escape to descend, that entire room flashed over with flames instantly blowing out the window,” he recalled.

Being always aware of your surroundings and always assessing situations is something Kowal keeps in mind during every call, and he advises others to be sure to do the same. 

Another memorable call was the Station 9 fire. He and his dad threw a ladder up to help save a gentleman escape through a third-floor window during this fire.

During another fire, at Sam & Mables, he and fellow firefighter John Pantis were first on scene and used a ground ladder to rescue an infant and his mother to safety. This act was recognized for both John and Joe as Orange County Firefighters of the Year in 1999.

“This was a great and rare honor,” Kowal, Jr. said.

Sadly, Kowal went back in to drag out another victim, but that individual unfortunately succumbed to his injuries later on. The hardest part of being a firefighter, for Kowal, are such times – seeing tragedies for people and the impact a fire can have on families. 

Kowal enjoys reflecting on the good times within the department, though, and the camaraderie. 

As he looks forward, Kowal says he plans to remain a firefighter forever.

“As long my body lets me,” he said.

With much gratitude, he thanks his father and uncle for showing him the firefighting ways over the years, and guiding him to be a better firefighter.

“I’ve now passed this guidance on to my boys who have become career firefighters. Matt and Ryan both joined the Air Force as firefighters. Both are now veterans and work professionally as firefighters; Matt for the Department of Defense at Joint Base McGuire/Dix/Lakehurst in NJ and Ryan, formerly at Shaw AFB and currently at Dorchester County FD in South Carolina,” Kowal, Jr. said.

Kowal is proud of his sons, and he knows they share this pride in him as well as his entire family who volunteers.

“I would like to thank my wife of 30-years, Gina Kowal, for her continued love and support. I’m sure it is difficult for her knowing her husband and two sons put their lives on the line every day for the love of the community,” Kowal said. “I am beyond blessed and grateful.

Kowal is also grateful to his company and the department for recognizing him as Grand Marshal.

“I am appreciative and honored. Thank you,” he said.