By Julia Train
On Wednesday, April 16, members of the Atlantic County Firefighters Association (ACFA) gathered at the Anthony “Tony” Canale Fire Training Center for the Harold J. “Whitey” Swartz Valor Awards and Service Recognition ceremony. Hosted by the Margate City Fire Department during the ACFA’s monthly meeting, the event paid tribute to the bravery, dedication and sacrifices of local firefighters and emergency personnel.
Margate Fire Department Chief Daniel Adams spoke passionately about his career and the unwavering commitment of those in the fire service.
“When I stand before you all up here, I think about all the times in my career as a volunteer and career firefighter and I wouldn’t want to change a thing. I could’ve retired a few years back, but I love the job. I love coming to work each and every day,” he said.
He emphasized the sacrifices firefighters make — especially the moments missed with family when duty calls.
“Without us — whether you’re [a] career or volunteer [firefighter], whatever you do to provide this service — our community wouldn’t be able to survive…we wake up any hour, no matter what the hour is and we put the uniform on and do what needs to be done.”
“As we all know, when we go to work, there’s good days and bad days,” he added. “But in the end, it’s the greatest career.”
This year, the award committee received several noteworthy incidents, but none met the submission deadline of Jan. 31 to be eligible for official recognition.
“While there were some incidents that could have been up for an award, but they didn’t meet the deadline,” explained ACFA President Charles Mackintosh.
The Valor Awards program, established in 1991, honors individuals who risk their lives to save others. There are five award categories, with the top honor selected from First Class Award nominations — given for extreme risk in the act of rescue. Additional categories include Second Class Awards for lesser personal risk, Meritorious Awards for notable performance and Unit Citations for team efforts.
Nominations must be submitted by the fire chief in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, and chiefs are encouraged to submit all incidents worthy of recognition. However, the top award is reserved for a member of the fire service and is not awarded if deemed unwarranted.
The awards are named in honor of Harold J. “Whitey” Swartz, a beloved figure in Atlantic County firefighting. Over his 56-year career, Swartz served in numerous leadership roles including deputy chief in Pleasantville, Atlantic County fire marshal and director of the Canale Fire Training Center. Beyond the fire service, he was a passionate photographer and historian who co-founded the Firefighter’s Museum of Southern New Jersey.
While there weren’t any Valor Awards given this year, three individuals were recognized for over 50 years of service as firefighters: Stanley E. Kolbe, Sr., and Mark J. Marrone of the Absecon Volunteer Fire Department, along with Jeffrey Cornew of the Estell Manor Volunteer Fire Company.
The ACFA, established in 1923, has united Atlantic County’s career and volunteer fire departments for over a century. The organization’s mission remains rooted in professional training, communication, and the exchange of ideas. Its motto, “In Union for the Safety of All,” speaks to the collective strength and shared purpose of its members.
