By Monique Howard
WESTVILLE—In 1921, Louis Grossman, the owner of an oil and gas store in North Woodbury, initially organized the Helping Hand Fire Company.
Founded in 1922, the Helping Hand Fire Company’s legacy has stood the test of time as one of the oldest African American volunteer fire companies in the state of New Jersey.
The fire company was incorporated in 1924, and during that time, the core members serving were John Long (President), Loen Corsey (Chief), Harrison Tull (Treasurer), Ed Bonds (Secretary), Oscar Brown, Riley Davis, John Fletcher, George Corsey, Herb Corsey, and Dennis Huffington.
For firefighter and historian Bryant Fiddler, the Helping Hand Fire Company is a generational legacy of service and sacrifice.
“Our initial meetings were either at members’ houses or the president’s house,” Fiddler said in an interview with Front Runner New Jersey.
“My great-grandfather, he ended up being a president later on, but they would have it at his house because he owned the store. Many meetings were held at the church. Our first firehouse was built in 1925, so we operated for a couple of years without a home. We got our first truck in 1924 from a fire company in West Deptford.”
The history is marked by brotherhood, bravery, and a long-lasting commitment to the local community.
Today, Tim Wagner is the president and serving his third year guiding the cherished fire company for a new generation. Erv Jerkins served as president prior. Wagner grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where the Helping Hand Fire Company was upheld as the cornerstone of the community. Steeped in a rich history, the fire company sparked the curiosity of many young men, and it became a haven for them.
Since the age of 15, Wagner has been a part of the Helping Hand Fire Company and many of his friends and family members.
“It’s kind of like a brotherhood,” he said. “So it projected me into an area where I am now because I saw positive gentlemen. These guys have pensions, they’re retired. They go to work and do what they’re supposed to do to take care of their families. We see that, and it reflects down here positively.”
He attributes the fire company’s longevity to having solidarity with the local community. Whether it’s cutting the grass in the community or standing up to injustice, the Helping Hand Fire Company remains true to its name.
“Everybody likes to come down here,” he states. “It’s the community place where if somebody is having a repass, they have it here and things of that nature. We help out when we can, and it makes me proud to be one, the president, but also a part of this firehouse.”
In addition to assisting the community, the fire company is also beneficial to the township.
“A lot of people think that the fire department is paid, and probably 70 percent of fire departments in the United States are volunteers,” he explains. “In big cities, they have paid staff.”
“We help the township with a tax problem because if something happens and they shut down the volunteer fire departments, now they have to pay staff,” he continues. “They have to raise taxes to fund this. We’re talking 19 guys, an engine, a ladder, and rescue around the clock. We’re talking two to three million dollars. There’s been some legislation trying to go through the state of New Jersey where we could get our taxes cut maybe in half so that type of benefit could get more people to come out.”
The Helping Hand Fire Company gains funding through donations, hall rentals, and renting the engine room to Deptford Township for storage.
Despite the historic milestone of reaching 100 years and the celebrations held to commemorate this achievement in 2022, the Helping Hand Fire Company continues to struggle with acquiring new recruits.
“Kids don’t like to go out and play anymore or just get involved,” Wagner said. “So it’s very hard for us to recruit. The kids are not interested. It’s difficult to compete with Xbox and PlayStation.”
Not deterred, he continues by adding, “We continue to try. We reach out to schools. We go door to door and pass out fliers. We try and hope and pray.”
Presently, three young cadets ages 12-13 years old have joined the Helping Hand Fire Company. The youngsters visit the fire department every other Wednesday and are allowed to ride the firetruck. Once a cadet reaches the age of 15, they can actively participate and wear firemen gear. Wagner remains hopeful that youth who come to the fire department will reach this pivotal moment and remain committed.
Wagner believes time and dedication are the two key factors necessary to become a fireman. After successfully completing the required classes, a cadet will be accepted.
“It’s definitely worth it if you like to help people,” he commented. “You’re serving your community, you’re serving your township, you’re serving your state and your country. It kind of fulfills all that.”