Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 17, 2010 �������������������������� Firefighters mark dedication of memorial patio Wyckoff Protection Fire Company #1 recently turned out in force to dedicate its new patio in memory of firefighter Martin “Marty” Azarian. The newly constructed patio, located behind the firehouse, honors Azarian’s dedication to the Wyckoff Fire Department. Acting on a lifelong dream, Azarian followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming part of the Wyckoff Fire Department in 1987. He was at the top of his class at the Bergen County Police & Fire Academy (now the Law & Public Safety Institute). However, due to physical limitations, Azarian was unable to pass the rigorous physical tests required of the Firefighter I course. He then took on the role of associate member, helping in various capacities. He marched in parades with the department and was always present at fire department activities. Mack, his Dalmatian, (named after Wyckoff’s Mack fire engine) was a frequent visitor at Company #1 and soon became the group’s unofficial mascot. Azarian was a collector of fire department and New York Yankees memorabilia. He was often on hand when other fire department put their newly-purchased fire engines into active service. Azarian married Gigi Haas in 2003. When he became ill and could not drive, Gigi brought him to the firehouse on Monday nights so he could be on hand for meetings and drills. When he died in 2009, the Wyckoff Fire Department lost one of its most devoted members. In honor of his love for the fire service and the Wyckoff Fire Department, the Azarian family decided to make a donation in his memory. The memorial patio was the outcome of their wish for a fitting memorial. The Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department, comprised of 100 volunteers who received 140 hours of basic firematic training at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute, continue their training every Monday evening in Wyckoff to develop and fine-tune skills such as search, fire suppression, fire attack, fire ground communications, and Left: Azarian’s family members with Wyckoff firefighters at the recent dedication ceremony. At right: Marty Azarian and Mack. advanced vehicle rescue techniques. These highly trained and skilled volunteers serve the community by assisting their neighbors in the protection of life and property. This year marks the 102nd year that volunteers of the Wyckoff Fire Department have served the Township of Wyckoff and its residents. Setting smiles straight for more than 10 years. ��������������������� ���������������������� ���������������������� ������� ���������������������� ���������������������� ���������������� ����������� ������������� � ������������� � ������� � ���������������� � �������������������� � ������������� MARTIN ORTHODONTICS | THE PRACTICE OF SCOTT E. MARTIN, DMD LLC AAO SPECIALTY # 5190 2 3 7 E V E R E T T AV E N U E | W Y C K O F F N J 0 7 4 8 1 201.891.5534 | MARTIN-ORTHO.COM ������������������� ����������������� �������������������� ������������