FIREFIGHTING IS ALL IN THE FAMILY
After three generations, the Bessemer’s are still putting out flames
PARSIPPANY, NJ (April 10, 2008) – For James Bessemer, the local fire department has been a second home since childhood.
“Firefighting has been around me since I was born,” says Bessemer, a resident of Jefferson Township. “All my birthday parties were on the fire trucks; it was any kid’s dream.”
A member of the Jefferson Township Fire Department Company 2, Bessemer is a part of a family tradition that began with his grandfather, then was passed on to his father Jeff, and his brother Jason.
“No matter what, we all knew I was going to become a firefighter – and when Jason turned 18, we knew he would become one,” Bessemer says. “Deep down, I’ve always been a fireman.”
Like many other firefighters, Bessemer juggles firefighting with a full-time career at Success Communications Group in Parsippany, an agency that provides advertising, public relations, and recruitment/marketing services.
“One of James’ strengths as a part of Success Communications Group is his ability to work with a team,” says Terry Starr, division president. “I think a lot of that comes from being a firefighter.”
But, Bessemer admits there are times where it isn’t easy to handle both priorities.
“Sometimes its tough when I’m working and I get a call or when I’m on my way to work; both are such a huge part of my life,” says Bessemer.
Though firefighters typically watch out for each others’ safety, Bessemer’s father Jeff – a pump operator and driver – admits that although he’s proud of his sons, it’s not always easy to watch them in action.
“I’ve always let firefighting be something that they could decide to do on their own,” says Jeff Bessemer. “But the hardest part is arriving on the scene and watching them run into a burning house and disappear into the smoke.”
As for the future of the Bessemer tradition, James hopes it will continue on.
“It would be great if my kids followed in our footsteps,” says Bessemer.
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Press contact KaitlynSweeney
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