Most days, Bill Keating can be found at the Main Street Station of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department. “It’s my second home,” he mused.
It was in February of 1978 that Keating first stepped into the firehouse, becoming a member of both the Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad. At the time, he had been living in Denville for only a few years. His decision to join was driven by two factors: the encouragement of neighbors who were members and his desire to become more involved in the community.
“I always had an interest in first aid. It seemed like a good route to follow to become more involved,” Keating said.
Keating has always embodied a strong spirit of volunteerism. “I became interested in first aid while in the Boy Scouts. We were always training in first aid,” he said.
After high school, Keating served as a volunteer in the Air Force, where he received training in communications. Keating’s Reserve unit was activated in the Persian Gulf after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He supported air operations over Afghanistan as part of a Tactical Communications unit under Operation Enduring Freedom.
Keating served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve for 33 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
There's no question that the volunteer members of the Fire Department play a vital role in the community. On average, they respond to 1,200 calls a year. “We have a lot of critical calls. We have saved lives, we’re there when someone is injured or sick and we make it better for them,” Keating revealed.
“Most are Denville residents, so I see them around. It’s great to see them back on their feet.”
Unlike the Fire Department, the Rescue Squad no longer offers round-the-clock service, sharing its responsibilities with Morris County’s EMS and Saint Clare’s Hospital, due to lack of volunteers.
Keating emphasized the ongoing need for more participation. Monday nights after 7:30pm is a good time to visit the Main Street Station, located across from the ACME Shopping Center, although alternative meeting times can be arranged. To join or inquire about doing so, simply show up and ask to speak with a Chief. Anyone 16 years of age or older is eligible to apply.
“We pay for all of the training— 90 percent is in house, only the most advanced courses go out of town, but we still cover the cost,” said Keating. “We try to keep training as local as we can.”
The hometown hero acknowledged with a laugh that most members aren’t at the firehouse as much as he is. Ideally, a volunteer can commit to at least two nights a week.
“The first year is the toughest because of the training—it eases up after that,” Keating explained.
Off-call, volunteers work on paperwork, truck maintenance, fire drills, general upkeep, and other tasks.
Even with the demanding work, the atmosphere remains friendly and positive. “We always try to maintain an easy-going atmosphere. We have a BBQ in the summer and a few times a year we have get togethers. We make sure people are happy to be here.”
After 47 years of service with the Fire Department, Keating continues to be as happy as ever.
“I enjoy it very much—it’s very interesting. It’s a lot of work, but I still have a lot of interest in it. It’s nice to see people around town after we’ve helped them. I’ll see them in the store—just seeing them all recovered lifts my spirits,” Keating added.
Becoming a more involved member of the community has brought a smaller community into Keating’s life. “I met a lot of nice people here. I had pneumonia last year and the members helped me out a lot. They stopped by every day to see me. It meant a lot to me because I was really sick.”
Keating warmly remembered how the department supported him during his service in the Persian Gulf, saying, “The department was very supportive of me. They sent me packages and letters.”
“Denville is one of the nicest towns I’ve ever been associated with and working with the Fire Department has been a great experience.”
A community is only as strong as its residents, and Keating embodies the neighbor we all wish to have. He proves that investing in our hometown not only strengthens the community but also deepens our connection with it.
"It’s nice to see people around town after we’ve helped them. Just seeing them all recovered lifts my spirits."