HAMMONTON -- The town's longest-serving fire chief received a special honor July 27 when the town and fire department officially dedicated a new fire truck in his honor.

The 2009 Pierce Impel pumper truck was dedicated to Jack Donio, who served as fire chief from 1988 to 2002.

"I'll never forget this night. I love the town and I love the fire department," Donio, who received the chief emeritus rank when he retired, during the ceremony outside Town Hall....Continue Reading

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Donio joined the fire department in 1965. It was something he always wanted to do, he told the crowd of about 50 people, which included family members, town officials and fellow firefighters.

Donio said he was proud that, under his tenure as chief, none of his firefighters were seriously hurt.

The former U.S. Marine also recalled his views of fighting a fire.

"I look at a fire like I was in combat. The fire was the enemy. The water was the bullets. You don't run out of water and you go home with everybody," Donio said. "That's what I tried to do, and thank God that I did."

Current Hammonton Fire Chief Dominic DiGiovannangelo said Donio is the first individual to have a fire vehicle dedicated to him in the town.

"I'm wholeheartedly for this. I think he deserves this. He did a great job as chief for 15 years," DiGiovannangelo said.

The fire department previously dedicated a new truck to the firefighters who died on 9/11.

The new pumper, which cost about $425,000, will replace the retiring Engine 99, which was in service for more than 20 years.

"This will keep us up to date with the latest technology and safety features. We're grateful to (town officials) for always being there for us to replace equipment that is outdated," DiGiovannagelo said. "This gets us up to date on trucks. There won't be a new truck coming here anytime soon."

The new truck will be housed at Hammonton Fire Department No. 1 on Line Street.

Atlantic County Freeholder Jim Curcio said Donio has been one of Hammonton's most dedicated volunteers.

"He's well-respected all over Atlantic County. He deserves this recognition. He's been a great leader here," Curcio said.

Mayor John DiDonato said Donio's level of excellence for volunteerism is impressive.

"This is something special for a man who has really done a lot for this community," DiDonato said.

Donio's wife of 46 years, Eugenia, said her husband made a lot of sacrifices during his time as a firefighter.

"The men stop by and see him. That means a lot to him," Eugenia Donio said. "It really keeps him going. He's got a great spirit."