ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS Members of Flemington Goodwill Hose, community members and donors pose in front of the new traffic unit.

ASHTON PETERS/FOR THE EXPRESS
Mayor Jo LaRocque, at left, is seen swearing in, from left, Tony Mahon as Deputy Chief, Dustin Houtz as Chief and Maureen Mahon as Assistant Chief.

FLEMINGTON — Members of the Goodwill Hose Fire Company Station 7 recently gathered alongside The Regatta Foundation, Flemington Hi-Neighbor, Flemington Borough officials and local residents to celebrate the official unveiling of the department’s new traffic unit.

The newly designated Traffic 7 is a 2006 Freightliner equipped with a CAT engine and built to support a wide range of roadway operations.

The unit has the capability of transporting up to seven personnel and is outfitted for traffic control, road closures and small fire suppression needs.

An advanced electronic message board allows responders to communicate directly with motorists, improving safety during incidents — particularly along heavily traveled corridors such as Interstate 80.

Fire Chief Dustin Houtz noted that the addition of Traffic 7 enhances their operational readiness as crews continue providing mutual aid and emergency support throughout Clinton, Centre and Union counties.

The apparatus was made possible through generous donations from The Regatta Foundation, Flemington Hi-Neighbor and the Flemington Borough community, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to supporting local emergency services.

In addition to the apparatus unveiling, Mayor Jo LaRocque administered the oath of office to three members who recently completed all required training for leadership positions within the department:

— Fire Chief Dustin Houtz

— Deputy Chief Tony Mahon

— Assistant Chief Maureen Mahon

Goodwill Hose Fire Company expressed sincere appreciation to all donors and supporters who helped make the new unit possible, emphasizing that community partnerships remain essential to the success and safety of the fire service.