By Kenny Walter
Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH- A local company has donated NY Fire Department 911 commemorative hats to the Long Branch Fire Department and the Long Branch Police Department.
During an Aug. 23 ceremony at city hall, Long Branch-based Monmouth Rubber & Plastics donated the hats in honor of former Long Branch fireman Francis ” Tiny” Hayes.
“What we’re trying to do here is honor Tiny Hayes,” John Bonforte Sr, president and COO of Monmouth Rubber & Plastics, said. “He passed away in 1998 after 50 years in the Long Branch Fire Department.
“The hats are just hats, the younger generation may or may not have any idea the connection of what the police and the fire and all the other first responders have done. So we want to connect it with a local name and in this case we are honoring Tiny Hayes.”
Hayes was born on May 4, 1926 and passed away on Dec. 10, 1998. Hayes served the Independent Engine and Fire Company for 50 years, while also holding positions within the Long Branch Sewerage Authority and as city administrator during his career.
His son, Kevin Hayes, who serves as the Long Branch Fire Marshal, said he has hoped to continue in his father’s legacy.
“I think I try to emulate my dad, he was a very popular guy and loved the city of Long Branch, love the fire service,” he said. “He passed that on to me and I certainly feel the same way.
Bonforte said he hopes the hats worn by first responders will spark a younger generation of volunteers.
“Hopefully with the hat as they wear it they will explain to some youngster what it’s all about,” he said. “So the hat takes on a meaning more than just a hat and that’s really the message that we want to give. It’s about how the people get along and how they interact.”
The hats were purchased from the “Wall of Remembrance” a Brooklyn based organization aimed at honoring those who passed away during the attacks on Sept. 11.
