Borough flags have been lowered to half-staff in honor of two long term members of the Woolwich Fire Company, Joseph Drager and Joseph Slusar Jr., who passed away recently.

Joe Slusar served both our country and our town with distinction. He was already a member of the Fire Company when he joined the Navy at 17 years old. He served for three tours of duty aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard during the Vietnam War.

When Joe returned from his Naval service, he jumped right back into Fire Company. He served as President, Secretary, Relief Representative and Secretary and Chief Engineer during his 61 years of service to the Fire Company.

Joe passed on his devotion to the Fire Company. As his son Deputy Chief Brian and grandsons Joe, Nicholas and Zachary are or have previously been members.

Mr. Joseph Drager joined the Fire Company in 1946 at the age of 16. He had previously served as Fire Marshall in the late 60s and 70s with more than 14 years in the Fire Marshall position. Mr. Drager was the longest serving member of the Fire Company with 77 years of service.

Mr. Joe Slusar and Mr. Joseph Drager served our community for a combined 138 years. These two men epitomize the selfless service that our Fire Company members have exhibited for almost 130 years.

The Borough of Swedesboro extends our sincere condolences to the Slusar and Drager families as well as Joe and Joseph’s extended family at the Woolwich Fire Company.