From left to right: Kearny (NJ) Fire Chief Dyl, Capt. Donnelly, Ron Jeffers, Firefighter Stopero, and Capt. Mastandrea. (Photo: Kearny (NJ) Fire Department)
Fire photographer and frequent Fire Engineering contributor Ron Jeffers was presented with the Kearny (NJ) Fire Department’s Media Award at their annual awards ceremony on May 13th.
Chief Steve Dyl mentioned that Ron’s photos not only promote the fire service, but make the public award of “what we do.” Presenters mentioned photos published on a national basis, and that Ron’s work as editor of the New Jersey edition of 1st Responder News.
Ron mentioned that in the 1980s, a group of fire photographers led by Garfield Firefighter Rich Wolfson organized the NJ Metro Fire Photographers Association to promote area firefighters and departments and established a good working relationship between fire scene photographers and local departments.
Ron told the audience that he was proud to promote the New Jersey fire service, and my photos have been used in publications such as IFSTA manuals and Fire Engineering that educate firefighters on proper procedures. “If any of my photos can save a life of a firefighter or civilian, that makes me proud,” Ron said.