Firefighters and other first responders work around the clock. When they are called, they go and fight fires, aid in rescues, assist in accident scenes and natural disasters.
They do not know if they will be on a site for two hours or overnight. Many firefighters work 24-hour shifts.
To aid the army of first responders for these events, is the volunteer squad of Signal 22 Canteen Unit. The name came from the number 22 being sounded to announce a two-alarm fire. Two alarms are when the emergency is large enough to warrant two fire companies to respond.
In summer 1941 in Trenton, a lumberyard fire drew multiple fire companies to South Broad Street to combat it. Some concerned bystanders saw the need and provided sandwiches and cold drinks for the fire fighters.
The group organized and aided more emergency scenes going forward. The organization that was born that hot day is still on the job today, 85 years later.
Signal 22 Canteen Unit is staffed by volunteers, many with ties to the fire companies themselves. Signal 22 President Peg Beyrouty is mother to Trenton Fire Department Battalion Chief Kevin Beyrouty.
“We are family, friends and people with ties to the first responders.” says Beyrouty about the Signal 22 volunteers. There are about 30 members, who serve the 30 miles radius centered in Mercer County.
The Signal 22 team responds to larger fires, rescue scenes, flooding situations, auto accidents, power outages and severe weather occurrences. They respond to calls that come into Mercer County and the surrounding areas, such as Burlington and even eastern Pennsylvania.
The squad has three vehicles which aid in their mission. The vehicles provide the ability to cook, make coffee, refrigerate drinks and provide a small shelter for the first responders, with extendable awnings for the bad weather.
The company provides food for the fire personnel and other first responders. Pork roll sandwiches, hot dogs, water, Gatorade, snacks, coffee and hot chocolate.
Signal 22 is looking forward to their 85th anniversary and are changing for the times. A new truck will be coming online within the next few weeks and will be larger, have more capacity and more modern amenities.
The 36-foot custom apparatus has been in the works for 15 years with much fundraising and grants providing funding. The stainless steel interior has sinks, 6 burner stove, microwave and large coffee maker. The truck’s exterior is wrapped in images of first responder vehicles and emblazoned with the logo Serving Our Heroes Since 1941.
Signal 22 is housed on South Clinton Avenue in Trenton and at Colonial Fire House in Hamilton. The members come from the local area, but also may be a little more far flung.
Volunteer Debby Bussey got involved after her daughter began dating an area fire fighter. “I heard about Signal 22 and wanted to help to keep the first responders nourished so they can do their job.”
The job the first responders do is never defined for length. Some calls are over quickly, and others such as the Goodall Rubber plant on Whitehead Road in Hamilton can stretch on for days. That particular fire was a four alarm blaze which had 14 fire companies responding.
Many of the Signal 22 volunteers are longtime supporters.
“We have a slightly older group and are always looking for volunteers. We may work in shifts for some of the longer calls, so the more staffing we can provide, the better,” says Peyrouty.
Not all calls are for fires. “We have provided meals at police standoff situations, which may also be of long durations,” says Peyrouty.
The operating budget comes from fundraising, which seems to be a perpetual endeavor. Peyrouty says: “We have fundraising events at area businesses such as Eet Gud Bakery, Captain Paul’s Hot Dogs and in the future, Killarney’s Publick House. We put a donation box out at events we attend and are always thankful for donations. Many people connected to first responders and very happy to donate.”
There are also sports event fundraisers with competitions between police and fire departments for example, which can help bring in funds for Signal 22 to keep to their mission.
A shiny new truck is nothing without the volunteers to staff and provide the labor. One person that keeps the vehicles moving is Deputy Tom Vasey. He is the chief driver of the apparatus and provides maintenance to keep the trucks in tip top condition. Taking care of these expensive and somewhat complicated vehicles is an important task.
“The new truck is almost ready. It is a custom truck with a few tweaks left to iron out. We are excited to get it on the road to help at the emergency sites.” Says Vasey.
The Signal 22 vehicles also go to non-emergency events. They will participate in parades, community events and the National Night Out.
Peyrouty says: “We are always trying to get the word out about the team it takes to assist our first responders. We are always in the public eye, who may or may not know we are volunteers.”
It will take four to six volunteers to staff the trucks. The new truck may need even more. The shopping is done by Signal 22 officers and the cooking, serving and clean up can be done by all.
“It is hard with two-working-person households, to get volunteers around the clock when emergencies can happen. A lot of our team are retired, who are looking for a way to stay engaged, active and help a great cause,” says Peyrouty.
The team answers 30-50 calls a year and never know what may be called out over the intercom. The squad has to be ready for anything.
As volunteer Debby Bussey states: “I like to volunteer, to assist with the fire fighters and keep them comfortable.” When asked what her specific tasks are, she said: “I do whatever is needed.”
There is a rich history of service with the Signal 22 crew. You can hear it in their voices, a pride and knowledge that they are helping the community. They are always looking for additional volunteers, so please reach out for more information.
True volunteer spirit for 85 years, shows the dedication of Signal 22.
