Franklinville Volunteer Fire Company

08/22/2026

08/20/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Petsch family and Star Cross Fire Department.

It is with heavy hearts that Star Cross Fire Department announces the passing of Joseph Petsch, a lifelong and dedicated member of our department.

Joe joined the Star Cross Fire Department in June of 1968 and devoted decades of service to our department and community. Throughout the years, Joe helped our department by holding numerous positions, including serving as our Chief for 30 years.

Joe’s dedication to helping others did not stop with our department. He also served as President of our County Chiefs Association for several years, along with serving as the Mayor of our great community in Franklin Township.

His dedication, leadership, knowledge, and friendship touched countless members of our department deeply. Joe’s legacy will live on among us, as well as in the lives of those he impacted throughout his lifetime of service to others.

We ask that you keep Joe’s family, friends, and his Star Cross Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

May you rest easy, Chief. Thank you for a lifetime of service with us.

__________________________________________
Funeral service will be held on

Tuesday 8/25/2026 from 6:00pm- 09:00pm
Wednesday 8/26/2026 from 09:30-10:30am
Followed by church and burial services.

Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home Inc., 420 S Main St, Williamstown, NJ 08094

07/31/2026

2026 ROAD RALLY FEATURED APPARATUS

Delivered in December 2025 by Salesman Paul Sickler, this Pierce Enforcer 100' Ascendant Aerial Tower (AAT) Quint from Franklin Township Fire District #1/Franklinville Vol. Fire Company No. 1 will be at the second road rally location at Vineland Fire Department Headquarters (Job Number: 43479)

Tower 43-1 Includes:
- Enforcer 7000 Cab
- PACCAR MX13, 510 HP
- Allison 4500 EVS P Automatic Transmission
- 300 Gallon Tank
- Waterous, ESU1, 2000 GPM Pump
- Seating Capacity: 6

A big “Thank You” to Chief Dana DeCesari and the members of Franklin Township Fire District #1/Franklinville Vol. Fire Company No. 1 for allowing us to feature their apparatus.

2026 ROAD RALLY - SECOND STOP - SOUTHERN NJ

WHERE: Vineland Fire Department Headquarters: 400 W Plum Street, Vineland, NJ 08360
WHEN: Thursday, August 6th, 2026, 5-8pm (Rain or Shine)
WHAT TO EXPECT: Pumpers, Rescues, Aerials & brand partners on-site such as Whelen, Hi-Viz, Sound-Off Signal, Skeeter as well as other territory-specific apparatus plus food & more.

RSVP to book meal ticket, enter raffle & receive swag: f-ss.com

RSVP TODAY FOR THE SOUTHERN STOP AT F-SS.COM

07/13/2026

Bobby was a dedicated firefighter who served our Franklin Township community for eight years. Fire Camp, community events, drills, and calls, you could count on Bobby to be there with a smile and positive attitude. He showed up for members of our community during their most difficult days. Now, it's our turn to show up for him and his family.

Please donate if you can or share. Everything helps.

On Saturday, June 27, 2026, at approximately 10:31 a.m., Probationary Firefighter Robert "Bobby" Reider was involved in a motor vehicle crash while responding to a fire call. Units from Station 43-4, which were responding to the original call, immediately diverted to the crash scene, while

07/10/2026