Hightstown Engine Company # 1

08/22/2026

Honoring the heroes and never forgetting. 🇺🇸

An incredible turnout today in Hightstown as the America’s 9/11 Ride passed through Main Street. Seeing the community line the streets with flags to salute the riders and honor the legacy of our fallen brothers and sisters is a powerful reminder of our strength and unity.

Thank you to all the riders, first responders, and neighbors who made today’s tribute so meaningful.

07/20/2026

This morning, our Special Operations Team assisted our mutual aid partners in West Windsor Township during the NJ State Triathlon.

The team's primary assignment was serving as the dive component for the swim portion of the race, ensuring the safety of all participants in the water. While staged along the course, team members also served as additional lookouts, helping to monitor competitors and respond quickly should any issues arise.

We are proud to have supported this event for the past six years and look forward to continuing our partnership with all of our mutual aid agencies in the years to come.

Congratulations to all of today's participants on their outstanding accomplishments!

07/16/2026

The haze over Hightstown is the result of smoke from large wildfires burning in Canada. High-altitude winds have carried fine smoke particles hundreds of miles into New Jersey, reducing visibility and affecting air quality.

Residents, especially children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity if smoke levels increase or if they experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.

Stay informed by monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and follow any health advisories issued by state and local officials. If you need to be outdoors for an extended period when air quality is poor, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask.

Please check on neighbors, family members, and others who may be more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke.

07/09/2026

The Hightstown Fire Department’s 1914 American LaFrance Hook and Ladder Fire Truck, which has been part of our company’s vehicle inventory for almost a century was recently given to the NJ Fire Museum in Allentown, Nj.

Hightstown Fire Department’s 1914 American LaFrance Hook and Ladder Fire Truck Finds A New Home. After years of service to the community, the antique fire truck now stands as a testament to the history of firefighting at the New Jersey NJ Firefighters Museum
Read https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-windsor-hightstown/sections/police-and-fire/articles/hightstown-fire-department-s-1914-american-lafrance-hook-and-ladder-fire-truck-finds-a-new-home or visit TAPinto East Windsor/Hightstown to read more https://www.tapinto.net/towns/east-windsor-hightstown

07/06/2026

06/07/2026

Thank you for helping us make the 4th Annual Neal Glackin Fishing Derby one to remember. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

05/22/2026

Hightstown’s Annual Memorial Day Parade returns on Monday, May 25th beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Join friends, neighbors, families, local organizations, veterans, first responders, and community groups as we come together through the heart of Hightstown to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This treasured tradition is one of the many things that makes Hightstown special — a community that remembers, supports one another, and proudly stands together.

For additional information regarding the parade route, Grand Marshal, and parade participants, please check out our Program of Events.

We look forward to seeing the entire Hightstown community lining the streets once again. ❤️🤍💙

🌟Program of events https://ecode360.com/HI1169/document/753259193.pdf

04/16/2026

Details for Past Chief Ed Esch's funeral arrangements.

View Peter Edward Esch, Jr.'s complete obituary, share memories, and explore heartfelt tribute posts from the community.

04/14/2026

Ed Esch, who served the Hightstown community as a firefighter for 70 years, passed away on Friday, April 10th, 2026.

It’s impossible to capture decades' worth of service and its subsequent impact. Ed lived a meaningful life of service and sacrifice. From 1969 to 1975, Ed served as Chief of Hightstown Engine Co. No. 1. He held countless other titles within the department, on the line staff, and the executive board. He also served in the NJ State Firemen's Association as a Sergeant at Arms and Registration Committee Member since 1992. Ed always took his responsibilities seriously, members remember his detail oriented approach to keeping the rigs in pristine working order. Ed’s consistent and unwavering commitment to the fire service is unprecedented. He made a point of regularly attending company meetings until his passing. We will always be grateful for his lifelong dedication to Station 41 and the Borough of Hightstown. His impact is immense, and his legacy will live on through the department for decades to to come.

As information regarding funeral arrangements becomes available, we will share it.

We welcome you to share memories and photos of Ed in the comments.