Hightstown Engine Company # 1

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.

03/15/2026

The members of Hightstown Engine Company #1 are saddened to hear of the passing of Gil Lugossy. Gil was a valued member of the Mercer County community, and his loss will be felt by many. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Gil. You will not be forgotten.

Gil Lugossy, a 70 year member of the Rusling Hose Company and an icon in the Mercer County Region has passed away earlier this morning. We send our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends. As we get more information we will share with you all

02/22/2026

As the snow really begins to fall, expect it to be heavy and wet — the kind often referred to as “heart attack snow,” and for a good reason.

Unlike light, fluffy snow, wet snow is dense and extremely heavy. Just a few shovelfuls can weigh hundreds of pounds. When you shovel it, you’re doing intense, full-body work — often in freezing temperatures.

Cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, which raises blood pressure. At the same time, heavy lifting spikes your heart rate. That combination — cold weather + sudden exertion — puts serious strain on the heart and can trigger heart attacks, especially in people with underlying heart disease (even if they don’t know they have it).

Tips to stay safe:
• Push snow instead of lifting when possible
• Take frequent breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid overexertion
• Consider using a snow blower
• If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness — stop immediately

Please check on neighbors, especially older residents. This kind of snow is no joke. Stay safe out there.

02/22/2026

Please see the latest update from the US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly

If your power goes out during this storm, report it to your utility provider immediately.

📞Jersey Central Power & Light: 1-888-544-4877
📞PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734

02/22/2026

With the upcoming storm, please remember how important it is to move vehicles off the roadway whenever possible. Park in your driveway and keep streets clear for plows, emergency vehicles, and utility crews.

Blocked roads can delay response times when seconds matter. Clear streets help us keep everyone safe and ensure snow removal can happen quickly and efficiently.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe!

02/21/2026

Please see the below post from the borough regarding street parking.

Good Afternoon, As you know, there is a blizzard coming. As of now, the National Weather Service is predicting the largest winter storm of the year. PLEASE, help us by removing your cars from the road and utilizing your entire driveway. This will allow DPW to get as close to the curbline as possible while plowing. Vehicles left on emergency roads WILL BE TOWED. Even if you do not live on an emergency road, please utilize your entire driveway. This is the single most valuable thing a resident can do to assist in the cleaning of our Hightstown streets.

02/21/2026

It may feel nice and warm today, but don’t let that fool you — snow is on the way, and conditions are expected to worsen Sunday into Monday. Please plan ahead and limit travel during the height of the storm if possible.

As always, we’re stronger as a community — check in on your neighbors and, if you’re able, help clear snow away from fire hydrants near your home. A cleared hydrant can save critical time in an emergency.

Stay safe and look out for one another.

02/15/2026

On Saturday morning, February 14, 2026, members of the Special Operations Team from Hightstown Engine Company #1 conducted a focused training drill centered on ice rescue operations.

Incidents involving victims who have fallen through ice are considered low-frequency, high-risk events. While they do not occur often, when they do, they are time-critical and extremely dangerous—for both the victim and the rescuers. These situations require specialized equipment, coordinated teamwork, and advanced training to ensure a rapid, safe, and effective response.

Because we cannot predict when or where an emergency will occur, our team regularly trains under realistic conditions to maintain proficiency in:

• Ice rescue techniques and victim packaging
• Cold water survival and responder safety
• Specialized rope and flotation systems
• Incident command and team coordination

Consistent training ensures that when seconds matter most, our personnel are prepared to operate efficiently and safely.

We also want to take this opportunity to remind the public: no ice is ever 100% safe. Ice thickness can vary dramatically across the same body of water due to currents, temperature changes, underwater springs, debris, and recent weather conditions. Clear ice is not necessarily stronger than cloudy ice, and what appears solid in one area may be dangerously thin just a few feet away.

It is impossible to reliably distinguish “good” ice from “bad” ice by sight alone. For your safety and the safety of emergency responders, we strongly encourage residents to stay off frozen ponds, lakes, and retention basins.

If you witness someone fall through the ice:
• Call 911 immediately.
• Do not attempt a rescue by going onto the ice yourself.
• If possible, reach or throw an object from a safe distance.

We remain committed to training, preparedness, and protecting our community—no matter the conditions.

Stay safe and stay off the ice.