Hail to the Chief(s): Morris Township fire department gets new leaders

By Berit Ollestad

There never was any question in Jesse Kaar’s mind that he was going to grow up and become a fireman.

Morris Township’s new fire chief, who was sworn in recently, grew up a few houses from the old Fairchild fire station, where he spent countless hours unofficially learning the ropes with the guys.

While much has changed within the department since those days, some things remain constant.

“You need to have a deep commitment to want to help others. You also need to dedicate yourself to your career and embrace the willingness to continually learn something new and look for ways to improve yourself,” said Kaar,  a Morristown High graduate (’87).

Back in the day, he recalled fondly, whenever something needed to be done around his house, then-Captain Tommy Gaylord (retired) would just come over and do it. Kaar aims to carry that example forward in his own department.

“This isn’t a job for someone who isn’t willing to do just about anything to help someone out,” said Kaar, a big believer in on-going training.

Without proper training on the most up-to-date techniques, he said, you  potentially are putting a lot of lives on the line.

“We promote from within our volunteers. They are already trained and we already know how they are as firefighters because we have worked and trained side by side with them,” said Kaar, who joined the department as a volunteer in 1987.

He worked in the Township public works department before becoming a career firefighter in 1999. His leisure pursuits include riding his Harley, and bowling. (He bowled a perfect game recently.)

“I’ve known both the chief and deputy chief for many years and I’m looking forward to working with both of them for the betterment of the department,” said Township Fire Inspector William Duffy.

New Deputy Chief Michael Nunn also has community service in his blood. His grandfather became a volunteer fireman in 1943. His father is a retired Township police detective. Numerous family members have served in local fire and police departments and in local government over the years. His cousin, Matheu Nunn, is a Township committeeman. (Matheu Nunn abstained from voting on the promotion.)

All prospective firefighters must start as volunteers, and Michael Nunn was no exception.

Nunn joined the volunteer squad at the Fairchild fire house on his 18th birthday. Six years later he was working for the DPW in Florham Park when he received a call, in July 2001, that a position was available within the career department.

Transitioning into the office has been a slight adjustment for Nunn, since he always has been on the front lines of the action. He credits the guys he oversees with putting his mind at ease; he is confident things will get done the right way.

Nunn’s philosophy on what makes someone an effective firefighter is quite simple. He stresses to the younger guys that it is imperative to stay engaged and to continually look for opportunities to better yourself with classes and/or classroom training. The Township department typically engages in two training sessions each month.

The fire department, according to Nunn, often is the call of last resort for residents.

“They call the fire department when they don’t know who else to call. We do a lot more than just put out fires. We pump out basements, we shovel walks for the elderly, we help communities after disasters such as Katrina get back on their feet.

“Whatever someone needs, if it’s within our capability to do, we’ll do it and if we can’t we’ll tell you who to call. It really just comes down to wanting to help others. I feel pretty fortunate to be able to turn my volunteering with the department into a career.

“I’m also grateful to have the support and respect of the other guys in the department. They don’t always have to agree with me but I’m willing to listen and keep an open mind when they share their ideas with me,” said Nunn, a 1995 Morristown High graduate.

On his days off he enjoys spending time with his wife and their 13- and 10-year-old daughters.

Town Administrator Tim Quinn said the fire department is in good hands.

“The Township is very fortunate to have two career firefighters, Jesse Kaar and Michael Nunn, whose dedicated commitment, leadership and job knowledge will lead and manage the Morris Township Fire Department for many years to come,” Quinn said via email.

“Both have command level experience and each bring many skills and talent for the management, operation and training to provide an exceptional service in protecting the residents of Morris Township,” the administrator said.

The Township committee approved a salary of $120,500 for the chief and $113,300 for the deputy chief.

Morristown Fire Chief Robert Flanagan said he anticipates good cooperation with the Township’s new team.

“The Morristown Fire Department has a long history of collectively working with the Township Fire Department, and with the new leadership we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with them, to continue to provide our respective communities with the service they have come expect from both departments,”  Flanagan said.