Firemen pipe their way into Arthur’s to thank the owner. Video by Berit Ollestad
By Berit Ollestad
When Morris Plains residents need a helping hand, they call the fire department.
When the firefighters need a hand, they call Alice McGreevy, owner of Arthur’s Tavern.
“It’s the hometown steakhouse, and we’re never turned away whenever we need anything” said Fire Chief Kevin Rongo.
On a recent Friday night, the department decided it was long overdue to recognize McGreevy for her efforts with a “plaque of recognition” at the Speedwell Avenue restaurant.
After the department secretly coordinated with the staff, Arthur’s manager pretended he was ill as a pretense to get McGreevy to come in, ostensibly to cover his shift.
With dinner in full swing, the firemen made a grand entrance with a bagpiper leading the way.
McGreevy said she was surprised, to say the least.
“They give of themselves everyday and make many sacrifices for the community,” she said of the firefighters.
“They are all very special to me and I can’t even describe what this means to me. I’ve lived in Morris Plains my entire life and there’s a reason it’s called ‘The Community of Caring.'”