Chatham Borough Fire Chief Peter Glogolich to be Honored as the Grand Marshall for the 2024 Chatham Independence Day Parade

CHATHAM, NJ – As the Fourth of July parade approaches, the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department announced that it will honor Chief Peter “Pete” Glogolich as the Grand Marshal for the 2024 Independence Day Parade.

Glogolich's journey with the Chatham Fire Department is a testament to his unwavering dedication. Joining the Chatham Heavy Rescue Unit right after high school, he has served the department for an impressive 42 years. His commitment to the fire service is unparalleled, as he is the only Fire Department Chief who has served twice, from 2002 to 2014 and then again in 2023.

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“I would be what they call an ‘anomaly’,” Glogolich jokingly said when asked about his high percentage of attendance for calls. When a call goes out, the probability is very high that Glogolich will be on the scene.

Glogolich’s interest in the emergency service sector, driven by his desire to help the community, is evident from his early years. After joining the department as a member of the Heavy Rescue team, Glogolich went on to serve as a lieutenant, captain, and deputy-in-chief before becoming the chief twice. With four more years to serve as the Chief, Glogolich will also be one of the longest-serving chiefs in Chatham history.

As a volunteer fire department member, Chief Glogolich is deeply concerned about the future of fire service work in the community. He acknowledges the significant work and time commitment required, which many people are unable to make. The volunteers undergo the same training as professionals, yet the younger volunteers who leave for college often do not return, leading to a shortage of members.

“It’s hard to drop everything and go. Everyone has prior commitments”. Glogolich said in discussing the struggle to recruit new volunteers who can succeed the older generations.

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Throughout his long career, Glogolich has always prioritized the community’s safety. When asked about the most rewarding part of volunteering, he said, “Being able to help people in their times of need and providing a service that’s so essential makes the work meaningful.”

Additionally, people often underestimate the scope of training for a fire department volunteer. The time and hard work that each member invests in also makes the effort extra special.

As an elected Chief for the second time, Glogolich deeply values learning about new technology in firefighting.

“It’s ongoing. You never stop learning in this field,” Glogolich said.

The Chief discussed new technological elements in the fire sector, including new fire extinguisher systems for electric-powered vehicles. “It’s more tools in our toolbox now that make our job a little bit easier.”

Besides dedicating himself to answering emergencies, Glogolich also takes pride in raising the next generation of Fire Department volunteers.

“Now we actually start in pre-school where we introduce them to the firefighters,” Glogolich said. “In kindergarten, we bring them to the firehouse and teach them about fire safety."

Over the years, the program has seen huge success in bringing interest and basic fire safety knowledge to the children of Chatham. The department has always been a proactive team that cares about introducing its service to the community.

“That’s really been the backbone of this community," he said. "The better (fire) education you have, the better off you are.”

Glogolich's advice to aspiring fire workers who will follow in his footsteps at the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department?

“Just follow your dreams and stick with it," he said. "I think it’s one of the best jobs you can possibly have.”

Editor's note: Joanna Yu is a Newark Academy student working for TAPinto Chatham as a summer intern.

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