SOMERS POINT — “I’m not going anywhere,” Robert Blumberg said June 25 after City Council honored him for 50 years of service to Somers Point Volunteer Fire Company No. 2.
Blumberg joined the company June 19, 1976, and has been an active member for half a century.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Blumberg has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication by serving in numerous roles, including vice president, president, fire marshal, delegate to the Atlantic County Firefighters Association and trustee of the Fireman’s Relief Association,” stated a resolution in his honor.
A firefighters uniform was not the only outfit he was known to wear, as Blumberg “has touched countless lives through his generosity and community spirit, including his cherished role portraying Santa Claus during the holiday season, bringing joy to families by visiting homes throughout Somers Point.”
He was joined by wife Sharon Blumberg. They have a daughter, Stephanie, and grandsons Nicholas, Vincent and Jake.
“… And now therefore be it resolved by the mayor and governing body of the city of Somers Point that we do hereby recognize and honor Robert Blumberg for 50 years of exemplary volunteer service to the Somers Point Volunteer Fire Department and for his continued dedication to the community. And be it further resolved that we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for his remarkable contributions and wish him continued health and happiness in the years ahead.”
“I’m humbled by your ability to go forward with this, and I don’t think you’re done either. I think you still have some time left in you,” Councilman Howard Dill said. “I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate, and I’m sure this council appreciates, the 50 years of service that you’ve given to this city.”
Councilwoman Janice Johnston noted the difficult nature of the job.
“50 years’ commitment to anything is commendable, but especially for this job. It’s a commitment for your whole family,” she said. “It’s a dangerous job sometimes, so we thank you for all of that service.”
“Thank you for 50 years of service, especially if you volunteer, you get up at any time in the middle of the night, whenever the bell goes off, you answer,” Councilman Jack Shields said, noting Blumberg visited his house as Santa last Christmas.
Councilman Sean McGuigan said he has a stack of photo albums displayed in his home.
“If I pick one of those photo albums out, then from 30 years ago, and I open it, your picture’s there,” he said. “Those are the highlights that my kids still remember, and they’re in their 30s now. For you to do that with such the heart that you did that, and continue to do that, and the service that you’ve given to the city, you can’t be thanked enough.”
Mayor Dennis Tapp said that Blumberg joined the company when the United States was celebrating its bicentennial and is still in uniform for the celebration of the 250th anniversary.
“Five decades, you answered a call and you helped make Somers Point safe,” he said. “I really appreciate everything that you and your family … Sharon, thank you for sharing your husband for 50 years.”
Noting he worked with Blumberg on construction jobs in their youth, Council President Kirk Gerety said he showed the same characteristics at work.
“Your heart, dedication, it works the same as it is here for the fire department. I can’t thank you enough,” he said.
– STORY and PHOTO by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
At top, Somers Point volunteer firefighter Robert Blumberg was honored for 50 years on the job by Somers Point City Council. With him are Councilman Jack Shields and Mayor Dennis Tapp. Blumberg is still on the job.