WATCH: Stained Glass Thanks Firefighters

CAPE MAY – A unique stained-glass artwork was a special thank you to the members of Cape May City Fire Department at a July 13 ceremony.
The stained glass depicts the fire department’s logo and was created by local artist Christopher Michalek.
The idea for the work came from local historian Ben Miller, author of a book tracing the growth of Cape May as an iconic American resort.
At a ceremony held at the fire department museum next to the firehouse, Miller said the work is meant to “honor the brave professionals and volunteers who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours over the years.”
Michalek, a lifelong chef, turned to working with cut glass four years ago. He said he welcomed the idea for the work because it had a special meaning for him. “When I was a child, I lost two relatives to a fire,” he said. “Working on this brought home many memories and had a special meaning for me.”
Mayor Clarence Lear called the presentation a special moment for Cape May and well-deserved recognition for the city’s firefighters.
Fire Chief Alexander Coulter remarked on the hard work his firefighters put in and said that this kind of special recognition was especially appreciated.
The fire museum houses memorabilia from the department’s history dating to 1875. Cape May is only one of four county municipalities to have a career fire department.
The 17 career members of the department are supported by a volunteer group. The volunteer roster, however, sports only four members who could respond to a fire. The city depends on its paid career department.
Departed Members
As speeches were made, two departed firefighters seemed to look down from portraits on the wall.
Lt. Andy Boyt, a 20-year veteran, died in service when he suffered a heart attack shortly after responding to a fire.
Lt. E. David Halbruner died from cancer after 32 years in the department.
Coulter pointed out that heart attacks and cancer are leading killers of firefighters. The cancer link, perhaps not obvious, is often due to the carcinogens firefighters encounter frequently as part of their job. The equipment of those two is on display in the museum.
Michalek’s stained glass will have a prominent place in the fire museum.
For the artist, it was not about him. He said he was “thankful for the opportunity to present the work to the department and the city.”