Kyle Kovacs Memorial Page

Station 8 lost a lifelong friend and member this evening in a motor vehicle accident not far from his home. As a young child Kyle Kovacs would frequent the firehouse with his father Andy also a company member. At an early age Kyle joined the ranks of the MTFD 911 Explorer Post and after successfully completing the Firefighter I certification program at the Middletown Township Fire Academy would attain the status of regular member of Middletown Township Fire Company No.1.

Kyle will be missed as a firefighter, friend but most importantly as a dear member of our family.

From the e-mail that was transmitted in the early hours notifying our friends of the tragedy.

" Kyle, You were my inspiration to become a firemen. We never got that big job together. I will miss you always, Matt"

The other day I was told that I was going to have to write a 500 word essay on why I wanted to be a fire explorer. To tell you the truth. I had never really given it much thought on why, I just knew that I wanted to.

I guess it all started when I was very young, I can remember when I leaved in East Keansburg and my dad was on the fire company there. I went to the firehouse a lot with him for parties or even just to hang out. I was always fascinated with the big red trucks, the bright lights and the loud sirens. I can remember dressing up in my dads fire gear and hat which weighed more than I did. For as long as I can remember, my dad has always been a firefighter, but I never knew why. I remember going on a couple of calls with him and I would stand back and watch. I was scared but also excited at the same time. When we moved to Middletown, my dad became a member of Station 8 an that is where most of my childhood memories are from. Most of the guys seemed to be like a family. There was always Johnny D, Buddy, Stanley, Bobby Carhart and Rick Eisenhart who I was the closest with. I always seem to be in some kind of trouble growing up and I guess they thought that was cute. They would always call me Mr. Kyle. To this day most of them still do. In my own little way, because of my father, I guess I was part of that family. Now I want to be more then part of that family. I want to become a member.

Growing up I have realized how much they have helped people. I have also learned why my father is a firefighter. I want to be just like them and my father. I want people in my town to always feel safe and feel like they can depend on the fireman of their community. I want them to know that I am willing to risk my life to help save theirs. I want to be known in this town as someone who is able to be there to help people if they need help. I understand that it is very dangerous. That is why I want to be a fire explorer. By being a fire explorer, I can learn the basic training in becoming a firefighter. When I become a firefighter I will then become a member of that family that I grew up with.