Friendship Fire Co. #1

10/13/2026

09/29/2026

09/27/2026

FFC 1916 Ahrens Fox

09/15/2026

DID YOU KNOW…

One of Woodbury’s former Fire Chiefs was also a Brigadier General, veteran of two wars, businessman, and longtime civic leader?

C. Walter Shivers was a member of Friendship Fire Company No. 1, holding Line No. 235, and dedicated decades of his life to the Woodbury fire service.

Shivers served as Chief of the Woodbury Fire from 1903–1905 and again from 1907–1908. Within Friendship Fire Company, he served as Secretary from 1895–1898 and later as President from 1922–1940.

But his service extended well beyond the firehouse.

Shivers was a veteran of both the Spanish-American War and World War I, serving in France as a Major during World War I. After approximately 40 years with the New Jersey National Guard, he retired in 1936 with the rank of Brigadier General.

He was also a Woodbury businessman and served several terms on Woodbury City Council.

At the time of his death, Shivers was still serving as President of Friendship Fire Company.

From the firehouse to the battlefield to City Hall, C. Walter Shivers dedicated much of his life to serving others.

Just another remarkable piece of Woodbury Fire Department history.

09/15/2026

09/05/2026

Remembering David A. Laverty | 41 Years

Today, September 5, 2026, marks 41 years since the untimely passing of David A. Laverty, longtime President and dedicated member of Friendship Fire Company No. 1.

Dave served as President of Friendship Fire Company from 1975 until his passing in 1985, providing a decade of leadership and service to the company.

In addition to his service with Friendship, Dave was an employee of the City of Woodbury Public Works Department.

On September 5, 1985, Dave went to the City Pumping Station on Hunter Street looking for a fellow employee. Upon discovering the employee in distress in a confined-space well, Dave entered the well to help him. It was reported that Dave successfully rescued his fellow employee but was tragically overcome and never resurfaced from the well himself.

Dave’s commitment to helping others—both through Friendship Fire Company and his service to the City of Woodbury—remains part of the legacy he left behind.

Forty-one years later, the members of Friendship Fire Company No. 1 continue to remember David A. Laverty—his leadership, his service, his courage, and his ultimate sacrifice.

Gone, but never forgotten.

September 5, 1985 – September 5, 2026
41 Years