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by ROB HART
When a city Fire Department unit like Rescue Co. 5 observes an anniversary, it's not only a chance to mark a significant date -- it's a reunion of brothers and sisters.
"We're one big family," said Firefighter Joseph Esposito. "You can't put a price tag on it."
About 220 people gathered last night in the Hilton Garden Inn, Bloomfield, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Concord company.
"Twenty years may not seem like a big deal, but any kind of time or space depends on what you fit into it," said company Capt. William Burke.
"We've had 1,500 to 2,000 years of cumulative fire experience, thousands of fires fought, not to mention properties and lives saved," he said.
On tap for the event were certificates for former housemates, a slide-show documenting the history of the firehouse and remarks from current and prior captains.
Firefighter Larry Nelson of Great Kills has been at the house longest -- 15 years -- earning him the title of "senior man of the company."
He estimates that about 80 smoke-eaters have moved through those red bay doors on Clove Road.
The company was founded in October 1984 -- an elite unit with a number of specialties, including scuba, collapses and hazardous materials.
"The chief uses us any way he chooses [at a fire scene]," said Burke. "When something goes wrong, rescue is who you go to."
Retired Capt. Charles Driscoll was the first captain at the company, and served for 10 years.
He still visits the firehouse from time to time, and despite the tough exterior firefighters are known for, he admitted nostalgia can sometimes bring a tear to his eye.
"The equipment has changed a little," he said. "The men are different but they have the same spirit, the same dedication."
Driscoll handed over the reins to now-retired Capt. John Ferry, who served five and a half years.
The company's next leader, Capt. Louis J. Modafferi, was one of 11 firefighters from Rescue 5 who were killed at Ground Zero on Sept. 11, 2001.
Ferry served for a year after Modafferi's death, and two years ago, Burke was named captain.
Although the firefighters present last night will never forget those 11 men -- the night also featured a tribute to their fallen comrades -- they knew that the best way to heal was to savor their history and family ties.
"We've had our memorials," said Esposito. "This is a night for us to celebrate."
Also appearing to lend their support to the company's firefighters were Rep. Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), City Councilmen James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn) and Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) and District Attorney Daniel Donovan.
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