NJ firefighter welcomed home after serving in the Army overseas

Brianna Kudisch
NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A New Jersey firefighter has recently returned back to his department after serving in the United States Army in Qatar—his third tour of duty in the Middle East.

Staff Sergeant Kenny Hall returned to the Bloomfield Fire Department, where he’s been a member since 2012.

“The Bloomfield Fire Department consistently ranks near the top of the state in preparedness and training, and Staff Sergeant embodies those values perfectly,” Mayor Michael Venezia said in a release about his return home.

“We are grateful to have him protecting the residents of Bloomfield, and welcome him back.”

Hall commanded 44 soldiers with Alpha Company 1-114th Infantry Regiment as part of Operation Spartan Shield in Qatar, where he conducted numerous hours of mission essential training, and served as a counselor for the men and women under his command.

He also mentored more than a dozen squad leaders, team leaders, and additional sergeants who were promoted in his platoon during deployment. Hall also conducted regular physical fitness tests for soldiers in his platoon, so they could attend Basic Leaders Course.

Hall previously served in Iraq from 2008-2009 and Bahrain from 2014-2015. He is also a senior team leader and assistant instructor for the New Jersey National Guard Honor Guard and has completed nearly 600 funeral ceremonies in the decade he’s been with the program.

“When our members are called up for service overseas, we do our best to accommodate them and their families, and not rush them back to work until they are ready,” said Fire Chief Louis Venezia.

“In (Hall’s) years with the Fire Department, he has led by example, and always been committed to bettering himself and serving our community. We’re excited to have him back home and serving the people of Bloomfield.”

Now back with Bloomfield, a paid department with a fire suppression force of 84 members, Hall plans to attend a vehicle extrication course, Rapid Intervention Crew training, and recertification for child car seat installations.

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©2020 NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.