PERTH AMBOY – There is a reason that I use Abraham Pitre in the header instead of identifying him as Fire Chief. There have been many well-deserved tributes and accolades by those who knew him personally and professionally, but I want to talk about him as I believe he would also like to be remembered as a regular guy. The Amboy Guardian has a weekly feature called “Pet of the Week.” The majority of the times when photos are submitted to the paper, it’s just of the pet. Even when we happen to come upon someone walking their pets, we ask them for permission to photograph their pet and if they would like to be in the photo. Most of the time, the answer is: “No, just take my pet.”

Although I dislike taking my picture I did it for my dogs. Enjoying the waterfront with my French bulldog “Harley” and my English bulldog “Sookie.” They enjoy walking and just love attention and strangers petting them. The perfect “Amboy Ambassadors.”
Abraham *File photo submitted & published 8/17/16

As you can see, when Abraham submitted the photo of his two dogs, he was with them. I think this was to let people know that he is more than just a fire chief or title, but a regular person like anyone else who enjoys his pets. I happen to see Deputy Police Chief Larry Cattano the other day and I mentioned the photo that Abraham Pitre had submitted for the pet of the week. Cattano said, “Oh, Pitre had more than dogs. He had rabbits, cats, and all kinds of pets that he loved.

It is hard as it is to lose someone who was so important, not only to his family and colleagues, and community but to also to those who knew him as an adolescent and saw him grow into a well-respected young man. He achieved a well-deserved promotion as Chief of the Perth Amboy Fire Department in 2014 and carried out his duties as the oath required even going beyond the call of duty. It was Chief Pitre who went into a burning apartment and was able to bring out my sister-in-law who suffered severe burns. As being the first one to arrive at the scene of the fire, he did so without having any protective gear on. We were able to visit her at St. Barnabas Burn Center before she succumbed to her injuries. We were so thankful to Chief Pitre for getting her out of that fire before it consumed her.

It was through reading comments about Fire Chief Pitre on the Perth Amboy Fire Department’s Facebook Page that made me see how big Pitre’s heart was and he even touched those in other countries through his generosity and fundraising efforts. He was just as involved with the youth as he was with seniors and that was proven through photos that were also in the Facebook Page.

I imagine that as Abraham went to heaven, and finally met God, they took a walk together. As they were walking, they were soon joined by dogs, cats and other animals that Pitre loved. Then they happened upon this beautiful vegetable garden that was being tended by Stanley “Garden Guru” Jaremczak. Stanley greeted him and said, “You’re just in time. I’m preparing a salad which I’m taking over to my place called: “The Barge Inn,” located on Hy Street where I’m going to meet up with some of the old Perth Amboy Gang. As God, Abraham and the Garden Guru walk in the door, Pitre’s eyes widen. The first person that he saw was Eddie Febles, Sr. who is the owner. Also in attendance was: Dioris “The Poet” Arlequin, Tom Ward, Peter Book a.k.a. Pedro Libro, Richard Piatkowksi, Bill George and many more well-known Perth Amboy residents who have passed on. You may ask yourself, “What about the women?” There is one I would like to mention. There used to be well-known antique store on High Street called, “The Crystal Shop,” managed by Joyce Yaffe who set out these very unique plates on the tables for their meal. In a few minutes, Thomas Francis Clark walks in the door and starts to talk about his memories of Perth Amboy as a youth and a young adult.

As I stated early into the tribute to Abraham Pitre, he touched so many hearts in so many positive ways and the grief will be felt for a long time, especially since he was so young and vibrant. But, it’s important to take a good look of that picture where he is dressed very casually with his beloved dogs. Look at that smile on his face, and I believed he had that smile when he entered heaven.

As much as you were proud of him, I could tell that Abraham Pitre was even prouder of those who served with him. God bless all who knew and loved him. He is in good hands.

Love and Peace from Carolyn and the Staff of the Amboy Guardian

Swearing in of Abraham Pitre as the new Fire Chief of the City Perth Amboy. The proud members of the fire department pose with their new Fire Chief Abraham Pitre 3/28/14 *File Photo by Carolyn Maxwell