A young man named Michael Kowalewski just did something amazing. He is an Eagle Scout candidate in Sayreville, New Jersey. Michael completely changed the Morgan Firehouse parking lot. His hard work makes the area much better for everyone.
The firehouse now looks much cleaner and safer. This big project helped Michael earn his Eagle Scout rank. It is the highest honor in Boy Scouts. Do you know what an Eagle Scout does?
Michael’s Big Firehouse Project
Michael finished his huge project on Saturday, June 1. The Sayreville Board of Fire Commissioners thanked him. They met on Tuesday, June 4 to praise his efforts. Fire Commissioner Jim Gay spoke about Michael’s work.
Jim Gay said Michael did a fantastic job. He explained that Michael put in a lot of effort. The firehouse area looks really nice now, he added.
Michael spent almost a year planning this project. He wanted to make a real difference. The old parking lot needed a lot of help.
The project fixed many problems. It also made the space look much better. Firefighters and visitors can now use a safer lot.
What did Michael and his team actually do? They worked very hard. Here are some of the main improvements:
- They cleaned up all the weeds and trash.
- They took out old, broken railroad ties.
- They put down special fabric to stop weeds.
- They added 10 cubic yards of new gravel.
- They put in new, strong 4×4 timber railroad ties.
- They planted 12 new evergreen shrubs to make it pretty.
- They put in new lights that use the sun’s power.
- They added a new holder for the garden hose.
- They built a brand new picnic table for the firemen.
Imagine all that work! Michael led his team to do it all. He chose this project to help his local community. It helps the firefighters who keep Sayreville safe.
Many People Helped Michael
Michael said the project took a lot of effort. He shared how much help he received. He thanked his family and friends. He also thanked many local businesses.
His family gave him great support. His mom, Debbie, and his dad, Scott, helped a lot. His Uncle Joe also lent a hand. Friends like Jack, Joe, Kyle, and Evan were there too.
His Scoutmaster, Rich Ragucci from Troop 90, guided him. Rich Ragucci is important for all Eagle Scout candidates. He helps them plan and finish their projects.
The Morgan Fire Department was also a big help. Fire Commissioner Jim Gay and Chief John Gara supported Michael. They gave him the go-ahead. They also provided some resources.
The Sayreville Department of Public Works also stepped in. They helped Michael get important materials. They assisted with soil, rocks, and wood. Their director, Jeff Nyers, made sure they helped.
Many local businesses also helped Michael. They gave donations or discounts. This made the project possible. It also showed great community spirit.
Here are some of the businesses that helped:
| Business Name | What They Did |
|---|---|
| Saker Shoprite | Donated food for all the volunteers |
| Home Depot (Sayreville) | Gave discounts on building supplies |
| Lowe’s (Old Bridge) | Also gave discounts on materials |
| Sabol’s of South Amboy | Donated bags of mulch for the plants |
| DeVoe’s Garden and Landscape Center | Donated the 12 evergreen shrubs |
| Ace Hardware (Sayreville) | Contributed various supplies |
Michael was very thankful for everyone’s help. He said he could not have done it alone. This shows how teamwork makes big things happen.
What is an Eagle Scout?
Becoming an Eagle Scout is a huge deal. It is the highest rank a Scout can get. Scouts work for many years to reach this goal. Michael has been a Scout for 12 years!
To become an Eagle Scout, you must earn many merit badges. You also need to show leadership skills. And, you must plan and complete a big project. This project must help your community.
Michael’s firehouse project is a great example. It improved a public space. It also made things better for the brave firefighters. This kind of project leaves a lasting mark.
Many famous people were Eagle Scouts. Did you know that? It teaches young people important values. It helps them learn about serving others. Learn more about the Eagle Scout rank here.
Michael is only 17 years old. He will go to Rutgers University in the fall. We wish him all the best! He proved that hard work and helping others truly pay off. This makes Sayreville proud. You can visit the Sayreville website to learn more about the town.
What do you think about Michael’s project? It really changed the firehouse. It also shows the power of young people. They can make a big difference in their towns.
