Joseph Gardener, soon after graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following the deadly 1983 bombing of a Marine barracks in Lebanon.
Gardener later worked 15 years as a mailman until the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 killed about 3,000 people, including 343 members of the Fire Department of New York. He decided he wanted to become a Philadelphia firefighter.
“When 9/11 happened, it activated me. A switch went off,” he said. “It was the best move I ever made.”
Today, Gardener is a lieutenant, stationed at Engine 71, Ladder 28, at Cottman and Loretto avenues, with a temporary assignment as an instructor at the Fire Academy.
He recalls an early day on the job.
“It was my first fire, and I didn’t know who these people were,” he said. “They were giving out cheeseburgers and pizza. I found out they were volunteers.”
Those volunteers were members of the Second Alarmers, a nearly century-old organization that provides food, drinks, hand warmers, cold towels and other relief for firefighters and police officers at the scene of emergency calls.
In appreciation, Gardener holds an annual fundraiser for the Second Alarmers.
And, in recognition of Gardener’s efforts, the National Liberty Museum last week presented him with a Meritorious Community Service Award during its 14th annual Awards of Valor ceremony.
Gardener, 53, of Fox Chase, humbly accepted the award.
“Those are the heroes,” he said of the Second Alarmers. “They’re a totally nonprofit group. It’s a great organization. They give us a second wind.”
Over the years, Gardener’s fundraisers have provided the Second Alarmers with about $90,000.
The next fundraiser is Nov. 3, during the Eagles vs, Bears game, at the Brick House Bar & Grill, 3334 Grant Ave.
The Second Alarmers responded to more than 600 incidents last year, and Gardener credits Greg Masi, the group’s longtime chief, with doing a great job. Masi is a retired police sergeant.
Gardener also thanks his wife, Kim, and some firefighter friends with helping him raise money. He also notes the Brick House is a good friend of the fire department.
The Sept. 19 ceremony was emceed by NBC10 reporter Harry Hairston. Guest speakers included Mayor Jim Kenney, acting Police Commissioner Christine Coulter and Deputy Fire Commissioner Craig Murphy.
The stories of all the honorees will be on display at the museum, 321 Chestnut St., for a year. ••
