ABOUT US
The Women's Auxiliary of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company and EMS is dedicated to supporting the all-volunteer fire department through various community events and fundraisers. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community by providing essential resources and financial support to the fire department. Our members are passionate about making a positive impact and are actively involved in organizing events to raise funds for the fire department's operations and equipment needs.
Our Current Board
The Surf City Ladies Auxiliary is proudly led by a dedicated team of women committed to supporting our community and strengthening our organization. Our current board members work together to guide events, outreach efforts, and volunteer initiatives throughout the year. Their leadership, service, and passion help ensure that our mission continues to thrive for the benefit of Surf City and its residents.
A Brief History of the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary
In the mid 1940’s, the residents of the Borough of Surf City felt the need for better fire protection and to have dedicated personnel to help save lives. Several volunteers raised funds, were trained in firefighting, and initiated the incorporation of the Surf City Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 on April 1, 1948. Once the Fire Company was created, they added to their By-Laws the ability to officially create a supporting Surf City Ladies Auxiliary, which is now called the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary.
About two years prior to the Surf City Fire Company’s incorporation in 1948, a small group of women, mostly comprised of the wives of the town’s future firemen, met regularly to plan fundraising events to raise money for this upcoming new Company. It is noted that the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary was incorporated in 1946. A few of the first Surf City Women’s Auxiliary members were: Dot Clark, Lillian Karbach, Bert Dunkleberger, Mabel Lally, and Evelyn Heald. The Auxiliary’s first Secretary was Lillian Karbach. These ladies frequently held card games to raise money and winnings were saved to support the Fire Company.
In 1948, one of the first and most popular fundraising Events was a Carnival. These Carnivals were set up on the very location where the current Surf City Firehouse still stands at 713 Long Beach Boulevard, Surf City, New Jersey. Over the decades, the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary continued to hold numerous fundraising activities throughout the year. Some of these activities were still performed year after year, like flea markets, pancake breakfasts, day trips, or raffles. One of their biggest fundraising Events of the year is still held in mid-July and features over 100 gift baskets and over 40 Silent Auction items.
In 1990, it is interesting to note the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) that ran the southern Division of the Barnegat Light First Aid Squad discontinued their membership with the squad. There became a need to charter a new Surf City First Aid Squad. Funding concerns were raised on how to support two separate Surf City organizations. It was decided to have the Surf City Fire Co. assume the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) roles and responsibilities also. With the help of the fundraising performed by the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary, two new ambulances were purchased and the Barnegat Light EMTs joined the Surf City Fire Co. This newly combined organization was changed to Surf City Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and EMS and remains its name to this day.
Based on Surf City Women’s Auxiliary historical documentation that was recovered from the Surf City Firehouse, it is noteworthy to recognize some of the longest and consecutively served Surf City Women’s Auxiliary Board Members / Officers and Members.
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President: Sandy Mannherz 2009–2019 (11 years).
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Vice President: Kathy Morocco 2010–2019 (9 years).
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Secretary: Dot Bennert 1998–2004 (7 years). Marie Peters 2015–2020 (6 years), Kitty Michels 1989–1994 (6 years).
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Treasurer: Lenore Kane 1992–2004 (13 years), Gerry Kappes 2010–2017 (8 years), June Finn 2018–2023 (6+ years).
Other Surf City Women’s Auxiliary Board Members / Officers held various roles across multiple years:
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Margaret Kirby: 18 years. Secretary (1985–1987, 1997, 2012, 2015-2020), Vice President (1992–1996, 1998-1999).
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Sandy Mannherz: 16 years. Vice President (2006–2008, 2020–2021), President (2009–2019).
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Marie Oerther: 11 years. Secretary (1979–1982), Vice President (1983–1985) and President (1988–1991).
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Isabel Jones: 9 years. President (1994–1995, 1998-2000), Vice President (2001–2004).
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Maddie Foley: 7 years. President (2004–2005), Treasurer (2008–2009), Secretary (2012–2014).
Long-time Surf City Women’s Auxiliary Members (The year the Member joined is noted in parentheses):
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1940/50: Bert Dunkleberger, Dot Clark (1948), Marie Oerther (1957), Virginia Falkiewicz (1958), Erna Rauth (1959).
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1960s: Alice Crowell (1962), Ann Smythe (1963), Joan Tum Suden (1963 but left & rejoined), Dot & Myra Fuller (1964).
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1970s: Jane C. Smith (1971), Judy Cludius (1971), Clara Gallant (1974), Annabelle Golden (1975), Vi Haskett (1977).
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1980s: Agnes McIlhenny (1980), Pat Gerber (1983), Connie Wilkins (1986), Isabel Jones (1986), Mary Riley (1988).
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1990s: Kitty Michels (1988), Lenore & Kathryn Kane (1990), Muriel DeLong (1990), Ruth Bauer (1992), Emma Banner (1995), Dot Bennert (1998), Mary Falk (1998), Pat McConaghy (1998), Maddie Foley (1999), Barbara Sedlacek (1999).
From the humble beginnings of a few dedicated women in 1946 to a 60-member strong all female team 80 years later (in 2026), these women have passionately served the community and tirelessly supported the Surf City Fire Company. This organization continues to exhibit commitment, pride, and loyalty, all while having fun and a sense of humor, as well as adapt to change and show love and compassion through difficult and tragic times in their history. When the women in this group work together, it is a bond unlike any other. There is no limit to what the Surf City Women’s Auxiliary can accomplish.
