Eagle Project Custom Delivery

Kearny Scouts give back to First Responders. John Dec, a sixteen-year old Life Scout, Patrol Leader of Unit 305, and Kearny rising senior at High Tech High School, designed his Eagle Project to benefit the firefighters at the Midland Avenue firehouse in Kearny.

On Thursday night, June 18, 2020, Dec was assisted by his fellow Scouts and leaders of Troop 305 to deliver a heavy, custom-built table for the dining room. Kearny Fire Department Chief Steve Dyl, Deputy Chief Edward Agnew, and several firefighters gratefully accepted Dec’s table, thanking Dec for working with the KFD as the beneficiary of his Eagle Project. Councilwoman Eileen Eckel, Fire Commissioner for the Town of Kearny, extended her appreciation via phone.

Deputy Chief Agnew consulted with Dec during the planning phase and informed him about the significance of the KFD’s unique emblem and how it plays a prominent role in the identification and honor affiliated with the department that has served the Arlington and later Kearny community since 1880. The top of the custom-build table features KFD’s emblem, graphics representing Engine 3, Ladder 1, a ribbon of the American flag, and a remembrance of 9-11. The legs of the table are constructed of pipes and fittings, wrapped with hoses used by Kearny’s bravest.

The customized dining table was part of Dec’s larger Eagle Project to revitalize the dining space where the firefighters eat and re-energize in-between service calls. In a year-long effort, Dec organized the facelift of the communal dining space. The community service work also included painting the kitchen and replacing the well-worn floor. Dec realized that his Eagle Project would not be complete without providing a new dining table and chairs. As the shifts change, the remainder of the firefighters on Midland Avenue will be able to dine at Dec’s one-of-a-kind table for years to come.

Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout is one of the most challenging aspects of Scouting. Only approximately 4% of all Scouts merit this prestigious recognition. In addition to earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones, Scouts must complete an extensive community service project that benefits an organization other than the Boy Scouts of America. The Eagle candidate is expected to plan, fundraise, secure materials, and oversee the execution of a completed project, including managing Scout leaders and fellow Scouts in leadership activities throughout the endeavor.