WILLINGBORO, NJ – May 30, 2025 – Firefighter Michael Centrone, a dedicated member of the Willingboro Township Fire Department for 19 years, was honored today in a retirement ceremony attended by family, friends, and colleagues. The event celebrated Centrone's nearly two decades of service to the community.

Biography - Michael Centrone has been in the fire service since he was sixteen years old. Prior to joining the Willingboro Fire Department, Mike volunteered with the Chews Landing Fire Department starting as a junior member in 2003. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Captain. He also served as a training officer for the department as well as a duty officer responding to incidents. During this time Mike also worked for Gloucester Township EMS. While at Gloucester Township EMS Mike was promoted to Supervisor and oversaw fleet management of eight ambulances.

In 2009, Mike was hired at the University of Medicine and Dentistry (UMDNJ) Camden EMS. He served on the special operations group along with the State of New Jersey EMS Task Force. One of Mike’s details was being part of the EMS team for President Obama when he visited Camden City.

In 2006, Mike joined the Willingboro Fire Department as a volunteer and duty crew Firefighter. Two years later he became one of the first per-diem Emergency Medical Technicians within Willingboro Township.

In 2013, Mike was hired as a career Firefighter with the Willingboro Fire Department. While working as a firefighter for Willingboro, Mike teamed up with the Willingboro Police Department and together they formed a Community Relations Unit. This unit created many wonderful events for the community. Mike was the lead coordinator for the Annual Santa Run Event, Fire Prevention and Open House Event, the Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Drive, and the Touch-a-Truck Event for the Township residents to enjoy. During his time with the department, he also served on Willingboro’s Juneteenth Committee that brought Juneteenth to Willingboro Township. Mike also was the lead for the Recruitment and Retention Grant website for the Willingboro Fire Department that resulted in the department recruiting numerous volunteers as well as equipment for community events.

Mike was hired in 2016 at the Burlington County Emergency Services Training Center as a Fire Instructor. He taught numerous classes but always had a passion for teaching on his platoon. He took pride in teaching the new firefighters while also keeping the senior firefighters’ skills at high levels.

Mike also served on the Executive Board for the Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association - Local 3091. He received a life safety award while doing CPR, a unit citation for rescuing 7 residents, including a 6-month-old in Delran Township and lastly a unit citation for a water rescue in Willingboro Township.

Mike would like to thank everyone who has had an impact on his career of over 20 years in emergency services.