Stone Harbor Promotes Firefighters

Posted July 27th 2026

Four members of the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 were promoted to the rank of captain and one firefighter was sworn in as the Borough’s newest full-time firefighter at the July 7 Borough Council meeting.

Joshua Otton, Mike Gihorski, Robert McClure Jr., and Donald Fancher were those promoted to captain. Louis Taylor III was elevated to the position of full-time firefighter.

“The creation of our career fire department and these promotions reflect our commitment to protecting the community,” said Mayor Tim Carney. “Providing rapid response to fire and medical emergencies remains one of our highest priorities, and today, Stone Harbor has some of the fastest emergency response times of any municipality in New Jersey.”

The department’s Facebook post noted that the four new captains “were among the original members who helped build our paid combination fire department. Through years of dedication, training, leadership, and service, they have earned the respect of their fellow firefighters and our community. We are confident they will continue to lead our department with professionalism and integrity.”

Otto, a lifelong Stone Harbor resident, joined the Volunteer Fire Company at the age of 16 and returned to his hometown in 2021 after serving with Prince William County (Va.) Fire and Rescue. He helped develop policies for the combination department, and serves as president of New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 151. Otto will serve as captain of the Alpha Platoon.

Gihorski began his fire service career in 2004 with the Dennis Volunteer Fire Company, where he rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2017. He also served as a supervisor with the Belleplain Emergency Corps, joined the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company in 2019, became a career Firefighter/EMT in 2021, and now serves as an instructor at the Cape May County Fire Academy.

McClure joined the department in 2008 and is a third-generation Stone Harbor firefighter. After serving with the Volunteer Fire Company and working for the Borough’s Department of Public Works, he became one of Stone Harbor’s first career firefighters in 2021.

Fancher began his firefighting career as a volunteer with the Marmora Volunteer Fire Company in 2009. Along with structural firefighting, Fancher operated as one of Sea Isle’s skilled Emergency Medical Technicians. In 2021, Fancher transitioned to professional firefighting when he was hired by the Stone Harbor Volunteer Fire Company.

The promotions reflect the continued growth of the Stone Harbor Fire Department and the Borough’s commitment to providing residents, businesses and visitors with responsive, professional fire protection and emergency medical services.

Photo caption: From left: Firefighters Chief Roger Stanford, Josh Otton, DJ Fancher, Lou Taylor, Mike Gihorski, Bob McClure, Bob McClure Sr.