After years of honoring Deptford history and creating spectacles for residents, the township’s own balloon crew is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
First & Finest was founded by retired police lieutenant Steve Moylan in 1998, when he worked in police community relations.
“What happened was in 1993, I was an active police lieutenant, and that year was the 200th anniversary of the first manned flight in America, which was a (hot air) balloon flight from Old City Philadelphia to Deptford,” Moylan recalled.
“I was told one of the biggest events (celebrating the moment) was a three-day hot-air balloon festival at Gloucester County College, which is now Rowan of South Jersey,” he added. “I’m standing there and watching people’s reactions and I think to myself, wouldn’t it be neat if we could do that.”
Moylan then took his idea to the mayor and council for approval, ensuring it wouldn’t cost taxpayer money. That is still the case: First & Finest is paid for by sponsors, money made from event and donations, and its members are all volunteers.
The balloon crew took its maiden flight in May 1998, during that year’s Deptford Day celebration. Colored in the black and gold associated with the township, the balloon was in use until 2004. A new balloon was purchased through donations the following year and is still in use today.
First & Finest has been part of hot-air balloon events in the state, as well as New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware. That includes working festivals and even partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to take kids for rides. The crew also provided rides for nurses and doctors at Mullica Hill’s Inspira Medical Center during COVID.
“We set up in the parking lot there,” Moylan recounted. “Their publicity people came out and took pictures and we actually put it up in the air. We call it tethering in this case, since we only come up so high,
“We were there, and we were holding up signs,” he added. “They made an announcement to the doctors and nurses, (for) anyone not actively working (to) come out to the parking lot. And there we were.”
The crew’s volunteers include police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other individuals. Generations of Moylan’s family have also been involved with the endeavor.
“I love it,” said Carol Moylan, Steve’s wife and member of the crew. “My son is the pilot, my granddaughter and my grandson are crew members. There’s four generations that come out.”
But bad luck for First & Finest came with the pandemic, limiting what members could do. And climate change has made balloon travel dangerous because of high winds.
“We don’t fly in anything (winds) over five or six miles per hour, because you could hurt somebody or damage property,” said Steve. “A lot of balloonists after COVID have packed up their balloons.”
Donations are accepted for the crew through the mail at First & Finest, care of Deptford Township police, 1011 Cooper St., Deptford, 08096. Donations also help finance upkeep for the balloon and insurance that covers it.
To join First & Finest, call (856) 686-2204, ext. 1100, or email [email protected].
