A Family Tradition: The Rago & Mycek Family

 Dear Five Alarm Charm Family,

When we met Dana Mycek and her family at the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention in Wildwood last year, they stopped by our booth to continue a meaningful family legacy.

Dana shared that her grandparents started a tradition of purchasing a child’s first charm necklace at a convention. Growing up in the Rago family, it was a tradition she always knew. In 2025, it was finally her son JT’s turn. At just five years old, JT proudly received his first Maltese Cross charm, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through the family for years.

The fire service has always been part of everyday life. Dana serves as a Lieutenant with the Allendale Fire Department and has dedicated 18 years to the department. Her husband, John, serves as Captain and has been a member for 16 years. Dana’s brother, Chris, serves as Assistant Chief and has devoted 20 years to the department. As second-generation volunteer firefighters, they continue a legacy of service that was instilled in them from an early age.

“I definitely grew up in the firehouse,” Dana shared. “Most of my memories have the firehouse in them one way or another—playing with the other department kids, attending events, and waiting for my dad while he went on a call.”

Her parents, Kevin and Ginny, helped foster a love for the fire service that would eventually lead Dana and Chris to follow in their footsteps.

Earlier this year, Dana and John celebrated a special milestone when they were sworn in as officers. Standing beside them was JT, proudly wearing the Maltese Cross charm his family had purchased at the convention.

JT is the firehouse’s official ambassador whenever children come to visit and see the trucks. He loves welcoming visitors and proudly shares his dream of becoming a firefighter just like his parents.

What began as a family tradition with Dana’s grandparents is now being passed to the next generation. While JT is only five years old, his love for the firehouse and enthusiasm for the fire service are already evident. Watching him proudly wear his first Maltese Cross, it’s easy to see how traditions like these help keep family legacies alive.

Stories like the Rago-Mycek family's remind us that the fire service is about more than responding to calls. It’s about family, tradition, and the values that are passed from one generation to the next.

We are honored that a Five Alarm Charm Maltese Cross became a small part of JT’s story and this family’s continuing tradition.

With heartfelt gratitude, Stacey, Zach, Chloe, Heather & The Five Alarm Charm Team