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BY JOHN SNYDER
OF PASCACK PRESS
WESTWOOD, N.J.—Westwood’s police, fire, and volunteer ambulance services sparkled at Westvale Park July 18, stars at a first annual Emergency Services Night that drew an estimated 400 fans from the borough and neighboring towns.
It was a showcase of the gear, the cheer, and the teamwork that defines emergency services in the Pascack Valley. For the many kids who got to whale on the new fire engine’s air horn, meet two bomb squad robots, and have their pictures taken with a county K-9, it was arguably a life-changing event.
And there was a helicopter landing; a DJ; a face painter, juggler, and plate spinner from The Grand Falloons; hot dogs and ice cream sandwiches; and so much more, all free.
Organized by Police Capt. Jay Hutchinson and Police Officer Danielle Neuberger, the party, which ran from 6 to 9 p.m. in easy summer weather, connected families to a who’s who in Bergen County public safety and local emergency services.
Backing up Westwood’s police, fire, and volunteer ambulance contingents were the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Office of Community Affairs; the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Regional SWAT Team, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Bomb Squad, and K-9 Unit; and the New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, whose chopper landing led all too soon to a liftoff and fleet flight to duty.
Councilman Ray Arroyo and Councilwoman Alyssa Dawson donated pet oxygen masks to the Westwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps, whose president said the lifesaving devices—there are three, for animals of varied size—are overdue and welcome additions to their rig.
According to Police Chief Michael Pontillo, the goal for the event “is to bring the community out, show the services we offer, and have a little old genuine fun.”
He said he wanted to offer an event in the lead-up to National Night Out, held the first Tuesday in August, which promotes police and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie nationwide.
“National Night Out is a tough go [for Westwood] because all the other towns take up the resources, and deservedly so; they started earlier and got the resources deployed elsewhere—so here we are because we wanted to do something special,” Pontillo said.
He added, “This breaks it out and gets everybody here—a good night out, a good community night. That’s what it’s all about.”
Pontillo said this first annual event would be a learning experience to carry forward to gauge interest and that next year the offerings would be enhanced.
Resident Stacey Pappas added her vote: “This is wonderful! They should do this again. You get to know who’s in each department and you get to know your police officers. It’s a fun night,” she said.
Juggler Will Shaw, with clubs whirling, had kids entranced wherever he went. Among those marvelling at his act were Jacob Glasner and Kate Scotti, both 6, and Evan Scotti, 4.
Shaw explained The Grand Falloons make the K-8 Earth Science curriculum and solutions for waste reduction not only accessible but exhilarating.
He is one of New York City’s top cabaret performers. You might recognize him from commercials for Pizza Hut, IBM, Carvel, Burger King, Anderson Consulting and Terra Internet. He has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” and “Sesame Street.”
Maddy Saul, Jane Concato, and Jill Nugent represented the WFD Ladies Auxiliary. Nugent, the organization’s president, noted the event was a hit and said other towns should follow Westwood’s example.
Jalani Alston, 8, was giddy with excitement in the cab of the new fire engine, sounding off on the air horn. His grandmother, Celeste Alston, got him to agree to give a quote: “It was awesome,” he shouted, then ran off to another attraction.
EMTs Janet Dunn and Bonnie Costello held information sessions in their ambulance, a definite crowd favorite.
Triplets Liam, Gerard and Matthew, visiting from out of town, turned out in shades to the county’s Major Crimes Unit truck.
The county was there in part to promote its awareness initiatives on traffic safety, cyber bullying, opioid addiction, and Internet safety.
Ariana, 4, and her mother, Denise Dowdie, loaded up on free resources from the Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which seeks volunteers and looks forward to it annual carnival, July 24–28.
Among their goodies were a coloring book, helium balloon, lollipops, and handy file-of-life kit: a record of a child’s emergency contacts and medical, allergy, and insurance information.
Among volunteers staffing that booth was Youth Squad member Emily Klukosky, 18. Her twin sister Alexandra was at the event elsewhere in the throngs.
Last year we reported on the girls through their work as volunteers at Camp Sunshine, which specializes in recreational programs for individuals with special needs.
“They’ve been helping people since they were 12. That’s just who they are. I am so, so proud of them,” said their mom, Cynthia.
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