PARK RIDGE, N.J.—In March, members of the Park Ridge Fire Department were proud to present a check for $1,000 to Jedh C. Barker American Legion Post #153, which has fallen on hard times.
Moreover, the department is selling T-shirts in support of the post. All proceeds from the sale of the shirts, available at https://prvfa.square.site, will be donated to the post.
Park Ridge Firemen’s Association President John Sigilitto told Pascack Press last week, “The American Legion has selflessly answered the call for service to our country and when we knew they needed help our membership stepped up. We hope that our donation can provide immediate assistance; the T-shirt sale will show them that community as whole supports them and the service that they provided to our country.”
[For more, see “Jersey Mike’s, Tigermarket rally for American Legion Post 153,” March 29.]
Sigilitto said the Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department is composed of several units:
“The equipment, facilities, and mandated training are very responsibly provided by the borough through the annual budget process. However, what is most important to the process is the manpower. This unsalaried manpower is provided by the Park Ridge Volunteer Firemen’s Association 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year by members who are your friends, neighbors and relatives,” he said.
He added that the Association provides for:
- Three annual scholarships to eligible Park Ridge school seniors in memory of ex-Fire Chief Rocky Pilger.
- Annual baby-sitter educational safety program.
- Santa’s annual Christmas Eve visit to Depot Square with toys and stockings for all the borough children.
- Support of several firefighter organizations.
- Support for several borough youth sports organizations.
- Food and refreshments to firefighters after the fires, drills, and mandated training sessions.