Ninth Annual Sgt. Hrbek Halloween Party Oct. 27

Hrbek, a hero, received the Bronze Star Medal with valor.

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TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Ninth Annual Halloween Costume Party in celebration of Westwood resident Sgt. Christopher Hrbek will be held at the Washington Township Knights of Columbus, 79 Pascack Road.

Chris loved to celebrate Halloween. He was famous for his great costumes—his exuberance for Halloween was contagious to all around him. In honor of Chris, his Halloween tradition will be continued!

The party, from 7:30 p.m. to approximately 12:30 a.m., will benefit the Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship Fund. Ticket price is $60, which includes food, beer, and wine. Live entertainment features DJ Bill Phayre.

An always entertaining costume contest with prizes will be held.

For advance tickets, contact Louise Cue at (201) 314-9858 or louisecue[at]verizon.net. If any tickets remain, they’ll be sold the night of the event. Table reservations are available in advance for parties of six or more.

Motivated by the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Chris enlisted in the Marines on his 18th birthday. He repeatedly differed offers to join the New York Fire Department, his dream job, during his service.

He was a hero and lifesaver, receiving the Bronze Star Medal with valor. On Jan. 14, 2010 he was killed in action in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. He returned home for the last time on Jan. 21, 2010.

Mayor John Birkner Jr. recalled Chris’s service and sacrifice at Westwood’s Sept. 11 Memorial Ceremony, and the post office is named for him.

For more information on this event and upcoming events, and for his mother’s proud and loving account of her son’s service to the United States, visit sgthrbek.com.

— Staff report