Edison Fire Fighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 1197 Community Activities

FIREFIGHTERS PARTICIPATE IN ST. BALDRICK'S FUNDRAISER:

On March 30, 2008, members from Local 1197 & Local 2883 patricipated in the annual St. Baldrick's Foundation Event hosted by Woodbridge Firefighters Local 290.

St. Baldrick's is the world's largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for childhood cancer research. During this event, thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family.

In 2007, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation raised over $12 Million for childhood cancer research.  If you would like to learn more about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation you can visit their web site at http://www.stbaldricks.org

 

EDISON DIVISON OF FIRE SPONSORS 1ST ANNUAL SAL DATTILO MEMORIAL RIDE:

On July 8, 2007 the Edison Division of Fire Sponsored the 1st Annual Firefighter Sal Dittilo Memorial Ride.
Entitled "Finishing the Journey," participants included 40-45 cycles, 20-25 cars, 6 state police bikes, and 3 port authority bikes.

FDNY Engine 93, Ladder 45 and Battalion 13 met the participants at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge.

The ride concluded in the state of Maine, where the participants dined on a traditional Lobster Dinner.

Participants gather at the Municipal Complex awaiting the start of the 1st Annual Sal Dittilo Memorial RIde		Riders seen here as they proceed north on the New Jersey Turnpike towards the George Washington Bridge

The group approaches the span of the George Washington Bridge.

PRESIDENT ROBERT YACKEL RECEIVES LABOR LEADERSHIP AWARD FROM JERSEY CITY LOCAL 1066:

On February 16, 2007, Edison Fire Fighters Association President Robert Yackel received the "Thomas W. Burke Labor Leadership Award" from the membership of Jersey City, I.A.F.F. Local 1066.

President Yackel was honored for 30 years of dedicated union leadership. Local 1066 presented President Yackel with a plaque during a ceremony that was held at the Hyatt on the Hudson.

Also honored that evening was John Sandella - President of the Newark Fire Officers, I.A.F.F. Local 1860. John was presented with the "The Brian C. Doherty, Esq., Above and Beyond the Call Leadership Award."

LOCAL 1197 SUPPORTS ST. BARNABUS BURN CENTER THROUGH
ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE:

For over 5 years, our membership has supported the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation through our Aluminum Can Drive.
FF John Canfield (seen in photo #2 below), heads up the program.
FF Canfield volunteers his own time to maintain and empty the trailer, and to transport the cans in his personal vehicle.

Residents are encouraged to bring your cans to Station 4, which is located at 850 New Dover Road, Edison, New Jersey,
and help support this GREAT cause.

TOWNSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES CONTRIBUTIONS TO MDA BY EDISON FIREFIGHTERS:

At a recent Township Council meeting, Mayor Choi and Council presented our association with a proclamation for our dedication
with regard to fund raising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy.
Since Local 1197's re-establishment with the MDA in 2001, our association has raised a total of $55,580.00.

Pictured below are members of A & B Platoons from Station 4. Our members are seen proudly displaying our Township proclamation, and a plaque that we received from the MDA for our efforts

MEMBERS HONORED WITH 2006 PFANJ VALOR AWARD:

In March 2006, Lt. Duane Borwegen (Edison Officers Local ), along with Firefighter Anthony Ambrosio III, were were presented a Valor Award for actions completed in Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana, on September 22, 2005.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY:

The International Association of Fire Fighters has pledged to help win the fight against Neuromuscular Diseases through their generous donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Each year the membership of our association continues to support this worthwhile cause through our "Fill The Boot For MDA" campaign.
Special thanks to the wives for participating!
Our MDA Fund Raising efforts for 2004 & 2005 netted a WHOPPING $23,400.00 for Jerry's Kids.
These proceeds were raised during our annual 2-day Fill The Boot Collections, and through a fund raiser cut-a-thons sponsored by
Fantastic Sams Hair Care, and a collection was conducted by Yvonne's School of Dance.
In addition in 2004, we held a Softball Tournament, with all proceeds benefiting the MDA.

LOCAL MERCHANT KICKS OFF 2005 MDA FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:

Thanks to our friends at Fantastic Sams Hair Care, located on Inman Avenue in Edison Township, for helping to kick off our 2005 MDA
"Fill The Boot" campaign, by sponsoring a fund raiser cut-a-thon on behalf of the members of our association.
All proceeds from the cut-a-thon benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Central Jersey.

The staff of Fantastic Sams Hair Care pose with "Fuzzy" during their recent MDA cut-a-thon fund raiser.

SANTA VISITS MDA CHRISTMAS PARTY:

Recently Santa took a break from his busy schedule to stop and visit with the children during the local annual Muscular Dystrophy Holiday Party. Members of Local 1197 had the honor of delivering Santa to the party via a Fire Engine.

TRICK OR TREAT:

Edison Local 1197 Firefighter Frank Hohwald recently takes time out of his busy schedule to provide Halloween treats for some neighborhood "ghosts and goblins" at Station 4 on New Dover Road .

MDA SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT:

In addition to our annual "Fill The Boot" drive, in 2004 we sponsored our 2nd Annual Double Elimination Softball Tournament. All proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Central New Jersey. Special thanks to our corporate sponsors for their continued support of the event.

MDA Goodwill Ambassador Jonathan Ryan with Tournament Coordinator Scott Law	Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
Evesham Firefighters in Scoring Position	Asbury Park Local 348 Members Pitch to the Lead Off Batter

MEMBERS HONORED WITH PFANJ VALOR AWARD:

In April 2004, members of our local were presented a Valor Award, in the form of an EMS Commendation, from the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, for an incident that occurred on August 11, 2003 at 16 Carlton Street.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP CANCER POKER RUN:

On Saturday May 22, 2004, members of our association participated in the Washington Township Uniformed Firefighters Association first annual “Poker Ride for Cancer.” The Poker Ride started at the Washington Township Fire Station on Route 130, and the motorcycle riders were required to make three stops before concluding the 120 mile ride in Highland Park at Edison Harley-Davidson. The first annual event was a huge success and raised over $1000.00 for the Cancer Society of New Jersey.

Local 1197 Members Pose for a Group Picture After Completing the 2004 Cancer Poker Run.

2004 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONIES:

Members of our association participated in the Edison Township 2004 Memorial Day Parade, which was held on May 30, 2004. At the conclusion of the Parade, a brief Memorial Service was held at the Township Municipal Building Monument to honor our Fallen Brothers and Sisters, and to honor the passing of those that fought and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom for our country.

Local 1197 Members Marching in the Edison Township Memorial Day Parade.	Local 1197 Chaplain Doggett Addresses the Attendees at the Memorial Service

"BOWL A STRIKE FOR MDA:"

On June 27, 2004, members of our association participated in the "Bowl A Strike For MDA" fund raising event, which was sponsored by Perth Amboy I.A.F.F. Local 286 and Woodbridge I.A.F.F. Local 290. All proceeds benefited the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Central Jersey.
Special thanks to Stelton Lanes of Piscataway for hosting the event.

Local 1197 Members Take a Break During the Recent "Bowl A Strike For MDA" Fund Raiser