BERKELEY – After more than a decade of fundraising, the memorial to fallen firefighters has been completed, officials said.
The memorial consists of three large stones that have the names of firefighters who have passed away. Each stone is from one local volunteer company: Bayville, Manitou Park, and Pinewald Pioneer. A statue of a firefighter was done by local sculptor Brian Hanlon. Another statue of a fireman’s hat was inscribed with the name of Eugene Furey, a firefighter who died in the line of duty in 1988.
The spot for the memorial was chosen in Veterans Park on Veterans Boulevard, where it can be seen during community events. This is important because most people don’t give much thought to firefighters, unless they’re needed.
Patrick Piccoli, former chief of the Manitou Park Fire Company, said the memorial will help remind people of the selfless dedication that firefighters have, and how they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, like Furey did.
He said the memorial cost about $125,000, and they had been working on it since 2005.
Some of the work was done by Berkeley’s Public Works Department.
Fundraising Continues
Although the bulk of the project is done, the group will continue fundraising to maintain the memorial.
It costs between $400-500 to add a name to the stones, Piccoli said.
For those wishing to donate, purchase a paver, or acquire more information, contact Piccoli at (732) 597-8379. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 266, Berkeley Township, N.J. 08721.
