The Mountainside Fire Department organized a countywide relief drive which delivered much needed supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston. Residents from Mountainside, Chatham and Westfield among others who stopped by were greeted by members of Mountainside Fire Department and Mountainside Police Department during the Labor Day effort. Over 100 boxes and packaging supplies were donated by the Home Depot in Union and were utilized to their full extent. New clothes, diapers, baby wipes, hygiene items and food were some of the major items donated by residents.
Shortly after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston, Mountainside Fire Department firefighter Alex Polce took the initiative to organize relief efforts. After speaking to Houston OEM coordinators, who were still overwhelmed by the search and rescue effort and desperate for first responders, Firefighter Polce worked his contacts online to find help getting the supplies to Houston. In a twist of fate, Firefighter Polce, who is also a Marine veteran and member of online discussion boards for the veterans community, noticed a post that Hermann’s Transportation Services would be sending trucks to Houston in a relief effort organized by Jersey City Firefighter Brian Hermann, the son of a Marine veteran. The brotherhood of Firefighters and Marines was the common bond that would bring the Mountainside Fire Department relief run a reality. With the support of Mountainside Chief Pecorelli and the outstanding efforts of the members of Mountainside Fire Department, relief supplies would soon be on their way.
Community businesses in the area also played a huge part helping to get the word out to residents and act as satellite drop-off points. Twin Elephant Brewery and the Mountainside Deli helped to notify their loyal customers that help was on the way for Houston and their help was needed. The Central Jersey Leathernecks, members of the Marine Corps League were also essential in getting the word out and helping with donations.
It is in times of need and desperation where our residents, first responders and veterans show their brightest colors, Red, White and Blue.
(above l-r) Top: PO Eric Pastore, PO Jim Urban, FF Matt Pristach, FF Jeff Stoffer, Police Chief Al Attanasio. Bottom: Fire Chief Anthony Pecorelli, FF John Browne, FF Alex Polce, FF Chris Sileo, FF Casey Olohan
