I.A.F.F. LOCAL 290

                SERVING THE RESIDENTS OF WOODBRIDGE TOWNSHIP NJ FIRE DISTRICTS 1 , 2, & 7

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  UPDATED :  13 May 2008

VISITORS SINCE 05APRIL2008:

         MEMBERS OF LOCAL 290 IN FRONT OF STATION 1 FEBRUARY 2007

   ST. BALDRICKS EVENT A SUCCESS!!

EARLY ESTIMATES PLACE THE TOTAL MONIES RAISED TO AID THE ST. BALDRICKS FOUNDATION IN THE AREA OF $80,000. THANKS GO OUT TO ALL INVOLVED ON A JOB WELL DONE. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR!!

IF YOU HAVEN'T YET DONATED AND WISH TO, PLEASE LOOK UP OUR LOCATION ON ST. BLADRICK'S WEBSITE AT:

                   WWW.STBALDRICKS.ORG

  OVERHEAD VIEW OF TRUCK 1-2-6 AND ENGINE 1-10     APR08

LOCAL 290 In The News

Home News Tribune Online 03/31/08

WOODBRIDGE — For the group of veteran officers huddled outside of Woodbridge Fire headquarters on Sunday afternoon, the "shaved head" look was one that some of them had not sported since their days at the police academy.

But even as they stood in a circle, eyeballing one another while rubbing their own freshly buzzed scalps, there was little reason to feel awkward.

Instead, they wore their new look with pride, and Patrolman Frank Salsano spoke for the group when he said "We came because it's a good cause."

By the end of the day, they would be joined by more than 200 others at the School Street firehouse who shaved their heads to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

The event was attended by at least 300 community members, including scores of local police, fire and EMT personnel, all of whom helped support the St. Baldrick's Foundation, a worldwide fundraising initiative for children's cancer research.

The five-bay garage buzzed with laughter and upbeat music as a crowd watched about a dozen barbers work quickly and decisively at the front of the firehouse. Observers waiting in line openly enjoyed seeing their friends at the mercy of the clippers, shouting things like "take the moustache while you're at it!"

Organizers said they had around 225 people signed up to shave their heads by Saturday night, contributing to the more than $54,000 that had been pledged. They and at least another 100 volunteers, friends and family members turned out on Sunday to honor their pledges and raise thousands more for the worthwhile cause.

"We just blew it away," Woodbridge firefighter Mark Minkler, an organizer, said of their previous goal of $20,000.

Organized in part by Woodbridge Firefighters Local 290, the event served a dual purpose, helping to raise money for children's cancer research while also honoring deceased Woodbridge firefighter Matt Lokos, 23, who friends say was an active supporter of the St. Baldrick's Foundation.

Jose Lugo, a childhood friend, said he remembered Lokos for his love of children and his enthusiasm for teaching them about fire safety. For the last several years Lokos had looked forward to suiting up in his equipment and visiting schools during the township's Fire Prevention Week.

"I don't think there was one time he would miss going to the schools," said Lugo, a 31-year-old corrections officer.

The event on Sunday was one of 500 events registered nationwide for the St. Baldrick's Foundation, according to Melissa Paulo, a special events coordinator for the organization. She said the foundation has raised $11 million this year and is well on its way to its goal of $17 million.

"This is phenomenal," Paulo said of the Woodbridge gathering. "It's a lot of fun for a very serious cause, and that's why people like to jump on board."

                                                      PO BOX 484 , WOODBRIDGE NJ 07095