There wasn’t a single member of what has become the North Hudson Emergency Services Fund volunteer fundraising group who could have ever dreamed how grand the boot drive would become.
"People are actually giving us money and thanking us," said Brian McGorty, the president of the North Hudson Regional Officers Association. "The drive has been absolutely remarkable."
Since last Saturday morning, members of the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, police officers from the five participating towns, as well as several volunteer rescue squads, have pooled their efforts to collect money for the victims of the World Trade Center terrorist tragedy.
As of press time Thursday, the efforts have brought in more than $250,000, with the final count after the nine-day drive expected to soar way past any expectations.
Nearly every member of the emergency service personnel of all five municipalities has rallied in the efforts, giving their free time during the morning and afternoon rush hours to collect money in their boots, in their helmets, in buckets, anything that can hold money.
The officers and firefighters were situated at several different sites throughout North Hudson, approaching cars at stop lights, shoppers at local shopping plazas, anyone who is willing to donate.
"The response has been outstanding," McGorty said. "I got a phone call from a group of kids who sold lemonade, with all the proceeds going to the fund. They gave $100. A guy in a really beat-up car drove by and put a $100 bill in the boot. We have had some people who have given something at every stop we have. We’re trying to be sensitive that we’re not hitting the same people. But the people are seeing us out there every day and they’re willing to give. It really is an amazing effort."
The unilateral support has also been impressive. Firefighters and police officers, who generally are up against each other, have rallied together. Rank-and-file firefighters are working with the superior officers. Civilian workers have given of their free time.
"The levels of cooperation throughout are something," McGorty said. "When we approached the management of the regional and the mayors, we expected that we might get a little resistance. But they have all been wonderful. It’s delightful to see the unity, working together with a purpose."
Added McGorty, "I think everyone wanted to do something and this came as a result of a meeting of the minds and hearts. We all sat collectively at a table. Glen [Michelin, the president of the North Hudson Firefighters’ Union] and I went to the regional meeting and told the management what we wanted to do. We told them of the support we had from all the other emergency service agencies, and the management of the regional was very supportive."
Jeff Welz, the co-director of the NHRFR, said that support of the boot drive was a no-brainer.
"We applaud the efforts of everyone," Welz said. "It’s been a grass-roots effort. When they approached us, they definitely had the support of the regional. Everyone has cooperated. I’m proud that our members were eager to jump in and help. It’s a phenomenal job. It’s the greatest outpouring of support I’ve ever seen. It really is amazing what they have achieved."
Welz said that the $250,000 only includes the cash they’ve collected.
"They also have a tub full of change that needs to be counted," Welz said. "Who knows how much is in there?"
The fund-raising efforts have taken place while all emergency service workers have been off-duty. It will continue through Sunday and will end Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. with an emotional ceremony and candlelight service at the Firemen’s Memorial Bell in Hamilton Plaza in Weehawken.
McGorty said that many people are personally identifying with emergency service workers, particularly firefighters, considering that more than 340 lost their lives in the tragedy.
"Like everyone, we all feel that sense of outrage and violation," McGorty said. "People want to do something and they feel a sense of kinship with the firefighters. It’s a special bond, a family. And members of our family were murdered. So we’re all part of that family now, the American family. By giving their hard-earned money, people are saying, ‘No,’ to the terrorists. Each time they throw something in the boot, they’re telling the terrorists that they failed, that they didn’t break the American spirit. We’re not going to be crippled by this."
Added McGorty, "This is an unprecedented rally of support. It’s been amazing. I’m proud to be part of this tremendous effort. The memories of our brothers and sisters will always stand tall, as will America."
If anyone cares to make a donation to the fund, you can write to the North Hudson Emergency Services Charity Fund, P.O. Box 911, Union City, NJ, 07087-911. Make the checks out to the NHESCF.