Dear Editor:
On Saturday, July 4th, 2009, the City of Hoboken was host to upwards of 45,000 visitors who came to view the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration. This much anticipated event on the Hudson River attracted many residents and non-residents alike.
For several months prior to this event, extensive planning was conducted by the police department, fire department, office of emergency management and medical personnel. The primary goal of all agencies involved was for the members of the public to safely enjoy this celebration.
Although planning for an event of this magnitude is never an easy task, I would be remiss if I personally did not give special thanks to the following people for their cooperation and assistance: Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Bloom and the Hoboken Fire Department, Thomas Molta and the members of the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Hoboken Office of Emergency Management (O.E.M.) Asst. Director Joel Mestre, Hoboken Traffic & Signal Division, and Dr. Angelo Caprio and the medical personnel of the Hoboken University Medical Center for their input on the planning and participation throughout this day.
In addition, I would also like to thank the following neighboring public safety agencies: Jersey City Police Department, Union City Police Department, Weehawken Police Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Hudson County O.E.M., Hudson County Sheriff Department, Essex County Sheriff Department, New Jersey Transit, Chief Timothy Griffin and the Stevens Police Department.
Lastly, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the fine men and women of the Hoboken Police Department. The level of professionalism demonstrated by all members during this event was exceptional. Police Captains Edelmiro Garcia, James Fitzsimmons, Daniel Simone, Anthony Romano and command level personnel gave an extraordinary effort in the planning stage of this event.
However, a plan is only as good as to the people who execute it. As a result, I want to commend both the police officers and front line supervisors for showing the drive and stamina needed to carry out the planning phase of this event. Without their efforts, this event would not have been a success. They took great pride and commitment to ensure this event was enjoyed by the thousands of people who witnessed the show. Words cannot express my appreciation for their dedication, effort and professionalism that was exhibited throughout the entire day, I proudly want to thank each and every one of them for making this event and holiday a safe and joyous one.
Chief Anthony P. Falco, Sr.
Hoboken Police Department