Now open: Firefighters Memorial Park

The new Firefighters Memorial Park was opened Aug. 8 to a crowd of eager and appreciative county residents.
The $6 million dollar endeavor has resulted in a modern park with an Olympic size pool, children’s water-play area, a gazebo, and a phenomenal view overlooking the palisades and waterfront. A monument stands in the center entrance of the park in honor of the fallen heroes from municipalities within the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue Department. During the ceremony, a black cloth was draped over the memorial monument then later removed.
Etched on one side are the names of fallen heroes dating from the 1950s to the most recent of fire fighting casualties, Vincent Neglia, who lost his life in a fire in Union City in 2006.
“That kind of hit us all hard. We were all grieving and we all came to Vinnie’s funeral,” said Captain Robert Morrison from the NHRFR.

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“It’s very important that this park will serve everyone from babies to senior citizens.” – Union City Mayor Brian Stack
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According to Mark Albiez, spokesman for Union City, nearly 5,000 people were at the opening day ceremony held at the park’s location on 9th Street and Palisade Avenue. Firefighters and their families were also at the gathering along with officials from other towns, including Hoboken’s new mayor, Dawn Zimmer, who sat in the front row of the stage where Union City Mayor Brian Stack spoke. Christopher Irizarry, CEO of the North Hudson Community Action Center, was also in attendance.

Stack’s message

“A very special thank you to those families of those firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice for us,” said Stack. “It’s a strange philosophy that while we’re running out of a fire, they’re running in.” Stack said they deserved a tremendous round of applause, which they received.
“Other mayors will hate me for saying this, but you can’t pay a firefighter enough,” said Stack. The crowd applauded again.
According to other sources, Stack said that because the funding for the park came from the state, the park should be enjoyed by all Hudson County residents, not just those from Union City. A senior resident from the nearby town of West New York called it a “lovely gesture.”
“It’s very important that this park will serve everyone from babies to senior citizens,” said Stack.

Local reaction

Excitement has been the reaction from those now able to enjoy a spectacular view of the waterfront, not to mention the pool. Nearly a week after the park’s opening day ceremony the pool area was full of adults and youngsters.
At some point, everyone was asked to leave the pool so they could change the filter that keeps the pool clean. Everyone patiently got out and waited in line for a few minutes.
Asked about what other personnel are involved with the park, Albiez responded: “We have four lifeguards on duty.”
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com