Dear Editor:
On Sunday, Sept. 19, at St. Ann’s Church, the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments celebrated the 63rd annual Communion Breakfast. This event, which started way back in 1947 by both departments, continued its long-standing tradition of bringing both the rank and file of the Fire and Police departments together in moment of a solemn holy day for everyone. The event is then followed up with a breakfast, which is sponsored by both departments, a reflection for the recently departed, and an introduction of a guest speaker.
This year, our guest speaker was Hudson County Prosecutor Mr. Edward DeFazio. Mr. DeFazio spoke about his childhood in Hoboken and his time as Chief Judge of the Jersey City Municipal Court, to his present position of Hudson County Prosecutor. He also talked about the dramatic change he has seen with our city from the early 70s to mid 80s to present, a change he added “for the better.” Through the years, and upon request, he has offered law enforcement help to many of the departments in Hudson County, but always had a special place for Hoboken.
Today, I would like to thank our guest speaker Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio for attending our long standing traditional event. I would also like to thank both chiefs, Hoboken Police Chief Anthony P. Falco Sr. as well as Hoboken Fire Chief Richard Blohm, as well as my fellow brothers and sisters in the Hoboken Police Department, for showing up and making this day special. I would also like to thank the elected officials that attended the mass, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, City Council members, Mr. Michael Russo, Mrs. Theresa Castellano, Mrs. Carol Marsh, Mrs. Beth Mason, and Mr. Michael Lenz.
Finally, I would also like to thank my brothers and sisters in the Hoboken Fire Department. It is always special when our two departments get together, like two brothers part of a bigger family. Furthermore, I would be remiss if I did not mention my counterpart in putting all this together, Co-Chairman, Fire Fighter Robert Chaneski. He and his team did a superb job in arranging for this years guest speaker, and coordinating the event.
In closing we would all like to thank Fr. Vincent Fortunato, and his congregation in having us all at his lovely church and continuing our long-standing tradition.
Hoboken P.S.O.A President,
Co-Chair Communion Breakfast
Sgt. Edmond Drishti