Police, fire departments give back with annual turkey drive

HOBOKEN – Despite the frigid temperatures and most of the manpower dealing with the city’s water main break on the south end of town, the Hoboken Police and Fire Departments congregated behind the ShopRite on Madison Street on Monday, Nov. 23 to prepare for their annual turkey drive.

This year for Thanksgiving Day, the departments have partnered to give out 150 turkeys to the needy, with a helpful donation from ShopRite.

“We work with the housing authority to make a list,” said Sergeant Edgardo Cruz who heads the drive, as fellow officers organized turkeys with sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and gravy in blue bags. “It’s good for people to see the softer side of the police and fire departments.”

Cruz said that although the fire department began partnering with the police department two years ago, police officials have been hosting the drive for many years.

“Right now we’re preparing them and by tomorrow they’re shipped out,” he said.

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