Keeping kids safe

Guttenberg police officers and North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue members handed out pamphlets filled with safety tips, stickers, and coloring books at “Safe Kids Day” in Guttenberg on Saturday, Sept. 17.
The mayor and Town Council arranged for inflatable rides and a dunk-a-cop tank. The Guttenberg Police Officers and P.B.A sold shirts and collected donations for breast cancer.
Resident Carlos Marquez attended the safety day with his wife Eileen and three children. “We came out today for everything. My kids like to play in the bounce house, and we like checking out the food,” Carlos said. “My wife has lived here her whole life. We’re having fun.”
Carlos added, “It’s awesome that this is what they’re doing to bring people together.”
New residents had safety and fun in mind, like Sandra, who’s lived in North Bergen for a year. “I grew up in the area, and someone who lives in Galaxy Towers told me about [the event],” Sandra said. She brought her daughter Sophia, 4, who loved the bounce houses. “I want to see all of them,” Sophia said.

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“It’s good to teach the kids and to enforce fire prevention throughout the town.” – Al Salvesen.
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Long-time residents who go to almost every town event couldn’t miss out on the fun. Fifteen year residents Alex, Martha, and Kevin Robles were at the fair for a half hour and had fun. “We always come to stuff like this,” Alex said.
The Guttenberg Fire Department was in attendance to hand out safety-packed coloring books, sticks, wrist bands, and plastic fire chief hats. The Fire Official Al Salvesen has been on the force for nine years. “It’s good to teach the kids and to enforce fire prevention throughout the town,” Salvesen said.
“It’s great to bring out kids, and show them not to be afraid of cops,” Salvesen added.
Retired Police Department Captain and Salvesen’s father, Victor Condersano, was in the department for 18 years. “It’s good that the mayor does this, because it brings the community together. I fully support this safety day all the way,” Condersano said.
“This is a great event that we’ve been doing for years, and every year it gets better and better,” Mayor Gerald Drasheff said. “We have good weather too. Safe Kids Day is educational, about fire prevention, meeting the police officers, and entertainment.”
Drasheff added, “The entertainment gets everyone here, but they’ll learn something too. We have Anna Klein school here also. All the kids are getting an education and they don’t even know it.”
Local residents involved with Park Avenue Arts and Music performed at the event.