BOONTON, NJ - On the afternoon of June 13th, the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association in partnership with the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, NJ sponsored our annual barbecue that we run each June for residents and their families. It was the first time since our February 2020 meeting that we had been at the home and had seen our fellow firefighters. These residents had been through a lot during COVID and we wanted to cheer them up.

The weather was a bit gloomy that day with light rain intermittent with the activities, but that did not stop residents who were brought out into the lawn in front of the home to enjoy their meal and a little comradery with their fellow firefighters. Family members are always invited, making this a much anticipated event every year. The tents we provided and the gazebo that was a previous gift to the home from us kept everyone dry.

The members of the kitchen staff cooked a wonderful barbecue lunch that included chili, hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, potato and cole slaw salads, corn on the cob, baked beans and fresh watermelon for dessert. One of the member’s wives even baked special cakes for an extra treat for dessert.

A member of the Bergen County Firemen’s Pipe & Drum opened the entertainment festivities, volunteering his time to entertain our fellow brothers with traditional songs on the bagpipes. Their performance was followed by an afternoon concert from BCFMA member, DJ Johnny Mac aka John McLoughlin, from the Demarest Fire Department.

This day was enjoyed by the residents of the Firemen’s Home, who always relish an afternoon out. Everyone had a great time. This wonderful event could not happen without the help of the staff of the Firemen’s Home of Boonton, NJ, especially the Activities and Kitchen staff, which does such a great job cooking the food, providing the set up and getting the residents outside.

The members of the Bergen County Firemen’s Home Association, a group of dedicated firefighters and retired firefirefighters from the various firehouses in Bergen County, NJ, did a great job serving all the residents and their families.

The barbecue is paid for from donations made to the Bergen Country Firemen’s Association Fund that is generously funded by fire company donations from all over Bergen County, NJ.