A few years back, Ira Rubin, FDJC fire dispatcher, Gong Club member and FD dispatcher found the grave of Engineer of Steamer #3 James W McCarthy, who died in the line of duty on July 24, 1872. McCarthy, died of injuries sustained at a fire in a machine shop on Provost Ave when a brick wall collapsed on him. An article describing the funeral in The Evening Journal declared McCarthy's funeral to be one of the largest held in Jersey City at that time. Rubin decided to honor FF McCarthy with an annual wreath laying ceremony.

In March of 2016, Rubin died unexpectedly and members of the Gong Club decided the ceremony was important enough to continue and took it over beginning that year.

In 2017 FDJC Chief of Department Steven McGill issued a General Order declaring July 24 to be a day to honor all department line of duty deaths.

This years's ceremony at the gravesite in Bayview cemetery on Garfield Ave was led by Father James Pagnotta, fire department Chaplain and a long time friend of Ira Rubin's. A lone bagpiper played during the procession to the grave and at the end of the ceremony. Two members of the honor guard flanked the headstone. Chief of Department McGill spoke, as did Gong Club member Paul Schaetzle. Both stressed the importance of remembering fire department history.

Gong Club members have decided to continue to hold this yearly ceremony not only to honor McCarthy but also Ira Rubin. All are always welcome! Please join us!