Fire Department Insecption

 31-May-2021
     On Monday-31-May the Bogota Volunteer Fire Department held their annual inspection  for the Mayor and members of Borough Council. This was held on Larch Ave in front of Borough Hall before the Remembrance Ceremony.  The Department’s rolling stock lined up with each Company member standing next to their vehicle in their dress uniforms. Each Fire-Fighter also had their turn-out gear ready to be looked at. Fire Chief Kenneth Kalman escorted  the elected officials to view each Company.  The Companies are  Hook and Ladder #1, Engine #1, Hose #2, and Engine #3. Also ready for inspection was Bogota Fire Rescue #1 .  This is a “new” vehicle for the Bogota Fire Dept, which was purchase from the Teaneck  Fire Dept for $1.00. This will serve as a back-up vehicle to transport personal and equipment when need. It will also be used when a non-fire response is called for. 

   The Mayor and Council members met and thanked each Company members for their service  to the Borough. Then they were given a tour of each vehicle, by the Company Captain. They learned what is the role of each vehicle in various emergencies situations. They also were shown the equipment on each vehicle being told what it is and how it is used.  The elected officials asked the some which were quickly answered. Some of the more note worthy question Council Members asked were:  How is the Department preparing for the influx of taller building in the area. This was answered by saying that the Firefighter have already been going through training with larger Departments, like Hackensack, to answer the call to assist in large structure  emergencies.  This includes larger and stronger hoses that have been purchased by Bogota that can be used in the Borough , and other town, if needed. Another question was when Hose #2 is replace can the existing equipment be used in the new vehicle, when put into service. They were told that the design of any new truck will be made to fit the current equipment in stock. 

    Then the Mayor and Council asked the Firefighters what equipment is in need of replacement or upgrade. This answer was the newer, lighter, and easier to handle equipment that is now available would be appreciated, and allow for the Department to maintain the high standard they have show over the years. 

   After the inspection were complete all the members, of the department, assembled around the Memorials in Borough Hall Park. They were lead in a moment to remember those members lost while answering a call. This was lead by Father Joseph D’Amico from St. Anastasia Church in Teaneck.

  The Bogota  Volunteer Fire Department, and all the other Volunteer Emergency Service Companies in Bogota are now currently recruiting new members to become volunteers. This is open to anyone Female or Male who are at least 18 years of age , and are residents of Bogota as well as Ridgefield Park, Teaneck ,and Hackensack.  Training, and equipment will be provided. There is also a Junior Firefighter program open to young Women, and Men who at least 16 years of age. A Junior Firefighter will also receive training , and be a part of the support system to the Firefighters themselves. For more information about volunteering please go  to: http://www.bogotafire.org/  or call; 201-342-1736 ext. 2007.  There is also a meeting the 1st Wed. of each month at the W. Broad St. Firehouse from 7:00-8:00p

To Volunteer for any of these Department please visit them at the following site;
Bogota Volunteer Fire Dept:  http://www.bogotafire.org/

Bogota Rescue Squad:  recruiting@bogotarescure.org              

Bogota Auxiliary Police Dept: https://www.bogotapolicedept.org/auxiliary-police

 

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Remembrance Service

31-May-2021

 On Monday-31-May the Bogota American Legion Post #117  and the Bogota VFW Post #5561 Memorial Day Remembrance Service.  Due to the lifting of health restrictions  this was able to take place as a public event. This was held on the steps of the Bogota Borough Hall To start the ceremony VFW member Al Hermann led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The opening invocation Pastor Jodi Wu of Bogart Memorial Church. Walter Croft Commander of the American Legion Post #11  was the first speaker to talk about the meaning of Memorial Day. He told the story of CTARNG SPC Cindy Marie Beaudoin, just 19 years old, from Connecticut who was killed by a landmine in Kuwait in 1991.  Another was a pair of brother from a Jewish family that fled to the United States before World War II had started. They enlisted in the US. Army  and were killed fighting to liberate their homeland in Europe. This was to remember soldiers who willing fought for the United States.  Next VFW Post #5561 Commander Alex Hernandez  talked about  remembering the people who had lost their lives during war time.  He asked everyone who have photos of Family members of before their Military service and remember how they were , and possible could have been , if they had not paid a ultimate price while defending the country. 

   The next to speak  was Bogota Mayor Chris Kelemen  who welcomed all who took the time on a Monday Morning to remember not only those from Bogota who have lost their lives on duty, the all members of the US Armed Forces who gave their lives for the nation. 

  Next Al Herman read a poem  called engraved in stone.  It talks about children playing  who then grew up to joined the Armed forces. Some returned home. While other have their craved in memorial like the one in front of Bogota Borough Hall. 
  The final two ceremonies were the reading of the names of service personal from Bogota who are now “absent”. After each name was read out loud, a poppy was place on a cross in front of the War Memorial in Borough Hall park. This was done by the VFW Auxiliary President Leslie Baker  who was assisted by Hailey Portugal, and Marianne Dispoto  the American Legion Auxiliary President with Emma Guiliano assisting. After the last flower was placed members of the Bogota High School Band played TAPS for the fallen Americans.  Next a wreath was place near the Memorial to those service personnel  who are Prisoners of War, or Missing  In Action.This was accompanied by a lone Bagpiper playing ‘Amazing Grace”  
  The ceremony ended with Pastor Lisa Holiday of Trinity  Lutheran Church, and  Deacon Kevin Regan of St. Joseph’s Church giving the closing Benediction. 

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Memorial Day 2021

31-May-2021

 Memorial Day

                                       2021

 Bogota Blog NJ would like to Remember the Women and Men of the Armed Services who had to give the ultimate in their duty to the Country. A Thank-you to the Women and Men who have serviced the Country. And to support the Women and Men who are on Active duty, at home and away.  As well as their Family and friends who wait for their safe return. 

                                         

              

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Veterans Memorial Dedication

 30-May-2021

  On Sunday-30-May the Ridgefield Park Elks lodge #1506 held a dedication ceremony for their new Veteran’s Memorial.  This memorial is located just west for their front door facing Cedar St.  It consists of a stone circle, in the centre is a sculpture of a pair of empty combat boots, a downward facing rifle topped a helmet not to worn again. Facing the sculpture are members of all five branches of the United Stares Armed Services.  They form a crescent around the sculpture and saluting their fall comrade. Over looking the scene is a Bald Eagle. In front of the memorial is a paved patio with individual brick  engraved with the names of  people in remembrance. 

  Due to the weather condition the event was moved indoors to the Elks Lodge Main Hall.  That the entrance to the hall on table was set aside  with a single chair. This was the White Table. This is a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit.

  The ceremony was conducted by Mr. Ed Galas who led the attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. This was followed by Mr. Rich Wardlow playing a solo version of the Star Spangled Banner.  Then Father Larry Evans from St. Frances’ Church reciting an opening prayer.  next Mr. Galas honoured the two people most responsible for the idea of, and the building of the memorial.  First was Ms. Laurie Southard who led the fundraising to finance the remembrance paving bricks. Then Ms. Linda Stallard for her work on raising the money for the memorial itself.

   This was followed by a number of guest speakers.  The first was Mr. George Fosdick , long time Mayor of Ridgefield Park. Mr. Fosdick is also a Student of the history of the Second World War. With this background he used a quite from the Roman Senator Cicero who said: Poor is the nation that has no heroes, but poorer still is the nation that having heroes, fails to remember and honor them.  Mr. Fosdick continue in saying that he thanks the Elks in their creation of a memorial to the Woman and Men who gave their lives in service to the United States.  Other speakers included Mr. Dick Tabbachino, Mr.  Bob Binetti, and  Ms. Mary Ann Applegate. All talked about the importance of honouring former, future, and current members of the Armed Forces and Other Public service personal. And to remember  all who had lost their lives on their call of Duty. 

  Then a poem was read in explaining the White Table. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.  The black napkin, for the sorrow of captivity. The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, by their loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing. A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers. The glass is inverted, to symbolize their inability to share this meals toast. The chairs are empty because they are missing.

  The ceremony ended with Mr. Rich Wardlow  slowly playing Taps

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