The 8th annual “Public Servants Appreciation Day” barbecue was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 honoring and celebrating local police, firefighters, and EMS workers. The event was hosted by the Leber Funeral Home, Mack Memorial Home, and Garden State Crematory, and featured free food, t-shirts, bookbags, pins, and more. It was held from 11 to 4 p.m. to allow the dedicated first responders an opportunity to stop by as their schedules permitted.

Due to the rain, the barbecue was set up under a tent while attendees gathered in a large meeting room inside the building at 4101 Kennedy Boulevard. Many of North Bergen’s police officers and other first responders enjoyed a tasty meal of grilled burgers and dogs, numerous sides, chips, and beverages. Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Claudia Rodriguez, and Anthony Vainieri, and Police Chief Robert Farley were among the officials who stopped by to thank everyone for their efforts.

The event was organized by Dorothy Dankert, office manager of Garden State Crematory.

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