RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ - The annual Independence Day inspection and awards ceremony was held at the Memorial Bell on Euclid Avenue on a bright, sunny, July 4th morning. All six fire companies lined the street with their apparatus and members in full dress uniforms.

Besides local firefighters, village officials, families and friends also lined the street, proud of their firefighters and family members who volunteer their time to protect their community.

Awards were presented to members for their dedication. This was followed by the traditional walk of chief officers and village officials passing each company and greeting firefighters.

This year, service bars and awards were given to the following: for 60 years of service, Gerard Garofalow; 55-years, William Hillermeier; 50-years, Michael Alberque; 45-years, Tom Wilson; 40-years, Richard Flynn; 25-years (all ex-chiefs), William Nebling and Mark Campbell; 20-years, Captain Sean Rodriguez; 15-years, Courtney Galasso, Tom Carr, Captain Brian O'Grady and Assistant Chief William Lynn; 10-years, Captain Anthony Galasso, 2nd Lt. Mark Alberque and Firefighters John Johnson and Connor O'Grady; 5-years, FF Raymond Dembski. Exempt Certificates were presented to FF Dawn Rizzi and 2nd Lt. Mark Alberque.

Upon completion of the ceremony, families proudly posed their firefighter member with family and awards for photos. The members were then invited to the local Elks Lodge for breakfast, providing a little energy boost, before participating in the 128th annual Independence Day parade. Firefighters also participated in the village's fireworks display, after sundown. A full day, but a community tradition.