Weehawken, NJ - An unusual but heartwarming retirement party-7 years after retirement-occurred on the morning of July 30th, under the Willow Avenue bridge in Weehawken.

Retired North Hudson (ex-Weehawken) Fire Captain Bobby Reed, second from right in top photo, was surprised by his son, North Hudson Captain Willy Reed, right of top photo, and a large group of active and retired North Hudson members. Never having a firehouse retirement party, all assembled to pay tribute to a well-loved captain.

Many of the Weehawken members in attendance, that lived in the Shades section of town, said that they hung out under the bridge as kids. So did Captain Robert Reed. As adults, they assembled and shared many memories of the neighborhood and the job. It was 90-degrees, but there was a breeze under the bridge.

The Fire Department is a second family.