Firefighters Collect Backpacks for Students

Nutley firefighters just made the school year a little brighter for 40 local students.

Members of the Firefighters Beneveloent Association 44, donated 40 new backbacks to Nutley public school students.

The backpacks were filled with school supplies when they were delivered, according to Greg Misner, a Nutley firefighter.

The backpacks were mostly for elementary students, but also a few for middle school and high school students, he said.

Backpacks for elementary school students were given to each of the five schools to be distributed.

School counselors said in a statement, "We cannot tell you how grateful and fortunate that we  are to have such caring members in our community to assist families in need." 

Bill Vonroth, Don Santangelo, Anthony Rizzo, Paul Cafone, and Thomas Nicolette were all hand to make the donations on behalf of Local 44.

Misner said all the firefighters contributed to the fund, but one man and his wife deserve special recognition, along with students and school counselors.

"Anthony Rizzo and his wife took the time to go out and buy the backpacks, and really made a great contribution," Misner said.

Rizzo could not be reached for comment.

Members of the Board of Commissioners spoke at the Sept. 4 meeting about the "volunteer spirit in Nutley," while praising firefighters who were retiring and others who were being appointed to positions in the department.