Clifton FMBA Local 21 represents over 143 men and women career firefighters of the Clifton Fire Department. Our union joined the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association in 1920. The members of Local 21 not only help those in need while on duty, but try to make a difference and provide support to people and organizations within the city year round. Our members also participate in several community, state, regional, and national programs.
In February, we host a beefsteak fundraiser that helps us support local sports teams and clubs. The month of June is when we collect food donations for St. Peter’s Haven which provides meals and temporary housing for families. In June, we take donations of blankets and supplies that go to the Clifton Animal Shelter. Later in the year, we also do a coat drive which gets distributed to local area shelters. In December we do a toy collection program which the donations go to the Boys and Girls Club of Clifton and the Power of One Clifton. We also take place in breast cancer awareness, stigma free campaign, and color books to kids during fire prevention week. FMBA 21 also assist families that have been devastated by fires in their homes.
Currently there are 143 Firefighter/EMT’s that protect the cities residents and visitors. The city is 11 square miles with about 90,000 residents. We run approximately 13,000 calls a year. We operate out of 6 firehouses. Each shift operates with 5 Engine Companies, 2 Truck Companies, 3 BLS Ambulances, Accountability Technician, and a Deputy Chief. We also have some specialized units such as: Hazmat, Decon, Foam Tankers, and 3 Rescue Boats.
PBA/FMBA Beefsteak– This annual event is one of our primary fund drives and is held at the Clifton Boys and Girls Club during the month of February. Over 600 people attend this event each year for the beefsteak, prizes, and memories. The proceeds from the entry fee and 50/50 raffle directly benefit the police officers and firefighters of your city.
Fire Prevention Week– During the month of October, the FMBA sponsors a Fire Prevention Poster Contest. There are different age groups for the contest; posters entered are judged by their fire prevention content. The winner of each group will receive a gift card. In addition, the fire department meets with children of all ages to discuss fire prevention at each school in town.
Food Drive– The food drive is held annually during the month of May. The Clifton Fire houses are collection points for non-perishable foods. At the end of the month, the food is delivered to St. Peter’s Haven. This local shelter provides food and shelter to homeless families year round. Please feel free to drop off food to them anytime; their office is located at 380 Clifton Avenue.
Coat Drive– This event is held annually during the months of October and November. The Clifton Fire Houses are a collection point for used winter coats. The coats are cleaned at a local dry cleaner and are dispersed to homeless shelters in Clifton, Paterson, and Passaic.
Toys 4 Tots– This toy drive is held annually during the month of November & December. The event is officially sponsored by the US Marine Corps and all Clifton Fire Houses are a collection point for new, unwrapped toys. The toys are then delivered to Picatinny Arsenal and the Marine Corps, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community.
Sponsor Little League Teams for the Clifton Midget League and the National Little League– Clifton FMBA 21 sponsors two little league teams; Clifton Midget League & National Little League. The funds we provide by these sponsor-ships help pay the significant costs involved in the annual activities of a running a Little League baseball team. Little league teams are a stepping stone of the community. Team mates explore the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play to the children of the community, so that they may someday use these values in becoming good citizens.
Breast Cancer Awareness– Clifton Fire Fighters FMBA Local 21 recently teamed up with members of Jersey Girls Walking for the Cure. In October, members of the Clifton FD purchased T-Shirts to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This was spearheaded by Firefighter Serovich. Lieutenant Angelina Tirado proposed the members of the Clifton FMBA donate money to the Jersey Girls Walking for the Cure/ Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. FMBA Local 21 and its members donated $500 to the cause. We are pleased to be able to support such worthy causes in our community and hope to increase the amount next year!
Men’s Health Awareness– Clifton Fire Fighters in recent years have grown mustache’s during the month of November. Known nationally as No Shave Movember, members of the Clifton FMBA 21 purchased T-Shirts to support this cause and the proceeds were donated to raise awareness about Men’s Health.
Smoke Detector Installations- Members from Clifton FMBA 21 have teamed up with volunteers from the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms in the homes of Clifton residents as part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign. Over a dozen members from each agency worked together to install over 700 free smoke alarms in over 350 residences during 2015 & 2016. FMBA Local 21 provided the installers for the smoke alarms while the American Red Cross members provided fire safety education materials to the residents. The smoke alarms were provided to the American Red Cross by the Kidde Corporation free-of-charge. The aim of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign is to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. by 25% by 2020. The City of Clifton was identified by the American Red Cross as one of the top-ten zip codes in NJ for fire-related death and injuries.
Note- this campaign has expired and are no longer installing detectors.
Animal Shelter Blanket and Supply Drive- The Clifton Fire Department always cares about the furrier members of the community.The fire department collects blankets and supplies to donate to the Clifton Animal Shelter. This fundraiser is organized by Ann-Marie Lancaster, the fire department’s secretary. Pet supplies and blankets can be dropped off at any Clifton Firehouse or Headquarters. Also checkout this link in regards to donations to the animal shelter: Click HERE.
Power of One- Clifton FMBA 21 members assist Kim Castellano with setting up BBQs for the elderly at several of Clifton’s nursing homes. The food is all donated and FMBA 21 members prepare, cook, and serve the meals to the elderly. Donated groceries are also packaged and delivered to elderly who cannot leave their rooms.
