Representing the Career Firefighters of the City of Clifton NJ Fire Department
FMBA 21 would like to congratulate Firefighter Miguel Cortes on his retirement after 25 years of dedicated service. We also thank him for his honorable military service to our country.
Best wishes for a happy retirement and continued success in all future endeavors.
Retirement Audio Clip from Clifton Fire Department Radio
Shovel Your Hydrant — It Matters
After a snowfall, please take a moment to clear the nearest fire hydrant.
If a hydrant is buried or frozen, firefighters may not be able to use it. If we can’t see it, we can’t use it. And if we have to go to the next hydrant — sometimes 500 feet or more away — fire suppression is delayed.
That delay can cost lives and property.
Shoveling a hydrant keeps it visible, prevents freezing, and helps firefighters get water faster when every second counts.
Pictured is Angelo Palatini, the oldest living retiree of the Clifton Fire Department. Angelo recently celebrated an incredible milestone—his 99th birthday.
In recognition of his years of service and lifelong connection to the Clifton Fire family, Angelo was proudly presented with an FMBA Local 21 blanket from the Clifton Exempt Firemen’s Association.
Happy belated 99th Birthday, Angelo, and thank you for your service to the City of Clifton.
Today, members of the Clifton Fire Department family gathered for our annual Retirees Christmas Party—a long-standing tradition that brings together those who dedicated their careers to serving our community.
Congratulations to our newest recruits who graduated from the Fire Academy today.
These new members have successfully completed the fire suppression portion of their training. Over the next few weeks, they will continue with in-house training here in Clifton before beginning their EMT training.
Congratulations to Carlos Marin and John Gaspar Jr. on this outstanding achievement, and welcome to the Clifton Fire Department and Clifton FMBA 21.
Clifton FMBA 21, PBA 36, and Clifton High School Key Club Join Forces for Power of One Annual Children’s Christmas Party
The holiday spirit was in full swing this weekend as Clifton FMBA Local 21, Clifton PBA Local 36, and the Clifton High School Key Club partnered with Kim Castellano and the Power of One organization for the annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Clifton Italian American Club.
Children of all ages lined up with excitement for an early visit with Santa, each receiving a special gift to kick off the Christmas season. The event was filled with smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer as families came together to celebrate.
Members of FMBA 21 and PBA 36, along with the dedicated students of the Key Club, volunteered their time to cook and serve food to guests—ensuring a warm meal and a welcoming environment for all who attended. Their teamwork and community spirit helped make the day memorable and meaningful.
It was truly a fun-filled day that highlighted strength of our community, the power of giving, and the joy of bringing smiles to children during the holiday season.
Mark your calendars! The Clifton Firefighters Foundation will be hosting its annual Tricky Tray on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Boys & Girls Club of Clifton. Join us for a fun evening supporting a great cause.
For more information, contact: [email protected].
Our annual coat drive has officially wrapped up, and we’re happy to share that it was another great success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated and helped make a difference in our community.
Please note: the drive has now ended. If anyone still wishes to donate, we kindly ask that coats be dropped off directly at a local church or donation bin.
Clifton Fire Department Pet Food Drive
November 1–30, 2025
Helping the Clifton Animal Shelter!
Clifton FMBA 21 and the Clifton Fire Department are once again collecting pet food donations to support our friends at the Clifton Animal Shelter this November!
Drop-off Locations:
You can bring donations to Clifton Fire HQ (880 Clifton Ave) or any Clifton firehouse throughout the month.
Want to order online? Scan the QR code on the flyer to shop our Amazon Wishlist or order from your favorite store and have it shipped directly to: Clifton Fire HQ – 880 Clifton Ave, Clifton, NJ 07013
Every can, treat, or bag of food makes a difference for animals in need! Thank you for your support!
The Second Annual Clifton Firefighter’s Foundation Golf Outing was another incredible success! This year’s event brought together firefighters, retirees, police officers, friends, and supporters for a day filled with golf, laughter, and camaraderie.
Not only did participants enjoy a spirited round of golf, but every swing also supported a greater purpose. As always, proceeds from the outing go directly toward the Foundation’s mission as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, proudly giving back to charitable organizations throughout the City of Clifton.
The weather couldn’t have been better, the course was as challenging as ever, and the sense of community made the day truly unforgettable. From reconnecting with old friends to making new memories, it was a perfect mix of fun and fellowship.
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. We are deeply grateful to all of our sponsors and volunteers—your generosity and support are what make events like this possible.
Be sure to check out the event photos and relive the highlights from this special day. Here’s to another year of friendship, competition, and giving back!
Photos below are resized. Download from our DROPBOX LINK FOR PHOTOS: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uds411llihphtzg5asdj7/ADraaEynxlVFl1pV7VYp-DE?rlkey=36kzinxuo1a4savec1e63c0yx&st=fbv8wezp&dl=0
