Tag: Knights of Columbus

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Knights of Columbus Tank Pull 2025

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Clifton FMBA 21 Takes 2nd Place at 2025 Army Tank Pull Challenge

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Clifton FMBA Local 21 brought strength, spirit, and solidarity to the 15th Annual Army Tank Pull Challenge, hosted by the New Jersey Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities.

With a full 20-member team, we powered through the competition and pulled strong with an outstanding time of 6.38 seconds! At the time of this post, we were ranked in Second Place overall. We also want to spotlight John Bednarz and Cody Bleaken, who impressed everyone by pulling the 80,000 lb tank in 24.97 seconds during the lowest weight category, with a combined weight of only 447 lbs. Incredible effort by both!

Beyond the competition, it was a day filled with great memories, strong bonds, and support for a cause that matters. We were proud to stand side by side with our brothers from Clifton PBA 36 at our tent, enjoying the camaraderie, cornhole games, and good vibes. Huge thanks to Chief Rowan and Deputy Chief Legates for their hands-on support that helped push us toward victory.

This event wasn’t just about muscle—it was about community, charity, and unity, and we were honored to assist in raising funds for such a meaningful cause. To everyone who showed up early, brought the family, helped rally the team, or just stopped by to cheer us on—you helped make the day special. And a final thank-you to the Knights of Columbus for organizing another phenomenal event.

Event

CFD Honored by Knights of Columbus

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Tonight was a proud evening for the City of Clifton and its Fire Department as members were recognized with prestigious honors at the annual Knights of Columbus awards ceremony, held at St. Philip the Apostle Church.

Fire Chief Michael Rowan delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the department’s unwavering dedication to service, community, and excellence. His words highlighted the strength and character of this year’s honorees.

The 2025 Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Paul Holzach, recognized for his strong work ethic and commitment to the department.

Michael Bandurski was named EMT of the Year for his outstanding patient care, quick thinking, and dedication to the Clifton EMS Division.

Congratulations to both honorees, and thank you to the Knights of Columbus for continuing to recognize our public safety professionals.

Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day – Knights of Columbus

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

The Clifton Knights of Columbus proudly present their “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” dinner, a night of celebration, camaraderie, and tradition! Join us on Saturday, November 16th, at 6:30 p.m. at St. Philip Church.

Tickets are $50, with contact details on the flyer below.

Don’t miss this special occasion as one of our own, FMBA member Michael Rowan is honored with the prestigious Brehan of the Year Award.

Event

Tank Pull 2024

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Our FMBA 21 Tank Pull team for 2024 made a strong showing today, demonstrating our commitment to supporting this annual event and our veterans. With pride, we unveiled our new tent, a valuable addition for our future community engagements. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us, engaging in conversations and showing their support. The Tank Pull Challenge symbolizes resilience, pushing participants to defy the odds by moving an 80,000-pound tank on a flatbed truck. It’s a rallying cry to embrace the challenge and conquer the seemingly impossible. Participation in this competition not only honors our veterans, especially those wounded in combat, but also ensures their sacrifices are remembered and respected.

Tank Pull 2023 Photos

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Thank you to all residents that stopped by our tent today; it was a pleasure meeting your families. Special thanks to our members who came to pull the tank today! We had a showing of over 30 members which made the 2023 Tank Pull a HUGE success for the Knights of Columbus. Today, we also remember our own fallen FMBA 21 Brother Daniel Meeks who passed away at a young age to health problems. He had a short time on this earth serving the USMC and Clifton Fire Department, but his character and service will not be forgotten. Thank you again for all your continued support.

Tank Pull 2023- In Memory of Daniel Meeks

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Clifton FMBA 21 will participate in the 2023 Tank Pull sponsored by the St Philip Knights of Columbus. The event will occur this Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 8 am at 1100 Clifton Avenue. Members of Clifton FMBA 21 will take part in pulling an 80,000-pound tank to commemorate those who have been wounded in combat and will ensure their service will not be forgotten. This year, members of FMBA 21 will be wearing tee shirts with the name of our fallen Brother Daniel Meeks who passed away at a young age to health problems. Daniel Meeks was a Clifton Firefighter and Marine Veteran who passed away at 31 years of age due to a brain tumor. He had a short time with the Clifton Fire Department but his character and service to the USMC will not be forgotten. Please come by and support our team in this fantastic fundraising event!

www.tankpull.org

ATTENTION CLIFTON FMBA 21 TANK PULL TEAM MEMBERS:

Please arrive at 0830 behind Police HQ. Our pull time is 0924am and Clifton PBA 36 will be shuttling us over to the event in their honor guard van. If you have not signed up and would like to join in, just show up to the event! Hope to see you all there!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094fafa822a7ffce9-fmba3#/

Tank Pull 2023

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

FMBA 21 members,

We are planning to take part and enter a FMBA team into the 2023 Tank Pull. We are looking for a 20 member team on June 11th to pull a tank. We have done it in the past with great success and in memory of Clifton Firefighter and Marine Veteran Dan Meeks. Dan Meeks passed away at 31 years of age due to a brain tumor. Let your shift VPs know as soon as possible if you can attend. Active and retirees welcome. PBA 36 will have a team as well. If anyone is interested in being the team captain, contact President Daniel Schwaner.