BLOOMFIELD, NJ – The Township of Bloomfield is excited to announce the upcoming dedication ceremony of a memorial stone honoring the bravery and dedication of firefighters. The ceremony will take place this Memorial Day (May 29) at 8:00 AM at the Franklin firehouse, and the entire community is invited to attend. The stone will be installed directly in front of “Felix”, the stone fireman who has stood next to the Bloomfield firehouse on Franklin Street since 1932.
“This statue and memorial stone are a testament to the unwavering courage and selflessness displayed by our firefighters, and will stand as a lasting tribute to their dedication and the sacrifices they make to protect our community,” said Councilman Rich Rockwell.
“We hope this memorial stone will serve as a symbol of gratitude and respect for the bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” added Mayor Venezia.
“Felix” previously stood on the side of the Fireman’s Insurance Company in Newark, but was removed in 1929 because he obstructed the views of some of the building’s residents. He was taken to a scrap yard where he remained until 1932 when a former Councilman and volunteer Bloomfield firefighter by the name of Frederick E. Gardner purchased him for $25 and presented it to the town as a gift.
A few weeks ago, the Gardner family (with the support of Councilman Rich Rockwell and Bloomfield Fire Chief Lou Venezia) installed a memorial stone in front of Felix to explain his history as well as honor all past, present, and future Bloomfield firefighters.