By: centraljersey.com
On Saturday Lawrence Township residents, along with local police and firefighters, helped raise funds and awareness for autism.
Sponsored by the Lawrence Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) through the efforts of Officers Andres Mejia and Michael Whitmore, over $4,000 was raised for Autism New Jersey (ANJ).
Paul and Janice Tweedly, co-owners of Captain Paul’s Firehouse Dogs, located on Princeton Pike, provided the venue for the event. They served hot dogs, beverages, and Italian ices to the public, while families and friends showed up to enjoy a bouncy house, inflatable slide, and an array of emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles were provided by the three Lawrence Township firehouses and Prospect Heights. Those in attendance took turns throwing softballs at a water dunk tank, while drenching their favorite police officers and firefighters, all for a great cause.
Chief Daniel Posluszny, of the Lawrence Township Police Department, and Fire Director Leonard Carmichael Jr. of the City of Trenton took their respective turns in the dunk tank.
Smoked pulled pork sandwiches were served by Mark Ridall, who donated all gross sales to ANJ.
Mercer County Freeholder Pasquale "Pat" Colavita, Jr. and Lawrence Township Councilman Bob Bostock were guest servers, while Freeholder Dan Benson stopped by to greet and congratulate the volunteers. Bob Titus, public policy director for ANJ, and Timothy Hitzel, member of the ANJ board of trustees, provided information related to autism. Through the efforts of all the volunteers, the Lawrence PBA was able to support ANJ, and they are already looking forward to next year’s event.
ANJ is a nonprofit agency providing information and advocacy, services, family and professional education, and consultation. ANJ is the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
For more information on ANJ go to their web site at www.autismnj.org or call 880.4.AUTISM.

