NORTH BRUNSWICK — As business operator of Suydam Farms on Route 27, Ryck Suydam realized firsthand the importance of local fire departments.
The farm suffered two fires in the 1970s, and a third occurred in April 2013, the year of the farm’s 300th anniversary.
“The Franklin Fire Department came, and they were assisted by the North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 3,” Suydam said.
His desire to give back led to the inaugural Fall Firefighter Festival, which was held Sept. 28 on the grounds of the 300-acre farm. All proceeds went to the three allvolunteer independent fire companies in North Brunswick to offset gear and equipment costs.
Suydam and North Brunswick Township Council President Cathy Nicola, who is liaison to the North Brunswick Fire Department, came together after Nicola approached Suydam with the idea of a fall festival fundraiser for the fire companies. Nicole Miller coordinated with Suydam and Nicola to promote and market the event.
“I attended their installation dinner in January, and the departments were open to the idea,” said Nicola, noting that planning participants also included Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack, the Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Township Council and members of the community.
More than 500 people came out to enjoy the day, which included hayrides showing the rich history of the farm, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, face painting, food, a beer garden, a band, a chili cook-off and door prizes.
Miller said their goal was to draw 300 people, and by 3 p.m. they had surpassed that figure.
Phil Sinicropi, vice president of North Brunswick Fire Co. No. 3, said a fundraiser of such magnitude has never been held before.
“Their generosity is second to none,” he said.
Sinicropi said the department is required by the state to replace turnout gear every 10 years. Each set of turnout gear costs the department $3,000.
He said the fire engines and apparatuses are old, and maintaining them costs the department $40,000 a year.
“We pay for this all on our own,” he said, adding that the purchase of a fire engine costs $500,000 to $1 million.
Sinicropi said the department relies solely on donations, and it participates in industrial fund drives to support the operating budget. With the weak economy, donations have dwindled in recent years.
“We have raised more in this one day than the drive,” he said.
Sinicropi, Nicola and Miller said the event would not have been possible without sponsors including Livingston Park Nursery, Robert Wood Johnson Physician Enterprise, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, Mariano Press LLC and many other members of the business community.
The North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Department operates without a dedicated fire tax. Donations are tax-deductible.
Sinicropi said he hopes the fall festival will become an annual event. Contact Kathy Chang at [email protected].