'Thank You': Lacey Cheerleaders Show Gratitude To First Responders After Wildfire

LACEY, NJ — The Jones Road Wildfire not only scorched through 15,300 acres of Pinelands. It came dangerously close to many businesses, destroying one in the Lacey industrial park. Pride Elite Cheer is located in that complex, and they wanted to give back to the first responders who protected their business.

At a recent township committee meeting, cheerleaders provided the Forked River Fire Department, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department and the police department with "thank you" signs and donations to show their gratitude.

"We are especially grateful because the night of the fire, it came so close to our building, and we really thought we were going to lose it," said Pride Elite Cheer owner Marylynn Halliday.

Just a few days later, they held their showcase, where all of the families signed the thank you signs and collected donations, which were given to the first responders at the meeting. The young athletes hand-delivered these cards and donations to Lanoka Harbor Fire Chief Jack Conaty, Forked River Fire Chief Scott Mozal and Lacey Police Officer Christopher Triano.

Deputy Mayor Steven Kennis, who owns a building in that complex, also expressed his gratitude.

"I was as scared as you girls were when I started getting all the reports," Kennis said. "So I'm deeply grateful."

Committeeman Bob Laureigh said that what the girls did "shows a little character of this town."

"At a young age, you learn how to participate and give back. And this is what it grows into," Laureigh said. "The volunteers who give to the town, without even a thought."

Mayor Peter Curatolo told the first responders they did "something that's never be done before."

"They say practice makes perfect. You all did perfect practice that made perfect," Curatolo said. "You lost virtually nothing. I want that recorded and part of this conversation. And after we're all gone, I want it part of a permanent record."

Related

• Support Surges For Responders Amid Jones Road Wildfire In NJ
• 3 Weeks Later, Massive South Jersey Wildfire Receives Final Update
• 'We Caused The Fire," NJ Wildfire Suspect's Girlfriend Admits In Message: Affidavit