Disabled Bergen Veteran Receives Donated SUV From The County

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A local disabled veteran got a big surprise recently when she got a new SUV from the county.

Patrine Anne Clark, 31, is a single mother who served in the Army for five years. Staff at the Bergen County Division of Mechanical Services donated their time to rebuild and refurbish a Jeep Liberty. The vehicle was retired from the county's fleet of vehicles.

"I was so surprised and am so grateful for this amazing gift," said Clark, a Lyndhurst resident. "It is going to change my life."

Instead of driving a run-down Toyota, Clark can now drive her children to school and their doctor's appointments in "a much more reliable vehicle," she said.

Parts Authority, a Bergen-based business, donated parts to help rebuild the vehicle.

"It has been [Bergen County Executive's James Tedesco's] vision and directive that we find new and creative ways to help veterans," said Ariel Luna, director of the Bergen County Division of Veteran Services. "This is a great example of our efforts to fulfill that vision."

Tedesco was pleased with the donation.

"Veterans are the reason why we enjoy the many freedoms we have and that is why we will never stop working for them and their families while they serve and after they serve," Tedesco said. "This Jeep Liberty is just another small token of our appreciation for the service of Patrine Ann Clark in our military."

Clark thanked the county for its donation.

"I am so happy," Clark said.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com