There were both smiles and tears at Guttenberg’s second annual ALS Walk on Saturday, May 17. Former Police Officer Jesus Garcia, who was diagnosed with ALS, was special guest at the event, with friends, family, fellow officers, municipal employees, and neighbors all sincerely expressing their love and support.

 

Officer Garcia served as commander of the Guttenberg Police Department’s Honor Guard and was a member of the Special Response Team. Now confined to a wheelchair, he was at the head of the ALS Walk that opened the event.

 

Beginning at Town Hall on Park Avenue, the walk traversed the town to Bergenline Avenue and back again. A large crowd participated, many wearing t-shirts in support or bearing signs with Officer Garcia’s badge number and the words “In this family, no one fights alone! We love you, Jesus!”

 

Back at Town Hall, where the street was closed for the afternoon, numerous vendors set up under tents to provide information and giveaways and to help raise funds for ALS United Greater New York, an organization that fosters research initiatives, provides local, comprehensive care and support to individuals and families affected by ALS, and advances national and state advocacy.

 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing a degenerative loss of muscle control.

 

Officer Garcia’s large extended family participated in the event, including his daughter, Lauren Garcia-Marcigliano, who was recently crowned Mrs. New Jersey. Mayor Wayne Zitt spoke for everyone when he expressed admiration, respect, and love for Officer Garcia. Council Members Richard Delafuente, Monica Fundora, John Habermann, William Hokien, and Juana Malave all joined the walk, along with Town Administrator Cosmo Cirillo, Police Chief Frank Pelaez, and many other officials.

 

Among the organizations supporting the event were North Hudson Community Action Corporation, Guttenberg PBA Local 88, Hudson County Schools of Technology, Bloom Social Club, Armas Home Care, Goya Foods, and PNC Bank. In addition to the vendors there was a live DJ, a photo booth, Cubita food truck, and a raffle with terrific prizes.

 

The event was organized by Community Services Coordinator Marisol Montanez in collaboration with the mayor and council and the Guttenberg Police Department.