WOODBINE – Aug. 27 was Colby A. Schalek’s day. The Troop 2 Boy Scout wore his medal-bedecked uniform as he conducted a dedication of a monument to fallen firefighters that was his Eagle Scout project.
The project is located in the front of the Woodbine Fire Department where Schalek is a junior firefighter.
The son of Fred and Tracy Schalek, Colby is to be the third member of his family to achieve that top scout rank. His father and brother Nicholas R. Schalek are Eagle Scouts.
A brilliant sun shone on the outdoor event attended by many Woodbine volunteer firefighters. They were joined by peers from Leesburg and Belleplain.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Fred M. Schalek, grandfather of the scout, after the colors were hoisted high over the firehouse and former municipal building by Joseph and Jeanette Schalek and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Allen, Fellow Scout Mathieu Carroll led the scout oath and law.
The invocation was delivered by Monsignor Peter Joyce, pastor, Parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
The Benediction was delivered by Rev. Donald Reilly, president, St. Augustine Prep, where Schalek attends school.
Mayor William Pikolycky and Fire Chief Manny Gonzalez joined to unveil the monument that was a memorial to fallen firefighters that was engraved with a Bible verse:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. ” John 15:13
“Volunteer firemen have been risking their lives to help others. No matter what time or day or night, you can always count on them to be there. This memorial is dedicated in honor of the fallen men and women of our country who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives for the sake of others.
“Dedicated by fellow firefighter and members of the community on August 27, 2016, Eagle Scout Project by Colby Schalek Troop 2.”
In memory of Cape May County’s fallen firefighters, the department’s bell was solemnly rung by Assistant Chief Juan Santiago and Capt. Doug Watkins.
Resolutions were presented on behalf of the Senate and Assembly by the First Legislative Team, Sen. Jeff Van Drew and Assemblymen Robert Andrzejczak and Bruce Land (all D).
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton and Freeholder E. Marie Hayes presented a proclamation on behalf of the board.
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