SHARE

Christmas Comes Early To Sick Children, Thanks To Bergen County Police

HACKENSACK, N.J. — Traffic halted on several local streets Monday afternoon to make way for police trailers headed to Hackensack from Closter with a very special delivery.

It's the only time he's allowed to have a passenger on the bike.

It's the only time he's allowed to have a passenger on the bike.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Teehan
A record 52 agencies were on hand to help at this year's Bergen County PBA toy drive.

A record 52 agencies were on hand to help at this year's Bergen County PBA toy drive.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine
Closter Police Sgt. Vinny Sarubbi and retired Sgt. Donald Nicoletti organized the 29th Annual Bergen County PBA Toy Drive (Santa's Response Team).

Closter Police Sgt. Vinny Sarubbi and retired Sgt. Donald Nicoletti organized the 29th Annual Bergen County PBA Toy Drive (Santa's Response Team).

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Fairview Chief Marty Kahn and two Fairview officers bring toys into the hospital.

Fairview Chief Marty Kahn and two Fairview officers bring toys into the hospital.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Sorting through mountains of toys at the Closter firehouse.

Sorting through mountains of toys at the Closter firehouse.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Police officers and volunteers help bring toys from the trailers into Hackensack University Medical Center.

Police officers and volunteers help bring toys from the trailers into Hackensack University Medical Center.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Some of the presents in the conference room at the hospital.

Some of the presents in the conference room at the hospital.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Paramus Police Officer Jimmy Teehan says being part of the Santa Response Team (SRT) is the best thing he does all year. "Once you come, you never want to miss it again."

Paramus Police Officer Jimmy Teehan says being part of the Santa Response Team (SRT) is the best thing he does all year. "Once you come, you never want to miss it again."

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Make way -- presents coming through!

Make way -- presents coming through!

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
All hands were on deck at the Closter firehouse Monday morning.

All hands were on deck at the Closter firehouse Monday morning.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson
Soldiers from the U.S. National Guard Armory in Teaneck came to help.

Soldiers from the U.S. National Guard Armory in Teaneck came to help.

Photo Credit: Cecilia Levine
Paramus police gear up for the big delivery.

Paramus police gear up for the big delivery.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Teehan
Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?

Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?

Photo Credit: Jimmy Teehan
"The outpouring of support from our community was amazing," Ridgewood PBA President Anthony Mormino said. "Doing good feels good."

"The outpouring of support from our community was amazing," Ridgewood PBA President Anthony Mormino said. "Doing good feels good."

Photo Credit: Ridgewood PBA
Santa's Response Team in the HUMC lobby.

Santa's Response Team in the HUMC lobby.

Photo Credit: Lauren Kidd Ferguson

Hundreds of police officers from more than 50 Bergen County agencies  -- along with dozens of soldiers from the National Guard Armory in Teaneck -- spent the morning sorting the thousands of gifts at the Closter firehouse. 

Once all of the toys were in trailers and ready to go, officers hopped in their cruisers, trucks and motorcycles and headed toward the hospital.

In its 29th year, the Bergen County PBA Toy Drive -- organized by retired Closter Sgt. Donald Nicoletti -- brought joy and happiness to countless sick and needy children.

"It's gonna be nuts," Nicoletti said as he helped unload the toys outside of Hackensack University Medical Center. 

"We have tons of stuff. I'm just taken back by how much is coming in.

"A lot of happy kids today."

The officers formed a chain from the parking lot outside of  the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center and into the lower level conference room. 

Santa Claus and his elf greeted visitors and families in the lobby, before hand-delivering toys with officers to children on the floors.

Retired New York Ranger great Mark Messier was getting into his car across the parking lot as the officers were unloading the gifts.

"All of the stuff we do pays off today," said Closter Police Sgt. Vinny Sarubbi, Nicoletti's right-hand man. The pair have been preparing for the toy drive since August.

"It's all worth it when we see a child smile at the hospital."

to follow Daily Voice Hackensack and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE