Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • August 1, 2012 Work is progressing on the construction of the Midland Park Volunteer Fire Department’s new memorial complex adjacent to the firehouse on Witte Drive, with the official dedication now being planned for sometime in October. “We’re making great progress. The landscapers are so eager to help, it’s incredible. It’s almost as if we’re holding them back,” said Fire Chief Mark Berninger. Nearly all the town’s landscaping contractors, spearheaded by Jacobsen Landscape, whose designers designed the memorial, have already volunteered to do the work on the ambitious project. LAN Associates provided the structural engineering. “It’s a very involved project compared to some other towns’,” the chief said, adding that in typical Midland Park tradition, the community has rallied behind the project. Residents and businesses have been stepping forward to contribute funds and/or materials since the project was unveiled in March. The focal point of the memorial, the 2,800-lb steel beam section from the World Firemen eye October dedication for 9/11 Memorial Trade Center Berninger was able to secure from the Port Authority last year, will be raised to a height of 9 ft. 11 in. and angled southeast towards the World Trade Center. It’s centered on a mulched circle with a circumference of 9 ft. 11 in., which in turn is surrounded by a paver walkway installed last week by Red Oak Landscape Contractors of Midland Park. The two-tier 200-ft. retaining block wall and preparation work for irrigation, low-voltage lighting and walkways were installed over the last couple of weeks. Barrier-free access is being provided from the Greenwood Avenue parking lot. The new memorial will be flanked by the gong memorial now on the site; a memorial for fireman Pat Witte, who died on the line of duty in 1985; and three trees previously dedicated in memory of deceased firefighters John Tulner, former Chief Chris Englishman, and Todd Sommerock. Plaques for Joseph Roberto and Midland Park High School graduate Neil Shastri, both of whom died in the World Trade Center attack, will also be incorporated. Fire Chief Mark Berninger and Red Oak Landscape Contractors Owner Dan Szapka check out dimensions before the start of the paver installation. The fire department has set up a separate non-profit fund to receive donations for the project. Contributions may be made out to MPFD 911 Fund and mailed to 45 Witte Drive, Midland Park 07432. For additional information, contact Chief Berninger at 201-445-5721 or email him at mpfd531@hotmail.com.