Brotherhood Has No Boundaries

This summer 3,000 New Jersey National Guard soldiers deployed for Iraq for the next year. The deployment, which involved nearly half of the State's guard members, was the largest in New Jersey National Guard history. Many of those were public safety workers who continue the tradition of service in Iraq.

North Hudson Firefighter Mike Alvarado was one of those deployed. Over 100 firefighters threw a party for Alvarado and T-shirts were made with the colors of Alvarado's unit, the National Guard 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, printed on the back.


The front of the T-shirt included a Maltese cross for North Hudson Engine Company 5, which is Alvarado's company in Union City. The words "Brotherhood has no Boundaries" is included above the cross.


All Group 1 firefighters, on duty on May 21st, Alvarado's last working day, were permitted to wear the army colored T-shirt. Firefighters also held a barbecue in his honor at Fire Headquarters.

North Hudson firefighters Mike Alvardo (2nd from right)
with his crew from Engine Co. 5 on his last tour
before returning to Iraq.
L-R Tom Kross, Terrence Shevlin, Alvardo, Cpt. Lenny Calvo

Thanks to Ron Jeffers for some great pictures!