On Thursday, June 9th, members of the Woodbridge Fire Department joined the ranks of numerous township first responders, community activists and leaders, as well as state representatives at the second annual LGBTQIA+ Pride flag raising at Town Hall. The Pride flag raising tradition was started in Woodbridge Township last year when township high school student Molly Rubin contacted Mayor John McCormac citing the importance of inclusion, representation, and visibility. On top of the flag raising, Mayor McCormac presented a proclamation this year to highlight the Township’s focus on inclusivity, respect, and equality while also ensuring that all members of the LGBTQIA+ community know that they are welcome, supported, and protected. The Woodbridge Fire Department is also a member of the newly established Woodbridge Police Department Safe Place Program in effect throughout all nine towns in the township that offer refuge, protection, and assistance to LGBTQIA+ individuals that have faced bias and/or hate crimes.
“The members of our Department have dedicated themselves to ensuring the public knows that all residents of our community are seen and respected,” Chief John Golden said. “They continue to put their oath into action by ‘rendering full service to the District’ in all forms. Our jobs go much further than safety and protection and it’s important for our residents, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, to know that they are a major part of what makes District #1 so great.”
Commissioner John Kenny agrees. “Events like the Pride flag raising are significant because it sends a message of support and dedication to a community that unjustly faces discrimination and hate to this day. Having our members stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community shows that we, as a department, unequivocally support equality for all. I, along with the entire Board of Fire Commissioners for Fire District #1, am proud to take that stand along with our members.”