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Police & Firemen Will Battle On Gridiron To Raise Money For Sick Girl
By Keith Hagarty
The third annual Jackson Bowl flag football game between the town's police and firefighters will kickoff on Saturday, October 28. This year, the big game will be for one special little 9-year old girl from the St. Aloysius School, Courtney Hughes, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on the football field at Jackson Memorial High School.
The girl's father has supplied the PBA 168 (Police Benevolence Association) with refreshments for their numerous charity events. After hearing the news of his sick daughter, the police and firefighters want to do what they can to help the family out.
"I love doing this," said John Pejoski, police officer #202, one of the coordinator's of the game. "I just love being involved with helping out the families and kids-especially the kids ... any little bit we can do to help a kid out in Jackson."
After raising nearly $6,000 in the charity football game, their highest figure ever, Pejoski is optimistic about this year's game.
"We're hoping to raise even a little bit more this time around," he said.
Some of those expected to be in attendance who have been involved in the fundraising efforts include the football teams and cheerleading squads from both Jackson high schools, the two middle school bands, representatives from the St. Aloysius school and hundreds of excited spectators ready to see the pigskin fly.
"If we get about 500 people there, that would be great," said Pejoski. "We're trying to tie as much of the community into the event as possible."
Approximately 60 participants will be involved in this year's game, including those from PBA #168 and local firefighters from fire station 54, fire station 55, fire station 56 and fire station 57, with at least 4 or 5 representatives from each fire company.
While the game is for a good cause, for Pejoski and members of the police department, there is still that lingering feeling of payback in the air towards the firefighters.
"They have beaten us two years in a row," he said. "So we're hoping we'll break that streak this time."
Last year's game had the PBA with a slim 14-13 lead in the second half of the game, but the firefighters pulled out a 21-14 victory.
With soccer being his number one sport, Pejoski is set to be the kicker for the PBA and laughed as he spoke of his training going into the game.
"Not to brag, but we were practicing the other day and I was nailing 45-yard field goals," said Pejoski. "I was recruited because of my foot."
Pre-admission to the game will be $5 for adults, and $3 for high school and middle student; with game day admission being $7 for adults, and $5 for high school and middle students.
For more information contact Pejoski at 732-928-1111, ext. 2401, or email jpejoski@ jacksonsd.k12.nj.us.
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