Halloween Decoration Contest Will Honor Late Fair Lawn Fire Chief

FAIR LAWN, NJ — John Bernabeo was a beloved member of Fair Lawn Fire Company #3 for decades, rising to the rank of Chief and serving within the department for 46 years.

Bernabeo also served as the department photographer, but also as chief decorator and head of Halloween holiday spirit.

For years, the Bernabeo household would decorate for the holiday, with their display on Ellis Avenue garnering the name "Scare University."

Bernabeo died earlier this year, and the members of the fire department were saddened to hear that the display would be retired after his death.

That's when, taking a note from their former chief, they got creative.

Fire Company #3 has launched a town-wide Halloween house decorating contest to honor the late chief. The contest will also be named for Bernabeo.

"John loved Halloween and would spend weeks setting up his front yard with various decorations. He and his wife Dawn would dress up and welcome trick or treaters," said Mike Salvini, Assistant Chief of the Fair Lawn Fire Department.

"Many of us were upset when Dawn posted that John’s 'Scare University' display would be permanently retired due to John’s passing. So, we wanted a way to continue the tradition."

According to Salvini, the contest has received the blessing of Bernabeo's family. And it was Salvini himself who can be credited for kick-starting the new Halloween tradition.

"Chief Salvini came up with this great idea only a few days ago. We didn’t have much time to get the word out so we hope we can get a lot of participation. John was a huge figure in our firehouse, and this is the best way to honor him," said Fair Lawn Fire Company # 3 President Brian York.

A sign-up sheet for the contest is posted on the Fair Lawn fire company Facebook page. The deadline to sign up is Sunday, Oct. 24.

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