'Heroes Among Us': Dugan Elementary School Honors Local First Responders

MARLBORO, NJ — In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, over 600 Frank J. Dugan Elementary School students gathered on Friday, Sept. 11, to honor local first responders during the school's Heroes Among Us Parade.

Hosted by the Dugan PTO, students lined the parade route on Friday to cheer and wave as members of the town's local police, fire and EMS departments were recognized for their service.

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The event was created three years ago and has since become a meaningful tradition within the Dugan and greater Marlboro community, Dugan PTO President Danielle Bellomo said.

"Our mission to support the community surrounding Dugan is an important part of the outreach we do each year," Bellomo said. "This year, that work also builds upon the MTPS Citizenship pillar and gives our students an opportunity to see community service in action."

Thanks to the Dugan families and community partners (including Bruzzese's Italian Gourmet, Jersey Mike's Subs, Livoti's Old World Market and Food Emporium of Marlboro), the Dugan PTO was able to:

• Donate $750 to HEART 9/11, with firefighter Joe Gonzalez joining to accept the donation.

• Provide a special treat for all first responders attending the parade.
• Deliver lunch spreads to Marlboro's first responder department buildings.
• Provide an additional monetary donation to local first responders.
• Create and install a student-painted patriotic rock garden at the front of Dugan Elementary, dedicated on September 11, 2026, to the "Heroes Among Us."

"We wanted our children to experience what it means to be active members of their community while learning to honor and respect the people who serve and protect them," said Jenna Chesler, Dugan PTO Vice President of School Support and Project Coordinator.

25 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Ericalee Burns, fellow Vice President of School Support and Project Coordinator, said they believe "it is especially important for a new generation of students to understand what our country experienced, while also recognizing the extraordinary courage demonstrated by first responders every day they put on their uniforms to serve their communities."

"Coordinating with our local first responders and seeing so many of them come together for our students was incredibly special," said Caitlin McLaughlin, Dugan PTO Treasurer and First Responder Coordinator. "It gave our children a chance to celebrate the heroes who serve their community every day and, most importantly, to simply say thank you."

Dugan PTO Vice President Megan Neilson added that the organization is "incredibly grateful for the Dugan community."

"It is because of the support of our families, local businesses and hometown heroes that traditions like the Heroes Among Us Parade are possible for our Dugan Dragons," Neilson said.

To learn more about the Dugan PTO, you can visit their website.