Parsippany Rescue Volunteers Help Teen Memorialize Oklahoma City Bombing

From Parsippany to Norman, Oklahoma, the sense of community and volunteerism runs deep.

So when Bill Sanford, President of Parsippany Rescue & Recovery found out a teen was completing his Eagle Scout Award in Norman, Oklahoma that would commemorate the terrorist attach that occurred 20 years ago, he knew some aid from afar was needed.

Sanford learned about Michael Voller through Facebook and that the Oklahoma teen was aiming to beautify the Madison Elementary School Peace Garden to serve as a place of peace, hope, and serenity for those “still in need in comfort,” said Mayor James Barberio in a statement.

The area was to include the planting of a tree grown from a seedling that originated from the Oklahoma City Memorial Survivor tree at the site of the Alfred P. Murrah building.

Sanford shared the information with the other Parsippany Rescue & Recovery members, some of whom went to Oklahoma in 1995 to aid with recovery efforts after the bombing.

Voeller worked diligently to replace the tree wall at the Madison Elementary School, and installed a new plaque stand to accommodate the original plaque from the 10th anniversary of the bombing. Parsippany Rescue & Recovery provided two benches for the peace garden, Barberio said.

“Michael Voeller and Parsippany Rescue & Recovery are selfless community champions who serve as role models who have utilized their talents to make a difference in the world,” Barberio said.

Subscribe to Parsippany Patch’s free daily newsletter for more local news, and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox, by clicking here.