First Responders Foundation

As we enter 2025, something very exciting is in the works for all first responders across Monmouth County. On January 6th, over 200 police officers, chiefs, and other first responders gathered at Le Malt Royale in Red Bank to celebrate the launch of a brand-new non-profit organization: the Monmouth County Police & First Responders Foundation. This inaugural fundraiser was hosted by the foundation’s two co-chairs, Vin Gopal – a New Jersey senator and small-business owner – and William Lucia, the police chief of Eatontown. Together, the two coordinators have big plans to give back to all the heroes in the area that put their lives on the line constantly for the betterment of the community.

Vin speaks on the Monmouth County Police & First Responders Foundation, saying, “it will help provide grants for local police departments, fire departments, and first aid squads, while also promoting all the positive stories that our first responders are doing in Monmouth County.” To this, Chief Lucia adds, “this initiative is not only about financial support, but also about celebrating the bravery and dedication of our first responders. We want to ensure the public sees the incredible contributions they make daily.”

To celebrate the foundation’s commencement, first responders from dozens of Monmouth County towns joined powerful forces for a night, including the likes of police officers, firefighters, and emergency paramedics. This event provided the perfect opportunity for our protectors to mingle, exchanging not only heroic stories, but also contact information in the case that they may find themselves in need of assistance during a critical scenario.

The public may overlook the importance of strengthening connections between different emergency units, but in a time of need, it can make a world of a difference for these forces to have support to lean on. Without a doubt, Gopal and Lucia are about to make a major difference by encouraging closer bonds between first responders in the area– not only for the officers themselves, but for the precious lives of civilians by extension.

If you are interested in learning more about the newly-launched Monmouth County Police & First Responders Foundation, you can contact the association’s head organizers directly by emailing monmouthlefoundation@gmail.com. You can also visit their Facebook page to see some action shots of the recent kickoff event.

As indestructible as these first responders may seem, even the bravest of souls can use a helping hand from time to time. Whether it is by way of fundraising or spreading the word on their astounding achievements, it’s easier than you might think to show appreciation for their valiant efforts. Be sure to keep tabs on all the events that the Monmouth County Police & First Responders Foundation has planned on the horizon. By reaching out and inquiring on how you can chip in and get involved, you are saying a huge “thank you” to those who deserve it most. Believe it or not, your contribution alone may help our biggest heroes fight another day.