*Photos by Paul W. Wang • Click on pictures to enlarge.

Press Release 3/17/21

PERTH AMBOY, NJ – Mayor Helmin J. Caba, alongside Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez of Legislative District 19, City Departments, Community Partners, First Responders, and residents gathered together on Tuesday, March 16th, to remember loved ones lost to COVID-19 in the City of Perth Amboy at City Hall Circle.

“March 16th marks the day our city had the first COVID-19 case, stated Larry Cattano, Deputy Chief of Police and Coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management. “The loss and disruption we experienced in our city has been immeasurable sorrow for us all. To manage this emergency takes tremendous resources and commitment not only of our local emergency responders, but of the entire workforce of the City of Perth Amboy. Without this dedication and commitment, this disaster could have been much worse.”

“The events of 2020 have provided powerful lessons and reminders for us all,” stated Mayor Helmin J. Caba. “This pandemic also triggered one other thing; hope. When our businesses closed and lines for food increased, acts of generosity, large and small, did as well. I want to thank everyone for their commitment during these troubled times.”

The program was guided by Deputy Chief Cattano, that included the presentation of colors by the Perth Amboy Fire Department Color Guard, the singing of our National Anthem by Firefighter Javier Cruz, and an invocation by Pastor Paul Sears of the Perth Amboy Police and Fire Chaplin Corps. There was an extended moment of silence to the 186 lives lost to COVID-19 since March 16th, and a salute to our community healthcare workers and first responders who stayed relentlessly by the city’s side. “Equity is the key for us now. The vaccines offer great hope to turn the tide of the pandemic. We need to ensure that all residents get vaccinated to disrupt this pandemic and mitigate any potential deep and longstanding social and economic scars.”

The event concluded with the singing of ‘Amazing Grace’, by Dorothy Carty-Daniel, Community Leader, and an invitation to submit the name of city residents, who lost their lives to COVID-19, to be read publicly in upcoming memorial events.

To submit your loved ones name lost to COVID-19, contact (732) 826-0249 or by email at COVID19Dedication@perthamboynj.org.