In late May, Eddie Costanzo and George Fosdick discussed the idea of developing a 5K run through the streets of Ridgefield Park. An avid runner, Costanzo wanted to organize the event simply because it’s been years since the last one passed through town. Fosdick, on the other hand, thought this would be the perfect opportunity to commemorate the life of fallen Ridgefield Park fireman Stephen Dembski, who lost his life fighting a Bogota house fire last year.

Fosdick, the son of Ridgefield Park’s mayor, thought a running event was an appropriate way to remember Dembski; it’s a health-conscious and family-friendly program that Dembski would have enjoyed.

Costanzo, a member of the Ridgefield Park Elks Club, and Fosdick, a village firefighter who worked with Dembski on Truck 2, enlisted the help of both the Elks Club and fire department to get the ball rolling on the first Stephen Dembski Memorial 5K Run and Family Walk.

Costanzo asked fellow Elks member Dana McGrath, who is largely responsible for "getting the word out" and for gathering a multitude of sponsors, to take charge.

McGrath said she is "amazed" at how many businesses have come forward and offered to sponsor sections of the run, in addition to donating funds.

"Business owners in town have agreed to sponsor the half-mile, quarter-mile spots and have donated hundreds of dollars. Everyone has come out to help us," McGrath said.

All donations will be divided equally between the Elks Club and the Steve Dembski Trust Fund, which was established to raise and save money for Dembski’s two young sons.

Groups in town, including the Boy Scouts, have agreed to volunteer their time and man water stations throughout the 5K course.

When planning the run’s route, Costanzo made certain that it passed Dembski’s firehouse on Hazelton Street.

"I want everyone to see what a true hero Steve was by running past his firehouse," Costanzo said.

The run will end at the high school, where a barbecue at Veteran’s Park will be open to all residents.

"It will be a great day for families not only of Ridgefield Park but of surrounding towns. It’s a good event for serious runners and also for those who want to walk the marathon with their kids and enjoy a barbecue, and it’s all for a good cause," McGrath said.

"Honoring Steve was an obvious choice; people like him don’t come around too often. I’m hoping this becomes an annual event and that in 20 years we can talk about the 20th annual Dembski run," Fosdick said.

Elks Club/Steve Dembski Run