Firefighters host benefit dinner to support captain’s son fighting cancer

On Saturday, Nov. 15, the Marlboro Firefighters’ Association hosted a spaghetti benefit dinner for Caleb Hagan, the son of Capt. Joe Hagan, to support him in his battle with cancer. The event ran from 4 to 7 p.m., and despite some clouds, the rain held off and temperatures stayed relatively warm.

The department called the fundraiser a success, saying, “We are all truly humbled by the generosity of the nearly 600 attendees who visited us tonight, those who generously donated gift baskets to be raffled off, as well as those who have sent in donations in the weeks leading up to this event. Captain Hagan has diligently served the Marlboro community for nearly 25 years… It is a privilege to be able to return the favor to one of our own in their time of need.”

Caleb was diagnosed last month with Burkitt’s lymphoma/leukemia and has been in and out of the hospital for treatment. All money raised at the dinner went directly to the Hagan family.

The department prepared 2,080 meatballs for the dinner, served with spaghetti, sauce, salad, desserts and drinks. Donations were accepted at the door, and raffle baskets donated by local businesses and individuals were offered. T-shirts and #calebstrong bracelets were also sold for youth and adults.

Those unable to attend may still donate, and the department encouraged continued support for the family.

The Marlboro Firefighters’ Association offered special thanks to numerous local businesses, churches and organizations that contributed food, supplies and services, as well as many individuals and anonymous donors who provided gift baskets and volunteered their time.