Out of the sorrow from the Sandy Hook School Shooting massacre, a firefighter's union is helping to build beacons of hope.
"It hurts us all. I have young kids," said John Murphy. Murphy is part of New Jersey's largest
The group is hoping to build 26-memorial playgrounds. One for each of the 20 children and six educators killed at the Connecticut elementary school.
"It's a symbol for the victims of Sandy Hook, explained Murphy. "It's also a symbol for all children affected by violence in all communities."
Ten parks are slated to be built in New Jersey. Some of them in areas damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
According to the New Jersey Firefighters' Mutual Benevolent Association, the park on Newport in Ventnor could be remodeled and named for one of the victims.
Chase Kowalski competed in a kid triathlon. His park will feature a fitness station.
According to the firefighters, union pop star Will.i.am helped produce a YouTube music video called Heaven by Baby Kealy.
They say when it hits iTunes, proceeds will go towards building the playgrounds.
The entire project will cost an estimated $2.1 million. So far, they've raised enough money for six playgrounds.
Groundbreaking on the first park is scheduled for March 1 in Sea Bright.
That park will honor special education teacher Ann Marie Murphy.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:53:29 GMT
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
Craft breweries from around the country are toasting the troops with a beer aged with a unique ingredient that symbolizes America's pastime -- baseball bats.Nine different brewers collaborated to create
Friday, May 24 2013 12:41 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:41:43 GMT
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
A Philadelphia judge has ordered that a couple who believe in faith healing over medicine be held without bail on third-degree murder charges in the April death of their 8-month-old son.Herbert and Catherine
Friday, May 24 2013 11:53 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:53:36 GMT
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a fabulous Summer season. From the relaxing beaches to the famous boardwalk, Ocean City is safe, clean and has some of the best food
Ocean City is a fabulous family-friendly, shore town that is ready for a spectacular Summer season.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:37 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:37:26 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
As part of the project, 10 parks are slated to be built in New Jersey.
