The Westwood Fire Department and the entire Pascack Valley continue to mourn the loss of Sergeant Christopher Hrbek, killed while on patrol in Afghanistan on January 14, 2010. A funeral procession welcoming him home will occur on Thursday, January 21 beginning at 2:45 pm starting at the Westwood High School in Washington Township. The complete procession route can be found after the jump.

We ask that residents be aware of this event. Those who wish to pay their respects are invited and welcomed to attend the homecoming event. Please stand along the processional route with your American Flag to pay tribute to Sgt. Hrbek's sacrifice. We expect excessive traffic delays due to this event and those traveling the area of the route are encouraged to find an alternate route to their destination.

We ask all non-Westwood Fire Department members to wear their Class A uniform and line Westwood Ave between Broadway and Kinderkamack Rd.

On Friday, January 22, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the wake at Zion Lutheran Church on Second Ave. A special Fire Department service is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 pm. All members of the fire service are asked to attend at that time in their Class A uniform.

On Saturday, January 23, the funeral mass will commence at 9:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, in Westwood, and internment will follow at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.

A Repast is scheduled for that afternoon, but please note that this event is by invitation only. Please contact the Westwood Fire Department if you have any questions.

Procession begins at Westwood High School in Washington Township.

Proceed East on Ridgewood Road to Lafayette Ave.

Turn Right onto Lafayette Ave.

Continue on Lafayette Ave to Fourth Ave, crossing Forest Ave.

Continue on Fourth Ave to Third Ave.

Continue on Third Ave to Washington Ave.

Turn Right onto Washington Ave.

Continue on Washington Ave to Westwood Ave, crossing Broadway.

Continue on Westwood Ave to Kinderkamack Rd.

Turn Right onto Kinderkamack Rd.

Continue on Kinderkamack Rd to Becker’s Funeral Home in Westwood