Berkeley Township’s hot dog heroes
Berkeley Township Local 237 and Beach-
wood-Pine Beach Local 253 went above and
beyond the line of duty to raise money for a
community icon in need after family busi-
ness owner and Beachwood councilman
Gerald LaCrosse was critically injured in a
car accident.
LaCrosse was stocking the popular town
hot dog stand Der Wunder Wiener on the
morning of June 19 when a car sudden-
ly veered off the road and crashed into the
historic structure on the side of Route 9, be-
tween Berkeley Township and Beachwood.
The impact of the accident left LaCrosse
critically injured and he was rushed to Jersey
Shore University Medical Center by helicop-
ter, where he remained for weeks.
Local 237 State Delegate Chris Shick and
Local 253 State Delegate Adam O’Connor
knew that something needed to be done to
lift the community’s spirit and raise money
to help LaCrosse after this tragic event. They
approached Local 253 President Phil Schena
about an idea to stock up on hot dogs, buns,
refreshments and snacks for an event to give
back — much like Der Wunder Wiener had
done for decades in their community.
“In all of my years as an officer in Beach-
wood, I don’t ever remember a time when
Gerry was against anything that our chief
or executive officer was trying to promote
for the police department,” noted Schena
about LaCrosse’s role as a councilman in
Beachwood. “He’s very supportive of the po-
lice department.”
On July 5-7, nearly 50 officers suited up
for three intense days of hot dog distribu-
tion for the Der Wunder Wiener Fundrais-
er. Boy Scouts, first aid personnel and fire-
fighters also joined. Kids set up lemonade
stands. The Der Wunder Wiener Fundraiser
quickly turned into a group effort, with ev-
eryone who knew LaCrosse uniting to help.
“There were people coming out of the
woodwork that I’ve never seen before from
other towns asking how Gerry was doing,”
stressed Shick.
Members of the community lined up
at the Berkeley Township Local 237 trail-
er — parked at the original hot dog stand’s
location — to be served hot dogs from the
officers and support a necessary cause. Even
the rain didn’t stop the crowds from coming.
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NEW JERSEY COPS
■ AUGUST 2018
“It was a constant flow of people,” Shick
explained. “Even after the event (hours),
people were still showing up to donate.”
The united efforts of Local 237 and 253 led
to the distribution of more than 10,000 hot
dogs, which raised $18,000 for LaCrosse’s re-
covery. Both Locals also were presented with
a Congressional Award.
The Der Wunder Wiener Fundraiser
showed the commitment these Locals have
to members of the community who make
a difference while also giving members a
unique opportunity to spend time with the
families in their towns.
Beachwood-Pine Beach Local 253 State Delegate
Adam O’Connor getting a package of hot dogs
ready to cook.
“I think we gave Gerry a reason to fight.
It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,”
Shick admitted. “When he found out we
were doing this, his spirits got better.”
LaCrosse was discharged from the hospi-
tal on Aug. 3 and continues on a strong path
to recovery in outpatient rehab.