TOMS RIVER – Washington Street buzzed with energy as families poured into downtown for the first-ever Toms River Fall Fest. Hosted by Toms River PBA 137 with major support from Autoland of Springfield, the four-hour celebration blended food, raffles, and community spirit in a big way.
The festival itself wasn’t entirely new. For more than three decades, the event carried the name Vest-A-Cop, an annual fundraiser that helped provide bulletproof vests for officers. With its rebranding as Fall Fest, the purpose has widened to serve more than just one critical need.
“Changing to Fall Fest allows us to do more,” explained Anthony Paciulli, President of Toms River PBA 137. “The money raised can still support vests, but now it can also go toward scholarships, community initiatives, and even helping families in need.”
That flexibility will certainly have an impact. Paciulli shared that the PBA recently assisted a grieving family whose child had died of leukemia, helping fund cancer research in the child’s memory.
“We’re not just officers,” he said. “We’re human beings too. These funds allow us to be there for the community in more ways than one.”
Backing from Autoland of Springfield added a powerful boost. Mark G. Montenero, company president, described his sponsorship as both an investment in public safety and in the well-being of neighbors.
A Toms River resident himself, Montenero brings more than business ties to the table. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for RWJ’s Children’s Specialized Hospital, a role that underscores his long-standing commitment to public service.
“We love this community,” Montenero said. “Events like this bring people together in ways that make a difference.”
Faces Behind The Badges
Unlike the formality of patrol calls or courtroom appearances, Fall Fest gave residents the chance to meet officers in a casual, approachable setting. Most swapped uniforms for gray PBA shirts, blending into the crowd with their families by their side. Instead of writing tickets or directing traffic, they were laughing with kids at booths, taking turns in a dunk tank, and enjoying pizza under the streetlights.
One notable group stood out in full uniform – the Toms River Police Cadets, a program for high school students aligned with the department. Their patches and crisp attire made them easy to spot as they proudly carried themselves through the evening, representing the next generation of law enforcement.
“They’re young, but they’re part of us,” Paciulli said. “They’re learning what it means to serve, not just in a uniform, but as members of the community.
Not all of the inspiration came from officers. At a booth set up by a representative of the Marines, nine-year-old Dylan, took on a pull-up challenge. He gripped the bar tightly with true purpose. His determination to lift himself higher reflected the grit and perseverance often tied to public service.
When asked about his future goals, Dylan flashed a grin. “I want to be a YouTuber,” he said honestly. Dylan added that he might consider being a police officer as his second choice.
Fun, Food And Raffles
For many, the evening’s biggest attraction came with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 demonstration. Handlers introduced several of the canine officers as they showed off their specialized training skills. The crowd hushed as the dogs snapped to attention on command, with many wide-eyed in appreciation for their work.
While the K-9s drew gasps, the raffle tables drew hopeful anticipation. More than 90 baskets and prizes were donated by local businesses eager to support the cause. Families dropped tickets into jars for flat-screen TVs, Apple Watches, Yeti coolers, guitars, golf outings, a backyard pizza oven, and even a Nespresso machine.
Lines for food stretched down the block, from local eateries to food trucks. Kids skipped between face-painting booths and bounce houses, their hands sticky from cotton candy nearly the size of their heads.
Overhead, the fire department hoisted the American flag high above Washington Street, its colors illuminated in the glow of the festival lights.
Amid the fun, nonprofits and community groups offered thought-provoking moments. Amy Carreño of Toms River Communities That Care invited children to answer a simple question: Would you rather be the friend who makes others laugh, or the friend who is nice to others?
“One boy answered, ‘Making people laugh is being nice,’ and we all just stopped and smiled,” Carreño said. By the end of the night, 58 had chosen kindness and 29 chose laughter. “It was a simple question that got parents and kids thinking together,” she added.
Another nonprofit, Hand in Hand, also played a role. “Our foundation raises money for different groups of families,” said Michael Patalano, who heads the organization. “This past weekend, we held a fundraiser to donate money to these guys and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Foundation.”
Fall Fest may be a new name, but its roots remain planted in decades of local tradition. For the officers who planned it, the celebration wasn’t only about raising money. It was also about being part of the community.
Event coordinator and PBA member Kyle Lamar said the scope of the evening reflected coordinated planning and overwhelming community response. “The support from local businesses, nonprofits, and families has been incredible,” Lamar said. “This isn’t just our event; it belongs to the whole town.”
