‘Giving back is in our DNA.’ Ocean County wildfire crews see outpouring of support
Local businesses and residents have been donating food and drinks to the first responders.
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Fire crews across Ocean County are seeing an outpouring of support from the community as they battle the Jones Road wildfire.
Restaurants, businesses and local residents have been dropping off food and drinks as a way to say “Thank you” to first responders for their dayslong work battling the wildfire.
Caliber Construction and Eat Clean Bro collaborated to provide fresh and nutritious meals to emergency responders still working on the scene. The children of the owners of Caliber Construction also got involved with the efforts as part of Take Your Kid to Work Day.
"Giving back is in our DNA,” said Peter Calise, owner of Caliber Construction. “And having our kids witness firsthand what it means to show up for your community - it’s a lesson that sticks for life.”
MORE: Officials: Ocean County wildfire 50% contained; man charged with arson
Donations of water bottles, sports drinks, granola bars and other snacks have been pouring in at the Forked River Fire Department.
"Local businesses in town and the residents have been dropping off everything…you can think of. It’s been amazing actually. Very proud of the community for this," said Chief Scott Mozal, of the Forked River Fire Department.
Community members, like Giovanni Kittaneh, owner of Saturn Pizza, say they feel very proud of the fire crews for their effort over the past few days.
"These people come and save lives. They prevent us from being in total catastrophe every day," said Kittaneh. "They’re heroes every day. But after what we’ve seen and how they’ve kept this contained, this is the prime example."
Kittaneh plans on dropping fresh pizzas off to every Ocean County fire department. He has one delivery van and is looking to collaborate with other people who can help him with transporting the pizzas.
"The worst of times, people bring food. The best of times, people bring food. It’s the Italian way to give back with food," said Kittaneh. "So this is just my way of giving back."
Kittaneh opened his pizzeria in March 2025, just two weeks after his grandmother lost her battle with cancer. She was a nurse and was with him throughout the renovation process of the pizzeria. Kittaneh said he felt her with him as he decided how to continue her legacy of giving back.
"I felt her come to me because when she was going through this, people were there for her and just supported her," said Kittaneh.
You can support Saturn Pizza with their efforts by reaching out to them on Instagram.
