City Firefighters are selling T-shirts with the local Fireman Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) logo that reads, "Clifton Firefighters Local 21 Support Our Troops." For every shirt that is sold, another two are donated to New Jersey troops headed for Iraq.

Clifton joins several other municipalities in a statewide project called "T-shirts for Troops." The project was initiated more than a year ago by a Hudson County firefighter whose godson was killed in Iraq.

"We decided it would be a good idea to show our appreciation," said Firefighter John Beard, who along with Fire Department Lt. John Anderson is spearheading the local campaign.

"It’s for all the guys that are over there now and those guys I know personally," he added.

The FMBA Local 21 Web site pays tribute to at least seven City Firefighters who have joined efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq since the war began and returned home safely.

The T-shirt campaign not only honors those members of the City’s fire squad, but also firefighters who have fought in past peacekeeping missions.

Brian Mulligan, chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee for FMBA Local 21, said the Department is comprised of veterans from many wars including Vietnam and the Gulf War along with the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Over a quarter of the Fire Department is veterans," he said.

In June, approximately 3,000 more New Jersey reservists now based at Fort Dix will be mobilized and headed for Iraq by September. The State Department of Military and Veterans Affairs notes it as part of the largest deployment of troops since World War II.

Shirts are $15. They are gray and are available in all sizes. The shirts will be for sale at Fire Station 3, 180 Mahar Ave., Clifton, on Saturday April 26. Orders can also be placed through John Beard at 201-230-8977. The sale is ongoing.

Gray@northjersey.com