Hoboken, NJ – Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, along with the Murray family and local dignitaries, officially renamed the gymnasium at 605 Jackson Street to the “Damon Murray Community Gym” in tribute to Damon Murray, a beloved local resident who lost his life to gun violence last spring at the age of 21.
The ceremony brought together family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Damon’s life and legacy. An honorary plaque was unveiled outside the gym, reading: “In loving memory of Damon Murray, a champion on the field and a champion for the community. His love for his family, his dedication to football, and his passion for mentoring the youth of Hoboken will forever be an inspiration.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Mayor Bhalla was joined by Fire Chief Anton Peskens to posthumously appoint Damon as a member of the Hoboken Fire Department. At the time of his death, Damon had recently passed the firefighters civil service exam and was on his way to becoming a firefighter. Chief Peskens presented Damon’s parents, Carolyn Dejarnette-Murray and Tarik Murray, with a helmet and badge #117. The helmet, bearing the number one, signifies Damon’s posthumous assignment to Ladder Company 1, where Chief Peskens served for over two decades.
“Today, we come together to remember and honor Damon Murray; celebrating his passion for sports, his love of his community, and his aspirations of becoming a first responder,” Mayor Bhalla said. “It is my hope that this gym, now bearing Damon’s name, will not only keep his memory and legacy alive for the generations of youth to come but also serve as a powerful reminder of our collective obligation to combat gun violence and provide a gateway for our youth to a brighter future.”
Damon’s mother, Carolyn Dejarnette-Murray, spoke with a mix of pride and sorrow. “Today is bittersweet as my son was taken before he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter in his hometown,” she said. “I will be forever proud of Damon, or ‘Nunu’ as we called him, and what he accomplished as he worked toward that goal in recent years. I thank Chief Peskens and the Fire Department for recognizing how much this moment would have meant to Nunu and how much it does mean to his entire family.”
A 2020 graduate and star athlete at Hoboken High School, Damon was a preferred walk-on for the Rutgers University football program and worked as a paraprofessional with special needs children at the Hoboken Public School District at the time of his death. His anticipated hiring at the Fire Department would have furthered his commitment to public service.
In response to Damon’s tragic death, the City and Hoboken Police Department organized a gun buyback event in June, funded by the city. The initiative successfully collected more than 160 firearms, helping to reduce the potential for gun violence in the area.
The ceremony also marked a significant moment for the Hoboken Fire Department as 13 new recruits, including Damon’s close friend and former high school and Rutgers teammate Nyjon Freeman, were welcomed. Freeman, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd, referring to Damon as “My best friend, my brother, my heart outside my body.” He expressed his gratitude for Damon’s impact and pledged, “Everything you did in your 21 years of living will never be forgotten. You will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you forever.”
Following the dedication, local youth enjoyed open court time at the newly renamed gym. The Damon Murray Community Gym will serve as a vibrant hub for city recreational programs and can be reserved by organizations through the City’s online portal: Hoboken Recreation.
This dedication not only honors Damon Murray’s memory but also reaffirms Hoboken’s commitment to community spirit and the ongoing fight against violence.