A tradition that has lit up Florham Park for more than two decades raised $3,000 this year, as the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad held its annual Tree of Light Program fundraiser.

The large pine tree was lit Nov.8 and taken down on Valentine’s Day.

The color of each light has special significance, with red lights symbolizing the living, white in remembrance of deceased loved ones and blue in honor of those in the military. Vice President of the squad Edward Franko told the Florham Park New that about 100 lights were requested by approximately 45 residents, some of which donated $75 to $100 for three or four lights.

The tree is held to remember those who have touched people’s lives, with each light on the tree representing an individual being honored by a donor. While donations for lights on the tree are no longer being accepted, Franko said it is always accepting financial contributions.

“Our organization survives on contributions and donations,” said Franko, who is a driver with the squad. “A lot of people went by and said it (the tree) was beautiful, the red, white and blue especially.”

The money raised will go towards purchasing equipment. He added that the squad is always looking for new members as well as donations. Its next fundraiser is on Memorial Day.

The first aid squad depends on donations to provide emergency medical services without charging people. According to Marko, it answers 1,000 calls each year and operates three ambulances staffed with emergency medical technicians 24 hours a day.

Donations to the nonprofit first aid squad are tax-deductible, and may be sent to: Florham Park First Aid Squad, 60 Felch Rd., Florham Park, NJ, 07932. For information, call 973- 377-4226.