On the evening of June 6^th, the New Jersey & New York Volunteer Firemen's Association held their awards and scholarship presentations in Lyndhurst, as part of the organization's 110^th annual convention. 

Wallington Volunteer Firefighter Robert Decker was presented with the 2025 Joseph Costello Fireman of the Year Award. 

On March 13^th, 2025, Decker was working at the Wallington Plumbing Supply Company.  At 3:18 p.m. a fire broke out in a dwelling next door to his business.  Decker observed flames coming from the house and took immediate action.  Before the arrival of fire companies, and without turnout gear, he entered the home.  Flames involved the kitchen area along with a heavy smoke condition.  After entering the home, FF Decker located an adult resident in need of immediate assistance due to the heavy smoke condition and rapidly developing fire.  The firefighter carried the victim out of the house to safety.  The victim was treated and transported to a local hospital.

“Firefighter Decker's immediate actions resulted in the saving of a life demonstrating the highest standards and traditions of the American Fire Service.” 

Additional recognition included a Unit Citation for the Cliffside Park Fire Department members who performed a search and rescue of an apartment house occupant through heavy smoke, fire and hoarding conditions.    

A large Unit Citation went to the members of the Harrington Park, Norwood, Northvale, Sparkill, N.Y., fire departments and Northvale EMS.  Fire units from these departments were dispatched to a carbon monoxide alarm at the Jewish Home in Northvale.  Firefighters found elevated readings on the second-floor and members worked to secure utilities and move residents from the effected area.  About 50 minutes into the incident, Chief Roberts collapsed at the command post.  The Northvale EMS captain was at the command post at this time.  An ALS unit was called to the scene and an AED was acquired from the Harrington Park truck company.  Norwood and Northvale firefighters prepped the AED and the chief.  Northvale EMT's deployed the LUCAS device.  Chief Roberts was loaded into an ambulance and transported to the hospital.  During this time, two shocks were administered.  Before the firefighters were released from the Jewish Home, they were notified that Chief Roberts was conscious and alert in the emergency room.  

Bergenfield Firefighter Andrew Mc Goldrick received a 2025 Life Saving Award. On two separate days, FF McGoldrick went swimming with his daughter at Darlington County Park, in Mahwah.  On the first day, he noticed a young girl struggling in the water to keep her head up and realized she was in danger.  He swam to her side and guided her to safety.  On the second day, FF McGoldrick saw a young man with his hands in the air bobbing up and down desperately struggling to keep his head above the water and quietly mouthing the word, “Help.”  The firefighter came to this man's assistance and helped him to safety.  

Ridgefield Lieutenant Matthew Bonaguaro also received a 2025Life Saving Award.  On February 5^th, Lt. Bonaguaro was driving home from work when he encountered a MVA on Grand av. involving two cars.  He noticed Police Officer Karabiyik removing an unresponsive male from one of the vehicles.  Noting the the officer needed assistance, Lt. Bonaguaro grabbed the medical kit and AED from the radio car and assisted in rendering life saving aid to the victim.  They discovered that the victim has no pulse.  The lieutenant assisted the police officer in administering CPR while waiting for BLS and ALS units to arrive.  The victim was then turned over to medical personnel.  It was later revealed that the team's actions directly led to the saving of the man's life.  

Additional recognition included the 2025 Rudy Appeld Service Award to Bergenfield Firefighter Nancy Naylis, presented by the Hillsdale Fire Department, for her many years of dedicated service.  This includes her involvement with the local rescue squad, fire department, fire inspector, fire instructor and ladies auxiliary.  This is in addition to giving birth to seven children.  She is also involved in local school and church activities, and she maintains a high response level to emergency calls.