Old Tappan earns Veteran-Friendly Municipality certification

February 3, 2026 Northern Valley Press
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Fred Puglisi (center, blue shirt), Old Tappan’s veterans organizer and chairman, stands with Peter Lugo, a recently retired U.S. Army colonel with the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, holding the certification plaque, and Mayor Thomas Gallagher (right). Also pictured are Old Tappan councilmembers and three honored Old Tappan veterans. The plaque includes a photo taken over Afghanistan by Col. Lugo of a Chinook helicopter carrying steel from the World Trade Center.
U.S. Marine Corps veteran Fred Puglisi (center, blue shirt), Old Tappan’s veterans organizer and chairman, stands with Peter Lugo, a recently retired U.S. Army colonel with the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, holding the certification plaque, and Mayor Thomas Gallagher (right). Also pictured are Old Tappan councilmembers and three honored Old Tappan veterans. The plaque includes a photo taken over Afghanistan by Col. Lugo of a Chinook helicopter carrying steel from the World Trade Center.

OLD TAPPAN — The Borough of Old Tappan received a Veteran-Friendly Municipality Certification from the New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce during the Mayor and Council meeting Jan. 5.

The chamber said the designation recognizes municipalities that adopt policies supporting veteran-owned businesses and encouraging the hiring of veterans in local government. The borough earned the certification after approving a resolution intended to strengthen outreach to veteran-owned businesses, improve access to contracting opportunities and demonstrate visible support for veterans in the community.

Chamber representatives praised the governing body for what they described as leadership in expanding economic and workforce opportunities for veterans, and said the organization will continue working with the borough as the initiatives are implemented. The chamber works with municipalities and businesses to increase opportunities for veterans and military families.