PASCACK VALLEY — U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) honored local life-saving first responders, veterans, volunteers, community leaders, and residents during his Fifth District Hometown Heroes Ceremony, held at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood.
Gottheimer honored more than 20 residents as Fifth District Hometown Heroes to acknowledge their dedication to helping improve the lives of their neighbors, families, and communities.
Among many other heroes, Gottheimer honored Edan Alexander of Tenafly, a 19-year-old Tenafly native who was taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 attack against Israel; Chief John McLoughlin and the Demarest Fire Department, a team of firefighters who saved the life of a man trapped under a boulder during a rainstorm; and Andrew Woods, a 20-year long volunteer EMT who has responded to more than 250 calls every year since 2007.
“We are lucky to have so many unsung heroes in our communities here today, whose quiet power of service goes on every day without the recognition they truly deserve. They just do it because they care. Today is their day. Without the people we are recognizing today, our communities would not be as strong as they are, and North Jersey would not be the great place that it is,” said Gottheimer. “They all come from different walks of life, but share an idea that is particularly special: they embody our Jersey Values and make our community such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. They help us build that more perfect union of our dreams. We all should work to live up to their example.”
Local recipients:
- John Hansen, Park Ridge — John has been an active member of the Park Ridge Fire Department since he arrived there in 1961. John has held every rank in the department, including officer, lieutenant, captain, second assistant chief, assistant chief, and eventually chief, in 1978. He organizes annual fire prevention classes for Park Ridge students, and was awarded the John R. Rinaldi Service Award from the 200 Club of Bergen County in October. John has served as Treasurer of the Park Ridge Fire Department Welfare Association since 1968, and has often approved funds to assist his fellow firefighters in their time of need.
- Bernard “Skip” Kelley (posthumously), Westwood — Bernard “Skip” Kelley lived in Westwood from 1973 until his passing late last year. A Vietnam War veteran, Skip was an airman in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968 and served for 12 months in Vietnam. He served on Westwood’s Borough Council and as Mayor of Westwood until 2003. During that time, Skip spearheaded the committee charged with creating the 9/11 memorial in Westwood’s Veterans Memorial Park. Skip also mentored hundreds of people through alcohol abuse issues, and worked as a youth sports coach for years.