Kean launches first responder initiative honoring police, firefighters and EMS personnel

BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Congressman Tom Kean Jr. announced Wednesday the launch of his 2026 First Responders Hometown Heroes initiative, expanding the annual recognition program to include firefighters and EMS personnel alongside law enforcement officers.

The initiative honors first responders serving communities throughout New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.

“Every day, the brave men and women who serve as police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel put themselves in harm’s way for their neighbors, often without any recognition. The First Responders Hometown Heroes program is our way of changing that,” Kean said. “I am excited to expand the initiative this year to honor individuals in all three branches of emergency response, because all of these first responders deserve to be celebrated by their communities.”

According to Kean’s office, police, fire and EMS departments throughout the district were invited to nominate individuals who have gone above and beyond in the line of duty. Honorees are selected by department leadership and will be recognized throughout the year.

Kean’s office said the congressman has secured more than $14 million in federal funding for first responders and public safety agencies across the district since taking office.

The announcement also highlighted Kean’s support of the bipartisan BUILD Act, legislation intended to help small and rural emergency service agencies modernize facilities and improve access to recruitment, training and emergency response funding.

To launch the 2026 initiative, Kean recognized Officer Joanna Coppola of the Branchburg Township Police Department.

“This week, I am honoring Officer Joanna Coppola from Branchburg Township Police,” Kean said. “Since joining the department, Officer Coppola has distinguished herself through her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to serving the community she grew up in. In 2025, she led the department in total arrests, as well as total DWI arrests, earning herself the “Rising Star Award” at the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Annual Conference and recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.”

“Officer Coppola is an exceptional member of the department and embodies all the qualities of a Hometown Hero,” Kean added. “Thank you, Officer Coppola, for your unwavering dedication and service to the Branchburg community!”