NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-7th District, recognized 30 first responders from across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District during his third annual Hometown Heroes event held last week in Clark.
The event honored police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other emergency personnel for their dedication, bravery and service to their communities.
Kean invited nominations from police, fire and emergency medical services departments throughout the district to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to public safety.
“As a former volunteer firefighter and EMT, my appreciation for first responders is personal,” said Congressman Kean. “Those experiences taught me firsthand the sacrifices that first responders make every day. I was pleased to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of these brave men and women. Thank you to the first responders in New Jersey and throughout our nation.”
Among those recognized were first responders from Hackettstown, Mount Olive, Allamuchy, Lopatcong, Phillipsburg, Readington Township, Stanhope and several other communities.
The honorees included individuals recognized for decades of volunteer service, lifesaving rescues, leadership within their departments and extraordinary actions during emergencies.
2026 Hometown Heroes honorees
Andrew Och — Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department: Och joined the department two years ago and has completed Firefighter I and II certifications, Hazardous Materials Technician training and Extrication Technician certification. He is also completing his Swift Water Rescue Technician certification. In addition to serving as a volunteer firefighter, Och drives for his town’s ambulance squad and plans to obtain his EMT certification in fall 2026. Despite working full time and attending community college, he consistently ranks among the department’s top emergency responders.
Ranee Muirhead — Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad: Muirhead has served as an EMT for seven years, responding to more than 1,024 calls for assistance while balancing work and family responsibilities. She volunteers more than 50 hours monthly and has served in administrative positions, including treasurer, where she helped streamline budgeting and financial processes. She also completed training as a Mental Health Resilience Officer to help identify and support fellow squad members experiencing mental health-related stress.
Jack Ross — Fanwood Police Department: Ross has served the Fanwood Police Department for more than 40 years, initially as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2 and later as an auxiliary police officer. He supervises the borough’s crossing guards, helping ensure their safety, training and access to proper equipment. Ross has also provided security for municipal court proceedings and Election Day polling locations. In 2025, he received the Shield Award from the Knights of Columbus for his contributions to the community.
Alex Wright — Readington Township Police Department: Wright serves as a detective sergeant and leads the department’s Detective Bureau, overseeing criminal investigations and complex cases. He also serves as a police drone operator and is a member of both the Readington Township Police Department Fatal Crash Investigation Unit and the Hunterdon County Fatal Crash Investigation Unit. His supervisors recognized his investigative experience, leadership and willingness to handle challenging cases.
Jeff Melitski — Bernardsville Police Department: Melitski is a lifelong Bernardsville resident, Bernards High School graduate and member of the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. He began his law enforcement career with the Warren Township Police Department before joining Bernardsville police in 2002. Throughout his career, he has served as a patrol officer, DARE officer and sergeant before becoming a lieutenant. His grandfather was also a Bernardsville police chief.
David Lai-Len — Long Hill First Aid Squad: Lai-Len has volunteered as an EMT for 15 years, including 13 years with the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad, where he served as an officer, treasurer and president. During that time, he responded to more than 300 calls annually and contributed more than 2,000 duty hours each year. He has also volunteered with the Far Hills First Aid Squad and Bernardsville Fire & Rescue Squad, deployed with the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, and served as an officer with VFW Post 7858 in Bernardsville. His previous honors include the 2008 National Unsung Hero Award and a 2019 Community Service Award from OCA, an Asian civil rights organization.
Nicholas Walsh and Liam Slack — Phillipsburg Police Department: Walsh and Slack were recognized for their actions during a serious medical emergency Sept. 4, 2026, involving a juvenile who suffered a severe head injury from a falling rock in a heavily wooded area. The officers descended a steep, rocky embankment to reach the injured child before emergency medical personnel arrived. Slack retrieved a medical kit, while Walsh provided first aid and identified an access route for additional responders. The officers then carried the child through difficult terrain to awaiting emergency personnel. The juvenile was later diagnosed with a skull fracture and bleeding in the brain. Slack was in only his second month as a police officer when the rescue occurred.
Gary Wagner and David Newby — Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad: Wagner joined the squad in 1974 and has served the Clark community for more than 50 years, holding various leadership and delegate positions. He also participated in the squad’s response and support efforts following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Newby has served the squad for more than 20 years, beginning as a driver before obtaining his EMT certification. He has served as treasurer and an executive board member, helping manage finances and secure outside funding. Newby previously received the squad’s Pillar of Service honor for his dedication and contributions.
Walter Lata — Budd Lake Volunteer Fire Department: Lata responds to more than 90% of the department’s more than 600 annual emergency calls. In addition to serving as department president, he regularly completes projects around the firehouse on his own time, sometimes at his own expense, to improve the department’s facilities. He also participates in community events and activities promoting the fire department.
Trent LaFord — Lopatcong Fire Department: LaFord completed training at the Warren County Fire Academy while attending high school, earning Firefighter I and II certifications and Hazardous Materials Operations certification. He balanced his fire academy training with schoolwork and preparation for his senior-year football season. LaFord plans to attend Warren County Community College to pursue an associate degree in drone agriculture.
Kevin Saharic — Lebanon Borough Fire Department: Saharic, who died in May 2026, was honored posthumously for more than 45 years of service in fire and rescue operations. His wife and three daughters accepted the recognition on his behalf. He joined the Lebanon Fire Company in 1980 and served as chief for 23 years. At the time of his death, he was serving as captain and public service director for Lebanon Borough. Saharic was also a founding member of the Hunterdon County FAST Team and the North Hunterdon Fire Alliance, and served as secretary of the New Jersey State Firemen’s Relief Association. He previously received the Medal of Valor for rescuing a downed firefighter and a civilian during a fire. In 2024, he served as grand marshal of the Lebanon Borough Fourth of July Parade.
Joanna Coppola — Branchburg Police Department: Coppola was recognized for her professionalism, integrity and commitment to serving the community where she grew up. In 2025, she led the Branchburg Police Department in total arrests and driving while intoxicated arrests. Her work earned her the Rising Star Award at the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Annual Conference and recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Kimberly Stang — Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad: Stang has served with the Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad since 2009, spending much of her 17 years in leadership positions. She recently oversaw the design, construction and implementation of two fully equipped ambulances for the volunteer organization. Stang responds to hundreds of emergency calls annually and is recognized for her patient care, incident command experience and operational leadership.
Robert Popelka — Stanhope Police Department: Popelka was honored for rescuing dogs from a fire at the One Step Closer Animal Rescue, also known as OSCAR, facility in February 2026. According to Kean’s office, Popelka arrived to find part of the building engulfed in flames and several dogs trapped inside. He entered the building through heavy smoke and intense heat, unlocking cages and freeing animals. Although he suffered burns to his arms and hands, Popelka continued helping rescue dogs from the burning building.
Callie Campbell — Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad: Campbell was recognized for her leadership and dedication as president of the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad. According to Kean’s office, she devotes extensive time to managing the organization, supporting its members and helping ensure the squad can continue serving the community.
Todd Widitz and Tyler Widitz — Bernards Township Police Department: Todd Widitz, a special law enforcement officer, and Officer Tyler Widitz were recognized for their shared commitment to public safety and community service. The father-and-son pair represent two generations of law enforcement service in Bernards Township. Kean’s office highlighted their dedication to helping others and their commitment to the values of integrity, courage and public service.
Gianna DiMatteo, Judith Wolff, Anthony Cirri, Rony Giordano, Patrick Rohan, Erick Macarico, Daniel Lalo, David Jacob, Joseph Fagan and Logan Kobis — Hopatcong Police Department: Ten members of the Hopatcong Police Department were recognized for their roles in responding to a structure fire involving more than 40 dogs. Detectives Cirri, Giordano and Rohan, along with patrol officers Macarico, Lalo, Jacob, Fagan and Kobis, worked alongside firefighters and rescue personnel to remove dogs from locked kennels as the building burned. The responders faced heavy smoke, intense heat and dangerous conditions while working to save the animals. Their combined efforts helped rescue nearly all the dogs housed at the facility. Dispatcher Judith Wolff managed numerous 911 calls and coordinated communications among police, firefighters, EMS personnel and animal control officers throughout the emergency. Humane Law Enforcement Officer Gianna DiMatteo, who also serves as an animal control officer, assisted with handling, evacuating and relocating the rescued dogs to ensure they received appropriate care.
Bruce Tynan — Hackettstown Fire Department: Tynan was recognized for more than seven decades of service to the Hackettstown community. A Korean War veteran who served with the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division, Tynan has been an active member of the Hackettstown Fire Department for 70 years. His service includes positions as treasurer emeritus of Cataract Hose Co. No. 1, treasurer of the Hackettstown Firemen’s Relief Association, Hackettstown fire marshal and Washington Township fire official. Tynan has also participated in community and civic activities, including serving as grand marshal of the American Legion Memorial Day Parade.
The third annual Hometown Heroes event recognized both individual achievements and the collective contributions of emergency responders who serve communities throughout New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District.
Kean’s office said the event was intended to highlight the sacrifices, professionalism and dedication of those who respond to emergencies and help protect their communities.
