Gottheimer honors 20 North Jersey residents at Fifth District Hometown Heroes ceremony
FORT LEE, N.J. (Bergen County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer honored 20 North Jersey residents for their service and contributions to their communities during his Fifth District “Hometown Heroes” ceremony Monday at the Barrymore Film Center.
The annual event recognized veterans, first responders, volunteers, community leaders and residents whose actions have improved the lives of others across New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District.
“As we recognize the first full day of Hanukkah, we know that it’s the festival of lights — that through the darkness, an impossible flame from one day’s worth of oil lasted for eight days. In other words, light will overcome darkness. Each day, our friends, family, and neighbors quietly go out and change lives through their service to others. They do it all without expecting any special recognition. They do it simply because it’s the right thing to do. That’s why today is their day,” Gottheimer said. “When push comes to shove, we all want to help out. We have to remember that we are all Americans — our enemy isn’t one another. We all need to put our country and communities first, and that’s exactly what our Hometown Heroes do.”
Honorees included August “Augie” Caccavone of Fort Lee, a 99-year-old World War II veteran and Bronze Star recipient who survived the Battle of the Bulge and continues to support fellow veterans through VFW Post 2342; Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann, recognized for more than four decades of law enforcement service and leadership; and Aiden D’Angelo of Fair Lawn, who overcame life-altering injuries suffered as a child and now volunteers to support others.
Also honored were Jordan Schwartz of Westwood, a student leader who helped bring cardiac screening programs to his high school; Dr. George Reskakis of Waldwick, a retired dentist and longtime volunteer with the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative; and George Drimones of Englewood Cliffs, a firefighter of more than 40 years who also served as fire chief and on the local board of education.
Valerie Kimel of Montvale was recognized for creating handmade crocheted roses for patients undergoing medical treatment; Jeanne and Brad Heinke of Branchville for founding the community-building Branchville Scarecrows Event; and Jennifer Errity of Woodcliff Lake for co-founding Spoil Me Pink to support breast cancer survivors and families.
Additional honorees included Scott House of Sandyston, a volunteer firefighter and longtime fire chief; Dr. Andrew Baron of Closter, a Boy Scout leader who guided dozens of scouts to Eagle rank and founded the Guatemala Dental Clinic; Herminia Vogel of Fair Lawn, who leads the St. Anne Church Food Pantry; and Claudia Gaard of Haworth, founder of the Haworth Arts Committee.
The ceremony also recognized Jason Okin of Ringwood, a longtime educator and Hunger Walk organizer; Deacon Stephanie Taylor-Cucuta of Sussex, co-founder of the Disabled Combat Veterans Youth Program; and Montvale Fire Chief Geoffrey Gibbons for more than 40 years of firefighting service.
Brianna Wargelin of Dumont, an EMT who began volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic and assisted with an emergency home birth, was also honored. Her EMS teammates Noor Thair and Jeff Gunning, who were unable to attend, were recognized as well.
Gottheimer said the honorees exemplify the spirit of service across North Jersey, noting that their dedication strengthens communities and reflects the values of the district they serve.
