Police, firefighters honored for rooftop rescues, taking down armed suspects
More than 20 members of law enforcement and fire departments were honored for their bravery and dedication at the annual Essex County 200 club luncheon.
“The job of a police officer or firefighter is tougher today than ever before,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura , ho is also a member of The 200 Club’s board of trustees, told the luncheon.
From saving the lives of other officers, to rescuing residents from burning rooftops and taking down armed suspects, the officers honored during the event received individual valor awards and meritorious service awards.
Newark Fire Capt. Daniel Iberer was the only honoree to receive two valor awards.
Iberer and firefighter Dean Scalfani rescued an unconscious man from the rooftop of a burning residential building. Iberer also rescued a trapped firefighter inside a tire shop engulfed in flames.
Last year, Newark Police Sgt. Juan Gonzalez, who is also a former Marine, was honored for jumping into the Passaic River to save and capture a person trying to escape police.
Essex County Sheriff’s detectives Yusef Ellis and Jimmy Rodriguez received their awards for capturing an armed suspect who was firing his weapon wildly at dozens of residents near a housing complex in June of last year.
When Ellis and Rodriguez arrived at the scene and told the subject to drop his weapon, the suspect ran, but officers tackled him and recovered 31 rounds of hollow-point ammunition.
The event’s keynote speaker was Craig Carpenito, United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey
Also being honored during the luncheon was
- Newark Fire Capt, Mark Furk, Fire Battalion Chief William Weidele, Capt. Steven LaPenta and Firefighter Paul Leber
- Newark Police Detective Joseph Soares and Newark police officers Moises Vasquez, Gerard Freeman and Emily Santiago
- Essex County Prosecutor’s Detective David Fontoura Essex County Sheriff’s Detective Angel Colon
- Irvington Police Officer Frederick McDuffie
- Verona Police Detective Timmy Banta
- Nutley Police Sgt. Jeffrey Polewka
Since the organization’s founding in 1966, over $2 million has been raised for the families of fallen officers via scholarships for their children.
“This special organization is dedicated to the principle of caring for those who care for us,” Essex County 200 club president Lori Hennon-Bell said. “Each year, our support from business and community leaders has dramatically increased.”
Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ladytiamoyo.
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