On April 26th the Knights of Columbus held their 42nd annual awards night for public safety responders in Scotch Plains and Fanwood. The Knights of Columbus Father John Nelligan Council is based at St. Bartholomew the Apostole Church, Scotch Plains, NJ, and presents these awards every year to Fanwood and Scotch Plains police, rescue and fire responders for outstanding service.
Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr made opening remarks. Awards were presented by Seth McQuillan, Grand Knight.
(above) Scotch Plains Deputy Fire Chief John Lestarchick presented awards to Firefighter Douglas Freitag and Chief Jonathan Ellis, both of whom are in their 40th year of service with the SPFD.
(above) Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo recognized Sgt. Marc Gottlick and Officers Elliot Bernard, Dan Kranz,and Kevin Stomber (not present) for administering Narcan on two additional occasions, helping two more victims back to consciousness. Chief Richard Trigo also recognized Lt. Francisco Marrerro and Off. Daniel Piccola for administering Narcan to an individual who overdosed on an opioid.
(above) Scotch Plains Police Chief Ted Conley presented awards to Detectives Mark Lynch (yellow tie) and Brian Hayeck for solving a rash of burglaries in 8 towns in three counties. He also presented an award to Sgt. Jerald Brown for his 19 years of service as an officer, instructor and his involvement with Scotch Plains youngsters. Grand Knight Seth McQuillan is at far right.
(above) Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Carolyn Sorge presented an award to Deputy Chief Christopher Smith for his dedication and diligent service to the Rescue Squad.
(above) Fanwood Rescue Squad President Jeff Downing presented an award to Vice President/Training Officer Patty Buckridee for her ten years of dedicated service to the Rescue Squad including three years as Captain. Grand Knight Seth McQuillan is also pictured.
(above) Fanwood Assistant Fire Chief Steve Szanto presented an award to the entire Fanwood Fire Department for their dedicated service in serving the people of Fanwood. Accepting the award were a number of Fanwood firefighters including Chief John Piccola.
(above) Fanwood Rescue
Squad Treasurer Bob
Kruthers who, at age 90,
is serving his 60th year
of active membership
with the Squad. He is
also a Knight and is seen
wearing his Knights sash.
