Loyalty Day is celebrated across the nation as an opportunity to honor people who performed some heroic act or a group of patriotic acts in their communities. It generally includes, but is not limited to, fire, police and EMT personnel, post members and active local citizens. At a well-attended luncheon and awards presentation program held on May 1, 2016, the Veterans’ Alliance of Union and the Michael A. Kelly Post 2433, Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary honored three township people.
Life-long Union Township resident Sally Straus was honored for her extensive volunteerism, including her work in the program “Let No Veteran Die Alone”, which provided radios to the veterans in hospice care at the VA hospital. Bob Johnsen, past Commander of the VFW, presented Sally’s award and read an extensive list of her volunteer work and recalled her family’s long history in the township. Her father started the Volunteer Fire Department. Sally admitted that if it happens in Union she either knows about it, or she’s there. She stated “It is a pleasure and a privilege that I do from my heart.” She also encouraged others to get involved, “You have to step up to stand out.”
Fire Battalion Chief Michael Scanio, a veteran of the US Airforce, received the “Veterans of Foreign Wars Loyalty Day Award”. Chief Scanio was 21 when he started his career with the Union Township Fire Department. He has won numerous accommodations and awards throughout his over 25-year career. In 2014 he was appointed as Union County Deputy Fire Coordinator and is on call 24-7. He thanked his family for being supportive, particularly his wife Shannon for being his rock and sounding board.
Police Captain Dave Tyms Is a third generation police officer. He said his family has been maintaining and promoting the safety of citizens for over 100 years. He credited his father and grandfather for setting an example for him to follow and stated in part, “if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.” His father and grandfather served the Milburn and West Orange Police Departments respectively. Captain Tyms is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management.
(above) On May 1, 2016, the Michael A. Kelly Post 2433, Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary honored three township people. Sally Straus, Fire Battalion Chief Michael Scanio, and Police Captain David Tims.
