Fifteen individuals and seven organizations recently received the Union County Human Relations Commission’s prestigious Unity Award for Achievement, an honor given to role models who dedicate their time and efforts to activities and programs that raise and honor the human spirit.
The awards were handed out during a special presentation held at the Kean University’s STEM Building in Union Township on Monday, May 7, 2018. The 2018 awards marked the 17th year in which the Commission has named honorees.
Carolyn M. Sorge, member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad, was presented with the Unity Achievement Award in Public Service in recognition for decades of tireless public service as a role model and inspirational leader.
Below is preprinted from the event’s program.
Carolyn Sorge became a Registered Nurse in 1999, and since then has worked primarily in hospital emergency rooms and surgery centers. In her career, she has filled several leadership positions, including as charge nurse, and as assistant director of nursing.
We applaud her for outstanding professional career, but honor her tonight for her 29 years of dedicated service to the residents of the Township of Scotch Plains.
Carolyn’s lifelong passion and commitment to public service was a shared bond with her father, Ercole Sorge. He had been an active member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad for 15 years, and was an inspirational role model for Carolyn before he became ill and passed away in 1988, when Carolyn was only 16 years old.
Like father, like daughter. During her 29 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Rescue Squad, she has served as Deputy Chief since 2013, and since January of this year, as its Chief.
In her many years of service in the field of emergency medicine, she has touched scores of people with her dedicated determination, compassion, and kindness.
One of Carolyn’s greatest passions comes from working with and mentoring the youth of the community. Under her leadership as the cadet advisor for the Rescue Squad, she has seen countless youth become dedicated volunteers serving their community, with many continuing on to become medical professionals.
Carolyn was a member of the Scotch Plains Town Council and served as Deputy Mayor from 2001 to 2004. She also serves as a members of the Union County Medical Reserve Corps, and her service as the first female volunteer firefighter in the history of Scotch Plains Fire Department, from 1997 to 2004, set a shining example for the women who followed in her footsteps and continue to serve in the department’s rank and files.
She also finds time to participate as a member in the Scotch Plains/Fanwood UNICO, and the Galloping Hill Cruisers Car Club, which has helped to raise money for the New Jersey Institute of Disabilities, which benefits children with lifelong illnesses and disabilities.
We applaud Carolyn for her perseverance to overcome many obstacles, and for her many years of public service.
(above) Carolyn M. Sorge was presented with the Unity Achievement Award in Public Service.
(above) Katherine Schug receiving the Unity Achievement Award
