First Responders Honored with Shield Awards
Borough of Fanwood
The Father John S. Nelligan Council of the Knights of Columbus presented its 47th annual Shield Awards on April 17, to eight police, fire and EMS responders from Fanwood and Scotch Plains, a recognition of selfless community service performed by the men and women of these emergency services, paid and volunteer. The ceremony was held at the Italian-American Club on Valley Road, Scotch Plains.
This year’s award recipients are:
Fanwood:
Police Officer Carlos Gonzalez, Jr., presented by Lt. Dan Kranz, who said the officer was unable to attend the ceremony due to an ongoing medical issue. Lt. Kranz cited Officer Gonzalez, a Fanwood officer since November of 2020, after previously serving as a Newark police officer, for demonstrating resilience and determination as a police officer while dealing with a major medical issue.
EMT Spencer Doran, a member of the Fanwood Rescue Squad since May of 2022 and EMT since 2023, presented by Squad President Karolyn Buckridee, who cited Spencer’s help in increasing the Tuesday evening crew from three to nine well-trained members as a member of the squad’s membership committee, as well as riding on additional shifts, attendance at first aid council meetings as Fanwood’s representative. Spencer, a high school senior, has been accepted to the University of Rhode Island’s nursing program.
The Fanwood Fire Department, presented by Fire Chief John Piccola, to Captain Antony Grasso, Jr., Captain Matthew Ridge (who was unable to attend), and Captain Vincent Bianco, for their efforts in running the crews and day-to-day operations of the department, citing their efforts of the comradery, morale and training of members.
Scotch Plains:
Officer Vincent Conti, a member of the Scotch Plains Police Department since 2022, presented by Deputy Chief Al Sellinger, for leading the department in arrests is 2023, as a member of the Union County Emergency Response Team, attendance of numerous classes to become a better police officer, his strong work ethic and outstanding productivity. Officer also was honored as the 2023 Scotch Plains Police Officer of the Year for his professional skills, leadership, character and work ethic.
EMT Jerry Handsman, a 33-year member of the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad and current Squad First Vice President, presented by Captain Dan Sullivan, who said the EMT is available during daytime hours as a retiree and cited him for always being available when something needs to be done.
Joseph Flammia, a member of the Scotch Plains Fire Department, presented by Chief John Lestarchick, who said Firefighter Flammia has been a firefighter since 1979 when he joined the Clark Fire Department, and cited him for his skills as a former electrician he brings to the fire scene and at the firehouse, and for responding to fire calls day or night.
Emceeing the event was Grand Knight Patrick Harrington who was joined by District Deputy James Vari.
