WILDWOOD – Over 30 firefighters were honored May 20 at the Wildwood Fire Department. Medals and citations were presented to firefighters for exceptional service in 2016 and prior years.
“It’s not every day we get to talk about the good,” states Commissioner Anthony Leonetti, who oversees Public Safety.
The ceremony began with a debut of the newly-formed Honor Guard which also received a citation later in the program.
The national anthem was performed by a Wildwood firefighter’s daughter, Monica Kobierowski. It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Firefighters received citations and awards in 13 categories including bravery, life-saving, exceptional duty and others including a stork citation presented by Chief Daniel Speigel and Deputy Chief Ernie Troiano III.
Special guest presenter, retired chief, and county Fire Marshal Conrad Johnson presented 9/11 Response Citations.
Six firefighters represented the city at ground zero in September 2001. They spent up to 10 days at the site.
Those men received special citations for exceptional service and dedication on 9/11 and the days after.
Firefighters Matt Long and Nick Palmer received Emergency Medical Service lifesaving commendations from the patient whose life they saved last August.
Long and Palmer performed CPR on patient Greg Spangler. Spangler surprised the duo, presenting the citation and sharing an emotional reunion.
Major storm citations were also part of the Medal Day ceremony.
In 2012 the department responded to over 93 emergencies in a 72-hour period during Superstorm Sandy. Included in these emergency calls were four fires and numerous water rescues.
Twenty-two current and former firefighters were awarded citations for their duties during the storm.
Twenty-five firefighters were given citations for efforts in Winter Storm Jonas (2016). These men and women responded to more than 84 emergencies in a 48-hour period including multiple water rescues.
A Civil Service Award was the final one and was presented to John Lynch. Lynch is well-known for his efforts and dedication to the community as a whole.
The Wildwood Fire Department plans to make Medal Day an annual event, occurring the weekend before Memorial Day.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.
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