Kean Celebrates Local Law Enforcement in Hometown Heroes Event

October 19, 2026 Press Release (OCTOBER 19, 2026) CLARK, NJ – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) hosted his third annual Hometown Heroes event, celebrating 30 first responders from across New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. This year, Congressman Kean invited nominations from police, fire, and EMS departments throughout the district to spotlight exemplary individuals. “As a former volunteer firefighter and EMT, my appreciation for first responders is personal,” said Congressman Kean . “Those experiences taught me firsthand the sacrifices that first responders make every day. I was pleased to celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of these brave men and women. Thank you to the first responders in New Jersey and throughout our nation.” Photos from the event can be found HERE . Image Honorees pictured from left to right: Volunteer Firefighter Andrew Och - Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department Since becoming a member two years ago, Andrew has completed Firefighter I and II certifications, Hazardous Materials Technician training, Extrication Technician certification, and is currently completing his Swift Water Rescue Technician certification. In addition to his fire service commitments, Andrew serves as a driver with his town's Ambulance Squad and plans to obtain his EMT certification in Fall 2026.  Despite balancing these responsibilities with full-time employment at a local company and coursework at a community college, Andrew consistently ranks among the Far Hills-Bedminster Fire Department’s top responders. His commitment to the community is evident in both his willingness to answer calls and his drive to continually expand his skills and knowledge. EMT Ranee Muirhead - Scotch Plains Volunteer Rescue Squad During her 7 years of service, Ranee has answered over 1,024 calls for assistance while juggling work and family. She spends over 50 hours a month answering calls as well as managing the responsibilities of her administrative positions on the Rescue Squad. For example, Ranee assumed the duties of treasurer for the organization and streamlined their budgeting and account receivable and account payable processes. Ranee was recently trained as a Mental Health Resilience Officer who will engage with members and help identify peers who might be experiencing mental health stressors. Ranee is extremely reliable, is often one of the first crew members to arrive for duty and often assumes responsibility for checking the ambulances and equipment before the other crew members arrive. Auxiliary Police Officer Jack Ross - Fanwood Police Department Jack has been a reliable and honorable member of the Fanwood Police Department for over 40 years. His service as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class 2, and now as an Auxiliary Police Officer, has been invaluable to the advancement of the Police Department. He supervises the crossing guards and goes above and beyond to ensure that they are well-trained, safe, and properly equipped. He also has provided security for the Fanwood court and at Election Day polling places. Ross received the 2025 Shield Award sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and honoring those who have made a difference in their community. Detective Sergeant Alex Wright - Readington Police Department Detective Sergeant Wright currently leads the Readington Township Police Department's Detective Bureau, where he oversees criminal investigations and helps manage some of the department's most complex cases. He also serves as a department drone operator and is a member of both the Readington Township Police Department Fatal Crash Investigation Unit and the County Fatal Crash Investigation Unit. Wright is an experienced detective, a capable supervisor, and someone who can be counted on when an incident is serious, complicated, or requires someone willing to challenge every assumption in the room. Detective Sergeant Wright's supervisors describe him as dependable, knowledgeable, and willing to step into demanding situations without hesitation. Lieutenant Jeff Melitski - Bernardsville Police Department Jeff is a lifelong resident of Bernardsville, a graduate of Bernards High School and a member of the Bernards High School Sports Hall of Fame. The lieutenant is also the grandson of the late retired Bernardsville Chief of Police. He originally began his career as an officer with the Warren Township Police Department before being hired by the Bernardsville Police Department in 2002. Over his career, Jeff has served as a patrol officer, DARE officer, and Sergeant before attaining his current rank. Volunteer EMT David Lai-Len - Long Hill First Aid Squad Dave has been a volunteer EMT for 15 years. After earning his certification, he volunteered with the Liberty Corner First Aid Squad for 13 years, serving as LOSAP Officer, Treasurer, and President. He responded to over 300 calls yearly and committed over 2,000 duty hours yearly. Dave then joined the Long Hill First Aid Squad, Far Hills First Aid Squad, and Bernardsville Fire & Rescue Squad. He remains a member of Long Hill, being on duty three daytime/weekday shifts and several weekend shifts and serving last year as Vice President. In addition to volunteering as an EMT, Dave has deployed with the Red Cross and Team Rubicon. He is also an officer in VFW Post 7858, Bernardsville, where he was awarded a plaque for Exceptional Service as the Post Service Officer in 2018.  Dave was also involved in the OCA, an Asian civil rights group, where he was awarded the 2008 National Unsung Hero Award and the Community Service Award in 2019. Officers Nicholas Walsh & Liam Slack - Phillipsburg Police Department Officers Slack and Walsh demonstrated courage, initiative, and exceptional dedication to duty during a serious medical emergency September 4, 2026. Both officers responded to a heavily wooded area where a juvenile had suffered a severe head injury from a falling rock. Upon learning that EMS had not yet reached the child and that the juveniles were stranded at the bottom of a steep, rocky embankment, the officers took immediate action. Officer Slack retrieved a medical kit and descended the hazardous terrain to assist the injured juvenile. Officer Walsh also descended, administered first aid by dressing the wound, and identified the safest and most efficient access point for additional responders. Demonstrating remarkable physical endurance, the officers carried the injured juvenile through the difficult, wooded terrain to awaiting EMS and fire personnel. The juvenile was later diagnosed with a skull fracture and brain bleed, underscoring the severity of the incident. Both officers' decisive actions, sound judgment, and willingness to enter hazardous conditions helped ensure the child received timely medical treatment. Notably, Officer Slack was only in his second month of service as a police officer, making his courage and initiative particularly commendable. Life Honorary Members Gary Wagner and David Newby- Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad Gary Wagner joined the squad in 1974 and has served the Clark community for over 50 years. He has held various line officer and delegate positions over his decades with CVES and frequently represents the squad at local community events, parades, and memorial services. He was part of the CVES response and support efforts during the September 11th aftermath. David has been an integral member of the Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad for more than 20 years.  He started as a driver, supporting his son who was a member of the squad. Soon, Dave obtained his EMT certification. He has managed finances and secured external funding as Treasurer and as a member of the Squad’s Executive Board. David was awarded the “Pillar of Service” honor by the squad for his dedication and contributions. Firefighter and Department President Walter Lata - Budd Lake Volunteer Fire Department Walter responds to over 90% of the Budd Lake Volunteer Fire Department's more than 600 emergency calls annually. In addition to his response commitment, Walter serves as Department President and continually goes above and beyond the expectations of his position. He frequently takes on projects around the firehouse on his own personal time and often at his own expense, always striving to improve the department and its facilities for the benefit of all members. Walter's dedication extends beyond emergency response and the firehouse. He is actively involved in community events and consistently looks for opportunities to represent and promote the department in a positive manner. Volunteer Firefighter Trent LaFord - Lopatcong Fire Department While attending high school, Trent simultaneously enrolled in and completed the Warren County Fire Academy, earning his Firefighter I and II certifications as well as his Hazardous Materials Operations certification. He accomplished all of this while balancing his schoolwork and preparing for his senior-year football season, demonstrating discipline, dedication, and maturity well beyond his years. Trent will now attend Warren County Community College to pursue an associate degree in drone agriculture. Kevin Saharic passed away in May of 2026. His family, including his wife and three daughters, accepted the honor on his behalf. Chief Kevin Saharic - Lebanon Borough Fire Department Kevin devoted more than 45 years to serving others through the fire and rescue service. His extraordinary dedication to the safety of his community earned the admiration and respect of all who knew him. He joined the Lebanon Fire Company in 1980 and served as Chief for 23 years. At the time of his passing, he served as Captain and Public Service Director for the Borough of Lebanon. Kevin was also a member of the Hunterdon County Fire Chiefs Association, a founding member of the FAST Team in Hunterdon County and the North Hunterdon Fire Alliance (Squad 51), and Secretary for the New Jersey State Firemen’s Relief Association. Kevin led with integrity and distinction. He received the Medal of Valor for rescuing a downed firefighter and a civilian during a fire. In 2024, Kevin was honored as Grand Marshal of the Lebanon Borough Fourth of July Parade in recognition of his countless contributions to the community. Throughout his distinguished career, Kevin consistently placed the safety of others before his own. Additional Honorees Recognized: Officer Joanna Coppola - Branchburg Police Department Since joining the department, Officer Coppola has distinguished herself through her professionalism, integrity, and commitment to serving the community she grew up in. In 2025, she led the department in total arrests, as well as total DWI arrests, earning herself the "Rising Star Award" at the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement Annual Conference and recognition from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. First Lieutenant Kimberly Stang - Allamuchy‑Green First Aid Squad A dedicated member of the Allamuchy‑Green First Aid Squad since 2009, First Lieutenant Stang has spent nearly her entire 17years of service in leadership roles. She recently led the complex design, build, and implementation of two new fully equipped and service ready ambulances, an extraordinary accomplishment for a fully volunteer organization. She responds to hundreds of 911 calls each year and remains one of the most reliable and trusted operational leaders. First Lieutenant Stang is an exceptional patient care provider, a steady incident commander, and a respected leader whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the Allamuchy-Green First Aid Squad and the community it serves. Officer Robert Popelka - Stanhope Police Department In February, Officer Popelka responded to a severe structure fire at the One Step Closer Animal Rescue OSCAR facility. He arrived to find part of the building engulfed in flames and several dogs trapped inside. Without hesitation, he moved through intense heat and heavy smoke, unlocking cages and freeing as many animals as possible. During this courageous effort, Officer Popelka sustained burns to his arms and hands, yet continued working until multiple dogs were safely removed from the flames. His swift actions prevented a far greater tragedy and demonstrated remarkable courage and compassion. Officer Popelka’s dedication, quick thinking, and willingness to put himself in harm’s way reflect the highest standards of public service. His actions stand as an inspiring example of his commitment to the community he serves. President Callie Campbell - Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad As the President of the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, President Campbell consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true leader and public servant. She dedicates countless hours to ensuring the success of the agency while going above and beyond to support those around her. SLEO Todd Widitz and Officer Tyler Widitz - Bernards Township Police Department Todd and Tyler serve the community of Bernards Township with a shared commitment to service, integrity, and courage. The Widitz’s willingness to answer the call, help those in need, and make a positive difference in their community reflects the highest ideals of the law enforcement profession. Their service is especially meaningful because it represents a legacy passed from one generation to the next. The example established by a father and carried forward by his son is a testament to the values of family, duty, and service. HLEO Gianna DiMatteo, Dispatcher Judith Wolff, Detective Anthony Cirri, Detective Rony Giordano, Detective Patrick Rohan, Patrolman Erick Macarico, Patrolman Daniel Lalo, Patrolman David Jacob, Patrolman Joseph Fagan, and Patrolman Logan Kobis - Hopatcong Police Department When Officers Anthony Cirri, Patrick Rohan, Daniel Lalo, Erik Macarico, Roni Giordano, David Jacob, Joseph Fagan, and Logan Kobis arrived at the confirmed structure fire, they were immediately confronted with a rapidly developing and dangerous situation involving more than forty dogs inside. Without hesitation, they worked alongside firefighters and rescue personnel to evacuate dogs from locked kennels while the building was actively burning. Their actions required them to operate in close proximity to heavy smoke, intense heat, and hazardous conditions, all while maintaining their focus on rescuing the animals and supporting the overall emergency response. Together, they worked seamlessly to save nearly all of the dogs housed in the facility. Dispatcher Judith Wolff played an equally critical role. She managed a high volume of 911 calls while simultaneously coordinating radio communications for police, fire, EMS, and animal control units. Her calm demeanor, professionalism, and ability to effectively manage resources ensured that responders received timely and accurate information throughout the fast‑moving emergency. Animal Control Officer Gianna DiMatteo, who also serves as the department’s Humane Law Enforcement Officer, was instrumental in safely handling, evacuating, and relocating the animals once they were removed from the building. Her expertise helped ensure that the dogs were properly transferred and cared for during and after the incident. Chief Bruce Tynan - Hackettstown Fire Department Chief A proud Korean War Veteran who served in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, Chief Tynan has dedicated more than seven decades to protecting and strengthening the Hackettstown community. As a 70‑year active member of the Hackettstown Fire Department, he has embodied service, leadership, and commitment. Chief Tynan has held numerous roles, including Treasurer Emeritus of Cataract Hose Co. No. 1, Treasurer of the Hackettstown Fireman’s Relief Association, Fire Marshal for the Town of Hackettstown, and Fire Official for Washington Township. Chief Tynan’s dedication to civic pride also stems beyond emergency services, having been the Grand Marshal to the American Legion Memorial Day Parade. ###