Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping New Jersey Safe

New Jersey is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding New Jersey first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Officer Noah Allatt (Bridgewater) — This March, Officer Allatt of the Bridgewater Police Department risked his life to rescue an unconscious driver trapped inside a burning vehicle after it crashed into a tanker truck. Arriving on the scene, he ran toward the fiery wreck, found the driver unresponsive and pulled him from the car before flames could engulf it completely. His decisive and fearless actions ensured the driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The dramatic rescue, captured on body cam video, highlights Allatt’s extraordinary courage and commitment to protecting the community. Read more here.

Matt Goldman (Montvale) — Off-duty volunteer EMT Matt Goldman sprang into action after witnessing a school bus overturn on the Garden State Parkway this March. He was the first to arrive, immediately calling 911 and working to free children from the wreckage. As others stopped to help, he directed them in assisting with the rescue until additional first responders arrived. For his bravery, Goldman was honored as Montvale’s 2025 Hometown Hero and awarded the key to the city. Read more here.

Officer Ramon Calderon (Hoboken) — In October 2023, Officer Calderon of the Hoboken Police Department located a missing man in the midst of a mental health crisis who had armed himself with a large folding knife. Recognizing the danger, Calderon used his training and leadership to direct his partner to distract the individual while he safely intervened, taking the man into protective custody. His quick thinking, restraint and empathy helped de-escalate the situation, saving the man’s life and preventing serious harm. Calderon's bravery earned him the New Jersey State Chiefs of Police Association Valor Award, recognizing his dedication to public safety and crisis response. Read more here.

Robert J. Selfridge III (Barnegat Light) — In August 2022, off-duty EMT Robert "Bobby" Selfridge quickly responded when he heard a 911 broadcast about a capsized boat trapping a 4-year-old girl and her mother in Barnegat Inlet. While riding on a personal watercraft, he attempted to right the boat; as the air pocket inside diminished, he dove into the submerged cabin through debris and broken railings to reach them. Selfridge successfully navigated the dark waters and pulled the young girl out first, followed by her mother. His bravery earned him the Carnegie Hero Medal, North America’s highest civilian honor for heroism, in August 2024. Read more here.

Officer Thomas Sweeney (Millburn) — Millburn Police Officer Sweeney—who is also a volunteer firefighter in Clark—ran into a burning home without protective gear to save an 83-year-old woman in October 2024. Crawling through heavy smoke, he found her drifting in and out of consciousness and, with the help of fellow officers, pulled her to safety through the back door. His quick response and fearless actions prevented a tragic outcome. Sweeney’s bravery was captured on body cam video and praised by the Clark Fire Department. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in New Jersey to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!