Heroism Award Given To NJ Fire Inspector For Life-Saving Actions

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A state employee from Manahawkin was honored with the NJ Award of Heroism for his life-saving actions as a fire inspector, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) announced.

Ethan Dreiblatt was awarded at the DCA and Civil Service Commission (CSC) New Jersey’s State Employee Recognition Day Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Hosted by the CSC and held at the Trenton War Memorial, the annual awards ceremony celebrated individuals and teams across various State departments and agencies that have gone above and beyond in their professional duties and exemplified the values and mission of serving the State of New Jersey.

"Each of our honorees has made a significant impact in their respective fields and on the lives of New Jersey residents," said Allison Chris Myers, Chair/Chief Executive Officer of the CSC. "Their achievements reflect the core values of our State government, demonstrating integrity, service, and excellence.”

According to the DCA, the NJ Award of Heroism "recognizes an employee who was selfless and successful at saving someone in a life-threatening situation."

On Dec. 30, 2024, Dreiblatt was conducting an inspection at a church in downtown Trenton, the DCA said.

During the inspection, Dreiblatt noticed an odor in the church's basement and instinctively powered up his newly issued gas meter to investigate. He located a gas leak coming from the kitchen stove. Dreiblatt called the Trenton Fire Department, who came and stopped the leak.

"Had Inspector Dreiblatt not been there to detect the leak and evacuate the building, the gas would have built up to dangerous levels, in need of an ignition source," the DCA said.

“I’m incredibly proud of our DCA employees who were honored with a Governor’s Award during State Employee Recognition Week,” said NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public service exemplify the very best of our department and the State of New Jersey. These recognitions are a testament to the meaningful impact our team makes in the lives of residents every day.”