'Courageous' Firefighter Helps Keep Brick Safe

Brick, New Jersey — New Jersey’s first responders work tirelessly to protect and serve their communities. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who go the extra mile.

This submission comes from Susan Howe who nominated Connor Budd of Brick.

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!

What is the hero’s name?

Connor Budd

How do you know the first responder?

Grandson

Tell us about the first responder and how they serve the community.

Connor has been a firefighter since he graduated Manville High School in 2018. At that time he volunteered at the Hillsborough Fire Company. I especially remember a Thanksgiving dinner at his parents where he got a call that there was an elderly man lost in Zion Mountain. He responded immediately and located the confused man. The only way to safely get the man off the mountain is strapping him safely in a stretcher and with the help of another firemen carefully carried him down the mountain and back home anvillesafely. In 2014 he moved from Manville to Brick with the Rest of his family. From 2018 to current he has always joined other fire departments such as South Plainfield, Millstone Twp, Laurelton FD in Brick. His passion is to be a paid firemen. He is well documented on classes he has taken along with Training for water rescue in the freezing colder On the day the NJ wildfire started, the call went out for all trained in wildfires, Connor worked a full day wake up 5:30 am. Connor left work at 2:30 pm and got geared up and went to help with the wildfire. He got home at 4am the next day. Connors passion is to be firemen as I said before. Why? Sad as this story is, it speaks volumes to Connors commitment and Sensitivity. When Connor was in kindergarten (with his twin Kyle) his Mom arranged to have a Birthday Party At the YMCA with 10 of their schoolmates. Connors Best friend Tubal was at the Party on Saturday and everyone had a blast! The next day Tubals entire family died in their home due to a fire that was started due to unsafe electrical ext cords and a Space heater. Connor was devastated over Tubals Death. His Mom knowing that Connor was not getting over this as she had hoped made an appt With a child grief counselor which did help him through this initial period. Connor is still focused on doing whatever he has to do to become a full time fireman.

What three words best describe the first responder?

Kind, Determined and Courageous

We’re fortunate in New Jersey to have first responders like Connor Budd 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 a local hero to be featured on Patch.

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