Cranford First Responders, Safety Leader Honored For Courageous Acts

CRANFORD, NJ — Members of the Cranford Fire Department are being honored for their courageous acts serving the community.

A non-uniformed leader in Cranford was also recognized with a Citizens Commendation for their efforts in helping others in need. Valor awards are presented to members of the department and community who demonstrate fearlessness in the face of danger or other obstacles.

"I am proud of each individual for their dedication and service to the Township," says Cranford Fire Chief Daniel Czeh. "It’s an honor to lead such a dedicated group of Firefighters and EMTs who are truly committed to saving lives and ensuring the safety of our residents."

Valor Award 1 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment resulting in the saving of a human life" aiding an individual who had fallen and was unresponsive and unconscious

• Firefighters and EMTs Adrian Taberna, Travis Literate, Michael Kniazuk, Robert Moran

• Battalion Chief John Dillon

Valor Award 2 (EMS Performance Award)

"In recognition of their swift action, medical skill, and dedication" in aiding to preserve the brain function of an individual during a potential stroke

• Firefighter and EMT Paul Richardson
• EMT Maya Tobolewski

Valor Award 3 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment in saving a human life" after an individual showed signs pointing to a cardiac collapse

• EMT Karolyn Buckridee
• Firefighter and EMT Paul Richardson

Valor Award 4 (EMS Performance Award)

"For their actions, demonstrating quick judgment, teamwork, and dedication to patient care" in performing duties in the absence of paramedics to bring a vehicle crash victim to the hospital safely

• EMT Karolynn Buckridee, EMT Michael Birrittiri
• Firefighter and EMT Andrew DiFrancesco

Valor Award 5 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment resulting in the saving of a human life" after using a bag-valve mask to breathe for an individual and other measures to keep them alive while in an ambulance

• EMT Eric Taylor, EMT Maya Tobolewski

Valor Award 6 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment that resulted in the saving of a human life" after an individual was found unconscious in front of a home

• EMT Maya Tobolewski, EMT Zachary Kornberger

Valor Award 7 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment resulting in the saving of a human life" after identifying cardiac arrest in an individual who was in a wheelchair and proceeding to perform rescue breathing

• Firefighter and EMTs Paul Richardson, Thomas Polito, Samuel Scher
• Lieutenant Carmen Giordino

Valor Award 8 (EMS Life Saving Award)

"For their outstanding effort, extraordinary presence of mind, and sound judgment in saving a human life" after breathing with a bag-valve mask for a man who was suffering a brain aneurysm

• Firefighter and EMTs Paul Richardson, Travis Literate, Michael Kniazuk, Gary Merwede

Citizens Commendation

"Actions that embody the ideals of public service and care for others" after aiding an individual who was having a medical emergency in an elevator

• Public Safety Commissioner Kathleen Miller-Prunty

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