EMT Rescued Kids In Parkway School Bus Crash: Bergen County Mayor

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A Bergen County EMT who was driving behind a school bus that crashed on the Garden State Parkway Monday will be honored for helping rescue injured passengers, said a local mayor.

Fourteen boys were injured in the crash in Montvale on Monday night, one seriously, state police have said. The driver, Joseph Itzkowitz, was also injured.

Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali said Tuesday, "Following the tragic accident yesterday, a hero emerged. A courageous young man, who had been driving behind the bus on the Parkway on his way home, was the first to pull over and immediately began assisting the children in exiting the overturned bus."

Matthew Goldman had volunteered with the volunteer Tri-Boro Ambulance Corps for nearly six years, starting as a sophomore in high school at age 16, the mayor noted.

Now, he's training to be a nurse.

"Without hesitation, Matt applied his EMT experience to help the boys and until additional help arrived," Ghassali said. "Matt always knew he wanted to work in healthcare and was motivated to get involved in the community. TBVAC inspired Matt to pursue a career in nursing, and he is set to graduate with his BSN in May."

The Borough of Montvale will recognize him as a "Hometown Hero" at their regular council meeting on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Gov. Phil Murphy called Goldman to thank him, the mayor said.

A 14-year-old boy is still hospitalized after being seriously injured the crash, officials said.

READ MORE: Teen Boy 'Fighting For His Life' After School Bus Crash On Garden State Parkway