Community Corner

Firefighter, EMT Nominated As Ocean City Hero

We all know someone who's making a difference in this difficult time. Let's help share these amazing stories!

 Jonathan Ocanto was nominated as an Ocean City Patch hero. Ocanto is an EMT in Atlantic City and a firefighter and EMT in North Wildwood.
Jonathan Ocanto was nominated as an Ocean City Patch hero. Ocanto is an EMT in Atlantic City and a firefighter and EMT in North Wildwood. (Courtesy of Jack Gutenkunst)

OCEAN CITY, NJ — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Jack Gutenkunst, who nominated his neighbor, Jonathan Ocanto.

Nominee's name: Jonathan Ocanto

Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Where the nominee lives: Ocean City

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker?" Yes.

Find out what's happening in Ocean Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

What does the nominee do for work? Atlantic City Emergency Medical Services and firefighter/EMT in North Wildwood.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored? He is on the front line as an EMT providing lifesaving services in spite of the additional hazards during this pandemic, as well as a firefighter.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero? No stranger to putting other’s safety first, Jonathan has been living isolated from his wife and 2-year-old son during the pandemic as he continues to fight on the front line of emergency medical care.

Do YOU have a hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

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