Ridgewood Firefighter Named A Hometown Hero By Rep. Gottheimer

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Michael Ferraro has spent more than three decades protecting families as a firefighter.

Ferraro was honored for his efforts with a Hometown Hero Award from Rep. Josh Gottheimer Monday. The awards were presented to community leaders, first-responders, veterans, and others dedicated to improving the lives of their neighbors.

Ferraro has been a firefighter and emergency medical technician for 32 years. He has been a member of local Firefighters' Mutual Benevolent Association chapter and is the state delegate for FMBA Local 47.

Ferraro organizes an annual picnic for retired firefighters, so they can remain connected to the community. He also visits local schools for fire safety presentations and trainings to ensure children know what to do during an emergency.

He also sold pink T-shirts for The Valley Hospital's Foundation in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Holly Goshin of Glen Rock was also named a hometown hero for her work to further LGBTQ rights.

Related: Glen Rock LGBTQ Rights Advocate Named A Hometown Hero

"We are lucky to have so many unsung heroes in our communities, whose quiet power of service goes on every day without the recognition they truly deserve," Gottheimer said. "None of these people stood up because they sought recognition, they did it because they wanted to do what was right."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com