Community Corner
'Caring, Compassionate' Hero Has Rescued Multiple Pets From Fires
Patch and T-Mobile are spotlighting local first responders who are making a positive impact in their communities.

TOMS RIVER, NJ — 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 Allie Wyckoff who nominated Christian DeEsposito of Toms River.
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!
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
What is the hero’s name?
Christian DeEsposito
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
How do you know the first responder?
He’s my boyfriend.
Tell us about the first responder and how they serve the community.
Christian has been with the Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department for three years. He is very dedicated to making a difference and helping others. While others spend their free time relaxing or hanging out with friends or family, Christian is spending his downtime furthering his education as a firefighter and EMT. He is always taking more courses to better himself as a firefighter and working hard to make sure he provides the best care and safety procedures when responding to an emergency call. He motivates the new firefighters and provides extra training so they feel prepared when faced with various situations that may occur on the job. He has rescued multiple animals from fires and there’s even a picture of him rescuing a cat from a recent fire. He’s got all of the characteristics you’d want in a first responder that will keep you safe.
What three words best describe the first responder?
Dedicated, caring, and compassionate.
We’re fortunate in New Jersey to have first responders like Christian DeEsposito 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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