Crime & Safety

Heights Recognizes Its Local Heroes

Hasbrouck Heights officials recognize more than a dozen of its firefighters, EMTs, police officers and members from nine other departments which provided mutual aid to the Route 17 office building fire.

Borough officials called all those who played a role in battling the ‘local heroes’ Tuesday night.

Officials presented members of the Hasbrouck Heights , EMTs, police and several members from neighboring fire departments which provided mutual aid with certificates of commendation.

They commended all for their work in battling this blaze which occurred when a into the building on the fateful Saturday morning weeks ago. The when his tractor trailer veered off the roadway striking the building setting it ablaze.

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“It’s instances like this the public really realizes just how much our police, fire and EMTS put themselves in harms way,” said Councilman Justin DiPisa who took part in handing out certificates to the members present Tuesday night.  

“It was very sad that the driver [of the tractor trailer] was killed but we were very lucky no one else was hurt,” said DiPisa.

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Officials called the scene “frightening” and “dangerous.” Mayor Rose Heck commended all for containing the fire as quickly as they did knowing how severe it was.  The building was severely damaged and its occupants have since had to rent elsewhere, the mayor said.

Certificates were presented to the fire departments three fire chiefs Richard Giarratana, Pat Hayes and Angelo Roccamo.

Other members of the fire department honored are: David Cassiere, David Gumbrecht, Chris Halloran, Robert Knobloch, Michael LeSane, Robert Pietz, Steve Pell, Gregory Rubino, Thomas Rubino, Chris Semenecz, Kevin Todd, Bernie Valente, Andrew Waring, Mark Waring and Dan Wixon.

Police Chief Michael Colaneri said he was proud of the police department members who  were recognized. He pointed out traffic officers Scott Adamo and Ian Robertson who are still investigating what caused the driver of the tractor trailer to veer off the roadway.

In addition to Adamo and Robertson, the police department members honored were: Captain Joseph Cronin, Sergeant Nicolas Sisto, Det. Alan Baker, and officers Brian Donohue, Joseph Armeli and John Behr.

“Mutual aid is so important and it gives us great pleasure to honor them,” said Mayor Rose Heck. Members of the Wood-Ridge, Lodi and Wallington departments were on hand to accept the certificates of commendation.

Heights also recognized the fire departments from Carlstadt, Hackensack, Little Ferry, Moonachie, Rochelle Park, South Hackensack and the Moonachie EMS.


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