The Knights of Columbus 42nd annual awards night for public safety responders in Scotch Plains and Fanwood has recognized several of Fanwood’s first responders.  Awards were presented by Seth McQuillan, Grand Knight. The Knights of Columbus Father John Nelligan Council is based at St. Bartholomew the Apostole Church, Scotch Plains, NJ, and gives these awards every year to Fanwood and Scotch Plains police, rescue and fire responders for outstanding service.  Also present was Fanwood Rescue Squad Treasurer Bob Kruthers who, at age 90, is serving his 60th year of active membership with the Squad.  Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr made opening remarks.

Awards were presented as follows:

1. Fanwood Police Chief Richard Trigo recognized Lt. Francisco Marrerro and Off. Daniel Piccola for administering Narcan to an individual who overdosed on an opioid. Chief Trigo also recognized Sgt. Marc Gottlick and Officers Dan Kranz, Elliot Bernard and Kevin Stomber (not present) for administering Narcan on two additional occasions, helping two more victims back to consciousness.

2. Fanwood Rescue Squad President Jeff Downing presented an award to Vice President/Training Officer Patty Buckridee for her ten years of dedicated service to the Rescue Squad including three years as Captain.

3. Fanwood Assistant Fire Chief Steve Szanto presented an award to the entire Fanwood Fire Department for their dedicated service in serving the people of Fanwood. Accepting the award were a number of Fanwood firefighters including Chief John Piccola.

4. Scotch Plains Police Chief Ted Conley presented awards to Detectives Mark Lynch (yellow tie) and Brian Hayeck for solving a rash of burglaries in 8 towns in three counties. He also presented an award to Sgt. Jerald Brown for his 19 years of service as an officer, instructor and his involvement with Scotch Plains youngsters.

5. Scotch Plains Rescue Squad Deputy Chief Carolyn Sorge presented an award to Deputy Chief Christopher Smith for his dedication and diligent service to the Rescue Squad.

6. Scotch Plains Deputy Fire Chief John Lestarchick presented awards to Chief Jonathan Ellis and Firefighter Douglas Freitag, both of whom are in their 40th year of service with the SPFD.

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