The Shield Awards, hosted by the Knights of Columbus, honored Oakland’s first-responders in a ceremony that brought home the community values that make Oakland a special place. An array of elected officials ranging from Congress to State to County to Municipal came forward to offer their thanks and congratulations to the honorees. Those elected officials coming forward to recognize the work of those being recognized included representatives from every level of government, Congress, State, County and of course Oakland’s municipal leaders.
Jeffrey Marcheso of the Oakland Volunteer First Aid Squad was the first recipient, and his brief acceptance speech highlighted the sacrifices made by many who will never be honored–the families of those who volunteer. While thanking the invited guests and political leaders for coming out to the award ceremony, his most heartfelt appreciation was extended to his wife and children. He volunteers his time because the work brings personal rewards for him in being able to aid residents, friends and neighbors in a time of crisis, but his wife and children also contribute. As a Senior Lieutenant at the First Aid Squad, Marcheso’s work and leadership role requires a lot of time away from home, and he offered a reminder to all in attendance that the families of first responders are to be remembered and thanked.
Oakland’s Finest were represented by Officers Ferrarella, Fiore, O’Keefe and Docwra. The specific incident that brought these four individuals to the ceremony highlighted the dangers and the compassion required for the job. As recounted by Chief Kasper, the officers responded to a domestic incident in Oakland where a man was threatening suicide. Any act of violence in the home involves heated passion, and they are often one of the most dangerous calls officers can respond to. The Oakland police officers brought in a Bergen County negotiator who was unable to resolve the situation, and it only ended with Officer Ferrarella eventually disarming the man and his fellow officers subsequently subduing the individual.
Oakland’s Office of Emergency Management was represented by Roy Bauberger. Perhaps unknown to many residents is the fact that Oakland has established numerous plans that allow the municipality to respond to an array of disasters. Roy Bauberger has been at the center of almost all of these plans. His time dedicated to the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department was in itself significant, but his ability to coordinate the government, police, first aid, and fire departments is a legacy which will stand in the ready for years to come. Oakland’s emergency response plans incorporate all levels of government resources and must be approved at the county level. Bringing together disparate organizations and bureaucracies requires a specific skill set and temperament, and Bauberger’s volunteer efforts allows Oakland to respond to natural disasters and 21st century dangers.
It was fitting that the last honoree was Joe Gallup who’s life story exemplifies commitment to community and family. Soon to enter his 50th year of service with the Oakland Volunteer Fire Department, Joe is also a retired science teacher from Ramapo High School and has dedicated decades of service to the Oakland recreation program. With children of his own continuing in the firefighter tradition, and another generation consisting of 14 grandchildren, Joe is in a unique position to understand the definition of family. His eloquent and emotional acceptance speech underlined the reality of a first-responder’s life, that there grows two families into one. The many residents and elected officials in attendance came to honor these individuals who serve, and the honorees in turn gave recognition to those whose support allows them to do the jobs they love.
Amongst the many dignitaries in attendance were Congressman Scott Garrett, Bergen County Sheriff Leo McGuire, who hosted the event, County Executive Dennis McNerney, Freeholder Julia O’Brien, Mayor John Szabo, and Councilman Pat Pignatelli. The Shield Awards are sponsored by Oakland’s Knights of Columbus, and they were represented at the podium by Grand Knight Keith Ahearn.
