Life Membership: FMBA Recognizes 25-Year Veterans with Special Honors

Atlantic City, NJ – The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association honored 31 firefighters who achieved Life Membership status during a special ceremony on September 18, 2025, recognizing their 25 years of continuous membership in the organization and distinguished service to their communities.

Secretary Christopher Esposito presided over the presentation, calling each Life Member to the stage to receive a commemorative badge signifying their elevated status within the organization. The honor recognizes not merely longevity but sustained commitment to the FMBA's mission of advocating for firefighter interests and improving conditions for all emergency responders.

Paterson Local 2's Francisco Lozada and Paterson Fire Officers Local 202's Matthew Hyman, Matthew Zaccone, Jose Castro, and Michael Hall were among those recognized from New Jersey's third-largest city. Their quarter-century of service spans dramatic changes in both firefighting practices and labor relations, from the early days of limited collective bargaining rights to today's more robust protections.

Trenton firefighters Andres Perez and George Espinal from Local 6 received recognition for their service in the state capital, where political dynamics often place firefighters at the center of budget debates and policy discussions. Their experience navigating Trenton's complex municipal environment provides valuable institutional knowledge for younger firefighters.

Orange Local 10's Steven Smith and Passaic Local 13's Brittani Rawls represented northern New Jersey's urban fire departments, where high call volumes and challenging socioeconomic conditions create demanding work environments. Their persistence through 25 years of difficult circumstances demonstrates exceptional dedication to their communities.

East Orange Local 23 recognized two Life Members: Emanuel Peak Jr. and Raoul Arthur. The department has experienced significant changes over the past quarter-century, including budget crises, staffing challenges, and evolving community needs. The Life Members' continuity provides stability and institutional memory during periods of change.

Additional Life Members included Joseph Lelinho from Belleville Local 29, Al Whitaker from Hillside Local 35, Greg Misner from Nutley Local 44, and Brian Tavis from Summit Local 54. These suburban departments face different challenges than their urban counterparts, but the dedication required for 25 years of service remains constant regardless of department size or location.

Scott Haley from Millville Local 63 and Daniel Goss from Morris Township Local 70 represented South and Central Jersey respectively, bringing geographic diversity to the Life Member class. Gregory Griffis from Princeton Local 72 and Kolby Rundio and Adam Beckett from 177th Fighter Wing Local 177 demonstrated that Life Membership extends beyond traditional municipal fire departments to specialized units.

Fire officer locals were well-represented among the Life Members, including Ryan Aquilino and Terrence Mulryne from Trenton Fire Officers Local 206, Omar Guzman from West Orange Fire Officers Local 228, Chase Hamilton from Belleville Fire Officers Local 229, and Mark DePompeo from Teaneck Fire Officers Local 242.

The ceremony concluded with recognition of Patti Cicala from Lakewood EMS Local 380, acknowledging that the FMBA's mission extends beyond traditional firefighters to encompass all emergency medical services personnel. Her 25 years of EMS service demonstrates the demanding nature of emergency medical work and the commitment required to sustain such a career.

Life Membership confers several privileges within the FMBA, including reduced per capita assessments, priority registration for training programs, and recognition at state events. More significantly, Life Members earn respect as veterans who have navigated the full arc of a firefighting career, from probationary firefighter through retirement.

The 25-year milestone represents a career spanning dramatic changes in firefighting: the introduction of new equipment and technology, evolving tactics based on research and experience, shifting demographics within fire departments, and transformed labor relations. Life Members witnessed and contributed to these changes, shaping the profession's evolution.