NJ FMBA Valor Awards
The New Jersey State FMBA proudly hosts an annual awards presentation in April to recognize members of the organization who have gone beyond the overall call of duty in their communities to earn the title of “hero”. In addition, we also recognize several other Service Award recipients. These include a Humanitarian Award, the George Steele Award for Media, named after past NJ FMBA Secretary George Steele, The Mark Virag Brotherhood Award winner, named for past NJ FMBA Sergeant at Arms Mark Virag, and the Scott Garber Service Award, named for past NJ FMBA Trustee Chairman Scott Garber. The applications are reviewed by a panel of NJ FMBA members and Corporate Sponsors to determine the recipients.
The 2021 Valor Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday August 21, 2021 at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ
2020 Valor Award Recipients
Local of the Year
Irvington Local 14
President Edwin Velasco
Executive Delegate Daniel Richardson
Multi-Agency
None
Group Effort Medical
Ridgewood Local 47
FF/EMT Matthew Bombace
FF/EMT Mark Barone
Group Effort Non-Fire
Elizabeth Locals 9 and 209
Captain David Bialas
FF Andrew Deegan
FF Patrick Palovack
FF Ronald Salermo
Group Effort Fire
Maplewood Local 25
DC Richard Salkowski
Captain Keith Addie
FF Kenneth Yarussi
FF James Richardella
FF Anthony Marinello
Prob FF/EMT Anthony Pafumi
FF/EMT Jonathan Conklin
Prob FF/EMT Patrick Alvarez
Civilian Award
Trooper Lt Edward Ryer
Nominated by Belleville Locals 29 and 229
Humanitarian Award
FF Ray Dean
Nominated by Paterson Locals 2 and 202
George Steele Media
None
Capt. Mark Virag Brotherhood
Tyrone Smith
Peer Assistance
James Keefe
Peer Assistance
Scott Garber Service
FF Edwin Donnelly
Nominated by Union Local 46
Lifesaving Award
FF James Kroll off-duty Kearny Local 18
EMS Medal of Distinction
Lakewood EMS Local 380
EMT Jose Ortiz
Bronze Medal of Valor
Maplewood Local 25
FF James Richardella
FF Anthony Marinello
Prob FF/EMT Anthony Pafumi
Silver Medal of Valor
Rahway Local 33
Captain Ray Lopez
FF Terry Bell
Gold Medal of Valor
Plainfield Local 7
FF Melvyn Jason Armstead
FF Gabriel Ocasio
FF Hassan Sanders