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“We are lucky to have so many unsung heroes in our communities, whose quiet power of service goes on every day without the due recognition they deserve,” he said.
Gottheimer presented awards to 19 of New Jersey’s Fifth District’s standout neighbors, friends, coworkers, and individuals who have volunteered, served, or worked to help others in New Jersey.
Each of the awardees were nominated by neighbors, coworkers, friends, families or others in their community.
“They put the needs of others ahead of their own, and are committed to bettering the lives of other Jersey residents, especially those who need a helping hand the most,” Gottheimer said. “They are our veterans, our firefighters, our first responders, our educators, and our family.”
Award recipients include:
Izzy Infield, Bergenfield: As Captain of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Izzy drives first responders and EMT's wherever they need to be to save lives. He also serves as a firefighter.
Irina Cytowicz Tesoriero and Wendy Loszyinski, Bergenfield: Irina and Wendy founded the Bergenfield Lou Harris Challenger Program, volunteering endless hours to special needs children to promote stigma-free environments.
Brian Joyce, Dumont: Dumont Police Sergeant Brian Joyce has been a member of the Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years and gives his time to the Boards of Dumont Little League, Soccer, and Basketball.
Evan Kutzin, Emerson: Evan is a volunteer firefighter and serves as a Human Law Enforcement Officer for the Bergen County Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals and as a board member of the Bergen County Prosecutors Animal Cruelty Task Force.
Nick Magarelli, Fair Lawn: Nick is the Special Police Chief in Fair Lawn. He also serves as the Director of Veterans Affairs in Fair Lawn and has created programming to benefit and honor local veterans.
Dong Joo Lee, Harrington Park: Navy Lieutenant Dong Joo Lee of Harrington Park is a former EMT who currently serves with the U.S. Navy JAG as a prosecutor Operational Staff Judge Advocate, advising special forces on rules of engagement.
Jeanne Martin, Haworth: Jeanne serves as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels North Jersey. In her spare time, Jeanne donates to New Jersey Recovery Advocates on its Board of Directors.
Shannon Lazare, Mahwah: Shannon Lazare is Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager with M&T Bank, where she provides business owners with the tools to be able to grow and sustain their businesses.
Argine Safari, Montvale: Argine, and an award-winning educator and musician, teaches music at Pascack Valley High School and is the New Jersey’s 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year.
Mary Ann Uzzi, Paramus: Mary Ann heads the Paramus Stigma Free Zone. She is also a Trustee of Care Plus New Jersey, a mental health advocacy center, and a longtime noted mental health advocate.
Mark Abate, River Edge: Sergeant Abate exhibited exceptional heroism when he performed two Narcan saves to individuals who overdosed in a span of just over two weeks. He has revived eight people with CPR or a defibrillator during his police career.
Ethan Sandlofer, Upper Saddle River: Despite being 10-years old, Ethan started “E’s Battle Buddies,” a fundraiser for rare cancers in honor of his late mother. He has since raised over $180,000.
Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck: Holy Name Medical Center has exhibited a commitment to hiring veterans and creating positive work environments for our nation’s heroes, who choose to make a career out of life-saving work every day.
Angelae Wilkerson, Teaneck: Angelae Wilkerson is a long-time Teaneck EMT and Community Advocate. She has counseled sexual assault victims, volunteered for Teaneck’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, and has served as president of the ambulance corps.
Joyce Mortorano, Wyckoff: Joyce is a Youth Children's Services volunteer. Each December she organizes a drive to provide individual presents for 100 underprivileged children.
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