CLIFTON FMBA 21
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Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the 40th Annual Clifton Fire Department Awards & Promotions Ceremony

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

On October 29, 2026, the Clifton Fire Department gathered to host the 40th Annual Firefighter & Civilian Awards Ceremony. The event honored outstanding dedication, heroic lifesaving achievements, and career advancement within our department and community.

🎖️ Officer Promotions

We are proud to announce the promotions of two exemplary members to the rank of Lieutenant:

  • Lieutenant Brian Fusco – Assigned to Engine 2, Platoon 2
  • Lieutenant Samantha Kirk – Assigned to Engine 6, Platoon 4

🏆 Annual Department Awards

Special congratulations to our 2026 individual award honorees:

  • Firefighter of the Year: Lieutenant Mark Zidiak
  • Emergency Medical Technician of the Year: Firefighter Martin Ramos

🎖️ Service & Lifesaving Awards

Class III Rescue Award

  • Firefighter Michael Hopkins (April 14, 2026): While off-duty, FF Hopkins rendered immediate care to an unresponsive driver in a moving vehicle, broke a window to gain entry, repositioned his vehicle to protect the scene, and initiated CPR with an AED until local departments arrived.

Class IV Meritorious Service Awards

  • Firefighter Eric Babula (November 29, 2025): While off-duty at a holiday event at The White House in Washington, D.C., FF Babula swiftly performed the Heimlich maneuver on a choking guest, successfully dislodging the obstruction and saving her life.
  • Engine 5 & EMS 1 (February 16, 2026): Responded to a critical cardiac arrest call on Rowland Ave, executing high-quality CPR and team interventions that successfully restored spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
    • Engine 5: Lt. Angelina Tirado, FF Ryan Laurice, FF William Englehardt
    • EMS 1: FF Carlos Pereira, FF Seishi To
  • Engine 6 & EMS 2 (June 27, 2026): Delivered life-saving CPR and defibrillation during a severe medical emergency on Van Breeman Drive, achieving ROSC before transport to the cardiac ICU.
    • Engine 6: Lt. Joseph Bennett, FF Christopher Doherty, FF Joseph Banda
    • EMS 2: FF Thomas Jacobus, FF Ralph Bartlow
  • Engine 2 & EMS 1 (August 2, 2026): Responded to a severe respiratory distress call on Hazel Street, seamlessly coordinating advanced CPR efforts to achieve ROSC.
    • Engine 2: A/Lt. AJ Pichardo, FF Gary Attenello, FF Robert Hoogmoed III
    • EMS 1: FF John Bednarz, FF Erik Holzach

🤝 Civilian Award

  • Joel Matalon (Clifton, NJ): Recognized for his generous donation of fitness equipment to Stations 5 and 6, directly supporting the physical readiness, health, and well-being of our firefighters.

🙏 Acknowledgments

Thank you to the Merit Award Committee—Lt. Daniel Hook (Chairman), FF Ryan Laurice, FF Thomas Jacobus, FF Tyler Hardy, FF Jared Fout, FF Chris Doherty, and Chief Michael Rowan—for organizing this ceremony.

Special thanks also to FMBA Local 21 and President Brian Hebrank for providing refreshments and continuous support.

A friendly safety reminder from the Clifton Fire Department: Test your smoke detectors every week!

Event

We couldn’t get enough!

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

We couldn’t get enough! Clifton FMBA 21 rejoined the Clifton P.R.A.I.S.E. Baseball League team today for another unforgettable afternoon on the field.

From quick plays to big hits, these kids showed off incredible talent and sportsmanship through every inning. Getting to mentor and play alongside them never gets old, and every one of us walked off the field with a giant smile.

Special shoutout to Coach Bob for continuing to welcome us out to support the league!

Learn more about this awesome program: https://www.cliftonpraise.org/

Event

Great day out on the diamond!

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Great day out on the diamond!

Members of Clifton FMBA Local 21 had an amazing time today out with the Clifton P.R.A.I.S.E. Baseball League! Our firefighters jumped in for a few innings to play alongside and mentor these incredible young athletes.

These kids are seriously talented and put on a great show! It was a blast for everyone involved, and we’re honored to support such a wonderful program in our community.

A big thank you to Coach Bob for having us out today!

To learn more about the league, visit: https://www.cliftonpraise.org/

Military Appreciation Shirt Fundraiser!

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

Clifton FMBA Local 21 along with our Clifton Firefighters Foundation are proud to announce our Military Appreciation Shirt Fundraiser!

As we recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, we are offering specially designed Military Appreciation T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts for purchase.

Shirt Pricing:

  • T-Shirts: $20
  • Hooded Sweatshirts: $45

100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to four outstanding organizations that support our veterans and honor their service:

  • Clifton VFW (Valley Road)
  • Clifton Athenia Vets Post
  • Clifton Avenue of Flags
  • Tunnel to Towers Foundation

ORDER DEADLINE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2026

ORDER HERE:
https://www.storessimple.com/creativewonders/groupproducts.php?prodgroup_id=45073&prodgroupbypass=true

Order Pickup Information:

All orders are PICKUP ONLY. Once your order is ready, you will receive an email notification with pickup instructions.

Pickup Location:
Clifton FMBA Local 21 Union Hall
219 Valley Road
Clifton, NJ

Shipping will not be available.

This fundraiser is an opportunity for our members, families, friends, and community to come together to show appreciation for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

We encourage everyone to participate and share the ordering link with family, friends, and anyone interested in supporting this great cause.

Clifton FMBA Local 21
Clifton Firefighters Foundation

Keep Our Community Warm This Winter: Clifton FMBA 21 Annual Coat Drive!

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

As the weather cools down, Clifton FMBA 21 is asking for your help to ensure every neighbor in Clifton stays warm this season. Throughout the entire month of October, we are collecting coats for local families, charities, and residents in need.

How You Can Help:

Do you have coats that no longer fit or ones sitting in your closet unused? We are accepting:

  • New coats
  • Gently used coats
  • Warm winter coats for both adults and children

Every coat donated makes a direct difference in our community!

Thank you for your generous support in helping us keep Clifton warm!

Drop-Off Locations:

You can drop off your coat donations at any Clifton Firehouse during October:

  • Station 1: 69 1st Street, Clifton, NJ 07011
  • Station 2: 7 Dumont Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013
  • Station 3: 180 Mahar Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07011
  • Station 4: 144 Main Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07014
  • Station 5: 51 Brighton Road, Clifton, NJ 07012
  • Station 6: 1202 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, NJ 07013

CFD Welcomes 8 New Hires – September 25, 2026

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

This morning, the Clifton Fire Department officially welcomed eight new members during a swearing-in ceremony.

Please join us in welcoming our newest firefighters:

  • Raul Torres
  • Jorge Lopez
  • Christian Diaz
  • Rocelin Ertilien
  • Tyler Jopling
  • Angelo Decclessis
  • Ulysses Santos
  • Troy Staton

The new recruits are pictured above in suits alongside Training Captain Douglas Wallace, Admin Analyst Michael Onder, Fire Chief Michael Rowan, Councilman Antonio Latona, and Mayor Raymond Grabowski (left to right).

Clifton FMBA 21 would like to congratulate all of our new members and wish them safety, success, and long careers serving the City of Clifton!

3rd Annual Clifton Firefighters Foundation Golf Outing — THANK YOU!

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

What a turnout for the 3rd Annual Outing! What a day! We couldn’t have asked for a better outing, and thanks to everyone who joined us, it was a massive success. From perfect weather on the course to incredible camaraderie, everyone had a fantastic time!

Most importantly, because of your generosity, we raised crucial funds that will directly benefit local organizations and allow the Clifton Firefighters Foundation to continue supporting those in our community who need it most.

This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our players, volunteers, and especially our generous sponsors. Please join us in thanking every single business and organization that made this day happen:

  • Alliance Orthopedics
  • Bagel Station
  • Bakes by Renata
  • Bolero Snort
  • Broughton Liquors – Clancy’s Pub
  • Clifton Commons Spirits & Wine
  • Clifton Spine and Physical Therapy
  • Clifton Surgery Center
  • Codio Cigars
  • Complete Medical Wellness LLC
  • Corradino & Partners
  • Crystal Springs Resort
  • Fast Pass Prep NREMT
  • Fire & Safety Services
  • Frank M. Pisani Family Foundation
  • Garden State Honda
  • Garden State Pain and Orthopedics
  • Garner Bros. Plumbing & Heating
  • Jason Solowski / CMG Home Loans
  • Jimmy’s Gourmet Bakery
  • JK Realty
  • Johnny A’s Hitching Post
  • Jooicy Tits Vodka
  • Lamart Corporation
  • Latitude Beverage Co.
  • Lava Plus Vape
  • Law Offices of Craig S. Gumpel, LLC
  • Matthew’s Italian Restaurant
  • MnMOnTheGo Travels
  • New Jersey Save A Life
  • New York City Football Club
  • Nicolette Auto Body
  • NJ Fire Equipment
  • NJFMBA
  • NJFMBA Northern District
  • Pick Pina Group
  • Platinum Dollz
  • Prestige Barber Shop
  • Prime 94 Steakhouse & Grill
  • Proponent Federal Credit Union
  • Route 46 Auto Group
  • Sam T 94 Foundation
  • Schumacher Chevrolet of Clifton
  • Sharky’s Wings & Raw Bar
  • Signarama
  • Silk Gentlemens Club
  • Siwa Oasis Aesthetics
  • The Allwood Diner
  • The Barrow House
  • The Hot Grill
  • The Rock Bar & Grill
  • The Village Inn
  • Threads 4 Heads
  • XBody Health, Wellness & Spa

Thank you all again for making the 3rd Annual Outing our best one yet.

We look forward to seeing everyone back out on the course next year!

FMBA 21 Food Drive- May

Posted on By Clifton FMBA 21

CLIFTON FIREFIGHTERS FOOD DRIVE

The members of Clifton FMBA Local 21 are proud to host our annual Food Drive throughout the month of May to help support local families in need within our community.

We are collecting:
Canned FoodsDry Goods
Other Non-Perishable Items

Donations can be dropped off at ANY Clifton Firehouse.

Every donation, no matter how small, helps make a difference for families facing difficult times. Thank you for always supporting us and helping us give back to the community we proudly serve every day.

If you are unable to get to a firehouse, please contact:
[email protected]