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!
