Hardyston council recognizes life-saving first responders

HARDYSTON — The Hardyston Township Council recently swore in a new officer, recognized outstanding police officers and new firefighters, christened the township’s newest fire engine and honored the 2017 Sussex County Queen of the Fair second runner-up.
Patrolman Justin Edelbach was sworn in as a police officer. However, had began his service within the department earlier this year. Prior to starting the police academy, Edelbach served in the United States Marine Corps.
In addition, dispatchers and officers of the Hardyston Township Police Department were recognized for providing extraordinary assistance during two medical emergencies near the end of June. Sgt. Christian Bonfiglio, Patrolman Richard Nudo, Detective William Varcadipane and Detective David White were all awarded lifesaving medals. Dispatcher Susan Gunderman was also was presented with a letter of commendation for her contribution to the lifesaving event. Each of the awards were presented in recognition of the roles each member of the team provided in reviving a choking victim with no pulse. While the patient was unable to attend the ceremony, a family member relayed by email their thanks and "eternal gratitude ... for saving their loved one's life."
Sgt. Nicholas Calandra, Patrolmen Brad Worman and Edelbach were also awarded lifesaving awards. Dispatcher Jessica Graves, who was not in attendance, was presented with a letter of commendation. The awards were given to recognize the actions taken by each of them in the process of reviving an unresponsive patient with CPR. The patient, Steven Calantropio, was in attendance, at the council meeting. Calantropio expressed his heartfelt thanks, saying, "I am alive because of you; you saved my life." Calantropio’s wife was also present, recapping the event for those present and reiterating sentiments of gratitude for the officer/dispatcher’s outstanding and quick response to their emergency culminating “"in bringing her husband back."
New recruitsThe township also recognized the efforts of five of the Hardyston Township Fire Department’s newest recruits, who all spent the better part of their summer attending and completing the Firefighter 1 course and test work, which included four weeks of full-time attendance at the Morris County Fire Academy. The firefighters are now fully trained and qualified to assist the volunteer department with active fire calls. Those firefighters are Cameron Blake, Branden Kopf, Leah Struble, Nick Martucci and Greg Stiansen.
During a break in the meeting, the Township Council ceremoniously “christened” the newest truck added to the Township’s Fire Department fleet, Engine 316, with a bottle of champagne placed in a “sock," to minimize glass splatter.
A proclamation was read into the record honoring Adriana Purcell for her outstanding commitment and youthful example to her peers in light of her long-standing volunteerism within the township. Purcell was recently honored by being selected as the second runner-up in this year's Queen of the Fair Contest. Sept. 16 will officially be Adriana Purcell day within the Township of Hardyston.