They are the everyday heroes. Brave men and women who live in our communities. They serve the public as police officers, fire fighters and first responders.Risking their lives to keep us safe each and every day. They’ll tell you its all part of the job.
We at B98.5 want to tell you more. We want to tell you their incredible stories. The ones that, all too often, never get told.
You can help us salute these everyday heroes by letting us know how your life has been effected or changed by the strength and bravery of someone who has answered your call for help in a time of need. We also invite local police, fire and ems departments to submit stories about your fellow Everyday Heroes.
Long Branch Police, Fire & EMS
On April 4th, Long Branch Police and Fire departments, along with Long Branch and Elberon First Aid squads responded to a person pinned underneath a train.
Long branch EMT Vargas crawled under the train to control the victims bleeding. Captain Joe Grasso placed the victim on oxygen and began assessing the injuries. The victims arm was pinned under the train so the rescue team made the decision to move the train slowly backwards to release the victim.
The patient was removed and flown by a medical helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he recovered.
For placing themselves in harms way to save a life, we say thank you to the Long Branch Police, Fire and EMS deparments.
Firefighter Jason Fazio
Today’s everyday hero is Asbury Park firefighter, Jason Fazio. On January 10th, Jason’s birthday, he was dispatched to a fire on main street.
As he conducted a search and rescue for any possible trapped residents, he was faced with a flashover that caused him to jump out of the second story window completely covered in flames. Jason sustained fractured ribs, a fractured hip and also 3rd degree burns over 50% of his body.
Jason spent months in st. Barnabas medical center in critical condition. He is currently in rehab going through extensive physical therapy.
For sacrificing his own safety for others, we salute asbury park firefighter jason fazio and wish him a speedy recovery.
In Memory of Officer Christopher Matlosz
On January 14, 2011, Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz was on routine patrol when he noticed a suspicious person.
Upon questioning the person from his patrol car, the subject pulled out a gun and senslessly murdered patrolman Matlosz execution style.
Officer Matlosz gave up his life to protect and serve his community. He was known as the police officer with the “million dollar smile”.
He will be remembered for his infectious smile and his dedication to the law enforcement community.
For making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, we salute Officer Matlosz as our everyday hero and we will continually keep him in our thoughts and prayers.
Officer Aaron Rock, and Special Officer Matthew Clark
On a cold January day, Monmouth Beach police officer Aaron Rock, and special officer Matthew Clark responded to a call for an unresponsive person.
Upon arriving, the officers realized it was a 15 year old boy who collapsed in his driveway while shoveling snow. The boy was in complete cardiac arrest, not breathing, with no pulse.
The police officers immediately began cpr and through the use of the automated defibrillator shocked his heart back into rhythm. The 15 year old was airlifted to a local children’s hospital where he made a full recovery.
So we say thank you to officer Aaron Rock, and special officer Matthew Clark for their actions. They are truly everyday heroes!
EMT Sean Ward
Todays everyday hero is EMT Sean Ward of the Point Borough First Aid Squad.
Tanya Vandemark’s 3 year old grandson was visiting when he fell into a swimming pool. When he was pulled from the pool he was pulseless and not breathing. He had been under water for nearly ten minutes.
EMT Ward arrived quickly and began life saving measures. Because of the fast response and training, Tanya’s grandson is thriving without any disabilites .
We say thank you to EMT Sean Ward for his actions. He is truly an everyday hero!
Officer Thomas McPartland
While on regular patrol, officer Thomas McPartland observed a vehicle with fogged windows on the side of the road. The man inside said he was fine, but officer McPartland observed a rubber hose coming from the car exhaust back into the vehicle. The driver was also holding a lighter near his mouth and there was a strong odor of gasoline coming from inside the vehicle.
Officer McPartland secured the area and notified headquarters. The car then exploded with the man still inside.
Risking his own life officer McPartland smashed the window and pulled the victim to safety. For risking his own life officer McPartland is truly an everyday hero!
Officers Frank Cooney and Carlo Marucci
On a Saturday in April, Montville police officers Frank Cooney and Carlo Marucci were dispatched to a medical call for a woman unresponsive and not breathing.
When they arrived she had no pulse. They immediately administered 3 shocks and began cpr. The woman’s pulse came back and she was transported to the hospital where she made a full recovery. The woman turned out to be the mother of one of their fellow officers.
So we say thank you officer Cooney and officer Marucci for their actions. They are truly everyday heroes!
