New Jersey & New York Volunteer Firemen's Association

The NJ/NY VFA had their 101st annual convention on June 6, 2014 at the Cresskill Recreation Center.  Carmen Firenze of Norhtvale recieved the Helene Field Memorial Scholarship ($1,000.00) and Matthew Piscal of North Arlington, NJ received the Presidential Scholarship of $750.00. 10 other recipients received scholarships of $500.00 each.  The Hillsdale Exempt Firemen's Association received the Presidential Unit Citation Award. Captain David Keil received the Hillsdale Rudy Appeld Award. The Bergenfield Fire Dept. received the NJ/NY VFA Unit Citation award.  The Joseph Costello Valor award was given to Lt. Joseph Kopacz, Firefighter Keith Kopacz and Firfefighter Nicholas Kopacz, all of the Garfierld Fire Dept.  They received the award for their actions at a vehicle accident on March 12, 2014 at 1 O'Clock in the morning.  Without any gear they ran from their home and rescued a female victem who was trapped under the dashboard of their car that was totally engulfed in fire.