SHOUT OUT: Hitching a ride with their Wallington colleagues, Garfield firefighters brought a family of six a 42-inch television, $1,000 worth of toys and childrens’ clothes, food and more this afternoon.

With Engine 3 out of service for repairs, Santa and his firefighting helpers hitched a ride with Wallington Hose Co. 3 to fulfill their annually adopt-a-family tradition.

Amanda Yarmula and Tiffany Saimson helped by wrapping all the gifts.

Mom and Dad were allowed to open one gift — the TV, donate by the Garfield WalMart after store managers learned that the family didn’t have one.

It was a joyful afternoon for the couple and their kids — ages 9, 6, 5 and 2 — as crew members toted box after box into the home.

PHOTOS / INFO: Garfield Assistant Fire Chief E.J. Morano

SHOUT OUT: Hackensack firefighters today bought Christmas toys and other presents for 50 disadvantaged children — many of them without parents — ranging in age from three months to 17 years old.

“The looks on the kids faces when they receive their gifts will be priceless,” said John Taylor, vice-president of IAFF Local 3172, which teamed up with Local 2081 for the purchases.

The children are with Youth Consultation Services (YCS) of Bergen County in Hackensack.

“Most if not all of these kids do not have parents, or they have been takes away from their parents,” Fire Lt. Justin Derevyanik said. “Members of the department wanted the children to be in the holiday spirit and were glad to assist YCS.”

PHOTOS: Courtesy HACKENSACK FD

SHOUT OUT: Two rookie Port Authority police officers talked an 18-year-old Cliffside Park man from jumping off the George Washington Bridge this morning — the 69th save of the year on the span, authorities said.

It was also the second save in three months for Officer Katherine Acevedo, who teamed up with Officer Anthony Estevez — both graduates of the PAPD’s 113th class.

The officers spotted the would-be jumper on the bridge’s south walkway around 7:45 this morning, the authority’s Joseph Pentangelo told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

Police also were receiving calls from bridge motorists headed into New York City that a man was acting suspiciously on the walkway.

He “admitted to the officers that he was depressed and was contemplating jumping from the bridge,” Pentangelo said.

They helped change his mind and he was taken to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center for a psychiatric evaluation, he said.

The PAPD’s 69 interventions this year represent an 86% increase over last year, Pentangelo said.

There have also been 17 confirmed deaths in leaps from the bridge.

There were 15 confirmed GWB suicides and 49 interventions last year.

These came after what is considered a recent GWB record, 18 suicides, that were recorded in 2012 — more than all of the other Hudson and East River crossings combined — following a decade that averaged six per year.

The Port Authority this summer announced plans for a nine-foot, $50 million barrier to deter would-be jumpers, following one planned at the Golden Gate Bridge in California (SEE: GWB suicide nets are good news).

SHOUT OUT: As police officers from dozens of Bergen County towns distributed toys and other presents to terminally ill, sick and needy children today, not one took note of a recipient’s skin color or nationality.

“With certain people pushing so much negativity out there, it’s wonderful to see the hearts that these men and women show,” said retired Closter Police Sgt. Donald Nicoletti, one of the driving forces behind the Bergen County PBA Toy Drive since it’s inception 26 years ago.

“It can be really heart-wrenching to see some of these little ones and their families,” Nicoletti told CLIFFVIEW PILOT after the unit completed deliveries to the M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center and the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood.

“But these officers are phenomenal,” the the de factor commander of the “Santa Response Team” said.

PHOTO, TOP: Bergen County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Downing

Several veterans hung back as first-timers and other officers joined Santa in delivering presents to the youngsters and their siblings, parents and others.

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDE SHOW:

The annual visit has become one of the largest and most popular missions of mercy in the Northeast — and includes other emergency responders, family members and friends.

“This has really taken on a life of its own,” Nicoletti said, after tens of thousands of donated gifts grew into a mountain of joy at the Closter firehouse this morning.

The collection provided enough leftovers to fill Christmas wish lists for several local organizations that service needy children and their families.

A record 42 police departments participated this year. Military members from the Teaneck Armory also turned out in force once again — both to collect presents for families of soldiers overseas and to transport the deluge of gifts in four vehicles to the hospitals.

And as is the custom, personal wish lists were also filled.

That included an iPad and other high-end gifts for the cancer-stricken 6-year-old son of a Lodi police officer.

Knocking off after a day that traced the sun’s rise and descent, many of the participants turned for home both physically and emotionally spent.

Yet they agreed they wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.

That includes a smiling Nicoletti.

“The SRT strikes again,” he said.

The CLIFFVIEW PILOT PHOTO TEAM: Closter Police Detective Sgt. Vincent Aiello, Fair Lawn Police Officer Michael O’Brien, Bergen County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Downing

SHOUT OUTS: Teaneck Police Chief Robert A. Carney officially shed the “acting” title during a promotional ceremony during last night’s Township Council meeting.

Carney (photo above, center) was appointed acting chief after Robert Wilson retired in March.

Also promoted last night:

Deputy Chief Glenn O’Reilly (3rd from left), from captain;
Capt. John Faggello (3rd from right), from lieutenant;
Lt. Scott Tesser (2nd from left), from sergeant;
Sgt. Kimberly Johnson (far left);
Sgt. Zoraida Martinez (right);
Sgt. Jeanette Williams (far right).

PHOTO: Courtesy TEANECK PD

SHOUT OUT: Washington Township’s volunteer firefighters are in the last big weekend of their popular Christmas tree sale.

The firefighters boast a wide variety of trees — from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. — until Christmas Eve at their Washington Avenue headquarters.

Also available are wreaths (1-5 feet), grave blankets and other Christmas accessories — along with plenty of netting and twine — as well as metal tree stands and disposal skirts.

There’s also a complimentary BBQ from noon-3 p.m. today and tomorrow.

As an entirely volunteer organization, the Washington Township Fire Department depends on donations. The firefighters, as a result, are dedicated to offering value to those looking for anything from the dense, traditional Balsam, the versatile old-fashioned Douglas or the strong-branched Fraser, to a a four- or five-foot high “Charlie Brown” tree.

The firefighters will also provide the muscle to make sure your tree is loaded properly onto your vehicle.

SHOUT OUT: Today is the last day to buy your Christmas tree from Dumont Boy Scout Troop 1345. There are plenty of choice selections available.

It starts at noon and ends at 6 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, 185 West Madison Ave.

Proceeds go toward events and equipment for the more than 40 scouts and the group of dedicated adults who lead them.

Founded in 2008, the troop has helped seven young men become Eagle Scouts.

PHOTO: Life Scout Andrew Warta (r.) helping the Wagner family

SHOUT OUTS: A special Christmas delivery is headed overseas for troops from Bergen County this week, thanks to the owners, employees, patrons and friends of Tommy Fox’s in Bergenfield.

More than $4,000 was donated — and countless inches of facial hair grown — during a Movember fundraiser to buy necessities for troops from the Bergenfield/Dumont/New Milford area.

Gerry Fox

“We were blown away by the enthusiasm and willingness to help from everyone involved,” co-owner Tommy O’Reilly (photos above) told CLIFFVIEW PILOT yesterday.

A regular at the popular Washington Avenue venue sparked the idea while talking about care packages that he sent to his grandon in Afghanistan, O’Reilly said. These included shampoo, razors, deodorant and other hard-to-come-by items, he said.

When the grandson returned, O’Reilly said, “he told us that not everyone was as fortunate as him to have people sending such needed items.

“It inspired us.”

O’Reilly, along with co-owner Gerry Fox (above, right) and several barkeeps and customers, grew beards and mustaches in exchange for donations.

Bartenders Alan O’Cleirigh and Brendan Durkan sweetened the deal with a little friendly competition, seeing who could raise the most.

A Movember “Shave Off” was held on Dec. 5, with Shannon Callahan volunteering her hair dressing expertise to give all the participants a clean shave.

“The money was raised in small donations from our customers, family, and friends,” O’Reilly said. “Retired Bergenfield Detective TJ Lee and Tara Durkan of the Schraalenburgh Inn also reached out to their networks.

“We used the donated funds to purchase the needed supplies to fill the packages,” he said.

“The Teaneck Armory provided us with a list of the most needed items to purchase,” O’Reilly said, adding that next-door neighbor Hakim International Trading helped secure most of what was needed.

“We are coordinating with the Teaneck Armory to send them out within the week.”

O’Reilly and Fox thanked the staff and other businesses for their time and single-minded dedication to the cause.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing customers,” O’Reilly added. “Lots of people are already asking to help with next year’s event.

“We can’t wait!”

SHOUT OUT: Fairview’s Chamber of Commerce marked the 50-year anniversary of borough firefighters’ Christmas holiday tour with a plaque of appreciation to its key organizers.

Al Demuro (second from left), the chamber’s vice-chairman, presents the plaque to former Fire Chief Dennis (Santa) Licameli, Ralph Salemme, Tony Marsico and Chief Pat Buglione.

Licameli is only the fifth firefighter in the tour’s 50 years to participate in Sunday’s festivities, which included a float, holiday characters and decorated apparatus for the entertainment of residents, merchants and their children, as well as a visit to hospitalized youngsters.

Salemme and Marsico were originators of the holiday tour.

PHOTO: Ron Jeffers

SHOUT OUT: In the true spirit of Christmas, Bogota police delivered food and toys to needy families in town.

Thanks to Sgts. Daniel Maye and Craig Lynch, Officers Hector Liriano, Ryan Ward, Kevin Geraghty, Michael LaFerrera and Auxiliary Police Officer Al Dahzy, large satchels of toys were delivered to very surprised and happy children.

In addition, a holiday dinner consisting of an 18-pound turkey and all the fixins were delivered to the parents.

Officers collected many of the items and others were donated to them for the annual event.

“I could not be prouder of my department and the efforts they have put forth to represent that they truly are THE FINEST,” Bogota Police Chief John Burke told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.

“As the givers, we came away feeling like we received the gift when we witnessed the smiles and the joy in the faces of the children and parents,” he said.

“I do believe in Santa Claus. He is REAL and lives within each of us.”

PHOTOS: Stephen Mazzella, Mazzway Photos LLC

PHOTOS: Stephen Mazzella, Mazzway Photos LLC

SHOUT OUT: Fair Lawn police officers continue their popular “Coffee With a Cop” series on Jan. 6 at Fisher’s Cafe on Fair Lawn Avenue.

The department encourages citizens to come and discuss community issues, build relationships – and drink coffee — from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

The coffee is free.

Part of a massive effort by local police nationwide, Coffee With A Cop “provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Fair Lawn’s neighborhoods,” Sgt. Brian Metzler said.

“The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations,” he added. “Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship-building.”

What’s more, Metzler said, “some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.

“ ‘Coffee With A Cop’ breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction…one cup at a time,” he said. “No agenda or speeches — just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.”

“Coffee with A Cop” is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country.

INFO: coffeewithacop.com 

OR: Contact Metzler (201) 794-5365 / bmetzler@fairlawnpd.com

PHOTOS: Jen Haber (TOP), Nick Evans (ABOVE)

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Members of a Fair Lawn family whose home was destroyed by fire today are holding a garage sale tomorrow and Sunday to help their loved ones. Meanwhile, firefighters returned late tonight after the blaze rekindled in the attic.

“My parents, my sisters Grace Elizabeth and Starr Marion, lost EVERYTHING,” a sibling named Serena Marion posted on Facebook tonight. “This is how everyone can help us.

“Please come buy our [stuff] and to make room in our apartment for my parents and sister.”

Marion’s home is at 14-10 George St., across from Fair Lawn police headquarters.

“Please come stop by to buy something or bring a clothes item or two for my family,” Marion wrote.

* * * * * *

WHAT’S NEEDED:

Male (1):

Size 32-34 pants/jeans, large shirt (flannel), size 11 shoe.

Female (3):

– womens 8 or medium/large, size 8 shoe.
- womens 18/20 extra large, 9 to 9-½ shoe.
- womens 16/”tomboyish” (oversized shirts, hoodies, sweatpants), 8½ shoe.

* * * * * *

The roof of the 2½-story, 5th Street house collapsed in the three-alarm blaze, which broke out around 2:45 p.m. and took the life of a pet dog and cat.

Some neighbors were temporarily evacuated.

The cause wasn’t immediately determined, but it wasn’t believed suspicious.

Firefighters from Glen Rock and Saddle Brook assisted, while their colleagues from Elmwood Park and Rochelle Park remained on standby.

A rekindle in the attic brought firefighters back a little after 11 p.m.

PHOTOS (ABOVE): Jen Haber

ABOVE: Nick Evans
BELOW: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Correspondent Damien Danis

SHOUT OUT: Little Ferry police used Narcan to save the life of an overdosing heroin user this weekend.

Officers responding to a parent’s call to a Redneck Avenue home just after 2 p.m. Saturday found the 19-year-old man unresponsive in bed and heroin bags lying around, Detective Ronald Klein Jr. told CLIFFVIEW PILOT tonight.

A few minutes after receiving the Narcan, he began to come around, Klein said.

He was taken to Holy Name Medical Center.

SHOUT OUT: Modell’s Sporting Goods is selling “I LOVE NEW YORK’S FINEST” t-shirts online and in its stores to raise money for the families of two NYPD officers gunned down by a madman in Brooklyn.

All of the proceeds from the shirts go to the families of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.

The shirts are $10 each.

“We must take care of our own,” CEO Mitchell Modell said.

“With the outpouring of requests for this great cause, we felt that it was necessary to make [the shirts] available online. We’ve had a tremendous response from Police Officers looking to support the cause from Houston, Chicago, Boston, and Baltimore.”

CLICK HERE:

http://www.modells.com/i_love_new_yorks_finest_t-shirt

TRIBUTE: Sophie Gill Kolonics was a teenager when she began working behind her dad’s bar on Bender Place in Cliffside Park, just below Palisade Avenue above Gorge Road.

Kolonics, who went on to own and operate Gill’s Tavern, turning it into an Eastern Bergen institution, died of a heart attack Friday while surrounded by loved ones. She was 87 and still working — more than 50 years after she’d started.

Now Gill’s is opening its doors for a memorial and its Facebook page to remembrances of the woman with the perpetual smile.

“She was like a mom to me,” wrote Francie Donovan. “[M]any nites I would visit her and we would catch up on our day. Her energy was unstoppable[. S]he cared, genuinely cared about people, their families and just how you were.”

“Growing up in Cliffside Park everyone knew & loved Sophie,” Teri Powers added. “[W]henever anyone would say lets meet at Gill’s, Sophie & her yummy burgers were one of the first things u would think of, along with having a great time with great people.”

“Made the best burgers w/onion as sweet as she was,” added Richard Gianfredi. “Sophie had a golden perpetual smile!”

A funeral is set for 11 a.m. Thursday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 555 Palisade Ave., Cliffside Park, followed by burial in Hackensack Cemetery. A memorial will be held at Gill’s from 5 to 7 o”clock that night.

Visiting hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Konopka a Funeral Home, 9046 Palisade Ave., North Bergen.

The family florist is Blue Violet Florist, 455 Harding Place, Fairview, (201) 941-8674. And although flowers would be appreciated, Sophie’s family intends to set up a local scholarship in her name at Cliffside Park High School, her alma mater.

Details for donating to the scholarship will be posted as soon as arrangements are made. Donations can also be made during the wake service.

You can also add to and/or read the warm, cheerful remembrances of Sophie by going to: Memories of Sophie / Gill’s Tavern (FACEBOOK)

SHOUT OUT: Jersey City’s Police Detectives Benevolent Association will host a benefit “A Walk to Remember” at Liberty State Park tomorrow honoring the 118 police officers killed in the line of duty last year across the United States.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the family of Detective Melvin Santiago, who was shot and killed last July 13 while responding to a holdup.

CLIFFVIEW PILOT PHOTO

Contributions to the association’s Fallen Officers Fund will be designated for Santiago’s younger brother, Alex.

The first 1,000 people to register for the walk will receive a wool cap with Santiago’s Badge No. 2650.

The event will begin at noon and kick off from North Cove Field located at the foot of Audrey Zapp Road.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno are among the public officials confirmed to attend.

*      *      *      *      *      *

About the JCPD-DBA: In July 2009, one day before his 38^th birthday, Detective Mark DiNardo, a 10 year veteran of the Jersey City Police Department died after being shot in the face in an act of bravery, while confronting two armed robbery suspects (SEE: A fitting farewell). At the time of his passing, Mark left behind 3 children under the age of 5, and his wife, Mary. It was this tragic event, and sudden loss of a Detective, Husband, and Father, that prompted the establishment of the Fallen Officer’s Fund. The purpose of the fund is to put survivor benefits in place for the loved ones of sworn law enforcement officers, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice when bravely serving in the line of duty.

SHOUT OUT: Wallington police had their first Narcan save when two officers rescued a 22-year-old heroin victim who had turned blue and wasn’t breathing.

The Main Avenue victim’s mother told Sgt. Daniel Ziobro that her son “may have taken drugs,” so he looked at the man’s arm and found needle marks, Police Chief Carmello Imbruglia told CLIFFVIEW PILOT this afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Wallington Emergency Squad began CPR.

Ziobro administered a dose of Narcan and the man “began breathing on his own and slowly opened his eyes,” the chief said.

“The patient was able to tell the sergeant where the drugs and drug paraphernalia was,” he said.

Officers recovered five bags of heroin stamped “Porsche” in red and two hypodermic needles, while the WES took the victim to St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic, Imbruglia said.

No charges were filed, under the New Jersey Overdose Prevention Act, he said.

“I am very proud of my officers and the Wallington Emergency Squad for their quick response and actions taken,” the chief said. “I am also grateful that the Bergen County Prosecutor initiated the Narcan Program — it is going to save a lot of lives across the county.”

SHOUT OUT: “Sometimes you have to improvise,” said an EMT who dragged a man having a heart attack more than a quarter-mile on a blanket on icy Route 95 in Teaneck with help from bystanders yesterday after a massive pileup.

“One thing I’ve learned though 6,000-plus calls is that there are no textbook cases,” Michael Rothschild told CLIFFVIEW PILOT this afternoon.

CLIFFVIEW PILOT published an exclusive video of yesterday’s rescue, shot with a cellphone by TSA agent Arianny Luna. Several TV networks picked it up, broadcasting and posting the clip online:

With so many area municipalities rushing to so many local calls due to yesterday’s ice-over morning roadaways, members of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps were on their own.

That meant not only covering 15 other townwide motor vehicle accidents and medical calls but contending with a more-than 30-car pileup on the southbound highway near the Leonia border caused when a tractor-trailer jack-knifed just after 8 a.m.

Sixteen people in all were injured, including a woman who had to be cut from an SUV pinned below a truck in the pileup and the 58-year-old man who Rothschild found in the early stages of a heart attack.

“My partner was taking care of our first couple of patients and I went to look for others,” said Rothschild, a lifelong Teaneck resident and crew chief who just completed his 30th year as a EMT.

The rear-seated passenger “had symptoms that suggested the possible onset of a heart attack,” the married father of three told CLIFFVIEW PILOT, “so I had to get him out of there right away.”

The nearest stretcher was way up the road — and had a patient on it, anyway.

“I had no equipment and the only thing I could think of was to make a sled and drag him over the ice to the ambulance,” Rothschild said. “I asked people in their cars if anyone had a blanket.

“It was a good quarter to half a mile. But with the help from the bystanders, we made it.”

The man was taken to Holy Name Medical Center, as were the other victims. Due to federal privacy laws, his condition wasn’t immediately known.

(MORE PHOTOS: Teaneck ambulance worker, bystanders rescue heart attack victim in Route 95 pileup)

Two TVAC ambulances and an offsite nurse participated in the rescues and transports.

“When you volunteer to do something like EMS, it is a calling and not a job,” Rothschild told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “It’s all about trying to make the worst day for the people you try to help just a little bit better.

“I don’t know [the heart attack victim’s] status,” he said. “But I like to think with rapid identification that the man was in serious trouble and us getting him out of there, we gave him the best chance possible.”

SHOUT OUT: Mixed emotions ran deep this weekend as the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association installed its 2015 president, Wood-Ridge Police Chief Joseph Rutigliano, who earlier that day buried his father in upstate New York.

Also sworn in during a sold-out gala dinner that drew more than 350 people to the Fiesta on Route 17 Saturday night were the association’s Board of Officers:

1st Vice President Frank Regino (Westwood)
2nd Vice President Edward J. Kasper (Oakland)
3rd Vice President Joseph Madden (Park Ridge)
Recording Secretary Fred Stahman (Glen Rock)
Financial Secretary Thomas Shine (Old Tappan)
Sgt at Arms Joseph R. Russo (Rutherford)
Treasurer John Burke (Bogota)

State Sen. Paul Sarlo, Wood-Ridge’s mayor, did the honors for all.

Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli was scheduled to swear in the officers, but he had to fly to Seattle following the death of his father-in-law.

CLICK HERE or at the bottom of the story for a FULL PHOTO GALLERY from the event

Retired Police Chief Michael McGahn served as emcee.

PHOTOS: CLIFFVIEW PILOT Correspondent Maria De Los Angeles

The Paramus Police Honor Guard presented the colors, and the Police Pipes and Drums of Bergen County played “Amazing Grace.”

Presentations were made by, among others, County Executive James Tedesco, who said he had to bolt early so that he could swear in Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg as a fire chief in their town.

Rutigliano’s son, Joseph, also spoke eloquently of his father — as both past and current members of the department, and past association presidents, paid their respects.

Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino also attended, along with several other elected municipal and county officials — and police chiefs from throughout the county.

* * * * * *

CLIFFVIEW PILOT Correspondent Maria De Los Angeles produced a gallery of hundreds of photos that attendees and others are welcome to download here: Bergen County Police Chiefs Association 2015 Installation Dinner

* * * * * *

TRIBUTE: In a climate where some would prefer to pit law enforcement against citizens,  Ridgewood Police Chief John Ward was honored Monday by the Ridgewood and Glen Rock Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee for 35 years of community service “through partnership and collaboration.”

The Rev. Jan Phillips presented Ward with the community service plaque of appreciation during the 33rd annual interfaith celebration of both towns in remembrance of Dr. King, which included a march through downtown and a service.

The committee, made up of 11 volunteers from both municipalities, noted on the plaque that “law and order exists for the purpose of establishing justice” and that “justice is the birthright of every human being.”

It fit with the theme of the day: “Standing on the Side of Justice.”

Ward emphasized that communities achieve justice when they pursue it together and not against one another.

“The only reason we have had the success we have is by making the effort to make regular trust deposits,” he told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “That’s how we get through hard times and make things better.

“Acknowledge the past, yes, but don’t live in it,” Ward said, echoing his comments before more than 125 religious and community leaders, government officials and others at Ridgewood United Methodist Church. “Remember that differences make us unique and give us value. Trust in one another.

“Have the ‘imagine-we-can-do-this’ attitude and you can’t lose.”

Those beliefs were underscored by visiting Rev. James Alexander Forbes Jr., of Riverside Church in Manhattan, who said he is troubled by “the anger all across the land” and “the use of violence to show displeasure.”

Dr. King would have protested, too, but peacefully, Forbes said.

“Be angry, but do not sin,” he said, quoting the Bible. Build up instead of breaking down.”

PHOTO: Courtesy Ridgewood and Glen Rock Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee