West Orange first responders win 2020 Valor Awards

Photo Courtesy of Joseph Fagan
From left are West Orange Fire Chief Anthony Vecchio, Councilwoman Susan McCartney, firefighter Daniel Keenan, Fire Capt. Heidi Vanderhoof, firefighter Matthew Kehoe, Fire Capt. Will Holder, police Officer Karen Roach-Mango, Detective Jose Alvarez, Councilwoman Tammy Williams and Police Chief James Abbott.

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 200 Club of Essex County presented its 2020 Valor Awards at West Orange Fire Headquarters on April 22. The awards were originally scheduled to be presented at the annual Valor Awards luncheon last year, but the luncheon was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

Members of the West Orange Fire and Police departments were recognized for their heroic actions on July 30, 2019. On that date, a dump truck crashed into two state troopers who were standing outside their patrol car investigating an accident on I-280 in West Orange. The dump truck subsequently smashed into an ambulance and firetruck already on the scene, causing injuries to the troopers, West Orange Fire Capt. Will Holder and firefighter Matt Keenan. 

The 200 Club of Essex County helps care for dependents of police officers, firefighters and New Jersey state troopers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.​