Mike Tarantino: Twelve Years as Rutherford EMS Squad Captain

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Volunteers are the backbone of communities. Our Borough is fortunate to be able to recognize an individual who has dedicated most of his life to volunteerism and protecting the safety and health of Rutherford residents. During a Mayor and Council meeting in January, Mike Tarantino, was recognized for his twelve years as Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Volunteer Corps Squad Captain. This is Rutherford interviewed Mike to learn about his dedication to the Ambulance Corps and service.

Carmen Addeo and Mike Tarantino

TIR: How long have you been a member of the Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps?

Mike Tarantino: I joined the Rutherford Ambulance Corp as a youth member (now known as cadet) in January 1971 - currently an active member for 55 years.

TIR: What are some of the roles you have taken on while a volunteer in this organization?

MT: Youth Squad - Captain, Lieutenant, Training Officer

Squad - Captain,  2nd Lieutenant, Training Officer

Corporation - President

Chairperson /member of numerous committees

Health Official Jennifer Galarza explained, "Mike Tarantino has been a member of the Board of Health since 2022, and his impact has been felt in so many meaningful ways. He has been a true asset to the board, leading with integrity, thoughtfulness, and a genuine commitment to the community. Working alongside Mike has been both a pleasure and an honor. He leads with quiet confidence, treats everyone with respect, and brings people together in a way that makes the work better. I personally look up to Mike as a mentor and truly value his guidance and example. His presence has inspired all of us, and the board is stronger because of his leadership and character."

TIR: After twelve years, you recently stepped down as Captain of the Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps, however, you will still be an active volunteer with the EMS.  What are some of the most memorable experiences you can recall during your time as Captain?

MT: Yes, I still ride the ambulance. As Captain we worked together to successfully lead the squad through numerous public health crises, ranging from SARS and Ebola to COVID-19. It is a significant point of pride that our members never shied away from a call—even when other towns suspended service—and we maintained a professional approach that resulted in zero members contracting an illness while on duty. The squad demonstrated unwavering commitment during major weather events, including Hurricanes Sandy, Irene, and Ida, with members consistently stepping up without concern for their personal safety. As Captain we managed the heavy responsibility of profoundly sad incidents, including fatal motor vehicle accidents in 2015, 2020, and 2022, as well as the EMS concerns for major area events like the Super Bowl and World Cup Club games.

"Mike is the consummate professional. His depth of knowledge and experience in emergency management helped our ensure our EMS had PPE, training, and protocols in place to keep our department and community safe through COVID and beyond. We are so lucky that he has been mentoring our next generation of leaders and his legacy will forever be present in Rutherford for many years to come!" explained Council President Stephanie McGowan.

Several generations of Volunteers EMTs in Mike's family

TIR: What do you find most rewarding about being a member of the Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps?

MT: My tenure with the Rutherford First Aid Ambulance Corps was defined by rewards that were both deeply personal and profoundly community-oriented. Perhaps the most life-changing experience began during my first term as Captain 45 years ago, when I met and married my wife (Miss Jane at the Library) —a fellow squad member—and eventually saw my daughter (Jennifer) join the squad as well. Beyond my own family, I found a unique satisfaction in seeing neighbors around town whom I once helped during their moments of need, particularly seeing children who were once sick or injured now grown and thriving years later. Ultimately, the greatest gift has been the enduring friendships made within the ambulance Corp and across the emergency services, local government, and the residents of Rutherford.

Councilman Dennis Mazone and Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps EMT, "I’ve known Mike Tarantino for well over 20 years, both through his service as Chief of Detectives with the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security, and as Captain of the Rutherford Ambulance Corps. Mike is an exceptional leader and dedicated public servant. His calm leadership style instills confidence and builds trust. Rutherford is fortunate to have him, and I’m proud to call Mike my friend."

TIR: You are still the Coordinator of OEM (Office of Emergency Management) for the Borough.  What does that role entail?

MT: As the Rutherford OEM Coordinator, I am responsible for the development and continuous refinement of the Borough’s Emergency Operation Plan, working in close affiliation with Bergen County OEM and the New Jersey State Police. My role ensures that Rutherford remains in full compliance with all FEMA Emergency Management Programs requirements, including meeting a state-approved municipal response strategy. During weather emergencies and local crises, I work  as a bridge between our first responders, DPW, Fire Safety, and Health departments to ensure a swift, organized, and effective response for the safety of all residents.

“Having worked alongside Michael during his time as Captain of the Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps has been a pleasure.   He is the epitome of excellence in his field and a dedicated first responder and Rutherfordian, the likes of which may be hard to ever emulate. He ends his leadership role leaving a great group of volunteers and an organization that is a beacon for all of our surrounding jurisdictions to take note of. I wish Michael all the best in his future endeavors as he walks away from his captain’s position…he has definitely earned it," Chief John Russo told TIR.

Mike Tarantino, Jennifer Capoano (Tarantino), and Jimmy Ahearn

TIR: Your daughter, Jennifer Capoano, is the current Vice-President of the Ambulance Corps, and has been a member and Board member alongside you for many years.  You are also a third-generation member of the Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps.  Why do you think giving back to the community in this way is so important to your family?

MT: Giving back isn’t just a volunteer activity for my family; it is a shared legacy that shows our character. Growing up as a third-generation member, I was raised on the rewarding stories of my parents’ and grandparents’ dedication, which naturally instilled a natural desire to serve. This commitment reached a great highlight when I served as Captain of the Youth squad while my father was Squad Captain and my grandfather was President of the Corporation—a rare alignment of three generations in leadership. That tradition of camaraderie continues today with my daughter, our fourth generation, who has joined the ranks. One of my greatest joys has been the opportunity for my daughter and me to serve as squad officers together, bridging the gap between generations in real-time. This spirit of service is truly in our blood, and I look forward to the day my grandchildren continue this legacy into the future.

Mike Tarantino's daughter, Jennifer Capoano, proudly explained, "Growing up watching my Dad, and all the other family members, really inspired me to become an EMT. Even through the missed dinners and holidays, he still managed to be a leader at home and at work. He instilled the values of hard work, compassion towards others, and a deep rooted sense of community in me. I'm very proud to carry on this family legacy."

Photos above: Mike Tarantino and Genesee Orlowicz. Photo credits: Genesee Orlowicz

"Our captain's 12 years of service left a mark on our team. His unwavering dedication, mentorship, and commitment to safety inspired us all. Even after stepping down, his guidance and wisdom continue to resonate, and is just a text away. He's a true leader whose absence is deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in the lessons he shared and the lives he touched.

Beyond being an exceptional leader, he is a cherished friend with whom I treasure every little moment. Whether we were on duty or off, we always made time to snap a photo—our shared memories could easily fill a slideshow! His warmth and camaraderie are sorely missed, but the pictures serve as precious reminders of our friendship.

Great leaders leave behind a legacy that inspires others to follow in their footsteps. Our captain's leadership was a beacon of excellence, and motivates us to follow his example. Filling his role won’t be easy, but his guidance will remain our compass," Rutherford First-Aid Ambulance Corps EMT, Genesee Orlowicz, told TIR.

To learn even more about Michael Tarantino, click here.