Rutherford's First Sunday Surprise Salute to Heroes

Submitted by the Borough of Rutherford

(Photos courtesy of Bonnie and Mike Corcoran)

Sunday was Rutherford's first Sunday Surprise Salute to Heroes. Several dozen vehicles participated in a caravan past the homes of two amazing families - the O'Keefes and the Tarantino/Capoano Families. Between only two households, an astounding six essential workers were honored today. These families have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the rest of us safe.

Mike Tarantino is head of Rutherford Office of Emergency Management as well as a volunteer EMT. His daughter Jen Capoano is also a member of the Rutherford Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Her husband Craig Capoano is a member of the Rutherford Police Department.

Thank you, Tarantino and Capoano families for your dedication and sacrifice!

(And you may recognize Mike's wife as every child's favorite "Miss Jane" from the Rutherford Pubic Library!)

Brian O'Keefe (left) is Rutherford's Health Official . His son Patrick and wife Catherine are members of the Rutherford Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Thank you for your dedication and service to our Borough!

The Borough will continue with this program on Sundays and is currently accepting nominations of Rutherford residents who are a positive force in the fight against COVID-19. If you know a local hero deserving of a Sunday Surprise Salute caravan to pass by their house, please send your reasoning and your contact information to jbagnuolo@rutherfordboronj.com.