Two Rutherford Firefighters Receive Recognition for Years of Service

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Kim Bogosian, Borough Public Information Officer

Councilman Ray Guzman, Councilwoman Christie Del Rey-Cone, Councilwoman Stephanie McGowan, Chief William Rood, Mayor Frank Nunziato, Councilman Matt Cokeley, and Councilwoman Maria Begg-Roberson

On April 22, 2024, Rutherford Firefighter, William Rood, and his family attended the Mayor and Council meeting where a Proclamation commemorated his fifty years of volunteer service with the Rutherford Fire Department.

The Proclamation included details about lifelong resident William (Bill) R. Rood's fifty years with the Rutherford Fire Department, including his positions as Lieutenant, Captain, President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Truck Company 1. He was elected Chief of the Rutherford Fire Department in 1988 and 2003. Additionally, Bill held the position of South Bergen Zone 1 Coordinator from 1989 until 2023, was President of the RFD Fund Drive Committee, Member and Secretary of the RFD Relief Association, Life Member of the South Bergen Fire Chiefs Association and the NJ State Firemen Association.

Councilman Matt Cokeley presenting Neil O'Hara with his Proclamation

On May 20, 2024, Rutherford Firefighter Neil O'Hara and his family attended the Mayor and Council meeting where a Proclamation was read to commemorate his fifty-five years of service with the Rutherford Fire Department.

Neil O'Hara is a third-generation Firefighter and his son, Brian, is a fourth-generation Firefighter. Throughout his fifty-five years, Neil held leadership roles including Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, Captain, Lieutenant, Engineer, Company President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of Rutherford Hose & Engine Co. # 3

Both Firefighters were congratulated for their years of service and their commitment to the community where they reside with their families.