PARSIPPANY — Matthew DiLauri, Mayor of the Town of Boonton and the Board of Alderman recognized Communications Officer Ryan Chmura, Patrolman Michael Gulla and Sergeant Royce Stafford and Boonton Fire Department members, Lieutenant Shane Dencker, Firefighter Robert Destefano, Past Chief Peter Herbert, Firefighter Scott Hollinghurst, Battalion Chief David Kaplan, Firefighter Michael Mullaney, Past Chief Richard Osborne, Captain Chris Petonak, Lieutenant Nick Petonak, Fire Chief R.J. Ryerson, Firefighter William Wallace, Past Chief Carl Wendt and Firefighter James Westura for the excellent work they did in saving a life at the cliffs on the Rockaway River on October 2, 2016.
The Proclamation read:
WHEREAS, on October 2, 2016, the Boonton Police Department received a report that someone had fallen down a cliff in Grace Lord Park. Fire Chief R.J. Ryerson heard the dispatch from Communications Officer Ryan Chmura and quickly joined Police Officer Michael Gulla and Sergeant Royce Stafford who had already begun a search. Soon Past Fire Chief Carl Wendt was on the scene manning the command vehicle; and
WHEREAS, searchers spotted a teenager clinging to the rocks about 30 feet above the Rockaway River rapids. Battalion Chief Dave Kaplan threw the boy a line which was then anchored to a tree by Past Chief Richard Osborne and a rescue plan was quickly formulated. Carl Wendt rappelled down the embankment to the boy. Fire Lieutenant Nick Petonak and Firefighters Mike Mullaney and Bill Wallace set up line systems which were used by Firefighter Bob Destefano and Fire Lieutenant Shane Dencker and Past Fire Chief Peter Herbert to rappel to help secure the teen. Firefighter Scott Hollinghurst lowered the basket and a hauling system was set up by Fire Captain Chris Petonak and Firefighter James Westura. Toe boy was brought up to safety and to a waiting ambulance.; and
WHEREAS, these individuals worked together and with other members of the Boonton Police Department, the Boonton Fire Department and the Kiwanis Ambulance Service to bring a happy resolution to the dangerous situation. We admire their teamwork, advanced training, quick wits and sharp skills. We salute them for their bravery and their dedication to the safety and well-being of the public.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Matthew DiLauri, Mayor of the Town of Boonton on behalf of the Board of Alderman and the People of Boonton do hereby recognize Boonton Police Department members, Communications Officer Ryan Chmura, Patrolman Michael Gulla and Sergeant Royce Stafford and Boonton Fire Department members, Lieutenant Shane Dencker, Firefighter Robert Destefano, Past Chief Peter Herbert, Firefighter Scott Hollinghurst, Battalion Chief David Kaplan, Firefighter Michael Mullaney, Past Chief Richard Osborne, Captain Chris Petonak, Lieutenant Nick Petonak, Fire Chief R.J. Ryerson, Firefighter William Wallace, Past Chief Carl Wendt and Firefighter James Westura for the excellent work they did in saving a life at the cliffs on the Rockaway River on October 2, 2016. Thank you all for a job well done.
