North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue Capt. Matt Caliente was the recipient of the 2024 National Life Do Good Heroes Award, which acknowledged first responders who perform community service beyond their job duties.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Caliente was nominated by Lewis Morrell and Kevin Zebrowski, of Protection Red, for his tireless service to the North Hudson community over the past 20 years.
He has served as active treasurer for the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), and was named president of the board this year.
“From the first time we met Capt. Caliente, we fell in love with his energy, passion, commitment to his membership, and genuine love for all those he represents. This recognition is a testament to his hard work and commitment to making a difference,” Morrell said in a statement.
Caliente played a pivotal role in leading the way in securing funding for the PFANJ by the Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer Act (FIRE Cancer Act).
This act provides federal funding so that all firefighters across America can access multi-cancer early detection tests and other preventative tests at no out-of-pocket cost — no matter if they’re volunteer or professional firefighters.
Additionally, Caliente is in the process of pushing legislation through New Jersey to help members who struggle with PTSD. This new legislation will ensure that members who are dealing with such circumstances will never have the fear of losing their jobs.
As a Do Good Heroes award winner, Caliente will receive $1,000 to donate to the PFANJ. He will be recognized at a convention on Wednesday, May 29th in Atlantic City.