BRICK – Everyday heroes received their very own cape for their dedication to helping others and improving the Brick Township community.
The 11th Annual Brick Hero Awards was held at the Brick Memorial High School auditorium and hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory. The event gives the opportunity to acknowledge residents and businesses who have made a positive impact in the community and awards them for their acts of kindness.
“The Brick Hero Awards are special because they recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to make Brick Township a better place,” Mayor Lisa Crate said. “These awards serve as a reminder of the power of community, the impact of selfless service, and the importance of celebrating those who work tirelessly for the greater good.”
This year, a total of 17 recipients were recognized based on the following categories: Business, Community Stewardship, Military/Veterans, Non-Profit Organization, Public Safety, Public Service, School Personnel, Seniors, Volunteerism and Youth. Each hero was pinned with a green superhero cape.
“In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines, this night serves as a refreshing reminder of the kindness, generosity, and dedication that exist right here in Brick Township,” said Brandi White, Coordinator of Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee. “It’s not just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the spirit of community and the impact that even small acts of heroism can have. Plus, the fact that it is student-led makes it even more meaningful, as it inspires the next generation to lead with compassion and service.”
One of the honorees of the night was EMT Deputy Chief Tim Cranmer from Brick Township EMS/Rescue, who helped save an elderly woman on June 17, 2024. The initial report was that the woman fell down a hill and was uninjured. However, first responders discovered that the woman and her dog had fallen 10 to 15 feet down a steep embankment and were clinging on for life, about 20 to 30 feet above the riverbank. EMTs Bloomer and Kalinowski called for additional resources which brought Station 24, Supervisor DePiano and an additional crew.
While Bloomer descended down by a throwing bag rope to attempt to reach the woman, they were concerned she would slip further. EMT Bloomer then took the rope he was on and secured the patient as best he could with the limited tools available placing himself in harm’s way.
At the initial dispatch, Deputy Chief Tim Cranmer, who was off-duty, happened to hear the call on the radio. Once the additional resources were requested with the update for the need of a rope rescue, Cranmer responded from his home.
Cranmer directed EMT Bloomer and former EMT Speidel to build a 3 to 1 rope system using a tree by the home as an anchor. He then donned his helmet and gloves and gained access to the river bank.
The patient was being held up by just a single line under her arms, which became unsuccessful. Cranmer took on the primary rescuer role and built a hasty harness on the patient with the assistance of the Station 24 members. As a result, she was successfully hoisted to safety.
Another honoree was Sue Penrod, an Athletic Trainer at Brick Memorial High School for the past 27 years. She was nominated by Brick Memorial High School Principal Edward Sarluca.
“To call her professional and caring would be an understatement – her commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes and staff is unmatched. Her impact extends far beyond the training room, as she plays a crucial role in shaping the health and safety protocols that keep our school community protected,” Sarluca said.
In high-pressure emergency situations, she has repeatedly demonstrated composure, skill, and quick thinking. This includes her lifesaving response when a student, wounded in an off-campus shooting, made their way back to the school for help. She also provided emergency care to an opposing coach who suffered a heart attack during an event. Thanks to her swift actions and medical expertise, he is alive today.
Other honorees included Rylee Sherwood, an 8th grader at Lake Riviera Middle School. She is a Silver Award Girl Scout and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Rylee has spent much of her free time giving back to her community through various initiatives she has both organized and led. She’s assembled Thanksgiving meal baskets for families at her middle school, ran a Christmas tree and décor drive to ensure the families at Dottie’s House (a domestic violence shelter) could celebrate the holidays in their new homes, and coordinated a town-wide classroom and school supply drive to support local teachers.
Rylee’s project “Fill the Classrooms” allowed teachers the opportunity to take supplies for free that have been donated, rather than needing to pay out of pocket.
Gary Weitzen from POAC was nominated by Donna Maletto, whose grandson has autism. Maletto told her story how she knew very little about autism at the time of her grandson’s diagnoses. But after learning about POAC Autism Services, they found a community.
“My grandson no longer wonders if he’ll have friends – he knows he will. Whenever he hears we’re going to a POAC event, he jumps up and down with excitement because he knows he will be surrounded by people who truly understand and accept him,” Maletto said. “At the heart of POAC is Gary Weitzen, whose kindness, dedication, and unwavering support have impacted so many lives.”
Keith Rella, “The Voice of Brick Township,” received a hero cape after a nearly year-long battle against a rare neurological disorder. On April 2, 2024 Keith went to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank with a concerning heaviness in his arms and legs. In a matter of days, Keith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a debilitating condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
Within days, Keith lost the ability to use his arms and legs. The condition has spread into his respiratory system. Keith was not able to breathe on his own and had to be placed on a ventilator. Because he was unable to swallow, he was also placed on a feeding tube. GBS took away his ability to speak and what limited movement he had in his head and neck.
Keith has been an employee of the Township for 12 years, serving as a vital ambassador to residents and contractors that need assistance from the Brick Building Department.
On October 30, 2024, Keith was able to return home, officials said. His intensive efforts to recover has shown the world that he is extraordinary.
The following is a full list of the Hero Award Recipients:
- Business – Alex Urbano, Cigars & More
- Business – Dr. David Weiss, Furry Friends Mobile Vet
- Community Stewardship – Judy Harzer
- Community Stewardship – Mike Gingrich
- Military/Veterans – Brian Kaczmarek
- Military/Veterans – Brick American Legion Aux 348
- Non-Profit Organization – Gary Weitzen, POAC
- Public Safety – Tim Cranmer
- Public Service – Keith Rella
- School Personnel – Sue Penrod
- School Personnel – Cheryl Jacobs
- Seniors – Fran Dockery
- Seniors – Judy Henry
- Volunteer – Joanne Martone
- Volunteer – Mike Desmond
- Youth – Jersey Coast Shark Anglers
- Youth – Rylee Sherwood
