Edison honors EMTs, police and firefighters; EMTs credited with rapid cardiac response

At the Edison Rotary Club's Student of the Year and Heroes of the Year dinner, Hackensack Meridian Health EMS honored mobile intensive care nurses Kimberly Salaj and Michelle Golba Nork for their March response to a firefighter who suffered chest pains at a local station. Presenters said the team performed an EKG, diagnosed a heart attack, transmitted the EKG to the emergency department, started two IVs, administered fluids for low blood pressure and transferred the patient to a waiting cath lab — all beginning within 19 minutes of arriving on scene.

Michelle Golba Nork accepted the award and emphasized teamwork across EMS, police and fire. She urged attendees to learn hands-only CPR, saying those early minutes “can change somebody's life.” Kimberly Salaj echoed that the outcome was the product of the whole team, including basic life-support crews and firefighters stationed at the scene.

The Rotary also honored Patrolman Christopher Chimeluca for several rapid responses during 2025, including locating a vehicle reported stolen from Metro Park and making arrests after a foot pursuit. Chimeluca said he also spends time easing anxious drivers with special needs by walking them through a mock traffic stop.

Battalion Chief Kevin O'Grady of the Edison Division of Fire was recognized for 34 years of service, two life-saving awards, paramedic certification (2004), long-term part-time work with Hackensack Meridian Health and membership on New Jersey Task Force One, with deployments to Hurricane Sandy and the 2021 Miami building collapse. Organizers said Chief O'Grady will retire on September 1st.

Speakers also referenced a fire on I-287 the prior day and thanked emergency personnel for their response. Organizers invited attendees to remain for cake and coffee following the program.