Wantage honors local hero

WANTAGE — Wantage Township on Thursday, Jan. 8, gave a Citation of Valor to Justin Sudol for life-saving actions he took on Oct. 22, 2014.

Sudol saved the life of an 18-year-old woman who had slid into a pond with her vehicle on a rainy evening along Route 628. The back of her Jeep Cherokee was still sticking up, she had her seat belt on and was talking to her mother on the phone. Sudol jumped into the water, opened the rear hatch, encouraged her to climb out the back, and helped her to shore.

His rescue was successful because of quick, accurate thinking. The jeep sank a few minutes later.

"I always keep my eyes open," Sudol said.

Committeeman Jon Morris told Sudol what he accomplished was “nothing short of extraordinary.

"If (he0 had hesitated or done something differently, there could have been quite a different outcome,” said Morris, who encouraged the fire department and EMT squad to drop an application off to Sudol.

"Take ours first," former Mayor Bill DeBoer said.

Other honors
The Committee gave plaques of honor to 2014 Mayor Bill DeBoer for his years of service to Wantage Township.

They also gave a plaque to Henry Richard Byma after being selected as the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year for the state of New Jersey.

Administrator James Doherty recognized and gave the Oath of Allegiance for the Wantage Fire Department and Wantage First Aid Squad Line Officers who were present at the meeting.