Bergen County posthumously names Staff Sergeant Matthew Joskowitz veteran of the month

The Bergen County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 19 posthumously recognized Staff Sergeant Matthew Joskowitz as the county—s veteran of the month for January 2025 and presented his family with a county service medal, a certificate of commendation and the county executive—s coin.

The recognition highlighted Joskowitz—s local roots and military record, and officials said the ceremony was meant to honor his service and sacrifice. Vice Chairman Steve Tonelli introduced the tribute and gave the biographical remarks; the county executive and other county officials joined commissioners at the dais and later presented the awards to family members.

Joskowitz was described in the presentation as born and raised in Fairview, a standout wrestler at Cliffside Park High School and an Army paratrooper who served five years with the 82nd Airborne Division. County officials said he had achieved the rank of staff sergeant, earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and an Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and died in a nontraining accident at Fort Bragg in February 2019. A wrestling tournament at Cliffside Park High School was noted as a continuing memorial to him.

"Tonight, we honor Staff Sergeant Matthew Joskowitz for his service and sacrifice," Tonelli said during the presentation.

County Executive [name not provided in transcript] addressed the family and presented the county coin and a certificate. The board also noted the involvement of the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services in the recognition.

The presentation was ceremonial; no board action or policy change was associated with the recognition. Commissioners used the moment to underscore the county—s stated commitment to veterans— services, including work the county executive has said helped end veteran homelessness.

Family members, local mayors and law-enforcement representatives attended the ceremony at 1 Bergen County Plaza.