Woodcliff Lake honors volunteer firefighters after school-bus rescue

The Woodcliff Lake Borough Council on April 21 issued a proclamation recognizing the Woodcliff Lake Volunteer Fire Department for its response to a March 10 school-bus rollover that left a child trapped under wreckage.

In remarks to the council, Fire Chief Kulkkey described arriving on scene from a nearby assignment, finding a person trapped under the exterior of the bus, and using airbags to lift the vehicle. "They did a very good job," the chief said, adding that rescuers started CPR immediately and that it took about nine minutes from arrival to extrication. He told the council the patient remained hospitalized and on life support after the rescue.

Mayor Carlos Rando and other council members praised the volunteers’ professionalism and mutual-aid cooperation with neighboring towns. "What you did that night is nothing short of extraordinary," a council speaker said during the proclamation reading, noting the personal sacrifices of volunteer firefighters and their families.

The proclamation, read by the council president, formally commended Chief Kulkkey and the department for "bravery, swift action, and commitment to saving lives." Council members invited firefighters and their families to remain for the rest of the meeting; no formal policy action followed the recognition.

The council and mayor encouraged continued public support for volunteer emergency services and emphasized the importance of mutual aid across municipal borders. The borough also noted upcoming community events that will include further public thanks to first responders.