Basking Ridge's John Orfan Honored For Decades Of Service

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge resident John Orfan was among 24 people honored last week at Congressman Tom Kean Jr.'s fourth annual Seniors of Distinction.

The event at the Bridgewater Township Senior Center recognized seniors from all six counties in New Jersey's 7th Congressional District for service to their communities.

Honorees were nominated by friends, families or local officials and selected for their history of giving back.

Orfan was recognized as one of three Somerset County honorees.

Kean's Office said Orfan has dedicated more than three decades to the Bernardsville Fire Company No. 1 & First Aid Squad, serving in every available leadership role and earning multiple EMT of the Year honors while responding to major local emergencies.

He is a longtime first responder and 9/11 response volunteer, and his colleagues continue to recognize him as an EMS "Captain Emeritus" for his experience and commitment to the community.

"The people we recognize today represent what is best about our communities," said Kean. "They have spent years giving their time, sharing their experience, helping their neighbors, and strengthening their hometowns. So much of what makes a community strong comes from people who simply choose, day after day, to show up for others. It is a privilege to recognize these extraordinary New Jerseyans and to thank them for the example they continue to set for all of us."

The Somerset County honorees also included Bernard Rosario of Branchburg and William Sundburg of Warren.

Rosario was recognized for supporting local organizations through photography and videography, while Sundburg was cited for work with Warren Township's senior community and the Warren Township Rescue Squad.

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