Belleville, Nutley ‘Heroes’ Earn Award From NJ Congresswoman

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — Community members from Belleville and Nutley are among 25 people being honored as a “hero” by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill as 2023 draws to a close.

Anthony Del Tufo of Nutley and Susette Bato of Belleville were among Sherrill’s “2023 Heroes of NJ-11.”

As part of the awards, residents of the state’s 11th Congressional district were asked to nominate “everyday heroes” in their lives. After an outpouring of submissions, 25 were chosen as this year’s honorees.

According to a news release from the congresswoman, Del Tufo was nominated by Scout leader Pat Hughes, who wrote:

"Anthony Del Tufo is a young man worthy of recognition as a local hero by Congresswoman Sherrill. He is a 17-year-old student at Nutley High and a Life Scout (soon to be Eagle) with Boy Scout Troop 22, where he is an excellent leader. We feel he is worthy for the following reasons: On Nov 28, 2023, Anthony came across a car on fire in the driveway of a private home. He immediately called 911 and alerted the resident who came out of the house. The resident re-entered the home searching for an extinguisher as fire transferred to the side of the house and blew out the windows. Metal pieces of the car began to fly around. Anthony went into the house and convinced the resident to leave and move away from the home. He also took control of a crowd of neighbors who gathered, convincing them to back away. Anthony stayed until the situation was under control and worked with the local police to complete the necessary report. Anthony has already begun to serve his country as a member of the US Army National Guard, with the rank of PV2. He has completed his basic training and is attached to the Recruit Sustainment Program in Sea Girt. We are very proud of Anthony!"

Bato was nominated by her employer, Cindy Fine, who wrote:

"Susette works with my 28-year-old daughter, Rachel, who has severe, multiple disabilities. Every day, she brings her huge smile to the job. She brings joy to the whole Brookdale, Bloomfield neighborhood as she takes Rachel out to ride her huge, yellow tricycle no matter the weather. She has worked tirelessly to encourage Rachel to greet all the neighbors, and she has succeeded! Everyone knows both of their names, and a greeting from Rachel, who used to ignore people, feels like a gift. Susette was with us every day in the darkest days of the pandemic. Even in that darkness, she brought sunshine."

All 2023 Heroes live or work in NJ-11. They will receive a congressional certificate recognizing their contributions to the community. See the full list here.

“I am so moved by the amazing people throughout our district making a difference in the lives of others,” Sherrill said, noting that this year’s list includes teachers, community leaders, volunteers, health care providers, caregivers and more.

“All are inspiring citizens whose stories should warm everyone’s heart this holiday season,” she emphasized.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page.