VFW Honors Five Community Members at Annual Loyalty Day Ceremony

UNION, N.J. — Five members of the Union community were recognized for their service and dedication during Sunday’s annual Loyalty Day ceremony at VFW Michael A. Kelly Post No. 2433.This year’s honorees included Distinguished Citizen Mariateresa Terrezza; Firefighter Timothy Watson; Police Officer Scott Heaton; Board of Education employee Bernadette Watson; and EMT Paolo Gurango.“These individuals have gone above and beyond in service to our community," said Bob Johnsen, VFW past commander and quartermaster, who emceed the event.Johnsen noted a unique milestone in this year’s ceremony, as Bernadette Watson and her son, Timothy Watson, were both recognized — marking the first time a mother and son have received honors in the same year.Local officials and residents gathered for the ceremony, which highlighted the importance of service and civic responsibility.“Today we come together as a community to reflect on the freedoms we cherish, to celebrate the commitment to democracy, and to thank those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation,” said Union Mayor Patricia Guerra-Frazier.Addressing the honorees, the mayor added, “Your service and loyalty inspire us all. Thank you for your dedication to our country and our community.”Loyalty Day, observed annually on May 1, is a national day recognizing patriotism and the contributions of those who serve their country and communities.********Mariateresa Terrezza is the Supervisor of the Township of Union Senior Center, where her dedication, vision and compassionate leadership have made a profound impact on the senior community.Through her compassionate and nurturing leadership, the senior center has become a vibrant, inclusive space where seniors are empowered through health and wellness programs, educational workshops, recreational activities, and social events that foster independence, engagement, and overall quality of life, helping veterans and widows of veterans.Terrezza holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in social work, along with a Certificate in Gerontology. She is also a Certified Public Manager through Rutgers University. Her academic foundation combined with extensive hands-on experience allows her to design and implement innovative programs tailored to the evolving needs of seniors, ensuring that every individual feels supported, empowered and valued.Under her leadership, Terrezza has fostered strong partnerships with municipal departments, community organizations, and service providers, ensuring that seniors have access to high-quality, accessible resources for seniors to thrive. Her leadership is defined by a collaborative, compassionate approach, grounded in integrity, loyalty, and a dedication to public service.Beyond her professional accomplishments, Terrezza is also guided by her personal values. She treasures time with her family: husband Anthony, daughter Juliana, and she carries the love and memory of her beloved son, Anthony IV, which continues to inspire her compassion, strength, and dedication to helping others. Her leadership is defined not only by her professional achievements but also by the warmth, care and loyalty she brings to every interaction, making a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.********Officer Tim Heaton joined the Union Police Department as a patrolman in 2015. Prior to his current role in the Training Bureau, he served for many years as a field Training Officer (FTO), where he consistently dedicated his own time to mentoring and developing new officers. His commitment extended well beyond the formal FTO program, as officers frequently continue to seek his guidance and support long after completing their training.In the Training Bureau, Heaton has demonstrated the same level of dedication, often working extended hours to master his responsibilities and better serve the department. He takes his role seriously and remains accessible to officers even during his off-duty time, helping them meet their training needs and achieve their professional goals.Outside of his professional duties, Heaton is highly active in the Union Little League, where he has devoted countless hours to coaching and mentoring young athletes, making a positive impact in the community.Much of his impact happens behind the scenes through the additional mentoring and support he provides. He never seeks recognition, yet consistently exceeds expectations and performs his duties to a standard well above what is required.Heaton is a veteran and dedicated public servant. A 1997 graduate of Nutley High School, he went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2004. During his military career, Heaton was assigned to HMH-361, a Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron, where he served honorably as an aerial observer/enlisted aircrew. He deployed to both Afgahanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, contributing to combat operations with over 200 flight hours flown. His commitment and courage in support of military missions distinguished him among his peers.Throughout his service, Heaton received numerous awards and decorations recognizing his exceptional performance including the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Arms Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.Prior to joining the Union Police Department, Heaton was employed by the County of Union as a juvenile detention officer.********Union firefighter Timothy Watson is a lifelong Union resident. After graduating from Union High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served honorably for five years including a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.Following his military service, Watson was hired by the Union Fire Department in 2023. He comes from a proud family tradition of public service - his father is a former Union police officer and retired fire lieutenant, and both his brother and brother-in-law previously served as Union police officers and are now Union firefighters. His family remains deeply involved in the community and is consistently present at township and department events.Since completing his initial firefighter and EMT training, Watson has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to professional development. On his own time, he has pursued extensive additional training to better prepare for the demands of the job. He has attended multiple fire academies, completing courses in pump operations - allowing him to qualify as a fire apparatus operator shortly after his probationary period - as well as Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training, which focuses on rescuing firefighters in life-threatening situations.Watson has earned certifications in numerous technical rescue disciples, including high-angle rope rescue, trench rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse operations, advanced extrication, and water/ice rescue. His dedication to training and preparedness has made him an invaluable asset to both the department and its Special Operations Team. His extensive experience and knowledge contributed to his calm and effective demeanor during high-pressure emergency scenes.Watson was recently part of a team of firefighters who successfully rescued a victim from a three-alarm condominium fire and transferred the individual to EMS for care.In his relatively short time with the department, Watson has proven himself to be a highly valued member of his company and shift. His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to assist others have made him a go-to firefighter among his peers. He takes great pride in his work, consistently demonstrates initiative, and does not require direction to complete daily responsibilities.Watson continues to take on additional responsibilities, most recently serving as a radio technician responsible for maintaining and servicing the department’s portable and mobile communication equipment.Watson’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence make him exceptionally deserving of recognition.********Bernadette’ Watson’s life is rooted in service, faith, and community. Known to many as “Mama Bern,” she is someone who shows up with support, compassion, and care in so many meaningful ways. And if you’ve spent any time with her, you know she’s always ready with a joke, because she understands that sometimes a little laughter is exactly what people need.For over 20 years, she was a CCD teacher, guiding and shaping the values of countless young people. She began her journey at Hannah Caldwell as a lunch aide, then became a paraprofessional, and eventually an administrative assistant at both Hannah Caldwell and Jefferson School, demonstrating her dedication, growth, and commitment to supporting students, staff, and families.She currently serves as the Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gerry Benaquista, and remains a valued presence within the district.She is also a leader, serving as President of the Columbiettes, where she continues to give her time and energy to supporting others and strengthening her community.Bernadette’s deep sense of patriotism is also part of her family legacy. She is the daughter of the late Joseph Lauer, who proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean War, and the late Alma Lauer, who served as President of the VFW Auxiliary, instilling in her a lifelong commitment to service and community. Today, Bernadette honors that legacy by continuing her involvement in VFW programs.Bernadette has raised a family deeply rooted in service and care. Beginning with her husband, a retired Union firefighter, she passed those same values on to her children, her sons, Nick and Tim, both proud Union firefighters, with Tim also serving as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and her son-in-law, Jake, who also serves as a Union firefighter and is a veteran of the United States Army. Her daughter-in-law, Sarah Watson, Nick’s wife, is an art teacher at Washington School in the Township of Union Public Schools and is known for the same caring, compassionate approach that defines this family’s commitment to others. And last, but certainly not least, her daughter, Danielle, a former dance instructor and paraprofessional at Hannah Caldwell, who is now proudly raising her two boys and continuing the strong, caring foundation Bernadette built within her family.As a graduate of Union High School and an extremely active PTA parent, Bernadette has always stayed connected to her community, supporting students, uplifting families, and helping schools thrive. She shows us what it means to give back.She is someone who makes a difference in the Township of Union Public Schools community.********Paolo Durango is a volunteer EMT with Union Emergency Medical Unit. Since joining in May 2024, he entered the agency with no prior EMT experience and immediately demonstrated a strong work ethic and determination by putting himself through EMT school. Despite having minimal background in emergency services, he fully immersed himself in the EMS environment, showing a genuine passion for patient care and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Through hard work and perseverance, he has developed the skills necessary to perform effectively in the field while earning the respect and trust of his fellow members.Gurango is highly consistent and dependable, routinely stepping up to cover shifts as needed - often on short notice - and doing so entirely on his own time as a volunteer. His willingness to give back to the community without expectation speaks volumes about his character and dedication to service. He approaches every opportunity as a chance to learn, continuously seeking to expend his knowledge base and improve his clinical abilities.In addition to his own development, Gurango has become an asset to the agency by assisting in the training and mentorship of new EMTs entering the volunteer program. He leads by example, demonstrating professionalism, accountability and a positive attitude in all aspects of his work.Gurango is reliable, dedicated, and trustworthy, and he consistently embodies the core values of Union Emergency Medical Unit - commitment, pride, and dedication.