2010 Grand Marshal James Woods
Jim is a life long resident of Harrison, where he attended the Harrison Public School System before attending Kean University. Jim attributes his Irish American rearing; along with his three brothers and sister to the many successes he has experienced throughout his life.
Jim was appointed to the Harrison Fire Department in 1984 where he served as firefighter until 1998 when he was promoted to the rank of Captain and served as the fire department training officer and fire investigator. Jim’s constant thirst for innovative and progressive techniques was a perfect fit for this role. In 2005 Jim was promoted to Battalion Fire Chief and assigned to his current position as a platoon commander. Jim has been certified in several emergency response specialties including Incident Management and Weapons of Mass Destruction Response. Jim is a New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Fire Instructor (level II) and is a member of the training staff of the Passaic County Public Safety Fire Academy. Due to his recognized expertise in emergency operations along with preparedness and planning skills, Jim was asked to join the staff of the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management where he continues to work on a part time basis. Jim has been cited for valor and heroism several times throughout his career including:
· 1991 St. Barnabus Burn Foundation Valor Award
· 1991 K of C Council #402 Firefighter of the year
· 1991 N.J. State F.M.B.A Valor Award
· 1992 N.J. State VFW Outstanding Firefighter Award
· 1995 American Legion Post 282 Valor Award
· 1995 K of C Council #402 Firefighter of the Year
· 1999 VFW Post 340 Outstanding Citizen Award
· 2002 Elks #2326 Home town Hero Award
· 2003 K of C Council #402 Firefighter of the Year
Jim also has worked to secure several federal grants while serving in his role at the fire department including the purchase of replacement firefighter personal protective equipment and a fire engine totaling several hundred thousands of dollars. Jim is driven by the continuing urge to gather the latest and most innovative techniques and to provide input and education to his colleagues while providing the safest possible emergency operations in an inherently dangerous profession.
Jim has been married to his wife Kim for the past 24 years. They have two sons, Ryan age 20, who is currently a junior attending the University of Southern California and Conor age 17, a senior attending Hudson County High Tech High school. Jim credits Kim with the patience’s of a saint when he and the boys decide to “get the pipes up” for an impromptu practice session in their home.
Jim is a lifelong parishioner of Holy Cross Parish, The New Jersey State FMBA, The New Jersey Firemen’s Association, New Jersey State Arson Investigators Association, as well as The Knights of Columbus Council #402 where he was selected Irishman of the Year in 2002. Jim is an active member of the School & College Officials Association (SCOA) as a NJSIAA Soccer Official and has served for many years as a volunteer little league baseball coach. Jim is co-chairman of the annual Mayor McDonough Charity Golf Outing which distributes scholarship money to several college bound students as well as other local charitable organizations. Jim was instrumental in convening a group to plan and erect the Town of Harrison 9-11 monument in Roosevelt Park in the years following the horrific attack on the World Trade Center.
In 1992 Jim’s passion for his Irish heritage and love of Irish music inspired him to co-found the Hudson County Fire & Police Pipes & Drums. Jim has been the primary bagpipe instructor of the band for many years and has taught many of its members to date. None more notable than his two sons Ryan & Conor, who have been playing since the age of seven. Jim is very proud of the accomplishments and skill level both son’s display while performing with their pipes. Both Ryan and Conor have been recognized with awards while competing in band and solo settings. It is not an unusual sight to see Jim and the boys during parades, ceremonies, services, weddings or funerals throughout the year in Hudson County. They also are the perennial pipers at Archbishop John J. Meyers Annual Labor and Industry Catholic Youth Organization Fund Raiser.
2010 Deputy Grand Marshal Kevin Barber
Kevin Barber is well known to many in West Hudson. Chances are if you've been through the Harrison school system in the last 30 years, you've met Kevin Barber. Kevin began his teaching career in Harrison in 1977. Kevin served the youth of Harrison as a Physical Education teacher and as Assistant Principal of Lincoln School until 2009. During that time he coached: soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming.
Mr. Barber graduated from Holy Cross School in Harrison and Harrison High school. Kevin received his BA from Seton Hall University in 1977 and a Master of Arts degree from New Jersey City University in 1985.
Kevin is a member of Knights of Columbus Council #402, The Albert Cifelli Association, the Harrison Pleasure Club, the Harrison Education association and School and College Officials Association.
Kevin was married to the late Susan Barber (Pogorzelski) and is the father of two children: Kevin Thomas Barber and Jaclyn Marie Barber.
2010 Deputy Grand Marshal Steven Duffy
Steve Duffy was born to John Brian and Dolores Duffy. He is the father of 10 year old Anthony Duffy. A 1993 graduate of Harrison High School, he graduated from the Bergen County Firefighter Academy level II in 1998. in 2007, he became a Fire Instructor from the Middlesex County Fire Academy. He has been a memeber of the East Newark Fire Department since March of 1996 and is currently serving at the Rank of Captain.
Steve has been the traning officer for the ENFD since 2008. He has been honored as the Firefighter of the Year in 1998 and was awarded the Fire Department Chief's Awardin 1998. In 2000 he was named ENFD Irishman of the Year He has also been honored by the Harrison East Newark Elks as the 2005 Hometown Hero.