Sandra Ramos of Ringwood founded the nation’s first battered women’s shelter in 1970 and continues to serve as director of Strengthen Our Sisters.

Dana Leigh Christmas of Paterson endangered her own life to save others when fire broke out in a dormitory at Seton Hall University.

Joseph C. Martoccia of Pompton Lakes founded and was an active member of the First Aid Squad since its inception in 1936, accepting his award at the age of 97.