Press Release

WOODBRIDGE – At a recent Corporate Communion breakfast, Our Lady of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 9199 presented their annual Shield Awards to an outstanding Woodbridge Township police officer and a Fords Volunteer Firefighter.  Deputy Director Joseph Nisky nominated officer Christopher Esteves for his outstanding service to the community.  Officer Esteves was a former Corrections Officer and has been on the Woodbridge Police Department for 4 years.  He was the “Officer of the Quarter” for the 2nd quarter of 2019.  The award is a reflection of officer Esteves’ commitment to the community, as well as his service and productivity.  

Fords Fire Dept Chief Howie Bauer nominated volunteer fireman John Dimitakis, who joined the department in 2006.  He rose thru the ranks and became the department’s chief in 2014 and is one of the most active first responders.  Past Grand Knight William Herring awarded the Knight of the Year for 2017-2018 to PGK Ed Delaney, posthumously.  Other awards presented by Grand Knight Emil Ferlicchi were the 2018-2019 Walter Pazinski Award for volunteerism to Steve Hatola and the 2018-2019 Knight of the Year to James Padden.  The Council also presented a $1000 donation to OLP Church, which was accepted by Fr. Virgilio Tolentino and a donation of $200 to the Council’s One On One Program, which was accepted by Kate Devane.   

Pictured in the photo (left to right) are: Knight of the Year James Padden, Deputy Director Joseph Nisky, Officer Christopher Esteves, Firefighter John Dimitakis, Chief Howie Bauer, Grand Knight Emil Ferlicchi and Walter Pazinski Award winner Steve Hatola.