Ridgewood’s Finest: Firefighter/EMT TJ Benintende Shares His Story of Courage and Service
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
The Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 is proud to introduce one of their dedicated members for this week’s “Meet the Members Monday.” Get an inside look at the passion and drive behind the badge with Firefighter/EMT TJ Benintende.
| Member Profile | Details |
| Name | TJ Benintende |
| Rank | Firefighter/EMT |
| Platoon | A Platoon |
| Joined Since | 2018 |
| Location | Ridgewood, NJ |
From 9/11 Witness to Local Hero: The Moment That Inspired a Career
For Firefighter Benintende, the call to serve was sparked by a pivotal national moment of tragedy and heroism:
“I was in fourth grade during 9/11, and I’ll never forget seeing the FDNY running toward danger when everyone else was running away. Even at that age, I knew that kind of courage meant something special. It really inspired me to want to be someone who could make that kind of difference for others.”
This deep-rooted inspiration drives him every day as he serves the Ridgewood community.
The Defining Moment: A Successful Rescue During the Broad Street Fire
When asked about his most memorable call, Benintende points to a major local incident that highlighted the power of teamwork:
“The Broad Street fire in 2020 is the call that stands out most to me. Our crew was able to make a successful rescue. Watching the teamwork and communication come together in that moment was something I’ll never forget. It reminded me what this job is really about—being ready, working as one, and making a difference when it matters most.”
Mind and Body: Staying Sharp for the Ultimate Challenge
The physical and mental demands of the job are intense. Firefighter Benintende shared his strategy for staying prepared:
- Physical Readiness: “I try to stay consistent with my workouts to be physically ready for the job and to make sure I’m not a weak link for my crew.”
- Mental Engagement: “I also read regularly to keep my mind engaged and continue learning about the job, leadership, and ways to improve. It’s all about being prepared to perform when it counts.”
Leaving a Legacy of Leadership
Benintende’s goals extend beyond his own service. He hopes to build a future where the next generation is strong and capable:
“The legacy I want to leave behind is being someone who helped develop the next generation of firefighters. I want to mentor younger members, share what I’ve learned, and help them build the same passion for the fire service that’s driven me throughout my career.”
Favorite Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there” -Theodore Roosevelt
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