50 Years of Service: Bergen County Names James Zaconie August Veteran of the Month

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Twp of Washington NJ, The County of Bergen and County Commissioner Steve Tanelli have officially named James Zaconie of the Township of Washington as the August Veteran of the Month, recognizing his lifelong dedication to military service and public safety across North Jersey.

From naval reconnaissance during the Vietnam War era to half a century of volunteer firefighting, Zaconie’s lifetime of leadership stands as a cornerstone of community service in Bergen County.

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Key Milestones of James Zaconie’s Public Service

• Military Duty: United States Navy Veteran (1967–1970) serving aboard the salvage ship USS Recovery (ARS-43).

• Fire Service Landmark: Recently celebrated 50 years of continuous service with the Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department.

• Local Leadership: Served as Fire Chief for the Township of Washington, protecting residents across four decades.

• Multi-Town Impact: Served with Garfield Fire Company No. 4, Washington Township Fire Department, and Mahwah Fire Company No. 2.

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Military Career: Serving the Nation During the Vietnam Era

After graduating from Westwood High School in 1966, Zaconie enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Sworn into service in February 1967 at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY, his early duty took him to the Naval Reconnaissance and Technical Support Center in Washington, D.C.

He was later deployed to the USS Recovery (ARS-43) as a shipboard electrician, where he performed critical operational and maintenance duties until completing his active duty in November 1970 and receiving an honorable discharge in February 1971.

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Four Decades of Firefighter & Community Public Safety

Upon returning to civilian life, Zaconie immediately redirected his technical skill and call to duty toward local public safety:

1. Garfield, NJ (1973): Joined Garfield Fire Company No. 4.

2. Township of Washington (1975–Present): Transferred to the Washington Township Fire Department, where he eventually rose to the rank of Fire Chief.

3. Township of Mahwah (1986–2013): Served as a daytime responder for Mahwah Fire Company No. 2 while working for the municipality until his retirement in 2013.

Having recently marked 50 years of firefighter service in the Township of Washington, Zaconie’s career reflects an exceptional record of volunteerism and civic contribution.

“James Zaconie’s remarkable record of military service, volunteerism, and dedication to public safety reflects the very best of Bergen County. We proudly recognize him as our August Veteran of the Month and thank him for his unwavering service.”

— Bergen County Commissioner Steve Tanelli