A Hero’s Hug: Wyckoff Firefighter Comforts “Buddy” After Dramatic Rollover Crash
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, A Tuesday afternoon commute turned into a scene of chaos—and incredible compassion—at one of Northwest Bergen County’s busiest intersections. While a two-vehicle collision on April 15, 2026, snarled rush-hour traffic, it was a quiet moment of kindness between a first responder and a golden-haired passenger named Buddy that is capturing hearts across the community.
The Incident: Chaos at Cedar Hill and Sicomac
Late Wednesday afternoon, Wyckoff emergency services rushed to the intersection of Cedar Hill Avenue and Sicomac Avenue. A black Jeep Wrangler and a bright blue Honda Civic sedan collided with enough force to send the Jeep into a full rollover.
The impact left the busy thoroughfare closed for hours, causing significant delays for commuters throughout Wyckoff and Midland Park.
First Responders in Action
The response was a multi-agency effort, showcasing the seamless coordination of our local heroes:
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Wyckoff PD & Midland Park PD: Managed the scene and heavy traffic flow.
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Wyckoff EMS & Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps: Evaluated the driver of the Jeep and multiple occupants of the Honda Civic.
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Wyckoff FD: Secured the site and the overturned vehicle.
The Best News: Despite the severity of the rollover, no hospital transports were required. All involved parties, including the occupants of the Honda, were evaluated on-site and cleared.
The Photo That Says a Thousand Words
Amidst the flashing lights and glass-strewn pavement, Wyckoff FD Company #1 Firefighter John Ciampo went above and beyond the call of duty.
While EMTs were busy evaluating the driver of the Jeep, Ciampo stayed with the driver’s dog, Buddy. Photos from the scene show the firefighter kneeling on the asphalt, offering the shaken dog physical comfort and a steady hand. In the aftermath of a rollover, pets can often experience extreme shock; Ciampo’s quick thinking kept Buddy calm and safe until he could be reunited with his owner.
“It’s not just about putting out fires; it’s about taking care of the family—even the four-legged members.”
Traffic Impact & Recovery
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and were removed from the intersection by flatbed tow trucks. While the intersection has since reopened, the incident serves as a reminder of the hazards at high-traffic crossings during the evening rush.
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