Meet the Members Monday: How Ridgewood Firefighter Brian Kelly Saved a Life with a Split-Second Decision
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, In the world of first responders, the difference between a tragedy and a recovery often comes down to seconds and training. This week, we are proud to introduce you to a dedicated member of the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47 who embodies that exact readiness.
Meet Brian Kelly, a Firefighter/EMT on Platoon C who has been serving the Village of Ridgewood since 2014.
A Life-Saving Intervention on the Job
When asked about his most memorable experience, Brian recalls a high-stakes medical emergency involving a fellow Village employee. While loading glass into a garbage truck, the worker sustained a severe, life-threatening injury.
Brian was the first on the scene. Recognizing the gravity of the arterial bleeding, he immediately applied a tourniquet.
“I realized this was a significant injury requiring immediate action,” Brian recalls. “With prior training, I was able to make a trauma notification to Hackensack University Medical Center, ensuring the trauma team was standing by the moment we arrived.”
Thanks to Brian’s quick thinking—and the “stop the bleed” efforts of the employee’s coworkers who used a sweatshirt as a makeshift tourniquet—the employee made a full recovery.
Preparation: 5 AM Gym Sessions and Harriman Hikes
How does a firefighter stay ready for the physical and mental toll of the job? For Brian, it starts before the sun comes up.
On workdays, you’ll find him at the gym by 5:00 AM. On his days off, he clears his head by hiking through the Ramapo Reservation or Harriman State Park.
“Cardiovascular endurance and strength training are both very important in our profession,” says Brian. “Taking an hour to myself daily for exercise has been beneficial both mentally and physically.”
From Ridgewood Volunteer to Future Paramedic
Brian’s journey began right here in the community. Inspired by his brother, he took his first EMT class at just 16 years old and began volunteering for Ridgewood EMS. By 2013, he had completed his firefighter training, turning a desire to “give back” into a lifelong career.
He isn’t stopping there. Brian is currently taking classes at Bergen Community College with the goal of entering the Paramedic Science Program to further his life-saving skills.
Life Outside the Firehouse
When the gear comes off, Brian is all about family. He spends his free time with his wife, Jackie, and their 3-year-old son, James. Whether they are exploring new local activities or relaxing at home, family remains his top priority.
As Brian lives by his favorite quote from Rocky III: “There is no tomorrow.” It’s a reminder to give everything he has to his family, his fitness, and the residents of Ridgewood today.
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RidgewoodFirefightersEMSLocal HeroCommunity NewsBergen CountyHealth and Fitness
He’s a good guy
He’s a very nice young man.
I hope that sweatshirt was sterilized. Well, most are.
I think you are proving there is a time and place for sterilizing!