PHILLIPSBURG, New Jersey — Lopatcong firefighter Trent LaFord has been named an NJ-07 First Responder Hometown Hero by Congressman Tom Kean Jr., according to TAPinto Phillipsburg.
The outlet reported that the recognition is part of Kean's annual First Responders Hometown Heroes initiative, which honors police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel across New Jersey's 7th Congressional District.
Young firefighter recognized for early public-safety commitment
TAPinto reported that LaFord completed the Warren County Fire Academy while still in high school, earning Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations certifications while also balancing schoolwork and football preparation.
The report described service as a family tradition for LaFord. His father, Louis LaFord Jr., was identified as a Lopatcong Township Police lieutenant, former fire chief, former EMT and current per-diem firefighter/EMT with Quakertown Fire Department. His mother, Kelly LaFord, was identified as a former captain/EMT with Lopatcong Emergency Services.
“Trent represents the next generation of first responders—motivated, community-oriented, and ready to step forward when needed,” the announcement from Congressman Kean's office said, according to TAPinto.
A recognition lane that includes police, fire and EMS
Kean's office announced earlier this year that the 2026 First Responders Hometown Heroes initiative would expand beyond law enforcement to include firefighters and EMS personnel. The office said local department leaders nominate honorees who go above and beyond in public service.
For ThinBlueNews readers, LaFord's recognition is a reminder that public safety is a pipeline as well as a profession: volunteer departments, fire academies, police families, EMS service and local mentors all help shape the next generation of people willing to respond when a neighbor needs help.
Sources reviewed
- TAPinto Phillipsburg: “Lopatcong's Trent LaFord Honored as NJ-07 First Responder 'Hometown Hero'”
- Congressman Tom Kean Jr.: First Responders Hometown Heroes initiative announcement
- Published courtesy/source honoree graphic used for the featured image
Editorial note: ThinBlueNews relied on source-backed public recognition details, used the real published honoree graphic with attribution, and did not add private emergency-call details, unverified claims, or AI-generated firefighter/responder imagery. No paid promotion, DMs or outbound messages were used.