Chatham 'Hero' Honored By Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

CHATHAM, NJ — A Chatham resident was recently named in U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's award program, which recognizes people from New Jersey's 11th Congressional District who have made a difference this past year.

"This was an opportunity to remind our everyday heroes— teachers, healthcare providers, first responders, family members, volunteers or others who have impacted another person's life in a positive way— that our community is incredibly grateful for all of their work," Sherrill said.

Nicole DiMaggio, a certified EMT instructor who currently trains EMTs through the Atlantic Training Center, was named a 2023 hero.

DiMaggio was nominated by her co-worker, Evan Skinner.

“Nine years ago, in March 2014, Nicole's son Michael was struck by a car walking home from school. He was critically injured (but made a full recovery). When things calmed down, Nicole didn't just complement the emergency response in town, she joined the all-volunteer Chatham Emergency Squad and became an EMT. After her promotion to Crew Chief, Nicole was elected as the squad's operations lieutenant in January 2021 and to captain in January 2023. Responsible for all non-administrative aspects of the squad, she was re-elected for a second year starting January 2024. Not content with ensuring excellence among Chatham's EMTs, Nicole became a certified EMT instructor and currently trains EMTs through the Atlantic Training Center. In addition to her leadership in EMS, Nicole started an annual blood drive in her son's honor. Since its inception in 2014, the Stay Strong Michael Blood Drive has saved 2154 lives through its donations. Nicole is truly a local hero who shares her gifts with so many others,” Skinner said.

The 'Stay Strong Michael' blood drive was first held in 2014 and is held in collaboration with the American Red Cross annually. According to DiMaggio, the drive has continued to grow over the years, and last year, 88 pints of blood were collected at the high school, setting a new record for the event.

"Every year since 2014, our number has gone up every single year. I'm kind of waiting for that year when we think, okay, I don't think we could ever surpass 88, but who knows what next year will bring," DiMaggio said.

Although the drive started as a way for the community to help the DiMaggio family, event organizers hope to spread the message to help all communities in need.

"We just have to pay it so that if, God forbid, tragedy strikes someone else, that the blood will be there for them as well as it was for Michael. And that's what's really important to me, it was there for my son and I just hope that anybody who needs it, it will be there for them as well," DiMaggio shared with Patch.

For the Heroes program, residents were asked to nominate ordinary heroes in their lives to show that our community appreciates all that they do.

According to Sherrill, there was a flood of nominations from the community, and heroes were chosen based on the information provided by the person who submitted them.

All 2023 heroes live or work in NJ-11, and they will all get a congressional certificate acknowledging their community service.

“Each year, my office and I receive so many incredible submissions for our yearly Heroes program. This year is no different. I am so moved by the amazing people throughout our district making a difference in the lives of others. All are inspiring citizens whose stories should warm everyone’s hearts this holiday season. It is programs like this one that exemplify why I am proud to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District,” Sherrill said.