04/26/2026
BVAC is thrilled to see Lora Schade receive this award! Lora has served the organization is several leadership roles over many years, and has had a pivotal role in making BVAC the organization it is today.
In what proved to be an extremely competitive contest, Bergenfield resident Lora Schade has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Lucille Tendler Community Service Award. This award by the Board of Trustees of the Bergenfield Public Library recognizes the service contributions of the recipient to the Bergenfield community.
As highlighted by nominator Gerard Naylis, "Lora's life has been an exemplary example of service to others in virtually all aspects of her life... Lora has been a cornerstone of volunteer EMS in New Jersey for over four decades. A dedicated member of the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps since 1981, Lora exemplifies the ideals of leadership, service, and advocacy that this award seeks to honor. She is a 1st-generation volunteer whose commitment to EMS was profoundly shaped by her father, a Bergenfield police officer... If you don't know Lora through the EMS service, perhaps you may know her for her strong sense of volunteerism or from sitting on local Bergenfield organizational boards (as she has been a past member of the local Traffic and Safety Committee, Site Plan Committee, and School Safety Committee as a BVAC representative), or with her involvement with the New Jersey/New York Volunteer Firemen's Association (which she has been a member of since early 2025). She is also a past member of Prospect Fire Company #1, Inc. and a past member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Bergenfield Fire Company #2. Lora is an exemplary volunteer, dedicated to her town and steadfast in her service to others."
A certificate of appreciation will be presented to Lora at an upcoming library program in the Fall of 2026. The Board of Trustees wish to thank all of the individuals who participated in the nomination process.
Photo credit - Century 21 Real Estate