The 200 Club of Union County

The 200 Club of Union County Since 1968, we are dedicated to supporting and celebrating first responders and their families in Union County, NJ.

The Police Officers and Firefighters in Union County are the front lines of safety and security for all of our residents. These people perform their jobs admirably on a daily basis with little thought of self when faced with dangerous situations. It is not for fame nor fortune that they do their job, but for a moral sense of what is right for their community. The Two Hundred Club of Union County r

ecognizes and supports the efforts of our uniformed protectors … we hope you will consider actively supporting police officers and firefighters in Union County as well. The Two Hundred Club of Union County was formed in 1968 when a group of concerned business people saw the need to publicly recognize the valiant actions of our Police Officers, Firefighters and State Troopers here in Union County. The goal was to make it known that their efforts to help others do not go unnoticed. The Two Hundred Club is a nationwide organization with independent chapters throughout the country – with Union County as one of the oldest and largest in the state. Valor Awards & Luncheon:
Since 1968, The 200 Club has held an Annual Valor Awards luncheon every spring to recognize those that have performed above and beyond the call of duty. The recipients are chosen by our Valor Awards Committee after recommendations are made by the Chiefs of Police and Fire Departments in the 21 municipalities of Union County. Since 1968, over 450 Police Officers and Firefighters have been publicly honored for selfless acts of heroism and bravery. The luncheon, which is held in May of each year, is attended by over 400 business leaders from Union County. The Annual Valor Awards presents an opportunity to also reflect on the lives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of others. It is with profound respect that we honor these brave men and women. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS:

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for Surviving Dependents: For those that made the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of others, The Two Hundred Club of Union County provides financial assistance to their spouse and children. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS for the children of those killed while in the line of
duty, The Two Hundred Club assists these students in their college career. ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS: A competitive scholarship program awarded to the children of active duty police officers and firefighters employed in Union County. CONTINUING EDUCATION GRANTS:
For Police Officers and Firefighters working in Union County, the Two Hundred Club provides assistance to continue their education and training in their profession.

🏅 On July 14, 2025, severe thunderstorms moved through the Borough of New Providence, producing heavy rainfall and rapid...
06/12/2026

🏅 On July 14, 2025, severe thunderstorms moved through the Borough of New Providence, producing heavy rainfall and rapidly rising floodwaters throughout the area. Emergency responders received reports that a vehicle had become trapped in rising water within the Mercer River, leaving the driver and her dog stranded inside the vehicle as water levels continued to rise.

As the situation worsened, the vehicle began to destabilize in the current, creating an immediate life-threatening situation for the occupant.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the limited time available to safely remove the victim, Firefighter William “Bill” Vignali and Firefighter Daniel G. Nelson of the New Providence Fire Department made the decision to conduct a direct rescue across the swift-moving water.

Utilizing life-safety ropes and a hand-belay system, both firefighters entered the water and swam across the rapidly moving current toward the stranded vehicle.
Despite the hazardous conditions created by the swift water and the continuing storm, the firefighters were able to successfully reach the vehicle.

Upon reaching the car, Firefighters Vignali and Nelson repositioned the victim inside the vehicle and assisted her through the rear driver’s side window, which provided the safest point of access for removal.

After safely extricating the victim from the vehicle, the firefighters maintained control of both the victim and her dog as they began navigating their way back through the swift-moving floodwaters toward waiting emergency personnel.

Using the rope system for support and stabilization, the firefighters were able to guide the victim safely across the water and back to shore, where she was transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel.

The actions of the firefighters who entered dangerous swift-water conditions to reach a stranded motorist whose vehicle was becoming unstable in the current, directly prevented a potential loss of life.

Their decisive actions demonstrated exceptional courage, skill, and professionalism while operating in a highly hazardous environment.

to our 2022 Valor Awards when the Plainfield Police Department appeared on our red carpet at our annual ceremony and l...
06/11/2026

to our 2022 Valor Awards when the Plainfield Police Department appeared on our red carpet at our annual ceremony and luncheon. 💙

🏅 On July 28, 2025, Detective Christopher Lenihan of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Field Services D...
06/10/2026

🏅 On July 28, 2025, Detective Christopher Lenihan of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Field Services Division Investigations Unit and working alongside members of the United States Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, was attempting to locate a suspect wanted in connection with attempted murder and weapons offenses stemming from a shooting into an occupied residence in Hillside days earlier.

The investigation led officers to a residence in Newark, where the suspect was observed outside with an infant present. During the encounter, the individual threatened responding officers before the child was safely removed from the area.

Moments later, the suspect moved to the rear of the residence and began firing a rifle at law enforcement personnel. Detective Lenihan and other officers were forced to immediately take cover as rounds were fired in their direction, striking an unoccupied United States Marshals Service vehicle during the exchange.

Despite the active gunfire and rapidly evolving conditions, Detective Lenihan maintained composure while assisting in the apprehension of a violent fugitive until the threat was ultimately ended and the suspect was taken into custody.

It is because of his bravery and actions in the face of imminent danger that Detective Christopher Lenihan is being awarded the Two Hundred Club of Union County Medal of Valor.

🏅 On May 12, 2025, at approximately 21:14 hours, units from the Cranford Fire Department were dispatched to the Garden S...
06/09/2026

🏅 On May 12, 2025, at approximately 21:14 hours, units from the Cranford Fire Department were dispatched to the Garden State Parkway southbound near Exit 136 for a report of a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle possibly on fire. Dispatch information indicated that the accident was located within the jurisdiction of Clark Township, and Cranford units were responding to assist.

Upon arrival at the scene, responders observed a vehicle overturned on its side that was actively burning, with an occupant still trapped inside the vehicle.

Clark Police officers had already arrived and were actively attempting to remove the trapped occupant from the vehicle despite the presence of active flames and heavy smoke.

Firefighter Travis Literate of the Cranford Fire Department immediately moved to the overturned vehicle and joined Clark Police officers who were working to free the trapped occupant.

Operating in close proximity to the burning vehicle, Firefighter Literate assisted officers in removing the trapped occupant from the vehicle and moving the individual away from the immediate danger posed by the fire.

After the victim was successfully removed and placed in a safe location, Cranford Fire Department personnel initiated fire suppression operations and extinguished the fire involving the overturned vehicle.

The coordinated actions of Firefighter Travis Literate and the responding Clark Police officers resulted in the successful rescue of the trapped occupant from a vehicle that was actively burning.

Firefighter Literate’s willingness to immediately assist in the rescue effort while operating near a burning vehicle demonstrated professionalism and commitment to protecting the life of the trapped occupant.

🏅 On July 14, 2025, severe thunderstorms moved through the Borough of New Providence, producing heavy rainfall and rapid...
06/08/2026

🏅 On July 14, 2025, severe thunderstorms moved through the Borough of New Providence, producing heavy rainfall and rapidly rising floodwaters throughout the area. Emergency responders received reports that a vehicle had become trapped in rising water within the Mercer River, leaving the driver and her dog stranded inside the vehicle as water levels continued to rise.

As the situation worsened, the vehicle began to destabilize in the current, creating an immediate life-threatening situation for the occupant.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the limited time available to safely remove the victim, Firefighter Daniel G. Nelson and Firefighter William “Bill” Vignali of the New Providence Fire Department made the decision to conduct a direct rescue across the swift-moving water.

Utilizing life-safety ropes and a hand-belay system, both firefighters entered the water and swam across the rapidly moving current toward the stranded vehicle.

Despite the hazardous conditions created by the swift water and the continuing storm, the firefighters were able to successfully reach the vehicle.

Upon reaching the car, Firefighters Nelson and Vignali repositioned the victim inside the vehicle and assisted her through the rear driver’s side window, which provided the safest point of access for removal.

After safely extricating the victim from the vehicle, the firefighters maintained control of both the victim and her dog as they began navigating their way back through the swift-moving floodwaters toward waiting emergency personnel.

Using the rope system for support and stabilization, the firefighters were able to guide the victim safely across the water and back to shore, where she was transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel.

The actions of Firefighter Daniel Nelson and Firefighter William Vignali, who entered dangerous swift-water conditions to reach a stranded motorist whose vehicle was becoming unstable in the current, directly prevented a potential loss of life.

Their decisive actions demonstrated exceptional courage, skill, and professionalism while operating in a highly hazardous environment.

👏 Let's hear it for the Scotch Plains Police Department! A group of students were lucky enough to take part in the Depar...
06/08/2026

👏 Let's hear it for the Scotch Plains Police Department! A group of students were lucky enough to take part in the Department's Police Ride to School program. What a great way to build positive connections in our community! Kudos. We share 💙 (Source: Scotch Plains Police Department)

🎓 On this National Higher Education Day we congratulate our "Class of 2026" Scholarship Award Winners! It's our sincere ...
06/06/2026

🎓 On this National Higher Education Day we congratulate our "Class of 2026" Scholarship Award Winners! It's our sincere hope that the four students we lauded at our 2022 Valor Awards Ceremony are ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. Stay in touch! We would love to hear how our scholarship alumni are doing...

Our Two Hundred Club of Union County Scholarships of Academic Excellence are awarded annually to four deserving sons and/or daughters of active uniformed police officers and firefighters in our communities. They make us so proud!

To learn more about this program and how you can help support it, go to uc200club.org

New Jersey State Trooper Marvin R. McCloud died in the line of duty on this day in 1995. We vow to never forget our unif...
06/06/2026

New Jersey State Trooper Marvin R. McCloud died in the line of duty on this day in 1995. We vow to never forget our uniformed protectors who make the Supreme Sacrifice in service to our communities.

Our motto signifies the purpose of The Two Hundred Club of Union County. Founded and chartered in 1968, our nonprofit recognizes the achievements of our uniformed Police Officers, Firefighters and State Troopers. We stand at the ready to support first responders across Union County’s 21 municipalities.

To learn more about how you can help, or to become a 200 Club Member, go to uc200club.org

📸 to our 2016 Valor Awards! A joyous moment for a member of the Elizabeth Fire Department.
06/05/2026

📸 to our 2016 Valor Awards! A joyous moment for a member of the Elizabeth Fire Department.

🏅 On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2254 hours, Officers Matthew Almeida and Max Mejia of the Elizabeth Police Departmen...
06/04/2026

🏅 On June 4, 2025, at approximately 2254 hours, Officers Matthew Almeida and Max Mejia of the Elizabeth Police Department were operating when they observed a suspicious vehicle.

The officers positioned their vehicle in front of the suspect vehicle and activated their emergency lights while advising police dispatch that they were conducting a motor vehicle stop.

During the encounter, the driver appeared extremely nervous and repeatedly ignored the officers’ commands to keep his hands visible. As the officers continued their commands, a small black handgun was observed. Recognizing the immediate threat posed by the presence of a firearm, the Officers sprang into action. Both officers issued loud verbal commands ordering the driver to stop moving and exit the vehicle.

As the situation continued to escalate, other individuals became involved. Despite these distractions and the growing presence of bystanders gathering in the area, the Officers maintained control of the situation and continued issuing commands to the suspect.

When the driver eventually opened the car's door claiming he was retrieving documentation, the officers moved quickly to secure him. Officers were able to remove the driver from the vehicle and place him under arrest, deescalating the situation and helping to secure the area.

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30 Vail Place
Rahway, NJ
07065

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