You read a lot today about heroes. People who risk their lives every day in order to help others, with no thought of their own safety, people who defend our freedoms in lands far away.
I would like to tell you about one of those people, he lives right here in Marlboro. I’ve been lucky enough to become friends with him, he’s someone I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for. He’ll never admit it, and he never brings it up, but he is a true hero.
My friend Jeff Cantor is a hero. He’s a devoted father and husband. He’s an elected member of the Township Council in Marlboro. He’s a U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and an EMS volunteer. He’s also the founder and organizer of the Marlboro Blues and BBQ Festival, something he created to help raise funds for the Marlboro EMS and first aid squads. Oh, he also has a full-time job as well.
Jeff has been in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s also served in other foreign counties helping to bring safety and security to otherwise oppressed peoples. It seems to me that he’s overseas serving his country as often as he helps out here at home.
Several weeks ago an elderly man had a heart attack while at the wheel of his car. This occurred in the parking lot of the Marlboro Recreation Community Center. Luckily Jeff Cantor was in the parking lot when this occurred. The gentleman’s car collided with the 9/11 memorial and came to rest there. When Jeff went over to render assistance, the man had no pulse. Jeff and a Marlboro police officer rendered CPR and saved this man’s life.
When I mentioned to Jeff last week that I thought he was a certified hero, he just chuckled and said it was nothing. Well, I think it’s a lot more than just nothing. He ceaselessly volunteers his time to help protect and defend the United States of America. He volunteers his time as an EMS responder … he’s saved lives and helped scores of other people. He always has a smile on his face and a positive attitude.
Jeff Cantor is a true hero.
I just wanted to take this opportunity to publicly thank him for everything he’s done for his country, his town, his neighbors and his friends. Thank you, Jeff!
Ira L. Levin
Marlboro