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Prof. Zaretsky arrives in Haiti.
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Fire Science Professor, Jordan Zaretsky goes above and beyond just being a career Fire Officer with the Teaneck Fire Department and teaching NJCU students to be career firefighters. Professor Zaretsky is an Angel. Recently, Mr. Zaretsky, flew an Angel Flight to Haiti to assist with the relief efforts being carried out from the devastating earthquake that left Haiti paralyzed. Mr. Zaretsky, who is a volunteer with Angel Flight, flew medical personnel and supplies to Haiti from the United States and the Dominican Republic. (Angel Flight is a volunteer organization whose mission is to “arrange free air transportation for any legitimate, charitable, medically related need”. Each pilot donates their time, airplane and operating expenses to every mission they fly.)
 Mr. Zaretsky flew physicians, rescue workers and vital supplies from the United States to Haiti and then numerous shuttle flights from the Dominican Republic to Haiti. In one weekend Mr. Zaretsky in his own words said, “(we) moved 19 people and 6, 000 pounds of medical equipment in, and 11 out; a total of 6 aircraft, over 16 missions traveling more that 10,000 nautical miles (combined). Not bad for a weekend.” Mr. Zaretsky’s selfless and courageous actions epitomize the mission of our Fire Science Program and New Jersey City University; to serve to the greatest extent possible the critical needs of humanity. We are all tremendously proud of his lifesaving efforts with this horrific tragedy.
Lt. Zaretsky growing up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan had many opportunities to watch FDNY at work and since the age of three had always wanted to be a firefighter. Then in 1994 his dream became a reality. Fire Officer, Lieutenant Zaretsky, began his career with the Teaneck Fire Department in September of that year as a firefighter and then in 2004 was promoted to Lieutenant. He also has been an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for more than 20 years. His dedication to helping others in need goes beyond recognition.
Prof. Zaretsky with other Doctors in Haiti.
An honored fire officer, Lt. Zaretsky earned several “Unit Citations” from his department for bravery. As a line firefighter he also won the prestigious “Unit Citation Award” in 1998 from the New Jersey Firemen’s Benevolent Association. When asked about his awards Lt. Zaretsky was very modest and said, “I guess I feel like part of what we do involves taking calculated risks, and I’ve accepted that as part of the job. If I accept that as true, then I have a hard time accepting an award for bravery that is defined as part of what I’m paid for.” “… I sometimes feel some embarrassment for any accolades the job gives.” To Lt. Zaretsky helping others just comes naturally.
 Lt. Zaretsky holds a B.S. degree in Marketing and an M.A. in Administration and Supervision. As an Adjunct Professor, Lt. Zaretsky instructs our online courses. He feels the Fire Science program is “robust and productive”. “I think more broadly that the fire service needs the access to the education. The fact that NJCU’s program is specific to fire science allows a potential student to not only have access to the brain expanding opportunity of a college education, but also reinforces the learning that they may have only touched on in their initial fire training. The book study can benefit them not only on the fire ground, but also in the promotional test environment.”
Besides being an Angel, Fire Lieutenant, and Adjunct Professor, Lt. Zaretsky spends his time as a certified flight instructor in single and multi-engine aircraft instructing others on how to fly.
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