He was present at the association’s 95th annual convention in Hillsdale when the 2008 Presidential Lifesaving Citation honored the trio.

The citation read:

"On Friday, July 13, 2007, the day started out just like any other, but it would not end that way.

"Department of Public Works employee John Stormer, along with fellow employees Syleman Bresa, Stephen Demauro and Steven Casey, were clearing brush and small trees from municipal property in and around the New Milford Fire Training Center in preparation for new fence installation.

"John had picked up a chain saw and was using it, just as he had done many times before.

" Suddenly and without warning, the chain saw hit the old metal fence and jumped back into Stormer. In an instant, John found himself in very critical condition.

"The unforgiving chain saw had ripped into his left arm and down across this chest and stomach. John was in grave condition, and he knew it.

"His left arm was nearly severed. His torso had a major laceration; blood was pouring from his wounds. Yet he remained conscious as he calmly headed for the public works garage to seek medical attention.

"Fellow employees Bresa, Demauro and Casey escorted John. At the garage, public works Supervisor Michael Calamari applied a tourniquet to John’s arm. This not only slowed the arterial bleeding, but also saved his life and arm, too.

"The New Milford police were notified, along with hospital paramedics.

"New Milford, like so many municipalities, is extremely shorthanded in the daytime. However, Syleman Bresa is also a member of the New Milford Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He called ahead to fellow volunteers to head for the ambulance.

"New Milford Police Officer John McGrath responded, along with fellow Officer Kevin Morris.

"Officer McGrath, using his first aid expertise, applied direct pressure to the wound sites and also supported John’s arm during the hospital transport.

"EMT Ambulance Corps member Spiro Dimakas responded with the ambulance. Paramedic John Joyce rode along with the New Milford ambulance and had a supporting role in treating Stormer.

"John was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where trauma surgeons reattached his damaged arm with more than 500 stitches. They added another 100 stitches to the other wound sites in putting him back together.

"While many men worked together to save one of our own, John and the New Jersey and New York Volunteer Firemen’s Association credit primarily three men as making the difference this day.

"We honor Michael Calamari, Syleman Bresa and John McGrath. Thank you and congratulations on a job well done."