The Union Fire Company and Rescue Squad recognized one of its own Saturday night with a special proclamation honoring Special Olympian Kevin Colacello during the department’s annual awards dinner.
The event, held Feb. 28 at the historic Washington Crossing Inn, brought together members of the Titusville-based volunteer fire company for an evening of awards, camaraderie, and recognition of service to the community.
Among the evening’s presentations, Union Fire Company Deputy Chief Vito Vacirca read a proclamation celebrating Colacello, an honorary member of the organization, and recognizing his accomplishments as a Special Olympics athlete.
The proclamation highlighted Colacello’s participation in multiple sports — including swimming, floor hockey, basketball, soccer, bocce, bowling, golf, and softball — and noted his years of dedication, training, and perseverance as a member of Team New Jersey.
Colacello is preparing to compete this summer at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he will represent Team New Jersey in swimming.
Following the reading of the proclamation, a symbolic moment unfolded when Jason Read, chief of the Hopewell Fire Department EMS Unit and a 2004 Olympic gold medalist in rowing, placed his own Olympic gold medal around Colacello’s neck.
According to the proclamation, Colacello’s achievements reflect “years of grit, training sessions, and a resolute ‘growth mindset’ that rejects any limiting narratives.”
The document also praised Colacello as a compassionate leader in the community and a devoted member of Union Fire Company.
