The good Cornellians can do: Oscar Jason Bernal ’09, MEng ’10
After graduation, Oscar Jason Bernal ’09, MEng ’10 moved to New Milford, New Jersey to work as an analyst at Express Scripts. Shortly after moving into his new apartment, Oscar went for a run. A yard sign requesting volunteer firefighters caught his eye.
“I asked myself whether I would spend my free time sitting at home playing video games, or instead, trying to give back to the community,” Oscar recalls. “The rest is history.”
Oscar joined the New Milford fire department, where he assisted with the response to Hurricane Irene in August 2011. The storm caused the Hackensack River to rise, flooding the city of New Milford and stranding residents.
“We spent over 17 straight hours at the river effecting rescues and helping shuttle displaced residents and their pets to temporary housing,” Oscar says. “It’s been an honor to provide service to my neighbors, offering aid during some of the toughest moments they may have to endure.”
After relocating to Voorhees, New Jersey in 2020, Oscar now volunteers with both the Voorhees and West Berlin fire departments.
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