Leadership & Founding Members

The New Jersey State EMS Honor Guard was built by EMS providers who share a commitment to service, professionalism, and honoring the Emergency Medical Services community throughout New Jersey.

Meet the founding members helping lead the organization and carry its mission forward.

Joseph Rosamilia, MICP

Co-Founder & Commander

  • I began my journey in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in 2010, volunteering for my local first aid squad, where I developed a deep commitment to serving my community.

    This experience ignited my passion for emergency care and helping others in critical moments. After earning my EMT certificate in 2011, I dedicated myself to further training and advanced to paramedic certification in 2012. In 2013, I successfully obtained my Advanced Life Support (ALS) credentials, allowing me to provide a higher level of medical care.

    Throughout my career, I have gained diverse experience by participating in several EMS systems across New Jersey, covering a broad geographic area—from Bergen County and Trenton to the Jersey Shore and the streets of Newark—each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

    As a lifelong resident of New Jersey, I take immense pride in calling the Garden State my home. I am deeply familiar with the unique and diverse nature of New Jersey’s emergency medical services (EMS) system, which is characterized by a broad network of both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. These professionals, though often working for different agencies, are united by a shared and steadfast commitment to saving lives and serving their communities with dedication.

    My enthusiasm and dedication to the EMS profession are reflected in my active involvement in the honor guard at my current agency, a role I have passionately embraced and contributed to for the past nine years. This experience has further strengthened my resolve to provide exceptional care and support during critical moments, reinforcing my commitment to the vital mission of EMS.

    The honor guard transcends its role as a ceremonial unit; it embodies the core values of respect, dignity, and solidarity that are foundational to our EMS community. It serves as a poignant symbol of humility and reverence for our fallen comrades, continually reminding us of the profound dedication and sacrifice that define our profession.

    Participating in this tradition has deepened my appreciation for the significance of honoring those who serve and has strengthened my determination to uphold the legacy and integrity of EMS.

    Through both my work and my involvement in the honor guard, I am committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of our heroes are recognized and preserved for future generations.

Jonathan DeOliveira, MICP

Co-Founder & Executive Officer

  • Jonathan DeOliveira, Co-Founder and Executive Officer of the New Jersey State EMS Honor Guard, began his EMS career in the Garden State in 2005 as a volunteer EMT with the Middlesex Boro Rescue Squad and North Plainfield Rescue Squad.

    He went on to become a full-time EMT with Somerset Medical Center EMS shortly thereafter, laying the foundation for his future in pre-hospital medicine.

    He became a licensed Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic in 2016, which has led him to roles as a Field Training Officer, Field Supervisor, Special Operations Paramedic, and, currently, a Field Training & Performance Coordinator. 

    In 2017, he co-founded his department’s EMS Honor Guard with Team Commander Joseph Rosamila. Since the team’s inception, they have represented their department and New Jersey EMS at funerals and memorial services for New Jersey first responders, while also presenting the national colors at countless sporting events, including for the New Jersey Devils and Somerset Patriots.

    Most notably, they have represented the State of New Jersey at the National EMS Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. each year since 2021. They have become integral leaders at the Memorial’s Weekend of Honor, supporting families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty and helping create memories for the hundreds of honor guards who have attended.

David Stangreciak, MICP

Treasurer

  • Coming soon.

Matthew Cadmus

Secretary

  • Matthew Cadmus, BS, NREMT-P, began his EMS career in 1991 as a cadet with the Whiting First Aid Squad in Manchester, New Jersey, before becoming a New Jersey EMT in 1993.

    He attended the Paramedic Program at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, graduating in 1997. He began his career as a paramedic with MONOC before joining RWJ in 1999 as a staff paramedic. In 2005, he was promoted to Supervisor, where he oversaw Mercer County 911 operations. He later served as Assistant Manager for the system and then as Tour Chief. Today, he continues to serve as a staff paramedic in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

    Matthew has a strong appreciation for EMS tradition and the importance of Honor Guard service. While his role may not always place him in a Class A uniform, he understands the critical need for strong logistical support behind every successful deployment. He brings an Incident Command System (ICS)-informed approach to the team’s operations, helping provide structure, coordination, and support when the Honor Guard is called to serve.

    Matthew also has training and experience in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) and serves as an NAEMT Mental Health Resiliency Officer, bringing an additional perspective on supporting the well-being of fellow EMS professionals.

Mike Gast

Founding Member

  • For more than 34 years, Mike Gast has exemplified the highest standards of the EMS profession through his unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and excellence in patient care.

    Throughout his distinguished career, he has served as a paramedic, coordinator, supervisor, and trusted leader in multiple EMS organizations, earning the respect of peers, providers, and the communities he has served.

    His commitment to service began early as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, instilling values of honor, discipline, and community that have guided him throughout his career.

    For more than a decade, Mike has proudly served as a member of an EMS Honor Guard, participating in countless funeral services and memorial ceremonies, including honoring those lost in the September 11th attacks, ensuring that the sacrifices of first responders are remembered with dignity and respect.

    Known for his integrity, steady leadership, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of EMS professionals, Mike continues to lead by example as an EMS Supervisor and member of the management team.

    His lifelong devotion to EMS, his colleagues, and the principles of honor, duty, and selfless service make him an outstanding representative of the New Jersey State EMS Honor Guard. 

Jasen Bellusci

Founding Member

  • Coming soon.