Montvale honors EMT who helped save student from overturned school bus crash
Volunteer EMT, Matt Goldman says he was on his way home that night and happened to be driving behind the school bus when it overturned.
More Stories
A hometown hero is being honored for his lifesaving efforts following Monday night's school bus crash on the Garden State Parkway in Montvale, Bergen County. A 14-year-old boy remains in critical condition. His life was likely saved by a hero who jumped into action while off the clock.
Volunteer EMT Matt Goldman says he was on his way home that night and happened to be driving behind the school bus when it overturned just North of the James Gandolfini Service Area.
"I watched the bus obviously lose control, unfortunately, and it kind of swerved across some lanes and ended up on the side of the highway," said Goldman. "I got out, I called 911, and I just started doing what I know to do."
The bus was traveling from Lakewood to New York state for a wedding celebration, with 31 people on board. While dozens of first responders rushed to the scene, Goldman was the first to pull over. He immediately began helping children get out of the bus.
"He guided other students and other members of the community to help him out until the other responders got there," said Kole Kilmurray, captain at Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
"My instincts just said, ‘Get everybody out, get everybody to safety if you can,’" said Goldman, who has been an EMT with the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Corps for nearly six years.
MORE: School bus that crashed in Montvale was headed to wedding celebration, mayor says
MORE: School bus overturns on Garden State Parkway in Montvale; 15 injured, including 14 children
He started when he was just 16 years old.
"I don't know if I really believe in fate, but I definitely believe in right time, right place so I guess I'll go with that," he said.
Goldman was recognized as Montvale's 2025 Hometown Hero and given the key to the city by Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali at Thursday's council meeting.
"He was coming home after a 12-hour shift," said Mayor Ghassali. "He was doing his job. He didn't even know that this would actually happen....We have to recognize this young man and let others be inspired by his story."
Goldman's heroic acts were even followed by a phone call with Gov. Phil Murphy.
"He was very appreciative of everything I did, and he thanked me. It was a very surreal moment," said Goldman.
He plans to continue saving lives as a nurse when he graduates with his BSN in May.
"It's definitely validating to know that I'm in the right place and the right field in somewhere that I'm going to want to be for the rest of my life and hopefully have a long prosperous career in," Goldman says.
A total of 15 people were injured in the crash. A 14-year-old remains in critical condition. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
