Grand Marshal James Woods
James (“Jim”) Woods is a life-long resident of Harrison, where he attended the Harrison Public School System before attending Kean University.
He was appointed to the Harrison Fire Department in 1984, where he served as firefighter until 1998, at which time, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, and served as training officer and fire investigator. Jim’s thirst for innovative and progressive techniques was a perfect fit for this role. In 2005, Jim was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to to the position of platoon commander. He is on the staff of the Hudson County Office of Emergency Management, where he works on a part time basis. Jim has been cited for valor and heroism several times throughout his career.
Jim has been married to his wife, Kim, for the past 24 years. They have two sons, Ryan, age 20, is currently a junior attending the University of Southern California. A second son, Conor, age 17, is a senior attending Hudson County High Tech High School.
Jim’s passion for his Irish heritage and love of Irish music inspired him to co-found the Hudson County Fire & Police Pipes and Drums, along with teaching his sons, who have been playing bagpipes since the age of seven.
Jim attributes his Irish-American rearing, along with his three brothers and sister to the many successes he has experienced throughout his life.
Deputy Grand Marshal Kevin Barber
Kevin was born to Irene and Arthur C. Barber, Sr. He was married to the late Susan Barber and has two children. His son, Kevin Thomas is presently employed as a history teacher in North Arlington and his daughter Jaclyn Marie is a student at Montclair State University.
Kevin attended Harrison schools, graduating from Harrison High School. He attended Seton Hall University and New Jersey City University, from which he earned a Master’s degree in 1985.
Kevin was raised in Harrison and moved to Kearny in 1989. From 1977-2009 he was a teacher of physical education at Lincoln School in Harrison, where he rose to the position of Assistant Principal. During that time he coached soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and swimming.
Kevin has been a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #402, the Harrison Pleasure Club, the Harrison Education Association, School and College Officials Association (SCOA) and the Albert Cifelli Association.
Deputy Grand Marshal Steven Duffy
Steve Duffy was born to John Brian and Dolores Duffy. He is the father of Anthony. Steve graduated from Harrison High School in 1993 and from the Bergen County Firefighter Academy in 1993. In 2007, Steve completed the Fire Instructor training program at the Middlesex County Fire Academy. He has been a member of the East Newark Fire Department since March of 1996 and presently serves as a Captain. Steve has been training the ENFD since 2008 and was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 1998. In 2008, he received the Fire Department Chief’s award and was recognized as Irishman of the Year in 2000 by the East Newark Fire Department. He was honored, by the Harrison/East Newark Elks Lodge #2326, as the Hometown Hero in 2005.