Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci was honored last night with the Nutley Relay for Life Eternal Flame honor at the 17th annual event held at DeMuro Park in Nutley.

"He has learned so many life lessons as a caregiver," Nutley Relay for Life Chair Dayna Hess said in her introduction, "but his passion for a cure started long before cancer struck his own home. He has poured his heart and soul into this project year in and year out for 17 years. What  better way to say thank you than by honoring him here tonight."

The Eternal Flame Award was established to honor, remember, and recognize a special person in each of three individual categories; Caregiver, Survivor, and Memory.

"I'm not usually at a loss for words," the obviously surprised Commissioner stated during an emotional acceptance speech. "But I am at a loss for words.  This movement was never about me. And it never should be. It's about all of you and all of us together doing everything that we can do to fight this dreaded disease. I am so humbled and so honored to be here with such worthy recipients and former recipients, that I don't know what to say.

“I accept this on behalf of everyone that has worked with us for the last 17 years and everyone who will be working with us for the next 17 years. Thank you all very, very much."