IN THE LINE OF DUTY
This section of New Jersey Firefighters Online is dedicated to honoring the members of the New Jersey fire service who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This list has been compiled from various sources. All attempts have been made to be as accurate as possible, however we need your help to make this roll of honor as complete as possible so that these heroic firefighters never be forgotten.
There are a few missing so if someone can get the dates and details I can add them to the list.
December 23, 2013
Fire Police Lieutenant David Lidke of Hightstown Engine Company # 1 passed away after returning to the fire station from a fire on Hausser Ave.
March 31, 2009 Trenton (Mercer)
Firefighter Manny Rivera gave his life to save another, he passed away from injuries sustained at a January 9, 2009 fire. During a rescue operation at the fire scene Manny took off his mask to urge a victim hanging by his fingers from a window onto a ladder and to safety. Manny collapsed soon afterward. Manny was a 14 year veteran of the Trenton Fire Department.
January 2, 2009 Elizabeth (Union)
Firefighter Gary Stephens, 57, a 28-year veteran of the Union County department, fell under the wheels of the truck at about 2:30 a.m., a half-hour after the fire broke out at 340 Marshall St. Authorities say the accident occurred as Stephens was standing behind the rig, directing the driver back toward a hydrant to lay hose. Stephens was briefly distracted, turned away for a moment, and was struck by the slow-moving truck, authorities said.
December 27, 2008 West Windsor Township (Mercer)
Firefighter Dennis McClenahan passed away from a heart attack after returning home from a fire.
March 9, 2008 West Milford
Raymond Barrett, Sr. 62 yrs old collapsed at a residential structure fire at 34 Navajo Trail West Milford.. All attempts to revive him at the scene and en route to the hospital were unsuccessful.
December 28, 2008 East Greenwich Township/Mickleton
Walter C. Fagan, Jr. age 48 died from a heart attack while responding to a call in the department's apparatus. Firefighters provided assistance and called for an ambulance but passed away en route to the hospital.
July 15, 2007 Ridgefield Park
Stephen R. Dembski age 41 died from a heart attack after returning from a call.
February 4, 2007 Seaside Heights (Ocean)
John W. Broom-Smith age 44 passed away from a heart attack after returning from a call.
September 9, 2006 Union City (Hudson)
Vincent R. Neglia 45, was trapped by a collapse and rapid fire progress operating at a 3-story apartment fire. Firefighter Neglia was removed from the building and transported to the hospital but later died from a combination of smoke inhalation and burns.
April 11, 2006 Franklin Township (Somerset)
Firefighter Kevin Apuzzio died and several firefighters were hurt when a floor collapsed while at a structure fire at 35 Whittier Avenue.
February 23, 2006 Rio Grande
Robert "Ockie" Wisting age 77 died of a heart attack at home after returning from a fire.
February 9, 2006 Burlington Township (Burlington)
Edward Joseph Marbet age 31 after rescuing his fiancé from his burning house he became trapped when he went back inside to extinguish a fire in his residence. Firefighters from his own department responded to the call and found him collapsed on an upper floor of the dwelling. He was unable to reach the window in time and died of smoke inhalation.
May 31, 2005 Atlantic City (Atlantic)
Paul Albert Carr, age 58. Firefighter Carr was competing physical fitness training utilizing a rowing machine while on-duty at the fire station. Another firefighter found Firefighter Carr unconscious, called for additional help, started CPR and applied an AED. Firefighters continued CPR until transferred to the ambulance and rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead 34 minutes later.
April 11, 2005 Metuchen
James Michael Ratcliffe age 62 passed away after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke while driving the department's Engine 4 in a funeral procession for a retired fire chief and happened to be one Ratcliffe's best friends.
February 12, 2005 Garfield
Petta Angelo age 46 collapsed with a heart attack on the front porch after evacuating residents from a house that had a gas leak. Members of the fire department and police department provided immediate care including uses of a automatic defibrillator still after the effort he was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later.
February 10, 2005 Ogdensburg
William Wade Pierce age 53 died with a heart attack while providing mutual aid at the scene of a gas explosion in a manufactured home. Firefighter Pierce was treated by EMTs and Paramedics on scene but despite these efforts died at the hospital a short time later.
September 3, 2004 New Brunswick, (Middlesex)
Deputy Fire Chief dies while attempting to rescue residents during a structure fire. The fire wst at 50 Lee Avenue and was reported at 3:04 a.m.
November 9, 2001
Firefighter, George F. "June" Danielson Jr., 77
Status: Volunteer, Years of Service: 50, Date of Incident: 09/14/2001,
Time of Incident: 2133hrs, Date of Death: 11/09/2001, Fire Department: Mine Hill Fire Department
Fire Department Address: US Highway 46, Mine Hill, NJ 07803
Firefighter Danielson was directing traffic in front of the firehouse as fire engines were returning from the scene of a chimney fire when he was struck by a private vehicle and sustained multiple injuries. He was transported to the hospital for treatment where he remained until he passed away as a result of the injuries.
September 16, 2001 (Burlington)
Fire Police Lieutenant, Willie Barns, Age:66, Cause of Death: Stress/Exertion
Status: Volunteer Emergency Duty,
Incident Date:09/16/2001, Death Date:09/16/2001
Fire Dept. Info: Country Lakes Volunteer Fire Company # 1
103 Firehouse Road, P.O. Box 518
Browns Mills, New Jersey 08015
Fire Police Lieutenant Barns died of an apparent heart attack while responding in his private vehicle to work a traffic control point following a transformer fire that had disabled traffic lights in the area.
May 22nd 2001 Newark NJ (Essex Co.)
Firefighter Laurence Webb, 37, of Engine Company 13 died after collapsing at a fire in a third-floor apartment. He suffered a heart attack triggered by smoke inhalation.
May 9th 2001, Passaic NJ (Passaic Co.)
Firefighter Alberto Tirado was killed performing a search of the third floor at a general alarm fire at 204 Market street. He is survived by a wife and four children.
March 25, 2001, Verga NJ
Firefighter, Jim Heenan, Age:37
Status: Volunteer Emergency Duty
Incident Date:01/01/2001 Duty Type: Fireground Operations
Incident Time:02:15Activity Type: Search and Rescue
Death Date:03/25/2001 Fixed Prop. Use: Residential
Fire Dept. Info: Verga Fire and Rescue Company
1415 Crown Point Road, Verga, New Jersey 08093
Initial Summary: Firefighter Heenan died from injuries sustained while fighting a January 1st, 2001 house fire when a floor collapsed beneath him while he was searching for victims in the West Deptford, NJ residence. The dispatch information had originally included reports of entrapment, but it was later discovered that the two-story structure was empty. Firefighter Heenan was trapped in the basement under debris for about 20 minutes. He suffered burns to 74 percent of his body and had been through several surgeries before he finally passed away March 25th. Memorial Fund: Firefighter Jim Heenan Fund, Bank of Gloucester County, 1100 Old Broadway, Woodbury, NJ 08096, (856) 845-0700
November 26, 2000, Cliffside Park (Bergen Co.)
Danny King, 21, died shortly after hitting a New Jersey Transit Bus while enroute to a fire call.
June 23, 2000 , Deptford Twp. (Gloucester Co)
Ralph H. Jones II died while on duty from a massive heart attack. Ralph H. Jones was a member of IAFF Local 3592. Ralph served as a Career Firefighter with Deptford Fire Department for 14 years. Ralph also was a member of Deptford Twp.Emergency Services Unit, also with Woodbury Ambuulance Service. Ralph H. Jones was elected President of Gloucester County IAFF Local #3592 on Thursday June 22, 2000.
January 11, 2000, Marlboro Township (Monmouth Co.)
First Assistant Chief Ronald Osadacz, 35, of the Morganville Fire Co. suffered a fatal heart attack after retuning home after fighting a fire in a pickup truck. He was pronounced dead at Bayshore Community Hospital.
November 16, 1999, Jersey City (Hudson Co.)
Firefighter Brian Andrew Lee, 38, died after collapsing in the firehouse.
June 13, 1999, Secaucus (Hudson Co.)
Joseph F. Tagliareni Jr., 34, of Secaucus Hose Co. #1 suffered a heart attack while driving a fire apparatus to a car fire on May 31, 1999 � Memorial Day. He was able to pull truck to side of the road before crashing and thus was able to avoid killing any of the other three men on the truck. He died June 13, 1999.
June 4, 1999, Newark (Essex Co.)
Firefighter Richard Heinze, 47, of Truck Co. 12 died after collapsing in the bunkroom of his firehouse. The 27-year veteran had just returned from a fire call when he was stricken.
February 16, 1999, Franklin Twp. (Gloucester Co.):
Franklin Township firefighter Bob Stanmire has died of a heart attack while responding to an alarm. He was a member of Station 43-5 Forest Grove Fire Company for 25 yrs and was 52 years old.
December 12,1998, Little Falls (Passiac Co.):
Assistant Chief Steve Gessler was on the scene of a search & rescue when he collapsed. EMS was on scene & began treatment immediately but to no avail. He died about 1 1/2 hours later at St. Joseph's Hospital in nearby Paterson, NJ. He was a 24 year veteran & is survived by a wife & 2 children.
October 24, 1998, Paterson (Passiac Co.):
F/F Waltner Bitner Eng.5 from injuries 9 yrs earlier when he fell off fire engine he was paralyzed for that period.
November 6, 1997, Eastampton Township (Burlington Co.):
Past Chief Johnson Oatman, 55, of the Ewansville Fire Co. suffered a fatal heart attack while en route to a fire call, according to FEMA’s National Fallen Firefighters Memorial (which can be accessed at http://web.archive.org/web/20020103071127/http://web.archive.org/web/20020103071127/http://www.usfa.fema.gov/ffmem/mem.htm).
August 24, 1996, Union Township (Union Co.):
Union Deputy Fire Chief Leslie Hendricks, 59, suffered a fatal heart attack in his home on this date. About 10 days earlier, Hendricks, a 36-year veteran of the department, inhaled toxic smoke while battling a fire at the Burger King restaurant on Route 22 and was hospitalized for several days.
July 11, 1996, Raritan Borough (Somerset Co.):
Firefighter Bruce Lindner, 48, a former chief of Relief Hose Co. No. 2, suffered a fatal heart attack during an extrication drill.
May 25, 1996, Mahwah (Bergen Co.):
Deputy Chief Kevin R. Malone, 31, suffered a fatal heart attack after returning home from a false alarm.
February 11, 1996, Ridgefield Borough (Bergen Co.):
Firefighter Michael McLaughlin, 54, was suffered a fatal heart attack while at the scene of a fire in a laundromat.
January 7, 1996, Rockaway Borough (Morris Co.):
Willard Hopler, an ex-chief of the Rockaway Borough Fire Department, suffered a fatal heart attack during a chimney fire on Douglas Road during the Blizzard of ’96. Hopler, 59, collapsed shortly after driving Telesquirt 413 to the fire scene.
November 26, 1995, Andover Township (Sussex Co.):
Firefighter Michael Canonico, 52, was killed while responding to a fire call on his motorcycle. According to newspaper accounts, Canonico was en route to a fire on Limecrest Road when he tried to pass a pickup truck on the shoulder of Newton Sparta Road. Canonico’s motorcycle slammed into the truck when the pickup’s 74-year-old driver made a right turn into a driveway. Canonico was thrown from his motorcycle and suffered a fatal head injury.
June 6, 1995, Edison (Middlesex Co.):
Lt. Peter E. Borwegen, 43, died of an apparent heart attack inside his firehouse.
March 18, 1995, Delran (Burlington Co.):
Henry Williams, a member of the Delran Fire Co. #2 (Station 232), reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack while he was taking a stress test to join the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.
1994, Ocean City (Cape May Co.):
Capt. George A. Ciliberto suffered a fatal heart attack on duty in the firehouse.
November 15, 1994, Bernards Township (Somerset Co.):
Richard Liddy, 66, an ex-chief and past president of the Basking Ridge Fire Co., died on this date after he suffered a heart attack while dragging a hose during a house fire on North Brook Road on November 9, 1994. The owner of the burned house was later arrested and charged with aggravated arson and murder. Liddy, who was a member of Bernardsville Fire Co. before moving to Bernards Township, had spent more than 40 years in the fire service.
November 8, 1994, Hamilton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter Brian Sutton Sr., 47, an ex-chief and past president of the Enterprise Fire Co. (Station 14-2), suffered a fatal heart attack while attempting to connect a hose to a hydrant during a fire located in the 200 block of Woodlawn Avenue. The blaze, which started just before 2 p.m. when a woman tried to light a cigarette and accidentally ignited some nearby curtains, heavily damaged two duplexes.
October 29, 1994, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Michael J. DeLane, 33, a six-year veteran assigned to Rescue 1, died at a structure fire. The blaze, located at 62 Chester Avenue, was reported at about 1 a.m. DeLane was helping to ventilate when conditions rapidly deteriorated and all firefighters were ordered off of the roof of the two-story building. DeLane was fatally electrocuted while climbing down Truck 7 when, according to newspaper accounts, he went to the aid of another firefighter whose saw came in contact with live power lines. The firefighter who DeLane helped was shocked and suffered severe burns but ultimately survived. An 80-year-old woman also died in the fire.
February 9, 1994, Sea Girt (Monmouth Co.):
Firefighter Glenn T. Thorn died on this date from injuries he sustained at a structure fire on January 21, 1994. After arriving at the fire in his personal vehicle, Thorn suffered an acute heart attack and collapsed. Emergency care was rendered and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died 19 days later as a result of the effects of the attack.
February 7, 1994, Pine Hill (Camden Co.):
Firefighter Walter Franks suffered a heart attack in his firehouse on January 28, 1994. He was preparing coffee for his fellow firefighters who were out on a call. They returned to find Franks found him lying unconscious. Emergency care was rendered and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died 10 days later as a result of the attack's effects.
January 4, 1994, Rutherford (Bergen Co.):
Rutherford Firefighter Thomas Dunn, 40, was killed when he became trapped on the second floor of a burning house while performing a search for victims.
December 29, 1993, South Amboy (Middlesex Co.):
Volunteer Firefighter Russel T. Newcomb, 71, died as a result of multiple trauma sustained December 14th, when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic in front of the fire station.
December 23, 1993, Carlstadt (Bergen Co.):
Volunteer Firefighter John Brentzel Jr., 61, suffered a fatal heart attack while on stand-by at an emergency scene.
November 15, 1993, Howell Township/Southard (Monmouth Co.):
Volunteer Firefighter John H. Somay, 74, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while directing traffic at a fire scene.
April 1, 1993, Chatham (Morris Co.):
Lewis Sheats, 51, a career member of the South Orange Fire Department, died while serving as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown. Sheats, who had been a volunteer firefighter in Chatham for more than 20 years, was crushed to death when a chimney fell on him as he fought a dwelling fire on Bartow Lane. The blaze, which was reported about 3:45 a.m., also killed the home’s 81-year-old female resident. A cigarette may have been the cause of the fire, according to newspaper reports.
March 20, 1993, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Carlos A. Negron, 47, was killed at a three-alarm fire in the three-story rowhouse at 411 Palisades Avenue. Negron, a 12-year veteran of the fire department, was fatally electrocuted when a ground ladder he was using somehow came in contact with live power lines. Two other firefighters were shocked but survived.
1992, Unknown:
New Jersey firefighter Anthony J. Carugno was killed in the line of duty in 1993. Carugno was honored during the 12th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of Carugno’s final sacrifice are not available).
February 13, 1992, Morris Plains (Morris Co.):
Vincent McGuiness, 63, an ex-chief with more than 30 years service to the Morris Plains Fire Department, suffered a fatal heart attack in the firehouse just minutes after he drove an engine back from a false alarm.
1991, Stanhope (Sussex Co.)
Albert F. Robibero. Was a member of Stanhope Hose Co #1. He died while returning from a fire call.
1991, Unknown:
New Jersey firefighter John Kucich was killed in the line of duty in 1991. He was honored during the 11th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of his final sacrifice are not available).
November 24, 1991, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. Joseph P. McCarthy, 54, died during the overhaul phase of an afternoon fire at 21 Spencer Street. McCarthy, who was assigned to Engine 12 and had spent more than 30 years with the department, collapsed from a heart attack inside the kitchen of the fire building. He was pronounced dead a short time later at University Hospital. He was the father of six children.
January 17, 1991, Paterson (Passaic Co.):
Firefighter John Nicosia, 28, of Engine 4, died while fighting a multiple-alarm fire on Main Street. The blaze, which was reported shortly before 6 a.m., raged out of control for hours and was fought by more than 200 firefighters. In the end, an entire city block was destroyed.
January 1, 1991, Glen Ridge (Essex Co.):
Capt. Frank Quadrel, 62, of the Montclair Fire Department suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a three-alarm fire at 376 Ridgewood Avenue in Glen Ridge. The blaze, which was discovered just after 3 a.m., was started when some holiday decorations were ignited by a chandelier, according to newspaper accounts. Quadrel had spent more than 30 years with the department.
1990, Unknown:
New Jersey Firefighter George S. Labance died in the line of duty in 1990. Labance was honored during the 10th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of Labance’s final sacrifice are not available).
September 26, 1989, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Capt. Louis N. Simone, 56, suffered a fatal heart attack while working a hoseline during a fire in a three-story dwelling on Storms Avenue. Simone, a 31-year veteran of the department, was the father of six children.
1989, White Township (Warren Co.):
Fire Chief Dennis Heycock of the Oxford Fire Company died at the scene of a garage fire. He was 44 years old.
1989, Unknown:
New Jersey firefighter Eddie A. Jones Jr. was killed in the line of duty in 1989. He was honored during the 9th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of his final sacrifices are not available).
1989, Pemberton Borough (Burlington Co.):
Ray R. Rufe of Goodwill Fire Co. (Station 191) was killed in the line of duty.
1989, Moorestown (Burlington Co.):
Robert J. Ansell of Moorestown Hose Co. (Station 311) was killed in the line of duty.
1988, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1988: Atwood T. Fox III, Maurice Frey, Eugene T. Furey, and William R. Schmidt. The men were honored during the 8th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of the men and their final sacrifices are not available).
1988, Woodland Township (Burlington Co.):
Clifford W. Brown of Lebanon Lakes Fire Co. (Station 292) was killed in the line of duty.
December 10, 1988, Hoboken (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Robert J. Mazzo Sr. suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting a fire in a vacant structure located at 312 Second Street.
July 1, 1988, Hackensack (Bergen Co.):
In a tragedy that continues, even to this day, to haunt the New Jersey fire service, five Hackensack firefighters perished while battling a multiple-alarm blaze at Hackensack Ford. The men were inside the burning automobile dealership when the structure’s truss roof for a F/F from another company who asked him to swap tours with suddenly collapsed without warning. Three of the men -- Capt. Richard Williams, 53, and Firefighters William Krejsa, 51, and Leonard Radumski, 38 -- were killed instantly when tons of rubble crashed down on top of them. The other two men -- Lt. Richard Reinhagen, 48, and Firefighter Stephen Ennis, 30 -- were shielded from the collapse inside a cinderblock toolroom. But they were trapped in the room by the debris and ultimately died when their SCBA cylinders ran out.
July 21, 1987, Leonia (Bergen Co.):
Firefighter Gerald E. Crowell died in the line of duty at a house fire in the Borough.
1987, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1987: Gustave H. Dirner Jr., John T. Durfee, Joseph McCormick Sr., William J. O’Donnell, Joseph C. Pezzullo, and Francis X. Tiewski. The men were honored during the 7th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of the men and their final sacrifices are not available).
1987 (unknown date) Hamilton Township (Mercer)
William J. O’Donnell was chief of the Nottingham Fire Department (Hamilton Fire District #7) at the time of his death. He died of a heart attack returning from a car fire on Route #33 in Hamilton, NJ.
1986, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1986: Frank Biancorosso, Howard A. Cooper, and Albert Fischer. The men were honored during the 6th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of the men and their final sacrifices are not available).
1986, Eastampton Township (Burlington Co.):
John Rose of Eastampton Fire Co. (Station 341) was killed in the line of duty.
December 21, 1986, Lawrence Township (Mercer Co.):
While directing traffic a few blocks from the scene of a blaze in the firehouse of Lawrence Road Fire Co. (Station 22), Fire Police Capt. Walter A. "Luke" Lukaszewski of the Slackwood Fire Co. (Station 21) suffered a heart attack. He was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:53 a.m. at Helene Fuld Medical Center in Trenton. Two other firefighters were injured in the blaze, which gutted the kitchen, banquet hall and roof of the firehouse. The cause of the fire was later ruled to be electrical in nature.
August 4, 1986, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Two Trenton firefighters died while battling a three-alarm blaze at Shenanigan’s Saloon located at 121 South Warren Street. Firefighter Robert J. Mizopalko, 33, a six-year veteran assigned to Ladder 4, and Firefighter Joseph N. Woods, 25, a three-year veteran assigned to Engine 10, became trapped in the burning tavern and ultimately died of smoke inhalation after their SCBA bottles ran out. Several rescue attempts were hampered by the extremely heavy fire and heat conditions inside the bar.
January 2, 1986, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Marcus Reddick of Engine Co. 5 died on this date from injuries he sustained on December 31, 1985, when he fell from a ladder during a rescue attempt.
1985, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighter was killed in the line of duty in 1985: Leon Dudak. He was honored during the 5th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of Dudak and his final sacrifices are not available).
1985, Midland Park (Bergen Co.):
Midland Park Firefighter Marinus P. Witte.was killed while battling a fire in a one-story railroad station on Goffle Road.
1985, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Norman Johnson of the Atlantic City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
September 2, 1985, Passaic (Passaic Co.):
Capt. William J. Koenemund of Secaucus Truck 1 suffered a fatal heart attack while on mutual aid. He was fighting a fire that destroyed four blocks of Passaic.
1984, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1984: James J. Carbin Jr., John E. Lindquist Jr. The men were honored during the 4th annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of the men and their final sacrifices are not available).
1984, West Long Branch (Monmouth Co.)
Michael W. Thorne was from West Long Branch Fire Dept in New Jersey (Monmouth County Sta. #53). Brother Thorne fell down an elevator shaft, while on a fire call at Monmouth Collage in West Long Branch, N.J. ( now called Monmouth University).
August 12, 1984, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter James M. Murray, 40, of Truck 10 died while fighting a three-alarm fire on the 7th floor of the Prudential Insurance Co. high-rise on Academy Street. Murray apparently got separated from his company and became disoriented in the heavy smoke and maze-like layout of the floor. He was found in full arrest with his air supply depleted. CPR was started immediately and he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He was working for a firefighter from another company who asked him to swap tours with him.
January 17th, 1983, New Milford (Bergen County):
The Town's Boro Hall went up and William D. Entwistle was entraped inside the building. He was honored during the 3rd annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
1983, Unknown
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1983: Robert P. Cogan, Charles A. Crowley Jr., and Frederick A. Steffen.The men were honored during the 3rd annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
April 15, 1983, East Orange (Essex Co.):
Capt. Robert Wasner, 37, of Rescue 1, died on this date from injuries he sustained while operating at a blaze in an apartment building on April 13, 1983. Wasner, who was a 13-year veteran of the department, was told that someone might be trapped on the fourth floor of the fire building. Wasner began a search but became caught in a flashover and suffered burns over much of his body. He was taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where he later died. The report of a person trapped on the fourth floor proved to be false.
March 15, 1983, Hightstown (Mercer Co.):
Fire Police Lt. John J. "JJ" Thompson, 79, of the Hightstown Engine Co. (Station 41) died of an apparent heart attack while directing traffic at the scene of a dwelling fire at 418 North Main Street. According to newspaper accounts, Thompson was inside his home at 404 North Main Street when two boys knocked on his door around 9:50 a.m. and asked permission to use his phone to report the blaze. Thompson reported the fire himself and then went outside to direct traffic away from incoming apparatus. The blaze, which may have been electrical in nature, heavily damaged the house.
1982, Unknown:
New Jersey Firefighter John W. Franklin Sr. was killed in the line of duty in 1982. Franklin was honored during the 2nd annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of Franklin’s final sacrifice are not available).
1981, Toms River (Ocean Co.)
Henry E. Runco was returning from a call and as he was getting out of the rig he collapsed inside the firehouse from a massive coronary. The Toms River Number 1 Firehouse was recently renamed to honor his memory. The Henry Runco Firehouse is located on Robbins Street in Toms River, New Jersey.
1981, Unknown:
The following New Jersey firefighters were killed in the line of duty in 1981: Thomas L. Kernusz, Charles Rogallosky. The men were honored during the 1st annual memorial service at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. (At present, details of the men and their final sacrifices are not available).
1980, Washington Borough (Warren Co.):
Firefighter Brian Heinrich died from severe burns he received during search and rescue operations at a fire in a four story building in Washington Borough. He was 29 years old
1980, Palmyra Borough (Burlington Co.):
Lawrence Betty of Independence Fire Co. (Station 801) was killed in the line of duty.
May 1980, Carteret (Middlesex Co.):
Hugo J. Marocchi, 47, ex-chief of the Carteret Fire Department, suffered a fatal heart attack while stretching a handline during a house fire.
1979, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
John Seedorf of the Atlantic City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
1978, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Robert J. Sawicki of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
May 08, 1978, Paterson (Passiac Co.):
Thomas Calamita Eng 2 collapsed and died at a Lyons Street fire.
1977, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Leo J. Byrne of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
October 13, 1977, Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.):
Natale T. Bruno F/F Died in the line of duty on
July 22, 1977, Bass River (Burlington Co.):
Four members of the Eagleswood Fire Co. of Eagleswood Township (Ocean Co.) died while helping to battle a raging fire in the Bass River State Forest. The fire, which ultimately consumed more than 2,000 acres of the Pine Barrens, was said to be the work of an arsonist. Eagleswood Chief Harold Cranmer Jr., 32, Assistant Chief Marcus Cullen, 28, and Firefighters Herb Blackwell, 23, and John Baker, 52, perished when they became trapped in the woods, and they and the surplus Army truck they were using were overrun by flames. The 50th Anniversary celebration of the Eagleswood Fire Co., which had been planned for July 23, 1977, was canceled out of respect for the fallen heroes.
April 14, 1977, Cherry Hill (Camden Co.):
Mount Ephraim (Borough) Fire Chief John McWilliams, 56, suffered a fatal heart attack while operating at a multiple-alarm fire that completely destroyed the Garden State race track. According to newspaper accounts, more than 400 firefighters manning nearly 100 pieces of apparatus worked for hours to control the flames that consumed the mostly wooden seven-story clubhouse and adjacent grandstand.
1977 Unknown Date, Freehold (Monmouth)
Thomas Landwehr died after returning from an alarm.
1976, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Roy Gill of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
April 5, 1976, Raritan Township (Hunterdon Co.):
Assistant Chief Raymond Miller from the Sergeantsville Fire Co. (Station 47) of Delaware Township (Hunterdon Co.) was fatally electrocuted when he came in contact with a fallen power line while fighting a brush fire in a field along Decker Corner Road. Miller, who worked at nearby business, was killed after he volunteered to help the Raritan Fire Co. battle the brush fire.
1975, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Frederick J. Manzo of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
A member of the Paterson Fire Department was killed in the line of duty.
April 05, 1975 Paterson (Passiac Co.):
Capt.Fred Armona Eng 11 died after a roof collapsed at a church fire.
1974, Pompton Lakes (Passiac Co.):
Ray Cahill, May 14, 1974, Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, Company 2 was killed in the line of duty.
1974, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
John Holinka of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
January 2, 1974, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Deputy Chief Thomas W. Mayer suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting a fire at 417 Monmouth Street.
November 4, 1973, Cliffside Park (Bergen Co.)
Career firefighter Philip Ferraro and Volunteer Firefighter Michael Chormanski, of the Cliffside Park Fire Dept. in Bergen Co. lost their lives while operating at a fire at "Founders" Restaurant on Palisade Ave. in Cliffside Park. These two men were trapped in the basement and found with depleted air tanks.
1973, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Reginald A. Gooding of the Atlantic City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
April 01, 1973, Paterson (Passaic Co.):
Capt.Frank Mancinelli Truck 3 died after falling from a roof at a 3 alarm fire.
1972, Moorestown (Burlington Co.):
Walter Roberts of Relief Engine Co. (Station 312) was killed in the line of duty.
1972, Branchburg Twp. (Somerset Co.):
Richard H. Mahnken of the North Branch Fire Co. of Branchburg Twp. was killed in the line of duty.
1972, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Leo Hinton of the Atlantic City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
July 30, 1972, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. Daniel J. McCoy suffered a fatal heart attack during a drill on Fireboat 1.
July 19, 1972, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter William Olvaney of Engine 6 suffered a fatal heart attack while in his firehouse.
May 7, 1972, Newark (Essex Co.):
Three firefighters died while battling a multiple-alarm fire in an abandoned building that formerly housed a tavern. Capt. Dominick LaTorre of Engine 12, Capt. Anthony V. Lardiere of Truck 4, and Firefighter Russell Schoemer of Truck 5 all perished when the structure suddenly collapsed and they were buried beneath tons of debris in the basement. Several other firefighters were injured. According to newspaper accounts, the blaze had been deliberately set by two teenage boys.
February 29, 1972, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. John J. Foley, a 17-year veteran on Engine 10, died in the line of duty.
1971, Burlington City (Burlington Co.):
Carmen Cavallero of Hope Steam Engine Co. (Station 902) was killed in the line of duty.
October 4, 1971, Trenton, (Mercer Co.):
Chief Raymond A. Schwab, 61, died at home of complications from a heart attack he suffered during a three-alarm fire at the corner of North Broad and Academy streets on August 23, 1971.
September 19, 1971, Bordentown Township (Burlington Co.):
Assistant Chief Kenneth Applegate, 24, of the Mission Fire Co. (Station 321) was killed while fighting a dwelling fire at 14 Linden Avenue. The blaze, which occurred on the weekend of the state firemen’s convention, was reported just before 3 a.m. Applegate was inside the burning house with a charged hoseline when an explosion, possibly caused by a natural gas leak, occurred. Applegate was found dead, floating in the water-filled basement, sometime later. According to newspaper reports, an autopsy revealed that third degree burns and suffocation were the causes of death.
April 5, 1971, Bridgewater Township (Somerset Co.):
Firefighter Anthony Natalizio died on this date at a New York hospital of severe burns he sustained on February 16, 1971, while fighting a car fire. The gas tank of the car exploded and enveloped Natalizio in a ball of flames, causing second and third degree burns over his entire body.
March 16, 1971, Franklin (Somerset Co.):
Firefighter Wes Crane of the Hamburg Borough Fire Department was killed while operating at the scene of a fire at the A-Mart Shopping Center in Franklin. Crane was a 15-year veteran of the department and left behind three young children.
1969, Cinnaminson (Burlington Co.):
Harris Shrine of Cinnaminson Fire Co. #1 (Station 201) was killed in the line of duty.
1969, East Orange (Essex Co.)
Capt. Carmen Evangelista of the East Orange Fire Department died when he was thrown from an engine that was involved in a traffic accident.
June 13, 1969, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. Thomas F. Martin of Engine 29 suffered a fatal heart attack in the firehouse.
February 12, 1969, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Capt. Clarence J. Moran of Engine Co. 7 was fighting a fire at 812 Avenue C. A woman was trapped in her top- floor apartment and Capt. Moran and his men made five attempts to reach her but they were driven back by heat and smoke. As Engine Co. 7 was taking up from the scene, Capt. Moran was stricken with a heart attack and died.
1968, Westampton Township (Burlington Co.):
James Mohn Jr. of Rancocas Fire Co. (Station 271) was killed in the line of duty.
1968, Florence (Burlington Co.):
Alfred Brown of Florence Fire Co. #1 (Station 401) was killed in the line of duty.
July 14, 1968, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Edward G. Dennis, 41, of Engine 18 suffered a fatal heart attack while at the scene of a multiple-alarm fire involving a half-dozen vacant buildings. That blaze, which was reported around 2:30 a.m., was followed by a three-alarm fire in an abandoned factory. Both fires was called "definitely suspicious" in nature.
February 25, 1968, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Charles Winterhalter of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty when the apparatus he was driving, Truck 7, was hit by a car. While relocating to Truck 8, Truck 7 was struck in the right front by a speeding auto at Kennedy Boulevard and Manhattan Avenue. The force of the impact caused the rig to careen across traffic, jump the curb, and smash through a storefront. Winterhalter was pinned behind the steering wheel. He was extricated and rushed to the hospital, where he later died as a result of his injuries.
December 9, 1967, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Firefighter Ernest Tartaglia was fatally crushed when he was thrown from Rescue 1 during an accident and the apparatus rolled over on him.
October 16, 1967, Cliffside Park (Bergen Co.):
Five firefighters from Ridgefield Engine 2 were killed fighting during a blaze at the Cardinal Lanes bowling alley at 515 Anderson Avenue. They were Chief Gustave A. Genschow, 43, a 27-year veteran; Firefighter Dominick Acquafredda, 31, a 4-year veteran; Firefighter Harry Brown, 26, a 5-year veteran; Firefighter James Edwards III, 35; and Firefighter James Lauria, 60. On arrival at the bowling alley, firefighters found heavy smoke issuing from all sides of the one-story, 100-foot by 80-foot concrete block structure. Seeing the scope of the fire, mutual aid was immediately requested from neighboring Ridgefield, which dispatched Engine 2 to the scene. Additional mutual aid was called as initial firefighting operations were set up. On arrival, Ridgefield Engine 2, led by their chief, proceeded to stretch two lines to a rear door. Upon opening the door, there was an explosion and the roof beams began to fall. Almost instantly, the entire roof collapsed, pushing out the rear wall onto a dozen firefighters who were operating there. Brother firefighters began to feverishly dig out the trapped men, and they were quickly removed to area hospitals as they were freed. A total of five men were killed in the collapse and six others were injured, 1 seriously. A total of eight towns were called in to help battle the blaze, which was labeled as arson. Fire losses were set at $80,000.
July 14, 1967, Newark (Essex Co.):
During the infamous Newark Riots, Capt. Michael F. Moran was shot by a sniper while he and his company, Engine 11, responded to a late-night false alarm. Moran, who was a father of six, died a short time later.
March 30, 1967, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Francis Lee died in the line of duty while at a fire at 818-22 Pavonia Ave.
September 20, 1966, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter Peter DelAversano was killed in an accident between two engines at the intersection of Hamilton Avenue and Chambers Street.
January 5, 1966. South Amboy (Middlesex Co.):
On the eve on January 5, 1966, Thomas A. Ademacs of Protection Engine Co. #1, of the So. Amboy Fire Department, was killed in the line-of-duty when a television set exploded next to him, causing him to take a massive heart attack. Ademacs is the only fireman in the departments 110+ year history to die in a fire.
1964, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
James Cassell of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
June 13, 1964, Leonia (Bergen Co.):
Ex-Chief Henry Truslowe died of a heart attack while performing his trustee duties as a New Jersey/New York Volunteer Firemens Association trustee.
May 22, 1964, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter William Reed of Truck 6 suffered a fatal heart attack while venting the roof of a burning house.
January 14, 1964, Camden City (Camden Co):
Capt. Leonard Ianelli of Ladder 2 suffered a fatal heart attack while at a three-alarm fire. (According to as-yet unconfirmed reports, Ianelli’s father died of heart attack at a fire in 1942 and his brother died of a heart attack at a fire in 1975).
September 4, 1963 (Union Co.):
Fire Captain Dominick Ritorto of the Union Township Fire Department died from a fire on Green Lane.
1963, Burlington City (Burlington Co.):
Frank Jacoby of Niagara Fire Co. (Station 906) was killed in the line of duty.
1962, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Wilbur Vail of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
November 14, 1962, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Battalion Chief William Deitz died in the line of duty.
April 4, 1962, Montclair (Essex Co.):
Deputy Chief Alton G. Rolston died while operating at a fire.
1961, Cinnaminson (Burlington Co.):
Raymond Lutts of Cinnaminson Fire Co. #2 (Station 202) was killed in the line of duty.
March 04, 1961, Paterson (Passiac Co.)
Capt. Lester Reiche Eng.3 collapsed and died at a fire on Ellison St.
December 2, 1961, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Charles J. Kraly, a 14-year veteran, died in the performance of his duties.
December 29, 1960, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Thomas Spirko of Engine 7 suffered a heart attack while fighting a fire at Broadway Furniture Store at 36th Street and Broadway. He died at Bayonne Hospital later that day.
April 26, 1960, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Acting Chief Michael Burke, 48, fell down an air shaft to his death during a three-alarm fire involving four occupied apartment buildings on Mercer Street. Burke, a World War II veteran, was on the roof when, blinded by heavy smoke, he stumbled into the air shaft. Burke’s body was found about 20 minutes later laying on the pavement beneath the five-story shaft.
1957, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Frederick Lutz of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Clifford Mason of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
February 11, 1956, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Capt. Richard Green, 42, died when he slipped off a ladder and fell four stories during a fire in the Hotel Penn at 31 South Clinton Avenue. Green was a 14-year veteran of the department.
1956 Unknown Date, Freehold (Monmouth) 1956
John Felton who was hospitalized in grave condition for an extended period of time with severe burns sustained while operating at the Polcak Coat Factory, 8/2/1933 and recovered from his injuries, died in front of the firehouse from a heart attack while responding to a fire. See Below: August 2, 1933, Freehold (Monmouth)
1954, Burlington City (Burlington Co.):
William Smith of Mitchell Fire Co. (Station 904) was killed in the line of duty.
1953, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Joseph Kiernan of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
April 30, 1953, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter John J. O’Connell, 53, suffered a fatal stroke while battling a blaze at 98 Belvidere Street. He was a 24-year veteran of the department.
March 3, 1953, Hackensack (Bergen Co.):
Capt. Frederick Mtthews and Firefighter Andrew "Smokey" Lange were killed when their apparatus, Engine 5, was involved in an accident. Matthews was ejected from the open cab American LaFrance and the rig went over on him, killing him instantly. Lange was pinned in his jumpseat and died later in the hospital.
February 26, 1953, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter George Weeks died of injuries he sustained when his engine was struck by a car that ran a red light at the corner of East Hanover and North Montgomery streets.
1952, Florence (Burlington Co.):
Chester Sutphin of Florence Fire Co. (Station 401) was killed in the line of duty.
December 29, 1952, Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.):
Irvin H. Schein Died in the line of duty.
July 26, 1951 Paterson (Passiac Co.)
Chief's Aide Joseph Dow died in a collision while driving chief to a fire.
December 9, 1950, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter James E. Carlin, a 23-year veteran with Engine 4, died in the line of duty.
November 20, 1948, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Benedict Witkus, driver of Engine 20, died on this date as a result of burns sustained when the engine collided with a car and burst into flames on November 13, 1948. Another firefighter died in the crash (see below).
November 13, 1948, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter William Manger, acting captain of Engine 20, was killed when the engine (which was on a run) and a car collided and both vehicles burst into flames. Three of the car’s occupants were killed. Engine 20’s driver died a week later (see above).
June 6, 1948, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Louis Unger, a 28-year veteran assigned to Engine 3, died in the line of duty. At the time of his death, he was acting captain.
March 25, 1948, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Arthur C. McGillis of Engine Co. 6 was fighting a fire in Saint Vincent de Paul’s Auditorium on West 47th Street when he suddenly collapses. Attempts to revive him with an inhalator failed and he died at the scene.
January 12, 1948, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Firefighter Elwood Menzies, 51, of Engine 8 suffered a fatal heart attack while at a fire.
May 14, 1947, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter William J. Donnelly of Engine Co. 3 was killed in the line of duty.
January 17, 1947, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Alfred Sedlak of Truck Co. 2 was ascending the 75-foot aerial ladder of the truck to put a new halyard at the top of the flagpole in front of the Bayonne Junior College. As he was reaching the tip of the ladder, the lower section of the aerial broke and Sedlak fell to his death.
1946, Hainesport Fire Co. (Burlington Co.):
Harry Forvour of Hainesport Fire Co. (Station 391) was killed in the line of duty.
November 30, 1946, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Benjamin Stevens, a 22-year veteran assigned to Engine 3, died in the performance of his duties.
1945, Palmyra Borough (Burlington Co.):
Edwin W. Redfield Jr. of Independence Fire Co. (Station 801) was killed in the line of duty.
August 6, 1945, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. Anthony A. DaGrossa, a 20-year veteran with Ladder 5, died in the line of duty.
July 1, 1944, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. John F. Born, a 16-year veteran in charge of Engine 8, died in the line of duty.
December 5, 1943, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Harry B. Yard, a 32-year veteran with Engine 3, died in the line of duty.
October 5, 1943, Pittsgrove Township/Centerton (Salem Co.):
Two firemen were crushed to death beneath tons of grain while fighting flames that swept through the grain elevator and feed storage warehouse of George Schalick & Sons Co. in Centerton. The firemen were: Royal Rainir and Earl Jackson of the Bridgeton Fire Dept. from Cumberland Co. The assistant chief of the department, Robert Mulford, narrowly escaped the same fate. Believing the fire had been extinguished, the men entered a rear doorway of the warehouse to clear away debris. As they did, a ceiling collapsed, releasing the avalanche of grain. Mulford escaped the full impact. Other firemen dug frantically in the huge pile of grain and found him unconscious 15 minutes later. Just as they freed Mulford, the fire broke out again, halting the rescue work. All of Centerton was plunged into darkness when the fire melted a cable of the Atlantic City Electric Co.
August 19, 1942 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
A serious accident involving fire apparatus from Company # 5 occurred at the corner of Grand Street and Mill Street killing two members of the department. F/F August Schneider and Auxiliary Firefighter William G. Conklin perished when thrown from their apparatus when their hook and ladder was hit from the rear. To this date Conklin has been the only Paterson Auxiliary Fireman killed in the line of duty.
1940, Mount Holly (Burlington Co.):
Theodore Pennock of Union Fire Co. (Station 502) was killed in the line of duty.
1940, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Roderick Tighe of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Richard Jenkins of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
1939, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Richard Glade of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Lawrence Sutton of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
May 3, 1939, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. John J. Walser of Engine 32 suffered a fatal heart attack during a brush fire in Port Newark.
1938, Jersey City (Hudson Co.)
Stephen Connors of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
October 28, 1938, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. George Jaques of Engine 22 and Firefighter Fred Herrmann of Truck 12 perished of smoke inhalation in a basement fire.
July 23, 1938, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter John E. Schumacher of Engine 18 suffered a fatal heart attack while moving a hoseline at a house fire.
May 28, 1938, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Arthur J. Kinsella suffered a fatal heart attack while driving Engine 27’s hose wagon to an alarm.
March 12, 1938 Paterson (Passiac Co.)
D/C James Sweeney, Capt. John Devenport Eng.5, F/F Matthew R.O'Neill, Eng 5, F/F Louis Rodesky, F/F William J.Lynch,Jr. were all killed when a wall collapsed at the Quackenbush Warehouse.
May 26, 1936, Woodland Township (Burlington Co.)
Five firefighters were killed while battling a massive forest fire, which started in the Chatsworth section of Woodland and then spread through more than 15,000 acres of the Pine Barrens in Burlington and Ocean counties. The dead men were firefighters with the Civilian Conservation Corps. They were identified in newspaper reports as: John T. LaSalle, 20; Edward F. Sullivan, 20; and Stanley Sarr. Also killed in the fierce blaze were volunteer firefighter Kingsley White, 38, and forestry firefighter Ira Morey.
June 6, 1935, Hackensack (Bergen Co.):
Firefighter Robert C. Paget of Truck Co. 1 was killed in the line of duty.
February 16, 1935, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Peter Brady of Truck Co. 3 was riding the side as the truck responded to a fire on the west side of town. As the truck rounded the corner of 56th Street and the Boulevard, Brady lost his grip on the railing and fell to the street. He died later that day at Bayonne Hospital due to a fractured skull.
July 4, 1934, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Drillmaster Morris Abel, a 27-year veteran of the ACFD, died in the performance of his duties.
May 07, 1934, Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F Allen Saal Truck 3 wall collapse St. Bonaventure
May 07, 1934 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F John O'Neill Eng 9 St.Bonaventure
February 4, 1934, Lawrence Township (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter John Morton, 20, of the Slackwood Fire Co. (Station 21) died on this date of injuries sustained when the engine he was driving was involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer on January 30, 1934. Four other firefighters were killed in the crash (see below).
January 30, 1934, Lawrence Township (Mercer Co.):
Four members of the Slackwood Fire Co. (Station 21) died on this date and a fifth man died several days later as a result of injuries sustained when their engine was struck by a tractor-trailer. The fatal accident occurred at about 11 p.m. as the men responded to a small grass fire on Cherry Tree Lane. As the Slackwood engine crossed Route 1 from Slack Avenue it was broadsided by the tractor-trailer. The driver had two other men in the front of the apparatus, and four other men riding on the engine’s rear and side steps. The collision ejected all the firefighters from the engine and several were caught under the jackknifed tractor-trailer. Firefighter George H. Combs, 62, and First Assistant Chief Howard Grant, 27, were killed instantly. Firefighter Russell Turner, 23, and Firefighter Walter Oliver Penrod, 20, died at McKinley Hospital (now Helen Fuld Medical Center) a short time later. The engine’s driver, who suffered a fractured skull and other injuries, died on February 4, 1934 (see above).
August 2, 1933, Freehold (Monmouth)
On August 2 1933 at 12:55pm Freehold firefighters were called to box 36 at the corner of Hudson and Mechanic streets. Responding firefighters found a working fire in the Polcak Coat Factory. While units were operating a gasoline explosion occurred, wounding 13 firefighters and killing 3.
Lester Van Schoick, 33. Joined F.F.D 12/28/1925 - Died 8/9/1933
Leroy Van Schoick, 27. Joined F.F.D. 6/6/1931 - Died 8/9/1933
Joseph Storey, 35. Joined F.F.D. 11/16/1926 - Died 8/11/1933
March 13, 1933, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Robert White, a 6-year veteran on Engine 9, was on duty when he walked into a store where a robbery was taking place. White was mistakenly identified as a police officer and the robber opened fire, killing him.
1932, Moorestown (Burlington Co.):
Joseph S. Morris of Lenola Fire Co. (Station 313) was killed in the line of duty.
1932, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Robert Morrison of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
1931, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
James Killeen of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
April 02, 1931 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F David F. Johnstone Eng.8
January 22, 1931, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Deputy Chief Daniel Johnson, a 26-year veteran of the ACFD, died in the line of duty.
September 30, 1931, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Michael Fagan suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty.
September 29, 1930, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. Thomas J. McAdam, a 25-year veteran with Engine 1, died in the line of duty.
November 21, 1929, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter John A. Curran died when he was ejected from Truck 3 and crushed between the apparatus and a car.
May 3, 1929, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter William Dien, a 13-year veteran with Engine 5, died in the line of duty.
January 5, 1929, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Capt. Joseph Whelan of Engine Co. 2 was answering an alarm from the new firehouse at 4th Street and Zabriskie Avenue. While crossing Avenue C, Engine Co. 2 collided with a trolley car, throwing Capt. Whelan from the engine. The captain died instantly.
January 3, 1929, Newark (Essex Co.):
Capt. John J. Wagner of Engine Co. 16 was crushed to death during a collapse at a factory fire.
August 23, 1928, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter George Wunderlin of Engine Co. 3 was riding the back step while responding to an alarm. On the way to the alarm, Engine Co. 7 crashed into the back of Engine Co. 3 due to wet pavement. Firefighter Wunderlin was crushed between the two engines and died later that day at Bayonne hospital.
April 27, 1928 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F Marinus Baker Eng.4
April 27, 1928 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F Edward Tribe Eng.1 Linn Department store.
1927, East Orange (Essex Co.):
Earnest Broadbeck of the East Orange Fire Department died as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident that occurred while he was en route to a fire.
1925, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Charles Kieswetter of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
January 19, 1925, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Firefighter John Reilly, 35, of Engine 4 died when a copper fire extinguisher that he had just used to fight a stove fire exploded. Reilly had been on the job less than a year.
April 19, 1924, Montclair (Essex Co.):
Captain Frederick Muller and Firefighter Joseph Tierney died in the line of duty while operating at a fire.
1923, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Bernard Feehan of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
January 19, 1922, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Capt. Marvin Carrigan of Engine 3 died on this date from injuries he sustained on Jan. 18, 1922, when he and other firefighters were caught beneath a collapsing wall at a multiple-alarm fire.
June 5, 1921, (Middlesex Co.)
6 Firefighters from the Perth Amboy Fire Department were killed their engine tried to outrun a train at a railroad crossing
1921, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
William Jobson of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
February 6, 1919, Hackensack (Bergen Co.):
Firefighter Frederick Mass of Bergen Hook & Ladder Co. #1 was killed in the line of duty.
January 7, 1918, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter John Owens suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting a house fire.
1917, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Oscar Freitag of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
December 25, 1916, Newark (Essex Co.):
Lt Joseph J. Owens. Truck 3, Newark Fire Department died on Christmas 1916. Truck 3 was responding to alarm when they collided with Salvage Corps' apparatus. Lt Owens was seriously injured and on 12-25-1916 he died from his injuries. Several others were hurt in the accident but Owens was the most serious and passed away from injuries.
September 16, 1916, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Charles G. Campbell, an 11-year veteran assigned to Ladder C, died in the performance of his duties.
July 4, 1916, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter Thomas D. Cusack, a 21-year veteran serving as an assistant chief's aide, died in the performance of his duties.
June 17, 1916, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Richard C. Duenwald, a member of Engine 25, died from injuries he sustained when Engine 25’s motorized apparatus was involved in an accident with Engine 12’s horse-drawn hose wagon. The companies were en route to a false alarm.
December 6, 1915, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Assistant Chief Lewis Bonney, while his red chief’s car was in for repairs, was using Commissioner Henry Wilson’s new 8-cylinder Cadillac. A box alarm was received from 1st Street and Avenue A while his aide was on dinner leave. Chief Bonney jumped into the new Cadillac and sped off southward on what is now Kennedy Boulevard. At 15th Street, an express wagon was crossing the boulevard and Bonney’s car collided with the wagon and flipped three times. Bonney died on his way to Bayonne Hospital.
April 27, 1915, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter Fred Slover was crushed to death beneath a wall that collapsed during a fire.
January 9, 1915, Leonia (Bergen Co.):
FF John Belleson died while responding to a mutual aid fire in Palisades Park, FF Belleson was thrown from the apparatus as the fire engine hit a telephone pole on an icy roadway.
1914, Milltown, (Middlesex Co.)
Firefighter Elwood Boyce died 3 days after fighting a fire at the Parson's Snuff Mill in North Brunswick, NJ (Literally a stones throw from Milltown). Elwood held the rank of Foreman at the time which was equivelant to Chief). He took a drink of water from the nearby Lawrance Brook and died of Tyfoid Fever. The Milltown Fire Dept was Organized in 1911. This was quite a blow to the newly formed Department according to the minutes.
May 3, 1914, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Assistant Chief Engineer Hudson Lovell was injured when his car collided with an engine near the junction of Newark Avenue, Warren Street and Montgomery Street. They were responding to a fire alarm. Lovell died 10 minutes later at St. Francis Hospital.
March 19, 1914, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. William M. Young, a 9-year veteran assigned to Ladder B, died in the line of duty.
1912, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Edward F. Barnett of the Atlantic City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
September 4,1912, Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.):
Responding to a false alarm was turned in from Box 47 at First Ave. and Langford St. James VanBenschoten, a member of the Goodwill Company (one of several volunteer fire companies that made up the old Asbury Park Volunteer FD) in answering the alarm was running down Prospect Ave. from his home to the quarters of the Goodwill Company. In the dark he failed to see a telegraph pole in front of the Prospect Avenue School and ran head on into the pole causing injuries to his neck that resulted in his death.
December 8, 1912, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter George Zindel of Truck Co. 2 was carrying hose at a fire at the Polish Independent Catholic Church when he was stricken with a major heart attack. He died at Bayonne Hospital later that day.
July 17, 1912, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Capt. Edward F. Barnett, 48, a 25-year veteran assigned to Engine 1, was fatally electrocuted when he came in contact with live power lines during a fire in the clock tower of city hall. His brother, who was the captain of Engine 9, wept at his side as he died. Just two days earlier, he had celebrated his 48th birthday and commented that he would live to be 100 years old - if his fire department duties permitted it.
June 9, 1912, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Fred Neibling of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty on this date. Neibling, the chauffeur of Engine Co. 19, was returning to Jersey City after fighting a fire at the Booth Lumber Yard in Bayonne on mutual aid. While passing under the Linnet Street bridge in Bayonne, his engine struck a rut and he was thrown from his seat and was crushed as the wheels of the engine passed over him. He died on his way to Bayonne Hospital.
1911, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
John Kelly of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
September 11, 1911, Bayonne (Hudson Co.):
Firefighter Abraham Johnson of Engine Co. 4 died on this date from injuries he sustained on September 4, 1911. On that date, Johnson was driving his engine at a gallop to a fire on Schuyler Court. In rounding the sharp corner at 8th Street and Broadway, the horses ran wide and the engine crashed into the show window of the Strauss Drug Store, hurling Johnson into the debris. He was rushed to Bayonne Hospital and remained paralyzed until he succumbed to his injuries on September 11, 1911.
1910, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Spencer Babcock of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
George Dingler of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
August 11, 1909 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F William Cook Acting Assn't Chief fatally burned Stable fire
March 29, 1907:
Firefighter Edward Hizer was killed when he fell off a horse-drawn fire apparatus.
March 13, 1907, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Charles E. Beebe died on this date from injuries he sustained while fighting a fire in a caf� on March 3, 1907.
March 3, 1907, Newark (Essex Co.):
Lt. Benjamin Birch Jr. of Engine 5 drowned in the basement of a burning cafe after he was overcome by smoke. Another firefighter later died (see above).
May 12, 1906, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Two Trenton firefighters were killed while fighting a fire at the New Jersey Pulp Plaster Co. near the corner of New York and Olden avenues. Lt. Charles Howell, 32, and Firefighter Frank Riley, 30, were died when a collapse occurred and they were buried beneath tons of cement and other debris.
March 16, 1906, Camden City (Camden Co.):
Firefighter William Jobes of Engine 1, Firefighter William Hillman of Ladder 2 and Firefighter George W. Shields of Ladder 2 were all killed at a fire in an armory. The men died when the ceiling of the fire building collapsed on them.
1904, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Joseph Campbell of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
April 24, 1904, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Leo Ross of Truck 3 died on this date from injuries he sustained during a three-alarm fire on April 23, 1904, that also killed two other firemen.
April 23, 1904, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter William B. Crane of Engine 3 and Firefighter Jacob Bleyhle of Truck 3 were killed during a three-alarm fire when part of the fire building collapsed on them. A third firefighter died the next day from injuries he sustained during the collapse.
January 15, 1904 Paterson (Passaic Co.)
F/F Harry Kelley Eng 7 Hinchliffe Brewery fire.
August 10,1903, Asbury Park (Monmouth Co.):
Assistant Chief Frank Fees in avoiding to strike two girls while he was answering an alarm on a bicycle at Bangs Ave. and Comstock St. He swerved out of the way and in doing so he was struck by a horse and wagon and received injuries that resulted in his death two days later.
March 12, 1903, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter John J. Gougherty died on this date from injuries he sustained when he was caught in a backdraft at a fire in a tavern on March 11, 1903.
April 20, 1902, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter William J. Wilson, 26, a 6-year veteran assigned to Engine 1, died on this date as a result of a ruptured artery in his stomach caused when he was struck by a hose coupling while operating at the "Great Boardwalk Fire of 1902" on April 3, 1902, which destroyed close to 40 buildings. The fire served as a catalyst for the town fathers to look into a fully-paid fire department
November 19, 1901, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter John McGowan was killed in a collapse that occurred at a factory fire.
March 18, 1900, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Jown W. Brown died on this date from injuries that he sustained in a collapse on February 27, 1900.
November 28, 1899, Newark (Essex Co.):
Theodore Baker of Truck 4 was found dead in the basement of the firehouse.
August 14, 1899, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter John Henry fell from a horse-drawn fire apparatus and was trampled to death by the horses.
July 28, 1899, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Charles W. Kinsey died on this date from injuries he sustained on July 27, 1899, when he was thrown from Truck 4’s tiller during a collision between the apparatus and a trolley car. The firefighters were returning from an alarm.
July 19, 1899, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter Charles Tindall died from injuries he sustained when the fire apparatus on which he was riding collided with a trolley car.
January 11, 1898, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Chief Benjamin Williamson, 39, a 22-year veteran of the ACFD, died at his home of declining health as a result of severe exposure suffered while operating in bitter-cold temperatures at a warehouse fire on December 25th, 1897, and at another fire on January 1, 1898. He made a partial recovery, but then suffered a relapse after the second fire.
December 2, 1896, Atlantic City (Atlantic Co.):
Firefighter William H. Doherty of Ladder 1 and Firefighter Thomas L. Blakney of Engine 6 were killed when they were caught under a collapsing roof while making an interior attack on a church fire. Both were members of the church's congregation and the first members of the ACFD to make "The Supreme Sacrifice."
August 6, 1896, Trenton (Mercer Co.):
Firefighter Charles Wood was crushed to death when a wall collapsed during a fire at Bowman’s Trenton Fire Clay & Porcelain Works.
1891, Jersey City (Hudson Co.):
Daniel Dinan of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
Henry Farrier of the Jersey City Fire Department died in the line of duty.
November 17, 1883, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Daniel McGee of Engine 5 was killed when he fell beneath a horse-drawn wagon.
March 21, 1881, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter Wilson E. Hennion of Engine 10 was killed during a fire in a carriage house. He got separated from his company and was found dead of smoke inhalation on the 2nd floor. It was his very first fire.
May 15, 1877, Newark (Essex Co.):
Firefighter James Lee of Engine 5 suffered a fatal heart attack when he was attacked by a gang of thugs during a general-alarm fire.
July 21, 1874, Raritan Borough (Somerset Co.):
Firefighter Stephen C. Conklin fell off his company’s new apparatus and was run over and crushed by the apparatus’ wheels while en route to a fire at Ruckle & Tunsion in Somerville.
