Morris County Bids Farewell to Distinguished Fire Safety Leaders

Morris County Fire Training Coordinator Louis “Lou” Pepe and Fire Marshal David J. Barter were honored by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners last week for their years of dedication and support to the county, in advance of their retirements May 1st. County Commissioner Director Christine Myers presented Pepe and Barter official resolutions of honor recognizing their achievements at an April 24 board meeting in Morristown. Colleagues, friends and family gathered to celebrate the two longtime firefighters and their extensive contributions to public safety. “It is because of people like Dave and Lou that we are able to say we live in the best county, where we know we are safe and protected,” said Myers.
Morris County

Police: 1 killed, 4 severely injured in fire and explosion in Old Bridge

One person was killed and four others were severely injured after a fire and explosion at a business located across the street from Jonas Salk Middle School in Old Bridge. Police say the incident happened at a company named Superior Signal, located on Greystone Road. Police say the person killed was a 73-year-old woman who worked for the company. Police also say four other employees were also injured in the fire, suffering severe burns. Those victims were identified as a 51-year-old woman, a 29-year-old man, a 65-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man. They were all taken to hospitals for treatment. Police say two of them were flown to St. Barnabas Burn Center. The fire was fire reported around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. People started to report a loud explosion and smoke in the air.
News 12 New Jersey

Former Hamilton Fire Chief Richard Kraemer Named Mercer County OEM Director

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson announced Chief Richard Kraemer as the new Mercer County Office of Emergency Management Coordinator. Kraemer comes to Mercer County after spending over 20 years in Hamilton Township Fire Service and eventually serving as Executive Head of the Hamilton Township Fire Division. Prior to his appointment as Executive head of Hamilton’s newly-consolidated fire service, he served as Chief for Hamilton Fire District 6. Kraemer will be replacing recently retired OEM Coordinator Robert Hartmann. “With the recent pandemic, changing landscape of natural disasters, and the new requirements of emergency preparedness, Mercer County Emergency Management finds itself at a critical point. Strong leadership will be required as we navigate the challenges ahead. Thank you to County Executive Benson for the opportunity to continue serving the community,” said Richard Kraemer, newly appointed Mercer County OEM Director.
MidJersey.News

Fallen New Jersey Firefighters to be Honored in Maryland

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is set to host the 43rd National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend on May 4-5. This year, the ceremony will honor 89 firefighters who perished in 2023 and 137 from previous years, totaling 226 fallen heroes. The memorial, held at the National Emergency Training Center, will include tributes to six New Jersey firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among the honorees are Captain Augusto Acabou and Captain Wayne Brooks Jr. of the Newark Fire Department, who died in a fire on July 5, 2023, aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio Cargo Ship. Firefighter Anthony “Tony” Duivenvoorde of the Sussex Fire Department passed away from a heart attack on April 12, 2023, after responding to multiple emergency calls.
Shore News Network