May 21st Is The Annual Firefighter Memorial

On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, the Roselle Park Fire Department (RPFD) will be holding its Annual Firefighter Memorial.

The ceremony will be attended by members of all three hose companies in the borough which are Lorraine Hose Co. #1 (Sherman Avenue @ East Westfield Avenue), Central Hose Co. #2 (Chestnut Street @ West Lincoln Avenue), and Faitoute Hose Co#3 (Laurel Avenue @ West Lincoln Avenue).

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were 107 on-duty firefighter fatalities in 2013, the highest number of fatalities since 2008. The majority of fatalities occurred while putting out wildland fires (26), followed by 21 deaths occurring during structure fires.

In 2014, there have been 34 firefighter fatalities as April 20th.

New Jersey has reported 140 firefighter deaths since 1981.

The ceremony is to start at 7 p.m. at Kelly-Kaulfers Memorial Park which is located at 535 Laurel Avenue.